UMASS/AMHERST 31EDbbDllfi2bfi20 I^ETfc* 1998 "vr. *; __ HSU* 315 UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARY F 72 B8 H9 STRAY PLATE IN BACK POCKET HISTOKY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS, WITH BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OP MANY OF ITS Pioneers and Prominent Men. COMPILED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF D. HAMILTON HURD. ILLUSTRATED. PHILADELPHIA: J. W. LEWIS & CO. 188 3. tfVS-i^^ I IJh f ■ i . ITS Copyright, 1883, by J. W. Lewis & Co. PRESS OF J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO., PHILADELPHIA. PREFACE. The province of the historian is to gather the threads of the past ere they elude forever his grasp, and weave them into a harmonious web, to which the art preservative may give immortality. Therefore, he who would rescue from fast-gathering oblivion the deeds of a community and send them on to futurity in an imperishable record, should deliver "a plain unvarnished tale," — " Nothing extenuate, Nor set down aught in malice." In such a spirit have the compilers of the following pages approached the work of detailing the history of the territory embodied herein, and trust they have been fairly faithful to the task imposed It has been their honest endeavor to trace the history of the development of this section from that period when it was in the undisputed possession of the red man to the present, and to place before the reader an authentic narrative of its rise and progress to the prominent position it now occupies among the counties of New England. That such an undertaking is attended with no little difficulty and vexation none will deny. The aged pioneer relates events of the earlv settle- ments, while his neighbor sketches the same events with totally different outlines. Man's memory is ever at fault, while time paints a different picture upon every mind. With these the historian has to contend, and while it has been our aim to compile an accurate history, were it devoid of all inaccuracies, that perfection would have been attained which the writer had not the faintest con- ception of, and which Lord Macaulay once said never could be reached. From colonial and other documents in the State archives, from county, town, and village records, family manuscripts, printed publications, and innumerable private sources of information, we have endeavored to produce a history which should prove accurate, instructive, and in every ■ respect worthy of the county represented. How well we have succeeded in our task, a generous public — jealous of its reputation and honor, of its traditions and memories, of its defeats and triumphs — must now be the judge. AVe desire to acknowledge our thanks to the editorial fraternity generally for much valuable information which has greatly lessened our labor in the preparation of this work, to each and every one who has assisted us in the compilation, and would cheerfully make personal mention of each, but it is impracticable, as the number reaches nearly a thousand. D. H. H. Philadelphia, May 4, 1883. iii CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. page Geographical and Descriptive 1 CHAPTER II. Indian History 2 CHAPTER III. Bench and Bar 8 CHAPTER IV. Medical Histort. Bristol North and South Districts of the Massachusetts Medical So- ciety... 35 CHAPTER V. Military History. The Third Regiment— The Fourth Regiment— The Seventh Regi- ment — The Eighteenth Regiment — The Twenty-third Regiment — The Twenty-sixth Regiment — The Twenty-ninth Regiment— The Thirty-eighth Regiment— The Thirty-ninth Regiment— The Fortieth Regiment — The Forty-seventh Regiment 39 CHAPTER VI. New Bedford. Geographical — Topographical — First Record Reference to Old Dartmouth — Early Settlement — Indian Deed — Wasamequen and Wamsutta to William Bradford and others — Incorporation of the Town — The First Representative — Other Early Representatives — The Rus'ells— King Philip's War 48 CHAPTER VII. New Bedford. — (Continued.) Persecution of the Quakers — " Presented" for Non-attendance at Church — Various Rules and Regulations — Punishments — Fine for Attending Quaker Meeting — Arthur Rowland fined for making " Motion of Marriage" — The Kemptons — Other Early Settlers — The Russells — Pioneer Whaling — Early Locations — Joseph Rotch — Isaac Howland — Privateers — View of the Village upon the Eve of its Destruction by the British 52 CHAPTER VIII. New Bedford. — (Continued.) War of the Revolution : New Bedford a Rendezvous for Privateers — Arrival of the British Fleet — Burning of the Village — Gen. Charles Grey's Official Report — Account by Judge Edward Pope — Elijah Macomber's Account — Reminiscences of John Gilbert — Reminis- cences collected by Capt. Lemuel S. Aiken — Statement of Charles Grinnell — List of Property Destroyed — Some Doubtful Points — The Extent of the Calamity — Personal Sketches — Gen. Grey's Life and Character — Facts and Incidents 55 CHAPTER IX. New Bedford. — (Continued.) The Whale Fishery: The First New England Whaling — Cape Cod — Nantucket— New Bedford in 1T40— Early Settlers— The' "Ten- Acre Purchase" — Bedford Village— Growth Checked by War of Revolution — Privateers — Close of the War — Returning Prosperity — Edmund Gardner— The Ship " Rebecca"— Early Voyages— The Development of the Business — Success — Highest Point reached PAGE in 1857 — Destruction of Whalers by Confederate Cruisers — List of Vessels Destroyed — The Disaster of 1871 — The Whaling Interest in 1883 66 CHAPTER X. New Bedford. — (Continued.) Ecclesiastical History : First Congregational Society, Unitarian Church— The North Congregational Church— The Trinitarian Church— First Baptist Church— The North Baptist Church— The Second Baptist Church — Salem Baptist — County Street Methodist Episcopal Church— The Front Street Methodist Episcopal Church — Allen Street Methodist Episcopal Church— Pleasant Street Methodist Episcopal Church— African Methodist Episcopal Zion — African Methodist Episcopal Bethel — Grace Church — St. James' Church— North Christian Church— Middle Street Christian Church — South Christian Church — Christian Union Church — Spruce Street Christian — The Universalist Church — Society of Friends — Seamen's Bethel — Roman Catholic Churches — Portuguese Church — Howland Chapel — Second Advent Church — Union Church, Plainville — Olivet Chapel — Rockdale Union Free Chapel Associa- tion — Missionary Chapel — Extinct Churches: Pacific Church, Third Christian, Cannonville Union Church, Mount Pleasant Church 73 CHAPTER XL New Bedford. — (Continued.) Press, Educational, Banks, etc.: The Medley, or New Bedford Marine Journal— The Mercury— The Standard— The Whaleman's Ship- ping-List — The New Bedford Signal — Numerous other Newspapers — Friends' Academy— Free Public Library— The National Bank of Commerce — The Merchants' National Bank — The Mechanics' National Bank — The First National Bank — The Citizens' National Bank — Institution for Savings— Five-Cent Savings-Bank— Water- Works— New Bedford and Fairhaveu Street Railway — Post-Office — Wamsutta Mills — Potamska Mills — Grinnell Mills — Gosnold Mills, etc. — Masonic — Star in the East Lodge — Eureka Lodge — Adoniram Chapter R. A. M. — Sutton Commandery — Early Physi- cians — Fire Society, 1809— The Ship " Rebecca" — Miscellaneous... 94 CHAPTER XII. New Bedford. — (Continued.) Civil History — Military History: Incorporation of the Town — Set- ting off of Fairhaveu — Part of Dartmouth annexed to New Bed- ford — Part of Acushnet annexed to New Bedford — Incorporation of the City — List of Mayors — City Debt — Military Record — War of 1812 — War of the Rebellion — Representatives to General Court — List of Soldiers — Roll of Honor — Soldiei-s' and Sailors' Monu- ment 114 CHAPTER XIII. Acushnet 161 CHAPTER XIV. Berkley 174 CHAPTER XV. Dartmouth. Geographical — Bartholomew Gosnold — His Visit to these Shores in 1602 — The Grant of Dartmouth — Original Bounds — Origin of the Name — Ecclesiastical Troubles — Resisting Taxation — Court Or- ders — Stringent Laws — The Town Indicted — Imprisonment of Se- • v VI CONTENTS. PAGE lectmen of Dartmouth and Tiverton— Petition to the King— The Taxes Remitted and Prisoners Released— History of Early Set- tlers and Proprietors 191 CHAPTER XVI. Dartmouth. — (Continued.) Documentary History 197 CHAPTER XVII. Dartmouth. — (Continued.) War of the Revolution : First Action of the Town— The Town-Meet- ing of 1774— The Resolves— Patriotic Women— They Resolve to Discontinue the Use of Tea— Interesting Incident— Revolution- ary Soldiers— Extracts from Town Records 200 CHAPTER XVIII. Dartmouth. — (Continued.) Ecclesiastical History: Apponegansett Meeting— First Christian Church— Congregational Church— The South Dartmouth Baptist Church— The Second Christian Church— Methodist Episcopal Church— Smith Mills Christian Church— Christian Church in Bakerville 203 CHAPTER XIX. DlGHTON 214 CHAPTER XX. Dighton . — {Coyilinued.) First Deed of Philip, Chief Sachem of Pokanoket, to William Brenton and others of Land in the South Purchase, heing the upper Three Miles 256 CHAPTER XXI. Fairhaven 267 CHAPTER XXII. Freetown 283 CHAPTER XXIII. Fall River. Geographical— Topographical— Original Purchase of 1656— The In- dian Deed— The Pocasset Purchase in 1680— Incorporation of Freetown and Tiverton — Disputed Boundaries— division of Po- casset Purchase— Early Settlers— Col. Benjamin Church— John Borden— The Pioneer Grist-, Saw-, and Fulling-Mill— Early Valu- ations—Slow Growth of the Settlement— The Village in 1803— Increased Population— Census of 1810— The First Cotton-Fac- tory—Col. Joseph Durfee— Fall River in 1813— A New Era 308 CHAPTER XXIV. Fall River. — (Continued.) War of the Revolution : Reminiscences of Col. Joseph Durfee— Early Incidents— 1777— Fall River exposed to the British— Organization of a Guard of Safety— The British approach the Town by Boats- Fired upon by the Guard at the Bay— Retreat of the Guard— Pur- suit by the Enemy— Battle near the Bridge — The Enemy defeated — Burning of Buildings by the British— Capture of Richard Borden — Retreat of the Enemy 311 CHAPTER XXV. Fall River. — (Continued.) The Manufacturing Interest: The Pioneer Cotton Manufacturer in Fall River— Col. Joseph Durfee— The First Mill— The Fall River Manufactory— The Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory— The Pot-asset Manufacturing Company — The Annawan Manufactory — The Metacomet Manufacturing Company— The American Linen Company — Union Manufacturing Company — The Granite Mills —The Robeson Mills— The Tecumseh Mills— The Durfee Mills— The Davol Mills— The Merchants' Manufacturing Company — The Mechanics' Mills— The Stafford Mills— The Weetamoe Mills— The Slade Mills— The Richard Borden Manufacturing Company — The Wampanoag Mills — The Narragansett Mills — The King page Philip Mills— The Crescent Mills— The Montaup Mills— The Os- born Mills— The Chase Mills— The Flint Mills— The Borden City Mills— The Sagamore Mills— The Shove Mills— The Barnard Manufacturing Company — The Conanicut Mills — The Globe Yarn- Mills— The Bourne Mill— The Laurel Lake Mills— The Barnaby Manufacturing Company— The Fall River Bleachery — Wamsutta Steam Woolen Mill— The Wjwming Mills — The Massasoit Manu- facturing Company— Fall River Merino Company— Fall River Spool and Bobbin Company — The Fall River Iron-Works Com- pany — Fall River Machine Company — Hargraves Manufacturing Company — The Fall River Gas-Works — The Manufacturers' Gas- Light Company — Watuppa Reservoir Company — American Print- ing Company — Union Belt Company — Globe Street Railway — The Quequechan Mills —An Old Landmark 314 CHAPTER XXVI. Fall River. — (Continued.) The Banking Interest: The National Union Bank — The Fall River National Bank — The Massasoit National Bank — The Metacomet National Bank — The Pocasset National Bank — The First National Bank — The Second National Bank— The Fall River Savings-Bank — Citizens' Savings-Bank — The Fall River Five-Cent Bavbias- Bank — The Union Savings-Bank 328 CHAPTER XXVII. Fall River. — (Continued.) Miscellaneous: The Fall River Monitor — The Moral Envoy — The Village Recorder — The Patriot — The Archetype — The Gazette — The Argus— The Flint and Steel — The Mechanic— The Wampa- noag — All Sorts — Journal — People's Press — The Labor Journal — L'Echo du Canada— The Spark— The Fall River News— The Daily Evening News — The Fall River Daily Herald — The Advance— The Daily Record— The Daily Sun— The First Stage Line between Fall River and Providence — The Fall River Line of Steamers — The Clyde Line— Voters in 1830— The Fire of 1843— List of Buildings Destroyed — Custom-House and Post-Office — The City Hall — Edu- cational—Schools in 1703 — Present Conditiou of Schools — Mrs. Mary B. Young's Gift — The Public Library — The Skeleton in Armor — Water-Works — Fire Department — Oak Grove Cemetery — The North Cemetery — Civil History — Incorporation of Town — Name Changed to Troy — Subsequently to Fall River — Incorpora- tion of the City— First Officers— Mayors from 1854 to 1884 — Members of Congress Residents of Fall River — State Senators — Representatives from 1803 to 1884— Town Clerks from 1803 to 1854— City Clerks from 1864 to 1884— Present City Officers- Valuation from 1854 to 1882— Population from 1810 to 1882 332 CHAPTER XXVIII. FALL River. — (Continued.) Ecclesiastical History : The First Congregational Church — The Cen- tral Congregational Church — The Third Congregational Church —The First Methodist Episcopal Church— St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church — Brayton Methodist Episcopal Church — The North Methodist Episcopal Church — Quarry Street Methodist Episcopal Church — Maple Street Methodist Episcopal Church — Primitive Methodist Church — North Main Street Methodist Epis- copal Church — The First Baptist Church — Second Baptist Church — Third Baptist Church— Church of the Ascension — St. John's Church — Christian Church, Franklin Street — North Christian Church— Church of the New Jerusalem — Society of Friends — United Presbyterian Church — Hebrew Worshipers — Roman Cath- olic Churches 347 CHAPTER XXIX. Fall River.— (Continued.! 362 CHAPTER XXX. Eastox 416 CHAPTER XXXI. Easton. — (Continued.) 422 CHAPTER XXXII. Mansfield 435 CONTENTS. VI 1 CHAPTER XXXIII. Rehoboth. page Geographical — Indian Purchase — Original Bounds — The First Pur- chase — The Second Purchase — The North Purchase — The First White Settlers — First Meeting of Original Planteis — Valuation of Original Lands — Names of Proprietors — Early Townsmen — Documentary History — Deed from King Philip — Names of Inhab- itants in 168'J 463 CHAPTER XXXIV. Rehoboth. — (Continued.) Indian History: Rehoboth in the War — Garrison-Houses — Burning of the Town — Pierce's Fight — Philip Slain at Mount Hope — Cap- ture of Annawan — Annawan's Rock — Col. Benjamin Church — His Account of Annawan's Capture 468 CHAPTER XXXV. Rehoboth. — (Continued.) War of the Revolution 474 CHAPTER XXXVI. Rehoboth. — ( Continued.) Eccksiastico i #&«,„,. First Congregational Church— Oak Swamp Church— 'The Hornebine Church— The Irons Church— Methodist Episcop: tl Church— The Union Baptist Church 477 CHAPTER XXXVII. Seekonk. Geographical — Incorporation of the Town — Act of Incorporation — The First Town-Meeting — Documentary History — Fortification at Kettle Point — Representatives — Senators — Changing of Bound- ary—Military History — Names of Soldiers 494 CHAPTER XXXVIII. Seekonk. — (Continued.) Ecclesiastical History : Congregational Church — The Baptist Church —The Hebron Church 497 CHAPTER XXXIX. Attleborough. Rehoboth North Purchase — How and by whom Purchased — Bound- aries — Wamsutta'8 Deed — Thomas Willett, Character and Ser- vices — List of Proprietors — Proceedings of Proprietors — First Regular Division 506 CHAPTER XL. Attleborough. — (Continued.) Incorporation — Origin of the Name — William Blackstone — His His- tory, Settlement, etc. — John Woodcock — His Garrison — First Ordi- nary — History of his Settlement here — First Mill in Town— Attack on Joshua Barrows — His Petition for Allowance of Land — Grant Made to him — Agents Employed in England on Disputed Boundary — Angle Tree — Angle Monument 514 CHAPTER XLI. Attleborough. — (Continued.) Indian War — Pierce's Fight; or, Battle on the Blackstone — Nine Men's Misery — Threatened Attack on Wrenthaui 524 CHAPTER XLIL Attleborough. — (Continued.) First Parish and Church in Town — Notices of Habijah Weld, Wilder, and others — Division of the Town into two Parishes — East Parish, its History — Notices of the Ministers — North Baptist Church — Notices of its Pastors — Notices of Modern Religious Societies 527 CHAPTER XLIII. Attleborough. — (Continued.) Revolutionary War — Proceedings of the Town 537 CHAPTER XLIV. Attleborough. — (Continued.) page Genealogical Notices of some of the Early Settlers — List of Repre- sentatives of the Town from its Incorporation — Biographies of Daggett, Maxcy, Mann, May, Ide, and Others— List of Graduates in Brown University, etc. — Dr. Hebert Mann's Death, and Wreck of the Brig "General Arnold" — Miscellany — Topography, etc. — Character of Early Inhabitants — Their Condition, etc. — Con- clusion 543 CHAPTER XLV. Attleborough. — (Continued.) Schools — Industries — Societies, etc 556 CHAPTER XLVI. Norton. Geographical — Original Purchasers — Original Bounds — Petition for Precinct — Incorporation of Town — The First Settlements— Ex- tracts from Records — Early Settlers 599 CHAPTER XLVII. Norton. — (Continued.) The Heroes of Five Wars : The Old French War— Military History The French and Indian War — War of the Revolution 1812— War of the Rebellion, 1861-65 -War of 605 CHAPTER XLVIII. Norton. — (Continued.) Ecclesiastical History — Educational : The Congregational (Unitarian) Church — The Trinitarian Congregational Church— The Baptist Church — Wesleyan Methodist Church — The Methodist Episcopal Church — Roman Catholic Church — Wheaton Seminary. 610 CHAPTER XLIX. Norton. — ( Continued.) Manufacturing Interests 618 CHAPTER L. , Norton. — (Continued.) Miscellaneous : Physicians— College Graduates— Stocks and Whip- ping-Post—Gas-Works — Runaway Wife — Witchcraft — Masonic — Post-Office— The Town Hall 020 CHAPTER LI. Norton. — ( Continued.) Civil History— Military History : Representatives— Selectmen — Town Clerks— Deputy Sheriffs— State Senators— Councilors— Judges of Court of Common Pleas— Judges of Probate— Judge of Sessions — Register of Probate — Members of Congress— Taxes— Population — Military Record 624 CHAPTER LII. Somerset. Geographical— Shawomat Purchase, 1680— The First Meeting of Purchasers— List of First Purchasers— Early Schools— Schoolmas- ters— Incorporation of Somerset— The First Town-Meeting— Offi- cers Elected— The First Representative to the General Court- Valuation and Tax-List for 1833— Present Valuation— Somerset in 1848— Representatives— Ecclesiastical History— Society of Friends —The First Baptist Church— Methodist Episcopal Church— Meth- odist Episcopal Church, South Somerset— The First Christian Church— The First Congregational Church— Roman Catholic Church— Military History 635 CHAPTER LIII. Swansea. Geographical— Incorporation of the Town— " Wannamoisett"— Documentary History— Early Inhabitants— Division of Lands- King Philip's War— Original Grant— Capt. Thomas Williams' "Proposals"— Admission of Inhabitants— First Deputy Elected— John Allen— Town Officers of 1670— Extracts from Early Records —Revolutionary War— Committee of Inspection — Various Votes via CONTENTS. PAGE concerning the Revolutionary Period— Election of 1780 — Pioneer Schools— First Schoolmaster— John Myles— 1702, Town Fined for not Having School 652 CHAPTER LIV. Swansea. — (Continued.) Pioneer History — King Philip's War 657 CHAPTER LV. Swansea. — ( Continued.) Ecclesiastical History : The First Baptist Church — The Non-Sectarian Christian Church — Christ Church, Swansea Village — The Six- Principle Baptist Church — The Universalist Church 664 CHAPTER LVI. Westpoet 678 CHAPTER LVII. Raynham. Geographical — Early History — The First Iron-Works in America — The Leonards — Indian History — Pioneer Families — The Old Leon- ard House — The Revolutionary War — Votes of the Town — Names of Soldiers — Seth Dean — Ecclesiastical History — The Congrega- tional Church— The Baptist Church — The Unitarian Church — Educational — Early Schoolmasters— Their Salary — School Money in 1777 — List of College Graduates— Militia Officers — Early Mer- chants — Physicians — Longevity — Justices of the Peace — High Sheriffs — Villages — Incorporation of the Town — First Town-Meet- ing — Officers Elected — Selectmen — Representatives and Town Clerks from 1731 to 1884— Early Votes— Military Record 707 CHAPTER LVIII. Taunton. Boundaries — Topography— City Organization — Population 728 CHAPTER LIX. Taunton. — (Continued.) Early Explorations— First Settlement — Acquisition of Territory 729 CHAPTER LX. Taunton. — (Continued.) Military Affairs During the Colonial Period 736 CHAPTER LXI. Taunton. — (Continued.) 749 CHAPTER LXII. Taunton. — (Continued.) page The Farms of Mr. Hooke and Mr. Street— Notices of Early Settlers. 770 CHAPTER LXIII. Taunton. — (Continued.) Ancient Burying-Grounds and Inscriptions from Old Gravestones — List of Officers, 1638-91 781 CHAPTER LXIV. Taunton. — (Continued.) Ecclesiastical History 786 CHAPTER LXV. Taunton. — (Continued.) The Educational Interests — Bristol Academy — Taunton Water- Works — Taunton Lunatic Hospital — The Old Colony Historical Society — Public Library — Bible Society — Good Templars — Hu- mane Society — Early Physicians — Mount Pleasant Cemetery 799 CHAPTER LXVI. Taunton. — (Continued.) Civil History— Representatives from Taunton, 1693 to 18^ *~ Citv Officers — Postmasters — Councilors 817 CHAPTER LXVII. Taunton. — ( Continued.) Manufacturing Interests 822 CHAPTER LXVIII. Taunton. — (Continued.) Corporations, Banks, Societies, etc 840 CHAPTER LXIX. Taunton. — (Continued.) Taunton in the War of the Revolution— The War of 1812-15— Taun- ton Companies and Men in the Rebellion 844 CHAPTER LXX. A Sketch of the Courts and Bar of Bristol County 887 CHAPTER LXXI. Homoeopathy in Bristol County and its Practitioners 893 CHAPTER LXXII. Miscellaneous 897 Eeeata 922 CONTENTS. IX BIOGRAPHICAL. PAliE Abbe, E. P 151 Alden, Cyrus 31 Aldricb, J. M 397 Alger, Isaac 596 Almy, Charles 153 Almy, Frederick 214 Almy, Thomas 207 Almy, Thomas 382 Almy, William 206 Ames, Oakes 429 Ames, Oliver, Sr 428 Ames, Oliver, Jr 430 Amlros, Rev. Thomas 191 Archer, J. J 390a Babbitt, William 1S7 Bacon, Rufus 34 ;:-',,<:■■ *- *eo Barker, ^'" 'am, Jr 208 Barney, E. » ls Barnes, D. ^ 25 Bartlett. i- H 137 p u> it, Anselm 27 iJassett, Ezra 9 Battelle, Hezekiah 31 Baylies, Alfred 863 Baylies, Edmund 861 Baylies, Francis 26 Beauvais, J. A 145 Bennett, E. H 28 Blackinton Family (The) 576 Blaisdell, J. C 32 Blake, Mortimer 871 Blanding, W. W 489 Bliss, Abiah 493 Bliss, George W 491 Boomer, F. A : 30 Borden, Christopher 700 Borden, Cook 379 Borden, Jefferson 411 Borden, N. B 370 Borden, Richard 374 Borden, T. J 393 Borden, Alansen 18 Bourne, Jonathan 144 Brabrook Family (The) 867 Braley, H. K 33 Brigham, L. F 17 Briggs, D. S 190 Brown, Joseph 502 Brown, J. P 877 Brown, W. A 676 Brownel), E. P 702 Buflinton, Darius 651 Buffinton, James 414 Buffi D ton, Edward P 390b Capron, J. W 580 Case, S 506 Chace, A. H 308 Chace, Augustus 399 Chace, Oliver 378 Chaffee, Oliver 502 Chace, Edmund 388 Church, Nathaniel 280 Clark, C. E 173 Clifford, C. W 20 Clifford, J. H 12 Cobb, W. H 2t Cobbett, Sabiu 461 Codding, Abiel 587 Coffin, T. G 8 PAGE Colby, H. G. 9 Congdon, J. B 135 Covel, Benjamin 405 Crane, A. B 189 Crane, G. B 631 Crapo, H. H 129 Crapo, W. W 18 Crocker, George E 137 Crocker, Oliver 137 Crocker, S. L 858 Cushmau, Hercules 34 Cummings, J. W 33 Daggett, H. N 538 Daggett, John 33 Daggett, L. W 583 Danforth, H. L 27 Davis, A. H 211 Davis, Nathan 650 Davis, R. T 386 Davol, Wm. C 413 Davol, Stephen 386 Dean, Barzillia 433 Dean, C. H 415 Dean, E. G 885 Dean, L. W 581 Dean, Theodore 864 Dean, Thomas H 433 Deane, L. B 632 Drake, H. P 434 Dunbar, S. 885 Durfee, Nathan. 412 D welly, Jerome 399 Earl, Benjamin 408 Earle, L. S 402 Earle, Weston 262 Eddy, W. H 34 Eliot, T. D 10 Eldridge.E. H 884 Ellis, James 26 Emery, S. H 872 Fales, Samuel 2i Fessenden, C. B. H 14 6 Fish, II. H 868 Fisher, S. P 579 Fletcher, P. H m Ford, James 2 8 French, Job B 388 French, George R • 389 Gifford Family (The) 697 Gifford, Benjamin. 70 ° Gifford, George H •• 698 Gifford, William 6 " Greene, D. R 133 Greene, William S 413 Grinnell, Joseph 139 Gooding, C. II 263 Gordon, William A 208 Hall, John W. D - 886 Harris, J. George 14 7 Haskell, Edward 159 Hathaway, Joseph 34 Hatheway, Nicholas 32 Hathaway, Washington 3 4 Hatheway, E. P 34 Hathaway, G. H 3 °4 Hathaway, Alden, Jr 407 Hathaway, John B 407 Hathaway, Samuel 377 Hathaway, William, Jr 156 Hawes, John A 28 ° CONTENTS. PAGE Hawes, J. C 159 Hawes, Simeon 158 Hayward, C. E 598 Henry, James 406 Hicks, Andrew 696 Holmes, Charles 32 Holmes, G. B. N 34 Horton, Danforth 401 Horton, E. J 595 Horton, E. S 593 Horton, N. B 492 Howard, A. F 873 Howland, A. Franklyn 46 Hunt, C. D 282 Huttlestone, Henry 279 Jennings, A. J 33 Jones, E. U 878 Jones, Samuel 726 Keith, Edwin 886 Kilburn, E. C 395 Kimball, John 433 King, George W 724 Koowles, Joseph 136 Knowlton, IF. M 21 Ladd, Warren 155 Lawton, George 706 Leland, P. W 377 Leonard, C. H 138 Leonard, Cromwell 630 Leonard, Ebenezer 173 Leonard, E. T 414 Leonard, J M 051 Leonard, Daniel j:; Leonard, W. A 33 Lincoln, J. T. 384 Lindsey, C. E 394 Lindsey, William 391 Lothrop, T. J 877 Lovering, Willard 859 Luther, S. M 404 Mackie, Adam 20 Mackie, Andrew l.">2 Mackie, J. H 153 Macomber, Israel 705 Macomber, Leonard 701 Mandell, Thomas 131 Mars ton, George 16 Marvel, William 403 Mason, William 391 Mason, William 865 May, E. G 592 Medbery, Vaill 503 Merritt, H. D...: 590 Morse, E. J. W 431 Morton, Marcus 26 Morton, J. M 33 Morton, Nathaniel 27 Newcomb, Nathaniel 629 Nichols, T. G 306 Nichols, W. D , 188 Nye, Obed .' 283 Osborn, J. M 401 Osborn, Weaver 400 Parker Family (The) 133 Parker, Frederick 160 Parker, J. A 127 Paul, A. W 265 Padelford, S 23 Page, J. II. W 12 Paine, R. T 22 Perrin, P. 1 884 Perry, Albert 402 Perry, Otis 491 Perry, William F 45S Pierce, Alfred 596 Pitman, R. C 18 TAQE Phillips, J. M 870 Phillips, W. H 869 Phillips, William 149 Pierce, E. W 45 Porter, Burrill, Jr 590 Pratt, Horatio 27 Presbrey Family (The) 875 Prescott, Oliver 16 Price, George 577 Read, H. C 591 Reed, H. G 866 Reed, Milton 390b Reed, Washington 305 Reed, C. 1 27 Richards Family (The) 588 Richards, E. H 598 Richards, H. M 572 Richardson, Stephen 573 Robinson, Charles 718 Robinson, Enoch 719 Robinson, Willard 575 Rogers, John .. 4T.7 Rotch Family (The) ',4l Russell, J. S 9 San ford, S. T 7 04 Shaw, N.W 722 Sherman, C. E. W 593 Skinner, N. H 8li Slade, Abner 673 Slade, A. P 649 Slade, Jonathan 647 Slade, John P 405 Slade. Nathan 705 Slade, William L 648 Slocum, William R 209 Smith, Irani 392 Smith, T. 1 561 Spooner, N. S 171 Standish, T. D 266 Stanley, S. 578 Staples, A. B 868 Staples, S.N 882 Stevens, F. S 674 Stetson, T. M 19 Stone, S. A Sturdy, W. A 634 Swift, R. N 172 Swift, W. 0. X -.. 150 Sproat, James 24 Stone, J. C .'. 16 Taber, C. S 280 Taber, E. T 281 Taber, Henry 148 Talbot, G. II 635 Tillinghast, Nicholas 25 Tracy, John 727 Ti afford Family (The) 213 TrafiTord.W. B 381 Tripp, B. F 703 Towne Family (The) 720 Tucker, Joseph 212 Vickery, C. R 803 Warren, C. H 9 Weaver, Stephen 678 Wheaton, Laban 627 Wheaton, L. M 629 Wheeler, J. F 884 White, D. D 724 White. J. W 723 White, Samuel 21 Whiting, W. D 584 Wilbar, Joseph 860 Wilbur, Daniel 648 Wilcox, L.T 20 Wilkinson, Ezra 34 Williams Family (The) 879 CONTENTS. XI PAGE Williams, A. K 884 Williams, Eliab 29 Williams, M.G 723 Williams, J. M 25 Williams, .7. R 15 PAGE Williams, Lemuel g Wing, B.F 210 Wood, C. L i 31 Wood, N. M 675 ILLTJSTBATIOITS. PAGE Abbe. E. P facing 151 Aldrich, J. M " 397 Alger, Isaac " 597 Almy, Charles " 153 Almy, Frederick " 214 Almy, Thomas " 207 Almy, Thomas " 382 Almy, William " 206 Ames, Oliver, Sr " 428 Ames, Oliver, Jr " 430 Ames, Oakes " 429 .v'.i..';., J-' J " 390a Babbitt, Wii'ij am « 186 Bail.-y, G. E " 460 Barker, Wi iliam, Jr " 208 Bartlett/I. H " 137 "•..i.es, Alfred " 862 Baylies, Edmund " 861 Beauvais, J. A " 145 Bennett, E. II " 27 Blake, Mortimer " 871 Blackintui), Willard " 576 Blackinton, William " 577 BlandiDg, W.W " 490 Bliss, Abiah " 493 Bliss, George W " 491 Boomer, F. A " 30 Borden, Cook " 379 Borden, Christopher between 700, 701 Borden, X. B facing 370 Borden, Richard " 374 Borden, T.J " 393 Bourne, Jonathan " 144 rook, George " 867 Braley, H. K " 32 Brigham, L. F " 17 Briggs, D. S " 190 Bristol County, map of " 1 Brown, J. P " 876 Brown, Joseph " 502 Brown, 51. A " 676 Brownell, E. P " 702 Burhuton, Darius between 650, 651 Case, S. facing 506 Capron, J. W " 580 Chace, Augustus " 399 Chase, Edmund " 388 Chace, A. H " 308 Chace, Oliver " 378 Chaffee, Oliver " 503 Church, Nathaniel " 281 Clark, C. E " 173 Clifford, C. W " 20 Clifford, J. II " 12 Cobbett, Sabin " 461 Codding, Abiel " 587 Congdon, J. B " 135 < \<\ el, Benjamin " 405 Crane.A. B " 189 Crane, G. B " 631 Crapo, H. II " 129 Crapo.W. W " 18 Crocker, George E between 136, 137 Crocker, S. L facing 858 Crocker, Oliver between 136, 137 PAGE Daggett, II. N facing 885 Daggett, John " 33 Daggett, L. W " 583 Davis, Nathan " 650 Davis, B. T « 387 Davol, Stephen " 386 Dean, Barzillia 434 Dean, C. H facing 415 Dean, E. G between 884, 885 Dean, Theodore facing 864 Dean, L. W " 581 Dean, Thomas H 434 Deane, L. B facing 632 Dighton Kock (The) " 250 Drake, H. P » 435 Dunbar, S. " 885 Dwelly, Jerome " 398 Earle, L. S " 402 Earle, Weston " 262 Eliot, T. D " 10 Eldridge, E. H between 884, 885 Emery, S. H facing 872 Fall River in 1812, 5Iap of. between 310, 311 Fish, H. H facing 868 Fishers, S. P " 579 Fletcher, P. H " 187 Freuch, Job B between 388,389 French, George R " 388,389 Gilford, Benjamin facing 700 Gifford, George H " 698 Gifford, William between 698, 699 Gifford, William H " 698, 699 Gilmore, E. W facing 420 Gooding, C. H " 263 Gordon, William A between 208, 209 Greene, D. R facing 133 Grinnell, Joseph " 139 Haskell, Edward " 159 Hathaway, John B " 407 Hathaway, Alden, Jr " 307 Hathaway, G. H " 304 Hathaway, Samuel " 377 Hathaway, William, Sr " 156 Hawes, John A " 280 Hawes, J. C between 15? Hawes, Simeon '. facing 158 Hayward, C. E " 598 Henry, James " 406 Hicks, Andrew " 696 Horton, Danforth " 401 Horton, E. J " 595 Horton, E.S ... " 594 Horton, N. B between 401, 493 Howard, A.F. facing Howland, A. Franklyn " 46 Hunt, C. D " 282 Huttlestone, Henry " 279 Jones, E. U " 878 Jones, Samuel " 726 Keith, Edwin " 886 Kilburn, E. C " 395 Kimball, John " 433 King, George W " 725 Knowles, Joseph " 136 Ladd, Warren " 155 xn CONTENTS. PAGE Lawton, George facing 707 Leland, P. W " 376 Leonard, C. H " 138 Leonard, Cromwell " 630 Leonard, Ebenezer between 172, 173 Leonard, J. M " 650, 651 Lincoln, J. T facing 384 Lindsey, C.E " 394 Lindsey, William ' 390 Lothrop, T. J " 877 Lovering, Willard ' 859 Luther, S. M " 404 Macomber, Israel ' 706 Macomber, Leonard " 701 Mackie, J. H " 152 Maudell, Thomas " 132 Marston, George ' 16 Marvel, William " 403 Mason, William " 391 Mason, William 865 May, E.G " 592 Medbery, Vaill " 504 Merritt, H. D between 590, 591 Morse, E.J. W facing 431 Morton, Marcus " 26 Newcomb, Nathaniel " 629 Nichols, T. G " 306 Nichols, W. D " 188 Nye, Obed " 283 Osborn, J. M between 400, 401 Osborn, Weaver '. facing 400 Parker, Frederick ' 160 Parker, J. A " 127 Parker, Ward M • " 134 Paul, A. W " 265 Perry, Albert " 462 Perry, Otis " 492 Perry, William F " 458 Perrin.P. I " 884 Phillips, J. M " 870 Phillips, W. H " 869 Phillips, William " 149 Pierce, Alfred " 596 Pierce, E. W " 45 Porter, Bun-ill, Jr " 590 Presbrey, S. D " 875 Price, George " 578 Bead, H. C " 591 Beed, H. G " 866 Eeed, Washington " 305 Richards, H. M " 572 Richards, J. D " 589 Bichardson, Stephen " 573 Robinson, Charles " 118 Robinson, Enoch " 719 Robinson, Willard " 575 PAGE Rogers, John facing 457 Rotch, W. J " 141 Sanford, S. T " 704 Shaw, N. W " 722 Sherman, C. E «• 593 Slade, Abner " 673 Slade, A. P " 649 Slade, Jonathan " 647 Slade, John P between 404, 405 Slade, Nathan facing 705 Slade, William L .' " 648 Slocum. William R " 209 Smith, Irani " 392 Smith, T.I " 561 Skinner, N. H " 874 Spooner, N.S " 171 Standish, T. D " 266 Stanley, S. between 578, 579 Staples, A. B " 868,809 Staples, S.N " 882,883 Stetson, T. M facing 19 Stevens, F. S " 674 Stone, S. A ' Wi Sturdy, W. A • " 634 Swift, R. N " 172 Swift, W. C. N " 150 Taber, C. S between '.?80, 281 Taber, E. T " 28n, >L„ Taber, Henry facing 148 Talbot, G. H " 635 Taunton, Map of between 768,769 Towne, E. 15 facing 721 Tracy, John " 727 Trafford, W. P. " 381 Tripp, B. V " 703 Tucker, Joseph " 212 Vickery.C.R " 803 Weaver, Stephen " 678 \Vl,,aton, Laban " 627 Wheaton, L. M " 628 Wheeler, J. F " 883 White, D. D " 724 White, J. W betweeu 722, 723 Whiting, W. D facing 584 Wilbar, Joseph " 860 Wilbur, Daniel between 04.S, 649 Williams, A. II facing 881 Williams, A. K " 882 Williams, Eliab " 29 Williams, Francis " 879 Williams, Francis K " 880 Williams, John R between 880, 881 Williams, M. G " 722. 723 Wing,B. F facing 210 Wood, C. L " 131 Wood. N. M " 675 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. CHAPTER I. «. ■ KOGRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE. Bristol County is situated in the southern sec- ti-ir. of Massachusetts, its centre thirty-five miles from Boston, and two hundred miles from New York. It is bounded on the north by Norfolk, and east by Ply- mouth Counties, on the south by Rhode Island and the Atlantic Ocean, and on the west by Rhode Island. Its area is about six hundred square miles. It was in- corporated in June, 1685, bearing the name of its shire-town until 1746, when Bristol, Barrington, Little Compton, and Warren were set off to Rhode Island by a new division line drawn between the two States. In 1675 the county included but eleven towns, viz.: Attleborough, Berkley, Easton, Dighton, Dartmouth, Freetown, Raynham, Norton, Rehoboth, Swansea, and Taunton, aggregating a population of twenty- two thousand five hundred and seventy-one. Fall River, New Bedford, Acushnet, Fairhaven, Mans- field, Somerset, Seekonk, and Westport had not been incorporated. Taunton was made the capital, or shire-town, where all courts were held until 1828, when New Bedford, having become an important seat of navigation, with a population of six thousand three hundred and thirty- two, the largest town in the county, by legislative en- actment was created a half-shire town, with its court- house and other county appendages. In 1860 another line was drawn, severing Pawtucket and a portion of Seekonk from this county, adding them to Rhode Island, and in exchange taking a portion of Tiverton to Fall River from that State. In 1877, Fall River havinggrown into an important manufacturing border city of forty-six thousand inhabitants, it was assigned by legislative grant the third seat of justice in the county, and a court- room fitted for that purpose. There are three cities and sixteen towns ; three senatorial districts, with three senators ; ten repre- sentative districts, with eighteen representatives in the Legislature from this county. The population in 1776 was 26,700; in 1790, 31,709; in 1800, 33,880; in 1 1810, 37,168; in 1820, 40,908; in 1830, 49,592 ; in 1840, 60,195; in 1850, 76,192; in 1860, 93,794; in 1870, 102,886 ; and in 1880, 139,040 ; showing a gradual progressive increase for a hundred years, or since the Revolution. The valuation (as appears by State De- partment records) of the county was in 1800, $234,- 410.27; in 1810, $321,036.24; in 1820, $398,581; in 1830, $11,346,916; in 1840, $19,493,685; in 1850, $39,- 243,560 ; in 1860, $66,294,256 ; in 1870, $80,425,791 ; in 1880, $100,029,138 ; exhibiting a larger relative pro- portionate increase in wealth than in population. The southern coast of the county is indented with numerous streams, inlets, bays, and harbors, affording great facilities for navigation, commercial intercourse, fishing, and maritime trade. Several rivers flow through the county, — Taunton River being the prin- cipal, taking its rise in Norfolk, flowing through the west part of Plymouth, draining the east section of this county, and emptying into Mount Hope Bay, — furnish motive-power, co-operating with steam, for the extensive manufacturing interests, especially cot- ton, iron, and jewelry. The surface of the territory is diversified, undulating, rocky, hilly, but generally level in the northern and western portion, with a sandy and clayey soil, not very productive, but in the middle and southern rather prolific. The geological formation, granite, carboniferous, feldspathic, con- glomerate, etc., with frequent evidences of glacial visitations in past ages, from the numerous boulders observed in the central section of the country. Bog- iron ore is also largely developed in many northern locations, which from one to two hundred years ago was extensively utilized into bar-iron and cooking utensils. The Old Colony Railroad threads in systematic net- work nearly all the cities and towns of Bristol and adjoining counties, furnishing accommodations for freight and travel, and facilities of communication with all the cities and localities in the State, and the great thoroughfares north, south, east, and west. The Boston and Providence Railroad also passes through the northwest part of the county. There are in this county, according to the last HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. census, 30,015 families and 22,093 dwellings; 1025 manufacturing establishments; number of persons employed, 34,068; wages paid during the year, $11,- 125,200; capital invested, $42,128,950; amount of stock used, $24,884,704; value of products, $46,127,- 452. Number of persons employed in agriculture, 5161; farms, 2730; value of farms, $8,631,243 ; value of live-stock, $759,892; acres of tilled and meadow land, 97,222 ; woodland, 77,480 ; tons of hay per year, 30,057; bushels of potatoes, 248,256; bushels of corn, 117,294; gallons of milk, 2,339,682; pounds of butter, 313,040; cheese, 5584; dotens of eggs, 846,624; value of annual farm products, $1,554,456. In the manu- facture of cotton goods there are 50 establishments and 19,273 persons employed; wages paid, $5,154,331; capital invested, $29,368,558; stock used, $11,599,735; value of product, $21,412,623. In cotton and woolen goods, 4 establishments and 21 persons employed; wages paid, $58,332; capital invested, $3,966,385; stock used, $2,637,708; value of products, $5,600,000. In metals and metallic goods, 224 establishments; persons employed, 5849; wages paid, $2,478,318; cap- ital invested, $5,070,921 ; stock used, $4,252,932 ; value of product, $8,621,697. Machines and machinery, 31 establishments, 1419 persons employed; wages paid, $686,150 ; capital invested, $1,232,625; stock, $891,907 ; value of product, $1,756,509. In lumber, 45 establish- ments, 158 persons employed; wages paid, $39,100; capital, $147,200; stock, $71,037; value of product, $158,480. In 9 brick, etc., manufactories, 119 per- sons employed ; wages paid, $28,274; capital invested, $105,100; stock, $14,095 ; value of product, $60,930. Carriages and wagons, 57 establishments, 133 per- sons employed ; wages paid, $106,164; capital, $184,- 750 ; stock used, $135,516 ; value of products, $323,151. Food preparations, 68 establishments; persons em- ployed, 385; wages paid, $144,935; capital, $475,200; stock used, $1,715,215; value of product, $2,143,612. Printing and publishing, 22 establishments, 213 per- sons employed ; wages paid, $95,446 ; capital, $172,- 400 ; stock used, $107,616 ; value of product, $274,300. CHAPTER II. INDIAN HISTORY. 1 That distinguished chieftain, the great and good Massasoit, resided at Pokanoket, that subsequently became the township of Bristol, now in the State of Rhode Island, but which until 1747 formed a part of Bristol County, Mass., wherein it was the shire or county town for the term of some sixty-two years. What therefore at the landing of the Pilgrims in 1620 was the seat of empire to the Indians throughout the widely extended domains of Massasoit became the l By Gen. E. W. Peiice. chief seat of justice to those European settlements in- corporated in 1685 as the county of Bristol. Although Bristol County was not formed or incor- porated until some fifteen years after the death of Massasoit, English settlements had been commenced within what subsequently became its limits nearly or quite twenty-five years before his decease, and he lived to see two of these, viz., Taunton and Rehoboth, incorporated as towns. Wamsutta, as chief ruler of the Indians, succeeded his father, Massasoit, at the death of the latter in or about the year 1662, and the brief reign of Wamsutta ending within one year from its commencement, he was in turn succeeded by his younger brother Pometacom, commonly known as King Philip, whose reign continued about fourteen years, during which time two other English settle- ments, viz., Dartmouth and Swansea, were incorpor- ated as towns. The first or earliest communication of white men with the Indian inhabitants of that 8e"tf«6fi of country, subsequently incorporated as thL county of Bristol, probably occurred in the month \srf May, 1619, when Capt. Dermer came in a vessel to Panr^^j;. now Plymouth, where, from the assistance rendered him by an Indian named Squanto, he was enabled to communicate with the Indian chieftain Massasoit, whose principal place of residence was then, as after- wards, at Pokanoket, or Mount Hope. Capt. Dermer, in a letter dated Dec. 27, 1619, thus described the event : " I traveled along a day's jour- ney to a place called Nammastaquet, where, finding inhabitants, I dispatched a messenger a day's journey farther west to Pocanokit, which bordereth on the sea, whence came to see me two kings, attended with a guard of fifty armed men, who, being well satisfied with that my savage and I discoursed unto them, gave me content in whatever I demanded, where I found that former relations were true. Here I re- deemed a Frenchman." The Nammastaquet here named was doubtless Nemasket, now Middleborough, and the two kings who met Capt. Dermer were prob- ably Massasoit and his brother Quadequina. The first visit of white men to the locality, now Bristol County, probably occurred in June or July, 1621, when Massasoit, at his home in Pokanoket, was sought out and visited by Edward Winslow and Ste- phen Hopkins, accompanied by the Indian Squanto, who acted as their interpreter. During the lifetime and reign of Massasoit his sub-chiefs appear to have been called or ranked as captains, though sometimes sachems, among whom was Caunbitant, whose resi- dence was at a place then called Mettapoiset, now known as Gardner's Neck, in Swansea; and at the visit Mr. Winslow made to Massasoit, in March, 1623, on coming to the ferry, in Caunbitant's country, was informed that Massasoit was dead, which caused the Governor and his attendants to feel considerable un- easiness, lest Caunbitant, who had been one of Mas- sasoit's most renowned captains, should become his immediate successor as chief sachem or king. This INDIAN HISTORY. uneasiness and fear arising from the fact that not long before Caunbitant, being at Nemasket, com- menced a murderous attack upon the Indian Squanto, who appears to have barely escaped death at his hands ; and the Ply mouthians had lost no time in send- ing out fourteen soldiers, under Capt. Miles Standish, which force so harassed Caunbitant that he, in Sep- tember, 1621, had felt compelled to go to Plymouth and submit to certain demands, and signing at the same time a treaty of amity and peace. The English still considered Caunbitant as being, at heart, their enemy, and that he was only waiting a convenient opportunity to make it known ; and the Governor and his attendants feared that convenient opportunity had now arrived. Said Mr. Winslow, concerning Caunbitant, " Although he were but a hollow-hearted friend toward us, I thought no time so fit as this to enter into more friendly terms with him and the rest of the sachems thereabout; hoping, through the blessing of God, it would be a means in that unsettled state to settle their affections towards us ; and though it were somewhat dangerous in re- spect of our personal safety, because myself and Hobbamock had been employed upon a service against him, which he might fitly revenge, yet esteem- ing it the best means, leaving the event to God in his mercy, I resolved to put it in practice if Master Hamden and Hobbamock durst attempt it with me, whom I found willing to that or any other course that might tend to the general good. So we went towards Mattapuyst, and went to the sachem's comaco, for so they called the sachem's place, though they call an ordinary house wites ; but Caunbitant, the sachem, was not at home, but at Puckanokick, which was some five or six miles off. The squa-sachem, for so they call the sachem's wife, gave us friendly entertainment. Here we inquired again concerning Massasowat ; they thought him dead, but knew no certainty. Where- upon I hired one to go with all expedition to Puck- anockit, that we might know the certainty thereof, and withal to acquaint Conbatant with our there being. About half an hour before the sun setting the messenger returned and told us that he was not dead." When Mr. Winslow and his friends were returning from Pokanoket, at the earnest request of Caunbitant, who accompanied them, they stopped and stayed one night at his house, in what is now Swansea ; and Mr. Winslow informs that they never received better entertainment from any Indians than they then had from Caunbitant. What became of Caunbitant is unknown. That section of country now Little Coinp- ton was formerly known as Seaconnet, or Seconet, and here the Indians for a time were under the direction of a woman named Awashuncks, who was usually known as the squaw-sachem of Seaconnet. She was wife of an Indian named Tolony, and she was mother of a son named William Mommynewit, who, being sent to school, learned the Latin language, and was intended for college, but prevented, being seized with the palsy. She had another and older son named Peter. Awashuncks first came prominently into no- tice in 1671, when the colony of Plymouth planned a warlike expedition against her, proposing to send a force of one hundred and two men, that were to as- semble for that purpose at or near what is now Asso- net Four Corners, in Freetown, on the 8th day of August, 1671 ; but the war was prevented by articles of agreement signed by her July 24, 1671. She comes again prominently into notice in the spring of 1675, when King Philip sent messengers to engage her and her people to unite with him in the great and bloody conflict, still known as " King Philip's war." Those messengers consisted of six Pokanoket Indians, who, having their faces painted and hair so cut as to represent a cock's comb, with powder-horns and shot-bags, made an imposing ap- pearance, and influenced Awashuncks so as to induce her to call the principal of her people together to a great dance. Capt. Church, the soon after renowned Indian hunter, had then recently settled in her neigh- borhood, and, singularly enough, Church was among the guests bidden to the dance. Taking with him an interpreter, Church repaired to the place, where he said that he found hundreds of Indians, and Awa- shuncks, in a foaming sweat, leading the dance. Church's arrival being announced to her, she stopped short, sat down, called her chief men into her presence, and then called Church, to whom she communicated a message that she had received from King Philip. Church advised her not to accede to his request ; whereupon she called in the six Pokanoket Indians. Church then told Awashuncks that if Philip was re- solved on war her best way would be to kill the six Pokanoket Indians and place herself under the pro- tection of the English. At this advice the Pokano- kets became silent, but two of Awashuncks' men that had recently been to Mount Hope, and were very favorably inclined to the proposed measures of King Philip, expressed themselves with great indignation at the rash advice of Church, and one of Awashuncks' council, called " Little Eyes," was so enraged that he would have put Church to death had he not been prevented. Awashuncks agreed to join herself and people with the English, instead of the Indians, placing herself under the protection of the former. She sent two of her men to guard Church back to his house, and desired him to go to Plymouth and com- municate her decision, which he did on the 7th of June, 1675 ; and had the Plymouth colony govern- ment taken immediate measures to protect Awa- shuncks, doubtless she, and at least most of her people, in the war that immediately ensued, would have joined with the English instead of the Indians ; but neglecting to communicate with Awashuncks, she was soon after compelled to join with Philip, and thus continued to act for nearly a year. About the middle of May, 1676, Capt. Church HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. found means to communicate with Awashuncks, who agreed to serve the English during the remainder of the war. Quite a number of her warriors then en- tered the service under Capt. Church, and she, with the non-combatants of her tribe, were, for the time being, ordered to take up their residence in the town of Sandwich. Peter, a son of Awashuncks, was her chief captain in King Philip's war, and when, in 1676, Awashuncks re-engaged herself to the English, Peter, her son and chief captain, addressing Mr. Church, said, " Sir, if you will please accept of me and my men, and will head us, we will fight for you, and will help you to Philip's head before the Indian corn be ripe." These peace measures saved the Se- conet Indians from total destruction, so that some twenty-five years later one hundred men of the Se- conet tribe were still alive, and the General Court of Massachusetts appointed an Indian, named Nura- paus, to be their captain. He lived to be an old man, and died in or about the year 1748. Not far from the year 1700 they erected a meeting-house, in which the Rev. Mr. Billings preached to them one Sunday in each month, and besides which they enjoyed the ministrations of an Indian preacher named John Simon. A large part of the remnant of the tribe were swept away by a fever that prevailed in or about the year 1750, and at the beginning of the present century not more than ten families remained. The Indian Seconet, afterwards a part of the town- ship of Little Compton, formed a part of Bristol County until 1747, when it was set off, and has since been in the government of Rhode Island. Adjacent to the Seconet tribe were the Pocasset Indians, their former home being in what afterwards became the township of Tiverton, that until 1747 was in Bristol County, but then set off to Rhode Island. The Pocasset Indians were probably more numerous and powerful than those at Seconet, and were the subjects of a squaw-sachem named Weetamoo, who had formerly been the wife of Wamsutta, older brother of King Philip, and sister to Wootonekanuske, King Philip's wife. Thus connected to or with the royal family, one would have supposed that Weetamoo would have been among the first and foremost to have espoused the cause of King Philip, her former hus- band's brother and her sister's husband, but still the evidence is quite conclusive that this was not the case ; but, instead, that she demurred, and would have kept herself and those over whom she ruled entirely out of the conflict if she could. Wamsutta, as before remarked, died in 1662, and Weetamoo, thus left a widow at some time before 1675, became the wife of an Indian named Pentonowowett, whom the English called Ben, and Church's history speaks of as Peter Nunuit. Weetamoo, who was sometimes called Nanumpum, and also Tatapanum, became the wife of Wamsutta, oldest son of Massasoit, in or before 1653, and during the brief reign of Wamsutta in 1662, Weetamoo must have been queen of the Wampanoag nation. At the death of Wamsutta in 1662, his brother came to the throne, when Weetamoo as queen was succeeded by her sister Wootonekanuske, two brothers having mar- ried these sisters, and the ex-queen thenceforth is mentioned in history only as "squaw-sachem of Po- casset." At the commencement of King Philip's war (in 1675) the Pocasset Indians were so numerous that Weetamoo's armed men able to go out upon the war- path were supposed to number three hundred, and her lands at Pocasset were deemed to be of great value. She had, as before remarked, in her widow- hood become the wife of an Indian named Petonowo- wett, who could not by King Philip be induced to join with him in the war, but aided the English in that conflict. When Capt. Benjamin Church was on his way to Ply- mouth, carrying the message of Awashuncks, squaw- sachem of Seconet, passing through Pocasset, now Tiverton, he met Petonowowett, the husband of Wee- tamoo. who had just come to shore from Mount Hope, and unreservedly told Church that there certainly would be war, that King Philip had held a war-dance and entertained young Indian warriors from all parts of the country, and had promised them that they might on the next Sunday, when the English had gone to meeting, plunder their houses and kill their cattle. Petonowowett invited Church to visit his wife Wee- tamoo in their camp on a hill not far distant, and near what is now known as Howland Ferry bridge. Church accepted the invitation, and repaired to the Indian camp, where he found Weetamoo in a melan- choly mood, her warriors having left her and gone to Philip's war-dance, which act.of theirs, she declared, was much against her will. Circumstances are said to make men, and why may not circumstances control women ? Weetamoo evi- dently preferred peace, and could she have controlled her warriors, although she could not have had peace, she could, doubtless, by joining with the English, have saved herself and them from the almost total anni- hilation which now awaited them ; but, as a choice of evils, doubtless she accepted that she was least able to resist by joining herself and her fortunes with King Philip, although this act forever separated her from her husband, who adhered to 'and assisted the Eng- lish in the war just then commencing, and for his services therein was by his employers appointed to take charge of those Indians that after the war were permitted to reside between Sipecan and Dartmouth. And thus it was that in people's minds she came to be chargeable "next unto Philip in respect of the mis- chief done." After separating from Petonowowett Weetamoo be- came the wife of Quinapin, an Indian of the Narra- gansett tribe, second in command in the great swamp fight, in what is now Kingston, R. I., Dec. 19, 1675. Quinapin was captured in 1676, taken to Newport, INDIAN HISTORY. R. I., and shot, and Weetamoo, the wife, fled to the Niantic country, or what is now Westerly, R. I., where, being pursued, she returned to Mettapoisett, now Gardiner's Neck, in Swansea, where she was be- trayed by a deserter from her camp, and a force from Taunton was thus enabled to capture all her followers; but Weetamoo, with a resolution equal to the dis- tressing circumstances, attempted to escape upon a hastily-constructed raft of broken pieces of wood that perished or sunk under her, when, as the last des- perate resort, she doubtless attempted to swim, as her naked corpse drifted ashore, and was soon after found on the beach of Gardiner's Neck, in Swansea. That greatest and most bloody of New England conflicts, although waged in several different colo- nies, had its commencement and ending within the limits of what became Bristol County, Mass. On Sunday, the 20th of June, 1675, open hostilities were commenced by the Indians in the town of Swansea by plundering the houses of English inhab- itants while the latter were absent at meeting. On that day seven or eight of King Philip's Indians went to the house of an inhabitant of Swansea, whom they found at home, and requested the privilege to grind a hatchet, which was objected to on the part of the Englishman, who told the Indians that it was the Sabbath, and God would be very angry if he per- mitted them to grind the hatchet that day, to which they are said to have returned the answer that they knew not who his God was, and that they would grind the hatchet for all him or his God either. The same day these Indians meeting an Englishman upon the road told him to do no work on his God's day, and that he should tell no lies, and then suffered him quietly to pass on. Four days later, as the English were returning from religious worship, they were fired upon by the Indians, killing one and wounding two others, and two men sent for a surgeon were overtaken by the Indians and slain. Two men in another part of Swansea were that day slain by the Indians and scalped, and thus upon the 24th of June, 1675, were five of the English inhabitants of Swansea killed outright and two wounded, and an Englishman slain at what is now Falls River. The first succor that the English at Swansea received was from a company of seventeen mounted men from Bridgewater, who left their homes on the 21st of June and arrived at a fortified house at Mettapoisett, now Gardiner's Neck, in Swansea, the next day. These Bridgewater troops were quartered at the house of a man named Bourne, where were also col- lected seventy of the English people, viz., sixteen men and fifty-four women and children, whom they defended till reinforced, when the house was aban- doned, and the non-combatants for greater safety were transported to the island of Rhode Island. Great was the alarm throughout the several colonies, and on the 26th of June several companies of soldiers left Boston for the seat of war, where they arrived a little before night on the 28th. Plymouth Colony troops had been ordered to ren- dezvous at Taunton preparatory to uniting with those from Boston, where, although so far from the chief seat of war, they were severely harassed by the In- dians, and Lieut. John Freeman, in a letter dated at Taunton, said, "This morning three of our men are slain close by one of our courts of guard, houses are burned in our sight, our men are picked off at every bush. The design of the enemy is not to face the army, but to fall on us as they have advantage." Among the houses that Lieut. Freeman said were burned in their sight at Taunton was probably that of John Tisdale, that the Indians destroyed by fire June 27, 1675, also slaying Tisdale and taking his gun, that was retaken at Rehoboth, Aug. 1, 1675, being found with the body of an Indian there slain. The forces assembled at Swansea consisted of a com- pany of infantry under Capt. Daniel Henchman, and a company of hastily collected volunteers, one hun- dred and ten in number, under Capt. Samuel Moseley, and a company of mounted men under Capt. Thomas Prentice. These three companies being furnished by the colony of Massachusetts Bay, added to which was a company from Plymouth Colony under Capt. James Cudworth, of Scituate. The house of the Rev. John Myles, a Baptist clergy- man, that stood near a bridge in what is now called Barneyville, was so strengthened as to resist attack, and here the combined forces of Massachusetts and Plymouth Colonies were assembled and placed under the command of the ranking officer, Capt. James Cud- worth, who for the time being became commander- in-chief. Flushed with their successes thus far the Indians became encouraged, and seemed to lurk almost every- where, shooting at all passengers, and killing many who ventured abroad, venturing so near the gar- risoned house as to shoot down two of the sentinels,. A detachment of the cavalry of Capt. Prentice, under the command of Quartermasters Gill and Belcher, accompanied by Benjamin Church, was sent forward, but were no sooner over Myle's Bridge than fired upon from an ambuscade, when William Ham- mond the pilot, who was probably a resident of Swansea, was killed, Belcher's horse shot under him, and both himself and Mr. Gill wounded, which so surprised and terrified the troopers that they became panic-stricken, wheeled their horses, and fled in the utmost disorder, regardless alike of the threats and entreaties of their officers, and but for Gill and Church the dead body of Hammond would have been left in the possession of the enemy. June 29, 1675. The Indians appeared boldly in view, and by their shouts and yells seemed to chal- lenge the English to come out and fight. Capt. Moseley with his company rushed furiously upon them, when the Indians immediately fled to their HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. coverts, there making a momentary stand, where, being fired upon, they again fled. Capt. Moseley pur- sued about a mile, slaying five or six Indians and sus- taining no loss on his own part save the wounding of his ensign, Mr. Savage, who received a musket-ball in his thigh and a bullet passed through his hat, and even this, some authorities state, was by mistake, and that he was fired upon by one of his own company. Capt. Moseley pushed on, and at Keek-a-muit his sol- diers found the heads of eight Englishmen slain by the Indians set on poles. These heads they took down and buried. The English now traversed Mount Hope Neck, found King Philip's deserted wigwam, but himself and nearly all his followers had fled, and with their wives and children, bag and baggage, had gone, made a good and successful retreat, and taken all their canoes with them. King Philip had outwitted his pursuers, got off with little or no loss of his men, made a change of base, gained a more defensive position, and by going over to Pocasset, as he had done, was enabled to enforce the squaw-sachems Weetamoo and Awashuncks to join him with their warriors; in fact, he had out- flanked his foes and commenced to deal death and destruction to those who thought themselves safe in the rear of the English army, and the frontier town of Swansea was at that moment the safest locality in Plymouth Colony. Capt. Church very justly said, "The enemy were not really beaten out of Mount Hope Neck, though it was true they fled from thence, yet it was before any pursued them. It was only to strengthen them- selves and to gain a more advantageous post. How- ever, some and not a few pleased themselves with the fancy of a mighty conquest. A grand council was held and a resolve passed to build a fort there to main- tain the first ground they had gained by the Indians leaving it to them, and, to speak the truth, it must be said that as they gained not that field by their sword nor by their bow, so it was rather their fear than their courage that obliged them to set up the marks of their conquests." Church further said that he looked upon this act of remaining and building the fort and talked of it with contempt, and urged hard the pursuing of the enemy on the Pocasset side. Meanwhile there arrived from Boston at Swansea a reinforcement of one hundred and twenty men under Maj. Thomas Savage. June 30th, Capt. Prentice, with his troop, for more convenient quarters, went to lodge at Rehoboth, and as they Avere returning on the morning of July 1st came upon a company of Indians burning a house, but taking advantage of the fences, over which the horses could not go, the Indians escaped to a swamp. Capt. Prentice's lieutenant, Mr. Oaks, with a part of the troopers, discovered another body of Indians, that they pursued on an open plain, overtook, and slew four or five of them, one of whom was Peebe or Phebe, who was one of the counselors of King Philip. In this action John Druce, one of the troopers, received a wound in the bowels, of which he died. King Philip in the mean time was laying waste the English settlements in what afterwards became the towns of Little Compton, Tiverton, Dartmouth, Free- town, Fall River, New Bedford, Westport, Fairhaven, and Acushnet, and frightening the English inhabit- ants out of what is now Berkley and Middleborough. Benjamin Church finally succeeded in persuading the commander at Myles' garrison, in Swansea, to send under Capt. Fuller a company of thirty-six men to Pocasset, in hope to get an opportunity to treat with the Pocasset and Seconet Indians, which force soon after arriving divided, one part starting off under Capt. Fuller and the other under Church. Fuller encountered Indians, and two of his men were wounded, and all so hard pressed as to be obliged to seek shelter in a deserted house, from which they escaped to a vessel. Church and his party were also pursued, and driven on board Capt. Goulding's vessel, and thus barely escaped. This was on the 8th of July, 1675. The Indians were so well supplied with arms and ammuni- tion that they put many bullet-holes into the stern of Goulding's vessel and through his sails as he was taking off Church and his men. Soon after a detachment of soldiers was put on board a sloop and sent to the Quequechan (now Fall River), there disembarked and marched into Weeta- mo's country, overtook and killed one Indian and alarmed many more that succeeded in escaping to a swamp ; but as soon as the English were ordered back those who had been pursued in turn became pursuers, and chased the English back to the sloop and wounded two soldiers. They returned the next day to the camp in Swansea. July 18, 1675, an expedition was sent against Philip in his camp in a Pocasset swamp, now Tiverton. The English forces, arriving late in the afternoon, discov- ered a few Indians on the edge of the swamp, on whom they rushed with ardor, the Indians meanwhile gradually retreating, and thus drawing their pursuers into an ambuscade, by which, when fired upon, fif- teen of the English were shot down, and were soon ordered to fall back and give up the pursuit. One hundred wigwams, newly constructed of green bark, were found near the edge of the swamp. The loss in that fight sustained by the Indians was probably very small when compared with that of the white men, and the latter, instead of renewing the contest the next day, fortified themselves on the outskirts of the swamp, and there remained in the hope of starving the Indians into submission, and extorting from King Philip terms of capitulation, neither of which they were able to accomplish, as about the last of that month Philip and his followers one night suddenly decamped, and in canoes un pursued reached the other shore in safety en route for the Nipensic country, now INDIAN HISTORY. in the county of Worcester. King Philip, with his forces, would have got off not only unperceived but unharmed but for the Rev. Noah Newman, of Reho- both, who, as the Indians were passing through that town (Aug. 1, 1675), brought out the " home guards," who, with Oneko and some Mohegan and Natic Indians, did some spoil upon King Philip, slaying one of his chief men called Nimrod. Oneko was the son of Uncas, and had been to Boston, where he had engaged to fight for the English, and being with some Mohegan and Natic Indians en route for Swansea, happened to be in Rehoboth just as King Philip was passing through. On Sunday, March 26, 1676, was fought near Pawtucket, but within the original limits of Bristol County, a sanguinary battle between the English under Capt. Michael Peirce, of Scituate, and the Indians led by the chieftain Canonchet. Capt. Peirce and nearly all his command were slain, and the loss of the Indians even exceeded that of the English. Tuesday, March 28, 1676, the Indians burned at Rehoboth (afterward Seekonk), forty-five dwelling- houses, twenty-one barns, two grist-mills, and one saw-mill, and slew an Irishman named Robert Beers. King Philip is said to have been present at the burn- ing of Rehoboth, and the frame-work of an ancient chair is still preserved in which tradition saith he sat to witness the conflagration. April 9, 1676, Canonchet was captured in or near Pawtucket. April 27, 1676, Woodcock's fortified house; in what was then Rehoboth, now Attleborough, suffered an Indian attack ; Nathaniel Woodcock and another Englishman slain, John Woodcock wounded, and Nathaniel Woodcook's house burned. Some time in May, 1676, four Taunton men were slain by the Indians, viz., Sergt. James Philips, James Bell, Henry Andrews, and Edward Babbitt. Thus were left thirty-two fatherless children. May 24, 1676, Capt. Thomas Brattle, of Boston, with a company of about fifty mounted men, being joined by a body of infantry, marched to the Paw- tucket Falls, where, arriving on the easterly side of the river, the Indians were discovered on the opposite bank of the stream. Leaving the infantry at the falls, the cavalry pro- ceeded up the river to a fording-place, crossed over, proceeded down on the other side, making a sudden attack upon the Indians, killing several of them and capturing an Indian boy, taking two horses, several guns, and some ammunition. Lieut. Jacob Elliot, of the cavalry, was wounded in the hand, and one cav- alry soldier killed. The Indians first attempted to retreat through the river, but discovering the infantry upon the opposite side hastily turned about, retraced their steps to the shore, and took refuge in a swamp. June 19, 1676, Swansea was again attacked by the Indians, and nearly all the remaining houses burned. Some authorities say all save five were burned, and of these, four were garrisoned. June 26, 1676, the Indians captured Hezekiah Wil- lett in or near Swansea ; he was twenty-five years of age, and a son of Capt. Thomas Willett. The In- dians cut off the prisoner's ears and nose and then set him at liberty ; he probably soon after died, as some of the authorities state that he was slain by the Indians. A negro who was captured by the Indians at Swan- sea, and who is supposed to have been a slave of Capt. Thomas Willett, escaped, fled to Taunton, and informed the people that the Indians proposed at- tacking that place. Being warned, the Taunton people prepared themselves for the attack that was made on the 11th day of July, 1676, and in which two houses were fired by the Indians and one Englishman slain. Aug. 1, 1676, Wootonekanuse, the wife of King Philip, together with his son, aged about nine years, and several women and children, were taken captives by the English. At about this time a battle between the English and Indians came off in what is now the town of Norton, at a place called Lockety Neck, in which the Indians were defeated. Aug. 6, 1676, twenty Taunton men captured at Gardiner's Neck, in Swansea, the few remaining fol- lowers of Weetamoo, squaw-sachem of Seconet ; she sought to escape by attempting to cross Taunton River on a hastily-constructed raft, but was drowned, and her dead body being found on the shores in Swan- sea, her head was cut off and carried to Taunton. Saturday, Aug. 12, 1676, early in the morning King Philip was slain near Mount Hope, in Pokanoket, now the town of Bristol. Aug. 28, 1676, Philip's great captain, Anawan, who had in like capacity served his father, Massasoit, and at the death of Philip became chief sachem, or king of the Wampanoag tribe or nation, was captured by Capt. Benjamin Church at a place still known as Ana- wan's Rock, in the easterly part of the town of Reho- both, a few rods south of the turnpike road leading from Taunton to Providence, about eight miles from Taunton, and ten from Providence. This rock is upon the northerly border of a wooded country formerly known as Squanakonk Swamp, an area of nearly three thousand acres. Indian Reservations.— When what subsequently became Freetown was purchased of the Indians in 1659, reservations were made for the Indians Tabada- cason and Pianto; the first for the benefit of those In- dians that maintained a ferry across Taunton River, which doubtless was to remain while the ferry was so kept, and the other for planting land, the Indian title to which should end at Pianto's death. That first reservation is thought to have been a point of land lying between Taunton River and Barnaby's Cove so called. 8 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Beside these reservations was another of nearly two hundred acres lying within what formerly was the township of Freetown, but now an easterly part of Fall River, at what is sometimes called Indian Town, and is still appropriated to the uses of that race, one lot having been assigned to and still possessed by Mrs. Zerviah Gould Mitchell, a lineal descendant in the seventh generation of the "good old Massasoit," king of the Wampanoags, and "Sassacus the Terrible," king of the Pequots. Mrs. Mitchell is descended from Massasoit through his daughter Amie and her husband Tuspaquin, known in history as the black sachem, chief of the Assawampsett and Nunasket Indians, who was slain by the English in or near September, 1676. Amie, the wife, was a sister of Wamsutta, alias Alexander, the successor of Massa- soit and Pometacom, alias King Philip, successor to Alexander and Sonkanuhoo, who is supposed to have been slain at the swamp fight in Pocasset, now Tiver- ton. July 18, 1675, Benjamin, a grandson of tbe black sachem Tuspaquin, married Mercy Felix, a grand- daughter of the educated Indian John Sassamon, whose wife was a daughter of Sassacus, and Benjamin and wife Mercy were the grandparents of Mrs. Zervia Gould Mitchell, who now has her home upon the In- dian reservation at Betty's Neck, so called, in Lake- ville. CHAPTER III. BENCH AND BAR.i Among the prominent agencies which give shape and order in the early development of the civil and social condition of society, the pulpit, press, and bar are perhaps the most potential in moulding the in- stitutions of a new community ; and where these are early planted, the school, academy, and college are not long in assuming their legitimate position, and the maintenance of these institutions secures at the start a social and moral foundation upon which we may safely rest the superstructure of the county, the State, and the nation. The establishment of courts and judicial tribunals, where society is protected in all its civil rights under the sanction of law, and wrong finds a ready redress in an enlightened and prompt administration of jus- tice, is the first necessity of every civilized community, and without which the forces and press of society, in its changeable developments, even under the teach- ings of the pulpit, the directions of the press, and the culture of the schools, are exposed to peril and disaster from the turbulence of passion and conflicts 1 The editor acknowledges his indebteduess in the preparation of this chapter to Hon. W. W. Crapo, ex-Attorney-General Geo. Marstou, Hon. E. L. Barney, Thomas M. Stetson, Hon. Lincoln F. Brigham, Charles W. Clifford, Esq., and Rev. S. Hopkins Emery. of interest ; and hence the best and surest security that even the press, the school, or the pulpit can find for the peaceful performance of its highest functions is when protected by and intrenched behind the bul- warks of law, administered by a pure, independent, and uncorrupted judiciary. The Bristol County bar has from its beginning numbered among its members able jurists, tal- ented advocates, and safe counselors. Here many have lived, flourished, and died, while others still are upon the stage of action who have been promi- nent in the advancement of the interests of the county and figured conspicuously in the councils of the State. New Bedford. — One of the earliest members of the Bristol bar, and a leading lawyer of his day in the State, was Timothy Gardner Coffin, who was born in Nantucket in 1790 of humble Quaker parentage. He early developed a remarkable degree of intelligence, brightness, and activity of mind. He was educated at Brown University, studied law in the office of Kilburn Whitman in Plymouth County, and was ad- mitted to the bar in 1811. He opened an office in New Bedford, and very quickly became a leading lawyer in the county of Bristol, and in the counties of Nantucket, Dukes, Barnstable, and Plymouth, and for more than forty years was engaged in almost every case of importance before the courts of these counties. His contemporaries were Marcus Morton, of Taun- ton, William Baylies, of Bridgewater, L. Eddy, of Middleborough, Charles Holmes, of Rochester, and N. Marston, of Barnstable, all of whom were eminent and skillful lawyers, and Mr. Coffin was an equal of either of them. He was very quick to observe the weakness of his opponent's cause and to present his client's best points. At times he was eloquent. He was a very sharp cross-examiner of witnesses, and few witnesses could evade his keenness. He was very ready at repartee, and quick to answer every inquiry of counsel or court, and his arguments were difficult to answer. He was married to Betsey, daughter of the Hon. John Avery Parker, of New Bedford, a leading mer- chant of that city, and at his death the richest man in New Bedford. Mr. Coffin never held office of any particular con- sequence, but confined his attention, time, and skill to his profession, and at his death, September, 1854, he was without question the ablest lawyer in South- ern Massachusetts. It is said that Daniel Webster, after a hard-fought case at Nantucket, in which Mr. Coffin was engaged against Mr. Webster, speaking afterwards about the case, and in answer to a ques- tion, " Who is Tim Coffin?" said, "He is the ablest lawyer in the United States. He is one I should prefer not to meet of all others I know of." It is said that he once, after a very able argument before the Supreme Court, in answer to the inquiry of the court (Chief Justice Shaw), "If he had any au- BENCH AND BAR. 9 thority to cite to the court to sustain his view and legal points?" replied, "No, your honor, that is for the court to be responsible for its decision. I should prefer not to." He was a very generous and liberal man, with a very kind heart. He was very strong in his likes and dislikes, so that he was a most ardent friend and a very disagreeable enemy. His body lies in the South Cemetery, New Bedford, and where a fine monument was erected to his memory by his children. John S. Russell was born in New Bedford in 1797, and was the son of Charles Russell and Martha Tillinghast. He studied law in the office of Lemuel Williams, at New Bedford. After his admission to the bar he practiced law in Taunton. He afterwards moved to New Bedford, opened a law-office, and con- tinued in practice until his death in 1834. He was a well-read lawyer and well grounded in the principles of his profession. He was a Quaker. He acquired the reputation of being an honest lawyer ; by that I suppose he was slow to advise men to go to law, acting out his religious convictions as well as his profes- sional observation. To this day, nearly fifty years since his death, whenever spoken of he is mentioned as one that maintained the honor of his professional life. He died in 1834, much esteemed and regarded by his neighbors and fellow-townsmen. Lemuel Williams was a lawyer who practiced in New Bedford some fifty years ago. He was at that time one of the leaders of the bar. He was at one time collector of customs in New Bedford, but many years ago he removed from New Bedford to Worces- ter, and so much of his professional life was spent out of the county, we have not thought it proper to say more about him, as he more properly belongs to Worcester County than to Bristol. Charles H. Warren was also one of the early lawyers in New Bedford. He occupied a very hon- orable position, was an able advocate, was for several years district attorney before 1836, afterwards was made judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and was an upright and faithful judge. After he returned from the bench he was made president of the Boston and Providence Railroad, which office he held until his death. Ezra Bassett was born in Rochester, in the com- monwealth of Massachusetts. His parents were poor people. He studied law with his brother, Anslem Bassett, Esq., at Taunton, and commenced the prac- tice of the law in Taunton. He also for a short time had an office in Attleborough. In 1834 he came to New Bedford, and there remained, having a consider- able share of the law business until his death, in De- cember, 1843. He was a good lawyer, had consider- able admiralty practice, and was earnest, energetic, and faithful in his client's interest. He had a large and well-selected law library, perhaps the best law library at the time of any lawyer in New Bedford. He is frequently spoken of by the present members of the bar in the city of New Bedford with much respect. There is now only one member of the bar (Judge Prescott) at New Bedford who was practicing law at his death. Hon. H. G. 0. Colby 1 was the son of Rev. Philip and Harriet (Sewall) Colby, born 1807 in Hallowell, Me. His father was born in Sanbornton, N. H., July 30, 1779, and he was the son of Isaac Colby, a farmer of great industry and strong mind, strict integrity, stern common sense. The maiden name of the wife of Isaac Colby was Phebe Hunt, daughter of Philip Hunt, of Newburyport, Mass., very domestic in her habits, and of a very tender, loving heart. They had nine children. In the year 1800, Philip, the father of Judge Colby, went to Portland, Me., as a merchant's clerk, and afterwards established himself in mercantile pursuits in Hallowell, Me., which he followed for eight years. Six of these years he had been married to his first wife,Miss Harriet Sewall, daughter of Mr. Thomas Sewall, of Vassalborough, Me. They were married the 28th of June, 1804. They had two children. On the 24th of October, 1810, the eldest, a lovely boy of five years, died. "A very remarkable boy," writes Miss Caroline, a daughter of Judge Colby ; " his name Hamilton Van Renssalaer." In February of the following year, the 28th, 1811, the mother also died. "A woman of very fine and most lovely char- acter," writes again Miss Caroline, adding, " these, the mother and the son, are buried side by side at Augusta, Me." This was the beginning of the Christian life of the father of Judge Colby. He joined himself to the church of Rev. Mr. Gillett, Hallowell, with his wife in her sick-room, and dedicated not only himself but his family to the Lord. He soon relinquished his secular business, and removing to Salem, Mass., spent nearly four years studying with Rev. Dr. Worcester, of the Tabernacle Church, and secretary of the Amer- ican Board of Missions. This course of study addi- tional to his academic course in Gilmanton, N. H., and supplemented by a large acquaintance with men and things in a long mercantile life, above all, aided and enforced by the teaching which comes from above, well furnished him for a successful and most useful pastorate with the church in North Middle- borough, Mass., continuing from the summer of 1817 to the time of his death, Feb. 27, 1851, thirty-four years. Harrison Gray Otis Colby, the subject of our present notice, was the only surviving child of the first marriage of the minister. He gave promise even in his boyhood of future eminence. So schol- arly was he that his mother's brother, the eminent Dr. Sewall, of Washington, took charge of his educa- tion and saw him through college. After completing his study of law he was admitted to the Bristol County bar, taking up his residence in i By. Rev. S. Hopkins Emery, of Taunton. 10 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Taunton. Subsequently he removed to New Bedford, having married his wife there, a daughter of John Avery Parker, Esq. Mr. Colby easily took rank among the foremost of the lawyers of the commonwealth. It was no surprise when he was promoted from the bar to the bench. He was of a tall, commanding figure, resembling in this respect his father, and, like this father, he was dignified, courteous, " every inch a gentleman." His daughter Caroline, in 1876, writes : " My father died Feb. 22, 1853, and is buried in New Bedford. Four children, three daughters and a son, survived him, the latter being the youngest child, and now an officer in the United States navy. I have the honor and privilege of being the eldest of the family, and my mother has all her daughters with her, except the be- loved sister next to myself, who died ten years since, leaving a daughter, the only grandchild, as none of the others have ever married." I will add, the widow of Judge Colby became the wife of Rev. Dr. Lambert, a distinguished clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Charlestown, Mass. Thomas Dawes Eliot was born March 20, 1808, in Boston. His father, William Greenleaf Eliot, was of a Boston family, though a resident of Washington for the latter part of his life. His mother's family for many generations were also of Boston. He was named for his grandfather, Judge Thomas Dawes, of the Supreme Judicial Court, whose father was Col. Thomas Dawes, of the Boston Committee of Safety in the Revolutionary period. Mr. Eliot married in 1834, Frances L. Brock, of Nantucket. His brother, Dr. William G. Eliot, is chancellor of the Washing- ton University, at St. Louis, and has been long known as a distinguished Unitarian clergyman in that city. His youngest brother, Capt. Frank A. Eliot, of Phila- delphia, was killed at the battle of Chancellorsville in 1863. Mr. Eliot was graduated in 1825 from Columbia College, in the District of Columbia, and delivered the Latin salutatory address. He soon after com- menced his law studies with his uncle, Chief Justice Cranch, of the Circuit Court of the district, and de- voted himself to a profession which never lost its charms to him. About 1830 he went to New Bed- ford, completed his studies with Judge Charles H. Warren, then in full practice, and upon his admission to the bar was invited to a partnership by Mr. War- ren. Alter Mr. Warren went upon the bench, Mr. Eliot's practice became very large, comprising com- mon law causes in Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, and the island counties, also an extensive equity busi- ness, and employment in admiralty causes, then be- coming very numerous in Southern Massachusetts. He was for about thirty years a regular attendant at all the jury terms in this part of the State, and in ad- dition to his business as senior counsel, kept up his own office business in all branches except criminal practice. He was a thorough legal scholar as well as practitioner, master both of the great principles of the law and of its development by the decisions of the court, fully equipped and ready in the varying as- pects of a trial by jury, and also in the statelier and more scientific debates in banc. Among the causes which attracted public attention in which he was engaged we note the great litigation between the two divisions of the denomination of Friends, where the title to the Quaker meeting-houses in Massachusetts and Rhode Island was at risk, and in which the usages and faiths of the respective sects underwent legal investigation ; also the contests in this county, where he maintained the chartered powers of the Massachusetts Medical Society on issues raised by physicians of the homoeopathic school. We note also a private suit, but which from its novelty and magnitude drew general professional and public at- tention, as the result depended upon the execution, force, and effect of mutual wills. This was the suit of Hetty H. Robinson vs. Thomas Mundell, involving an estate of three millions. The subject of marine insurance was of great and growing importance during his practice. The whaling fleet of New Bed- ford alone contained about four hundred vessels, and we find his name in the reports of nearly all the causes which grew out of the losses of this great fleet, and the curious peculiarities of whaling-ships and whaling. His tastes were so professional that he twice declined an appointment to the bench. He had no desire for office-holding as such, and after serving in the Massachusetts House of Representa- tives and Senate, as the young lawyers were expected to do, kept aloof from political action for many years, devoting himself to practice in the courts, where his reputation for skill, force, and honorable methods was an enviable one. He was of great industry, close application, and conscientious fidelity to his clients, and never lost their confidence. In 1854 he was invited by the Whigs of the First Congressional District to become their candidate for Congress for an unfinished term. His election fol- lowed, and he took his seat in the Thirty-third Con- gress, in the midst of the intense excitement attendant upon the introduction of the Kansas-Nebraska bill, took part in the debate, and his printed speech was circulated by the Whig party to prove its concurrence with the growing anti-slavery sentiment of the State. The next year the Whig party went down before the Native American organization. Its State ticket and all its members of Congress were defeated, and the party never again appeared in political action. The slavery issues were now engaging political attention. The "Conscience Whigs," so called in Massachusetts, deemed their old party useless for the situation, and sought, with the aid of the Free-Soil organization and practical anti-slavery men of all schools, to organize anew. The result was the Re- publican party. Mr. Eliot was greatly interested in - ^ BENCH AND BAR. 11 its formation. He organized the first meeting of the new party in this county. He was unanimously nominated as its candidate for attorney-general of the commonwealth, but declined the nomination, and later presided at its State Convention. After he had been absent from Congress for two congressional terms, the First District again elected him by an immense majority. From this re-election he con- tinued in Congress without opposition till his refusal of further service in 1869. He was early identified in Congress with the anti-slavery spirit of the North. In 1854 he made the first effort for repeal of the Fugitive Slave Law by offering a bill for that pur- pose. In the session of 1861-62 he urged the adop- tion of views by the government that should enforce its loftiest authority, and his speeches and debates show how little he regarded all forms and traditions which stood in the way of the safety of the people, which is the suprema lex. He insisted that the pro- tection of the endangered national life justified the strongest measures. He ridiculed the idea of war upon peace principles, and the notion then prevalent of protecting rebels in their slave property when those slaves were wanted for the national defense. In this session he introduced a resolution declaring the right and duty of military commauders to emancipate the slaves of rebels, and supported it by a speech. In 1862, as chairman of the Select Committee on Con- fiscation, he reported two bills, one for the confiscation of rebel property and one for the emancipation of slaves of rebels. The former was passed, but the latter passed the House only. In 1864 he was chair- man of the Committee on Emancipation, and reported and advocated the bill establishing a Bureau of Freed- men's Affairs, which became a law. It was in the conception, formation, and passage of this bill, and in his watchful care of the interests of the bureau when organized, that he performed a service which places his name not only among far-seeing statesmen, but among the wisest and best philanthropists. It is one of the enduring honors of the nation's statute- book, a high-water mark of the humanities of civil- ized legislation. It was vetoed by President Johnson, and was only carried over his veto by the unflagging zeal and devotion of Mr. Eliot. He was the author of the Coolie Bill, and its pas- sage was due to his efforts. The system of importa- tion of Chinese coolies bound by labor contracts was leading to a system hardly less abominable and degrad- ing than actual slavery. Under his lead the Thirty- seventh Congress enacted a stringent law prohibiting American vessels from engaging in this trade, a result deemed by the anti-slavery sentiment of England and America as second only to the abolition of the African slave trade. At the end of the war Mr. Eliot desired to leave j Congress, but the urgent call of the district prevented, | and he remained in failing health till 1869, and then absolutely declined a renomination after a service of eleven years. He then hoped to resume practice at the bar, but increasing illness prevented. His death occurred June 14, 1870. Eminent as he was in forensic and parliamentary debate, he was not less so in conscientious fidelity to duty, for unselfish patriotism and his noble advocacy of human rights. He had the well-won esteem of the bar and bench. In public life, too, he was com- pletely trusted by his associates and respected by his political opponents. His position was never doubtful ; he felt it the duty of statesmen to try to lead the people where they should go, and was willing to take the risks of such a course. An anecdote may be in place here showing how the astute head and kindly heart of President Lincoln recognized the same qualities in Mr. Eliot. A citizen of Massachusetts of good character was indicted for embezzlement from a post-office. The trial was a difficult one upon evidence mainly cir- cumstantial, and the result a conviction and heavy sentence. An application for pardon was made to the Presi- dent by the neighbors of the defendant, who had long known him and could not believe him guilty. Mr. Lincoln referred the topic to the Law Depart- ment, and this led to an adverse and positive report from the United States attorney who had tried the case. Mr. Lincoln was not satisfied. He had ac- quired doubts of the propriety of the conviction, partly from his own examination of the case and partly from the zeal of the prosecuting officer, which he said was praiseworthy but might be too partisan. At last he wrote upon the papers " referred to Hon. T. D. Eliot. — Abraham Lincoln." Mr. Eliot made a careful investigation, was convinced that the verdict was wrong, and so reported to the President. A pardon followed with a promptness that sur- prised and rather provoked the prosecuting officers. When Mr. Eliot next met Mr. Lincoln the latter ad- vanced with both hands extended and face full of sat- isfaction, " Well, Eliot," said he, "we've got our man clear." We close this sketch of Mr. Eliot by an extract from the New Bedford Mercury, written at the time of his death : " Mr. Eliot was pure-minded, kind-hearted, of ster- ling integrity, and of a most catholic spirit. In our unreserved intercourse with him, we can recall no instance in which he indulged in any unkind, un- charitable, or disparaging remarks about even those who had maligned him. He spoke no ill of his neighbor, but evinced a spirit of charity as beautiful as it is rare. " He was a deeply religious man, always ready with good words, and as ready with good works. Of his labors in the Sunday-school of the Unitarian Church, where for years he was superintendent, many of our readers have grateful recollections. His heart was in the work, and he deeply regretted the necessity of its 12 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. relinquishment. Thousands will call to mind his in- valuable services as president of the National Con- ference of Unitarian Churches and also of the Amer- ican Unitarian Association, his admirable tact in the chair, his hearty zeal and enthusiasm, and his earnest and successful exertions for fraternal union. He was a generous man, prompt to give to every good object, and foremost in his contributions of money or of labor to sustain all benevolent enterprises. Better than any triumph at the bar or the highest honors won in po- litical life is the simple record of his unselfish Christian life. He rests from his labors, and his works do follow him." John Ham Williams Page 1 was born at Gilman- ton, N. H., and was graduated at Harvard College in the class of 1826. In September of that year he took charge of Friends' Academy at New Bedford, where he continued until the spring of 1829, when impaired health compelled him to resign that position. After a brief season of rest he commenced the study of the law, and was for a time at the Dane Law School in Cambridge. He was admitted to the bar in June, 1832, and at once opened an office at New Bedford, where he soon acquired a remunerative practice. His vigorous mind and capacity and method of applica- tion had mastered the principles of legal science, and his quickness of apprehension and practical industry soon made him familiar with the details of business. His vigor, earnestness, and evident ability attracted and retained clients, who never had occasion to regret their selection of counsel. If he excelled in any one branch of professional service more than another it was in the application of the law to the affairs of active business. He had grown into ripeness of experience and preparation when the disturbed condition of prac- tical affairs, before and in the year 1837, before there was any insolvent law or bankrupt law, furnished abundant occupation for bright, energetic, and capa- ble lawyers. Mr. Page had at this time a large client- age, and no one was more faithful and indefatigable than he was in his employment. He maintained a leading position at the bar of Bristol County, prac- ticing also in the counties of Plymouth, Barnstable, Nantucket, and Dukes County, until he removed to Boston to assume the duties of treasurer of the Law- rence machine-shop, a large manufacturing establish- ment, in which place he continued for many years. Before this he was a member of the House of Rep- resentatives, and was chairman of the Railroad Com- mittee. During his service there a charter was granted for a railroad from Middleborough to Sand- wich, as the Cape Cod Branch Railroad, in which Mr. Page took a strong interest, and a few years later he was chosen president of that railroad corporation, and remained as such until his death. He supervised the financial affairs of the railroad company daring the extension of the road from Sandwich to Hyannis, and assisted largely to maintain its credit and make it finally successful. He was vigilant to understand all the details of the affairs of the company, and was thoroughly informed in railroad management. He took a deep and practical interest in agriculture, and was for a number of years the president of the Bristol County Agricultural Society, which was never more successful than while under his efficient manage- ment. While Mr. Page showed great capability in all the various matters with which he was concerned, in none was he more conspicuous than as a lawyer. It was an evident mistake that he left a profession the duties of which he was so well suited to fill and adorn to enter quite late in life upon the more uncertain field of business, and in which he was not wholly successful. Mr. Page was an excellent scholar as well as lawyer, and his social qualities endeared him closely to those who knew him best and understood him best. John Henry Clifford, 2 the sixth of thirteen children of Benjamin and Achsah (Wade) Clifford, was born in Providence, R. I., on the 16th of January, 1809, and graduated at Brown University in 1827. He was admitted to the bar of Bristol County in 1830, after completing his course in the study of law, under the direction of Hon. Timothy G. Coffin, at New Bedford, and of Hon. Theron Metcalf, after- wards one of the judges of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts at Dedham, Norfolk Co., Mass. On the 16th of January, 1832, he married Sarah Parker Allen, daughter of William Harland and Ruth (Parker) Allen, the latter a daughter of Hon. John Avery and Averie (Standish) Parker, who was a descendant in the sixth generation from Capt. Miles Standish. He practiced law in New Bedlord from the time of his admission to the bar to the day of his death, at first, for a brief period, as the partner of Hon. Timo- thy G. Coffin, subsequently, for nearly ten years, as the partner of Harrison G. O. Colby, Esq., his class- mate in college. From 1845 to 1853 his student of law, Lincoln F. Brigham, now chief justice of the Superior Court of Massachusetts, was his junior partner, and after 1853 he had no partner in the practice of law. His first appearance in public life was in 1835, when he was a representative of New Bedford in the Legislature of Massachusetts. It was the year of the revision of the statutes of the commonwealth, and he did good and faithful service on the large committee which had that subject in charge. In 1836 he be- came one of the aides-de-camp of Governor Everett, and retained that position until, by a single vote out of a hundred thousand votes, Mr. Everett's chief magistracy was brought to a close in 1840. Before Mr. Everett went out of office, however, in 1839, he had conferred upon Col. Clifford, in 1 By Hon. George Mar-ton. - By Hun. L. F. Brighiini. E * - '-by JmtcJ/r(7c$, BENCH AND BAR. 13 whom he had the highest confidence, the appoint- ment of district attorney for the Southern District of Massachusetts, an office in which he served the com- monwealth assiduously and successfully for nearly ten years. Meantime, in 1845, the county of Bristol had elected him a member of the Senate of Massa- chusetts, where he gave renewed evidence of his ability and accomplishments as a debater and a legis- lator. In 18-19 he entered upon the duties of an office which was to be the field of his longest and most distinguished public service. In that year he re- ceived from Governor Briggs the appointment of attorney-general of the State. Early in the following year it fell to his lot to con- duct a memorable trial, with which his name will be always most prominently and honorably associated. No trial in the history of our country for many gen- erations, if ever, has excited a deeper interest or challenged a more anxious and critical attention than that of Professor John W. Webster for the murder of Dr. George Park man. In Blackwood's Magazine for June, 1850, in an article on " Modern State Trials," being one of a series of articles from the pen of the eminent bar- rister, Samuel Warren, the author of " Diary of a Physician" and of " Ten Thousand a Year," occurs the following passage: " It was our intention to have included in this paper a sketch of a great American trial for murder, that of the late Professor Webster for the murder of Dr. Parkman, a fearful occurrence, a black and dismal tragedy from beginning to end, exhibiting most remarkable indications, as it appears to us, of the overruling Providence which sometimes sees fit to allow its agency in human affairs to become visible to us. All we shall at present say on the subject is that the reply of Mr. Clifford for the prosecution cannot be excelled in close and conclusive reasoning, conveyed in language equally elegant and forcible. Its effect, as a demonstration of the guilt of the ac- cused, is fearful." In the autumn of 1852 a convention of the Whig party of Massachusetts nominated Attorney-General Clifford for Governor of the State. He accepted the nomination with reluctance, and although he re- ceived nearly twenty-five thousand votes more than either of the opposing candidates, he was not elected by the people. On the meeting of the Legislature, however, he was chosen by the votes of the two branches, and was inaugurated as Governor of Mas- sachusetts on the 14th of January, 1853. In his inaugural address he used the following characteristic words : "The law is our only sovereign. The loyalty which in other coun- tries is rendered to the mere accident of birth is here due to that invisible but omnipresent power which we have voluntarily enthroned and established for our protection and guidance under the majestic name of Law."' Governor Clifford discharged the duties of the chief magistracy with great fidelity and dignity, and it was only for him to say whether he should remain in the office for a second year. But his interest in his profession determined him to decline a renomination, and on the election of Governor Emory Washburn as his successor he was at once called on by him to resume his place as attorney-general of the common- wealth. He continued to hold that office — by execu- tive appointment for one year, by legislative election for another, and again for a third by the choice of the people of the State — until 1858. He had thus served the commonwealth as its highest law-officer for a full term of seven years in all, and in that capacity had certainly rendered his best public service and acquired his greatest public distinction. In retiring finally from his position he did not abandon his professional labors, but was frequently to be found in the highest courts of the common- wealth and of the nation in the argument of impor- tant cases. During the terrible civil war which soon afterwards afflicted the country he omitted no efforts in his power to sustain the cause of the Union accord- ing to the convictions of his own conscience. More than once he was summoned to Washington to hold council with cabinet officers in regard to measures in contemplation. At home, too, he spared neither time nor money in encouraging the soldiers who went out from his own city or county. In 18G2 he accepted an election to the State Senate, and was at once chosen president of that body, in that capacity rendering conspicuous service to the commonwealth at the most critical period of the war. In 1868 he was one of the electors at large, and united in giving the vote of Massachusetts to President Grant. In the previous year, however, 1867, he had en- tered upon a line of life which was finally to separate him from further professional or political service, and to confine him to the routine of practical business. Assuming the charge of the Boston and Providence Railroad corporation as its president, he devoted himself to its affairs with all his accustomed earnest- ness and energy. He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He was also a member of the Massachusetts Historical Society. But he rendered larger services to Harvard University at Cambridge, of which he was for many years one of the overseers and repeatedly the president of the board, in which capacity it became his duty to officiate at the induc- tion iu 1853 of the late Rev. Dr. Walker, and in 1869 of Charles W. Eliot, Esq., as presidents of the uni- versity. He received the degree of LL.D. from Brown University and also from Harvard University. Governor Clifford was also one of the original board of trustees of the great education fund established by the munificence of George Peabody, his personal friend, for the impoverished and desolated States of the South. No one was more faithful to that noble 14 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. trust, and no one will be more affectionately and gratefully remembered by all who were associated with him in its labors and responsibilities. In the spring of 1873 he was compelled to abandon all occupation and fly to the salubrious airs of Florida. In the spring of 1875 a visit to Europe was recom- mended to him, and he sailed for Liverpool on the 24th of April of that year. Before Governor Clifford embarked for Europe he had declined appointments as United States Minister both to Russia and to Turkey, which had been suc- cessively offered to him by the administration at Washington. He had, however, previously accepted an appointment as United States Commissioner on the Fisheries under the arbitration treaty with Great Britain, and had always contemplated fulfilling that appointment. But his work was ended, public and private. In- deed, he had hardly reached his home in New Bed- ford, after a brief stay in Boston, where he arrived, and was but just beginning to receive from his old friends and neighbors the tokens of welcome which had awaited him, when a disease of the heart, which had given mysterious indications in former years, was now unmistakably manifested. A very few weeks sufficed to bring it to a crisis, and on the morning of the 2d of January, 1876, he died at New Bedford, in the house in which he had enjoyed for more than forty years the rarest domestic felicity, although from it again and again beloved children, in the most en- dearing stages of their lives, had been taken by the angel of death. His wife, two daughters, and three sons _Charles Warren Clifford, Walter Clifford, both members of the bar of Bristol County, and Dr. Arthur Clifford, since deceased — survived him. The following tribute to Governor Clifford was of- fered by a distinguished statesman of Virginia (the Hon. Alexander H. H. Stuart) when his death was announced at the annual meeting of the Peabody trustees at the White Sulphur Springs, in Virginia, in August, 1876 : "There was a quiet dignity and grace in every movement, and his countenance beamed with intelli- gence and benignity. To a mind of great power he united a heart which throbbed with generous im- pulses, and a happy facility of expression which gave a peculiar charm to his conversation. There was a frankness in his bearing and a genial urbanity about him which at ouce commended confidence and in- spired good will. Every one who approached him felt attracted by a species of personal magnetism which was irresistible." This biography of John Henry Clifford would be inadequate as a testimonial of his life and career if it did not include a statement of the following public demonstrations in memory of him which upon his death emanated from the political, charitable, literary, commercial, and professional institutions in which he had exercised conspicuous and beneficent functions : Telegram from the State Department of the United States: " Washington, Jan. 3, 1876. " The announcement of the death of your most excellent father is re- ceived with the deepest regret. The country loses a good and pure man. The President tenders his sincere condolence. Be assured of my sym- pathy and sorrow. " Hamilton Fish, Secretary of Stale. "Charles W. Clifford, Esq., New Bedford." Extract from Governor Rice's Inaugural Message to the Legislature of Mas- sachusetts, Jan. 6, 1876. " Nor can you or I forget that even now the earth is receiving to its bosom the remains of a past chief magistrate of the commonwealth, who embodied in his character and exemplified in his life all that we recognize as highest and noblest in the name of Christian and scholar, statesman, gentleman, and friend." "In Senate of Massachusetts, Jan. 11, 1$>76. "The committee on the death of ex-Governor Clifford, to whom was referred the communication of His Excellency the Governor, report the accompanying resolutions: " ' Resolved, That in the death of John Henry Clifford, ex-Governor of Massachusetts, the commonwealth has lostone of its most useful, accom- plished, and distinguished citizens. Whether his varied and well-trained powers were exerted in the cause of education or in the execution of the laws, or exercised in debate in either branch of the Legislature of this State, or tested in the responsible executive duties devolving upon him as the chief magistrate of this commonwealth, in all the positions of public trust he so worthily filled he illustrated the ardor of his pa- triotism, the vigor of his intellectual powers, and added to the fame of the State which now mourns his death and honors his memory. "'Resolved, That his private, no less thau his public, life bore testi- mony to the wisdom, strength, beauty, ami grace of his personal charac- ter; dignified without austerity, firm and decided in his convictions, yet courteous and deferential to those of his associates, with a power to apply his varied attainments to the practical affairs of business life, he added to the prosperity and happiness of his fellow-citizens by his ser- vices and counsel, and thus exemplified the peculiar republican sim- plicity of our systems of government, which recognize all public posi- tions as temporary trusts, conferring honor only upon those who by wise and pure administration prove themselves worthy the no less honorable duties of private life.' " In Senate, Jan. 11, 1S76. " Adopted. Sent down for concurrence. "S. N. Giffokd, Clerk. "Concurred. " House of Representatives, Jan. 11, 1876. " George A. Makden, Clerk." Tribide of the Trustees of the Peabody Education Fund. "Annual Meeting, " White Sulphur Springs, Aug. 5, 1876. "The following resolutions, proposed by Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, of Virginia, and seconded by Gen. Richard Taylor, of Louisiana, were unanimously adopted: " ' Resolved, That we have heard with profound sorrow of the death, since our last annual meeting, of Hon. John II. Clifford, one of our original trustees, appointed by Mr. George Peabody to superintend the administration of his munificent donations to the cause of education in the Southern States. We feel that in the death of Governor Clifford we have lost the services and co-operation of one of the most useful, zeal- ous, and efficient members of our body, and that we have been deprived of the society of a gentleman whose eminent talents, liberal attainments, dignified and affable manners, and genial temper were sources of con- stant pleasure to all who had the good fortune to be thrown into inti- mate association with him. As legislator, attorney-general, and Gov- ernor of Massachusetts, he gave abundant evidence of his wisdom, legal and administrative ability, and enlightened patriotism. As a sagacious, energetic, and public-spirited citizen, he contributed largely to the de- velopment of the material interests of his native State. And in his private life there was a continual exhibition of those manly virtues and attractive graces which dignify and adorn the character of the Christian gentleman. " 'His seat at our board has been left vacant. The places that have known him will know him no more. He has gone to enjoy the reward of a well-spent life. All that is left to us is the memory of his talents, his eminent public services, and his many virtues. BENCH AND BAR. 15 " ' We bow with humble resignation to the will of Him in whose bauds are the issues of life and death, and with sorrowful hearts we now de- sire to inscribe on our records this imperfect tribute of reverence and affection for the memory of our deceased associate and friend.' "George Pf.aboi>y Russell, Secretary." " Tribute of the Overse(rs of Harvard University, Jan. 26, 1876. "In the death of our late associate, John H. Clifford, we recognize the interruption of an honorable, useful, and happy life. Born in another Stale, he attained the highest official station in our commonwealth; educated in another university, he presided for many years over the Overseers of Harvard ; trained to the law, he reached its high honors a quarter of a century before he retired from practice to gain equal pre- cedence in another field of labor; trusted with high public offices, he held in private social station an equal rank ; and whether in public or in private, he held no place which he did not adequately fill. Adminis- tering the affairs of the commonwealth or the business of his corpora- tion, he was wise in counsel, conservative in action, skillful in dealing with men. Presiding in the Senate or in this board, we well know his tact, his courtesy, his impartiality. In his profession, to the strength of a sound mind' in a sound body he did not disdain to add the grace of clear expression and of silver speech. As attorney-general, he gave a dignity to the office of public prosecutor, which in his hands partook of the nature of judicial service. In private life, welcome at every board, he welcomed bis friends to bis own with a broad, free hospitality. Suc- cess waited upon desert throughout his life. As a public man, no malice assailed, no envy touched him. In his profession, the successful prose- cution of a great criminal in a cause ctJUbre gave him a name at home and abroad. In his later business career, he left the corporation which he had in charge at the head of its kind in prosperity, and gave to our city an ornament which may stand as a monument alike of his good taste and his good judgment. His grace of manner, the expression of a kind and genial nature, attracted hosts of friends, whom bis real worth retained ; and in the sacred circle of home love was given and returned without stint or limit. He carried into public and business life the high sense of honor which is too often left at the home threshold ; and the State-House, the court-house, and the railroad felt its presence and its in- fluence. "Society has lost in him a noble gentleman, the State a useful citizen, this board an honored member, and many of us a dear friend." Tribute of the Boston and Providence Railroad Corporation. " At a meeting of the directors of the Boston and Providence Railroad corporation, railed for Wednesday, Jan. 12, 1S76, owing to the death of the Hon. John Henry Clifford, the late president of the company, which occurred suddenly at his home in New Bedford, on Sunday morning, Jan- uary 2d, in the sixty-seventh year of his age, the following resolutions wen- adopted and ordered to be entered upon the records. The acting- president was requested to send a copy to Mr. Clifford's family : "In the death of their president, his associate directors recognize the loss to the community — in which he had held so prominent and honor- able a position during a peculiarly active and useful life — of a distin- guished chief magistrate, of a pure, able, and eloquent public servant in the Senate and the forum, of a valued citizen, and of a most genial, cultivated, and courteous gentleman. " His presence will be missed from the academic exercises and advising council of our neighboring university, of which he was an adopted and favorite son, and whose honors he so greatly valued ; from the list of the loyal living suns of his own cherished Alma Mater, and from the board of trustees who were charged with the liberal educational bequest of the late George Peabody. " The grief of the house of mourning for its beloved head is known but too well. "The general government, whose proffers of diplomatic life he felt obliged to decline, the commonwealth and the bar, with many learned bodies of which he was a member, have already offered their tributes to the memory of Mr. Clifford ; but, as intimately associated with him in his official position as president of this corporation, we wish to make some simple record of the attachment and bereavement of every person connected with it. " And it is therefore "Resolved, That by the death of President Clifford the stockholders of the Boston and Providence Railroad corporation have lost the services of one who gave of the best years of his life to their interests, and during whose administration, marked as it was by enterprise, discretion, and a conservative liberality, the prosperity of the road was so con- spicuous." . . . Tribute of the Bar of the County of Bristol, Massachusetts. " New Bedfobd, Jan. 6, 1876. "Hon. George Marston, district attorney, presented to the court the following resolutions of the Bristol County bar: " ' Upon the decease of the Hon. John Henry Clifford, it is by the bar of Bristol County '" Resolved, That while we are saddened by the affliction which has removed from our sight our most eminent brother and leader, our recol- lection of his professional career affords the highest satisfaction. His love of the law, as the chosen pursuit of his life, was sincere, ardent, con- trolling, and unabated. His ability was unquestioned in every depart- ment of his profession. His learning was ample and his skill adequate to every exigency. The tone of his practice, whether in consultation or in his addresses to the jury or to the court, was always in accord with the purest ethics. His fidelity to his client and his cause was only equaled by his fidelity to the best standards of honor and duty. As the law officer of the commonwealth, he added dignity to the office and dis- tinction to the State. The fame which he attained as a lawyer was illus- trated by the noblest qualities of personal character.'" The foregoing biography has been composed mostly by adopting, in substance and in words, parts of a memoir prepared— agreeably to a resolution of the Massachusetts Historical Society — by Hon. Robert C. Winthrop, who became, in 1836, one of the aides-de- camp of Governor Edward Everett, and then formed with Col. Clifford ties which for more than forty years were maintained by constant correspondence and familiar friendship. The composer of this biog- raphy is one who regrets that the necessary limita- tions of his work do not permit him to do justice to the charming and endearing personality of John Henry Clifford, and to an experience of his abundant and delicate kindness of heart during more than thirty years of intimate professional and affectionate social intercourse with him. Joseph Ricketson Williams, son of Richard and Rebecca (Smith) Williams, of New Bedford, Mass., was born on the 14th of November, 1808, and was a lineal descendant of Edward Winslow, the Puritan. Under the instruction of Luther B. Lincoln he was fitted for Harvard at the Sandwich Academy. He gained a high rank of scholarship, and graduated with distinguished honors at Cambridge in 1831. He then entered the law-office of Hon. John Davis in Worces- ter, with whom he completed his studies for the prac- tice of law. After his admittance to the bar, he was offered a partnership with Hon. John H. Clifford, of New Bedford, which his uncertain state of health induced him to decline, and he relinquished his pro- fession, and in 1835 he accepted the agency of an extensive New England company for investments in Western lands, and went to Toledo, Ohio. There he built the American Hotel, and, with Mr. Pierre M. Irving, laid the foundation of the Toledo Blade, and gave it its significant name. In 1839 he took up val- uable lands on St. Joseph's River in Michigan, and built a fine flouring mill, which after a profitable business of several years was destroyed by fire. From 1837 to 1853, Mr. Williams was largely iden- tified with the political interests of the State of Mich- igan. Twice a candidate for the United States Senate against Gen. Cass, and three times a Whig candidate 16 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. for Congress, owing to the overwhelming strength of the Democratic party, the Whigs were successively defeated. He was elected a member of the Constitu- tional Convention of Michigan in 1850. In 1853 he returned to Toledo, bought out the Blade, which then became the sturdy advocate of Republican principles. It nominated Salmon Chase for Governor of the State, and did more for the party in Northern Ohio than all the other papers in the State. After three years of editorial labor his health again failed him, and he accepted at the hands of the Michigan Legislature the presidency of the Agricultural College of Michigan at Lansing. Few men had written with greater ability on agricultural subjects, and he was marked as the most suitable person to inaugurate this experiment, the first of its kind in this country. The undertaking prospered, but after a year of laborious exertion he was forced to abandon the work and seek relief in Havana and the Bermudas. He returned in 1860 improved in health, and was elected to the Senate of Michigan, which body elected him president. His speeches to the Senate at the outbreak of the Rebellion are models of patriotism and eloquence. Mr. Williams was a writer of great power, his ideas comprehensive, and his words fitly chosen. He was a man of great heart, generous, and deeply sensitive to the misfortunes of his fellow-men. In social life he was a most agreeable companion, full of intelligence, with a large acquaintance with books and extensive literary acquirements, which served to adorn his natural powers as a conversationalist. The precarious state of his health prevented him from being one of the men of mark in his native State, and returning in a large measure to his Alma Mater the fruits of her planting. His death at any time would have been felt as a calamity, but it happened at a time when the thoughts of such men were needed to give tone and character to the public acts and enterprises of the age, and was felt most keenly by his associates. Mr. Williams died suddenly on the 15th of June, 1861, at his old home in Constantine, and was buried in New Bedford. He married in Buffalo, in 1844, Sarah Rowland Langdon, daughter of John Langdon, and grandniece of Gen. John Langdon, of New Hampshire. Hon. Joshua Clapp Stone, a son of Henry B. and Elizabeth [Clapp) Stone, was born in Boston on the 28th of August, 1825. His father was cashier and president of the Suffolk Bank. He lived in Boston till 1838, and was there a pupil of Mr. T. B. Haywood. At an academy at Leicester, Mass., he prepared for Harvard College, which he entered in 1840. He was a diligent student, and his gentlemanly manners, honorable bearing, sympathetic nature, and genial ways won and retained the universal respect of the faculty and his fellow-students. After his graduation in 1844 he entered the Dane Law School of Harvard. In 1846 he entered the law-office of Col. J. H. W. Paige, of New Bedford, remaining there till 1853, when he associated himself with Judge Brigham, of the same city, remaining with him till Mr. Brigham was appointed to the bench, when he returned to Boston. The attractions of New Bedford for him led him back to that city in 1862, when he entered into partnership with Hon. W. W. Crapo, with whom he remained till his death. He was at one time justice of the Court of Insolvency for the county of Bristol. In 1866 and 1867 he represented the Eleventh Representative District in the Massa- chusetts Legislature. Sept. 17, 1850, Mr. Stone married Elizabeth, daugh- ter of Nathaniel and Anna Hatheway, of New Bed- ford. He died in that city Jan. 2, 1869, leaving a widow and five children, four sons and a daughter, all of whom are living. Mr. Stone was held in high esteem, and was a great loss not only to his family, but to the social and business community and to the legal profession. As a counselor, he was regarded as honorable and upright; as an advocate, convincing, persuasive, earnest, and logical ; as a legislator, pub- lic-spirited, zealous, and sincere. His associates ot the bar had a high appreciation of his legal knowledge and keen judgment ; judges before whom lie appeared showed their appreciation of his manliness, ability, and sincerity ; the Legislature felt his power, and was honored and strengthened by his presence. Oliver Prescott is now the oldest lawyer prac- ticing law in New Bedford. He was born in Mid- dlesex County, Nov. 25, 1806, was educated at Har- vard College, and, after teaching at the Friends' Academy in New Bedford, and studying law in the law school at Cambridge, in the office of Lemuel Wil- liams, Esq., of New Bedford, was admitted to the bar at the June term in 1832. He was appointed judge of probate in 1835, and held that office until the court was abolished in 1858. He was in 1846 appointed judge of the police court of New Bedford, and held that office until 1858, when he resigned. He has always been a careful, wise, and discreet ad- viser, and has had more experience in probate matters than any other lawyer in this county. He has always had the confidence and regard of his brethren at the bar, and is now held in much esteem by all classes of the citizens of New Bedford and adjoining towns. Hon. George Marston. — When in the winter of 1868-69 the members of the New Bedford bar stood around the open grave of Joshua C. Stone, paying the last tribute of respect to one who from the first rank in the profession had just passed away in the fullness of his great powers, the thought must have passed through the minds of many, " Who will fill his place?" The older members of the bar had then all either passed away, retired from active practice, or gone upon the bench, and while others were dis- tinguished in other branches of the profession the mantle of leadership in the courts had fallen upon Ijljlxl LL Ujlxj^C^ BENCH AND BAR. 17 Stone and Stetson. To this high position made va- cant by the death of Mr. Stone the name of no heir- apparent appeared upon the roll of the New Bedford bar, which at this time was very limited in number, and it was evident that Mr. Stone's successor must be found elsewhere. The reputation which George Mars- ton, of Barnstable, then district attorney for the South- ern District, had already achieved throughout South- ern Massachusetts determined the selection, and on Feb. 1, 1869, Mr. Marston removed to New Bedford and took the vacant chair. Burn at Barnstable, Oct. 15, 1821, he was educated at the common schools of his native town, and com- pleted his professional education at the Harvard Law School, and was admitted to the bar at the September term, 1845. But no adequate conception of his op- portunities in the preparation for his professional ca- reer would be gained without remembering that he had the good fortune to sit at the feet of Nynphas Marston, his uncle, whose influence, inspired by the respect and affection and confidence in which he was held by the people of his county, was said to be so great that a Barnstable County jury could not give a verdict against Nynphas Marston, and it was un- doubtedly from this source that the nephew acquired those characteristics which, on a wide field, enabled him to repeat his uncle's experience. While a resi- dent of Barnstable he was, from March, 1853, to De- cember, 1854, register of probate, and judge of probate from 1854 to July 1, 1858. For nearly twenty years (January, 1860-79) he held the office of district at- torney for the Southern District with such marked ability and conscientious devotion to its delicate and responsible duties that when, on his promotion to the office of attorney-general, he resigned this office to which he had been seven times elected, the bar of Bristol united in a public testimonial of their appre- ciation of his public worth and distinguished services. Entering on the discharge of his duties as attorney- general of the commonwealth, January, 1879, he was three times re-elected, and having in the fall of 1882 declined a renomination, he closed, in January, 1883, a service of a quarter of a century as a prosecu- ting officer with a record of unsullied integrity, great ability, and the affectionate regard of all classes of people rarely equaled. But it is not only as a public officer that he is known and respected. For the last fifteen years scarcely a cause of the first magnitude has been tried on the civil side of the court in which Mr. Marston has not been engaged, and in which his arguments to the jury have been masterpieces of fo- rensic ability. Nor has his work been confined en- tirely to the strict line of his profession. As presi- dent of the Nantucket and Cape Cod Steamboat Company, director of the Old Colony Eailroad Com- pany, the Citizens' National Bank of New Bedford, and the Quincy Mutual Fire Insurance Company, he has displayed business abilities of a high order. And so the members of the New Bedford bar feel 2 that the question which was in their minds on that beautiful winter's day in January, 1869, has been fully answered, and that with untiring energy and pre-eminent ability, with marvelous resources and quickness in their use, with the keenest conception of the true relation of facts to each other, with an un- limited fertility of expression and effective and per- suasive diction, all united with an impressive phy- sique, and with all these great powers held in place and controlled by a fullness of heart which has won the affection, and a character of perfect integrity which has commanded the respect, of all, George Marston has worthily and completely continued the succession of the leaders of the bar of Southern Mas- sachusetts. Lincoln Flagg Brigham was born in Cambridge (Port), Mass., on Oct. 4, 1819, and was the youngest of six children, whose parents were Lincoln Brigham, son of Elijah and Ruth (Taylor) Brigham, of South- boro', Mass., and Lucy (Forbes) Brigham, daughter of Elisha and Hannah (Flagg) Forbes, of Westboro', Mass. Lincoln Brigham, father of the subject of this sketch, was a descendant of the sixth generation from " Thomas Brigham, who, aged thirty-two years, embarked at London for New England April 18, 1635, in the ship 'Susan and Ellyn,' Edward Payne, master," and was a " townsman" of Cambridge, Mass., where he died in 1853, leaving three sons, who upon the second marriage of their mother settled in Marl- boro', Mass., and are supposed to have been the pro- genitors of all persons in the United States bearing the name of Brigham. Lincoln F. Brigham, when partially fitted for col- lege, entered the counting-room of Samuel Austin, Jr., a distinguished merchant of Boston, engaged in trade with Calcutta, and after remaining in this em- ployment between two and three years, abandoned his commercial education and prepared for college under the private tuition of Rev. David Peabody, the husband of his eldest sister, and afterwards Professor of Belles-Lettres and Rhetoric in Dartmouth College ; entered in 1838, and graduated from Dartmouth College in 1842. He immediately upon leaving col- lege entered the Dane Law School of Harvard Uni- versity, and there remained until January, 1844, when he entered as a student of law the office of Clif- ford (John H.) & Colby (Harrison G. O.) at New Bedford, and there studied law until he was admitted to the bar in Court of Common Pleas, Bristol County, at New Bedford, June term, 1845. H. G. O. Colby having a month previously been appointed a justice of the Court of Common Pleas, Mr. Clifford, on July 1, 1845, received Mr. Brigham into a partnership with him in the practice of law, which continued until Mr. Clifford became Governor of Massachusetts in 1853, when he appointed Mr. Brigham to the office of district attorney of the Southern District of Massa- chusetts, comprising the counties of Bristol, Barn- stable, Nantucket, and Duke's. 18 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. On Oct. 20, 1847, Lincoln F. Brigham married Eliza Endicott Swain, only daughter of Thomas Swain, of New Bedford, and son of Thaddeus and Ruth (Hus- sey) Swain, both natives of Nantucket, and Sylvia (Perry) Swain, of New Bedford, daughter of Dr. Samuel and Sylvia (Clapp) Perry, and their children are four sons. Mr. Brigham held the office of district attorney of the Southern District, under his original appointment, until 1856, when, that office becoming elective, he was elected to and continued in it until he was appointed in 1859 by Governor N. P. Banks, upon the estab- lishment of the Superior Court, to be one of its asso- ciate justices, and served in that office until on Jan. 28, 1869, upon the promotion of Seth Ames, chief justice of the Superior Court to the Supreme Judicial Court, Governor William Chaflin appointed Judge Brigham to the chief justiceship of the Superior Court, and he is now in that office. Judge Brigham resided in New Bedford from 1844 to 1860, in Boston from 1860 to 1866, and from 1866 to this time in Salem, Essex Co., Mass. Judge Brigham has never held or been a candidate for any political office. Judge Brigham's career has been one of constant success; whether at the bar pleading for his client, or as public prosecutor enforcing the criminal laws of the commonwealth, or upon the bench holding with absolute impartiality the scales of justice, he has won the unqualified approval of all with whom he has been associated. But, better even than this, his per- fect mental and moral integrity, born of a conscience which palliates no deviation from the highest and most exacting standard of duty, has won for his pro- fessional and judicial life the respect and admiration of every class of men ; while his courtesy and be- nignity, beaming from a face of wonderful attractive- ness, have made Lowell's lines as true of him as they were of Agassiz, that " Where'er he met a stranger, There he left a friend." Alansen Borden, the present judge of the Third District Court of Bristol, holden at New Bedford, was born in Tiverton, R. I. (now Fall River) in 1823. He studied law in the office of Eliot & Kasson, in New Bedford, and was admitted to the bar in June, 1849. He has been one of the School Committee of New Bedford a number of years, was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, was as- sistant assessor under the internal revenue law in 1864, was judge of the police court, and became judge of the present District Court, which office he now holds. He was mayor of New Bedford in 1877 for one year. Edwin Luther Barney was born in Swansea, in this commonwealth, on the 1st day of April, A.D. 1827. His father was Capt. Edwin Barney, son of the reputed ship-builder, Moses Barney. At a very early age his father died, and his mother was left with three small children, our subject being the eldest, un- der the age of seven years. At nine years of age Mr. Barney left his home to get his own livelihood, and from nine to sixteen years of age worked upon a farm for his living, goiug to school winters, some four months each year. After about sixteen years of age he worked upon a farm and went to academic schools in the fall with the earnings of the same, and in the winters went to school, doing chores for his board, and thus acquired a sufficient education to pass, in the fall of 1846, ad- mission to Brown University. In March, 1849, he came to New Bedford, where he has since resided, and entered the law-office of the late Timothy G. Cof- fin, and in October, 1850, was admitted before the full court to practice law in the courts of Massachusetts. Mr. Barney soon afterwards entered into partnership with Mr. Coffin, and from November, 1850, to Janu- ary, 1853, the firm was Coffin & Barney. Then Mr. Barney at his request withdrew from the firm and commenced the practice of the law alone, and from that date to this time has been engaged in all the various branches of his profession. He is now in the prime of life, with all the vigor of a man of thirty years of age. Democratic in politics. Robert C. Pitman is a native of New Bedford. He came to the bar in 1847 ; was a partner for a num- ber of years with Thomas D. Eliot, then a leading lawyer in New Bedford. He was a judge of the Police Court of New Bedford for several years ; then he went to the State Senate, where he proved to be a leading man. He was an active temperance worker and legislator, and then he worked his way to the ap- pointment of a judge of the Supreme Court. He has an excellent judicial mind, and is in every way quali- fied for the highest court of the commonwealth. Judge Pitman is a hard student and honest thinker not only in law, but in all questions of interest to humanity. Hon. William W. Crapo, one of the leading members of the Massachusetts bar, was born in Dart- mouth, Bristol Co., May 16, 1830. He was educated at the public schools in New Bed- ford, prepared for college at Phillips Academy, Andover, and subsequently entered Yale, where he graduated in 1852. Having decided upon the legal profession as his life-work, he commenced the study of the law in the office of the late Governor Clifford at New Bedford, and also attended the Dane Law School at Cambridge. He was admitted to the bar in February, 1855, and commenced practice in New Bed- ford, where he has since resided. In April following his admission to the bar he was appointed city solic- itor, which office he held twelve years. In 1856, Mr. Crapo entered the political arena, making his first speeches for John C. Fremont, the first candidate of the Republican party for President. In the autumn of the same year he was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and the (JJ (a, , (jj ■ (d^OlPo^ c- J c/ {, C ^ Z* Sc ?^ BENCH AND BAH. 19 following year, 1857, he was solicited to become the candidate of his party for State senator, which prof- fered honor he declined. Not only did Mr. Crapo soon secure a leading posi- tion at the bar, but he won in an especial manner the confidence of the citizens of New Bedford. All move- ments tending to advance the interests of New Bed- ford have found in him an earnest supporter. He was chairman of the commission on the introduction of water, and from 1865 to 1875 was chairman of the water board. In all positions where business capacity, good judgment, and executive ability are needed his ser- vices are always in request. As guardian or trustee for the management of estates, his high character and business talent brought to him the tender of more business than he could possibly undertake. In the larger field of business enterprise and the manage- ment of financial affairs, his peculiar endowments and his entire trustworthiness have been fully recog- nized for many years. He has been for twelve years the president of the Mechanics' National Bank of New Bedford, is a trustee in one savings-bank and is solicitor for several others. He is a director in the Potamska Mills and the Wamsutta Mills corpora- tions and other manufactories, and is associated in the management of several railroad corporations. He is a prominent manufacturer of lumber, and has interests in shipping. In his profession he is pre- eminently a business lawyer, being familiar with large commercial transactions in all their bearings. With the insurance business he has been familiar from a boy in his father's office, and was for many years a director in one of the old New Bedford com- panies. He is also president of the Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad in Michigan, a part of which was organized and begun through his father's efforts. Mr. Crapo is a scholarly man of great mental grasp, industry, and energy, which have enabled him to master and successfully carry through in all their detail the duties devolved upon him by so many varied interests. He was elected as a representative to the Forty- fourth Congress to fill a vacancy, and was re-elected to the Forty-fifth, Forty-sixth, and Forty-seventh Congresses, declining in 1882 to longer be a candi- date. Mr. Crapo early took a prominent position in Congress, and in the Forty-fifth Congress was a mem- ber of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in the Forty-sixth was in the Committee on Banking and Currency. In the Forty-seventh Congress he was chairman of the same committee, and excited the admiration of the business men of the country by his skillful man- agement of the bill for extending the charters of the national banks, a bill which was successfully carried through under his leadership in spite of all obstacles. In the tariff legislation, through which the tax on the capital and deposits of banks and bankers was re- moved, Mr. Crapo's familiarity with the subject was of great service, and secured the direct application of the law to the national banks. Other prominent ser- vices might be recalled if the limits of this sketch did not prevent. It is sufficient to say that his value as a legislator was recognized and highly appreciated, not only by his constituents, who knew the man, but by the country. P. C. Headley, in his "Public Men of To-Day," in speaking of Mr. Crapo, says, " At the age of fifty Mr. Crapo finds himself well started in political life, in the full maturity of his powers, and possessing what some politician has so neatly termed ' the pecuniary basis.' In person he strongly resembles his father, a man of keenly intellectual physiognomy. The family is of French origin, regarding which there is a ro- mantic tradition. Both father and son have a type of face which is French rather than English. The strong mental as well as physical resemblance of the son to the father is a striking illustration of Galton's doctrine of heredity." Politically, Mr. Crapo is a Republican, and his po- litical instincts are liberal and progressive. He is an exceptionally able legislator, and one of the most honored citizens of the commonwealth. The degree of LL.D. was conferred upon him by Yale College in 1882. Jan. 22, 1857, Mr. Crapo united in marriage with Sarah Ann Davis Tappan, daughter of George and Serena Davis Tappan, and their children are Henry Howland Crapo, born Jan. 31, 1862, now in senior class (1883) at Harvard University, and Stanford Tap- pan Crapo, born June 13, 1865, now in the freshman class (1886) of Yale College. Thomas M. Stetson.— Mr. Stetson, son of the late Rev. Caleb Stetson, of Medford, Mass., was born in that town June 15, 1830. He graduated from Har- vard University in 1849, and studied law at the Dane Law School, Cambridge, and in New Bedford. In 1854, immediately upon his admission to the bar, he was invited to join one of the oldest law-offices in the State, established more than half a century ago in New Bedford by the late Hon. Lemuel Williams and Judge Charles Henry Warren. Later the style of the firm was Warren & Eliot (the late Hon. Thomas D.), and in 1854 it was Eliot & Pitman (now Judge Robert C). Mr. Eliot's absence much of the time in Con- gress created the need of an additional partner, and the firm became Eliot, Pitman & Stetson, continu- ing a few years till the withdrawal of Judge Pitman, when it became Eliot & Stetson, and so remained until the death of Mr. Eliot in 1870. The firm now is Stetson & Greene (Francis B.). Mr. Stetson at once took high rank at the bar. The law never had occasion to be jealous of him, for she never had a more faithful and devoted lover. Nothing has been allowed to interfere with his legal studies, and as a pure lawyer, in mastery of the law, great principles, in affluence of legal and other learning, in 20 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. exhaustive preparation of his cases, and in their clear and lucid presentation to the courts, he has no superior in Southern Massachusetts. Mr. Stetson was married in 1856 to Caroline Dawes Eliot, eldest daughter of the late Hon. Thomas Dawes Eliot. Adam Mackie is a Scotchman by birth, and in- herits a Scotch constitution. He is now about sixty years of age. He began life a poor boy, rose by his own exertions to become a lawyer, and for some twenty years had a large and lucrative law practice, especially in the admiralty courts. He often ex- hibited considerable skill in the conducting of cases before Judge Sprogen. His social qualities made him acceptable and welcome, and he was always so will- ing to aid another that none can say aught against him. He has not been in the practice for some ten years past, and has lost his health. A. L. West was for some years in practice with Mr. Mackie, but died some fifteen years ago with con- sumption. He was a pleasant and agreeable man. He was a good lawyer and safe counselor. Lemuel Tripp Wilcox was born in Fairhaven, in the county of Bristol, in August, 1835, was edu- cated at Yale College, and graduated in 1860. He studied law in the office of Eliot & Stetson, in' the city of New Bedford, and was admitted to the bar in I June, 1862. He quickly rose in his profession, and was early in good position, and is now a leading law- yer at the bar of this county. His addresses to the I jury and the court are always full of fine sentences, | clothed in the most polished words. He is now in active practice, and in the very prime of life. Charles W. Clifford, son of John H. and Sarah Parker (Allen) Clifford, was born Aug. 19, 1844, at New Bedford, Mass., where he was fitted for Harvard College at the old " Friends' Academy," then in charge of the late T. Prentiss Allen. Entering college at the age of seventeen, he soon won the respect and esteem of his instructors, as well as his fellows, and after having borne a prominent part in all the literary and social enterprises of his time, graduated with full honors in July, 1865. Never, from his earliest years, having had a doubt as to the choice of a profession, he at once began the study of the law, which he pursued under instruction from Hon. E. H. Bennett, of Taunton ; Hon. John C. Dodge, of Boston, and at the Harvard Law School, and after being admitted to the bar in New Bedford at the June term, 1868, began practice in the office formerly occupied by his father. Here he practiced alone until February, 1869, when the firm of Marston & Crapo was formed, of which he continued a mem- ber until its dissolution in April, 1878, since when he has been an active partner of the firm of Crapo, Clif- ford & Clifford, one of two firms formed principally from the members of the old firm of Marston & Crapo. On May 5, 1869, he married Frances Lothrop, daughter of Charles L. and Elizabeth T. Wood, of New Bedford, who died April 28, 1872, and on March 15, 1876, he married Wilhelmina H., daughter of the late Governor Crapo, of Michigan, and sister of his partner, Hon. William W. Crapo. While a member of the firm of Marston & Crapo, he was constantly associated as junior counsel with Hon. George Marston in the trial of important causes, the preparation of which was frequently intrusted to him, and the training and valuable experience de- rived from this association soon bore its fruit in the recognition of a legal ability of a high order, and a maturity of thought and judgment which rendered him a wise and valued counselor, and which led to his appointment as one of the commissioners to re- vise the judiciary system of the commonwealth in 1876, an appointment received by the profession as one eminently fit to be made. Loyal to the principles of the Republican party, and earnest and energetic in maintaining its integ- rity and influence, he has ever been found in the front rank of its active supporters, and several times as chairman of the Republican City Committee of New Bedford, as delegate to and assistant secretary of the Republican National Convention at Chicago in 1880, later as a member of the Republican State Central Committee of Massachusetts, and as manager of the campaign of Hon. William W. Crapo for the gubernatorial nomination in 1882, has shown a readi- ness and ability to do whatever should be required of him as a supporter of Republican principles, and in these various positions has rendered valuable service to his party. His association with the late Charles L. Wood, his father-in-law and one of the leading merchants of New Bedford, following upon an early inculcation of business habits and methods by his distinguished father, enabled him to obtain a practical education in affairs such as is acquired by few lawyers, and this, coupled with a natural aptitude for business questions, has not only secured for him many clients among the business institutions of New Bedford, but has been the means of his aid and counsel being much sought for in the organization of new enterprises and in the conduct and direction of those already established. He has also charge of many public and private trusts, and his position at the bar and in affairs of business is thoroughly established and secure. Mr. Clifford's success as a lawyer is due not less to his natural and acquired ability than to the fact that his sphere of life was determined by himself and his parents from the beginning, and it may be truly said that he commenced the study of his profession in his earliest boyhood. To a clear, discriminating, and ca- pacious mind and the results of earnest study under the best teachers he adds an enthusiastic love of the law, most vigorous and efficient action in the under- standing of his causes, scrupulous fidelity to his clients in all emergencies, and a chivalrous sense of professional and personal honor. BENCH AND BAR. 21 Among the younger members of the bar he pre- serves all the freshness and humor of boyhood, and among the seniors he sustains the dignity of a recog- nized equal, and his social qualities render him a most delightful companion and friend. Wendell H. Cobb was born at Sandwich in 1838. He is the son of the Rev. Asahel Cobb, was educated at Dartmouth College, and graduated in 1861, and was admitted to the bar in 1865. He was a law part- ner with Marston & Crapo until that firm was dis- solved. He is now associated with Mr. Marston, the firm being Marston & Cobb. He is a good lawyer and safe counselor. Hosea M. Kjtowltox, the present district attor- ney for the Southern District of Massachusetts, was born in Durham, in the State of Maine, May 20, 1847. He was educated at Tuft's College, graduating in the class of 1867. He studied law in the office of the Hon. Edwin L. Barney, in New Bedford, and at Har- vard Law School, and was admitted to the bar upon the motion of Mr. Barney at the Supreme Court in June, 1870. He had an office in Boston for one year, and in 1872 returned to New Bedford and entered the office of Mr. Barney, and from the year 1872 to 1879 was a partner with Mr. Barney. He was in 1876 elected to the House of Representatives of Massa- chusetts from New Bedford, and also for the year 1877, and the following years, 1878 and 1879, was a member of the State Senate. In February, 1879, he was appointed district attorney (to fill the place of the Hon. George Marston, who had been elected to the office of attorney-general), which office Mr. Knowlton now holds. He is an excellent advocate and wise counselor. The present members of the bar in New Bedford are as follows : Almy, Edward C. Barney, Edwin L. Bartlett, Frederick C. S. Bonney, Charles T. Borden, Alanson. Clark, A. Edwin. Clifford, Charles W. Clifford, Walter. Codd, Thomas A. Cohh, Wendell H. Collins, Alheit B. Crapo, William W. Desmond, Thomas F. Devoll, Daniel T. Douglass, Edwin A. Fessenden, Churles I». H. Gillingham, .lames L. Goodspeed, Alexander M. Greene, Francis B. Holmes, Lemuel L. B. Hopkins, Frederic S. Johnson, William H. Knowlton, Hosea M. Luce, Edward J. Mackie, Adam. Marston, George. Milliken, Frank A. Palmer, George H. Parker, William C. Perry, Arthur E. Pierce, John N. Pierce, Philip. Prescott, Oliver. Smith, William B. Stetson, Thomas M. Sullavon, Manuel. Tappan, Francis W. Wilcox, Lemuel T. Taunton. 1 — Hox. Samuel White, the youngest of eight children of Samuel anrl Ann (Bingley) White, was born in Weymouth, April 2, 1710, and graduated from Harvard College in 1731, at the age of twenty-one. The following notices of members of the legal profession in Taunton were prepared by Rev. S. Hopkins Emery. He was a great-grandson of Thomas White, early at Weymouth, whose son Joseph married, Sept. 19, 1660, Lydia Rogers, and was the father of Samuel, born Feb. 14, 1666. Anna, sister of Samuel, the subject of this notice, was the first wife of William Wilde, whose only child, Daniel Wilde, married Anna Sumner, and was the father of Hon. Samuel S. Wilde, justice of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts. Hon. Samuel White has the honor of leading the profession of law in Taunton in the order of time cer- tainly. No other name is recorded before him. Rev. Mr. Dauforth " was no contemptible lawyer" in the opinion of Mr. Baylies, and there were other men in all the generations who could do " law business," but to Mr. White has generally been assigned the proud position of the " first Taunton lawyer." His contem- poraries, as Mr. Alger suggests in a valuable article in the " Collections of the Old Colony Historical So- ciety," 1879, were Elkanah Leonard, of Middlebor- ough ; Stephen Paine, of Bristol, some years judge of the Court of Common Pleas ; Timothy Ruggles, of Sandwich, and James Otis, of Barnstable, the father of the distinguished patriot bearing that name. It is not quite certain when Mr. White commenced prac- tice in Taunton, but probably not far from 1739. In 1744 he was commissioned as justice of the peace for Bristol County. In 1746, when the courts first began their sessions in Taunton, he was appointed king's attorney of the Court of Sessions, holding the ap- pointment till death. Mr. White represented Taun- ton in the General Court in the years 1749-53, 1756- 59, 1764-65 ; acted as Speaker of the House in 1759, 1764-65, and was chosen a member of the Council in 1767-69. He had the honor of presiding over the House during the period of the Stamp Act, when Otis and Adams were members and made their names famous in American history. It was the circular signed by him as Speaker which led to the first Congress, as- sembled at New York in 1765. Thus the initiatory steps towards the American Revolution were taken by him, whose death occurred the 20th of March, 1769. The following inscription is found on the slab which marks the place of his burial on the " Plain :" " In memory of The Hon. Samuel W'hite, Esq., Colonel of a foot regiment of Militia, Barrister at law, and Member of the Hon. his Majesty's Council, who having been often delegated to the office of government, faithfully served his God, his King, and his country, and exhibiting, thro' an unspotted course of life, the virtues of a patriot, the friend A the Christian, fell asleep in Jesus March 20, MDCCLX1X., in the LIX. year of his age. 22 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. This humble stone, small tribute of their praise, Lamented shade! thy weeping offspring raise. Oh ! while their footsteps haunt y° hallowed shrine, May each fair branch shoot fertile as y e vine. Not with thy dust be here thy virtues' tomb, But brightening still, each grace transplanted bloom; Sire, sons, and daughters share alike renown, Applauding angels, a celestial crown." Mr. White married in November, 1735, Prudence, daughter of Samuel Williams, of Taunton, and had the following children: (1) Experience, born 1738, and married to Hon. George Leonard, LL.D. ; (2) Anna, born 1741, and married to Hon. Daniel Leon- ard ; (3) Bathsheba, born 1746, and married to the Hon. William Baylies, M.D. The White homestead was on the old road to the Weir, now Somerset Avenue, not far from the inter- section of White Street. Madame Prudence White lies buried by the side of her husband, with the following affectionate tribute to her memory : " In early life she was a firm believer in the Christian religion, and lived in the practice of its precepts. By her amiable disposition she secured the esteem of all that knew her. With a conscience pure, and a constitution rendered excellent by tem- perance and regularity, she reached the ninety-eighth year of her age, and relying on the mercy of her God, she calmly fell asleep in Jesus, June VIII., Anno Domini 1808." Hon. Robert Treat Paine, LL.D., adistinguished Taunton lawyer, was born in Boston, March 12, 1731. His father, Rev. Thomas Paine, was born in Barnstable, graduated at Harvard College, 1717, and ordained at Weymouth, but in consequence of ill health removed to Boston in 1730, and afterwards resigning the min- istry, engaged in mercantile affairs. His mother was the daughter of Rev. Samuel Treat, of Eastham, the son of Governor Robert Treat, of Connecticut, and granddaughter of Rev. Samuel Willard, vice-president of Harvard College. Mr. Paine fitted for college in the Boston Latin School, and entering Cambridge at the age of four- teen, graduated in 1749. To this time, as an only son, he had been well supported by a father with abundant means, but this father losing his property, the son was thrown upon his own resources, and after keeping school for a year, made three voyages to North Carolina, acting as master, and in the last going to Fayal and Cadiz, afterwards going as master to the coasts of Greenland on a whaling voyage. On his return, in 1755, he commenced the study of law with his relative, Judge Willard, of Lancaster, giving also his attention to theology. During his law studies he supplied the pulpit at Shirley. Mr. Willard re- ceiving the appointment of colonel of a regiment to be raised for an expedition to Crown Point, Mr. Paine was appointed chaplain, and his sermons, both at Shir- ley and the camp at Lake George, are still preserved. He was admitted to the Boston bar in 1757, and re- moved his office to Taunton in 1761. Although residing in Taunton, his practice was not confined to any such narrow limits. His clients were in all parts of the commonwealth. Writes a descend- ant of his, " He constantly attended the courts at Boston, Taunton, Plymouth, Barnstable, Worcester, and other places. His great powers of mind, pro- found knowledge of law, and habits of thorough in- vestigation brought him a large practice, which in- creased till it was probably not exceeded by that of any lawyer in the State." Bradford, in his " History of Massachusetts," ranks him " among the most eminent lawyers of the province." He was an intimate asso- ciate and friend of such men as James Otis and Sam- uel Adams. In 1768, when a convention was called in Boston by prominent men to consult on the condition of the country, and the assembled wisdom of the people was needed, Robert Treat Paine was the choice of Taunton to that convention, and was at once one of its leading spirits. In 1770, after the Boston massacre, Mr. Paine was retained as prosecuting counsel by Bos- ton against the British soldiers, and conducted the trial with signal ability. This year he was married in Taunton to Sally, daughter of Thomas Cobb, Esq., and sister of Gen. David Cobb. His home was in the rear of what is now the Taunton Bank, afterwards the residence of Judge Fales. Mr. Paine was not only a good lawyer, but a warm- hearted, zealous patriot. Absorbed as he was with cases at court, he could not be spared in the public service. A large committee of the citizens of Taun- ton was appointed to attend to public affairs and re- monstrate against public wrong, and there was no other man who could serve so well as chairman. He drafted the high-toned resolutions which were passed. He represented Taunton in the letter to Lord Dartmouth and in the address for the Gov- ernor's removal, and he was chairman of the com- mittee on the impeachment of Chief Justice Oliver. He was largely instrumental in securing a Conti- nental Congress in 1774. He was one of the.Massa- chusetts delegation to that Congress. His associates were Thomas Cushing, Samuel Adams, James Bow- doiu, and John Adams. The Congress met in Sep- tember and October. Mr. Paine, on his return to Taunton in November, received an ovation from the Sons of Liberty. In 1775, in the winter and spring, he attended the Second Provincial Congress at Cam- bridge, and was one of the Committee on the State of the Province. In April he attended the Congress at Philadelphia, which met in May. Mr. Paine was prominent in that Congress, chairman of the Commit- tee on Supplies, and devoted himself for a year and eight months with ceaseless zeal and energy to the work of providing equipments for the army, powder, cannon, and fire-arms. He published an essay on the manufacture of gunpowder, which was very service- able, and devoted himself, body and soul, to the busi- BENCH AND BAR. 23 ness of making ready for the men in the field the sinews of war. He served on a committee to pur- chase clothing for the army, to establish a hospital, and was one of a committee, with R. R. Livingston and Governor Langdon, to visit the army on the northern frontier. On the 4th of July, 1776, he was one to sign the Declaration of Independence. He once more returned to Taunton, Dec. 30, 1776, crowned with honor in the eyes of his countrymen as a patriot who had not spared himself for his country's cause. Although elected to subsequent sessions of Congress, he declined the honor, and contented himself with a seat in the Legislature in 1777, of which he acted as Speaker, and afterwards accepted the place of attor- ney-general. In 1778 he was a member of the Hart- ford Convention ; in 1779 a member of the Executive Council, and a member of the committee to draft a new State Constitution, under which, when adopted, he continued to serve as attorney-general. The duties of this office making his residence at Taunton inconvenient, he removed to Boston in 1781, purchasing the estate once owned and occupied by Governor Shirley, at the corner of Milk and Federal Streets. In 1790 he accepted the position of judge of the Supreme Court, which he had declined in pre- vious years, and so served till 1804, when he was once more elected a member of the Executive Council. After one year he declined all further public duties, feeling that he had earned the quiet of home, till life's close, May 12, 1814, at the age of eighty-three. A most honorable and useful life was his, twenty years of which, in life's prime, were spent in Taunton. Judge Paine had eight children, four sons and four daughters. Three of the sons — Robert Treat, Thomas, and Charles — graduated at Harvard University and were educated for the bar. Robert died in 1798 of the yellow fever, and Thomas took his name, desiring, as he used to say, a " Christian" name. He died in 1811, having distinguished himself as a poet and writer for the stage. Charles was the father of Charles C. Paine, Esq., who married a daughter of Hon. Charles Jack- son, judge of the Supreme Court from 1813 to 1824. Antoinette Paine married Deacon Samuel Greele, of Boston. Another daughter, Mary, married Rev. Elisha Clapp, also of Boston. Hon. Daniel Leonard was the only child of Col. Ephraim Leonard (by his first wife, Judith Perkins), and was born in Norton, now Mansfield, in 1740. He graduated at Harvard University in 1760, and mar- ried, for his first wife, Anna, daughter of Hon. Samuel White. His second wife was Sarah Hammock. Mr. Leonard easily took high rank in his profession and made himself prominent in political matters. First he espoused the cause of the people, and advocated i republican principles, but afterward, as was sup- posed, through the influence of Governor Hutchin- son, became a leading loyalist. Articles which he published in 1774 an 1 1775 in a Boston paper called Draper's Paper, defending the king, the ministry, and the Parliament, were considered very able and worthy of a reply from John Adams under the signature of "Novanglus." Of course, in the high state of polit- ical excitement, Mr. Leonard found it uncomfortable, if not unsafe, to remain in Taunton. The house he occupied, afterwards the residence of Judge Padel- ford, bore marks of mob violence. He sought shelter in Boston, proceeded to Halifax in 1776, thence to England, where, as a reward for his loyalty, he re- ceived the appointment of chief justice of Bermuda. After discharging the duties of his office with ability several years he returned to London, where he died in 1829, at the advanced age of eighty-nine. He left no children, but four grandchildren, the chil- dren of his daughter Sarah, who married John Stew- art, Esq., a captain in the British army and afterwards collector of the port of Bermuda. Leonard Stewart became an eminent physician in London. The oldest son, Duncan, on the death of an uncle succeeded to a lordship in Scotland. A daughter, Emily, married a captain in the service of the East India Company. The other daughter, Sarah, married a Winslow, a descendant of Governor Edward Winslow, of the Ply- mouth Colony, and was connected with Lord Lynd- hurst as private secretary during his chancellorship. Hon. Seth Padelford, LL.D., was a native of Taunton, son of John and Jemima Padelford. He was graduated at Yale College in 1770, and honored with the degree of LL.D. from Brown University in 1798. He married Rebecca, the daughter of Abraham Dennis, and sister of the wife of James Sproal, Esq. Their children were as follows: (1) Mary Dennis, who married Mason Shaw, Esq., of Raynham. (2) Sarah Kirby, who married Nathaniel, son of Judge Fales. (3) Melinda, who married Enoch Brown, Esq., of Abington. (4) John, who died whilst a member of Brown University. (5) Nancy, who married Samuel Edgar, son of Col. John Cooke, of Tiverton, R. I. (6) Harry, who married Susan, daughter of Robert Crossman, of Taunton. (7) Rebecca Dennis, who married John G. Deane, Esq., of Raynham, afterwards of Portland, Me. There were also five other children, who died young. Mr. Padelford was judge of probate. He was a highly dignified and polished gentleman, of great in- tegrity of character, and he was favored with a wife who adorned the society in which she moved. Long after they ceased to be among the living of earth their praise was in the mouth of those who remembered their wide and commanding influence. Judge Padelford died Jan. 7, 1810, aged fifty-eight years and one month. On the stone slab which covers his remains on the " Plain" is the following inscription: "For he was wise to know and warm to praise, and strenuous to tran- I scribe in human life the mind almighty." 24 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. The Padelford house still remains near the court- house, although unoccupied. It belongs to the estate of Mrs. Richmond, and was owned by Hon. Daniel Leonard, the Tory lawyer, before it came into posses- sion of the Padelford family. Hon. Samuel Fales was a native of Bristol, R. I., and was born Sept. 15, 1750 (the son of Nathaniel and Sarah Fales, a graduate of Harvard Univer- sity in 1773). He married Sarah, daughter of Col. John Cooke, of Tiverton, R. I. Their children were as follows : (1) Nathaniel, who married Sarah K., daughter of Judge Padelford. (2) Sally, who married Hon. Nathaniel Hazzard, of Newport, N. C. (3) Eliza, who married Dr. George Leonard, of Taunton. (4) Samuel, who married Sally, daughter of John West, of Taunton. (5) Harriet Leonard, who married Hon. James L. Hodges, of Taunton. (6) John, who died single. (7) Almira, who married Jeremiah Niles Potter, of Rhode Island. (8) Fanny, who married Rev. Swan L. Pomeroy, of Bangor, Me. (9) Edward, who died single. (10) Ann, who married, first, Erastus Learned, son of Rev. Erastus Learned, Canterbury, Conn. ; sec- ond, Hon. Jonas Cutting, Judge of the Supreme Court, Maine. There were five other children, who died early in life. Mr. Fales was for many years clerk of the courts, and afterwards was appointed chief justice of the Court of Common Pleas. He was succeeded in the office of clerk by his eldest son, Nathaniel. I have in my possession a letter from Judge Fales to Judge Davis, in 1816, in which he copies the inscription on Miss Poole's monument, and adds : " I observed to you in Boston that this monument was erected on a small knoll, between the Green and the meeting- house, a little distance from the road. A few years since Dr. Swift, digging a cellar, found a part of a coffin, made of red cedar, under which were part of the bones, skull, and hair of a human body, unconsumed by time, all which were carefully collected and re- moved to the common burying-ground north of the Green, over which the stone was placed, bearing the inscription transcribed for you. The monument is of slate, and was procured by the late R. T. Paine, Esq., as agent for J. Borland, Esq." Judge Fales died in Boston, Jan. 20, 1818, in his sixty-eighth year. He was buried in Taunton, where you may find the following record concerning him on the " Plain" : " Useful and honorable activity distinguished the progress of his life. Having sus- tained for many years various important offices in the legislative, judicial, and executive departments of the government with fidelity and honor, he died while attending his duties as a councilor of this com- monwealth ; and though his tedious toils and hoary hairs seemed to demand a more peaceful succession of closing years, his friends are resigned and consoled in the hope of his resurrection to immortal blessed- ness." Mrs. Sally, wife of Judge Fales, died Sept. 24, 1823, aged fifty-eight years. It is said of her, " Among the benevolent and liberal she ever shone conspicuous. The Christian spirit enlightened the path of her mor- tal pilgrimage, and at last sustained and blessed her with its holy peace and inspiring hopes." The Fales mansion in Taunton was in the rear of what is now the " Taunton Bank" building, the former residenceof Robert Treat Paine, and which, after it was vacated by Judge Fales, was known as the " Wash- ington Hotel." The house had ample grounds, extensive grass lawns, a vegetable and flower garden, and was an attractive feature in the objects of interest around "the Green." Mr. Charles R. Atwood, in his inter- esting and valuable " Reminiscences of Taunton in ye auld lang syne," published by Ezra Davol, Esq., thus describes what he calls the " imposing and elegant mansion" : " It was two stories high, and running back, broad and deep, with a long building connected with the main house in the rear, two stories high, and with a large number of rooms for servants in the upper story. Adjoining were the carriage-houses, barn, and sheds. There was a fine front yard with a handsome and substantial fence : also, a sidewalk and a large open space between that and the street, wide enough for a carriage-way along the whole front- age. On the border, near the street, there was a row of splendid elm-trees (now no more), making a fine and grateful shade in the summer along the whole distance. This house was considered at that time to be the palace of the town. It was splendidly fitted and furnished. In the rear was the judge's garden. It was filled with fruit-trees, flowers, and shrubbery, and highly cultivated, producing the choicest of the various kinds of fruits and vegetables." James Sproat, Esq., was the son of Ebenezer Sproat, of Middleborough, Mass., who left seven chil- dren. James was born in 1758, December 7th, and settled in Taunton. He married Ann, daughter of Abraham Dennis, sister of the wife of Judge Padel- ford. Their children were as follows: (1) Rebecca Dennis, who married Alfred Baylies, M.D., of Taunton. (2) Sarah, who died young. (3) Francis Eloise, who was one of the originators of the first Sabbath-school in Taunton. (4) Emily Ann, who died early. (5) Ann Dennis, who married George B. Atwood, of Taunton. (6) James, who married (1) Eliza Ann, daughter of George Baylies; (2) Lucretia, daughter of James BENCH AND BAR. 25 Tisdale. He was for many years clerk of the courts in this county. (7) William Alexis Frederic, who married Abby, daughter of Jonathan Ingell. (8) Clarissa, who died early. (9) Henry, who married Priscilla J., daughter of Jesse Smith. (10) Adeline, who married Samuel B. Harris, of Smithfield, R. I. (11) Ellen, who died early. (12) Theophilus Parsons, who married Mary A., daughter of Henry Baylies, of Dighton. James Sproat, the father of the above, was a man of ready wit and the most amusing mirthfulness. The following story is told of him : David L. Barnes, Esq., was once addressing the jury, when it occurred to him to quote the Scripture passage, — the address of Satan to the Lord, — "Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life," adding, in his forgetfulness of the author, "saith our Saviour." Sproat in an instant was on his feet, and, turning to the court, said, " He may be Brother Barnes' Saviour, but he is not mine." Mr. Sproat had a most imposing personal presence, and was a great favorite in the profession and society at large. The family residence was what is now known as the Wheaton house, adjoining St. Thomas' Episcopal Church. Mrs. Sproat was a most remarkable woman, of large intellectual endowments, and highly gifted as an authoress. Her series of books for children had a wide circulation, and her verses, like the " Blackberry Girl," reappear every year in the holiday books and juvenile literature of the land. Her " Family Lectures," published in Boston by Samuel T. Armstrong, in 1819, made her famous. In the preface she gives the history of the book : " It has been my practice on the Sabbath, after public wor- ship, to collect my family, and, after attending to the Scriptures, read them one of the following essays, previously written for the purpose." And so she dis- coursed to them on "justice, mercy, humanity, truth, prayer, trust in God, temptations, intemperance, pro- faneness, unbelief, gaming, gratitude, early religion, filial duty," etc., subjects considered in forty-five most sensible and profitable lectures. Mr. Sproat died Nov. 10, 1825, in his sixty-seventh year. His wife followed him the next year, 1826, January 18th, aged fifty-nine. They both lie buried on the " Plain." Hon. David Leonard Barnes was the son of Rev. David Barnes, D.D., minister of Scituate, Mass., who married Rachel, daughter of Col. George Leonard, the son of Judge Leonard, an original settler and principal proprietor of Norton. David, the subject of this notice, married Joanna Russell, and practiced law in Taunton. He subsequently removed to Rhode Island, where he received the appointment of district judge of the United States Court during the adminis- tration of Thomas Jefferson. Nicholas Tillinghast, Esq., was the son of Nicholas and Mary Tillinghast, of Providence, R. I. He received the honorary degree of Master of Arts from Brown University in 1793, and from Harvard University in 1807. Mr. Tillinghast was one of the eminent lawyers of Taunton in the early part of the present century. Judge Morton used to like to tell the following story, in which he figured, recommend- ing short pleas. An important case, which had been long and ably argued by the ingenious and learned counsel of the opposite side, was committed to the jury by Nicholas Tillinghast in this uncommonly brief but conclusive style: "Gentlemen of the jury, Dr. Padelford says as you have heard, and Dr. Barnes says as you have heard, but Dr. Mansfield says as you shall now hear," at the same time proceeding to read a single convincing contradictory statement from the noble lord, sufficient authority on all questions of law. " Now, when doctors disagree," asked Tillinghast, sure of his case, " who shall decide?" The jury gave him their verdict. Mr. Tillinghast married Betsey, daughter of Amos Maine Atwell, and had the following children : (1) Fanny, who died single in 1817. (2) Amos, who married Miss Jerould, of Pawtucket. (3) Mary, who married Pascal Allen, of Warren. (4) Susan, who died single. (5) Joanna, who married Hon. Silas Shepard, of Taunton. (6) Elizabeth, who died single. (7) Nicholas, who married (1) Sophia, daughter of Rev. Mr. Ritchie, of Needham ; (2) Ruby Potter, of Dartmouth. (8) William, who died single. (9) Joseph, who married Cornelia Armington, of Pawtucket. (10) Ruth Phillips. Mr. Tillinghast occupied a house where now stands the City Hotel, and his office was in its rear. Born Jan. 24, 1767, he died April 24, 1818. His wife, born Oct. 18, 1770, died March 19, 1834. They both are buried on the " Plain." Their son Nicholas has distinguished himself as a teacher, having been principal of the normal school at Bridgewater several years. Mary and Joanna also, before their marriage, were very successful teachers, the latter serving as preceptress in the Bristol Acad- emy. Hon. John Mason Williams, LL.D., the son of Brig.-Gen. James Williams, graduated at Brown Uni- versity in 1801, and commenced the practice of law in New Bedford. He afterwards located in Taunton, where he received the appointment of judge of the Court of Common Pleas, of which court he was chief justice for many years. Chief Justice Williams re- ceived the honorary degree of LL.D. from Brown University in 1843, and from Harvard University in 1845. He married Eliza Otis, daughter of Hon. Lemuel 26 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Williams, the first representative to Congress from his Congressional district. Their children were: (1) Elizabeth, who married Hon. Horatio Pratt, of Taunton. (2) Maria, who married Dr. William A. Gordon, of New Bedford. (3) Joseph Otis, who married Emily, daughter of Dr. Keenan, of Springfield. Two others died early. Judge Williams was eminent for his urbanity and sweetness of temper in social life as for his learning in the profession of law. He was beloved in his life and lamented in his death, which took place Dec. 26, 1868. Judge Williams occupied a modest mansion on Summer Street, which also became the home of Hon. Horatio Pratt, his son-in-law. Hon. Marcus Morton, LL.D., was born in Free- town in 1784, the son of Nathaniel Morton, who mar- ried Mary Carey, of Bridgewater. Mr. Morton grad- uated at Brown University in 1804, and commenced the practice of law in Taunton in 1807. He repre- sented the district in which he lived in Congress four years, occupied a seat on the bench of the Supreme Court of the State of Massachusetts fifteen years, and served as Governor of the commonwealth three times. Once, in consequence of the death of Governor Eustis, in 1825, the duties of the chief magistrate devolved upon him as Lieutenant-Governor. Again in 1840, and for the third time in 1843, he was invested with that high office. He acted also as collector of the port of Boston four years. He received the honorary degree of LL.D. from Brown University in 1826, and again from Harvard University in 1840. Governor Morton married in 1807 Charlotte, daughter of James Hodges, of Taunton. Their children are as fol- lows : (1) Joanna Maria, who married William T. Hawes, of New Bedford, a graduate of Brown University. (2) Lydia Mason, who married Rev. Henry W. Lee, D.D., of Springfield, Mass., and Rochester, N. Y., afterward bishop (in the Protestant Episcopal Church) of Iowa. (3) Charlotte, who married Samuel Watson, of Nashville, Tenn. (4) Sarah Carey, who married Hon. Willard Lov- ering, a manufacturer of Taunton. (5) Marcus, who married Abby, daughter of Henry Hoppin, Esq., of Providence. (6) Nathaniel, who married Harriet, only child of Hon. Francis Baylies. (7) James, who married Elizabeth, daughter of Hon. George Ashmun, of Springfield. (8) Susan Tillinghast, who married M. Day Kim- ball, of the firm of Faulkner, Page & Kimball, Boston. (9) Francis Wood, who married George Henry French, of Andover. (10) Emily Matilda, who married Daniel C, son of Dr. Dawes, of Taunton, a resident of Brooklyn, N. Y. The children's children are forty-three, of whom thirty-two are still living. The Morton mansion is on Washington Street near the intersection of Broad- way. Th Mr. Baylies married Elizabeth, widow of David Dagget Denning, Esq., of New York City, daughter of Howard Moulton, Esq., of Troy, N. Y., and sister- in-law of Gen. John Ellis Wool. Their only child, Harriet, born May 4, 1823, married Nathaniel, son of Governor Morton, Sept. 29, 1846. James Ellis, Esq., son of Rev. John Ellis, a chaplain in the Revolution, afterwards of Rehoboth, now called Seekonk, was born in Franklin, Conn., May 23, 1769, graduated at Brown University in 1791, studied law in Providence with Judge Howell, and in Taunton with Judge Padelford. He commenced the practice of law in Seekonk, but being appointed dis- trict attorney, removed to Taunton. He was thrice chosen State senator previous to 1820. Mr. Ellis married Martha, daughter of Joseph Bridgham, of Seekonk, and sister of Hon. Samuel W. Bridgham, an eminent lawyer of Providence. Their children were : (1) John, who died early. (2) George, who married Sophia Morse. (3) Horace, who died early. (4) James P., who married Caroline S., daughter of John Presbrey, and who served as county treasurer, town clerk, and assistant justice of the police court. (5) Martha, the only daughter, a young lady of C^^6&Z^C<£^ (L^^f^^ BENCH AND BAR. 27 uncommon promise, who died in Taunton, Nov. 24, 1828, aged twenty. (6) Samuel B., the youngest son, who, a member of Dartmouth College, at the death of his sister left college and abandoned all idea of a profession, giving himself up to inordinate grief. Anselm Bassett, Esq., son of Thomas and Lydia Bassett, of Rochester, Mass., was born in 1784, and graduated at Brown University in 1803. He married (1) Rosalinda, daughter of Abraham Holmes, of Rochester, Mass.; (2) widow Lucy Smith, of Troy, N. Y. Three children still live, — two daughters, Cynthia C. H. and Elizabeth M., and a son, Charles J. H., who has been long connected as cashier and president with the Taunton Bank, and who married (1) Emeline Dean, daughter of John W. Seabury, of Taunton; (2) Nancy L. Gibbs, of Bridgewater; (3) Martha B. French, of Pawtucket. There are eight living children: (1) John S., (2) Charles A., (3) Louisa B., wife of George H. Rhodes, (4) Henry F., (5) Rufus W., (6) Mary R., (7) George F., (8) Susie A. Mr. Bassett served many years as register of pro- bate, and secured a large practice in his profession. His home was on Main Street, the second house west from Chestnut Street, not far from the Church Green. He died, leaving the homestead to his daughters, Sept, 9, 1863. Horatio L. Danforth, Esq., son of William and Sally (Leonard) Danforth, was born in 1801. His father owned the estate which now constitutes the Lunatic Hospital farm. After his school days the son was employed in the Hopewell Rolling-Mill, of which his father was superintendent, until eighteen years of age, when he met with a serious accident to his athletic career, of which few were his equals, by the loss of an arm taken off by the machinery in the mill. He then commenced his education, prepared for college in Bristol Academy, and was graduated at Brown University in the class of 1825. He studied law in the office of Hon. Francis Baylies, and com- menced practice in 1829, but was not essentially a bar lawyer. He was elected county treasurer in that year, and was re-elected annually irrespective of party lines for twelve years, fulfilling the duties with strict integrity and general satisfaction. He was superseded in 1841 by Dr. Foster Hooper, the Demo- cratic candidate. He then spent two years in Illinois, and on his return in 1844 received the appointment of high sheriff from Governor Briggs, which office he filled until 1851, and was then superseded by Lyman W. Dean, of Attleboro', appointed by Governor Bout- well. From that time he lived in retirement with his sisters, enjoying the society of his friends, his books, and his walks until disease, a dropsical one, closed his life, July 21, 1859. He was frank and out- spoken yet genial in his intercourse with men. He was for many years an attendant of the Episcopal Church. The above facts have been communicated by his friend, Capt. J. W. D. Hall. Nathaniel Morton, Esq., son of Judge Morton, and son-in-law of Hon. Francis Baylies, was one of the most brilliant men who ever flouished in Taun- ton. His professional career was a brief one, but he filled a large place in the hearts of his many friends, which death, alas, too early, as they thought, made void. Born Dec. 3, 1821, he died Feb. 12, 1856, and is buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery by the side of his father. Hon. Horatio Pratt, son-in-law of Chief Justice Williams, was for many years a leading lawyer of the Bristol County bar, district attorney, and a member of the Massachusetts Senate. His physical constitu- tion was weak. He struggled long with bodily in- firmities, and died at a comparatively early age, May 24, 1872. Hon. Chester Tsham Reed, son of William and Elizabeth Dean (Dennis) Reed, was born Nov. 23, 1823, and after fitting for college in the Taunton High School and Bristol Academy, entered Brown University, but through limited means of support left before graduation, subsequently receiving the honorary degree of A.M. for his high attainments in learning. He entered the law-office of Mr. Anselm Bassett, in Taunton, and was invited to a copartnership, which he accepted. He soon took a prominent position at the Bristol County bar, and earned so good a reputa- tion in other parts of the State that he was nominated and elected attorney-general of the commonwealth, in which office he served with great credit several years. ; A vacancy occurring on the bench of the Superior j Court, Mr. Reed was nominated and confirmed, re- signing only when he found the salary could not meet the expenses of a growing family, when he re- turned to a lucrative practice in Boston, changing his residence from Taunton to Dedham. He died at White Sulphur Springs, W. Va., where he had gone for his health, Sept. 2, 1873, in his fiftieth year. Mr. ] Reed married Elizabeth Y. Allyn, of New Bedford, Feb. 24, 1851, and their children are a daughter, Sybil, and a son, Chester Allyn, a graduate of Har- vard University in 1882, and a student-in-law at the present time. Hon. Edmund Hatch Bennett, son of Milo Lyman Bennett and Adeline (Hatch) Bennett, was born in Manchester, Vt., April 6, 1824. He was edu- cated in the Manchester and Burlington Academies in his native State, and when fifteen years of age he ' entered the University of Vermont at Burlington, where he graduated in the class of 1843, and from which he received the degree of Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) in 1873. For a short time after graduation Mr. Bennett taught a family school in Virginia, and finally, having decided upon the legal profession as a life-work, he began his studies in Burlington, Vt., in the office of his father (at that time an associate jus- tice of the Supreme Court of Vermont). He was ad- mitted to the Vermont bar in 1847, and in the spring of 1848 settled in Taunton, where he has since re- 28 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. sided. Upon locating in Taunton he entered into co- partnership with the late Nathaniel Morton, which continued nearly three years. He then formed a part- nership with Hon. Henry Williams, which relation continued several years. For the past fifteen years he has been in partnership with Henry J. Fuller, Esq., of Taunton. Upon the incorporation of Taunton as a city in 1865 he was unanimously elected its first mayor, re- elected in 1866, and again in 1867. Although Judge Bennett early took a leading posi- tion at the Bristol bar, he gave much attention to the study of the law as a science, and during the years 1870, 1871, and 1872 was a lecturer on various topics at the Dane Law School of Harvard University, Cambridge. He has been connected with the Law School of Boston University since its organization in 1872, and in 1876 he was chosen its dean, a position which he still occupies. Judge Bennett has also been the editor of nu- merous law books, numbering over one hundred volumes, the leading works being the " English Law and Equity Reports," an edition of Mr. Justice Story's works, " Leading Criminal Cases," " Fire Insurance Cases," "Digest of Massachusetts Reports," Ameri- can editions of the recent English works of " God- dard on Easements," " Benjamin on Sales," " Inder- mann on the Common Law," etc. He has also been for several years one of the editors of the American Law Register of Philadelphia. In December, 1878, he delivered at Hingham, Mass., before the State Board of Agriculture, of which he had formerly been a member, a lecture on " Farm Law," which has been very extensively republished in agricultural journals and elsewhere throughout New England and the West. In May, 1858, he was appointed judge of probate and insolvency for Bristol County, and has held the position to the present time, a period of twenty-five years. Judge Bennett is an active member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and has been for many years either a warden or vestryman of St. Thomas' Parish, Taunton, and has been many times a delegate from this parish to the Diocesan Convention. He has also been three times — in 1874, 1877, and 1880 — a delegate from this diocese to the General Triennial Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this country. In June, 1853, he united in marriage with Sally, the second daughter of the Hon. Samuel L. Crocker, of Taunton. Judge Colby, who is claimed by New Bedford as one of its lawyers, and will be noticed under that head, was for years a resident of Taunton. Chief Justice Morton, of Andover, was born in Taunton, and so was Judge Wilde, so long of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts. Theophilus Parsons, the learned Professor of Law at Cambridge, once lived and practiced law in Taunton. Seth Padelford Sta- ples, of New York, Henry Goodwin, attorney-general of Rhode Island, Judge Pliny Merrick, of Worcester, Judge Erastus Maltby Reed, of Mansfield, Baalis San- ford, of Boston, Sydney Williams, of Providence, son- in-law of President Messer, were of Taunton, either as natives or during some part of their professional life. The oldest living member of the Bristol County bar residing in Taunton is the Hon. Henry Williams, who has represented his district in Congress, served as register of probate, and distinguished himself as a painstaking and most accurate annalist and historian. Samuel R. Townsend also has been long a member of this bar. Their associates in the profession are Edmund H. Bennett, judge of the Probate Court, which posi- tion he has recently resigned, and who also- acts as dean and chief Professor of the Law Department of the Boston University; William Henry Fox, judge of the District Court ; William E. Fuller, register of probate and associate. judge of the District Court; James Brown, who has served as State senator ; Henry J. Fuller, the partner of Judge Bennett; John E. Sanford, for some years a member of the State Legislature and a portion of the time Speaker of the House of Representatives ; James H. Dean and Charles A. Reed, partners-in-law, the latter pres- ent city solicitor ; G. Edgar Williams, associated with Henry Williams; James M. Cushman, city clerk; Arthur M. Alger, clerk of the District Court; Lau- rens N. Francis, Sylvanus M. Thomas, John H. Gal- ligan, L. Everett White, Edward J. Conaty, Benjamin E. Walcott, W. Waldo Robinson. Fall River. — James Ford was born in Milton, Mass., Aug. 3, 1774. In 1810 he entered Brown Uni- versity, and graduated with honor, taking the saluta- tory address. He then assumed the study of the law with Judge Metcalf, of Dedham. In 1817 he removed to Taunton and continued his studies with Judge Mor- ton, who was then ex-member of Congress. He was admitted to the bar in 1818, and became a partner of Judge Morton. In 1819 he came to Fall River and opened an office in Central Street. He was a member of the Legislature in 1825, and was present when Gen. Lafayette laid the corner- stone of Bunker's Hill Monument. In 1826 he deliv- ered the Fourth of July oration in Fall River the day that John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died. Mr. Ford was public-spirited in regard to matters in general. He served seven years on the school com- mittees ; and, with perhaps three exceptions, admin- istered the oath of office to the members of the city government up to the time of his death, and was sev- eral times elected an alderman. He was one of the charter members of the Mount Hope Lodge of F. and A. M., and always manifested a lively interest in this ancient and honored order. He was postmaster four years, and one of the founders of the Franklin Savings-Bank, was special police justice for twenty years, for twelve years was one of the inspectors of the State Almshouse, and for twenty-five years he edited the weeklv Monitor. He was an excellent rv / ; t l^ sin wo* «^ BENCH AND BAR. 29 lawyer and a good citizen. He died July 27, 1873, lacking only one week of seventy-nine years of age. Eliab Williams, Esq., was for nearly half a cen- tury a member of the Bristol County bar, and at the time of his death the oldest and one of the most highly respected members of the legal profession in this portion of New England. He was born in Raynham, Mass., in 1803, and spent his early youth in that town, attending school there and in Taunton. At the age of fourteen he entered Brown University, and graduated at eighteen, in the class of 1821, intending immediately to enter upon the study of the law. He had, however, exhausted his pecuniary resources in the acquisition of a colle- giate education, and not having the means necessary to carry him through the long and tedious appren- ticeship then required to enter the legal profession in Massachusetts, he went South, and engaged as a pri- vate tutor in the family of a gentleman in Virginia. While there he learned that by the laws of that com- monwealth a person could prepare for admission to the bar and the practice of the law without spending a certain prescribed time in the office of a counselor- at-law simply by being found qualified upon an ex- amination by the judges of the Court of Appeals. He thought favorably of this plan, as it would allow him to study law and at the same time pursue his vocation as a teacher. And his wishes being made known to the attorney-general of North Carolina, that gentleman drew up a course of legal study which he recommended to Mr. Williams. The latter imme- diately repaired to Norfolk and purchased the neces- sary books, and by the time he was of sufficient age to be admitted, according to the laws of Virginia, — i.e., twenty-one, — he had prepared himself for an examination. The mode of conducting this was pe- culiar. Going to Richmond when the Court of Ap- peals was in session in that city, each member of the court appointed a time to see him at his private room, and in this way, at intervals for about a week, the examination was carried on by each judge separately until the whole bench were satisfied with the qualifi- cations of their young candidate, and after taking the necessary oath he was duly admitted to the bar. This entitled him to practice in all the courts of Virginia; but, on account of repugnance to the insti- tution of slavery, he decided not to settle there, and returned home. Upon his arrival here he found that his admission to the bar of Virginia did not avail him, inasmuch as he did not practice in that State. So he entered the office of Hon. Marcus Morton as a student-at-law, in Taunton, Mass., and eked out the expenses by teaching school. The first winter after entering he taught in the district where he had at- tended school when a boy. At the close of his school he returned to the office of Governor Morton, and remained there till the latter retired from the profession to accept a place on the bench of the Supreme Judicial Court of the State. He then entered the office of David G. W. Cobb, Esq., then register of probate for the county of Bristol, and there remained till the term of court in September, 1825, when he was admitted to the Bristol County bar. Mr. Williams first settled in the practice of his pro- fession at Dighton, Mass., where he remained till 1827, when he removed to Swansea, the latter place being then a more favorable field for the profession than at present, although not sufficient to afford busi- ness for two lawyers, for we are told that he was in- duced to go there because he had heard that the only lawyer in Swansea had removed to Fall River. Fall River by this time had become a thriving and promising place, and lawyers, no less than mechanics, business men, and members of other professions, were being attracted thither by its rapidly-developing importance as a manufacturing, commercial, and social centre. Hezekiah Battelle had been some time in the pro- fession of the law at Fall River, and had acquired some prominence and a lucrative practice. It was through his influence, unsolicited and unexpected, that Mr. Williams was induced in 1833, after having been six years at Swansea, to change his location from the latter place to Fall River. As Mr. Battelle was returning in the summer of that year from a pro- fessional visit to Pawtucket, passing through the village he met Mr. Williams on the street, and pro- posed that the latter should come to Fall River and go into partnership with him, saying that he had more business than he could attend to alone. This fact shows that Mr. Williams was not altogether des- titute of the reputation of a good lawyer even then. The conditions of the proposed partnership, proffered as they were by one of ability and experience in the profession, were even more flattering, for they pro- posed a partnership of five years with equal profits in the business. This was certainly very liberal con- sidering that Mr. Battelle was fourteen years Mr. Williams' senior, and had already attained a good practice. The partnership once established needed no further stipulation as to duration : it lasted for more than twenty years. During this period it is certainly within bounds to say that the firm did their full share of the legal business of the town. The firm of Battelle & Williams became one of the best known in this section of the State, both of the partners being distinguished for the thoroughness with which they prepared their cases, and their ex- treme fidelity and care in presenting them to courts and juries. After the retirement of the senior partner Mr. Williams continued business in the well-known office in Granite Block until failing health compelled him to retire to the comforts of home. Mr. Williams was the oldest member of the Bristol County bar in the time of his practice. Towards the latter part of his life, when, on account of infirmities 30 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. of age, he Avas seldom seen in the courts, he still did a large office business. His opinions upon knotty legal points were always highly valued, and in the depart- ments of conveyancing and equity he had few equals. His relations with his brethren of the bar were always cordial, his well-known form and face always com- manding respect when seen in assemblages of mem- bers of his profession. In conversation Mr. Williams had a peculiar power of presenting points. Usually retired and reserved in manner, he yet had a few intimate friends by whom his conversation was highly prized. His reminiscences of the ancient giants of the bar — Webster, Choate, Jeremiah Mason, Timothy G. Coffin, and others less known to public fame — were exceedingly interesting. He lived beyond the full allotted years of man's life, but he still preserved his noble characteristics. He was a man of marked integrity, always true to his trust, to his clients, to himself, and to the cause of truth. The Bar Association, which convened upon the an- ' nouncement of his death, adopted the following reso- lutions : " Resolved, That in the death of Mr. Williams, who for nearly half a century has been an honored and efficient member of the bar of this Commonwealth, the profession has lost a conscientious and wise coun- selor a faithful, patient, and industrious attorney, an earnest and care- ful advocate, exemplary citizen, and an honest man. "Resolved, That as an evidence of our regard and appreciation for the worth and character of the deceased we will attend his funeral in a body, and that an attested copy of these resolutions be sent to the family, and the Superior Court be requested to place the same on its records." The trustees of the Fall River Savings-Bank, at a meeting held April 15, 1880, ordered the following memorial to be placed upon their records : "Our old tried friend and honored associate, Eliab Williams, having departed this life, it becomes us to pause a moment to contemplate the distinguished virtues of his character and life. " His strict integrity and high sense of honor, his cool and deliberate judgment, his studious application to the business of his profession, his abiding faith in the divine side of his nature, made him an invaluable associate, citizen, and friend. "During the more than forty-three years' service with this institu- tion as trustee, secretary, vice-president, and legal counsel he was always prompt in the discharge of every duty devolving upon him, having but one concern, that of caring for and protecting the interests of those who intrusted their deposits in our keeping. "We mourn his departure, and in sadness reflect that we shall no more have his wise counsel. " To his family and friends we tender our deepest sympathies in this their great bereavement, and in token of our esteem we will attend his funeral in a body." He was identified with the Fall River Savings- Bank as trustee, vice-president, and counsel almost from the organization of the institution. He was also a member of the school committee, and an earnest friend of education. Few men have transacted more business in the set- tlement of estates of deceased persons than did he during his life, and none with more uniform satisfac- tion to all concerned. He was for many years a member of the First Con- gregational Church of Fall River, a man of pure and spotless private life, of wonderful firmness and self- possession, and possessed of courage that never yielded to chicanery or wrong. His departure, like his life, was patient, gentle, serene, and ready. " Sure the last end of the good man Is peace. How calm his exit! Night-dews fall not so gently to the ground, Nor weary, worn-out winds expire so soft." Mr. Williams was thrice married, and left a widow and one son, the latter residing in Boston. He died April 14, 1880. Frederick A. Boomer was born in Tiverton, R. I., April 8, 1821, and died in Fall River, Mass., July 22, 1871. His wife was Elizabeth M., daughter of John Earle, to whom he was married July 8, 1857. Left to struggle for himself at an early age. a stu- dious disposition led him to adopt teaching as a pro- fession, for which he prepared himself by a systematic course of study, graduating at the Massachusetts State Normal School at Bridgewater. After pursuing his chosen vocation a number of years, the advice of friends and his own preference led him to study the law, which he commenced reading in the office of the late David Perkins, Esq., and subsequently pursued with Judge Lapham, on whose motion he was admitted to the bar of Bristol County. After his admission to the bar of this State, Mr. Boomer became a resident of Tiverton, R. I., from which town he was twice elected to the General Assembly. Returning to Fall River, he soon became interested in educational matters, his experience as a teacher giving him a lively interest in the public schools. For many years he was an efficient and valued mem- ber of the school committee, serving with earnestness and zeal. He was three times elected to the office of city solicitor, the last time in 1870, when failing health induced him to resign before the expiration of his term of office. In the fall of 1870 he was elected to the General Court, it being the second time he had been selected by his fellow-citizens for that important office. He was chairman of the Committee on Elections, and also a member of the Committee on Federal Relations. As a legislator Mr. Boomer was liberal and pro- gressive in his views, with a hearty sympathy for all measures calculated to raise the moral standard and lessen the burdens of the laboring masses. Ready and earnest as a debater, he never failed to obtain the attention of the House, and retain the respect and confidence of his fellow-members. Mr. Boomer was a director in the Pocasset National Bank from its organization till his death. As a man and a friend he cannot be too warmly spoken of, for he possessed the noblest qualities of char- acter. So manly was he by instinct that no one could deem him capable of a mean action, so charitable in his opinions of others as to lead him to overlook their faults and forgive any injuries he may have suffered. The feeling of vindictiveness he would not or could not cherish, and as a lawyer he would never encour- \^ €^-&r- <^Z_ BENCH AND BAR. 31 age litigation, preferring the loss of business to the loss of self-respect. He has been spoken of as a true Christian gentle- man, religious, but not bigoted, exhibiting grace of heart no less than polish of manners. Habitually cheerful, he was an agreeable companion and friend, and impressed all with his geniality and kindness, no less than with his earnestness and decision of char- acter. Mr. Boomer was fifty years old at the time of his death, and had grown up with the thrift and enter- prise of Fall River. In labor and sympathy he was fully identified with the best interests of the place, intellectual and spiritual, as well as material. In whatever offices he was called to fill, he gave to the discharge of their duties his best abilities and his most earnest, conscientious preparation. When quite a lad he made a profession of religion, was baptized by Rev. Asa Bronson, and received in the membership of the First Baptist Church of Fall River, March 6, 1836. Hezekiah Battelle, for so long a time a promi- nent member of the Bristol bar, was graduated at Brown University, in the class of 1816. He read law in the office of Hercules Cushman, Esq., of Freetown, then a prominent lawyer of the Bristol bar. Upon his admission to practice he became a partner with Mr. Cushman, and remained there a few years, when he removed to Swansea village, and continued in practice there till 1827, wdien he located in Fall River, and here passed the larger part of his life. Coming to Fall River in the vigor of manhood and with a reputation for ability and fidelity already es- tablished, his practice rapidly increased, and for more than a quarter of a century he was regarded as one of the ablest lawyers in the country. Perhaps no one in the county exceeded him in the preparation of cases for trial, either by the jury upon question of fact, or by the court upon matters of law. Mr. Bat- telle took a deep interest in the moral and religious welfare of Fall River, and in the prosperity and good government of our common country. He was one of the representatives from this town in the Legislature in 1838 and 1848, interesting himself at the latter pe- riod with the question of boundary between the States of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. For more than fifteen years, however, immediately previous to his death, he took but little interest in the practice of law, but devoted much of his attention to religious matters and questions of theology. Mr. Battelle was actively interested in the organization of the Unitarian Society in Fall River, and was one of its earnest supporters. He died Jan. 22, 1872, at the age of eighty-two years. Cyrus Alden was born in Bridgewater, Mass., May 20, 1785. He was fifth in descent and direct line from John Alden, the first of the Plymouth col- ony to step upon the famous rock at the landing of the " Mayflower" Pilgrims in 1620. His father was Capt. Joseph Alden. His mother and grandmother were members of the Carver family and also of Pil- grim ancestry. He was one of a family of nine chil- dren, of which five were sons, two of whom, himself and a younger brother, were graduated from Brown University, the one to follow the profession of the law, the other that of divinity. His own graduation took place in 1807, his education having been delayed by a severe and protracted illness. He studied law at Litchfield, Conn., and also read with Judge Whit- man, of Marshfield, and Judge Baylies, of Taunton. He began the practice of law in Wrentham, marrying, soon after his entrance upon his profession, Mary Margaret, daughter of Mr. Alexander Jones, of Prov- idence, R. I. After a short residence in Wrentham he removed with his family to Boston, residing in Roxbury, but having an office in the city and in the same building with Daniel Webster, a most noted con- temporary, belonging to the same political party, the Whigs, to which he always held. He here published, in 1819, a book, of which he was the author and edi- tor, under the title of "Abridgment of Law, with Practical Forms," in two parts, which proved accept- able and useful, but has now been superseded by later works of the same purpose. In 1827 he once more removed his family and business, and this time to Fall River, which he afterward served in the Legisla- ture, the town then bearing the name of Troy. Here he spent the remainder of his life, dying in March, 1855. In addition to the legal and judicial qualities of mind, which, with a marked and refined wit, he pos- sessed in a great degree, he had also poetic and inven- tive talents, amusing his leisure hours with the former and employing the latter to some practical result, being the inventor of hay-scales, for which he secured a patent, they being at one time in quite general use. An obituary written by a fellow-lawyer says, " For several years he did a considerable portion of Fall River's judicial business, his promptness and tenacity of memory being remarkable. He rarely took notes of testimony, and it was very seldom that a law-book was requisite to him for reference in any decision. So thoroughly imbued was his mind with the essential principles of our laws that his errors in stating them from memory merely were most infrequent, and it has been remarked, not without point, that more reliance might be placed upon the opinion of Cyrus Alden, Esq., than could be upon the opinions of many men with both books and laws. He was an author as well as practitioner, and has left a volume as a memento to his brethren in the department of his profession." Louis Lapham, who was a leading spirit in Fall River for more than forty years, was born in Burrill- ville. R. I., in 1810. His parents were poor people, and young Lapham had to earn his own bread. He acquired a good common-school education for his times, and learned the printer's trade. He early ac- quired a taste for political life, and was a Democrat. He took sides with the Dorr Rebellion in Rhode 32 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Island in 1840, and was so much of a friend of Gov- ernor Dorr that he became very obnoxious to the King Charles Charterists, and left his home and fled to Fall River, where he followed his trade for several years. He was a friend of the laborer, and always on the alert to defend the poor man's rights. He was of quick perceptions and had a ready tongue, and was a match for the lawyers and merchants of Fall River in debate in town-meeting. He acquired consider- able reputation with the laboring classes, and ambi- tious for a better situation in life than that that was open to him in mechanical avocation, studied law and was admitted to the bar. In 1852 he was appointed judge of the Police Court of Fall River by Governor Boutwell, which position he held until the court was abolished and the present District Court created in 1873. He was an upright judge. He was not a profound lawyer, yet he had a true conception of what was right, and his decisions were just and proper, if not always exact law. Hav- ing earned his position by the sweat of his own brow, he had not such regard for professional etiquette as perhaps he should have entertained. The people had great confidence in his judgment and fairness, and disposition to do justice by them. He was one of the original Free-Soilers, and for years was a prominent person in that party in the city of Fall River. He was several times a candi- date for mayor of Fall River, and in the latter part of his life was much disposed to be in sympathy with Democratic principles, and nothing but his hatred of slavery and his recollections of it kept him from full fellowship with them. He was of very generous disposition and very ready and willing to help those in need, and to render such assistance by word and deed as it was in his cir- cumstances to do. Indeed, he was too generous for his own accumulation of property. He was a true friend. He had strong attachments and hopes, but yet his love of justice and fair dealing was a control- ling element of character. He hated show and shams, and spoke perhaps too strongly at times in condemna- tion of political intriguers and hypocrites. He was a laborious man. He frequently wrote for the news- papers, and was busy in his profession. He died in Fall River in March, 1881, aged seventy-one years, leaving a widow and several daughters to mourn his death and to cherish his memory. Charles Holmes, father of Hon. Charles Holmes, was also a leading lawyer of Fall River. He had an excellent legal mind, and was genial and courteous in his intercourse with his fellow-men. Hon. Josiah C. Blaisdell was born in Camp- ton, N. H., on the 22d of October, 1820. In his boy- hood he attended the common district school, and later was a member of the Literary and Scientific Institution at Hancock, N. H. While yet a young man he removed with his parents to Methuen, Mass., from whence, in 1843, he came to Fall River for the purpose of entering the law-office of James Ford, Esq. Upon the completion of his studies he engaged in the practice of his profession, and has continued its active duties to the present day, rising step by step until he has gained a foremost position at the bar of his adopted town, and has become generally well known in this section of the State. His first entrance into public life was in 1858, when he was elected a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. In 1864 he was appointed by Governor John A. Andrew a member of the Board of State Charities, completing an unexpired term of two years. In 1866 he was reappointed to the same office by Governor Alexander H. Bullock for a fur- ther term of seven years, but resigned after serving two years. He was chosen a member of the State Senate in 1865, and again of the House in 1866. He was elected mayor of Fall River in 1858, and re-elected in 1859. Since Mr. Blaisdell's terms in the mayoralty and as representative and senator he has been brought by official life more or less continuously before the public, and in 1874, upon the organization of the "Second District Court of Bristol," in recog- nition of his qualifications as a lawyer and a man of sound and discreet judgment, he was appointed pre- siding judge. He has since that date filled the position ably and well, to the satisfaction of his brethren of the bar and the public at large. Nicholas Hatheway, son of Elnathan P. and Salome (Cushman) Hatheway, was born in Freetown, Sept. 3, 1824, the eldest of seven children. He was educated at Phillips Andover Academy and Pierce's Academy at Middleborough. He entered Brown University in 1843, and graduated in 1847 ; studied law with his father, and was admitted to the bar in 1850. He commenced practice in Freetown, where he remained until 1857, and then accepted a position as head of the weighers' and gaugers' department in the Boston custom-house under Collector Arthur W. Austin. Mr. Hatheway remained in this position until 1861, when he became a member of the Boston Stock Exchange, and continued in the brokerage business until about fourteen years ago, when he re- moved to Fall River and resumed the practice of law. Mr. Hatheway has taken good rank at the bar, but perhaps is best known as a criminal lawyer. He held various offices while in Freetown, was twice justice, and held that office until it was abolished. He was also a school-teacher in his native town and a member of the school committee. He was elected a member of the Legislature from Fall River in 1875, and was alderman in 1874 and 1875. Politically, Mr. Hatheway is a Democrat, and an earnest and outspoken advocate of the principles of that party. He was a delegate to the four last National Democratic Conventions, and has been a delegate to most of the State Conventions for twenty years, and has also been a member of the Democratic State Central Committee. He was nominated for 'Ll j ^^ o f BENCH AND BAR. 33 Congress in the fall of 1882, and received a very flattering vote. Mr. Hatheway is prominent in Masonic circles, is a member of Union Lodge, Dorchester; St. Paul's R. A. C, Boston; Council R. and S. M., Boston; Boston Commandery, and of the Supreme Grand Council of the Northern Jurisdiction of the United States and its Dependencies, — thirty-three degrees. Mr. Hatheway was married Jan. 1, 1851, to Fanny P. Dean, of Freetown, and has two children living, — Nelson D. Hatheway, M.D., of Middleborough, Mass., and Nicholas Hatheway, Jr., who graduates this year (1883) at Brown University. Hon. He.vky K. Braley, the present mayor of Fall River, was born in Rochester, Mass., March 17, 1850. He is a son of Samuel and Mary O. Braley, whose ancestor, Roger Braley, came to America and settled in Freetown in 1742. He was a Quaker. Mr. Braley attended the common schools of his native town, and subsequently graduated from the Rochester and Middleborough academies. He also taught school in Bridgewater four years. Having decided upon the legal profession as a vocation, he commenced the study of the law in the office of Latham & Kingman at Bridgewater, and in 1873 was admitted to the bar at Plymouth, Mass. He soon after located in Fall River, where he has since re- sided engaged in the active practice of his profession. Mr. Braley is an active and aggressive member of the Democratic party, and was elected mayor of the city of Fall River in 1882, and his popularity and worth as an executive officer was clearly evidenced by his re-election in 1883 by a large majority. Although yet a young man Mr. Braley has taken a leading position at the Bristol bar, and is regarded by his brethren as a rising man. James M. Morton, one of the older members of the bar, is a close student, has an excellent legal mind, | and is one of the acknowledged leaders of the bar in Southeastern Massachusetts. Hon. Andrew J. Jennings, Mr. Morton's partner, although a young man, has a good position at the bar, and is popular with his brethren and the citizens generally. He represented the district in the State Senate in 1882. Hon. John W. Ctjmmings is also a young man, but has already won a prominent position at the bar and t in the political field. He is the present State senator from this district, and one of Governor Butler's most trusted counselors. The present members of the Fall River bar are as follows : Nicholas Hatheway. John W. Cummings. Josiah C. Blaisdell. Timothy McDonough. James M. Morton. Samuel Ashton. Jonathan M. Wood. Aria N. Lincoln. Benjamin K. Lovatt. Patrick H. Wallace. William H. Pierce. Warren Aids. • Milton Reed. Hugo A. Dubuque. James F. Jackson. Edward Higginson. Dennis V. Sullivan. M. G. B. Swift. 3 Andrew J. JeDiiings. Simeon Borden. John S. Brayton. Frank G. Macomber. Henry K. Braley. 1 Attleborough. — John Daggett. He is a native of Attleborough, descended from John Daggett, who came from Martha's Vineyard about 1707 and settled in Attleborough, with a family of nine children. He was the son of Thomas Daggett, of the Vineyard, who married Hannah, oldest daughter of Governor May- hew, and lived and died on the island. John Daggett, the author of the history of Attleborough in this work, was the son of Hon. Ebenezer Daggett and Sally Maxcy, one of the Maxcy family of Attleborough. He fitted for college at Day's Academy in Wrentham, and under the tuition of Rev. Alvan Cobb, of Taun- ton. He entered Brown University in September, 1822, and graduated in the class of 1826. Soon after leaving college he commenced the study of the law in the office of Joseph L. Tillinghast, in Providence, a distinguished member of the Rhode Island bar and a member of Congress, and the next year studied in the office of Hon. J. J. Fiske, of Wrentham, and the third year attended the course of law lectures of Hon. Theron Metcalf, of Dedham, afterwards a judge of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts, and author of several learned works on jurisprudence. At that place he was admitted to the bar in January, 1830, and imme- diately opened an office and commenced practice in Attleborough, where he has continued most of his time since. Subsequently he edited a paper in Ded- ham for a year or two, and then returned to his native town. During the early years of his professional duties he took a deep interest in common-school education, and devoted much of his time to that cause, having served as chairman of the town school committee about fif- teen years in succession. He was elected representative to the Legislature for 1836, and continued for four years in succession. In 1850 he was elected to the Senate, and served on the Railroad and Judiciary Committees. During the latter year he was appointed member of the Valuation Board, the duties of which occupied four months at the State-House in Boston. He was also a member of the House in 1866. In 1852 he was appointed by the Governor register of probate and insolvency for Bristol County, and was afterwards elected to the same office for two terms, of four years each, holding the office for the period of eleven years. Of late years he has devoted his leisure hours to antiquarian and historical research, especially on the subject of the settlement and colonization of the Old Colony, and the origin and history of its people, is a member of the New England Genealogical and His- toric Society, and one of the original members of the Old Colony Historical Society, of which he is the president. He is the author of some local histories. Freetown. — William A. Leonard, from Rayn- 1 For notices of J.J. Archer and Milton Reed, see history of Fall River. 34 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. ham, located for the practice of his profession at Assonet village, in Freetown, in an early day. Being a single man, he boarded in the family of Col. Benjamin Weaver, in the west front chamber of whose house Mr. Leonard opened a law-office, and there remained until his building, constructed for tbat purpose, could be finished, the materials of which were obtained at Raynham, and brought down Taun- ton River and up Assonet River to Assonet village in Freetown, and set up a little south of the Congre- gational meeting-house. Mr. Leonard did not long remain in Freetown, but returned to Raynham. The building he put up for a law-office was afterwards used for a school-house. Washington Hathaway was a native of Free- town. He was a son of Joseph Hathaway and wife Eunice Winslow, and born Sept, 4, 1777. He was a graduate of Brown University, Providence, R. I. His law-office stood on the northerly side of Water Street, in Assonet village. Commenced practice in or about 1802. Died Feb. 10, 1818. George Bonum Nye Holmes was a native of Rochester, Mass., son of Abraham Holmes, Esq., and located in Freetown for the practice of the law in or near the year 1810. His law-office was the building now used by Mr. Philip C. Bryant for a grocery- store. Hercules Cushman was a native of Middlebor- ough. He studied law with Hon. Wilkes Wood, of his native town, and received the appointment of clerk of Plymouth County Court. Located in Free- town in or about 1813, from which town he was elected several times as representative to the General Court, and served one year in the Governor's Council. He was promoted to the office of colonel of the Fifth Regi- ment in the local militia of Bristol County. Honor- ably discharged. He returned to Middleborough in 1828, and there died in 1832. Ruftjs Bacon was a native of Rochester, Mass. Came to Freetown in 1814. Occupied as a law-office that which had been used by George Bonum Nye Holmes. June 13, 1818, Mr. Bacon was commissioned cap- tain of the Assonet Light Infantry Company, which position he held until 1824; was a member of the Governor's Council one year ; chairman of County Commissioners in 1828, which year he removed to the State of New York. Elnathan P. Hatheway was one of the leading members of the Bristol bar, and for a long time one of the most prominent Democrats in the State. He was a personal friend of James Buchanan, and also of Judge Randall, father of Samuel J. Randall, the distinguished member of Congress from Philadelphia, and ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives. He was selectman of his town, commissioner of insol- vency, member of the last Constitutional Convention, member of the Legislature, and later of the Senate, was a member of the National Convention which nominated President Buchanan, and was subsequently offered the collectorship of Boston, which he declined. He was engaged for a long time in most of the impor- tant cases that came before the courts of Bristol County. He was popular with his brothers at the bar, and was an intimate friend of Timothy G. Coffin and William Baylies. Mr. Hatheway was a direct descendant on the pa- ternal side from Ann Hathaway, the wife of Shake- speare, and on the mother's side from Robert Cush- man, the Puritan. Elnathan P. Hatheway was a graduate of Brown University in the class of 1816. Ezra Wilkinson came to Freetown in March, 1829, and opened a law-office in the building that had been used for that purpose by George Bonum Nye Holmes and Rufus Bacon. Mr. Wilkinson was a native of Wrentham, Mass., and a graduate of Brown University, Providence, R. I. From Freetown he removed to Seekonk, and from thence to Dedham. William H. Eddy was a native of Middleborough. He located for practice at Freetown in 1835. His health failed him, and he soon after returned to Mid- dleborough and died. Joseph Hathaway was a native of Freetown, and located for the practice of law in Fall River, where he was once elected as a member of the General Court, Came back to and opened a law-office at Assonet village in 1837. Somewhat distinguished as a temperance lecturer, claiming to be, as he did, a " reformed drunkard." Went back to the practice of law at Fall River in 1844. Did not remain long, but again returned to Freetown, where he died April 22, 1865. He was a son of John Hathaway, of Free- town, and wife Betsey Winslow. 1 The senior members of the bar of this county have many of them made up their records; those still left are soon to follow, and the juniors are to assume their places at the bar and on the bench ; to them will soon be committed these great responsible trusts. The perpetuity of our free institutions is committed to the guardianship and keeping of the bar and judiciary of our free country, for the history of the world teaches, and all free governments illustrate, this truth, that to the profession of the law civil government is indebted for all the safeguards and intrenchments with which the liberties of the people are protected, that legislation is shaped, constitutions enlarged, amended, and adopted by the enlightened administra- tion of the statesmen, both of England and the United States, who have been in both, and are in all free gov- ernments, educated for the bar, and, ascending by the inherent force of their disciplined professional life, they become the directors of the destinies of States and nations. Military chieftains may spring into power, tyrants may for the hour dazzle with the glamour of military parade, the pomp of war, an oppressed and frenzied 1 For Mansfield lawyers see history of that town. MEDICAL HISTORY. 35 people, bat they turn as the cannonade dies away to the statesmanship of the country, and call to the Par- liaments and congressional halls for final debate the arbitraments of the liberties of the people. From the days of King John to the present hour the bar and the bench have furnished the statesmen who have erected the bulwarks of constitutional law, and ex- torted from tyrants the Magna Chartas which have secured to the oppressed the guarantee of free insti- tutions. Imbued with the historical traditions of their predecessors, and tracing the paths they have trod, emulating their good example, it should become more and more the resolute purpose of the Bristol County bar to so walk in the light of their professional teachings that when they are called to follow them to that upper court and file their judgment-roll of the great trial of life with that Supreme Judge from whose bar they can take no appeal, — " Then go not like the quarry-slave at night Scourged to his dungeon, but,- sustained and soothed By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch About him and lies down to pleasant dreams." CHAPTER IV. MEDICAL HISTORY.* BKISTOL NORTH AND SOUTH DISTRICTS OF THE MASSACHU- SETTS MEDICAL SOCIETY. The Massachusetts Medical Society was formed in 1781, with power to elect officers, examine and license candidates, hold real estate, and " continue a body politic and corporate by the same name for- ever." The society is intended to include all regular phy- sicians practicing medicine in the commonwealth, and admission takes place according to the following extract from Charter 82, Massachusetts Laws, 1859 : " No person shall hereafter become a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society except upon ex- amination by the censors of said society ; and any person of good moral character, found to possess the qualifications prescribed by the rules and regulations of said society, shall be admitted a fellow of said society." The Massachusetts Medical Society includes seven- teen district societies, all of which are under the con- trol of the parent society. District societies consist of the fellows of the Massachusetts Medical Society residing within such districts respectively wherein the communication of cases and experiments may be made, and the diffusion of knowledge in medicine and surgery may be encouraged and promoted. Dis- trict societies " may appoint their own officers, and establish regulations for their particular government not repugnant to the by-laws of the general society ; and shall be capable to purchase and receive by do- nation books, philosophical and chirurgical instru- ments, or other personal property, and may hold and dispose of the same, exclusive of any authority of the general society." There are in Bristol County two such district soci- eties, — Bristol North District Medical Society and Bristol South District Medical Society. Bristol North District Medical Society was or- ganized June 20, 1849, and " consists of all the fel- lows of the Massachusetts Medical Society residing in the city of Taunton, and in the towns of Seekonk, Attleborough, Rehoboth, Norton, Mansfield, Easton, Raynham, Berkley. Freetown, Somerset, Dighton, Swansea, and none other." By a change in the State line, March 1, 1862, almost the whole of Pawtucket and a portion of Seekonk, since known as East Prov- idence, were ceded to Rhode Island. Prior to that date fellows residing therein were members of the Bristol North District Medical Society, but at that time they lost their membership in the District So- ciety and became non-resident fellows of the Massa- chusetts Medical Society. The first meeting for the organization of this society was held at East Attleborough, Jan. 20, 1849. There were present at this meeting Drs. Benoni Carpenter, of Pawtucket ; Seba A. Carpenter, of Attleborough ; James B. Dean, of Taunton ; Johnson Gardner, of Seekonk; Thaddeus Phelps, of Attleborough ; Menzies R. Randall, of Rehoboth ; Phineas Savery, of Attle- borough ; Caleb Swan, of North Easton. Dr. M. R. Randall was made chairman, and Dr. Benoni Carpen- ter secretary. A committee was chosen, consisting of Drs. Carpenter, Gardner, and Phelps, who reported a " draft for by-laws," which were accepted and adopted in the usual manner. Thereupon the organization was completed by the choice of the following officers: President, Seba A. Carpenter; Vice-President, Men- zies R. Randall ; Secretary and Treasurer, William F. Perry (not before mentioned); Librarians, Phineas Savery, James B. Dean. Following is a list of the members of the Bristol North District Medical Society from 1849 to 1883, al- phabetically arranged: 1 The articles on the Massachusetts Medical Society and the Bristol North District Society were contributed by Silas D. Presbrey, M.D., of Taunton, and the article on Bristol South District Society by Dr. John H. Mackie, of New Bedford. o o d* -<" C CD ~s Name. Residence. Died. — . Nichols, Benoni Carpenter, William Dickinson, Caleb Swan; Censors, Thomas G. Nichols, Lloyd Morton, Johnson Gardner. March 11, I>">7. — President, Thaddeus Phelps; Vice President, Benoni Carpenter; Secretary and Treasurer, Charles Howe; Commissioner on Trials, Daniel King; Librarians, James B. Dean, John 11. Bron- son ; Councilors, Benoni Carpenter, Daniel King, Joseph D. Nichols; i Vnsors, Thomas G. Nichols, Johnson Gardner, Lloyd Morton. March 10,1858. — President, Benoni Carpenter; Vice-President, Daniel King; Secretary and Treasurer, Charles Howe; Commissioner on Trials, Daniel King; Librarians, John B. Chace, John B Bronson ; Councilors, Daniel King, J. D. Nichols, Johnson Gardner; Censors, J. G. Nichols, Johnson Gardner, Charles Howe. March 9, 1859. — President, Benoni Carpenter; Vice-President, Daniel King; Secretary and Treasurer, Charles Howe; Commissioner on Trials, Daniel King; Librarians. J. B. Chace, Thaddeus Phelps; Councilors, Ira Sampson, Thaddeus Phelps, Johnson Gardner; Cen- sors, Johnson Gardner, T. G. Nichols, Charles Howe. March 14, 1S60. — President, Charles Howe; Vice-President, J. R. Bron- son ; Secretary and Treasurer, Thomas G. Nichols; Commissioner on Trials, B. Carpenter; Librarians, J. B. Chace, Thaddeus Phelps ; Councilors, Johnson Gardner, Benoni Carpenter, Thaddeus Phelps, Charles Talbot; Censors, Johnson Gardner, Joseph Murphy, J. D. Nichols. March 13, 1861. — President, Charles Howe; Vice-President, J. R. Bron- son; Secretary and Treasurer, J. B. Chace; Commissioner on Trials, Thaddeus Phelps; Librarian, Thaddeus Phelps; Councilors, John- son Gardner, Thaddeus Phelps, Joseph Murphy, Benoni Carpenter; Censors, J. B. Chace, H. B. Hubbard, J. R. Bronson. March 12, 1862. — President, John R. Bronson ; Vice-Presideut, Joseph Murphy; Secretary and Treasurer, J. B. Chace; Commissioner on Trials, J. Phelps; Librarian, Ira Sampson ; Councilors, Benoni Car- penter, Charles Howe, Ira Sampson, Thaddeus Phelps ; Censors, J. B. Chace, H. B. Hubbard, J. R. Bronson. March 11, 1863. — President, John R. Bronson; Vice-President, Joseph Murphy; Secretary and Treasurer, J. B. Cliace; Commissioner on Trials, J. Phelps; Librarian, Ira Sampson; Councilors, H. B. Hub- bard, Charles Howe, William G. Allen; Censors, H. B. Hubbard, J. B. Cliace, J. R. Bronson. March 9, 1864. — President, Joseph Murphy; Vice-President, H. B. Hub- bard; Secretary and Treasurer, Nomus Paige; Librarian, Ira Samp- son; Councilors, Thaddeus Phelps, J. R. Bronson, William G.Allen, Charles Howe ; Censors, J. B. Chace, H. B. Hubbard, J. R. Bronson. March 8, 1865. — President, Joseph Murphy ; Vice-President, Henry B. Hubbard ; Secretary and Treasurer, Nomus Paige ; Commissioner on Trials, J. R. Bronson; Librarian, Ira Sampson; Councilors, J. R. Bronson, Thaddeus Phelps, William G. Allen; Censors, H. B. Hubbard, J. R. Bronson, J. B. Chace. March 14, 1866.— President, Henry B. Hubbard; Vice-President, J. B. Chace; Secretary and Treasurer, Nomus Paige; Commissioner on Trials, W. G. Allen; Librarian, Ira Sampson; Councilors, Thad- deus Phelps ; William G. Allen, J. B. Fobes, Obed. C. Turner ; Cen- sors, J. R. Bronson, Joseph Murphy, S. D. Presbrey. MEDICAL HISTORY. 37 March 13,1807. — President, Joseph B. Fobes; Vice-President, Silas D. Prcsbrey ; Secretary and Treasurer, Nomas Paige: Commissioner on Trials, J. R. Bronson ; Librarian, Ira Sampson; Councilors, William G. Allen, Thaddeus Phelps, Charles Howe, J. B. Fpbes; Censors, Joseph Murphy, S. D. Presbrey, George ('. Howard. March 11, 1868.— President, William G. Allen; Vice-President, S. D. Presbrey; Secretary and Treasurer, Nonius Paige ; Commissioner on Trials, Charles Howe; Librarian, Edwin Stanley; Councilors, J. It. Bronson, H. B. Hubbard, Joseph Murphey, S. D. Presbrey; Censors, Thaddeus Phelps, J. B. Chace, 0. C. Turner. March 10, 1869.— President, Silas D. Presbrey; Vice-President, Obed. C. Turner ; Secretary and Treasurer, Charles T. Hubbard ; Commis- sioner on Trials, X. Paige; Librarian, John E. Cobb; Councilors, J. R. Bronson, H. B. Hubbard, Charles Howe, Joseph Murphy ; Cen- sors, Thaddeus Phelps, J. B. Chace, William G. Allen. March 9, 1870.— President, Silas D. Presbrey; Vice-President, Nonius Paige ; Secretary and Treasurer, Elton J. Bassett ; Commissioner on Trials, J. R. Bronson ; Councilors, Nonius Paige, Joseph Murphy, Amos B. Paun, Henry H. Sproat; Censors, J. B. Chace, Thaddeus Phelps, Charles Howe. March 8, 1871. — President, Nomus Paige; Vice-President, Obed. C. Turner; Secretary and Treasurer, E. J. Bassett; Commissioner on Trials, A. B. Paun; Librarian, H. H. Sproat; Councilors, S. D. Presbrey, Charles Howe, J. R. Bronson, Joseph Murphy; Censors, W. W. Godding, Benoni Carpenter, S. D. Presbrey. March 13, 1872.— President, William W. Godding; Vice-President, F. L. Burden; Secretary and Treasurer, E.J. Bassett; Commissioner on Trials, Charles Howe; Librarian, H. H. Sproat; Councilors, J. R. Bronson, Joseph Murphy, Benoni Carpenter, S. D. Presbrey ; Cen- sors, Joseph Murphy, William G. Allen, J. B. Chace. March 12, 1873. — President, Benoni Carpenter; Vice-President, Charles Howe; Secretary and Treasurer, E. J. Bassett; Commissioner on Trials, W. W. Godding; Librarian, J. B. Chace; Councilors, J. R. Bronson, Joseph Murphy, S. D. Presbrey, Nomus Paige; Censors, Joseph Murphy, S. D. Presbrey, A. B. Paun. March 12, 1874.— President, Benoni Carpenter; Vice-President, Charles Howe; Secretary and Treasurer, E. J. Bassett; Commissioner on Trials, W. W. Godding; Librarian, A. B. Paun; Councilors, J. R. Bronson. Joseph Murphy, S. D. Presbrey, A. S. Dean ; Censors, Joseph Murphy, S. D. Presbrey, George L. Ellis. April 22, 1S75. — President, Charles Howe; Vice-President, E. J. Bassett; Secretary and Treasurer, A. S. Deane ; Commissioner on Trials, H. C. Bullard; Librarian, H. II. Sproat; Councilors, J. R. Bronson, S. D. Presbrey, Nomus Paige, Joseph Murphy; Censors, W. W. God- ding, G. L. Ellis, N. M. Ransom, S. D. Presbrey, Joseph Murphy. April 20, 1870. — President, W. W. Godding; Vice-President, Nomus Paige; Secretary and Treasurer, A. S. Deane; Commissioner on Trials, J. R. Bronson; Librarian, A. S. Deane; Councilors, J. R. Bronson, Charles Howe, Joseph Murphy, S. D. Presbrey : Censors, H. C. Bullard, G. L. Ellis, E. J. Bassett, W. G. Allen, S. D. Pres- brey. April 19, 1877.— President, W. W. Godding; Vice-President, Nonius Paige; Secretary, W. S. Robinson ; Treasurer, Charles Howe; Com- missioner on Trials, J. R. Bronson; Librarian, A. S. Deane; Coun- cilors, J. R. Bronson, Charles Howe, Joseph Murphey, S. D. Pres- brey ; Censors, II. C. Bullard, G. L. Ellis, E. J. Bassett, W. G. Allen, S. D. Presbrey. April 18, 1&78. — President, Nomus Paige ; Vice-President, H. C. Bullard ; Secretary, W S. Robinson ; Treasurer, Charles Howe ; Commissioner on Trials, J. R. Bronson ; Librarian, N. M. Ransom ; Councilors, J. R. Bronson, Charles Howe, Joseph Murphey, S. D. Presbrey; Censors, S. 1>. Presbrey, II. < !. Bullard, G. L. Ellis, N. M. Ransom, E. J. Bassett. April 17, 1879.— President, II. C. Bullard ; Vice-President, N. M. Ran- som; Secretary, W. S. Robinson ; Treasurer, Charles Howe; Com- missioner on Trials, J. Murphy; Librarian, Charles Uowe; Coun- cilors, J. R. Bronson, N. Paige, S. D. Presbrey; Censors, E. J. Bassett, Charles Howe, S. D. Presbrey, N. Paige, J. P. Brown. April 15, 1880.— President, II. C. Ballard; Vice-President, N. M. Ran- som; Secretary, W. S. Robinson; Treasurer, Charles Howe; Com- missioner on Trials, N. Paige; Librarian, Charles Howe; Council- ors, J. It. Bronson, S. D. Presbrey, Joseph Murphy ; Censors, E. J. Bassett, S. D. Presbrey, N. Paige, Charles Howe, J. P. Brown. April 21, 1881.— President, N. M. Ransom ; Vice-President, J. P. Brown; Secretary, George B. Richmond ; Treasurer, Charles Bowe; Com- missioner on Trials, N Paige; Librarian, Charles Howe; Councilors, J. R. Bronson, S. D. Presbrey, Joseph Murphy; Censors, Charles Howe, E. J. Bassett, A. W. Wilmarth, W. S. Robinson, J. E. Totten. April 20, 1882.— President, N. M. Ransom ; Vice-President, J. P. Brown ; Secretary, E. F. Galligan; Treasurer, Charles Howe; Commissioner on Trials, N. Paige ; Librarian, J. B. Gerould ; Councilors, Joseph Murphy, S. I). Presbrey, J. E. Totten, N. Paige; Censors, Charles Howe, W. S. Robinson, E. J. Bassett, J. E. Totten, A. W. Wilmarth. According to Article V. of the by-laws, adopted June 20, 1849, the meetings of the society were quar- terly, and holden on the third Wednesdays of June, September, December, and March, the last being the annual meeting, at which meeting all officers were elected. Article IV. provides that " the society shall hold its meetings alternately at East Attleborough and Taunton." But this article was amended Sept. 13, 1854, so as to read, "This society shall hold its meet- ings at such places as by vote it shall determine." Sept. 9, 1854, both these articles were again amended, so that there should be but two regular meetings a year, the annual in March, and the semi-annual in September. The last meeting held in Attleborough was on Sept. 10, 1873. Since that time all the meetings have been held in Taunton. At a meeting, Sept. 16, 1875, a new code of by-laws was reported by a special committee which had been appointed to suggest the alterations of the by-laws necessary to make them conform to those of the parent society. According to Article VII. of that code, which is now in force, "The annual meeting of the society shall be held between the 15th of April and the 15th of May, and, if not otherwise ordered, it shall be on the third Thurs- day of April. If in any year this day should be less than ten days before the annual meeting of the State society, this society shall fix another day by vote, or, if it neglects to do so, a day shall be specified by the president. A stated meeting of the society shall like- wise be held on the third Thursday in September. The secretary shall call a special meeting on the writ- ten application of five members. " Meetings for scientific improvement may be held at such times and places as shall be determined by the society. "All meetings shall be held in Taunton, unless other- wise ordered by vote at a previous stated meeting." A careful perusal of the records will convince one that in the main the members have attended faith- fully to their duty in " communicating any instructive cases which may have occurred in their practice, any useful discovery which may have been made in medi- cine or surgery or the allied sciences, and any invention which may have practical application in the same." As touching upon this point, it is quite interesting to read the accounts of the first tentative applications of the fever thermometer, which has since become the constant companion and trustworthy assistant of the practitioner. We read also with interest the records of the first use of the hypodermic syringe, as reported by a gentleman who was a pioneer in this vicinity in its application to relieve suffering. The record de- scribes the interest of the members in the instrument, 38 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. and goes on to speak of the many questions that were asked and answered regarding the method and results of its employment. Numberless instructive cases have been reported, which have stimulated im- portant discussions. At nearly every meeting an essay has been read upon some subject of interest to the members and importance to the community. Following are the names of active members, Janu- ary, 1883 : Names. Residences. Offices. Allen, William George Mansfield. Baker, Harry Beecher Dighton. Bassett, Elton James Taunton Censor. Battershall, Joseph Ward Attleborough. Bronson, John Richardson Attleborough. Brown, John Peaslee Taunton Vice-President. Bullard, Herbert Cutler Attleborough. Burden, Frederick Lysander.. Attleborough. Cogswell, George Badger North Easton. Deane, Asabel Sumner Taunton. Foster, James Wolcott North Attleborough. Gage, William Hathorne Taunton. Galligan, Edward Francis Taunton Secretary. Gerould, Joseph Bowditch N. Attleborough. ..Librarian. Golden, Michael Charles Taunton. Howe, Charles Taunton Censor and treasurer. Hutchinson, Marcello Taunton. Mackie, George Attleborough. Murphy, Joseph Taunton Councilor. Paige, Nonius Taunton Commissioner of trials and councilor. Presbrey, Silas Dean Taunton Councilor. Randall, George Henry North Rehoboth. Ransom, Nathaniel Morton. ..Taunton President. Richmond, George Barston. ...Dighton. Robinson, Walter Scott Taunton Censor. Sproat, Henry Hamilton Freetown. Tilden, Frank Elmer North Easton. Totten, John Edmund attleborough Censor and councilor. Wellington, James Lloyd Swansea. Wilmarth, Alfred Warren Taunton Censor. Wood, Alfred Taunton. Bristol South District Medical Society.— At a meeting of the councilors of the Massachusetts Medical Society, held at Boston April 3, 1839, the charter of the society was granted, as appears by the following extract from the records : "To Alexander Read, Andrew Mackie, Paul Spooner, Samuel Sawyer, Julius A. Mayhew, William C. Whitridge, fellows of said society, greeting : Your application, made in due form, requesting that a district or subordinate medical society, residing in the following towns in the county of Bristol, viz.: New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton, Freetown, Fairhaven, Dartmouth, and Westport ; in the county of Plymouth, Middleborough, Rochester, and Wareham ; in Duke's County, Chilmark, Tisbury, and Edgartown ; and Nantucket was duly considered at a meeting of the councilors held at Boston on the 3d day of April, a.d. 1839, and it was voted that your requests should be granted. "Be it therefore known, That pursuant to an act of the Legisla- ture of this commonwealth entitled ' An Act in addition to an act en- titled "An Act to incorporate certain persons by the name of the Massa- chusetts Medical Society," 'authorizing the councilors of said society thereunto a distinct or subordinate society by the name of the Southern District Medical Society, is hereby established, to consist of those fel- lows of the Massachusetts Medical Society now residents within the limits aforesaid, for the purpose of electing officers and transacting such other business as they shall deem expedient. " In testimony whereof, the president, pursuant to the aforesaid vote of the councilors, has hereunto subscribed his name and affixed the seal of the corporation at Boston this 18th day of April, a.d. 1839. •'George C. Siiattuck, President. "Attest: S. D. Towxsend, Recording Secretary." Since the grants of the foregoing charter the society's name has been changed to the Bristol South District Society, and consists of all fellows of the Massachusetts Medical Society residing within the following cities and towns, viz. : New Bedford, Fall River, Westford, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Middle- borough, Rochester, Mattapoisett, Wareham. Nan- tucket, Edgartown, Tisbury, and Chilmark. The records of the society having been unfortu- nately lost, it is impossible to give a list of the origi- nal members or of the officers of the society, but be- low is a list of all who have been members of the society from its organization in 1839 to the present time, March, 1883 : l Adm. Name. Residence. Ret'd. Died. Age. 1853. Abbe, Edward P. New Bedford. 1854. {Abbe, Burr R. Hartford, Conn. 1864. .... 1877. Abbott, John H. Fall River. 1839. *Archer, Jason H. Wrentham. 1834. 1864. 69. 1837. Atwood, George. Fairhaven. 1839. fBartlett, Francis D. South Dartmouth. 1865. *•»• 1833. *Bartlctt. Lyman. New Bedford. 1865. 57. 1867. Bass, William M. Monument. 1S5.-.. *Brackett, W. T. S. Edgartown. 1862. 34. 1867. Bowen. Seabury W. Fall River. ><>. 1867. Butler, Winthrop. Vineyard Haven. .... 1842. *Clark, Johnson. New Bedford. 1861. .... 1S80. Clifford, Arthur. New Bedford. 1881. 1881. • ■»• 1881. Chagiion, W. J. B. Fall River. •••• 1847. *Colbv, Elijah. New Bedford. 1856. 58. 1846. *Comstock, William W. Middleborough. 1878. 77. 1829. f*Cornish, Aaron. New Bedford. 1862. 1864. 74. I860. Cornish, Aaron. New Bedford. ■ •.. 1857. Cornish, Theodore 0. Dartmouth. .... 1840. *Crary, William 11. II. Fall River. 1853. *«•• 1865. {Cleaveland, Daniel. Middletown, Conn. .... 1866. {Collins, William D. Fall River. 1867. {Clark, J. Laing. Providence, R. I. .... 1847. Davis, Robert T. Fall River. .... 1839. t*Doggett, Perez F. Wareham. 1869. 1875. 68. 1851. Dwelley, Jeiome. Fall River. 1847. Drake, Ebenezer W. Middleborough. .... 1863. {Eddy, William. New York. .... 1866. Eddy, George S. Fall River. .... 1829. f* Fearing, Elisha P. Nantucket. 1860. 1876. 91. 1849. *Folsoin, Levi. New York. 1853. .... 1861. Fearing, Benjamin. Wareham. .... 1839. f*Glazier Amory. Fall River. 1849. 1852. 69. 1835. Gordon, William A. Dartmouth. .... 1882. Gou. *Green, Edward W. 1853. i860. 1839. Rhode Island. 68. 1841. {Hardy, Benjamin F. Sau Francisco. 1839. *Haskell, Joseph. Rochester. 1873. .... 1854. Holmes, Alexander R. Canton. .... 183S. *Hooper, Foster. Fall River. 1870. 65. 1859. Hooper, Frederick H. New Bedford. 1866. Howe, Woodbridge R. Hanover. .... 1837. {Hubbard, Levi. California. .... 1-:," Hai thy, James W. Fall River. 1869. Hough. Georg- T. New Bedford. ....... .... 1869. {Hayes, Charles. New York. 1870. Hayes, Stephen W. New Bedford. 1871. Handy, Benjamin J. Fall River. 1849. ♦Jennings, John H. New Bedford. 1882. .... 1841. {Jones, Alanson S. New York. 1845. 1877. Jackson, John H. Fall River. .... 1867. * Johnson, Henry. New Bedford. 1880. .... 1848. King, George. Franklin. .... 1842. King, John B. Nantucket. 1839. f{Ladd, Azel P. Iowa. 1846. 1839. Learned, Ebenezer T. Fall River. w .. ■ 1851. f*Leland, Phineas W. Fall River. 1862. 1870. 71. 1879. Leonard, Milton U. New Bedford. 1831. * Lucas, Ivory H. Edgartown. 1870. 1856. Leach, William. Vineyard Haven. 1824. f*Mackie, Andrew. New Bedford. 1861. 1871. 77. 1850. Mackie, John H. New Bedford. 1822. ♦Mackie, Peter. Wareham. 1858. 72. 1822. t*Mason, William B. Dartmouth. 184:*.. 1856. 74. 1830. *Mavhe\v, Julius S. New Bedford. IS: 9. 1845. Millet, Asa. East Bridgeuater. 1876. McGrath, Eugene J. Fall River. 185H. *MarrisaI, Felix V. Fall River 1881. 57. 18112. {Nelson, Abial W. New London, Ct. 1865. 1866. {Noves, George H. Fall River. is:, 1. *0akes, T Fletcher. Dartmouth. is:;,. O'Connell.John D. Vineyard Haven. 1839. t*Perkius, John. Middleborough. 1854. 1866. ' 88. 1840. Pierce, John. Edgartown. 1875. Pierce, A. Martin. New Bedford. 1867. Prescotr, Charles 1). New Bedford. 1869. Paun, Amos B. Middleborough. 1 The asterisk (*) denotes deceased; the dagger (f) retired; the double dagger (J) removed from the State. MILITARY HISTORY. Adm, 1844. 1861. 1873. 1S79. 1836. 1845. lsvj. is:m. 1846. 1839. 1851. 1S4S. 1821. 1852. is:'.'.i. 1862. 1857. 1846. 1856. 1866. 1870. 1874. 1879. 1878. L869 1873. 1875. 1822. 1867. 1840. 1849. is:,;. 1881. 1881. 1839. 183S. 1822. 1841. 1832. 1842. 1S64. 1867. 1833. Name. Russell, Henry. Kicketson, Arthur. Redfearn, Joseph. ^Richmond, Geo. 15., Jr. *Sawyer, Samuel. *Shiverick, Clement F. Sherman, Frank M. *Sissou, Benjamin B. *Sno\v, George W. | South worth, Newton. Spare, John. Sparrow, William E. t*Spooner, Paul. JSiickney, Charles D. *Sturtevant, George. Sturtevant, Charles. Swasey, Charles L. *Sweat, William W. Sawyer, Frederick A. *Smith, Isaac, Jr. *Sullivan, Alexis J. Smith, Lawrence S. Smith, H. B. S. Tavlor, William II. JTuttle, Charles M. Tourtellot, J. Q. A. Tucker, Edward T. ♦Thompson, Arad. Vermyne, Jan. J. B. f* Washburn, Lemuel W. * Webster, Joseph W. Webster, Joseph. White, A. M. W. Whitney, E. M. t*Well8, Thomas T. tWells, William R. *Whitridge, William C. ♦Wilbur, Thomas. •Willard, Henry. Wiuslnw, Charles F. ♦Wilson, Benjamin F. Whitaker, John B. *Yale, Leroy 31. Residence. Sandwich. New Bedford. Fall River. Cambridge. Edgartown. Dartmouth. Westport. Middleho rough. Iowa. New Bedford. Mattapoisett. New Bedford. New Bedford. Middlebo rough. Hyde Park. New Bedford. Mattapoisett. Wareham. Fall River. Fall River. Watertown. Middlebo rough. New Bedford. Littletown, N. H. Fall River. New Bedford. Middlebo rough. New Bedford. Wisconsin. Acushnet. Acushnet. Fall River. Fairhaven. New York. Middleborough. New Bedford. Fall River. Boston. Boston. New Bedford. Fall River. Tisbury. Ret'd. Died. Age 1860. 1862. 1842. 18391 1859". 1857. 1867! 1863. 1862. 1852. 1873. is's'i'. If.MI. 1843. isis! 1876. 1880. 1842! 1857'. 1857. 1855. 1849". 54. 39. 58. 60. 76. 57. 40. 66. 33'. 70. 52. 73'. 58. 54. 46. CHAPTER V. MILITARY HISTORY. The Third Regiment— The Fourth Regiment— The Seventh Regiment —The Eighteenth Regiment— The Twenty-third Regiment — The Twenty-sixth Regiment— The Twenty-ninth Regiment— The Thirty- eighth Regiment— The Thirty-ninth Regiment— The Fortieth Regi- ment — The Forty-seventh Regiment. The lightning had scarcely flashed the intelligence to the expectant North that Maj. Anderson and his gallant band had surrendered as prisoners of war to the Southern Confederacy, ere the patriotic sons of Bristol County were rallying to the support of their imperiled country. Men and money were promptly raised, and the record of this county during the whole struggle is one in which its citizens may justly feel a patriotic pride. The Third Regiment.— The Third Regiment of three months' troops was composed of men from Nor- folk, Plymouth, and Bristol Counties. The field-officers were as follows : Colonel, David W. Wardrop; Lieutenant-Colonel, Charles Raymond; Major, John H. Jennings; Adju- tant, Austin S. Cushman; Quartermaster, Edward D. Allan; Surgeon, Alexander R. Holmes; Assistant Surgeon, Johnson Clark ; Sergeant- Maj or, A. C. Maggi ; Quartermaster-Sergeant, F. S. Giffbrd ; all of New Bedford, except the lieutenant-colonel. There were two companies from this county, — Com- pany D from Freetown, known as the "Assonet Light Infantry," John W. Marble, captain; H. A. Francis and John M. Dean, lieutenants; and the "New Bed- ford City Guards," Timothy Ingraham, captain ; James Barton and A. S. Cushman, lieutenants. The regiment left Bftston April 17th for Fortress Monroe, where it arrived on April 20th, and two days later became a part of the garrison of that famous old stronghold. It performed garrison duty until July 5th, when it crossed Hampton Creek and occupied the town, establishing advance posts on the outskirts. The regiment remained here, performing cheerfully its duties, which were arduous and harassing, until July 16th, when, its term of service having expired, it embarked for Boston, arriving there July 19th, and four days later, July 23, 1861, was mustered out of the service, and resumed its place as part of the militia of the State. Companies D, E, I, and M re-enlisted for three years and remained at the front. When the call was made in 1862 for a draft of nine months' men, the regiment volunteered at once and rendezvoused at " Camp Joe Hooker," at Lakeville, and on the 22d of October, 1862, left Boston for New- berne, N. C, under command of Col. Silas P. Rich- mond, of Freetown. The companies were officered as follows : Company A. — Captain, John W. Marble; First Lieutenant, Charles P. Lyon; Second Lieutenant, N. Morton (2d). Company B.— Captain, P. B. Griffith; First Lieutenant, C. A. S. Per- kins; Second Lieutenant, W. S. Briggs. Company C. — Captain, Elihu Grant ; First Lieutenant, Benjamin A. Shaw; Second Lieutenant, Charles D. Copelaud. Company D— Captain, Andrew R. Wright ; First Lieutenant, Thomas McFarland ; Second Lieutenant, George Reynolds, Jr. Company E. — Captain, John E Hawes; First Lieutenant, Martin E. Mason ; Second Lieutenant, John L. Sharp (2d). Company F. — Captain, George 14. Hurlbiirt; First Lieutenant, W. H. Allen; Second Lieutenant, Jonathan W. Davis. Company G— Captain, William S. Cobb; First Lieutenant, Henry W. Briggs; Second Lieutenant, James L. Wilber. Company H. — Captain, Otis A. Barker; First Lieutenant, Robert Cross- man ; Second Lieutenant, Joseph Gibbs. Company I.— Captain, B. Ewer, Jr.; First Lieutenant, S. R. Eaton; Second Lieutenant, J. M. Lyle. Company K. — Captain, Samuel Bates ; First Lieutenant, Nathan Fobes; Second Lieutenant, Charles E. Churchill. The regiment remained at Newberne until Decem- ber 11th, when it started with the expedition to Golds- boro', which lasted eleven days, during which the regi- ment marched more than one hundred and fifty miles. The regiment participated in the battles of Kingston, Whitehall, and Goldsboro', and had these names in- scribed upon its banners. During its service the regiment gained an excellent reputation for drill and discipline, and, in the lan- guage of Col. Jourdan, " was always ready for duty." During its brief term of service it was transported by steamer and railroad more than two thousand miles and marched more than four hundred miles. Thirteen of the regiment died in the service, two were killed, fifteen wounded, and fourteen taken prisoners. The regiment left the front for home June 11th, arriving in Boston the 16th. and on the 26th of June, 40 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 1863, was mustered out after an honorable and effi- cient service. The Fourth Regiment was one of the first to leave ' Massachusetts upon the original call for three months' men. It left Boston April 17th, under command of Col. A. B. Packard, of Quincy, for Fortress Monroe, where it arrived on the 20th. It served its term of service and returned home, and in August, 1862, re- enlisted for nine months, and was sent to Camp Joe Hooker, at Lakeville, where it remained until Decem- ber 17th, when it embarked for New Orleans. In March it joined the expedition against Port Hudson, and there bore an important and conspicuous part. The Fourth remained at Brashear City until May 30th, when orders were received to report immediately to Gen. Banks, before Port Hudson. It there shared in the labors, fatigues, and hardships of that memor- able siege. In the assault on the 4th of June two of the com- panies — A, Capt. John Hall, of Canton, and K, Capt. W. H. Bartlett, of Taunton — were detailed with three companies from other regiments to carry hand gren- ades in the advance of the attacking columns. The detail was under command of Capt. Bartlett, who fell mortally wounded upon the very breastworks of the enemy, while he and his command, through a storm of shot and shell, were heroically endeavoring to scale them. Capt. Bartlett was a pure patriot and a brave soldier. The other companies also participated in the assault, but were not in so advanced a position. They were under fire, however, and were also in the battle of Bisland. In the attack of June 14th, when Capt. Bartlett was killed, the two companies suffered severely, losing in killed and wounded sixty-eight. Upon the surrender of Port Hudson the Fourth Regiment was one of the first to enter the fort, and remained inside performing garrison duty until August 4th, when it embarked for New England, and on the 28th of the same month was mustered out of the service. The entire loss of the regiment was about one hundred and twenty-five. The Seventh Regiment. 1 — The Seventh Regiment was composed almost entirely of Bristol County men, ; and was recruited by Col. (subsequently Maj.-Gcn.) Darius N. Couch. It was officered as follows : Colonel, Darius N. Coucli, Taunton ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Chester W. Green, Fall River ; Major, David E. Holman, Attleborough ; Surgeon, S. A. Ilolman, Taunton ; Assistant Surgeon, Z. Boylston Adams, Farmingham ; Adjutant, Otlmeil Gilmore, Raynhnm ; Quartermaster, Daniel Edson, Jr., Somerset; Quartermaster-Sergeant, David Packard, South Abington; Commissary -Sergeant, John B. Burt, Fall River; Hospital Steward, Horace B. Sherman, Boston; Principal Musicians, Thomas Dolan, Taun- ton, Robert Sheehan, Fall River; Leader of Band, Zadoc Thompson, Halifax. Company A (Fall River). — Captain, David H. Dyer; First Lieutenant, Jesse F. Eddy; Second Lieutenant, William H. Nye. Company B (Fall River). — Captain, John Gushing; First Lieutenant, Jesse D. Bullock ; Second Lieutenant, George W. Gifford. Company C (Taunton). — Captain, Charles T. Robinson; First Lieuten- ant, Edgar Robinson ; Second Lieutenant, George F. Holman. 1 By H. A. Cushman, of Taunton. Company D (Taunton). — Captain, Joseph Barney Leonard; First Lieu- tenant, William B. Stall; Second Lieutenant, William M. Hale. Company E (Scituate, Dorchester, and Marshfield). — Captain, Horace Fox ; First Lieutenant, Hiram A. Oakman ; Second Lieutenant, William W. Carsley. Company F (Taunton). — Captain, Zeba F. Bliss; First Lieutenant, James M. Lincoln; Second Lieutenant, James R. Mathewson. Company G (Easton) — Captain, Ward L. Foster; First Lieutenant, A. W. Lothrop; Second Lieutenant, M. F. Williams. Company //(Mansfield). — Captain, John R. Whitcorab; First Lieuten- ant, John W. Rogers; Second Lieutenant, William F. White. Company I (Attleborough). — Captain, John F. Ashley; First Lieu- tenant, William W. Fisher ; Second Lieutenant, Charles B. Des Jardines. Company K (Abington). — Captain, Franklin P. Harlow; First Lieu- tenant, George W. Reed ; Second Lieutenant, A. L. Mayhew. The regiment rendezvoused at Camp Old Colony (now known as Bristol County Agricultural Grounds), Taunton, where it was mustered into the United States service by Capt. J. H. Marshall, U.S.A., June 15, 1861, and shortly after left for Washington, D. C, previous to which a grand collation was served them by the citizens of Taunton on Taunton Green. Going to New York by Shore Line, they embarked to Eliza- bethport, N. J., on steamer " Kill von Kull," where they took cars, passing through Baltimore, Relay House, and other points of interest, reaching Wash- ington, D. C, at night, encamping near the capitol buildings till next morning, when they marched to Camp Kalorama, near Georgetown, D. C, where they remained until Aug. 6, 1861, when they marched to junction of Seventh and Fourteenth Streets, which was christened Camp Brightwood, D. C, and went into winter-quarters. During their stay there the regiment was assigned to a brigade composed of Thirty-sixth New York, Second Rhode Island, and Tenth Massachusetts Volunteers, which was com- manded by Gen. Couch, and was a part of Gen. Buell's division. During their stay at this location they assisted in building Fort Massachusetts, which formed a formidable work in repelling the advance of the rebels under Gen. Jubal Earl} r later on in July, 1864; picketed Rock Creek, and learned the duties of soldiers under the successive commands of Col. Nelson H. Davis, now inspector-general United States army, Col. Joseph Wheelock, who resigned shortly after his commission, and Col. David A. Russell, the latter whom the members learned to fear, and afterwards to revere. March 25, 1862, the regiment embarked on transports for Fortress Monroe, Va., marched to New- port News, Warwick Court-House, thence to a position in front of Yorktown, where it remained until Ma- gruder evacuated the forts, when, after severe mud marches, it arrived upon the battle-field of Williams- burg, Va., much exhausted, at 2.30 p.m. May 5, 1862, under a severe fire, they were ordered to the support of the exhausted troops of Gen. Peck's brigade, and at nightfall relieved the One Hundred and Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and without blankets or fires stood in a drenching rain during the night. At daybreak a detachment from Company K, Capt. Reed, with a detachment from Gen. Davidson's command, occupied Fort Magruder; loss, MILITARY HISTORY. 41 one killed, two wounded. Encamped near Williams- burg, Va., till May 9th, when marched to Roper's Church; May 13th, marched to Dr. May's farm; May 16th, marched six miles on the Richmond road; May 17th, formed a reconnoitering party under Cols. D. A. Russell and Gregg (of cavalry fame) to Bottom's Bridge ; May 19th, moved to a point on Richmond and West Point Railroad two and a half miles from railroad bridge on Chickahominy River ; from May 20th to May 24th, skirmished to Charles City road ; May 25th to 29th, skirmished to Seven Pines ; May 31st, engaged in battle of Seven Pines, or Fair Oaks; June 2d, encamped near Golding's farm, Chicka- hominy River; June 5th, engaged in a skirmish; June 6th, encamped on west side of railroad; June 11th, encamped near Seven Pines; June 25th, en- gaged in a severe skirmish with the enemy, losing, killed, the genial and warm-hearted soldiers Lieut. Jesse D. Bullock, Company B, and Private John White, Company F. Lieut. Bullock was embalmed and his body sent home to Fall River. Private White was buried near the camp. June 27th, broke camp and commenced the grand retreat of Gen. McClellan down the Peninsula; June 28th, engaged in severe skirmish with rebel cavalry near Ellis Church ; June 29th, arrived about 2 P.M., near James River at Mal- vern Hill ; July 2d, marched to Harrison's Landing, on James River, Va., where it remained in camp until Aug. 10, 1802, when it commenced its march to Fortress Monroe, or York River, to embark on trans- ports to Alexandria, Va. While at Harrison's Land- ing the band which had so many times inspired the members of the Seventh with their fine music was, by general order of War Department, mustered out Aug. 11, 1802. September 1st, inarched from Alexan- dria to Fairfax Court-House, Va. Battle of Bull Run, Va. September 2d, returned to Alexandria; from September 3d to September 17th marched through Tenallytown, Rusherville, Seneca Mills, Poolesville, Barnesville, Lickettsville, Birkettsville, Boonesville, Md., over South Mountain to Antietam battle-field. As a part of a division under command of Gen. Couch, at night, September 18th, was placed in front line, the enemy retreating in the night. Sep- tember 19th, moved to Sharpsburg; 20th, returned through that town to Williamsport, Md. ; 23d, en- camped at Downsville, Md., remained there until October 18th, moved to Clear Spring, Hancock, Cherry Run, and Williamsport. Returned to old camp at Downsville, October 29th. November 1st. left there, passing through Berlin, crossing the Poto- mac, passing through Wheatland, White Plains, New Baltimore, Catlett's Station to camp near Stafford Court-House, Va. December 4th, marched to Belle Plains, Va. Up to this time the loss had been three killed, twenty-six wounded, seven taken prisoners, and forty- eight died from sickness. December 11th, the regiment started at daylight and marched to the Rappahannock River, about one mile below Fredericksburg, Va., where they halted until 5 P.M., when they crossed the river on pontoons under a severe fire from the enemy. The Seventh was the . second regiment to cross, acting as support to the skirmish line, and advancing about a mile farther, driving the enemy before them. They remained in this position during the night, and were subjected to a severe fire from the enemy's artillery until December 15th, when they recrossed the river and encamped near Falmouth. Loss in this engagement one killed and two wounded. December 18th, went into camp at White Oak Church, Va. At this camp the sad in- telligence that their beloved colonel, David O. Russell, who had been promoted to a higher position, that of brigadier-general in Gen. Wright's (now chief of en- gineers, U.S.A.) division, was to leave them cast a gloom which to them seemed worse than all the reverses they had met in many battles and weary marches. Educated at West Point, skilled in the art of war, his frontier life peculiarly fitting him for skirmish and reconnoitering duty, possessed of a warm heart, strict in discipline, but acting as a father to all in his command, while officers and men rejoiced at his well- earned and deserved advancement, they sincerely mourned his loss. He rose from the command of a brigade to a division commander, and his worth can- not be better portrayed than the remark heard by the writer from Gen. Phil H. Sheridan's lips, when he was being carried by on a stretcher unconscious and mortally wounded at the battle of Winchester, Va., Sept. 19, 1804: " Revenge for Russell ! Revenge for Russell ! No better officer ever slung a sword in the army !"' Gen. Russell's remains were carried to Sa- lem, N. Y., where they were buried with military and civic honors. United States forts, Grand Army posts, and soldiers' children bear his name, and the name of David A. Russell will ever be revered by officers or privates whose good fortune it was to be in his command as long as a hand is left to deck the grave with choice flowers of a comrade. From Dec. 18, 1802, to Jan. 20, 1803, remained in camp, when they participated in Burnsides' mud march till Feb. 2, 1803, when they returned to old camp at White Oak Swamp. From then to May 2, 1863, remained in winter-quarters, doing camp and picket duty. May 2, 1803, crossed Rappahannock River into Fredericksburg at 10 p.m. May 3d, a beautiful Sabbath morn, the regiment was detached from the brigade and took position in line of battle to assist in holding the city against an attack of the enemy which was imminent, and were held in readiness to lead the assaulting column on Marye's Heights. Directly west, out of the town of Fredericksburg, was a road which finally reaches Chancellorsville, just in the outskirts of the town, less than a mile from the main street. This road ascends a hill that, while 42 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. it is sufficiently steep to render the ascent toilsome, is not so steep as to render any less effective the fire of artillery and musketry. This is Marye's Hill, and at the summit of this hill is Marye's house. Near the hill a road leaves the Chancellorsville road, runs to- ward the south, across the front and right of the hill at its base ; the latter road had a substantial stone wall on each side of it, and these roads, with a little assistance from the spade, had been converted into excellent breastworks by the enemy. No artillery fire could touch those walls, for it was a sunken road, and though the walls were four feet high in the road, their tops were level with the surface. Behind the second line of pits rises the hill, and around its whole crest runs a well-constructed earthwork, in which was one howitzer. At the ascent of the hill it is a mere gulch, broken and stony, and an awful place for men to be packed in under a plunging fire of grape and canister in addition to musketry fire. Such was the position the gallant Seventh was to lead the assault against. The regiment, after crossing over a small bridge, instead of being ordered to deploy and charge the enemy, were allowed to charge by the flank, and the enemy, bewildered by such a movement, reserved their fire until the regiment were in close quarters, when with artillery and musketry from rifle-pits aud houses they dealt death-blows until the regiment faltered, which was only for a moment. As fast as men were slain the depleted ranks would be filled, and those who escaped fairly waded through fire and gore, re- sisted by the Confederates as our men clambered over the walls and planted their colors on the crest of the hill. Col. Thomas D. Johns, who succeeded Gen. Russell, was wounded here, which was conceded by his command as a just punishment for attempting such a charge by the flank instead of deploying his men as he should. The Seventh here captured two pieces of the famous rebel Washington Artillery. The regiment, with Gen. Sedgwick's corps, pursued the enemy to Salem Heights, a distance of four miles, when from four o'clock till darkness they w r ere severely engaged, sleeping on the field that night. May 4th, was again engaged, and was obliged, owing to the enemy flanking the corps and again occupying their works, on the evening of May 4th, to retreat to Banks' Ford, where they recrossed the Rappahannock. Tues- day morning, May 5th, the well-earned victory had been turned to defeat, and the result of the 3d of May carnage carried mourning into many homes in Bristol County. With a force of less than five hundred men, the loss of this regiment in this bloody field was two officers and twenty -one men killed, nine officers and one hundred and five men wounded ; Company F, on the right of the command, losing of that number two sergeants, one corporal, and four privates killed, and three commissioned officers, five corporals, and seven privates wounded. May 8th, returned to old camp near Falmouth. June 6th, again crossed the Rappa- hannock, and were left as rear-guard while the army were marching to Pennsylvania. June 11th to July 2d, marched towards Washington, into Maryland, and made forced marches from Frederick City, Md., to Gettysburg battle-field, where they arrived at 6 P.M. ; immediately took position in support of extreme left of line. July 3d, was moving from left to right and right to left, subjected to the terrific artillery fire of that memorable day ; here it was that Lieut.-Col. F. P. Harlow, who stood next to Gen. Russell in the es- teem of the men of the Seventh, displayed his usual good judgment aud bravery by scattering his men while subjected to showers of shot and shell. On the morning of the glorious 4th of July, 1863, which was the end of a hard-contested but well-earned victory of our nation's defenders, the regiment was ordered into position in the front line and remained until noon, when they threw up a line of rifle-pits and bivouacked for the night. On the morning of the 5th, the retreat of the enemy was followed about six miles as advance-guard, where they were ordered on picket duty. July 6th to 14th, marched to Funks- town, Md., formed line of battle, and were in time to see the abandoned wagon-trains of the enemy at Williamsport, Md. Continued the march to Warren- ton, Va., where the regiment encamped until Septem- ber, when they marched to Culpeper, returning to Warrenton. Nov. 7, 1863, the regiment with the Sixth Corps moved from Warrenton to Rappahannock Station, where it was under fire supporting the attack on that fort by their old commander, Gen. Russell, who carried it by storm, capturing one hundred and thirty-two officers, fifteen hundred men, four guns, four caissons, and eight battle-flags ; from there they marched to Brandy Station, Va., where winter-quar- ters were established. At this camp a large number of men re-enlisted for three years more. November 26th, broke camp and marched to Mine Run, Va., where the regiment was engaged in front line. De- cember 1st, returned to old camp at Brandy Station. Feb. 27, 1864, the regiment was with the Sixth Corps ordered to support a cavalry movement to Char- lottesville, and after severe marches returned again to Brandy Station, where it remained, performing routine of camp and picket duty, until May 3, 1864, when camp was broken, and it marched to Germama Ford and Old Wilderness Tavern. May 5th, marched to plank-road in the Wilderness ; in the afternoon were placed in front line of battle, and engaged the enemy till nearly dusk, casualties numbering eighty-five. At daybreak May 6th was attacked by the enemy, Long- street's corps. The fighting was in a dense thicket and was indecisive, both lines of the armies swaying hither and thither with the shifting fortunes of the fight. After repeated charges and retreats the Sev- enth were relieved and ordered to the right of the line to resist a threatening attack of the enemy. At dark moved through the Wilderness to the left, marching all night. May 7th, moved to North Anna River. May 8th, the regiment with the Sixth Corps marched to MILITARY HISTORY. 43 Spottsvlvania Court-House, formed a line of battle, and at dusk charged the enemy, who was strongly posted, broke their line of battle, and captured the color- standard, color-guard, and thirty-two men of a Georgia regiment, losing one killed, four wounded, and two prisoners. The latter were recaptured while on the way to Richmond. They held* the position gained, and bivouacked on the field. May 9th, our beloved commander, Gen. or " Uncle" John Sedgwick, was killed by a rebel sharpshooter, one of the ablest and oldest commanders of the Army of the Potomac. Both men and officers had entire confidence in his judgment and skill. May 10th, employed digging rifle-pits. May 11th, were ordered to the front on the skirmish line, where remained two days on constant duty. On the 13th rejoined brigade; rested till 2 A.M. May 14th, when marched five miles, formed line of battle left of Fifth Corps. 15th and 16th, digging rifle-pits. 17th, marched all night towards right of the army, and at daybreak May 18th charged the enemy, which was unsuccessful ; renewed the assault, but owing to strength of enemy was obliged to re- tire. May 19th, crossed the Ny River and encamped. Loss the 18th, six wounded. May 25th, on picket at Noal's Station. May 26th, was ordered to the ex- treme front near Little River ; with other regiments covered the withdrawal of the Sixth Corps, crossed North Anna River, and marched to Chesterfield Sta- tion on Fredericksburg and Richmond Railroad. May 28th, crossed Pamunkey River; 29th, marched to Hanover Court-House; four miles from there threw up rifle-pits, May 31st, near Tolopotomy Creek, from where the regiment marched at dark all night to Cold Harbor, where it arrived at 2 p.m., deployed into line, and at once engaged the enemy with success, driving them from behind rifle-pits, and occupied the field for the night. From June 3d to June 14th the Seventh were on constant duty, losing men daily under the constant fire of the enemy, and when re- lieved on the last day of their term of service, being then in the extreme front line, a member of Company G was instantly killed. Having been reduced in numbers by the serious casualties of the campaign, their duties being unusu- ally arduous, they presented a sad sight of the havoc war can make of a regiment which left Massachusetts with one thousand strong. On the afternoon of the 14th marched to Chickahominy, thence to Charles City Court-House, and finally bivouacked on the banks of the James, May 15th. Their term of service having expired, it was relieved from further duty and ordered to Massachusetts, to be mustered out of ser- vice by special orders, headquarters Sixth Army Corps, and the following was read to the command : " Headquarters Fourth Bbigadk, Second Division, Sixth COBPS, ''June 14, 18154. " Oircidar: " As the term of service of the Seventh MassachusettH Volunteer* is drawing to a close, and as it is expected to return lo Massachusetts, the colonel commanding the brigade deems it a duty as well as a pleasure to testify to the soldierly hearing, bravery, and efficiency of the regiment up to the last day of their stay. The colonel commanding has witnessed with satisfaction the coolness and steadiness under fire of both officers and men ; the long marches, exposure, and the many hardships they have undergone since the opening of the campaign have been borne without a murmur, and has more fully established the reputation they have previously won as a regiment that could always be relied upon. They go hack to Massachusetts with thinned ranks and tattered colors, but with the feeling and the assurance that they have nobly served the cause of their country in its most trying hour. " By order of "0. Edwakds, " Col. CommamUiiy Brigade. " T. G. Colt, " First Lieut, and A.A.A.G." On the morning of the 16th the regiment embarked from Wilson's Landing, James River, Va., in the dis- patch steamer " Keyport," for Washington, D. O, and on following day took special train for New York ; reached Taunton June 20, 1864, and was warmly wel- comed back by the citizens, who turned out en masse. June 27, 1864, the regiment was mustered out of ser- vice, and the gallant Seventh, with its laurels won on many a hard-contested field, passed into history. Herewith will be found a recapitulation of the regi- ment : Killed and died 145 Deserted 143 Transferred 69 Rejected recruits 13 Promoted 82 Discharged 470 922 Mustered out 407 Total 1329 The surviving members of the Seventh have formed an association called the "Seventh Massachusetts Veteran Association," which meets June 15th yearly. It has some eighty members, and affords the " boys" of 1861, now gray-haired men, much pleasure to unite and rehearse war scenes of camp and battle life. Any information — as long as he is living — can be ob- tained of one of its youngest surviving members, H. A. Cushman, secretary of the association. Maj.-Gen. Darius N. Couch. — The Seventh Regi- ment of Massachusetts Volunteers was recruited by Col. Darius N. Couch, of Taunton, who was a native of New York. He graduated at West Point in the class of 1846, and was assigned a second lieutenant to the Fourth United States Artillery. He served under Gen. Taylor in the Mexican war, and was breveted first lieutenant for gallantry at the battle of Buena Vista in 1847. He subsequently was assigned to a command in the Seminole war of 1853, and made a scientific tour in Mexico, the result of which was published. In 1855 he resigned his position in the United States army, and in 1859 became a resident of Taunton, having married the daughter of Hon. Samuel L. Crocker. At the outbreak of the war in 1861, Lieut. Crouch tendered his services to Governor Andrew, and was commissioned to raise a regiment at the call of President Lincoln for seventy-five thousand men to suppress the Rebellion. He re- 41 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. cruitecl the Seventh Regiment of Massachusetts Vol- unteers, headquarters at Taunton, and was elected colonel. He left with his regiment for the seat of war (Virginia) in June, 1861, and joined the Army of the Potomac under Gen. McClellan, who was a class- mate. On their departure from Taunton in Jul}', 1861, the following letter was received by Col. Couch from Governor Andrew : "Commonwealth of Massachusetts, " Executive Department, " Huston, July 16, 1861. " To Col. D. X. Couch, '• Commanding Seventh Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers : " Colonel, — I wish to express warmly and sincerely my regret that I could not make an opportunity to exchange greetings with you and your fine regiment before you left the commonwealth for the seat of war. " My reluctance to permit any regiment to depart from Massachusetts without a chance to bid it God-speed was so great that I was even in- clined to delay you for a day or two in order to secure such an oppor- tunity, but on reflection it seemed to me unwise to postpone for a mere sentiment your call to active duty. " I beg now to assure you that you and your command are held by the official representatives of the commonwealth in no less affectionate regard than other regiments which, by reason of their proximity to the capital, afford easier opportunities for personal interviews and acquaintances ; that we shall watch your career and rejoice in your successes with no less eager interest than that with which we follow those regiments which preceded you and those which tread in your footsteps. And to you, personally, I wish to express my thanks fur the quiet, considerate, judicious conduct which characterized your whole action in the organi- zation of your command. " I hope I shall hear often from you. Any support which I can afford to the regiment under its national auspices I shall be glad to extend, and I beg you never to hesitate to call back to Massachusetts whenever you need for sympathy and aid. "I am faithfully and respectfully, " Your friend and servant, " John A. Andrew." In August, 1861, Col. Couch, having evinced rare ability in disciplining his command, was promoted brigadier-general. On the reorganization of the Army of the Potomac he was assigned to the command of a division in Maj.-Gen. Keyes' corps, and distin- guished himself in the battles of Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, and Williamsburg, and for his bravery and gal- lantry was promoted major-general of volunteers, July, 1862. He participated in the battles in command of a division. At Antietam was assigned the command of the late Gen. Sumner's corps. He afterwards distin- guished himself at the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, under Maj.-Gen. Hooker. He was assigned to the command of the Department of the Susquehannah in 1863; was also in command of a division in the defeat of Gen. Hood at Nashville. He resigned at the close of the war in 1865, and was appointed collector of the port of Boston. He has resided in Norwalk, Conn., about twelve years, and for several years has held the office of adjutant-gen- eral of that State. The adjutant-general of Massachusetts, in his re- port of 1862, referred to the Seventh Begiment as follows : " This regiment is composed in great part of Bristol County men, recruited by Col. (now Brig.-Gen.) Couch, and is composed of very excellent material." The following letter from Gen. Couch to the mem- bers of his old regiment at their reunion in 1874 will be read with interest: " Norwalk, Conn., June 12, 1874. " To the Association of Seventh Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers : "Gentlemen, — Seeing in a Taunton paper that the 'Seventh' is to have a reunion on the anniversary of its muster into the service of the United States, it occurred that I might add a trifle to the interest of the meeting by writing a few items of history pertaining to the regimental organization. "Your regiment, though not the very first one organized for three years' service, had a beginning, I fancy, prior to that of any other from Massachusetts. "The 31st of December, 1860, I wrote a letter to the adjutant-general of the State to the effect that a conflict with the South was inevitable, and tendering my services to the State. Gen. Schouler answered Feb. 1,1861. " On the20 f h of April, 1861, Hon. Samuel L. Crocker introduced me to Governor Andrew, at the State-House, vouching for my services in the Mexican war. The Governor, after hearing my views, referred me to Col. Sargeant, of his staff, when the first official steps were taken to raise troops in Bristol County. " You, the old members, all know of the enthusiasm shown in the various county towns, the squad-drills by night, and the encouragement given us by patriotic gentlemen, military committees, etc. " Well, we succeeded in organizing ten companies, which, in a special order of his Excellency the Governor, were named respectively as con- stituting the Fifteenth Regiment of Infantry, First Division. The order was i if date May 21, 1861. " An order of the same date from headquarters, First Division, Massa- chusetts Volunteer Militia, directed the company officers to assemble at the Parker House May 21, 1861, and to elect field-officers for the regi- ment. Orders from the same headquarters. May 29, 1801, stated that officers were elected, commissioned, and qualified, as follows : " Colonel, Darius N. Couch, of Taunton. " Lieutenant-Colonel, Chester W. Green, of Fall Eiver. " Major, David E. Holman, of Attleborough. " It was thus a regiment of militia. "General Order, No. 12, of the Governor, May 22d, cited the President's proclamation for the raising of three years' troops, and that the quota of Massachusetts was six regiments, the Fifteenth Regiment Massa- chusetts Volunteer Militia being accepted by the Governor, after some delay, as the Fourth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers, and went into Camp Old Colony to fill up the ranks and get ready for active service. " We were soon after changed to the Seventh, an unsullied name borne in aprotracted struggle of four years, consisting of long marches, hard bivouacks, closely-contested battles, and retreats. " May you long live, my gallant comrades, to enjoy your nobly-earned honor is the sincere wish of your friend, " D. N. Couch." The Eighteenth Regiment was recruited mainly from Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth Counties. It was mustered into the service Aug. 27, 1861, and left for Washington on the following day, under command of Col. James Barnes. This regiment participated in the battles of Gaines' Mills, Second Bull Run, Shep- ardston, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and Weldon Railroad. The regiment, after a service which was distinguished for bravery and good discipline, was mustered out Sept. 2, 1864, and those soldiers whose term of service had not expired were transferred to the Thirty-second Regiment. The Twenty-third Regiment had a few men from Bristol County. This regiment left the State Nov. 11, 1861, and encamped for a time at Annapolis, Md. It formed a part of the Ikirnside expedition, and en- gaged in the following battles: Roanoke, Newberne, lr€.€^d MILITARY HISTORY. ■ij Ranle's Mills, Kingston, Whitehall, Goldsboro', Wil- cox's Bridge, Winton, Smithfield, Heckman's Farm, Arrowfield Church, Drury's Bluff, Cold Harbor, and other battles before Richmond, and Kingston, Second Bull Run. Mustered out Sept. 14, 1864. Remustered men and recruits remained in the service under the same designation until June 25, 1865. The Twenty-sixth Regiment was mustered into the service of the United States Oct. 18, 1861, and was mustered out Aug. 26, 1865. It had about one company from Bristol County. This regiment was a legitimate offspring of the old Sixth Regiment, which was mobbed in Baltimore. It participated in the battles of Winchester, Cedar Creek, and Fisher's Hill. The Twenty-ninth. Regiment.— Seven companies of this regiment were among the first three years' men that left the State. They were sent to Fortress Monroe to fill up the ranks of the Third and Fourth Militia Regiments, three months' men, and when the terms of the above regiments had expired, the seven companies became known as the First Battalion of Massachusetts Volunteers. Subsequently three new companies were organized and attached to this bat- talion and it was made the Twenty-ninth Regiment, and Brig.-Gen. E. W. Peirce, of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, was appointed colonel. The regiment participated in the battles before Richmond, Antietam, Fredericksburg, siege of Vicks- burg, Jackson, Blue Springs, Campbell's Station, siege of Knoxville, Cold Harbor. This was not a Bristol County regiment, but Col. Peirce, its commander, was and still is a Bristol County man. In one of Maj. O'Neill's reports, in re- ferring to Gen. Peirce, he says, " Col. Ebenezer W. Peirce, who lost an arm in the battle of White Oak Swamp, has my sympathy, and in so soon rejoining his regiment for duty proved his readiness to be where a soldier should be, at the head of his regiment." It may be remarked here that Gen. Peirce rejoined his regiment and took command only sixty days after his arm had been shot off at White Oak Swamp. Nov. 12, 1862, Col. E. W. Peirce was detailed upon recruiting service, and ordered to report to Col. Day at Boston, where he remained until relieved, and immediately resumed command of his regiment at Newport News, March 21, 1863, accompanying it to Paris, Ky., when he was, by order of Gen. Burnside, placed in command of all the Federal forces at that post, and so remained until July 20th, when he was detailed to organize the First Provisional Regiment of Massachusetts, encamped oil Long Island, Boston Harbor, and returning to his regiment at Nicholas- ville, Ky., August 28th, was immediately placed in command of the brigade to which this regiment was attached, and commanded the brigade in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, and while in Tennessee was for a time in command of the First Division of the Ninth Corps. Ebenezer W. Peirce was born at Assonet vil- lage, in Freetown, April 5, 1822, and is a lineal de- scendant in the sixth generation from Abraham Peirce, who emigrated to America and settled at Ply- mouth in 1623, and died at Duxbury in or near 1673. Isaac, a son of Abraham Peirce, performed military service for Plymouth Colony in King Philip's war (1675 and 1676), for which he was awarded a land grant. Isaac Peirce died in what was then Middle- borough, now Lakeville, Feb. 28, 1732, aged about seventy-one years. Isaac Peirce left sons Thomas and Isaac, Jr. The latter, becoming a Quaker, had a family of four sons, all of whom save one left the religious faith and prac- tice of their father ; and the oldest of these (Ebenezer by name) sent three sons into the army in the French and Indian war (1755 to 1783), and six into the pa- triot army of the American Revolution (1775 to 1782), of which six four became captains in that service, and one lost his life before having time to attain pro- motion. Of these six sons was Capt. Job Peirce, who served in both the French and Indian war and the Revolution, and who had one son in active service in the coast-guard as a major, and another as a captain in the last war with England (1812 to 1815). Capt. Job Peirce was the founder or donor of the Peirce Acad- emy, in Middleborough, and paternal grandfather to the subject of this sketch, who upon the maternal side is of the sixth generation from Lieut. Samuel Gardi- ner, who distinguished himself in King William's war (1689 to 1692), and is the earliest town clerk and treasurer of Freetown of whom there remains a record, and was a principal proprietor of what is still known as Gardiner's Neck, in Swansea. The mother of Ebenezer W. Peirce was a daughter of Col. Benjamin Weaver, of Freetown, an officer in patriot army of Revolution, and a stanch upholder of the govern- ment in the Shay's war, or Shay's rebellion, so called, in 1786, and for some thirty years justice of a court, and distinguished for considerable scholastic attain- ments. Ebenezer W. Peirce was educated in the common schools of his native town, Peirce Academy, Middle- borough, Mass., Bacon Academy, Colchester, Conn., and Durham Academy, at Durham, N. H. He has been elected to the town offices of selectman, overseer of the poor, assessor, treasurer, collector, and school committee, and appointed to the county offices of trial justice, coroner, notary public, commissioner to qualify civil officers, public administrator, and prover of fire- arms, and from the President of the United States received the appointment of collector of internal rev- enue for the First Congressional District of Massa- chusetts. In the local militia of Massachusetts he has held the commissions of lieutenant, captain, major, lieutenant-colonel, and brigadier-general, and in the army in late war of great Rebellion the commission of colonel. He commanded a regiment in Virginia, a brigade 46 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, and for a short time a division in Tennessee. His right arm was, by a cannon-ball, shot off near the shoulder on the 30th of June, 1862, of which wound he was off duty only thirty days, and participated in another battle in less than two months. He was before and during the late war largely engaged in sheep hus- bandry and raising of wool, and while he had on hand a very large quantity the prices of wool went up from twenty-eight cents to one dollar and eighteen cents per pound, and dropped almost as much imme- diately after he had sold out, for, said he, " while most people advised me to sell I would not dispose of a pound, but as soon as almost every body advised me to hold on I made haste to sell the whole and did not get rid of it a moment too soon." From youth he has given much time and attention to the reading of the Bible, making it for several years the rule of his life to read it through every twelve months, and is yet a thoroughly confirmed materialist, in whose mind reason takes the place of revelation and science has demolished superstition. Since the war he has written considerable for newspapers and became the author of several books upon local history, biography, and genealogy. Although having attained to more than threescore years and suffered the hardships incident to nearly four years' service in the late war, more than two vears of which were performed after the loss of his right arm, he still enjoys almost unimpaired health, and is practically a comparatively young man, all of which he ascribes to a naturally strong constitution, abstemious habits, ever totally ignoring tobacco and all forms of gambling, and that he has, during the most of his life, not allowed himself to be incumbered with the burdens, sources, and anxious care of more than one world at a time. The Thirty-eighth Regiment was mustered into the service Aug. 24, 1862, and was mustered out June 30, 1865. One company of the regiment (H) was re- cruited in the southeastern part of the county, princi- pally from New Bedford, Dartmouth, and Westport. The regiment participated in the following engage- ments : Cane River, Mansura, Port Hudson, Opequan, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek. The Thirty-ninth Regiment was mustered into the United States service Sept. 4, 1862, and was mus- tered out June 2, 1865. There was one company in this regiment from Bristol County, Company F from Taunton. The Thirty-ninth participated in the following engagements: Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolopotomy, Bethesda Church, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Dabney's Mills, Gravelly Run, and Five Forks. The Fortieth Regiment had one company from this county, chiefly from Attleborough, Company H. The regiment was mustered into the service Sept. 5, 1862, and was mustered out June 16, 1865. It participated in the following engagements : En- gagements on the Blackwater, bombardments of Forts Sumter and Wagner, siege of Charleston, Olustee, Cedar Creek, Ten-Mile Run, Jacksonville, Drury's Bluff, Cold Harbor, Fort Harrison, Fair Oaks, and the several battles before Petersburg and Richmond. This was one of the best regiments in the service. The Forty-seventh Regiment (nine months) was recruited chiefly by Lucius B. Marsh, of Boston. Com- pany C, Capt. L. T. Starkey, was from Attleborough, and Company D, Capt. A. S. Cushman, was from New Bedford. The regiment left Boston Nov. 29, 1862, and proceeded to New York, where it remained until December 21st, when it sailed for New Orleans, ar- riving there on the 31st, and on the following day pro- ceeded to Carrollton, and January 2d went into camp. The regiment remained in the defenses of New Or- leans during its term of service, its loss being twenty by death. It was mustered out at Readville, Sept. 1, 1863. The Fifty-eighth Regiment was recruited at Read- ville, and left for the front April 28, 1864, under com- mand of Lieut.-Col. John C. Whiton. There were several companies from Bristol County in this regi- ment. The regiment joined the Army of the Poto- mac only a few days previous to the advance towards Richmond, and suffered severely in officers and men. Capt. Franklyn Howland is a descendant of Henry Howland, who was in Plymouth Colony as early as 1624. It is supposed that John Howland, of the "Mayflower," and Henry were brothers. The de- scent comes from Henry 1 through Zoeth 2 , Nathaniel 3 , James 4 , Thomas 5 , Thomas 6 , William", Stephen 8 , and Franklyn". Zoeth'ssons, Nathaniel, Benjamin, Henry, and Nicholas, were among the original proprietors and settlers of old Dartmouth. They were sturdy, well to do, highly-respected men. The Howlands of this part of Bristol County all trace their descent from three brothers. Franklyn's grandfather, Wil- liam, above mentioned, married Innocent Wilber, of Little Compton, R. I., where he settled, and was fre- quently honored with public office. Innocent was a daughter of William Wilbor, who was born in Eng- land in 1580, and whose son Samuel was one of the original proprietors of the island of Rhode Island. Her nephew, Philip Wilbor, was formerly Governor of that State. Her cousin, Jobn Wilbor, was leader of the " Wilborite" faction of Friends. His father Stephen married Lucy P., daughter of Rev. Israel Washburn, a descendant of John Washburn, who was a resident of Evansham, county of Worcester, England, Secretary of the Council of Plymouth in England, and the first secretary of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in America. He subsequently moved with the Plymouth Colony, and was one of the original proprietors of Bridgewater, the descent being John 1 , John 2 , James 3 , Moses 4 , Moses 3 , Jr., Lettice 6 , Israel 7 . Rev. Israel Washburn was born in Acushnet, 24th 10th month, 1796. At an early age he took orders in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and continued in the J'y^TT^^^^^ i/wi«r{GytA*F~~ MILITARY HISTORY. 47 itinerancy most of the time till he died. His last ap- | pointment by the Conference was to the Methodist Episcopal Church in Acushnet village, but he did not live to move to it. He was an earnest advocate of all moral reforms, especially of total abstinence and anti-slavery, being classed with the Garrison abolitionists. He was for j many years a resident of Acushnet. In 1862, then seventy-two years of age, he offered his services to \ the government, and. was made chaplain of the Twelfth Massachusetts Volunteers September 1st of that year. At the battle of Antietam he contracted a disease of which he died April 23, 1864. His son, Capt. A. Gardiner Washburn, a former resident of Acushnet, a graduate of Brown University and the Albany Law School, subsequently a newspaper editor, also died of disease contracted in the service. A re- markable incident of record is that Moses, Jr., was in the Revolutionary war ; his son Lettice in the Revolution and war of 1812 ; his grandson Israel, his great-grandson A. Gardiner, and his great-great- grandson Franklyn in the last war. A United States pension was granted on account of the last four, and the last three held the same rank. Capt. Howland was born in Little Compton, R. I., but became a resident of Westport, Mass., the follow- ing year. His opportunities for an education were exceedingly limited. With the exception of six months, his studies were pursued in a mixed country school, " much of the time," he says, " in a house where daylight could be seen through the roof, and high winds would come through cracks in the walls with sufficient force to turn the leaves of a book." He was in school but twelve mouths after his four- teenth birthday. Since then, however, he has allowed no opportunity to pass to acquire by close observation, by careful reading, and by intercourse with intelli- gent minds that practical information which has given him mental power and success. At sixteen years of age he entered the employment of an i in porting house in New York City, and con- tinued there till the outbreak of the Rebellion. Pass- ing down town on the evening of the 19th of April, 1861, he saw bulletined on the newspaper boards the exciting news of the attack on the Sixth Massachu- setts Volunteers in the streets of Baltimore. The in- herited patriotism, which had been by no means dormant, now reached a white-heat. He enrolled himself at once, being only eighteen years of age, as a private in the Fourteenth New York State Militia, of Brooklyn, where he resided. The regiment was soon ordered to the front. It passed through Balti- more very soon, and was quartered at Washington in the Senate chamber of the capitol. He was in the first battle of Bull Run, when the newspapers re- ported him killed, but he received only a flesh-wound. After a year's service in the Army of the Potomac (where he received his first commission), he was as- signed to duty in the Department of the South with the Ninth Army Corps. A part of the time spent there he was on staff duty as assistant provost-mar- shal. During his service he was a prisoner of war nearly a year continuously. This time was about equally divided between Libby and Salisbury prison pens, under Winder and Wirz, and New Orleans. The hardships and privations endured here resulted in a sickness which nearly proved fatal, and left him with a partially paralyzed condition of the spinal cord. Since this event he has not stepped without assistance, and requires a constant attendant. He re- signed in April, 1864, having been in service three years on the 19th of that month. Though totally incapacitated from manual labor, his vigorous mind seeks employment. He edits the agricultural department of the New Bedford Standard, and has since the incorporation of that department in this enterprising paper, January, 1876, which de- partment he suggested to the publishers. He has been president of the South Bristol Farmers' Club, a flourishing agricultural organization, since it was in- stituted. His boyhood was passed on a large farm. Since the war he has been a close observer of agri- cultural and horticultural pursuits, and for the past ten years a farm on which he resides, situated on the Fairhaven road, in the town of Acushnet, has been cultivated under his immediate supervision. He is actively interested in the anti-liquor and Sunday- school causes, is president of the Acushnet and vice- president of the Bristol County Sunday-School Asso- ciations. He is now engaged in preparing for the press a genealogy of the Howland family, and is working up a complete history of Methodism within the boundaries of old Dartmouth. The use of a pen being extremely difficult, and at times impossible, much of his writing is done by an amanuensis. He studied two years for the medical profession, but not recovering, as he had hoped, he abandoned it. He has no aspirations for political office, but was on the board of school committee of Westport for two years, and was a candidate of the anti-license faction of the. Republican party of Westport in 1869, when five of his competitors' votes would have secured his election at the polls. He was a justice of the peace for a number of years. Capt. Howland married Emma H., daughter of Capt. James H. and Emily G. Hallett, of Barnstable, Mass. Her father was a master-mariner. They have had three children, — Grace (deceased), Le Roy, and Max. Capt. Howland is a man of pleasing address and winning magnetism. He is often called upon to address various bodies and public assemblies, and has an earnest, convincing oratory, not unmixed with humor and wit, which always serves to drive home a point. As a writer, he is graphic and concise, evincing a thorough knowledge of the subject in hand. Labor- ing under disadvantages which would appall many able men, his perseverance and will cause him to ac- complish more actual labor than many men of per- 48 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. feet health. He is a representative man, and remark- able in many respects. Our military history is closed. We have faithfully traced the history of the various regiments, and it has been our honest endeavor to place before the people of Bristol County a truthful record of her gal- lant sons who risked their lives in the defense of their country. We have sought to deal justly with all, and give deserving credit to each and every regiment. While the history is a record of many of the severest battles of the war, it is not in any particular over- drawn ; it is a "plain, unvarnished tale." It has been impossible to sketch many individual acts of heroism, but these were not wanting. Bristol County may justly feel proud of her sol- diery, as no section of our country acted a more prominent or honorable role in the great tragedy. Eighteen years have now elapsed since the close of the Rebellion, and we find our country a united and prosperous people. Sectional strife is rapidly passing away, and the same hand strews flowers alike on the graves of the Blue and the Gray. "No more shall the war-cry sever, Or the winding rivers be red ; They banish our anger forever When they laurel the graves of our dead. Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment-day ; Love and tears for the Blue, Tears and love for the Gray." CHAPTER VI. 1 NEW BEDFORD. Geographical — Topographical — First Record Reference to Old Dart- mouth — Early Settlement — Indian Deed — Wasamequen and Wam- sutta to William Bradford and others — Incorporation of the Town — The First Representative — Other Early Representatives — The Rus- sells — King Philip's War. New 7 Bedford lies in the southern part of the county, and is bounded as follows: On the north by Freetown ; on the east by Acushnet River, which separates it from Acushnet and Fairhaven ; on the south by Buzzard's Bay ; and on the west by Dart- mouth. The surface of the town is generally level and the soil fertile. The first reference found in the Plymouth Colony records in relation to the territory of Dartmouth is under date of Dec. 1, 1640, twenty years after the arrival of the "Mayflower." By an order of the Gen- eral Court of March, 1639, it was agreed that the purchasers or " old-comers" should make choice of two or three plantations for themselves and their heirs by the December court. When the time came it was 1 For the greater portion of this and the following chapter the editor is largely indebted to the unpublished manuscript of the late James B. Congdon. found that the choice had been made, and the returns of the three tracts selected were made and recorded. All the selections were upon the coast. The following description of the tract called "The Second Place," taken in connection with the language of the conveyance afterwards made by the Indian chiefs Wasamequin and Wamsutta, indicates with sufficient accuracy that it was intended to describe the territory that twenty-four years afterwards con- stituted the town of Dartmouth. The language and orthography of the records are given. "The second place of a place called Acconquesse al s Acokers, w ch lyeth in the bottom of the bay, ad- joining to the west side of Poqnt Perrill, and two miles to the western side of the said river, to another place, called Acqussent River, w ch entreth at the west- ern end of Nickatag, and two miles to the eastward thereof, and to extend eight miles into the country." By this allotment of territory no title was acquired. It was owned by the Indians and occupied by them. Early Settlement of Dartmouth.— Dartmouth was oue of the last towns of the Plymouth Colony incorporated. The first record which we have of it is dated two hundred and twenty-nine years ago, thirty-four years after the landing on Plymouth Rock. On the 29th of November, 1654, a conveyance was made by Wasamequin, an Indian chief, and Wam- sutta, his son, of the territory now comprising the towns of Westport, Dartmouth, New Bedford, Fair- haven, and Acushnet to William Bradford, Capt. Standish, Thomas Southworth, John Winslow, John Cook, and their associates, the purchasers, as " old- comers." The tract conveyed is thus described : " A tract of land known by the name of Accushend, alias Aquset, entering in at the western end of Nakata, and to the now Cookset, alias Ackees, and places adjacent, the bounds of which tract fully extend through miles to the eastward of the most easterly part of the river or bay Accushenak aforesaid, and so along the seaside to the river called Cookset, lying on the west side of Point Perril, and to the most westermost side of any branch of the aforesaid river, and extending eight miles into the woods, with all marshes, meadows, rivers, waters, woods, and appurtenances thereto be- longing." For this large tract Wasamequen and Wamsutta received thirty yards of cloth, eight moose-skins, fif- teen axes, fifteen hoes, fifteen pairs of breeches, eight blankets, two kettles, one cloak, two pounds of wam- pum, eight pairs of stockings, eight pairs of shoes, one tin pot, and ten shillings in other commodities, which phrase being interpreted probably meant rum and tobacco. The grantors, father and son, agree within one year to remove all the Indians from the tract. This condition certainly was not complied with, and it may be inferred from the fact that the Indians were not removed from this favorite portion of their territory that the two chiefs who for this beg- garly inventory of breeches, blankets, and other com- NEW BEDFORD. 49 modi ties undertook to barter away the hunting- grounds of the tribe had as little authority to make the transfer as they had power to enforce the cruel stipulation that provided for the banishment of the rightful owners of the soil. 1 Previous to this date there were no doubt some settlers upon this territory. As early as 1650, Ralph Russell came to Dartmouth, and in company with Anthony Slocum, his companion into the wilderness, established an iron-works at Rus- sell's Mills. They were from the neighboring settle- ment of Taunton. To the Russells is due the honor of having been the founders of this community, and from that early day, over one hundred and thirty years ago, there has been no time in the annals of the old mother-town of Dartmouth or of the vigorous branches of the parent tree when the name of Russell was not borne by many here whose enterprise and perseverance proved them worthy descendants of him who pitched his tent in the wilderness, and, surrounded by the wondering and it may be hostile sons of the soil, caused the stillness of the forest for the first time to be broken by the clangor of water-driven machinery. In 1664, Dartmouth was incorporated, and John Russell, the first representative sent by the inhabitants to the General Court at Plymouth, took his seat among the rulers of the people the next year. John Cook seems to have been the only person named among the grantees of the territory who be- came an inhabitant of the town. His house was situated at the opposite extremity of the settlement, near what is now called the Head of the River. The second year he took Russell's place as representative at the headquarters of the Old Colony, and from that 1 The following is a copy of this deed: " New Plymouth, November the 29th, 1G52. " Know all men by these presents, that I, Wesamequen, and Warn- sutta, my son, have sold unto Mr. William Bradford, Captain Standish, Thomas Southworth, John Winslow, John Cooke, and their associates, the purchasers or old-comers, all the tract or tracts of land lying three miles eastward from a river called Cushenagg, to a certain harbour called Acoaksett, to a Hat rock on the westward side of the said harbour. And whereas the Bald harbour divideth itself into several branches, the west- ernmost arme to be the bound, and all the tract or tracts of laud from the said Westernmost arme to the said river of Cushenagg, three miles eastward of the same, with all the profits and benefits within the said tract, with all the rivers, creeks, meadows, necks, and islands that lye in or before the same, and from the sea upward to go so high that the English may not be annoyed by the hunting of the Indians in any sort of their cattle. And I, Wesamequen, and Wamsutta, do promise to re- move all the Indians within a year from the date hereof that do live in thesaid tract. And we, the said Wesamequen anil Wamsutta, have fully bargained and sold unto the aforesaid Mr. William Bradford, Captain Standish, Thomas Southworth, John Wiuslow, John Cooke, and the rest of their as«ociat<*s, the purchasers or old-comers, to have and to hold for them and their heirs and assigns forever. And in consideration hereof, we the above-mentioned are to pay to the said Wesamequen and Wam- sutta us folio we th: thirty yard* of doth, eight moose-skins, fifteen axes, fifteen hoes, fifteen pair of breeches, eight blankets, two kettles, one cloak, £2 in wnmpan, eight pair stockings, eight pair of shoes, one iron pot, and ten shillings in another commoditie. And in witness hereof we have inter- changeably set to our bauds the day and year above written. " In presence of "John Winslow, "Jonathan Shaw, "John Cook, " Samuel Eddy, " Wamsutta. His jam. mark." time to the year 1674, when Indian hostility leveled every habitation and drove every white inhabitant from the territory, the two Johns, situated at the ter- mini of a line drawn diagonally across the town, con- tinued to discharge the duties of attending to the in- terests of the good people of Dartmouth in the councils of the colony. Burdensome, doubtless, to these distant settlers was the task of attending to the affairs of state at Plymouth, and it was found necessary in those good old times to impose upon any person chosen to the office of Governor who should refuse to accept the same a fine of twenty pounds. It may be with pro- priety supposed that the office of member of the Gen- eral Court was not sought after with much eagerness. These hardy pioneers in the wilderness well knew that although legislation was a very good thing in its place and not to be neglected, it was no substitute for the axe and the plow, the forge and the anvil, in the great work of preparing the land to become a com- fortable and pleasant habitation. In the periods which intervened between the incor- poration of the town and its destruction by the natives, eleven years, John Russell was five years and John Cook six years the town's delegate to the court. For about three years there is a blank in the politi- cal annals of Dartmouth. A year or two after the close of the war with Metacom the old town again comes upon the stage, and the reappearance of Rus- sell and Cook in their old places in the court-house at Plymouth conveys the double information of the re-settlement of the territory and the continued popu- larity of the men who had shared between them all the honor of representing the people. It was in 1679 that Dartmouth had so far recovered from the devastation of the war as to be called upon to send a delegate to Plymouth. Cook was that year sent, and continued to occupy the post until 1682, when Russell was again elected. The next two years Cook sustains the burden, and then for the first time a new name is found upon the records of the Supreme Council as furnishing the Dartmouth quota of the assembled wisdom. For one year, 1685, Joseph Tripp was the represen- tative to the General Court. Russell does not again appear as a public man. John Russell, who with his father, Ralph Russell, and Anthony Slocum, operated the iron forge at Rus- sell's Mills, and whose death occurred in 1694, did not reside within the limits of the present city. His son Joseph was born in 1650, and during the war lived at the Apponagansett garrison, where his twin sons Joseph and John were born Nov. 22, 1679. He moved from the Apponagansett River to the Acushnet prior to 1711, and resided at what is now the corner of County and South Streets. Joseph Russell, born at the garrison, afterwards resided at what is now the corner of County and Bush Streets, where in my boy- hood stood the " little school-house," in whose yard 50 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. was the well used by this early settler. The title of the lands of the Russells was confirmed by Her Majes- ty's (Queen Anne's) justices of the Court of Quarter Sessions for the county of Bristol, May 25, 1711. The survey had been made by Benjamin Crane, who, under the " eight hundred acre division," established the original boundaries. The son of the last-named Joseph Russell, also named Joseph, was born on the 8th of October, 1719, and died on the 16th of October, 1804, aged eighty- five years. We may fairly consider this last-named Joseph Russell as the founder of New Bedford. He owned the tract of land bounded on the south by land of his brother Caleb, the division lines being midway between the present Bedford and Russell Streets, and on the north by land of Manasseh Kemp- ton, whose division line was between the present Elm and William Streets, and bounded easterly by the river. His homestead was on the County road, as it was called, between the present court-house and the residence of Mrs. Charles W. Morgan. He is described as " a man of great industry, prudence, and enterprise, and of strict integrity of character, a large farmer and extensive land-owner." He was also en- gaged in mercantile business, owning several vessels trading at Southern ports and the West Indies. He was the first to engage in the whale-fishery and to establish a sperm-oil factory in New Bedford. In 1686, Cook, for the twelfth time, was returned as a delegate to the General Court. He was the last representative sent by Dartmouth to Plymouth under the independent charter of the colony. For a short period the despotism of Sir Edmund Andros saved the people of the colony the necessity of any representation in the government. With his administration closed the political existence of Ply- mouth as an independent State. United with Mas- sachusetts, its history is mingled with that of this an- cient commonwealth. This was probably the end of Cook's political career, and it-is most likely that the close of his earthly soon followed. In a confirmatory deed of William Bradford, Governor, in 1694, his name is not mentioned upon the list of proprietors. Both the others who had with him shared the rep- resentative honors of the town are named in the in- denture. Anthony Slocum was the companion and business associate of the founder of the town. This individual, whose descendants are numerous upon the territory of the ancient town of Dartmouth, and whose name was early given to a portion of that territory which it still retains, does not appear to have transmitted that name to posterity in connection with the occu- pancy of public station. Two of his descendants, however, were active in the affairs of the town, — Holder Slocum, Sr. and Jr., father and son. The father is probably entitled to the notoriety of having been elected representative to the General Court a greater number of times than any other individual who ever was clothed with the honors of the office. It is believed that for a period of nearly thirty years he was a member of the General Court of the com- monwealth. It is said that one year the good people of Dart- mouth decided to permit Squire Slocum to remain at home. This strange event in the history of the town, although it was no. doubt well known to the person most interested, the rejected squire, was not in due form communicated to the old mare, the faithful ani- mal who for many years had annually borne to the metropolis her honored master, the able and popular representative of Dartmouth. The time for the meet- ing of the General Court drew near, and the well- trained and experienced companion of the Dartmouth legislator instinctively apprised of the fact, and not as usual feeling the weight of her master's portly person and well-lined saddle-bags upon her back, concluded there was some mistake in the matter, and without further parley or delay started for Boston. The town of Dartmouth was slow of growth. For the farmer it had few attractions. Much of the soil was poor, and it was long in recovering from the blow which was given to the settlement by the extermina- ting hostility of the Indians. Indian History. — In 1676 this locality was devas- tated by a cruel Indian war, full of barbarity and atrocity, carried on by King Philip, the younger brother of Wamsutta. Five years previous to this time the following agree- ment was made at the Dartmouth Indian encampment under date Sept. 4, 1671 : " Memorandum. — That we, the Indians living near about the town of Dartmouth, in the jurisdiction of New Plymouth, whose names are here underwritten, do freely own ourselves to he loyal subjects to His Majesty of England, and to his Colony of New Plymouth ; and do hereby sol- emn ly engage ourselves and ours to be subject to His Majesty's authority there established and to behave faithfully and friendly towards them; and that we will from time to time, if we hear of any malicious design aching against them, discover it to some of them with all speed; and that also that we shall be ready to afford them any assistance against their enemies according to our ability, even as we expect friendship and amity and protection from them. For the performance thereof we have hereunto set our hands in the presence of " ASHAWANOMEETH. "NOMAN. (" Between 40 & 50 " Mainokum. Indians living near "Jeffrey. or in the town of "James. Dartmouth.") "John, etc." The names of the Indians making this engagement are not given. Those annexed appear to have been the witnesses to the instrument. This engagement is important in its connection with two other events in the annals of the town, — the conveyance to Cook and others by Wasemequen and Wamsutta in 1654, and the infamous enslaving expatriation of the Dartmouth Indians in 1676. Here the right of the Indians, not- withstanding the stipulations of the gleed from the two chiefs to a residence upon the soil, is clearly recognized. All rights which the Indians may have had were NEW BEDFORD. 51 subsequently violated by the New Plymouth govern- ment, when one hundred and sixty of the sons of the soil were seized and sold into slavery. This act of treachery naturally aroused within the breast of the Indians feelings of most bitter hatred and deep-seated revenge. The rulers were unprepared to defend the colony against the storm which they had brought upon their heads. In their distress they again called upon Capt. Benj. Church, who had been treated by them with ingratitude, insult, and neglect, because he had dared to raise the voice of remonstrance and condemnation because of their treacherous act. He was, however, at length pacified. Tradition telis us that he whittled himself into the belief that it was his duty to protect the settlement against the threatened destruction. Using a knife for some trifling purpose he cut his finger, and regarding this event as an indication of the will of Providence that he must lay aside all pri- vate affairs and give himself up to the service of his country, he threw down his knife, and arming him- self, proceeded to Plymouth and took command of the forces of the colony. Having made a treaty with Awashuncks, the queen-sachem of the Yaconts, he succeeded in enlisting a number of her tribe into his company, and having obtained enlarged powers from the government he proceeded to a vigorous prosecu- tion of the war. It was near Horse Neck Beach that Capt. Church entered into the treaty with the Indian queen and her chiefs, and when, in pursuance with a previous arrangement, he came to visit the queen, he found large numbers of her people sporting upon the marble-like surface of the beach, some racing horses, some playing at foot-ball, and others fishing from the rocks. On one of his expeditions Church pursued his ene- mies into the Accushena territory. Having crossed the river, probably at the spot now called Acushnet village, he came in contact with a small band of the Saconet Indians, who had refused to become a party to the treaty made by their queen, and who had joined Philip in the contest that was then raging. The party were accompanied by Little Eyes and his family. He made the whole party prisoners, and refusing the ad- vice of his Indian allies to put Little Eyes to death, because that chief had once threatened the life of the English commander, he placed them all on an island in the Acushnet, and left Lightfoot to guard them. The island was probably that which was nearest to the shore. Fish Island, as this temporary place of confinement for Indian prisoners is now called, pre- sents at this time a very different aspect from what it did when Little Eyes and his companions in captivity were landed upon its shore, and looking upon the main, saw their conqueror and his party enter the forest which skirted the banks of the river, as he wended his way to the south on a visit to the fortified station at the head of the Aponegansett. They passed the night near Russell's orchard, which was in the vicinity of that place, and learned in the morning that a large party of Indians had the same night made the orchard their resting-place. Ascertaining the route they had taken, he retraced his steps to fol- low them. Coming to a cedar swamp, about three miles from their halting-place by the orchard, the forces were divided, and the ruins of John Cook's house at Accushena being agreed upon as the place of rendezvous, the two parties started in pursuit of the enemy. The company under the command of Church, which seems to have been composed entirely of English, soon fell in with and killed and captured sixty-six of the enemy. Church was now informed that his mighty foe Metacom was near, and that a party of Indians, consisting of more than one hun- dred, had passed across the river and marched down upon Sconticutt Neck. He then paddled over to the island where Lightfoot had been left with Little Eyes and his party, and there heard a confirmation of the fact that a large body of Indians had moved down the Neck. They were soon discovered returning from their excursion, and Church, concealing himself and his little band, escaped that destruction which would probably have been his fate had he been discovered and forced into a contest. Church now took his prisoners from the island and proceeded to Mattapoisett. There he halted and sent a messenger to the appointed place of rendezvous, the ruins of John Cook's house at Accushena, to ascertain the fate of his band of Indian allies. Here the sin- gular fact was ascertained that this party had killed or captured the same number (sixty-six) that had met with the same fate from the company under Church's immediate command. The Indians joined their commander and his party at Mattapoisett, from whence the whole body with their captives proceeded to Plymouth. Of the subsequent events of Philip's war we have no occasion to speak. Philip, broken- hearted by the captivity of his wife and son, fled be- fore the foe who was bent upon his destruction, and, surrounded in a swamp near his residence, was shot through the heart by an English soldier. This put an end to the conflict. Prisoners continued to be taken, and when they had all been disposed, either by being hung or shipped to Bermuda, the rulers and the fighting men rested from their labors, and the people of the land had peace. A portion of the town of Rochester, described as ex- tending from the westernmost side of Sippican River and southwestwards to Dartmouth bounds, was as- signed for the residence of the Indians who had not been engaged in hostilities against the colony. They were deprived of the right to bear arms, and strictly charged to confine themselves to the prescribed bounds of the territory which the clemency of the conquerors had assigned them for a habitation. After this time we have but little about the Indians. Their numbers rapidly decreased, and after the lapse of a few years only here and there a solitary individual 52 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. remained to tell the story of the good Massasoit, and the brave but unfortunate Metacom. Sarah Obadiah, an Indian woman with a most un- Indian-like name, was the last of the race who, upon the old territory of Dartmouth, lived after the primi- tive manner of her fathers. The costume of course was abandoned, but in a wigwam situated near the stone ship upon the rock, a spot in the south part of a village Avell known to most of the inhabitants, lived the last of the Dartmouth Indians. This was a fa- vorite locality of the Indians, and doubtless has been one of their much-loved hunting-grounds. CHAPTER VII. NEW BEDFORD.— ( Continued. I Persecution of the Quakers—" Presented" for Non-attendance at Church —Various Rules and Regulations— Punishments— Fine for Attending Quaker Meeting — Arthur Howland fined for making " Motion of Mar- riage"— The Kemptons— Other Early Settlers— The Russells— Pioneer Whaling— Early Locations— Joseph Rotch — Isaac Howland — Priva- teers—View of the Village upon the Eve of its Destruction by the British. Among the orders of the court concerning the Quakers was the following : " If any person or persons called Quakers, or other such like vagabonds, shall come into any town in this government, the marshal or constable shall appre- hend him or them, and upon examining, so appear- ing, he shall whip them, or cause them to be whipped, with rods so it exceeds not fifteen stripes, and to give him or them a pass to depart the government, and if they be found without the pass and not acting there- unto they shall be punished again as formerly; and in case the constable shall be unwilling to whip them, and cannot find any one to do it, they shall bring them to Plymouth to the under-marshal, and he shall inflict it." Another regulation says, " Whereas, by order of court, all free men of this corporation, as Quakers, or such as encourage them, or such as speak contemptu- ously of the laws thereof, or such as are judged by court grossly scandalous, as liars, drunkards, swearers, shall lose their freedom in this corporation." 1651. Ralph Allen, Sr., and wife, George Allen and wife, and William Allen are presented with others for not attending public worship according to law. Arthur Howland, for not attending public wor- ship. This Arthur seems to have been a troublesome fellow to the strict Puritans of the colony. Ralph Allen and Richard Kirby are fined five pounds, or to be whipped, for vile sketches against ordinances. 1655. Sarah Kirby sentenced to be whipped for divers suspicious speeches. 1656, Sunday. Persons for meeting at the house of William Allen are summoned to answer for the mis- demeanor. 1656. Sarah Kirby whipped for disturbing public worship. 1657. Arthur Howland, for permitting a Quaker meeting in his house, and for inviting such as were under government, children and others, to come to said meeting, was sentenced by the court to find se- curities for his good behavior ; in case he should refuse he is fined four pounds. He refused to give bonds, and was fined. "The said Arthur Howland, for resisting the constable of Marshfield in the exe- cution of his office, and abusing him in words by threatening speeches, is fined five pounds." And again, Arthur Howland, for presenting a writing in court, which said writing, on the reading thereof, ap- peared to be of dangerous consequences, he owning it to be his own, and for making known the said writing to others, was sentenced by court to find securities for his good behavior. We have uow another Howland upon the stage. 1657. " Henry Howland, for entertaining a meet- ing in his house, contrary to order of Court, is fined ten shillings." And still another, Loeth Howland, " for speaking opprobriously of the ministers of God's word, is sentenced to set in the stocks for the space of an hour or during pleasure of Court, which was per- formed and so released paying the fees." 1657. Ralph Allen, Jr., and William Allen being summoned, appeared to answer for a tumultuous car- riage at a meeting of the Quakers at Sandwich ; their being admonished in that respect were cleared, not- withstanding irreverently carrying themselves before the court, coming in before them with their hats on, were fined twenty shillings apiece. Here is the case of the whipping and fining before spoken of, — 1658. H. Norton and John Rouse were sentenced to be whipped for coming into the jurisdiction con- trary to call. The sentence was executed. " The same day performed," is the language of the record, and the under-marshal requiring his fees they re- fused to pay them, and they were again returned to prison until they would pay. 1658. William Allen is fined forty shillings for en- tertaining Quaker meeting. About this time there was a part added — demanded, as says the record — because, among other things, "of the letting loose as a scourge upon us those gangrene-like doctrines and persons called Quakers." 1659. We now find upon the records the follow- ing: " The Court taking notice of sundry scandalous falsehoods in a letter of Isaac Robinson's tending greatly to the prejudice of this government and in- couragement of those commonly called Quakers, and thereby liable according to law to disenfranchise- ment, yet we at present forbear the sentence until further inquiry." 1660. Daniel Butler for rescuing a strange Quaker was sentenced to be whipped. Joseph Allen fined ten shillings for attending a Quaker meeting. Here we NEW BEDFORD. 53 have some wholesale operations, — twenty-five persons were fined ten shillings each for attending Quaker meeting, and among them were Joseph, Benjamin, William, and Matthew Allen, Richard Kirhy and Richard Kirby (2d), and Daniel and Obadiah Butler. 1661. The obstinate Howlands are again intro- duced. Henry Howland for entertaining a Quaker meeting in his house is twice fined four pounds. Loeth Howland breaks the Sabbath and is fined ten shil- lings. 1662. Another Howland Sabbath-breaker. Sam- uel Howland, having no meal in the house, went to the mill and took home his grist. Fined ten shill- ings, or the whip. 1664. Arthur Howland is again in difficulty. But it is not for new heresy of opinion that he is brought before the magnates of the land. The following is the record : " Arthur Howland, for inveighling Mistress Elizabeth Prince and making motion of marriage to her, and prosecuting the same contrary to her parents' liking and without their consent and directly contrary to their mind and will, was sen- tenced to pay a fine of five pounds, and to find secur- ities for his good behavior, and in special that he desist from the use of any means to obtain or retain her affections as aforesaid." He paid his fine, a pretty heavy one for those days, and gave the bonds required by the sentence of the court. " Arthur Howland acknowledges to owe unto our sovereign lord the king the sum of fifty dollars ; John Duncan, the sum of twenty-five dollars; Timothy Williams, the sum of twenty-five dollars. The condition that whereas the said Arthur Howland hath disorderly and unrighteously endeavored to obtain the affections of Mistress Elizabeth Prince, against the mind and will of her parents. If, therefore, the said Arthur Howland shall for the future refrain and desist from the use of any means to obtain or retain her affections as aforesaid, and appear at the court of His Majesty, to be holden at Plymouth the first Tuesday in July next, and in the mean time be of good behavior to- wards our sovereign lord the king and all his liege people, and not depart the said court without license, that then, etc." The next year we find him again before the court, and again coming under a solemn agreement no fur- ther to offend in the premises. Early in the history of the colony we find the name of Kempton. Manasseh and Julia Kempton are entered upon the records as sharing in the allotment of the cattle in 1627. These were the ancestors of the present Kemptons, and the name of Manasseh Kempton is included among the proprietors of the town of Dartmouth in the confirmatory deeds from Governor Bradford in the year 1694. In that docu- ment are the names of all the families mentioned, and many others which always have been and still are the most common in this vicinity, — John Russell, Manasseh Kempton, Benjamin Howland, John Spooner, Arthur Hathaway, Samuel Allen, Joseph Tripp, William Shearman, Joseph Taber, Seth Pope, and Jonathan Delano. Pele<>s-essing the venturesome business enterprise of their predecessors. Two events, although comparatively recent, must be mentioned in order to render complete the history of our fishery, — the depredations by the rebel cruisers during the war of the Rebellion and the loss of our Arctic fleet in 1871. Early in our civil war the torch of the rebel cruisers carried dismay in our whaling fleets. In the summer of 1862 the Confederate steamer " Alabama," under command of Admiral Semmes, in the vicinity of the Azores, burned many of our vessels, and during the war the " Florida" and " Sumter" added to the de- struction. But the great loss occurred in June, 1865, when the "Shenandoah," having recruited at Mel- bourne for an Arctic cruise, entered into Behring Strait. Here the unsuspecting whalemen, pursuing their vocation amid the ice and fogs of that frozen region, were suddenly met by a danger which they could neither resist nor avoid. This armed steamer, the "Shenandoah," Capt. Waddell, was in their midst, and the work of destruction was rapid and thorough. Twenty-five ships, most of them of large size, were captured and burned, besides four others captured but bonded by the privateer for the purpose of furnishing transportation to some friendly port for the eight hundred sailor prisoners, who with sad hearts, fifteen thousand miles from home, had seen their burning ships, with the products of their toil and danger and their prospective hopes of success, sinking beneath the waves. Among the incidents of this rebel raid should be mentioned the praiseworthy action of Capt. Ebenezer Nye, of the " Abigail," after the loss of his ship, in saving, as far as possible, the fleet from destruction. The "Milo" had been captured and bonded, and had received on board a large number of prisoners. Dur- ing the following night Capt. Nye organized an ex- pedition of two boats, and at early dawn left the NEW BEDFORD. 71 " Milo." While the " Shenandoah" was pursuing her piratical work, these brave men, following along the fields of ice, pulled north in their open boats one hundred and eighty miles, and there found a number of defenseless whalers, giving them the information which saved them from capture. It was a gallant act, prompted by the humanity and executed with the cool determination of the hardy sailors. Fifty whaling vessels were captured by the rebel cruisers, of which forty-six, with outfits and cargoes, were burned. Of this number twenty-eight sailed from and were owned in New Bedford. The loss of ships and outfits belonging here exceeded one milUon of dollars, and of oil and bone on board four hundred thousand dollars. Following is a list of whaling vessels destroyed by the " Alabama" and other rebel cruisers during the Rebellion, with the amount of oil on board. All ex- cept the first three named were captured by vessels fitted out from the British dominions. 1861. Schooner John Adams, Proviucetown") Schooner Mermaid, " > Brig Parana, " ) Sperm. Whale. Bbls. Bbls. 215 1862. Ship Benjamin Tucker, New Bedford 350 Bark Ebeu Dodge, " clean Bark Elislia Dunbar, " " Ship Levi Starbuck, " " Bark Virginia, " " Ship Ocean Rover, Mattapoisett 710 Schooner Altamalia, Sippican clean Ship Ocmulgee, Edgartown 250 Schooner Courser, Provincetowu clean Schooner Weather-Gage, Provincetown " Bark Alert, New London " 50 1310 1863. Bark Lafayette, New Bedford 170 Bark N.ve, " 350 Schooner Kingfisher, Fairhaven 170 Brig Kate Cory, \\ estport 155 Schooner Rienzi, Provincetowu 75 920 1864. Bark Edward, New Bedford. Bark Golconda, " 1037 1037 1865. 30 320 275 Bark Abigail, New Bedford Ship Brunswick, New Bedford Bai k Congress, " Ship Euphrates, " Bark Gypsey, " Ship Hector, " Ship Hillman, " Ship Isaac llowlaml, New Bedford 160 Bark Isabella, " Bark J ireh Swift, " Bark .Martha (2d), " Ship Nassau, " Bark Nimrod, " Ship Sophia Thornton, " Bark Waverly, " Ship William Thompson, New Bedford Bark Favorite, Fairhaven Bark Covington, Warren Bark Catherine, New London Ship General Williams, New London Bark Edward Carey, San Francisco 275 Brig Susan Abigail, " clean Bark William C. Nye, " Bark Harvest, Honolulu 300 Bark Peail, '* clean 1710 .clean 50 iillll 50 150 10 160 100 650 750 200 360 200 50 200 480 300 400 200 100 110 400 250 200 100 200 200 150 4100 Sperm. Whale. Bbls. 25 New Bedford vessels 2742 2 Fairhaven vessels 470 1 Mattapoisett vessel 710 1 Sippican vessel clean 1 Westport vessel 155 1 Edgartown vessel 250 6 Provincetowu vessels 290 1 Warren vessel 3 New London vessels 3 San Francisco vessels 275 2 Honolulu vessels 300 Bbls. 4150 210 50 100 400 150 46 vessels 5192 5060 But the most memorable of all the disasters which have attended this perilous business was that of Sep- tember, 1871, when in a single day thirty-three ships were abandoned in the Arctic Ocean, hopelessly crushed or environed in the ice. This large fleet of the most costly ships in tlje service, caught between the jaws of the ice floes, drifted with the westerly gales until the immense fields of ice reached the shore, when they were crushed like egg-shells. It was a sad and terrible calamity, not merely in its loss of property, but more in the hardship and suffering of twelve hundred shipwrecked men. Hemmed in' by the ice which lines the shores of a barren country, where neither food nor fuel could be obtained, these men well knew that if driven upon the beach, ten or eleven dreary winter months must elapse before as- sistance could reach them, and that in the long inter- val death would come to most of them by starvation or cold. In their peril an expedition of three boats was fitted out under command of Capt. Frazier, of the " Florida," to go south over the ice, and if possible find vessels in the open sea. The written appeal for relief which these shipwrecked captains sent to who- ever it might reach was full of touching, pathetic eloquence. It was the appeal of brave men in dis- tress to brave men who could realize the fearful peril. A toilsome and anxious journey of seventy miles between packs of ice brought the little expedition to the open sea south of Icy Cape, and there the sight of ships gladdened their hearts. It needed no appeal for succor, no promise of reward, for the warm hearts of brother-sailors were ready to save their comrades, although at the heavy loss of an abandonment of their own voyages and the earnings of a year. Capt. Fra- zier returned to the wrecks off Point Belcher with the joyous tidings of relief, and these twelve hundred men, taking with them in boats such provisions as they could carry, made their way over and through the ice fields to the rescuing vessels without the loss of one of their number. Of the thirty-three vessels crushed or abandoned, twenty-two belonged in New Bedford, and were val- ued, with outfits, without the oil and bone on board, at one million and ninety thousand dollars. Whaling reached its culminating point in 1856 or 1857. Since then it has declined, and now our fleet numbers only about one-third of the vessels it once did. There have been disasters in connection with this pursuit, The captures by the English in the war of 1812, the captures by rebel cruisers, and the loss HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. of the Arctic fleet were heavy blows. Natural causes, which need not be mentioned, have led to its depres- sion, almost to its downfall. But the historical fact which interests us is that New Bedford has been built up by the whale fishery. A large share of the wealth of to-day comes from this source. It has made our community what it is. This large accumulation of wealth has been obtained by the well-directed enterprise and persevering in- dustry of the people of New Bedford, and belongs to the people of New Bedford. The capital of non-resi- dents has not aided us. It has been drawn from the broad fields of the ocean with much toil and manifold dangers, with perils from the ice and fogs and storms of frozen regions, and exposure and disease under the hot burning sun of the equator. It has been a cre- ation of wealth by the skill of the merchant and the hardy daring of the sailor, and not a mere exchange of wealth. Without surveys of the seas and bays which it made its cruising-grounds, — for our brave sea- men went in advance of exploration, — without boun- ties, without aid from government, but contributing largely to it in its consumption of dutiable articles, and overcoming European competition, the people of New Bedford obtained the control of the whale fish- ery, and made their city the great whale-oil market of the world. Few parallels can be found in this or any country of such successful enterprise. The following is a list of vessels from New Bedford in the whaling fishery in 1882: Vessel's Name. A. R. Tucker, bark Abm. Barker, bark Abbie Bradford, schooner Adelia Chase, schooner Adeline Gibbs, bark Alice Knowles, bark Alaska, bark Andrew Hicks, bark Arnolda, bark Atlantic, bark Attleboru', bark Bart Gosnold, bark Belvedere, steamer Bertha, bark Caleb Eaton, schooner California Canton, bark Cape Horn Pigeon, bark Charles W. Morgan, bark Charles W. Morse, schooner. Cicero, bark Com. Morris, bark Desdemona, bark E. B. Con well, schooner Ellen Rodman, schooner E. B. Phillips, bark Eliza, bark Eliza Adams E. H. Adams, brig Europa, lark Falcon, bark Fannie Byrnes, schooner Fleetwing, bark Francis A. Barstow, brig Franklin, schooner Gay Head, bark Gazelle, bark George and Mary, hark George and Susan, bark Golden City, schooner Greyhound, bark Helen Mar, bark Hercules, hark Hope On, bark Horatio Hunter, hark Isabella, brig J. A. Howland, bark James Allen, bark James Arnold Jireh Perry ... John Carver, bark John Dawson, bark John Howland, bark John P. West, bark John and Wiuthrop, bark.... Josephine, bark Kathleen, bark Lagoda, bark Lancer, bark Lottie E. Cook, schooner Louisa, bark Lucretia, steamer Lydia. bark Mabel, bark Mars, bark Mary and Helen, steamer.... Mary and Susan, bark Mattapoisett, bark M. E. Simmons, schooner Tonnage. 145 380 115 85 327 302 347 303 340 291 179 365 440 177 110 367 239 212 314 112 226 338 236 91 73 155 296 408 107 323 285 66 328 128 77 265 273 105 343 85 178 324 311 173 349 355 132 355 348 346 316 319 173 384 353 ;;:ls 385 206 371 295 82 303 312 329 188 256 508 327 110 105 Master. Agent's Name. Gifford Joseph & William R. Wing.. Smith Joseph & William R. Wing.. Dyer Jonathan Bourne Loum Snow & Son Reed Jonathan Bourne Foster John P. Enowles (2d) Fisher Jonathan Bourne Hicks Andrew Hicks Jones Loum Snow & Son Mitchell Joseph & William R. Wing.. Lavers William Lewis Poole John F. Tucker & Co A .lams William Lewis Gilford John F. Tucker & Co Gifford Charles C. Pierce Brightman John F. Tucker & Co Sherman John F. Tucker .V Co Kelley William Potter (2d) Keith Joseph & William R. Wing.. Rose John McCul lough John P. Knowles (2d) Wmslow Aiken & Swift Davis Aiken & Swift Costa Henry Clay & Co Gifford Doane &Co Francis John McCul lough Murray Jonathan lion i ne Howland Taber, Gordon & Co Allen William Lewis Baker Aiken .V Swift Thomas Knowles & Co Silva Joseph Olivera Heppingstone Joseph & William R. Wing.. Reed Philip H. Reed Avery Henry Clay A Co Crapo lohn P. Knowles (2d) Ludlow Swilt & Allen Sherman Jonathan Bourne Knowles Aiken A Swilt Frates ' Henry Clay & Co Allen ! Abbott P. Smith Bauldry Swift & Allen Mclnnis Aiken & Switt Borden Gilbert B. Borden Morse Taber, Gordon A Co Barnes Jonathan Bourne Blossom William Lewis Penniman Aiker. & Swift Lake Gilbert Allen Chase Taber, Gordon & Co Chase Aiken & Swift Smith Thomas Knowles & Co Warren Joseph & William R. Wing.. Green Ivory H. Bartlett & Sous Smith Simeon N. West Shiverick John P. Knowles (2d) Long Aiken & Swift Howland Joseph & William R. Wing- Lewis Jonathan Bourne Lewis ] William Lewis Vera Joseph Vera Koon Ivory II. Bartlett* Sous Mellen Frazier Kelley Smith Barker ... Slickney. Mandly.. William Lewis William Baylies William Lewis Charles C. Pierce William Lewis Ivory H. Bartlett & Sons.. Abbott P. Smith Loum Snow & Son Date of Sailing. April 13, 1880. Oct. 26, 1875. June 15, 1882. In port. Dec. 15, 1880. June 10, 1879. Sept. 14, 1880. Oct. 25, 1881. May 3, 1881. Nov. 2, 1880. Oct. 26, 1880. April 23, 1881. Aug. 17, 1880. Aug. 22, 1882. Nov. 1, 1879. May 20, 1881. Sept. 12, 1878. Aug. 24, 1880. July 13, 1881. Oct. 22, 1881. In port. April 5, 1881. May 30, 1882. Nov. 12, 1880. June 8, 1881. May 24, 1881. May 28, 1874. Sept. 17, 1879. Sept. 28, 1880. April 7, 1880. In port. April 24, 1882. Nov. B, 1877. April 20, 1881. June 19, 1882. Dec. 6. 1881. May 11, 1880. May 20, 1881. Oct. 25, 1881. Oct. 13, 1881. May 14,1879. Julv 6,1876. Oct. 14, 1879. Oct. 19, 1881. Oct. 25, 1881. Sept 20, 1875. .lone 13,1882. Sept. 14, 1881. Sept. 7. 1881. Oct. 8, 1878. Sept 1,1879. May 18, 1880. June 12, 1879. Dec. 20, 1877. May 24, 1882. April 19, 1881. Oct. 7, 1880. Mav 5, 1880. April 11, 1882. June 20,1882. Mav 25, 1882. Sept. 29, 1881. Dec. 17.1881. Nov. 23, 1880. Sept. 13, 1881. In port. Aug. 15, 1882. Oct. <:, 1881. Oct. 26, 1881. Oct. 17, 1881. NEW BEDFORD. 73 Vessel's Name. Tonnage. Merlin, bark 240 Mermaid, bark 273 Milton :57i Minerva, bark :W7 Morning Star, bark 238 Napoleon, bark 322 Niger 412 Northern Light, bark 385 North Star, steamer 489 Ocean, bark 2SK Ohio, bark 205 Ohio (2d), bark ::(.:; Osprey, bark 173 Palmetto, bark 215 Pedro Varcla, schooner 90 Petrel, bark I 257 Pioneer, bark I 228 Platina, bark i 214 President (2d), bark 123 Progress, bark 358 Rainbow, bark SM Reindeer, bark 357 Rousseau, bark 305 Sea Fox, bark 166 Sea Ranger, bark 273 Seine, bark 234 Stafford, bark 15G Stamboul, bark 260 Sunbeam, bark 255 Surprise, schooner 53 Swallow, bark 320 Tamerlane, bark 372 Triton, bark 204 Tropic Bird, bark 145 Union, schooner 60 Yarnnm H. Hill, brig 120 Wanderer, bark 303 Wave, bark 150 William Wilson, schooner 92 Young Phoenix 355 Master. Agent's Name. Date of Sailing. Allen John F. Tucker & Co Nov. 17, 1881. Allen Andrew Hicks June 1, 1880. Potter Taber, Gordon & Co Oct. 6, 1880. Thompson lohn McCuIlough Feb. 14, 1881. Joshua C. Hitch In port. lonathan Bourne.. In port. Taber, Gordon & Co I In port. Campbell lonathan Bourne ' Sept. 22, 1880. Owen William Lewis Aug. 2, 1881. May 22, 1879. Nov. 1,1881. Dec. 13, 1881. May 4, 1880. Lewis Ivory H. Barllett & Sons Benten Loum Snow & Son Ellis Aiken & Swift Herrick Swift & Allen Tripp. John F. Tucker & Co ; Juue 3, 1880. lficketson ' Gilbert Allen, \ April 6, 1881. Claghorn Thomas KnowleB & Co Oct. 19, 1880. I hase Gilbert Allen Aug. 17, 1880. Gilbert John F. Tucker & Co Aug. 31, 1882. Tripp Loum Snow & Son j July 18, 1881. Ivory II Bartlett & Sons I In port. Cogan Ivory H. Bartlett & Sons w Jan. 21, 1875. Baker Aiken & Swift April 12,1881. Wicka j Aiken & Swift ....j June 6, 1882. Gifford John P. Knowles (2d) June 27, 1S82. Holmes Ivory H. Bartlett & Sous June 4, 1879. Maconiber John P. Knowles (2d) i July 22, 1880. King Joseph & William R. Wing I Sept. 3, 1879. Keenan j Joshua C. Hitch Nov. 12, 1881. Moulton ' Joseph & William R. Wing July 25, 1882. < irapo Sherman Chibls... Stanton. Foster... Silva.... McLaue Robert G. Churchill June 7, 1881. Aiken & Swift Oct. 15. 1S7S. Ivory H. Bartlett & Sons ' In port. Joseph & William R. Wing Mav 3, 1882. Stanton & Hamhlin Sept. 29, 1881. Heurv Clay & Co Jan. 30, 1882. John McCuIlough ' Sept. 29, 1880. John P. Knowles (2d) Aug. 29, 1882. Thomas Knowles & Co In port. William N. Church In port. Lapham [ Ivory H. Barlett & Sons Dec. 6, 1881. There are now but about fifteen hundred barrels of crude Southern whale-oil in the country, the only holders being J. & W. R. Wing, I. H. Bartlett & Sons, and Taber, Gordon & Co., all of New Bedford, besides one small lot in Provincetown. This is used to a considerable extent for oiling stock in cordage- works. Northern whale-oil is almost as scarce, the holders being J. & W. R. Wing, Jonathan Bourne, aud Swift & Allen, of New Bedford, and Hernan Smith, of Boston, with a total of about two thousand eight hundred barrels. Mr. Smith's oil, some two hundred and fifty barrels, has been on hand about ten vears. CHAPTER X. NEW BEDFORD.— (Continued.) ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. First Congregational Society, Unitarian Church — The North Congrega- tional Church — The Trinitarian Church — First Baptist Church — The North Baptist Church — The Second Baptist Church — Salem Baptist — County Street Methodist Episcopal Church— The Front Street Metho- dist Episcopal Church — Allen Street Methodist Episcopal Church — Pleasant Street Methodist Episcopal Church — African Methodist Epis- copal Zion — African Methodist Episcopal Bethel — Grace Church — St. James' Church — North Christian Church — Middle Street Christian Church — South Christian Church — Christian Union Church — Spruce Street Christian — The Universalist Church — Society of Friends — Sea- men's Bethel — Roman Catholic Churches — Portuguese Church — How- land Chapel — Second Advent Church — Union Church, Plainville — Olivet Chapel — Rockdale Union Free Chapel Association— Missionary Chapel — Extinct Churches: Pacific Church, Third Christian, Can- nonville Union Church, Mount Pleasant Church. First Congregational Society (Unitarian).— The village at the Head of the River, now called Acushnet, antedates New Bedford by half a century. As it was in early times the centre of population and business, religious services were first held there, and as New Bedford became settled its residents were in the habit of going up to the Head of the River to attend wor- ship. But in the course of time, owing to the greater increase of population in New Bedford, it became necessary to organize a precinct in connection with the church at Acushnet. We find by the records of the First Congregational Society that the first meet- ing held in relation to the formation of the precinct was Jan. 31, 1795, at the North Purchase Street school- house. The officers chosen at that meeting were Jireh Willis, moderator; John Spooner, clerk; Edward Pope, treasurer. It was voted to build a house for public worship, in forty shares, each shareholder sub- scribing six pounds, to be paid in cash, labor, or ma- terials. Capt. Gamaliel Bryant was chosen superin- tendent of its construction. The records state that the first lot selected for the location of the church was "a quarter of an acre of land lying north of Joseph Russell's orchard, and west of County road," pre- sented by Ephraim Kempton, Sr., which is now occu- pied by the County Street Methodist Episcopal Church. It was their determination to build on this spot, and several persons were buried here, the de- sign being to set apart a portion of the grounds as a burial-place. But at a meeting of the proprietors held the following May it was contended that it was distant too far from the village, and this vote was annulled, and it was decided to accept alotoffered by William Rotch, where Liberty Hall now stands. The 74 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. church was commenced and built during the years 1795-97, by Manasseh Kempton, Jr., and Eastland Babcnck. Meetings were, however, held in the church previous to its completion. A bell was purchased Feb. 18, 1796 (the one for- merly in use in the tower of the old Liberty Hall), of Capt. Silas Jones, of Nantucket, by subscription, at a cost of two hundred and fifty-five dollars. The list was headed by Thomas Pope, who gave ten dollars. The next largest sum was six dollars, and was given by a colored man named Aaron Chikls. The bell was distinguished for clearness of tone and the long distance for which it could be heard. In November, 1854, Liberty Hall was destroyed by fire. The remains of the bell were collected, and several citizens had tea-bells and various ornaments made, and these are the only relics of this old bell. The first pastor was Rev. Dr. West, who commenced his ministrations with the society at the building of the church. He afterwards received his dismission on account of ill health. After Dr. West's withdrawal, Rev. Messrs. Christy, Holt, and Robinson received calls to officiate as pastors, but whether they accepted or not the records do not state. In 1807 a church, called the Third Church, was organized in connection with the precinct, which con- tinued until 1810, when the society, or parish com- mittee, as it is termed, presented Rev. Ephraim Ran- dall to the church as a candidate for the pastorship. The church refused to elect him, and the society per- sisting in their determination to employ him, the great majority of the church voted to assemble in an- other place of worship, which they accordingly did, and their subsequent history will be found under the head of the North Congregational Church. The society, with four members of the church who remained with them and organized a new church, having strengthened their position by a decision from ecclesiastical authorities that they were justified in insisting upon the election of whoever they chose to present to the church as candidates for the pastor- ship, proceeded to install Rev. Ephraim Randall, who preached to them several years. After him, Rev. Messrs. Channing, Kibbey, and John Brewer were settled over the society. The latter was for some time preceptor of the Friends' Academy. Sept. 17, 1816, the society gave Rev. Jonathan Whitaker a call, which was accepted, and he preached to the society until Nov. 24, 1823, with great accept- ance. At that date an invitation was extended to Rev. Orville Dewey, which he accepted. This distinguished clergyman was born at Sheffield, Mass., March 28, 1794. He graduated at Williams College in 1814, and was afterwards a student of An- dover Theological Seminary, from 1816 to 1819. On leaving Andover he preached for several years as the agent of the American Educational Society, but de- clined any permanent settlement on account of his indefinite opinions in theology ; subsequently he ac- cepted a temporary call to Gloucester, at the same time candidly stating his unsettled views. Here he became a Unitarian, and was shortly after engaged as the assistant of Dr. Channing, in whose pulpit he preached two years. His next charge was this so- ciety, over which he was ordained Dec. 17, 1823. Dec. 5, 1833, being in ill health, he was granted leave of absence for a tour through Europe, his sal- ary being continued. Ralph Waldo Emerson sup- plied the pulpit the principal portion of the time during his absence. In June, 1834, Mr. Dewey received a call from the Church of the Messiah in New York, and asked his dismission, which was granted, and his salary paid by the society up to December ensuing. Mr. Dewey was extremely popular with the society, and his with- drawal was a matter of deep regret. The next pastor was Rev. Mr. Angier, who was or- dained May 20, 1835. The sermon on the occasion was by Dr. Dewey, and the introductory prayer by Rev. Mr. Morgridge. Mr. Angier asked for his dis- mission April 8, 1837, but the society voted unani- mously not to grant it. A second request being made, it was granted. The structure now occupied by the society, on Union Street, was erected during the year 1836-38, and dedicated May 24, 1838, on which occasion Rev. Messrs. Ephraim Peabody and J. H. Morison were installed as pastors. Mr. Morison continued with the society until Oct. 6, 1844. Rev. Ephraim Peabody was born at Milton, N. H., March 28, 1807. In November, 1845, he received a call to act as colleague pastor at King's Chapel, Bos- ton, which he accepted. Few clergymen have ever been as successful in winning the personal regard and attachment of their people as Mr. Peabody was. He died Nov. 28, 1856. In December, 1847, Rev. John Weiss received a call, and soon after commenced his labors with the society. In 1852, Mr. Weiss' ill health rendering him unable to discharge his entire pastoral duties, he ten- dered his resignation. It was not accepted, and Rev. Charles Lowe was ordained as a colleague, Aug. 10, 1852. Mr. Lowe's health failing, after an association of about one year, a leave of absence was granted to him, and in September, 1853, he left this city for Eu- rope. Before his departure he sent a letter of resig- nation, but at the request of the society retained a nominal relation as pastor. In April, 1855, he wrote from Paris, asking that this connection should be dis- solved, and the society complied with his desire. Mr. Weiss' health continued very infirm, and in April, 1858, he received leave of absence for six months and went to Europe. On his return, finding that his strength was not sufficiently restored to war- rant him in undertaking the whole duty of the parish, , he tendered his resignation, which was finally ac- cepted, and his connection with the society ceased in the spring of 1859. NEW BEDFORD. 75 An invitation was extended to the present pastor, Eev. William J. Potter, in July, 1859, which he ac- cepted, and was ordained Dec. 28, 1859. The ser- vices on the occasion were as follows: Introductory- prayer, Rev. C. Y. De Normandie, of Fairhaven; selections from Scriptures, Rev. T. C. Moulton ; ser- mon, Rev. Dr. Furness, of Philadelphia ; ordaining prayer, Rev. J. F. W. Ware, of Cambridgeport ; charge, Rev. C. H. Brigham, of Taunton ; right hand of fellowship, Rev. A. Woodbury, of Providence; address to the people, Rev. Dr. Dewey, of Boston ; concluding prayer, Rev. Moses G. Thomas. In 1863, Mr. Potter was drafted. On the following Sunday he preached a very powerful discourse, enti- tled "The Voice of the Draft,'' which was published and attracted great attention throughout the country. He resigned the pastorship and entered the army, in- tending to take his position as a private soldier ; but on reaching W&shington the Secretary of War assigned him a position more in accordance with his habits and abilities. The society declined to accept his resignation, but granted him leave of absence for a year, at the expiration of which time he returned to his duties here and has officiated as pastor to the pres- ent time. The North Congregational Church. 1 — The North Congregational Church was organized (in the meeting- house of the precinct, formed in 1795) by an Ecclesi- astical Council, Oct. 15, 1807. The churches represented in the council were the Second Church of Christ in New Bedford (Fair- haven), by Rev. Isaiah Weston, pastor, Joseph Bates, delegate ; and the First Church of Christ in Rochester, by Rev. Oliver Cobb, pastor, Jesse Haskell, delegate. Having organized, the council "proceeded to exam- ine the standing of those who were before members of churches, and also candidates for admission into the church," and laid before them a confession of faith and a covenant. These were " consented to," and the following persons " were then regularly formed into a church by the name of the Third Church in New Bedford, and the ordinance of baptism was admin- istered to those who had not been baptized : Elkanah Michell. Sarah Kempton. Caleb Jenne. Joannah West. William West. Elizabeth Jenne. Joshua Barker. Joannah Ayres. Edward Pope. Clarrissa Crocker. John Sheirman. Pamela Willice. Gamaliel Bryant. Abigail Kempton. Abisha Delanoe. Elizabeth Pope. Jireh Willis. Dorcas Price. Ebenezar Willis. Catharine Long. Cornelius Burges. Huldah Potter. Cephas Cushman. Drusilla Potter. Mariah Jenne. Fear Crocker. Abigal Samson. Anna West. 1 By Edwin Emery. Aurilla Barker. Deborah Bryant. Mary Peckham. Abigail Michell. Susannah Spooner. Lois Hart. Abigail Willis. Abiah Garish. Mahittable Willis. Hannah Peckham. Anna Burgess. Nancv Howland. The first officers of the church were chosen May 11, 1809,— Joshua Barker, first deacon; Cornelius S. Burgess, second deacon ; and, it is presumed, Cephas Cushman, clerk. Rev. Curtis Coe seems to have preached for the church in 1809, and other clergymen from the neigh- boring towns to have administered the ordinances occasionally during the following year. In 1809-10 there was a revival, and in March and April an addi- tion of twenty-two members. The church was ap- parently in a prosperous condition ; but about that time an " unhappy division began to appear," which resulted in the formation of two churches, the one Trinitarian, the other Unitarian. The majority of the church was dissatisfied with the proceedings of the parish committee, and also with the candidate for pastor, who, as it is alleged, was not sound in doc- trine ; or, in the language of the memorial presented to the council protesting against the ordination of Mr. Ephraim Randall, in 1814, because he "did not, in the opinion of the church, speak the things that become sound doctrine, or those that harmonized with the professed sentiments of the church." A committee, consisting of Deacons Barker and Bur- gess and Jireh Willis, was appointed July 20, 1810, to confer with the parish committee with a view of reconciliation. On the 7th of August they reported " that the conference with the parish committee af- forded no satisfaction, or nothing appeared to be at- tending to the union ;" whereupon the following vote was passed : " Voted, that we meet for public worship at some public or private house on the Lord's day." At that time there were nineteen active (male) members, of whom five were in opposition to the ma- jority, one took no part, and thirteen were united against the society. The fourteen male members con- stituting the church that separated from the society were Edward Ayers, Joshua Barker, Freeman Bar- rows, Cornelius S. Burgess, Joshua Crocker, Cephas Cushman, Jesse Haskell, Roger Haskell, Isaac Man- chester, Nathaniel Perry, Pardon Potter, Southward Potter, William West, and Jireh Willis. Caleb Jenne had joined the Friends and Ebenezer Willis was dead. Those fourteen men, with not a great abundance of this world's goods, entered into an agreement to pay the salary of a minister and the rent of a place of worship, with the other expenses of the same. Soon after the separation, if not before, Mr. Sylves- ter Holmes, a licentiate, began his labors with the church. It is inferred from the record of June 29, 1811, that the church even then hoped to effect a reconciliation, — 76 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. " The church being together according to appoint- ment, Edward Pope, Esq., chosen moderator. " Voted, 1st, that the church meet at Judge Pope's on Saturday, 27th July next. " Voted, 2d, that the meeting be dissolved." What was the result of that adjourned meeting we can conjecture from the fact that four days later Mr. Holmes was ordained. Pursuant to letters missive, an Ecclesiastical Coun- cil convened on the 30th of July, and on the 31st or- dained Mr. Holmes to " administer ordinances." The exercises on that occasion were : Introductory prayer by Rev. Mr. Stutson, of Plymouth ; sermon by Rev. Mase Shepherd, of Little Compton, R. I., from Matthew xiii. 39 : " The harvest is the end of the world ;" consecrating prayer by Rev. Mr. Craft, of Middleborough ; charge to the pastor by Rev. Lemuel Le Baron, of Rochester; right hand of fellowship by Rev. Oliver Cobb, of Rochester ; concluding prayer by Rev. Mr. Andrews, of Berkley. The several parts were very appropriate and impressive, and the assem- bly solemn and attentive. Services were held at first in the North Purchase Street school-house, then in the South school-house on Walnut Street, and, as occasion required, at the residences of church-members. At length a hall over William W. Kempton's store, southwest corner of Mill and Second Streets, was obtained, and the church continued to worship there until a meeting-house was built in 1814. That house was one story high, ten- foot post, with end towards the street, door in middle, and one window on each side of the door. Its site was next south of Silas Kempton's house, situated on the southwest corner of Second and Elm Streets. In 1812 the five church-members who had remained with the society adopted a covenant differing from that of 1807, and with the society installed Rev. David Batchelder as pastor of the "Church and So- ciety in Bedford Precinct." Two years later Mr. Ephraim Randall was ordained. To the Ecclesiastical Council convened on each occasion the church ad- dressed a memorial, setting forth the facts in regard to the division, and protesting against such action as not being in accordance with the usage of Congrega- tional Churches. To the second memorial the coun- cil, of which Rev. James Flint, of Bridgewater, was scribe, replied, " We consider those of the members of the church who retain their relation to the Third Society, of which also they are a component part, and hold regularly their assembling of themselves to- gether as a church and people and worshipers in the meeting-house of said society, as being distinctly and properly the church belonging to the society, but those who went off from said meeting-house and for- sook the communion-table as having abandoned the society and relinquished the communion and fellow- ship and ordinances which were the bond of their union, and therefore as having no control or right to exercise discipline over those that have remained steadfast ; and also as the remonstrants have them- selves ordained a pastor independently of and without paying any respect to the society, they cannot now with any propriety interfere with the ordination for the purpose of which we have convened." Not so thought the remonstrants, for on the 19th of December they formally excommunicated Edward Pope, Abisha Delano, Elkanah Mitchel, and John Sherman (Gamaliel Bryant had died a few months before), because they " have for more than two years absented themselves from our religious worship and communion at the Lord's table in general, and have met for worship and attended to the Lord's Supper in a different place, and have refused to return to their duty as members of the church, notwithstanding they have been labored with in different ways at sun- dry times, in obedience to the holy command of our Lord concerning any brother or brothers who walk disorderly." * Thus ended the controversy between the church and the society, but the bitterness of feeling engen- dered and the unchristian spirit aroused ceased not to be manifested until the chief actors had passed away. The church so increased that a larger house of wor- ship was soon demanded for the accommodation of the people. In 1817 measures were taken for the erection of a new house on the corner of Purchase Street and a new street not then named, now Elm. The frame was raised May 7, 1817. The house was built by Deacon Barker, "and the proprietors met the expenses of the enterprise by a payment of money, labor, and materials." It was forty-eight feet by sixty, exclusive of a portico seven feet deep, supported by four large pillars, and surmounted by a handsome steeple. It was finished June, 1818. On Tuesday, the 23d day of that month, it was consecrated to Al- mighty God with "services extremely appropriate and interesting, and affording much gratification to a very numerous audience." Rev. John Codman, of Dorchester, preached a sermon from Exodus xx. 24: "In all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee." The Sunday-school, organized in 1819, was the out- growth of Rev. Mr. Holmes' class in the catechism. Probably as early as 1811 he began his work as cate- chist, instructing the children of his church in biblical history and the doctrines of the " Assembly's Shorter Catechism." In 1826 the meeting-house was enlarged. It was cut in two, the west end moved back, and fifteen feet inserted. At the same time the old meeting-house, then used for school purposes, was moved from Second Street to a site on Elm Street, just west of the meet- ing-house. A few years later it was raised one story ; the lower part was fitted up for a vestry, and the upper part for a school-room. After John F. Emer- son had taught there several years he purchased the house, removed it to William Street, and remodeled it NEW BEDFORD. i i into a dwelling-house, which, with its additions, is now occupied by Charles R. Sherman. By an act of the General Court, approved by the Governor Jan. 27, 1827, Roger Haskell, William W. Kempton,, Henry P. Willis, David Briggs, Ebenezer Hathaway, Frederick Read, Ivory H. Bartlett, Joshua Barker, Cornelius S. Burgess, Joseph Bourne, and their associates and successors, were incorporated into a society by the name of the North Congrega- tional Church. At the first meeting, June 8th, Wil- liam W. Kempton was elected clerk ; Joshua Barker, Cornelius S. Burgess, and Haydon Coggeshall, trus- tees ; and David Briggs, treasurer and collector. The distinctive title " Third," given in 1807, was not needed after the incorporation of Fairhaven in 1812, and it is probable that after 1817 the epithet " North" was applied by way of distinction, as the meeting-house was north of the old meeting-house, on the site of Liberty Hall. In 1830 it was evident that a wider field, of useful- ness was opening for the church. The population of the town was increasing, the pews were all occupied, and a meeting-house seemed to be needed in the south part of the village. " The indications of Divine Provi- dence say to us emphatically, ' Strengthen your stakes and lengthen your cords,' " are the words of those in- terested in a new place of worship. In 1831 the south meeting-house was built, and on the 15th of Novem- ber sixty members were dismissed to be organized into a church. Thus the Trinitarian Church had its origin. On the 11th of March, 1836, the corporation voted to erect a new house of worship. Work was begun in April, the old house moved so as to front the north, and the foundation of a granite structure of larger dimensions laid. An address was delivered by Rev. Thomas Robbins, of Mattapoisett, at the laying of the corner-stone, Friday afternoon, May 13th. The house was built according to a plan furnished by Mr. Bond, architect, of Boston, under the superintendence of Messrs. Taber, West, Sawyer, and Underwood, mas- ter-masons, and Obadiah B. Burgess, carpenter. It is of the Gothic order of architecture, with square tower and battlements, and is sixty-eight feet front by ninety in depth. The interior was finished with great sim- plicity, without gallery, except for organ and choir. The total cost, including lot, was about twenty-eight thousand dollars. It was dedicated Thursday, Dec. 22, 183(3. An audience of nearly fifteen hundred people listened to a highly interesting sermon by Rev. Dr. Hawes, of Hartford, Conn. The house was first occupied Jan. 1, 1837. The wooden building in the rear, subsequently occupied as a stable by James Thomas, was destroyed by fire about twenty-five years ago. Rev. Mr. Holmes, having been invited to become the general agent of the American Bible Society, re- quested the church to grant him a leave of absence for five years, provided an associate pastor be settled. The church granted his request Feb. 21, 1839. At the expiration of four years he returned, but found the church desirous of severing the relation existing be- tween them. Accordingly, he was dismissed by a council March 15, 1843. During his ministry more than five hundred were received into the church. There were several seasons when the Spirit of the Lord descended with power, two of which were followed by large ingatherings into the church. (In 1831 sixty-six united with the church, and in 1834 ninety-two, of whom thirty-four were received May 4th.) He was instrumental in re- viving the old church at the " Head of the River" and in building a meeting-house there. After his dismission he was pastor of the Pacific Church nearly six years. His last pastoral work was done at his native place, South Plymouth, where he preached six years. Five weeks after he laid the harness off, his summons to depart came from his Master. He died in this city, at the residence of Ivory H. Bartlett, Nov. 27, 1866, in the seventy-ninth year of his age, and was buried from the church where he had preached so many years. As a man, Rev. Mr. Holmes was active, untiring, enterprising, commanding in appearance, capable of administration, impatient at interference, of indomit- able energy, " which the bitterest opposition only in- tensified ;" as a preacher, "of acute perception, tena- cious of his theological faith, perspicuous in style, earnest and forcible in delivery, effective without the grace of eloquence;" as a pastor, always on the alert for strangers, that he might bring them into his con- gregation, " thorough, kind, affectionate, sympathiz- ing." His influence was felt not only in New Bedford, but also in the Congregational Churches throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. While Rev. Mr. Holmes was absent, Rev. Thomas M. Smith, of Catskill, N. Y., was associate pastor. He was installed July 24, 1839, Rev. Leonard Woods, D.D., of the Theological Seminary, Andover, preach- ing the sermon. After three years' service he was dismissed, Aug. 31, 1842, on account of troubles which arose a few months previous. An extensive revival prevailed, but he objected to some extraordi- nary means adopted for its promotion. The council called to dismiss him " laid the trouble at the door of excitement growing out of evangelists' introducing desire for extraordinary measures, female speakers, etc., which he opposed, but did consent to a protracted meeting, and one was held under an evangelist, but trouble grew in the church." Hasty, inconsiderate, not understanding the principles and modes of action in case of grievance, the church was manifestly in error in the course pursued. With bitterness of sorrow at a later period its members viewed their action, and of it heartily repented. One hundred and four were added to the church during his min- istry, thirty-six of whom were received May 1, 1842. Rev. Mr. Smith was subsequently Professor of The- 78 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. ology at Kenyon College. He died Sept. 6, 1864. He was a pastor " of amiable disposition, of wise and discreet deportment, of sterling talents, and of well- proportioned ministerial character." The agitation of the slavery question in 1843 was a source of disturbance, which finally resulted in the excommunication of one of the deacons and another prominent member. The need of moral reform was not seen and felt. Conservatism characterized the majority, who were not ready to follow the advance- guard, because the enormity of the sin of slavery was not comprehended. A resolution and a vote of that period show the attitude of the church upon that question, which has since shaken the foundation of our government and drenched the land " in fraternal blood,"— " Resolved, That all action upon or discussion of these subjects (State rights, national policy, and slavery), as a church, or in meetings ap- pointed by the church, be indefinitely postponed." " Voted, That the church do not think it expedient to pass any reso- lutions on the subject of slavery." Mr. Robert S. Hitchcock having accepted an invi- tation to assume the pastoral charge of the church, was ordained July 19, 1843. His father, Rev. C. Hitchcock, D.D., of Randolph, preached the sermon. The question whether the pastor-elect should unite with the church arose during the session of the coun- cil, but was indefinitely postponed. Against this the Rev. Dr. Codman, of Dorchester, and ten others en- tered their protest: "That in their opinion it is proper that, according to Congregational principles, the candidate for ordination should become a member of the church over which he is to be ordained." It was during his pastorate that twenty members, feeling aggrieved at the action of the church in rela- tion to the dismission of Rev. Messrs. Smith and Holmes, requested to be dismissed to form a church. The request was not granted, but a " Union Church," so called, was formed in Fairhaven. In the midst of the serious troubles that threatened the church a mutual council was called, and the difficulties peace- fully adjusted. Nineteen were dismissed Oct. 8, 1844, who with others were organized into the Pacific Con- gregational Church. On account of the precarious state of his health, Rev. Mr. Hitchcock tendered his resignation, and was dismissed Dec. 9, 1845. The council bore testi- mony to his ability, zeal, and faithfulness, and ex- pressed their high appreciation of his talents, acquire- ments, and piety. He has been for several years at the head of the Hollidaysburg Female Seminary, Pennsylvania. Nearly two years elapsed before another pastor was settled. On the 15th of September, 1847, Mr. Aza- riah Eldridge, from the Divinity School, Yale College, was ordained. His brother, Rev. Joseph Eldridge, of Norfolk, Conn., preached the sermon. In the winter of 1850-51 the interior of the meeting-house was remodeled under the supervision of Mr. G. J. F. Bryant, architect, of Boston. Side galleries and new pews were put in, and the internal appearance greatly improved, though at a reduction of pews from one hundred and fifty-four to one hundred and eight on the floor of the audience-room. The expense of alteration was about six thousand dollars. The re- dedication took place March 13", 1851, when Rev. Dr. Edward N. Kirk, of Boston, delivered a sermon of great power. In 1852 the pastor was invited to take charge of the Clinton Street Church, Philadelphia. Notwithstand- ing the urgency of the call and the earnest words of Rev. Dr. Albert Barnes, who appeared in behalf of the Philadelphia Church, the council convened Jan. 6, 1853, did not feel " prepared to assume the respon- sibility of dissolving the peaceful and prosperous re- lation existing between church and pastor." Three years later, however, the impaired condition of his bodily health and the plans of study abroad which he .had fondly cherished induced him to re- sign. He was dismissed April 22, 1856. During his ministry ninety-one were added to the church. He was a faithful and efficient minister, winning the con- fidence of his people, by whom his removal was deeply regretted. After he left he visited Europe, traveling and study- ing. On his return he was settled over a church in Detroit, Mich. During a second visit to Europe he was for a time chaplain of the American Protestant Chapel at Paris. He now resides at Yarmouth. His successor, Rev. Henry W. Parker, of Brooklyn, N. Y., was installed Aug. 8, 1856. The sermon was by Rev. Roswell D. Hitchcock, D.D., Professor of Ecclesiastical History, Union Theological Seminary, New York. The stone chapel adjoining the meeting-house on the south was built in 1857, at a cost of about three thousand five hundred dollars. During the winter of 1857-58 an extensive and powerful revival occurred. It began to develop in a union prayer-meeting es- tablished through the instrumentality of Rev. Mr. Parker, and as a result there were added to his church in one day, May 2d, — memorable in the history of the church, — seventy-seven persons on professon of their faith. There were one hundred and fifty-nine ac- cessions during his seven years' pastorate. This in- crease of membership rendered his duties more arduous, but he discharged them with fidelity, though with health impaired. He was dismissed July 27, 1863. He is now Professor of Natural History at Grinnell College, Iowa. The call of the next pastor, Rev. Alonzo H. Quint, D.D., is sadly suggestive, not of strife and division and spiritual decline in the church, but of that fearful national conflict which well-nigh dismembered the Union. Chaplain Quint accepted his call by letter dated "Camp of the Second Massachusetts Infantry, Tullahoma, Tenn., April 20, 1864." In that letter he says, " It is a greater sacrifice for me NEW BEDFORD. •!) to leave these men and such scenes which they must pass through than it was to leave a beloved home and a dear church at our country's call. I cannot, indeed, leave until my term of service ends ; and if then the regiment should be engaged in active service, I must reserve the right to remain with it a reasonable period." A suggestion of the letter was at once acted upon and the treasurer raised by subscription nine thou- sand dollars, thus promptly canceling the debt of the church and corporation. Eev. Dr. Quint was installed July 21, 1864. The installation sermon was preached by Rev. A. L. Stone, D.D., of Boston. His ministry continued eleven years, terminating June 10, 1875, though his membership still continues. His ministry was popular, and the church received one hundred and forty-five members. From 1855 to 1861 he was a member of the Mas- sachusetts Board of Education ; has devoted much time to local history and genealogy, has been a member of the Massachusetts Historical Society, is a member of the New England Historic-Genealog- ical Society, and a corresponding member of the New Hampshire and New York Historical Societies ; has published two volumes pertaining to the Rebel- lion, has been chaplain-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, has held high official appointments in his denomination, and has made Congregational polity and ecclesiastical law subjects of special study. In 1866 he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from his Alma Mater, Dartmouth College. He resides at Dover, N. H., and has recently represented that city in the Legislature. The present pastor, Rev. Albert H. Heath, was installed Oct. 19, 1876. The sermon was by Rev. A. J. F. Behrend^, D.D., of Providence, R. I. In 1878 the galleries were fitted with square pews and furnished with chairs, and a new organ was placed in the church at a cost of about seven thousand dol- lars. In 1881 a new pulpit was built. The church has flourished under his ministrations, and up to 1883 had received two hundred and fifty-five mem- bers, ninety-five of whom were admitted from the Pacific Church after it disbanded in 1878. The pres- ent membership is four hundred and ninety-five. In 1857 the semi-centennial of the church, and in 1882 the seventy-fifth anniversary, were celebrated with interesting and appropriate exercises. A series of historical sermons, growing out of the latter, is nearly completed. Rev. Mr. Heath is a graduate of Bates College, 1867. He was formerly a Free-Will Baptist, but while preaching at the Roger Williams Church, Providence, embraced the doctrinal views of the Trinitarian Congregationalists. The following ministers, other than pastors, have been connected with the church or Sunday-school : Freeman P. Howland, 1818, ordained in Hanson Oct. 25, 1826; Augustus B. Reed, 1825; Thomas Bailey, 1827 ; Clark Cornish, 1829 ; William H. Sanford, 1831 ; Henry W. Lee, 1835, Episcopalian, and at one time Bishop of Iowa; Pardon G. Seabury, 1836, pastor at the " Head of the River," 1830-33; William H. Stur- tevant, 1840, Tiverton Four Corners, R. I. ; Andrew Mackie, Episcopalian, dean of Northern Indiana at the time of his death in Laporte in 1878 ; John Cot- ton Smith, son of Rev. Thomas M., Bowdoin College, 1847, Episcopalian, Doctor of Divinity, a strong and effective preacher, a fluent and eloquent orator, an author of reputation, died Jan. 9, 1882: James F. Sisson, 1851, Methodist ; James R. Bourne, 1854, pas- tor in Sharon, Conn. ; William H. Dowden, pastor at North Easton ; John C. Staples, 1857, pastor at South Deerfield ; Ellis Mendell, 1870, pastor in Norwood ; Rufus B. Tobey, 1870, recently pastor in Harwich ; Daniel C. Burt, 1872, pastor at the " Head of the River," 1833-57, now clerk of the church ; Henry M. Dexter, D.D., 1873, editor of the Congregationalist ; William C. Stiles, 1880, pastor of the East Congrega- tional Church, Brooklyn, N. Y. Deacons. — Joshua Barker, May 11, 1809, to Nov. 15, 1831 ; dismissed. Cornelius S. Burgess, May 11, 1809; removed, and died in Middleborough Nov. 23, 1859. William W. Kempton, Nov. 26, 1831, to May 4, 1834; died. William Little, Nov. 26, 1831, to June 25, 1868 died. John F. Emerson, Nov. 26, 1831, to Feb. 2, 1846 excommunicated. Andrew Mackie, June 3, 1834, to May 2, 1871 died. Sidney Underwood, June 3, 1834, to March 31, 1842; dismissed. Thomas Nickerson, June 3, 1834; declined. Henry P. Willis, June 3, 1834; declined. David Briggs, June 29, 1834, to Sept. 5, 1841 ; died. John Bryant, June 29, 1834, to June 2, 1879 ; died. Tristram R. Dennison, Dec. 24, 1851, to July 14, 1858; resigned (city missionary since 1853). Edward S. Cannon, July 21, 1858. Zachariah Sturtevant, May 3, 1867. John Hastings, May 3, 1867. Edward Haskell, May 3, 1867, to Dec. 11, 1882; died. Thatcher C. Hatch, Jan. 5, 1872. William F. Butler, Jan. 16, 1880. The Trinitarian Church. 1 — Fifty-one years have passed since a band of earnest Christian workers withdrew from the mother-church, the North Congre- gational, and formed the nucleus of this organization. The reasons for the withdrawal of this church from the North Congregational cannot be better stated than by the following letter, dated Nov. 17, 1830 : " It must be perfectly apparent to every observer of the North Con- gregational Church and Society, and the rapidly increasing population 1 By Miss Emma J. Ashley. 80 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. of this town, that the time has fully come when another house of wor- ship should he erected aud another congregation collected. Our present place of worship is all occupied, and more pews would be taken if they were to be had. Under these circumstances we cannot be more favora- bly situated for such an effort than we now are. It is also morally cer- tain if we do not open another place of worship some other persons will, and we have much reason to fear it would be such as differ widely from what we believe to be the faith of the gospel. The indications of Divine Providence say to us emphatically, ' Strengthen your stakes and lengthen your cords.' " If we are deaf to the voice of that God who has done so much for us there is reason to apprehend that we shall not only neglect an oppor- tunity to do good, but we shall give others an opportunity to do that which will do us much evil, and especially the cause of evangelical truth. We are sensible that the work before us will call for sacrifices, but we have been taught in years that have gone ' that there is that scat- tered and yet increaseth.' " Nov. 15, 1831, an Ecclesiastical Council met at the North Congregational Church for the purpose of or- ganizing a new society. The council consisted of eight clergymen, among whom were Revs. Oliver Cohb, Pardon G. Seabury, and Thomas Robbins. Fifty-nine persons entered their names as members of the new church. They are as follows : John C. Almy. Sylvia Almy. Phineas Burgess. Betsey Burgess. Simeon Bailey. Ellen J. Bailey. Eliza Billings. William Bain. Joshua Barker. Aurelia Barker. Clarissa Barker. Pensa Barker. Eugenia Barker. David Briggs. Anna Briggs. Hannah Chaddock. James Carver. Eliza Carver. Susan Carver. Charles Coggeshall. Avis Coggeshall. Henrietta Cole. Benjamin Clark. Ann J. Clark. Adeline Crowell. Hope Doane. Sarah P. Dunbar. Elizabeth Freeman. Robert Gibbs. Hannah Gibbs. Louisa F. Gibbs. Joshua E. Gage. Julian A. Gage. Nancy B. Hawes. Nathaniel Hathaway. Lucy Hathaway. Nancy Howland. Alfred Kendrick. Abigail Kendrick. Abbie H. Kendrick. Henry C. Hendrick. Almira Keith. Phoebe McKenzie. Nancy McKenzie. Richard A. Palmer. Avis Palmer. Frederick Read. Sarah Read. Thomas Remington. Charles P. Sherman. Benj. Thompson, Jr. Eliza Tobey. Caroline Tobey. Mary Taylor. Harriet Taber. Marsena Washburn. Samuel Whitby. Avis Whitby. Ann B. Gibbs. To these Rev. Mr. Robbins presented the confession of faith and covenant. They were then addressed by Rev. Mr. Cobb. Deacon Daniel Perry presented the right hand of fellowship, after which the Lord's Sup- per was administered. Of these fifty-nine original members but five are now (1881) known to be living, — Mrs. Avis R. Palmer, now residing in New York City ; Mr. Phineas Bur- gess, the architect and builder of this edifice, now a resident of Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Mrs. Eliza (Tobey) Evans, now living in Assonet ; Mrs. Caroline (Tobey) Sanford, of Philadelphia; and Mrs. Ellen J. Bailey, who resides in this city, and is still an esteemed mem- ber of this church. We remember with gratitude her years of faithful service. Long may she be spared as a golden link binding the old and new to- gether. Soon after the organization four deacons were elected. Their names were Joshua Barker, Frederick Read, Charles Coggeshall, and Simeon Bailey. For several months, while a new church edifice was being erected, the meetings of the society were held at the houses of its members, principally those of Charles Coggeshall and Joshua Barker. The first meeting was held Nov. 17, 1831, at the house of Dea- con Charles Coggeshall. The church building was completed and dedicated May 16, 1832. The first pastor was Rev. James Aus- tin Roberts. He supplied the pulpit from May 26 until Nov. 14, 1832, when he was installed. His sal- ary was fixed at twelve hundred dollars per annum. Mr. Roberts was born at Trowbridge, Wiltshire, Eng- land, May 2, 1795. April 5, 1843, he asked, and was granted, a leave of absence for one year to visit Eng- land. During his absence, Rev. Mr. Dyer, of Fulton- ville, N. Y., supplied the pulpit. In July, 1844, Mr. Roberts wrote from London asking his dismission. It was granted, but with many expressions of regret from the society to which he had endeared himself by his consistent life and faithful pastorate. He after- wards returned to America, and lived and died in Berkley, Mass. Feb. 10, 1844, while the pastor was in England, the edifice was seriously injured by fire. The first church to throw open its doors was the Unitarian. Their kind offer was accepted, and it was decided to discontinue the Sunday-school and hold the Sabbath afternoon service in the Unitarian Church. William Street Baptist Church also generously offered their house of worship. Subsequently the North Congre- gational Society, having granted a leave of absence to their pastor, Rev. Mr. Hitchcock, invited the Trini- tarian Society to unite with them, and requested that Rev. Mr. Dyer supply the pulpit during the absence of their pastor. This arrangement was finally con- summated. During the fall of 1844 the pulpit was supplied by Rev. J. H. Towne, of Boston, who declined to become a settled pastor. Jan. 6,1845. "By request the church and congregation remained after services in the afternoon to ascertain their wishes in regard to the church giving Rev. George L. Prentiss, of Portland, Me., an invitation to become pastor of their church. The question having been put and a request made that all who were in favor of the church giving said in- vitation should rise, it appeared that all had risen, and that there was but one mind both in the church and congregation in favor of said in- vitation." NEW BEDFORD. 81 A call was immediately (Jan. 6, 1845) extended to Rev. George L. Prentiss, of Portland, Me. His salary was fixed " at twelve hundred dollars the first year, fourteen hundred dollars the second, and sixteen hundred dollars the third year, and that the latter- named sum he the salary after that time." It was also voted to allow him an annual vacation of six weeks. March 4th a meeting of the male members of the church was called to make arrangements for the ordination of Mr. Prentiss, wdio had accepted the call so unanimously extended to him. The installation took place April 9th. He remained pastor of the church until Sept. 30, 1850. The years of his pas- torate were those of great prosperity to the society. Fifty-five new members were added, and the utmost harmony prevailed between pastor and people. Oct. 15, 1850, a call was extended to Rev. Wheelock Craig, of Newcastle. Me., and he was installed Dec. 4, 1850. His salary was placed at twelve hundred dollars, with a vacation of three weeks. He remained with the church eighteen years, during which time two hundred and five persons were added to the church membership. Many of these joined during the great religious awakening of 1857-59. For many months during this revival daily union prayer-meet- ings were held in this church, over which Mr. Craig personally presided. In the midst of this interest, in 1858, he was invited to the professorship of modern languages at Bowdoin College, but he preferred to remain in his pastorate, where be was respected and beloved not only by his own society, but by the com- munity at large. In 1866 the church was again injured by fire. While it was being repaired services were held in Pierian Hall. In 1868, Mr. Craig's health began to fail, and his church granted him a leave of absence for four months, his salary to be continued, and his pulpit supplied during his absence by his brother, Rev. Henry Craig. He sailed from New York May 23, 1868, landing in Ireland. He traveled through many countries of Europe. His health appeared to improve until his arrival in Italy. Finding his strength fail- ing he hastened back to Switzerland for the winter, but after several weeks of rapid decline he died at Neufchatel, Switzerland, Nov. 28, 1868. The last words of Scripture that he spoke were, " There shall be no night there, but the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall be their light." His remains were brought to this city, and his funeral services were held at his own church Dec. 24, 1868. His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Weld, of Boston, from Psalms xii. 1, " Help, Lord, for the godly man ceaseth, for the faithful fail from among the children of men." Feb. 12, 1870, a call was extended to Rev. Cassius M. Terry, of New York City, to become pastor of the church. This call was accepted Feb. 16, 1870, and he commenced his labors in June, but his instal- lation did not take place until Nov. 3, 1871. During 6 the fall of 1871 his health began to fail, and his church was grieved but not surprised when, Feb. 25, 1872, he wrote a letter asking his dismissal. His resignation was accepted March 1, 1872. During his connection with the church he had received forty persons to membership, which is the highest percent- age per annum received by any pastor during the his- tory of the church. He afterwards removed to Min- neapolis, Minn., but change of climate failed to eradicate the seeds of disease sown by the east winds, and he died of consumption Aug. 18, 1881. His memory is cherished with the utmost respect and affection by this people. After the resignation of Mr. Terry in March the church was supplied until October very acceptably by Rev. Dr. L. T. Townsend, of Boston. At a meeting held Oct. 21, 1872, it was voted to extend a call to Rev. Matthew C. Julien, of New York, with a salary of three thousand five hundred dollars. It was accepted, and the installation took place Dec. 11, 1872. Mr. Julien found the church burdened with a debt of two thousand seven hundred dollars. This he im- mediately took measures to liquidate. He called a meeting of the church and society, and a sum more than sufficient to cover the amount was raised at once. Since that time no debt has been allowed to accumu- late. At the beginning of each year estimates deemed sufficient to defray the expenses for the ensuing year have been made, and the records show that in no case have they been exceeded. His next effort was to reorganize the Bible school on a new basis. In this he was eminently successful, as is abundantly proven by the prosperous condition of the school to-day. It has an average attendance of upwards of two hundred pupils, and were our ac- commodations suitable we have every reason to be- lieve that the membership would be greatly increased. Extensive repairs and alterations were made in the church edifice during the summer and fall of 1879. The organ was taken from the rear gallery and placed in front of the audience, and the interior of the church was tastefully frescoed and refurnished. It was re- dedicated Dec. 11, 1869, with interesting and appro- priate exercises. Addresses were made by Rev. Dr. Duryea, of the Central Congregational Church, Bos- ton, and Rev. Mr. Heath, of New Bedford. The music was furnished by the New Bedford Choral Association. It may be well here to mention certain legacies that have been bestowed by members of the church now deceased. The silver communion service was the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gibbs. It consists of a tankard, two plates, and four cups. Mr. Ivory H. Bartlett, Jr., donated in his will five hundred dollars to the Bible school. The deacons who have served since the organiza- tion of the church, including those previously men- tioned, are as follows : Joshua Barker, Simeon Bailey, 82 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Frederick Read, Charles Coggeshall, Reuben Nye, Gilbert Richmond, Joseph Goodspeed, Augustus P. Hamlin, Allen Crowell, William G. Edwards, Ezra B. Chase, Eben Nye, Isaac C. Sherman, William 0. Woodman, Fred. A. Washburn, Isaac N. Barrows. Among those who were conspicuous in the earlier history of the church not only for their loyalty but also for the public value of the service they rendered, some of whom have already been referred to, may be mentioned the names of Mr. and Mr. Robert Gibbs, Mrs. Alfred Kendrick, Pensa Barker, Clarissa Barker, Eliza Tobey, Dr. Alexander Read, John A. Kasson, Jonathan Fussell, Marsena Washburn, Caroline To- bey, Isaac D. Hall, Deacon Joshua Barker, Deacon Simeon Bailey, and Deacon and Mrs. Reuben Nye. Mr. Julien has now been pastor of this church ten years. He labors with this people with great faith- fulness and acceptance, and fearlessly preaches what he considers the truth of God. The perfect harmony which to-day prevails throughout this church and so- ciety, is largely due to his influence. The First Baptist Church was organized June 30, 1813, with the following members: John Brown, Elizabeth Coggeshall, Emily Brown, Susan Macom- ber, Alles Tobey, James Tripp, Susan Tripp, John Wrightington, Philip Cannon, Jr., Deborah Potter, Nancy Hitch, Pamelia Stowell, Catharine Martin, Perivilla Lowdon, Mercy Andrews, Elizabeth Tuell, Phebe Cannon, Hannah Covell, Sally Greene, Catha- rine Tallman, John Pickens, Dolly Wilcox, and Huldah Thomas. The first pastor of the church was Rev. George H. Hough, from April, 1814, to January, 1815. His suc- cessors have been as follows: Revs. Silas Hall, 1817-19; James Barnaby, 1819-23; Isaac Chase, 1823-24 ; Fran- cis Wayland, supply ; Daniel Curtis, 1825-26 ; Gideon B. Perry, 1827-30; S. P. Hill, John E. Weston, and S. Lovell, supplies ; Asa Bronson, 1831-33 ; John O. Choules, 1833-38; M. M. Dean, G. J. Carlton, sup- plies ; Henry Jackson, 1838-45 ; Rufus Babcock, D.D., 1846-50; John Girdwood, 1850-65; George S. Chase, supply ; D. D. Winn, 1866-79 ; H. K. Pervear, 1880, present pastor. The church first worshiped in a hall on Second Street near Mill. Upon the division of the town the old town-house at the Head of the River was purchased by the society and removed to the corner of South Second and School Streets, and was dedicated July 3, 1817. This was occupied until Oct. 29, 1829, when their present church edifice was dedicated. This was enlarged in 1833, the interior changed in 1841. It was repaired in 1856 and again in 1879, when exten- sive alterations and repairs were made. The present membership is two hundred and fifty. The North Baptist Church 1 was organized Nov. 13, 1873. The corner-stone of the church edifice was laid the following spring, the religious part of the i By Rev. Charles F. Nicholson. exercises being conducted by Rev. J. D. Fulton, D.D., then of Boston. At the formal opening of the house the dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. George C. Larimer, D.D., then of Boston. Rev. O. E. Cox was the first pastor, and retained the position about two years. His successor was Rev. Charles A. Snow, who continued in the pastorate six years. The pres- ent incumbent became the third pastor of the church Oct. 1, 1881. There have been two baptisms and sev- eral additions by letter during the past year. The present membership is one hundred and twenty-five. The church is officered as follows : Pastor, Rev. Charles F. Nicholson ; Deacons, Luther G. Hewins, Thomas Pope, Annibald Dalrymple ; Clerk, Luther G. Hewins, Jr. ; Sexton, Samuel T. Eldridge. Most of the original constituent members (about thirty) withdrew from the William Street Baptist Church of this city for the express purpose of starting a new church interest, which was felt to be a great and immediate necessity, in the north part of the city. Mr. Augustus Green, of the William Street Baptist Church of this city, has from the first been an ardent advocate and generous contributor to the North Bap- tist Church enterprise. He has given to this object, all told, about seventeen thousand dollars. An important auxiliary of the church is an inter- esting Sunday-school of about two hundred members, which is earnestly at work studying and teaching the word of God. There is a pleasant parsonage adjacent to the church edifice on County Street. The Second Baptist Church was organized Jan. 22, 1845, and in the same year their first house of worship was dedicated. The first pastor was Rev. Thomas U. Allen. Among others of the early min- isters were Edmund Kelley, Elder Jackson, C. Bray, Richard Vaughn, P. Bowler, T. P. Valentine, and C. Woodward. Salem Baptist Church. — This church was organ- ized Dec. 7, 1858. It was composed of ninety-five persons, who, with their pastor, Rev. William Jack- son, withdrew from the Second Baptist Church. Among the original members of the church were William Bush, Scipio Blackwell, Peter Nelson, John C. Dunlap, Edwin Lewis, and Anthony G. Jour- dain, Jr. The pastor, Rev. William Jackson, was born in Norfolk, Va., Aug. 16, 1818. The house of worship occupied by the society is on North Sixth Street, and was formerly known as the Centre Chapel. The church has had but two pastors, Rev. William Jackson, from 1858 to 1869, and Rev. J. H. Lee, from 1869 to the present time. The Fourth Street Methodist Episcopal Church.' 2 — Every branch of the Christian Church worthy of an existence deserves to have its history recorded for the benefit of succeeding generations, and for its own honor. 2 By Rev. A. McCord. NEW BEDFORD. 83 This church was built in 1831, and dedicated in February, 1832. At this time it formed a branch of the Elm Street (now the County Street) Society. During 1831 and 1832, Rev. Asa Kent officiated, and at the Conference of 1832, A. D. Sargeant and Daniel Webb were appointed to serve both charges. In 1833, by mutual consent, they separated, and Fourth Street became a separate and distinct church under the pastoral care of A. U. Swinerton, who re- mained two years. Only three of the original Acushnet members came from Elm Street to Fourth Street, viz. : Z. Cushman, B. K. Saver, and Bloomy Holmes ; the last is still living. Rev. Swinerton was greatly prospered, receiving forty -seven into the church by profession, and twenty- nine by letter. During his pastorate the church was financially embarrassed for years with a debt of six thousand dollars. In 1835, Rev. Sanford Benton was appointed to this church, and labored successfully for one year, when he was removed at his own request. In 1836, Rev. Phin. Crandall was stationed here, and remained two years. While here he distinguished himself in a controversy with Rev. Mr. Morgrige on the doctrine of the Trinity in the public press. In 1838, Rev. W. Emerson served this church. The records of this pastorate are wanting. Rev. Daniel Webb was appointed to this charge in 1839. He remained but one year. In 1840, Rev. Mr. Campbell supplied this church. A very interesting revival of religion attended his labors. He was removed at the end of his first year, and afterwards became what was then called a " Mil- lerite." In 1841, Rev. George Pool was appointed, but re- mained only one year, when he was appointed prin- cipal of the E. Greenwich Academy. He was very popular with the church, and they regretted his re- moval. A general religious interest prevailed during his short pastorate, and his removal was considered detrimental to the prosperity of this church. In 1842, Rev. Mr. Swinerton was reappointed to this charge, and remained two years, — a fact which showed the high estimate in which this church held this worthy man. He raised for missions §57.70. Rev. Isaac House was sent here in 1844. He was eloquent and popular, drawing large audiences. He became sick in the fall of this year, and died July 7, 1847. Rev. Daniel Webb supplied the balance of the year. In 1846, Rev. P. Townsend became pastor. He died in April, 1877, at his home in Cochesett, Mass. In 1847, Rev. Daniel Filmore became pastor, and served with great acceptance. In 1849, Rev. W. H. Richards came to serve this society. While pastor here his wife died. In 1850, Rev. M. Chase was appointed pastor, and his ministry was very successful, adding a large num- ber to the church. At the end of this year he reported two hundred and ten members and sixty-two proba- tioners. The next year he reported two hundred and sixty-seven members and one hundred and sixteen probationers. At the close of this year he, with others, bought the Allen Street Church, and formed a new society with members from the Fourth Street Society. The above figures include those that went to found the Allen Street Society. This move was afterwards much regretted, owing to the weakeningof the mother- church by it. In 1852, Rev. Richard Livesey became pastor. This year thirty -five removed by letter to Allen Street, which, with the number before removed, reduced the membership at Fourth Street to one hundred and ninety-one members and eighteen pro- bationers. At the close of this Conference year the Providence Annual Conference was entertained by this society. Bishop Janes presided and Bishop Baker was present. In 1853, Rev. J. Mather was selected for this ap- pointment, and remained two years. During his pastorate nine were received by letter and four by profession. Owing to the number removing to Allen Street, the membership was reduced to one hundred and seventy-two, and seven probationers. In 1855, Rev. George M. Carpenter was stationed here. He remained two years. The membership was reduced during his pastorate by the continued flow to Allen Street and deaths and removals to one hundred and thirty-six, and six on trial. At this date the tide to Allen Street ceased to flow from this church. In 1857, Rev. Mr. Baylies was appointed pastor. This was a year of general religious revival through- out the country, and quite a number were added to the church ; reported one hundred and thirty-two members and forty-two probationers. In 1858, Rev. J. T. Benton became pastor, and re- mained two years. He reported one hundred and forty-two members, and twenty-two on probation. In 1860, Rev. S. F. Upham, since elected professor in Drew Theological Seminary, Madison, N. J., was appointed pastor and served two years. During his pastorate fifteen were added to the church, fourteen of them by letter, yet such was the decrease by death and removal that only one hundred and thirty- four members and fifteen probationers remained at the close of his pastorate. During his pastorate the church building was enlarged and remodeled at a cost of six thousand three hundred dollars. The house was rededicated in February, 1861, by Rev. L. D. Barrows. In 1862, Rev. N. Bemis was appointed the pastor. At the close of his pastorate he reported one hun- dred and thirty-seven members and fourteen proba- tioners. In 1863, Rev. E. H. Hatfield was appointed pastor, 84 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. and served two years. The records show no recep- tions into the church during his pastorate. There is a large falling off in membership at this time not accounted for. He reported one hundred and thir- teen members and ten probationers. In the spring of 1865, for the first time in its his- tory, Fourth Street was left " to be supplied." Rev. Joseph Marsh, a local preacher, was invited to serve the church. His wife died during this pastorate. He reported the tide falling,— only one hundred and five members and eight probationers. In the spring of 1866, Rev. William H. Jones, of the New Hampshire Conference, was appointed to this charge. At this time a debt of two thousand four hundred dollars, contracted at the time when the church was improved. He reported three admitted by letter and four by profession. Total members, one hundred and ten, and thirteen on trial. In 1867, Rev. E. S. Stanley was sent as pastor. There was some increase during this pastorate. He reported one hundred and eighteen members, and twenty-one on trial. There is a break in the records here. The next report is that of Charles Ryder, who supplied this church from May 1, 1873, to July 1st, and then re- signed. Charles Morgan supplied from Sept. 1, 1873, to March 25, 1874, and reported twenty-three conver- sions. At the Conference of 1874 he was returned as pastor, and served to April, 1875. In 1875, Rev. R. W. C. Farnsworth was appointed pastor, and served until April, 1878. In 1878, Rev. Asa N. Bodfishwas appointed pastor, and remained three years. He reported one hundred and thirty members. This number was found re- duced to one hundred and eighteen. In 1881, Rev. A. McCord was appointed pastor. The outlook was exceedingly gloomy. The church building was in urgent need of repairs. The pastor went to work and raised, in and out of the church, two thousand three hundred dollars, and thoroughly repaired, painted, and refurnished the church inside and out. All the bills were paid, so that at the close of that year he could report no debt. The winter of that year a revival started, and many were converted and received on probation. The work continued into the next year, and during the second year he received into full connection fifty-five, and in March, 1883, twelve remain on probation. Other improvements have been made in the church facilities and paid for. The amount expended for improvements in one way and another during the two years has reached about two thousand five hundred dollars, which has all been raised. The church feels that the tide has turned, and trust in God as their hope for years to come. The Sabbath-school has largely increased. The member- ship of the church is one hundred and eighty, and twelve on probation. Allen Street Methodist Episcopal Church.— This house of worship was built in 1842 by William and Joseph Smith, Christian Baptist preachers, and was occupied for several years by that denomination. Nov. 8, 1851, it was offered for sale by Hervey Sul- lings and James A. Tripp, the proprietors, and princi- pally through the exertions of the Rev. Moses Chase, then in charge of the Fourth Street Church, it was purchased by the following persons : Stephen Wood, Joseph Brownell, John Allen, Albert D. Hatch, Ezra Kelley, Rev. Moses Chase, and Thomas R. Peirce, all of whom were members of the Fourth Street Church except Mr. Peirce. They obtained a supply for the pulpit until the 8th of December, when the Rev. An- drew McKeown was appointed by the presiding elder until the ensuing session of the Providence Confer- ence. The following members of the Fourth Street Church were the founders of this society : Robert A. Sher- man, Eliza R. Sherman, Henry M. Allen, Phebe A. Allen, Solomon Chadwick, Nancy W. Cliadwick, Benjamin Buffington, John Allen, Sarah W. Allen, Matilda C. Anderson, John Tripp, Polly Tripp, Sarah P. Tripp, Hope Sherman, Mary E. Macomber, Mary E. Miller, Nicholas Mack, Frederick A. Chase, Su- sannah Rogers, Stephen Wood, A. D. Hatch, H. H. Tillson, Alanson Williston. The following persons were appointed to serve as a board of trustees, viz.: Robert A. Sherman, Henry M. Allen, Solomon Chadwick, Davis Thomas, John Allen, Stephen Wood, Warren Howland, Alanson Williston, and Benjamin Buffington. The house of worship was reopened with appro- priate religious services Jan. 22, 1852. A sermon was preached on the occasion by the Rev. Moses Chase. Mr. McKeown's successors have been as follows : Revs. J. B. Gould, J. A. M. Chapman, Henry Baylies, P. T. Kinney, John Livesey, William Kellen, F. J. Wagner, E. A. Lyon, Thomas Ely, Freeman Ryder, J. M. Durell, V. N. Matson, Bradford T. Roy, B. P. Raymond, J. H. Humphrey, Charles S. Nutter, and in 1881 Rev. George W. Wright, M.A., the present pastor, was appointed. Rev. George W. Wright, the present pastor, was born at Beekman, Dutchess Co., N. Y. He graduated at Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass., in the class of 1868, and also graduated at Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn., in class of 1872. He studied theology at the School of Theology of Boston Univer- sity during the year 1873. This (ecclesiastical year, 1881) year was characterized by an extensive and powerful revival, resulting in a large number of con- versions and a large increase in numbers and interest in the Sunday-school. The various departments of the church are health- ful and vigorous. The membership of the church is one hundred and eighty ; probationers, forty-eight. The Sabbath-school has numbered at its regular ses- sion as high as two hundred and twenty-five. NEW BEDFORD. 85 Mr. Jethro C. Brock, Esq., is the present popular superintendent. The present board of trustees are Henry M. Allen, Charles E. Cook, J. Harvey Sher- man, Jethro C. Brock, S. D. Robinson, Charles A. Tuell, Frederick D. Bless. The Pleasant Street Methodist Episcopal Church 1 of New Bedford, Mass., was organized May 24, 1S44. In the spring of 1843 the Elm Street Methodist Episcopal Church appointed a committee from her trustees, who purchased a lot on Pleasant Street, and erected an edifice thirty by forty feet for the purposes of a Sunday-school. Nearly seventy members from that society volunteered the care of this new mission and soon established social meetings. The organization which speedily followed was effected without dissension, it being apparent to the mother- church that the step was fully authorized by the relig- ious necessities of that part of the city. Its career has been marked by great religious pros- perity. Hundreds have bowed at her altars to the sceptre of Immanuel. Her Sunday-school ranks among the largest in New England. The original edifice was enlarged during the pas- torate of Rev. John Livesey, which extended from August, 1843, to the spring of 1845. The present edifice was dedicated July, 1849, and improved during the pastorates of Revs. L. B. Bates and E. F. Clark. The following have been her pastors : John Livesey, 1843-45; Samuel Beedle, 1845-46; S. C. Brown, 1846 ; C. H. Titus, 1846-48 ; Jonathan Cady, 1848- 50; John Hobart, 1850-51; H. C. Atwater, 1851-53; Frederick Upham, 1853-55 ; E. B. Bradford, 1855-57 ; John Howson, 1857-59 ; Charles Nason, 1859-61 ; William McDonald, 1861-63; W. F. Farrington, 1863-64; N. P. Philbrook, 1864-66; L. B. Bates, 1866-69; J. E. Hawkins, 1869-72; W. T. North, 1872-75; T. K. Green, 1875-78; J. W. Malcolm, 1878-80 ; E. F. Clark, 1880-83. County Street Methodist Episcopal Church. 2 — This society was organized in 1820, and worshiped in the church on Elm Street (below Purchase) till 1859, when the new building on the corner of County and Elm Streets was completed, and dedicated May 5th of that year. The following are the names of the pastors, with dates of their service: Jesse Fillmore, 1820-21; Solomon Sias, 1822-23; Eph. Kebby, 1824; Frederick Upham, 1825; Jacob Sanborn, 1826-27; Asa Kent, 1828; Timothy Merritt, 1829-30; Daniel Webb, 1831-32; Daniel Fillmore, 1833; Thomas C. Pierce, 1834-35; Shipley W. Wilson, 1836-37; Isaac Bonney, 1838-39; Joel Knight, 1840-41 ; John Lovejoy, 1842-43; A. P. Wheeler, 1844; David Patten, 1845-46; James D. Butler, 1847-48; Robert M.Hatfield, 1849-50; Daniel Wise, 1851-52; E. T. Fletcher, 1852-53; W. T. Har- low, 1854-55; John Cooper, 1856; H. S. White, l By Rev E. F. Clark. 2 By Leonard B. Ellis. 1857-58; Mark Trafton, 1859-60; William S. Studley, 1861-62; Mark Trafton, 1863-64; R. W. Humphries, 1865-67; D. P. Leavitt, 1868-70; E. McChesney, 1871-73; Luther T. Townsend, 1874; W. F. Crafts, 1875-76; W. F. Whitcher, 1877-78 ; W. L.Phillips, 1879-80; E. T. Towle, 1881; H. D. Kimball, 1882-83. The church officers were as follows: Stewards, Ben- jamin Pitman, Ambrose Vincent, George G. Gifford, George M. Eddy, Benjamin Anthony, Charles De Wolf, Sylvanus Bennett, Savory C. Hathaway, James Taylor; Class-Leaders, Addison Woodard, Caleb L, Ellis, Savory Hathaway, Frank A. Butts, Jr., William J. Sherman, Josiah Richmond, Jona. Covell, Thomas H. Soule, Fred. H. Vinal, Nathan L. Paine, William B. Dwight, John B. Smith, Job Wade, James B. Rus- sell, Timothy M. Gifford, Joseph R. Slocum, George T. Allen, George T. Hardwick, George N. Dyer, Chas. A. B. Peterson, William M. Butler, George G. Gifford, Jr., Mark T. Vincent; District Steward, Ambrose Vin- cent ; Recording Steward, Benjamin Pitman ; Secre- tary, Mark T. Vincent ; Treasurer, George M. Eddy ; Collector, Mrs. Joseph R. Slocum ; Trustees, James Taylor (president), L. B. Ellis (secretary), Benjamin Anthony (treasurer), F. A. Soule, S. T. Perry, George M. Eddy, S. C. Hathaway, Job Wade, George G. Gif- ford ; Local Preacher, Addison Woodard. The following are the officers of the Sunday-school: L. B. Ellis, superintendent; Savory C. Hathaway, Mary E. Austin, assistants; Benjamin Pitman, secre- tary ; William M. Butler, assistant; Emma C. Austin, treasurer ; Charles L. Paine, librarian ; Mark T. Vin- cent, Annie L. Almy, Lillie S. Perry, Mary A. Willis, assistants. African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.— This church was organized March 5, 1850, and con- sisted of the following members : Edward Thomas, Alexander Devol, Isaac Henson, William H. Harris, Sarah Harrison, Jane Thomas, Mary Ann Devol, Harriet Wright, Mary Harris, Celia Williams, Cath- arine Henson, Phebe Henson, and Charles Eaton. They first held services in a school-house on the corner of Eighth Street and Mechanics' Lane, after- wards at the residence of Mr. Alexander Devol, on Middle Street, until 1851, when they removed to their present house of worship. The pastors have been as follows: Rev. Leonard Collins, H. Thompson, James Simmons, Dempsey, Peter Ross, Joseph Hicks, Clin- ton Leonard, Samuel M. Giles, W. B. Smith, Na- thaniel Stubb, Lucas Sayler, Thomas Davis, William B. Smith, George H. Washington, J. B. Small, W. D. F. Pyle, John F. Lloyd, Silas A. Mitchell, William B. Heath, Daniel Davis, N. H. Turpin, George H. Washington, and William B. Bowens. African Methodist Episcopal Bethel Church — Those churches styling themselves African Methodist separated from their white brethren of the Methodist Episcopal Church at a convention assembled in Phila- delphia in April, 1816. This church was organized in 1842, by Rev. Eli N. 86 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Hall, of Providence, with the following persons: Jacob Thomas and wife, John Bailey and wife, John Elsemore and wife, Walter Hawkins and wife, James Oook and wife, John Williams and wife, James Allen, George F. Fletcher, Grafton Johnson, John F. Chew, Jackson Hawkins, Henry J. Johnson, Hatty Peter- son, Porter Hendrickson and wife, James Dyre and wife, and Jesse Richardson. During the same year a house of worship was built, at a cost of eighteen hundred dollars. This was de- stroyed by fire in 1854. The present building was commenced in 1855. The corner-stone was laid by Joseph R. Turner, but no work on the church was done for seven years. Rev. H. J. Johnson at length formed the " One Object Society" to carry out and complete the work; and finally, after upwards of ten years' persistent effort, aided by liberal contributions from the public, the church was finished and paid for, at a cost of about four thousand five hundred dollars. Pastors, Revs. John Butler, Henry J. Johnson, Rich- ard Robinson, Leven Tillman, Peter Gardner, H. J. Johnson, Dayton Doyle, Thomas M. D. Ward, J. D. S. Hall, Joseph R. Turner, Lewis S. Lewis, Jacob Mitch- ell, Henry J. Young, William Grimes, William De- mond, H. J. Johnson, J. P. Shreeves, J. H. W. Hur- ley, John R. V. Morgan, Joseph G. Smith, William H. Johnson, John T. Hayslett, Stephen V. Douglass, P. L. Stanford, E. T. Williams, Joseph P. Shreeves, William J. Laws, and Rev. William H. Hunter, the present incumbent. Grace Church. 1 — The initial step in the formation of a Protestant Episcopal Church in New Bedford was taken Oct. 2, 1833, when a meeting of gentlemen in- terested in the church resolved upon its establish- ment, elected wardens, vestry, and a clerk, and took measures for securing an act of incorporation. The project was largely aided by the advice and services of Rev. Mark A. De W. Howe (now Bishop of Cen- tral Pennsylvania), who was present at the meeting as a representative of the Massachusetts Convocation. The parish, at first called Christ Church, was incor- porated March 19, 1834, under the name of " The Wardens, Vestry, and Proprietors of Grace Church of New Bedford." For some two years the new parish rented as a place of worship a building on Middle Street which was owned and had been occupied by the Second Christian Society. In 1834 the subject of building a church was agitated, and a lot was bought on Union Street, upon which, July 30, 1835, the corner-stone of a wooden church of Gothic style, with two towers in front, was laid, and the building was completed and consecrated in the following year. Immediately upon the organization of the parish Rev. Nathaniel T. Bent became minister in charge as a missionary of the Massachusetts Convocation, but after the lapse of two months was elected rector, and 1 Contributed by Col. C. B. H. Fessenden. faithfully and efficiently served as such till his resig- nation in November, 1838. Early in 1839, Rev. Theodore W. Snow was chosen rector, but was obliged to resign in 1841 in conse- quence of impaired health, affecting mind as well as body. In March following, Rev. Thomas R. Lambert, then a chaplain in the United States navy, was called to the rectorship. He accepted the position for a year, having obtained a furlough for that time, and, that being extended, re-engaged for another year. He was then elected permanent rector, but in 1845 being ordered on sea duty by the department, he re- signed. Rev. Dr. Lambert is now rector of St. John's, Charles town. From September, 1846, to February, 1848, Rev. George D. Wilder (now rector of Christ Church, Riverdale, N. Y., and the accomplished secretary of the Church Congress) acted as rector. At Easter, 1848, Rev. Sanford J. Horton succeeded, and held the position till November, 1851, when he resigned. Dr. Horton, now the head of a flourishing church school at Cheshire, Conn., was greatly beloved by the parish, but the meagreness of his stipend com- pelled him to sever his connection with the parish. In February, 1852, the parish called again its first rector, Rev. Mr. Bent, but failing health forbade his acceptance, and Rev. Charles W. Homer was chosen and accepted the position. At this time the parish, never before in a very prosperous financial condition, was at low tide in its monetary affairs. The rector's stipend was but seven hundred dollars, and he was fitfully paid ; the church building was in a wretched state, and the outlook was dreary enough. The sec- ond year of Mr. Homer's incumbenc'y a spasmodic effort was made to secure a new church, one of stone. It utterly failed, and the failure left the parish de- pressed and well-nigh disheartened. The rector, then in the flush of youth, was unequal to the needed struggle for success, and in October, 1854, resigned. He is now rector of St. James', one of the largest churches in Brooklyn, L. I. Rev. Spencer M. Rice followed as rector, entering upon his work in February, 1855. Coming into the church from the Methodist denomination, Mr. Rice brought with him not a little of the zeal and fervor of that sect, and a shrewd, practical knowledge of affairs. He was remarkably faithful and successful in the performance of parochial duty, and a wise counselor and indefatigable helper in managing the temporal interests of the parish. It goes without saying that he was successful. The parish income showed it, the new interest in church work manifested it, and the complete renovation of the church edifice and the extinction of the church debt proved it. Mr. Rice was induced by the state of his health to resign in 1860. He is now residing in Jersey City, N. J., having lately, after a long rectorate, resigned the charge of Grace Church in that city. NEW BEDFORD. 87 In September following Rev. Josiah P. Tustin, D.D., became rector, and resigned in April, 1862. Rev. James Mulchahey succeeded him in Septem- ber, 1862, and held the rectorship for some seven years. During that time the lot in the rear of the church was bought, and the old house thereon con- verted into a commodious chapel. He had the satis- faction of leaving the parish in good condition, the result of his intelligent, faithful, and devoted service. Rev. Dr. Mulchahey, after some years' residence as rector of a church in Toledo, Ohio, was elected an assistant minister of Old Trinity Parish, New York, and is now in charge of St. Paul's in that city. The next rector was Rev. Edmund Rowland, who assumed charge in November, 1869. In May, 1871, he resigned, upon the invitation of Bishop Coxe to act as assistant rector of St. John's, Buffalo, N. Y. After an unsuccessful attempt to fill his place he was unanimously and urgently recalled, and resumed the rectorship, remaining till December, 1878, when he resigned and took charge of Calvary Church, Clifton, Cincinnati, Ohio, where he now resides. His term of service in Grace Church was longer than that of any of his predecessors, covering a period of nine years. His rectorship, though marked by no extraordinary achievement, was grandly successful. The church grew steadily and healthily in every direction ; needed changes and improvements in church and chapel were quietly made ; a rectory was provided by a few mem- bers of the parish ; efforts were made to establish a mission in the north part of the city, which resulted in the erection of a new church there, and the germ of the new Grace Church was in the church building fund which the rector started and so hopefully and patiently nurtured. The present rector, Rev. George A. Strong, assumed his duties on Easter-day, 1879. He did not suffer the project of building a new church to slumber, and the gift of an eligible site for it by two devoted women of the parish settled the success of his appeals. The Easter offerings of 1880, appropriated to the fund, amounted to sixteen thousand dollars, which, with the four thousand dollars gathered in Mr. Rowland's time, and the expected avails of the sale of the old church and lot, warranted immediate steps for begin- ning work. The corner-stone of the new Grace Church, on the corner of County and School Streets, was laid by Rev. Dr. Rowland, Sept. 11, 1880. The building, mostly completed, was opened for service Nov. 11, 1881, Rev. Phillips Brooks, D.D., preaching the sermon ; and Oct. 19, 1882, the building, finished and paid for, was consecrated by Right Rev. Benjamin H. Paddock, bishop of the diocese. The cost of the church, exclusive of the lot (the market value of which was about ten thousand dollars), was forty- seven thousand dollars. Its seating capacity, about six hundred, with sittings for nearly two hundred more in the adjoining chapel, is none too great for present needs. In the tower is a chime of bells, ten in number, weighing over eleven thousand pounds, the gift of the late Stephen G. Driscol. They were rung for the first time on Christmas-eve, 1882. The parish to-day, with a rector in whom its mem- bers are thoroughly and heartily in unison, with its church sittings nearly all taken, with an income in excess of its ordinary expenses, and with the interest in church services and church work steadily increas- ing, occupies an assured position, and should exert a widening conservative influence. St. James' Episcopal Church, situated on County Street, at its junction with Linden Street, has been from the date of its erection one of the attractive features of the city, partly because of the unique style of its architecture, and in part because of the extraordinary circumstances connected with the or- ganization and growth of the parish. Early in the spring of 1878 there was a movement among the English operatives in the Wamsutta Mills tending to the establishment of a congregation which should be distinct from the old parish church; situ- ated on Union Street. Their relations with the older parish were most amicable, but the remote distance of the church from the mill district, the rapid increase of the population, and the promise in a near future of a still greater addition to the numbers of English church people in the city favored the movement for a new parish. At the instance of the then rector of Grace Church, the Rev. Edmund Rowland, and under a suggestion from the Bishop of Connecticut, who is also dean of the world-famed Berkeley Divinity School, the Rev. C. H. Proctor, a recent graduate of the school, and at the time doing active missionary work in the mining districts of Pennsylvania, was in- vited to take charge of the whole movement. It was proposed to make the organization a mission chapel, to be supported in part by the parish of Grace Church, in part by the missionary society of the diocese, and in part by voluntary contributions from the people who would join the movement. With this agreement, Mr. Proctor accepted the position offered to him, and held the first service with the congregation in a hired shed on Purchase Street, near the mills, on the 10th of March, 1878. This first service and surroundings have been graphically described : The cobwebbed beams were hidden with sheets of Wamsutta cloth ; two packing-boxes turned on end and covered with calico served as altar and pulpit ) the alms were col- lected in two new and bright tin pie-plates ; a bor- rowed parlor-organ and an extemporized choir of young girls furnished the music; a paper screen in- closed a corner for a vestry-room. The names of about forty individuals were entered as a nucleus about which to gather the new parish. Almost at the outset, and before the new minister had fairly taken position, it was discovered that the Dioc- esan Missionary Board discouraged and repudiated the whole scheme and had promised it no support, and at the same time as an adjunct chapel to Grace 88 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Church the work would receive no possible encourage- ment, and Mr. Proctor found himself forced to face a most discouraging outlook, — a church of forty souls, a salary of three hundred dollars, and the assurance that his work must be independent of all local sup- port beyond his own congregation. This was the be- ginning of a work whose after-history is said to have no parallel in the church. Mr. Proctor, suffering with distressing ill health, but nerved with determina- tion, called his people together on the 28th of March, just two weeks after the first service, laid the case clearly before them, and expressed his desire to ac- complish what they had wished and planned, and then and there took the first steps in organizing the parish. Articles of association were drawn up and signed by those who were canonically entitled to do so. The parish was christened " St. James," com- memorating both the teaching of that apostle and also the memory of a dear friend of the rector, whose Christian name was thus incorporated with the work, and the first vestry was elected as follows: Wardens, Andrew Bannister and James Boardman ; Treasurer, William Smith; Clerk, A. McCreary ; Vestrymen, Sidney Smith, James Slater, William Robinson, Wil- liam Philips, George Ramsbotham. Through the kindness of the heirs of the Rodman estate a disused school-house was loaned free of rent to the new parish, and from this date services have been held continu- ously. Plans for the erection of a church building were taken in hand immediately. Subscriptions were solicited, and an almost uninterrupted flow of gifts and donations poured down upon the rector. A choir was organized under Mr. Proctor's direction, whose previous study of church music in the English cathe- drals proved of great service, and a feature was estab- lished in the rendering of the services of the church which has scarcely since abated and which has always been a strong attraction. Minor societies were put in operation. The St. James' League, organized April 15, 1878, with Mrs. Sidney Smith as president, and the St. James' Sewing- School, with Miss Ella C. Adams as president, organ- ized soon after, have both assisted largely in strength- ening the work. On Easter-day, April 21st, upwards of three thousand dollars had been received or pledged for building purposes. On the 22d of May, under the direction of Judge Alanson Borden as justice of the peace, the parish received its legal organization and title, and Mr. Proctor was instituted rector. On Wednesday, June 6th, money enough having been secured, the parish purchased and secured the title- deeds to the most eligible site upon which the church now stands. On Saturday, the 15th of June, with religious services, ground was broken on the new lot, the Rev. Mr. Rowland, of Grace Church, participating with the rector in the exercises and giving the address of the occasion. Mr. Proctor, breaking the first sod, was followed by Mr. Rowland, and then by the long line of people on both sides of the inclosed space. Plans for the new edifice were adopted from those presented by W. C. Brocklesby, architect, of Hartford, Conn. On Friday, July 25th, being St. James' Day, the corner-stone was laid with impressive ceremonies, the Rev. Dr. Mulchahey, of St. Paul's, New York City, giving the address, followed by Mr. Rowland, of Grace Church, the stone being laid in place by the rector of the parish, Mr. Proctor. On Tuesday even- ing, December 24th, the church was occupied for the first time, although in as yet an unfinished condition, the workmen not entirely leaving the church until February, when the rector placed the last and upper- most brick on the top of the tower, a scaffolding being especially prepared for the purpose. So, with- out the aid of any other single parish, as such, and without assistance from any missionary board, dioc- esan or otherwise, St. James' Church became an established fact in less than twelve months' time. With the advice of responsible persons, the church was completed, with its tower and necessary furniture and some of the ordinary properties of a church building, adding thereby a comparatively small debt to the original undertaking, but which without these additions would have been almost from the first wholly free. Sixteen thousand dollars have been raised in four years in cash offerings and memorial gifts, and the fairest promises are made for sustaining the work in the future. The parish has been self-sustaining from its founda- tion, and has extended its influence in a short space of time from forty souls to near four hundred families. The parish list now numbers about one hundred and fifty families immediately connected with the church, but this in nowise includes the large community who depend upon the ministrations of the rector. The christenings alone in St. James' average nearly one for every Sunday in the year. The rector of the parish, its founder and first rector, Charles Hayden Proctor, is an M.A., graduate of Trinity College, class of 1873, and of the Berkeley Divinity School, class of 1876. His qualifications for the position he holds have been enhanced by the ex- perience of close observation and study in English cathedrals, and during a recent visit in England his work in St. James' Church and among the English Church people received most cordial and substantial recognition from His Grace the Archbishop of York, the Bishop of Manchester, and more recently from the late Dean of Westminster, and also from the late Archbishop of Canterbury. While in the Northern Convocation he was specially honored with a license to officiate from the archbishop's own hand. With a natural firmness of determination, Mr. Proctor has been enabled to accomplish much that many men would have shrunk from undertaking, and the church established under his hand will be a lasting monu- ment, than which one could ask to deserve no greater. North Christian Church. — This church was " con- stituted a Christian Church Jan. 25, 1807." The NEW BEDFORD. 89 founders of the society were formerly members of the Baptist Church in Dartmouth, under the pastoral charge of Elder Daniel Hix. The following are the names of the original members: Obed Kempton, Ruth Kempton, John Hathaway, Edith Hathaway, Jonathan Haskins, Sarah Haskins, Sarah Strange, Lois Hervey, Patience Hatch, Remembrance Wood, Nabby Russell, Nabby Tobey, Betsey Chase. At a meeting of the church, Sept. 26, 1811, Mr. Mandell was appointed to "keep the records," Obed Kempton treasurer, and Abraham Gifford " to receive the regular contributions." Jabez Hammond was or- dained as the first deacon by Elders Hix and Taylor on May 29, 1812. The first clergymen of whom the records make mention, who preached for the society at different periods during its first existence, were Elders Daniel Hix, Frederick Plummer, John Gray, Douglass Far- num, Benjamin Taylor, and Abner Jones. Elder Benjamin Taylor was the first settled minis- ter of whom the records make mention. He com- menced his labors with the church in 1812, and con- tinued his charge until 1819. Aug. 19, 1817, a committee was selected to inform Elder Elias Smith, who had occasionally preached to the church, that he could no longer be received in that capacity. The objection to Mr. Smith was his tendencies to the doctrines promulgated by the Uni- versalists. Mr. Smith was the father of Matthew Hale Smith, and one of the founders of the " Chris- tian sect." Another noteworthy item in connection with Elder Smith is that he was one of the origina- tors of the Herald of Gospel Liberty, the first relig- ious paper ever published in America. Sept. 4, 1819, Elder Taylor dissolved his connection with the church and took up his residence in Swan- sea. His successor was Elder Moses How, who settled with them during the fall of 1819. About 1820, Elder Simon Clough visited the church and officiated frequently ; he preached during the greater part of 1823-24. In December, 1826, Elder Charles Morgridge, of Boston, was settled as minister. The pulpit was sup- plied in the interim by Elder Hervey Sullings. During the fall of 1831, Mr. Morgridge resigned his pastoral charge, and in January, 1832, Elder Lovell, formerly a Methodist preacher of Portsmouth, N. H., succeeded him. He officiated for about two years. In 1833 the church was reorganized, and a charter of incorporation was obtained from the General Court, dated March 14th. On retirement of Mr. Lovell, Rev. Mr. Morgridge again renewed his connection with the church, and remained with it until the spring of 1841. During August, 1841, an invitation was extended to Rev. Silas Hawley to become pastor, and he con- tinued until January, 1843. At this date Elder P. R. Russell supplied the pulpit for about a year. Soon after his withdrawal Elder A. G. Morton became pastor, and continued till Dec. 29, 1851, when he withdrew. Nov. 11, 1852, the society voted to extend an invi- tation to William R. Stowe, which he accepted, and continued with the society until January, 1854. On his retirement Elder David E. Millard, of Broom- field, N. Y., was engaged to preach for the society. He entered upon his duties May, 1854, and in Sep- tember of the same year received and accepted an in- vitation to assume the pastorship. In July, 1855, he tendered his resignation, which was accepted. At a special meeting held during the following December Rev. T. C. Moulton was elected pastor. Mr. Moulton returned no answer to the call until November, 1856, when he declined the invitation. For upwards of eighteen months the church was without a settled pastor, the pulpit being supplied by a committee. Finally, in May, 1857, Rev. S. W. Whitney, of New York, was engaged, and remained till some time in 1858. The supply of the pulpit was again in the hands of a committee, which at length, in September, 1858, succeeded in securing the services of the Rev. T. C. Moulton, and he continued to act in this capacity until March, 1859, when he was elected pastor, and remained until September, 1868. He was succeeded in November, 1868, by Rev. Austin Craig, who resigned Aug. 30, 1869. His successors have been Rev. A. J. Kirkland, Rev. O. A. Roberts, and Rev. S. Wright Butler, the present incumbent. The society first worshiped in the shop of Mr. Obed Kempton, on the corner of Purchase and Middle Streets; then in a rope-walk in the south part of the city. In 1808 or 1809 the church on Middle Street was erected by Mr. Abraham Gifford and others for the society. It was used by it for a house of worship until 1833, when the large and commodious church which it now occupies, opposite the Parker House, was built. The church has always been liberal in the support of the gospel and generous in its charities. The Middle Street Christian Church. 1 — The Middle Street Christian Church was constituted March 21, 1828, of members who, at their own re- quest, were set off for that purpose by the North Christian Church, which was organized in 1807. The members were Abraham Gifford, William Cranston, William Whitten, Warren Maxfield, Watson Ellis, Ezra S. Kempton, Samuel James, James Barlow, and Elder Harvey Sullings, a preacher. They met at the house of Obed Kempton, northwest corner of Middle and Purchase Streets. The first baptism was of Mary Pease and Rebecca Gifford. The first settled min- ister was William Coe. The first meeting-house erected was on Middle Street, south of Mr. Kempton's house. The pastors were the venerable William Coe, three year.-.; Luther Baker, a man 'of " holy life;" Isaac i By N. SummerUell, D.D. 90 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Smith, called the " excellent man ;" Moses How, under whom a great revival took place in January of 1837. Many were added to the church, and in 1834 they moved into the church on Middle Street, opposite Sixth Street, where they now (1882) worship. Elder How was called the " good pastor." He continued with this church till July, 1844. He died in 1882, in the seventieth year of his ministry and the ninety- second year of his age, honored, respected, and be- loved through all New England, and by the Chris- tians through the United States. Elder How was followed in 1844 by the "good preacher," O. E. Morrill, and in 1848, Morrill was succeeded by Elder Brown. In 1849 to 1850, John Taylor, "the tender-hearted minister," preached, and the church was much revived. From 1850 to 1857 the aged Benjamin Taylor was their pastor, who was succeeded by Elder James S. White, who continued pastor to 1861, when Benjamin S. Batchelor was set- tled, and filled the pulpit with great success until 1875. A young minister named A. A. Kirkland then supplied the pulpit for some months till the eloquent pulpit orator, Z. T. Sullivan, was settled, who con- tinued drawing large congregations until 1877, when he accepted a call from the Congregational Church at Brockton, and was followed by Elder Daniel L. Craft, who filled it for two years. In 1880, N. Summerbell, D.D., former president of Union Christian College, was settled. More than forty members have been added up to this time; also a heavy debt, which had been accumulating for the past five years, has been paid. The present number of members is two hun- dred and thirty-four. There is a good Sunday-school, of which Isaac W. Benjamin is superintendent, and Frank L. Davis, assistant. The peculiar characteristic of the Cbristian Church is its conformation to the New Testament form of Christianity. It, therefore, accepts the Bible as the heaven-given and only perfect creed, Christ as the only heaven-appointed leader, charity as the greatest Christian grace, and Christian union as a duty. It states its faith in Bible language with the exactness of verbal accuracy, and submits to no additions to the Bible, but extends fellowship and communion to all Christians. Rev. Dr. Summerbell, the present pastor, is the well-known originator and editor of The Christian Pulpit, a monthly, and former editor of the Herald of Gospel Liberty, Dayton, Ohio; is the author of many popular works, the most important of which are his "History of the Christians," from the birth of the Saviour to the present time, royal octavo, five hun- dred and seventy-six pages, and his " Discussions," and his remarkably popular work called "Christian Principles," all of which have passed through many editions. The "Christian Principles," after passing through eight editions, has been " revised and abridged by Rev. R. J. Wright, LL.D.," and published at his own expense for universal distribution. The church has been much strengthened under his labors, and its former distinction as a church of revi- vals and deep religious experience has returned. The present church clerk is Frank L. Davis. South Christian Church. — The house of worship on the corner of Sherman and Bonney Streets was built in 1851-52 by Booth & Hathaway, at a cost of about four thousand dollars. It contains sixty pews, and will seat about three hundred and fifty persons. Meetings were first held in the vestry in February, 1852. June 9th the house was dedicated. The ser- mon on the occasion was preached by Rev. George H. Eldridge, who commenced his ministerial services there the previous April. In five days subsequent to the dedication pews enough were sold to pay every bill on the house and leave a surplus of four hundred dollars in pew stock belonging to the society. During that summer it was organized as the "South Christian Society," and in September following it was " con- stituted a Christian Church," consisting of the fol- lowing persons: Pardon Wilcox, Tillinghast Sowle, Cranston Wilcox, Josiah S. Bonney, William Miller, Henry T. James, William H. Macy, Barbara Sowle, Betsey Wilcox, Hannah H. Albert, Phebe A. James, and Sarah Chace. Elder Hervey Sullings was an active member of this church and contributed liberally to its support. When the society was without a pastor he often sup- plied the pulpit, and was favorably received. He died in December, 1859, about eighty years of age. Rev. George H. Eldridge was the first pastor, and continued his labors until April, 1856. For nearly two years after the retirement of Mr. Eldridge the supplies of the pulpit were irregular. In December, 1856, the church received a visit from Rev. I. H. Coe, and subsequently extended a unanimous call to him to become pastor. The invitation was accepted, and Mr. Coe entered upon his duties April 1st of the fol- lowing year, and has continued from that time to the present, and is now the oldest settled pastor in this city. He was born in Woodstock, Conn., May 12, 1818. The Spruce Street Christian Church was organ- ized June 28, 1869, with the following members: Nicholas S. Chadwick, first pastor, William Bosworth, Isaac S. Thomas, George L. Dyer, George L. Eldrige, Joseph W. Robertson, Sarah M. Eldrige, Mary E. Ellis, Lydia Berree, Susan E. Johnson, Abby Berree, Lydia R. Grimshaw, Martha G. Turner. Jan. 25, 1880, Rev. Gardner Devan commenced his labors with us, and Feb. 8, 1881, resigned. July 14, 1881, church called Rev. Allen Damon to be their pastor, who is serving us to date, Sept. 19, 1882. Church as now organized : Allen Damon, pas- tor ; Deacons, Richard E. Macomber, Isaac S. Thomas ; Treasurer, B. F. H. Reed ; Clerk, J. S. Thomas ; Su- perintendent of Sabbath-school, Laurens W. Faunce; Chairman of Business Meetings, E. J. H. Tripp. March 26, 1871, Mr. Chadwick resigned. Services NEW BEDFORD 91 in church were continued by different pastors, Elders Howe, Murry, Greenwood, Peirce. Rev. Mr. Kirkland supplied three months. Joseph W. Thomas was pas- tor for the year ending Nov. 24, 1872. Dec. 1, 1872, Rev. Ellen Gastin commenced her labors with us, and on Feb. 23, 1873, resigned. April 6, 1873, C. F. Burleigh commenced preaching here, and on July 9th following was ordained and in- stalled as pastor. He resigned April 28, 1878. During his pastorate, which was longer than any other, the church has seen some prosperity, and has also been called to pass through some grievous trials. The church now numbers fifty-eight, together with an interesting Sabbath-school, with prospects of much greater growth and usefulness. This church differs somewhat from all others in the city, as it does not own the church property. It is held by the Spruce Street Mission Society. The Christian Union Church, 1 New Bedford, was organized about the 1st of January, 1875, worshiping in a hall for one year, at which time they had com- pleted a house of worship on High Street, it being dedicated by Rev. Edwin Burnham on the 12th day of January. The church has from the first organiza- tion numbered about sixty, some being added and some leaving. Only four deaths have occurred in the eight years of time since its first existence. There is connected with the church a small Sab- bath-school, numbering about forty to fifty scholars, yet in a good healthy condition. The creed of the church is the Bible only. Its mode of baptism is immersion. Its test of fellowship is Christian character, open communion to all Chris- tians, or, as its name indicates, union with all true Christians. Its mode of government is adopted from Matt, xviii., accepting no human forms. Its bond of union is Christian love, allowing all or any members to leave when they cease to love, and return on the same principles. The faith of the future is " that the wages of sin is death ;" " the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ." The Universalist Church. 2 — The present house of worship on William Street is the second house that has been built in New Bedford. The first house was erected in 1836, and stands on the southeast corner of Filth and School Streets. In this house the Univer- salists held public worship for about twelve years, and had for regular pastors John M. Spear, G. T. Farnsworth, and S. S. Fletcher, who were very good preachers. In 1849 the society, having become much involved in debt, sold their house to the Catholics, since which it has been known as the St. Mary's Church. In 1851 some of the Universalists of the old church, with others who had come to New Bedford within a 1 By A. M. Higgins, M.D. 2 Contributed by Hon E. L. Barney. few years, who felt the need of worshiping God and promulgating the doctrines of Universalism, came to- gether and secured the services of the then Rev. Hiram Van Campen,and held religious worship each Sabbath-day in a small hall (Sears' Hall it was called) on Cheapside, nearly opposite and in front of the City Hall. Here Mr. Van Campen preached for several years, and the congregation grew and in- creased. In 1854 the Rev. Mr. Stevenson was em- ployed, and under his ministry, with the good seed sown by Mr. Van Campen, the people resolved to have a house of worship, and in August, 1855, the present house was completed and dedicated, and since which time public worship has been regularly held, with a few slight intermissions in the change of pastors. The pastors have been the Revs. B. V. Ste- venson, J. J. Twiss, T. G. St. John, S. L. Rosepaugh, George W. Skinner, I. C. Knowlton, C. B. Lombard, J. H. Farnesworth, William C. Stiles, and G. F. Flanders, D.D. ; the last named is the present pastor. Mr. Flanders is a very able, learned, and eloquent preacher, and under his ministry the society is in an excellent condition. John P. Knowles, G. L. Barney, Benjamin Alsey, Mr. Van Campen, John M. Foster, Benjamin F. Brownell, and others now dead have been the most prominent citizens and supporters of this church in the past, and still live and are interested in the soci- ety. New members have joined, such as John P. Knowles, Jr., H. M. Knowlton, A. G. Walker, and others, with many excellent ladies, and these all are the friends and supporters of the society. It is but simple justice to say that during all the past this church has maintained the doctrines of the early founders of Universalism in America, and fervently adhere to the fundamental doctrines of the Universal- ist denomination. It has always aided in the works of charity, love, and temperance in this community, and sought to elevate man. It practices the exact fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, upon which basis alone comes all the workings of the true good spirit in man. Society of Friends. — Meetings were first held in the village of Bedford in 1772; but we learn that they were held at the Head of the River as early as 1725, and a portion of the meeting-house now occu- pied by the Friends there was built in 1727. They first met here in a school-house which stood upon a rock just east of the northeast corner of School and Third Streets. This was the only place of wor- ship in the village for some years. Their first house was built in 1785, on Spring Street. These comprise most of the early Friends: Joseph Rotch and his son William Rotch, Sr. ; Joseph Rus- sell, who owned the principal portion of the place eolith of Elm Street; William Russell, who emigrated from Nantucket and lived to a very advanced age, being nearly a hundred years old at his death; he 92 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. built the fourth house in the village; Seth Russell, the father of Seth and Charles Russell, whose resi- dence was on the west side of Water Street ; Benjamin Taber, grandfather of William C. Taber, who built one of the three first houses in the village; Joseph Austin, the first hatter; Matthew Howland, father of George Howland, deceased; and Daniel Ricketson, father of Joseph Ricketson, who was for many years cashier of the Commercial Bank. Subsequently we find as members the following dis- tinguished citizens: Abraham Smith, William Rotch, Jr., and his brother Thomas, Samuel Rodman, Thomas Hazard, Elisha Thornton, John Howland, father of Capt. James Howland, Humphrey Russell, William Sawyer Wall, father of William A. Wall, the cele- brated artist of this city, and Cornelius Howland. The preachers of whom we have knowledge are Thomas Rotch, James Davis, Elisha Thornton, Job Chaloner, Lydia Rotch, afterwards dean, Mary Card, Deborah Otis, and Joseph Davis. The above persons are deceased. There are still living Susan, Rhoda, and Rachel Howland, Susan R. Smith, Mary Shove, Rhoda H. Taber, Josiah Holmes, Jr. The first clerk of whom we have any information is Caleb Greene. He was succeeded by Abraham Sherman, Jr., who held the post twenty-six years. The next was William C. Taber, who officiated nine- teen years; after him Charles R. Tucker and Mat- thew Howland served a short time, when he was again chosen, and is at present acting in that ca- pacity. The former elders of the society were Caleb Greene, William Rotch, William Rotch, Jr., Francis Taber, Barnabas Taber, and Abraham Sherman, Jr., W. C. Taber, W. P. Howland, Charles R. Tucker, Matthew Howland, and Seth K. Akin. The present meeting-house is on Spring Street, be- tween Sixth and Seventh. Josiah Holmes, Jr., Rachel S. Howland, William Thompson, Ruth S. Murray, Rebecca H. Smiley, ministers; William C. Taber, Matthew Howland, Seth K. Akin, Betsey P. Wood, Sarah H. Anthony, Deborah Wing, Mary A. Smith, Anna G. Wood, Susan T. Thompson, elders. While Friends have their recognized or recorded ministers, they do not hold the pastoral relation as it exists in other re- ligious organizations. The Seamen's Bethel.— The first meeting to take into consideration the expediency of forming a society to promote the interests of seamen was held at the Merchants' Insurance office, May 17, 1830. Stephen Merihew was chosen chairman, and H. G. O. Colby secretary. A committee, consisting of Messrs. S. S. Smith, S. J. S. Vose, and J. F. Emerson, drew up a constitution, which was adopted at the same meeting. Jan. 28, 1831, a committee, consisting of Messrs. B. Rodman, T. Riddell, and W. C. Nye, reported in favor of building a chapel for mariners. In May following a house and lot on what is now known as Bethel Street was purchased of Mary Rotch for four- teen hundred dollars. At the first annual meeting of the society, held June 7, 1831, it was resolved that the form of worship should be perfectly unsectarian, and that all denominations should have the privilege of supplying the pulpit. Services were first conducted in the old Town Hall every Sunday morning, each of the clergymen in the place officiating in turn. The first meeting was held Sunday, July 31, 1831. About this time the house which had been purchased was moved to the south part of the lot, and a chapel, forty-five by forty feet, was built by Mr. Shaw from Bristol, R. I., under the direction of a committee consisting of Messrs. Samuel Rodman, Jr., T. Riddell, and W. W. Swain. The first chaplain was the Rev. Enoch Mudge, who commenced his labors April 27, 1832. May 4th the society was incorporated by act of the General Court. Rev. Mr. Mudge resigned in July, 1844, and was suc- ceeded by Rev. Moses How, who remained fifteen years. The present efficient chaplain, Rev. James D. Butler, was his successor. Mr. Butler entered upon his duties as chaplain and agent April 15, 1859, and re- mained until 1863, when he resigned and became pastor of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, Paw- tucket, R. I., and was subsequently pastor at New London. In 1870 he returned to New Bedford, where he has since resided. Mr. Butler has now served the New Bedford Port Society seventeen years, and his service has not only been a long one but an honor- able one. A writer, in speaking of him, says, " As a laborer he ranks high in his denomination. His piety is of no ordinary cast, and he is diligent and persevering in all his duties." Rev. Samuel Fos succeeded Mr. Butler in 1863, and remained until 1869. In March, 1866, the Bethel was partially destroyed by fire. The burnt portion was immediately rebuilt, and the whole edifice thoroughly repaired. July 26, 1867, the church was reopened with appropriate ex- ercises. A sermon was preached on the occasion by Rev. L. B. Bates. The present officers of the Port Society are as fol- lows : Hon. George Howland, Jr., president; Wil- liam Phillips, Jireh Swift, vice-presidents ; James Taylor, recording secretary ; James D. Butler, cor- responding secretary; Gideon B. Wright, treasurer; Rev. James D. Butler, chaplain ; Joseph C. Delano, Alexander H. Seabury, George B. Richmond, Oliver Prescott, Edward D. Mandell, C. B. H. Fessenden, Abram T. Eddy, Edmund Rodman, Samuel H. Cook, Henry T. Wood, F. A. Washburn, George F. Bart- lett, Matthew Howland, Timothy D. Cook, George R. Phillips, John F. Tucker, Benjamin Anthony, James E. Stanton, Benjamin T. Cummings, William R. Wing, John P. Knowles, Jr., Louni Snow, board of managers. St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church. — The first pastor of this church was Rev. Father Lavasey, NEW BEDFORD. 93 who built the first church edifice on Allan Street in 1820, at a cost of eight hundred dollars. In 184!) the house was sold, and the TJniversalist Church corner Fifth and School Streets was purchased. This was occupied until the completion of their present church edifice in 1870, when the name of the church was changed to St. Lawrence, it having previously been called St. Mary. St. Mary's Church is now used for children's mass and Sunday-school. The present pas- tor is the Rev. Hugh J. Smyth, assisted by Rev. Owen Kiernem. The Church of the Sacred Heart is located on Ashland Street, corner of Robeson, and Rev. George Pager is pastor. St. John Baptist (Portuguese) is located on Wing Street, corner Fifth. Rev. Antonio M. Freitas is the present pastor. Howland Chapel. — This chapel was erected in 1870 by Matthew Howland as a place of worship for the operatives and others in the vicinity of the Wam- sutta Mills, who were destitute of a house of wor- ship. In the summer of that year Mr. Howland pur- chased a lot of land on the east side of Purchase Street, and immediately commenced the erection of the chapel, which is thirty-six feet by fifty-five feet in size. It was completed and furnished at an expense of little over seven thousand dollars, all of which sum was paid by Mr. Howland. The chapel was dedi- cated Jan. 13, 1871, and on the following Sabbath a school was opened under the superintendence of Henry T. Wood, of this city, and in the evening relig- ious services were held for the benefit of all who in- clined to come, it being distinctly understood there was no tax to be levied or contribution called for or sectarianism to be exercised. It was remarked in one of the newspapers at the time that " the chapel was completely filled with people, who showed a marked interest in the exercises of the evening." In a short address on the occasion, Mr. Howland said that the erection of the chapel had not been from any selfish motive, but to furnish a comfortable and agreeable room for those who felt destitute of a place of wor- ship in this part of the city to come and listen to the preaching of the gospel and be taught the simple truths of the Bible. Since the organization of the school, twelve years ago, it has been kept up without omission, most of the time under the faithful and efficient superintend- ence of H. T. Wood, who resigned about a year since, and was succeeded by Robert B.Taber.. The average attendance of the school has ranged from one hundred and twenty to one hundred and fifty. The expenses connected with the chapel since its erection, such as warming, lighting, salary of sex- ton, fuel, etc., have been paid by Mr. Howland. Many of the small expenses connected with the school have been paid by little contributions from the chil- dren. The school has also quite a good library. The Second Advent Church.— The first meetings of this sect in New Bedford were held in 1840, by William Miller, of New York, and among its early supporters here were Francis Whitton, Ellery Rec- ords, Henry V. Davis, William B. King, William Gifford, Stephen D. Jordan, Dr. Baker, Asa Coombs, Curtis Gammons, Pardon Potter, James Baxter, Hat- til Kelley, Jeremiah Tripp, John F. Vinal, and John Gammons. The first settled pastor was Elder Joseph Turner. The church is located on Kempton Street, near County. E. E. Church, Phineas White, deacons; Phineas White, Benjamin Irish, William B. Hambly, Ezra Wing, William B. King, George W. Maker, E. E. Church, Frederick Stanton, James G. Harding, church and finance committee: James G. Harding, clerk and treasurer. There is also a Union Church located at Allen's Corner, Plainville; Olivet Chapel, on Acushnet Av- enue, corner of Blackmer; Rockdale Union Free Chapel Association, organized March 19,1873; and Missionary Chapel. South Water Street, corner of Leonard. Extinct Churches.— The following churches are extinct : The Pacific Church. — This church was organ- ized Oct. 8, 1844, with the following persons; Perry G Macomber and wife, Samuel Bennett and wife, Ebenezer Rider, John W. Tripp and wife, George Perry and wife, John S. Holmes, Mrs. Susan Perry, Laban Thatcher, Sarah Allen, Hannah Chase, Fanny Thomas, Sarah Slocum, Sarah Cobb, Rebecca Albert, Thankful Hawes, Almira Ellis, Abby Copeland, Susan Vincent, and Betsey Holmes. October 13th, Rev. Sylvester Holmes and wife, Jon- athan Wheeler and wife, Seth C. Nichols, Eliphalet Daggett, Esther Sowle, and others were received into the church. Sabbath afternoon, November 3d, the following persons were admitted to membership by letter: I. H. Bartlett, Joseph Seabury and wife, Deborah C. Bartlett, and Miss Abby Jane Clapp. November 4th, Perry G. Macomber and Jonathan Wheeler were chosen deacons. The pastors were as follows: Revs. Sylvester Holmes, Mr. Colburn, Timothy Stowe, Bernard Paine, T. C. Jerome, I. L. Harris, and Rev. C. J. K. Jones. The church disbanded April 17, 1878, the member- ship of nearly one hundred going to North Congre- gational Church and Unitarian Church, almost en- tirely to the former. The church property was sold to the Second Ad- ventists. Third Christian Church. — This church was organized in 1826. It was known as the African Christian until 1840, when the name was changed to Third Christian. The house of worship was on Middle Street, and was dedicated June 24, 1830 ; sermon by Elder William Quinn. Shortly after the 91 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. society was admitted to the Christian connection. The names of those constituting the church were John Christopher, Joseph Antone, N. Anderson, Moses Sheperd, Samuel Wilson, Charles R. Cook, Samuel Richards, Ruth Johnson, Dinah Farmer, Rebecca Bailey, Sally Antone, Margaret Sheperd, Catharine Dixon, Jane Fute, Avis Williams, Char- lotte Cook, and Abby Christopher. The following were the pastors : Rev. Messrs. Wash- ington Christian, Jacob Perry, Isaac Smith, Luke Wal- dron, Haves, Anthony, Henson, Francis, Sunrise, Be- man, and J. B. Smith. To meet the expenses of repairs the property was mortgaged to the Five Cents Savings-Bank, which foreclosed the mortgage in 1859, and the church be- came extinct. During the latter part of its existence it was known as the Free-Will Baptist Church. Cannon ville Union Church was organized through the efforts of Messrs. Edward S. Cannon, Charles Cannon, W. H. Sturtevant, Ellis Bartlett, Isaac Bolles, and George W. Hathaway. A house of worship was built by William Wilcox, costing one thousand dollars, of which sum seven hundred and fifty dollars was raised by Messrs. Cannon. It was dedicated Dec. 9, 1841, sermon by Rev. G. F. Pool. In the spring of 1842 a church was formed, having a membership of forty-two. The first settled pastor was Rev. Edward H. Hat- field, whose ministry began in 1849. He continued only six months ; supplies were then procured until the next session of Conference, when Rev. Charles Noble was sent to the church. After a year's service he gave up the keys to Mr. Cannon, and Conference relinquished the station. Mr. Cannon then employed Rev. W. H. Sturtevant, paying him his salary out of his own pocket. In April, 1852, Rev. Mr. Tripp, a Baptist clergyman, took charge, and remained until the February following. Mr. Edward S. Cannon was the mainspring of this church. The Centre Church was organized Feb. 12, 1845. The following were some of the original mem- bers : James H. Collins, William H. Stowell, Isaac Bly, David Ilsley, Prentiss W. Cobb, Benjamin G. Wilson, Robert Luscomb, William Bly, Ruth Bly, Deborah Simmons, and Eliza Tubbs. It was at first attempted to form a church of the Christian denomination, but the clergymen invited to do this declining, invitations were extended to Rev. Messrs. Ephraim Peabody, Davis, and E. B. Hall, of Providence, by whom the society was organized. Rev. Charles Morgridge was the first pastor ; he preached until March, 1845. The next was Rev. Jonathan Brown, of Naples, N. Y., who officiated about three years without much success. The church then voted not to employ any but Unitarian minis- ters. In October, 1848, Rev. Moses G. Thomas was installed. His pastorship continued until 1854, when the financial affairs of the church became so full of embarrassment that it was voted to disband. The Mount Pleasant Church owed its origin to Noah Tripp and some twenty-two others from the Pleasant Street Church. The house was built in 1852. In the commencement it was proposed to make it free to all denominations, but it was after- wards deemed necessary to organize as a Methodist Church, which was done April 19, 1854. The first pastor was Rev. E. W. Dunbar. He was followed by Rev. Messrs. Gavitt, Hinks, Worthing, and Ham- len, who preached a year each. The house was then sold to the Baptists, who held services but a short time. CHAPTER XL NEW BEDFORD.— ( Continued.) PKESS— EDUCATIONAL— BANKS, ETC. The Medley, or New Bedford Marine Journal — The Mercury — The Standard — The Whaleman's Shipping-List — The New Bedford Signal — Numerous other Newspapers — Friends' Academy — Free Public Li- brary — The National Bank of Commerce — The Merchants' National Bank — The Mechanics' National Bank — The First National Bank — The Citizens' National Bank — Institution for Savings— Five-Cent Savings-Bank — Water-Works — New Bedford and Fairhaven Street Railway — Post-Office — Wamsutta Mills — Potamska Mills — Grinnell Mills — Gosnold Mills, etc. — Masonic — Star in the East Lodge — Eureka Lodge — Adoniram Chapter R. A. M. — Sutton Commandery — Early Physicians — Fire Society, 1809 — The Ship Rebecca — Miscella- neous. The first paper published in New Bedford was The Medley, or Neio Bedford Marine Journal, the first num- ber of which was issued Nov. 27, 1792, " printed and published by John Spooner, at his office near Rotch's wharf." It was a small sixteen-column sheet. The first number contained news from Italy, France, and England, and a record of the proceedings of the Second Congress of " Confederated America." John Spooner notifies the inhabitants that "he has just re- ceived from New London and for sale the following books." In the list were " Watts' Hymns," " Fen- ning's Spelling-Book," "Vicar of Wakefield," " Sea- men's Journals," " Adventures of Gil Bias," " Fanny, or the Happy Repentance," etc. He also advertises for sale Dutch quills, wafers, etc., and will take " cash or any of the above books given in exchange for clean cotton or linen rags, old sail-cloth, or junk." Caleb Green advertises " Books and book-binding," while William Rotch, Jr., "Respectfully informs his Customers and Friends he has for sale wholesale and retail, at his store in New Bedford, sail-cloth, coarse and fine sheetings, pork and salt, Philadelphia and Russia bar-iron, paints, etc." The brig " Mary" is advertised to sail for Havre de Grace, Cornelius Grinnell, master; and the sloop " Mayflower," Gibbs West, master, for New York and Chesapeake. The Neiv Bedford Mercury, a weekly newspaper, was established in 1807 by Benjamin Lindsey, who had NEW BEDFORD. 95 previously worked as compositor and foreman in the printing-office of the Palladium in Boston. It was a small sheet of sixteen columns, printed " on good paper and in fair type," the subscription price two dollars, exclusive of postage, and "payable half- yearly in advance." In his address to the public the editor says, "It is our wish and intention to pub- lish a useful and, as far as our resources will permit, an entertaining journal, embracing all those objects which properly fall within its scope, etc. ... In politics we shall adopt the truly republican principles of Washington's ' Farewell Address,' convinced that all Americans are alike interested in their support. Thus doing, we shall "' Nothing extenuate, Nor set down aught in malice.' " The first issue contains " very late foreign news" (for those ante-clipper-ship, ante-steam-power, and ante-telegraph times), a proclamation by Thomas Jefferson, and various local advertisements by Abra- ham Sherman, Peter Barney & Son, and Russell, Thornton & Co. In the second number is an adver- tisement of a new line of stages between New Bed- ford and Boston, announcing that the "stage will start from Crocker's tavern in New Bedford at sun- rise on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and ar- rive at Boston at three o'clock p.m." The founder of the Mercury conducted it alone till 1826, when his son, Benjamin Lindsey, Jr., was asso- ciated with him. In 1831 they started the Daily Mer- cury (the first daily established in New Bedford), and thesenior proprietor soon after retiring, the entire man- agement devolved upon the son, who published it till July 15, 1861, when, having been appointed United States consul at St. Catharine's, Brazil, he sold the newspaper establishment to C. B. H. Fessenden and William G. Baker. The Mercury, under Mr. Lindsey's management, grew in importance and value, was edited with abil- ity, and for many years enjoyed a wide circulation. For a long time it had no competitor, there being then no evening paper, and its close attention to the fullness and accuracy of its ship news secured for it a generous list of subscribers. Fessenden & Baker took charge of the paper upon the very eve of the late civil war. It was not an auspicious time for such an undertaking by men of limited pecuniary means and unacquainted with the details of newspaper business. But the new proprie- tor- had a decided taste for journalism, and lost noth- ing in reputation, if they gained nothing in money, by the venture. The character of the paper did not suffer by the transfer. It honestly and heartily sup- ported the Republican administration in the prosecu- tion of the war and afterwards in the great wofk of reconstruction. It advocated at an early day the arming of the enslaved negroes and their emancipa- tion, one of its editorials having the caption, " We must fight them or free them." In the darkest days of the Rebellion its leading articles were cheery and hopeful, prophesying progress through a big disaster, and showing unbounded confidence in the final tri- umph of the nation. Even beyond the circumscribed limits of its circulation it exerted a healthful and conservative influence, for its columns were scrupu- lously kept free from anything that would offend good taste or injure public or private morals, and it was vigorous in its advocacy of all real reform. It was persistent in urging the introduction of pure water into New Bedford as a sanitary and economic measure, and the supplementing of the loss to the city from the inevitable decline of the whale fish- ery by the increase of manufactures, both which have gradually come to pass. May 1, 1876, the Mercury passed by purchase into the hands of the present proprietors, Messrs. Stephen W. Booth, Warren E. Chase, and William L. Sayer, who now, under the style of the Mercury Publishing Company, conduct it. Mr. Booth had for years been in the employ of Fessenden & Baker as clerk and then business manager. Mr. Chase had large expe- rience and skill as a compositor, and Mr. Sayer had graduated with honor from the Mercury office as re- porter. Young, hopeful, intelligent, industrious, and determined to succeed, they have kept up the tone of the paper, and in many respects improved its appear- ance. Republican in principle, it is independent of party, its editor, Mr. Sayer, approving or condemning measures without regard to their party origin or sup- port. The paper is losing nothing of vigor in its old age, keeps up with the current of opinion on matters of public concern, is breezy with local news, and prom- ises to grow and prosper with the growth and pros- perity of the city, because it supplied a public need. The Old Colony Gazette was started in October, 1808. In 1811 the name was changed to the New Bedford Gazette, and again in 1812 to The Bristol Gazette, when it was removed to Fairhaven. It was discontinued July 10, 1813. Billings & Tucker and David Hollis had charge of it in 1810, afterwards Joseph Gleason, Jr., until Feb. 5, 1813, when it passed into the hands of Paul Taber. The New Bedford Courier was established June 12, 1827, by Benjamin T. Congdon. In 1833 the words Weekly Lyceum were added to the title. In the fol- lowing year the WorMngmen's Press, a paper first issued in May, 1832, was united with the Courier. The first number of the consolidated sheets appeared Feb. 26, 1834, under the management of Harris & Borroughs, to whom Mr. Congdon had transferred his interest in the paper. After the publication of the second or third number the paper again passed into his hands, and was continued by him under the same title, New Bedford Weekly Courier and WorMngmen's Press, till July 2, 1834, when he sold it to J. George Harris and Charles W. Rexford, who changed the title to New Bedford Gazette and Weekly Courier, and 96 HISTORY OF BRTSTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. published it in connection with the Daily Gazette until November 3d of the same year, when the partnership was dissolved by the withdrawal of Rexford. Mr. Harris edited the paper until 1838. In 1838 the name was again changed to The New Bedford Weekly Advocate, but neither this paper nor the Daily Gazette, which was established in 1833, and edited by Harris & Rexford and J. George Harris, were published in 1839. 1 Mr. Harris is now a retired pay director in the navy, residing in Nashville, Tenn., with summer residence at New London, Conn. The Register, daily and weekly, was published by William Canfield in 1839; Morning Register and New Bedford Register, by Canfield & Andros, in 1841 ; Evening Register and New Bedford Register, by Wil- liam Young, in 1845. The Daily Evening Bulletin and Semi- Weekly Bulle- tin were started in 1842, edited by William Eddy in 1843, by Charles T. Cougdon in 1844, and by Henry Tilden in 1845-46. During 1846 the evening paper was published tri- weekly, and the name of the weekly changed to The Weekly Bulletin and Advocate. The Seaman's Reporter and Family Visitor, after- wards The New Bedford Reporter and Whalemen's Weekly Visitor, edited by Joseph H. Smith, appeared in July, 1844. He was succeeded, in 1849, by Charles H. Kingsford. In connection with the weekly Mr. Smith also published from July 2, 1847, a semi- weekly called the New Bedford Reporter and Semi- Weekly Democrat. Kingsford afterwards issued an octavo sheet, made up of advertisements and circu- lated gratuitously. The Daily Evening Standard was first issued on Fri- day, Feb. 15, 1850, and was a sheet nineteen by twenty-seven inches in size. The field had long been occupied by the Mercury, and many attempts to es- tablish rival newspapers had failed. Mr. Edmund Anthony, the originator of the Standard, was a native of Swansea, and for some years carried on the print- ing business in Taunton, where he founded the Taun- ton Democrat, now the Gazette, and its weekly edition, now called the Household Gazette. The Standard rapidly gained in patronage and favor, and Feb. 6, 1851, the announcement was made that its circulation in the city of New Bedford was more than that of any other paper. As a consequence the postal authorities awarded to it the advertising of letters not called for, and the advertisement appeared in its columns for the first time April 16th. The Standard has been en- larged several times,— July 1, 1852, Feb. 15, 1856, June 8, 1864, Nov. 16, 1865, Jan. 2, 1871, and Oct. 23, 1879, — and is now a broad sheet twenty-five by forty-two inches. With the extension of telegraph facilities at the opening of the civil war it became advisable to print more than one daily edition. The hour of publication had been three o'clock. Another i See biographical department. edition at 3.30 o'clock first appeared June 1, 1861, and was continued till Nov. 7, 1868 ; another at five o'clock appeared July 6, 1861, and is still regularly issued. For a few months at the opening of the war a morn- ing edition was printed, and for a number of summers previous to 1870 an extra edition was published at 1.30 o'clock, in order that it might be circulated the same day at the great summer resort on Martha's Vineyard. Increased means of transportation have since obviated the necessity of this. At one time in the course of the war, from Sept. 2, 1864, to April 15, 1865, the state of the paper market was such that the proprietors could not obtain paper the exact size they needed, and the columns were temporarily shortened about half an inch. In January, 1864, Mr. Anthony commenced the publication of the Springfield Union, and July 26th of that year it was announced that the Standard would appear in the name of E. Anthony & Sons, Edmund Anthony (Jr.) and Benjamin An- thony being admitted as partners. Mr. Anthony dis- posed of his Springfield enterprise in about two years and returned to New Bedford, where he died Jan. 24, 1876, at the age of sixty-seven years. The style of the firm continues as before, E. Anthony & Sons. The Republican Standard (weekly), published on Thursdays, commenced at the same time with the daily, the first number appearing Feb. 21, 1850, its size beiug twenty-two by thirty-three inches. Its prosperity and progress have been proportionate to that of the Evening Standard, and it was enlarged Feb. 16, 1854, Jan. 3, 1867, Jan. 5, 1871, Jan. 4, 1877, and Jan. 4, 1883, and its size is now thirty-five by forty-nine inches. At the time of enlargement in 1867 the quarto form was adopted. These newspapers are the largest of their respective classes south of Boston and east of Providence, and their circulation is larger than that of any other papers in the same section, the regular issue of which being between three thou- sand five hundred and four thousand copies. The Evening Standard is mostly read in New Bedford and within ten miles around. Its circulation in the city is about two thousand nine hundred copies, or one for every nine inhabitants, men, women, and children. Three-fourths or more of the circulation of the Repub- lican Standard is in the towns of Southern Massachu- setts and Eastern Rhode Island, and it is sent regu- larly to six hundred post-offices. The aim of the Standard has been from the first to present a thorough digest of news of every description on all the current topics of the time, giving special prominence to de- tails of matters of local interest. In politics it has been in affiliation with the Republican party, except with regard to the tariff. The job-printing depart- ment of the office is well organized and does a large business. Though inaugurated on what superstition has marked as an unlucky day, the enterprise has been an unbroken success in all respects, and has be- come the largest printing establishment in Southern Massachusetts. NEW BEDFORD. 97 The Whaleman's Shipping-List and Merchants' Tran- seript was founded March 17, 1843, by Henry Lindsey, and conducted by him until his death in 18f>3. It then passed into the hands of Benjamin Lindsey, and was owned by him until 1873, when it was purchased by E. P. Raymond, who has since conducted it as sole editor and proprietor. Mr. Raymond has had the editorial management of the paper since 1861. It is the only paper of its kind in the world, and its circulation ex- tends to London, Dublin, Glasgow, Canary Islands, Paris, China, St. Helena, Barbadoes, New Zealand, Chili, Tasmania, Berlin, Azores, etc. The New Bedford Signal was started Dec. 14, 1878, by George Robertson as editor and proprietor. It was started as a twenty-column sheet, but has been enlarged to twenty-four columns. It is independent, " bound to no sect, ruled by no party." The New Bedford Times, a weekly paper, was edited and published by John Frasier from 1857 to 1861. The following papers were short-lived : The Chris- tian Philanthropist, 1823, edited by Melcher and Rogers; The Censor ; The Record- of the Times, 1830; The Advocate, commenced in 1844, published by Henry Tilden ; The Union, 1857, by Henry Tilden ; The May- flower, 1844; The Independent Press, October, 1848; The Harpoon, edited by William Miller ; The Weekly Echo, 1849, edited by Moses Brown ; The Whaleman, published weekly from 1854, edited by William S. Anderson; The Citizen, Dec. 1, 1860; The City Rail Advertiser, 1860-61, and The Herald. Friends' Academy. 1 — Friends' Academy, now lo- cated in New Bedford, west of County Street, and between Morgan and Elm Streets, is a day school for teaching boys and girls the elements of ancient and modern language*, of mathematics, and of natural and moral sciences, with certain of their applications. Its past of seventy years has witnessed many changes in teachers, in pupils, in text-books, in methods, in pros- perity, and in the mode of realizing the purpose of its founders ; but that purpose itself has always been kept in view. The internal history of a school which has touched the lives of two thousand pupils would form an interesting contribution to pedagogics, but where obtain the data? Most adults remember as little of school life as of infant life. The world dwarfs the school by comparison in the mind of the grown-up man. He recalls, at most, some prank of himself or his fellows ; naturally, he knows his beard bettor than his brain, whatever their relative import- ance. Nor can the layman, to use a Germanism, see that the moral and natural sciences, that languages, even the so-called dead languages, that mathematics themselves have been transformed in the last seventy years, and that these changes have been reacting in the school. Thus it happens that from inquiries, from catalogues, from reports one gets so little that is interesting or useful. i Contributed by Mr. A. Ingrabam. The external history of the academy we will tabu- late at the end of this brief article, and gain room for a glimpse at literary New Bedford of 1810, the year in which the village that had owed to William Rotch and his associates the greater share of its business prosperity was to owe to him and to them its strongest impulse in the direction of thought and culture. Abraham Shearman, Jr., at his book-store in " Four Corners," offered for sale, among other books, " Frag- ments in Prose and Verse," by Elizabeth Smith; " Memoirs of Frederick and Margaret Klopstock ;" Barlow's " Columbiad ;" Beattie's " Elements of Moral Science ;" Stewart's " Philosophy of the Hu- man Mind ;" " Lectures on Astronomy," by Margaret Bryan; Ewing's "Natural and Experimental Phil- osophy;" Gregory's " Letters on Taste, Composition, and Literature;" Accum's "Analysis of Minerals ;" Scott's " Marmion ;" Dryden's " Virgil." Cephas Cushman " respectfully informs the public in general that he intends opening a day and evening school to teach the art of writing." Elisha Thornton and his son, Daniel Thornton, " propose opening a school jointly on the 11th inst. (December, 1809) at the Friends' school-house in the village of New Bedford, for the instruction of the youth of both sexes, principally in the higher branches of literature, viz. : English grammar, geog- raphy, use of the globe, the several branches of the mathematics, as geometry, surveying, navigation, and astronomy." Among the laws of New Bedford South School we find the following: " The common branches of learn- ing to be taught in said school are spelling, reading, writing, English grammar, and arithmetic, geography, with the use of the globe and making maps upon dif- ferent principles ; geometry, trigonometry, with their application to the mensuration of heights and dis- tances, navigation and surveying of land, mensura- tion of superfices and solids, gauging, dialing, book- keeping by single and double entry will be taught at different prices." The Social School had been established near the "Head of the River" in 1798. "In this school," among other things, " the scholars shall be taught to accent and read properly both poetry and prose, be put to arithmetic and the study of English grammar as soon as the committee and preceptor shall deem them qualified therefor." The following books shall be used in the school, viz. : Webster's "Institute," " Young Ladies' Accidence," the Holy Bible. " The senior class shall be instructed one day in each week in epistolary and other composition. The pupils shall be taught to make and mend their pens on their beginning to write joining hand." It is enjoined on the teacher "that he never strike the children on the head, nor authorize one scholar to inflict corporal punishment on another;" and also " that he frequently address his pupils on moral and religious subjects, endeavoring to impress their minds with the sense of 98 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. the being and providence of God, and the obligation they are under to love, serve, and pray to Him ; their duty to their parents and masters and respect to their superiors ; the beauty and excellence of truth, justice, and mutual love ; tenderness to brute creatures, and the sinfulness of tormenting them and wantonly destroying their lives." The New Bedford Academy, between the villages of Fairhaven and Oxford, had been established in 1799. It was voted by the trustees in 1810, January 22d, that the committee be directed and are hereby authorized to make arrangements to sell the house at public sale. In October, 1810, Cornelius Wing gives notice that he intends to open his evening school at the South school-house for the third season. In July, 1810, the New Bedford Library Society confer with the proprietors of the Social Library on the subject of incorporating both libraries in one. Member* of the Board of Trustees of Friends' Acad- emy.— William Rotch, 1812-28; Elisha Thornton, 1812-16; Thomas Arnold, 1812-26; Samuel Elam, 1812-13; Samuel Rodman, 1812-35; William Rotch, Jr., 1812-50; William Dean, 1812-50; Abraham Shearman, Jr., 1812-23; James Arnold, 1812-68; Samuel Rodman, Jr., 1813-76; Obadiah M. Brown, 1813-22; George Howland, 1817-52 ; Benjamin Rod- man, 1817-76; Joseph Rotch, 1823-39; Charles W. Morgan, 1823-61; Francis Rotch, 1823-74; Andrew Robeson, 1823-62; Thomas A. Greene, 1826-67; Wil- liam R. Rodman, 1830-55; Joseph Grinnell, 1836-55; Samuel W. Rodman, 1838; William R. Robeson, 1838; Benjamin S. Rotch, 1839-82; Andrew Robeson, Jr., 1839-74; William J. Rotch, 1839; William Logan Rodman, 1855-63; Lawrence Grinnell, 1855; Thomas R, Rodman, 1856; Edmund Rodman, 1856; George Hussey, Jr., 1864-72; Horatio Hathaway, 1864; Joshua C. Stone, 1866-69; Leander A. Plummer, 1868; S. Griffiths Morgan, 1870; William Rotch, 1870; Morgan Rotch, 1880; Thomas M. Stetson, 1880; Frederic Swift, 1880; Edmund Grinnell, 1880. Presidents of the Board.— William Rotch, 1812-28 ; Samuel Rodman, 1828-32; James Arnold, 1832-36; William Rotch, Jr., 1836-50; Samuel Rodman, 1850 -76 ; William J. Rotch, 1876. Treasurers of the Board. — William Rotch, Jr., 1812 -50; William J. Rotch, 1850. Secretaries of the Board. — Samuel Rodman, 1812-27 ; Samuel Rodman, Jr., 1827-37; Thomas A. Greene, 1837-41; Benjamin S. Rotch, 1841-46; William J. Rotch, 1846-56 ; William Logan Rodman, 1856-64; Edmund Rodman, 1864. Principals. — John Maitland Brewer, 1812-17 ; Moses S. Moody, 1817-18 ; Thomas A. Greene, 1818-20 ; John H. W. Page, 1827-29; William Howe Sanford, 1829- 31; William Mosely Holland, 1831; David Mack, 1831-36 ; Isaac N. Stoddard, 1835-37 ; John V. Beane, 1837-45; Simon Barrow, 1845-46 ; Abner J. Phipps, 1847-58; Edward A. H. Allen, 1855-69; T. Prentiss Allen, 1858-64 (male department) ; John Tetlow, 1869-78 ; Andrew Ingraham, 1878. Assistants (the dates are approximate). — Thomas A. Greene, 1817; Joseph Congdon, 1820; John F. Emerson, William Howe Sanford, Alanson Brigham, Oliver Prescott, 1829; Samuel A. Devens, Samuel Sawyer, George Washington Warren, Elizabeth Dorr, Edward Fabre, 1829; Julia Mack, Joshua Seixas, George Ticknor Curtis, William Mack, Francis B. Casas, Samuel Mack, Henry Washington Lee, Wil- liam D. Taber, P. A. Giraud, J. A. Frentin, Edward Seager, M. Moultrop, Nathan D. Gould, George W. Winchester, 1835; William Mack, Abby Osgood, Samuel Beane, Phineas Adam Beane, F. P. Wierz- biski, Erastus W. Woodbury, James H. Coggeshall, Charles Peabody, Albert G. Wicks, Simon Barrows, J. B. R. Walker, John B. Garland, William Hatha- way, J. B. Edwards, Catherine Kittredge, Mary Ann Willard, Anna W. Weston, Cyrus Bartlett, J. F. Kelly, John Bennett, Hannah B. Robinson, Minerva Chase, Mary Washburn, 1845 ; Luke K. Bowers, Cli- mena Wakefield, George H. Fillmore, Ivory S. Corn- ish, Lorenzo D. Blood, William T. Goodwin, Abby L. Hitchcock, 1855 ; Sophia Shepherd, Louisa P. Stone, Elvira Johnson, Martha Russell, Clara Kempton, Cornelia T. Hart, Annie Gordon, Edwin P. Seaver, William Gordon, D. J. Butler, John Tetlow, Jr., Caroline A. Hinckley, Emma Saul, Bessie T. Wing, Gabrilla T. Eddy, Andrew Ingraham, Cornelius Howland, Jr., Mrs. H. B. Warner, L. Papanti, M. Blanquet, Max. Eppendorf, Max. Richter, Edward C. Dubois, Frances G. Henry, A. C. Maggi, 1869; Celia L. Chase, Mary E. Savery, Lorette M. Furber, Maria S. Eaton, Louisa H. Clapp, 1875; Charles J. Gardner, Caleb A. Burbank, Edward H. Cobb, Charles Monier, Arthur Cumming, J. T. White, Mary T. Spalding, Maria Maggi, May G. Bonney, Mary S. Locke, Mary B. Seabury, Samuel Lepoids. Chronology. — 1810. A school-house erected by Wil- liam Rotch on a lot of land which he had purchased at the corner of County and Elm Streets, in the vil- lage of New Bedford. September 17th. Preliminary meeting; William Rotch, William Rotch, Jr., Sam- uel Rodman, Samuel Elam, Thomas Arnold, James Arnold agree to contribute certain sums " for the purpose of establishing and endowing an institution for the instruction of Friends' children, and such others, as it may appear hereafter, as may usefully and safely be admitted therein, in the knowledge of the languages, of mathematics, and philosophy, and such other branches of useful literature as hereafter, upon experiment, may be found within the compass and means of the institution usefully to teach." 1812, Feb. 29th. Charter of Friends' Academy signed by Elbridge Gerry, Governor of Massachu- setts. 1813, Dec. 3d. The trustees are notified that Sam- uel Elam, of Newport, had bequeathed to the academy all his printed books and papers. NEW BEDFORD. 99 1830. Additional land presented by W. Charles Morgan, Esq., and others. 1855, May 9th. Repeal of the first article of the by-laws, which made membership in the Society of Friends a condition of appointment to the office of trustee. 1855, Sept. 19th. The department for girls made entirely distinct from that for boys. 1856, June 11th. A building committee appointed to erect a new school-house on land recently pur- chased on Morgan Street. 1857, May 7th. Dedication of the new building. 1860. The building enlarged and remodeled. 1869. Male and female departments completely consolidated. References for further information : Historical Sketch of the Friends' Academy, prepared for the j Centennial Year, to which is appended a presentation of the course and methods of instruction at present pursued. New Bedford : Fessenden & Baker, Print- ers, 1876. The historical sketch was contributed by Thomas R. Rodman, Esq., the remainder by John Tetlow, A.M., then principal of the academy. His- tory of New Bedford, by Daniel Ricketson, Esq., pp. j 325. History of the New Bedford Public Schools — The first movement to establish a regular system of public schools in New Bedford, in conformity to the laws of the commonwealth, was made in 1821. Prior to that time the only free school which had been sup- ported at public expense was one intended for the poor alone ; and " it was in every sense," says Mr. j James B. Congdon, " a poor school." The wealth of the town was intensely hostile to the movement. The only man of wealth who acted with the people in the matter was John Avery Parker. But the attempt succeeded. A school committee was appointed, an appropriation of twelve hundred dol- lars was voted, and the town was sub-divided into school districts. A year or two after the opponents of a free-school system rallied their forces and were successful. Upon the question of appropriating twelve hundred dollars for schools, the friends of public education were voted down. But the triumph of the contestants was not of long continuance, for the very next year the neces- sary sum was appropriated to support the schools, and active opposition to them, as the system was then constituted, ceased altogether. But when, after an interval, there was a movement for the establishment of a High School, it excited acrimonious hostility. Its enemies rallied in force, and were repeatedly successful. But its friends as often renewed the struggle, and finally the opposition gave way and a high school became one of the per- manent features of the public-school system of the town. From that time forward the schools grew more and more deeply in popular favor, and as the town in- I creased in numbers the appropriations were increased in proportion, until the original grant of twelve hun- dred dollars, in 1821, had grown to the sum of twenty- one thousand two hundred and twenty-five dollars in 1846, when a charter was granted and accepted, and the town became a city. Nothing occurred worthy of note for many years. The constitution of the school system and the methods of instruction followed closely the traditional types then prevailing in Massachusetts. The ideal of " school-keeping" was very low before, and even for some time after the middle of the century the phil- osophy of education as exemplified in our public schools was extremely vague and indeterminate, and many of the methods of instruction had nothing to recommend them except that that was the way chil- dren had always been taught. Horace Mann, in 1840, painted a humiliating picture of the average Massachusetts public school, and' it is commended to the careful study of those fossilized grumblers who denounce the reformed methods of instruction as damaging innovations of the good old ways, when they themselves went to school ; but although the New Bedford schools attempted no departures from the beaten track, they had at all times many teachers of superior ability, who verified in the happiest man- ner the adage, as true as it is trite, that " as is the teacher so is the school ;" and the character of the schools of New Bedford, in general, was no doubt above that of most New England schools. It was fortunate for the High School, in the days when the institution was regarded by many as a doubtful experiment, that it had for its principal Mr. John F. Emerson, a man of admirable character, fine culture, and peculiar aptitudes for his vocation. Such a man will make any school which he may undertake a success, and Mr. Emerson's administration concili- ated the opponents of the High School, and multiplied its friends, until, when he resigned his position in 1861 on account of impaired health, after many years of faithful and eminently useful service, it was firmly established in the favor of the community. His pupils, one and all, speak of him in terms of the high- est respect and regard. His lifelike portrait hangs in a conspicuous place in the hall of the new and noble High School house, an honor which he richly earned. As the years wore on, and the schools increased in size and number as the city grew in population, the school committee found the task of supervision too exacting to be faithfully performed by gentlemen who had each his own personal business to transact. The result, it was evident, was a total lack of system in the management of the schools, and an unjust irregularity in their oversight. Some were measurably cared for, others were almost totally neglected, and there was lacking a central force to give unity as well as direc- tion to the whole. In this condition of affairs the plan adopted for relief 100 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. by several other cities who were in like circumstances, of employing a superintendent of the schools, began to be discussed and gradually to grow in favor, until at length, in 1861, Mr. Abner J. Phipps was elected su- perintendent, and was placed as the executive officer of the school committee in control of the schools. Mr. Phipps had won an enviable reputation as a gen- tleman of excellent ability, critical scholarship, and capacity to govern and teach youth in a superior manner, during a long term of service as principal of Friends' Academy in New Bedford. As his office had been lately created and had yet to establish itself in public favor, he pursued a judicious course in attempting no considerable changes in the old order of things. He was content to let system and methods remain undisturbed, satisfied with labor- ing to supply the defects in executive work which had specially occasioned his appointment. He held the office until the beginning of the year 1864, when he resigned to take a similar position in the city of Lowell. In February, 1865, Rev. Henry F. Harrington, of Cambridge, was elected to succeed him. Mr. Harring- ton had passed through a peculiarly advantageous ex- perience to prepare him for his duties, as he had borne a prominent part in the formation of the school sys- tem of the then newly-founded city of Lawrence, had afterward been superintendent of its schools, and sub- sequently an active member of the school committee of the city of Cambridge. He immediately entered upon the duties of his new office, and as soon as he had acquainted himself with the condition of the schools, began— having the sympathy and co-opera- tion of most of the leading members of his school committee — that series of reforms and improvements which have secured for the schools of New Bedford a distinguished position among the schools of the State. It has been claimed by the New Bedford school com- mittee, and the claim has never been disputed, that their schools have been invariably pioneers in the practical exemplification of the admirable methods of instruction which now prevail, that there is not one of them which, so far as New England is con- cerned, did not have its origin in their own city. The reorganization of the primary schools, and the substitution of intelligent and attractive methods of learning to read, learning numbers, etc., in place of the old rote methods, were accomplished in 1865. In 1867 the "New Bedford Manual of Instruction" was prepared and adopted. There were at the time no hand-books of the kind in New England, and only two or three in all the United States. This manual was so well approved that it was copied entire into the volume of the reports of the State Board of Edu- cation in the following year, and thousands of copies were distributed by private subscription in the nor- mal schools and among the school committees and teachers of the State. It was the source and basis of wide-spread reforms, and a new and enlarged edition, embodying the practical wisdom which had been ac- quired meanwhile, was printed in 1874. In 1869 a beginning was made towards the intro- duction of supplementary reading in the shape oi three hundred subscriptions to the Nursery, a child's magazine, for use in the primary schools. This was the first practical recognition in New England of the great principle, now so widely and heartily accepted, that it is only reading much which can confer the ability to read well. In this way step after step was taken to rid the schools of whatever there might be of defect in the processes of study, and to introduce truer and better ways. As might be expected from this earnest and resolute feeling after the best, mistakes were some- times made. Experiments were tried, some of which resulted in failure. But if there had been a timorous halting to undertake lest the result should be disap- pointing there could have been no vital energy of operation, no well-grounded and substantial progress. It is to the great credit of the New Bedford School Committee that they have uniformly allowed their superintendent untrammelled opportunity to make proof of his ideals, willing to run the risk of an occa- sional failure for the sake of assured successes. Thus the New Bedford school work is the first of actual experiment. Nothing is practiced because recom- mended or practiced in other quarters ; nothing is omitted which it has not been proved to be judicious to omit. The studies of the schools are selected and ad- justed to each other on clearly defined principles, so that all the school work has a direct and intelligent purpose. The most important study is considered to be language. This is pursued diligently, having paramount attention, through all the grades and de- partments of the school system, from the little pri- marians of the thirteenth or entering grade to the young men and women of the first or graduating grade in the High School. The means employed are an abundance of interesting reading, and the fre- quent writing of compositions in the various forms pertaining to that exercise. The specific ends to be gained are the acquirement of a full and ready vocab- ulary and the capacity of easy and accurate expres- sion through speech and with the pen, and this, joined to a thorough knowledge of the four funda- mental rules of arithmetic, is what Edward Everett called " an excellent education." This study is also intended, incidentally, to develop the power of orig- inal thought, and to lead to a relish for pure, inform- ing literature. The perceptions are held to constitute the most trustworthy instrumentality in the acquirement of accurate conceptions of material things, therefore all studies are to be illustrated by means of objects to as great an extent as may be conveniently possible. No study is to he pursued merely for the sake of mental discipline, on the ground that there is no time NEW BEDFORD. 101 for such study. Mental discipline is recognized to be one of the essential elements of a good education; but in our public schools only so much can justly l>e furnished as can be attained through the systematic pursuit of the practical information which is provided in the course of study. The attention given to arith- metic is abridged to the limit of the few topics which are desirable for practical use in life, while the com- paratively useless details in geography and history with which the text-books on those subjects are crowded are omitted. The proper relations of mental to moral instruc- tion, that vital subject, have been set forth in a late New Bedford Annual School Beport as follows: " Mental education has no inherent moral force. It is the obedient vassal of character. As the needle follows the lead of the magnet, so the intellect follows the lead of the sentiments, and if they be corrupt mental education becomes only a promoter of evil. The training of the sentiments, then, is incalculably more important than the training of the mind; and in all conflicts between mental training and character training, as regards the appropriation of time, of effort, or of money to one or the other, mental training is always to give way." The efforts thus put forth for the best possible school system and school work have received an incalculable advantage from the benefits derived from the "Sylvia Ann Howland Fund." This fund is the fruit of a gift of one hundred thousand dollars to the city in the year 1870 by the lady whose name it bears, the income to be divided between the Free Fublic Li- brary and the public schools. It is an admirable pro- vision of the donation to the schools that no portion of the avails are to be devoted to any purposes which the city is legally bound to provide through taxation. The city pays six per cent, for the use of the fund, and thus the school committee have had in possession annually since the year 1870 to expend for the good of the schools the sum of three thousand dollars. They have been enabled to supply all needful appli- ances to secure the best possible results of study, — books of reference and for reading, apparatus and cabinets for scientific illustration, museums for ob- jective teaching, maps, globes, musical instruments, and all the other appurtenances of a thoroughly fur- nished school-room. And so greatly have these as- sistances given interest to the vocation of the teachers, as well as high tone-and character to the teaching, that several teachers who have been offered higher salaries to go elsewhere have declined on the sole ground that they could not bear to surrender the ad- vantages derived from the "Howland Fund." It is a singular fact that the only three instances in the history of Massachusetts in which large sums of money have been given by private munificence for the good of public schools should have occurred in Bristol County, — in New Bedford, Fall Biver, and North Easton. The organization of the school system is as fol- lows: There are five departments, viz., High, Gram- mar, Primary, Country, and Mill School Departments. These departments (except the Mill School) are sub-divided into thirteen grades, whose total corre- sponds with the number of school years. Of these grades the Primary Department includes four, the Grammar Department five, and the High School De- partment four. They are designated by numbers, the youngest in the list being the thirteenth. There are twenty-two public school-houses in the city. Of these a portion are quite old, and will have to give place before long to new and better structures. Others have been reconstructed, and will serve their purpose for many years longer, while several are new and are replete with every convenience. The city government is very liberal in furnishing additional accommodations for the ever-enlarging number of pupils. An excellent school-house has lately been completed at a cost of about twenty thousand dollars. The High School house is a model edifice, of im- posing proportions and a striking and pleasing style of architecture, while the interior is faultless in its carefully-studied arrangements. It has eight school- rooms, two art- or draughting-rooms, a library, a philosophical lecture-room with apparatus-room at- tached, a chemical laboratory thoroughly fitted at great expense, in which twenty-four pupils can work at the same time, clothes' room and dressing-room, and a hall which will accommodate more than a thousand persons. The cost of the building was one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. The Mill School is an exceptional institution, de- signed to serve two purposes, — the chief one to give children who work in the mills a more fitting educa- tion than they could obtain by being classed in the regular grades, the other to allow the pupils in the regular grades who are constantly at school the op- portunity of uninterrupted progress by preventing the drawbacks which would be incident to periodical increment by children discharged from the mills, who are not capable of being classed with regular pupils without clogging the wheels of progress. The Mill School is admirably taught and highly valued. The total appropriation for the New Bedford schools for the year 1883 was eighty-three thousand eight hun- dred dollars. There were in service during the year 1882 one hundred and fifteen teachers, of whom only seven were men. Aimwell School is located on North Street, near Foster. Mrs. W. H. Knight, principal ; Mrs. George O. Buckley and Miss Mary L. Smith, assistants. The New Bedford Free Public Library.— The commonwealth of Massachusetts, recognizing from the earliest period of its history the educational influ- ence of public libraries, gave the assistance of its legislation in the promotion of their establishment and management. Early in the present century laws were enacted 102 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. giving corporate powers to the proprietors of social libraries, many of which had been established in various parts of the commonwealth, and under the provisions of the law the number was increased, their •condition made permament, and their management rendered convenient and effective. But a few years after the incorporation of the town of New Bedford, the want of books and the inability of most of the inhabitants to procure them led to a combination of effort for that purpose. The early settlers of the village of Bedford were intelligent, as well as industrious, frugal, and virtuous. They were so far enlightened as to understand the value of books, and they saw clearly that the remedy for individual inability to procure them was such a combination of means and efforts as would render the united ability the property of each. Several such combinations were formed in New Bedford previous to the passage of the act conferring upon them corporate powers. The proprietors of Dobson's Encyclopaedia were the earliest to form this social and profitable arrange- ment. For our unlearned and isolated people this work was a library in itself. Eagerly and thoroughly were its pages read and consulted, and the well-worn volumes now in the Free Public Library bear testi- mony to the fact, so creditable to the people of the village. The Library Society followed. This was a more comprehensive effort. The desire for books had out- grown the ability of Dobson to satisfy. The Social Library followed. This was a vigorous, well-directed, and well-managed association. The good sense of all recognized the wisdom of combination, and in the union there was found strength. The three associa- tions were united, and the New Bedford Social Library had a long, prosperous, and profitable career. When the passage of the State law allowed the proprietors to become a body corporate, advantage was taken of its provisions. For nearly half a cen- tury this valuable collection of books was the princi- pal source whence w r as supplied the desire of the people for knowledge and intellectual recreation. "Library-day" was always a welcome day. There was in attendance generally a large number of intel- ligent seekers, and the result of that intercourse with books for which this library provided was a marked and most promising and interesting feature in the characters of the young men and women of New Bedford. The act to authorize cities and towns to establish and maintain public libraries was passed by the Gen- eral Court of Massachusetts, May 24, 1851. The ordinance for the establishment and govern- ment of a free public library in New Bedford was passed Aug. 16, 1852. The first movement in the undertaking was an un- successful one. It was made in the City Council July 8, 1851, by Warren Ladd, then a member of the pop- ular branch of that body. The order was only to con- sider the expediency of the measure. It passed the Common Council without a dissenting voice, but the aldermen non-concurred. It will be seen that this movement was but forty-five days after the passage of the enabling act. On the 27th of May, 1852, a large petition, headed by James B. Congdon, was presented to the Council. The petition was referred to the Committee on Public Instruction, who reported on the 14th of June. They recommended an appropriation of fifteen huu- dred dollars for the establishment of the library. In their report the committee attach great import- ance to the fact that they had been assured that, " provided the authorities should, by the passage of the order making the appropriation asked for, estab- lish the principle that the maintenance of a free city library for the continuous education of the people will be the settled policy of the city," the five thousand volumes of the New Bedford Social Library would be transferred to the city. Quoting the words of James B. Congdon, through whom this offer of the proprietors of the library was made, they say, "With such a foundation to build upon, with the appropriation now prayed for to give it a position for immediate and extended usefulness, the library would open to our inhabitants the means of innocent enjoyment and of valuable acquisition, and be a source of commendable pride to our citizens." But the Free Public Library had, in fact, been es- tablished before the presentation of the report. The appropriation bill for the year, which had already passed, contained an item of fifteen hundred dollars for the library. Councilman Pitman, 1 who was a member of the committee to whom the petition was referred, had anticipated the favorable action of the Council, and had introduced and carried an amend- ment to the bill making the appropriation as above stated. This amendment was made previous to the presentation of the report of the committee. The ap- propriation bill passed July 20, 1852. The date of the adoption of that amendment is the date of the establish- ment of the New Bedford Free Public Library. The library was opened for the use of the people and the delivery of books on Thursday, the 3d day of March, 1853. The number of volumes at the opening was between five and six thousand. It is an interesting and creditable fact that the New Bedford Free Public Library is the only public library established under the law of 1851, excepting that in Boston, noticed by Edwards in his elaborate " Me- moirs of Libraries," published in London in 1859. The six thousand volumes with which the library opened have now increased to about forty-three thou- sand. 1 Hon. Robert C. Pitman, one of tlie present judges of the Superior Court of the commonwealth. NEW BEDFORD. 103 The building now occupied by the New Bedford Free Public Library was erected in 1856-57. Its cost was about forty thousand dollars. It is built of brick, with granite underpinning and steps and freestone ornaments. The corner-stone of the building was laid on the 28th of August, 1856. Of the library building the upper rooms only are occupied by the library. The principal room is neat and tasteful in its architectural features and conve- nient in its arrangements. It has two tiers of alcoves, one on the floor and one on the gallery, which is car- ried around the whole room, excepting on the north end where the stairs lead to it. An iron railing divides the alcoves from the visitors. Reading-desks outside the railing contain the periodicals, which are acces- sible to all, and seated at these desks the visitors are, in addition to these, furnished with any books they may wish to consult. The delivery is at a table at the north end. A stand for newspapers occupies a central position in the room. Six other rooms are occupied for library purposes, four for books, one for the trus- tees, and one for the convenience of the librarian and his assistants. The library has had a growth unexpectedly rapid, and at this time the want of more room is severely felt. The trust funds established for the benefit of the library are three. The first upon the list is the George Howland, Jr., Fund. Its amount is the sum of two years' salary of George Howland, Jr., as mayor, sixteen hundred dol- lars. Under the will of Charles W. Morgan there was paid to the city by William J. Rotch, his executor, the sum of one thousand dollars, which constitutes the Charles W. Morgan Fund. Under the will of Sylvia Ann Howland the city of New Bedford was paid the sum of one hundred thou- sand dollars. The testament of this excellent lady contained the following interesting item : " I give and bequeath to the city of New Bedford the sum of one hundred thousand dollars, and direct that this sum shall be invested judiciously under the direction of the City Council, and the income there- from shall be expended and used for the promotion and support within the city of liberal education, and the enlargement from time to time of the Free Public Library." Of this bequest fifty thousand dollars were set apart for the library, and constituted the Sylvia Ann How- land Free Public Library Fund. Its income is now the chief dependence of the trustees for the " enlarge- ment" of the library, as the appropriation by the city barely suffices for the salaries and other expenses of the institution. During the delay which attended the litigation upon the will of the deceased the funds of the estate largely increased, and in addition to the bequest of fifty thou- sand dollars which constitutes the fund, about ten thousand dollars was paid into the treasury of the city as interest or income and placed to the credit of the library. Under the direction of the trustees of the library a plain white marble tablet, commemorating this noble act, was placed in the principal room of the institution. It is surrounded by a frame of tasteful design and of perfect execution. The whole, both in plan and performance, including the site selected for its erec- tion, is one which commends itself to the good sense, the feelings of propriety, and the grateful emotions of the people of New Bedford. The inscription upon the tablet is as follows: "This tablet commemorates the enlightened liberality of Sylvia Ann Howland, who bestowed upon the city of New Bedford the sum of two hundred thousand dollars ; one hundred thou- sand dollars to aid in supplying the city with pure water, and one hundred thousand dollars as a fund for the promotion of liberal education by the enlarge- ment of the Free Public Library, and by extending to the children and youth of the city the means of a wider and more generous culture." It will be seen by this inscription that the whole amount bequeathed to the city of New Bedford by this lady was two hundred thousand dollars. One- half the sum was applied to the construction of the New Bedford water-works, the other was equally divided, forming the library and educational fund. The amount of the several trust funds established for the benefit of the Free Public Library, which have been severally noticed, is fifty-two thousand six hun- dred dollars. The annual income is three thousand one hundred and fifty-six dollars. This income is a vital element in the existence of the library. We have seen that the ordinary annual appropriation is necessarily absorbed by the expenses of management. It is, therefore, mainly upon the income of the permanent funds that the trustees depend for the supply of books and periodicals, and for the constant renovation which the active use of the books renders necessary. Mr. Robert Ingraham was the first librarian (Octo- ber, 1852), and has officiated in that capacity to the present time, a period of over thirty years, and it may truly be said that much of the success of this library is due to Mr. Ingraham's zeal, intelligence, and in- dustry. The National Bank of Commerce.— The Bedford Bank was organized in 1803 with a capital of $60,000; Thomas Hazard, president; John Pickens, cashier. Capital increased in 1804 to $150,000, and continued with same officers until 1812, when charter expired. The Bedford Commercial Bank was organized in 1816 •with a* capital of $100,000; George Howland, president; Joseph Ricketson, cashier. The capital was increased in 1821 to $150,000; in 1825, to $250- 000; in 1831, to $400,000; and in 1851, to $600,000. George Howland continued as president until his 104 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. death in 1852. E. M. Robinson filled the office from 1852 to 1860; Thomas Nye, Jr., from 1860 to 1869; Thomas S. Hathaway, from 1869 to 1878; Francis Hathaway was elected August, 1878, and is the pres- ent incumbent. The bank has had five cashiers, as follows: Joseph Ricketson, 1816-34; James H. Crocker, 1834-38; Thomas B. White, 1838-73; Benjamin F. Coombs, 1873-76 ; and James H. Tallman, 1877 to present time. The Bedford Commercial Bank continued until Dec. 19, 1864, with the same capital ($600,000), when it was organized as " The National Bank of Commerce of New Bedford," with a capital of $600,000, which was increased in 1874 to $1,000,000, its present capital. The directors at the time of its organization as a national bank were Thomas Nye, Jr., president, Wil- liam J. Rotch, Thomas S. Hathaway, George Hussey, Matthew Howland, Charles L. Wood, William Hath- away, Jr., Thomas Knowles, Henry Taber, William C. N. Swift. The present (1882) board of directors are as fol- lows: Francis Hathaway, William Hathaway, Jr., William C. N. Swift, Matthew Howland, William J. Rotch, Henry Taber, Thomas Nye, Jr., Leander A. Plummer, Charles W. Clifford, William A. Robinson, and Morgan Rotch. The Merchants' Bank of New Bedford was or- ganized July 23, 1825. The first board of directors were as follows: John A. Parker, Samuel Borden, Job Eddy, Abraham Barker, Joseph Bourne, Win. H. Allen, David R. Greene, John Coggeshall, Jr., Alfred Gibbs ; John Avery Parker, president, James B. Congdon, cashier. Mr. Parker was president of the bank until his death, Dec. 30, 1853. Mr. Congdon was cashier of the bank until Jan. 1, 1858, when he resigned. Charles R. Tucker succeeded Mr. Parker as president, and held that office until his death, Dec. 21, 1876. Jona- than Bourne succeeded Mr. Tucker, and is now presi- dent. P. C. Howland succeeded Mr. Congdon, and is now cashier. The Merchants' Bank of New Bedford was reorgan- ized as the Merchants' National Bank of New Bed- ford, Feb. 14, 1865. The board of directors at the time of reorganization, Feb. 14, 1865, were as follows: Charles R. Tucker, Abraham Barker. David R. Greene, Gideon Allen, Thomas Bradley, Dennis Wood, J. Bourne, Jr., William P. Howland, An- drew Hicks. The capital stock Feb. 14, 1865, was $600,000, with a surplus of $166,050.58. The present (Sept. 11, 1882) board of directors are Jonathan Bourne, George F. Bartlett, George R. Phillips, William R. Wing, Andrew Hicks, George F. Kingman, Lewis S. Judd, Samuel C. Hart, Thomas H. Knowles, Gilbert Allen, Abraham H. Howland, Jr., Francis B. Greene, Wil- liam N. Church ; J. Bourne, president, P. C. How- land, cashier. Capital, $1,000,000; surplus and un- divided profits (Sept. 11, 1882), $488,177.43. The Mechanics' National Bank. 1 — This was originally a State bank, incorporated Oct. 3, 1831, under the name of "The President, Directors, and Company of the Mechanics' Bank in New Bedford," and to so continue until Oct. 1, 1851, with a capital of $200,000. The first meeting of the stockholders was held July 16, 1831, and the first meeting of the directors July 23, 1831. The names of the directors were as follows: William R. Rodman, Thomas Mandell, George T. Baker, Joseph R. Shiverick, John Perkins, Edmund Gardner, Pardon Tillinghast, Andrew Robeson, Dud- ley Davenport. William R. Rodman was the first president. He held the office for twenty years, re- signing October, 1851. Thomas Mandell succeeded him, being elected president Oct. 11, 1851, and hold- ing the office till his death, which took place Feb. 13, 1870. Hon. William W. Crapo was chosen president June 1, 1870, and still retains that position. Pardon Tillinghast, the first vice-president, was elected Jan. 10, 1866, resigning June 1, 1870. Hon. Andrew G. Peirce was chosen vice-president June 1, 1870, and still holds the office. Joseph Congdon was elected cashier Oct. 6, 1831, holding the position till Oct. 7, 1857, a period of twenty-six years, when he resigned on account of ill health. E. Williams Hervey succeeded Mr. Congdon as cashier, being elected Oct. 7, 1857, and holding the position till Aug. 9, 1S82, when ill health compelled him to resign after a period of nearly twenty-five years as cashier and twenty-nine years in the service of the bank. James W. Hervey was the third cashier, being elected Aug. 12, 1882, having served the bank since 1857, and as assistant cashier since Oct. 8, 1859. Joseph R. Shiverick, the first secretary, served till Oct. 5, 1859; James H. Collins, Oct. 8, 1859, to Oct. 12, 1861; Thomas Wilcox, elected Oct. 12, 1861, still retains the office. Of the original board of directors none are living. Of those who have served the interests of the bank as directors but not at present connected with the bank only two are living, viz.: William Watkins, elected Oct. 6, 1852, resigned Feb. 8, 1879, to accept the presidency of the First National Bank of this city; Edmund Taber, elected Oct. 3, 1849, resigned 1861, and is now interested in the oil districts of Vir- ginia. The capital of the Mechanics' Bank under the State charter was twice increased. The first increase was $200,000, April 12, 1854, making $400,000, and the second of $200,000, June, 1857, making $600,000, the present capital of the Mechanics' National Bank. The present surplus is about $250,000. In March, 1849, the Legislature was petitioned for a renewal of the original charter, which by limitation would expire Oct. 1, 1851. The Mechanics' Bank did not cease business as a State bank until the 31st of 1 Contributed by James W. Hervey. NEW BEDFORD. 105 March, 1865, although the bank was reorganized as a national bank June 3, 1864. The following is a list of the present board of di- rectors, with the dates of their election : Hon. William W. Crapo, Oct. 9, 1861 ; Hon. Andrew G. Peirce, John R. Thornton, Jan. 8. 1867; Jireh Swift, Oct. 3, 1849; Thomas Wilcox, Oct. 9, 1861; Edward D. Mandell, Feb. 26, 1870; Horatio Hathaway, June 3, 1871; Loum Snow, E. Williams Hervey, June 9, 1872; Edward Kilburn, Jan. 9, 1883. The present officers of the bank are: President, Hon. William W. Crapo, elected June 1, 1870; Vice- President, Hon. Andrew G. Peirce, elected June 1, 1870; Secretary, Thomas Wilcox, elected Oct. 12, 1861 ; Cashier, James W. Hervey, elected Aug. 12, 1882 ; Assistant Cashier, Lemuel T. Terry, elected Aug. 12, 1882; First Cook-keeper, Nathan C. Hatha- way, elected Aug. 12, 1882 ; Second Book-keeper, Al- fred Thornton, elected Aug. 12, 1882. The First National Bank.— The Marine Bank of New Bedford was organized April 3, 1832, with a capital of two hundred thousand dollars, which was increased the next year to three hundred thousand dollars, in 1851 to five hundred thousand dollars, and in 1855 to six hundred thousand dollars. Joseph Grinnell, Na- thaniel Hathaway, Kimball Perry, Joseph G. Tilling- hast, Alexander H. Campbell, Ephraim Kempton, Benjamin Russell, Joseph R. Anthony, and William W. Swain were elected directors. Joseph Grinnell was president from the organization to 1864. The cashiers were John E. Williams, William M. Sisson, and John P. Barker. This bank was among the first of the State banks to adopt the national system. In 1864 it be- came a national bank, changing its name to the First National Bank of New Bedford. This bank com- menced business with the capital of the old bank (six hundred thousand dollars), which was increased in 1869 to one million dollars. The directors were Joseph Grinnell, Ward M. Parker, William Gitford, Edward W. Howland, Edward C. Jones, Lemuel Kol- lock, George F; Barker, Otis Seabury, and J. H. Bart- lett, Jr. Joseph Grinnell was elected president, and John P. Barker cashier. Mr. Grinnell was president until January, 1878, and was succeeded by Edward \V. Howland and William Watkins. Mr. Barker was cashier until 1874, when W. P. Winsor, the present cashier, was elected. This bank has been since its organization a designated depository of the United States. The Citizens' National Bank was incorporated May 17, 1875, with the following board of directors : Joseph A. Beauvais, John P. Knowles, William J. Kilburn, Charles Tucker, Joseph H. Cornell, L. S. Judd, and John F. Tucker. The first president was Joseph Beauvais, who has officiated to the present time. T. B. Fuller was chosen first cashier, and is the present incumbent. Capital upon organization was two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, which has been increased to five hundred thousand dollars. The New Bedford Institution for Savings was incorporated in 1825 with the following incorporators: William Rotch, Jr., Gilbert Russell, Cornelius Grin- nell, Andrew Robeson, Haydon Coggeshall, Benjamin Rodman, John A.Parker, Eli Haskell, Richard Wil- liams, George Howland, Joseph Bourne, Abraham Shearman, Jr., William W. Swain, Thomas Rotch, Thomas A. Greene, Charles W. Morgan, Samuel Rodman, Jr., John B. Smith, William C. Nye, Thomas S. Swain, William H. Allen, Lemuel Wil- liams, Jr., John Howland, Jr., Charles H. Warren, William P. Grinnell, Joseph Ricketson, Charles Grin- nell, Nathan Bates, John Coggeshall, Jr., James How- land (2d), Gideon Howland. The first officers were : President, William Rotch, Jr. ; Treasurer, Abraham Shearman, Jr. ; Secretary, John B. Smith. The first board of trustees were as follows : William Rotch, Jr., Gilbert Russell, Cornelius Grinnell, Hay- don Coggeshall, John A.Parker, Eli Haskell, Joseph Bourne, Abraham Shearman, Jr., Thomas Rotch, Thomas A. Green, Charles W. Morgan, Samuel Rod- man, Jr., William C. Nye, Thomas S. Swain, John Howland, Jr., William P. Grinnell, Nathaniel Bates, John Coggeshall, Jr., Gideon Howland. The following is a list of officers from 1825 to 1883: Presidents, William Rotch, Jr., Abraham Baker, Thomas Mandell, Pardon Tillinghast, William C. Taber, and William Watkins; Secretaries, John B. Smith, Abraham Shearman, Jr., Thomas A. Green, Joseph Ricketson, George Howland, Jr., James B. Congdon, Charles R, Tucker, William C. Tate, Ed- mund Taber, and Henry T. Wood ; Treasurers, Abra- ham Shearman, Jr., William C. Taber, George W. Baker (William C. Taber, treasurer pro tern.), Reuben Nye, William C. Coffin, and Charles H. Peirce. The present trustees are William C. Taber, Wil- liam Hathaway, Jr., Benjamin T. Ricketson, John R. Thornton, George A. Bourne, William J. Rotch, Wil- liam Watkins, Edward D. Mandell, Matthew How- land, Henry T. Wood, Gilbert Allen, Andrew G. Pierce, Leander A. Plummer, Charles H. Giftbrd, Asa C. Peirce, Charles Taber, William G. Wood, j William C. Taber, Jr., Joshua C. Hitch, John F. Tucker, Abraham T. Eddy, Horatio Hathaway, George 0. Crocker, Edward S. Taber, Thomas M. Hart, Lemuel M. Kollock, Abraham H. Howland, Jr., Charles W. Clifford, Isaac W. Benjamin, Francis Hathaway, William A. Robinson, Charles W. Plum- mer. The first deposit was made by Rhoda E. Wood, of Fairhaven, Mass., of fifty dollars, Aug. 15, 1825. Present amount of deposits, Jan. 3, 1883, $9,474,- 804.58; undivided earnings, $317,457.67; total funds, $9,792,262.2.".. The New Bedford Institution for Savings has never passed a regular semi-annual dividend on account of any of the financial disturbances which have occurred since its organization in 1825. The trustees of the 106 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. institution have always pursued a conservative policy, and the institution has the confidence not only of the local community but has a well-earned reputation abroad. There has never been a " run" on the insti- tution at any time of financial panic in other cities. The rooms on Hamilton Street, in the rear of the Merchants' National Bank, which were occupied by the institution in its earlier history, becoming inade- quate to its increasing business, the present building, at the corner of William and North Second Streets, was erected, and in 1854 the office was transferred thither. The whole amount of dividends paid during the existence of the institution is eight million six hun- dred and seventy-six thousand three hundred and eighty-six dollars and thirty-three cents. The New Bedford Five Cents Savings-Bank was incorporated May 5, 1855, with the following incor- porators: Thomas B. White, W. H. Taylor, L. Kol- lock, I. H. Bartlett, A. H. Seabury, Charles Almy, Henry H. Crapo, George Howland, Jr., and Asa R. Nye. The first board of trustees were George How- land, Jr., Henry H. Crapo, Alexander H. Seabury, John P. Barker, Charles Almy, Thomas B. White, I. H. Bartlett, Nehemiah Leonard, Andrew Roberson, Jona. P. Land, William Phillips, Edward S.Cannon, Edward W. Howland, Moses Howe, Joshua Rich- mond, George F. Barker, Dennis Wood, Charles Hitch, James Darfee, Lemuel Kollock, Asa R. Nye, Edward D. Mandell, William P. Howland, Alden G. Ellis, T. A. Beauvois, Moses G. Thomas, Samuel Ivers, Simpson Hart, Abner J. Phipps, W. H. Tay- lor, Joseph Taylor, W. L. Rodman, Horatio Leonard, John Wood. The first officers were George Howland, Jr., president; H. H. Crapo and A. H. Seabury, vice- presidents ; John P. Barker, treasurer, and Charles Almy, secretary. The officers from the organization to the present time have been as follows: George Howland, Jr., president; Charles Almy, secretary ; A. H. Seabury and H. H. Crapo, vice-presidents from 1855 to 1858 ; A. H. Seabury and Dennis Wood, vice-presidents from 1858 to 1874 ; Dennis Wood and Frederick S. Allen, vice-presidents from 1874 to 1878 ; Frederick S. Allen and Lemuel Kollock, vice-presidents from 1878 to 1883; John P. Barker, treasurer from May, 1855, to October, 1855; T. C. Ricketson, from October, 1855, to April 6, 1861 ; B. Ricketson, Jr., from April, 1861. The present trustees are as follows : George How- land, Jr., Fred. S. Allen, Lemuel Kollock, Charles Almy, William Phillips, James Durfee, Alexander H. Seabury, Samuel Ivers, Thomas Wilcox, William G. Taber, George R. Phillips, John P. Knowles (2d), E. Win. Hervey, Warren Ladd, Joseph Taylor, Henry J. Taylor, William J. Kilburn, William R. Wing, William N. Church, James P. Macomber, J. Aug. Brownell, Loum Snow, Jr., Frederick S. Gifford, Thomas H. Knowles, H. C. Denison, Samuel H. Cook, Samuel C. Hart, Edwin S. Thayer, C. B. H. Fessenden, Thomas B. Tripp, Benjamin I. Cummings, Philip B. Purrington, Edward H. Allen, George F. Kingman, Edwin Dews, Parkman M. Lund, Frederick S. Potter, Edmund Grinnell, John F. Swift. The first deposit was made May 26, 1855, by Horace W. Barker, of $25. The present (Dec. 29, 1882) amount of deposits is $3,109,118.64 ; surplus, $44,880.- 76; earnings, $27,867.67; reserve fund, $45,101.94. Money goes on interest the second Wednesday of January, April, July, and October. Dividends are payable on the second Wednesday of April and October. Water-Works. 1 — The first movement towards in- troduction of water in New Bedford was made in March, 1860. Various plans were subsequently thoroughly discussed and examined, and April 18, 1863, the acts for supplying the city with pure water were passed by the General Court. November, 1865, plans as hereinafter described were adopted, and an ordinance to regulate the proceedings of the commis- sion. William W. Crapo, Warren Ladd, and David B. Kempton were appointed commissioners. December 13th a board of commissioners was or- ganized with W. W. Crapo as chairman, and James B. Congdon clerk. The years 1866 to 1869, inclusive, were occupied by process of construction, and water was introduced in the latter part of 1869. Water is obtained from a storing reservoir, arti- ficially formed by constructing a dam across the val- ley of the Acushnet at a point about seven miles north of the centre of the city. The area of water- shed of the storing reservoir is three thousand three hundred acres; area of water surface of reservoir is three hundred acres; capacity of reservoir, four hun- dred million gallons ; elevation of surface of full reservoir, forty feet above high tide. The dam is six hundred feet long, twenty feet wide on top, with slopes two to one. In the middle is a puddled wall from six to twelve feet wide. Inner slope is protected by lining of huge-size stone. Water- way, located at east end of dam, fifty feet wide, con- structed of rubble hydraulic masonry, except over fall, which is hammer-dressed; whole rests on timber and plank platform, and that upon foundation of puddled earth. Gate-chamber located at west end of dam, and is carried out into reservoir about fifty feet. Chamber is of hammer-dressed stone, laid in hydraulic cement mortar; the house is of birch, whole rests on timber and plank foundation. Soon after dam was first completed leaks began to appear in the vicinity of gate-house, and on Feb. 15, 1868, a breach occurred in this part of the dam, the gate-house and over one hundred feet of the dam being carried away. The " cause was due to fine sand under the gate-house and culvert becoming saturated and running like quick- sand. This trouble was obviated in rebuilding. 1 Contributed by R. C. P. Coggeshall. NEW BEDFORD. 107 From the dam at the storing reservoir the water flows by gravity through a single ring brick conduit. The conduit is in form of an egg-shape oval. Its in- terior dimensions are three and four feet, the lower end being a semicircle of three feet diameter. Its length is five and five-eighths miles. There are three overflows on this line of conduit for the discharge of surplus water. The grade is 0.58 per mile. The outlet of the conduit is into the receiving res- ervoir. This reservoir has a capacity of three million gallons. When filled the water has a depth of twelve feet, and its elevation is thirty feet above tide. Its embankments are twelve feet wide on top. The outside slope is two to one. The inside slope is one and one-half to one. The inside slope has a lining of puddled earth four feet wide at the top and ten feet wide at the bottom of the reservoir, and carried down three feet below the bottom. The inside slope is pro- tected by a lining of granite stone one foot thick, hav- ing the joints well filled with fine gravel. From the receiving reservoir to the pump-well the water is con- ducted in a stone culvert. The length of this culvert is two hundred and sixty-nine feet. The dimensions of the pump-well are: length, thirty-one feet; width, twelve feet; depth, seventeen feet. There are four recesses, five by six feet, for the pumps. From the pump-well the water is raised a height of one hun- dred and twenty-four feet to the distributing reser- voir, through a sixteen-inch force-main two thousand two hundred feet long. The pipe system is also sup- plied in the lower section direct from the pumps through a ten-inch main. The distributing reservoir has a capacity of fifteen million gallons. When filled the water has a depth of seventeen feet, and its eleva- tion is one hundred and fifty-four feet above tide. Its embankments are from eight to eighteen feet above the natural surface of the ground. The top is fifteen feet in width, and its slopes are two to one. On its inner slope is a lining of puddled earth seven feet wide at the top and fifteen leet wide at the bottom of the reservoir, and carried down five feet below the bottom. Upon the inside slope of the embankment is a wall of granite, eighteen inches thick at the bot- tom and twelve inches at the top. Between the back of the stone facing and the front of the puddle is a layer one foot thick, composed of small stones and gravel. There are two pumping-engines. The larger engine was designed by William J. McAlpine, C.E., and was built by the Quintard Iron-Works, New York City. It is a vertical beam condensing engine, with two vertical single-acting pumps. Its general dimen- sions are: steam-cylinder, thirty-eight inches diameter, eight feet stroke; beam, twenty-six feet long; fly- wheel, sixteen feet diameter and twelve tons weight. The pumps are placed one on each side of the beam centre. Diameter of pumps twenty-eight inches, stroke four feet eight inches. The beam is supported by a cast- iron hollow column which serves as an air-chamber. This engine is supplied with the "Sickles" adjustable cut-off', and is capable of using steam expansively to any desirable extent. It passes slowly over the centres, thus giving the pump-valves time to close. This en- gine has the capacity of pumping five million gallons in twenty-four hours. In the line of duty this engine has given excellent results. The smaller engine is a Worthington compound duplex engine, of a capacity of pumping three million gallons in twenty-four hours. In 1873 a stand-pipe was erected near the distributing reservoir. Its internal diameter is five feet, and the elevation of its top is one hundred and ninety-seven feet above tide. The distributing pipes are partly of cast iron and partly of wrought iron, cement-lined. There are forty-four and one-fifth miles of pipes in use, ranging from four to twenty-four inches in diameter. Of this length about nine and a half miles are of wrought iron, cement-lined, the rest being of cast iron. There is also about one mile of smaller distrib- uting pipes, ranging from one inch to four inches. In December, 1882, there were in use three hundred and ninety-one stop-gates, three hundred and thirteen fire-hydrants, four thousand two hundred and three taps, forty-one mitres, and twenty-three motors. The average daily consumption for 1882 was two million three hundred and twenty-six thousand three hun- dred and fifty-two gallons. Bonded indebtedness is seven hundred thousand dollars. The total receipts for the year 1882 were forty-six thousand seven hun- dred and sixty-six dollars and nineteen cents. The cost of management and repairs during that year was twenty-three thousand four hundred and forty- six dollars and fourteen cents. George A. Briggs was chief engineer and superin- tendent from the commencement of the works until 1871. William J. McAlpine, chief engineer, was con- sulting engineer during construction. Since 1871 the superintendents have been as follows, viz. : 1871-72, Israel C. Cornish; 1872-77, George B. Wheeler; 1877-81, William B. Sherman; 1881, Robert C. P. Coggeshall, present incumbent. The ordinance to establish the Acushnet Water Board, to take the place of the water commissioners, was passed Oct. 1, 1869. The board consists of five members, and reports to City Council. The mayor and president of Common Council are members ex officio. Of the members chosen at large one retires each year, but the retiring member is eligible to a new election. The following citizens have acted as members of this board: Hon. William W. Crapo, David B. Kemp- ton, Warren Ladd, George B. Richmond, Henry F. Thomas, George Howland, Jr., Henry J. Taylor, George H. Dnnbar, Rufus A. Soule, Fredericks. Allen, Abraham H. Howland, Jr., Thomas Bennett, Jr., Ed- win Dews, Alanson Borden, William H. Matthews, Thomas W. Cook, Thomas R. Rodman, William T. Soule, Robert W. Taber, George Wilson, J. B. Tomp- kins, Jr., George.R, Stetson, and William N. Church. The clerks of the Acushnet Water Board have been James B. Congdon. William B. Sherman, and Robert 108 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. C. P. Coggeshall. The water registrars have been James B. Congdon and James H. Hathaway. In December, 1882, the name of the water board was changed from " Acushnet" to the New Bedford Water Board. In April, 1878, the General Court passed an act en- abling the city to increase its water supply by taking such an amount as is needed from either Long Pond or Little Quitticus Pond. It was afterwards voted by the water board that the proposed additional supply should be taken from Long Pond. The line of the proposed conduit has been determined, and the land through which it will pass has been taken by law. This preliminary action leaves the work in a condi- tion for future operations whenever it becomes neces- sary. The New Bedford and Fairhaven Street Rail- way Company was incorporated Feb. 6, 1872, and on the 2d of the following month was organized with a capital of fifty thousand dollars. The board of direc- tors were William W. Crapo, Warren Ladd, Weston Howland, James V. Cox, George Wilson, Samuel P. Burt, Nathan S. Ellis, Andrew G. Peirce. Andrew G. Pierce, president and treasurer; Samuel P. Burt, clerk ; Charles A. Gray, superintendent. Its track commenced at Linden Street, on Purchase, and was laid south to School Street, and east on School to steamboat wharf; from Purchase on William, through William, North Second, Middle Street, across the bridge, and in Fairhaven to the station of the Fair- haven Branch Railroad. Total length of road three and three-tenths miles. Its present officers are as follows: Warren Ladd, president and manager ; Andrew G. Peirce, treasurer ; Edward T. Peirce, clerk ; Directors, Warren Ladd, Andrew G. Peirce, William W. Crapo, Weston How- land, George Wilson, James V. Cox, Samuel P. Burt, Edward Kilburn. Capital stock one hundred and thirty-five thousand dollars. The track has been extended from School on Fourth to Cove Street, and from William, on North Second, through Union, Sixth, Elm, Summer, and Parker to Cedar Street. Present total length of track six and four-tenths miles. Post-Office. — The New Bedford post-office was es- tablished Jan. 1, 1794, with William Tobey as post- master. The following is a list of postmasters from 1794 to present time, with dates of appointment: William Tobey, 1794; Abraham Smith, June 20, 1806; Richard Williams, April 4, 1826; Simon Bai- ley, June 20, 1840 ; Edward W. Green, June 13, 1845 ; Simon Bailey, June 18, 1849; Thomas Coggeshall, Dec. 30, 1852 ; Joseph C. Kent, June 8, 1853 ; John Fraser, April 6, 1857; Cyrus W. Chapman, April 16, 1861 ; Edmund Anthony, Feb. 3, 1870; Thomas Cog- geshall, March 1, 1876, present incumbent. Wamsutta Mills.— Long before .the decline of the whale fishery it became apparent that this industry could not furnish a sufficient field for the capital and enterprise of the town, and that New Bedford must look to other employment for growth and progress. Commercial New England was yielding to manufacturing New England, and New Bedford, not relinquishing her control of the whale fishery, sought to add the machinery of the manufacturer. The first really efficient move in this direction after the cordage-factory was the establishment of the Wam- sutta Mills. The beginning of these mills dates back to 1846, when the corporation was chartered. A stone mill, now called the No. 1 mill, 212 feet by 70, with four floors, was built in 1847, and in the following year work was begun with 15,000 spindles and 300 looms. Six or seven years later, or about 1854, the increased de- mands of the trade required an extension of the mills, and another four-storied stone building, 245 feet Ions: by 70 wide, was erected immediately adjoining the original mill, and equipped with 16,000 spindles and 300 looms. But the demand for the goods gradually outgrew the increased supply, and in 1865 a duplicate of mill No. 2 was put into operation with 16,000 more spindles and 300 more looms. The close of the war seemed to give a fresh impulse to the business, for it was found necessary to build a new mill in 1868 on a grander plan than the older structures. This was mill No. 4, which is of brick, with granite founda- tions, 495 feet in length, 75 feet in width, and five stories high. This important addition almost doubled the productive capacity of the establishment, the new mill containing 38,000 spindles and 1100 looms. It proved to be sufficient, however, for only seven years, and in 1875 mill No. 5 was built. It stands on a line with No. 4, and is substantially uniform with it, though its dimensions differ somewhat, being shorter and wider, 433 feet in length by 93 in width. In it were placed 50,000 spindles and 1000 looms. In 1881-82, No. 6 mill was built of brick, three stories high, 569} feet long and 95 feet wide, containing 51,000 spindles and 1072 looms, and employs 600 hands. This large area of machinery is driven by several Corliss engines of immense power. One of these monster engines, two thousand horse-power, mightier by six hundred horse-power than the great engine at the Centennial Exhibition, has a stroke of ten feet, | and the weight of its fly-wheel alone is fifty tons. The product of the mills is chiefly the Wamsutta shirting and sheeting, of world-wide fame. This immense establishment employs 2400 persons, has a total of 200,000 spindles, and 4300 looms rang- ing in width from 40 to 120 inches. Capital, $3,000,000. The present officers are as follows : Joseph Grinnell, president; Edward Kilburn, agent ; and Andrew G. Peirce, treasurer. The Grinnell Mill.— The new mill of the Grinnell Manufacturing Company is 666 feet long, 98 feet wide, and three stories high, with flat roof, and a basement i about six feet high, two-thirds above ground. The NEW BEDFORD. 109 height of the first story is 15 feet, the second 14] feet, and the third 15] to 17 feet. The whole will cover almost an acre and a half. As stated before, it ranges from east to west along the north part of the Rodman Dike property, at the south side of Kilburn Street. The engine-house, at the southwest corner, is 40 by 50 feet, a single story 28 feet high. The boiler-house is 52 by 68 feet, a single story 22 feet high. The picker building, 117 by 98 feet, and from 15} to 17 feet high, is situated 28 feet west of the main building. In the southeast part of this structure is the picker- room, 77 by 62 feet, and it also contains a repair-shop, 85 by 32 feet, and a cloth-room, 85 by 36 feet. It is connected with the mill by a structure 28 by 30 feet, which contains the main entrance to the mill, a harness-room, lap-elevator, etc. The picker building being of the same width as the mill, ranges with it. Farther to the west is the office building, 48 by 24 feet, 15] feet high, and containing in addition to the offices a supply-room in the basement. The united length of the connected buildings is 859 feet. The mill contains 1264 looms 40 inches wide and 9600 spindles. The power is furnished by a Corliss engine with two cylinders, each thirty-two feet in diameter and six feet stroke. Potamska Mills. — Potamska Mill, No. 1, was built in 1871, and went into operation with a capital of $600,000. It is 345 by 92 feet, four stories high ; the weaving-shed is one story high, 108 by 97 feet ; the picker-room is two stories high, 119 by 40 feet. It has 48,000 spindles and 1006 looms. No. 2 mill was built in 1877, the main building being 348 by 92 feet, four stories high; the L 184 by 92 feet, two stories high ; the weaving-shed 184 by 92 feet, one story high ; and the picker-house 71 by 47 feet, two stories high ; all built of brick. This mill has 58,328 spindles and 1428 looms. The total num- ber of spindles in both mills is 106,328, and the total number of looms 2424. These mills manufacture fine lawns, satteens, cre- tonnes, jeans, and print cloths. Both mills are driven by Corliss double twenty-eight-inch cylinder, five-foot stroke engines, of eight hundred horse- power each, both mills employing about twelve hun- dred operatives. James Robinson was the first president and treas- urer. He was succeeded Aug. 27, 1875, by Horatio Hathaway, who was succeeded by the present officers, — Andrew G. Peirce, treasurer, elected in 1878, and Edward Kilburn, president, elected in 1879. Hiram Kilburn has been superintendent from the commence- ment. The goods of these mills have an enviable reputation for honest work and quality of material. The Gosnold Mills were incorporated in 1848 and organized in 1855, With the following board of direc- tors: Thomas Nye, Jr., Lemuel Kollock, William Phillips, W. J. Rotch, John R. Thornton, James D. Thompson, Jonathan Bourne, Jr., and Edward B. Mandell. The first president was Lemuel Kollock, who served until April 20, 1865, when he was succeeded by James D. Thompson, and April 21, 1875, Mr. Thompson was succeeded by the present president, Mr. Joseph H. Cornell. The first treasurer and clerk was Frederick Bryant, who was succeeded Feb. 17, 1856, by William Phil- lips. In 1858, Mr. L. M. Kollock became treasurer and clerk, and continued in that office until April, 1865, when he was succeeded by James D. Thompson. Mr. William W. Webb was chosen clerk at the same time. Mr. Thompson officiated until April 18, 1876, when he was succeeded by Mr. Joseph H. Cornell, the present incumbent. Mr. George Wilson was elected treasurer April 30, 1872, when the following new board of directors were chosen: George Wilson, James H. Cornell, George F. Kingman, James M. Lawton, and John B. Little. John A. Bates was elected secretary April 15, 1873, and continues to the present time. Mr. Little was succeeded Aug. 1, 1874, by Atmore Holmes as a director, and in April, 1876, Mr. Lawton was succeeded by William G. Taber. The mills have had but two superintendents, John W. Kingsbury and the present, Mr. Henry Howard. The mills manufacture hoop, band, scroll, rod, horse-shoe, and hame iron and chains of every de- scription. The growth of these mills has been steady, and from a comparative small beginning they now rank among the representative institutions of the city. Masonic— Star in the East Lodge, 1 F. and A. M. — This is the oldest Masonic lodge in the city, having been chartered Dec. 10, 1823, with the follow- ing charter members: Timothy I. Dyre, Anthony D. Richmond, George Randall, Asa Wood, Alden D. Stoddard, Jonathan Buttrick, Oliver Swain, Charles Coggesliall, Thomas Cole, Zaccheus Cushman, Sam- uel Hall, Eastland Babcock, Timothy G. Coffin, Reu- ben Swift, Joseph E. Melcher, James Maddix, Sam- uel James, James Mooers, Mendell Ellis, Silvanus Ames, and Edward T. Taylor. This venerable lodge has always quietly and faith- fully exemplified the beautiful principles of Free- masonry, and its records are heavily laden with blessings of widows and orphans who through a long term of years have had their hearts made glad and burdens lightened by its generous aid. Its officers and members have carried on the good work whether the prevailing public opinion was for or against the fraternity, and it is one of the honored lodges that met regularly and duly attended to its business all through the fanatical Anti-Masonic ex- citement. Its roll embraces the names of a large number of our best citizens iu character and integ- rity, and it furnished the charter members of Eureka Lodge of this city, as well as many of those of Con- cordia Lodge of Fairhaven and Noquochoke Lodge of Westport. i By James C. Hitch. 110 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. The Past Masters of this lodge since its charter are Timothy I. Dyre, George Randall, Oliver Swain, Ephraim Kempton, Abner Bourne, Anthony D. Richmond, Thomas T. Wells, John Sargent, Lucien B. Keith, Timothy G. Coffin, John Freeman, Timo- thy Ingraham, Samuel W. Hayes, Henry F.Thomas, Henry Taber (2d), Isaac M. Richardson, George H. Taber, John B. Baylies, Shipley W. Bumpus, Albert H. W. Carpenter, William W. Arnold, Wanton T. Drew, James Taylor, Ezekiel C. Gardiner, Anthony D. Hall. Its present membership is three hundred and sixty, and its officers are Theodore W. Cole, W. M. ; Fred- erick A. Bradford, S. W. ; Frank M. Ashley, J. W. ; Edward Stetson, Treas. ; James C. Hitch, Sec. ; Ben- jamin F. Jenney, Chap.; Andrew M. Marts, M. ; Washington A. Jenkins, S. D. ; Bartholomew Othe- man, J. D. ; Thomas R. Brownell, S. S. ; Ernest A. Wheaton, J. S. ; George Peirce, O. ; Ansel F. Blos- som, Tyler. Eureka Lodge, 1 F. and A. M. — The membership of Star in the East Lodge having grown so large, it was deemed advisable by members of the fraternity to have another lodge, and Eureka Lodge was chartered May 8, 1857, with the following-named members: Timothy Ingraham, Isaac M. Richardson, Benjamin Russell, Moses H. Bliss, Stephen A. Tripp, Moses G. Thomas, Lineas Wood, James C. Tripp, and Henry F. Thomas. It has always been prosperous from the beginning. Its Past Masters are Timothy Ingraham, Henry F. Thomas, Isaac M. Richardson, Amasa L. Gleason, Charles W. Seabury, John A. Lee, Abraham H. How- land, Jr., Thomas B. Tripp, James L. Sherman, Ansel G. Baker, William T. Soule, William O. Woodman. Its present membership is three hundred and twenty-six, and its officers are Frederick W. Mosher W. M. ; William H. Waterman, S. W. ; Edward H Field, J. W. ; Humphrey A. Gifford, Jr., Treas. William A. Mackie, Sec. ; Edwin Whittaker, Chap. George S. P. Bradford, U. ; Arnold B. Wady, S. D. Simpson J. Blossom, J. D. ; Charles L. Tripp, S. S. Henry L. Dwight, J. S. ; Thomas J. Borden, I. S. George Peirce, O. ; Ansel F. Blossom, Tyler. Adokiram R. A. Chapter. 1 — This old organiza- tion has been imparting the impressive and delightful lessons of Chapter Masonry to generations in this section of Massachusetts, and its members may be found in all parts of the world, carrying on the work of other chapters which they have organized. Its charter is dated Oct. 4, 1816, and was granted to the following companions of Attleborough and vicinity : George Ellis, Manning Richards, George W. Robin- son, Otis Robinson, James Warren, Richard Carrigue, Jabez Newell, Edward Richardson, Obed Robinson, Jr., Darius Briggs, Abiathar Richardson, Jr., John Whiting, Daniel Babcock, Carlos Barrows. 1 By James C. Hitch. It was moved to Taunton on the 5th of July, 1825, and after twenty years good service its location was changed to this city, Nov. 25, 1845. Its Past High Priests are Richard Carrigue, George Ellis, James W. Crossman, John Howard, William W. Crossman, Samuel Caswell, Jr., Timothy Ingra- ham, Moses G. Thomas, Wanton T. Dew, John A. Lee, Abram H. Howland, Jr., William W. Arnold, Albert H. W. Carpenter, James L. Sherman, Albert E. Wright. Its present membership is three hundred and eighty-four, aud its officers are William M. Thorup, H. P.; Ansel G. Baker, K. ; John W. Taylor, S. ; George R. Stetson, Treas. ; H. Wilder Emerson, Sec. ; Charles H. Brownell, Chap. ; Frank M. Ashley, C. H. ; Benjamin S. Jenkins, P. S. ; Henry C. W Mosher, R. A. C. ; Joseph W. Chadwick, Stephen A. Brownell, Charles W. Potter, Jr., M. V. ; Ansel F. Blossom, Tyler. Sutton Commandeey of Knights Templar, 2 and the Appendant Orders. This commandery was chartered May 4, 1864, with the following members : John B. Baylies, Albert H. W. Carpenter, Gustavus Delano, Wanton T. Drew, John Anson Lee, Charles H. Sanford, Elisha C. Leonard, Joshua B. Winslow, Henry Field, Jr., Jacob L. Porter, Francis L.Porter, Robert C. Topham, Jacob B. Hadley, David Brayton, William E. Mason, Hiram Wheaton, Larnet Hall, Jr., Stephen W. McFarlin, Amasa L. Gleason, John Valentine, Jr., John Fuller, William W. Arnold, An- dreas T. Thorup, Henry G. Pomeroy, George Bliss, James H. C. Richmond, William A. Searell, James D. Driggs, William O. Woodmau, Nathan Lewis, George R. Paddock, David S. Small, Peter Fales, Peter D. Cutter, John Terry, and Ansel Tripp. It has been very nourishing from the start, and the utmost harmony and good fellowship has existed among all the Sir Knights. It was named in honor of Sir Knight Gen. William Sutton, of Salem, who was much interested in all that pertained to Freemasonry, particularly to Templar Masonry, and he presented Sutton Commandery with a beautiful banner. The Past Eminent Commanders are John B. Bay- lies, Albert H. W. Carpenter, John A. Lee, Abraham H. Howland, Jr., Gardner T. Sanford, Henry Field, Jr., and James Taylor. Its present membership is two hundred and nine, and the officers are William T. Soule, E. C. ; James L. Sherman, Gen.; William H. Matthews, Capt. Gen. ; Frederick A. Bradford, Prelate ; Jacob B. Hadley, Treas.; H. Wilder Emerson, Rec. ; Ezekiel C.Gardiner, S. W. ; Edwin Dews, J. W. ; William H. Sherman, St. B. ; Theodore W. Cole, Sw. B. ; Henry C. W. Mosher, W. ; Charles H. Wood, 3d G. ; Benjamin S. Jenkins, 2d G. ; Thomas L. Allen, 1st G. ; Ansel F. Blossom, Sen. 2 By James C. Hitch. NEW BEDFORD. Ill Early Physicians. — Probably tlie earliest physi- cian within the limits of the old town of Dartmouth was Dr. Daniel Hathaway. Dr. Benjamin Burg was also an early physician. He died Sept. 18, 1748, and was buried in the old cemetery at Acushnet. Another well-known physician of his time was Elisha Tobey, who died May 10, 1781. Dr. Samuel Perry was also a physician of consid- erable repute. He had two sons, both well-known practitioners in the town. Dr. Samuel, Jr., died Oct. 26, 1820, and his brother, Dr. Ebenezer, March 18, 1822. Dr. Silas Tompkins died here Dec. 21, 1853. Dr. William Gushing Whitridge was born in Tiv- erton, R. I., Nov. 25, 1784, and died at New Bedford, Mass., Dec. 28, 1857, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. His father was a distinguished physician in his day, and his surviving brothers, Dr. Joshua R. Whit- ridge, of Charleston, and Dr. John Whitridge, of Baltimore, rank deservedly high in the cities of their adoption. Dr. Whitridge entered Brown University in 1800, but subsequently went to Union College, Schenectady, N. Y., where he was graduated with distinction in 1804. He entered at once as a pupil in his father's office, and attended one full course of lectures at Harvard University. He did not, how- ever, at that time take a medical degree, and in 1847 received from Harvard the honorary title of Doctor of Medicine. The first theatre of his practice was Tiverton, R. I., where he continued to labor with success until 1822, when he removed to New Bedford. Here he toiled in a widening circle of professional occupation until death bore him from the scene of his labors. His per- sonal appearance was highly prepossessing, and his manners were simple and unaffected. He possessed a quick and ready perception, a rare faculty of analy- sis, and a remarkable facility in the attainment of useful and important facts bearing upon his profes- sion. The public confidence in his skill as a physi- cian was very great, and at the time of his death he had the largest consultation practice in New Bedford. Dr. Whitridge was frequently delegated by the Mas- sachusetts Medical Society to attend the sessions of the American Medical Association, and was present at those of Boston and New York. Dr. Alexander Read was a physician of high stand- ing, and one of the leading members in the profession in this part of the State. He was born in Mil ford, July 10, 1786. He was graduated in 1808 at Dart- mouth College, having acquired the reputation of good scholarship and unblemished morals. He pur- sued his medical studies under the direction of Dr. Greene, of Worcester, and of Nathan Smith, M.D., and in 1811 commenced the practice of his pro- fession in New Bedford. He soon acquired the repu- tation of a skillful and attentive physician, and re- ceived the patronage of a numerous circle of intelligent and wealthy citizens. 'A course of lectures prepared and delivered by him on chemistry and botany with great acceptance was a happy introduction to the youthful portion of the more intelligent population, and many of the attendants remained ever after his ardent friends. Possessing by nature a sanguine temperament, and by cultivation and intercourse with good society a refined taste, he was fitted to be an ornament in the circle in which he moved. He was made to love and to be loved. He was kind, conciliatory, and con- siderate. Naturally modest and self-diffident, he wondered at his own success. He seemed to live more for others than for himself. His own happiness was an incident rather than an end in his pursuits. His ruling passion was to promote the well-being of those with whom he associated. Hence as a physi- cian he was ardent in the pursuit of knowledge, care- ful in his observation of the changing phases of dis- ease, kind in his deportment, courteous in all the relations of life, and skillful to perceive and minister to the necessities of his numerous patients. In 1816 he received the degree of M.D. at New Haven. Dr. Read was a skillful surgeon as well as physician, and was much devoted to that branch of his profession. His advice was much sought and ap- preciated by his professional brethren. They felt that their reputation was safe in his hands, that when called in counsel he would sustain and not sup- plant them. He scorned the low art to which, it must be confessed, a few, even of educated men, re- sort for the acquisition of business. Quackery,- whether in its infinitesimal or more heroic develop- ment, received from him no countenance. He pub- lished but little. His remarks on the mode of prep- aration and uses of Datura Stramonium are a model of simplicity and directness in medical communica- tions. His crowning excellence was his reverence for God. His was the religion of the Bible. He acknowledged its claims and reverently bowed to its teachings, and in the hour of affliction and sickness he was rewarded by its abundant consolations. Religion with him was an abiding principle, not the fitful vagary of an excited imagination. Such was Dr. Read, — a good husband, kind father, beloved physician,, and in every relation eminently a good man. His fatal disease was hematuria, followed by chronic disorganization and protracted suffering. Fire Society, 1809.— The following is a " Listof the members of the Bedford Fire Society, with ('A') watch- word, June 10, 1809, presented to the fire-wards, viz. : Joseph Ricketson, Elisha Thornton, Jr., Barnabas Taber, Job Eddy, James Allen (2d), Simpson Hart, Cornelius Howland, Nicholas D. Greene, Daniel Taber, Nathan Taber, Abraham Shearman, Jr., Caleb Green, William Sawyer Wall, Jahaziel Jenney, Wil- liam James, Peter Barney, Josiah Wood, Francis Ill' HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Taber, John Thornton, Peleg Howland, William Ross, Gilbert Howland, Gilbert Russell, Sands Wing, Caleb Congdon, Benjamin Lincoln, Freeman Barrows, and John H. Howland. " By order of the society, watchword ' A.' "Caleb Greene." Attached to this list is the following notice: " To Caleb Congdon, one of the fire-wards for the town of New Bedford, the inclosed list of the mem- bers of the Bedford Fire Society with its watchword is presented thee for thy government or direction, to give orders to said members at any fire which may happen. The watchword is not to be divulged." An Interesting Document— The old borough of Dartmouth, England, the fishing community at the ; mouth of the Dart, gave our old Dartmouth its name. Many incidents connected with its name and history made this ancient borough, whose franchise dates back to the reign of Richard Coeur de Lion, closely associated with the commemorative exercises. An address " To the mayor, recorder, and aldermen of the city of Dartmouth, county of Devon, England," had been prepared, and was read to the meeting. Having been signed by the mayor, aldermen, Common Council men, and clerk of the city of New Bedford, and by the selectmen and town clerks of the towns uniting in the celebration, and beautifully engrossed, it was sent to its destination. The time required by its engrossment, and to obtain the large number of necessary signatures of persons dwelling widely apart, brought the end of the year 'before it could be forwarded. It was not until Washington's Birthday, 1866, that the mayor of the city received a response to this greeting from the old Dartmouth of America to the old Dartmouth of Great Britain. But when it was received the delay was not cared for or thought of. The reply was dated on the " Fourth of July," 1865, was signed by the mayor, recorder, clerk, and bur- gesses of the borough of Clifton Dartmouth Hard- ness, in the county of Devon, England. One of the councilors bears the significant name of John Bully. It is a well-written document, and its tone is kind and manly. In these respects it fully met the circum- stances of the occasion and the wishes and expecta- tions of those to whose greeting it was an answer. But the form in which it appeared was a surprise and a delight. Its elegant chirography upon vellum is a picture in itself; and this, with its beautiful illumi- nations of border and other chaste ornamentation, give the whole a rare, rich, and attractive appear- ance. The Ship " Rebecca." 1 — The ship " Rebecca" was the first ship built in New Bedford. She was launched in the spring of 1785. George Claghorn was the master-carpenter, who afterwards built the frigate "Constitution," the pride of our navy. 1 By William T. Russell, written in 1814. The " Rebecca" was owned by Joseph Russell and his sons Barnabas and Gilbert Russell. The timber of which she was built was chiefly cut in the south- westerly part of the town, now covered with houses and gardens. She measured 175f J tons, which at that time was considered so immensely large thatshe was the wonder and the admiration of all the country round. People from Taunton, Bridgewater, and all the neigh- boring towns came to New Bedford to see the big ship. There was a woman figure-head carved for her, and when it was about being put upon her a number of the Friends' Society remonstrated against so vain and useless an ornament, and she went to sea without it. The owners of the " Rebecca" had some difficulty in finding a man of sufficient experience to trust with the command of so big a ship. Now we have a schooner of larger tonnage running to New York as a packet (schooner "Richmond" is one hundred and eighty tons). James Haydon was finally selected for her captain, and Cornelius Grinnell, chief mate. She sailed on her first voyage to Philadelphia; from thence to Liver- pool. The second voyage Cornelius Grinnell was captain, and continued to command her for six years. The "Rebecca" was the first American whale-ship that doubled Cape Horn. She was commanded by Capt. Kearsley, and made a successful voyage, ob- taining a cargo of sperm oil on the coast of Chili, and returning in about twelve months. The "Rebecca" finally made a disastrous end. She sailed from Liverpool for New York in the autumn of 1798, commanded by Capt. Gardner (the father of the present Capts. Gardner), and has never been heard of from that time to this. 2 2 Capt. Cornelius Howland and Caleb Greene, the schoolmaster, were owners in the " Rebecca" when she made her Pacific voyage. Some of the schooners of the present day are nearly four times the size of the " Kebecca." She was not the first ship built in Bedford. The building of the "Dartmouth" has an earlier date, and our late fellow-citizen, Thomas Kempton, said that a ship called the "Bedford" was built on the west side of the Acuslmet as early as 1770. This could not have been the historic "Bedford." Frederick C. Sanford, of Nantucket, in his valuable and interesting article in the Nantucket Inquirer, 1852, on the " Pioneers of the Whale Fishery," says that " in 17'J1 our ships entered the Pacific." This is the year that the "Rebecca" doubled Cipe Horn. Accounts differ as to which took the lead in the adventure, Nantucket or New Bedford. In a letter dated Aug. 27, 1876, Mr. Sanford says that "in consequence of the great success in the Pacific of ships from London and Mr. Botch's ships from Dunkirk, si* ships were in 1700 fitted lor whaling in that ocean from Nantucket. The 'Beaver' sailed first, August, 1791." The first start from this country for doubling ('ape Horn was no doubt from Nantucket. The " Rebecca" was not fitted for the Pacific. Information obtained on | the voyage induced the captain to try his luck there. Which of the I two ships first rounded the cape does not appear, is not of much im- portance. The following extracts form a part of the conclusion of Mr. Sanford's interesting article. His description of the vessels and the men employed in this bold enterprise will apply to the New Bedford as well as to the Nantucket pioneers engaged in it. No one will question the truth of the portrait he has drawn of the hardy, bold, and enterprising men of Nantucket, who were the world-renowned leaders in this extraordinary branch of the world's industrial pursuits. The story of the whalers borders upon the romance of history, and deserves an abler historian NEW BEDFORD. 113 Old advertisement in Medley, 1794, — " Lost. — On Monday evening lust, from the house-yard of the late Mr. Daniel Smith, a huge Bbass Kettle, with a crack in the bottom, i and a patch thereon. Whoever will give information so that the kettle may he found will greatly assist a distressed family. " Bedford, April 4, 1704." Benevolent and other Societies.— Association for the Relief of Aired Women of New Bedford; Mrs. Matthew Howland, president; Mrs. Loum Snow, vice-president; Mrs. Henry T. Wood, treasurer ; Mrs. Oliver Prescott, secretary ; Mrs. Joseph Grinnell, Mrs. Abraham Russell, Mrs. George Howland, Jr., Mrs. William Phillips, Mrs. William G. E. Pope, Mrs. Joseph R. Read. Mrs. Cornelius Howland, Mrs. Caleb Anthony, Mrs. B. R. Almy, Mrs. William Thompson, Mrs. James Fisher, Mrs. William J. Rotch, Mrs. James Almy, Mrs. Edward D. Mandell, Miss Louise S. Cummings, Mrs. Frederick S. Gifford, Miss Susan Snow, Mrs. Edward C. Jones, Mrs. William G. Wood, Mrs. Horatio Hathaway, Mrs. William A. Dana, Miss Gertrude Baxter, Miss Anna Clifford, Miss Mary T. Howland, Mrs. George Hussey, Mrs. Daniel Wil- der, Mrs. John F. Tucker, Miss Amelia H. Jones, managers ; Thomas Nye, Jr., Oliver Prescott, Joseph Grinnell, Edward D. Mandell, Horatio Hathaway, advisers. Liberty Hall Association, organized July 15, 1841. Hall rebuilt in 1865. George A. Bourne, president ; Thomas Wilcox, clerk; Joseph Buckminster, treas- urer ; Thomas L. Parsons, agent ; George A. Bourne, Thomas Wilcox, Joseph Buckminster, directors. City Farm, at Clarke's Point; Peleg S. Macy, su- perintendent ; Mrs. C. S. Macy, matron ; Rev. Isaac H. Coe, chaplain. Union for Good Works, established Feb. 9, 1870. The object of the members of this society is " To do good and to grow better." Young Men's Christian Association of New Bed- ford; Edmund Rodmund, president ; Allen F. Wood, vice-president; Charles E. Hendrickson, recording secretary ; C. W. Knight, treasurer ; Charles W. Harned, general secretary. than any who have yet attempted to relate it. Who so well qualified as the writer of the article from which we have quoted ': "In 1791 our ships entered the Pacific in pursuit of their prey. They douhled Cape Horn in a class of vessels that would be considered unsafe at this day to perform a summer voyage across the Atlantic, small in size, not exceeding two hundred and fifty tons in burden, heavy, dull sailers, without copper on their bottoms, poorly and scantily fitted, in- deed, but manned with men of an iron nerve and an energy that knew no turning, and here again they were successful. "I am fully aware that New Bedford surpasses all other places en- gaged in the whale fishery in wealth and prosperity. Success has followed exertion in a ratio of one hundredfold, and there are very few places in our country which have arisen to such a height of prosperity in so short a period. It seems almost the work of an enchanter. "Other places have eclipsed Nantucket of late, but the well-earned fame of our sires knows no diminution, but brightens their laurels as time lessens their numbers. Nantucket may with an honest pride look back to a long list of worthies, men filled with interminable persever- ance and an energy that defied and overcame all obstacles, — a list that will bear no unworthy comparison with Samuel Adams and his Revo- lutionary companions, as deserving of her pride as the jewels of Cor- nelia." 8 Orphans' Home, organized in 1842. For orphans in both sexes. About thirty inmates. Miss Celia Brett, matron ; Mrs. Eliza A. Brett, assistant matron ; Mrs. William C. N. Swift, president; Mrs. William Crapo, secretary ; Mrs. James D. Thompson, treasurer. St. Joseph's Hospital, under control of the Sisters of Mercy. Sister De Pezzie, superior. The following gentlemen comprise the hospital staff: Rev. Hugh J. Smyth, director ; S. W. Hayes, M.D., physician in charge ; George Atwood, M.D. (Fairhaven), J. H. Mackie, M.D., E. P. Abbe, M.D., consulting physi- cians and surgeons ; S. W. Hayes, M.D., G. T. Hough, M.D., F. H. Hooper, M.D., William H. Taylor, M.D., visiting physicians and surgeons ; J. J. B. Vermyne, M.D., ophthalmic surgeon. Union Lodge, No. 7, F. and A. M. (Colored). Annawan Encampment, I. 0. of O. F. Acushnet Lodge, No. 41, I. 0. of O. F. Vesta Lodge, No. 166, I. O. of O. F. Potomska Lodge, No. 1511, G. U. O. of O. F. Odd-Fellows' Beneficial Association of Southern Massachusetts ; Samuel C. Hart, president. Potomska Stamm, No. 182, I. O. R. M. ; Martin Freundshu, 0. C. New Bedford Lodge, No. 667, K. of H. ; Joseph E. Higgins, P. D. William Logan Rodman Post, No. 1, G. A. R. ; Andrew J. Smith, Com. ; John W. Footman, S. V. C. ; Thomas E. Ward, J. V. C. ; Benjamin H. Arnold, Sur- geon ; Charles P. Casmire, Chaplain ; Frederick A. Washburn, Q.M. ; Ezra K. Bly, Adjt. New Bedford City Guards ; J. K. McAfee, captain ; Z. C. Dunham, first lieutenant ; William R. Spooner, second lieutenant; George N. Hall, clerk ; Abner P. Pope, treasurer. Honorary members : Edwin Dews, president ; South- ward Potter (2d), secretary and treasurer; Samuel C. Hart, William Baylies, James E. Blake,' executive committee. Mount Taber Council, No. 13. El Bethel Temple of Honor, No. 24. Orient Lodge, No. 173, G. T. Liberty Lodge, No. 48, G. T. Acushnet Division, No. 87, S. of T. ; Francis H. Greene, W. P. ; Frank P. P. Tuell, W. A. ; William O. Cross, R. S. ; Adeline Durfee, A. R. S. ; Charles D. Tuell, F! S. ; George S. Bowen, T. ; Isaac Barnes, Chap. ; Charles L. Parker, C. ; Emily B. Butman, A. C. ; William Robinson, I. S. ; Samuel Jones, O. S. ; S. T. Viall, P. W. P. St. Lawrence Catholic Temperance Society ; Michael Duggan, President. Incorporated Companies, etc. — Acushnet Co- operative. Capital stock, seven thousand five hundred dollars. Sylvanus Bennett, agent. Morse Twist-Drill and Machine Company, located on Bedford, corner of Fourth Street. Edward S. Taber, president and treasurer; Nathan Chase, Frederick S. Allen, Thomas M. Stetson, Gilbert Allen, Andrew G. 114 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Peirce, and Edward S. Taber, directors ; Gilbert Allen, clerk of board. Mount Washington Glass Company, located on Prospect Street. Capital stock, eighty-three thousand dollars. Alexander H. Seabury, treasurer. New Bedford Co-Operative Saving Fund and Loan Association, 41 William Street, incorporated July 11, 1881. Authorized capital, one million dollars. Isaac W. Benjamin, president; Edward Kilburn, vice-presi- dent; Charles R. Price, secretary; Gideon B. Wright, treasurer. New Bedford Copper Company was incorporated in 1860. Capital, two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Gilbert Allen, president; William H. Matthews, treas- urer; Henry Field, Jr., superintendent; Gilbert Allen, Edward D. Mandell, Leander A. Plummer, William J. Rotch, James D. Thompson, Frederick S. Allen, Charles W. Clifford, directors. New Bedford Cordage Company was incorporated in 1846. Capital, seventy-five thousand dollars. Wil- liam J. Rotch, president; L. A. Plummer, treasurer and clerk. New Bedford Gas- Light Company, 70 South Water Street; incorporated in 1850. Capital, two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. William C. Taber, president; Gilbert Allen, treasurer; Gideon Wood, superintendent; William C. Taber, William J. Rotch, Jonathan Bourne, Jr., Edward C. Jones, Joseph C. Delano, Charles Almy, Abram H. Howland, Jr., Gil- bert Allen, Lemuel Kollock, directors. New Bedford Ice Company. Capital stock, twenty thousand dollars. M. E. Hatch, treasurer, 9 Fourth Street. New Bedford, Vineyard and Nantucket Steamboat Company ; incorporated March 21, 1854. Capital, seventy thousand dollars. Edward D. Mandell, presi- dent; Andrew G. Peirce, treasurer; Edward T. Peirce, clerk; Edward D. Mandell, Jonathan Bourne, Andrew G. Peirce, Samuel P. Burt, New Bedford; Charles Bradley, Vineyard Haven, directors. This company owns and runs the steamer " Martha's Vineyard," five hundred and twenty-five tons burden, also steamer " Monohansett," four hundred and sev- enty-five tons, between New Bedford and Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Highlands, Vineyard Haven, and Wood's Holl. Also steamers " Island Home" and "River Queen" to Nantucket. Botch Wharf Company; office, Botch's Square. William J. Botch, president; Isaac W. Benjamin, treasurer; Elisha Gibbs, wharfinger. Thayer and Judd Paraffine Company; office, Botch's Square. Incorporated May 1, 1872. Capital, three hundred thousand dollars. Edwin S. Thayer, presi- dent; L. S. Judd, treasurer; E. S. Thayer, general agent ; John B. Hussey, E. S. Thayer, L. S. Judd, J. B. Merriam, William Morgan, directors. The Southern Massachusetts Telephone Company, organized February, 1880. C. W. Clifford, president; Samuel Ivers, treasurer ; Moses E. Hatch, Samuel Ivers, Edward Grinnell, Morgan Botch, Walter Clif- ford, O. P. Brightman, directors ; M. E. Hatch, gen- eral manager. Insurance Company. — Bristol County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, 44 North Water Street ; incor- porated A.D. 1829. Jonathan Bourne, president; Geo. N. Alden, secretary and treasurer. CHAPTEB XII. NEW BEDFORD.— {Continued.) CIVIL HISTORY— MILITARY HISTORY. Incorporation of the Town — Setting off of Fairhaven — Part of Dart- month annexed to New Bedford — Part of Acushnet annexed to New Bedford — Incorporation of the City — List of Mayors — Representatives to General Court— City Debt— Military Record— War of 1812— War of the Rebellion — List of Soldiers — Roll of Honor — Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument. This town originally formed a part of the old town of Dartmouth, and was incorporated Feb. 23, 1787. It retained its original area until Feb. 22, 1812, when the town of Fairhaven was set off. A part of Dart- mouth was annexed March 20, 1845, and a part of Acushnet April 9, 1875. New Bedford was incorporated as a city March 9, 1847. The following is a list of the mayors: Abraham H. Howland, 1847-51. William J. Botch, 1852. Bodney French, 1853-54. George Howland, Jr., 1855-56, 1863-65, and about three months of 1862. George H. Dunbar, 1857-58, 1873. The municipal year was changed in 1857, so that his first term was nine months. Willard Nye, 1859. Isaac C. Taber, 1860-61, and to Sept. 29, 1862. John H. Perry, 1866-67. Andrew G. Peirce, 1868-69. George B. Bichmond, 1870-72, 1874. Abraham H. Howland, Jr., 1875-76. Alanson Borden, 1877. George B. Bichmond, 1878. William T. Soule, 1879-80. George W. Wilson, 1881-83. REPRESENTATIVES TO GENERAL COURT FROM 1788 TO 1883. Walter Spoouer, May 13, 1788. " " May 15, 1789. May 11, 1790. " " Nov. 26, 1790. May 17, 1792. Seth Spooner, May 1, 179-1. " •' May <;, 1795. " May 13, 1796. " " May 8, 1797. " " May 1, 1798. " " May 16, 1799. " " May 12, 1800. " " May 12, 1801. Alden Spooner, May 12, 1801. Seth Spooner, May 10, 1802. Benjamin Church, May 9, 1803. Seth Spooner, May 4, 1804. Lemuel Williams, May 12, 1806. Alden Spooner, May 12, 1806. Seth Spooner, May 12, 1806. Samuel Perry, May 12, 1806. John Hawes, May 16, 1807. Seth Spooner, May 13, 1809. Alden Spooner, May 13, 1808. Samuel Perry, May 13, 1808. Charles Russell, May 13, 1808. NEW BEDFORD. 115 Alden Spooner, May in, 1809. Setli Spooner, May 19, 1809. Samuel Perry, May 19, 1809. Thomas Nye, May 19, 1809. Charles Russell, May 19, 1809. Seth Spooner, May 19, 1810. Samuel Perry, May 19, 1810. William Willis, May 19, 1810. Gamaliel Bryant, May 19, 1810. Jireh Swift, Jr., May 19, 1810. Jonathan Pope, May 19, 1810. Seth Spooner, May 18, 1811. Samuel Perry, May 18, 1811. William Willis, May 18, 1811. Gamaliel Bryant, May 18, 1811. Jireh Swift, May 18, 1811. Jonathan Pope, May 18, 1811. John M. Williams, May 15, 1812. James Washburn, May 15, 1812. Gamaliel Bryant, May 15, 1812. Jireh Swift, Jr., May 15, 1812. Gamaliel Bryant, May 10,1813. John M. Williams, May 10, 1S13. Jireh Swift, May 10, 1813. William Hathaway, May 10, 1813. John M. Williams, May 7, 1814. William Hathaway, May 7, 1814. James Washburn, May 7, 1814. Jireh Swift, May 7, 1814. Janus Washburn, May 13, 1815. Jireh Swift, May 13, 1815. John M. Williams, May 13, 1815. Manasseh Kempton, May 13, 1815. John A. Parker, May 13, 1816. Thus. Kempton (2d), May 13,1816. John Nye, May 13,1816. Frederic Mayliew, May 13, 1816. William Willis, May 10, 1817. John Nye. .May 2, 1818. John A. Parker, May 2, 1818. Lemuel Williams, May 15, 1819. John Nye, May 15, 1819. Benjamin Lincoln, May 15, 1819. Cornelius Grinnell, May 15, 1819. John Nye, May 6, 1820. Lemuel Williams, May 6, 1820. Thomas Rotch, May 6, 1820. William Hathaway, May 6, 1820. Thomas Rotch, May 8, 1821. Lemuel Williams, Jr., May 8, 1821 William Hathaway, May 6, 1822. • John Nye, May 0, 1S22. Benjamin Lincoln, May 6, 1822. John A. Parker, May 6, 1822. Thomas Rotch, May 3, 1823. Lemuel Williams, May 3, 1823. John A. Parker, May 3, 1823. William Hathaway, May 3, 1823. Thomas Rotch, May 3, 1824. Thomas Rotch, May 2, 1825. John A Parker, May 2, 1825. Timothy G. Coffin, May 2, 1825. Charles II. Warren, May 2, 1825. Thomas Rotch, May 6, 1826. John A. Parker, May 14, 1827. Thomas A. Greene, May 11, ls^;. John A. Parker, May 10, L828. Thomas A. Greene, May 10, 1828. Cornelius Grinnell, May 10, 1828. Ephraim Kemplon, May 10, 1828. William ('. Nye, May 10, 1828. Charles W. Morgan, May 10, 1828. Thomas A. Greene, May 11, 1829. William C. Nye, May 11, 1829. James Arnold, May II, 1829. Russell Freeman, May 11, 1829. Eli Haskell, May 11, 1829. Charles W. Morgan, May 11, 1S29. Thomas Greene, May 10, 1830. Russell Freeman, May 10, 1830. Thomas A. Greene, May 11, 1831. William C. Nye, May 11, 1831. Charles W. Morgan, May 11,1831. Russell Freeman, .May 11, 1831. Thomas Mandell, May 11, 1831. Benjamin Lincoln, May 11, 1831. Thomas A. Greene, Nov. 12, 1832. Charles W. Morgan, Nov. 12, 1832. Isaac Case. Nov. 12, 1832. Thomas Mandell, Nov. 13, 1832. John Burrage, Nov. 13, 1832. Benjamin Lincoln, Nov. 13, 1832. Edmund Gardner, Nov. 13, 1832. Mark B. Palmer, Nov. 11, 1833. Jonathan R. Ward, Nov. 11, 1833. ! Charles W. Morgan, Nov. 11, 1833. John Burrage, Nov. 11, 1833. Thomas Mandell, Nov. 11, 1833. Thomas A. Greene, Nov. 11, 1833. : Isaac Case, Nov. 11, 1833. Edmund Gardner, Nov. 11. 1833. Benjamin Lincoln, Nov. 11, 1833. Thomas Mandell, Nov. 14, 1834. Thomas A. Greene, Nov. 10, 1834. John Perkins, Nov. 10, 1834. Jireh Perry, Nov. 10, 1834. Obed Nye, Nov. 10, 1834. | Roland R. Crocker, Nov. 10, 1834. I David R. Greene, Nov. 10, 1834. Oliver Crocker, Nov. 10, 1S34. John H. Clifford, Nov. 10, 1834. Thomas Mandell, Nov. 9, 1835. Jonathan R. Ward, Nov. 9, 1835. Benjamin Coombs, Nov. 9, 1835. Sampson Perkins, Nov. 9, 1835. William H. Crocker, Nov. 9, 1835. James D Thompson, Nov. 9, 1835. Robert Hillman, Nov. 9, 1835. Thomas B. Bush, Nov. 9, 1835. Cyrus Hooper, Nov. 9, 1835. Thomas Mandell, Nov. 14, 1836. Jonathan R. Ward, Nov. 14, 1836. , Sampson Perkins, Nov. 14, 1836. William H. Crocker, Nov. 14, 1836. Jam -s D. Thompson, Nov. 14, 1836. Benjamin Coombs, Nov. 14,1836. Thomas B. Bush, Nov. 14, 1836. Cyrus Hooper, Nov. 14, 1836. Isaac Case, Nov. 14, 1836. Isaac D. Hall, Nov. 14, 1836. Charles W. Morgan, Nov. 13, 1837. Thomas A. Greene, Nov. 13, 1837. Pardon G. Seabnry, Nov. 13,1837. Ephraim Kempton, Nov. 13, 1837. I Samuel Tobey, Nov. 13, 1837. John Perkins, Nov. 13, 1837. William H. Allen, Nov. 13, 1837. Henry Taber, Nov. 13, 1837. ; James Wady, Nov. 13, 1837. Thomas A. Greene, Nov. 12, 1838. | Pardon G. Seabnry, Nov. 12, 1838. El. en. N. (.'haddock, Nov. 12, 1838. Leonard Macomber, Nov. 12, 1838. Abraham Barber, Nov. 12, 1838. Silas Stetson, Nov. 12, 1838. Robert Hillman, Nov. 12, 1838. Thomas D. Eliot, Nov. 12, 1838. William H. Stowell, Nov. 12, 1838. Thomas A. Greene, Nov. 11, 1839. John Perkins, Nov. 11, 1839. Silas Stetson, Nov. 11, 1839. I George Ilowland, Nov. 11, 1839. John F. Emerson, Nov. 11, 1839. Charles V. Card, Nov. 11, 1839. Henry Taber, Nov. 11, 1839. Alfred Gibbs, Nov. 11, 1839. Charles W. Morgan, Nov. 11, 1839. Thomas A. Greene, Nov. 19, 1839. John Perkins, Nov. 19, 1839. Alfred Gibbs, Nov. 19, 1839. Charles V. Card, Nov. 19, 1839. Silas Stetson, Nov. 19, 1839. Thomas A. Greene, Nov. 9, 1840. Henry Taber, Nov. 9, 1840. H. G. 0. Colby, Nov. 9, 1840. Silas Stetson, Nov. 9, 1840. George Howland, Nov. 9, 1840. (No one appears to have been elected in 1841.) Ephraim Kempton, Nov. 28, 1842. II. G. 0. Colby, Nov. 28, 1842. Calvin Staples, Nov. 28, 1842. Benjamin S. Rotch, Nov. 28, 1842. Henry Taber, Nov. 28, 1842. " Nov. 13, 1843. Abr II. Howland, Nov. 13, 1843. John H. W. Page, Nov. 13, 1843. Benjamin S. Rotch, Nov. 13, 1843. Calvin Staples, Nov. 13, 1843. Abr. H. Howland, Nov. 11, 1844. John H. W. Page, Nov. 11, 1844. Thomas Kempton, Nov. 11, 1844. David R. Greene, Nov. 11, 1844. James A. Congdon, Nov. 11, 1844. John H. W. Page, Nov. 10, 1845. Abr. H. Howland, Nov. 10, 1845. Thomas Kempton, Nov. 10, 1845. David R. Greene, Nov. 10, 1845. Calvin Staples, Nov. 10, 1845. Abr. H. Howland, Nov. 10, 1846. Thomas Kempton, Nov. 9, 1846. Willard Nye, Nov. 9, 1846. Richard A. Palmer, Nov. 9, 184G. Luther Baker, Nov. 9, 1846. William J. Rotch, Nov. 8, 1847. Richard A. Palmer, Nov. 8, 1847. Luther Baker, Nov. 8, 1847. Calvin Staples, Nov. 8, 1847. Thomas Nye, Jr., Nov. 8, 1847. (No choice made in 1848.) William J. Rotch, Nov. 12, 1849. Obed Nye, Nov. 12, 1849. Thomas Kempton, Nov. 12, 1850. Obed Nye, Nov. 12, 1850. Richard Palmer, Nov. 12,1850. Thomas Kempton, Nov. 10, 1851. George Howland, Jr., Nov. 10, 1851. George B. Richmond, Nov. In, 1851. Cornelius Howland, Nov. 10, 1851. Abraham Garduer, Nov. 10, 1851. (No choice in 1852.) Willard Nye, Nov. 15, 1853. Tilson B. Deuham, Nov. 15, 1853. Henry F. Thomas, Nov. 15, 1S53. Nathaniel Gilbert, Nov. 15, 1S53. Asa R. Nye, Nov. 13, 1854. Tilson B. Denham, Nov. 13, 1854. Edward Milliken, Nov. 13, 1854. i George G. Gifford, Nov. 13, 1854. j Caleb L. Ellis, Nov. 13, 1854. Edward Milliken, Nov. 6, 1855. J Henry F. Thomas, Nov. 6, 1855. ■ Daniel Homer, Nov. 6, 1855. John Hicks, Nov. 6, 1855. , Nathaniel Gilbert, Nov. 6, 1855. j George H. Dunbar, Nov. 5, 1856. I Hattel Kelley, Nov. 5, 1856. William H. Allen, Nov. 5, 1856. William W. Crapo, Nov. 5, 1856. Thomas II. Soule, Nov. 5, 1856. William H. Allen, Nov. 2, 1857. Hattel Kelley, Nov. 2, 1857. Samuel Watson, Nov. 2, 1857. Alanson Borden, Nov. 3, 1858. Sabin B. Chamberlain, Nov. 3, 1858. Samuel Watson, Nov. 3, 1858. Nathan B. Gifford, Nov. 3, 1858. Augustus L. West, Nov. 3, 1858. Sabin B. Chamberlain, Nov. 9, 1859. Alanson Borden, Nov. 9, 1859. James Rider, Nov. 9, 1S59. Nathan R. Gifford, Nov. 9, 1859. Richard A. Pierce, Nov. 9, 1859. Sabin B. Chamberlain, Nov. 9, 1S60. Richard A. Pierce, Nov. 9, 1860. Robert Gibbs, Nov. 9, 1860. Caleb L Ellis, Nov. 9, 1860. " Nov. 6, 1861. Robert Gibbs, Nov. 6, 1861. Charles Almy, Nov. 4, 1862. Horatio A. Kempton, Nov. 4, 1862. Nathaniel Gilbert, Nov. 4, 1862. Wright Brownell, Nov. 4, 1862. Charles T. Bonney, Nov. 4, 1862. Charles Almy, Nov. 3, 1863. Horatio A. Kempton, Nov. 3, 1863. Nathaniel Gilbert, Nov. 3, 1863. Wright Brownell, Nov. 3, 1863. Charles T. Bonney, Nov. 3, 1863. Ebenezer L. Foster, Nov. 8, 1864. William Bosworth, Nov. 8, 1864. Cornelius Howland, Nov. 8, 1864. Wright Brownell, Nov. 8, 1864. Nathaniel Gilbert, Nov. 8, 1S64. Ebenezer L. Foster, Nov. 7, 1865. William Bosworth, Nov. 7, 1865. Elijah H. Ohisholm, Nov. 7, 1865. Isaac H. Coe, Nov. 7, 1865. Joshua C. Stone, Nov. 7, 1865. Elijah H. Chisholm, Nov. 7, 1866. Oliver H. T. Browne, Nov. 7, 1866. Joshua C. Stone, Nov. 7, 1866. Isaac H. Coe, Nov. 7, 1866. Oliver H. P. Browne, Nov. 6, 1867. Joseph W. Cornell, Nov. 6, 1S67. James B. Wood, Nov. G, 1867. William H. Reynard, Nov. 6, 1867. Samuel S. Paine, Nov. 4, 1868. Rodney French, Nov. 4, 1868. John A. P. Allen, Nov. 4, 1868. Jethro C. Brock, Nov. 4, 1868. Samuel S. Paine, Nov. 8, 1869. Rodney Freuch, Nov. 8, 1869. John A. P. Allen, Nov. 8, 1869. Elijah H. Chisholm, Nov. 8, 1869. Josiah Bonney, Feb. 15, 1870. Joseph W. Cornell, Nov. 10, 1870. Ellis Perry, Nov. 10, 1870. Josiah Bonney, Nov. 10, 1870. Elijah H. Chisholm, Nov. 10,1870. Ellis Perry, Nov. 8, 1871. Joseph W. Cornell, Nov. 8, 1871. Thomas B. Tripp, Nov. 8, 1871. Isaac I>. Hall, Nov. 8, 1871. Elijah H. Chisholm, Nov. 5, 1872. Isaac D. Hall, Nov. 5, 1872. Isaac F. Sawtelle, Nov. 5, 1873. William C. Parker, Nov. 5, 1873. Elijah H. Chisholm, Nov. 5, 1873. Cyrus W. Chapman, Nov. 5, 1873. Charles M. Pierce, Nov. 4, 1874. Giles G. Barker, Nov. 4, 1874. Charles R. Tucker, Jr., Nov. 4, 1874. Joseph Buckminster, Nov. 2, 1875. Benj. S. Batcbelor, Nov. 2, 1875. Hosea M. Knowlton, Nov. 2, 1875. Giles G. Barker, Nov. 13, 1876. Joseph Buckminster, Nov. 13, 1876. 116 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Benjamin S. Batchelor, Nov. 13, 1876. Bnfns A. Soule, Nov. 9, 1877. Charles A. Case, Nov. 9, 1877. Israel C. Cornish, Nov. 9, 1877. Thomas B. Hathaway, Nov. 9, 1877. Bufus A. Soule, Nov. 11, 1878. James M. Lawton, Nov. 11, 1878. Andrew Bullock, Nov. 11, 1878. William Sanders, Nov. 11, 1878. James M. Lawton, Nov. 7, 1879. Eben C. Milliken, Nov. 7, 1879. William Sanders, Nov. 7, 1879. Thomas Hathaway, Nov. 7, 1879. A. Edwin Clarke, Nov. 6, 1880. Andrew Bullock, Nov. 6, 1880. Eben C. Milliken, Nov. 6, 1880. James A. Crowell, Nov. 6, 1880. James C. Crowell, Nov. 12, 1881. Orlando G. Bobinson, Nov. 12, 1881. Nov. 11,1882. William A. Scarell, Nov. 11, 1882. James R. Denham, Nov. 11, 18S2. William Gordon, Jr., Nov. 11,1882. 1883 $35,000 1884 41,000 1885 35,000 1886 35,000 18S7 35,000 1888 35,000 35,000 35,000 40.000 40,000 33,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 1897 30,000 1889. 1890. 1891. 1892., 1893. 1894. 1895. 1896. 1898. 1899. 1900. 1901. 1902. 1903. 1904. 1905. 1900. 1907. 1908. 1909. 1910. .. $30,000 .. 30,000 40,000 .. 4o,o(iu 4o,oiiii 40,00(1 4o,ooo .. 40,000 4o,ooo .. 40,000 .. 40.000 .. -10,000 .. 30,000 $1,198,000 City Debt. — The amount of the debt of the city of New Bedford, and the payments to be annually made thereupon, are shown by the following state- ment : The following table shows the amount of taxes levied in this city since 1863, and the rate per thou- sand for State, county, and city purposes; also the number of polls : Year. Valuation of Beal Estate. Valuation of Per- sonal Property. State Tax. County Tax. City Tax. Overlay. No. of Polls. Bate of Tax. 1863 $8,610,200 8,158,500 8,161.800 8,118,30o 8,268,500 8,288,100 8,277,900 8,774,500 9,115,600 10,050,800 11,125,700 11,665,400 11,946,600 12,411,200 12,609,200 12,808,700 12,898,300 13,138,400 13,505,400 14 138,300 $14,496,900.1,0 10,935,100.00 12,171,800.00 13,240,800.00 13,74o,ono.oii 13,508,100.00 14,05^,100.00 14,221,51-1.00 13,844,051.67 13,742,898 00 14,114,364.20 13,846,904.95 14,428,674 00 14,339,002.1 ii ' 13,524,097.iiu 13,137,011.20 12,874,41S.ini 13,137,519.00 13,609,922.' hi 11,240,900.00 $61,632 61,632 92,919 59,310 9S,S"'0 39,540 49.425 49,425 49.425 32,280 36,315 32,280 32,280 26, 24 4 21,870 14,580 7.2011 21,870 21,870 29,160 $22,881.42 19,358.55 19,46185 20,434.95 20,434.95 21,083.67 19,461.85 17,840.02 22,705.48 18,943.65 23,679.57 27,874.24 28,415.48 23,859.86 23,859.86 25,249.76 25.666.72 28,377.03 26,871.30 25,689.88 $159,000 2^5,000 215,000 252,000 200,000 230,000 ■.'S7.000 200,000 293,300 356,000 349,000 354,0(1.1 383, i 387,000 436,200 371,500 386,000 361,250 437,300 434,200 $8,861.43 8,523.05 7,106.35 8,637.10 9,136.30 13,633.03 9,310.15 9,475.20 12,599.52 13,181.96 11,454.46 11 005.10 17,136.07 20,251.49 17,273.46 17,259.61 17,497.36 15,080.89 16,084.49 17,605.64 4875 4508 4578 4658 4647 5004 4906 5151 5333 5577 5780 5930 6226 6651 6562 6729 6891 7028 7025 7345 $10.50 16.00 16.00 15.50 14.50 13.50 15.50 15.00 16.00 17.20 16.20 16.20 17.00 16.60 18.60 16,00 16.40 15.70 18.00 17.50 1864 1805 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1S70 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 War of 1812. — The sentiment of the citizens of New Bedford in relation to this war and its pri- vateering auxiliaries is best expressed by the follow- ing vote, passed July 21, 1814 : " Voted, unanimously, as expressive of the sense of the inhabitants of this town, that inasmuch as we have uniformly disapproved of the impolitic, unnecessary, and ruinous war in which the United States are engaged, we have considered it our duty to abstain, and have scrupu- lously abstained from all interest and concern in sending out private armed vessels to harass the commerce of the enemy, and from all volun- tary acts which appeared to us to have a tendency to prolong the dura- tion, encourage the prosecution, or increase the ravages of the 'unprof jtable contest;' that we have seen with disapprobation several private armed vessels belonging to other ports taking shelter in our peaceful waters, and regret that we have not the authority of law wholly to ex- clude them from our harbor, where they serve to increase our dangers, and to excite tumult, disorder, riot, and confusion. " Voted, unanimously, as expressive of the sense of this town, that private armed vessels, while cruising in various climates and visiting ships and vessels from every country, are extremely liable to contract and receive on board infectious diseases, and that in all such cases there is reason to suspect that such vessels and the persons, baggage, clothing, and goods on board may be infected with some contagious distemper. " Voted, unanimously, as expressive of the sense of the inhabitants of this town, that the safety of the inhabitants thereof requires that any private armed vessel of vessels which shall arrive or be bound into the harbor of New Bedford, from any port or place, shall be required to per- form quarantine during a term of not less than forty days; and that the selectmen and health committee of the town be requested to cause all such vessels to perform quarantine at such places as they shall appoint, under such restrictions ami regulations as they may judge expedient. " Voted, That the privateer called the ' Yankee,' now in this port, be ordered by the selectmen immediately on quarantine ground, to be des- ignated by them, for forty dajs. "Voted, That the town will indemnify the selectmen from all harm which may accrue to them in the execution of their duties in enforcing the quarantine laws, as well in regard to the ' Yankee' privateer as all other vessels. *' Voted, That the following persons be a Committee of Safety, whose business will be to advise and direct in measures that may best secure the peace and safety of the town in case of invasion by an enemy : " Boger Haskell, Samuel Perry, William Hathaway, Francis Botch, Bowlaud B. Crocker, James Washburn, Lemuel Williams, Jr., John A. Parker, Lewis Ludlam, Cornelius Grinnell." It was a sad war for this little community, for the commerce of the country was swept from the ocean, and it was upon the ocean alone that the inhabitants of New Bedford depended for support. The losses were heavy and the suffering was great, and there are some who will read this who still retain a vivid recollection of the deprivations which followed the closing of the ocean highways and cruising- grounds to the enterprise and skillful daring of our merchants and sailors. There was, in the summer of 1814. a large detach- ment of the militia of this part of the State ordered to New Bedford for its defense. There were at that time probably a thousand men under arms in the town, including our own military companies. We publish the names of the members of the two New Bedford military companies then on active duty. This we have been enabled to do by an examination of the rosters of the several companies composing the command of Lieut.-Col. Benjamin Lincoln, which were detached for service at New Bedford. The record is very complete. This valuable contribution to our local annals is in the possession of the Free NEW BEDFORD. 117 Public Library, to which institution it was presented by Mrs. Caroline Lincoln Whitridge, tbe daughter of tbe lieutenant-colonel in command, afterwards Maj. -Gen. Benjamin Lincoln. We find but little of incident in this military record. Several courts-martial were beld for desertion and other grave offenses. One poor boy-fifer, who said be did not mean to run away, was sentenced to close confinement during bis term of service, and to have his whiskey stopped. Lucky sentence for the boy! One officer deserted at the first alarm, and a private fled beyond the reach of a squad sent for him. Officers of the Regiment. — Benjamin Lincoln, lieut.-col. commanding; Edward Pope, maj. ; John Coggeshall, maj. of art.; Elislia Tobey, adjt.; William Kempton, q.m. ; Samuel Perry, snrgeon ; Elijah Wilbur, q.m.-aergt. ; Levi Peirce, maj.; Ebenezer Hunt, maj.; Daniel Lane, adjt. art. All of these were of New Bedford, excepting Tobey, Peirce, Hart, and Lane. In Capt. Reuben Swift's company, formed at the " Head of the River," there were the following men from New Bedford: William Swift, 1st sergt. ; Allen Bowen, 3d sergt. ; and Nathaniel Spooner, Lemuel Armsby, Elijah Parker, Jr., Oliver Wolcott, Peter Taber, Cornelius Pope, Samuel Hammond, William Tobey (3d), Samuel J. Tobey, James Wood, John Freeman, Stephen Wing (2d), James Davis, Jr., Joshua Spooner, Stillman Washburn, G. Weston, Micah Spooner, Jr., John Williams, Abraham Reynolds, Asa Crapo, Benjamin S. Hatha- way, Philip Reynolds, privates. This company was stationed at Clarke's Cove, in New Bedford, for the purpose of forming a regular guard around Clarke's Point, from the Cove to the Smoking Rocks. The only New Bedford men in Capt. William Nye's company from Fairhaven were the captain, Loum Snow, and James Taber. Infantry Company. — Roll of Capt. Nathaniel Nelson's company of detached troops, stationed at New Bedford, ordered out by Lieut.-Col. Benjamin Lincoln, June, 1814 : Officers. — Nathaniel Nelson, capt.; Job Gray, Jr. (Fairhaven, sick and did no duty;, lieu t.; George Clark, ensign . . .; Benjamin Warren, 1st sergt.; Gamaliel Hart, 2d sergt.; Nathaniel Perry, 3d sergt.; Thomas Biddell, 4th sergt.; Charles Hathaway, d rill -sergt. ; David Howlaud, James Proud, Robert Tuckerman, Charles Covel, corps. ; Alansou Cas- well, drummer ; Charles Pratt, fifer ; Abner Suule, captain's waiter. Privates. — David Allen, Joseph Wilcox, Josiah L. Bliss, William Tuck- erman, Edward Gardner, Willet Seabury, Joseph Merrett, Nathaniel Bas- sett, Charles Gilbert, Benjamin Hammond, Nye Holmes, Jonathan How- laud, Jr., Elisha Briggs, William W. Kempton, James Babcock, Samuel Proud, Josiah Winalow, Ivory C. Albert, Uriah Head, Perry Jenkins, Russell Wood, Thomas Kempton, William Lane, William Cudworth, Heman Cushman, Oliver Price, Jr., Avery Parker (2d), John Sisson, Thomas Durfee, Stephen Howland, Elisha Clark, Moses Washburn, Thomas Bun-ell, Charles Wood, Stanton Burch, Richard Hill, Stephen West, Jr., John Wadkins, Jonathan Haffords, Benjamin Brownell, David Wilber, Felix Filuel, Ezra Hathaway, . . . Warren Mosher, Noel Taber, John Akin, Benjamin B. Covell, William Bliss, Jr., Michael Randall, Elijah Knap, Tillin'ghast Tompkins, Elihu Mosher (2d), James Haffords (armorer), Merill Hathaway, Israel Smith, Henry Frederick, Hampton Peirce, Gardner Chase, Benjamin Douglas. Total, seventy ; including officers. The preceding company was stationed in New Bed- ford, ready for service at a moment's warning, did fatigue duty, etc. All the members of this company were of New Bedford excepting Lieut. Gray, who was from Fair- haven, Charles Wood, who was from Dartmouth, and the last six named on the list, who were from Free- town. Charles Gilbert was killed by a stupid sen- tinel stationed at the gun -house on Spring Street, near Sixth. He was going the rounds in the night inspecting the posts, and, not answering promptly the first demand for the countersign, he was shot and instantly killed. Artillery Company. — Return pay-roll of Capt. Samuel Stall's company of artillery of the Second Brigade, Fifth Division of Massachusetts militia, sta- tioned in New Bedford, and detached by order of Lieut.-Col. Benjamin Lincoln : Officers. — Samuel Stall, capt. ; Frederick Mayhew, 1st lieut. ; Haydon Coggeshall, 2d lieut.; Thomas Earl, George S.Dunham, Thomas Martin, Jesse Haskell, sergts. ; David Kempton, Thomas Ellis, Peleg Clarke, Watson Ellis, corps. ; George Caswell, drummer; Russell Booth, fifer; John Wrightington, matross. Privates. — Charles Coggeshall, Nathan Perry, Lloyd Howlaud, John Heath, Nash De Cost, Martin Hathaway, Sylvanus Sowle, Ira Caswell, Isaac Kempton, Wing Howland, Josiah Smith, Thomas Maxfield, Abra- ham Peirce, Warren Maxfield, James Cannon, Henry Coffin, Bryant Macomber, Henry Place, Jonathan Gifford, Avery Parker, Smith Stetson, Griffin Berney, Jr., John Reynolds, Barnabas Smith, Ezekiel Tripp, James Howland (3d), Allen Shearman, Edmund Jackson, Joseph L. Jenney, John P. West, Richard West, Isaac Smith. New Bedford, August, 1814. War of the Rebellion. — -New Bedford responded promptly to the country's call in 1861, and on the 19th of April of that year five thousand dollars were appropriated for the benefit of the City Guards, and ten thousand dollars for the formation of a Home and Coast Guard. On the same date the American flag was ordered to be displayed from the City Hall until otherwise ordered. Tbe mayor, aldermen, clerks, and treasurers during the war were as follows: In 1861, Isaac C. Taber, mayor; Warren Ladd, James L. Humphrey, Nathan Lewis, John P. Barker, Matthew Howland, William H. Reynard, aldermen. In 1862, Isaac C. Taber, mayor; Warren Ladd, Bethuel Penniman, Jr., Nathan Lewis, John P. Barker, Matthew Howland, William H. Reynard, aldermen. In 1863, George Howland, Jr., mayor; Warren Ladd, George G. Gifford, Ambrose Vincent, John P. Barker, Matthew Howland, John H. Perry, alder- men. In 1864, George Howland, Jr., mayor; Warren Ladd, George G. Gifford, Ambrose Vincent, John P. Barker, Matthew Howland, John H. Perry, alder- men. In 1865, George Howland, Jr., mayor; Warren Ladd, George G. Gifford, Joseph Knowles, George F. Kingman, Matthew Howland, John H. Perry, aldermen. The city clerk in 1861 and 1862 was San ford S. Horton ; in 1863, 1864, and 1865, Henry T. Leonard. The city treasurer during all the years of the war was James B. Congdon. 118 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. July 15th. A report was received showing that Fort Phoenix, in Fairhaven, and Fort Taber, in New- Bedford, mounting eleven guns, had been manned by the Home Guard, and recommendingan additional ap- propriation to maintain the same ; and on the 29th of July five thousand dollars was appropriated. September 5th. The mayor was authorized to or- ganize one or more companies " for the national army," the bounty to each member not to exceed fif- teen dollars. November 20th. Fifteen hundred dollars was ap- priated for State aid to soldiers' families. December 15th. Five thousand dollars was appro- priated for the payment of soldiers' bounties. 1862, January 3d. A report was made that three companies of volunteers for three years' military ser- vice had been organized. January 4th. This being the close of the munici- pal year, a report and resolution complimentary of the outgoing mayor, Hon. Isaac C. Taber, were unani- mously adopted. July 10th. Seven thousand five hundred dollars was appropriated to establish a general hospital for sick and wounded soldiers, provided the general gov- ernment should " decide to locate one in this city." Voted, To pay a bounty of one hundred dollars to each volunteer who enlists for three years' military service, to the credit of the city. Twenty-six thou- sand dollars was appropriated to pay the same. The use of the spacious city almshouse, capable of accom- modating three hundred sick and wounded soldiers, was offered to the general government, which offer was respectfully declined. August 18th. The bounty to volunteers was in- creased to two hundred and fifty dollars ; and twenty thousand dollars was appropriated to pay the same. August 29th. Voted, To pay a bounty of two hun- dred dollars to each volunteer for nine months' ser- vice. Twenty-five thousand dollars was appropriated to pay said bounties. October 21st. A further appropriation of five thou- sand dollars was made for the Home and Coast Guard, and twenty thousand for military bounties, which, on the 13th of December, was Increased by a loan of twenty-six thousand dollars. 1863, February 26th. The City Council adjourned " for the purpose of paying their respects to Governor Andrew and Gen. Wool at the City Hall." March 4th. State aid was directed to be paid to the families " of colored citizens who shall be mustered into the service of the United States." April 9th. Two hundred dollars was authorized to be expended on the enlistment of a company of heavy artillery, which, on the 21st of May, was increased to one thousand dollars. July 15th. " A watchman was discharged for using seditious language." July 30th. State aid was directed to be paid to the families of drafted men. " Ordered, That the bell be rung and a salute be fired on the day of the public thanksgiving on the 6th of August." September 21st. The treasurer was directed to pay the treasurer of the commonwealth $15,450.68, "under the laws in relation to the reimbursement of bounties." 1864, November 17th. Voted, That the poll-taxes of the returned soldiers belonging to New Bedford be remitted. 1865, January 7th. Appropriate resolutions were passed in regard to the death of Hon. Edward Ever- ett, and ex-Governor John H. Clifford was invited to deliver a eulogy on the life and character of the de- ceased. February 7th. The mayor recommended the ring- ing of the bells and the firing of one hundred guns in honor of President Lincoln signing the emancipa- tion proclamation. April 10th. A committee was appointed to make arrangements to celebrate the fall of Richmond and the surrender of Gen. Lee. April 15th. A message was received from the mayor making an official announcement of the death of President Lincoln, and a committee was appointed to consider and report upon the proper measures to be taken in regard to it. The committee reported a series of appropriate resolutions, which were adopted. June 22d. Alderman Gifford presented to the Coun- cil a Confederate flag captured at Charleston, S. C, Feb. 18, 1865, and sent to him by Capt. James W. Grace, of Company C, Fifty-fourth Regiment Massa- chusetts Volunteers (colored). New Bedford furnished about three thousand two hundred men for the war, which was asurplus of eleven hundred and ten men over and above all demands. 1 One hundred and twenty were officers in the mili- tary service. We do not know the number who served in the navy. The whole amount of money appropriated and expended on account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was one hundred and seventy- seven thousand dollars. The amount of money appropriated and expended by the city during the four years of the war for State aid to the families of volunteers, and which was after- wards refunded by the commonwealth, was as follows : In 1861, $5091.52; in 1862, $25,257.29; in 1863, $40,- 146.04; in 1864, $36,500; in 1865, $18,500. Total amount in four years, $125,495.85. The Ladies' Soldiers' Relief Society donated for the relief of the soldiers upwards of twenty thousand dol- lars in money ; in cotton cloth and flannel, four thou- sand dollars ; and in hospital stores to the value of six thousand dollars. The following are some of the articles contributed : Condensed milk, preserved fruits, jellies and pickles, farina, maizeua, tamarinds, lemons, dried apples, tea, coffee, cocoa; 1116 bottles of wine, consisting of sherry, currant, blackberry, and native 1 This large surplus was mainly owing to the act of Congress passed Jul}', 18(34, allowing credits for men serving in the United States navy. NEW BEDFORD. 119 wines, 423 bottles of brandy, 1130 bottles of black- berry brandy and syrups, 345 bottles of Port wine, large contributions for the Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas-trees at Portsmouth Grove Hospital, besides bushels of lint and bandages. The Society for the Comfort and Relief of our Soldiers in Hospi- tals furnished, among other things, 5904 flannel shirts, 3887 pairs of drawers, 4573 woolen socks, 1790 towels, 94 coats, 76 vests, 120 collars, 1000 handker- chiefs, 368 cravats, 314 dressing-gowns, 1836 pocket- handkerchiefs, 300 pants, 148 napkins, 678 pairs slip- pers, 265 woolen mittens, 542 blankets, 515 sheets, 673 pillows, 750 quilts, 988 canes, 1280 woolen un- dershirts, etc. The contributions named above are certainly re- markable, but we have to add that the ladies of New Bedford began early in the war. They held a meet- ing on the 18th of April, 1861, and organized for the work. Mrs. Joseph C. Delano was chosen president ; Mrs. Lawrence Grinnell, vice-president; and Mrs. William Eddy, secretary and treasurer. In addition to the above contributions, five hundred dollars were given by a lady to pay soldiers' wives for sewing. They also sent contributions to the St. Louis and Baltimore Soldiers' Fairs, and furnished tables at the New York and Boston Fairs. List of Soldiers from New Bedford in the war of the Rebellion : ' Z. S. Bearse. Charles Bliss. James C. Bolles. John M. Boling. Joseph P. Bowman. David Bradley. B. F. Burdick. James N. Carroll. Collins Chase. James Clark. James Collins. James Conolly. James A. Davis. Ezra H. Dexter. Benjamin Dnrfee. John Edwards. John Flahaven. James Fleet. John H. French. Josiah Freeman. Charles C. Gitford. Samuel S. Gifford. William Gifford. William A. Masking. John H. Hazard. Frederic A. Hathaway. Sanford Jeuney. William FI. Joseph. William S. Keene. Alfred C.King. Isaiah King. Benjamin F. Lewis. John Linehan. George R. Long. William Lyng. Gilbert A. Look. Andrew K. Slack. Joseph T. Haffoid. David Hammond. William W. Harps. Herbert K. Haskins. Samuel A. Haskell. Irving H. Jenney. Daniel B. Leonard. Henry Lindsey. Lawrence Mackie. Joseph T. Mason. Eben P. Nye. Albert F. Peck. Timothy T. Peck. Joseph Parkinson. Thomas Parlow. Stephen R. Porter. William J. Richmond. William H.Salisbury. Stephen P. Sawyer. Thomas F. Shaw. Charles G. Swasey. Robert W. Taber. James H. Tallman. George A. Taylor. John M. Warren. Stephen R. Young. James Barton. Bethuel Pennimau, Jr. Joseph E. Nye. Theodore A. Burton. John H. M. Babcock. William E. Mason. James L. Sharp. Daniel A. Butler. Charles H. Tobey. James C. Hitch. William Bamer. William Hoffman. Joseph B. Holmes. 1 Contributed by Capt. Frankly u Howland. Abrnm II. Howland. George Jenkins. Abram K. Luscomb. John Mitchell. Frederick P. Mosher. John Muspratt. George Orne. Samuel G. Peckham. James S. Quick. Edward Ryan. Leonard N. Sanford. John W. Smith. James Stiles. Sidney W. Teachman. Philip Tripp. William H. Welsh. Henry W. Briggs. James L. Wilbur. Charles West. John W. Look. Abel Soule, Jr. Simeon Webb. William G. Denham. Andrew Porter. John L. Flynn. Ira P. Tripp. Martin Atkinson. Alfred Albro. Luther Atwood. George H. Allen. David B. Bacon. Barak E. Matthews. Charles H. Maxfield. Edward McCaun. Barney Miner. Caleb P. Mosher. Holder R. Mosher. John Matteron. George F. Packard. Henry K. Paine. George W. Parker. Lewis J. Parsons. Charles C. Pierce. Charles H. Pierce. Lyman C. Perry. Henry B. Pratt. Silas N. Richards. Robert Salisbury. George F. Sisson. William Slocum. John S. Smith. Samuel B. Smith. Samuel K. Spooner. Cornelius G. Taber. Daniel G. Taber. William W. Taylor. James G. Tighe. William A. Tillinghast. George H. W. Tripp. Sylvanus Tripp. Thomas Whitehead. David Wilkie. Richard P. Stowell. William H. Ingraham. Jacob Parkinson. Sidney W. Knowles. William H. Caswell. Isaac A. Jennings. Henry H. Potter. Thomas J. Gifford. Sylvester C. Spooner. Thomas F. Wood. George II. Davis. Charles II . Briggs. Frederic J. Mansfield. William L Bly. Joseph H. A. Kelley. William T. Barker. Adoniram J. Rice. Charles F. Brayton. Lyman G. Taber. Edward G. Tallman. Charles C. Gifford. Charles G. Allen. Stephen P. Almy. Elisha D. Anthony. Isaac D. Baker. William W. Bonney. William B. Bosworth. George P. Brock. Charles B. Burgess. Benjamin P. Cassard. George S. Casnell. Edward P. Clark. Henry W. Clare. William H. Coffin. Thomas S. Dunham. George F. Durfee. Horace M. Ellis. John Flood. Hudson Jack. George W Jenkins. William Lawrence. William II. Linch. John E. Mann. William M. Mann. Charles W. Mendall. Joseph P. G. Munroe. John M. Mosher. Jacob Peiser. Philip B. Purrington. William F. Reynolds. Samuel Rigby. William G. Saddler. Rufus F. Soule. Samuel H. Spooner. Philip M. Topham. Edward C. Tripp. Robert Tuckerman, Jr. Samuel J. Watson. Henry P. Wilcox. William Wilkinson. George R. Hurlbert. William H. Allen. Jonathan W. Davis. Frederic A. Plummer. Joseph C. Brotherson. Andrew Dexter. Henry Kohn. James Weston. Nathaniel A. Booth. James Burns. Benjamin F. Card. George W. Davis. George L. Durfee. Perry G. Groves. Francis Herley. George R. Paddock. Alexander M. Bronnell. Frank H. Kempton. Franklin K.S.Nye. Thomas L. Allen. William N. Angell. William T. Barker. Charles F. Brayton. Leonard Briggs. Jacob Brown. Amasa Bullard. Edward J. Chapman. Isaac S. Chadwirk. Stephen E. Christian. George B. Coggeshall. Benjamin B. Covell, Jr. Charles F. Crane. 120 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Philip M. Crapo. Frederic E. Cushman. Charles M. Dedrick. Luke Dexter. Thomas D. Dexter. Reuben C. Folger. Charles H. Forbes. Enoch N. Grinnell. Gilbert N. Hall. Walter Hanover. John Hargreaves. Savory C. Hathaway. Alfred Hiller. Abner N. Howard. Nicholas E. Howland. William W. Howe. Joseph T. Haffords. Geo. T. Handy. James S. Hathaway. Wm. W. Hatch. Alfred G. Hitch. Charles H. Howland. Thos. Hussy. Wm. M. Jackson. Joseph H. Kelley. Amos P. Lovejoy. John B. Manchester. Fred. Mansfield. Chas. H. Negus. John W. Pierce. Simeon W. Potter. Wm. I. Richards. Thos. C. Bobbins. Chas. C. Simmons. Leander H. Swift. Lyman G. Taber. Thos. D. C. Tripp. Wm. H. Washburn. Benjamiu S. Wilcox. Thos. T. Wood. Philip B. Pennington. Patrick Canovan. Charles H. Walker. Chas. A. Gould. Fred. Hoffman. Thos. Lahey. John Barnett. Patrick Brandon Leander Luce. Leprelate King. Frederic S. Gilford. William 0. Brighain. Thomas L. Hart. John C. Brown. Thomson E. Gummons. James F. Hoyle. William H. Knox. Edward Reichman. George H. Howland. Theodore P. Cronell. Henry Bauinan. Clarence A. Bearse. William Blake. Charles M. Borden. Charles Brown. Dedrick Brown. Frederick W. Bronnell. George Brown. Robert S. Carroll. William Carter. Luther Dennis. George R. Ellenwood. Charles Fales. David Fish. Ralph P. Garratt. Thomas Gaylord. Abram F. Green. Hugo Haase. Ira E. P. Haskiii8. Samuel Haskins. Charles H. Hathaway. Judah Hanes, Jr. Frederic Heiden. Charles Hines. George Hoffman. Ebenezer Howland. Frank Howard. George Lee. William Burke. Patrick Clark. John Donavan. John Gordon. Henry Hammond. George W. Hathaway. Samuel B. Holmes. William A. Jenny. Humphrey S. Mason. Charles H. Oliver. Horatio G. Oliver, Jr. Horace N. Plummer. Samuel J. Rodman. Charles H. Shaw. Matthew Shea. Edward P. Soule. Columbus Stowell. William H. Webb. William S. Cobb. James L. Wilbur. William H. Chase. Roland W. Snow. Thomas H. Hammond. William Eld ridge. George W. Perry. Thomas H. Denham. Charles R. Akin. Charles Alger, Jr. Thomas W. Leonard. John R. Ludlow. James Matthews. Andrew J. McFaden. William Mondt. Henry Murphy. James Murphy. Jerry Murphy. August Nauman. John O'Connell. Horatio A. Palmer. Benjamin T. Peckham. William H. Potter. Walter Powers. Charles Read. Frederic Ricketsou. Weston G. Sabine. William Smith. David Tripp. Holder R. Tripp. James H. Tripp. James Harvey Tripp. Henry Walker. Horace W. Webster. James Webster. Michael Weik. Albinus Williams. Edward Champlin. George H. Chadwick. Joseph W. Clark. Samuel Clark. Henry D. Crapo. Joseph 0. Dickerman. John T. Drew. William H. Dunnam. Henry Fitzsimmons. Michael Flynn. Josiah W. Gardiner. William Greeley. Gardner Groves. Thomas Gunning. William C. Hackett. Joseph Hall. George A. Harlow. John C. Hart. Samuel A. Handy. John F. Hathaway. Joseph R. Hathaway. William Hathaway, Jr. Alhion K. P. Hayden. Richard Heyes. John H. Hodgins. Charles F. Jay. Benjamin F. Kanuse. Robert King. George F. Manchester. David McVey. Robert Miller. Edward Mitchell. Robert Moncrief. Alexander Moor. James Nield. Francis Oldis. Jacob Peacock. Luther Pettey. David B. Pierce. John Pilling. Daniel C. Morey. Thomas Daley. Charles Thomson. Max Eppendorff. John B. Hyde. Robert A. Dillingham. Henry D. Scott. Peleg W. Blake. Mason W. Page. Charles N. Tripp. Charles H. Morgridge. Ephraim B. Nye. Elisha J.Gibbs. Patrick Welch. Joseph W. Clark. James Kay. Lysander F. Remington. Timothy W. Terry. Edward T. Wilson. John Agen. Christopher C. Allen. Charles A. Clark. Anson E. Ferris. Benjamin Graham. Albert F. Miliken. James Winters. Charles D. Barnard. Jacob A. Gilbert. Michael Hewitt. Christopher B. Tripp. James A. Wood. James D. Allen. James W. Baldwin. Lorenzo D. Bronnell. Edwin J. Butler. John Canty. Daniel Carney. Thomas Carney. William W. Carsley. William W. Casnell. Joseph H. Allen. Daniel Besse. Josiah Wood. Edmund H. Fitzpatrick. Timothy Cockery. George Mills. Joseph Smith. Michael Bird. Freeman A. Taber. William D. James. David S. Keene. Ezra K. Bly. William H. H. Booth. Ashton H. Hicks. William Jackson. Henry B. James. Charles Dixon. John Shay. Oliver Warrimer. Lewis Hart. Richard A. Peirce. Otto Bush. John C. Booth. Walter T. Wood. Joseph Head. Henry W. Kennian. James N. Penniman. William Hawes. Charles Flewry. Max Szepett. John Ball. William Porter. James Boyer. James Morris. Gilbert Borden. Joseph Burt, Jr. William H. Topham. Samuel J. Blain. William A. Pinder. James H. Saxon. George Shaw. Benjamin F. Smith. Edward F. Smith. Henry W. Soule. Stephen Townsend. James A. Tripp. Lot Tynan. John Waddington. James L. Warren. Francis P. Washburn. Benjamin West. Charles E. Wheaton. William S. Wilcox. James Aiken. James Sewall. James L. Wilbur. Rowland R. Hillman. Theodore A. Barton. Frank H. Kempton. Albert C. Wilbur. Charles C. Pierce. Sanford Jenney, Jr. William H. Chase. Charles A. Albro. James Albro. Patrick Downing. Stephen C. Gifford. Joseph P. Oilman. William Jones. William H. Joseph. Gilbert A. Look. John E. Mann. Charles F. Purrington. Samuel H. Smith. Elisha C. Tripp. John A. P. Allen. T. Washburn Cook. Edwin Dens. William Cook. Leander A. Williston. William B. Allen. George H. Chase. James E. Childs. Daniel C. Ashley. George D. Davis. NEW BEDFORD. 121 John F. Rubier. John H. Lawrence. William B. Ryder. Clement Allen. Lewis Becker. Raven Bowie. Josephus Birckley. Edward 0. Driscoll. George F. Gibbs. Charles W. Hyde. Richard B. Keating. James Kelley. John Lay ton. Samuel J. Russel. Philip R. Simmons. William S. Tuckwell. Henry C. Russell. John W. Babbitt. Peter Ferrill. Benjamin F. Lewis. Jethro F. Studley. Gilbert D. Gammons. James Ainger. Thomas T. Allen. John Barker. Henry C. Barnard. Reuben C. Barnard. Thomas C. Barnard. William P. Booth. William Braley. George E. Chase. Charles Clement. William W. Cornell. John W. Cornell. Alonzo H. Cox. Frederic S. Dalton. Paidon A. Davis. Jason De Amoral. Charles Delanoe. Thomas Donovan. John Dow. John J. Duffy. Harmon Earles. William Eldredge. Franklin Ellis. John Fanning. Robert Farmer. Silas Fishlocke. Charles Fuller. Michael Green. Calvin p. Hammond. Joshua B. W. Hart, Jr. Charles Harris. Peter Harrington. William E. Harper. Joseph C. Haskins. Benjamin l\ Danes. Isaac B. Holmes. Joshua 0. Holmes. George H. Howard. James H. Hoyt. Charles G. .lav. Herbert A. Jenny. ■•Nathan T. Johnson. John Relley. John Relley (2d). Michael Killion, George A. Wilson, Jr. James Wolfinden. Horace L. Wood. William Wood. Benjamin Yager. Peter Zettick. John Rollock. Henry Taylor. James H. Wood. William Darrals. George H. Elsber. William H. Welch. John C Lewis. William Maxim. John \V. Chalkly. William F. Chase. James Comerly. Herbert L. Ellis. Homer B. Ellis. Llewellyn Fredericks. Lewis T. Gibbs. Lewis L. Gifford. Lorenzo I). Gifford. Perry D. Groves, Ira E. P. Haskins. Bradford Hathaway, Jr. William H. Kempton. Henry G. Kenner. Joseph Lewis. Thomas A. Lewis. William Lane. Thomas W. Lawrence. John Lowrey. Hiram N. Macomber. John Martin. William T. Martin. Peter Macdonough. Michael McGrath. John T. T. McRenzie. Albert S. Morse, Jr. William Mosher. John B. Peckham. Nath. B. Peckham. Samuel G. Peckham. Thomas H. B. Peckham. Luther Petty. Charles E. Phelps. Eli W. Pierce. Lucius S. Raymond. William F. Raymond. George F. Reynolds. John Ricker. Philip Riley. Charles H. Simmons. Thomas Sutton. Frederic T. Spooner. Edward G.Taber. William H. Thatcher. William Thompson. James Tucker. Alexander Turner. Andrew H. Viual. Thomas H. Wallace. James H. Petty. James Place. Charles V. Potter. Samuel J. Rodman. Charles II. Shepard, Sydney M. Teachman. William M. Webb. Edward T. Ryder. Samuel E. Hart. Isaac H. Coe. Silas N. Richards. Rufus D. Hills. Lucius H. Morrell. Horatio Wood. William T. Soule. Leopold Bartol Cyrus A. Richmond. Charles G Baker. Orville Bassett. Edwin Bryant. Henry I>. Edwards. Smith M. Lie. Barney Minier. Joseph W. Robert-oii. Frank M. Rogers. Charles C. Roock. Albert F. Shaw. Benjamin F. Soule. Charles C. Swain. Edward Tyrell. Ephraim H. Pinney. John Hennessy. Edward Barrett. Charles C. Brown. Andrew Fuller. William Keogh. Augusius McMann. John Shannon. John Sheridan. Alexander Young. Charles H. Addison. William B. Brown. James McDonnell. James Healey. James Peterson. John Spencer. Frank L. Hill. William A. Winton. Anthony Ruthill. Charles Berger. Henry Brann. George Dean. John Holliday. Jacob L. Kuhn. David Morris. William McCaully. Michael Smith. Richard Ray. Alexander Brown. John Cassie. Theodore Franchia. Edward McGinnis. John Murphy. James Rogers. Henry Ellis. Louis Pushee. Francis P. Rane. Alexis Dubril. John Lombard. Charles Bauer. John Berg. Charles Curk. Jeremiah Donney. John Jones. John McCarthy. Henry McElroy. Charles Smith. Thomas Stapleton. Benjamin Weutworth. William Flynn. James Burke. Charles F. Dubard. William Hunkin. Otis A. Ring. William II. Macomber. Thomas Tracy. John D. Whitehall. Frederic Cassie. William Ford. Henry Roach. John Smitherman. John \V. llervey. Eliphalet 11. Robbins. Charles F. I lowland. John A. Bates. George W. Allen. Nathan I>. .Maxfield. George E. Weaver, ('buries G. Wilson. Eden C. Adams. Francis II. Backus. Andrew P. Bismore. Charles R. Booth. Augustus 1). Briggs. Henry R. Butts. James N. Carroll. William Clymonts. Sylvester Awlyn. Michael Conway. George H. Coon. Charles B. Douglass. Lowell E. Edson. Bernard T. Garland. Charles F. Gifford. William S. Haskfns. William Hathaway. William H. Hicks. Michael Sally. Joseph N. Sanders. Samuel N. Leonard. Charles A. Line. Frederick Lyng. William Lyng. Francis Maxwell. William McCloskey. James Mohan. Timothy F. Murphy. Joseph E. Oliver. Leander Perry. Abncr S. Potter. John H. Richards. Michael Smith. William P. Soule. Dennis Sullivan. William H. Taber. Stephen W. Tallman. Daniel D. Tripp. Charles F. Tillinghast. Charles H. Tripp. Joseph H. Tripp. Paul B. Warren. Henry Watson. James Watson. William H. Weaver. John Welch. Thomas Welch. Charles D. Whittemore. Francis R. Young. Edward Johnson. Charles P. Casmire. William S. Maxfield. Harrison G. Nye. Andrew J. Sherman. Thomas G. Tillinghast. Seth A. Wilcox. Alphonso C. Braley. Andrew J. Francis. George W. Hood. Thomas 11. Nolan. William J. Powell. Almade R. Smith. William Almy. John A. Bates. Charles H. Bouncy. Abraham E. Borden. George C. Brlghtman Charles Carpenter. Michael Carter. John Cashin. Isaac H. Cook. George W. Davis. Lafayette Dean. William H. Eaton. Samuel E. Gabriel. Nathan S. Gibbs. William C. Gidley. Simon Handy. George L. Hathaway 122 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Henry Heintz. Stephen G. Jordan. John Lee. Stephen H. Leonard. Square H. Luce. Simeon Macomber. Daniel McCarter. Hugh McDevitt. Edward Murphy. George W. Bray. Charles Clarke. Henry W. Davis. William Granville. Henry Hester. Timothy Kilbragh. John Murphy. John Sheffner. John Sweeney. John Wilson. Edward Anson. John Dodge. Frank Green. John Hartwig. John P. Vinal. George W. Howland (2d). William H. P. Brownell. Job H. Gifford. Henry N. Coburn. John J. Colwell. Hugh McDonald. James K. Pritchard. Charles N. Wood. Benjamin H. Arnold. Patrick Carroll. Monroe Holcomb. William H. Heath. Robert S. Joiner. Michael Leonard. William E. Manchester. William F. Peckham. John A. Keyes. William J. Slocum. John Smith. Benjamin F. Soule. Charles B. Jones. Andrew W. Russel. Thomas D. Crocker. Eben P. Nye. George S. Palmer. Samuel C. Raymond. Edward K. Richards. Michael Rogers. William H. H. Booth. William H. H. Allen. Edward K. Bly. Joseph Head. Charles G. Macy. William T. Rodgers. William Driscoll. J. M. Penniman. Thomas Ash. Tisdale Atwood. Edward Boyd. William II. Coblin. Frank Doyer. John Doyer. John Hawkins. John Henry. Lawrence Harding. George W. Jennings. Thomas Jennings. Dennis Moriarity. William Newton. William Olin. Charles H. Phillips. Thomas Pittsley. Charles H. Nye. Henry A. Wilcox. Erastus M. Coombs. Frank Andrews. Matthew Baker. Luther Blake. George F. Booth. John Bryant. N. P. Burnham. William F. Oasside. William II Conklin. John E. Croacher. ThomaB Curran. Frank Davi-. Jacob Doremns. Alfred C. Dunham. Robert H. Dunham. Andrew Hall. Dudley C. Hathaway. John Henry (2d). Henry W. Kenyon. Edward F. Knowles. Albert F. Manly. John McGowen. Bernard McKenna. Samuel Morrill. John Mulligan. Francis H. Noons. Isaac Raids. Thomas M. Read. James T. Shepherd. Daniel B. Smith. Francis Spooner. Andrew B. Turner. Henry J. Williams. Ashton Hicks. Joseph Whalen. James Bennett. Josiah W. Coggeshall. James Sullivan. Christopher C. Gifford. Benjamin H. Arnold. Henry L. Bosworth. Thomas Huges. John Hoffer. John Kelley. Dennis Lourney. George P. Macomber. Albert Negus. Alexander Negus. Franklyn Nye. William C. Taylor. John Turner. William Wise. James May. John McDonald. Frank Miller. Edward Pryor. Edward T. Ryder. Richard P. Stowell. Francis L. Gilman. Samuel Spencer. John F. Beckdon. Charles A. Dudley. Isaiah King. William Leva. Henry Power. George Young. Thomas Clymonts. Patrick Burke. Timothy Ingraham. Sanford Almy. William Ingraham. Cyrus M. Vaugn. John W. Footman. James H. Leaverns. William S. Norton. Louis N. Phillips. Charles F. Remington. Isaac W. Sekell. William W. Sekell. George W. Thurston. Ambrose H. Tripp. Edmund G. Welch. Horatio C. Wheaton. Frederic J. Wilcox. Zeno K. Wood. Zachariah Booth. John C. Bean. Samuel W. Dow. William T. Gifford. Wilhelm Hewer. Edward Keffe. Daniel F. Leary. Lewis P. Luce. John Neville. Thomas Norton. George Thomas. Berand Van Hamingen. Luscomb Sisson. Edward Stewart. William C. Sullivan. Luther Nelson. Samson Pew. Miles Carter, Jr. William S. Jackson. Edward Gallagher. Michael Coffee. John D. Denison. Jeremiah Murphy. Thomas Murphy. Thomas Roach. George Mahan. Charles Marcy. William S. Sherman. Eugene Sullivan. James F. Aton. Charles Cook. Frederic Karcher. Henuon 0. Schieferdecker. George Vogel. Henry Urban. William N. Booth. Lot Tripp. David Brown. Alexander Aiken. Daniel W. Borden. James R. Brown. John B. G. Haskins. Hiram V. Howard. Joseph J. Jennings. George Lucas. Michael Megee. Edward Murphy. John E. Murphy. William D. Perry. Henry Place, Jr. Albert Shuman. Matthew Smith. James Smith. James Sullivan. James G. Warren. Francis A. Wheeler. Levi Whitcomb. Herbert Handley. Reuben H. Waite. Joseph Yeager. Frank A. Bemenher. Ezra D. Chase. Edward G. Gilman. Charles H. Hunt. George Simpson. William Breslcn. Albert C. Maggi. Charles L. Thompson. Joshua B. Bowman. Frederick W. McCleare. Charles R. Atkins. Joseph Jager. Timothy Corkery. Dennis Donovan. William Bepuhs. Patrick Gary. James Condon. Patrick Flynn. John Hogan. Keron McAvoy. William Roxburg. John A. Stewart. Charles E. Robertson. George A. Alexander. Charles E. Bosworth. Peter Harrington. John Clark. Thomas Clifford. Josiah W. Coggeshall. William H. Concklin. John Mahall. Nathan P. Pike. Luke Miller. Felix Owens. John White. Charles (j. Pierce. Atien Duprey. Charles Fleurry. Joseph S. Howland. Preston 0. Smith. John Q. Alley. Edward C. Pew. John Murray. Cornelius Howland, Jr. Samuel P. Hart. William G. Davis. Anthony Lang. Isaac C. Hart. Walter D. Keith. William D. Adler. Elishup P. Allen. Thomas Wilson. John Brown. George F. Lincoln. Albert F. Bullanl. Benjamin Hillman. Henry Hillman. David B. Angell. Edward J. Anthony. John P. Brenning. Sylvanus A. Gifford. George E. Hawes. Gilbert M. Jennings. Silas C. Kenney. Otis B. Phinney. James H. Albro. William Bentley. Joseph H. Bly. William Bosthoff. George Crabtree. Henry K. Wing. John A. Wing. Elisha Doane. James F. Chipman. Peter C. Sears. Charles B. Walker. Charles H. Nye. Israel Smith. Samuel Kerchew. George Oerhlein. Henry Hill. Thomas A. Cushman. Octavius C. Smith. James H. Wrightington. Jacob Almy. NEW BEDFORD. 123 Robert Black. William A. Sweeney. William A. B. Wilson. William S. Rceny. Benjamin F. Caswell. William R Clark. James H. Cox. Thomas B. Cowing. Allen B. Dunbar. William A. Dunbar. Isaac Gifford. George B. Hathaway. George Head. Henry S. Hines. John P. Wood. Lathrop R. Howland. Charles F. Jennings. Edward Kelley. Patrick Riley. Samuel R. Luscomb. James McGowan. William Oesting. John O'Neil. Harrison A. Rogers. William G. Saddler. Samuel H. Taber. William G. Tripp. Charles P. Wardell. Martin Waters. James Y. Williams. George R. Hnrbert. Preserved Bullock. Thomas S Potter. Henry J. Rumville Christian M. Schultz. George Smith. George K. Smith. Ellery Bassett. Timothy Ingraham. William L. Rodman. Thomas R. Rodman. Albei t F. Bullard. Timothy W. Terry. Charles F. Shaw. John F. Vinal. Timothy Ingraham, Jr. George D. Bisbee. William C. Thomas. Warton A. Williams. William H. Gray. William H. Carney. Wesley Furlong. George H. Lee. James H. Buchanan. George Delavan. David S. Fletcher. James H. Gording. William D. Kelley. Alexander H. Johnson. Henry A. Munroe. John Blackburn. Joseph R. Campbell. Noah Craig. Francis Demong. James Downing. Lewis A. Teachwood. Joseph Lee Hall. Charles H. Harrison. Cornelius Heneon. John H. Harrison. Robert Lawrence. Samuel Lav ton. Joshua B. Bowman. William G. Davis. Isaac C. Hart. William D. Alder. Allen Almy. Joseph A. Bullard. Edward P. Cowing. Walter D. Keith. Rowland L. Hillman. Freeman C. Luce. Alvin 0. Smith. Charles L. Thompson. Henry K. Wing. Theodore S. Besse. Obed. N. Briggs. Frederick P. Clark. Charles A. Davis. George S. Doten. William H. Fisher. William G. Howard. Peleg Macomber. Henry F. Sherman. Norbert V. Weaver. George G. Coffin, Jr. David B. Bacon. John Battles. James C. Bolles. William D. Budlong. John Cambridge. Wright Carpenter. Charles Cavanaugh. Phineas K. Clark. Lewis H. Coble. Judson W. Daniels. Thomas S. Dean. Isaac C. Fisher. John II. Fiench. Charles H. Gibson. Joseph L. Glines. Nathaniel H. Green. Daniel L. Hathaway. Philip S. Hatch. Alexander H. Hillman. Charles Holland. Calvin Howard. William G. Hazard. Albert P. Jenney. Ezra T. Jenney. Edward F. Jennings. W. H. H. Jeunings. Samuel Johnson. Henry G. Kingman. Patrick Lacy. Noah J. Lake. Henry B. Leach. George P. Macomber. John N.Mitchell. Artemas Morse. Patrick Ormond. Isaac S. Peckham. Samuel Pierce. Charles H. Pohle. Walter A. Potter. James Ramsdell. Wilson Reynolds. Joseph F. Roberts. Melvin Sawyer. Charles H. Sears. Henry F. Sherman. John S. Southwick. Byron Spencer. William B. Spooner. Benjamin Sprague. George W. Tophum. Jireh is. Tripp. William H. Tripp. Charles V Tucknell. James D. Vaughn. Albert C. Vincent. Leander Washburn. Joseph Watkina. Isaiah H. Wilcox. Emery Phelps. Robert Stevens. Abrani P. Torrence. Joseph T. Wilson. John Wright. Nathaniel Wright. William Cebolt. Thomas H. W. Dadford. William E. Mason. Charles H. Tobey. George M. Jenkins. James Z. Warren. Stephen J. Griffith. Allen Almy. Samuel J. Watson. Robert S. Carrol. Edward J. Chapman. William N. Angel. Charles H. Negus. Nathaniel Bearse. Stephen C. Christian. Thomas D. Crocker. Stephen E. Crapo. Frederic E. Cushman. Amos J. Dunham. Henry M. Durfee. William F. Gifford. William H. Gifford. Franklin S. Gray. Lorenzo Gross. Simeon Handy. William W. Hatch. John II. Hazard. Nicholas E. Howland. Robert B. Hnssy. Charles W. Kempton. Charles F. Knights. Andrew N. Mack. George H. Rogers. Patrick Cannavan. Samuel H. Wilkinson. Daniel 0. Foster. Alden B. Hathaway. Charles H. Oliver. Horatio G. Oliver. John H. Ricketson. Josiah F. Bailey. Joseph B. Holmes. John W. Taber. Charles R. Akin. Martin Atchison. John Duffey. ('haiies H. Benton. George Duffey. Thomas J. Eagleton. John Forsyth. John Gallaghan. Franklin L. Hull. Benjamin K. Jenney. William A. Jenny. John T. Kennedy. George F. Manduster. William H. Maxery. John Moor. George T. Parnell. John Watkins. Nathaniel B. Whipple. Thomas Wright. James Egerton. James Holmes. George S. Howard. Nathan H. Johnson. Nathan J. Knight. Thomas Lapham. James M. Law ton. Albert H. Nj e. James Ryan. Charles F. Shaw. William C. Thomas. Leander A. Tripp. Robert Willis. Isaac J. Watts. George M. Jenkins. Augustus L. Marshall. Roll of Honor.— The following is a list of the names of the volunteers in the army and navy who died in the service of their country during the Re- bellion of 1861-65 : Akin, Charles R., musician, 4th Regt. Cav., Co. B. ; died of disease Feb. 10, 1865, at Fortress Monroe. Akin, James F., 13th Bat.; died in Chesapeake Hospital, Hampton, Va., Nov. 12, 18G3. Albro, James H., 2d Regt. Heavy Art.. Co. E; died of fever in Newberne, N. C, Oct. 8, 1864. Aldrich, Albert J., Corp., 30th Regt., Co. D; died in camp opposite Vicks- burg July 19, 1862. Allen, Frederick S., corp., 20th Regt., Co. G ; died Oct. 25, 1862. of wounds received at Antietam ; grave at Linden Grove Cemetery, Westport. Andrews, Frank, 18th Regt., Co. A ; died at United States General Hos- pital at Windmill Point, Va., Feb. 10, 1863. Baker, Charles G., 1st Regt. Cav., Co. K ; died at home Sept. 4, 1862, two months after being discharged ; grave in Rural Cemetery. Barry, William (of Rochester?), 18th Regt., Co. C; killed at Rappahan- nock Station, Nov. 7, 1863. Bartlett, John E , 1st Rhode Island Regt., Co. F; died at Beaufort, N.C., June 29, 1862. Bean, John C, 3d Regt. Cav., Co. C; died at Baton Rouge, La., July 5, 1863. Bearse, Zaehariah T , 3d Regt. Cav., Co. I; died at home Aug. 9, 1864; grave in Oak Grove Cemetery. Bentley, William, 38th Regt., Co H. ; died at New Orleans, La., June 4, l>sr,:;. Blain, Samuel J., 1st lieut., — Regt. U. S. Colored Troops; died at Flor- ence, S. ('., about Nov. 1, 1864. Blake, Luthan, 18th Regt., Co. A; killed at battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862; monument in West Cemetery. 124 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Blake, Peleg W., 1st lieut., 5th Batt. ; killed near Petersburg June 18, 1864; grave in West Cemetery. Blood, Thompson B. (of Chelsea?), 18th Regt., Co A; died in rebel prison at Andersonville, March 24, 1864. Bly, Joseph H., 38th Regt., Co. H ; died at Satterlee Hospital, Phila- delphia, Nov. 10, 1864, of wounds received at Cedar Creek, Oct. 19, 1864; buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. Booth, Charles R. , 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A ; died at Port Hudson, La , of wounds Dec. 2, 1863; grave in Oak Grove Cemetery. Booth, George F., 18th Regt., Co. A; died at Hall's Hill, near Washing- ton, Jan. 4, 1862. Booth, John O, 32d Regt., Co. C; died in prison at Richmond, Va., Dec. 4, 1863. Borden, Abraham E., U. S. Signal Corps; died on board gunboat " Sa- chem," Sept. 8, 1803; grave in Rural Cemetery. Borden, Daniel W., 20th Regt., Co. D; killed Dec. 13, 1862, at Freder- icksburg, Va. Bosworth, Henry L., Jr., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. C ; killed near Winchester, Va, Sept. 19, 1864; grave in Riverside Cemetery, Fairhaven. Boyd, Edward, 18th Regt., Co. A; died at Andersonville Nov. 14, 1864. Briggs, Augustus D., 3d Regt. Cav , Co. A ; died in Camden Street Hos- pital, Baltimore, Nov. 14, 18G4, of wounds received at Cedar Creek. Briggs, Obed N., corp., 23d Regt., Co. D; killed at Cold Harbor June 3, 1864. Brockdon (Beckdon on official list), John F., 5th Regt. Cav., Co. D; died on board transport "J. K. Barnes" Sept. 22, 1865. Brown, Charles A., alias Charles Besse (of Truro ?), 20th Regt., Co. A; died at Danville prison Dec. 7, 1864. Brown, George H., 32d Regt., Co. H ; died at Richmond, Va., Feb. 13, 1864. Brown, John C, capt., 73d Regt. U. S. Colored Inf., Co. G; died on bat- tle-field at Blakely, Ala., of wounds received while assaulting the enemy's works, April 10, 1865. Bryant, John, 18th Regt., Co. A ; killed at battle of Fredericksburg Dec. 13, 1862. Bryant, William F. (of Rochester?), 38th Regt., Co. II; died at Baton Rouge Sept. 30, 1863. Buchanan, James H., corp., 54th Regt., Co. C; killed at Olustee, Fla., Feb. 20, 1864. Burke, Thomas, 3d Regt. Cav., Co. L; died at Baton Rouge, La., July 2, 1863. Campbell, Joseph R., corp., 54th Regt., Co. C ; killed at Fort Wagner July 18, 1863. Canty, John M., 5th Batt.; died July 8, 1863, of wounds received at Get- tysburg ; buried July 29, 1863, in Catholic Cemetery. Carroll, Patrick, corp., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A ; died at Washington Aug. 6, 1864; grave in Catholic Cemetery. Caveuaugh, Charles, 23d Regt , Co. D; died March 26, 1862, of wounds received at Newberne. Chapman, Thomas W. (of Acushnet?), 29th Regt., Co. D; died in Ken- tucky Sept. 22, 1862. Chase, Ezra D., 20th Regt., Co. G; killed at Cold Harbor, Va., June 9, 1864. Chase, William T., 3d Regt. H. Art., Co. F; died at Fort Wagner, D. C, Dec. 10, 1864; grave in Rural Cemeterj'. Christian, Stephen C, corp., 58th Regt, Co. E; killed before Petersburg June 17, 1864; buried Nov. 27, 1864, in Oak Grove Cemetery. Clark, Johnson, asst. surg., 99th N. Y. Regt.; died Dec. 9, 1861. Clough, James, corp., 7th Regt., Co. A ; died in Armory Hospital, Wash- ington, June 18, 1863, of wounds received at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863. Coble, Lewis H., 23d Regt , Co. D ; died at Newberne, N.C., April 14, 1862. Cobum, Harry N., hosp. steward, 3d Regt. Cav.; died Nov. 4, 1863, at Port Hudson. Cole, Charles B., mils., 55th Regt., Co. B; died Dec. 20, 1863, at Folly Island, S. C. Conly. Timothy, 28th Regt., Co. B; killed at Antietam Sept. 17, 1862. Coombs, Erastus M., corp., 18th Regt., Co. A; died at Harrison's Land- ing July 19, 1862. Corcoran (Corkery in official list), Timothy, sergt., 28th Regt, Co. B; killed in battle of Chantilly Sept. 1, 1862. Crane, Charles F., 3d Regt., Co. E ; died at Newberne Jan. 29, 1863. Crapo, Henry D., 5th Batt.; killed at Bottom Bridge, Va., June 8, 1864. Crapo, Stephen E., Corp., 58th Regt, Co. E; killed near Spottsylvania Court-House May 12, 1864 ; grave in Rural Cemetery. Davis, William F. (quota of Lawrence) ; died at Andersonville, Ga., Oct. 28, 1864. Dennison, John, 9th Regt., Co. C; died at Mount Pleasant, Washington, D. O, Nov. 7, 1863. Devoll, Charles F., 13th 111. Regt.; died at Nashville, Tenn., June 2, 1864; grave in Rural Cemetery. Dixon, Charles, 55th Regt, Co. D ; died at Beaufort, S. 0., June 16, 1865. Douglass, Charles B., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A ; wounded in action, Plane's Store, La , Nov. 29, 1863; died next day. Downing, Patrick, 2d Regt. II. Art, Co. E; died at Newberne, N. C, June 6, 1864. Dunham, Amos J., 58th Regt., Co. E; died at Annapolis Oct. 28, 1864; grave in Oak Grove Cemetery. Dwyer, Timothy, 28th Regt., Co. H.; killed at Fredericksburg Dec. 13, 1862. Eagan (Akin in official list), Alexander, 20th Regt, Co. D; killed at Get- tysburg July 3, 1863; grave in Rural Cemetery. Edson, Lowell M., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A; died at Baton Rouge July 28, 1863; grave in Oak Grove Cemetery. Elliott, Joseph, 3d Regt. Cav., Co. C; killed near Alexandria, La., May 1, 1864. Fitzsimmons, Henry (quota of Middleborough), 58th Regt., Co. K; died in Baltic, Conn., August, 1867, of wounds received at Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865 ; grave in Catholic Cemetery. Flaherty, John, 2d Regt. Cav., Co. B; died at Fort Ethan Allen, Aug. 30, 1863. Fleetwood, Lewis A., 54th Regt., Co. C; wounded at Fort Wagner July 18, 1863; foot amputated; died in New Bedford after discharge; grave in Oak Grove Cemetery. Foster, Daniel O., q.m.-sergt, 4th Regt. Cav., Co. B; died at Deer Island April 20, 1864. Garlick, Reuben A. (of Dartmouth?), 3d Regt. Cav., Co. H; killed Sept. 19, 1864, at battle of Winchester. Gibson. Charles II , musician, 23d Regt., Co. D; killed on board steamer " Fawn," Sept. 13, 1864, on Roanoke River. Gifford, William H., 58th Regt, Co. E; died in Danville prison, Aug. 14, 1864 ; grave at South Dartmouth. Oilman, Edward G., 1st Regt. Maine H. Art. ; died before Petersburg, Va., Dec. 15, 1865. Gooding, James H., sergt, 54th Regt, Co. C; wounded and taken pris- oner at Olustee, Fla., Feb. 20, 1864 ; died at Andersonville, July 19, 1864. Gordon, Thomas (quota of Cambridge), 28th Regt., Co. D; reported miss- ing in action May 18, 1864. Graham, Edward ; died at Andersonville Oct. 5, 1864. Gray, Franklin S., 58th Regt, Co. E; killed at Cold Harbor June 3, 1864. Gray, John H., 99th New "York Regt., Co. A ; died at Yorktown, Va., Oct. 2, 1863. Hall, Joseph L., 54th Regt, Co. C ; missing at the assault on Fort Wag- ner July 18,1863. Hall, Levi, 4th Regt. Cav, Co. C; killed at St. John's Island July 17, 1864. Handley, Herbert, sergt, 20th Regt., Co. G; killed by a horse in Provi- dence Sept. 8, 1861. Hart, J. B. W., Jr., 6th Co. H. Art.; died at Fort Baker, D. C, Sept. 4, 1864. Harvey, George W., Corp., 33d Regt, Co. I; died at Andersonville prison, Ga., Aug. 30, 1864. Hathaway, John F., 5th Batt. ; died July 14, 1863, of wounds received at Gettysburg; buried in West Cemetery Aug. 5, 1863. Hawes, George E., Corp., 38th Regt., Co. H ; died Dec. 14, 1862, at Hamp- ton, Va. ; grave in Rural Cemetery. Heilman, George, 16th Regt, Co. H; died at Andersonville, Nov. 3, 1864. Heintz, John H., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A ; died at Port Hudson Oct. 1, 1863. Herron, William H., 3d New Hampshire Regt., Co. K ; died at Nash- ville May 24, 1865. Hill, Henry, 1st sergt., 33d Regt, Co. I; killed at Dallas, Ga., May 25, 1864. Hogan, John, 28th Regt., Co. B ; killed at Antietam Sept. 17, 1862. Holmes, James, 58th Regt, Co. H ; died at Baton Rouge Oct. 21, 1863. Howard, George H., 6th Co. H. Art; died in hospital at New Bedford Oct. 24, 1863. Howard, Hiram B., 20th Regt., Co. D ; killed at Gettysburg July 3, 1863. Howland, Charles F., 1st sergt., 41st Regt, Co. A ; died at Baton Rouge, La., Feb. 19, 1863 ; buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. Howland, George W., capt, 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A ; died at home June 6, 1865; disch. April 11, 1865; grave in Rural Cemetery. Howland, Lothrop P., 33d Regt, Co. I; killed at battle of Wauhatchie Oct. 29, 1863. NEW BEDFORD. 125 Hussey, Robert B., 58th Regt., Co. E ; died nt Nantucket while on fur- lough, Nov. 27, 1864. Jackson, William S., 5th Regt. Cav., Co. F; died at Clarksville, Texas, July 15, 1865. Jenney, Sanford, Jr., sergt., 2d Regt. II. Art., Co. E; died at Newberne, N. C, May 4, 1864; buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. Johnson, Edward, sergt., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. C ; killed in action at Alex- andria, La., May 1, 1864. Jones, Charles, Corp., 18th Regt., Co. II ; died in New Bedford March 31, 1864. Joyuer, Robert S., 18th Regt., Co. F; taken prisoner at battle of the Wilderness, May, 1S04; died in rebel prison at Millen, Ga. Kauuse, Benjamin S., 5th Batt. ; killed before Petersburg June 18,1864; buried in West Cemetery. Keen, David S., 29th Regt., Co. D; died at Crab Orchard, Ky., Oct. 19, 1863 ; grave in Oak Grove Cemetery. Kempton, Charles G., 38th Regt., Co. H ; died at University Hospital, New Orleans, April 25,1863. Eenney, Silas C, corp., 38th Regt., Co. H; killed at Port Hudson June 14, 1S63. Killian, Michael, 6th Co. H. Art. ; died at Fort Baker, Washington, Aug. 22, 1864. King, Leprelate, 4th Regt., Co. K ; died at Brashear City June 11, 1863. Kingman, Homy ('. (quota of Rochester), 23d Regt., Co. D; died in Libby Prison Aug. 6, 1864, of wounds received at Drury's Bluff. Kubler, John F., sergt., 3d Regt. H. Art., Co. B ; died at Sanitary Com- mission Hospital, Washington, Nov. 13,1864; grave in Rural Ceme- tery. Lally, Michael, 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A ; died of wounds at Winchester, Va., Nov. 7, 1864. Landers, Joseph N., 41st Regt., Co. A ; died at Baton Rouge, La., March 20, 1863. Lawrence. George II., 3d New Hampshire Regt., Co. E ; killed at Morris Island July 27, 1863. Lawtou, David, 2d Regt. H. Art., Co. F ; died Nov. 15, 1864, at Newberne, N. C. Leavens, James H., sergt., 18th Regt., Co. A; killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863. Lee, John, 41st Regt., Co. A ; died at home June 11, 1863 ; buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. Lemunyon, Luther W. ,26th Regt., Co. G ; died at New Orleans Oct. 25, 1863. Leonard, Stephen H., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A ; died Sept. 24, 1864, at Win- chester, Va., of wounds received September 19th. Leonard, Thomas W., 47th Regt., Co. D ; died at at Camp Parapet, Car- rollton, La., July 15, 1863. Lines, Samuel, 24th Regt., Co. F ; killed at Newberne, N. C, March 14, 1802. Look, Gilbert A., 2d Regt. H. Art., Co. E; died in Newark, N. J., June 8, 1864. Louden, Edward (quota of Westport), 22d Regt., Co. G; died at Ander- sonville, Ga., Oct. 11, 1864. Low, Robert A., 55th Regt., Co. B ; died at Boston Jan. 5, 1864. Lucas, Charles A., sergt., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A ; died at Port Hudson, La., Nov. 30, 1863; grave in Oak Grove Cemetery. Lucas, George F., 20tb Regt., Co. D ; killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, 1S63. Luce, Lewis P., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. C ; died at Baton Rouge, La., Aug. 20, 1863. Luce, Nathaniel R., musician, 6th Co. H. Art.; died at New Bedford Feb. 2'.'. 1864. McDevitt, Hugh, 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A ; killed at Winchester, Va., Sept. 19, 1864. M I iowau, John, 2d Regt. H. Art., Co. H ; died at Andersonville prison June 2"., 1864. Mark, Andrew N., 58th Regt., Co. E; killed at Cold Harbor June 3, 1864; grave in Rural Cemetery. Macy, Charles G., 18th Regt., Co. I ; died at Andersonville, Ga., Sept. 1, 1864. Manchester, William E., 18th Regt., Co. F; killed at Bull Run Aug. 30, 1862. Marcy, Charles, 11th Regt., Co. K ; killed May 6, 1864, in the battle of the Wilderness. Marshall, Augustus L., 4th Regt. Cav., Co. E; died Aug. 21, 1864, at Fortress Monroe. Martin, Thomas (<>f California?), 1st sergt., 2d Regt. Cav., Co. K ; killed in action Aug. 27, 1864. Maxim, David, Jr. (quota of Worcester), 3d Regt. H. Art., Co. B; died in Washington March 18, 1865; grave in Oak Grove Cemetery. Maxwell, Luther, 8th Maine Kegt., Co. E; died at Point of Rocks, Md., Oct. 11, 1864. Miller, Luke, 20th Regt., Co. G ; wounded at Gettysburg; died at An- dersonville Oct. 1, 1864. Milliken, Albert F., corp., 5th Batt.; killed at Gaines' Mills, Va., June27, 1862. Morris, William IL, 54th Regt., Co. K ; missing since action of Olustee, Fla., Feb. 20, 1864. Mosher, Philip (of Raynham ?), 4th Regt. Cav., Co. B; prisoner at Gainesville, Fla.; died iu hands of the enemy. Noland, Joseph, 25th Regt. U. S. Colored Troops, Co. H; died at Fort Barrancas, Fla., June 16, 1865. Norton, William S., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A ; died at New Orleans Jan. 29, 1864. Nye, Ephraim B., 2d lieut, 14th Batt. ; killed at Petersburg, Va., March 25, I860 ; buried at Pocasset. Nye, Franklin, 3d Regt. Cav., Co. C ; killed at Port Hudson Nov. 30, 1863. O'Brien, Daniel (of Boston?), 20th Regt., Co. D; killed at Ball's Bluff Oct. 21,1861. Oliver, Charles H., q.m. -sergt., 4th Regt. Cav., Co. B ; died a prisoner at Albany, Fla., Jan. 6, 1865. Oliver, Horatio G., Jr., sergt., 4th Regt. Cav., Co. B; died in hands of enemy at Wilmington, N. C, March 4, 1865. O'Malley, Owen, 7th Regt., Co. H ; died at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. Ormond, Patrick, 22d Regt., Co. D ; supposed to have died at Anderson- ville December, 1864. Orne, George, 3d Regt., Co. F; died Jan. 30, 1863, at Boston. Palmer, George S., 18th Regt., Co. H; died in Farley Hospital, Wash- ington, Nov. 14, 1863, of wounds received at Rappahannock Station ; buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. Pearson, William, 3d Regt. Cav., Co. B; killed at Jackson, La., Aug. 3, 1863. Penniman, James M., 32d Regt., Co. G ; died at Annapolis Feb. 26, 1865. Perry, Oliver H., 157th Penn. Regt. ; died June 20, 1865. Place, Henry, Vet. Res. Corps; died at. Harwood Hospital, Washington, D. C, Jan. 18, 1S64. Potter, Walter A., 32d Regt., Co. D ; killed at Newberne March 14, 1862. Pugh, Sampson, 5th Regt. Cav., Co. D ; died at David's Island, N. Y., Oct. 26, 1865. Records, Lemuel S., 33d Regt., Co. I ; died in hospital at Lookout Valley, Teun., April 1, 1864. Reed, Isaac, 18th Regt., Co. A; died at Florence, S. C, September, 1864. Reichmann, Edward, Corp., 47th Regt., Co. D ; died Sept. 24, 1863. Richmond, Cyrus A., Corp., 1st Regt. Cav., Co. K ; died at home Nov. 1, 1862; grave in Rural Cemetery. Rodgers, William T., 18th Regt., Co. I ; died Sept. 16, 1863, at Newark, N.J. Rodman, William L., lieut.-col., 38th Regt. ; killed at Port Hudson May 27, 1863; buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. Ryan, James P., 38th Regt., Co. H ; died at University Hospital, New- Orleans, June 4, 1863. Sargent, Joseph A., sergt., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A ; died at Annapolis March 12, 1865. Scannell, John, 9th Regt., Co. K; died of wounds July 1, 1862. Sears, Charles IL, 23d Regt., Co. D ; died at Newberne Jan. 1, 1863, of wounds received in the battle of Whitehall Dec. 16, 1862 ; grave at South Dartmouth. Sekell, Isaac W., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A ; died at Chestnut Street Hospital, Philadelphia, Jan. 12, 1865. . Shepherd, Eugene (quota of Chelsea) ; died at Nashville, Ten n., January, 1865. Shepherd, James P., 18th Regt., Co. A ; died at West Philadelphia July 18, 1863, of wounds received at Gettysburg; buried in Rural Ceme- tery. Sherman, William F., 31st Maine Regt., Co. C ; died at Millen, Ga., Oct. 30, 1864. Simmons, Charles II., 6th Co. H. Art. ; died in hospital at Clarke's Point, New Bedford, Oct. 19, 1863. Simpson, George, 20th Regt., Co. G; killed at Ball's Bluff Oct. 21, 1861. Smith, James, 20th Regt., Co. D; died Dec. 20, 1862. Smith, Matthew, 20th Regt., Co. D ; died Dec. 11, 1862, at Falmouth, Va. 126 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Smith, Michael, 3d Kegt. Cav., Co. A ; died at Fort Kearney Aug. 24, 1865. Smith, Octavius C, sergt., 33d Regt., Co. I ; killed at battle of Wau- hatchie, Tenn., Oct. 29, 1863. Soule, Henry W., 5th Batt. ; killed at Gettysburg July 2, 1863; grave in Oak Grove Cemetery. Spooner, Francis, 18th Regiment, Co. A; died at Andersonville, Ga., Aug. 3, 1864. Stowell, Columbus, 4th Regt. Cav., Co. B ; died in prison at Charleston, S. C, Oct. 15, 1864. Swain, Charles B., 1st Regt. Cav., Co. K ; died at Beaufort, S. C, Nov. 4, 1862. Sweeney, William A., Corp., 33d Regt., Co. I ; killed at battle of Resaca, Ga., May 15, 1864. Taber, Samuel H., 58th Regt., Co. E ; died in Danville Prison Hospital Aug. 31,1864. Thatcher, William H., 6th Co. H. Art. ; died at Fort Davis, D. C, June 27, 1864. Thompson, James, 13th Batt. ; drowned at Hampton Roads, Va., Feb. 1, 1863. Tillinghast, Charles F., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A ; prisoner at battle of Cedar Creek ; died in prison at Salisbury, N. C, June 9, 1864 ; monument in Rural Cemetery ; it is not known where his body is laid. Tillinghast, Thomas G., sergt., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A; died at Winchester, Va., Oct. 20, 1864, of wounds received at Cedar Creek; monument in Rural Cemetery; it is not known where his remains were laid. Tin-ell, Charles F., 7th Regt., Co. I ; killed at Fredericksburg Dec. 13, 1862. Torrence, Abraham P., Corp., 54th Regt., Co. C; killed at Fort Wagner July 18, 1863. Tripp, Ebenezer, 20th Regt., Co. G; killed at Ball's Bluff Oct. 21, 1861. Tripp, James H. ,47th Regt., Co. D; died June 4, 1863, at Carrollton, La. Tripp, Jireh B., 23d Regt., Co. D; died in Libby Prison, Richmond, Va., Oct. 14,1864. Tripp, Leander A., sergt., 38th Regt., Co. H; died June 30, 1864, at Mor- gan za, La. Tripp, William H., 23d Regt., Co. D; killed before Petersburg Aug. 16, 1864; grave in Rural Cemetery. Truckwell, Charles F., 23d Regt., Co. D ; died at Newberne May 9, 1862 ; grave in West Cemetery. Turner, Treadwell, 54th Kegt., Co. C; killed at Fort Wagner July 18, 1863. Urban, Henry, 20th Regt., Co. C; died Jan. 7, 1865. Viall, George M. (of Providence?), 41st Regt., Co. A; died at Baton Rouge May 15, 1863. Watson, Samuel J., 2d lieut., 58th Regt., Co. E; died at home Dec. 11, 1864, from want and exposure in Danville prison, Va.; grave in Rural Cemetery. Weaver, Norbert V., 33d Regt., Co. D ; mortally wounded at Cold Harbor June 3, 1864; monument in Rural Cemetery. Welsh, Edmund G., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A ; killed at battle of Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1864. Welsh, William H., 3d Regt. H. Art., Co. D; died at Gallop's Island, Boston Haibor, Sept. 15, 1865; grave in Catholic Cemetery. Whalon, Joseph, 18th Regt., Co. B; died May 6, 1862, at York town, Va. Whitehall, John D., 2d Regt. Cav., Co. I; died at Gloucester Point, Va., March 31,1863. Whitman, Onley A., 7th R. I. Regt., Co. I; died at Baltimore March 30, 1863; grave in West Cemetery. Wilcox, Seth A., sergt., 3d Regt. Cav., Co. A ; died at home May 30, 1864 ; grave in Oak Grove Cemetery. Wilcox, William S., 5th Batt.; died Nov. 28, 1S62, at Falmouth, Va. Williams, Henry J., 18th Regt., Co. A ; died at Sharpsburg, Md., Oct. 17, 1862. Williams, William (quota of Belmont), 55th Regt., Co. K ; died at regi- mental hospital, Folly Island, S. C, Aug. 19, 1S64. Williston, William H., 21st Regt., Co. C; killed at Newberne, N. C, March 14, 1862. Wing, John A., 33d Regt., Co. D ; missing in action May 16, 1864. Winn, Hugh (of Fall River?), 4th Regt. Cav., Co. B ; died at Florence, S. C. Wood, Horatio, q.m.-sergt., 1st Regt. Cav.; died on board steamer "Er- icsson" June 25, 1862. Wordell, Charles P., 58th Regt., Co. E; died in Douglas Hospital, Wash- ington, Aug. 'Al, 1864, of wounds received at the assault upon Peters- burg July 30, 1864. Young, Angus W., 18th Regt., Co. D ; killed at Fredericksburg Dec. 13, 1862. Young, Nathan L., 54th Regt., Co. C ; wounded at Fort Wagner July 18, 1863; died at Beaufort, S. C, next day. Seamen. Almy, Thomas, acting master's mate, steamer " Wachusett ;" killed at City Point, Va., May 20, 1862. Andrews, Manuel, died in Marine Hospital, Chelsea, Sept. 11, 1861. Avila, Elisha N. (quota of Boston), steamer "Benton;" killed at Fort Douelson Feb. 14, 1862 Bly, Horatio T., steamer "St. Louis ;" died of wounds Oct. 17, 1862. Boakim, Emanuel, steward ; killed Aug. 5, 1864. Cornell, John M., steamer " Mound City ;" died March 16, 1864. Coxen, Edward M., died of wounds July 24, 1863. Dandridge, Andrew, cook ; died of disease March 19, 1862. Francis, Isaac, Jr., acting ensign, schooner "Matthew Vassar;" died May 18, 1863. Frates, Antone, killed June 2, 1862. Fuller, James, frigate "Congress;" drowned in Hampton Roads. Gifford, Charles R., killed at Brooklyn Navy-Yard June 20, 1862. Gifford, David S., died of disease Feb. 14, 1862. i lould, John, steamer " Herald ;" killed Oct. 25, 1863. Handy, Joshua J., steamer "Augusta;" died 1862. Harrington, Jeremiah, steamer " Rattler ;" died of gunshot-wounds March 19, 1863. Howes, Alphouso S., gunboat " Sagamore ;" died of disease Sept. 22, 1865, at Marine Hospital, Baltimore. Hullahan, Thomas (quota of Chelsea), died of disease at New Orleans July 24, 1862. Jenney, James T., steamer " Twilight ;" died of disease March 20, 1863, at Beaufort, N. C; grave in West Cemetery. Kemp ton, Silas W., acting master's mate, steamer "Santiago de Cuba;" lost overboard in Chesapeake Bay March 23, 1865. Louis, John, died June 12, 1863. Lucius, Juan, died at Brooklyn May 19, 1865. McCarty, John, died of disease Dec. 8, 1862. Milan, Michael, frigate" Congress;" killed in Hampton Roads March 17, 1862. Milliken, Charles E., first-class boy, killed in Mobile Bay Aug. 25, 1864. Mullany, Philip, died from casualty Jan. 26, 1864. Nugent, Robert N., died at < lharleston, S. C, Dec. 6, 1863. O'Neil, Cornelius, lost in steamer "Cincinnati" March 27, 1863. Ottiwell, Nathaniel D, acting master's mate, steamer "Cambridge;" died off Cape Lookout Sept. 27, 1861; buried at sea; monument in Rural Cemetery. Parnell, James E., steamer " Romeo;" died Aug 13, 1863, on board hos- pital-ship " Red Rover." Peirce, John A., perished on board the " Cumberland" in Hampton Roads, March 8, 1862; grave in Kural Cemetery. Phillips, Edward, died in Marine Hospital, Chelsea, Dec. 19, 1861. Rogers, Reuben G., died of disease Sept. 20, 1862. Scott, John, died of disease Nov. 20, 1861. Standish, William D., steamer " Meteor,"' died Oct. 1, 1864. Taber, Daniel G., blown up in the " Tecumseh," in Mobile Bay, Aug. 5, 1864. Taber, John O, first-class boy ship " Ohio ;" died of disease May 8, 1864 ; grave in Rural Cemetery. Thompson, William, died May 27, 1863. Warren, Alvern S., steamer "Santiago de Cuba;" died of wounds at Norfolk, Va., June 18, 1865. West, William A., died April 15, 1863. Wordell, Gardner R., steamer " Southfield ;'' drowned April 19, 1864. Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument.— The monu- ment erected by the city of New Bedford in memory of her citizens who perished in the Rebellion occupies a prominent situation upon the common. It is a beautiful and appropriate structure. Of the many erections of this character that the gratitude of the living has raised to commemorate the patriotism of the dead, few can be found more tasteful and ap- propriate in design or more perfect in execution. The monument was designed and contracted for by George F. Meacham, of Boston. # yls. c NEW BEDFORD. 127 The inscriptions upon the base are as follows : North Side. " Navy." East Side. " Erected by tin- i 'ity nf New Bedford, as a tribute of gratitude to lier 6ons who fell defending their Country in its struggle with Slavery aud Treason." South Side. " Army." West Side. " Dedicated July 4, 1866." BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. JOHN AVERY PARKER. John Avery Parker was born in the town of Plymp- ton, Plymouth Co., Mass., Sept. 25, 1769, and died at his residence in New Bedford, Mass., Dec. 30, 1853. He was a lineal descendant in the sixth generation from William Parker, who came from England and was one of the first settlers of Scitnate, Mass. In September, 1640, a grant was obtained for the settle- ment of 3Iattakeese, Mass., and in October of that year William Parker, in company with many others from Scituate, settled there. He finally located at Falmouth, Mass., where he continued to reside until his death. He married Mary, daughter of Humphrey Turner, Nov. 13, 1651, and left several sons, of whom Robert Parker was one, and one or more daughters. Robert Parker married Patience Cobb in 1667, and had children, viz.: (1) Thomas, born Aug. 24, 1669; Daniel, born April 18, 1670; Joseph, born 1671 (see biography of Ward M. Parker, of New Bedford); Benjamin, born March 15, 1673-74; Hannah, born 1676; Elisha, April, 1680; and Alice, Sept. 15, 1681. Daniel Parker, of Barnstable, married Mary Loin- bard, Dec. 11, 1689. Their children were Daniel, Nehemiah, Samuel, Jonathan, David, Temperance, Rebecca, and Mary. Daniel Parker was a prominent man in Barnstable, and was known as Judge Parker. He died Dec. 23, 1728. Rev. Jonathan Parker, fourth son of Judge Daniel Parker, was born in Barnstable in 1706, and died at Plympton, April 24, 1776. He was graduated from Cambridge College, aud was ordained in the ministry Dec. 22, 1731. He continued to preach with great acceptance until his death. He was the second minister at Plympton, Mass., a man of more than ordinary ability, and was particu- larly gifted in prayer. He married Ruth, daughter of the Rev. John Avery, of Truro, Mass., in 1732-33. Mrs. Ruth Parker died in Plympton, May 17, 1745, aged thirty years. Of this anion were born Ruth, Jonathan, John Avery, Elizabeth, and Avery. Rev. Jonathan Parker married for his second wife Lydia, daughter of Joseph Bartlett, of Plymouth. She was born Dec. 30, 1722. Their children were Daniel, Lydia, Joseph, Betty, Molly, Thaddeus, Jer- usha, and Harmony. Mrs. Lydia Parker died Aug. 31, 1796. Jonathan Parker, Jr., son of Rev. Jonathan and Ruth Parker, was born in Plympton, Mass., Aug. 16. 1736. Married, Dec. 5, 1765, Abigail, daughter of Dr. Pollycarpus and Mary Loring. She was born Feb. 16, 1742-43. Their children were Oliver, Polly- carpus, John Avery (the immediate subject of this sketch), Ruth, Jonathan, Jacob, and Abigail. Mr. Parker, while playing with his brother Avery, had a knife accidentally thrust into one of his eyes when twelve years of age, and in due time lost the use of his other eye and was totally blind for many years before his death. He continued a resident of Plympton, Mass., where he died Sept. 1, 1822. He was a member of the church at Plympton, and was universally respected. His wife, Abigail, died at Plympton, March 23, 1840, in the ninety-eighth year of her age. At the time of her death she was the oldest person in Plympton, and next to the oldest that ever lived there, Mrs. Abigail Bryant being older. John Avery Parker 6 (Jonathan, Jr. 5 , Jonathan 4 , Daniel 3 , Robert 2 , William 1 ) had very limited advan- tages for an education, but what he had he improved, and by reading and. reflection was well informed in the current events of his day. At an early age he showed signs of financial ability, and manifested a strong desire to engage in some active business, hence began merchandising. In 1795 he formed a copart- nership with Lemuel Milke, of Westport, Mass., who was engaged in building vessels for the merchant service. The firm was known as Milke & Parker. About 1803 they dissolved partnership, when Mr. Parker moved to New Bedford, and located on Middle or Bridge Streets, at the head of North Water, where he continued to reside until he built his own resi- dence, which was in 1841 refitted and enlarged for a hotel, and has since been known as the Parker House. In 1834 he built his palatial residence on County Street, where he passed the remainder of his life. While living in New Bedford Mr. Parker con- tinued to build merchant vessels, at Hick's Bridge, some three or four miles from Westport, under the supervision of his brother-in-law, Levi Standish. Among the vessels built there were the " Phoanix " " W. L. Packet," and " Victory." At and near New Bedford he built the "Young Phcenix," for his son- in-law, Joseph Dunbar; the " Averick," "Parker," "Lalla Rookh," "Alexander Barclay," "Averick Heineken," and many others. These ships were used in the merchant service until they were fitted for the whaling business. About 1823 he purchased a half interest, with Messrs. Seth and Charles Russell, in the property now known as Parker's wharf, and subse- quently bought their interest. In 1833 he built his brick block, now known as Parker's block. Durino- the war of 1812-15 he organized a company for the defense of New Bedford, and was its captain. 128 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. The Merchants' Bank, now the Merchants' National Bank, was established in 1825, and he was its first president, which position he held until his death. He owned and personally superintended a cotton- mill in his native town (Plympton), beside having an interest in other cotton-mills at home and abroad. Mr. Parker was president and owner of the Lionet Iron Mills at Wareham, Mass., which were subse- quently known as the " Parker Mills." In politics he was a Whig, and as such represented his senatorial district in the Legislature in 1826-27, and was instrumental in getting the county divided, and having a court-house and jail located here. He was a liberal supporter of the North Congregational Church of New Bedford. From the pen of another we quote the following, with a few changes : Mr. Parker accumulated a large fortune, which was variously invested, as there was hardly any branch of commerce or of manufacture in which he was not interested. As a shrewd and ener- getic business man, Mr. Parker had few equals, and was among the first merchants in New Bedford to set the wise example of engaging in other enterprises than the principal one of this city at that time. The large operations in which he engaged required excel- lent judgment and foresight, and that he possessed those qualities in no slight degree is proved by the almost uniform success which attended his transac- tions. At the time of his death he was president of the Merchants' Bank in this city, having served gratui- tously from the commencement of the corporation, a period of twenty-eight years. Possessed of such ample means, it was in the power of Mr. Parker very often to assist those who were just starting in business, or who had met with disap- pointment in their affairs. We believe it is within the personal knowledge of many that this assistance was often and cheerfully rendered, and that too, some- times, when the relief thus extended was not, per- haps, strictly within the limits of an over-cautious prudence. Mr. Parker was one of the earliest supporters of common schools, and, though under the district sys- tem he was heavily taxed for their support, he always met the obligation thus imposed upon him with cheerfulness. Mr. Parker was one of the most prominent representatives of our wealth, and most intimately connected with the prosperity of the city. Samuel Rodman, Isaac and Gideon Howland, Wil- liam Rotch, Jr., George Howland, and John Avery Parker will long be remembered as men whose energy, enterprise, and success rendered them conspicuous in the commercial affairs of New Bedford, and whose industry and skill accumulated fortunes of no ordi- nary magnitude. John Avery Parker married Averick, daughter of Shadrach and Mary Standish, of Plympton, Feb. 28, 1788. She was born May 2, 1772, and died May 11, 1847. Their children were (1) Ruth, who married William H. Allen, of New Bedford. She died Feb- ruary, 1837, and left children. (2) Avery, lost at sea January, 1815, left no children. (3) Mary, who mar- ried Francis Howland, of New Bedford. She died Aug. 18, 1856, and left children. (4) Sarah, who married Capt. Joseph Dunbar. She died Jan. 12, 1847, and left children. (5) Jonathan, died July 18, 1806, in his fourth year. (6) Betsey, married Timothy G. Coffin, died Nov. 24, 1858, and left children. (7) Frederick, married Abbie Coggeshall. He was accidentally poisoned, and died from its effects Oct. 21, 1861, aged fifty-five years. (8) Averick Standish, married Christian A. Heineken, and now resides in Bremen, Germany, and has children. (9) Jane Stan- dish, married, first, Harrison G. O. Colby (deceased), by whom she had children. She married, second, Rev. Thomas R. Lambert, and had one son. (10) Ann Avery, married, first, Thomas C. Lothrop (deceased), by whom she had three children, two of whom are living. She married, second, William F. Dow, by whom she had one daughter (deceased). (11) John, who died Jan. 18, 1836. There were two other chil- dren who died young. Mrs. John Avery Parker was a direct descendant from the historic and ever to be remembered Miles Standish, who was born in Lancashire, England, in 1584. He was of a family of note, among which were a number of knights and bishops, and, it is said, was an heir to a large estate, which he himself says "was surreptitiously detained from him." He served in the Low Countries as an officer in the armies of Queen Elizabeth when commanded by her favorite, the Earl of Leicester. What induced him to connect himself with the Pilgrims does not appear. He took up his residence among them at Leyden, but never joined their church. He arrived in the "Mayflower," and lost his wife soon after ; he, however, married again in 1621. He was elected the first military commander of the colony. He went out as agent of the colony (1625) to England, and resided in London at the very period when -the pride of the Queen of Cities was laid in the dust and naught was heard in the streets but wailing and lamentation, — it was at the time of the last and most deadly plague. Being an accurate surveyor, he was generally on the committees for laying out new towns. He was always the military commander, and always of the council of war, generally an assistant, sometimes first assistant or Deputy Governor and treasurer. Standish was a man of small stature, of a fiery and quick temper, and never did a human form inclose a more intrepid spirit. Dangers from which all other men would have shrunk were with him only an in- centive to enterprise. He asked only eight men to subdue all the Indians of Massachusetts. Alone he took from the trembling hand of the profligate and turbulent Morton his loaded musket, and compelled NEW BEDFORD. 129 him to yield when he was surrounded by his whole company, and had boasted that he never would be taken alive. He did not stand aside to command others to do the work of death, but engaged in deadly conflicts, the fate of which rested upon the powers of the contending individuals. Standi sh was the father and founder of Duxbury, which he named from the seat of his family in Lan- cashire, which, as late as 1707, was the residence of Sir Thomas Standish. HON. HENRY HOWLAND CRAPO. Prominent among the sons of this old common- wealth who without inherited aid have risen from the humble ranks of life to distinguished positions stands Henry Howland Crapo, Governor of Michigan from 1865 to 1869. He was born in Dartmouth, Mass.. May 24, 1804, and was the eldest son of Jesse and Phrebe (Howland) Crapo. His father was of French descent, and was very poor, sustaining his family by the cultivation of a farm which yielded nothing beyond a mere livelihood. His early life was consequently one of toil, and devoid of advan- tages for intellectual culture, but his desire for an education seemed to know no bounds. The incessant toil for a mere subsistence upon a comparatively sterile farm had no charms for him, and longing for greater usefulness and better things, he looked for them in an education. His struggles to secure this end necessitated sacrifices and hardships that would have discouraged any but the most courageous and persevering. He became an ardent student and worker from boyhood, though the means of carrying on his studies was exceedingly limited. He sorely felt the need of a dictionary, and neither having money wherewith to purchase it nor being able to procure one in his neighborhood, he set to work to compile one for himself. In order to acquire a knowledge of the English language he copied into a book every word whose meaning he did not com- prehend, and upon meeting the same word again in the newspapers and books which came into his hands would study out its meaning from the context, and then record the definition. When unable otherwise to obtain the signification for a word in which he had become interested, he would walk from Dartmouth to New Bedford for that purpose alone, and after referring to the books at the library and satisfying thoroughly as to its definition, would walk back, a distance of about seven miles, the same night. This was no unusual occurrence. Under such difficulties, and in this manner, he com- piled quite an extensive dictionary in manuscript. Ever in the pursuit of knowledge, he obtained a book upon surveying, and applying himself diligently to its study, became familiar with the theory of this art, which he soon had an opportunity to practice. The services of a land surveyor were wanted, and he was 9 called upon, but had no compass and no money to purchase one. A compass, however, he must and would have, and going to a blacksmith's shop near at hand, upon the forge, with such tools as he could find there, while the smith was at dinner, he con- structed the compass and commenced as a surveyor. Still continuing his studies, he fitted himself for teach- ing, and took charge of the village school at Dart- mouth. When, in the course of time, and under the pressure of law, a High School was to be opened, he passed a successful examination for its principalship and received the appointment. To do this was no small task ; the law required a rigid examination in various subjects, which necessitated days and nights of study. One evening, after concluding his day's labor of teaching, he traveled on foot to New Bedford, some seven or eight miles, called upon the preceptor of the Friends' Academy, and passed a severe examination. Receiving a certificate that he was well qualified, he walked back to his home the same night, highly elated at being possessed of the acquirements and require- ments of a master of the High School. In 1832, at the age of twenty-eight, he left his native town to reside in New Bedford, where he was a land surveyor, and sometimes acted as an auctioneer. Soon after his removal he was elected town clerk, treasurer, and collector of taxes of New Bedford, which positions he held about fifteen years, and until the form of the municipal government was changed, when under the new form he was elected treasurer and collector of taxes, which he held for two years. He was also police justice many years. He was elected alderman, was chairman of the Council Committee on Education, and as such prepared the report on which was based the order for the establishment of the Free Public Library of New Bedford. On its organization he was chosen a member of its first board of trustees. This was the first free public library in Massachusetts, if not in the world; the Boston Public Library being, however, soon after established. While a resident of this city he was much interested in horticulture, and to obtain the land necessary for carrying out his ideas he drained and reclaimed several acres of rocky and swampy land adjoining his garden. Having properly prepared the soil, he started a nursery, which he filled with almost every description of fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers, etc. He was very successful in their propagation and growth, and took much pride in the result of his experiment. At horticultural fairs in Boston and elsewhere he exhibited from his grounds one hundred and fifty varieties of pears of his own propagation, and one hundred and twenty varie- ties of roses. In this, as in everything he undertook, he always worked intelligently and for the best results, seeking the best methods and looking for information to the highest authorities. The interest he took in the sub- ject brought him into communication with the most 130 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. eminent horticulturists in the country, and the desire to impart as well as to acquire knowledge soon led him to become a regular contributor to the New Eng- land Horticultural Journal, a position he filled as long as he lived in Massachusetts. After his removal to Michigan his love for horticulture and agriculture was still further stimulated. He had an especial fondness for landscape and ornamental gardening, and possessed a farm of eleven hundred acres, most of which he redeemed from swamps by a system of drainage which he planned, and which developed into one of the finest farms in the State. He became here a breeder and importer of fine breeds of cattle and sheep, and was elected in 1863 president of the Gen- esee County Agricultural Society. During his last years he was a regular contributor on agricultural topics to the Country Gentleman. As an indication of the wide reputation he enjoyed in horticulture, it may be said that after his death an affecting eulogy of him was pronounced by the president of the Na- tional Horticultural Society at its meeting in Phila- delphia in 1869. During his residence in New Bedford, Mr. Crapo was also engaged in the whaling business, then the great specialty of local enterprise. A fine bark, built at Dartmouth, of which he was part owner, was named the " H. H. Crapo," in compliment to him. He also took an active interest in the State militia, and for several years held a commission as colonel of one of the regiments. In speaking of the intimate relations of Mr. Crapo with the interests of New Bed- ford, the Standard says, — "No man connected with our municipal concerns ever had to a greater extent than Mr. Crapo the con- fidence of the people. He was exact and methodical in all matters of record ; conscientious and labori- ously persistent in the discharge of every duty ; clear in his methods and statements in all that appertained to his official transactions. He left, at the end of his long period of service, all that belonged to his depart- ment as a financial or recording officer so lucid and complete that no error has ever been detected or any improvement made upon his plans." He was president of the Bristol County Mutual In- surance and secretary of the Bedford Commercial In- surance Companies of New Bedford, and while an officer of the municipal government he compiled and published, between the years of 1836 and 1845, five numbers of the New Bedford Directory, the first work of the kind ever issued there. Mr. Crapo removed to Michigan in 1856, having been induced to do so by in- vestments, made principally in pine lands, and took up his residence in the city of Flint. He engaged largely in the manufacture of lumber, and became one of the largest and most successful business men of the State. He was mainly instrumental in constructing the Flint and Holly Railroad, and was president of its corpora- tion until its consolidation with the Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad Company. He showed a lively interest in the municipal affairs of Flint, gave his hearty support to the cause of popular education, and was elected mayor after residing in Flint only five or six years. In the early part of his life Mr. Crapo affiliated with the Whig party in politics, but became an active member of the Republican party on its organization. In 1862 he was elected State senator to represent Genesee County, and took rank with the leading men of the Michigan Senate. He was chairman of the Committee on Banks and Incorporations, and a mem- ber of the Committee on Bounties to Soldiers. He at once became conspicuous as a legislator, his pre- viously acquired experience and knowledge of State and municipal affairs admirably fitting him for legis- lative duties. In 1864 he received the Republican nomination for Governor of the State, and was elected by a large majority. He was re-elected in 1866, holding the office two terms, retiring in January, 1869. During the four years of this office he served the State with unflagging zeal, energy, and industry. The features which especially characterized his administration were his vetoing of railway aid legislation and his firm refusal to pardon convicts imprisoned in the penitentiary unless given the clearest proof of their innocence or of extreme sentence. Subsequent events and experience have proven conclusively that his action in vetoing railway aid bills was of great ben- efit to the State financially, and his judgment in the matter has been generally approved. While serving his last term as Governor he was attacked by the dis- ease which terminated his life within one year. During much of this time he was an intense sufferer, yet often while in great pain gave his attention to public matters. He died July 23, 1869. The Detroit Tribune closes an obituary notice with this tribute to his worth, — " In all the public positions he held Governor Crapo showed himself a capable, discreet, vigilant, and in- dustrious officer. He evinced wonderful vigor in mastering details, and always wrote and spoke intel- ligently on any subject to which he gave his atten- tion. Michigan never before had a Governor who devoted so much personal attention and painstaking labor to her public duties as he did. His industry was literally amazing. He was not a man of brilliant or showy qualities, but he possessed sharp and re- markably well developed business talents, a clear and practical understanding, sound judgment, and unfail- ing integrity. In all the walks of life there was not a purer man in the State. So faithful, so laborious, so unselfish, so conscientious a man in official life is a blessing beyond computation in the healthful influ- ence which he exerts in the midst of the too preva- lent corruptions that so lamentably abound in the public service. We have often thought that, in his plainness, his honesty, his fidelity to duty, and in his broad and sterling good sense, Governor Crapo closely resembled the lamented Lincoln. He was a man of •^V^ ^/ fZrz^_ NEW BEDFORD. 131 the people, and most worthily represented them. His decease is an occasion for public mourning. The State has very few men like him, and can ill afford to spare such an eminently useful citizen. His death Avill be profoundly deplored throughout our common- wealth, and a general sympathy will be sincerely ex- tended to the bereaved family." Mr. Crapo was a member of the Christian (some- times called the Disciples') Church, and took great interest in its welfare and prosperity. He married June 9, 1825, Mary Ann Slocum, of Dartmouth. This was soon after he had attained his majority, and before his struggles for fortune had been rewarded by any great measure of success. His wife was a woman of great strength of character, and possessed courage, hopefulness, and devotion, qualities which sustained and encouraged her husband in the various pursuits of his early manhood. For several years after his marriage he was engaged in teaching, his wife living with her parents at the time, at whose house their two older children were born. While thus situated he was accustomed to walk home on Saturdays to see his family, returning on Sunday in order to be ready for school Monday morning. As the walk for a great part of the time was twenty miles each way, it is evi- dent that at this period of his life no common obsta- cles deterred him from the performance of what he regarded as a duty. His wife was none the less con- scientious in her sphere, and with added responsibili- ties and increasing requirements, she labored faith- fully in the performance of all her duties. They had ten children, one son and nine daughters. CAPT. CHARLES L. WOOD. Capt. Charles L. Wood, of New Bedford, was born in Dartmouth, March 17, 1813. He was educated in the public schools of that town and at the academy in Sandwich. At an early age he went to sea, making his first voyage to New Orleans in a merchant-ship commanded by Capt. James Byder. He then went as boat-steerer in the whale-ship " Braganza," of which his father, Capt. Daniel Wood, was master. His next voyage he took as mate with his brother, Capt. James B. Wood, master, in a whale-ship sailing from St- John, New Brunswick. At the age of twenty-four he took command of ship " Elizabeth," of Dartmouth, a whaler, the youngest member of the crew, and upon his return in 1842 abandoned the sea, formed a part- nership with his brother, under the style of J. B. Wood & Co., and became largely interested as an owner and agent of whale-ships. For more than thirty years they continued in active business, and no firm ever stood higher in the confidence of the business com- munity, or gave more unvarying and entire satisfac- tion to their co-owners, and few were more uniformly successful. He died in New Bedford, July 13, 1881. For many years Capt. Wood was a director in the insurance offices of the city, in the Bank of Com- merce, and in the Wamsutta Mills, one of the Board of Investment of the New Bedford Institution for Sav- ings, and for three terms was a director on the part of the State of the Boston and Albany Railroad. In all these positions he rendered efficient and valuable service. He was possessed of practical good sense, of cool, deliberate, and rarely erring judgment, and while cautions and prudent, was tenacious of a purpose thoughtfully formed. He was a wise and safe coun- selor, and many men greatly his seniors were glad to avail themselves of his judicious advice. That he filled no political positions was not due to any lack of the public's appreciation of his worth or of desire to honor him, but to his own modest estimate of his abilities and his utter aversion to anything like dis- play. No man was more respected- and beloved, for he was one of nature's noblemen, — a man of large and tender heart, quick to sympathize, and as quick to aid. Frank, sincere, and true, he had troops of attached friends, and not a single enemy. THOMAS MANDELL.i Mr. Thomas Mandell died at his residence in this city, at three o'clock yesterday morning, after a com- paratively brief illness. He was born in Fairhaven, then a part of the town of New Bedford, Aug. 9, 1792 ; was for a time a clerk in a store at the Head of the River, and before reaching his majority com- menced business here as partner with the late Caleb Congdon. Soon after he took the entire management of a mechanics' store, developing there the business traits which attracted the notice of the firm of Isaac Howland, Jr., & Co., and induced them to offer him an interest in their house. He became a member of that firm in 1819, and it is exact justice to say that to him more than to any other partner is due the high credit which the house for half a century maintained, and the colossal fortunes it built up. The late Edward Mott Robinson entered the firm about 1833, which soon after consisted of that gentleman, Mr. Mandell, and the late Sylvia Ann Howland. The new partner brought to the firm an eagerness and boldness in en- terprise which greatly extended its operations, but which never disregarded the sound judgment of Mr. Mandell ; and the two, although widely differing in almost everything else, perfectly agreed in their no- tions of mercantile integrity, and each entertained the highest regard for the honor of the other. Besides his responsibility as a partner, Mr. Mandell, for more than a quarter of a century, had the entire care and management of the estate of the late Sylvia Ann Howland, and her appointment of him as sole exec- utor of her will was a just recognition of his integrity, while her bequest to him of two hundred thousand 1 From the New Bedford Daily Mercury of Momlaj-, Feb. 14, 1870. 132 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. dollars was nothing more than a fair remuneration for the valuable service he had rendered. Mr. Mandell was many years ago one of the select- men of New Bedford, and was the first to com- mence the keeping of the records by the board, but with this exception he held no public office. 1 He sought no such honors ; but he was never without proofs of the confidence reposed in his probity and discretion, as the responsible positions he held in various corporations showed. He was not a great man ; but he was better than that, — a good man. A merchant of the old school, he knew no road to success but that of upright and honorable dealing. Modest and unobtrusive, no man was ever more tenacious of an opinion when satisfied of its correctness. His name here was the synonym of rectitude. He was a benevolent man. He was the almoner of his own bounty, a bounty which did not break out at long intervals in noisy and startling displays of be- neficence, but flowed quietly, steadily, refreshingly. We need not speak of the objects of his charity, or the extent of his benefactions. He never spoke of them, and shrunk from any mention of them by others. He may be forgotten as the honorable and successful merchant, but his memory will live in the hearts of those who have been sustained and cheered by his unostentatious and gentle charities. SONNET.i Thomas Mandell. Feb. 14, 1870. " Few are the words which in the morn's gazette Tell us of thee, thou noble-hearted man, — The birth, the death, of life the general plan, Allegiance lifelong to the right ; and yet There is close mingled with the deep regret That from our darkened, erring world has fled The light that never dazzled or misled, In which with winning potency there met A soul's stern feality to truth and God And manners gentle as the evening's close, Another phase of feeling, — death's repose Has hushed to them who nearest thee have trod Life's pathway many a gentle utterance sweet, Fresh from the fount where song and music meet." At a meeting of the trustees of New Bedford Insti- tution for Savings, April 8, 1870, William H. Taylor, on behalf of a committee appointed at our last meet- ing to present resolutions expressive of the sense of the loss sustained by this institution in the removal of its late president, Thomas Mandell, now presented the following, which were read, and, on motion of Charles R. Tucker, were adopted, and the secretary was directed to place the same on our records and also to present a copy thereof to the family of the de- ceased : 1 Mr. Mandell was a few years in public life as a representative to the General Court from the town of New Bedford. He was elected for seven consecutive years, from 1830 to 1836, inclusive. 2 From the New Bedford Mercury, Saturday, Feb. 19, 1870. RESOLUTIONS. "Whereas, In the providence of God, death has again visited us, re- moving our esteemed associate Thomas Mandell from our midst, who for forty years was actively engaged in the management of the affairs of this institution, and acceptably tilled the office of president for the last fourteen years, we deem it proper to place upon our records a memorial of bis active virtues and of the loss we have sustained by bis removal. "Resolved, That in his decease we recognize the loss of a valued friend, a faithful officer, a useful citizen, a Christian merchant and gen- tleman, whose deeds of charity and benevolence will embalm his mem- ory and lead many to ' rise up and call him blessed.' Identified with our institution almost from its origin, he has manifested an untiring de- votion to its interests, and in the management of its affairs bis financial skill, combined with bis uucompromising integrity, have largely con- tributed to its success. " Resolved, That the secretary be requested to spread these proceedings upon the record, and to transmit to the bereaved family of our departed friend a copy thereof, duly attested by his signature." The Memory of Thomas Mandell. — At the regular meeting of the directors of the Mechanics' National Bank, held at its banking-rooms, on Wed- nesday morning, February 16th, the death of their president, Thomas Mandell, was appropriately re- ferred to by Jireh Swift, Jr., who presented the fol- lowing resolutions : "Resolved, That in the death of our beloved and honored president we mourn the loss of a faithful officer, whose connection with this in- stitution from its inception to its maturity has been eminently charac- terized by discriminating judgment and ability, and the mast scrupu- lous fidelity to the welfare and prosperity of this corporation. "Resolved, That we cherish his memory as a friend endeared to us by many fond recollections and pleasant associations, ever evincing as he did kindness and nobleness of heart and purity of purpose. The stream of benevolence that flowed so silently from bis good heart has warmed many hearthstones, and the recipients of his bounty will now rise up to call him blessed. " Resolvd, That we tender to the family of our deceased friend our heartfelt sympathies in their affliction, and the assurance of our earnest hope that the Giver of all good may vouchsafe to them that consolation which alone reconciles humanity to such bereavements." William W. Crapo, in seconding the resolutions, said, "It is not necessary on this occasion, with us who have known Mr. Mandell intimately for years, and whose daily duties have brought us in close per- sonal contact with him, to give a sketch of his life. The simple reading of the resolutions expresses the tribute of admiration and love which we pay to our departed associate and friend. " But he was possessed of personal traits of char- acter which it may be proper for us, who have been on terms of such familiar intercourse with him, to al- lude to and remember. It is to his sound, discrimi- nating judgment, his fearless and impartial discharge of official duty, acting as president or director during its history of nearly forty years, that this institution owes much of its prosperity and success. " He was a man of spotless integrity, of quick ap- prehension, of accuracy, method, and faithfulness in business, and these qualities made him an acknowl- edged leader in the mercantile community. "He was gentle in manners, true in principle, earn- est in his convictions, steadfast in his opinions, char- itable, benevolent, and kindly without ostentation. He was beloved by his fellow-citizens, for he took an active interest in whatever concerned the welfare of NEW BEDFORD. 133 the community, always doing his part cheerfully and generously. His sympathies were genuine. His love for his neighbor joined so closely with sincerity and ment of the West, and early turned his attention to Chicago, and continued his business interests there as long as he lived. Mr. Greene was a man of strong earnestness in the performance of duty that during convictions, of great energy and unyielding will, and his long life he was constantly doing good and making was, as such men often are, somewhat rugged in speech others happy. " The death of such a man is a public calamity, and to us, who have known him so intimately, it is a per- sonal affliction." The resolutions were adopted, and votes passed in- structing the secretary of the board to forward a copy to the family of the deceased, and directing the whole proceedings to be placed upon the records of the board. DAVID R. GREENE. David R. Greene was born in New Bedford in March, 1794, and lived there continuously to the time of his death in 1879. His father was Robert Greene, a native of Liverpool, England, and his mother was Deborah Russell, a native of New Bed- ford. His father, who was a master-mariner, died while on a foreign voyage, when his son was about three years old, leaving his widow in straitened circumstances. After receiving a limited common school education young Greene began to go to sea, and after a number of coasting voyages became su- percargo, an officer indispensable to the trading voy- ages of the period. Having formed a distaste for the sea, he left it and went into the grocery business, at first as clerk, but was admitted a partner before he reached his majority. In 1820 he began to fit vessels for whaling voyages, and he gradually increased his interest in the whale fishery until he became one of the largest ship-owners of New Bedford. For many years he was in partnership with the late Willard Nye and the late Dennis Wood, under the firm of D. R. Greene & Co., and was engaged in fitting ships and dealing in the products of the whale fishery. In 1825 he was one of the projectors of the Merchants' Bank, now one of the principal banking corporations of New Bedford, and he continued a member of its board of directors for more than fifty years. He was an ardent Whig, and a firm believer in the protection of American industries, and was very active in found- ing the manufacturing enterprises which the protec- tive system has fostered. In 1847, he with others started the Wamsutta Mills, now one of the largest cotton-maimfacturing corporations of New England, and was for thirty years one of the directors. He took an active interest in the early develop- ment of railroads, and was one of the builders of the railroad between New Bedford and Taunton, and one of its directors from the time of its incorporation until it was sold for the purposes of consolidation. He was at the time of his death one of the oldest stockholders in the Illinois Central Railroad, which now owns a continuous line from Chicago to New Orleans. He took a great interest in the develop- and brusque in action, but he had a kind heart and quick sympathies. He not only gave liberally to charitable objects when solicited, but sought oppor- tunities of giving, and of such acts he never spoke. His long life was one of commendable industry, honorable labor, of enterprise, and of sturdy devo- tion to what he conceived to be right. If, as has been sometimes said, there is an immortality of good work, his influence will survive him. THE PARKER FAMILY. Ward M. Parker, of New Bedford, Mass., was a lineal descendant on his paternal side from William Parker, who came from England and settled with many others, among whom were the ancestors of Samuel J. Tilden, in the town of Scituate, Mass., at what date is not known, but probably at its earliest settlement. In September, 1640, a grant was ob- tained for a settlement at " Mattakese," situated be- tween Sandwich and Yarmouth, and in October of the same year a settlement was commenced from the town of Scituate, Mass., and among the many who settled at " Mattakese" was William Parker. From this grant Sandwich, Barnstable, and probably Yar- mouth- became invested with the right of township, and these people commenced the settlement of Fal- mouth. William Parker finally settled in Falmouth, where he remained during life. He left several sons, of whom Robert Parker was one, and one or more daughters. We know but little about Robert Parker. He had several sons, among whom were Thomas, born Aug. 24, 1669; Daniel, April 18, 1670, ancestor of John A. Parker; and Joseph, born 1671. Joseph Parker, son of Robert, was one of the original church members in Falmouth, Mass. He married Mercy Whiston, June 30, 1698, and died in 1732. Their children were Joseph, born April 23, 1699; John, born Sept. 11, 1700; Benjamin, born Feb. 16, 1702 ; Timothy, born Nov. 27, 1703 ; Seth, born Sept. 20, 1705; Sylvanus, born Sept. 11, 1707; and Mercy, born May 21, 1709. She married Rev. Samuel Palmer. Joseph Parker was buried in the old burying-ground at Falmouth, and a stone resem- bling Connecticut red granite lies horizontally over his grave and marks his final resting-place. Sylvanus Parker, son of Joseph, married Martha Mayhew, of Chihnark, in 1748. They had two chilr dren, — Seth, born Oct. 12, 1750, and Lydia, who was twice married, first to Josiah Cotton, of Plymouth, and second to Dr. Thomas Smith. Seth Parker, only son of Sylvanus, married Sophia Cotton, of Plvmouth, about 1775 or 1776. Their 134 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. children were Sylvanus, born 1777, who died single in 1811 ; Rossiter C, born 1779, and died 1804; Seth, born 1781, and died 1811; Ward M., the immediate subject of our sketch ; Lydia, born 1787, died 1848 ; John C, born 1793, died July 2, 1881. Mr. Parker died in 1813, leaving a widow and two sons, Ward M. and John, and one daughter, Lydia. Mrs. Sophia (Cotton) Parker was a lineal descendant from Rev. John Cotton, who was an Episcopalian minister in Lincolnshire and London, England. There was but one family of Cottons originally in England, and they came from Normandy, in France, with William the Conqueror, in the year 1060, and from this family descended the Rev. John Cotton, who was a popular preacher in and about London until he was suspected of favoring the Dissenters, who had the audacity to doubt the infallibility of the Episco- pal Church. Being advised by friends that he was in danger of being arrested, he very quietly arranged to come to America with his family, in company with the Rev. Mr. Hooker, afterwards of Connecticut. They arrived in Boston in 1633, when Mr. Hooker went to Connecticut, and Mr. Cotton was settled as a minister in the King's Chapel, Boston, now called Stone Chapel, and there continued to preach with great acceptance till the close of his life, Dec. 23, 1652, aged sixty-seven. His name may be seen in- scribed with others on a monument adjoining the chapel in Boston. Mr. Cotton left several children, and from them descended the Cottons of New Eng- land. One of his sons, John, educated at Cambridge, studied for the ministry, and settled at Charleston, S. C, where he died. One of his (Rev. John Cot- ton's) daughters married the Rev. Dr. Mather, presi- dent of Harvard College, and they had a son, the well-known Cotton Mather. There were other chil- dren of the Rev. John Cotton, but their names are not known to the writer. Some of them settled at Plymouth, and were influential citizens in their day. From Thacher's " History of Plymouth" we find that the first Cotton he mentions is Josiah, a son of the Rev. John Cotton, and grandson of the original Rev. John Cotton, who was the first settled minister in Boston. Josiah Cotton was born 1679, graduated from Harvard College in 1698, taught school in sev- eral places, and finally settled in Plymouth, Mass. He was elected clerk of the court, register of deeds, etc. He wrote a supplement to the New England Memorial, now in the hands of the Massachusetts Historical Society. He died in 1756, aged seventy- six. He left a family of children, among whom was John Cotton, born in Plymouth in 1712, graduated from Cambridge College in 1730, and ordained in Halifax in 1736, but losing his voice by a severe fit of sickness, he was obliged to give up his chosen profes- sion, consequently he returned to his native town (Plymouth) and took his father's place as register of deeds, etc., which position he retained till his I death, Nov. 4, 1789. John Cotton, the maternal i grandfather of Ward M. Parker, married Hannah Sturtevant, and left eleven children, four sons and seven daughters, of whom Sophia, who married Seth Parker, was one, hence the line of descent has been Sophia 5 , John 4 , Josiah', John 2 , and John 1 . The line of descent in the Parker family has been Ward M. 6 , Seth*, Sylvanus*, Joseph 3 , Robert 2 , William 1 . Ward M. Parker was born in Falmouth, Mass., June 18, 1784, and died in New Bedford, Aug. 6, 1881. In early life he was engaged in the coasting trade, commanding a vessel running to Charleston, S. C. He secured the confidence of the leading merchants and business men at that port, and his operations were uniformly successful. The war of 1812, with the embargo, broke up his coasting business at the South, but this did not dishearten him. For several years he was engaged in procuring live-oak timber in Florida under contracts with the government, and soon after embarked in the whaling business at Wood's Holl, where he built the ship " Bartholomew Gosnold." On the 12th of June, 1838, Mr. Parker removed to this city, though for a few years he continued his agency of the " Gosnold," which was fitted at Wood's Holl. He then retired from active business, devo- ting himself to the care of the handsome property which he had acquired, and which under his shrewd and judicious management grew to a large estate. For nearly forty years he was a director in the Marine (now the First National) Bank, and for many years was in the direction of the New Bedford and Taun- ton Railroad, the Gas-Light Company (also its vice- president), the Commercial Insurance Company, the Taunton Copper Company, and its president for many years, and the Taunton Locomotive- Works. The architect of his own fortune, with full faith in " Poor Richard's" maxims, and with habits of rigid economy, he was not a close nor a hard man. No director of a bank was ever more liberal in affording accommodation to men of small means needing assistance, and many who failed of relief in tight times from the banks have been supplied from his private means. Cautious in his investments, he was not lacking in enterprise, and rarely hesitated to aid in starting manufacturing projects here which promised advantage to the city. Exact in all his transactions, he was always fair, honorable, and scrupulously just. He was genial, kind-hearted, and unostentatiously benevolent, — a man thoroughly re- spected and highly esteemed in all the relations of life. Up to the close of that life so long protracted, he exhibited remarkable physical vigor, remarkable brightness and clearness of intellect, and a lively interest in affairs. In politics he was a Whig and Republican, and was a representative to the General Assembly from 1834 to 1838. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was twice married, first to Hepzibah, daughter of Deacon John Davis, July 27, 1815. She was born Oct. 4, 1793, and died Feb. 26, 1833. Their children are Abby S. (deceased), Hannah C. (de- //". k y^///// ^SWe^' NEW BEDFORD. 135 ceased), wife of J. A. Beauvais ; Abby S. (2d), wife of J. L. Ferguson, of New York City; and Ward R., of New York City. Mr. Parker married for his second wife Marcia F., daughter of David W. and Cynthia Lewis, May 25, 1836. She was born in Falmouth, May 11, 1813, and belongs to an old and honorable family of that town. They have had ten children, five of whom are living, — Arabella, Lawrence H., Henry W., David L., and Lydia P., wife of C. W. Mitchell, of Baltimore, Md. JAMES BUNKER CONGDON. The death of James Bunker Congdon, which oc- curred on the 10th of June, 1880, demands more than a passing notice. Well may his name and worth have honorable mention in the archives of the Free Public Library, for to him perhaps more than to all others is it indebted not only for its existence, but for its continued prosperity, and for the measure of usefulness to which it has attained. Mr. Congdon prepared and headed the petition to the City Council which resulted in 1852 in the perma- nent establishment of the library, and to his energy and untiring devotion it is due that the few thousand volumes of the old Social Library became the founda- tion of an institution of great public benefit, and of which the city has so much reason to be proud. Elected a member of the first board of trustees, a position which he held, except during a brief interval, for more than twenty years, he watched with untiring zeal over its struggling infancy. As its hold on the community grew firmer and its usefulness broader, his watchful interest kept even pace with its benefi- cent development; he was constantly suggesting, and, when authority had been secured, instituting meas- ures for its progressive advantage. Secretary of the board of trustees from its organi- zation in 1852 until near the close of his life, the annual reports of the board to the city government, always scholarly and often ardent and glowing in their style, and which tended largely to invite and to hold the good will of the city government, and the public itself, were invariably from his pen. When the corner-stone of the beautiful library building was laid i which fully symbolized the permanence of the institution, while it opened the way to increased use- fulness) Mr. Congdon led in the ceremonies of the occasion, and delivered an address, in which he gave in detail the history of the enterprise, and foretold its Buccess. He lived long enough to see its prosperity well assured, and to enjoy not only by himself, but through the public generally, its great and continually increasing benefits. He gave not only his services to the cause, but in 1876, having received from the city five hundred dollars for revising the charter and or- dinances, he gave it as a donation to the trust funds of the library. Thus did he prove his interest by deeds of unselfish devotion. Yet, though his life was one of varied usefulness, while, as has been truly said of him, "No one ever wrought more continuously, ungrudgingly, and unselfishly for the public weal," it is certain that no fruits of his labor were so grateful to himself as those richly garnered in connection with the Free Public Library. The history of his private life was not eventful, and is briefly told. He was born Dec. 19, 1802, and was the son of Caleb Congdon, a native of Rhode Island, who came here and was married to the daughter of Benjamin Taber. Mr. Taber was an early settler, whose house was burned by the British in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Congdon received his early education in our public schools. At the age of eighteen he became book-keeper for Messrs. Wil- liam H. and Gideon Allen, in whose employ he re- mained five years. When the Merchants' Bank was chartered and went into operation he became its cashier, which position he filled with superior ability, securing prosperity and credit for that institution, honor and confidence for himself, until 1858, a period of nearly thirty years, when severe illness caused by overwork compelled him to resign. On his recovery, in the spring of the same year, he was elected city treasurer and collector of taxes. He was annually re-elected until, in 1879, advancing years warned him to relieve himself of the burden of his public responsibilities, when he resigned his post. He had been a signally faithful and competent officer. Throughout the civil war, when the labors of the city treasurer were greatly complicated and aug- mented, he proved himself equal to every emergency. To his other duties — from the time of the establish- ment of the Acushnet Water Board to his resigna- tion of his office a few months before his death — he added those of registrar of the board. The public is always ready to place responsibility on competent, trusted, and willing shoulders. Mr. Congdon did not know himself when he thought to favor his increasing infirmities, and pass the remain- ing years in repose. The post of member of the Board of Health, then newly created, was offered to him, and he accepted it. He was elected chairman of the board. He entered upon his duties with enthu- siastic appreciation of responsibility and opportunity, and that spirit of conscientious fidelity which char- acterized all his exertions through life, and labored in his new field with intense earnestness and corre- sponding efficiency. The elaborate report of the board at the close of its first year was from his pen. It was the last monument of his public service. These efforts were too much for his enfeebled frame. He made them only by force of a will that triumphed over physical suffering. On March 24, 1880, he was compelled to resign, and on the 10th of June he died. He wrought diligently in his unselfish and benevolent work until the evening shadows fell and the night 136 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. came, when no man can work. It was fitting that at the funeral of such an officer the public offices should be closed, and the city government should attend the services in a body, and that highly complimentary resolutions, unanimously adopted, should have a per- manent place in the records of the City Council. Mr. Congdon's philanthropy was as conspicuous as his fidelity. The kindness of his heart was never ap- pealed to in vain. The leisure which most other men would have devoted to relaxation he crowded with beneficent labor. He was a warm friend to the New Bedford Lyceum, giving it at all times the support of his voice and pen. He was one of the most active and efficient members of the Port Society, which has accomplished admirable results in behalf of the sea- men sailing from this port. He was a trustee of the institution for deaf mutes in Northampton. For eleven years he was a member of the school commit- tee, and then and ever after a champion of the public schools, a zealous friend of all measures tending to their improvement, and to the cause of education. From 1834 to 1841, and from 1842 until the acceptance of the city charter in 1847, Mr. Congdon was one of the selectmen of the town, and for many years chair- man of the board. Indeed, there was no philan- thropic movement in the community during his life that he was not its pronounced and active supporter, and for him to support a cause was to mortgage to its furtherance his time and his powers. He readily re- sponded to every demand made upon his facile pen. He wrote most of the annual reports, historical sketches, and other publications of the institutions with which he was permanently identified. His ad- dresses, essays, and reports would of themselves fill a volume. His ready pen was busy at times in other important work. He drew up the charter for the city govern- ment which was enacted by the Legislature in 1847. He wrote most of the ordinances which from time to time have been adopted by the City Council. The historical details in the appendix to the " Centennial History of New Bedford," which was published in 1876, were edited by him. He was a frequent con- tributor to the press in both prose and poetry, and his productions were often admirable, always creditable. He was a dear lover of books, which he read with avidity, appropriating what was best in them with acute discrimination. It was the valuable service which books had rendered to him in the moulding of his thought and the enlargement of his culture which intensified his interest in the Free Public Library. It was the wish of his loving heart that every soul in the community should have, "without money and without price," the same intellectual advantages which he himself had received and so much enjoyed. His portrait, the gift of grateful friends, hangs in the main hall of the library. It is in the most fitting place. He seems to be looking approvingly down (as if in realization of his fondest hopes) upon the library itself, so much the work of his hands, and the vol- umes so much the delight of his heart. As those who avail themselves of the advantages of an institu- tion which he did so much to establish and foster pass and repass that silent image may they sometimes remember his example, and be inspired to lead lives of faithful citizenship and disinterested philanthropy. G. H. D. JOSEPH KNOWLES. Joseph Knowles, son of James H. and Ruth (Doane) Knowles, was born in Eastham, Mass., Sept. 23, 1819. He was a lineal descendant of Richard Knowles, the emigrant, who came from England prior to 1638, and who was stanch in defense of his convictions. Mr. Knowles received a liberal education and completed his studies at Phillips' Andover Academy, but choos- ing a mercantile life, he came to New Bedford, and engaged as clerk for his cousin, Thomas Knowles, when about seventeen years old. After five years' service he was admitted partner. The new firm was Thomas Knowles & Co., and its members were Thomas, John P., and Joseph Knowles. For thirty- four years, until his death, May 27, 1876, he was ac- tively engaged in trade, and was for a long time one of New Bedford's prominent merchants. He married, Nov. 14, 1844, Jedidah, daughter of Beriah and Eliz- abeth (Cole) Doane, of Orleans, Mass. Their chil- dren are Helen D. (Mrs. Charles D. Milliken), Eliza- beth, Joseph F., and Arthur. He was fully in accord with the principles of the Republican party, worked for its interests, and sup- ported its candidates. He was largely interested in all things tending towards the enlightenment and up- ward progress of society, and was active and promi- nent in connection with the New Bedford Public Library, of which he was a trustee. We give, as expressing the character of Mr. Knowles more completely than words of ours, the following from those who knew him intimately: " Mr. Knowles was a member of the board of aldermen for two years under the mayoralty of Hon. John N. Perry, and for the same period while Mr. Richmond was mayor, discharging the duties with rare good judgment and singular fidelity. He was repeatedly urged to accept a nomination for mayor, but he had no taste for municipal honors, though willing to give his full share of time and effort in the service of the city. He was devoted to his business, and had earned the reputation of sterling integrity and probity in his transactions. Quiet and unassum- ing in his manners, he was firm of principle and courageous in his convictions, and no man was held in higher respect or more fully enjoyed the confidence of his fellow-citizens." l James B. Congdon, in the twenty-sixth annual re- port of the trustees of New Bedford Free Public i From the Mercury of May 29, 1876. m 0/7 64/t>y H rfr ^?z^z:^^z NEW BEDFORD. 131 Library, gives this testimonial to his virtues : " Joseph Knowles claims a prominent place in our necrology of the year. As a merchant, he was enlightened, en- terprising, and the soul of fidelity ; as an alderman of the city, he was sagacious in council, faithful to every conviction of duty, firm and un movable when not to be firm was to be false to the convictions of his understanding, kind and courteous to all who had claims upon his attention ; as a trustee of the library, he had clear apprehensions as to the methods to be pursued, and an abiding conscientiousness in the dis- charge of every trust. Those who have known him as a leading merchant of our city, and those who were his associates in the City Council and upon the board of trustees of the library, all bear testimony to his j gentlemanly bearing in his business and official inter- course, and all unite in assigning to him an elevated position among the active and public men of our city. In his daily walk and conversation he was an exam- ple of those virtues which are lovely and of good report. ' There was a daily beauty in his life' which won and retained the affection and respect of all with whom he came in contact. There was in his char- acter and conduct those evidences of fidelity to the right and an affectionate interest in the welfare of others which inspired confidence and esteem." OLIVER CROCKER. Mr. Oliver Crocker, whose death occurred May 23, 1878, at his residence on William Street, in New Bed- ford, was born on the 3d day of August, 1788, in the pleasant little village of Cotuit, in the town of Barn- stable. He was educated at the then celebrated Sand- wich Academy, under the tuition of Rev. Jonathan Burr. At the age of sixteen he was put to apprentice in Boston, and served his term in a dry -goods store in that city. After reaching his majority he engaged in business in Boston, and in 1812 removed to this place, where he continuously resided till his death. Until 1832 he was in the dry -goods and grocery trade, and in this year commenced the manufacture of oil and be- came interested in shipping. In 1837 he was associated in the oil manufacture tfith his son, George 0. Crocker, and the late George T. Baker, and this firm continued till 1843, when it failed. Mr. Crocker and his son at once formed a new partnership, took the assets and assumed the liabilities of the old firm, and in a few years paid all its debts, principal and interest. In 1852 he retired from active business, having secured an ample fortune. In 1835, Mr. Crocker was one of the nine members who represented New Bedford in the popular branch of the Legislature, an honor to which he did not aspire a second time. No New Bedford merchant ever enjoyed a higher reputation for strict integity in all his dealings than Oliver Crocker, and none better deserved it. He was largely and systematically benevolent. He was keenly alive to the wants and necessities of the people, watchful of their interest, and ever ready to aid and assist them by any method or manner tending to promote their comfort and happiness, and highly ap- preciating the influence for good which intellectual culture exerts upon the habits and character of the people, with wise generosity gave liberally to the Free Public Library. Of every public charity he was a generous patron ; many were the regular pen- sioners upon his bounty ; no poor person was ever turned away empty from his door, and we know that in his old age he asked of not a few, in whose judg- ment he could confide, that they would bring to his notice any cases requiring aid. To the last he keenly enjoyed life, always looking upon its bright side, and retaining his interest in the current of events. GEORGE 0. CROCKER. George O. Crocker, son of Oliver Crocker, born in New Bedford, Mass., Jan. 17, 1814. He received his education at the public schools of his native place. In his sixteenth year he was clerk for his father in the grocery and provision business, where he re- mained three years, and then was clerk two years in the counting-room ; after that went into partnership with his father, and for many years the firm-name was Oliver & George O. Crocker, manufacturers of sperm oil, and were large owners in the whaling busi- ness. Mr. Crocker has been a director in various corporations in his native city. IVORY HOVEY BARTLETT. Ivory Hovey Bartlett, son of Abner Bartlett, was born at South Plymouth (formerly called Manomet Ponds), Mass., Sept. 21, 1794. He was a descendant in the seventh generation from Robert Bartlett, who was born in England in 1606, and in 1637 came from London to America in the ship "Ann," the third ship which landed Pilgrims at Plymouth. After his arrival in America he was united in marriage with Mary Warren. The line of descent from Robert to Ivory H. has been as follows : Robert 1 , died 1676 ; Joseph 2 , died in 1711 ; Joseph 3 , died in 1750 ; Joseph 4 , died in 1756 ; Sylvanus 5 , died in 1811 ; Abner 1 ', died Oct. 28, 1813 ; and Ivory H. 7 Abner 6 Bartlett was a deacon of the Congregational Church at South Plym- outh, and held office in the town as one of the selectmen, justice of the peace, and as representative to the General Court. The maternal grandfather of Ivory H. Bartlett was Rev. Ivory Hovey. He was graduated from Harvard College in 1735, and became a settled minister at Rochester, Mass., where he preached for a period of more than thirty years, and afterwards at South Plym- outh until his death in 1803, in his ninetieth year. He was ;i man of culture and wide influence in his denomination, a fine example of the honored and 138 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. beloved pastors of the olden time. Three of Mr. Bartlett's uncles served in the Continental army at Boston and New York in 1776. Mr. Bartlett married, in 1814, Betsey, daughter of John Clark, of South Plymouth, and with his family removed to New Bedford in 1819. During the first years of his life in New Bedford he was engaged in teaming, stabling, and staging, and for a time had charge of most of the principal stage routes leading from New Bedford, including contracts for carrying mails, which business often called him to Washing- ton. Later, he engaged in the grain and provision trade, and finally whaling and the commission busi- ness. He received his sons, Ivory Hovey Bartlett, Jr., and George Fearing Bartlett, into partnership in 1847 and 1854, respectively, thus establishing the firm of I. H. Bartlett & Sons, which still continues. I. H. Bartlett, Jr., died Oct. 25, 1880, in his fifty-eighth year. His oldest son, Abner Bartlett, went to Boston in the employ of Chandler, Howard & Co., and then to New York in 1836, where he was several years with Grinnell, Minturn & Co. He still resides there, being connected with the " Astor estate ;" and his younger sons, William Henry and Robert Warren Bartlett, 1 have always been connected with his firm. In 1861, Mr. Bartlett's firm, with the late Richard H. Chapell, of New London, Conn., entered into a contract with the United States government to fit the stone fleet of forty-five vessels with which the har- bors of Charleston and Savannah were blockaded, and twenty-four out of the forty-five vessels were fitted by his firm. Mr. Bartlett's life was thoroughly active and earnest, both in his business and in the line of benevolence. The only public office he ever held was that of alder- man, under Abraham H. Howland's administration. He came to this city with a heart of sympathy and kindness, nourished by the example of Christian and benevolent parents. During the first winter of his residence here he collected upwards of six hundred dollars for distribution among the poor, and from season to season, for more than forty years, or as long as his health permitted, he continued this work. From a careful record kept by him we find that in 1858 sixty-four persons contributed six hundred and fifty-three dollars, which he distributed among three hundred and sixty families in provisions, and in 1859 seventy-four persons contributed seven hundred and thirty-five dollars, which he also distributed among five hundred and eighteen families in like manner. It is just to the business men of New Bedford to say that these subscription-lists are highly creditable to their liberality. While Mr. Bartlett gave liberally himself, it was the personal attention and time em- ployed in this business which cost him most, for it was his invariable rule, regardless of personal com- 1 Robert Warren Bartlett was named after Robert Bartlett and his wife, Mary Warren, fort, to investigate every case where charity was ad- ministered by him. In the winter of 1856 he estab- lished a soup-house for the poor, which had his personal supervision in all its details. Nor did he simply feed the hungry, but he visited the sick and afflicted, and administered to their needs by many acts of kindness and sympathy. His in- terest in and sympathy for the homeless and friend- less were unbounded. He was identified from the first with the religious progress of the growing town of his adoption, having been active in the building of the Stone Church, and with no narrow sectarian spirit giving of his means and influence to promote the moral and spiritual good of the people. June 9, 1864, Mr. Bartlett celebrated his golden wedding, which was a very happy and memorable oc- casion. In the summer of 1861, with his characteris- tic kindness, he was on his way to the residence of his sick friend, James B. Congdon, to try to induce him to drive out with him to take the air, when by collision with a runaway team he was thrown to the pavement, an accident which at the time nearly cost him his life, and from which he never wholly re- covered. After ten years of weakness and yet continued use- fulness in his work of benevolence, he died peace- fully Feb. 6, 1871, lamented not alone by his kindred and friends, but by none more deeply than the poor of the city. CHARLES H. LEONARD. Charles H. Leonard, son of George and Cynthia Leonard, was born in Middleborough, Plymouth Co., Mass., Sept. 23, 1814. When he was seven years of age his parents removed to the neighboring town of Rochester. After attending the public schools during the winters, he entered the academy at Middleborough, a school of excellent repute, the advantages of which he enjoyed and improved for three years. Like most New England boys, ambitious and self-reliant, he was eager to make his way in life, and took the usual step of engaging as a clerk in a country store. After a year's experience there he spent the three or four years following in the counting-room of Mr. Alfred Gibbs, a commission merchant in New Bedford, where his abilities had a better test and freer scope. At that time was developed what was not inaptly termed the " Western fever," an eager and impetuous rush of emigration to the great West as a new El Dorado. Young Leonard took the disease, but in so mild a form that a year's experience cured him, and left him all the better fitted for his life-work. Re- turning to New Bedford, his career as a merchant at once began. Intrusted by an uncle with a shipment of oil for sale in New York, he visited that city and addressed himself to the discharge of his commission. After a succession of disappointments and discourage- ments, and when he had concluded to give up his en- ■.v- s HV : ■'."■■'■ =V3S '-^ > y K ' ' >> I J s r NEW BEDFORD. 139 terprise as a failure, a fortunate turn of events en- abled him to compass success. A change of wind, which for two days prevented the sailing of the vessel in which the oil was to be taken back to New Bed- lord, not only secured a prosperous issue of the ven- ture, but, as he was fond of saving in after-life, de- cided his fortune as a business man. What he had learned in that brief sojourn of New York and its business methods fixed his resolve to try his fortune in that city, and in 1838 he took a store on Front Street, near Roosevelt Street, and started in the oil trade. Two years later he took as partner Mr. Horatio Leonard, a cousin, removing to 140 Front Street, and also establishing an oil manu- factory in Brooklyn. The manufactory was unsuc- cessful, and in three years the firm failed and was dissolved. Having effected a settlement with the creditors of the firm, Mr. Leonard soon embarked anew and alone at the old stand in the manufacture and sale of sperm and whale oil and candles, building up an extensive and prosperous business, and build- ing, too, what is rarer and better, a character of spot- less integrity. At this time he commenced the manufacture of oil and candles in New Bedford, where his purchases of crude oil were mostly made, having leased what were known as the old Marsh Works in that city. There he continued the manufacture until 1853, when he removed to the works purchased by him of O. & G. 0. Crocker, on the corner of South Second and South Streets. These he at once enlarged to double their former capacity, fitted them with new and im- proved machinery, made them superior in every re- spect to any other establishment of the kind, managed them to the close of his life, and made such wise pro- vision in regard to them in his will that their reputa- tion has since been fully maintained. Though Mr. Leonard never entirely withdrew from active business, the excellent assistants whom he had trained, and whose affectionate regard and devotion to his interests he had won by years of considerate kindness, relieved him of attention to details, and enabled him to spend most of his summers at the old homestead in Rochester. This he transformed into a most attractive country residence, making improve- ment- in every direction, and by his lavish outlay of money giving needed employment to hundreds of his townsmen. It was there, in his pleasant home, sur- rounded by those who best knew and most loved him, in the midst of a people who idolized him as a bene- factor and a cherished friend, that on the 24th of October, 1868, he died. As a merchant, Mr. Leonard exhibited sagacity, breadth of view, a watchful regard to details, a deli- cate sense of honor in all his transactions, and un- swerving fidelity to every engagement. His word was as good as his bond, and that was equal to gold. Bold in his operations, he was at the same time cau- tious and conservative; and these operations were al- ways within the limits of his legitimate business. He yielded to no temptations of profits from outside ventures and speculations, but confined himself to the path in which he was winning fortune and repu- tation. He was exact, but not exacting, claiming his just dues to a penny, but always liberal and indulgent to an unfortunate debtor. He never ignored the sa- credness of pecuniary obligations, or rested in the easy faith that a compromise with a creditor or a discharge by a court of insolvency is tantamount to payment. When years of patient and prosperous endeavor brought him the means, he paid to his early credi- tors every mill that was due to them, principal and interest. In social life Mr. Leonard was a great favorite. Of fine person, winning manners, and pleasing ad- dress, equable in temperament and kindly in dispo- sition, unselfish and generous, he could not but make friends. He did good as he had opportunity, and he made the opportunity. It was not alone in the exer- cise of an enlightened public spirit, in aiding religious, educational, and charitable institutions, or in the be- stowment of alms that his benevolence showed itself. "The cause which he knew not he searched out;" he anticipated needs almost before their pressure was felt by the sufferer, and sweetened his gifts by a price- less sympathy. He was fortunate in his domestic rela- tions. Of his marriage one competent to judge says it was " a union which proved uncommonly felicitous, and to which, by reason of its sympathies, its happy influence, and encouragement, must be attributed no small part of the noble results of his life." Religion added to the native graces of the man. " His religious character," says Rev. George L. Pren- tiss, with whose church in New York he united, and who, both in New Bedford and New York, knew him intimately, " as it unfolded, was marked by the same attractive and solid traits which distinguished the man. His piety was not demonstrative, it was rather of a shrinking and reticent temper; but it gave ample proof of its sincerity and power by the benign and excellent fruits that adorned its path." HON. JOSEPH GRINNELL. Hon. Joseph Grinnell, our venerable citizen, pro- foundly respected in the community, brings to the discharge of his daily duties that clearness of mind and great practical judgment for which he has been so distinguished. He was born in New Bedford on , the 17th of November, 1788. His father was Capt. Cornelius Grinnell, who had in the Revolution served his country on land and on the sea. After several years spent as commander in the merchant service he established himself in business in New Bedford, where he died in 1850, in the ninety-third year of his age, honored and respected. His mother was Silvia How- land, to whose lovely character and steady discharge of duty her children were largely indebted for the 140 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. success and honors to which they have arrived. She deceased Aug. 1, 1837, in the seventy-second year of her age. Mr. Grinnell commenced his mercantile life as clerk to his father and uncle on Central wharf in this city. At twenty years of age he was appointed deputy collector and surveyor of this port. In 1810 he commenced business in New York, in company with his uncle John H. Howland, under the firm of Howland & Grinnell. Their business was very suc- cessful until the war of 1812, when nearly all of their vessels were captured and condemned. In 1814 this firm was dissolved. In 1815 he formed a copartnership with his cousin, Capt. Preserved Fish. The firm-name was Fish & Grinnell. Capt. Fish continued as partner until 1825. Upon his retiring Mr. Grinnell admitted his brothers, Henry and Moses H., as copartners under the style of Fish, Grinnell & Co. At the close of 1828, his health becoming impaired, he withdrew from the firm. Mr. Robert B. Minturn, a brother-in-law of Mr. Henry Grinnell, was admitted as a partner, under the style of Grinnell, Minturn & Co., now world-wide in reputation. Early in 1829, with his wife and adopted daughter, he sailed for Europe, and returned in the latter part of 1830, when he concluded to settle in his native town. He built the elegant mansion in which he resides in 1831-32. At the same time he contracted with Messrs. Benjamin Barstow & Sons, of Matta- poisett, to build the ship " Oneida," and with Messrs. Jethro & Zachariah Hillman to build the ship " George Washington." The former was employed in the China trade, and the latter in the New York and Liverpool line of packets, both vessels by their good qualities adding to the high reputation of the builders. In 1832 the Marine Bank, now the First National, was chartered, and unexpectedly to Mr. Grinnell he was elected president. Under his administration it proved very successful. He continued in office until 1878, when he insisted upon being relieved. He still continues as a director, and is regular at the meetings of the board. In 1838 a movement was made towards building a railroad from this city to Taunton, to form a through connection to Boston and Providence, and a charter obtained. At the organization of the company, Mr. Grinnell was urged to accept the presidency, and finally accepted and continued at its head as long as it remained a separate corporation. The same year he was chosen a councilor of Massachusetts, and re-elected in 1839 and 1840, when he declined serving longer. In 1840 he was chosen one of the directors of the Boston and Providence Railroad, and in 1841 its president, in which office he continued until 1846, when he declined serving longer, but continued as director until 1863, when he retired from the board. In 1843, Mr. Grinnell was elected to Congress from this district to serve the unexpired term of Hon. Barker Burnell, who had deceased, and was re-elected for the three succeeding terms, making a service of eight years in the House of Representatives. He declined serving longer. It would fill too large a space to follow him in his Congressional career. His eminent practical ability and large knowledge of mercantile affairs made his services very valuable. He was on the Committees of Post-Offices and Post Roads, Manufactures and Commerce. He had the respect of the whole House, and every bill introduced by him was passed, notwith- standing a strong opposition to some of the measures he advocated. To him we are indebted for the first reduction on postage to five cents upon a single letter to any place in the United States ; for the ventilation of ships, and hence the disappearance of ship fever; for the estab- lishment of life-boats at various stations upon the coast, and for various other matters of national bene- fit. During his service upon the Committee of Manu- factures his mind was strongly impressed of the neces- sity of some other business than that of the whale fisheries being introduced into his native town. He saw clearly that the time was fast approaching when that pursuit would become precarious and unprofit- able, and if there were no other calling offered, that the town would gradually decay and be deserted by the rising generation. He took occasion to refer to it in conversation with the leading merchants here, and in the course of a year or two a strong feeling grew up in favor of investing some of the surplus wealth in manufac- tures. A charter was obtained in 1856 for a cotton-factory, but Mr. Grinnell at that time declined embarking in the enterprise on account of the high price of every- thing connected with the business. In 1848 a reaction took place, material and machinery became cheap, and he then came forward and urged the erection of a factory. A charter was obtained, and a capital of one hundred and sixty thousand dollars subscribed, with the understanding that he should be the presi- dent, although reluctant to accept the position, as he had no practical knowledge of the business. Having accepted, however, he gave his whole mind to the work. The kind and quality of goods to be manu- factured was mainly the decision of its president, and to that decision probably is owing the great success that has attended the enterprise. A more detailed description is given in the history of the Wamsutta Mills. He still remains president, and daily gives his attention to the general supervision of its affairs. Mr. Grinnell has been twice married. His first wife was Sarah, the daughter of Mr. Abraham Rus- sell of this town, to whom he was married May 14, 1812. For fifty years she was his' helpmate, filling her place with a dignity and kindness that endeared \ NEW BEDFORD. 141 her to every one that approached her. She deceased July 27, 1862. His second wife was Mrs. Rebecca Kinsman, daugh- ter of Mr. Abijah Chace, of Salem, a lady of superior mental ability, greatly beloved by all her friends, and admired by a large circle of acquaintances. With her he again visited Europe in 1869, partly in the in- terests of the Wamsutta Mills, and partly to gratify the strong desire of his wife and himself to attend the yearly meeting of Friends in Dublin and London. They returned in the fall after a six months' absence. Mrs. Rebecca Grinnell deceased July 6, 1882. His great age sits lightly upon him. His long life is al- most coeval with his native town, and he has seen it grow from a small village to its present proportions. Its industries, business and wealth have all been created within his knowledge, and many of its enter- prises have received his fostering care and assistance. He has mingled freely with the leading men of the nation, and is widely known and honored. Strict integrity, a prompt discharge of duty, a clear head, and strong common sense have made him our foremost citizen clarum et venerabile nomen. THE ROTCH FAMILY OF NANTUCKET AND NEW BEDFORD. The ancestors of this family, which has been so prominently connected with the early history of Nantucket and New Bedford, came from Salisbury, England, and settled first in Provincetown, Scituate, and other places in Eastern Massachusetts. The first of the name who is mentioned among the genealogi- cal records of New England was William Rotch, who was bo'rn in Salisbury in 1670, and came to America about the year 1700 or soon after, settling in Prov- incetown. The records show that early in the eighteenth century he was a prominent citizen and took an active part in town matters. His name often appears in subscriptions for valuable publications, and among the archives of Massachusetts is a petition presented in 1741 to the Legislature by citizens of Provincetown, in which William Rotch signs first. William Rotch, of Provincetown, had two sons, Joseph and Benjamin. The former lived in Brain- tree and Falmouth, and afterwards went to Nan- tucket, where he married Love Macy, a descendant of Thomas Macy, the first immigrant to Nantucket, in 1659. From Joseph Rotch and Love Macy are descended the Rotches of Nantucket and New Bed- ford, while Benjamin, the second son of William, was the ancestor of the Provincetown branch, whose descendants now live at Easton, Mass., Mount Ver- non, N. H., Martha's Vineyard, and other places. Joseph Rotch (1704-84) was an enterprising mer- chant of Nantucket, and was held in high estimation by his fellow-citizens. In 1765 he removed to New Bedford, whose beautiful harbor he selected as being especially eligible and advantageous for the prosecu- tion of the whale-fishery. " This event," as stated by one of the historians of New Bedford, " was of the utmost importance, and this acquisition of capi- tal, accompanied with the ripe experience, clear- headed sagacity, and skilled methods of this accom- plished merchant, gave an impetus to the infant industry of New Bedford, which insured its perma- nence and success." New Bedford was originally a part of Dartmouth, but as a little village had already begun to appear, it was thought necessary to give it a particular designation from the rest of the old township; and upon a public occasion Joseph Rotch suggested that the name should be " Bedford," in honor of Joseph Russell, who bore the family name of the Duke of Bedford, which was readily adopted by the rest of the inhabitants. Mr. Rotch purchased from Joseph Russell, besides several smaller lots, ten acres of land in one tract in the centre of what is now the business portion of the city of New Bedford, and was identified in many ways with the early history of the town. His house, situated on what was formerly known as Rotch's Hill, Water Street, was burned by the British troops during the Revolutionary war. His family consisted of three sons, William, Joseph, and Francis. William Rotch (1734-1828) was born in Nantucket, where he lived until the close of the war. His com- parative wealth, integrity, and heroic devotion to what he believed was right, rendered him a conspicu- ous man in the community, and enabled him to render important services to his fellow-citizens, whether he pleaded the cause of the helpless and destitute upon the quarter-deck of a British man-of- war, or before the Provincial Council at Boston. In a sketch of his personal recollections during the war he said, " From the year 1775 to the end of the war we were in continual embarrassments. Our ves- sels were captured by the English, and we were some- times in danger of being starved. The exposed situ- ation of the island made it extremely difficult to elude the numerous cruisers that were always in the vicinity, and months would frequently elapse before any sup- plies could be obtained from the main land." The troubles of Nantucket did not end with the war, the whale fishery being ruined by the heavy " alien duty" of eighteen pounds sterling per ton im- posed upon American oil for the protection of British subjects, Great Britain being then the " only market of any consequence for sperm oil." Sperm oil was sold at Nantucket after the peace at seventeen pounds per ton, which before the war was worth thirty pounds. Mr. Rotch estimates the losses he had sustained by captures during the Revolutionary war at sixty thou- sand dollars, and for two years after the war the business was continued at a certain loss. In this des- perate state of things Mr. Rotch saw no alternative for the prosecution of his business but to proceed to England and endeavor to establish the whale fishery 142 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. there. He had several interviews with William Pitt, the chancellor of the Exchequer, and with Lord Hawkshury, but they would not consent to the intro- duction into England of any American-built ships. Mr. Rotch proceeded to France and laid his proposi- tions before the comptroller of finance, the minister of foreign affairs, and other officials, who extended a cordial welcome, and the business was finally estab- lished at Dunkirk. " Full of most interesting incident is the story of William Rotch's residence in France. The striking and instructive aspect of his life while there is that perfect harmony and consistency of character main- tained by him in all the circumstances in which he was placed. The French revolution brought suffer- ing and danger to him and his family, but there was no wavering in the firmness with which he maintained the principles of his faith, — as true to him when the mob howled about his dwelling at Dunkirk as when he plead the cause of Christian liberty before the National Assembly at Paris, with Mirabeau as its president." True to his Quaker principles, when he appeared before the National Assembly he refused to take off his hat or to wear one. of the cockades which were considered necessary for every one in order to avert suspicion on the part of the lower classes. " In the course of the year 1792," he writes, "fresh trials awaited us. A great insurrection took place in Dunkirk, founded upon a rumor of the exportation of corn. Several houses were attacked, their furni- ture totally destroyed, and many of our friends but just escaped with their lives. Martial law was pro- claimed, and whenever five men were seen together in the evening or night orders were given to fire upon them. Upon the announcement of a victory of the French over the Austrians a general illumination was ordered, but as we could take no part in war, we refused to join in rejoicings for victory. 'Well,' said the mayor, ' keep to your principles. Your houses are your own, but the streets are ours, and we shall pursue such measures as we think proper for the t peace of this town.' We retired, though not without some fear that they would send an armed force. How- ever, they took another method, and sent men to erect a frame before our house and hang a dozen lamps upon it. The mayor had also the great kindness to have a similar frame with lamps placed before his own house, in addition to the usual full illumination, and he placed a man in front of our house to assure the people that we were not opposed to the govern- ment." In 1793, when war was imminent between England and France, it became necessary to leave Dunkirk to prevent the capture of the ships by the English. Mr. Rotch writes as follows: "Two of our ships were cap- tured full of oil and condemned, but we recovered both by my being in England, where I arrived two weeks before the war took place. "Louis XVI. was guillotined two days after I left France, an event solemnly anticipated and deeply deplored by many who dared not manifest what they felt." He finally left Europe, July 24, 1794, with his family in the ship " Barclay," and after a long passage of sixty-one days once more reached America. After a year's residence in Nantucket, he removed to New Bedford in 1795, where he remained till his death, in 1828, in his ninety-fifth year. His residence was the "Mansion House," at the corner of Union and North Second Streets. The author of "The History of New Bedford" speaks of him as follows: "His venerable and patri- archal appearance during the latter part of his life is well remembered by the writer. Tall and dignified in his person, his face expressive of benevolence, with his long silvery locks and the drab-colored suit of the style of the Society of Friends, combined with his noble and philanthropic character, rendered him an object of profound respect to his fellow-citizens, as well as to his numerous friends among the distin- guished merchants and men in public life at home and abroad. He was a fine specimen of a merchant, a man of the strictest integrity, frank, generous, high- minded in its truest sense, of broad and liberal views, a friend of the oppressed and down-trodden, in fine, a more perfect character it has never fallen to our lot to know, and is probably rarely to be met with in any community." William Rotch was the owner of the famous ship " Bedford," which first displayed the American flag in British waters, an event which is thus described in Barnard's "History of England:" "The ship 'Bedford,' Capt. Moores, belonging to the Massachusetts, arrived in the Downs on the 3d of February, 1783, and was reported at the custom-house on the 6th instant. She was not allowed regular en- try until some consultation had taken place between the commissioners of the customs and the Lords of Council, on account of the many acts of Parliament in force against the rebels of America. She was loaded with four hundred and eighty-seven butts of whale-oil, is American built, manned wholly by American seamen, and belongs to the island of Nan- tucket, in Massachusetts. This is the first vessel which has displayed the thirteen rebellious stripes of America in any British port." Francis Rotch (1750-1822), the younger brother of William, was also a successful merchant and the owner of several ships, among which was the " Dart- mouth," from which the tea was thrown overboard in Boston harbor Dec. 16, 1773. It is a remarkable coincidence that, by two occur- rences associated with the beginning and close of the war, the two ships, " Dartmouth" and " Bedford," owned by the two brothers, Francis and William Rotch, should have thus made memorable the names of the mother town and the infant village. NEW BEDFORD. 143 Nancy Rotch, the widow of Francis, lived during the latter years of her life on the corner of Walnut and Sixth Streets in New Bedford. William Rotch, Jr. (1759-1850), was born at Nan- tucket, and moved to New Bedford soon after the Revolutionary war, where he spent the remainder of his life. He is well remembered by many persons now living as one of the prominent merchants of New Bedford during the first half of the present cen- tury. He was one of the incorporators and the first president of the New Bedford Institution for Savings in 1825. He subscribed nearly half of the money raised for the erection of the Friends' Academy, which was built in 1811, upon land given for the pur- pose by his father, and was the first treasurer of the board of trustees, his father being the first president. His residence for many years was the building now occupied by the Bethel Boarding-House, then situ- ated at the corner of William and Water Streets, nearly opposite the Merchants' National Bank. He lived afterwards on County Street, his house and grounds being purchased after his death by the late Edward C. Jones. One of his especial characteristics was his hospi- tality towards strangers coming to New Bedford, whether rich or poor, whom he entertained with sim- plicity and courtliness. He, as well as his father, was an earnest advocate of the anti-slavery cause, and assisted many a bond- man to obtain his freedom. Benjamin Rotch, the second son of William Rotch, Sr., was born at Nantucket, and accompanied his father to England and France in 1785. After the outbreak of the French revolution, when his father returned to America, Benjamin went to England, and soon after to Milford Haven, where he established the whale-fishery under the auspices of the British gov- ernment. He afterwards went to London, where he and his wife lived during the remainder of their lives. Two of the children of Benjamin — Francis and Eliza — came to America, where they married and re- mained until their death. Francis married Ann Morgan, sister of Charles W. Morgan, of New Bed- iord, and Eliza married Professor John Farrar, a cele- brated mathematician of Cambridge. Mrs. Farrar (1792-1870) was an authoress of some note. Among her earliest publications are " The Children's Robinson Crusoe," " Life of Lafayette," " Howard," and " Youth's Letter Writer." Her most popular work, " Young Lady's Friend" (1837), passed through many editions in the United States and Eng- land. Her " Recollections of Seventy Years," pub- lished in 1865, contains many interesting anecdotes of the distinguished persons whom she met during her eventful life, and she was considered one of the most accomplished and refined women of her time. The second son of Benjamin Rotch, named also Benjamin, was a barrister in London, a member of Parliament, and chairman for several years of the board of Middlesex magistrates in London. The youngest son, Thomas Dickason, was brought up as a civil engineer, and was noted for his inven- tive ability. His son, William D., is a distinguished barrister, formerly of London, now of Liverpool, and is a great admirer of American institutions and re- publican principles. William Rotch, Jr. (1759-1850), married Elizabeth Rodman, of Newport, R. L, and had five children, — Sarah, who married James Arnold, of New Bedford; William R., who married Caroline Stockton, of Princeton, N. J. ; Joseph, who married Ann Smith, of Philadelphia ; Thomas, who married Susan Ridge- way, of Philadelphia ; and Mary, who married Charles Fleming and afterwards George B. Emerson. Wil- liam R. Rotch had two children, Horatio and Mary (who married Capt. Charles Hunter, of Newport). Joseph Rotch (1790-1839) had five children- Elizabeth (who married Joseph Angier), Benjamin S., William J., Rodman, and Joanna. Benjamin S. Rotch (1817-82) graduated at Har- vard in 1838, he and his brother William being the two marshals of the class which numbered among its members Lowell, Eustis, Devens, Story, and many other well-known men. In 1846 he married the eldest daughter of the Hon. Abbott Lawrence, and accom- panied the latter to England when he was appointed our minister at the court of St. James. It was dur- ing this and subsequent visits to Europe that he had the opportunity to improve and cultivate that interest in the fine arts which rendered his influence in artis- tic matters most valuable. His careful study of for- eign collections, supplemented by practical work, made him a competent and fastidious critic, as well as a painter whose landscapes have shown to advan- tage in many local exhibitions. He was a trustee of the Boston Athenamm and of the Museum of Fine Arts, and chairman of its committee. He also filled most successfully many other public and private offices which were confided to him. He had seven children, — Edith, Arthur, Aimee (who married Winthrop Sargent), Catharine (de- ceased), Annie L., William (deceased), and Abbott Lawrence. Arthur Rotch graduated at Harvard in 1871, and then pursued a thorough course of architecture at the Ecole des Beaux Arts" at Paris. On his return from abroad he settled in Boston, where he has been very successful in the practice of his profession, and has paid considerable attention to matters pertaining to art and music. Abbott Lawrence Rotch at an early age exhibited a decided taste for mechanical engineering, and is now a student in the Institute of Technology in Boston. William J. Rotch graduated at Harvard in 1838, in the same class with his brother Benjamin, with whom he was afterwards associated in many business enter- prises. Together with L. A. Plummer, of New Bed- 144 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. ford, they founded the New Bedford Cordage Com- pany, which has always heen one of the most success- ful corporations of that city. In later years the two brothers were among the first to discover and develop the value of the McKay sewing-machine, which has since won a world-wide reputation. William J. Rotch has been prominently connected with nearly all the important business enterprises of New Bedford for many years, and has held numerous offices, both public and private, of honor and trust. In 1852, at the early age of thirty-three, he was elected mayor of the city. He has been treasurer of the board of trustees of the Friends' Academy since 1850, and has been a director in many manufacturing companies, railroad corporations, and banks in New Bedford and Boston. In 1842 he married Emily Morgan, daughter of Charles W. Morgan, of New Bedford, who died in 1861. They had eight children, Charles M. (de- ceased), William, Helen, Morgan, Isabel M. (who married Pierre Severance), Sarah B. (who married Frederick Swift), Emily M., and Anna S. In 1866 he married Clara Morgan, and they had one daughter, Mary R. After 1876 Mr. Botch lived in Boston during the winter, and in 1881 he went abroad with his wife and four daughters, returning in the fall of 1882. His residence on County Street, in New Bedford, sur- rounded by extensive lawns and gardens, which cover several acres near the centre of the city, has for many years been considered one of the finest in Southern Massachusetts, and when occupied by its former owner, James Arnold, its spacious grounds and green- houses, filled with rare exotic plants, were among the principal objects of interest to all strangers who visited the city. William Botch graduated at Harvard in 1865, and after a three-years' course at the " Ecole Impe- riale Centrale des Arts et Manufactures" at Paris, re- ceived the diploma of " Ingenieur civil" in 1869. In 1871 he was appointed assistant engineer of the Fall River Water-Works, the construction of which was begun a few months later; and in 1874 he was ap- pointed chief engineer and superintendent, retaining the position until the completion of the works. He resigned this office in 1880, and removed to Boston, where he was appointed consulting engineer and pur- chasing agent of the Mexican Central Railway Com- pany. He has been consulting engineer and treasurer of several other railroad corporations during the last three years. In 1873 he married Mary Botch Eliot, daughter of Hon. Thomas D. Eliot, M. C, and has had five chil- dren, — Edith Eliot, William, Jr., Charles Morgan, Mary Eliot (deceased), and Clara Morgan. Morgan Botch graduated at Harvard in 1871, and has since been engaged in business in New Bedford as a cotton-broker. He has been a member of the Common Council, is a director of the National Bank of Commerce of New Bedford, and of several other cor- porations. In 1879 he married Josephine G., daugh- ter of Joseph G. Grinnell, of New Bedford, and has had two children, Arthur Grinnell and Emily Mor- gan. Rodman Rotch (1821-54) left New Bedford at an early age, and settled in Philadelphia, where he died at the age of thirty-three. He married Helen Morgan, daughter of Thomas W. Morgan, of Phila- delphia, and had two children, Anna S. and Thomas Morgan. Thomas Morgan Rotch graduated at Harvard in 1870, and, after studying three years at the Harvard Medical School, and holding the position of house physician at the Massachusetts General Hospital for one year, took the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He next studied for two years in the hospitals of Ger- many and France, and then returned to Boston, where he began to practice in 1876. He was ap- pointed Instructor in Diseases of Children in the Harvard Medical School, and has since held positions in the Boston Dispensary, the Boston City Hospital, and the Children's Hospital. In 1874 he married Helen, daughter of William J. Botch, of New Bed- ford, and has one son, Thomas Morgan Rotch, Jr. Seven generations of this family have lived upon the soil of New Bedford from the time when Joseph Botch purchased the " ten-acre lot" in 1765, and sug- gested the name of the town, and probably no one family has had a greater influence in developing its character and shaping its history. JONATHAN BOURNE. Jonathan Bourne, son of Jonathan and Hannah Tobey Bourne, was born in the village of Monument, town of Sandwich, Mass., March 25, 1811, and was the tenth of a family of eleven children. His father a man of inflexible will, strong good sense, and ster- ling integrity, was a farmer, and his sons were trained to habits of industry and learned the lessons of self- reliance. At the age of seventeen Mr. Bourne came to this city and entered the store of John B. Taylor, remaining there nine months, and then spent the win- ter months at home in attendance at the village school. The next spring he again came to New Bedford, where he attended for a few months the school of B. F. Fry, and after a brief visit to his home, found employment in the grocery-store of John Webster, under the Man- sion House, with whom, after a short time, he entered into partnership. Soon afterwards he purchased Mr. Webster's interest, and managed the business alone until 1838, when he sold out to the late George W. Howland, as his whaling investments were becoming important enough to demand his full attention. He retained, however, an office at his old stand, and being engaged largely both as owner and agent in the whale fishery, he carried on his business there until 1848, when he moved into the counting-room on Merrill's ^Z^T^^-^- ^-^^g NEW BEDFORD. U5 wharf which he has since continuously occupied. Devoted to his business, lie rapidly increased it, until he became at one time the owner, probably, of more whaling tonnage than any other man in the country, if not in the world. During the late civil war, when other owners, dis- heartened at the prospects of the fishery, were selling their vessels to the government to be sunk, stone- laden, at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, Mr. Bourne kept his faith in the enterprise and purchased five ships, retaining the entire ownership of three of them, and prosecuted the business with redoubled vigor, and with results proving his sagacity. Always interested in politics, first as a Whig and later as a Republican, Mr. Bourne has never held any political office, except that of alderman, which, during the early history of the city, he filled for five con- secutive years. Decided in his views upon all ques- tions that came before the board, and frank and fear- less in expressing them, he encountered persistent opposition at the polls, but never failed of an election. Mr. Bourne was three times chosen a delegate to the National Republican Convention, and at Chicago, in 1860, was the first of the Massachusetts delegation to abandon Seward and cast a vote for Abraham Lincoln. For five terms, of two years each, he was elected by the Legislature a State director of the Western (now the Boston and Albany) Railroad. In politics, as in business, he has relied mainly upon his own judgment of men and measures, and always had the courage of his convictions. Upon the death of Hon. John Avery Parker, Mr. Bourne was chosen as his successor in the direction of the Merchants' Bank, and upon the death of Charles R. Tucker, in 1876, was unanimously chosen president of the bank, a position he now holds. He also succeeded the late W. H. Taylor, Esq., as president of the Bristol County Fire Insurance Company. Mr. Bourne's early educational advantages were limited to those afforded by the common schools in his youth, open for about two months each winter, and kept by men poorly paid and often as poorly fitted for their work, and by the brief term he at- tended Mr. Fry's school in New Bedford. But he made good use of them, and was well fitted for the larger school of practical affairs in which he has taken such conspicuous rank. An eminently suc- cessful business man, the secret of his success is an open one. It is due to his tireless industry, to his promptness that never failed to meet every financial obligation, however trivial or however large, to his remarkable personal attention to details, and to a probity and courage, tempered with caution, that have made him sagacious and successful beyond most men. Though quick in his insight into affairs, and sometimes almost passionate in the conduct of his business, he has been just in his decisions and thought- ful of those connected with him. Though in his seventy-third year, Mr. Bourne, by 10 his bodily vigor, energy in business, and spirited in- terest in affairs, most forcibly illustrates the value of active habits, possessing as he does, at his ad- vanced age, the physical and mental elasticity and strength generally associated with the prime of life. JOSEPH ARTHUR BEAUVAIS. Joseph Arthur Beauvais, son of Andrew and Pa- tience (Ricketson) Beauvais, was born in South Dart- mouth, Mass., Jan. 21, 1S24. His mother was a daughter of Clark and Mary (Wood) Ricketson, of that town. His father was a native of Bordeaux, France. The family having been reduced by the French Revolution, and to avoid conscription into Napoleon's army, which was then taking boys of twelve years of age, he was sent while quite young by his widowed mother to this country, whither his sister, wife of Capt. James Rider, of Dartmouth, had preceded him. He commanded for many years packet-ships from New York in the New Orleans trade, and later in the South American trade, chiefly with Buenos Ayres. His uncle, James Rider, was also a successful shipmaster, sailing from New York in the New Orleans and European trade. In child- hood his father and uncle, with their families, re- moved to New York, and afterwards to Astoria, Long Island, where his mother died. After her decease, Capt. Rider having retired from his seafaring life in 1832, the families returned to South Dartmouth, and he became an inmate of his uncle's family. He was tenderly reared and educated by his uncle and aunt, to whose sterling characters, excellent precepts, and careful training he feels what success he has met with in life is largely due. Capt. Rider engaged quite ex- tensively in the whaling business in South Dartmouth, and subsequently in New Bedford, where he died, and where his wife now survives him. His early education was obtained in the public and private schools of Dartmouth. In 1840 he came to New Bedford and attended for a short time the Bush Street Grammar School, and was admitted to the High School, John F. Emerson, principal. After graduating in 1842, he entered the counting-room of Barton Ricketson, his uncle, then extensively engaged as managing owner of whaling and merchant vessels, and also of the New Bedford Iron-Foundry. In 1843 he became his uncle's book-keeper and confidential clerk, where he remained until November, 1851, when he assumed a like position in the counting-room of J. B. Wood & Co., then largely engaged in the whal- ing business. Here he became interested with the firm as an owner in their ships, and was at times managing owner of several merchant and coasting vessels, and also did some business as a broker. In 1860 he was chosen treasurer of the New Bed- ford Tannery Company, which built the tannery- works on Court Street. This enterprise not proving remunerative, after a few years the property chauged 146 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUiNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. hands and the corporation was dissolved. In 1867 he was chosen treasurer of the American Tack Com- pany, of Fairhaven, and subsequently its president, which positions he still retains. In February, 1872, he severed a most pleasant and harmonious connection of more than twenty- one years with J. B. Wood & Co., and formed the firm of Beau- vais & Co. (T. B. Fuller, late book-keeper of the American Tack Company, as partner), and engaged in private banking. In 1874, assisted by H. A. Blood, of Fitchburg, Henry W. Phelps, of Springfield, and others, he organized the Fall River Railroad Company, of which corporation he was president. This corpo- ration contracted with Mr. Phelps to build the rail- road from New Bedford to Fall River. It was opened for travel December, 1875. Within two years after the completion of the road he resigned the position of president, but is still a director in the corporation. In May, 1875, in connection with his partner and others, he organized the Citizens' National Bank, of which he was chosen president and Mr. Fuller cash- ier. To this bank the banking business of Beauvais & Co. was transferred. This bank was organized with a capital of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, which has been increased to five hundred thousand dollars. He was one of the original corporators and for some time a trustee of the New Bedford Five Cents' Savings-Bank, which position he resigned after a few years. In 1878 he became interested in the organization of the New England Mutual Aid Society for life insurance upon the assessment plan. Of this society he was president until the removal of its office to Boston rendered the discharge of the duties incompatible with his other engagements. Mr. Beauvais was origiually a Whig, and identified himself with the Republican party on its formation. In religion he is a Congregationalist. For some time he was clerk of the Trinitarian Church, and during eight years was superintendent of its Sabbath-school. At present he is a member of the North Congrega- tional Church. Mr. Beauvais has ever been an active business man, and at present is president and treasurer of the American Tack Company, president of the Citizens' National Bank, director in the Fall River Railroad, Grinnell Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Fall River Bleachery, Sagamore Manufacturing Company, Border City Manufacturing Company, and Globe Street Railway Company of Fall River. I n May, 1848, he was united in marriage with Hannah Cotton Parker, daughter of Ward M. and Hepzabeth (Davis) Parker, and their family consisted of one child, Louise Cecile, who married Max Ritter von Schmaedel, an artist of Munich, and died, leaving a son, Harold Parker von Schmaedel. Mrs. Beauvais died in January, 1879, and in June, 1881, he married Mary Stetson Mendell, daughter of Ellis and Catha- rine (Allen) Mendell. CHARLES B. H. FESSENDEN. Charles B. H. Fessenden was born in Sandwich, Barnstable Co., July 17, 1813. He was educated at the Sandwich and Amherst Academies and at Am- herst College, graduating from that institution in the class of 1833. After completing his law studies at the Dane Law School and in law offices he went to Michigan in 1838, commencing practice in the village of Utica, Macomb Co. In 1839 he was a clerk in the Michigan Senate, and in 1842 was a member of its House. The latter year he returned to his native place, where he opened an office and continued his practice until 1853, when, having been appointed collector of the port of New Bedford, he removed to that city. He held that position until the close of Mr. Buchanan's administration. Soon after leaving the office of collector, in company with Mr. William G. Baker, he purchased the New Bedford Daily Mer- cury, which was published and edited by them for many years. In 1862 he was elected sheriff of Bris- tol County, and was re-elected in 1865 and 1868. In 1869 he resigned the sheriffalty, having been ap- pointed United States assessor of internal revenue for the First Massachusetts District. This office he held until by statute its duties were merged in those of collector, when he was appointed to the latter office and retained it until 1876, when the number ol revenue districts in the State was reduced to three. Since that time he has held the position of deputy collector in the Third District, his division being nearly coterminous with the boundaries of his old district. Mr. Fessenden is one of the trustees of the Swairn Free School, and senior warden of Grace Church. No one who for the last thirty years has been familiar with the business, political, and social life of New Bedford, can fail to have noticed the value which such a citizen as Col. Fessenden is to a com- munity. His activity in all good works, his genial, winning, and elegant manners, his culture, the keen- ness of his mind, and the brilliancy of his conversa- tion have all conspired to render him a positive force in the development of the city of his adoption. As collector of customs and internal revenue he has watched over the interests of the government with scrupulous care, while at the same time he has won and preserved the respect and esteem of those with whom he has been called upon to deal. As editor, his varied culture and the brightness and elegance of his style and sparkling wit held his paper up to a standard which dignified the profession of journalism in the community, and exerted a powerful influence upon the manners and conduct of this community, while in his whole career as sheriff of the county, he maintained the ancient dignity of the office and gave to the courts an impressiveness, the loss of which can only result in great injury to the orderly administra- tion of justice. Certainly no history of the bench and bar of Bristol would be complete which failed to NEW BEDFORD. 147 record and call to mind the days when Col. Fessenden, with his paraphernalia of office, graced the sheriff's seat, with the incomparable crier opposite, whose " Hear ye ! Hear ye ! Hear ye !" was more truly a clarion blast than that blown on the trumpets by the heralds of old, whire the "good men and true" of the genial clerk seemed to realize in their tone and man- ner the ideal utterances of a court of justice. No one who was accustomed to practice in that court will ever forget the impression there received, and the tradition of them will be kept forever. J. (4EOROE HARRIS. Mr. Harris, who is mentioned on page 96 as editor of a paper in New Bedford, became a journalist as soon as he was of age, beginning his career as associ- ate editor of the Political observer at New London in 1830 ; afterwards editor of the New Bedford Daily ■Gazette, and. then acquiring celebrity at Boston as a political writer, he was invited in 1838 by distin- guished men of Washington City to go to Tennessee, where he established the Nashville Union, which re- flected the influential political opinions of Gen. An- drew Jackson, and represented the rising fortunes of James K. Polk from Congressman to Governor and President. It is well said by a leading journal that in this connection it is not uninteresting to the people of New London County, Conn., to recall the fact that nearly half a century ago, when the two great politi- cal parties of the country were almost as equally di- vided as they are now, with Henry Clay, of Ken- tucky, in the lead of the Whigs, and Andrew Jackson, of Tennessee, in the lead of the Democrats, two young men, natives of New London County, were invited from the North to conduct the two leading journals of the West and shadow forth to the country the ruling opinions and policy of those two distin- guished leaders of men, as emanating from them in their retiracy at " Ashland" and the " Hermitage." George D. Prentice, of Jewett City, had been called to Louisville, Ky., to conduct the Journal as the voice of Mr. Clay, and J. George Harris, of Groton, was invited to Nashville, Tenn., as editor of the Union. It was at a time when Jackson and Clay were re- garded, in the language of the day, as "the embodi- ment of the principles of their parties" respectively, and the Journal and Union became perfectly oracular in politics. From their exposed position at the front when Kentucky and Tennessee were frontier States, where the people were to a great extent a law unto themselves, these New London boys had repeatedly to stand fire with the wild elements of Western poli- tics. Of course they were wide as the poles asunder as the representatives of their respective parties in the political arena, but their own personal relations, established here at an early day, were never dis- turbed, although, for the amusement of the public, they did a good deal of sharpshooting at each other between Louisville and Nashville with their quills, which had a tendency rather to strengthen than to weaken friendship. The early prestige of the Journal as the voice of Mr. Clay and of the Union as that of < u'li. Jackson established their influence on a founda- tion so firm that it is still maintained by them in the Southwest, and in all public affairs they now have wider influence beyond the mountains than any other political newspapers. Mr. Harris was commissioned in 1843 by Daniel Webster, then Secretary of State, as a commercial agent for Europe, and went abroad in that capacity. If we may judge from his voluminous reports to the State Department, of which so large a number of extra copies were printed by the United States Senate, his services were highly appreciated. After Mr. Polk's election to the Presidency he in- vited Mr. Harris to conduct the official paper at Washington, which he declined, as he had before de- clined the editorship of the Madisonian, the official paper of Mr. Tyler's administration. Preferring a life service in the navy to temporary civil service, Mr. Harris accepted in 1845 a commission as disbursing officer of the navy, which commission, with promo- tions to the highest rank of his grade, he still holds on the list of officers retired for long and faithful services. The official and personal relations of Mr. Harris in the naval service have ever been exceedingly happy. In Hamersly's " Records of Living Naval Officers" it is stated that Pay Director J. George Harris was attached to the Gulf squadron in 1846-47, and during the Mexican war he was a member of Commodore M. G. Perry's staff on all his shore expeditions; that he was at the capture of Tuxpan, Tabasco, and Vera Cruz, receiving from the commodore special letters of thanks for services rendered afloat and ashore ; that from 1850 to 1854, inclusive, he was attached to the Asiatic fleet, and again with Commodore Perry when the empire of Japan was opened to the commerce of the world. In his introductory report of the Japan expedition Commodore Perry makes special mention of the aid he had received from Mr. Harris in preparing his volumes for the use of Congress. Mr. Harris spent two years on the coast of Africa, in the fleet appointed to suppress the slave trade, and his journals, made while on the shores of Liberia and Guinea, were copiously used by Mr. Gurley, the gov- ernment agent at Liberia, in his reports to Congress. For two years he was attached to the Mediterranean squadron. On that cruise he sent home to public institutions some rare and curious antiquities, which are considered the very best specimens of their kind. During the civil war he held some of the most respon- sible positions of trust in the navy, both ashore and afloat, disbursing several millions of public money without the slightest deficit or loss to the government. 148 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. At the organization of the Groton Heights (Conn.) Centennial Committee, in 1879, he was elected presi- dent of the Centennial Commission, and his admin- istration of its affairs, that resulted in such perfect success on the 6th and 7th of September, 1881, was characterized by good judgment and executive ability. CAPT. HENRY TABER. Among those who took the "oath of fidelity" in the old township of Dartmouth in 1684 was Thomas Taber, and among the proprietors of Dartmouth in Novem- ber, 1694, we find Joseph Taber, Thomas Taber, and Thomas Taber, Jr. Among the early settlers men- tioned in the old records we note eleven of the name, viz.: Jacob, Jacob, Jr., John, Jonathan, Joseph, Philip, Philip, Jr., Stephen, Thomas, Thomas, Jr., and William. Thus for two hundred years has this good family of Friends been resident in New Bedford and neighborhood, and connected with its growth and prosperity. Capt. Henry Taber, son of Benjamin 3 and Rhobe (Aikin) Taber, was born in New Bedford, Mass., March 29, 1795. His great-grandfather, Benjamin Taber, and Susannah, his wife, had thirteen children, — Elizabeth, Joseph, Benjamin 2 , John, Archelaus, Joshua, Mary, Jeduthan, Rebecca, Thomas, Jeremiah, Lewis, and Seth. Benjamin 2 , born Oct. 10, 1733, died Feb. 5, 1820, was twice married: (1) to Hannah, daughter of Barnabas and Mary Gardner, of Nan- tucket. She died Feb. 16, 1766. Their children were Barnabas, Daniel. Benjamin 3 . (2) to Eunice, widow of Joseph Gardner, and daughter of Richard and Lydia Worth, of Nantucket. She was born in 1731, and died in 1814. Their children were Barnabas, Su- sannah, and Frances. He was the builder of the first whale-boat built in New Bedford. Benjamin Taber 3 , born Feb. 2, 1766, married Rhobe, daughter of Thomas Aikin, born Jan. 30, 1768, by whom he had eight children, — Hannah, Philip A., James, James 2 , Henry, Thomas, Shubael, and Rhobe. She died May 11, 1801, aged thirty-three. He then married Merab Coffin, by whom he had six children,— Benjamin C, Sarah C. and Ann F. (twins), Rhobe A., John W., and Avis F. He was a block-maker, and a very inventive genius. He received or owned a patent for boring logs for aqueducts, which business he followed so long as he remained in New Bedford. The last part of his life was passed in Victoria, 111., where he died, aged eighty years. He was a man of sterling integrity, and highly esteemed for his numerous good qualities. Thomas Aikin, father of Rhobe, came to New Bed- ford from Canada. He was a man of limited means, also of the Society of Friends, and a blacksmith by trade. He had three sons and three daughters, — Abial, Charles, Timothy, Rhobe, Abigail, and Luramy. Henry Taber remained with the home circle, receiving a limited school education and assisting his father until he was fourteen. At that age he went to sea as cabin- boy with his uncle, John Wood, master of the " George and Susan," a ship now owned by Aikin & Swift, and doing good service. (His mother died when he was but six years of age, and the care of his youth was given by his Aunt Luramy, wife of Capt. John Wood. She kept house for his father, and was almost a mother to the family.) This first voyage took him to Virginia, from whence they took a lading of tobacco to Liverpool. His second trip was to Port Glasgow. His third was to Hamburgh as second mate. His last voyage was in the brig " Nancy," Capt. Packard, after the war of 1812, from New York to Dublin. He then for one year was chief mate under Capt. John Wood, on a packet running from New Bedford to New York. The fifteen subsequent years he was captain on the same line, and commanded four different vessels, "Orbit," "Boston," "Experiment," and "Helen," owning a one-fourth interest in the last two. In 1832, Capt. Taber engaged in trade in New Bedford as a grocer and ship-chandler in company with David Sherman, as Taber & Sherman, on Centre Street, near the wharf. Mr. Sherman soon left for Pough- keepsie, N. Y., to look after whaling interests there. After two or three years Capt. Taber formed a part- nership with his son, William G., and son-in-law, John Hunt, under firm-title of Henry Taber & Co. This firm continued in successful and prosperous ex- istence until March 1, 1866, when Capt. Taber retired, and the firm-name changed to Taber, Gordon & Co. About 1834, Capt. Taber became quite largely in- terested in whaling, and amassed considerable wealth from this source. He is now largely interested in the various enterprises of New Bedford. He was presi- dent of the Mutual Marine Insurance Company, now suspended, is a director in the National Bank of Com- merce, and is a stockholder in three different banks. He has been twice married : (1 ) to Nabby, daughter of William and Nabby Gordon, Dec. 16, 1819. She was born in New Bedford, March 10, 1800, and died Nov. 9, 1831. The children of this marriage were William G., born Aug. 20, 1821 ; Abby (Mrs. John Hunt), born Aug. 16, 1824; and Robert, born Oct. 4, 1831. (2) to Sally, sister of first wife, Dec. 9, 1832. She was born July 20, 1802. They had one son, Henry A. (de- ceased). (William Gordon died June 26, 1835, aged eighty years. His wife, Nabby Gordon, died Nov. 16, 1831, aged seventy years.) In politics, Capt. Taber has ever been a Whig and a Republican. Believing in the principles of these parties he was strong in their support, and, with the exception of two years, served in the State Legisla- ture from 1838 to 1844. Many years Capt. Taber has been one of New Bedford's representative and most successful business men. He has been industrious, cautious, and conservative, showing great financial ability in the many diversified and complicated in- terests in which he has been engaged. Of strict in- tegrity and frank courtesy, his manly qualities and sterling worth have given him stanch friends all ^^^/ //^^ftiZU/t^, NEW BEDFORD. 149 along the path of life, and never was a friend betrayed who trusted his interests in his hands. Those who have known him longest are to-day his warmest admirers. WILLIAM PHILLIPS. The firm of William Phillips & Son, for years one of the well-known commercial houses of New Bed- ford, is a copartnership consisting of William Phillips and George R. Phillips, father and son. The busi- ness of the firm is that of ship agents and commission- merchants, having had considerable interests in the whale fisheries and the buying and selling of its prod- ucts from the formation of the copartnership to the present time. The senior member of this house, Mr. William Phillips, who is the subject of this short sketch, was born at Westport, in the county of Bristol, Jan. 3, 1801, and is, consequently, at the present time nearly eighty-two years of age. His father, Capt. Edward Phillips, was born in Dartmouth, in the same county, April 5, 1779, and died in Westport Jan. 28, 1831. He was married to a lady named Amy Tripp, and made his home in that part of Westport known as Tripp's wharf, being near Hix's bridge. William was the oldest son of a family which consisted of eight children, of whom but two sisters and himself are now living. The age of fourteen found him at work as clerk in a store at the head of Westport River. In this occu- pation he remained until January, 1820, when he came to New Bedford, where he was employed as clerk by Levi Standish, of that place. Since that time he has lived in New Bedford continuously up to the present time. For five years he was engaged in that or kindred occupations, and in 1825 entered the office of John Avery Parker, of New Bedford, as clerk and book-keeper. After remaining with him about three years he formed a copartnership with Mr. George Russell, and engaged in the business of a ship- chandlery and commission-house, under the firm- name of Phillips & Russell. In 1832 this firm, together with John A. Parker, erected the brick building known as Parker's Block, at the foot of Middle Street. A few years later, in 1836, he again entered the office of Mr. Parker, at that time being a firm under the name of John A. Parker & Son, as book-keeper and confidential clerk. He re- mained in this position until the death of John A. Parker, in December, 1853, the firm having been dis- solved some time previous by the withdrawal of the son, Frederick Parker, in 1848. Mr. John A. Parker, upon his death, left a large estate to be administered upon, and by the terms of his will appointed Mr. Phillips accounting executor and trustee, with his son, Frederick Parker, and Hon. John H. Clifford, the two last of whom died before the final settlement of the estate. The final settle- ment of this estate was effected in 1880, that being the time when the last entries were made and the books of the trust closed, although the bulk of the estate had long before been distributed. The account-books of this trust cover a period of twenty-seven years, and being in the handwriting of Mr. Phillips they are, among other things, interesting as showing the gradual change that years make, " the sensible yet imperceptible growth of age." It was after the death of Mr. Parker that the firm of William Phillips & Son was formed. In the business of the last thirty years Mr. Phillips has often been called upon to perform duties where integrity and a sound knowledge of business were necessary. The offices of executor, administrator, and trustee for various parties and estates, director in insurance, banking, and manufacturing concerns are among the many offices of trust and honor that he has been called to fill, and has filled acceptably in every instance. His life has been almost entirely one of private business, — a life whose lack of opportunity for dis- play has certainly not created in him any desire for it. He is to-day one of the sound practical business men, a class of people who are by no means the least efficient in helping along good deeds and good morals, and now, at the advanced age of eighty-two, he may justly feel proud of the reputation for honesty and integrity he enjoys, which is one of the results of his long life's work. Habits of industry formed and practiced through long years become second nature. Length of years may impair bodily vigor, but in this case there is no indication of any loss of mental vigor. Daily at his place of business, he presents the ex- ample — an example by no means of frequent occur- rence — of a man of great age who still has no idea of retiring from business. The life of a private business man whose promises are kept and whose credit is good is apt to be uneventful as far as the purposes of a biographical sketch are concerned. Such a life is so because good credit accompanies or follows correct t business habits, and such habits mean the smooth running of affairs ; while affairs run smoothly, when each day, though it bring its work and obligations, leaves its obligations complied with and its labor performed. Such a life has been that of the subject of this sketch. But lives with no startling events, no notorious or famous acts, are the foundation and superstructure of society. The famous and eventful lives may well considered the architectural embellishments, but they must have the solid structure to form themselves upon. Half of the beauty of a picture is a suitable background. Trimming is a good thing in its place, but the most essential thing is to have something to trim. Life is not a dream is the assertion of more than one experience, and the lives of great events are rendered possible only by just such lives as the one in question. Existence to the mass is upright and downright business. The value of right living, 150 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. straightforward conduct and integrity, is not easily measured. We are apt to be dazzled by the strong glare of what are termed great achievements, and, in consequence, place their common value too high ; but to the people at large, to the common brotherhood of man, for the growth and stability of good solid char- acter and true worth, the example of a well-done life's work is of the highest kind of value. E. J. L. WILLIAM C. N. SWIFT. William Cole Nye Swift, son of Reuben and Jane (Nye) Swift, was born on the Nye farm in Fairhaven, Mass., April 27, 1815. (For ancestral history, see bi- ography of R. N. Swift, Acushnet.) When William was five years old his father removed to New Bedford, where he received the educational advantages of pri- vate and academic schools. He entered Brown Uni- versity in 1831, being in the class of 1835, but left towards the end of his sophomore year on account of his health. He returned to New Bedford, and began his long and successful business career by entering the counting-room of Benjamin Rodman as assistant book-keeper. He gave satisfaction, and was soon pro- moted to book-keeper, in which capacity he remained until 1835. His father, largely engaged in the live- oak trade, then offered him a partnership in the firm of E. & R. Swift & Co. Accepting the partnership, William at once entered into active labor, going to Ossabaw Island, on the coast of Georgia, to superin- tend the getting out of live-oak ship-timber. From this time on, for many years, this was his business. He visited various parts of Florida and Louisiana examining lands and purchasing valuable live-oak lots. He was vigorous, and, although meeting many discomforts, privations, and hardships, enjoyed the life. The above-mentioned firm existed until 1837, and from that time Mr. Swift continued in the live- oak business steadily for ten years, and has been en- gaged in it at intervals since that time. In June, 1838, he was a passenger on the ill-fated steamer " Pulaski" when she was blown up by the explosion of one of her boilers on a passage between Savannah and Baltimore. Mr. Swift escaped in one of the boats, and he and another New Bedford man were the first to land through the surf. The land they reached was an uninhabited island in Stump Sound, on the coast of North Carolina. In 1843, Mr. Swift, who had before owned portions of whaling-vessels, bought the ship " Plowboy" and sent her on a voyage for sperm whales. In 1845, he, with his brother Obed, bought the " Formosa." In December, 1845, he went to Europe, and during the next year contracted with the English government to furnish spars. He was in Europe nearly a year, a large part of the time in Paris, where he gave much time to the study of French. In June, 1847, he mar- ried, and in July of that year went again to Europe, accompanied by his wife. They remained there over a year, and were living in Paris at the time of the revolution of the 24th of February, 1848, and during the three terrible days in June, when the provisional government was overturned. In 1849 he again went to Europe for a short time on business, and again in 1851, and was in Paris on the 2d of December, at the time of the coup d'etat of Louis Napoleon. (Mr. Swift has ever since maintained an interest in European, and especially French, politics, which he has followed closely.) While he was in Europe Mr. Swift established what would probably have been an extensive and lucrative business, having made contracts with the governments of France and Holland, as well as with that of Eng- land; but in 1849 Mr. Jireh Perry, Mrs. Swift's father, died. He had an extensive business, and was the owner of several whale-ships, and Mr. Swift was induced to give up his European timber trade and attend per- sonally to managing the estate in connection with Mr. Eben Perry, the son of Mr. Perry. From that time Mr. Swift has extended his business in whaling. His agents, Aikin & Swift, have now twelve vessels engaged in that pursuit. Mr. Swift married Eliza Nye Perry, daughter of Jireh and Nancy (Nye) Perry, of New Bedford. Her great-grandfather, Dr. Samuel Perry, was a well- known and honored physician, who practiced in and near New Bedford. Her grandfather, Dr. Ebenezer Perry, was also a successful physician of New Bed- ford. Her father, Jireh Perry, was connected with the whaling business during his whole life, com- mencing as clerk for Charles & Seth Russell, and, growing up in the business, accumulated a large for- tune. Mr. and Mrs. Swift have the following children: Henry W., who graduated from Harvard College in 1871, and from the Harvard Law School in 1874. He is now practicing his profession in Boston. Fred- erick, who graduated at Harvard in 1874, and is now a member of the firm of Aikin & Swift, in New Bed- ford, agents and managing owners of whaling-vessels. William N., w r ho graduated at Harvard in 1874, and from Harvard Medical School in 1879, is now a phy- sician in New Bedford. Franklin, who is in the United States navy, having graduated at the Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1880. He was made passed midshipman in June, 1882. They also have a daugh- ter, Elise, who is the youngest of the family. Mr. Swift is a man of fine appearance, courteous, hospitable, and affable. His cultivation and wide experience have given him a varied and thorough knowledge of men and events, and he has always been distinguished for sterling integrity of character, and for energy, enterprise, and good judgment. These qualities have made him successful in business, and in earlier years, when he gave some attention to poli- tics, influential in his party in the State. He has for years been one of the prominent business men of New Bedford, and has, among other interests, been for a a NEW BEDFORD. 151 long time connected with the Bank of Commerce, of New Bedford, having been a director since 1849, and being its vice-president at the present time. In politics Mr. Swift was ;i Whig until 1856, and since then has been a Democrat. He at one time had great influence in Massachusetts politics, owing to his intimacy with President James Buchanan, but he never abused his power, either by recommending a friend for office or for personal advancement, and could never be prevailed upon to accept office him- self. Mr. Swift has a place on Orchard Street in New \ Bedford, where he and his family live during the winter months; but his residence is in South Dart- ! mouth, where he has a farm called "Rockland," of about a hundred and twenty-live acres, on the shore of Buzzard's Bay. This has been the home of the family in summer since 1856. DR. EDWARD P. ABBE. Probably no country was ever settled by better citizens than by those Huguenots who came from France to New. England in its early colonial days to find the liberty of religious thought denied them in their native land. Their firm religious belief brought persecution upon them with no other effect than to drive them from France to the new world of freedom across the ocean. Thomas Abbe was one of a num- ber of this faith who came to Enfield, Conn., in 1638, and became a resident. He was a man of some im- portance, was one of the commissioners who laid out the town, and was selectman, etc. It is said that the whole town was originally owned by three men, — Abbe, Terry, and Parsons. He was a farmer, married, in Enfield, Mary Pees ; so it is inferred that he was quite a young man when he left France. He had four children, — Thomas, Hannah, Sara, and Obadiah. Thomas Abbe inherited the land where he and his endants lived and cultivated it, marrying, in 1692, Penelope Terry, by whom he had five children, — Thomas. Mary. Penelope, Sara, and John 1 . John 1 married Sara Root, and had eight children, — Sara, Obadiah, Hannah, Timothy D. (died young), Tim- othy, Daniel, Roxalana, and John 2 . John' 2 married Charity Simonds in 1764. Their children were John 3 , Sara. A-enath, Nancy, Roxalana, Charity, and Tim- othy. John 3 , born Sept. 11, 1765, married, in 1790, Hannah, daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Bradley) Billings, "! Soniers, Conn. (They were both descend- ants of the English Puritans.) The following chil- dren who attained maturity were born in Enfield: Hannah, Harriet, and Alanson. In 1804 he sold the lands which had been inherited in direct line from Thomas, the emigrant, and removed to Warehouse Point, in the town of East Windsor, Conn. Here were born five children,— John B., Loretta, Sophro- nia, James M., Ann A., and here Mr. Abbe died in 1847, aged eighty-two years. Mrs. Abbe died in 1839, aged sixty-seven. Alanson Abbe, third child and oldest son of the above, was born in Enfield, Conn., June 17, 1795. He was graduated from Yale Medical School in 1821, and settled in Litchfield, Conn., where he had a large and lucrative practice, and became known for his suc- cess in orthopaedic surgery. He removed to Boston in 1839, where he practiced his profession until a few years before his death. He married (1) Eliza Wood- rutf, daughter of Hon. Jonathan and Rachel (Steele) Barnes, of Tolland, Conn. They had five children who lived to mature years, — Elizabeth F., Edward P., Frederick R., Burr R., and William A. (2) Hephzibah, daughter of Benjamin Burgess, of Boston, Mass. They had one child, Benjamin. (3) Margaret Liv- ingston D., of Albany, N. Y. Dr. Alanson Abbe died of paralysis in April, 1864, when almost seventy years of age. His first wife died Dec. 31, 1887, aged thirty- eight years. We give a condensed genealogy of Mrs. Abbe's (Eliza W. Barnes) ancestry as far as attainable : John 1 Steele, first secretary of Connecticut colony, died 1664, leaving the following children by his wife Rachel : John 2 , Lydia, Mary, Sarah, Hannah, Samuel. John 2 married Mercy , and had Benoni, Henry, Daniel, Mary, John, and Samuel. Samuel and his wife Mercy had Thomas, Samuel, Jerusha, William, Abiel, Daniel, and Eliphalet. Eliphalet married Catherine Marsh- field, and had Josiah, Catherine, Mercy, Theophilus, Eliphalet, Elijah, Rachel, Ruth, and Jerusha. Jo- siah married Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. Benjamin Colton, first minister of West Hartford, Conn. They had Elizabeth, Amanda, Eliphalet, Josiah, Marsh- field, Rachel, Catherine, George, and Marshfield 2 . Stephen Barnes and his wife Mary, of Branford, Conn., had children born in Branford, — Benjamin, Stephen, Sarah, and Experience. Stephen married Martha Wheadon, of Branford, and moved to South- ington. Their children were Maiy, Stephen, Jona- than 1 , Martha, William, Nathan, and Asa. Jona- than 1 married Elizabeth Woodruff, of Southington, Conn. Their children were Jonathan 2 , Elizabeth, Mary, Stephen, Sylvia, Lois, Levi, Joel, and Tru- man. Jonathan 2 (graduated from Yale College in 1784) married Rachel Steele and had children, — Jon- athan 3 , Julius S., Edwin, Randolph, Eliza W., Wil- liam, and Josiah. All these sons of Judge Barnes were professional men. Edward Payson Abbe, son of Dr. Alanson and Eliza W. (Barnes) Abbe, was born in Litchfield, Conn., Nov. 28, 1827. He was fitted for college at Phillips' Andover Academy, and was graduated from Yale in 1848, and from Harvard Medical College in 1852. The next year he settled in New Bedford, Mass., and began the practice of his profession, which has steadily increased, and which has been his life work. He married, May 2, 1854, Mary Hooper, daughter of William G. and Eunice (Hooper) Black- 152 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTS, MASSACHUSETTS. ler, of New Bedford. She came of an honorable lineage. On her father's side she was descended from Thomas Gerry, Esq., born in Newton Abbot, Eng- land, in 1702, and from Madam Elizabeth (Green- field) Gerry, born in Boston, in 1716. These were also the parents of Elbridge Gerry, Governor of Mas- sachusetts and fifth Vice-President of the United States. Her maternal grandfather was Hon. Na- thaniel Hooper, lineal descendant of Bishop Hooper, of England, and his family has been for several gen- erations prominent in the State. They have three children who are now living, — William, Edward, and Mary Hooper. Mrs. Abbe was a woman greatly beloved. She had great energy of character and strong self-reliance, and was an earnest, active, and valued member of Grace (Episcopal) Church. She died Dec. 18, 1881. Dr. Abbe has quietly and without ostentation pur- sued his profession unweariedly for nearly thirty years, and has never found time nor inclination to engage in other pursuits. He has been successful in his chosen field, enjoying a large practice among all classes of people. He stands to-day high in the esteem of the leading medical men of this section, and is consulting surgeon at St. Mary's Hospital, councilor of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and was president in 1879-80 of the South Bristol Med- ical Society. Republican in his political affiliations, he has never cared for official preferment. He honorably served, however, as member of the school board five years, but has sought honors only in the line of his profes- sion. ANDREW MACKIE, M.D. Andrew Mackie, M.D., was born in Wareham, Mass., Jan. 24, 1794, and died at his residence in New Bedford, May 2, 1871. He was son and grand- son of physicians, each successful. His father, Dr. Andrew Mackie, of Wareham, was a leading practi- tioner in Eastern Massachusetts. His grandfather, Dr. John Mackie, of Southampton, L. I. The son was fitted for college under the care of Rev. Noble Everett, of Wareham, graduated at Brown University in 1813, studied medicine with his father and elder brother, Dr. John Mackie, of Providence, R. I., and at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, and commenced practice in Plymouth, Mass., in 1817, and there and New Bedford his professional life was passed ; that he stood well in respect to his associates is shown in the fact that he was twice vice- president of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and gave by election its annual address in 1850. He kept up his reading of current medical literature to the last; but had doubtless seen so many glittering spe- cialties come and go that, though not rejecting, he was jealous of new novelties. At the annual meeting of the South Bristol Medi- cal Society, held in New Bedford, May 10, 1871, the following resolutions were adopted : " Resolved, That by the death of Dr. Andrew Mackie, of New Bedford, the members of this society lose au associate of marked professional ability and uprightness of character. " Resolved, That, one of the founders of our society, tie has claims to our gratitude for his unvarying support of it, a support given from an often expressed conviction of the correctness of the principles under- lying its organization, that by measures promotive of professional good that of our fellow-men will be promoted. "Resolved, That as individuals our gratitude is due him for the ex- ample of steadfast devotion to duty and high moral principle which has governed his course ; that, as a man, a friend, and a physician, his mem- ory will ever be precious. " Resolved, That we tender our sincere sympathy to his widow and his children in their bereavement." In early life he united with the Congregational Church, and was ever a faithful and consistent mem- ber. In 1834 he was chosen deacon of the North Congregational Church of New Bedford, and retained his official relation till his death. A man is valuable who is strictly conscientious. We have the memory of a man scrupulous to know the right and perfectly fearless to do it at any cost. In his life of seventy- seven years he left the testimony of an honest and conscientious man. A strong man, he was strong in his convictions. He reproduced the Puritan idea, modified only to less sternness. A massive strength, a solid faith, a fearless utterance, and though genial, and especially so in his family, where he considered everybody's comfort before his own, yet a character which, if aroused to wrath, one would dread to .en- counter. Such men are capable of great severity. He was satisfied with long life. He saw his family long settled, his sons in useful professions. He had the respect of his fellow-citizens as a just man and the regard of those in his own work, to some of whom he was a patriarch. Fifty years of consistent Christian life are his tes- timony. Duty was his watchword ; duty fulfilled is preparation. It does take years to make such a prep- aration. Fruit does not ripen in blossom-time. A great oak is many years from the acorn. A good life, stalwart, vigorous, true, it takes years to build it up. Be patient, young men. Character is a plant of slow growth, but the reward of patient continuance is cer- tain. Dr. Mackie married, Dec. 4, 1821, at Plymouth, Mass., Hetty A., daughter of Capt. Lemuel Bradford, who was killed in the war of 1812, and a lineal de- scendant of Governor Bradford. Of their five children, Rev. Andrew was a dean of the Episcopal Church of Northern Indiana, died in the spring of 1878, aged fifty-five; John H., M.D. ; George F. died at twenty-three, he was a captain in the merchant service; Elizabeth C, wife of George Hastings, of New Bedford; and Amelia B., who died at five years. Mrs. Mackie died Aug. 30, 1880, aged seventy-seven. AA_ Wuxa^XI V\A&JlMaJU G^U d NEW BEDFORD. 153 JOHN HOWELL MACKIE, A.M., M.D. John Howell Mackie, A.M., M.D., son of Dr. Andrew and "Hetty Amelia (Bradford) Mackie, of New Bedford. His father was a son of Dr. Andrew Mackie, of Wareham (an eminent physician of that section of the State, and a surgeon in the United States army during the Revolution), and a grandson of Dr. John Mackie, of Southampton, L. I. His mother was a lineal descendant of Governor Bradford. He was horn at Plymouth, Mass., Aug. 24, 1826. Educated at private schools and under private tutors, he pur- sued his professional studies at Harvard College (on whose roll of honor his name stands), and at the Jefferson Medical College, in Philadelphia, where he graduated as M.D. March 9, 1850, and in the same year established himself in practice in New Bedford, where at this time, 1882, he is one of the leading sur- geons and physicians. His reputation as a surgeon is not confined to his city or county, but is recog- nized all through the United States, he having per- formed many of the most important and difficult operations in surgery, and being frequently called in consultation in various parts of his own as well as other States in New England. From the Massachu- setts Medical Society, of which he has been an hon- ored member since 1850, he has received many hon- ors, having been a councilor for many years, and been chosen to represent the State Society at the meetings of the Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and New York Medical Societies. He was also chosen a delegate from the Massachusetts Medical Society to the International Medical Congress of 1876, a con- gress composed of the most eminent men from all parts of the civilized world, and became a member of that congress. In 1876 he was chosen anniversary chairman of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and presided at the annual dinner in Music Hall, Boston, where among more than one thousand members and guests was Dom Pedro, Emperor of Brazil, and other distinguished strangers. In 1882 he was chosen vice-president of the Massa- chusetts Medical Society. He is a permanent mem- ber of the American Medical Society, also a member and in 1S63 and 1864 was president of the Bristol South District Medical Society. He is now (1882) president of the New Bedford Society for Medical Im- provement. He was appointed consulting physician and surgeon to St. Joseph's Hospital in 1875, and still retains the position. In the late war he was an acting surgeon in the United States navy from May 13, 1861, until March, 1862, when, his health being affected by his service in the Gulf of Mexico, he resigned his position, and was soon after appointed an acting as- sistant surgeon in the army, and during the rest of the war was in charge of hospitals at the North. Since 1863 he has been a United States examining surgeon for the Pension Bureau. He is a member and in 1881 was elected a trustee and member of the council of the Massachusetts Medical Benevolent Society. From 1868 to 1871, inclusive, he was a member of the New Bedford City Council. In 1879 he assisted in the arduous work of organizing the first Hoard of Health in the city of New Bedford, and in 1880 and 1881 was its chairman. He also served as quarantine physician, and organized a system of quarantine which received the unqualified indorsement of the national authorities. Dr. Mackie has been largely called upon as a medical and surgical expert before the sessions of all the courts in Bristol County. His well-known thorough knowledge of his profession and the perfect clearness and honesty of his testimony are thoroughly appreciated by juries in the county of Bristol. In politics he was a Whig until the death of the party, when he became a Republican, and has since acted and voted with that party. When a young man he became an Episcopalian, but in later years has gone back to the faith of his fathers, and although not a member of the church, is a constant attendant at the old North Congregational Church, where for so many years his father was an honored member and deacon. His character is formed very much upon his father's, having the same stern devotion to the calls of duty, whatever they may be, and the same uncompromising sense of honor and devotion to his professional duties. Charitable to the poor, equally ready to respond to the call of the humble and the lowly as well as to the honored and wealthy, he is a worthy successor to an honored name and reputation. Jan. 1, 1860, he married Alice Weston, daughter of Henry Tobey, of Falmouth, Mass., formerly of George- town, S. C, by whom he had four children, one daugh- ter and three sons, of whom only one is now living. CHARLES ALMY. Charles Almy, son of Pardon and Mary (Cook) Almy, was born in Tiverton, R. I., June 8, 1819, of parents resident in Little Compton. He is a de- scendant in the seventh generation from William Almy, who came from England to New Jersey in very early colonial days, and afterwards permanently settled in Rhode Island, where he became a large land-owner. His son Job, born 1640, died at Ports- mouth, R. I., in 1684. The descendants of William Almy are numerous in Rhode Island and the con- tiguous parts of this State. The line of descent from William to Charles is William 1 , Job'-, Job 3 , John 4 , Sanford 5 , Pardon*, Charles 7 . The laud first occupied by William lay at Little Compton and Tiv- erton, and is largely held to-day by his descend- ants. Sanford Almy, born 1759, died 1844, a large real-estate owner, having several farms, was an ac- tive Democratic politician, and all his life in public positions of trust and honor. He was State senator for many years. He manned Lydia Gray, by whom he had fifteen children. He was a man of strong in- tellect and sterling worth, and, while quiet and unas- 154 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. suming, led public opinion and had the confidence of all. Both he and his wife lived to advanced years. Pardon Almy, their eighth child, born 1792, died 1864, derived such advantages of education from the common schools as to be competent to teach, but soon became a farmer on a portion of the paternal acres, and was an agriculturist during his life. He was a man of good judgment and business sagacity. He held a colonelcy in the militia and was a deacon of the Baptist Church. He was quite retiring in dispo- sition, never seeking office, and accepting it as a duty only when he was considered the best man for the po- sition. He was of uniformly even disposition, and was rarely provoked to anger. He and four brothers lived on separate places in close proximity to each other, and they were all of strong physique and commanding appearance. They prided themselves on the amount of labor they could accomplish, and the superior manner in which it was done. They were social and hospitable, and none of them addicted to any vices. They were all good types of the best element of our intelligent New Eng- land yeomanry, and valuable and valued citizens. Each held an office which gave him an appellation for life. George was "Esquire," Frederick was "Col- onel," Oliver H. was " Judge," John was " Major," and Pardon was " Deacon." Pardon married Mary Cook, a lineal descendant of Governor William Bradford. They had seven chil- dren attaining mature years, of whom Charles was oldest. Charles Almy was reared a farmer, and from early years was accustomed to labor. He had good common school and academic education, and commenced teaching school when but seventeen. He was a teacher for seven consecutive years, and gave good satisfaction. In 1843 he opened a country store at Tiverton, where he remained until Jan. 1,1846, when he removed to New Bedford and engaged in dry-goods and tailoring business at "Old 4 Corners," corner Union and North Water Streets. He shortly after, in partnership with George A. Bourne, as Almy & Bourne, started the auction and commission business now conducted by George A. Bourne & Sons, and was connected therewith four or five years. He soon became interested in whaling, and devoted himself largely to that lucrative business, relinquish- ing the management of his store to his brother San- ford, who purchased it in 1861. Mr. Almy continued whaling until the breaking out of the civil war. In 1854 he built a whaling ship (four hundred tons), the "Seconet," at Eairhaven, and afterwards a bark of three hundred and eighty tons for merchant ser- vice, which he named for his daughter " Helen W. Almy." This vessel is now running between San Francisco and the Sandwich Islands. For twenty-one years Mr. Almy's office was in the building where he first began his New Bedford business life. The com- mencement of his present insurance business was in 1864, when he was induced to take the agency of the National Travelers Accident Insurance Company, of New York. This proving to be profitable, he accepted agencies from life and fire insurance companies, and has built up a fine business. Like the stock from which he sprung, Mr. Almy has independent habits of thought and a strong sense of justice. He would be untrue to his ancestry if he supported wrong, even though countenanced by a powerful and wealthy majority. "There is a minor- ity nearer right than the majority," and with that minority Mr. Almy has willingly taken his place. Anti-slavery in the dark days when opposition to that gigantic evil caused almost social ostracism, anti- rum from principle long before an organization of a Prohibition party, he has steadily adhered to those principles until slavery has ceased to be in our land, and the best elements of all classes are demanding the prohibition of the manufacture, sale, and use of intoxicating liquor as a beverage. He has given freely his time, his influence, and his money in advocacy of the right. Originally a Democrat, he became a Free-Soiler in 1848, and supported Free-Soil and Republican candi- dates and measures until the organization of the Pro- hibition party, and since then has been one of its most active leaders. He has received the nomination of that party for member of Governor's Council, Sec- retary of State, and was its candidate for Governor in 1880, 1881, and 1882. He has the friendship and confidence of the best citizens of New Bedford, served on the school board of the city several years, and was its chairman for three years ; has been elected alder- man, representative to the Legislature, and has refused several nominations for the mayoralty, twice when the nomination was equivalent to an election. He was one of the original corporators of the New Bedford Five Cent Savings-Bank, organized in 1855, and has been connected with it continuously ever since as trustee and clerk. He has been a director in the New Bedford Gas-Light Company since its early organization. He was president of the Lyceum of the town of New Bedford for twelve consecutive years, from 186U, during the period of its greatest prosperity. He was one of the early trustees of the Free Public Library, and one of the building commissioners of the Free Public Library building. He joined the First Congregational Church (Liberal Unitarian) in 1846, and has been one of the most constant attend- ants at its services. He married, Oct. 28, 1846, Mary A., daughter of Benjamin and Cynthia (Smith) Cummings, of Dart- mouth. They have four children, — Helen Wayne, Charles, Francis and Frederick (twins). Charles has taken the degrees of A.B. and LL.B. from Harvard University, and is now an Assistant United States At- torney in Boston. Francis has taken the degrees of A.B. and A.M. from Harvard, and is secretary and treasurer of the class of 1879. He is now in the em- zt NEW BEDFORD. 155 ploy of the Erie and Western Transportation Com- pany (Anchor Line) at Chicago. Frederick graduated at Harvard in 1880, and is now a student in the law department of the same school. He is also secretary and treasurer of his class. HON. WARREN LADD. Hon. Warren Ladd was horn at Bradford (now Groveland, Mass.), July 21, 1813. He married Lucy Washburn, daughter of Hon. Abel Kingman, of North Bridgewater (now Brockton), Nov. 22, 1842. They have five children, — Herbert Warren, Sarah Ella, Florence Kingman, Anna Winthrop, and George Milton. Nathaniel Ladd, Esq., the father of Warren, was born in Haverhill, Mass., Sept. 17, 178G. He removed to Bradford in 1810. For many years he was chair- man of the board of selectmen, a justice of the peace, secretary and treasurer of the Groveland Mutual Fire Insurance Company, deacon of the Congregational Church, and for about sixty years was one of its most active and influential members. He married Sally, daughter of Col. Zebulon Ingersoll, of Haverhill, July 14, 1811. Her father, born in Gloucester Sep- tember, 1757, was a merchant, a ship-builder, and an active, energetic, and successful business man. Her mother was Ruth, daughter of Benjamin Moody, of West Newberry, and her grandmother, Ann, the daughter of Dr. Moses Bradstreet, of Kittery, Me. Warren's ancestors run back through Nathaniel (6), Nathaniel (5), Nathaniel (4), John (3), Samuel (2), to Daniel (1), who came from London in the ship "Mary and John" in 1633-34. There is a tradition that Dauiel was the son of Nathaniel, of Dartmouth, Kent County, England, and that the first Ladds came from France with William the Conqueror, and settled in Deal, Kent Co., where a portion of land was granted them. Warren Ladd was educated in the public schools, and at the Merrimack Academy. Coming to New Bedford in July, 1840, he entered the employ of the New Bedford and Taunton Railroad Company as clerk in the freight office; was soon promoted to freight agent, and then to general agent at New Bed- ford. In 1862 he was appointed superintendent of the road, which position he held until 1877. His con- nection with this road continued from its opening, in 1840, to its consolidation with the Boston, Clinton and Fitchburg Railroad, a period of about thirty- seven years. This long term of service is the highest possible compliment to his integrity, ability, and faithfulness. Though actively engaged in arduous and responsible duties, he found time for intellectual culture, and by a judicious course of reading acquired a general knowledge of scientific, mechanical, and economical subjects. He took a deep interest in municipal affairs, and gave his influence and active effort to the promotion of every measure which in his judgment promised to increase the growth and prosperity of the city. For this reason he was re- peatedly called to the service of the city: for five years as member of the Common Council and one year as its president; for five terms a member of the Board of Aldermen ; for several years one of the school committee, and a trustee of the Free Public Library. Of the latter he may rightly be called the father. At the laving of the corner-stone of the present library building, Mayor Howland, in his ad- dress referring to the origin of the library, said, — "On the 8th of seventh month (July) of the same year (1851), Warren Ladd, a member of the Common Council from Ward one, introduced an order into that branch of the city government 'for the raising of a committee to consider the expediency of estab- lishing in this city a Free Public Library.' This order was adopted in the Common Council but was non-concurred in by the Board of Aldermen. This is believed to be the first order ever introduced into any representative body for the. establishment of such an institution, and to this gentleman must and does belong the honor of having taken the initiatory step toward the establishment of a library for the public by the people themselves." Mr. Ladd was an early and persistent advocate of the introduction of water, and one of the three com- missioners under whose direction the water-works were built. As showing the breadth of his views and his terseness in stating them, we quote from a report (written by him) of a committee which had the matter under consideration : " Your committee are fully of the opinion that the introduction of an ample supply of pure water into the city is an imperative necessity, and one which should not be much longer delayed. It is part of wise statesmanship to look at the future, to anticipate its wants and guard against its casualties. Cities, like men, flourish and prosper only by their own exertions, and it becomes those whom the people have placed in power to be equal to the present emergency. We have the interest and honor of the city in our hands. We know its wants and necessities, and can compre- hend the crisis in our affairs. Shall we grasp and control the crisis, turn it with a steady hand to our interest and prosperity? or allow it silently and timidly to pass by and float beyond our reach ? Shall we legislate only for to-day, and shrink from looking the great future in the face ; or shall we, knowing the necessity and perceiving the remedy, fearlessly per- form our duty?" He was upon the committee to which was referred the question of introducing gas ; was an earnest ad- vocate of the construction of common sewers, and in- troduced into the Common Council the first order for the appointment of a committee to consider the ex- pediency of purchasing a steam fire-engine. The en- largement and improvement of the city common was in a great measure due to his influence and exertion. 156 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. In the late civil war he was a member of the Com- mittee on Enlistments, and took an active part, as its records show, in every effort made by the city to aid the national government in putting down the rebel- lion. He has been connected as director with sev- eral corporations, and is now president of the New Bedford and Fairhaven Street Railway Company, and a trustee of the Five Cent Savings-Bank. For thirty years he has held the commission of justice of ; the peace. Naturally conservative, Mr. Ladd has none of that blind reverence of the past which prevents one from keeping abreast with the spirit of the age, and adopt- ing any new devices and improvements that genius and enterprise may invent or discover. In politics, originally an ardent Whig, he early became an equally earnest and active Republican; has been chairman of the Republican City Committee, and in 1876 was a Presidential elector from the First Congressional District. He has written largely for the press; was for many years the New Bedford cor- respondent of the Haverhill Gazette over the signature of " Warren," and has contributed many able articles to the New Bedford papers over the nom de plume of "Julius." WILLIAM HATHAWAY, Jr. According to an account in an old English history, Thomas Hathaway (the earliest ancestor in America) sailed from England in the " Isabella," bound for Marblehead, previous to the year 1680. He mar- ried Mary Starbuck, daughter of Nathaniel and Mary Starbuck, about the year 1680. His son Thomas moved to New Bedford (then Dartmouth). His son Jonathan had two sons, Jonathan and Thomas, from whom descended the subject of our sketch, William Hathaway, Jr., also his wife. Jonathan Hathaway had three children, — William, Elisha, and Jabez. William had four children, and was the father of William Hathaway, Jr. Thomas Hathaway had four children, — Thomas, Gilbert, I Elizabeth, and Mary. Thomas, Jr., was the father of Mary Hathaway, who married her cousin, William Hathaway, Jr. Their descendants are four, — Au- gustus, William, Mary, and Thomas. William Hathaway, Jr., was born in New Bedford, July 17, 1798. Having as a boy made two voyages to London with his father, he acquired a taste for the sea, which led him later to pass twenty years in the merchant service. He made many voyages to ports in the Mediterranean, — Trieste, Palermo, Malaga, Cadiz, Seville, and Gibraltar,— also to France, Hol- land, Russia, England, Ireland, West Indies, and the Southern ports of the United States. These voyages were marked with pleasant occasions which filled his mind with delightful memories. A few years since, at his home, an officer in the navy, his guest at the time, recalled the pleasant inter- change of courtesies which they had enjoyed upon each other's ships in the Mediterranean forty years before, and it was the first time they had met since then. His favorite city was St. Petersburg, of which he always speaks with enthusiasm, and often enjoys relating an interesting incident which occurred in his presence in that city during the raising of a magnifi- cent and colossal monolith of red granite to the memory of Alexander I., when, by the plain common sense of a common sailor, by wetting the ropes and thus shrinking them, the great work was completed when science failed. Later, in company with Capt. Matthew Luce, he engaged in the whaling business, which copartnership continued for eighteen years, and until the decease of Capt. Luce. Mr. Hathaway continued the business until the time of the Rebellion, when he retired. Three of the vessels were sold to the government for the stone fleet to blockade Charleston Harbor. Two were destroyed by rebel privateers. The first, the "Virginia," was taken by the "Alabama," the second by the "Shenandoah." The bark "Virginia" was taken by the "Ala- bama" Sept. 17, 1862, and was the ninth vessel de- stroyed by Semmes. The following is an account, written from facts re- ceived from one of the sufferers. The " Virginia" sailed from New Bedford three weeks before she was taken. They had been recruiting at the Western Islands, and were only a short distance from there when captured by the "Alabama." There was no oil on board at the time. The captain, supposing the " Alabama" a friendly steamer, as she was sailing under English colors, ordered a boat lowered to go to her, thinking they might have letters ; but, just be- fore starting, seeing a boat from the steamer coming towards them, they drew theirs back to the deck. The boat from the steamer neared, and ten men, under Lieut. Waddell (afterwards commander of the privateer "Shenandoah") boarded the "Virginia." Great was their dismay when Lieut. Waddell, after saying "good-morning" to the captain, passed imme- diately by him and commenced pulling down the colors. Simultaneously the English flag on the " Alabama" was lowered and the Confederate flag hoisted in its place. As soon as the flag on the " Vir- ginia" was taken down, Lieut. Waddell threw it over his arm, and approaching the captain with a haughty air, said, "Capt. Tilton, you are a prize to the Con- federate steamer ' Alabama.' I will give you all two hours to leave the ship, and allow you two changes of clothing, which must be taken away in bags. You are then to be sent on board the 'Alabama,' as your ship is to be burned." There was great consternation on board, but no one dared to raise an objection. Before the last boat left they set fire to the "Virginia" in three places. As they stepped on the deck of the "Alabama" each was handcuffed, and remained in that condition through , v/^/ y*/ s< //* & <- ot ' cc x/^{ NEW BEDFORD. 157 fifteen long days and nights. The disheartening sight of the burning ship was before them for over twelve hours, from eleven in the morning till twelve at midnight. The flames flashed forth at first with all fury, as if battling with the raging winds, emblematic ofSemmes' barbarity. As night drew around them the winds abated and the flames grew less and less, till the mid- night hour revealed only a spark, the last bright symbol of what their noble ship had been to them, now only a phantom in imagination. Oh, that day's experience, what a thought ! so weird, so terrible in their overwrought and excited brains. Even the large Newfoundland dog partook of the distracted feelings of the ship's company. He was enraged when the pirates came on board, and after coolly sur- veying them he rushed to the highest place in the stern and growled and barked fiercely. He seemed to know they were disturbing the peace. The ill- omened guests showed some consideration by allow- ing the poor creature to follow his friends. On the "'Alabama" the dog seemed sorrowful and full of compassion for their ill fate. The men were confined on deck all the time, through sunshine and storm, weary with exposure and fatigue. Through the tedious days and nights the wind at times blew so heavily that in their awkward position, witli hands confined, they were at its mercy, tossed about in their effort to steady themselves by holding on the rail as be-t they could, the handcuffs chafing their wrists, causing extreme pain, so increasing their intense physical suffering. During the fifteen days three other ships were captured, and two of them burned. The last one taken (the " Emily Farnham") they made use of to rid themselves of all the prisoners ; placed them, numbering eighty men (from the three burned vessels), on board, including the dog, and sent them to Liverpool, from which place most of them shipped for home. Capt. Tilton had deep scars upon his wrists, caused by the handcuffs, and died soon after reaching home, being completely broken down by the sad and painful experience. Mr. Hathaway has been a director of the Commer- cial Bank of New Bedford for more than forty years, and also held the same position in the New Bedford Institution for Savings. He has always been marked for his system and order. "Not one member of his family has ever been obliged to pick up the smallest thing belonging to him." He has a place for every- thing, and keeps everything in its place to a remark- able degree for one of his advanced age. Although eighty-five years of age, he has quite good health, has never, used spectacles in the daytime, and sometimes reads in the evening without them. He is one of the most generous of fathers, and particularly thoughtful of the welfare of those about him. Thomas Hathaway, Sr., was born in New Bedford in 1732. Being the oldest son, he inherited the prin- cipal part of his father's estate, and in 1764 commenced the business of ship-building upon the Acushnet River, and carried it on with profit until the Revolution (1776). He erected the three-story dwelling on the southwest corner of South Water and School Streets, in New Bedford, and made it his residence in 1772. It was an elegant private residence. for those days, and a mark for the British soldiers in 1778, but not much injured. At the breaking out of the war Mr. Hathaway es- poused the Tory cause, being connected by marriage with the family of Col. Bradford Gilbert, of Nova Scotia. His wife was Miss Deborah Gilbert, a daughter of that gentleman. In January, 1777, owing to his Tory principles, Mr. Hathaway was obliged to leave the States. He went to Nova Scotia, and remained nearly six years in the family of Col. Gilbert, with the exception of thirteen months' service upon a British ship-of-war. Before leaving home he placed his family for safety in his country residence, a short distance north of New Bed- ford, where his wife lived in retirement, devoting her- self to the instruction of her four children. Her son, Thomas Hathaway, Jr., often spoke of his mother as " a lady of great personal dignity and re- finement," qualifications borne in his character to a very great degree. He was a fine scholar in mathe- matics and an excellent penman, and often boasted that his instruction was entirely from his mother. He was their oldest child, and was born in 1768. Sept. 5, 1778, the British under Gen. Grey landed to burn New Bedford, and hiding her plate and valua- bles, Mrs. Hathaway trusted to the loyalty of her husband to protect her; but she was treated with vio- lence and given a shock from which she never recov- ered, but gradually failed, and died in 1783, soon after her husband's return. Soon after the Revolution the noted Jemima Wil- kinson came to New Bedford on a proselyting tour, and was there at three different times, once remaining nearly a year. She made two tours to Connecticut, preaching nearly every day, and gathered many fol- lowers. In these two journeys she was accompanied by Thomas Hathaway, who joined her society in 1784, and his son, Thomas Hathaway, Jr. In 1788 she left New Bedford, with a large band of followers, for Philadelphia, purposing to go to Western New York from there and establish a colony in that great wil- derness. Thomas Hathaway sold all his property, much of it at a sacrifice, and, with his four children, — Thomas, Mary, Elizabeth, and Gilbert, — accompa- nied her. He was the leader of an exploring party sent the next year to find a locality, but after going as far as Painted Post, on the Canisteo, they returned with an unfavorable report. Nothing daunted, she in 1790, with her whole following, passed up the Susque- hanna to Newtown, now Elmira, under the guidance of Gen. Sullivan, who had fought the Indians in that section in 1779. There he left the party, and with great difficulty they made their way to the outlet of 158 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Crooked (Keuka) Lake, which Thomas Hathaway was one of the three of the company to first discover. During the troublous times and discomforts of the establishment of this colony, Thomas Hathaway, Sr., and Thomas Hathaway, Jr., were of great aid by rea- son of their fertile ingenuity, good judgment, and strong, practical common sense. They were fitted well for this work, and much of the hardship rested upon them. Thomas, Jr., and Gilbert, his brother, built the first sail-vessel on Seneca Lake, for the transportation of supplies from Geneva. Thomas Hathaway, Sr., in company with other gentlemen, bought large tracts of the public lands. He was a stanch follower of the Friend to his death, and gave freely of his possessions to gratify her many whims. He died in Jerusalem, N. Y., in 1798, aged sixty-six years. His daughter Mary mar- ried Eliphalet Norris, and lived most of her life upon a plantation in Maryland. His daughter Elizabeth, a lady of rare brilliancy of mind and dignity of char- acter, married Judge Joshua Ferris, of Tioga County, N. Y., a gentleman of culture, and for many years the principal surveyor of public lauds in the southern section of the State. He also held many offices of trust in the gift of the government, his commissions being from Presidents Washington, Adams, and Jef- ferson. Gilbert Hathaway was a large landholder in Yates County, N. Y., and lived to the age of eighty- one years. Thomas Hathaway, Jr., was for many years a regu- lar Friend, and belonged to the society of Jemima Wilkinson until his marriage in 1793 to Mary, daughter of Elnathan Botsford, who was a follower of Jemima Wilkinson, from New Milford, Conn. The rules of the society forbade marriage, and both were excommunicated and forbidden to enter her meetings. Jemima endeavored to alienate his father against them that she might control his large prop- erty, but did not succeed. He purchased five hun- dred acres of land at one dollar per acre, for which his father had paid twenty-five cents per acre. This was sold in 1855 by his descendants for sixty-five dollars per acre. He was for many years one of the principal surveyors of Western New York, and was prominent in civil and military matters. He lived fifty-nine years on the farm in Milo, Yates Co., where he first settled, raised seven children, and died May 23, 1853, aged eighty-four years. His wife was a more than ordinary woman in many ways, and died Nov. 3, 1866, in her ninety-sixth year. They were buried in the first cemetery laid out in the county, and done by Mr. Hathaway himself. SIMEON II A WES. Simeon Hawes was born on Tarkiln Hill, New Bedford, Mass., Aug. 14, 1818. His paternal grand- father, Levi Hawes, was a native of Stoughton, Mass., and a farmer by occupation. Levi died at the age of forty, from the effects of an injury he had received. He left a widow and several children, of whom Levi, Jr., was one, born May 25, 1792, in Stoughton, Mass. In early life he was a hatter by trade, but during a period of more than sixty years he was a farmer on Tarkiln Hill, in the town of New Bedford, Mass., where he settled previous to 1818. He was a worthy member of the Congregational Church, and for more than half a century was a deacon of the same. He was respected, and those who knew him best were his warmest friends. He married, first, Harriet Peirce, in 1813. She was a relative of Mayor Peirce, of Bos- ton, and was born June 16, 1796, and died Feb. 20, 1820. They had four children, — Levi, Harriet, Simeon, and Jason L. Harriet (deceased) married Calvin Marshall, of Easton, and had children, — Levi and Jason L., died young. Simeon alone remains of this family. Levi Hawes married for his second wife, July 16, 1820, Azubah, daughter of Lieut. Jonathan Capen, of Stoughton, Mass. His wife was a Miss Glover, a member of a very prominent family. Of this union there were Eleanor, Azubah (de- ceased), Levi (deceased), Jonathan C, Thomas R., Elisha, and David C. Mrs. Hawes died August, 1879, aged eighty-eight years, and Mr. Hawes died April, 1880. Simeon Hawes, above referred to, spent his boyhood days upon his father's farm, receiving such advantages for an education as the district schools of that day afforded. At sixteen we find him working on the farm by the month for Capt. William Hathaway, and during the two following years he worked at ship-building for Wilson Barstow, of Matta- poisett. At nineteen he returned home, and con- tinued to reside with his father, working on the farm, until he was twenty-four. April 25, 1841, he married Maria E., daughter of Joseph and Polly Brightman, of Westport, Mass. She was born June 2, 1818, and died May 26, 1880. Their children are John F., An- drew S. (deceased), Charles S. (deceased), Sylvanus T., Harriet E., Levi (deceased), George W., Cynthia A., Mary A., and Joseph B. Mr. Hawes settled on his present farm in his native town soon after his marriage, and has resided here ever since. For more than fourteen years he has been interested in the manufacture of lumber at Smith Mills and in Acush- net; for twenty-six years he has been engaged in the ice business, and owns a quarter-interest in the New Bedford Ice Company, which has proved remunera- tive, and for many years was the superintendent of " paving streets and roads." Mr. Hawes has met with some severe losses by fire, first in 1877, when his interest at Smith Mills was destroyed, and second, June 7, 1882, when his house, his ice buildings, etc., were destroyed, causing a loss of more than fifteen thousand dollars. In politics, he is a Republican. He was a member of the Common Council one year, but, as a rule, has not been an aspirant for political honors. Mrs. Hawes was a member of the Baptist Church, and he is a liberal ^^Z^^T^ e*sf% c^t^ 'L? . tfQ? €<^o- kell continued in trade on the same site, and was compelled to enlarge the capacity of his premises frequently, and finally, at the time of his death, Dec. 11, 1882, the firm of Edward Haskell & Co. (formed in 1876) occupied four stores, consolidated into one large emporium of trade. In spite of competition of the closest kind, Mr. Haskell had a steady advance in his business from his very first day of trade, and stood for years as the leading and representative mer- 160 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. chant of New Bedford. He married, first, Sarah Claflin, of Pawtucket, R. I., by whom he- had one child, George Edward, now the junior member of the mercantile house of Abram French & Co., Boston, Mass. He married, second, Louisa B., only daughter of Alexander H. and Louisa (Crandall) Seabury, of New Bedford. They had two children,— Mary Cran- dall and Helen Parker. Mr. Haskell was for many years a prominent and active member of the North Congregational Church of New Bedford, and was one of its deacons, and for eleven years was superintendent of its flourishing Sabbath-school, in which he was greatly interested. He was a man of very fine taste in art, and was a rare judge of paintings, statuary, and other kindred works. He was very fond of pets, had a great fancy for fine horses, pigeons, fowls, etc., and raised many of them. He was an enthusiastic lover of flowers, and engaged with all the ardor of his nature in hor- ticulture. He was a member of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, and was awarded a silver medal for his collection of " Nymph;eas" in its an- nual exhibition in 1881. Among the lovers and cul- tivators of flowers he took a high rank. He was a man of positive character, carrying nearly everything he undertook to completion. He had a pleasant, winning manner, and treated every one with the most perfect courtesy. He was firm in opposition to any- thing he deemed wrong, but equally as strong in ad- vocating anything for the improvement and elevation of mankind. He was generous and hospitable to a fault, and many acts of his kindness are known only to those who received the benefits of his broad char- ity. In many things Mr. Haskell was sensitive to the utmost degree. His love for the beautiful was manifested in everything, in the adornment of home and grounds, in the decoration of his place, in per- sonal appearance and dress, in artistic display of goods, etc. In the home circle he was a loving hus- band, and a father who gratified, if possible, every wish. He was a strong friend, a very pleasant and social companion, with a large number of personal friends in the leading circles of society. He gave at all times his time and money freely for church and benevolent purposes. A fluent and effective speaker, he was always ready to respond when asked to speak for any good cause, and was one of the most unselfish of men, seeming only to be fully happy when doing something for the happiness or benefit of others. In him the poor lost a true friend, and New Bedford one of her keenest business men and public-spirited citi- zens. FREDERICK PARKER. Frederick Parker was the son of the well-known merchant of New Bedford, John Avery Parker. He was born during the residence of his parents at West- port, the 15th of May, 1806. On the completion of his collegiate course at Brown's University, Provi- dence, R. I., he entered his father's office, and in a short time became a co-partner with him, under the firm-name of John A. Parker & Son. In business affairs he possessed in a marked degree the power of discerning the abilities of men. This acuteness of judgment enabled him to select for em- ployment those of such character and efficiency as led to a remarkable uniformity of success. He re- mained in business with his father until 1848, when on his change of residence to the city of New York, the copartnership was dissolved. The death of John Avery Parker in 1853 recalled him to New Bedford to fulfill the duties incumbent upon him as one of the executors of his father's es- tate, the final settlement of which he did not live to see. From this time until his death he resided there engaged in the commission and whale-fishery busi- ness. In 1854, on the resignation of the Hon. James Arnold, he was elected a director of the Bedford Com- mercial Bank (now the National Bank of Commerce), which position he held until his death. Mr. Parker married a member of one of the old families of New Bedford, Abby Coggeshall, daughter of Haydon Coggeshall, on Feb. 11, 1829. They visited Europe in 1832, and again in 1841, remaining over a year each time. He erected in 1859 on Acush- net Avenue, New Bedford, a handsome residence. He had lived in it but a few months when a sudden accident terminated his life. Mr. Parker had no children, but be adopted at an early age the orphan daughter of his wife's eldest brother, who had been his most intimate friend. To her and her son he bequeathed his fortune. Mr. Parker was striking in appearance, being six feet in height, of very handsome physique, and fine erect carriage. He was a stanch friend to those dear to him, and was well known for his generous hospi- tality. His place in the estimation of the public was high, as the following, from the New Bedford Daily Mercury of Oct. 22, 1861, shows : " Frederick Parker, Esq., of this city, died about three o'clock yesterday afternoon. His death, so sudden, produced a shock in our community, where Mr. Parker has so long resided and in which he has been so prominent. It is a public loss which will be keenly felt, not alone by those who formed the circle, and that was large, of Mr. Parker's personal friends, but by the mass of our citizens, who more or less will be affected by it. A man of wealth, money was not his idol ; it was not an end with him but a means, and he dispensed it with a liberal hand. Those who knew him most intimately speak in warm terms of his unaffected kindness and of his forgetfulness of self in his unwearied devotion to those dependent upon him." 6/ /^c&s ' ACUSHNET. 161 Conclusion. — We cannot more fittingly close our history of this grand old municipality than by quot- ing the language of one of her most illustrious and honored citizens, the Hon. William W. Crapo: " Beautiful, indeed, for situation is this city of New Bedford. Few places are there on this continent, or elsewhere, which so well unite the institutions, benefits, and advantages of the city with the fresh- ness and simplicity and comfort of rural life. Lying between green pastures on the one hand and the still waters of the river on the other, fronting upon this bay. which i> as charming as the Bay of Naples, and rising with the elevation of conscious pride from its shores, its physical condition and position are delight- ful beyond exception. We rejoice to observe and re- member that those who have shaped its outward for- tunes have been studious to make it attractive and healthful as the home of a cultured and enlightened people. Its well-made and well-kept avenues and streets, shaded by long lines of trees, which our lathers have planted ; its complete and cleanly drain- age, which the incoming and outgoing tides make perfect and efficient; its abundant and pure water, distributed and available for all the purposes of do- mestic, mechanical, and protecting use; its trained, alert, and electric fire department; its well-diffused system for gas-lighting ; its schools, its churches and chapels, and bethel ; its hospital, its home for orphans, its many unions of hearts and hands for good works; its comfortable and pleasant homes, after the best methods of New England life, combine to make this municipality worthy of our best affections and of our constant effort for its prosperity and peace." CHAPTER XIII. ACUSHNET. 1 ACUSHNET is alphabetically the first, and chrono- logically the last town in Bristol ; the section of land which bears this name being until recently parts of other towns. It is a pleasant little township in the southerly and easterly part of the county. It is bounded northerly by Freetown, easterly by Roches- ter (in Plymouth County), southerly by Fairhaven, and westerly by New Bedford. It derives its name from the Indian name of this section of old Dart- mouth, which was variously spelled in the records of the seventeenth century, — Cushenagg, Accusshaneck, Acushena, Acquessent, Acusshna, Aquishnet, Aquset, and Acushnet. From 1664 to 1787 nearly all of Acushnet that now is was a part of old Dartmouth; from 1787 to 1812 it was a part of New Bedford ; and from 1812 1 By Capt. Fraiijilyn Howland. 11 to 1860 it was included in Fairhaven. The subject of dividing the town of Fairhaven was agitated a long while before the act occurred. The people in the north part of the town felt that as that section was sparsely populated they did not get their share of the appropriation, especially for schools. Then after the old Presbyterian meeting-house was torn down, the question came where to build a new one. The people in the village of Fairhaven wanted it nearer them, and finally succeeded in having it built on an acre-lot just north of Woodside Cemetery, on the Fairhaven road. This building was subsequently burned by an incendiary fire. The meetings were then held down in Fairhaven village; this was the straw that broke the camel's back, and the " north- enders" renewed their purpose for a division. Among the zealous advocates of the division and one of the leaders of the movement was Rev. Israel Washburn, who owned the farm on which he resided, situated next north of the present Laura Keene farm in Acushnet. Mr. Washburn was a man of firmness, of i a strong, positive nature, with a good intellect and : readiness of speech, and was well calculated to be chosen as leader in such a movement. He was born in this town in 1796, in the last house on the north side of the road leading eastward from White's fac- tory. He was for many years in the Methodist min- istry, before and after his residence in Acushnet at the time of the division, a part of which time he was in the grocery business at Parting Ways, as I. Wash- burn & Son (William H. Washburn). His name heads a petition made to the General Court of the winter of 1858-59, praying for a division of the town. The petition was before the legislative committee, but no other action was taken than to refer the sub- ject to the next General Court. The petitioners at once set about procuring all that was necessary to aid them to success at the following session. In a warrant issued for a town-meeting in Fair- haven April 4, 1859, article eleven asked action on the petitions of Rev. Israel Washburn and others, " now referred to the next Legislature," with refer- ence to a division of the town, and it was voted that a committee of five be nominated by the chair to de- fine a line of division of the town and report. This committee as appointed and chosen consisted of Isaac Wood, Arthur Cox, Jonathan Cowen, Cyrus E. Clark, Charles H. Adams, and John Ellis. This committee reported at a meeting of June 2, 1859, and this same committee was requested to appear before the next Legislature and present all the facts in the case that could be procured by them. They did so, and not only that, but a petitioii in favor of the division was also presented, signed by a large number of the resi- dents of the south part of the town. A result of this was that the committee of the Legislature before which the matter was heard reported in favor of the division, and the report was adopted. The Legislature at once passed the following : 162 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. "Act to Incorporate the Town op Acushnet. "Section 1. All that part of the town of Fairhaven which lies northerly of the following described lines, viz. : Beginning at a stone monument at ' Tripp's Corner,' in the division lines between the towns of Fairhaven and Mattapoisett ; thence from sandstone monument in a south-westerly direction in a straight line to the southeast corner of the ' Royal Hathaway farm,' so called ; thence in the south line of said farm to the southwest corner bounds thereof; thence continuing westerly in the same direction to the centre of the channel of Acushnet River, or division line between the town of Fairhaven and the city of New Bed- ford, is hereby incorporated into a separate town by the name of Acush- net, and the said town of Acushnet is hereby vested with all the powers and privileges, rights and immunities, and shall be subject to all the duties and requisitions to which other towns are entitled and subjected by the Constitution and laws of the commonwealth. "Section 2. Tho inhabitants of said town of Acushnet shall be hidden to pay to the collector of taxes of the town of Fairhaven all the arrearages of taxes legally assessed upon them before this act takes effect, and also their proportion of State and county taxes as may be assessed upon them before taking the next State valuation, said propor- tion to be ascertained and determined by the last valuation of the said town of Fairhaven ; and said town of Acushnet to pay four twenty-thirds of the debts due and owing from the town of Fairhaven at the lime of the passage of this act, and be entitled to receive four-twenty-thirds of all the real and personal property and assets owned by or due to the said town of Fail haven, and shall he liable to refund to said town of Fairhaven four-twenty-thirds of the 'surplus revenue' when the said is called for according to the provisions of law. "Section 3. The said towns of Fairhaven and Acushnet shall be respectively liable for the support of all persons who now do and who may hereafter stand in need of relief as paupers whose settlement was gained by or derived within their respective limits. " Section 4. The towns of Fairhaven and Acushnet shall hold the fol- lowing described property, situated in their respective limits, as valued by their committee, appointed June twenty-fifth, in the year eighteen hundred and fifty-nine, 'for the purpose of presenting information to the Legislature to enable them to make a just and equitable apportion- ment of the public property, debts, and burdens between the towns,' viz.: The town of Fairhaven shall exclusively hold the almshouse, farm, and property appertaining thereto; the High School house, lot, and fix- tures contained therein ; the engine-house and lot in Oxford village, and the engine and fixtures contained therein; the engine-house and lot in the village of Fairhaven, and the engine and fixtures therein; two second-hand engines now in the village, the town-house lot, the watch- house and lot, L. S. Aiken's gravel lot, one safe in the town clerk's office, and so much of other property as will make nineteen-twenty- thirds of the public property as valued by said committee. The town of Acushnet shall exclusively hold the engine-house and lot, together with the engine and fixtures, in Acushnet village; the school-house and lot in school district number eighteen, two town pounds, the 'Freeman Hathaway' lot, the 'Samuel Stacy' lot, and so much of other property as will make four-twenty-thirds of the public property as valued by said committee. All other property which may hereafter be found to belong to the town of Fairhaven, and not specified by the said commit- tee at the time of the passage of this act, shall be divided on the same basis, viz., nineteen-twenty-thirds to the town of Fairhaven and four- twenty-thirds to the town of Acushnet. "Section 5. The town of Acushnet shall remain a part of the same districts, representative, senatorial, councilor, and congressional, as the town of Fairhaven until said districts are altered by due authority of law." Section 6. This section provides the manner of calling the first town-meeting and preparing the first list of voters. The act of incorporation was approved Feb. 13, 1860. It was signed by N. P. Banks, Governor, and Oliver Warner, Secretary of State. Fairhaven, at the time of the "set off," was in the Twelfth (Bristol) Repre- sentative District, together with Freetown and Berk- ley. The district was entitled to two representatives. The first public meeting of the legal voters of the new town was held March 14, 1860, in the "engine- house," which stands in the village on the north side of the road, nearly opposite the parsonage house of the Methodist Society. Jones Robinson, Esq., who re- sided on the Fairhaven road, a prominent man in public affairs, was chosen moderator. Jabez Wood was elected town clerk, collector, and treasurer. The other important offices were filled as follows: For se- lectmen, assessors, and overseers of the poor, Cyrus E. Clark, Benjamin Wilson, and Benjamin White; for school committee, Jabez Wood for three years, Rev. Philip Crandon for two years, and George P. Morse for one year ; and Philip A. Bradford was chosen constable, an office to which he has been re- elected every year since. On the 24th of the follow- ing month Mr. Crandon resigned the office of school committee, and Walter Spooner was chosen his suc- cessor. There have been but few changes in the offi- cers of the town, which speaks well for their fidelity. The office of town clerk, collector, and treasurer was filled from 1860-65, inclusive, by Jabez Wood ; from 1866-70, inclusive, by Benjamin White; 1871, by George P. Morse ; 1872, by George F. Glasse, who was partially disabled in the late war; from 1873-81, inclusive, George P. Morse ; and in 1882 Caleb Slade was chosen. For selectmen, overseers of the poor, and assessors, Cyrus E. Clark served in 1860-65 ; Ben- jamin Wilson, in 1860-63; Benjamin White, in 1860- 63, 1867-70, 1872-73; Capt. Pardon Taber, Jr., from 1864-82, inclusive; Walter Spooner, from 1864-82, inclusive, excepting the year 1879; John Tuck, in 1871 ; Joshua Morse, in 1875-78 ; Joshua Leonard, from 1878-82, inclusive. The following persons have served on the school committee : Jabez Wood, Rev. Philip Crandon, George P. Morse, Walter Spooner, Marcus Ashley, Amos H. Has well, George T. Russell, Jr., Rev. Josephus W. Horton, Richard Davis, Jr., Frederick Wing, Walter A. Davis, Augustus White, Charles L. Russell, Leonard Keene, Jonathan Taber, George F. Glasse, Burrage Y. Warner, Capt. Edward R. Ashley, Thomas E. Bradley, Caleb Slade, Perez S. Doty. The longest term of service was that of George P. Morse, who was a member of the committee. Acushnet being in the district with other towns, it is entitled to a representation to the General Court but occasionally. It has sent four since its incorporation. The first representative was William H. Washburn, Esq. Mr. Washburn was a son of Rev. Israel Wash- burn, and for many years a resident of the town, being engaged in the grocery and wheelwright busi- ness. Always interested in the welfare of the town, he was especially so during the war, when he had charge of enlisting, drafting, and filling quotas, and served two years in the Legislature to the great satis- faction of his constituents. The next was Walter Spooner, Esq., who has faithfully served the town in many capacities. He was in the House two years. Mr. Spooner, who is the son of Dr. Rounsevel Spooner, is from " honorable" stock, his great-grandfather being Hon. Walter Spooner, and his grandfather was Hon. Alden Spooner, who was an uncle of the Hon. Nathaniel Spooner, all of .this town. ACUSHNET. 163 The third representative was Benjamin White, Esq., a highly-esteemed citizen of the town, and who has been honored by it with many offices of trust and re- sponsibility. In consequence of redisricting the State, Mr. White was in the Legislature but one year. The next one was Capt. Joseph Burt, Jr. He for- merly resided in New Bedford, did good service in the army, and since the war has lived in this town, which he represented one year. Acushnet has furnished one senator to the General Court, Hon. Joshua Morse fill- ing the office. The above were all Republicans. Acushnet is fifty-five miles from Boston, and its only railroad facilities are the Old Colony, which passes along and about a mile west of its western boundary. The land is generally quite even, and the soil in some parts well adapted to agricultural pur- poses. Most of the land is high, dry, and admirably suited to residence. Perry Hill, though but a mile from the river, on the easterly side of the town, is nearly one hundred and fifty feet above the sea. A spot near this was selected as one of the stations of the State Trigonometrical Survey. In addition to the beautiful Acushnet River, which flows southerly through its centre, it has another attractive stream which flows out of its southeast angle and empties into the Mattapoisett River. The Acushnet water, which supplies the city of New Bedford, is from ponds located in the north part of the town, and from which flows the Acushnet River. The reservoir of nearly three hundred acres is located in a romantic spot. The dam which is built to form this impounding reservoir and to elevate the waters of the Acushnet to forty feet above mean tide is on the Wilson farm, about seven miles from New Bedford. The drainage above this dam com- prises between three and four thousand acres, and is exceedingly well adapted for the collection and stor- age of a large supply of pure water. The reservoir is two and a half miles long and from one-eighth to nearly one-half mile wide, giving a storage capacity of four hundred million gallons of water. In 1875 Acushnet had a total population of 1059, most of whom are engaged in general farming, mar- ket gardening, and producing milk. The number of farms is 142, covering 8041 acres, which, together with 4600 acres of woodland, is valued at $446,750. The geological formation is feldspathic gneiss and granite. It has seven saw-mills, which turn out large quantities of long lumber, shingles, box-boards, and bark, which are exported. The personal property of the town is valued at $122,500; total valuation, $569,250; rate of taxation, about 80 cents per $100. The products of manufac- ture are $51,356, and of agriculture $101,994; total, $153,344. Considerable business has been and is still carried on on the stream above the village. The first fulling- mill in this section was on this stream. The building is still standing and has been used as a saw-mill by the Acushnet Saw-Mill Company, consisting of Sim- eon and Jonathan Hawes and N. Hervey Wilbor. Since 1809 there is turned out here annually about six hundred thousand feet of box-boards, sixty-six thousand feet of long lumber, and forty thousand shingles. There was originally only a saw- and grist-mill here, afterwards a fulling-, dressing-, and carding- mill, at which time it was in possession of William Rotch. Subsequently for many years it was owned by Morgan & Lund, and used for the manufacture of paper. About a mile up the stream, on a cross-road, was originally another saw-mill. The property came into the hands of Phineas White, who built a cotton-mill there in 1811. Mr. White had associated with him Capt. Joseph Whelden and Ansel White. Business prospered, and Capt. Whelden withdrew and built a stone cotton-factory on the stream a mile farther north, the walls of which are now standing. On a stream which enters the Acushnet near the Whelden Mill is situated another saw-mill, run by George P. and Edward Morse. Ansel White, brother of Phineas, withdrew from the lower factory and built a cotton-mill in connection with a saw-mill which stood on the stream to the westward of Long Plain. No cotton machinery has been run in town for many years. The Phineas White mill privilege was pur- chased by S. B. Hamblin, an extensive lumber mer- chant, who uses it exclusively for sawing. Another item of business worth noting is that of Ebenezer Leonard, who has carried on boat-building in town since the 1st of January, 1852. He has con- structed during the time nine hundred and twenty- seven whale-boats for the New Bedford shipping, car- rying them thence, a distance of six miles, on trucks. This gives an average of about thirty-one boats a year, and some years he has built one a week. Many of the inhabitants of Acushnet have been engaged in the whale fishery ; among the number the following with others were master-mariners: Jacob Taber, Cornelius Howland, Pardon Taber, Jr., God- frey Macomber, Andrew Wing, William Ashley, Ma- son Taber, Edward R. Ashley, Joseph Bennett, Obed. Nye, Henry Packard, David Corcoran, James R. Allen, Stephen Hathaway, Martin Bowen, Stephen Kempton, Marcus Taber, Stephen Braley, Francis Butts, Stephen Taber. Quite an extensive business has been carried on in town in the manufacture of candle- and soap-boxes. The principal ones engaged in it now are John Lom- bard and Emory Cushman, on the Long Plain road. The factory of the latter occupies the site of one of the oldest landmarks in the county. It is situated about three quarters of a mile to the north of Parting Ways and an eighth of a mile eastward of the road. There was a saw- and grist-mill here in the early day of the settlement of this section, and subsequently a fulling-mill. Wool was carded, cloth fulled and 164 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. dressed, and buttons made here. Near the factory stood, till quite recently consumed by fire, one of the oldest houses in the county. It was exceedingly old- fashioned, the upper story projecting beyond the lower one several feet all around. A massive stone chim- ney was in the centre, and doors and windows were very antique. It was built by Jacob Taber, and was subsequently occupied by his son Amaziah. Thankful, daughter of Amaziah, became the wife of Gideon Wood, of Dartmouth, and the old farm came into the Wood family by will from Amaziah to Gideon's son Thomas, where it has remained till very lately. The last one of the Wood family that occupied it was Jabez, the son of Thomas ; he was the first town clerk of Acushnet. Henry T. Wood, of New Bedford, son of Thomas, has a painting by the artist William A Wall of the old house and an interesting scene near it. Amaziah Taber, who was a Friend, was on peace- ful and confidential terms with the.Indians, who were numerous about here then. During the King Philip war some scouts had been up in the Squawbetty coun- try, to the eastward of the house, and had captured some of these Indians. As they were marching past the old house on their way to the camps of the white men they halted, and Amaziah had a conversation with them. This real incident is very faithfully rep- resented in the painting. Another old dwelling is the Tobey house, a gable- roofed building on the east side of Mill road, about one quarter of a mile above the bridge in the village. It was at one time occupied by Dr. Elisha Tobey, one of the earliest physicians of the locality. He was born in 1722, probably in this house. Capt. Lemuel S. Aiken, of Fairhaven, says that when the British marauders made their excursion through the village of Acushnet in 1778, a party left the main body where the Mill road begins near the bridge, and went up as far as this old house, the first one they came to. The good wife was baking pork and beans, and, attracted by the appetizing odor, they made a raid on the oven in the cellar, and soon put its con- tents out of sight. Capt. Aiken goes on to say, "They then robbed the house of what they wanted and endeavored to destroy the rest. But the British pilferers, in going down the cellar, left the door wide open, and that effectually prevented their seeing an- other door immediately behind it leading to a room where their mos.t valuable clothing was deposited, and by that means was saved. Another instance of the same occurred at Bartholomew Tuber's (just northeast of the present village of Fairhaven). They burned several houses at the Head of the River, among them one belonging to Capt. Crandon, who, to revenge himself on the British marauders, would not suffer his new house to be placed over the old cellar, nor suffer the cellar to be filled up, until his son, having the management in some measure of his father's business, accomplished it. It was at Acushnet village that Lieut. Metcalf was mortally wounded. He was from Boston, and belonged to the Continental army. The first building they burned after leaving the Head of the River was a house a half-mile below Parting Ways, on the west side of the road, on the premises now owned by David Russell, then occupied by Col. Pope, of the Continental army. Eldad Tupper, a Tory, well acquainted in these parts, acted as their guide, and would inform them of all holding office or commissions. As they proceeded south near by they came to Stephen and Thomas Hathaway's. The lat- ler was a man of handsome property for those days and without children, but he had a ward living with him (Jonathan Kempton), who eventually inherited it. At the time the fleet anchored he was at the lower end of Sconticut Neck, and he left immediately for home to remove the household furniture to a place of safety. "After packing up he took a small trunk, contain- ing quite a valuable quantity of silver. As he stepped out of the door he was met by their advance-guard, who told him they would relieve him from any fur- ther care of the trunk. After taking what things they wanted from the house, they collected beds and bedding in a chamber and set fire to them, and very luckily shut the doors. They took Mr. Kempton a prisoner, and told him they should take him to New York. He entreated them to set him at liberty. After carrying him to the end of a lane leading to the house they consented, after taking one of the two pairs of breeches that he had on. That he had two pair they knew from having robbed him of his watch, but they informed him that they must fire at him as a deserter, which they did, whether with the inten- tion of hitting him or not he never knew. The ball, however, hit a large cherry-tree, one of a number that lined the lane leading to his house. Mr. Kemp- ton returned to the house in time to extinguish the fire." This Stephen Hathaway house still stands on a rocky hill on the east side of the Fairhaven road, a half-mile north of the Acushnet line. A quarter of a mile south of this house, on the same side of the road, and a few yards northeast of a well at present in the highway, stood a store belonging to either Obed or Micah Hathaway. This was also burned. No more damage was done by the excursionists until they reached the Fairhaven line, an eighth of a mile far- ther south. Good service was done by Acushnet men in the wars of 1776, of 1812, and of 1861-65. The following is the roll of honor of the last war : Samuel Pierce, Artemas Morse, Leander Washburn, Lyman N. Caswell, Linus E. Caswell, George Pierce, Charles E. Robinson, Francis F. Bennett, Thomas W. Chapman, Clarence L. Burlington, David B. Pierce, Mason W. Page, George F. Gibhs, William Oesting, William F. Terrell, John Stoner, John W. Collins, Jasou S. Peckham, Alden Spoon er, Lyman Spooner, Andrew A. Cole, Arthur H. Brook, George D. Bisbee, Francis Pittsley, William Pittsley, Levi Pittsley, Albert G. Braley, Julius .Valentine, James C. Johnson, Henry Smithson, Victor Bencaco, George llealey, James T. Hall, Robert Lynch, Horace Webster, Daniel V. Smith, David P. Caswell, Clarence A. Bearse, ACUSHNET. 165 Zacchens II. Wright, Alexander 0. Pierce, Joseph S. Spooner, Thomas S. Potter, William B. dishing, John Kllis, George S. Fox, John W. Pierco, Theodore A. Tuber, William Watts, William Washburn, Savery C. Braley, Jeptha Simmons, Samuel Pierce, Martin V. Ham- monil, Robert E. Leavitt, George F Braley, (apt. Isaac Braley, Wil- liam Gracey, How-land Taber. The following persons served in the navy during the late war : Jonathan 1>. Butts, on the U. S. S. " Lodona ;" Walter A. Pierce, on the U. S. S. " Fley," and on the " Congress" when she was sunk ; George I). Whiting, on the gunboat "Chlicora;" Lemuel Dillingham, on the U. S. S. "Gemsbok," and on the " Vanderbilt-" George C. Tink- liam, Augustus H. Mendall, on the "Congress;" Francis I'ittsley, Jr., on the " Hartford." One of the oldest and most interesting landmarks hereabouts is the old burying-place on. the hill just west of Acushnet village, near the Parting Ways. Some of the headstones of this old colonial cemetery, established in the reign of Queen Anne, have dates nearly back to the seventeenth century. There are nearly six hundred and fifty tombstones with names and dates upon them, and more than one thousand unlettered ones. The latter mark the resting-places not only of some of the earliest settlers of Dart- mouth, but of Plymouth Colony. The land for this burying-ground was given by John Jenne (or Jenney, as the name is now spelled). He Avas doubtless a son of John Jenne, who came to Plymouth in the " James" in 1623, and who was one of the Governor's assistants at Plymouth in 1637-39. Since those days the name has been very numerous in this section. The deed of gift by which the ground was pre- sented to the Presbyterian parish is a curiously spelled old paper. It is recorded in the North Bris- tol registry of deeds office, and reads as follows : "To all Christian people to whome these Presents Shall Come, John Jenne, Senr., of the town of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol And Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England Sendeth greeting. " Know ye that I the s d John Jenne hath for & in Consideration of the want of a Convenient Burying Place but more Esptially a Place whereon to Set or Build an house or Houses for the people of God Called Presbyterians orderly to essemble and meet in for the Carrying on of the true worship of God as also because In the S d John Jenne Veryly Believes in his heart that the Presbyterians do worship God after the due Order most agreeable to the order of the primitive Christians, by these Presents Given granted Eiifeoffeds aliened & confirmed unto the S d Presbyterians for the end and use aforesaid one acre of Land Lying and Being in the town ship of Dartmouth afores' 1 , where the meeting House Built by the S' 1 Presbyterians now stands. Butted and Bounded Westerly Northerly Easterly by the Land of S d John Jenne and south- erly on or by the County Road, with all the Trees, Herbiage, Prive- ledgesand Apportenances Liberties Profits and Benefits Belonging or in any ways appertaining to the same, to have and to hold the above S' 1 acre of Land with all and Siuguler the Priveledges &c. as before S' 1 onto the only proper use benifit & behoof of them the S' 1 Presbiteriaus for ever, and the S d John Jenne Doth by these Presents Covenant and Promise for him Self his hirs Executers and administrators and assigns to and with tin- S' 1 Prispiteriaiis that the s d John Jenne is the true and Proper Onner of the above S d Bargained Primises Before and at the Ensealing ft Delivery of these Presents, and hath of himself good Light & Lawfull Authority to give and Convey the same, and that it is free and clear and freely ft Clearly acquitcd & Discharged of and From all other former gifis, giants, Bargains Sales and all other acts or Incom- brance what so ever & the S d Presbyterians Shall and may forever Here- after have hold ft quietly ft Peaceably posess ft injoy the above given Primises In a good and Perfect Estate of Inheritance in tlee Simple with out any Lust Suit, hindrance, or Molestation from the Sd John Jenne his hires Executers administrated or assigns or any other Person or Persons what so ever, and will warrant & Defend the Same against the Lawfull Claims of any Person or Persons What so ever unto the Said Presbyterians For Ever, in witness where of the s d John Jenne hath heieunto Set his hand And Seal this twenty-fifth day of March in the thirteenth year of her Mages ties Reign Annoqe Domini one thousand Seven hundred and thirteen. His " JOHN T JENNE. Mark " Signed, Sealed and Delivered In Presence of " Samuel Hunt. "Jabez Delano." "Dartmouth March the 25th A.n., 1714, on this day the above Sd John Jenne Personally Appeared Before me one of his Maj'ts Justices of the Peace for the County of Bristol & acknowledged the above writ- ten Instrument to be his own valletary act and deed. " Seth Pope. " Bristol Ss. Brought to Be Recorded august 6, 1717, & Entred in the Eleventh Books follow 7th " By John Gary, Recorder." When the old church stood on this lot there was no wall along its front, the land rising from the road gradually. Afterwards it was walled along its entire front. For many years previous to 1881 the spot was sadly neglected. Headstones were thrown out of place by the frost, and some were lying upon the ground. There was a perfect tangle of underbrush and briers, shrubbery and trees, and these prophetic words on one of the tombstones — " The living know that they must die, But all the dead neglected lie" — had tally come to pass. During the year 1881 a party of philanthropic gentlemen residing in Acush- net undertook the renovation of this ancient city of the silent dead. They did their work faithfully, and received the public gratitude for it. Since its renova- tion it presents a far different appearance, and it is refreshing to see this old spot in a new dress. Al- though about one hundred trees were left, thirty- three cords of wood were cut out from the place, which can with double significance be called " God's acre," the unsightly briers and brambles removed, and the ground all turfed over, and the headstones re- erected. Mr. Humphrey Swift, whose ancestors of more than a century ago lie there, caused the en- largement of the old cemetery by generously pre- senting to an association formed for the purpose of caring for it several acres of land in the rear of it, to give room for more graves and for private lots. The first of these lots were taken by Mr. Swift, and by Capt. James R. Allen and Rodolphus Swift, who co- operated with him in bringing the place out of its wretched condition. A strip of land was purchased on the west for an avenue, which runs the whole length of the ground. On one side of this is what was once the tomb of Ellis Mendall family. It was brought from the Mendall homestead, which is some two and a half miles to the northeast of the village, and is now a public vault. On this acre was erected the first Congregational meeting-house in old Dartmouth. About the middle of the seventeenth century there were a number of persona at Plymouth who embraced 166 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. the faith of the religious Society of Friends, many points of which were in conflict with the rigid re- quirements of the Puritan government, and the arbi- trary and unyielding power of the civil administra- tion made it extremely unpleasant for them to remain in that locality, though they were closely connected with many of the family by ties of blood and by social and business relations. They being in a mi- nority in numbers and civil influence, many of them thought it best to withdraw from the Pilgrims' Mecca and take up their abode in localities where they could worship more in accordance with their personal views and with less molestation. Many of them became the earliest settlers of old Acushnet, shrewdly selecting the lands along the sea-coast, and we find them living on their possessions along the southerly boundaries of Dartmouth, New Bedford, and Westport. These en- terprising settlers probably established the first re- ligious meeting in the southern tier of towns of the present Bristol County, and they doubtless built the first public meeting-house in the section referred to. This meeting-house stood on the site of the present Apponeganset meeting-house, beyond the Head of Apponeganset River, and on the south side of the main road leading from New Bedford to Russell's Mills. It was built in 1699. Settlers of Puritanic faith soon fol- lowed the Friends in the erection of a house of wor- ship, which was built on the soil of the present town of Acushnet. This was without doubt the second public religious meeting-house erected in southern Bristol County. The society under whose auspices this church was built was called Presbyterians. There appears no record evidence of the date of the found- ing of this organization, but tradition places it as early as 1696. Neither does there appear any written evi- dence of the year in which the church was built, whioh incident occurred very soon subsequent to this date. The reason why this church was placed here rather than where New Bedford now stands is that there was but a small settlement there then, the village Head of the River being the centre of population of this vicinity ; then another reason may be assigned that the Presbyterians did not wish their place of worship to stand any nearer that of their Quaker " thorns in the flesh." The church building stood at " Old Acushnet Ceme- tery," situated on the north side of a road running east and west through the village, and some five hun- dred yards west of where the Fairhaven road enters it, a point anciently called Parting Ways. It was just back of the central entrance to the cemetery on the south, and just in the rear of where it stood is a row of Pope graves. It was built of timber cut from the forests which stood about it, and its timbers were hewed on the spot. Many came long distances to church, and in the days when the old church was standing shoe-leather was scarce and expensive. Those who were not fortunate enough to have a horse and had to walk came barefooted, carrying their shoes in their hands, and put them on just before reaching the meeting-house. One who practiced this says the favorite "shoeing-place" for those who came up from the Fairhaven neighborhood to this church was the ledge of rocks south of the church about a thousand yards, on the west side of the Fairhaven road. The first pastor was Rev. Samuel Hunt. All that is known of him is that he built the old parsonage house on the northwest corner of Acushnet Avenue, where the road that leads from the village westward over Tar Kiln Hill crosses it. Mr. Hunt died in Acushnet, in the forty-eighth year of his age, and was buried in the old graveyard by the meeting-house in which he labored. On his headstone is chiseled the following : " Rev. Samuel Hunt, the first ordained minister of the Church of Christ in Dartmouth, died Jan. 21, 1729." Mr. Hunt's successor was the Rev. Richard Pierce, A.M. Of his life and labors, as of those of his predecessor, there is nothing known. He also lies in the old burying-ground. He died March 23, 1749, at the age of forty-nine, and at the close of sixteen years in the work of the gospel ministry. The next minister was the Rev. Israel Cheever, A.M., who was born at Concord, Mass., Sept. 22, 1772; graduated at Harvard College, 1749; resigned the pastorship of the church in 1752, and died at Liver- pool, N. S., in June, 1812. Mr. Cheever was suc- ceeded by Dr. Samuel West, who was born at Yar- mouth, Cape Cod, in 1729 ; graduated at Harvard in 1754, one of the first in his class, and was settled over this church in 1761. Under the ministry of Dr. West the society was very large, being the only house of worship, with the exception of that of the Friends, for an extensive district of country. Dr. West was not considered, in the popular sense of the word, an eloquent and pleasing speaker, but his sermons were characterized by sterling common sense and extensive research. His familiarity with the Bible was so great that he could preach from almost any text without premeditation, illustrating his subject with the most apt and scriptural quotations and references. Dr. West took an active interest in the Revolution. He preached a sermon before the Provincial Convention at Watertown in 1776, and another, an anniversary discourse, on Forefathers' day, at Plymouth in 1777. After the battle of Bunker Hill he visited the camp of the American army, and encouraged the patriot soldiers to increased efforts. It was a favorite topic of conversation with him that the prophetic writings of Scripture were being realized in the stirring scenes of the struggle for independence. In manner of life and character, Dr. West was eccentric and peculiar, as a few anecdotes of him, which we will give, se- lected from numerous others, will illustrate. His absent-mindedness was also very remarkable. In going to mill one day, he put the grist upon his own back and walked to the miller's, leading the horse by the bridle. He supposed the grist was on the horse until the mistake was pointed out by a neighbor. At ACUSHNET. 167 another time he started for church on horseback, supposing his wife on a pillion, the way of riding in those days, and did not learn to the contrary until lie was questioned about Mrs. West by one of the good deacons. One day, while talking with a man in front of his house without his hat, the individual started, and the doctor accompanied him, still absorbed in conversation. Before he came to himself he had walked four miles. His remains lie in the old cemetery. On the sar- cophagus that marks his grave is the following: " Samuel West, D.D., Ac, the son of Dr. Shackfield West, by bis wife, Ruth Jenkins, was born at Yarmouth, CO., March 3, 1729-30, 0. S., ordained in this place June 3, 1761. Relinquished his pastoral charge June, 1803. Died at Tiverton, B. I., Sept. 24, 1807." From 1803 to 1829 the society seems to have fallen into decay, and had become reduced by death and re- moval to only three members, — Jonathan Swift, Mary Worth, and Susannah Pope. Up to 1811 the Metho- dists, which had an organized society in the neigh- borhood, occupied the old meeting-house. At this time the Congregational people made an effort to re- vive the old church, and undertook to supply the pul- pit with a minister of their own denomination. They did not succeed, however, and the church was closed until 1828. About this time a successful endeavor was made to resuscitate it, members were added and services regularly held. Rev. Sylvester Holmes officiated as a supernumerary pastor, and at this time probably the church changed from a Presbyterian to a Congregational system of government. Joel Packard, Mary Russel, and Rufus Holmes were the first who were admitted to member- ship in the church, and were received by letter. The first received on a profession of faith were Mrs. T. Mayhew, Mrs. James Taber, Mrs. David Perry, Mrs. Freeman Taber, Branch Harlow, Caroline Augusta Waggoner, and Jabez Hathaway and wife. In 1830, Rev. Pardon T. Seabury was settled over the church, and that year the society built a house on the west side of the river. The old house was torn down in 1837. The next meeting-house built in Acushnet was that of the Friends, which stood where the present one does, just to the east of Parting Ways. The deed of the lot on which it stood conveyed the land from Stephen West, Jr., of Dartmouth, to Nicholas Davis, of Rochester, Joseph Russell, Abram Mott, and John Tasker, of Dartmouth, in trust for the Friends' So- ciety, and bears date 9th of 11th mo., 1727. The original meeting-house was built in 1727, though meetings of the society had been held in the neighborhood for two years or more previous to this date. During the Revolutionary war an addition to the east side smaller in dimensions than the original was made, and between these were shutters for dividing the house. The old house being in poor condition, it was replaced by a new one. This is a commodious house, painted inside and out, with carpeted aisles and cush- ioned seats. In an ante-room is hung a door of the old house, on which is the date of its erection, 1727. The building and repairs about the grounds have been in charge of Edward Dillingham, a minister of the society and a resident of Acushnet. Christian Church, Long Plain. — The religious society that comes next in order of date is that of the Christian at Long Plain, a village at the north end of the town, so named from the extensive plateau on which it stands. Elder Daniel Hix, who was pas- tor of a flourishing church of this denomination at Hixville, in the northwest part of Dartmouth, was invited to hold meetings here. This resulted in a successful movement to build a church. The first meeting in relation to building was held Oct. 8, 1795, when Elder Hix and Silas Simmons were appointed a committee to select a lot of land and place a church thereon. This was very near the site of the present church. The first bill contracted on the church is dated July 30, 1796, and was for lumber and other materials to the amount of one hundred and twenty- eight dollars. Among the " other materials" was seven gallons of West India rum, an indispensable article in building a church in those primitive times. Another interesting reminiscence is that when the edifice was completed the congregation (such of them as had already purchased) were invited to build their pews on the spots owned by them. Aug. 29, 1805, Elder Hix accepted an invitation to preach two Sun- days a month. The distance from his residence was nine miles, and for the year's service he received fifty dollars. In 1804 his salary was increased to fifty-five dollars, and on this he continued with them several years. Subsequently Rev. John Leland preached in the old house. This is the man who in 1812 got up a mammoth cheese, weighing over a ton, which was pressed in a cider-mill, drawn to Washington by four horses, and presented to Presi- dent Madison. The church did not prosper in a marked degree, and was much of the time without a settled pastor, — from 1825 to 1837. In April, 1837, Elder Samuel Wilde, who had resided elsewhere for a long time, returned and preached for them a year. There had been no Sunday-school since 1823, but Mr. Wilde, with the assistance of Miss Elizabeth Ashley, daugh- ter of Capt. William Ashley, organized a school, and it was continued through the year. Mr. Wilde writes, " My salary this year was one load of good oak chips, presented by Thomas Davis." This church was finan- cially embarrassed, and was obliged to give up. There were a number of persons of the Baptist denomination in the vicinity, and they concluded to organize a society, which they did in 1838. On the 16th of October of that year a council, composed of representatives from New Bedford, Fall River. Middleborough, and Long Plain, met at the lat- ter place and ordained Ira Leland. The same day the following- named persons, in response to their re- 168 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. quest, were recognized a Baptist Society of the Taun- ton Association: Rev. Ira Leland, William Ashley, Delana Ashley, Abiel P. Robinson, Chloe Robinson, Love M. Sears, Freelove Hathaway, Silas F. Sears, Mary R. Davis, and Ann H. Davis. Mr. Leland remained with the church about two years, when he went to the Second Baptist Church at Barnstable. He returned to the pastorate of this church, however, on the 1st of April, 1844, much to the pleasure of his former parishioners. Under his ministration the church continued to prosper, result- ing in the building of a new church, which was dedi- cated on the 28th of April, 1847, the society having occupied the old Christian Church. A month after the dedication of the new church Mr. Leland accepted a call to Lexington, Mass., and the society was again without a pastor. No settled minister was with the church till 1848. During this time the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Messrs. Ryder, Alden, Roberts, and J. S. Whitte- more. In August, 1848, Mr. Whittemore was settled here, and remained till 1856. In 1851, Mrs. Ruth Davis united with the church by baptism, being then sixty years of age. At the present date she is living, at the age of ninety-two, her faculties wonderfully preserved. She is the oldest person in town. She, with her two sons, are active members of this church. In 1856 considerable religious interest was mani- fested in the village, and many were converted. There were those who wanted a church house, but, not being in full sympathy with the Baptists nor Friends, the only denominations in the place, a " Union Society" was organized, which this church joined. This plan not proving successful, the Bap- tists called Rev. W. W. Meech, of Connecticut, to be their pastor. In the spring of 1860, Mr. Meech closed his labors with the church, much to the regret of the people. Rev. Silas Hall, of Raynham, supplied for a few months, and others till 1864, when Rev. J. W. Horton became the settled pastor, and remained till 1868. The same year Rev. Mr. Holt, of Boston, became the minister, continuing till Feb. 26, 1871. He was succeeded by Rev. W. H. Learned, who filled the pastoral relation till his health compelled him to resign in 1872. Rev. S. P. Lewy served from 1872 to December, 1873. In November, 1874, a unanimous call was extended to Rev. E. M. Wilson, of Somerville, Mass., who accepted, and has continued an acceptable and highly-respected pastor, which relation he holds at the present time. About eighty persons have been members of this church since its institution in 1838. The church has had but two clerks, Gen. Abiel P. Robinson serving till incapacitated by age in 1874 ; since then the office has been filled by Walter A. Davis. The first Sunday-school at Long Plain was held in the summer of 1822. Susan, wile of Dr. Rounsevel Spooner, a member of the Unitarian Church, and Al- lathea, daughter of Nicholas Davis, a Friend, called the children together in a school-house which stood just at the back of the carriage-sheds in the Friends' yard, where they taught them the old Westminster Catechism and Scripture texts and furnished them with tracts. It was held again the following summer, but was not continued longer on account of the sneers of parents and their disrelish of the innovation. The Friends' Society at Long Plain is the next in chronological order. The land on which the pres- ent house stands was deeded by Nathan Davis, of Dartmouth, to John and Nehemiah Sherman, Daniel Wing, Nicholas Davis, and Russell Brailey, of Roch- ester, in trust for the society, 10th 9 mo., 1759. The house was built about this time. In 1855 it was overhauled and thoroughly repaired. This meeting, together with the ones at Parting Ways, Fairhaven, and Mattapoisett, constitute the Long Plain Prepar- atory Meeting, to which Abner Pease, of Fairhaven, willed a large property. The Methodist Church at Acushnet Village had its beginning in the early days of the present century. It was the original Methodist Society in old Dartmouth. The original members of the Elm Street Methodist Episcopal Society of New Bedford, the first in the city, were all members of this church. The origin of this church may be ascribed to Capt. John Hawes, who was one of the earliest and most zealous Methodists in this section of the country. The first worship of this sect at the Head of the River is said to have been held at the house of Mr. Ellis Mendall, about two and a half miles east of the pres- ent church. Rev. Daniel Webb and others occasion- ally preached there. This was in 1800 or 1801. About the same time, or shortly after, Rev. Mr. Hall and other Methodist ministers held services in a school-house which stood a little east of the residence of Capt. Daniel B. Greene, later of Rudolphus Swift. Their number continued to slowly increase, and in 1806 Conference appointed Rev. Epaphras Kibbe to take charge of them. In the course of the following year he succeeded in forming a class of eight persons, of which Capt. John Hawes was leader. At this time they were worshiping in the church of the Con- gregational Society, which was in a very prostrated condition, and since the retirement of Dr. West had been without a pastor. Aug. 2, 1807, Mr. Kibbe pro- posed that they should either unite with the Congre- gationalists or organize a separate society of their own. They chose the latter, and accordingly the new church was formed at the above date. The original founders of the church as thus consti- tuted were eight in number, — John Hawes, Benjamin Dillingham, Freelove Nye, Daniel Summerton, Han- nah Summerton, Jedediah Haskell, Meriab Spooner, Nancy Dauforth. The first stewards were Capt. John Hawes and Jonathan Dauforth. Mr. Kibbe remained till 1809, and when he left the church numbered fifty-nine members. He was succeeded by Rev. Ne- ACUSHNET. 169 hemiah Cove, who was followed by the Rev. Levi Walker, on the expiration of whose term Mr. Coye was again appointed. This was in 1811. During all this time they had continued to worship in the Congregational Church. At this date, how- ever, the members of that society undertook to sup- ply the pulpit with a minister of their own denomi- nation. Accordingly, the Methodists vacated the building and took an upper room in an old house which is still standing, — the one nearest the bridge on the south side of the street. They soon collected the sum of five hundred dollars and built a house of wor- ship, although their funds were inadequate to pay for it and a considerable debt remained upon the church. It was dedicated in 1811, Rev. Nehemiah Coye preach- ing the sermon on the occasion. At the time of its dedication it was a rough structure, in quite an unfin- ished state, being neither painted nor plastered. Mr. Coye located at Acushnet, and remained until 1817. He was followed by Rev. Benjamin R. Hoyt, who acted as schoolmaster also. Then came the fol- lowing clergy in the order named: Shipley W. Wil- son, Solomon Sins, Edward T. Taylor, afterwards of the Boston Seamen's Bethel, Erastus Otis, Leroy Sun- derland, Leonard B. Griffin, Robert Easterbrooks, Elias C. Scott, James Porter, Samuel Drake, William Baxter, O. Sperry, Thomas Ely, D. H. Banister, Franklin Fish, Onesiphorus Robbins, Lemuel Har- low, Otis Wilder, Joseph McReading, George Win- chester, William Cone, Hehron Vincent, Daniel Webb, Randall Mitchell, George W. Wooding, James B. Weeks, Richard Donkersley. The present Metho- dist Episcopal Church was built on the site of the old one in 1853-54, the last year of Mr. Donkersley's pastorate, and was dedicated March 9, 1854. Mr. Donkersley was followed by Q. A. M. Chapman, E. Franklin Hinks, Philip Grandon, Elanson Latham, Benjamin L. Sayre, William T. Worth, Samuel Fox, Israel Washburn, Thomas Ely, Edward H. Hatfield, George W. Wooding, Benjamin H. Bosworth, Edward A. Lyon, Charles E. Walker, Edward H. Hatfield, Joseph E. Sears, Charles L. Goodell, George M. Hamlin, and N. Willis Jordan. The original Methodist class in the city of New Bedford was organized in 1817. All its members, with one exception, were members of the Acushnet Church. This class was the origin of the Elm Street Methodist Episcopal Church, which was then a legit- imate offspring of the society at Acushnet. The other New Bedford Methodist Episcopal Churches are outgrowths of the Elm Street. The next society organized was the Methodist at Long Plain. Its origin commenced in 1856 in the "Union Society," referred to in the sketch of the Baptist Society here. A young man of the Baptist denomination, Elanson Latham, pleached for them with great acceptance, resulting in quite a revival. In the spring of 1857, Mr. Latham attended the Meth- odist Conference, and while there joined it. On his return some of the recently converted ones desired a Methodist Society, which was organized, and the others joined the Baptist. This band of Methodists were strengthened by the remnant of a Methodist Society at North Rochester which united with them in the new organization. The first pastor of the church was Rev. Philip Cran- don, who was born in the adjoining town of Roches- ter ; he remained two years, the limit at that time, and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Allen, whose successor was Rev. Mr. Smith. Then came Rev. S. Y. Wallace, which brings the church down to 1862. Their meet- ing-house up to this date was a little chapel built for the purpose, and which is now the society's parsonage. The people soon desired a larger and more attrac- tive place of worship, and in 1862 the enterprise of building a new house commenced, the members of the Christian denomination who were worshiping with them aiding in the work. The leading gentlemen in this enterprise of church building were Elder Samuel Wilde, whose children were members of the church, and Mr. David R. Pierce, a prominent Methodist and former resident of New Bedford. The edifice was erected during the year. The following paper, solicit- ing a building fund, was circulated : " We, the subscribers, agree to pay the sum set against our names for the purpose of assisting the Methodist Church at Long Plain to build a house of worship and a parsonage, said house to be settled upon trustees appointed by the Methodist Episcopal Church in that place, with the understanding that the brethren of the Christian connection residing in the vicinity shall have equal privileges of seats, wor- ship, and ordinances with the Methodist brethren, and all peaceably disposed people are invited to come in and worship in the house, and the seats to he without charge or expense." This paper bears date May, 1862, and Elder Wilde, who made great efforts in procuring subscriptions, gave the following list of collections : From Boston, $1067; Providence, $212; Taunton, $99; New Bed- ford, $275.67; Fall River, $66; Long Plain, $393.20; Pawtucket, $24.50,— making a total of $2137.37. Mr. Wallace was followed by the following-named pastors : Moses Chase, George H. Winchester, Samuel J. Carroll, S. T. Patterson, C. S. Sanford, Francis A. Loomis, George H. Butler, E. W. Goodier, John Thomson, R. J. Mooney, and A. C. Jones, the present pastor. There are two other public places of worship in town,— the church at Perry Hill and Whelden Chapel, in the neighborhood near where Capt. Joseph Whel- den's mill stood. The former was built in 1844 by representatives of the Christian denomination. It has not been a success. The latter was built in 1854 as a place of worship for members of the Second Advent denomination. The town is well supplied with educational facili- ties. There are accommodations lor seven schools. 170 HISTORY OP BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Since the division of Fairhaven the town has been redistricted, three fine school-houses have been built, and the balance of them repaired to be as good as new. There was formerly a private school at Long- Plain, in the old Methodist chapel, the next house south being used as a boarding-house connected with it. Another similar enterprise was conducted for some time by Obediah Davis, of Acushnet, on the Fairhaven road, opposite the Laura Keene place, which at that time was the home of William Brad- ford, Bristol County's brilliant artist. This was a boarding-school for young ladies. The building was two stories, forty by sixty feet square. It did not prove a success. The place is now in the possession of and occupied by Capt. Franklyn Howland as a private residence. The town-meetings of original New Bedford were held in Acushnet, the old town-house standing just east of Parting Ways, near the site of the present school-house. The building was sold to private par- ties and moved to the city. After this they were held in the old Presbyterian meeting-house. Fair- haven also held its meeting there till it was torn down, when a house was built — the one on Fairhaven road — a couple of miles below. The old Bedford town-meeting days were gala occasions. They were general holidays, and everybody came. The pastimes outside the house were usually foot and bat ball, shooting matches, and with many a filling up with New England rum. Plenty of the latter could be easily obtained at the half-dozen places within a mile where it was sold. In those days of public travel by coaches the routes over which they traveled were lined with places of entertainment for man and beast, — the " tavern." The route from New Bedford to Boston passed through the village and up the Long Plain road. On this line, within the town of Acushnet, there were five taverns, and liquor sold at them all. Commencing at the bridge, in the village, the third house east, now owned by John R. Davis, was run by Capt. Seth Pope ; the second, east of that, now owned by Cyrus E. Clark, postmaster, was kept by Worth Pope; two miles farther on, the same side of the road, the next house, north of the end of the Whites' Factory road, was one kept by Jabez Taber, now owned by Capt. Eldridge ; a mile above, on the west side of the road, at Mason Taber's corner, was Salisbury Blackmer's ; and a quarter of a mile be- yond, where Willis Brownell now lives, was Isaac Vincent's. Now it is not publicly known that any liquor is sold in the town. At the town-meeting of 1881 the vote on licensing the sale of liquors stood four " Yes" to fifty-four " No." In 1882 none " Yes" to seventy-seven " No." The only post-office in town for many years was at Jabez Taber's tavern, his brother, Squire James, being the postmaster. In 1828 one was established at Long Plain, being kept in Thatcher's store, and afterwards in the store of Mr. Wilde, now occupied by Richard Davis, who has been postmaster nearly thirty years, and is at the present time. Another office was provided for in Acushnet village, being kept in the first house, second building, on the north side of the street west of the bridge. Gustavus Gil- bert, who was studying law with Judge Spooner, was the recognized postmaster for a couple of years, but the acting officer was Cyrus E. Clark, Esq., in whose store it was kept, and who in 1830 became post- master, and has occupied the position till the present time. In 1842 it was moved into the building which was the " Worth" tavern. This was subsequently burned, and Mr. Clark built on the same spot. The village of Acushnet took the lead of Bedford village for many years. Ships were built on the west side of the river, and it was a stirring place. Here was the first, last, and only whipping-post in the old town. It stood on the west side of the river, just a few yards below the bridge, in a spot afterwards occu- pied by a blacksmith-shop, which was burned in 1882. The last act of official whipping was on the back of a notorious character named John Black, about 1780. In the village lived the first judge of the Police Court in New Bedford, Hon. Nathaniel Spooner, and Capt. John Hawes, who was collector of customs during many of the first years of the present century. Elsewhere in. the town were the homes of the original members of the families of Hathaway, Hawes, Jenny, Kempton, Nye, Pope, Taber, Tobey, Spooner, and Swift, many of whom were prominent in the early history of old Dart- mouth, and others have occupied positions of trust and responsibility at home and abroad. For some time previous to 1875 the people resid- ing along the western border of the town felt that it would be more for their interest, especially in regard to schools, if a narrow portion of Acushnet along that boundary was annexed to New Bedford. Both towns agreeing in the matter there was passed by the General Court, April 9, 1875,— " An Act to annex a part of the town of Acushnet to the city of New Bedford. "Sec. 1. All that part of the town of Acushnet, with all the inhab- itants and estates therein, lying westerly of the following line, to wit: Beginning at the stone post numbered twenty-nine at Davis' Corner, so called; thence running north three degrees west to a stone post five rods easterly of the house of Benjamin Peckham, and from thence northerly in a straight line to the stone post that marks the boundary line be- tween New Bedford, Freetown, and Acushnet, is hereby set off from the town of Acushnet, and annexed to the city of New Bedford, and shall constitute a part of the First Ward of the city of New Bedford until a new division of wards is made in said city." Sections 2, 8, and 4 refer to taxes, paupers, repre- sentatives, etc. This leaves the infant town as it is March 31, 1883. Acushnet has a flourishing Union Sunday-school Association, organized in 1882. The officers are Franklyn Howland, president; Dennis Mason, sec- retary ; T. J. Robinson, treasurer. Jfuk' i $^-71^}- ACUSHNET. 171 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. HON. NATHANIEL S. SI'OONER. The first American ancestor of the now somewhat numerous Spooner family was named William. Of the place of his nativity or the precise date of his birth nothing definite can be learned. The Spooner name in England is an ancient and honorable one, and it is highly j^robable that from this family was descended this William Spooner. The first that is positively known of him, however, is the assignment of articles (found in Plymouth Colony records) " in- denturing" him to one John Coombs. This bears date 1637, and from the tenor of the document it is to be inferred that he had then reached his majority. He married Elizabeth Partridge, who died April 28, 1648. He then married Hannah Pratt, March 18, 1652. About 1660 he moved to the new settlement at Acushnet, where the remainder of his life was spent. He died 1684. It appears he was a man of prominence in the new colony, and held office both there and in Plymouth when resident in the respec- tive towns. His son Samuel was born 1655, married Experience Wing, by whom he had eleven children. By occupation he was a weaver and agriculturist. He died 1739. His son Seth was born Jan. 31, 1695. He married, July 16, 1719, Rose Clark, of Sandwich, by whom he had three children, — Walter, Elizabeth, and Rebecca. His second wife was Abigail Hatha- way. He learned the weaver's trade, but was chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was a very en- terprising man, and was frequently chosen to town offices. He died March 28, 1787. His son Walter was born in 1720. He was thrice married, first to Alathea Sprague. To this union there were six chil- dren. Second, to Mrs. Mary Peck (Hammond), no issue. Third, Mrs. Margaret Davis (Taber), no issue. Walter Spooner was an ardent and distinguished patriot during the war of the Revolution, and was in public life from 1759 till his death. He was nine years a representative to the General Court, and was a member of the Council of the Province seventeen years. He was a member of the convention which framed the Constitution of Massachusetts, 1779, and in 1781 was appointed by Governor Hancock chief justice of the Court of Common Pleas for his native county. He was a delegate to the Massachusetts State Convention which ratified the Constitution of the United States, and was Presidential elector for George Washington both terms. A full list of the various public trusts to which he was chosen would transcend the limits of this sketch, suffice it to say, in the lan- guage of one familiar with his record, "No man of old Dartmouth ever held more prominently the con- fidence of the people, or by his official and private life more thoroughly justified that confidence." He died Oct. 26, 1803. His son Seth was born 1752; married Patience Pierce, by whom he had four chil- dren, — Noah, Paul, Nathaniel S., and Dolly. His early life was spent as a farmer in Acushnet. Later in life he removed to Fairhaven and engaged in trade. He died 1815. Nathaniel Sprague Spooner was born May 6, 1790. After graduating at Brown University he became, in company with Charles J. Holmes and Judge Nym- ph as Marston, a law student, under the tutelage of Abraham Holmes, of Rochester. After qualifying himself for the law, his first practice was in his native town of Fairhaven (now Acushnet), but his practice soon extended to the courts of New Bedford. About 1817 he removed to New Bedford, but resided there only about a year, when he returned to Acushnet and settled upon the spot where he spent the remainder of his life. He was thrice married, first to Sophia Howard, daughter of Jonathan and Martha (Willis) Howard, of West Bridgewater, Nov. 25, 1812. They had two children, — Martha Howard and Mary Sprague, the latter of whom died at the age of twenty- one. His second wife was Lois A. Tompkins, daugh- ter of Rev. Isaac and Mary Tompkins, of Haverhill, Mass. His third wife was Hannah Crocker, daughter of Alvin and Phoebe Crocker, of Barnstable. Judge Spooner was an able and prominent lawyer, but more particularly noted as a counselor than as an advocate, on account of his judgment being more than ordinarily good. He shrank from all notoriety, and avoided so far as possible all official position, accepting only such public trusts as he deemed im- peratively his duty to assume as a citizen of the com- munity. He was, in fact, one of the most unassuming of men. Yet, notwithstanding his native modesty, he never shrank from what he considered his duty. He was justice of the peace nearly all his life after his majority, and held at various times the different town offices. He was police judge in New Bedford many years, and was a member of the State Legisla- ture. He was a man of strong integrity, and noted for his frankness and candor; a man of active tem- perament, earnest, impulsive, sometimes impetuous, but always sincere. As a business man he was suc- cessful, and as a member of society he was respected and beloved. He was a man of marked generosity and liberality of character. One of his life-long as- sociates remarks of him that "his charity was spon- taneous and boundless, and he was never known to refuse a worthy or needy appeal." He bore in his veins some of the best blood of New England; on the maternal side he was a descendant in the seventh generation from John Alden and Priscilla Muliins, and numbers among his ancestors such families as the Carpenters, Southworths, Bassetts, and Arnolds. He was a member of the Congregational Society, and in politics a Federalist and Whig. He died Jan. 20, 1860. 172 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. R. N. SWIFT. For centuries the Swift family has been a promi- nent one in England. The celebrated Dean Swift was one of the most noted of the name. William Swift came from Bocking, County Suffolk, England, to Watertown, Mass., prior to 1034. He removed to Sandwich about 1637, and died there not far from 1640. "The Swifts descended from him are like the stars for multitude." His son William 2 was born in England, and came with his father to Amer- ica. We can tell but little of him. His will, dated loth December, 1705, was probated Jan. 29, 1706. Baylies gives him as representative in 1673, '74, '77, '78. He was a man of consequence and sub- stance, and had numerous children. His son Wil- liam 3 had several children, and died about five years before his father. His will was dated 17th June, 1700. William 4 , his son, removed to Falmouth, where he was an honored citizen, influential in community. Among his children was William 5 , who was a tailor in his younger days, but afterwards a farmer in his native town of Falmouth. Like his ancestors, he was an in- fluential member of society, law-abiding, prosperous, esteemed and respected for his thrift and good quali- ties. He had several sons, all men of force and char- acter; broad and liberal in all views, they were yet positive in their nature, pushing and successful in business, and public-spirited in every enterprise tend- ing to advance their town. William 5 was a Whig in politics and a Freemason. He lived to a great age. Among his children were Elijah, Thomas, John, Reuben E., William 6 , and Ezekiel. The " History of 1 Cape Cod" has the following concerning Elijah : "Elijah Swift, son of William and grandson of William, was representative twelve years, justice of the peace from 1831, quorum units from 1840, of Gov- j ernor's council two years, and a gentleman of much sagacity and enterprise. By mechanical profession a carpenter, he contracted for and built many houses prior to 1820 in Beaufort, S. C, and until 1818 had a store in that place. His contracts with the United States government (for live-oak ship-timber furnished to the government navy yards), faithfully performed, laid the foundation of a large fortune, which he em- ployed with laudable regard to the best interests of his town. He took the first contract in 1816. This was to furnish an entire frame, gotten out to the moulds for a seventy-four gun ship of the line. This timber was procured from the sea islands of South Carolina. He followed ship-building twenty year's, and was the first to establish this enterprise and whal- ing at Wood's Holl." Not less identified with live-oak business, though of not quite so early a date, and no less conspicuous as a man of enterprise and public spirit, was his brother, Reuben E. He was born in Falmouth, but came early in life to Fairhaven (Acushnet), where he was a cabinet-maker until 1820, when he removed to New Bedford and established a furniture warehouse and manufactory. He became connected with Elijah in the live-oak trade soon after its establishment, and followed it successfully for years, spending much of his time in South Carolina, Florida, and other live- oak sections. He built a cabinet-shop on Union Street in New Bedford in 1821, but relinquished it to the care of his brother William. He was a man of, hardy and vigorous constitution and of social nature, with ardent friendships. During the war of 1812 he was captain of a light infantry company in the United States service, and for some time was stationed with his company on Clarke's Point to watch the British vessels cruising in Buzzard's Bay and prevent their landing. He married (1) Jane, daughter of Obed Nye, of Fairhaven, March 24, 1803. Their children were Obed N. (deceased), Franklin K. (deceased), Betsey P. (deceased), Rhodotyhu* N., William C. N., and Reuben E. (deceased). Mrs. Swift died Nov. 9, 1839. Mr. Swift married (2) Lucy L. Robinson, of Falmouth, May 5, 1841, and soon removed to Fal- mouth, where he met an untimely death Dec. 6, 1843, by a fall from a hay-mow. His widow is still living in Falmouth. Rhodolphus N. Swift was born at Acushnet, Nov. 29, 1810, and passed two years of his boyhood in the South with his father. He embraced a sailor's life when seventeen, embarking on a whaler ("Canton"). In this he passed sixteen years, eight of these as master of the " Lancaster," in which he made two successful voyages to the North Pacific and Japan coast in pursuit of sperm whales. After relinquishing his seafaring he engaged with his brothers in the live- oak trade, following in the same course as his father. Their work was chiefly done in Florida, where they bought large tracts of live-oak land, from which they cut the timber for the government. The work being honestly and promptly done, they were generally successful in securing the contracts from the govern- ment; but even when lower bidders secured them the government had very frequently to annul the contracts and procure the timber from the Swifts. This con- tract business was kept up at intervals until 1875, with a few years' intermission during the war. The firm was first C. N. Swift & Co., afterwards Swift Brothers. In company with his brother William, Mr. Swift was for many years interested in whaling. Positive in his nature, he is always outspoken and fearless in advocacy of whatever he deems right, but at the same time is unostentatious, and he has steadily refused public place and position. His financial suc- cess has enabled him to devote much of his time to travel. His residence ar Acushnet is pleasant and its surroundings attractive. His children have been liberally educated, and reflect credit upon their name and the care bestowed upon them. He married, June 18, 1838, Sylvia H., daughter of Gideon and Sylvia (Hathaway) Nye, of Acushnet. Their children were Rhodolphus (died in infancy), Rupert G. N., Clement N., Annie D., Clara G. (deceased), and Edward T. c St / menmim ( -^7U>^^/^ &?&/%rs-^ / 1 ■ -96* "^i ***** ' ^Li^/~1> <^W^ ACUSHNET. 173 Mr. Swift is recognized as one of the most promi- nent citizens of his town. He lias a large circle of friends. We could write much of him, but we forbear, for such is his modesty that we might inflict a wound when we mean simply to do justice. Clement N. had great natural talent as an artist. He has passed fourteen years in Paris and Brittany, Frame, as an art student. He is still devoted to art, and his works are highly spoken of. Both he and his sister reside with their parents at Acushnet. EBEN LEONARD. Eben Leonard, son of Ebenezer and Mary (Phillips) Leonard, was born at Taunton, Mass., April 10, 1814. His father was born at Raynham, and removed to Taunton at sixteen ; was by occupation a farmer. He married Mary Phillips, by whom he had twelve children, of which Eben was the eldest. He died Dec. 27, 1847, and Mrs. Leonard May 8, 1874. When eighteen Eben left Taunton for New Bedford, and learned boat-building with William E. Carver. He then engaged with Jethro Coffin for twenty-eight months, and then with Daniel Wadsworth as a jour- neyman, and labored faithfully and honestly for thir- teen years. After this he removed to Acushnet, where he now resides, and in connection with his two sons is engaged quite largely in whale-boat building, which they make a specialty in manufacturing. He married, Nov. 29, 1835, Mary J., daughter of James and Mary P. Henley, born in Barnstable, Oct. 26, 1817, where the family has been a valued one for several genera- tions. They have had six children, — Thomas W. (born July 3, 1839, enlisted in Company D, Forty- seventh Massachusetts Infantry Volunteers, and died July 14, 1863, in service at New Orleans, La.), Daniel (died in infancy), Eben F. (born July 25, 1845, mar- ried Adeline D., daughter of James and Phebe Gracie. They have one child, Ida F.), Charles F. (born April 19, 1848, married, first, Calista M. Pierce, who died Sept. 30, 1879; second, Susan Haswell,May 19,1881), Adelaide G. (born Nov. 4, 1850, married, first, Benja- min T. Peckham, of Fairhaven. They had one child, Fannie H. Second, married William F. Tirrill, Aug. ■1. L871. She died Sept, 25, 1880), Mary E. (born Oct. 22, is.-,.;. She died Aug. 27, 1876). Mr. Leonard has ever been esteemed one of the best citizens of Acushnet, has many warm friends, and none can say aught against his integrity, honesty, or sterling worth. He has been member of the pru- dential school committee, and for the last lour years a selectman of his town, overseer of the poor, and as- sessor. He has ever been a consistent Democrat. Mrs. Leonard is a member and Mr. Leonard a regular attendant of the Methodist Episcopal Church, al- though Mr. Leonard is a believer in universal salva- tion. CYRUS E. CLARK. Cyrus E. Clark was born in Rochester, Plymouth Co., Mass., Nov. 7, 1796. He was the son of Nathan Clark, a farmer, who was a native of Rochester, and a son of Willard Clark, of the same town. Cyrus re- ceived a common-school education, and in his twenty- sixth year, July 27, 1822, married Sophronia, daughter of Capt. James Wood, of Middleborough, and settled at the " Head of the River," in Fairhaven, now Acush- net, and commenced trade as a grocer, which business he continued ten years. He has been aland surveyor for many years, engaging in that shortly after coming to Acushnet. His services in this capacity were satisfactory, and up to the present time he continues to occasionally perform some labor in this line. He was appointed postmaster at North Fairhaven (after- wards changed to Acushnet) April 1, 1828, and dur- ing all the various changes of administration he has uninterruptedly held that position. He was for many years in the State Legislature : elected to serve in the Lower House in 1832, 1837, 1840, 1842, and in the Senate in 1843. This was on the Democratic ticket, to which party he has steadily adhered, and for which he has labored all his active life. He was chosen selectman in 1832, and held the position without intermission till 1864. He has done a large amount of probate business, and settled many estates. This work has extended over many years, reaching from 1830 to the present time. He has been justice of the peace ever since the same year. For seven years he was notary public, refusing to serve longer. In his eighteenth year he enlisted as a private in a company of troopers in the State militia. He had a great interest in this service, and passed through all the grades of office to first lieutenant, when, very much to his surprise, he was chosen and commissioned lieutenant-colonel, in which capacity he served with acceptation until the disbanding of the regiment some two or three years. When the Rebellion broke out in 1861 he tried hard to enlist as a soldier, but he was not accepted on account of his advanced years. He was at that time chairman of the board of select- men, and discharged all the difficult and onerous duties of that position during the war, with the heartiest approval, and to the satisfaction of his constitu- ents. Mr. Clark has had four children, Lucy Maria, Cyrus Earle, Jr., Avery Cushman, and Frederick Williams, all of whom are dead. Mrs. Clark died Sept. 28, 1846. Cyrus E , Jr., born Feb. 5, 1826, married Sophia Parker, and died June 3, 1858, leav- ing one son, Cyrus Henry Clark, now a photographer on Cape Cod. Mr. Clark has been a man of positive character, yet unobtrusive and unostentatious. Perhaps no man in the town has been identified longer with its interests or more earnestly devoted to its welfare than he, and surely none holds a higher place in the regard of its people. 174 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. CHAPTER XIV. BERKLEY. 1 " Westward the course of empire takes its way ; The first four acts already past, A fifth shall close the drama with the day ; Time's noblest offspring is the last." These prophetic words were uttered by Lord Berkeley, under the enthusiasm excited by the pros- pect of his emigrating to the New World, for the pur- pose of converting the American savages to Chris- tianity, and the founding of a university in the Bermudas. From this celebrated man, preacher, writer, scholar, philanthropist, and metaphysician the town of Berk- ley undoubtedly derived its name, for tradition says, "In 1735, when certain inhabitants, living in the southerly part of Taunton and the northerly part of the South Precinct, or Purchase, then Dighton, asked the Great and General Court, for reasons set forth in their petition, for an act of incorporation as a new township," the name of Berkeley was suggested by some one who had probably formed an acquaintance with George Berkeley, then late Bishop of Cloyne, who just before that time had resided at Newport, R. I. The suggestion and adoption of the name of so distinguished a Christian philosopher and poet re- flects great credit upon the taste and liberality of religious sentiments of all parties interested, for it will be remembered that Episcopalians were seldom complimented in such manner, even in the " Old Colony," whose fame was never shadowed by religious persecution. Bishop Berkeley was a remarkable man for that or any other age, remarkable for his broad Christianity, benevolence, and original philosophical ideas, which, like other new ideas, are always an easy subject of ridicule and misrepresentation. Thus Byron said, — " When Bishop Berkeley s lid there is no matter, And proved it, 'twas no matter what he said." And Dr. Johnson said to an advocate and defender of Berkeley's theories, with whom he had held a con- versation, when the latter rose to depart, " Pray, sir, do not leave us : we may perhaps forget you, and then you will cease to exist." While his premises and conclusions have not been fully accepted by the philosophy of the present clay, they very considerably modified former views upon various subjects relative to metaphysics. Bishop Berkeley presented to Harvard and Yale Colleges his large and valuable library, and to the latter some valuable real estate on Rhode Island, from the proceeds of which to found a scholarship, which has become immensely valuable. More than two hundred students have availed themselves of this i By Hon. Walter D. Nichols. privilege, of whom about one hundred have become clergymen,— a creditable showing for the legacy of one individual. He also sent to the town named in honor of him a present of a church organ, to be used in public worship. The services of an organist were not avail- able in those days, and this, added to the fact that there was an unmistakable prejudice among those primitive worshipers against instrumental music in church, resulted in a neglect of the courtesy, and the organ was left in Newport, and, it is said, yet re- mains there to this day in Trinity Church, in a state of complete preservation and in constant use. As an example of the sentiment that prevailed then against instrumental music in church, it is related that forty years after the present of the organ the feeling was so far compromised as to allow the use of a bass-viol at the closing singing, when the congregation joined. A venerable man would rise and go out, slamming his pew-door in evident ill humor. Upon being re- monstrated with for his discourteous behavior, he re- plied that " he would not stay and hear that bull roar." But in this respect, and in others as well, there has been an entire change in the feelings and practices of religious worship and modifications of religious belief, and no one could be found who would now say that instrumental music in church was " an inven- tion of the devil to catch men's souls." The change in the spelling of the word Berkley was probably due to the carelessness of the engrossing clerk of the General Court, an error that has been perpetuated, and can be accounted for in no other manner. This is a matter of regret, as certainly the name of the town should have conformed to the original orthography. The following is the act of incorporation of the town of Berkley : "An Act for dividing towns of Taunion and Dighton, erecting a new town there by the name of Berkley. " Enacted in the eighth year of the reign of King George II. "Whereas, The southerly part of Taunton and the northerly part of Dighton, on the east side of the Great River, is competently filled with inhabitants, who labor under difficulties by reason of the remoteness from the places of public meetings in the said towns, and have there- upon made application to this court that they may be set off a different and separate parish, and be vested with all the powers and privileges that other towns in this province are vested with. " Be it therefore enacted by Hit Excellency the Governor, Council, and Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That the southerly part of Taunton and northerly part of Dighton, on the east side of the Great River, as hereafter bounded, be and hereby are set off, constituted, and erected into a separate aud distinct township by the name of Berkley, the bounds of the township being as followeth, viz. : Beginning at the Great River, at a forked white-oak tree, at the landing-place between the land of Abraham Tisdale and Micah Piatt; from thence to extend in a straight line to a dam known by the name of Little Meadow Dam ; from thence to a tree with a heap of stones around it in the said little meadow; from thence to extend in a straight line until it intersected the line of the precinct, which includes a part of Taunton and a part of Middleborough, opposite the dwelling- house of John Williams; from thence to extend on said precinct line to the maple-tree which is the corner bounds of Middleborough, Freetown, Dighton, and Taunton; and from thence bounded by Freetown until it comes to a little knoll or hillock of upland, being the bounds between BERKLEY 175 Dighton, Freetown, and Assonet Neck ; and thence bounded liy tlie land of Mr. Edward Shove till it comes to Taunton River; and then bounded by said river till it comes to the first-mentioned bounds. "And that the inhabitants thereof he and hereby are vested and en- dowed with equal privileges and powers and immunities that the inhab- itants of any of the towns within this province are or by law ought to he vested with. "Only it is ho understood that John Spurn, Nicholas Stephens, John Tisdale, Abraham Tisdale, Isaac Tisdale, and Ebenezer Pitts, and their families and estates, are not to be included in said township, but are to belong to the towns of Taunton or Dighton, as formerly. "And the inhabitants of the town of Berkley are hereby requested, within the space of two years from the publication of this act, to procure and settle a learned Orthodox minister of good conversation, and make provision for his comfortable and honorable support, and also to erect and finish a suitable and convenient house for the public worship of God in said town. " Provided, also, That the inhabitants included within this township that heretofore belonged to Taunton shall, from time to time, pay towards the repairs of Weir bridge in proportion to the remaining part of Taunton, according to their assessment in the last province tax, and also their proportion of the rates and taxes already made iu Taunton. "And that part of the new township which belonged to Dighton pay their proportion with the said town of Dighton of the arrears of their outstanding rates already made, and of the debts due from the said town of Dighton, and also their proportion of the charge for the maintenance of the present poor of the town of Dighton. " April, the 18th day, 1735. This bill having been read three several times in the House of Representatives, passed to be enacted. " J. Quinct, Speaker. " April, the 18th day, 1735. This bill having been read three several times in Council, passed to be enacted. " T. Mason, I)ep. Sec. "By his Excellency the Governor: "I consent to the enacting of this Bill. " April, the 18th day, 1735. "J. Belch ee. "A true copy from the original on file in the secretary's office. " Attest: John Avery, Jr., Secretary. " Recorded on the town of Berkley's records by Stephen Burt, town clerk." Organization of the Town.— At a legal town-meet- ing, warned according to the General Court's order, and held May 12, 1735, at the house of Elkanah Bab- bitt, with Gershom Crane moderator, and Abel Burt town clerk, Nathaniel Gilbert, John Burt, and Ger- shom Crane were chosen selectmen, and Joseph Burt, John Paull, and Benaiah Babbitt for assessors. These officers, it was voted, should all serve without compen- sation for their labors. The second legal town-meeting was held Oct. 6, 1735. " Voted, To hire a scholar to preach in the town for the space of a quarter of a year. " Voted, To assess or raise the sum of fifty pounds for the use of the town, part to be paid to the scholar which shall be hired to preach to us, the other part for the same use if wanted, or otherwise, as the town shall apply it." " Voted, to hire no schoolmaster." An adjourned meeting was held Oct. 20, 1735. " Voted, That the three selectmen go and hire Mr. Tobey, if they can agree with him, to preach in our town of Berkley one-quarter of a year." " Voted, That Mr. John Burt take the contribution money that shall be given in the said three months towards supporting the scholar that shall preach to us, and be accountable to the town for it." " Voted, To build a meeting-house in our said town of Berkley, forty feet long, thirty-four feet broad, and eighteen feet stud." " Voted, That John Burt give the dimensions, and appraise and approve of all timber for our said meet- ing-house when good." '' Voted. That Gershom Crane, John Paull, Joseph Burt, and John Burt, under John Burt, procure the timber, divide the work, and proportion it among the inhabitants equally [equitably], and that each man who labors on said meeting-house shall be allowed four shillings per day, and lads or boys proportion- ally, as the committee shall see fit." The town-meetings relating to the settlement of Mr. Tobey as pastor and the completion of the meet- ing-house were held as follows, viz. : " March 8, 1736. Voted, To pay Mr. Samuel Tobey forty pounds for serving in the ministry one-half year, he finding his own board." " Aug. 3, 1736. Voted, To give Mr. Samuel Tobey one hundred pounds in bills of credit, such as passeth between man and man, or silver at twenty-six shillings per ounce, annually, so long as he, the said Tobey, continueth in the work of the ministry in our town." " Sept. 27, 1736. Voted, That the assessors of our town of Berkley forthwith assess or make a tax of three hundred pounds for Mr. Tobey, — two hundred pounds for his settlement, and one hundred pounds for his salary this present year." " Voted, That Elkanah Babbitt, Gershom Crane, John Paull, Abiel Atwood, and Abel Burt be a com- mittee to let out our meeting-house as cheaply as they can to finish after a decent and comely fashion or manner." " Voted, To raise six hundred pounds on our said town, to enable the committee which was chosen to finish said meeting-house." Rev. Samuel Tobey. — Berkley became a distinct town in 1735, as has been already stated, and two years subsequently a church was organized with Rev. Samuel Tobey as the pastor. Mr. Tobey was a native of Sandwich, Mass., and a graduate of Harvard Col- lege, of the class of 1733. He was ordained Nov. 23, 1737, he being but twenty-five years old. His ministry continued until the time of his death, Feb. 13, 1781, a period of nearly forty-four years. Notwithstanding Mr. Tobey kept the church records with the greatest fidelity, there are none of his manuscripts that have been preserved, nor is it known that he ever pub- lished any of his writings. The year following his ordination Mr. Tobey was married to Bathsheba Crocker, a daughter of Timothy Crocker, of Barnstable. Twelve children were the result of this union, of whom the two youngest, Paul and Silas, were twins. A local historian, Rev. Enoch Sanford, at the pres- ent writing a nonogenarian, who had seen several 17G HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. persons who had sat under Mr. Tobey's preaching, wrote of him thus, — " As a preacher, he was not brilliant, but grave and honest in declaring what he believed true and essen- tial. As a ' master of assemblies,' he was firm and impartial. He was of a full countenance, and un- commonly engaging in his person and manners. All revered him as a man of eminent abilities and of great common sense and unaffected appearance. The children not only revered but loved him, especially when he came into the schools and talked to them as a father. He seemed to regard all the people not only as his flock, but as his children. " ' Kven children followed with endearing wile. And plucked his gown to share the good man's smile.' " The structure of his sermons was formal, according to the manner of ministers of that time, who made many divisions of their subjects. His style was open, and so plain that the unlearned could understand and remember the truths uttered. In his devotional ex- * ercises in the pulpit he was somewhat formal, using nearly the same expressions in many of his prayers. That he was edifying and attractive to the common people is evident from the fact that he was highly esteemed in his deportment and public services f6r nearly three generations." Rev. Thomas Andros. — After an interim of six years, during which the pulpit was variously sup- plied, Rev. Thomas Andros, of Norwich, Conn., was ordained in 1788, March 19th, and for forty-seven years occupied the pulpit, at the end of which time, admonished by waning strength and the existence of differences that time had developed in the church and society, he asked for and received a formal dis- missal from his pastoral charge, and retired, not to a life of idleness, but, on the contrary, to the end of his days was an active worker in all the great reforma- tory movements of the day. His early life having been passed amid hardships and privations, he fully appreciated and estimated the value of those advan- tages he failed to possess or enjoy, and he worked faithfully to increase an interest in popular educa- tion in the town, and gave an impetus to it whose in- fluence was undoubtedly permanent and lasting. The Taunton Association of Ministers, on the occasion of his death, said of him, " Mr. Andros was an eminent example of self-taught men, a warm patron of edu- cation, and a deeply-interested friend of the rising generation. As a preacher, he held high rank ; as a pastor, he was affectionate, laborious, and untiring in interest, both for the spiritual and temporal welfare of his people, to whom he ministered for more than forty years." The early life of Mr. Andros was an eventful one. He lost his father in his childhood, and consequently upon his mother devolved the care and responsibility of rearing and educating four children in compara- tively straitened circumstances. They removed to Plainfield, Conn., in the vicinity of which her rela- tives resided. There being few or no public schools in that day, and means being limited, it may readily be inferred that the advantages of mental culture enjoyed by Mr. Andros were small indeed. To a son of Mr. Andros is the writer indebted for the narration of the following thrilling events of his personal his- tory : "At the breaking out of the Revolutionary war in 1775, though but a youth of sixteen years, he was the first to enroll himself as a soldier in the Continental service, and shortly after joined the American army, then encamped at Cambridge. After the evacuation of Boston, he was engaged in the battles of Long Island and White Plains, and under Gen. Sullivan was engaged in the conflict at Butt's Hill. In 1781 he enlisted on board a private armed vessel, but his cruise was destined to be a short one, for they were captured by an English frigate and condemned to the 'old Jersey prison-ship' in New York Harbor. In a manner singularly providential he succeeded in effecting his escape, and after suffering incredible hardships and innumerable perils, finally reached the home of his mother. " A severe illness prostrated him for many months after his self-restoration to liberty and home, his recovery from which was well-nigh miraculous. It was probably this near approach to death, by which the doors of the future world were, as it weiv, opened wide before him, that fixed his subsequent career, and led him to dedicate the remainder of his life to the work of his Redeemer." After recovering his health he devoted himself for several years to a careful preparation for the ministry under the Rev. Joel Benedict, of Plainfield, Conn., and received his first call to fill the pulpit at Berkley made vacant by the death of Rev. Samuel Tobey. To give a lengthy dissertation upon the merits of Mr. Andros would far exceed the limit and object of this work, the design of which is general rather than per- sonal history, but a few words more may not be amiss to illustrate as far as may be the superior ability of this man, who for half a century was a leading spirit in the locality under consideration. Mr. Andros, though in the main adhering to the views inculcated by the most eminent New England divines of that period, was notwithstanding an inde- pendent thinker. Quoting from Mr. Sanford again, " He never preached that Christ made atonement by his death for the elect only, and not for all mankind ; or that justifying faith consists in one's believing that his sins are forgiven, and that he is one of the saved ; or that man, in regeneration, is as passive as a child in being born into the world; or that man is unable to repent; or that no mere man, since the fall, is able perfectly to keep the divine commands. He is remem- bered never to have believed or preached that the sin of the first man is imputed to all his posterity, and that in him all sinned, and that each brings sin enough BERKLEY. 177 into the world to subject him to the loss of heaven. Neither did he preach that Christ's righteousness is made over or transferred to believers, but rather that he teaches us how we may acquire the righteousness which is acceptable by faith and good works. He strenuously enforced that men have the power of choice, are responsible for their moral acts ; that no divine agency operates in men to harden or tempt them to sin, but rather to restrain them from it." As a patriot and politician, he never hesitated to be pronounced in his opinions, and it was questioned by his friends whether his strong partisanship was not too strong for one who occupied so public a position, and whether the judicious use of some finesse on his part would not have proven "the better part of wis- dom." His Thanksgiving and Fast-day sermons were usually political ones, and especially attractive to those who agreed with him, as well as to those who held opposite views. In one of that ilk he took occasion to speak of Mr. Jefferson in the following denunciatory language : " He is the object of my soul's most implacable abhorrence." It is but just, however, to say that in after-life he acknowledged his misconception of Mr. Jefferson's religious and poli- tical views, and actually joined the party of which the author of the Declaration of Independence was the founder and acknowledged exponent. Too favorable a notice cannot be made of the influence he exerted upon the cause of education, both with reference to the common schools, of which he was an avowed friend and defender, and also to the higher branches, in which he had many private classes and pupils. In his daily walks of life he exerted a strong influence upon the generations already risen to adult age, he fully indorsing the aptness of Pope's memorable epigram, — "Men must be taught as though you taught them not, And tilings unknown proposed as things forgot." He also examined teachers for public schools, and drew about him a corps of teachers whose acquire- ments and ability to impart knowledge were un- equaled in those days and rarely surpassed in these. During Mr. Andros' ministry a circumstance oc- curred which will illustrate his native shrewdness. A master-mariner living near the line of Berkley, in Taunton, who had come from a trip to Albany, * " beat" up to Grassy Island, then meeting a " head tide," anchored his vessel, went on shore, intending to walk home, a distance of two miles. Passing by a clump of bushes, a hen fluttered out, announcing in unmistakable language the presence of her nest. Examination of the spot disclosed a newly-laid egg, upon which the sailor transcribed " Woe to the in- habitants of Barkly." The writer of this minatory prophecy had procured in Albany a graphite pencil, a thing almost unknown in those days. The egg was warm and moist, the plumbago united chemically with the shell, and so intimately as to be apparently a part of it. The owner of the hen, a pious lady, 12 was horrified when, upon gathering up her eggs at night, she found the one already alluded to, and in perfect consternation took it to Mr. Andros, hoping he might explain the calamity it appeared to portend. The minister shut his eyes closely, as was his wont, and said, " It was not the Lord's doings, for He would have known how to spell Berkley." This ready an- swer quieted her fears.- Mr. Andros represented his town twice in the Leg- islature after he retired from active ministerial service. His last sermon was preached the 5th of October, 1845, and the following December 30th he died from the re- sult of a succession of apoplectic attacks. He was twice married, first to Miss Abigail Cutler, and after her death to Miss Sophia Sanford. The former had nine children and the latter eight. Five of his sons were master-mariners, and made many foreign voyages. Another son, the late R. S. S. An- dros, was a well-known New England writer and poet. Another son, Milton Andros, is at present a distinguished attorney-at-law in the- State of Califor- nia. Descendants of other members of his family still attest to the wide-spread influence of this man, whom the writer deems the one of all others whose life gave a coloring to the affairs of this town of Berk- ley, both educational and spiritual, and without whose brief personal history a methodical record of the im- portant events which concern this town could not be written. The next settled minister was the Rev. Ebenezer Poor, of Danvers, Mass. His pastorate was about two years in duration. He was esteemed an interesting preacher. He was succeeded by Rev. J. U. Parsons, who was installed in 1838 and dismissed in 1840. He was the author of a series of school readers and some religious works. In 1842, Eev. Charles Chamberlain, formerly tutor in Brown University, was ordained as the successor of Mr. Parsons, and resigned his charge in 1844. Since that time the pulpit has successively been supplied by Rev. Messrs. Eastman, Gould, Gay, Richardson, Craig, Smith, Lothrop, Davis, Babcock, Bessom, Barney, Chamberlain, and Parker. This society — the Congregational — now occupies the third meeting-house, all of which houses have occupied the same and to many a sacred spot. It is a large and well-arranged house and in good condition. Adjacent to the meeting-house is a neat and attrac- tive parsonage, having a desirable location. This so- ciety is in a very healthy condition financially, the annual rent of the pews and the income of the "min- isterial fund" placing the society above pecuniary anxiety. In 1848 a division in the Congregational Church and Society occurred from causes which it would be unprofitable to lift the veil of oblivion from now. Some twenty members of the church and a number of the society withdrew and organized the "Trini- tarian Congregational Society in Berkley," March 1, 1848, and built a comfortable house called the 178 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. " Chapel." Rev. L. R. Eastman was the first pastor, commencing his pastorate the first Sabbath in April, 1848, and left in March, 1856, being a pastorate of eight years. Rev. James A. Roberts having been invited to fill the pulpit made vacant by the resignation of Mr. Eastman, he entered upon his ministry the first Sab- bath in April, 1856, continuing his pastorate until the last Sabbath in September, 1872, a period of more than sixteen years. He retired then, as he said, " to rest," thinking perhaps that he might be able to re- enter the pulpit again. But he never rallied, and in the following November, in the eighty-fourth year of his age, he "rested" from his labor. Mr. Roberts was born in Trowbridge, England; preached in a Dissenting Church in London and else- where three thousand nine hundred and forty-two times; came to America and was settled as pastor of the South Congregational Society in New Bedford, where he remained several years; went back to Eng- land, and returned to New Bedford again. He preached four thousand seven hundred and seventy- seven times in America before his pastorate in Berk- ley, and in Berkley he preached fifteen hundred and fifty-five times. He resigned his pastorate in New Bedford and retired to his farm in Lakeville. Soon after he entered upon the ministry in Berkley he re- moved thither, bought a house and lands, where he lived ever after and where he died. Mr. Roberts was a man beloved by all who knew him well for bis geniality, good practical sense, and for his benevolence. He was loved particularly by the children and youth with whom he became ac- quainted, and there are those who remember his kindly and wise suggestions and admonitions and have treasured them up. As a preacher, he was gen- erally interesting, his sermons short, but generally well considered; his manner of delivery animated, and sometimes highly expressive; his prayers re- markably comprehensive, earnest, and sympathetic. He was free from that arrogance peculiar to his nationality; his adopted country was his country, and few "to the manner born" were more patriotic. His love of the cultivation of fruits and flowers was almost unbounded, and to this work he devoted much attention and displayed much taste. His love for his parishioners, the heathen world, and for the whole human family was demonstrated whenever he could do them good by word or by deed. His remains lie buried in. the cemetery with the Rev. Samuel Tobey and with the Rev. Thomas Andros, a worthy com- panionship of noble men. In 1873, March 1st, the First Methodist Episcopal Church in Berkley was organized, a large part of Mr. Roberts' church and society joining with the Methodists and occupying the " Chapel," where they worshiped until 1875, when the Methodist Society built a very pleasant, neat, and commodious building at an expense of seven thousand five hundred dollars, and it is understood that this building is paid for. This church and society has prospered, and although some of the members have made great exertions to put this society upon a firm foundation, they have done it willingly, cheerfully, — "The Lord loveth a cheerful giver," — and having " cast their bread upon the waters," it is confidently hoped that " they shall find it after many days." The clergymen of the First Methodist Episcopal Church in Berkley have been Rev. Mr. Wright, one year; Rev. Mr. Ewer, three years; Rev. Mr. Nutter, one year; Rev. Mr. Hum- phrey, two years ; Rev. Mr. Burn, three years. There is a Methodist Episcopal Church also near the pleasant village of Myrickville, in the eastern part of the town, which was formerly a part of the city of Taunton, but was annexed to Berkley in 1878. The congregation though small, the numbers are increasing and the prospects of the church bright- ening. It seems to have a location which required some house of public worship established, as there was none for miles around. John Crane is the first person named as a school- teacher, there being a small sum voted to pay him for keeping school. Jonathan Crane likewise was paid for the same purpose. Both of these schools were of short duration. Then the town employed Rowland Gavin, an Englishman of good attainments. He taught in different parts of the town some two months in a place, in such buildings as could be se- cured for the purpose. His penmanship was exceed- ingly good. Each scholar had a blank-book prepared by sewing a number of sheets of paper together. The "master" would write the arithmetical examples into each scholar's book, and the scholar would write the solution, the " master" having the only arithmetic in the school. Reading- and spelling-books also were scarce and expensive, and the pecuniary means of the parents small. Grammars and geographies were not used in school in those early days. But, notwith- standing the many disadvantages under which those scholars labored, a knowledge of reading, writing, spelling, and arithmetic was attained almost incredible when compared with the proficiency of the scholars of the present day, measured by the difference in length of school, convenience of studying, abundance of text-books upon all desirable subjects, and teachers who have in turn had ample means of qualifying themselves for their important duties, important not only in developing the mental faculty in the direction of science, but important also in the shaping of the moral character of those committed to their charge. But then the parents and children prized their slender opportunities and made good use of them. Their few books were used at home at odd hours in the daytime, in the evening by fire-light, it may be, and it sometimes was so. The bodily exercise, from which none escaped, the absence of heated rooms, which none enjoyed, gave to their minds a clearness and vigor not attainable perhaps in any other manner. BERKLEY. 179 The difficulties which had to be surmounted also added ibrce to their characters. Here, then, is an instance of the resulting beneficence of the law of compensation that permeates all of the works of God, who so kindly tempers the storm to the shorn lamb. But soon after the settlement of Rev. Mr. Tobey, and during his pastorate, the condition of the schools improved quite evidently and continually. In 1763 the town began to build school-houses, which were more comfortable and more conveniently located than the extemporized school-rooms that had heretofore been available. Some young men had measurably qualified themselves, under Master Gavin's teaching and at home, for the position of elementary teachers, and the winter schools and winter evenings were util- ized to a creditable degree. Thus the soil was being gradually prepared for the future harvest. Soon after the settlement of Mr. Andros in 1787, a new impetus was given to education, largely through his instru- mentality, which is stated elsewhere, but aided by other causes also. The war of the Revolution had exhausted the pecuniary resources of the whole country. But the advent of peace, the formation " of a more perfect Union" by the adoption of the Con- stitution, the confidence in the administration of Washington, the unparalleled success of the financial policy of Hamilton began to recuperate the palsied hand of industry, and better times dawned in the horizon, its influence was felt all over the country. In 1793 the town was divided into four school dis- tricts, afterwards into five, then into six, and after the accession of Assonet Neck the number of school dis- tricts in town in 1799 was seven. In 1794 the town voted one hundred and twenty pounds to the four school districts to build their school-houses, which money had been raised for the enlargement of the meeting-house. In 1800 the scholars belonging to the several school districts between the ages of four and sixteen were over four hundred, and the popula- tion one thousand and thirty-four. In 1865 the popu- lation was eight hundred and eighty-eight. In 1880 the population was nearly one hundred less than eighty years before, and the children between five and fifteen years of age only one hundred and sixty- three, and notwithstanding the town had had three accessions of inhabitants and territory from Taunton in the mean time, particularly that of Myrickville, together with the adjacent and surrounding neighbor- hood, it being an important and very desirable acqui- Bition to the town. Although the schools have been becoming small and smaller for the last forty years flntil the scholars are less than one-half in number than there was then, yet the town's annual appropria- tion has increased from three hundred dollars to fourteen hundred dollars for support of public schools. Some of the pupils of Master Gavin had under diffi- culties acquired a taste for study, which increased as they advanced in science until they in turn were well able to teach what they had been taught by their master and were advancing to a higher plane. Capt. Joseph Sanford, Rev. Levi French, Col. Adoniram Crane, and Capt. Giles G. Chace were among the first and most able teachers which the town has ever had, and their services were sought in many of the sur- rounding towns, and each of them taught for more than thirty winters. Then there arose a succession of juniors, some of whom taught many years in the common schools and in higher branches of learning and in academies; such were James, John, Enoch, Alpheus, and Baalis Sanford, brothers, and sons of Capt. Joseph Sanford, and Silas A. Benjamin, who taught during most of his life; Daniel and Abrathar Crane, brothers, and sons of Benjamin Crane ; Ebene- zer Hervey, who taught here, in Taunton, and else- where in New Bedford for more than thirty years, and taught in all more than a half-century. William M. and B. L. Cornell, brothers ; David French, Darius Phillips, Daniel S. Briggs, Enoch Boyce, Thomas C. Dean, Dr. S. Hathaway, Walter D. Nichols, P. Ches- ter Porter, Thomas P. Paull, etc. Since their time of teaching females have been most generally employed, and their success has been quite satisfactory, and they, as a class, have in that department an enviable record. It has been said in the past, and not without reason, that this town fur- nished more common school teachers according to its population than any other town in the commonwealth. And in this respect there has been perhaps as little decadence as in any other; for while we have but comparatively few male teachers in active service, our young ladies with commendable ambition have come to the rescue, have prepared and are now pre- paring themselves thoroughly for the discharge of their duties in this most important field of labor; for the public school, with its mental and physical discipline, its inculcation of noble thoughts and pre- cepts, reinforced by good and patriotic instruction at home by the fireside, is the bulwark of an enlightened liberty, of freedom and equality under the law. They also shape the law itself. The school-houses and their surroundings generally are such as reflect great credit upon and are an honor to the town. The im- provement in this respect came gradually and rather tardily, but it has come nevertheless at last. The inhabitants of Berkley during the war of the Revolution were, with a few exceptions, in favor of the war and of the declaration of independence. There was a little "Tory" feeling manifested. Some of the anti-Whigs fled to the provinces of Nova Scotia or New Brunswick, some others were arrested and imprisoned, but enlisted out into the colonial forces. Considering the population and the means of the town, it furnished its full proportion of men. In 1774 the town voted that the resolves of the Continental Congress be strictly observed in every particular, and a committee was chosen to see that the vote of the town was regarded by the people. 180 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. In 1775 the town directed that the militia train one- half a day in each week, and receive one shilling therefor; and each minute-man when called into active service receive five dollars as a bounty. 1776, voted seventy-five pounds ten shillings as an additional bounty to the soldiers ordered to New York, and all soldiers be exempt from paying any part thereof. Voted to assess two hundred and thirty-four pounds wherewith to pay soldiers' bounty. 1777, voted to give each man required to fill our quota in the Continental army ten pounds in addition to what is given by the General Court. The term of enlistment was for three years. How many enlisted in the Continental army or were drafted into it I am unable to ascertain, but, judging from the number of pensioners, their number must have been considerable. Capt. Joseph Sanford, Josiah Macomber, Samuel Paull, William Evans, Ezra Chace, and Paull Briggs were pensioners. In 1778 voted six hundred and twenty pounds to pay soldiers in the Continental army ; voted one hun- dred and fifty-four pounds twelve shillings to pay soldiers; also voted thirteen hundred and twenty pounds and nineteen shillings to pay soldiers hired by the town ; also to sixty-four soldiers who had been employed in the defense of the coast, from three to ten pounds each. Col. John Hathaway commanded a regiment in the war. It is said of him that he was a very sanguine patriot, never even in the darkest times doubted for a moment the ultimate success of the colonies under Washington. In the absence of his chaplain he officiated himself in a voice which was widely heard. After the close of the war a militia system was inaugurated which required all able-bodied men between the ages of eighteen and forty-five to report themselves at a given time and place, "armed and equipped as the law directs," with gun, bayonet, knap- sack, cartridge-box, priming wire and brush, and two spare flints ; sometimes in May called " May training," and also in the fall a regimental or brigade muster. These were great events for children and youth, and for children of an older growth as well. The stirring drum and the shrill and inspiring fife, and then the brigade band, with its bugles and other horns, trom- bones and bassoons, would cause the smouldering military and patriotic fires to blaze forth in the breasts of the old crippled veterans till they, too, felt like shouldering their crutches and keeping "step to the music of the Union." Under this system Abner Burt, Jr., was adjutant, Adoniram Crane was colonel. Among the captains were Samuel French, Sr., Joseph Sanford, Christopher Paull, Freeman Briggs, Giles G. Chace, Giles Leach, Nathaniel Townsend, John Dean. Capt. Giles G. Chace, in the war of 1812-15, was ordered to New Bedford to repel an expected invasion of the British, but the enemy, thinking probably that " discretion is the better part of valor," sailed away, and the campaign was a bloodless one. But after a number of years the militia system fell into disrepute. Election of company officers was a mere farce, electing such as would not or could not serve, and then adjourn the meeting without day, — " But past is all its fame." In 1864, near the close of the Rebellion, there was an attempt made to revive it, and an "act" of one hundred and eighty sections was passed by General Court, but the system was too dead to be revived, and " it rests." When Fort Sumter was fired upon, April 12, 1861, by the deluded rebels of the Montgomery govern- ment, called the " Confederacy," and a call was ; made by President Lincoln for seventy-five thousand volunteers to defend the flag of the Union, a meeting of the town was called, at which it was resolved unanimously to respond promptly to the call, and that every effort should be made to encourage enlist- ments. A committee was appointed to take charge of the matter. Bounties were successively offered to volunteers, — first one hundred dollars, then one hun- dred and fifty dollars, and finally two hundred dollars bounty, in addition to the bounties offered by the State and by the general government, and also in ad- dition to the State aid extended to all volunteers' parents if dependent upon the volunteers for sup- port, and extended to the wife and minor children of the volunteers. The town's quota was filled promptly I at every " call," and some of our enlisted men went to the credit of other towns which were "short." But our brave men did not volunteer because they liked the pomp and circumstance of war, nor because liberal inducements were offered (though those that had families dependent upon the avails of their in- dustry would not have been as likely to enlist, not knowing how their families would fare in their ab- sence) ; but they periled their own health and lives that a nation might live. Theirs is the roll of honor, and, in common with all soldiers of the Union army, are entitled to a nation's gratitude. These are the names of volunteers: William H. Fletcher, Elisha Burt, 1 T. Preston Burt, 2 E. B. Hath- eway, Timothy French, William Smith, B. F. Dean, James T. Dean, 1 Ephraim F. Norcut, 1 Enoch Ma- comber. 1 James H. Macomber, Cromwell T. Eades, Samuel W. Phillips, John Q. Chase, Philip F. Chase, Lewis Green, Hercules Dean, James Arnold, 1 John Boyce, Bradford G. Hatheway, Charles Riccord, John Q. Dillingham (by substitute), Benjamin F. Luther, Michael Burns, H. L. Babbitt (by substitute), Reynolds, 1 Joshua Pittsley, 1 John Q. Adams, John* E. Adams, John Cameron, Alonzo French, Thomas J. Brooks, 1 Daniel Hatheway, Ezra Dickerrnan, 1 Seth Briggs, Henry Williams, Bildad Williams. Of the sons of Berkley living in other States who entered the Union army mention may be made of i Dead. 2 Severely wounded and loss of leg below the knee. BERKLEY. 181 Alexander B. Crane, colonel of an Indiana regiment; S. N. Crane, captain of a Colorado company ; S. V. Dean, captain of a Pennsylvania company. Col. Crane and Capt. Dean were both made prisoners. Rev. James Nichols, chaplain of One Hundred and Eighth New York Regiment, who by great exertions in behalf of the wounded at Antietam, Chancellors- ville, and Fredericksburg, impaired his health, came home to Rochester, N. Y., and died February, 1864. Assonet Neck.— Assonet Neck was peculiarly the camping-ground of the Wampanoag Indians. They retained possession of it longer than of any of the surrounding country, on account of the convenience of the oyster, clam, and other fisheries. At the close of King Philip's war it was taken pos- session of by the Plymouth Colony, who sold it to Taunton in 1678 for the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds. Subsequently it was bought by six proprietors, namely, George Shove, Walter Dean, James Walker, James Tisdale, William Harvey, and Richard Wil- liams. It became a part of Dighton at its organiza- tion in 1712, and the town of Berkley in 1752 voted " to grant the request of a number of the inhabitants of Assonet Neck to be inhabitants of the town of Berkley," but it does not appear that any legislative sanction was applied for at that time. In 1798 the following petition was presented to the town of Berk- ley, and the request granted : " Gentlemen, Selectmen of the town of Berkley: "The subscribers, inhabitants of that part of Dighton called Assonet Neck, being desirous to be annexed to the said town of Berkley, with equal privileges of the town of Berkley, therefore request that a meet- ing may lie called as soon as convenient to see if the town will grant our request, and you will oblige your friends, " James Dean, Joseph Dean, David Dean, Benjamin Dean, Aaron Dean, Walter Dean, Ezra Deau, David Dean, Jr., James Dean, Jr., George Shove, Asa Shove, John Boyce, Enoch Boyce, Daniel Lew, Henry Lew, Samuel Shove, Ebenezer Pierce, Jr., Ebenezer Phillips, Darius Phillips, William Cotton, John Lew (M), John Jones, Jonathan Bryant, William Shove, inhabitants of Dighton." Assonet Neck was annexed to the town of Berkley in 1799. This peninsula embraces nearly two square miles of land, being about two miles in length and of an aver- age width of less than a mile. It lies between the Taunton River and its Assonet branch, and in some respects seems to be of a different geological forma- tion from the mainland with which it is joined, being less sandy, and having a more rolling, uneven sur- face. The celebrated Written Rock, called " Dighton Rock," is situated in the northwestern part of this neck, on the eastern shore of Taunton River. There has been much curiosity and interest manifested con- cerning the inscriptions found thereon, thousands of persons, some from a great distance, having viewed them. There are many theories about their origin, and there will be probably many more until the fig- ures and lines are entirely effaced. For an exhaustive account of this famous rock see history of Dighton in this work, by G. A. Shove, Esq. Many of the leading and most numerous family names mentioned at the organization and in the early history of the town have become obsolete in this town entirely, or live mostly in some few remote descend- ants, such as Gilbert, Paull, Burt, Crane, Babbitt, Nichols, Andros, Tobey, French, Tubbs, Dean, San- ford, Hathaway, Axtell, Briggs, Chace, Shove, New- hall, and Peirce. But these families are by no means extinct. Their descendants are to be found in the business centres in this and almost every other State and Territory from the Atlantic to the Pacific, dis- tinguishing themselves in the various professions, judiciary, agricultural, mechanical, and manufac- turing pursuits, and in trade. In short, Berkley, like other purely agricultural towns in New England, is steadily being drained of its youthful and enterprising population, who are attracted to more remunerative fields and pursuits. Although Berkley is almost ex- clusively a farming town, its soil can be called good or in a high state of cultivation only in exceptional cases and localities. The soil is generally sandy, with unmistakable evidence in the far distant past of the deposit of immense icebergs or bowlders of ice upon the surface, which with the continual and in- cessant surging of the water acted upon by the wind caused them to settle deeply, and when the atmosphere was warm enough to melt them there was a consid- erable cavity or " hollow," "Timothy's Hollow" being the most considerable. These "hollows" seem to correspond in shape to the stria? in this vicinity, which seem to have been nearly south, or ten degrees east of south, invariably. In some parts of the town it is rocky and almost covered with bowlders piled up promiscuously in profusion and in disorder, pointing back to an antiquity which geology itself cannot de- termine with certainty. The eastern and northeastern part is plentifully covered and interspersed with bowlders of rocks; there are also Bryant's and Skunk Hills, which are notable hills, which with Apes' Hill constitute the most considerable hills in the town. The original houses and barns were quite rude, as they were generally in the Old Colony, and in these days could not be considered comfortable, but from time to time, according to the pecuniary means or taste, or perhaps both, the owners have improved their dwellings, not in the direction of elegance, but in that of coziness and comfortableness. The houses are well built and finished, painted, and surrounded by some evidences of taste and a desire to improve what has come down from the former generation, which is true progress. The ladies cultivate flowers in summer and winter, which is elevating and enno- bling, for who that cultivates and loves a vegetable flower cannot neglect the more beautiful human flower that needs even more careful and assiduous cultiva- tion, and will so much more appreciate it as the dawn- ing mind is developed into the intelligence of youth 182 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. and the affections of manhood and womanhood. " These are my jewels," pointing to her children, said one who scorned the thought of counting rubies or dia- monds in comparison with those precious immortals. The barns in town are in a very good and comfortable condition, many having cellars under them, for the man who is merciful is merciful to his beasts. At the centre or common are two churches, a chapel, and a school-house, which will be mentioned elsewhere. There were two hundred and thirty-five dwelling- houses in town in 1881. The common, "Half-Way Plain," will undoubtedly some time be completely ornamented with trees again, and it may be inclosed, but it is hoped that no vandalism will exist to again destroy the young saplings as heretofore. The pub- lic cemeteries have had much attention of late, com- pared with that which was formerly bestowed. There are many neat monuments and, it may be humbler, but equally affectionate tributes to the an- cestors or the loved and the lost. " Whenever I visit a strange place and desire to know the degree of civ- ilization which veneration and Christianity has wrought I visit their churchyard,— not to see their splendid and costly monuments, but to see the un- pretending but unmistakable tokens of an abiding affection for those whom they have succeeded. It shows that their predecessors are not forgotten." This was said by the greatest of novelists, and per- haps the greatest delineator of character since Shake- speare. There are two public burying-grounds, one at the centre and one in the south part of the town. In both cases a nucleus was bequeathed to the public for that purpose, and in both cases more territory has been purchased to enlarge it, and both are properly inclosed, and many family inclosures are tastefully arranged. There is also another burying-ground in Assonet Neck, known as the Deane burial-ground, where most of that name have been buried, together with some of their relatives of different name. This ground also is well inclosed. There is but little wealth and less poverty in this town. If there is not luxurious living, neither is there scarcely any suffering for the want of the ma- terial comforts of life. Berkley was once largely engaged in ship- or vessel-building, and owning and sailing them. Vessels are not built here now, and while the town furnishes many master-mariners, the vessels which they command are mostly owned else- where and hail from other ports. In 1868, D. S. Briggs, Esq., communicated to the Bristol County Republican the following statistics of the commencement and aims of vessel-building in Berkley: The Hon. Samuel Tobey, about the year 1790, then full of enterprise, and possessing a large share of am- bition, commenced the work of ship-building in this town. He built six ships for the European trade, and four smaller craft for the West India trade. El- kanah Hatheway, about 1804, built three schooners and two sloops. Ebenezer Crane, in the year 1808, built two sloops of thirty-five tons each, nearly one mile distant from the Taunton River, near the South Cemetery. These vessels, when completed, had trucks placed under them, prepared for the purpose, and were drawn to the river with the united strength of forty yoke of oxen and some one hundred men who led the way, hauling by a rope. It is said one barrel of West India rum was provided for the occasion. Darius Newhall, from 1804 to 1815, built two brigs, three schooners, and five sloops. Nehemiah Newhall, from 1813 to 1826, built two ships, five brigs, three schooners, and three sloops. About 1815, three ves- sels were built near the northerly part of the town by Edmund Burt and others. In 1827, at the town landing, near Jedediah Briggs' wharf, a steamboat and a schooner were built. Earlier two other vessels had been built at the same place. Ephraim French built, from 1809 to 1833, six schooners and three sloops. From 1820 to 1866 twenty-six schooners, eight brigs, one bark, and five sloops were built by Henry Crane, George Crane, Simeon Briggs, Edward Bab- bitt, and others. Thus during a period of three- fourths of a century some hundred vessels were built, varying in size from thirty-five tons to five hundred tons measurement. Hon. Samuel Tobey, son of the Rev. Mr. Tobey, deserves more than a passing notice here. He — Judge Tobey, as he was called— was justice of the peace, representative to the General Court, State senator, and judge of the Court of Common Pleas. His per- sonal appearance was commanding ; he was for half a century the most influential man in this town, and his influence was exerted for what he considered the best interest of the town. He was patriotic and public- spirited, kind to those who were in affliction, or who were by any means destitute ; he was esteemed a man of learning and of a remarkably sound judgment. No other man in town was so looked up to and ven- erated as was Judge Tobey. Possessed of an indom- itable will and perseverance, whatever he desired to do he did with all his might. His political partisan conviction and friendships were strong, and he was conciliating towards the opinions of those whose opin- ions were adverse to his. The firm of Samuel Tobey & Son ( Apollos) were engaged in trading in dry-goods and groceries for about fifty years, also in ship-build- ing, in navigation, in farming, and other enterprises which constitute the business era in the history of the town. Judge Tobey was the master-spirit con- cerned in the building of the second meeting-house in 1797 and 1798. But the firm meeting with losses at sea, and other losses, became embarrassed finan- cially, closed up their business, made an assignment, and their property was sold, the creditors making provision for them and their families' comfortable support. Judge Tobey died in 1825. Taking him all in all, BERKLEY. 183 we shall rarely see his like again. Apollos, his son. removed to New Bedford, where he lived a number of years and where he died. Other justices of the peace have been Apollos Tobey, Samuel French, Levi French, Barzillai Crane, Adoniratn Crane, Jabez Fox, John Dillingham, Wil- liam S. Crane, Ephraim French, Jr., A. B. Crane, Nathaniel Townsend, Walter D. Nichols, William Babbitt, Giles L. Leach, Daniel S. Briggs, Ebenezer Williams, and Charles Bissell. The duties required of a justice of the peace in this town are almost wholly ministerial, there having been no criminal business to attend to, and all civil suits are tried in higher courts. This town could well dispense with jails, houses of correction, juvenile reformatory in- stitutions, and State's prisons. Although it pays its proportion annually towards supporting these penal institutions, T do not remember the committal of any citizen of this town upon any criminal charge whatever. TOWN OFFICERS. During the Colonial Period. Town Clerks. — Abel Burt, Ebenezer Phillips, George Caswell, John Briggs, Samuel French, Ebenezer Winslow, and Abel Crane. Selectmen. — Nathaniel Gilbert, John Burt, Gershom Crane, John Paull, William Nichols, Samuel Gilbert, John Crane, Samuel Tubbs. Representatives to General Court. — None, the town having to bear the ex- pense. During the Revolutionary Period. Town Clerk. — Samuel Tobey, Jr. Selectmen. — John Paull, James Nichols, Jedediah Briggs, Jacob French, Stephen Webster, Ebenezer Myrick, Levi French, John Babbitt, Ebenezer Paul] (2d). Samuel Tubbs, and Israel French. Representatives to General Court.— Samuel Tobey, Jr., and James Nichols. Under the State Constitution. Town Clerks. — Samuel Tobey, Jr., Samuel French, Stephen Burt, John Crane, Joseph Sanford, Apollos Tobey, Adoniram Crane, Asahel Hathaway, Samuel French, Jr., Abiel B. Crane, Ephraim French, Jr., Daniel S. Briggs, William S. Crane, N. C. Townsend, George Crane, W. D. Nichols, Daniel C. Burt, T. Preston Burt, and John A. Read. Selectmen. — John Paull, James Nichols, Jedediah Briggs, John Babbitt, Samuel Tubbs, Jr., Levi French, Simeon Burt, Ebenezer Winslow, Ebenezer Paull (2d), John Crane, Abner Burt, Nathaniel Tobey, Samuel Tobey, Apollos Tobey, Ebenezer Crane, Abel Babbitt, Samuel French, Jr., Shadrach Burt, Ezra Dean, Adoniram Crane, Jabez Fox, Henry Crane, Enoch Babbitt, Dean Burt, David Shove, Nathaniel Townsend, Joseph D. Hatheway, Tamerlane Burt, Walter D. Nichols, John ('. Crane, Benjamin Luther, William Babbitt, Thomas C. Dean, Daniel S. Briggs, Giles L. Leach, Peter L. Chace, Simeon Briggs, Albert E. Allen, Herbert A. Dean, Benjamin F. Chace, Thomas A. Briggs, Benjamin Crane, Ebenezer Williams, Benjamin F. Coombs. Repres. nlatines to General Court. — .John Babbitt, Samuel Tobey, Apollos Tobey, Adoniram Crane, John Dillingham, Samuel French, Rev. Thomas Andros, Tamerlane Burt, Nathaniel Townsend, Leander Andros, Samuel Newhall, Ephraim French, Enoch Babbitt, Abiel B. Crane, William S. Crane, William Babbitt, Walter D. Nichols, Giles L. Leach, Enoch Boyce, Herbert A. Dean. Stale Senators. — Samuel Tobey, Samuel French, Walter D. Nichols. A list of names of those who received a liberal education or its equivalent : Silas Tobey, Brown University. Rev. Alvin Tobey, Brown University. Rev. James Barnaby, Brown University. Rev. James Sanford, Brown University. Rev. John Sanford, Brown University. Rev. Enoch Sanford, Brown University. Rev. Baalis Sanford, Brown University. Eliphalet Hevey, M.D., Brown University. Rev. Silas A. Crane, D.D., Brown University. Benjamin Crane, Brown University. Daniel Crane, Brown University and Union Col- lege. George Hatheway, Brown University. Rev. Win. M. Cornell, LL.D., Brown University. Rev. Daniel C. Burt, Brown University. Rev. Thomas T. Richmond. Rev. James Nichols, Union College. Hon. Charles G. W. French, Brown University. Richard S. S. Andros, Esq. Rev. Levi French. Milton Andros, Esq. Russell L. Hathaway, Esq. Col. Alexander B. Crane, Amherst. Edward Crane, M.D., Amherst. P. Chester Porter, M.D., Amherst. Shadrach Hatheway, M.D. Rev. Lucius R. Eastman, Jr., Amherst. Rev. Jabez Fox. Rev. Gardner Dean. There are few towns in this commonwealth which can show so large percentage of educated men during the first half of the nineteenth century. Many of these scholars obtained their education under diffi- culties, but they overcame them all. They have all made their mark in their professions. Of those who attended the ministrations of Mr. Andros alone, thirteen were ordained ministers, eight of whom graduated at Brown University and one at Union College, — nine Congregationalists, one Episcopalian, one " New Church," one Presbyterian, and one Bap- tist, — " a greater number than in any other church in the county." Some of these scholars deserve particular notice. The Sanford brothers were a remarkable family. They educated themselves largely by their own in- dustry. They were all clergymen, remarkable for sound judgment, and held in high esteem by their parishioners, lived long and useful lives, and when age admonished them to retire from the ministry they retired. Rev. Enoch, the survivor, nearly ninety years of age, is still quite strong in body and mind. He is the author of several local histories and sketches, etc. The Crane brothers likewise were a distinguished family. They, too, obtained an educa- tion largely through their own exertions. Silas A. Crane, D.D., after graduation became tutor in Brown University, took orders in the Episcopal Church, and discharged his clerical duties to the close of his life. For a long time he was at East Greenwich, R. I., — a most excellent man. Benjamin, after leaving college, taught an academy, then entered into business as a trader, but returned to teaching again, in which em- ployment he spent most of his life. He was an able 184 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. and faithful teacher, as many now living can testify, a friend to education, a good citizen, and a conscien- tious and useful man. Daniel attended Brown University and Union Col- lege, was teacher in New England and at the South, was well versed in Latin, Greek, and other languages, in poetry and in history, lives in Ohio, and is a man of literary tastes and pursuits. Wm. M. Cornell, LL.D., a teacher, clergyman, a doctor of medicine, and an author, — a distinguished man still in active life. Jabez Fox, a clergyman of the " New Church" per- suasion, editor of a paper, at present in the Treasury Department, Washington, D. C. A man of culture, Gardner Dean, an evangelist, well known in almost every State from New England to Illinois, somewhat eccentric, but had many admirers. James Nichols, Assistant Professor of Languages, Union College; clergyman, Presbyterian. On ac- count of his voice he left the ministry and became principal of the Geneseo Academy, Livingston County, N. Y., continued there many years, removed to Roch- ester, N. Y., bought the " Female Academy," made it a success, and since his death it has been success- fully continued by his widow, a well-known teacher, and their daughters. Levi French, clergyman and teacher, of good merit, taught North and South. He was a man of acute in- tellect and of large general knowledge. He was an accurate surveyor of land, a good mathematician, and a safe counselor. Charles G. W. French, lawyer in Sacramento, Cal. He was appointed United States chief justice of Ari- zona Territory, which position he has honorably filled for many years. Milton Andros, a lawyer of distinction, San Fran- cisco, Cal. Col. Alexander B. Crane, a successful lawyer, New York City. Edward Crane, physician, and editor of a paper printed in English, Paris, France. P. Chester Porter, physician and a distinguished teacher. Lucas R. Eastman, Jr., a clergyman of good repu- tation and of large promise. Thomes Tobey, Richmond, a life-long clergyman, whose long and useful life is still well preserved. He has lately retired from the ministry in Taunton ( West- ville), where his pastorate had endeared him to his parishioners for more than twenty years. His whole ministry of fifty years. Daniel C. Burt, clergyman, formerly of Acushnet. Eliphalet W. Hervey, physician at Wareham, of great promise, but died young. Shadrach Hatheway, a practicing physician for a great number of years in his native town. His knowledge and judgment in his profession is highly prized by the members of his profession, and he is considered careful and skillful by his patients. Russel L. Hatheway was a successful lawyer in Terre Haute, Ind. Richard S. Andros, editor, poet, custom-house officer in Boston, president of an insurance company, etc., a man of fine literary taste. Berkley has a suitable town hall, in which town- meetings, elections, etc., are held, and in which other town business is transacted, and the standard weights and measures and the books and documents — some of which are very valuable — are kept. It is con- spicuously located upon the park or " common." This town also has an almshouse, connected with a good farm of about one hundred acres, consisting of mowing, tillage, pasture, and woodland, costing, with the stock, etc., thereon, about five thousand dollars. There were but three inmates in it in March, 1882, ages ranging from seventy-nine to fifty-six years of age; cost of supporting them, not reckoning the natu- ral decay of buildings, in 1881 and 1882, was less than one hundred dollars. But the outside pauper ex- penses at the insane hospital and private families and partial support amounted to seven hundred dollars. The superintendent of the almshouse has from one hundred and fifty to two hundred dollars salary an- nually, together with the board of his family. The town is entirely free from debt. Its roads and bridges, considering the sparseness of the inhabitants and the number of miles of road to be maintained, some of them difficult to repair, are above the average condi- tion of the roads in similarly situated towns. In 1798, money being scarce, Mr. Andros asked the town in writing to pay his salary of two hundred and fifty dollars in the following manner, which was done: 52 bushels corn @ 3/6; 15 bushels rye @ 4'; 2 barrels flour @ 33/ ; 12 pounds tea @ 2/5 ; 60 pounds sugar (a /9; 18 gallons molasses @ 2/ ; 15 cords wood (a 8/; 5 tons E. hay @ 4/8 ; 3 bushels salt @ 3/; 400 pounds beef (" /3£; 500 pounds pork (r/./4; 100 pounds flax @ /8 ; 40 sheep's wool @ 1/6 ; 6 pairs men's shoes @ 8/ ; 5 barrels cider @ 6/ ; 200 pounds cheese @ /6 ; 100 pounds butter @ /8 ; cash, $16.17. 1815. Mr. Andros' salary was increased fifty dollars and was then fixed at four hundred and fifty dollars annually, and so remained to the end of his minis- try. In 1798 there was a subscription paper started and completed with $259.50 volunteered for the " pur- chase of a bell for the new meeting-house in Berkley." A meeting of the subscribers was then held, and they voted to purchase a bell of six hundred pounds weight, chose Samuel Tobey, Simeon Burt, and Luther Crane a committee to purchase a bell in Boston, and the aforesaid committee purchased a bell of Paul Revere of 635 pounds weight @ 2/7 per pound, amounting to $273.37 ; carting home, $2.75 ; total, $276.12. Some actions of the town : 1740. Voted to pay Rev. Mr. Tobey £3 10s. to make good the depreciation in the currency the present year. 1748. Voted to the Rev. S. Tobey for his salary BERKLEY. 185 the ensuing year £250 old tenor, to enable him to carry on the ministry in our town of Berkley. 1751. Rev. S. Tobey's salary was voted to be paid as follows: Rye, 4s. per bushel; Indian corn (a 3s. 4'/. per bushel; beef, 2ld. per pound; pork (a 4d per pound; flax (a !).W/. per pound; oak cord-wood (a 9*. 4.W/. per cord. 1761. Voted £60 lawful money as the salary of Rev. S. Tobey the ensuing year. Voted to pay Abel Burt for going to Boston to have Taunton remain the shire town of our county. 1761. Voted to pay Rowland Gavin £4, by reason of his having to leave teaching and move out of his house on account of the smallpox. May 22, 1775. Samuel Tobey, Jr., was sent to represent the town in the Provincial Congress at Cam- bridge. Persons moving into the town without its consent, and in the opinion of the town likely to become chargeable, were warned according to the law to leave the town within a specified number of days or they would be proceeded against. There are frequent warnings of this kind on record. In the early history of this town vocal music re- ceived great attention. Singing-schools in winter evenings were frequent, and most pleasant reunions of the young and older people, who were scattered in their homes over a considerable territory. The sing- ing-schools were mostly taught by some of the best singers in town. Later Deacon G. San ford taught sing- ing-schools for many winters. Col. Adoniram Crane was also teacher of public schools and singing-schools in this and other towns, both in Plymouth County and in Dukes County. He was a man of dignified and commanding per- sonal appearance, an excellent town officer, and as a singer he was well known in this and the neighboring towns as well for the great compass of his voice, his fine musical taste, and the correctness of his ear. To appreciate his singing in church he must have been heard. He was chorister in the First Church some forty years ( when present), and in the Second Church from its organization to the close of his life. He was president of the Beethoven Society, composed of the best singers in the neighboring towns. After his death, A. B. Crane, a good singer and musical com- poser, became chorister in his stead. The mechanics of the present generation belonging originally to this town have emigrated mostly to other places, where better opportunities for employment offer. In fact, Berkley seems to have been and now is a good town to emigrate from. In the past, every- thing considered, there were a goodly number in the various trades. Carpenters and builders, Ebenezer Pierce and two sons, Simeon Chace and two sons, Reuben Phillips and three sons, Samuel Phillips, and Ebenezer Dean. At present there are Benjamin F. Coombs, J. D. Dillingham, Frank Phillips, Dean P. Westgate, Timothy E. French, William Boyce, Henry Hatheway. Wheelwrights and carriage- makers, Enoch S. Hatheway, Ellery Strange. The- ophilus Shove was cabinet-maker and undertaker for a period of more than a half-century. There were in the past a great number of ship-carpenters, who worked at home and in many other places, also Wil- liam K. Evans, machinist and inventor. Blacksmiths in the past, John Perkins, Tisdale Porter, John Clark, William S. Crane, Thomas Strange; present, James Wade, William H. S. Crane, James Maguire, George Macomber. Carriage manufacturer, S. W. Luther. Masons in the past, Joseph Sanford, John Briggs, Amos Briggs; at present, Nathaniel Case, David Hoxie, Jr., Arza Harmon. Shoemakers (they used to go from house to house and make the family shoes ; they were not kept for sale in country stores), George Sanford, Enoch Babbitt, George Briggs, Thomas Burt, Adoniram Cummings, and many others. Now this business is confined almost exclusively to repairing. Of stores there were those of Samuel Tobey & Son, Simeon Burt, Levi S. Crane, Jabez Fuller, Abiel B. Crane, Ephraim French. There is a variety store at Myrickville, Mr. Macomber's. which has a run of busi- ness, and is the only store in town. The records of the town of Berkley are remarkably legible and well written, and have been well preserved. Some of the records are remarkable specimens of good penmanship. They are such.records as citizens of the town may well greatly prize, and proudly hand them down to posterity for their imitation. The First Congregational Church had during the eighteenth century ruling elders as the first officers of the church. They were Daniel Axtell, Jacob French, John Paull, Ebenezer Crane. The deacons, Gershom Crane, Daniel Axtell, Jacob French, John Paull, Samuel Tubbs, Ebenezer Crane, George Sanford, Eb- enezer Winslow, Samuel Tobey, Luther Crane, Tisdale Briggs, Barzillai Crane, James Hathaway, Thomas C. Dean, Isaac Babbitt. Deacons of Second or Trinitarian Congregational Church were William S. Crane, William Babbitt, Daniel S. Briggs. Around and near the common or centre of the town there are a number of fine, commodious, and tastefully-arranged dwellings, among the best in town, very pleasantly located. It is a very pleasant locality for country residences. The Berkley post- office is near by. It was established about 1818, and has a daily mail. The postmasters have been Asahel Hatheway, Abiel B. Crane, Joseph D. Hatheway, and Daniel S. Briggs. There is also another post-office at Myrickville, at the junction of the New Bedford and Boston and the Newport and Boston Old Colony Railroads, which also has a daily mail. William Simms, postmaster. At the Bridge village, called also West Berkley, there are a number of neat and comfortable dwell- ings, occupied by shipmasters, mechanics, farmers, etc. Here is the Berkley and Dighton bridge across 186 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. the Taunton River, which gives name to the village. The first bridge was built in 1806, and was a toll- bridge. Liberty was given by the Legislature to re- move it, the draw being too narrow, it was claimed, for the larger class of vessels which were required to transact the increased and increasing business of Taunton higher up on the river. Accordingly it was removed, after standing about forty-five years. In 1872 a bridge, to be built by the county, was char- tered and soon after built under the charge and to the acceptance of the county commissioners, and it is a great public convenience. In the first half of the present century this was a busy village, largely en- gaged in vessel-building and other business, most of which has been discontinued. In 1800, Berkley had 115 dwelling-houses. In 1880 it had 235 dwelling- houses, 9686 acres taxed, about $400,000 taxable prop- erty, 276 polls taxed, and rate of taxation $9 per $1000. In 1675, near the commencement of King Philip's war, Mr. Babbitt was going along the river path from one settlement to another to get a cheese-hoop. He had with him a small dog, whose restlessness prob- ably gave warning of some strange person near. The man took the hint and ascended a large pine-tree, hoping to be concealed among the thick branches ; but his dog, true to his instinct, remained at the tree. The Indian attempted to drive him away, but finding that the. dog was unwilling to leave his suspicion was aroused. He examined the tree, but at first discov- ered nothing, and endeavored to call the dog away, but to no purpose. In making another examination he saw something which caused him to shoot at it, when down came Babbitt dead. The Indian related his exploit to some other Indians, and they in turn to the settlers, who found and buried him. There is a stone erected to commemorate the event and the place. The inscription reads, " Babbitt Killed by In- dians 1675." Tradition also has different versions, but there always is a man, a dog, an Indian, and a cheese-hoop ; in each that the man was killed. Berkley, as has been noticed elsewhere, is almost exclusively an agricultural town. It has no valuable water-power, and, as has already been said, the soil in some parts of the town is sandy and other parts rocky and hard, with some exceptions. The most valuable crop is hay. The salt marshes of Assonet Neck have considerable value. Indian corn was an important crop and should be still. Potatoes, turnips, etc., are raised for market. Horticulture has some attention. One of the best horticultural gardens in the county, G. F. Wilbur's, is in the north part of the town. There is some fruit-raising also. Some parts of the town are well adapted to the raising of apples, pears, and small fruit. There is also some woodland, which in the past has furnished timber for vessels that were built here. But in these days of the general use of coal for fuel, wood is of less importance than for- merly. But the early settlers were an industrious and brave people. They were as noble, pious, prudent, and sensible people as settled any part of the Old Colony. There have been many large families reared and educated, who have in turn founded and educated families in other localities which considered and prized them as among their most valued citizens. Having been reared to habits of industry, prudence, and integrity, they have distinguished themselves among distinguished men and women wherever they are found. There was formerly a considerable and a prosperous business in the preparing and market- ing of shingles, mostly cedar from North Carolina swamps. A gang of men would be hired and carried to the swamps, a " cabin" built in the swamps, the trees felled, sawed into blocks of the proper length, then split into the required thickness, shaved, bound in bundles, shipped northward and sold. Those shingles were valuable for their durability. At pres- ent that business is discontinued here. Annual in- come of the oyster fisheries of Assonet Neck, and of the shad and alewive fishing privileges belonging to the town, amounts to about the sum annually raised by taxation for the support of the public schools, or about fourteen hundred and fifty dollars. The following facts concerning the town of Berkley are gleaned from the tenth United States census of 1880: Population : Males 472 Females 455 Total 927 Place of birth : Massachusetts 812 Maine 12 New Hampshire 9 Vermont 6 Rhode Island 40 Connecticut 5 New York 3 New Jersey 6 Canada 4 Prince Edward's Island 1 England 8 Ireland 13 Scotland 1 Sweden 3 Parent nativity : Both parents native 857 " " foreign 45 Mother native and father foreign 13 Father native and mother foreign 2 Foreign parents' nativity: United States and Great Britain 1 " " • British America 1 Ireland , 2 Ireland 8 Occupations : Government and professional, male, 6; female, 5; total 11 Domestic and personal, female 8 Trade and transportation, male, 41 ; female, 1 ; total 42 Agriculture, native born, 77 ; Irish, 3 ; English, 1 ; Canadian, 1 ; total, male 82 Fisheries, male 8 Manufactures and mechanical industries, male, 106; female,2; total 108 Apprentices, laborers, and indefinite 104 Boot and shoemakers 3 Builders 42 Carriage-makers 4 Engaged in making clothing, female, 1 ; cotton goods, male, 2; tolal 3 In tanning leather 2 In sawing lumber 6 Stone-cutters, male 3 Ship-carpenters 13 Basket -makers 2 Illiteracy: Persons over ten who cannot read, fi ; write, 7 ; total 13 Number of farms 42 Number of gallons of milk sold 43,507 Number of pounds of butter made 5,280 Eggs, dozens 10,605 /oL^-^P^_ BERKLEY. 187 Potatoes, acres 26 bushels 3,440 Indian corn, acres 47 " bushels 1,201 Hay, tons Ages of the inhabitants of the town of Berkley from under one year to over one hundred : Age. 10 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 66 71 76 81 86 91 96 1 101. Age. 10 1 1 1 i< 17 2 12 it 14 a II 21 i< 7 4 t( 16 v >/?v2^2£^ BERKLEY. 189 teaching in the town of Richmond, Ontario Co., N. Y., where he taught five months, and in the spring of 1835 went to Albany, N. Y., and worked at his trade as a painter. lie removed thence to Red Hook, on the Hudson, in Dutchess County, N. Y., where he remained several years, and in 1836 was united in marriage to Lucinda Hervey, daughter of James Hervey, of Berkley, Mass. After his marriage Mr. Nichols settled at Red Hook. In the autumn of 1836 he removed to To- ledo, Ohio, where he remained two years, at the ex- piration of which he removed with his family to his native town of Berkley, where he has since resided. Mrs. Nichols died Oct. 20, 1845, and in 1846 he mar- ried for his second wife Nancy H. Dean, daughter of Samuel Dean, of Berkley. The children by the first marriage were Fidelia L. (deceased), Fanny A. (de- ceased), Mary A. J., and Jesse G. ; by the second marriage, Mary N., Walter D., Caroline M., Emma C, Sarah E., James H., James M. D., and Frank H. Mr. Nichols was one of the " Argonauts of '49" ; he visited California via Cape Horn, and was six months on the voyage, and after a varied experience of four months in the newly-discovered " Ophir," he returned home by the way of the Isthmus of Panama. His life has been somewhat varied, he having fol- lowed his trade as a painter, and also fishing and farming, besides devoting a considerable share of his time to teaching. He has taught in all about thirty winters. In local politics he has taken an active part, first as a Whig, during the existence of that party, and since as a Republican, and has held every office in the gift of his townsmen, serving as selectman for a number of years. In 1855 he was a member of the House of Representatives, and in 1864-66 he was a member of the State Senate, and the last year served on theCom- mittee on Valuation. He has taken an active interest in all public affairs in his town, particularly in mat- ters of education, and is the author of the history of Berkley in this work. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Nichols, born at the old homestead, are widely scattered. The only sur- viving daughter by the first wife is Mrs. Charles H. Clarke, formerly of Cambridge, Mass., now a resident of Milwaukee. Nancy N. Street, eldest child by the second marriage, is a practicing physician (homceo- pathist) in Cincinnati ; Walter D. is a farmer in Kan- sas ; Nancy D., wife of Dr. W. W. Freeman, resides in Anoka, Minn.; Caroline M. (now Mrs. Alden) aud Emma C. are proprietors and teachers of the Kindergarten in Providence, R. I. ; Sarah E. (Mrs. George E. Royce) resides in Berkley, Mass.; James M. D. is a resident of Colorado, and Frank H. lives with his brother in Kansas. ABIEL BRIGfiS CRANE. The name Crane is variously spelled Crain, Crayne, etc., but all were originally one family. Jasper Crayne was one of the first settlers of the New Haven Colony, and one of its leading and most influential members. He was one of the signers of the first or "fundamental" agreement, June 4, 1639. His son, Jasper, Jr., was born in New Haven, April 2, 1651, and was one of those who attempted a settle- ment of lands on the Delaware, and were repulsed by the Dutch, natives, Swedes, and Finns. Like his father he was a man of influence and ability, and held va- rious offices and positions of public and private trust. The family of Cranes have always been people of the highest respectability in New Jersey and Connecticut, and wherever their descendants are to be found they exhibit the same spirit and characteristics that dis- tinguished their pioneer ancestors. Four of this name graduated at Brown LTniversity prior to 1829, eight at Amherst prior to 1855, eight at Yale prior to 1851, six at Harvard, and four at Dartmouth prior to 1850. Henry Crane, who was probably the ancestor of the Crane family in Bristol County, was a native of Guil- ford, Conn. He was representative from Kennelworth, and at another period of his life was a prominent man at Killingworth. Bernice Crane was one of the early settlers of Berk- ley, Mass. His wife lived to be a centenarian. His son Benjamin married Alinda Briggs, July 29, 1798. They had ten children, two of whom, however, died in infancy. All the others lived to maturity. Ben- jamin died Oct. 10, 1855, Mrs. Crane having preceded him one year. The eldest son, Silas A., graduated at Providence College, in which institution he after- wards became tutor. Later he studied divinity, and be- came pastor of an Episcopalian Church in Vermont. He afterwards went to St. Louis, Mo., and became president of a college. A few years later he returned to New England, established himself as a minister at East Greenwich, R. I., and spent the remaining thirty years of his life there. He died July 16, 1872. Ben- jamin, another brother, was also educated at Provi- dence College, taught school a number of years, finally settled as a farmer in his native town, and died there Nov. 11, 1861. Daniel, another son, also received a collegiate education, was a farmer and school-teacher, and a great bookworm. He was noted for the extent and diversity of his knowledge. Of the daughters of Benjamin, Caroline became the accomplished wife of Hon. George P. Marsh, who was four years minis- ter to Constantinople, and twenty-one years minister to Rome, dating from 1861 to the time of his death, July, 1882. Mr. Marsh was an author of merit, as his many well-known works will testify. Mrs. Marsh, who survives him, is also a writer of distinction. In addition to other literary work, she has translated a number of poems from the German. Lucy, the other daughter, married a celebrated German physician, resident in St. Louis, Mo. 11)0 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. A. B. Crane, the fifth son of Benjamin, did not re- ceive the advantage of a college training. At a very early age he developed a marked taste and talent for music. And while the general tenor of his life's work has been in a widely different field, yet, like the mag- net to the pole, his heart has ever turned in his leisure moments to the "harmony of sweet sounds," and he has at different periods of his life contributed to the standard musical publications and collections of the day. And even now, in the autumn of his life, since the period of his business career has closed, he amuses himself and whiles away the hours in the composition of sacred music. While he has never made music a profession, yet it has been the study of his life, and from it he has derived much pleasure and happiness, and he has produced many prized and popular pieces. He began his business life at the age of seventeen as clerk in a store at Newberne, N. C. He filled this position two winters, returning North during the summer months. He then became partner in the business, which was continued but a year longer. He then returned home and established himself as a merchant in his native town of Berkley. Most of his business life has been spent in mercantile pur- suits, having at different periods been engaged in merchandising in Florida, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Boston, Taunton, Weir Junction, and Berk- ley. During the years of 1852-54 he was in the pork trade in Indiana. From 1865 to 1872 he was engaged quite extensively in shingle manufacturing in North Carolina. His life has been an active and diversified one, and in the main a successful one. Mr. Crane has always persistently refused acting in any official capacity when he could consistently avoid it, partly because he shrank from anything sa- voring of publicity or notoriety, and partly because his business pursuits called him so frequently and so long away from home. He has, however, been more than once honored by his fellow-citizens with the cloak of office. He has been town clerk, and during the war he, upon the urgent solicitation of his towns- men, acted for several years as town treasurer. In 1851 he was elected representative from Berkley, and again in 1865 he represented the district embracing Berkley, Freetown, Fairhaven, and Acushnet. He united with the Congregational Church in 1832. In 1848 the Trinitarian Congregational Church was organized and the chapel built. In 1872 the church was reorganized as a Methodist Episcopal Church, and both Mr. and Mrs. Crane are members. He has always been a very liberal and earnest supporter of the church and one of its most devoted members. In 1875 there was erected in Berkley a very hand- some and commodious church building. Towards this building Mr. Crane was a liberal contributor, and this structure is now their place of worship, and will long stand as a monument to the religious zeal and public spirit of the citizens of Berkley. On Sept. 21, 1829, A. B. Crane married Emma T. Porter, of Berkley. Their children are Emma P., born July 20, 1830, now the wife of Charles Bissett, of Berkley; Alexander B., born April 23, 1833, now a prominent lawyer in New York City '; Samuel N., born Oct. 6, 1835, now a collecting agent in New York City ; Asahel P., born Feb. 18, 1838, died Oct. 29, 1856 ; Helen H., born Feb. 9, 1842, now a teacher of French and music in Providence, R. I. ; Rebecca P. N., born March 14, 1844, now the wife of Rev. Lu- cius R. Eastman, Jr., of Framingham, Mass. DANIEL SUMNER BRIGGS. D. S. Briggs was born April 19, 1813, in the town of Vassalborough, Me. He is the son of George and Eunice (French) Briggs, and grandson of William Briggs, who about the year 1800 went from Dighton, Mass., to Minot (now Auburn), Me. This William Briggs was by occupation a ship-carpenter. George, his son, was born in Dighton, Mass., 1781, and at the age of eighteen apprenticed himself to Levi French to learn the trades of tanner and shoemaker, the latter of which he followed through life. After com- pleting the term of his apprenticeship he married Eunice, daughter of Levi French, and soon after emigrated, in company with his father, to Maine, where he resided till 1819, when he returned to Mas- sachusetts and located in Berkley, where he passed the remainder of his life. Mr. Briggs was a man much respected in the community, and in the quiet walk in which his life was spent did his part well. He was chosen selectman of Berkley, and served in that capacity a number of years. He was a member of the Congregational Society, and in political faith was a Whig. He died in 1853. Daniel S. Briggs, whose portrait we publish, is one of that class of men whose life-work will give tinge and coloring to the career of myriads yet unborn. Not that he was instrumental in inaugurating or directing any great revolution or reform, but he has been a wortby soldier in the great army of educators. The teacher who instructs, improves, develops, and properly directs the mental powers of a child into that channel which, as the years go by, shall make him or her an intelligent, useful member of society, gives coloring and shape not only to the life of that particular man or woman, but through them to that of their progeny. Mr. Briggs received in his youth only such educa- tional advantages as the schools of his town afforded, but being of a literary turn of mind he gave his leisure moments to study, and at the early age of eighteen he began teaching school, and from that time until he was sixty years of age he employed from three to seven months of almost every year in instructing the youth of his neighborhood. During this time he has taught a number of terms in every district in Berkley, and also several years in adjacent I towns. Thus for more than forty years was he en- &&L DARTMOUTH. 191 gaged in sowing the seeds of knowledge in the fruitful soil of youthful minds. Aug. 1, 1855, he received an appointment as post- master at Berkley (Commons), and has continued to hold the office to the present writing. He was chosen selectman during the war of the Rebellion, and held the office four consecutive years. He was re-elected to the same office in 1882. He has also been town clerk of Berkley, and has been a member of the school committee many years. In political affinity he is a Republican, and in church relation both he and his wife are Methodists. He married, Nov. 12, 1837, Sarah, daughter of Abiatha and Sarah Crane, of Berkley, by whom he had two children, — Rowena, born Nov. 18, 1838, mar- ried Reuben Stone, of Newton Centre, Mass., and Caleb Sumner Crane, born Nov. 16, 1840, married Jerusha Luther, is a farmer, and resides in Berkley. Mrs. Briggs died Nov. 21, 1840. Mr. Briggs married as his second wife Permillia H., daughter of Rollin Eaton, of Berkley, Oct. 6, 1841. To this latter marriage there is no issue. Mr. Briggs enjoys a serene and healthful old age, and is much beloved and respected by the entire community in which he resides. Hathaway, Benjamin Crane, A.M., Hon. Charles G. W. French. This is but a partial list of those who received their early training and inspiration from the eminent pastor and teacher. Though nearly forty years have elapsed since Father Andros passed from the scenes of his earthly labors, the town still holds his name with reverence, and will treasure his memory as worthy of the most prominent place in its history. Mr. Andros had a large family that grew up, but his posterity bearing his name is not numerous. Milton, his youngest son, born in 1823, is an eminent lawyer of San Francisco, Cal. REV. THOMAS ANDROS. Berkley, which was originally a part of Taunton, was incorporated in 1735. It is worthy of note for the many distinguished men who have been born within its borders. Rev. Samuel Tobey was the first minister, being settled in 1737, and continuing until his death in 1781, holding a pastorate of forty-four years, exert- ing a most benign influence, leaving the impress of his deep piety and manly character upon its inhab- itants. The second minister was Rev. Thomas An- dros, a native of Plainfield, Conn. He was a sol- dier in the war of the Revolution, and one who saw much of the horrors of that war, being a prisoner oh board the old Jersey prison ship. Surviving the perils of such captivity, he entered the ministry and settled in this town, where for about forty years he exerted a most salutary influence, not only for the cause of religion, but in awakening a love of sound learning. His home was a seminary where the young men of his parish were fitted for college, and the in- fluence of his beneficent labors was transmitted to the generations that succeeded him. Eminent as a theologian, accomplished as a scholar, his life stands forth as a signal example of the highest type of New England character. Among those who have been distinguished as men of eminence that have been born here and educated under the tutelage of Father Andros were Silas Axtel Crane, D.D., Rev. W. M. Cornell, M.D., D.D., LL.D., Rev. Jabez Fox, Rev. John Sanford, Rev. Baalis Sanford, Rev. Enoch San- ford, Rev. James Sanford, Rev. Daniel C. Burt, Hon. Daniel French, Rev. Julius C. Anthony, Hon. R. L. CHAPTER XV. DARTMOUTH.! Geographical — Bartholomew Gosnokl — His Visit to these Shores in 1602 — The Grant of Dartmouth — Original Bounds — Origin of the Name — Ecclesiastical Troubles — Resisting Taxation — Court Orders — Stringent Laws — The Town Indicted — Imprisonment of Selectmen of Dartmouth and Tiverton — Petition to the King — The Taxes Remitted and Pris- oners Released — History of Early Settlers and, Proprietors. Dartmouth is located in the southern part of the county, and is bounded as follows: on the north by Fall River and Freetown, on the east by New Bed- ford and Buzzard's Bay, on the south by Buzzard's Bay, and on the west by Westport. In the summer of 1602, Bartholomew Gosnold, while fortifying his settlement upon the little islet within the island of Cuttyhunk, had crossed the bay — described by Gabriel Archer, the chronicler of the expedition, as a "stately sound" — and had trod upon the shores of Dartmouth. The Indians from the mainland had visited him and his band of adven- turers in their island home, and Gosnold had returned their visits. He landed somewhere in the vicinity of the Round Hills, called by him Hap's Hill, and fol- lowed the coast westward to Gooseberry Neck. The locality is described as possessing " stately groves, flowery meadows, and running brooks," and the ad- venturers were delighted with the climate, the beauty of the country, and the fertility of the soil. Gosnold's idea of planting a colony in this vicinity failed, and the territory was uninhabited by the white man until after the landing of the Pilgrims at Ply- mouth. Looking back over this long period of time, we can hardly fail to discern why the settlement at Cuttyhunk was a failure and the settlement at Ply- mouth a success. Gosnold and Gilbert and Archer and Rosier and Brierton were gentlemen adventurers, in quest of novelty and the excitement of a bold, daring enterprise, with a hope of gain; and when i The editor acknowledges his indebtedness for this chapter to the Hon. William W. Crapo, being a portion 'if an address delivered by him in 1864. Mr. Crapo has ever manifested a praiseworthy interest in historical matters, and has added many valuable contributions to the historic literature of the State. 192 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. they had unfolded this fair land and had collected a sufficient quantity of sassafras-root and cedar and furs to load their little bark, the only bond which then united them was the cargo they had collected, and each one was ambitious to return with it to Eng- land to profit by its sale, and tell the marvelous stories of their adventures. We do not wonder, then, that although they found the red-and-white straw- berry " as sweet and much bigger than in England," with "great store of deer and other beasts," and feasted and grew fat upon the young sea-fowl which they found in their nests, they did not build up a permanent settlement. On the other hand, Carver and Bradford and Wins- low and Brewster and Standish, the men of the " May- flower," came from far different motives, — not from gain, adventure, or novelty, but to plant a colony which should be permanent and enduring ; to carry out, heedless of privations and sufferings, heedless of the scorn and oppression behind and the uncertain- ties and dangers before, their ideas of a government founded upon equality, justice, and religion. The col- ony at Plymouth, conquering all obstacles, achieved permanency and growth, and from thence came the early founders of Dartmouth. We are proud of our ancestry, proud that the men of Dartmouth were Puritans. Those " stout-hearted and God-fearing men" were our fathers. Never can they be mentioned but with honor, for none ever did more or suffered more for the human race. Oppression did not intimi- date nor privations turn them. They were stern and unyielding in their convictions of the right, and thor- oughly fixed and resolute in their purpose to found a Christian commonwealth. Inspired with the one o-rand idea of a government resting upon liberty and religion, they thought not of policy, expediency, or compromise, but listened only to the dictates of con- science and duty. Under their sturdy and uncon- querable wills the wilderness yielded, and the New World was open to a nation of freemen. In the history of New England not enough prom- inence has been given to the pioneer colony of Ply- mouth. The settlement of the Massachusetts Colony seems to have overshadowed in history the import- ance of this first civil body politic. The Plymouth Colony led the van, and in the years in which they were alone rested the whole problem. Encouraged by the success of the Plymouth settlement, the Mas- sachusetts colonists were emboldened, under the pro- tection and guidance of the former, to apply for a royal charter. We would' not detract from the merit of Winthrop, Dudley, Saltonstall, and their associ- ates, " gentlemen of figure and estate," for they were men of faith and fortitude, men of uncommon wisdom and heroism; but let us not be forgetful of those earlier men who smoothed the way and opened to the men of Massachusetts Bay and Boston, even though for a short distance and in a rude manner, the path which led to civil and religious liberty. On the 29th day of November, 1652, the Indian chief Wesamequan (better known as Massasoit) and his son Wamsutta (who was sometimes called Alex- ander by the English) conveyed by deed to Wil- liam Bradford, Capt. Standish, Thomas Southworth, John Winslow, John Cooke, and their associates all the tract or tracts of land lying three miles eastward from a river called Cushenegg to a certain harbor called Acoaksett to a flat rock on the westward side of the said harbor. In this conveyance was included all the land within these boundaries, " with all the rivers, creeks, meadows, necks, and islands that lie in and before the same, and from the sea upward to go so high that the English may not be annoyed by the hunting of the Indians in any sort of their cattle." The metes and bounds of this grant do not appear to be very definitely or clearly stated. More attention seems to have been given by the conveyancer to the consideration which the Indian chieftains were to re- ceive. The price paid was thirty yards of cloth, eight moose-skins, fifteen axes, fifteen hoes, fifteen pair of breeches, eight blankets, two kettles, one cloak, two pounds in warn pan, eight pair stockings, eight pair shoes, one iron pot, and ten shillings in other com- modities. Even in those early days, when the forests and meadows and streams apparently were not valued very highly, dissensions and disputes arose concern- ing the title. A younger son of Wesamequan, Philip, sagamore of Pokannockett, afterwards known as one of the most bloody and remorseless of all the Indian warriors under the name of King Philip, had not been consulted or had not given his written assent to the original conveyance. He soon began to annoy the settlers by frequent acts of trespass, and to question the correctness of the boundary lines. We find by the records that agents (referees) were appointed "to set out and mark the bounds," and in 1665 Philip gave a quit-claim which quieted the title. This large tract of land, comprising the limits of old Dartmouth, was divided into thirty-four parts or shares. Two of these were sub-divided, so that the original proprietors numbered thirty-six persons, of whom three were women, — Sarah Brewster, Miss Jen- nings, and Sarah Warren. Not all of the thirty-six original proprietors settled here. Some undoubtedly bought the land as a specu- lation or investment rather than for a home, but an inspection of the names convinces us that many of them located permanently within our borders. We find in the list the names of Howland, Morton, Ma- nasses Kempton, Dunham, Shaw, Soule, Faunce, Sampson, Delano, Bartlett, Palmer, Doty, Hicks, Brown, and Bumpass, names familiar to us even in this day, and constantly recurring in the history of the town. It has always been stated that the old township of Dartmouth included and comprised the present town- ships of Dartmouth, Westport, New Bedford, Fair- haven, and Acushnet. The grant of land from the DARTMOUTH. 193 Indians embraces these towns. But the records of the colony of Rhode Island show that a part of the present towns of Tiverton and of Little Compton were, prior to 1746, a part of Dartmouth. 1 The origin of the name of this town is a matter of conjecture, yet the inference is an easy and natural one. The " Mayflower" and " Speedwell," the latter having taken on board her priceless freight at Leyden, in Holland, sailed from Plymouth, in Old England, and that name was given to the spot where they landed in New England. After the vessels left Plymouth, England, a disaster occurred to the "Speedwell" which compelled both vessels to put back, and they made a harbor in the seaport town of Dartmouth, in the British Channel. Many of the original purchasers and some of the early settlers of the town came in the " Mayflower," and the name of Dartmouth was so associated in their minds with the home left behind that it may naturally be presumed it furnished them with the name for their new home. There is a fur- ther coincidence connected with the name. The little vessel, the "Concord," which brought Bartholomew Gosnold to our shores in 1602 belonged to Dartmouth, in England. There can be no doubt but that we de- rive our name from this fishing town on the river Dart in the English Channel. How wonderful the change since then ! While the present old Dart- mouth has an aggregate population of thirty-seven thousand, with a commerce known over the whole globe, the old town in England, with a population of less than five thousand, is as little known to-day as it was two hundred years ago. The inquiry naturally suggests itself, What were the prominent causes which led to this settlement? It might have been due in part to the spirit of emi- gration and change of locality which displayed itself even in those days as a trait in the New England character ; it might have been the rich and fertile soil in the valleys of our rivers, fertile certainly when compared with the sand-hills around Plymouth, en- ticing to agricultural labors; it might have been the accessible and capacious harbors of the Acushnet and Apponegansett, and the safe and sheltered anchorage they afforded, giving promise of future commercial importance ; and attractions, perhaps, were found in the winding beauties of the Paskamansett and Acoak- sett. However much these and kindred influences may have contributed to the early settlement of Dart- mouth, there is, in my opinion, a cause beyond them all, and which a careful reading of the records of the colony and the town forces me to adopt as the chief reason for the removal from Plymouth to Dartmouth. I have said our fathers were Puritans. They were more than that, — they were the Protestants of the Pu- ritans. They were in sympathy with the established government at Plymouth in everything except the i " Records of Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations," vol. v. p. 204. 13 one matter of compulsory taxation for religious pur- poses. Fully believing in freedom of conscience, they had early conceived a strong aversion to the arbitrary imposition of taxes by the civil power for the support of a ministry with which they were not in unison, ami over which they had no control. The early rec- ords of the town, imperfect and fragmentary as they are, in connection with the history of the colony, plainly tell us how earnestly and even bitterly this controversy was waged, and how for many years it was the source of discord and of persecution. The Plymouth Colony court annually apportioned to the town a tax for the support of ministers in addition to the province tax, but the Baptists and Quakers of Dartmouth were inflexible in their resistance to it, and while the province rates were faithfully met, those for the maintenance of ministers were refused. It also troubled our good rulers at Plymouth that our fathers were so negligent in providing stated preach- ing according to the established Puritan faith. We find this order of the court, passed in 1671, — " In reference unto the town of Dartmouth it is ordered by court, that whereas a neglect the last year of the gathering in of the sum of fifteen pounds according to order of court to be kept in stock towards the sup- port of such as may dispense the word of God unto them, it is again or- dered by the court that the sum of fifteen pounds be this year levied to be as a stock for the use aforesaid, to be delivered unto Arthur Hatha- way and Sergeant Shaw, to be by them improved as opportunity may present for the ends aforesaid." But this order, like others, seems to have been of no avail, for three years afterwards, when the inhab- itants of Dartmouth had met together for the settling of the bounds of the town, the occasion was seized upon for haranguing the people, " at which time the Governor, Mr. Hinckley, the treasurer, Mr. Walley, Lieut. Morton, and John Tomson did engage to give meeting with others to propose and endeavor that some provison may be made for the preaching of the word of God amongst them." Even the calamity which came among them at this time from the violence and cruelty of the Indians, in the destruction of their homes and the loss of their property, did not soften the displeasure of the gov- ernment at Plymouth, but rather served as an oppor- tunity for renewed complaint and upbraiding. This appears by the order of court, passed in October of the following year: "This court taking into their serious consideration the tremendous dispensation of God towards the people of Dartmouth in suffering the barbarous heathen to spoil and destroy most of their habitations, the enemy being greatly advantaged thereunto by their scattered way of living, do, therefore, order that in the rebuilding and resettling thereof that they so order it as to live compact together.at least in each village, as they may be in a capacity both to defend themselves from the assault of an enemy, and the better to attend the public worship of God, and miuistry of the word of God, whose carelessness to obtain and attend unto we fear may have been a provocation of God thus to chastise their contempt of His gospel, which we earnestly desire the people of that place may seriously consider of, lay to heart, and be humbled for, with a solicitous endeavor after a reformation thereof, by a vigorous putting forth to obtain an able, faithful dispenser of the word of God amongst them, and to encourage them therein ; the neglect whereof this court, as they must and God willing, they will not permit for the future." 194 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. However earnestly the Plymouth court were deter- mined to subdue the rebellious and heretical spirit of the early settlers, it does not appear that much suc- cess attended the effort. The Quakers and Baptists of Dartmouth were from the same stern, unyielding stock, and they were animated by a sense of religious duty as sincere and exacting as that which influenced the rulers at Plymouth. Stringent laws were from time to time enacted, but much of the legislation was inoperative, as the people of the town, while complying with the letter of the law, would give no heed to its spirit. Laws were passed in 1692 and 1695 requiring the towns to provide able, learned, and orthodox ministers to dispense the word of God. Dartmouth did elect a minister, but the question of orthodoxy then arose. In 1704 the town was indicted for non-compliance with the law. At the town- meeting held Jan. 4, 1705, this indignant reply was sent back to the court : " To the quarter sessions to be holden at Bristol the 8th day of January, 1705, we understand that our town is presented for want of a minister according to law, to which we answer that we have one qualified as the law directs, an honest man, fearing God, con- scientious, and a learned, orthodox minister, able to dispense the word and gospel to us." The name of this minister does not appear upon the records of the town. In order to meet this question of orthodoxy the Assembly passed a law in 1715, in which the preven- tion of the growth of atheism, irreligion, and pro- faneness is suggested as a reason of its enactment, in which it was provided that the determination of who should be ministers should rest ultimately with the General Court or Assembly. Dartmouth still refused obedience, and claimed the selection of her own min- ister. At the March town-meeting, 1723, in defiance of an act of that year, Nathaniel Howland was chosen minister, receiving fifty-five votes, while Samuel Hunt, a Presbyterian or Independent, and the first preacher of that sect in our town, received twelve votes. The struggle culminated in 1724. In the year 1722 the Assembly of Massachusetts passed an act to raise one hundred pounds in the town of Dartmouth and seventy-two pounds eleven shillings in the town of Tiverton (then a part of Massachusetts) for the sup- port of ministers, whose selection was subject to the approval of the General Court. These two towns were the only ones in the Province that had not re- ceived any Presbyterian ministers. To blind the eyes of the people this sum was put with the province tax, and was afterwards to be drawn out of the treasury. The spirit with which this was met by the inhabitants of Dartmouth can best be seen by quoting the record of the town-meeting held Nov. 26, 1722. The record says,— " It being put to vote whether the whole rate of oue hundred and eighty-one pounds twelve shillings, called Dartmouth's proportion of our province tax, be niade by the selectmen, it passed in the negative. And it was put to vote whether eighty-one pounds twelve shillings, being as we are informed by our representative to be our just proportion of our province tax, be forthwith made by the selectmen of said Dartmouth. Voted that it shall be made. Thirdly, Voted that the charges arising or set on the selectmen of said Dartmouth, either by execution on their bodies or estates or in appealing to His MajeBty for relief, be raised by town rates. Fourthly, Voted that seven hundred pounds be raised on the inhabitants of said Dartmouth by a town rate, for securing the selectmen for not making the rate of one hundred pounds, and also for all expenses arising in our sending to England to His Majesty in the above premises. Fifthly, Voted that the selectmen are to be allowed — shillings, each of them, a day for every day they lie in jail on the town account." The town was thoroughly in earnest. Only five tax-payers protested against this appropriation of the seven hundred pounds. This sum, large for those days, was to be met by the tax of that year, and was not bequeathed to posterity in the form of a town debt. Prior to this, in 1696, the town had instructed the selectmen not to make the rates sent for by the general treasurer for this purpose, and in the same year it was voted that Recompence Kirby and Mark Jenne should have fifty shillings apiece, part of the money they paid to Capt. Pope, upon the account of their being " pressed ;" and it was also voted that there should be a rate made of twenty-four pounds for a town fund. The bold and defiant attitude taken by the town could not be overlooked by the province rulers. The refusal of the selectmen to assess the tax was followed by their imprisonment in Bristol jail, where they re- mained about eighteen months. The persons who were imprisoned were Philip Taber and John Akin, selectmen of Dartmouth, and Joseph Anthony and John Sisson, selectmen of Tiverton, a part of whom were Baptists and a part Quakers. An embassy was sent to England. Thomas Richardson and Richard Partridge, who were Quakers, interceded in their be- half. Their petition, addressed to the King in Council, was an able document, and nobly did it plead for freedom of conscience and security of religion, civil liberty, and property. The petition was considered at the court of- St. James on the 2d day of June, 1724, when were present the King's most Excellent Majesty and all the lords of the Privy Council, and it was ordered that the obnoxious taxes be remitted, and that Philip Taber and his fellow-sufferers be im- mediately released from their imprisonment, and the Governor and all other officers of the province of Massachusetts Bay were notified to yield obedience to these orders. 1 This brief but brilliant record of the sacrifices and sufferings, the persistent fidelity and the triumphant success of the humble fathers of the old town of Dartmouth in the great struggle for the rights of con- science, which is still going on throughout the Chris- tian world, entitles them to a high place in the ven- eration and gratitude of their posterity. They share, iGough's History of the Quakers, vol. iv. p. 219. Benedict's Baptists, vol. i. pp. 503-4. DARTMOUTH. 195 with Roger Williams, the exalted honor of declaring to their rulers and to the world that, having fled from ecclesiastical oppression in the Old World, they would resolutely maintain their resistance to it in the New; and that through the confiscation of their goods, the incarceration of their persons, amidst all the hardships of a new settlement in the wilderness, and under all the horrors of savage warfare, they would never falter in the assertion and maintenance of the great prin- ciple of "perfect liberty in all matters of religious concernment." The larger portion of the early settlers were Friends, and we find them recognized as a religious body in the town as early as 1683. Their first meeting-house was built in 1699, and was located upon the spot now occupied by them at Apponegansett. Their influence as a sect can be plainly seen and felt even now, and much of the high-toned morality, generous and prac- tical philanthropy, and pure-minded Christianity which have blessed and developed our people is owing to their religious teachings. Next to the Friends in numbers and influence stood the Baptists. John Cooke, whose name we meet with on the first and on nearly every page of the early records of the town as a deputy and a se- lectman, filling various offices of trust and honor, was a Baptist minister for many years. But this same town official, Oct. 29, 1670, was fined ten shillings " for breaking the Sabbath by unnecessary traveling thereon." If the record of the case had been pre- served it would have appeared, we think, that Elder John Cooke was not a Sabbath-breaker, but traveling upon his circuit as a Baptist preacher. Nowhere upon the face of the globe has the prin- ciple of self-government, the capacity and right of men to make laws for themselves and regulate their municipal affairs, been so fully illustrated as in the early history of New England. The most perfect democracies that mankind has ever known are found in the early New England towns. Their town-meet- ings were the places where the whole body of the citizens met, and where were discussed with equal freedom by every one all topics of importance, whether local or national, moral or political. Here they learned to understand their rights and privileges as citizens, and acquired moral and intellectual strength to defend them. In those days there was no centralization of official duties and responsibilities as now, the government did not rest upon a few, but every man was compelled to give his time and judg- ment to the administration of the town affairs. In order to secure that full and prompt attendance upon the deliberations of the town which the business re- quired, Dartmouth voted, in July, 1674, ten years after its organization, "that all town-meetings shall begin at ten o'clock and continue until the modera- tor duly release the town, not exceeding four o'clock. Also that all such persons as do neglect for a year all the town-meetings shall forfeit to the town sixpence apiece, and for coming to the meeting too late, three pence an hour." No wonder that with such rules our early munic- ipal affairs were ably administered. True, some of the legislation of the town may seem to us trivial, for example, that every householder shall kill twelve blackbirds between the months of January and May or pay a penalty for the neglect, and that a crow should count for three blackbirds, but yet every in- habitant became most thoroughly a part of the town and identified in its prosperity and well-being. This close attention to public business, as might be supposed, was at times annoying and irksome, and efforts were sometimes made by individuals to avoid these duties. In 1751 this article was inserted in the warrant of the annual meeting: "Whereas the East- erly and Westerly villages in said town, experience teaches, have often neglected and omitted their duty in coming to said meetings to help carry on and man- age the affairs of said town, especially in the difficult seasons of the year and foul weather (and not in dan- ger of being chosen to troublesome offices), and so have at such times trusted and almost entirely re- lied and depended on the Middle village, of which the body of the people therein inhabiting live remote from said house, to do all the business of said town, which said Middle village is obliged to do though a hardship, otherwise said town would have incurred many a fine for neglect of duty, the want of grand and petit jurymen, and other ways suffered." In order to meet this difficulty it was voted to move the town-house. But the removal of the town-house did not remedy the evils complained of, or, if this end was attained, new evils arose, for the next year the selectmen inserted an article in the warrant, "To see if the persons who carried away the town-house will bring it back again and set it up in the same place where they took it from, in as good repair as it was when they took it away, and for the town to act on the affair as they should think proper." This town-house I infer was the one voted in 1739 to be built, the dimensions of which were to be " nine feet between joints and twenty-two feet wide and thirty-six feet long, with a chimney at one end, with a suitable roof and windows at the same." The mode of conducting the town business was similar to that now adopted, but the style of some of the warrants would not be tolerated in these days. It was customary for the selectmen in calling a town- meeting not only to state the business to be consid- ered, but also very elaborately to discuss the several subjects, thereby furnishing to the people not only the question but the arguments in favor of or against it. It might have been that this full presentation of the merits of the case and the reasons for action elicited more attention, and, in the language of the old town clerks, was productive of "large debate." As an illustration of this peculiar and amusing fea- ture, let me quote from the records. 196 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. The sixth article in the selectmen's warrant for the March meeting, 1741, reads thus, — " That whereas such course does much abound within said town, many running about from house to house to supply their own present want, miserably neglecting their families at home, which is the only cause of many's suffering who are not capable of labor, which practice is to the great detriment of that part of the inhabitants that are industrious and laborious, which pernicious practice, together with spending idly what they have or earn, is a great if not the only cause of scarcity of bread in said town, now to pass a vote at said meeting for the building a work- house in said town for the setting and keeping to work all such persons who misspend their time as above stated, which said vote is thought by all those that request the same cannot be spoken against, except by those which are in danger of breaking into said house themselves." Another example of this presentation of reasons in the warrant of the selectmen occurs in 1746, when an effort was made to divide the county or create a new county-seat. This question both before and after this date engaged the attention of the people of Dart- mouth for many years. At one time it was proposed to divide the county and join Tiverton and Little Compton with us as a new county. At another time it was proposed to change the county-seat to Assonet as more central than Taunton. The question was finally settled in 1828, after an agitation of over one hundred years, by making New Bedford a half-shire town. The article in the warrant for the town-meet- ing held in 1746 is as follows : " To consult and vote something with respect to petitioning the Gen- eral Court that we may have a county taken off or made on this side of Assonet River, otherwise we must unavoidably be expressed to go and our children after us, for what we know, to Taunton, which will be up- wards of thirty-five miles distance for many of said inhabitants, which will be in the journey extremely tedious and expensive, it being too far to set out from our homes to get there before the court setts, as likewise the largeness of the county aggravates the case by reason that one case must wait for another, and is at times the occasion of adjournment. In the whole, it will be tedious and expensive to plaintiff, defendant, jurymen, and evidences, but more especially to poor widows, who are oft- times obliged to go several times before an estate can be settled with the judge of probate." It was certainly very convenient for the people to have the arguments all arranged for them before they were called upon to vote. That our fathers took no offense at this course is evident from its constant re- currence. Early Settlers— The settlers and proprietors : Abraham Akin. Jacob Akin. John Akin. Jonathan Akin. Joseph Akin. Abraham Allen. Benjamin Allen. Ebenezer Allen. George Allen. Increase Allen. John Allen. Joseph Allen. Josiah Allen. Noah Allen. Noel Allen. Philip Allen. William Allen. Zachariah Allen. William Almy. following is a list of early Caleb Anthony. Abraham Ashley. Jethro Ashley. Nathaniel Babbitt. Benjamin Babcock. George Babcock. Benjamin Baker. Ebenezer Baker. Jabez Barker. Joseph Barker. Stephen Barker. William Barker. Kich aid Bed en. Sampson Beden. Jeremiah Ben net. John Bennett. Stoten Booth. Benjamin Borden. Edward Borden. John Borden. Joseph Borden. William Borden. John Briggs. Thomas Briggs. Henry Brightman. Thomas Brightman. Ezekiel Brownell. George Brownell. Mehitable Burrill. Jonathan Butts. George Cadman. George Cadman. William Cadman. Abraham Chace. Benjamin Chace. David Chace. Jacob Chace. Jonathan Clark. Thomas Coleman. Hannah Cornell. John Cornell. Samuel Cornell. Thomas Cornell. Samuel Cornish. Benjamin Cory. Caleb Cory's heirs. Thomas Crandon. Consider Ciapo. Peter Crapo. Abishai Delano. Jethro Delano. Jonathan Delano. Nathan Delano. Nathaniel Delano. Seth Delano. Thomas Delano. Charmont Demoranville. Josiah Demoranville. Louis Demoranville. Nehemiah Domoranville. John Dennis. Jeremiah Devoll. Mary Devoll. William Devoll. Akin Durfee. Benjamin Durfee. Briggs Durfee. John Earl. Ralph Earl. William Earl. William Earl's heirs. John Fish. Thomas Fitch. Edmund Freeman. Thomas Getchell. Henry Gidley. Benjamin Gifford. Christopher Gifford. Enos Gifford. Jeremiah Gifford. Joseph Gifford. Levi Gifford. Robert Gifford. William Gifford. Beriah Goddard. John Hammond. William Hart. Benjamin Hathaway. Elisha Hathaway. James Hathaway. Jethro Hathaway. John Hathaway. Jonathan Hathaway. Meltiah Hathaway. Seth Hathaway. Sylvanus Hathaway. Thomas Hathaway. Thomas Hathaway (2d). Jonathan Head. Gabriel Hix. Joseph Hix. Mary Hix. Samuel Hix. Experience Holmes. Abner Howard. William Howard. Benjamin Howland. Gideon Howland. Giles Howland. Henry Howland. Nathaniel Howland. Nicolas Howland. Zoeth Howland. Samuel Hunt. Valentine Huttlestone. Job Jeune. John Jenne. John Jenne, Jr. Lettice Jenne's heirs. Luther Jenne. Mark Jenne. Samuel Jenne. Seth Jenne. Samuel Joy. James Kempton. Manasseh Kempton. Jacob Kenny. John Kirby. Nathaniel Kirby. Robert Kirby. Isaac Lake. Joseph Lake. Nathaniel Lake. John Lapham. Nicholas Lapham. George Lawton. Abial Macomber. Ephraim Macomber. John Macomber. Samuel Blacomber. Thomas Macomber. William Macomber. Edmund Maxfield. John Maxfield. Timothy Maxfield. Zadock Maxfield. Samuel Mendall. Jonah Merrihew. Joseph Merrihew. Peter Merrihew. Job Milk. Lemuel Milk. Seth Morton. Abner Mosher. Benjamin Mosher. Constant Mosher. Daniel Mosher. Hugh Mosher. John Mosher. Jonathan Mosher. Joseph Mosher. Maxson Mosher. Nicholas Mosher. Samuel Mott. Nathan Nye. Micah Parker. Joseph Peckham. Stephen Peckham. Samuel Perry. David Petty. Edmund Pope. Isaac Pope. Seth Pope. DARTMOUTH. 197 Ichabod Potter. John Potter. Nathaniel Potter. Stephen Potter. Stokes Potter. Eleazer Pratt. Jonathan Rieketson. Timothy Ricketson. William Ricketson. Samuel Rider. William Rider. Daniel Rogers. Philip Rogers. George Rowse. John Russell. John Russell, Jr. Jonathan Russell. Joseph Russell. Joseph Russell, Jr. Thomas Russell. Henry Sampson. James Sampson. James Sampson, Jr. Joseph Sampson. Stephen Sampson. Daniel Shearman. Edmund Shearman. Job Shearman. John Shearman. Joshua Shearman. Peleg Shearman. Philip Shearman. Samuel Shearman. William Shearman. Daniel Shepherd. John Shepherd. James Sisson. Eleazer Slocuin. Giles Slocuni. Mary Slocuni. Peleg Slocum. Benjamin Smith. Deliverance Smith. Eleazer Smith. Eliashap Smith. Gershom Smith. Henry Smith. Hepsibah Smith. Hezekiah Smith. Humphrey Smith. Increase Smith. Judah Smith. Mary Smith. Peleg Smith. Amos Snell. Benjamin Sowle. George Sowle. Jacob Sowle. John Sowle. Jouathan Sowle. Nathaniel Sowle. Timothy Sowle. William Sowle. Benjamin Spooner. Isaac Spooner. John Spooner. John Spooner, Jr. Micah Spooner. Nathanifi Spooner, Jr. Samviel Spooner. Seth Spooner. Walter Spooner, William Spooner. Joseph Stafford. John Summers. Jacob Taber. Jacob Taber, Jr. John Taber. Jonathan Taber. Joseph Taber. Philip Taber. Philip Taber, Jr. Stephen Taber. Thomas Taber. Thomas Taber, Jr. William Taber. Jonathan Tallman. Ebenezer Tinkham. John Tinkham. Peter Tinkham. Elisha Tobey. Elnathan Tobey. Jonathan Tobey. William Tobey. Zaccheus Tobey. John Tompson. Abial Tripp. Benjamin Tripp. Ebenezer Tripp. James Tripp. John Tripp. Joseph Tripp. Peleg Tripp. Richard Tripp. Timothy Tripp. Abraham Tucker. Henry Tucker. John Tucker. Joseph Tucker and sons. Christopher Turner. Benjamin Wait. Reuben Wait. Thomas Wait. Richard Ward. Thomas Ward. Moses Washburn. Peter Washburn. Eli Waste. Nathan Waste. Joseph Weaver. Bartholomew West. Samuel West. Stephen West. Joseph Whalen. George White. John White. Rogers White. Samuel White. William White. Scipio Wilbour. Stephen Wilcox. Daniel Wilcox. Jeremiah Wilcox. Samuel Wilcox. Samuel Willis. Joseph Wing. Matthew Wing. Daniel Wood. George Wood. George Wood, Jr. William Wood. CHAPTER XVI. DARTMOUTH.-(''», ( /f»„ e rf.) DOCUMENTARY HISTORY. At the June term of the Plymouth Colony Court, in the year 1664, it was ordered that " all that tract of land commonly called and known by the name of Acushena, Ponagansett, and Coaksett, is allowed by the courts to be a township, and the inhabitants thereof have liberty to make such orders as may con- duce to their common good in town concernments, and that the said town be henceforth called and known by the name of Dartmouth." Territorial Limits of Dartmouth. — Dartmouth was thus described in the original grant : " A tract or tracts of land known by the name of Accushena) alias Aquset, entering in at the western end of Nakata, and to the river Cookset, alias Ackees, and places adjacent, the bounds of which tract fully extend three miles to the eastward of the most easterly part of the river or bay Accushenah aforesaid, and so along the sea-side to the river called Cooksett, lying on the west side of Point Pirril, and to the westermost side of any branch of the aforesaid river, and extending eight miles into the woods with all marshes, meadows, rivers, waters, woods, appurtenances thereto belong- ing." 1 1634. Samuel Cornell was chosen representative. May 29, 1685. Jonathan Deliue and Joseph Tripp are chosen debitys ; Seth Pope, Jonathan Russell, and Thomas Taber, selectmen. It was further agreed at the said Town Meeting the 29 th May 1685 that for the repairing of the high- ways the village of Conset shall extend so far as Peleg Slocums and ponagansett village from thence to Hezekiah Smiths and that Cokset village shall repare the rodways from the westermost sid of this township to the east sid of Nocachak river and pon- agansett from thence into the east sid of the next swamp to the east of the next swamp which is about the midway between the mill and Cushnet and acush- net village to repare from thence to the east side of this township, it is further ordered at the town meeting the 29 th May 1685 that whereas it doth ap- pear that indian Robben living at Saconet did kill a wolf some time this last year within the township of Dartmouth that he shall have six shillings paid unto him out 'of the town rate by the constable at some convenient time after the making of this year's rate and that any indian or indians that shall kill any wolves or bares hereafter within this township and bring the heads of said wolf or bare to the constable shall have six shillings paid unto him or them for etch wolf or bare so killed. Also ordered that the English shall have teen shillings for the killing of a wolf or a bare within this township paid out of the town rate by the constable. 1 Baylies' New Plymouth, Part II. p. 231. 198 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Feb. 4, 1685. At a town meeting held in Dart- mouth 4 th of Feb. 1685 John Cook, Seth Pope and Joseph Tripp are chosen A jants to apear at month Court Next to be holden at New plyrnot and there to mak answer to said Court in the Town's be- half for the Towns not making of a Rate of twenty pounds this year for the incorregment of a minister to preach the words of God amongst them. May 24, 1686. At a town meeting the 24 May, 1686, John Cook chose Debity Joseph Seth Pope and four others, Deline, Selectmen, James Sisson Constable Recompense Grand jury men. John Spooner, John Shearman and George Cadman sur- veyors of the highways. It is also ordered that all our Town meetings shall be held at or near the mill in Dartmouth until the town sees cause to order it otherwise. May 22, 1674. At a town meeting the 22 nd of May in the year 1674 John Cook was chosen debity Arthur Hathaway Grandjuryman William cad Constable John Russell iams Shaw and William Palmer select- men. Daniel Willcox, Peleg Sharman and Samuel Cudbard surveyors and James Shaw Clerk. July 22, 1674. At a town meeting 22 ud July 1674 it is ordered that all our town meetings doe beginne at ten of ye clocke and to continue untill ye moder- ator doly release the town not exceeding four of ye clock. It is all so ordered that all such persons as doe necklectt to a yeer all the town meetings shall for- fitt to the town 1 shilling and six pence a pece and for coming to meeting to Catt three pence an hour. It is also ordered that the toAvn clarke shall gather up all a for said finnes and shall have ye on hullfe of them for his pains and in ceace any doe refuse to pay them returne the neame to ye town. It is ordered by the towne by vote that there shall be no alternative in the rulle of for this following year. Henry Tucker Joseph Tripp and Jeames Shaw are chosen reatters for this following year. May 24, 1686. A list of the names of the Towns- men of Dartmouth who have taken the oath of fidelity or freemen's oath. John Cook John Russell : Sq. John Smith Samuel Jene: Sener Arthur Hathaway William Woods James Sampson John Shearman Seth Pope Joseph Tripp Jonathan Russell Jonathan Delano Thomas Taber Samuel Cornwell James Sisson John Spooner Nathaniel Soule John Terry Eleazer Smith Return Babcock William Spooner Lettice Jeney George Cadman James Triple Samuel Jeney, Jr. John Hathaway Josiah Smith Joseph Russell Hezekiah Smith Deliverance Smith Shearman Howland John Earl Ralph Earl, Jun. Ralph Earl, son of Earl Wm. Stephen Peckham William Macomber Samuel Willcock's James Franklin Samuel Spooner William Wood A,nthony Savory. July 29, 1709. Henry Howland was agreed with to make a pair of stocks and whipping post. June 7, 1728. David Shepherd to have " ten pounds for the year's service to be p d 50 s a quarter." Persons that " improve the respective that are provided by the general court shall pay them their wages, and all the others are hereby exempted." Christopher Faunce was presented for a <; grammar schoolmaster" and accepted. Dec. 16, 1746. Town petitioned "the Great and General Court" that a "New County may be taken off or made on this side of Assonet River." (That part of the warrant for the meeting Dec. 16, 1746, that has reference to the county matter is as follows.) To consult and vote something with respect to petitioning the General Court q 1 we may have a County Taken off or Made on this side Assonet River, otherwise we must unavoidably be obliged to go and our children after us for what we know to Taunton which will be upwards of thirty-five miles distant for many of said Inhabitants, which will be in the extreme tedious and expensive, it being too far to set out from our Homes to get there before the Court setts, as likewise the of the County agra- vates the case by reason that one case must wait for another and is at times the occasion of adjourn- ments. In the whole it will be tedious and expensive to Plat, defend Jurymen and Evidences. But more es- pecially to poor widows who are oft times obliged to go several times before an estate can be settled with the judge of probate. 1732, February the ninth day 1731 or 1732, then rec'd of Robert Kirby, of Dartmouth, in New Eng- land the sum of five hundred and fifty pounds of cur- rent money of New England, or bills of credit from him, due to me and in full payment and being in full for a bond of five hundred and fifty pounds in money, baring date February in the year of our Lord 1731 from R. Kirby to me the s d Wate, in witness whereof I the s d Wate have hereunto set my hand and seal this ninth day of February in the year one thousand seven hundred and thirty-one or thirty-two & the fifth year of the reign of George the Second King of Great Britain &c. signed, sealed and delivered in presence of Nathaniel Soule. Johnathan Gifford. Benjamin Wate. Bristol vs. To the constable or constables of Dart- mouth or either of them greeting these are in his DARTMOUTH. 199 majesties name to require you to notify all the free- holders and other inhabitants of the town afores d that are qualified as the law directs to vote in town meet- ings that they meet together all the town house in So. Dartmouth on Tuesday the second of July then and there to act on the following particular. First to agree with the town treasurer what he shall have for his service this ensuing year. Secondly to call the committee to an account that was chosen to make up accounts with the trustees & town treasurer and former selectmen. Thirdly to conclude wether or not to re- turn Stephen Peckham's fine for not serving. The foregoing report of the committee was ac- cepted by a unanimous vote of one hundred and fifty persons present. The Eev. Samuel Wat and the Honorable Walter Spooner, Esq., are unanimously chosen delegates for the town of Dartmouth to represent them in conven- tion convened to meet at Boston the first Wednes- day in June next. The foregoing Report of the com- mittee was accepted by a unanimous vote of one hun- dred and fifty-two persons present. March 23 1734 Ye 23 d of ye month called March 173f voted, that such vilage shall have free toleration to elect a school master for each vilage, to be paid by a rate upon each vilage if the said vilages see cause to elect one, & that vilage which shall clear the town of being fined for want of a grammar school master, by procuring a lawfull one, shall receive ten pounds fro be paid by the whole town in general & that every person or persons in each of s d vilages shall have free access or liberty to send their children to s d master for benifitt of the lattin tongue but no other: at an annual meeting in March 1733, voted — That William Lake as grammar school master at forty five pounds pr annum : Voted, — That all people who receive benifitt of ye s d schoolmaster, by sending their chil- dren, shall frankly give s d master their proportionable part of his dqet, washing & lodging — also he shall be removed by order of the selectmen. William Palmer is accepted off by a vote of the town as a school master at fifty pounds a year in the old tenor and the town shall find him and he to have liberty to teach the art of navigation. Slavery— Dec. 24 1735 July 9 1770 Wheras Elna- than Sampson of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol, & Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, Blacksmith did on the Eighth Day of November A.D. 1869, at public auction purchase, buy and become ]> i-sessed of a negro man, slave named Venter aged about forty five years as may appear by a Bill of Sale of said negro, given to the said Elnathan Samp- son, by Job Williams a Debuty Sheriff', in said County of Bristol, who was then taken and sold by virtue of a Writ of Kxecution wherein one Daniel Russell was creditor and one Jeremiah Child debtor, as the proper Estate of the said Jeremiah Childs, before the said sale — and the said Elnathan Sampson did afterwards convey one half of the said negro to John Chaffee of said Dartmouth = Spermacetti Manufacturer — These are therefore to certify whomsoever it may concern, that be the said Elnathan Sampson & John Chaffee for and in consideration of the sum of twenty one pounds — six shillings & five pence, lawfull money of s d Province to us in hand paid by the said negro man Venture, the receipt whereof we hereby acknowl- edge, have acquitted & renounced all Right, Title or Interest, whatever in and to said negro, & do hereby set him at full liberty to act his own will from the rate hereof forever. In whereof we have here- unto set our hand and seal this 170* 22 day of Janu- ary—Daniel Shepherd was agreed with to be one town school master for the year following and to have £18, and his did for his services for the year. It is also ordered at said meeting that every house- holder being a planter, shall kill 12 black bird, be- tween the first day of January and the middle of May yearly on pain of forfeiting three half pence for every bird they shall neglect killing of s d number, s d for- feitures to be added to such persons town rate yearly, to be paid into the town stock, and further it is ordered, that every black bird that shall be killed within the town, within the times limited over the number of 12 to each planter as above, shall be paid 1 peny out of the town stock, or be abated out of the rate in the next town rate. It is also ordered that each crow that shall be killed within said time yearly, shall be scorred for three black birds. It is also ordered that Joseph Tripp, Matthew Wing, Nath. Howland, John Russell, and Isaac Spooner be the persons to take account of what birds are killed in the town and give an account yearly to the Select- men so that the penaltie may be paid on such as are negligent and money may be raised to pay them that kill more than their number. It is ordered that there shall be a law book bought for the town's use and be paid for out of the town rate assessed. Ninth day of July in the Tenth of his Majesty's Reign Anno Domini 1770, signed and sealed in pres- ence of Edward Pope Elisha Tobey Francis Rotch Elnathan Sampson John Chaffee July 9 th 1770 Personally appeared Elnathan Samp- son and John Chaffee & acknowledged this Instru- ment to be there act and deed before me, Elisha Tobey Just, of the Peace. Recorded by me this 18 th day of July 1770 Benjamin Aikin, Town Clerk. August 9 th , 1780.— Warrant for voting for Gov. & L't-Gov. & Councillors & Senators. This is the first warrant under the new constitution. Sep't. 4, 1780.— Votes. Jn° Hancock Gov r 79. Th° bushing 54. L't Gov. Walter Spooner & Tho Durfee, sen & coun. 66 votes. George Leonard 62. There was of Coun. no opposition ticket. 200 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. December y e — day 1788.— For the choice of Rep- resentatives for to go to Congress : Phanual Bishop eight votes. George Leonard had six votes, also at said meeting choose Electors (viz.) Holder Slocum had nine. Phanual Bishop nine votes. David Cobb had three votes. Walter Spooner had 3 votes. Wil- liam [ | had 2 votes. Recorded by Benjamin Akin, Town Clerk. CHAPTER XVII. DARTMOUTH.— {Continued.) WAR OF THE REVOLUTION.! First Action of the Town— The Town-Meeting of 1774^The Resolves- Patriotic Women — They Resolve to Discontinue the Use of Tea — Inter- esting Incident — Revolutionary Soldiers— Extracts from Town Rec- ords. Dartmouth was in no respect behind her sister towns of Massachusetts in devotion and sacrifice to the cause of liberty. She contributed freely in men and money, and although we find in the military an- nals of the period no names of distinction belonging to the town, yet we know that her people were thor- oughly in sympathy with the Revolution. On the nineteenth day of September, 1768, Walter Spooner was appointed by the town to represent it in Faneuil Hall, Boston, to consider what wise and prudent measures should be adopted to prevent the distress and misery which were likely to come upon them by reason of the number of regular troops to be quar- tered in Massachusetts. In 1774 a town-meeting was called " to take into the most mature and serious con- sideration the melancholy and distressing situation of public affairs of this province, and to adopt and pur- sue all those rational and justifiable methods which, by the blessings of heaven attending our endeavors, will have the greatest tendency to remove from us and our fellow-sufferers those troubles we feel and fear under the present frowns of the British admin- istration." The town-meeting was held July 18, 1774. Hon. Walter Spooner, Benjamin Akin, Esq., William Davis, William Tallman, Maj. Ebenezer Willis, Jireh Willis, Seth Pope, Seth Hathaway, and Hannaniah Cornish were appointed a committee to prepare and draw up what they should deem most proper as expressing the sense of the meeting, and report in the afternoon for the town's consideration. The report of these gentle- men was accepted. It was voted, " That we are grieved at being necessitated to act a part which at first view appears unfriendly with respect to our manufacturing brethren and friends in Great Britain 1 For history of the burning of Bedford village and Gen. Grey's raid, see Chapter VIII. in History of New Bedford. and Ireland ; but we trust we shall readily be excused by them when they consider that this part of our conduct is wholly designed, and in our judgment will have the greatest tendency of anything in our power, to save both them and us from bondage and slavery, for upon mature consideration we judge the several late unconstitutional acts of the British Parliament have a direct tendency to destroy the harmony which has subsisted among all the British subjects, and to entirely abolish the English Constitution and form of government ; and therefore, as the most probable means to prevent those destructive purposes, we unite with our American brethren, and "Resolve, That we will not purchase any goods manufactured in Great Britain and Ireland which shall be imported from thence after this day ; that we will not purchase any English goods of any hawker or peddler; that we will not purchase any foreign teas whatever; that we will not export any flax-seed to any foreign market; that we do acquiesce in the na- ture and necessity of raising our proportion of money to pay the Congress and to raise the same by sub- scription, and that these resolves do remain in force so long as the present grievous acts of the British Parliament remain unrepealed." At this meeting a committee of correspondence was chosen to act with other committees in America. And also a resolve was passed advancing " the town's proportion of the money to pay the committee of Congress." In the county congress, held at Taunton, the same year, " to devise and act on such measures as the exi- gencies of the times require," the town was ably and patriotically represented. Not the men alone, but the women of Dartmouth fully entered into the resolutions of non-intercourse with Great Britain. They had their League Society, which was more exacting in the observance of its principles than the Ladies' League Associations of the present day. In January, 1774, fifty-seven ladies of Bedford village had a meeting at which they en- tered into an agreement not to use any more India tea; and having heard that a gentleman there had lately bought some, they requested he would imme- diately return it. This request he complied with, whereupon the ladies treated him with a glass of " this country wine" and dismissed him, highly pleased with his exemplary conduct. A number of gentle- men present gave him three cheers in approbation of his noble behavior. This occurred six months prior to the action of the town-meeting, and doubtless contributed much in forming the public sentiment of the town. Revolutionary Soldiers. — The following list of soldiers, etc., is taken from Daniel Ricketson's excel- lent " History of New Bedford," published in 1858. These lists were furnished Mr. Ricketson by Thomas Kempton. The following is "a muster-roll of the company DARTMOUTH. 201 under the command of Capt. Thomas Kempton, in Col. Danielson's regiment, to the 1st of August, 1775 :" Thomas Kempton, captain ; AmasaSoper, first lieu- tenant; John Chadwick, second lieutenant; John Swift, George Brownell, Thomas West, John Sullings, sergeants; James Spooner, Robert Crosman, Elijah Allen, Paul Weston, corporals ; Obed Cushman, filer ; Simeon Fuller, drummer ; Benjamin Adams, Eleazer Allen, Joshua Austin, David Babcock, Noah Ball, Jabez Bennet, Thomas Bennet, Jonathan Bradshaw, Prince Brownell, Gamaliel Bryant, Jessey Burt, John Coggeshall, William Counts, Robert Crosman, Jr., Louis De Moranville, Thomas Eskridge, John Gam- mons, Phineas Hammond, Roger Hammond, George Haskins, David Hathaway, John Hathaway, Lemuel Hathaway, David Kentch, Silas Kirby, Robert Knowlton, David Lewis, Humphrey Macomber, Pre- served Merrihew, Jonathan Mosher, Jacob Mott, Isaac Noble, John Ormsby, Silas Perry, Peter Phil- lips, Peter Sands, Daniel Sherman, John Sherman, Lemuel Sherman, John Solomon (Indian), John Spooner, Giles Tallman, Joseph Trafford, Lettice Washburn, Nathan Waste, privates; amounting to fifty-eight, all from Dartmouth, with the exception of three, — Louis De Moranville, Freetown ; Phineas Hammond, Rochester; and David Lewis, Rhode Is- land. The time of enlistment was in the month of May, 1775. The time of service, with a few excep- tions, was three months ; the shortest, one month and twelve days. Their headquarters was Roxbury ; the allowance, one penny per mile for travel ; greatest distance of travel, sixty-nine miles; least, fifty-seven. The amount the captain received for this campaign was £18 10*. lit/.; the first lieutenant, £12 16s. 4cl ; the second lieutenant, £10 18s. 9c/. ; the four sergeants, £1 15s. 7'L, £5 9s., £5, 15s. 7c/., £5 2s. lid.; the four corporals, £4 12s. 2d., £2 18s. Sd., £5 3s., £3 Is. ; the lifer, £4 10s. lOd. ; the drummer, £5 3s. These were the amounts paid after deducting what had been charged for supplies. The difference in the amounts paid to the officers, as well as the privates, was mainly owing to the greater or less supplied them. This old muster-roll contains twenty-three columns under the following heads, viz.: "Men's names," "Towns whence they came," " Rank," " Time of enlistment," "Travell." "Amount at Id. a mile," "Time of ser- vice," "Whole amount," "Guns," "By whom sup- plyed," " Price," " Bayonets," " Of whom received," " Price," " Cartridge-boxes," " Of whom received," "Price," " Cloathing," "Of whom received," "Amount,"' "Advance Wages," " Blankets received more than entitled to by enlistment," " Amount of deduction," " Balance." The amount paid for travel, £14 os. 10'/. The whole amount allowed each private before discount ranged from a little more than £4 to £6 10s. The number of guns supplied was twenty- six, — amount for same, £41 10s. ; four bayonets, with sheaths and belts, supplied by Jireh Swift, amounting to 8s. 2c/.; thirty cartridge-boxes, supplied by Jireh Swift, amounting to £6 7s. Gd. ; twenty-seven pairs of shoes and one cap, supplied by Jireh Swift and Com- missary Blaney, the shoes at 6s. and the cap 2s., amounting to t'8 4s. ; the amount paid for advance wages £2 each, excepting the captain and two lieu- tenants, — £108 : the whole expense amounting to £389 lis. tyd. ; the balance, £227 2s. lid. Capt. Kempton was a descendant from Manasseh Kempton, one of the early proprietors of Dartmouth, and the father of Thomas Kempton. Previously to this period (1775) Capt. Kempton had been master of a whaling-vessel from this port, and a large portion of those who enlisted in his company had been his sailors. Capt. Kempton had previously received a commission as ensign of the militia from Governor Hutchinson, bearing date May 13, 1773. Subsequent to his command of the Dartmouth company at Rox- bury, he received the commission of lieutenant-colo- nel, but owing to a failure of health he left service at the evacuation of Boston by the British troops. He was born April 20, 1740, and died Jan. 27, 1806, in his sixty-sixth year. Of the two other companies from Dartmouth that joined the Revolutionary army, one was commanded by Capt. Egery, of Fairhaven, and the other by Capt. Benjamin Dillingham, of Acushnet : Benjamin Abel (Indian), 1775. Benjamin Adams, 1775, m. m. 1 Eleazer Allen, 1775, m. m. Elijah Allen, 1775, m. m. Noah Allen, 1781. Prince Almey (African), 1781. Amesbrey, 1778. John Amey, 1779. John Austin, 1779. Joshua Austin, 1776, m. m. Benj. Babcock, Jr., 1775, 1778, 1780. David Badcock, 1775, m. m. Benjamin Baker, 1778, m. m., 1779. Noah Ball, 1775, m.m. Worth Bates, 1778-81. Weston Bedon, 177S, 1780. Jabez Bennet, 1775, in. m. Jos. Bennet, 1775, m. m., 1779-80. Thomas Bennet, 1775, m. m. Thomas Berry, 1775, m. m. Stoughton Booth, 1778. Thomas Booth, 1778. Jonathan Bradshaw, 1775, m. m. George Brownell, 1775, m. in. Prince Brownell, 1775, m. in. Robert Brownell, 1770-80. Gamaliel Bryant, ensign, 1775, in. m. Jesse Bush, 1775, in. m. John Chadwick, ensign, 1775, in. m. James Chandler, 1778, 1880. Ebenezer Chase. 1780-81. Hi is. Church, lieut , 1778, 17SO-81. Geo. Claghorn, capt., 1778, 1780-81. John Cuggeshall, 1775, m. in., 1778- 80. Joseph Cook, 1780. Richard Cook, 177s, 1780. Thomas Cook, 1780. Thomas Crandon, capt., 1778-79. Robert Grossman, 1775, m. m. Edward Crowell, 1778. David Cushman, 1781. Jaben Daniel, 1775, m. in., 1778, 1780. John Dayton, 1778. Calvin Delano, capt., 177S-S2. Henry Delano, 1780. Thomas Delano, 1780. John Deverson, 1778. David Devol, 17S0. Joseph Devol, 1779, 1782. Solomon Dick (African), 1782. Benj. Dillingham, capt., 177G, m. in. John Dophson, 1775, m. m. Benajah Dunham, 1775, in. m., 1775, 1780-81. Benjamin Ellis, 1775, in. in. Thomas Eskredge, 1775, m. m. Jeremiah Exceen, 1778-79. Joseph Francis, 1780-81. Simeon Fuller, 1775, in. in. John Gelat, 1778, 1780. George Gifford, 1770. Levi Gifford, 1779. Lewis Gifford, 1779, 1781. Jeremiah Greene, 1779. Thomas Greenway, 17so-81. Cornelius Giinnell, 1780. David Hammond, 1780. Jabez Hammond, 1780. Phiuehas Hammond, 1775, in. m. Roger Hammond, 1775, m. in. David Handy, 1780. George Haskins, 1775, m. in. Shurach Haskins, 177s. Arthur Hathaway, 1780. David Hathaway, 1775, m. ru. Eleazer Hathaway, 1777. . Gideon Hathaway, 1778. 1 Minute-man. 201 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Isaac Hathaway, 1778, 1780-81. Jabez Hathaway, 1778. Jacob Hathaway, 1780. John Hathaway, 1775, m. m. Lemuel Hathaway, 1775, ra. m. Sylvanus Hathaway, 1779. George Hitch, 1780. Samuel Howland, 1775, m. in. John Humphrey, 1776. Nathaniel Ingraham, 1780. Paul Ingraham, 1778, 1780. Thomas Ingraham, 1775, m. in. William Japes, 1778. Elnathan Jenne, 1775, m. m. John Jenne. Prince Jenne, 1779-80. Seth Jenne, 1780. Timothy Jenne, 1778-79. Manasseh Kempton, col., 1778. Obed Kempton, 1778, 1780. Thos. Kempton, capt., 1775 ; lieut.- col., 1776. William Kempton, 1782. David Kenleth, 1775, m. m. Robert Knowlton, 1775, m. m. Jonathan Law ton, 1778-79. David Lewes, 1775, m. m. Jabez Lumbar, 1778. Taber Lumbar, 1778. Humphrey Macomber, 1775, m. m. Preserved Merrihew, 1775. Elkannah Mitchell, 1779. Louis De Morauville, 1775, m. m. Michael Mosher, 1779. Samuel Nash, 1780. Isaac Noble, 1775, m. m. Robert Nolten, des., 1775, m. m. Gideon Nye, 1781. Benjamin Obadiah (Indian), 1779. John Omey, 1778-79. Daniel Ormsby, 1778. John Ormsby, 1775, m. m. Avery Parker, capt., 1778. John Parkes, 1778-79. William Pease, 1780. Pompey Peckham (African), 17S0- 81. Henry Perkins, 1780. Paul Perry, 1778-79. Silas Perry, 1775, m. m. Peter Phillips, 1775, m. m., 1778, 1880. Peter Pon (Indian), 1780-81. David Pope, 177G, 1778. Stephen Potter, 1778, 1780. Thurston Potter, 1780-81. James Pratt, 1778. Ebenezer Primas (African), 1781. Elias Primas, 1781. William Robinson, 1780. Gideon Rodgers, 1780. William Rodgers, 1780. William Ross, 1780. James Rouse, 1778. Elkannah Ryder, 1778. Ezekiel Ryder, 1779. Baines Sammons, 1779. Peter Sands, 1775, m. m. Martin Seekins, 1778. Daniel Shearman, 1775, m. m. John Shearman, 1755, m. m. The following notes, etc., concerning the period of the Revolution are taken from the old town records : 1776.— Benj. @ Akin Esq to be paid 42 = 17 : 8" for his Services and Attendance heretofore given as a Lemuel Shearman, 1775, m. m. Joseph Shockly, 1780-S1. Amos Simmons, lieutenant, 1779. John Skiff, flfer, 1775, m. m., 1779, 1781. Elisha Smith, 1770, 1780, m. m. Jonathan Smith, 1776, m. m., 1780- 81. Josiah Smith, 1781. Thomas Smith, 1778, 1780. John Solomon (Indian), 1775, m. m. Amasa Soper, lieutenant, 1775, m. m. Benjamin Spooner, drummer, 1775, m. m. Cornelius Spooner, 1779. David Spooner, 1778, 1780. James Spooner, 1775, m. m. Jeduthan Spooner, 1775, m. m. John Spooner, 1775, m. m. Simpson Spooner, 1775, m. m. Charles Stetson, 1780. Jacob Strange, 1780. John Sullings, 1775, m. m. John Swift, 1775, m. m. Jeduthan Taber, 1781. Jethro Taber, 1778, 1781. John Taber, 1780. Philip Taber, 1779. Thomas Taber, 1780. E/.ekiel Tollman, 1781. Giles Tall man, 1775, m. in., des. Thomas Thompson, 1776-78. Job Tobey, 1780, 1781. Prince Tobey, 1778. Thomas Tobey, 1780-81. Zoeth Tobey, 1780-81. Isaac Tompkins, 1780. Joseph Trafford, 1775, m. m. Ishmael Tripp, 1776 (Dillingham's company). Job Tripp, 1780. Samuel Tripp, 1775, m. m. Thomas Tripp, 1776 (Dillingham's company). Samuel Tupper, 1779. Burnell Upharn, 1778. Lettice Washburn, 1775, m. m. Thomas Washburn, 1775, m. in. Nathan Waste, 1775, 1780. Thomas West, 1775, m. m. Thomas Westcot, 1775, m. m., 1778- 80. Benjamin Weston, 1775, m. m., 1778-79. Eliphas Weston, 1780-81. John Weston. Paul Weston, 1775, m. m. Stephen Weston, 1782. Thomas Weston, 1779. George Whippey, 1778. Joseph Whitfield, 1778. Preserved Wilcox, 177*. Benjamin Willis, 1778. Samuel Willis, 1782. William Willis, 1776. Gideon Woodmanse, 1779-80. Gideon Worden, 1778. Henry Writhington, 1778. Robert Writhington, 1775, m. m. member of several congresses heretofore held for the public safety, he being chosen for and authorized by said town for that purpose. May 20, 1776.— Gen'l Church, Seth Pope, Abraham Shearman, Philip Shearman, James Soul, Nathaniel Kichmond, Philip Taber, Pardon Brownell, and Wil- liam Wood was chosen a Committee of Correspond- ence and safety. Emission for paying their proportion of Beef re- quired of them by a late resolve of the Gen. Court, for paying their County tax agreed on in January last. Price of Commodities, Labor, etc.— Dartmouth, Feb. 22d, 1777. Recorded by Benj. Akin, Town Clerk; William Davis, William Tallman, Jabez Bar- ker, Jr., Selectmen of Dartmouth. Signed by order of the Committee, Fortunatus Shearman, Chairman. Annexed to the articles hereafter mentioned is the price in the room of that affixed to those of the same denomination in the above Statement. Meat : Shoemaking. — Fresh pork /5 per lb. Men's best shoes made of neat leather at Bedford, Fair Haven, and Oxford 9/ other parts of the Town 8/ — Men's best calf-skin shoes at Bedford, Fair Haven, and Oxford 12/ — all other parts of the Town at 10/ — Women's shoes 6/, making men's shoes at the shops of the workmen at Bedford, Fair Haven, and Oxford 4/ — all other parts of the town 3/ — and at the house of the imployer shoes of a full size 2/ — women's cloth shoes 8/ — smaller shoes in proportion to men's & women's shoes & all other shoemaking iu the usual proportion for mending. West India Bum. — Good full proof West India rum by the h'h 8/ per gallon including the h'h 8/2 per gal- lon by the barrel exclusive of the barrel & 9/ by the single gallon, smaller quantities in proportion. New England rum good full proof 4/2 pr. gallon by the hogshead and barrel exclusive of 13/4 for hogs- head, & 4/4 for the barrel & 4/10 single gallon for distilling Xew England Rum /6 a gallon. Molasses of the quality 3/8 pr gallon by the h.h. including the Hogshead 4/ by barrell 4/4 by the sin- gle gallon. Best Muscorado sugar 66/ pr Cwt. by the H.H. 72/ by the single cwt. & /10 single lb. Choco best quality £7 pr cwt. Chocolate 2/2 pr lb. Good cotton wool 3/6 pr lb by the bag and 4/ pr. single lb. Good coffee 1/4 pr. lb. by wholesale & 1/8 pr. lb. by retail. West India and Cherry rum /6 pr. gill flip & Toddy 1/2 pr. mug or bowl. Flour from the southern states 36/ pr. cwt. Rice by the single hundred 36/. Good refined bar iron 60/ pr. cwt. Nail rods & nails not stated. Horse shoeing in Bedford and Fair Haven 5/6 other parts of the town 4/9 hoes of the best quality stealed up the corners 5/ grand coork 1/ pr lb. Making a half trimed coat at Bedford & Fair Haven 13/ jackets 5/6 britches 6/6 and other tayloritig in proportion, and other parts of the Town half trimed coats 11/ Jacoats, 5/6 britches 5/6 approved man Taylor at the house of DARTMOUTH. 203 the imployers 3/ pr day and found as usual. Mowing and reaping 4/ pr. day, common labor in summer sea- son 3/ pr. day. All women's work & combing not stated. Work men's best hunting saddles with hous- ing 80/ saddle bags best sort 24/ well made pilliana 12/, good bridles with bits 8/ without bits 5/4. House carpenter's work 4/ pr. day. Masons work 4/6 and found as usual. Bedtick /9 pr. y d for toe-cloth and plain flannel /6 pr. y d , and all other wearing in the like proportion. This done by the selectmen & com- mittee of safe. A True Coppy attest Fortunatus Shearman Sub. Committee. And recorded by Benjamin Aikin. Town Clerk. May 18, 1779. — At a town meeting held at the town- house in Dartmouth on Tuesday, the 18th day of May, 1779, Benj. Aikin, Esq., chosen moderator the Town voted on the first article in the warrant for calling the meeting that this town at this time don't choose to have a New Constitution or Form of Government, the number of voters present was seventy, and all voted in the affirmative. Voted on the Third Article in the Warrant for calling this meeting ; that all the men in this Town who shall be called for the defence of this State or any of the United States for the pres- ent year, shall be raised at the expense or charge of said town, that shall be raised in consequence of order or orders from the General Court or Council of this State, and Robert Earl, Elihu GifFord, and John Chaffee are chosen a Committee, when any men are sent for or required to be raised as afores'd they are empowered to procure said men at the expense of said Town in the cert, way and manner they can; and said committee are to be reasonably paid for their services. Oct. 14, 1780. Voted that 1057 pounds and 16/ silver money be raised by way of tax on the inhab- itants of said town. . . . for purchasing the towne proportion of beef sent for by the General Court to supply the Continental Army. Dec. 22, 1780. Warrant. What is necessary rela- tive to choosing a Town Clerk. Relative to raising 76 men to serve in the Con 1 Army for three years or during the war. Jan. 1, 1781. Benj. Russell, Jr., T. C. in the absence of Benj. Aikin. Several Capt. of Militia to call companies together and make inquires who will enlist and how many. £16,500 to be raised by way of tax. Jan. 12, 1781. Augt. Voted that each soldier that shall enlist for 3 yrs shall have a Bounty of 200 silver dollars — 50 of s c dollars to be paid at his passing muster, the remainder to be at interest until paid. Voted that Capt. Henry Jenne Capt. George Clay- house, Capt. Benj. Wilson, Capt. William Hicks, Elihu GifFord, & John Aikin be elected a committee to enlist the soldiers and to pay down said money, & to give their securities to said soldiers or procure some person or persons to give security as s d soldiers shall like & s d committees are also empowered to hire the whole of said money on the credit of s d Town & s d Town are accountable to the s d Court for all the money they shall pay or hire. 1781. 3 d Monday of Feb. Voted to raise by way of tax the sum of 2550 pound in money of the new. CHAPTER XVIII. DARTMOUTH.— {Continued.) ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.i Apponegansett Meeting — First Christian Church — Congregational Church— The South Dartmouth Baptist Church— The Second Chris- tian Church — Methodist Episcopal Church— Smith Mills Christian Church — Christian Church in Bakerville. Apponegansett Meeting.— There is reason to be- lieve that among the first settlers of Dartmouth many were Friends, or made a profession of belief in their principles. The names of Slocum, Allen, Smith, Lapham, Howland, Russell, Tucker, Mott, and others, are found in the early records of the society, and we know from other sources that they were among the first settlers in the town. They came from Rhode Island and other places where meetings of the society had been established, and it would naturally be ex- pected they would soon organize meetings for worship and discipline. The oldest record of a monthly meeting of Friends in this town bears date 26th of 4th month, 1699. Meetings for worship had no doubt been held some years previous to this date. The first meeting-house was built upon the lot where the present Apponegansett meeting-house stands. This lot was purchased of Peleg Slocum for the sum of one pound sixteen shillings, and the deed bears date of 6th month 2d day, 1706. Previous to 1699 meetings were held in dwellings. The following is a copy of a portion of the records of the monthly meeting, dated 6th day of 11th month, 169f: "At the house of John Lapham we, underwritten, Peleg Slocum, Jacob Mott, Abraham Tucker, and John Tucker, undertake to build a meeting-house for the people of God, in scorn called Quakers, thirty-five foot long, thirty foot wide, and fourteen foot studds, to worship and serve the true and Living God in, according as they are persuaded in conscience they ought to do, and for no other interest or purpose but as aforesaid, which said house shall be completely finished at or before the 10th day of the 8th month next, insuring the date hereof. And further, we, of the said society of people, towards the building of said house of our free will, contribute as followeth: John Tucker, £10; Peleg Slocum, £15; John Lap- ham, £•"»; Nathaniel Howland, £5; Abraham Tucker, i By Rev. S. M. Andrews. 204 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. £10; Increase Allen, £3; Ebenezer Allen, £5; Eleazer Slocum, £3 ; Jacob Mott, £3 ; Benjamin Howland, £2; Richard Evens, £1 ; Judah Smith, £1." The Yearly Meeting was held in this house this year (1699). The journals of traveling Friends and others show that it became a large and influential society. At one meeting in 1766 it was supposed two thousand people were present. Prior to 1788 this Monthly Meeting was a part of the Rhode Island Quarterly Meeting; since that date it has been connected with the Sandwich Quarterly Meeting. Other meeting-houses were built from time to time as the needs and convenience of members be- came apparent, — at Smith Mills, Smith's Neck, and Allen's Neck, — the last named before 1822, the others still earlier. These societies form one Monthly Meet- ing. In 1845 a separation took place in the meeting, 1 which resulted in two organizations, each claiming to be the original society. The smaller of these two bodies have but one meeting-house in the town, the larger have four, one of which is temporarily closed. The larger body (Gurneyite) numbers at this date one hundred and four, the smaller from forty to fifty. While these societies contain some of our most re- spectable citizens, there has been a decrease of mem- bership within the last half-century. First Christian Church. — The first Baptist Church in Dartmouth was organized May 21, 1780, as a branch of Elder Jacob Hix's Church, in Rehoboth, Mass., and was acknowledged by him and others as a sister church June 2, 1781, with a membership of sixty- three. Oct. 10, 1781, the installation of Elder Daniel Hix, brother of Jacob, took place, from which time the church increased rapidly in numbers and in- fluence. In 1808 the report to Conference for the year (from June, 1807, to June, 1808) gave two hun- dred and sixty-two additions to the church ; whole number, six hundred and ninety-nine. This included the branch churches of New Bedford, Fairhaven, Rochester, Long Plain, Berkley, and Freetown. In June, 1807, the church voted to abandon all church creeds and take the Bible alone as their rule of faith and practice, which position it has since maintained, thus identifying it with the Christian denomination. Elder Daniel Hix remained pastor until ill health compelled his resignation in 1834, when the associate pastor, Elder Howard Tripp, assumed full pastoral charge. Elder Daniel Hix died March 22, 1838, aged eighty-two years, three months, and twenty-two days. In 1842 and 1843 the " Advent" excitement injured the church, from which it has never fully recovered, though it has been blessed with a number of revivals. Elder Howard Tripp resigned in 1857, and was succeeded by Elder William Faunce. The pastors since 1864 have been F. P. Snow, G. W. Tripp, E. Hawes, W. S. Emery, E. Burroughs, and S. M. An- drews. Present clerk, Jonathan Peirce ; chairman of church committee, H. A. Shockley. Congregational Church. — This church was formed in the spring of 1807, by the Rev. Curtis Coe, the Rev. Mace Sheperd, and the Rev. Isaiah Weston, with the following members : David Thatcher, Joel Parker, Laban Thatcher, Harmony Packard, Betsey Howes, Phebe Nickerson, and Mehitabel Kelley. Other members soon joined, and in October the Rev. Daniel Emerson was ordained the first pastor, which office he filled until his death, in about a year. From this time until 1816 the church was without a settled pastor, and the meetings were held in the school-house or dwellings. April 24, 1816, the Rev. Peter Crocker was settled as pastor, and dismissed July 23, 1821. During his pastorate there was a large accession to the membership and the present church edifice was built. The next pastor was the Rev. Jonathan Wing, who was ordained March 24, 1823, and remained sev- eral years, during which time the people were spirit- ually refreshed. The following-named pastors have labored with this church : The Rev. Francis Horton was installed Dec. 2, 1829, and dismissed Oct. 31, 1831. Rev. Thomas J. Richmond was settled July 18, 1832, and continued until April 25, 1837. From May 20, 1838, to June, 1840, the Rev. Charles S. Adams supplied the pulpit. Rev. Andrew Bigelow was installed Aug. 25, 1841, and closed his useful ministry June 16, 1846. July 6, 1846, Rev. William Mandell began preaching, was installed in November, and dismissed Nov. 16, 1854. The Rev. Melancthon G. Wheeler was settled in November, 1855, and was dismissed May 19, 1859. The Rev. Martin Howard was the next pastor, from the last date to Nov. 25, 1864. Next year the Rev. John Lord supplied the pulpit, and he was succeeded by Rev. John G. Wilson, who closed his labors Jan. 11, 1863. The Rev. Edward Leonard was settled in July, 1859, and resigned in November, 1875. The Rev. Salter F. Calhoun acted as pastor from October, 1876, and closed his labors July 1, 1880. The pulpit was supplied from May, 1881, to July, 1882, by the Rev. P. C. Headley and the Rev. F. V. D. Garretson. whose labors resulted in much good. In the summer of 1882, Rev. Ira P. Smith occupied the pulpit, was ordained Sept. 27, 1882, and has since labored with much zeal and success as pastor of the church. Deacons of the church : Sylvanus C. Tall- man, Thomas Bailey ; Clerk, Edmund G. Eldridge. The South Dartmouth Baptist Church was formed as a branch of the New Bedford Baptist Church in May, 1831. The pastors' names have been Benson, Rev. John A. Dill (two years), Rev. E. G. Perry, Rev. William H. Taylor, Rev. Reuben Lentell (one year), Rev. G. F. Danforth, Rev. James Brown, Rev. J. J. Bronson. In January, 1861, Rev. S. J. Carr was settled as pastor, and remained five years, and was succeeded by the Rev. George Mat- thews, who supplied the pulpit for some years. The meeting-house is now closed. The Second Christian Church in Dartmouth was DARTMOUTH. 205 organized Feb. 2, 1836. The original members were Marlborough Wood, Sambo Slocum, Oliver Reed, Abraham Butts, Oliver Reed (2d), Pardon Howland, Daniel Macomber, Joseph Howland, Cynthia Ma- comber, Hannah C. Slocum, Maria Macomber, Lydia Ricketson, and Sarah Reed. Other members soon joined, and for several years the church flourished. The pastors of this church have been Charles S. Man- chester, John Phillips, Joshua Goodwin, Charles C. Smith, and N. S. Chad wick, besides a few others for short periods of time. Deacons have been elected at different times as follows: Daniel Macomber, Abra- ham Butts, Holder W. Brownell, and Willard W. Slocum. W. W. Slocum is also clerk. This church has suffered from internal dissensions, and but few members now remain. The Methodist Episcopal Church at the head of Apponegansett River is now a class or branch of the Allen Street (New Bedford) Methodist Episcopal Church. A class was formed here Nov. 10, 1837, by the Rev. James D. Butler, now chaplain of the New Bedford Port Society. The church was organized July 5, 1838, and Rev. J. D. Butler was the first pas- tor. The society sustains preaching part of the time, though it has declined in membership from one hun- dred and twenty, in 1851, to a very few at the present time. Trustees, Elihu Sherman and John Sherman. Smith Mills Christian Church. — This church was formed Dec. 22, 1838, of the following-named mem- bers : Asa Nichols, John Weaver, John Cummings, Jeremiah Jones, Seth Hathaway, Samuel Wilde, Abby Wilde, Hannah Weaver, Tabitha Crowell. The house was built before the church was organized. The pastors have been Samuel Wilde, E. E. Edmunds, John Peckham, David A. Russell, Cummings Bray, Gould Anthony, Benjamin F. Mosher, and S. M. Andrews, besides some others who have supplied the pulpit. Whole number of members, forty-seven. Holder W. Porter is deacon of the church, and Mrs. Abby A. Tucker, clerk. The Christian Church in Bakerville, Dartmouth, was organized April 20, 1865. The members were Ephraim Ellis, Thomas K. Ellis, Alvin Sherman, Delia Ellis, Lovey G. Brownell, Sarah Johnson, Fi- delia Wing, Jane C. Ellis, Mary C. Briggs, Bethia Sherman, Caroline Crapo, Emily J. Baker, Olive Beard, Sally Crapo, Phebe A. Crapo. The church edifice was erected the year before the church was formed. The pastors have been James L. Peirce, S. M. Andrews, M. M. Cleverly, E. E. Edmunds, and others who have supplied the pulpit for short periods. The present pastor is O. F. Waltze ; clerk of the church, Joseph Crapo; deacon, Ephraim Ellis. Representatives from 1674 to 1883.'— The fol- lowing is a list of the representatives chosen by the town of Dartmouth, taken from the town records and other sources. While under the Plymouth Colonial i Compiled by Job S. Gidley, Esq. government they were called deputies, but after the union of the Boston and Plymouth governments they were called representatives. During the eighteenth century they appear to have been occasionally chosen, but it is not probable that existing town records show the names of all who served the town in that capacity. 1074-75. John Cook, deputy. 1679-81. John Cook, deputy. 1682. John Russell, deputy. 1683. John Cook, deputy. 1685. Jonathan Delano, deputy. Joseph Tripp, deputy. 1686. John Cook, deputy. 1689. Seth Pope, deputy. Jonathan Delano, deputy. 1690. Seth Pope. 1693. Thomas Taber, representa- tive. 1694. Hugh Mosher, representa- tive. 1697. Joseph Allen, representative. 1699. James Samson. 1707. John Akin. 1708-9. Joseph Tripp. 1710. John Spooner. 1711. James Samson, representa- tive. 1712. Jonathan Delano. 1717. Philip Taber. 1720. John Akin. 1721. Philp Taber. 1722. Daniel Wood. 1724. William Whit. 1726. John Akin. 1728-29. John Akin. 1730. Christopher Turner. 1731. Nathaniel Delano. 1732. Henry Samson. 1733. John Akin. 1734-36. Samuel Connell. 1740. William Hix. 1746. James Allen. 1753. Capt. Nathaniel Soule. 1771. Elisha Tobey. 1803-4. Holden Slocum. 1806-7. Holden Slocum. 1808. Joel Packard. 1809. Joel Packard. Caleb Slocum. Joel Packard. Ephraim Tripp. Henry Tucker. Joel Packard. Ephraim Tripp. Henry Tucker. 1812. Ephraim Tripp. Stephen Barker. David Thacher. Madock Max field. 1813. Ephraim Tripp. David Tliacher. Henry Tucker. Thomas Almy. 1S14. Ephraim Tripp. David Thacher. Thomas Almy. Clark Ricketson. Thomas Almy. Ephraim Tripp. George Morton. 1810. 1811. 1815. 1816. Thomas Almy. Ephraim Tripp. Zoheth Shearman. 1817. Thomas Almy. Ephraim Tripp. Joseph Gifford. 1818. Caleb Anthony. 1819. Joseph Gifford. 1820. Joseph Gifford. Holder Slocum. Thomas Almy. 1821-22. Caleb Anthony. 1823-24. Thomas Almy. 1825. Thomas Almy. Holder Slocum. Wanton Howland. 1826. Holder Slocum. 1827. Cornelius Grinnell. 1828. Bradford Howland. 1829. Bradford Howland. Elihu Slocum. Nathaniel Howland. Jesse W. Nickols. 1830. Joseph Gifford. 1831. Joseph Gifford. Bradford Howland. 1832. William Tucker. Wanton Howland. 1833. Joseph Gifford. James T. Slocum. Henry S. Packard. George Kirby. 1834. Joseph Gifford. George Kirby. Elihu Slocum. Henry S. Packard. 1835. Joseph Gifford. George Kirby. Ricketson Slocum. William Anthony. 1836. Joseph Gifford. Ricketson Slocum. 1837. Thomas K. Wilbur. Wanton Howland. Simon P. Winslow. 1838. Joseph Gifford. George Kirby. 1839^0. Thomas K. Wilbur. Henry S. Packard. 1841-42. Wanton Howland. Thomas K. Wilbur. 1843-45. James Rider. George Kirby. 1846. Joseph Gifford. Benjamin M. Buffington. 1847. James Rider. Abner R. Tucker. 1848^9. Lemuel Barker. Francis W. Mason. 1850. Francis D. Bartlett. 1851. Jireh Shearman. 1852. None chosen. 1853. James B. Allen.l Leonard Miller, Rep. 2 1 Chosen delegate to Constitutional Convention. 2 The towns of Dartmouth and Westport were now united, forming the Representative District No. 7 of Bristol County. 206 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 1854-58. Nathaniel Potter, Jr. 1S59-G1. Francis W. Mason. 1862-65. Calvin K. Turner. 1806. George F. Howlaud. 1867. William Barker, Jr. 1868. George F. Howlaud. 1869-70. William Barker, Jr. 1871-72. Benjamin F. Wing. 1873-74. Abraham H. Smith. 1875-76. George R. Reed, of Dart- mouth. 1877-78. William P. Macomber, of Westport. 1879-80. Henry A. Slocum, of Dartmouth. 1881-82. John W. Gilford, of West- port. Town Clerks from 1674 to 1883. x — The following is a list of town clerks of the town of Dartmouth, found recorded in the town records. The records of some of the earlier meetings appear to be lost, and no account of the choice of town clerks is found in some of the earlier records of meetings in which other town officers were chosen : James Shaw, 1674. Benjamin Russell (3d), 1773. Thomas Taber, 1679, 1695,1707-8, ' Benjamin Russell, Jr , 1774. 1711. Jonathan Delano, 1692-93. John Akin, 1696-99, 1701-6. John Taber, 1709-10. Jabez Delano, 1711-12. Nathan Soule, 1713-14. John Tripp, 1716-17,1719-23. James Howlaud, 1725. Benjamin Russell, 1775. John Smith, 1789-1800. Elihu Slocum, 1801-8. Ephraim Tripp, 1809-24. James Tripp, 1825.2 Joseph Gifford, 1826-41, 1843-44, 1847-50. Henry S. Packard, 1842. Benjamin Aikin, 1745-46, 1754-70, George Kirby, 1845-46. 1776-80. Bartholomew Taber, 1751-55. Benjamin Russell (4th), 1771. Benjamin Russell, Esq., 1772. William Barker, Jr., 1851-67. John W. Howland, 1868-70. George F. Howland, 1871-79. Job S. Gidley, 1880-83. Military Record, 1861-65.— Names of volunteer soldiers in the late war on the quota of Dartmouth : Company F, Third Regiment (nine months). — Alvah M. Chase, Heury E. Clark, Solomon Cornell, George A. Bessey, Charles W. Gammons, Thomas Gibbons, Joseph B. Holmes, Levi K. Giffurd, Richard D. Kay, Joseph M. Lawton, Alden T. McComber, Lyman A. McCom- ber, William B. Peck, John B. Peckham, John II. RicketSOD, David Rider, William H. Stevens, James H. Williams, Andrew L. Wordell, William I. Wady, George H. Wood. Company G, Third Regiment (nine months). — William Davidson Croy, Reuben A. Garlick, George F. Packard, John Frazer. Forty-seventh Regiment (nine months). — William Blake, Oliver S. Brock, Chandler H. Calkins, William R. Chase, John O'C'onnell, William Carter, Charles W. Drody, John Dougherty, Abraham F. Green, William Hunt, William H. Knox, Michael Miskill, William H. Macomber, Gideon Reed, Robert II. Ricketson, William R. Samp- son, Charles G. Sanford, James Summers, Calvin Thomas, Jr., George W. Tripp, John 'Ward, Peter C. Reynolds, David Fish, Savory C. Braley, Martin V. B. Hammond. Other Nine Months' Men. — William M. Tillinghast, Jonathan Soule; Levi A. Baker, Russell Eaton, Isaiah B. Leonard, 45th Regt. ; Timothy Ryan, J. R. Parks, Thomas French, George W. Peabody, Henry G. Kenner, Daniel Harrington, William G. Hall, Thomas Lynch, Daniel O. Foster, Michael Farrel; Charles Brand, Michael Morrison, John Doyle, Joseph Grant, William Sheridan, John Sullivan, Charles L. Sullivan, Co. C, 4th Regt. Company I), Tieenty-third Regiment (three years). — Albert W. Ashley. Thirty-third Regiment (three years). — Thomas S. Howland, William H. Deming. Thirty-eighth Regiment (three years). — Thomas E. Bliffins, Peter C. Brooks, Samuel E. Dean, Shubael Eldridge, Jr., Patrick Honan, Benjamin Jenks, Orriu D. Perry, Nathan J. Pierce, George W. Pierce, Joshua Rotch, Luther P. Williams. Eighteenth Regiment (three years). — Joseph Head, George R. Reed, Fred- erick A. Smith. Fifth Massachusetts Battery (three years). — James T. Rose, Albert J. Win- ters, Henry M. Gifford. 1 Compiled by Job S. Gidley, Esq. 2 Chosen to fill vacancy occasioned by the death of his father at the annual election. Fifty-eighth Regiment. — Lewis Storm or Strom, George A. Brown, John Ramsay, Edwin C. Tripp, James J. Cronin, Albert F. Snow, Alex- ander Oliver, Bradford Little, Thomas J. Downs, William Kelley, Stephen Griffith, Joseph Sterace, John Thompson, John Lynch, Michael Donald, George Brown, Peter M. W. Baldwin, George F. Reed, John Gorham, Timothy E. Long, Edwin Tripp. Twentieth Regiment. — William Squires. T/iird Cavalry. — James Lee, David McCarty. Three Years' Men, Regiment Unknown. — John Hayes, William Hart, Wil- liam H. Edwards, Lyman B. Morey, Frederick Mowbray. Others, Term of Enlistment m>t known, — Charles A. Nute, Thomas Telen, Robert H. Dunham, Charles Kreppel, James Sullivan, Charles E. Ryder, Jeremiah Moynehan. Navy Credits. — James Taylor, Joseph B. Barker, William II. Potter, with others whose names do not appear upon the town records. Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry. — John McCall. Fifteenth Massachusetts Battery. —iohn R. Pollock, Matther Woods. Fifth Massachusetts Cavalry, — Manuel Erera, Thomas Williams. Fourtli l\Iassachusetts Battery. — Charles Talbot, James Aster. Fifty-sixth Massachusetts Regiment, Co. I. — Solomon L. Winters. Second Massachusetts Cavalry. — Augustus Roberts, David Marsh. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. WILLIAM ALMY. William Almy, the subject of our sketch, was a lineal descendant from William Almy (or Almond, as the name was sometimes spelled), who was born in England in 1601, married Andrey , who was born in 1603. William 1 Almy, the emigrant, was at Lynn, Mass., as early as 1631, went back to England, and returned with his wife in the ship "Abigail" in 1635. They had a daughter Annie, aged eight, and a sou Christopher, aged three, who came with them. The family was in Sandwich probably in 1637, and certainly he was a freeman in Portsmouth, R. I., in 1655. His will names his children Christopher, John, Job, Ann or Annie (wife of John Green), and Cathe- rine (wife of a Mr. West). Christopher- Almy, son of William, was born in England about 1627, came to America in ship "Abi- gail" with his parents in 1635, and lived where they died at Lynn and at Sandwich, Mass., and finally at Portsmouth, P. I. He was an assistant there in 1690. Job 2 Almy, son of William 1 , was born in either Lynn or Sandwich, Mass., resided with his parents, and finally settled in Portsmouth, R. I. He married Mary, daughter of Christopher Unthank, of Warwick, and had children William and Chris- topher (twins), Susannah, Andrey, Deborah, Cathe- rine, and Mary, all perhaps minors when he died in 1684. John Almy was probably the John referred to in William's 1 will. He was at Plymouth in 1643, but finally settled at Portsmouth, P. I. He married Mary, daughter of James Cole. He was a captaiu in King Philip's war in 1675, but died in 1676. It will be observed that the only grandsons men- tioned in the above account are William and Chris- topher (twins), sons of Job, William 3 being named <5 ^it tf^-i^, &?>7 DARTMOUTH. for his grandfather, William 1 Almy, and Christopher 3 named for his maternal grandfather, Christopher Un- thank. From all the information the writer can gather he thinks the line of descent from William the emi- grant to William 7 , the subject of our notice, is through Christopher 11 Almy. The line is as follows: William 1 , Job 2 , Christopher*, Job 4 , Christopher 5 , Thomas 6 , and William 7 . Job 4 Almy died July 27, 1877, aged eighty-one. His wife, Lydia, died Dec. 30, 1774, aged seventy-four. They are both buried on the farm of the late William Almy. Christopher 5 Almy was born in 1735, and died in 1812, aged seventy-seven years. His wife, Naomi, died in May, 1817, aged seventy- nine years. Their son, Thomas 6 , was born in Dart- mouth, Mass., April 22, 1775, and died Nov. 23, 1868, in his ninety-fourth year. He married Sarah, daugh- ter of William and Patience Gifford. 1 Sarah (Gifford) Almy was born in Dartmouth, June 10, 1779, and died June 13, 1848. Their children were William Silence, born Oct. 9, 1801, and died Nov. 10, 1872; Frederick 2 and Henry, who died at eight. Thomas 6 Almy was one of the most remarkable men physically that ever lived in old Dartmouth. In his youth he was a carpenter by trade, subsequently a merchant at Russell's Mills, but finally a farmer, and the farm he owned, and where his children were born, is now owned by his grandsons, John P. and William F. Almy, of Boston. Mr. Almy was a man possessed of good common sense, sound judgment, keen foresight, and withal, a happy disposition. He had much to do with town affairs, and took great pride in the annual gatherings and drills of the State militia. He took pride in a good horse, and was always seen on horseback, which recreation he continued till within a short time of his death. He was a birthright member of the So- ciety of Friends, and lived and died in that faith. He retained his faculties till within a short time of his death, and his name is still held in grateful re- membrance not only by the grandchildren, but by those who knew him in New Bedford and Dart- mouth. William 7 Almy, son of Thomas and Sarah (Gif- ford) Almy, was born on the old Almy farm in Dart- mouth, Mass., Oct. 10, 1798, and died in Boston, Dec. 25, 1881. His youth was spent on his father's farm, and he received such advantages for an educa- tion a- the district schools of his time afforded. From the New Bedford Mercury, of Dec. 28, 1881, we clip the following notice : " He early determined to become a merchant, and at the age of thirteen he walked from his home near Horse Neck, carrying his shoes in his hand as a mat- ter of economy, to Russell's Mills, where he began his career in the store of the late Abraham Darker. In a few years he removed to this city, and was employed 1 See ancestral history of the Giffoids in Westport. * See his biography. as book-keeper in the store of William H. Allen and the late Gideon Allen, and in the counting-room of the late John Avery Parker. Graduating there, he went to Boston, and found employment in the best school possible for a merchant, the counting-room of the late A. & A. Lawrence. Soon after attaining his majority, and doubtless under the kind auspices of his employers, he formed a partnership with a fellow clerk, named Dexter, establishing the business (im- porting and jobbing of white-goods), which under the firm-names of Dexter & Almy, Almy, Blake & Co., Almy, Patterson & Co., Almy, Hobart & Co., and Almy & Co., he successfully pursued for nearly fifty years. Cool, clear-headed, and sagacious, no man stood higher in the confidence and esteem of his fel- lows than William Almy. He achieved a handsome fortune for his time, but secured something far better, a reputation for spotless integrity and unblemished honor." For many years he was a director in the Eagle Bank, Boston, and for a number of years his firm was selling agents for various cotton and woolen-mills, among which we mention that of the well-known Wamsutta Mills of New Bedford. Politically, he was a Whig and Republican. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Robert and Deborah Brayton, of Nan- tucket, in Novenber, 1828. She was born June 19, 1803, and died May 11, 1879. Of their ten children — (1) Sarah, died in infancy. (2) Robert B. (3) Sarah H., born Dec. 16, 1832, died Feb. 26, 1869. (4) Matilda H., died in infancy. (5) Henry, born Aug. 22, 1836, and died April 6, 1879. He was associated with his father and others in business. (6) Catherine G., died young. (7) and (8) John P. and William F. (twins), now doing business in Boston. (9) Alice B., born April 14, 1843, who died Jan. 5, 1871. She was wife of Frederick Grinnell, of New Bedford, and had one daughter, — Alice A. (10) Thomas R., a clerk in New Bedford. About 1830, Mr. Almy purchased a part of the old Almy farm, near Horse Neck, in Dartmouth, a de- lightful summer residence, which he greatly improved and beautified. But soon a gradual failure of sight obliged him to give up in a measure his business care, and in company with one of his daughters he went to Europe to seek the cure of his threatened blindness. He, however, received no benefit from the advice and treatment of the most eminent foreign oculists, and in a short time (1858) he became totally blind, — a ter- rible affliction for a man so self-reliant and independ- ent as he had been, so full of activity and so fond of social life. In 1868 he retired from business. He bore his trouble with something better than a stoic's resignation, and keeping up his interest in affairs, sought to minister as well as be ministered unto. 208 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Dying at a good old age, he left an honored name and the memory of an active and useful life. WILLIAM BARKER, Jr. William Barker, Jr., son of William and Susannah (Potter) Barker, was born in Dartmouth, Mass., Dec. 25, 1820. He comes of a family long settled in the old town of Dartmouth. Lemuel was son of Jabez, married Maria Tripp, was a farmer and lumberman, and died in 1818, aged fifty-five years. His father, William Barker, was son of Lemuel, and one of a family of six children, and was born in 1794. He was twice married, first to Susannah, daughter of Ab- ner and Sarah (Wood) Potter. By her he had five children, — -Abner (died an infant), William, Eliza- beth (Mrs. Charles W. Potter), Abner P., and Charles 0. He next married Rebecca Potter, sister of his first wife. Their children were Susan (Mrs. David Sisson), Sarah (Mrs. Henry C. Baker), Ann M. (Mrs. Lemuel M. Potter), Abby R. (Mrs. Edward Hicks), George F. (deceased), Caroline (Mrs. H. Damon), Henry H.,Emma F., Avis H. (Mrs. Fenner Brownell), and Warren S. He lived between Russell's Mills and Smith's Mills ; was a member of the Friends' Society. He was a man of integrity and justice, was univer- sally esteemed, served his town as selectman and assessor several years, and brought up his large family of children well. He died in 1863. William Barker, Jr., was educated at the Friends' School at Providence, R. I., where he remained four years. When fifteen years old he was put to learn the trade of tanner and currier with his uncle, Lutham Potter. He spent four years in acquiring his trade, and. after eighteen months' work at his trade for his uncle after his trade was learned, he established him- self in business at Smith's Mills, and continued in this for ten years. From about this time Mr. Barker commenced attending to public business, and such was the satisfaction he gave that his services were so occupied as to cause him to relinquish private busi- ness and attend altogether to that coming to him from outside. In 1851 he was chosen clerk, treasurer, and collector of taxes of Dartmouth, and held those posi- tions for sixteen consecutive years. From about 1852 he held the office of deputy sheriff, with only one year's interruption till 1876. He was about the same time commissioned justice of the peace, and still holds that office. He represented Dartmouth in the Lower House of the State Legislature in 1868, 1870, 1871. He was elected State senator in 1881. He is Repub- lican in politics. In all the varied and multitudinous duties of his years of office Mr. Barker has been quick, accurate, and courteous. He has been called to administer on many estates, and in all capacities has well discharged his trusts. Plain and unpretend- ing in personal appearance, he accomplishes business with a conciseness and brevity of detail which shows how completely he is at home in its transaction, and has a large following of personal friends. He married Mary Slade, daughter of Caleb and Hannah (Davis) Slade, of Dartmouth, Sept. 22, 1842. They have only one child, Mary Elizabeth. WILLIAM A. GORDON, M.D. Among the leading successful and representative physicians of Bristol County who began active prac- tice more than half a century ago, and. to-day are liv- ing in unimpaired vigor of mind and comfortable physical health, must be mentioned Dr. William A. Gordon. Coming of vigorous Scotch ancestry, he in- herited much of the vitality of that hardy Caledonian race. He was son of Dr. William Gordon and Helen Gilchrist, his wife, and is a lineal descendant of Alex- ander Gordon, a scion of the loyal Gordon family in the Highlands of Scotland. This young Alexander (first generation) was a soldier in the Royalist army of Charles II. when but eighteen. He was captured by Cromwell, confined for a time in Tuthill Fields, London, and sent to America in 1651 as a prisoner of war. He was held at Watertown, Mass., until 1654, when he was released. He afterwards went to Exeter, N. H., where, in 1663, he married the daughter of Nich- olas Lysson. The next year the town voted him a grant of twenty acres of land, and he became a per- manent resident. The locality where he settled still retains the name of " Gordon's Hill." He had eight children, of whom Thomas (second generation), born 1678, married Elizabeth Harriman, settled in Haver- hill, Mass., was father of eleven children, and died in 1762. His son Timothy (third generation) had a son Timothy (fourth generation), who was grandfather to Dr. William A. Gordon. This last-mentioned Tim- othy was a farmer and a Revolutionary soldier of bravery in the battles of Bunker Hill, Bennington, Saratoga, etc. He married Lydia Whitmore, lived in Newbury, Mass., and had a family of eight children, of whom William (fifth generation) was oldest. William, born about 1783, was educated at Phillips' Exeter Academy, studied medicine with Dr. Kitt- ridge, in Andover, Mass., and began practice as a physician in Schoodic, Me., afterwards settling in Hingham, Mass., where he lived many years, and finally settled in Taunton (taking his son's practice after he went to New Bedford), and was in practice there at the time of his death, June 17, 1851. His wife Helen was daughter of Gordon and Mary (Good- will) Gilchrist, who were natives of Sutherlandshire, Scotland, and residents of St. Andrews, New Bruns- wick, where she was born about 1786. She died, aged eighty-six, in 1872. This worthy couple had seven children, William Alexander, Charles (de- ceased), Helen (widow of George A. Crocker, of Taunton), Joseph R., Edwin, Ann B. (wife of Adolph Kielbock, of Boston), and Timothy. ^/^* V?' 3^Z^U^ frr C*^*- Cr^c6- WSmwm ^tss?c?^7 . y^x -'y/{U ? /s DARTMOUTH, 209 Dr. William A. Gordon (sixth generation) was born in Newburyport, Mass., March 17, 1808. His parents moved to Hingham when he was but two months old. He was prepared for College at Derby Academy, in Hingham, and was graduated at Harvard, class of 1826, when but eighteen years old. He at once com- menced the study of medicine with his father, and was graduated at Harvard Medical School in 1829. Being in poor health, he went with his father to the home of his grandfather, in St. Andrews, and by the solicitation of friends began practice in Robbinstown, Me., where he remained four months. Going then to St. Stephens, he stayed there four months, and then settled permanently in Taunton, Mass., July, 1830. From that time he has been identified with, and taken a high stand among, the best and most successful physicians of this county. He remained in Taunton eight years and a half, when, yielding his practice to his father, who was worked too hard at Hingham, he, in December, 1839, moved to New Bedford, where he was in active practice until 1877, when he removed to his pleasant seaside home in Dartmouth, and has since resided there. He is a member of the Massachusetts Medical So- ciety, in which he has held the office of counselor; is also a member of South Bristol Medical Society, has been its president and for years its treasurer. By request of this society a communication, prepared by him and read before the society, on " Puerperal Tetanus," was published in the American Journal of the Medical Sciences. Republican in politics, he has not sought political honors, but, soon after moving to New Bedford, was elected overseer of the poor, which position he held for seventeen consecutive years. He is liberal in religious belief, and an attendant of the Unitarian Church. He married, in October, 1833, Maria, daughter of Hon. John M. Williams, of Taun- ton. She died July 11, 1875, aged sixty-one. They had eight children. Their second daughter, Anne M., married Henry Johnson, M.D., of New Bedford. She had three children who survived her, — Holman Gordon, Theodora, and Elizabeth Gordon. Their four surviving children are Elizabeth, William Gil- christ (now in charge of a private school in Burling- ton, Iowa. He has three children, — Mabel, Helen, and William Alexander), Helen, and Emily, wife of Professor Thomas E. Pope, of State Agricultural Col- lege, Iowa. (She has two children, — Mary R. and Ethel.) WILLIAM R. SLOCUM. The family of Slocum has been from its settlement prominently connected with the town of Dartmouth. The history of the town will show the name among the first proprietors and settlers. Holder Slocum was of the stock of the original settlers, and from him, in the fifth generation, is William R. Slocum, now a resident of Dartmouth. Peleg Slocum, his son, born in Dartmouth, was twice married, his second wife 14 being a sister of John and James Howland, of New Bedford. He had four sons, Peleg, Holder, Chris- topher, and Cook, and two daughters, Alice and Amy. He, like his immediate ancestors, was of the Society of Friends, a quiet person of influence in the community, and a large land- owner, and he attained the patriarchal age of ninety years. His son Peleg, born 1763, was a farmer, succeeding to a generous share of the paternal acres. He married Elizabeth, daughter of John Ricketson, and had children,— Ricketson, Otis, William, Amy, Rebecca, Eliza. He lived to be ninety-three. He was an energetic man, of positive nature, a representative farmer, standing high in the esteem of the community, and successful in business. He was much interested in politics, and was prominent in the councils of the Whig party. He died in 1856. His memory reached back distinctly to the events of the Revolution. His son Ricketson, born April, 1790, succeeded to one of his father's farms on Slocum's Neck, of about two or three hun- dred acres. He married Jemima, daughter of John and Mercy Wing (see biography of B. F. Wing), when but a young man. He was an energetic man, taught school in his youth, and in various ways im- pressed himself upon his generation. He was two years selectman, was representative to the General Court, and was highly esteemed as a good citizen and a man of excellent judgment and worth. He died July 11, 1854, aged sixty-four years and two months. Mrs. Slocum was an energetic, robust woman, with a strong " will of her own," and a fit mate for her hus- band. She was a kind mother, bringing up a large family to honor her memory. Many of her children died in infancy. The following attained maturity: William R.; Frederick (deceased); Charles; Almy, married Howland Holder ; Lydia, married Israel Brightman; Joseph W. ; Frederick (2d), deceased; Mary A., married Giles F. Allen ; Elizabeth, married W. W. Allen. William Ricketson Slocum, eldest son of Ricketson and Jemima (Wing) Slocum, was born in Dartmouth, Mass., June 14, 1811. From very early life he has led the laborious life of a practical New England farmer, following the teachings of Poor Richard's maxim, " Whoever by the plow would thrive, himself must either hold or drive." With limited common school advantages, he acquired sufficient education to successfully teach nine consecutive winter terms of school, beginning at his nineteenth year. These were all taught in his native town, and five in his home district. In this avocation he acquired quite a repu- tation as a disciplinarian. He received little property from inheritance, and marrying, May 22, 1834, Eliz- abeth, daughter of Pardon and Lydia Cornell (who was born May 29, 1811, in Dartmouth), commenced housekeeping on Naushon Island, and lived there nine years, the first three as a hired man on a farm. In 1843, in company with his brother-in-law, E. Browning, he purchased a farm, on which they gave 210 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. a mortgage for three thousand dollars, the purchase money, for six years. Hard work and economy were faithfully persisted in, and a satisfactory evidence given that agriculture on a New England farm can be made a very remunerative business. Every pay- ment was made promptly on time, the mortgage lifted when due, and after nine years had passed Mr. Slocum sold his half-interest for five thousand dollars, and the partners then had in addition eleven hundred dollars in cash, and eleven hundred dollars in land that they had bought. Mr. Slocum then (1852) purchased the farm of about two hundred acres where he now resides. By the continuation of the same industry and thrift he has attained to the possession of a handsome prop- erty, and stands high in financial as well as social circles. Republican in politics, he has served his town acceptably three times as selectman. He is a stockholder of the "yarn-mill" of New Bedford, and of Boston and Albany and other railroads. He has one daughter, Cornelia R., born June 12,1842. She married John W. Howland, June 12, 1868, and has five children,— William R., born July 14, 1869; Rodolphus W., born Nov. 3, 1870; Elizabeth T., born May 10, 1872; Margaret E., born Dec. 20, 1873; Alma S., born April 5, 1879. Pardon Cornell was a farmer in Dartmouth, had eight children, — Phebe P., Godfrey, Joseph W., Mercy A., Elizabeth, Lydia W., Gideon, and Alfred. He died in his eighty-fourth year, June 1, 1859. Lydia, his wife, died April 9, 1863, aged eighty-two. They were Friends. The father of Pardon Cornell was Gideon, who was son of William. Gideon was a farmer, married a Dilly Gifford, who lived to be very old, and is remembered by Mrs. Slocum. Gideon also died at an advanced age. CAPT. BENJAMIN F. WING. John Wing was the original progenitor of nearly all who bear the name in America, so far as they are known to the writer. Nothing is known of him before his arrival at Boston in June, 1630, and his residence at Sangus (Lynn), Mass., except that he had married Deborah, the second daughter of Rev. Stephen Bach- iler, the first minister to Lynn, as early as 1632. (For an extended history of the Rev. Stephen Bachiler, we would refer the reader to our history of Hampton, Rockingham Co., N. H.) It appears from the records that Mr. Wing was a man of limited circumstances, hence left Lynn, Mass., for cheaper lands, and was probably one of Rev. Mr. Bachiier's party, who made a journey in the dead of winter from Lynn, or Ipswich, to " Mattucheese," about 1634 or 1635, and though that enterprise failed, he then perhaps became ac- quainted with the region afterwards known as the peninsula of Cape Cod. As early as April, 1637, the General Court at Plymouth gave to Edward Free- man and nine others the right to form a plantation, and they in turn had the right to receive as many others as they saw fit, but in regular order. Some fifty persons called "Associates" joined them, and the name of John Wing appears as the forty-fifth in said list. Nearly all had families, and in order to become a freeman their characters must be acceptable to the Governor. Church membership and a regular attendance upon and a proper support of public wor- ship at authorized places were indispensable requi- sites to becoming a freeman. The town was incor- porated as early as 1639, and the Indian name of " Shawnee" was exchanged for that of Sandwich. The old traditional home of John Wing was situated about one mile from the present village of Sandwich, near a stream of water between two beautiful ponds, and on a highland overlooking the lower sheet of water and the town. Mr. Wing appears to have been a plain man, of ordinary intelligence, never aspiring to political distinctions, and only ambitious to culti- vate his land and decently to rear his children. In a few instances, however, his name occurs on the records of the General Court as one well qualified for public business. All reliable accounts mention only three sons, — Daniel, John, and Stephen, — who came with him in the same vessel and accompanied him until his settlement in Sandwich. The date of the death of John Wing and his wife Deborah are not known, as the early records are so imperfect and some are lost. Daniel Wing, the eldest son of John and Deborah (Bachiler) Wing, of Sandwich, Mass., came with his father from England, and accompanied him until he settled at Sandwich. They resided near each other. June 28, 1640, Andrew Hallett conveyed certain landed property to Daniel Wing, the instrument being wit- nessed by John Wing and Edward Dillingham. In 1643, Daniel Wing was enrolled with his brothers among those who were at that time between the ages of sixteen and sixty, and therefore liable to bear arms. In 1652 we find his name among those ap- pointed to take charge of the fishing interests of the place. In 1654 a mill for the accommodation of the in- habitants, costing twenty pounds, was paid for by Daniel Wing and twenty-one other inhabitants. In 1655 the name of Daniel Wing and a number of the prominent citizens of Sandwich are first mentioned in connection With a serious religious dissension in the town. In 1657 the people called Quakers made their first appearance in Sandwich, and Mr. Wing early became an adherent to that faith. In March, 1658, he was fined twenty shillings for entertaining Quakers at his home. Mr. Wing refused to take the " oath of fidelity" because this particular oath pledged him to assist in the execution of an intolerant enact- ment. He was therefore fined twenty pounds. In December, 1658, he was excluded from the num- ber of freemen. He married Hannah, a daughter of John Swift, of an old and honorable family in the western part of the town, Sept. 5, 1641. fy. ^ /// , 1£sl *- 1/ DARTMOUTH. 211 She died Dec. 1, 1664, soon after the birth of her youngest child, and he died the same year. They had eleven children, of whom Daniel was the youngest, born Nov. 28, 1664. The descendants of Daniel Wing have nearly all been connected with the Society of Friends. Daniel, Jr. a (Daniel 2 , John 1 ), was entered as townsman of Sandwich in 1691, and married, in 1686, Deborah, a daughter of Henry Dill- ingham, "in Friends' way." His residence was near his father's. He appears to have been the owner of a considerable amount of property. " On the 13th of May, 1717, he deeded half of his undivided interest in some lands which he owned in Dartmouth, Bristol Co., Mass., to his son Edward. In the deed Daniel speaks of himself as a cooper and of Edward as a husbandman. They had seven children, the eldest of whom was Edward, born July 10, 1687, in Sandwich, where he resided until he removed to Dartmouth and followed the occupation of a farmer. He was mar- ried three times; first to Desire Smith, of Dartmouth, November, 1713; second, to Sarah (daughter of Abra- ham and Hannah) Tucker, June 1, 1714; and third, to Patience Ellis, October, 1728. By his second mar- riage he had Edward, born in Sandwich in 1720; Abraham, born at Dartmouth, Aug. 4, 1721 ; Jeremiah, and perhaps Jedediah. Joseph, a son of Edward and Sarah (Tucker) Wing, married Catharine . Among their children were Matthew, Daniel, and John. John married Je- mima Shepherd at the Friends' meeting-house in Dartmouth Oct. 5, 1753. At an early period he be- came a resident, with Abraham, Edward, and Jede- diah Wing, of Dutchess County, N. Y. Jemima died Nov. 28, 1816. They had three children, — Catharine, Dorcas, and John, who was born May 4, 1756 ; mar- ried Mercy Almy in Dartmouth May 4, 1780 ; died Jan. 1, 1832. His wife was born March 5, 1755, and died Jan. 5, 1850. They had nine children, viz., Lydia, Joseph, Catharine, Pardon, Patience, Abigail, Jemima, John, and Almy. Pardon, son of John and Mercy (Almy) Wing, was born March 22, 1788, and died October, 1860. He married, about 1808, Almy, daughter of Peleg and Elizabeth (Ricketson) Slocum, of Dartmouth. Their children are Joseph, Catharine, Peleg S., Eliza, Ben- jamin F., Caroline, William R., and John. Benjamin Franklin Wing, son of Pardon and Almy (Slocum) Wing, was born in Dartmouth, Mass., Oct. 22, 1822. He was reared in the quiet industry of a farmer's home, and was early imbued with those qualities of economy, diligence, sobriety, and per- severance that are always the stepping-stones to success. His advantages for education were the meagre ones of the country schools of the period. In 1840 he commenced a maritime life on whale ships, and continued it for ten voyages, six of which he was master. His seafaring was fortunate and successful. Captain Wing has erected a beautiful residence, and made by its surroundings a pleasant home on the farm in Dartmouth, which he purchased in 1855, at the head of the Apponegansett River, and where he now resides. He married March 20, 1851, Emily, daughter of John and Charity GifFord, of an old New England family. She was born in Westport, Mass., April 9, 1825. Their children are Laura A., married Abraham Tucker, and has one child ; Joseph F. ; John Franklin, graduated at Amherst, June, 1882, now a student of mineralogy and chemistry at Got- tingen, Germany ; Herbert, attending commercial college at Providence, R. I. Capt. Wing has several times had important trusts confided to him by his fellow-citizens. He has been selectman seven successive terms, six times being chairman. Republican in politics, he represented Dartmouth in the Legislatures of 1872-73, and his senatorial district in 1876. His duties were discharged with ability in the interests of his constituents. He is in harmony with the better elements of society, and is one of the substantial men of Dartmouth. ABNER II. DAVIS. Abner Hicks Davis, son of Philip and Clarissa (Macomber) Davis, was born in Dartmouth, Sept. 20, 1819. His father, being of intemperate habits, did not properly provide for his family, and his earliest years were passed in poverty, relieved only by the en- ergy and industry of a faithful mother, — a woman of undaunted courage and sterling worth. When young Abner was but ten years old the prospect of a cheer- less and unprovided-for winter made it an act of ne- cessity for both mother and son to leave their so- called home and earn their own living. Abner went to Newport, R. L, to work on a farm for George Arm- strong. His father did not know his whereabouts for a month, when he discovered where he was and came to see him. The young lad was fearful he would be carried back to the poverty from which he was escaping, but his father gave him his choice of staying or returning. Mr. Armstrong told him if he remained with him he must be indentured as an ap- prentice for seven years, and he would like to have him stay. Much depended on the boy's decision, but even at that youthful period he had the good sense to go into the apprenticeship. He was to receive his board and clothes and three months' schooling each year. Faithfully and well he served his master, and at the conclusion of his time, in the winter of 1836, went to New Bedford and attended school three months, " doing chores" for his board for Nehemiah Leonard, and for his tuition sawing the school-house wood and sweeping the room. We may easily con- ceive that the advantages thus secured were appre- ciated and diligently improved. The next summer was spent as farm-hand for the son of Mr. Armstrong at Newport. Realizing the importance of education in the struggle of life, he attended school in New Bedford during 1838-39, boarding with Capt. Daniel 212 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Wood. Here he made friends, and in the spring of 1840 secured a clerkship in the employ of Ivory H. Bartlett, with a salary of two hundred and seventy- five dollars per year, boarding himself. Here he re- mained two years, the second year receiving fifty dollars advance. In the spring of 1842 he engaged with Charles R. Tucker in same capacity, — three hundred and seventy- five dollars salary. After one year he entered the em- ploy of the well-known house of Isaac Howland, Jr., & Co., the largest whaling shippers in the country, as outside clerk or overseer. Such was the faithful service given, and such was the appreciation thereof, that for twenty-two years he remained with this house, receiving at various periods from three hundred and seventy-five dollars to one thousand dollars, which for several years was paid him. His economy and thrift had during this period accumulated some money, which in a small way he adventured in va- rious vessels, the first being one-eighth interest in merchant brig "Osceola," which he helped to build. This investment proved remunerative, and he after- ward had interests in the merchant vessels schooner "Boxer," sloop "New York," schooners "Naiad Queen," "James H. Ashmead," "Henry Gibbs," "Eveline," barkentine "Jane A. Falkenburgh," ships " Otseonta," "Hibernia," and "John Coggs- well," and the whalers "John Dawson," " Elizur F. Mason," "Mary," "Charles \V. Morgan," "Triton," "Kathleen," "Sunbeam," etc. In 1881, Edward M. Robinson withdrew from the firm of Isaac Howland, Jr., & Co., and joined that of William T. Coleman & Co., of New York City, becoming the capitalist of the firm. This house did an immense business, and was the largest Californian shipping house in the city. In 1862, Mr. Davis followed Mr. Robinson and became outside superintendent of the firm, with a salary first of fifteen hundred dollars, then of two thousand five hundred dollars. He remained here three years, and in 1865, at the death of Mr. Rob- inson, with Henry A. Barling, a fellow-employe, as partner, commenced business for himself under firm-name of Barling & Davis, as commission mer- chants, at 163 Pearl Street, New York City. This partnership continued for thirteen years, with satis- factory success and the most friendly feelings, Mr. Barling being a gentleman of superior business abil- ity and highest integrity, as well as valuable and pleasant social qualities. Whatever Mr. Davis has acquired in business matters he ascribes to the valu- able experience secured under Mr. Robinson, a busi- ness man of the highest qualities and tireless industry. The steady application to business and the intensity of the life of the city steadily wore upon Mr. Davis' constitution until, on account of failing health, in 1868, lie withdrew from the partnership, and for two years devoted himself to the recuperation of his pros- trated nature. This he succeeded in accomplishing. In 1879 he removed to the farm in Dartmouth which he had purchased in 1867, and has since devoted him- self to its improvement and the out-door exercise connected therewith. From an ordinary farm of fifty-four acres, under his administration it has in- creased to one hundred and eighty acres, and wonder- fully changed its appearance. No expense nor labor has been spared to make it both beautiful and pro- ductive, and with an unsurpassed natural location, in full view of the city of New Bedford, it presents a series of fertile fields, artistically laid out, and each surrounded by a beautiful stone wall. This has grown up under Mr. Davis' own eye, and from his own de- signs. The writer has traveled in many of the United States, and has never seen so nice a combination of nature and art in developing a farm, nor so really convenient farm buildings as those constructed by Mr. Davis. The view from the back of the house to the east is especially noticeable. In doing this great labor Mr. Davis employs many persons, and may be considered truly a benefactor, and is also a pattern and bright example to the thoughtful young agri- culturists of the period. Mr. Davis married Eunice T., daughter of John and Jane (Finkham) Shurtleff, Aug. 13, 1844. She was born in Rochester, Mass., Feb. 4, 1821. She claims descent from the old and honored English Carver family, so noted in the annals of Plymouth Colony. Their family consists of Sarah C, born Feb. 2, 1850, and Clarissa H., born Sept. 4, 1869. Sarah married Joseph K. Upham, of New York City, and has two children, Eunice and Leroy. Mr. Davis is a self-made man in the highest sense, a courteous and amiable Christian gentleman. Of great energy and perseverance, he has risen by his own in- dustry and good habits to an independent and grati- fying position, and is respected by all the better portion of community. He has been Whig and Republican in politics; as such was a member of the Common Council of New Bedford in 1862. Both himself and wife are members of the North Christian Church of New Bedford, and are liberal to all deserving causes. The lesson of his life may well be studied, and with advantage by every poor and friendless boy struggling toward a higher life. JOSEPH TUCKER. The family of Tuckers now living within the original limits of the township of Dartmouth trace their ancestry to Henry Tucker, who, according to tradition, came from the County of Kent, England. He first settled in the tow-n of Milton, in this State, probably as early as 1650. It is related that he not approving of the proceedings of the colonial govern- ment at Boston respecting the severe laws passed and judgments enforced against the Quakers, left Milton and finally settled in Dartmouth, within the limits of the Plymouth Colony. This was a short time subse- quently to 1660. The following was copied from an DARTMOUTH. 213 inscription on a tree near the residence of Benjamin Tucker in Dartmouth, 5th mo. 5, 1S44: "First Settled By Henry Tucker 1660 who died 1694 succeeded by sm John who died 1751, aged 95 . Slice 1 hy son Joseph who died 1790 aged 94 succ 11 by son John who died 1820, aged 88." The house he built and lived in stood in the same yard, and within a few feet of the one now owned and occupied by J. S. Gidley. In 1669 he bought of William Allen, of Sandwich, one-third of the original shares into which the town- ship as then held was divided. In 1679 he made another purchase of James Sampson, of Portsmouth, R. I., of a limited number of acres in the undivided lands of the town. By these, and perhaps other acquired rights, when the town was afterwards sur- veyed and divided among the proprietors in severalty, his two sons, Abraham and John (their father being then deceased), became entitled to and received sev- eral hundred acres of land adjoining their respective homesteads. This land mostly remained in the pos- session of their descendants until within some fifty or sixty years. It has now, however, all passed out of the name, except the homestead and some out-lots belonging to J. and S. Tucker, which form part of the original tract settled by Henry, and laid out to his son John. These first settlers and their descendants down to a late period were mostly farmers, and worthy and ex- emplary members of the Society of Friends. Living on their paternal farms, they pursued the even tenor of their ways in quietness and peace. Having the respect and confidence of their neighbors and the community, they were called occasionally by their townspeople to places of trust in town affairs, and more often by the society of which they were mem- bers to fill important stations and perform various duties therein. The impression left upon the minds of their living descendants is that they were earn- estly engaged to live a life "void of offense towards God and towards men." Joseph Tucker resides in the central part of the town, and is the oldest living representative of the Tucker family. The farm which he occupies was the homestead of his father and grandfather, and though not included in the original survey made to the sons of Henry, lias, however, been in the family of Jo- seph and his ancestors over a century. He is an example of a sagacious and successful farmer, and is much respected by his friends and ac- quaintances. He is the fifth in descent from Henry, as the following list of his ancestors' names will show : His father, Edward, died 1832, aged sixty-seven years. His father, Joseph, Jr., died 1827, aged eighty- seven years. His father, Joseph, died 1790, aged ninety-three years, eight months. His father, John, died 1751, aged ninety-five years. His father, Henry, died 1694, aged sixty-seven years. Since the commencement of the present century several of the descendants have engaged in other pursuits, in which they have been in some cases more than ordinarily successful. Among these we may mention William Tucker and Charles R. Tucker. Joseph Tucker, son of Edward and Anna (Gifford) Tucker, was born on the farm where he now resides in Dartmouth, Dec. 12, 1806. His educational ad- vantages were limited to three months each winter until he was some fifteen years of age. His time has been entirely devoted to agriculture, and he now owns some three hundred acres of well-improved land, por- tions of which, especially the home farm, have been in the family for more than a century. He is a Whig and Republican in politics, but has never been an aspirant for political honors. He married Phebe, daughter of Allen and Hannah Howland, May 17, 1831. She was born Dec. 2, 1811, in Dartmouth. She had one brother, Holder Howland. Their chil- dren are Edward Tucker, born Jan. 2, 1836 ; Abram R, Tucker, born Nov. 18, 1841. Edward Tucker married Abby Potter, and has one daughter, Nellie, who married William P. Macom- ber, and they have a son, Edward S. Abram R. Tucker married Laura A., daughter of Capt. B. F. Wing (see B. F. Wing's biography), and has one son, Joseph F. Allen Howland, son of Joshua, and grandson of Timothy, married for his second wife Rhoda, daughter of Lilly Strafford, and had five children, — Elihu, Hannah, Lucy (deceased), Sarah (deceased), and John R. (deceased). THE TRAFFORD FAMILY. The Trafford family in this country are descended from a prominent Protestant family of England, which, under the popish persecutions, suffered much in person and estate. The first Trafford who started for America was a wealthy gentleman living near London. He was selected as a victim for death during the last Catholic persecution in England, and was warned when the officers coining to arrest him were approaching his house, and not having time to escape he hastily put on his groom's clothes and engaged in labor in the stables. The officers came, found no one but the grooms, and de- parted. Trafford then left the place, and chartered a vessel to remove himself and family to America. Here he passes from our knowledge. Whether he was captured and was executed, or died while at sea, are equally unknown to us. The vessel, however, came to America, and landed at Dartmouth, Mass., about 1690, bringing his two sons, one of whom was Thomas. The English estates were confiscated, and reverted to the crown. Thomas settled in Dartmouth, 214 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. married, and had children. From the landing at Dartmouth the Trafford family has been connected with the history of Bristol County. The oldest son of Thomas and the only child attaining maturity was Philip. He had a son Joseph, who was a Revolu- tionary soldier under Washington. Tradition says that once, while he was standing guard, Washington endeavored to make the rounds without giving the countersign. He succeeded in passing two of the guards, but Trafford refused to let him pass until he had given the proper countersign. From that time Joseph Trafford was the one chosen for duties of great trust and especial responsibilities, and he was rapidly promoted, becoming one of the best officers in his division. He lived and died in Dartmouth, leaving seven children, — Samuel, Joseph, William Bradford 1 , Philip, Phebe, Ruth, and Naomi. We find in family records that Joseph had a brother Elihu, who with two others ran a vessel from New Bedford to New York and up the Connecticut River. While the vessel was moored at New Bedford, Elihu and two others started on foot to visit their friends in Dartmouth. When but a short distance out they ob- served British soldiers following them, when they shot at them, and the soldiers returning their fire instantly killed all three. (For further history of the Trafford family, see page 381.) CHAPTER XIX. DIGHTON. 1 FREDERICK ALMY. Frederick Almy, third son of Thomas and Sarah Almy, was born in Dartmouth, Mass., April 30, 1811, where he lived until 1837, when he settled in business in Boston, Mass., and lived there or in the vicinity till the time of his death. In 1828 he commenced business at Russell's mills, Dartmouth, Mass., keeping a small country store, and continued there till 1837, the time of his removal to Boston. He then, with his elder brother, William Almy, Joseph W. Patterson, and Jarvis Slade, formed the firm of Almy, Patterson & Co. Mr. Slade retired in 1846, and Mr. Patterson in 1865, when the firm became Almy, Hobart & Co. ; this firm lasted two years, and was succeeded by Almy & Co. Jan. 1, 1868, Frederick Almy being the senior, Henry Almy (Wil- liam Almy's son), Francis N. Foster, and George P. Slade (Jarvis Slade's son), being associated with him. This firm was dissolved December, 1872, on account of Mr. Frederick Almy's ill-health, and so ended the succession of firms which had been as land-marks in the dry-goods business for so many years. His life was entirely devoted to business, and, with the exception of a directorship in the National Eagle Bank of Boston, he held no public office. He died Aug. 6, 1875. In 1847 was married to Susan H. Niles, daughter of Thomas Niles, of Boston ; there were four children, — Elizabeth B. Almy, Fred- erick Almy, Edward P. Almy, Henry N. Almy. " There is pruperly no history, only biography." — Emerson. It is probable that, in common with several other towns, the territory now the town of Dighton was first visited by white men on that memorable occasion in July, 1621, when Winslow and Hopkins, with the friendly Squanto as guide and interpreter, journeyed from Plymouth to Pokanoket, on the shores of Narra- gansett Bay, to visit the sachem Massasoit. Yet their discovery of this region may have been forestalled in the eleventh century by the Norsemen, in their visits to the uncertain region they had named Vinland, or possibly by the Florentine, Verazzano, who, as every school-boy ought to know, sailed up Narragansett Bay in 1524 and lay at anchor for a fortnight in the sheltered haven that is now Newport Harbor, from whence he may have sent exploring par- ties up the Cohannet, or Taunton River; but in the absence of any record of previous discovery, Dighton Rock being nearly given up as a relic of the Norse rovers, the Plymouth worthies must be considered as the discoverers of our township. As we read the quaint narrative of their journey into the unknown wilderness, it is not difficult to im- agine what must have been the aspect of the country through which they passed, where vast silent stretches of forest were occasionally broken by sparkling ponds and streams, or by deserted Indian plantations, from which the inhabitants had been swept by the great plague of 1617.'' Whether this terrible sickness was the yellow fever, as some suppose, or some other equally fatal disease, will never be known, but what- ever it was it devastated the country from the Penob- scot to Narragansett Bay, sparing only the Nausets on Cape Cod. " As we passed along," says the his- torian of the journey, " we observed that there were few places by the river that had not been inhabited, by reason whereof much ground was cleared, save of weeds which grew higher than our heads." The two sturdy explorers, tramping on after their taciturn guide, must have had even their unpoetic minds touched by the solemn grandeur of the prim- eval forests, with its dim religious light and its awe-in- spiring stillness, broken by scarcely a sound save their own footfalls. At times, perhaps, the spell would be broken by the chatter of a chipmunk overhead, or the howl of some beast of prey in the dim recesses of the woods. But silence and solitude were the chief char- acteristics of the land. The difference between the magnificent forest scen- ery of that day and the sapling woods, choked with briers and underbrush, of the present time is shown by the statement that " though the country is wilde 1 By George A. Shove, Esq. - The old historians did not agree as to the exact time when this great Indian pestilence took place, some placing the date as early as 1012. t' May." Then follows an entry of the birth of a son, the name obliterated : " , the son of Jared Tal- but by Rebecca, was born March 26 Anno Domini, 1688, died ye eleventh day of ye same month." But this loss was made, good the next year by the birth of another son, — " Jared Talbut, ye son of Jared Talbut by Rebecca, his wife, was born April ye fourth day, 1680." In 1691 another son was born, who was named Josiah, and in 1692 twin girls made their appearance, but both died in a few days. In 1693 another pair of girls were introduced upon the scene, but, like their predecessors, their lives were cut short before the month was out. Thereafter, in quick succession, came other children, — Jacob, John, Elizabeth, Seth, Re- becca, Ebenezer, Benjamin, — fourteen children in all, but not more than half of them surviving the perils of infancy. Besides Jared Talbot, only three other heads of families are mentioned in the brief records of the births, deaths, and marriages in the South Purchase in the last part of the seventeenth century. These are Ephraim Hathaway, the first birth in whose family of eleven was in 1690; Nicholas Stephens, the first of whose nine children was born in 1696 ; and Ed- ward Babbitt, who had nine children, the first being born in 1695. The names that occur in the records of the early part of the eighteenth century, prior to 1712, when the town was incorporated, are as follows, only heads of families being mentioned: David Walker, Edward Shove, Ebenezer Pitts, Samuel Talbut, Nathan Walker, John Burt, and Abraham Hathaway. The records were very imperfectly kept in those days and for many years afterwards, and many of the births, deaths, and marriages that occurred were, probably, not recorded at all. This imperfection of the old record books is more noticeable in the marriages and deaths than in the births. It will be seen from the foregoing extracts that Jared* Talbot, one of the first authentic settlers of tin/ South Purchase, was not married until ten years after the close of Philip's war, so that the tradition in regard to his family's removal to Taunton on the breaking out of hostilities is apparently incorrect. 1 The house that he built has long since been torn down. It stood near the town burying-ground on the hill, on the east side of the old Bristol and Taunton road, and not far from where Dexter Pierce's 1 Rebecca Hathaway may have been Jared Talbot's second wife, in which case there would be no inconsistency between the tradition and the records. house now stands. The Rebecca Hathaway that he married was probably the daughter of John Hatha- way, one of the original proprietors of the South Purchase. Talbot appears to have been a man of considerable influence in the settlement on the South Purchase, active in church matters, as well as in secu- lar affairs. In the records he is sometimes called Capt. Jared Talbot and sometimes Jared Talbot, Esq. He died Jan. 21, 1733. His wife survived him nine years. He was the second clerk of the town, the first having been Joseph Deane. He also served the town as one of the assessors, and was a representative to the Gen- eral Court in 1722. He also took an active part in securing an act of the Legislature incorporating the town. His influence in the community is shown in the following agreement, drawn up in 1708, between the inhabitants on the west side of Taunton River and those on the east side : " To all Christian people to whom these presents shall come: Know ye, that, whereas, we, ye subscribers, inhabitants of Taunton Joint Pur- chase, together with some of ye inhabitants of s'd Taunton on ye east side of Taunton great river, have preper'd a petition to ye General Court to be drawn oft' from s'd Taunton and to be a Township or a precinct by ourselves, our heirs and successors voluntarily agree to and with ye in- habitants on ye east side of s'd river, viz., all and every of them that are contained within ye bounds set in s'd petition, to all and every of ye following articles, and we do by these presents, bind and oblige ourselves, ours and every of our heirs ami successors, to fulfill and perforin all and every of ye following articles : "First. We, ye inhabitants of s'd Taunton South Purchase do cov- enant, promise, and engage, to and with ye inhabitants on ye east side of s'd Taunton great river, viz., all those that are contained within ye bounds or limits of our petition, that at, or any time after ye expiration or end of fifteen years after ye date of these presents, if s'd inhabitants on ye east side of said river, with the rest of their neighbors living con- venient, doe judge themselves capable and doe goe about to obtain a part out, or township, in order to settle ye gospel among themselves, that we, ye said inhabitants of ye South Purchase, will not molest, de- tain, or hinder them, but that they shall be free from all ye obligations to us, and we putting them to no charge on any account. " 2ndly. We, ye inhabitants of s'd South Purchase, do covenant, prom- ise, and engage to and unto ye inhabitants on ye east side of ye s'd river, that we will, on our own cost and charge, build ami completely finish a convenient Meeting House, of convenient bigness for all our inhabitants contained within ye confines of our said s'd precinct, and s'd Meeting House to be completely finished, within and without, within ye space of one year's time after s'd petition is granted, if granted at all. — Further, s'd inhabitants of s'd South Purchase doe engage, as above, that they, at their charge and cost, will provide a sufficient settlement, both of housing and lauds, for s'd minister, from all of which charges aforesaid ye s'd inhabitants of s'd South Purchase doe engage to free s'd inhabi- tants on ye east side of s'd river; and, further, that when s'd meeting- house is so finished, then our neighbors on ye east side oi s'd river shall have as good right in it as though they had carried on their parts in building it, according to ye proportion of rates they doe pay. Ne.xtly, we, ye inhabitants of ye east side of s'd river, doe covenant and promise as aforesaid, that we will be at equal charges with them of s'd • Purchase in procuring and maintaining a minister so long as we con- tinue to meet together and no longer. "3d. Jared Talbot, for himself and bis successors, doth covenant as above, to and with ye inhabitants oh s'd east side of s'd river, and their successors, that both himself and they shall and will allow and find a convenient way to s'd meeting-house from ye great rive, to ye country road on ye we8t Side of s'd Talbot's land, for S'd inhabitants to go to B'd meeting-house, s'd way to be just above Legreganset river mouth, and so to go along on ye south side of ye new dwelling-house of s'd Talbot, so long as they meet together and no longer. "4thly. We, ye inhabitants of s'd purchase do promise, as aforesaid, that we will lie at equal cost and charge with ye s'd inhabitants of east side of s'd river, in building and maintaining a ferry-boat sufficient for 218 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. passing over to meeting, and so long as they continue to meet together and no longer. " 5thly. It is mutually agreed by both parties afores'd and as above s'd, that ye meeting-house shall be set on ye hill, on ye west side of ye way, over against Talbot's new dwelling-house, and adjoining s'd way. "Gthly. It is mutually agreed by both parties afores'd, that when we have a school kept, it shall he kept sometimes on one side of s'd river, and sometimes on ye other side of s'd river, according to ye proportion of rates they do pay, " Lastly. It is mutually agreed by both parties that ye above written articles continue so long as we meet together and no longer. " In witness whereof we, ye s'd inhabitants on ye west side of s'd river, and ye inhabitants on ye east side of ye river, have interchangeably set our hands to these presents, this twenty-fifth day of February, Anno Domini, 1708. "Benj. Briggs. Tims. Briggs. " Tuos. Jones. Amos Briggs. " Eph. Hathaway. Joseph Pool. "Isaac Pool. Jared Talbot. "Matthew Briggs. Richard Hopkins. "John Wood. Hezekiaii Hoar. " Erenezer Pitts. Samuel Talbot. " Peter Pitts " This agreement certainly shows a very liberal spirit on the part of the people of the South Purchase. At that time Assonet Neck, on the east side of the river, was a part of Taunton. 1 It had been annexed to the colony in 1677 as part of the domain forfeited by Philip when he took up arms against the colonists, and it was purchased from the government by six Taunton men, Rev. George Shove, 2 James Walker, James Tisdale, Walter Deane, William Harvey, and Richard Williams. In July, 1682, it was annexed to Taunton. May 30, 1712, the town of Dighton was incorporated, and Assonet Neck was joined to the South Purchase as a part of the town. The name of Dighton, it is well known, was bestowed upon the new township out of respect for the wife of Richard Williams, one of the original proprietors of the South Purchase, and who has been called the father of Taunton. His wife's maiden name was Frances Dighton. She was a very estimable woman, and was a sister of the wife of Governor Thomas Dudley. Until within a few years there was only one Dighton in the United States, which was a great advantage in preventing the miscarriage of mail matter addressed to the pohe was called; but having a fun-loving disposition, she played him a practical joke that put an end to his attentions to herself and caused a good deal of gossip in the neighborhood. The lovers were sitting up together one Sunday evening in the front room, alter the family had retired, and as the court- ship was pretty well along, Betty was sitting in her admirer's lap. While in this interesting situation, young Pitts was ungallant enough to fall asleep. Whether he was naturally of a somnolent habit, or whether he was fatigued by the labors of the week, can only be conjectured. At all events lie fell into a deep slumber, which Elizabeth perceiving, she gently disengaged herself from her sleeping beau's arms and very carefully put a churn, which stood in the room, in the place she had vacated. Then she softly went up-stairs to her little bed and awaited the result of her practical joke. She did not have to wait long, for soon there was a surprising racket in the room below as the heavy churn fell from the astonished sleeper's arms and rolled over the floor. Her rev- erend father hastily got up and, in scanty raiment. came out to see what all the noise was about. Pitts made such explanation as his naturally bewildered condition permitted, and with scant ceremony left the house never to enter it again. This story of the beau and the churn was published in a local newspaper many years ago, but the scene was laid in another locality and with different dra- matis pcrsona>. As the writer had the story from one of Mr. Fisher's great-grandchildren, who vouched for its truth, there is no doubt that the affair happened in this town, and in the house of the Rev. Nathaniel Fisher, and that his daughter Betty was the chief actor in the little comedy. Whether she found the result of her practical joking as amusing in the end, when her lover did not come back, is questionable. 1 The following report of the committee chosen to make an agreement with Mr. Fisher in regard to the amount of his salary, will show the manner of paying the ministers in colonial days : "Taunton, South Precinct, June 28, 1710. " Wee, whose names are underwritten, being a committy chosen by the inhabitants of the Taunton South Precinct, to treat with and make proposals to Mr. Nathaniel Fisher, for his encouragement to settle amongst us in ye sacred employ of ye ministry, have held a treaty with him, and have made the following proposals to him (viz.) that wee will give him for the first three years forty-five pounds, and then to raise to fifty pounds, and to continue it three years, and then to raise it to sixty pounds, and to continue three years, and after that as heads and estates increase to rise till it comes to seventy pounds, aud then stop, which proposals Mr. Fisher will take up withal. " Jared Tai.bot. "Richard Hopkins. "Joseph Deane. " John Crane. " Ebenezer Pitts." The salary arranged for the future by the rules of arithmetical progression, according to the probable increase of heads and estates, was paid one-third in money and two-thirds in "merchantable pay, equiva- lent to money." A part of this merchantable pay consisted of rum and lumber. Mr. Fisher having with his growing family more use for provisions than for rum and lumber, succeeded finally in getting pro- visions substituted therefor. 1 As a sequel to this little romance the following entry in the town- record of marriages may be interesting, at least, to the lady readers of this sketch: "September ye 29th, 1743, Jobe Winslow and Elizabeth Fisher were married by Rev. Nathaniel Fisher." The Job Winslow that married Elizabeth was afterwards lieutenant-colonel in the Second Regiment, Second Brigade of the Rristol County militia. He had previously been In active service as a captain, and also as a major in the French and In- dian war. They had four children. Their son Job was a colonel in the militia. Elizabeth Fisher's first lover, George Pitt*, the hero of the chnrn married and had children. He was afterwards one of the Selectmen of the town, and held other offices. He appears to have been a capable, worthy man. On the theatrical stage, tragedy is sometimes followed by a comedy or a farce, but on the stage of life the order is usually reversed, and the tragic lags not far behind the comic. Capt. George Pitts died of small- pox. Dec. 10, 1763, in his forty-ninth year. His wife, Elizabeth, died during the following March, of the same dreadful disease, as did also an infant daughter. They were all buried in an out-of-the-way spot, on the western bolder of the pine swamp. Within a few years the old slate stones marking their graves have been removed to the burying-ground of the Unitarian Society. 220 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Hiring a minister for life, as was the custom in those days, was a very serious business, and the people of the South Precinct no doubt gave the matter a great deal of consideration. It was almost like choosing a king to rule over them. The ministers then were the most influential men in their precincts. They were not only arbiters in things spiritual and ecclesiastical, but they were frequently men of affairs, engaged in large business transactions, like the Rev. Hugh Peters, of Salem, in commerce, and the Rev. George Shove, of Taunton, in real estate; they were, besides, sometimes the only physicians, lawyers, and teachers in their precincts, so that each local town government in the colonies might well be termed a hierocracy, tempered by the town-meeting. With the lapse of years and the mental emancipation they have brought the hierocracy has, in secular matters at least, taken a back seat, and the town-meeting, as the embodiment of the common sense of each com- munity, is the chief arbiter under the law of local affairs outside of the cities. Nathaniel Fisher was the sole minister of the town for more than half a century, and in his declining years was furnished with an assistant. His name will occur hereafter in the course of this sketch. The town in 1713 was fairly started upon its corpo- rate history. At that time it was divided into two parts by Taunton River, which was a great incon- venience in many ways, for as yet a bridge was hardly thought of. On the east side of the river the town included the whole of Assonet Neck, and extended northerly as far as the present site of the old meet- ing-house on Berkley Common. It having become necessary to make provision for the impounding of stray cattle and for the punishment of offenders against the laws, the following vote was passed at a town-meeting held Dec. 21, 1713: " Voted to make two pounds ; that on the west side of the river Capt. Talbot gives the land to set it on, joyning to the road, near the meeting-house ; the one on the east side of the river, Edward Paull gives the land to set it on. Voted also that the Selectmen should exact (i.e., survey) the lines of the township, set up stocks and whipping-post, and make the pounds." There has been an advance in the methods of pun- ishing criminals since that vote was passed. If stocks and whipping-post were to be set up now in front of the town hall, they would not probably remain there very long. There was a public ferry at that time be- tween the two sections of the town. It was located about half a mile below the present site of Berkley and Dighton bridge. In 1715 it was voted to put the ferry-boat into the hands of Capt. Jared Talbot and Deacon Abraham Hathaway for three years, " the boat to be free for the use of the inhabitants on all public days, the said Talbot and Hathaway agreeing to keep said ferry-boat in good repair all said time at their own cost." Afterwards another ferrv was es- tablished about a mile farther down the river, at a narrow place opposite the lower wharves in Dighton. The point of land on the Berkley side is still known as the Ferry Point, and is a part of the fishing-ground of Shove & Nichols. The tax-rate was probably of more general interest among the necessarily frugal people of the colonial period than at present, when wealth and the means of getting wealth have so largely increased, and the following bill of charges for the first year after the town's incorporation was undoubtedly closely scru- tinized by the tax-payers in town-meeting assembled : " Bill of Chargks for 1712. £ s. d. Mr. Fisher's salary this present year 50 Capt. Talbot, obtaining precinct and township 17 18 7 Edward Paull, dieting schoolmaster for 1711 5 Thomas Junes, dieting schoolmaster same year 2 10 Constant Pitts, dieting schoolmaster same year 2 10 Edward Shove, making rate lor 1711 7 Samuel Waldron, making rate for same year 6 Joseph Wood, making rate for same year 6 Constant Pitts, making rate for same year 4 Constable Matthew Briggs, gathering Mr. Fisher's rates.... 3 7 6 Samuel Whitmarsh, making rate same year '- For building the ferry-boat 5 Richard Hoskins, making rate same year 1 4 The whole amounting to £87 12 5'' The cost of living could not have been high at that time, when ten pounds would board the schoolmaster for a year. The salary of a schoolmaster was from twenty to thirty pounds a year. Some of the school- masters were men of good education, and could teach Latin and Greek if occasion required, and most of them had firm faith in the truth of the Solomonic dictum that to spare the rod was to spoil the child. If the master gave satisfaction — and the people were easily satisfied — he was almost as much of a fixture in the community as was the minister, teaching in the same little school-house year after year. The curriculum of the common schools was made up of much fewer studies than at present. To be able to read, write, cipher, and spell in a passable manner, and to know a little about the countries of the globe, was about all that was expected of a boy when he left off going to school and began his battle with the material forces of nature, whether on the land or on the sea. There are those who think that the schools of that time turned out young men and women having more force, earnestness, and probity of character than is shown by the young men and women of the present day when they leave school, although they may have obtained a smattering of many studies that their great-great-grandfathers and mothers knew nothing of, — -physiology, drawing, book-keeping, algebra, music, and the like. But schools, although an im- portant factor, are not wholly responsible for the formation of the characters of young men and women. The mode of life and the example and teaching of the parents have quite as much influence in the formation of the characters of children as the school they attend. The people of the colonies were a DIGHTON. 221 serious, industrious, earnest people, thoroughly im- pressed, through their religious teachings, that this life is but the prelude to either endless joy or endless torment; hence even the children had much of the earnestness and staidness of their elders. Whether the people enjoyed life as much then as peo- ple do now is a question that has been often discussed. It is argued that cultivated perceptions of the beautiful in nature and art are one of the chief aids to rational enjoyment of life, and that such cultivated percep- tions being lacking in colonial times, the people then were deprived of a great source of enjoyment; and, furthermore, that, having few books, and those chiefly dreary homilies or tedious disquisitions on the doc- trinal points of their gloomy religion, while news- papers and magazines were almost unknown, they knew but little of the enjoyment to be derived from a healthy love of reading. On the other hand, it may be said that, living a simpler and more physically active life, those who survived the perils of infancy had better health than the majority of people have now. They knew but little of nervous disorders or of dyspepsia, which make life a torment to so many people nowadays, and if having plenty of work to do is a chief source of happiness, as Carlyle and other philosophers have taught, they found labor enough to do at hand in clearing the wilderness and finding food and cloth- ing for themselves and their large families. On the w T hole, it is to be doubted whether existence is more enjoyable to their descendants than it was to them. Most of the dwellings of that period have disap- peared long ago, and the few that remain have, with rare exceptions, been altered and modernized until it is difficult to tell how they originally looked. The most striking feature of the architecture of one of these old houses is the huge chimney, around which the house was apparently built. The kitchen fireplace was usually an enormous chasm, in which cord-wood was burnt without sawing, and in which one could sit and look up the sooty cavern to the sky. On cold winter evenings the huge high-backed settle was drawn up in front of the fire to keep off draughts. The mug of cider was brought up from the cellar, and perhaps a dish of apples or nuts passed around, or oysters were roasted on the coals. While the fire blazed up brightly there was little need of the tallow candles which flared and sputtered and sent minia- ture eruptions of melted grease down the candle- sticks. Punctually at nine o'clock the family retired to their four-post bedsteads and feather-beds, to be up in the morning at break of day or earlier. In one aspect of their lives the colonists were in- tensely' practical and seemingly devoted to material interests, but when we think how their religious be- lief dominated over their lives, and what sacrifices they were ready to make for the support of the church, we perceive that they led dual lives ; with most of them the spiritual life was of far greater importance than the life of the senses. 1 The town officers chosen for 1712, the first year of the town government, were as follows : Town Clerk, Joseph Deane ; Col. Ebenezer Pitts, Edward Paull, and James Tisdale were chosen selectmen ; John Burt and David Walker, constables ; Samuel Waldron, Daniel Axtel, and Abraham Shaw, assessors ; Ensign John Crane, town treasurer ; John Wood and Isaac Hathaway, tithingmen ; Abraham Hathaway and John Wood, surveyors for ways; Thomas Burt and Isaac Pool, fence-viewers; Johu White and Richard Wood, field-drivers; Joseph Maxfield, flax'-culler. The pay for doing the town's business was very moderate, as were the prices for other kinds of work. The town clerk and the selectmen charged at the rate of three shillings a day, and land surveyors had the same pay. Town-meetings were held in the meeting- house. This saved the expense of a town hall, and was appropriate enough, as much of the town busi- pess related to church matters. It was the town that built the meeting-house, hired the minister, and col- lected his rates. The records of town-meetings for many years after the town was incorporated contain but little that would interest the general reader. They are mostly brief entries, poorly written and worse spelled, of the election of town officers and representatives to the General Court, varied by transcripts of bills paid by the treasurer. Some of the town offices that were an- nually filled then have long since been abolished. Such were the cullers of flax, clerk of the market, tithing men, and hog-reeves. What were the duties of clerk of the market in a farming community, such as Dighton was then, I have not been able to find out. The tithingman was required by law to be selected from the " most prudent and discreet inhabitants," and he was a sort of inspector-general of the town- ship. He was required "to inspect all licensed or unlicensed houses where they shall have notice or have grounds to suspect that any person or persons doe spend their tyme or estates by night or day in tippling, gaming, or otherwise unprofitably, or doe sell or retayle strong drink, wine, cider, rumm, brandey, jerry, or methylin without a license." They were also required " to inspect the manners of all disorderly persons, and to present to the magis- trate the names of all single persons who live from under family government, stubborn and disorderly children and servants, night-walkers, tipplers, and Sabbath-breakers, by night or day, and such as ab- sent themselves from the worship of God on the Lord's dayes." The tithingman was required to be provided, at the expense of the town, with "a black staff, two feet long, tipt at one end with brass about 1 Emerson somewhere hyperbolically remarks that the Puritans and their immediate descendants were so righteous that they had to hold ou to the huckleberry bushes to prevent being translated. 222 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. three inches." It has been handed down that these black batons were sometimes tipped at the other end with a rabbit's foot or a turkey's tail feather, where- with to tickle the eyes or noses of the sleeping saints in the congregation, while sinners who wandered in the land of Nod during the services were smartly rapped on the head with the brass end of the staff. Such were the important duties of the tithingmen, and it is needless to say that they were regarded with a wholesome fear by evil-disposed persons. 1 The duties of the hog-reeve, as might be inferred from his title, were of a very different nature. It was customary to allow hogs to run in the streets, and the hog-reeve was required to provide them with yokes around their necks to keep them out of fenced in- cisures, and to put rings into their noses to prevent their rooting. The hog-reeve was paid for his ser- vices by the owner of the animals. In 1733 the following vote was passed (it is given verbatim et liter atam) : " In Dighton, at the Annuel Town meeting in march ye 20, anno 1733, the Inhabitanes of said Town did uanumosley vote that thare Reprasanta- tive, Mr Edward Shove, should Exhibit a pettion to the great and genral court for so much un propriated Lands as thay in thare great Wisdom shall think fit to be for the supporting the scool in said Dighton." There was certainly need of a liberal grant of land by the Great and General Court for the support of a "scool" in this town, if the orthography of the town clerk is to be taken as a sample of the literary quali- fications of the people. It was customary then to establish by a vote of the town the prices at which farm produce and other merchandise should be sold at. The following are some of the prices fixed by vote in 1727: Winter wheat, six shillings and sixpence per bushel ; Indian corn, two shillings and sixpence; oats, one shilling and five pence; bayberry (this was vegetable wax, tried from the berries of the bayberry, or wax-myrtle), fourteen pence per pound; butter, ten pence per pound ; bar-iron, two pounds three shillings per hun- dred ; tobacco, three pence per pound. (Think of that, ye slaves of the weed, and sigh for the good old times !) In 1728 a town-meeting was called " to consider what to do, and send such instructions to our repre- sentative, Mr. Edward Shove, as the inhabitants of the said town of Dighton shall think fit under our difficult circumstances, by reason of His Excellency the Governor, his long and vehemently insisting on a fixed and stated salary, which we humbly conceive, if it should be granted that a Governor should have a fixed or stated salary granted him in this province, contrary to the former custom and practice of this 1 The last tithiugmen chosen in this town were Anthony Reed, Joseph Briggs, and Thomas Porter, who were elected at the annual meeting in 1834. our General Court in granting allowances to our for- mer worthy Governors in time past, it would greatly infringe on the privileges and freedoms granted to us by their Majesties' royal charter." The town there- upon instructed its representative to oppose this dan- gerous innovation and infringement of the people's rights, not seeming to consider that the Governor had any rights in the matter of his own salary. The Ed- ward Shove who represented the town at that time was a son of the Rev. George Shove, of Taunton. He lived on the east side of the river, and was a prominent man in town affairs. The Rev. George Shove was much opposed to the Quakers, and it is a little singular that most of his descendants belonged to the broad-brimmed fraternity. It was the custom in those days for the selectmen to warn out of town any new-comers whom they thought might become a charge to the town ; their warrants to the constable to this effect frequently occur in the records. The following is a sample of one of these warrants : " Bristol ss. Dighton, October the 2d. "You are in His Majesty's name forthwith required to warn the fol- lowing persons out of town as the law directs, they being not lawful inhabitants of said town. The names of said persons is (as) followeth : The man's name is Stephen Huchinson, and his wife's Abigail Huchin- son, and seven children, whose names are Daniel, Stephen, Richard, Joseph, Lemuel, Abigail, and Lydia, who are now in the house of Thomas Joslin, as we are informed, in Dighton. Fail not, and make return of your doings to us, or one of us, quick as may be. "To Ebenezer Pool, Constable of Dighton. " Elnathan Walker, "Attest: Nathan Walker, " George Pitts, " Town Cleric. "Selectmen." Here is another entry, which shows a laudable zeal in the cause of education : "At the above said meeting (in 1734) the town vote that the selectmeu should hier a scoolmaster to teach children to Reed and Wright and sifer." In 1751 the population had increased to such an extent that it was voted to build three school-houses, one near Mr. Jonathan Burt's house, one near Col. Richmond's, to be under the care of Josiah Talbot, Esq., and one near the house of Robert Vickerv, to be under the care of Mr. George Gooding. Two of these houses were sixteen feet square, and one was twenty feet. They were probably painted red, as that was the favorite color for the district school- house. At almost every town-meeting the bills for boarding the schoolmaster were voted to be paid, but only once was there mention of that functionary's name; in 1755 one John Richmond is mentioned as the schoolmaster. Another singular omission of the records is that no mention is made of either of the wars between Great Britain and France, although in Queen Anne's war, as it is called, which lasted more than a dozen years, in the early part of the eighteenth century, men from this town must have served ; while in George the Second's war, towards the middle of the century, a number of men from Dighton were enlisted. The DIGHTON. 223 Bristol County regiment which went with the expe- dition that captured the fortress of Louisburg, on Cape Breton Island, in 174"), was commanded by a Dighton man, Col. Sylvester Richmond, who was born in 1698, so that he was forty-seven years old when he went on the expedition mentioned. 1 How he acquitted himself as colonel we do not know, but his military conduct might have surpassed that of his associate officers or of his commander and yet not have been worthy of special commendation. There was no lack of bravery, but there was very little judgment shown in the conduct of the siege, and not much discipline among the troops. Only the mutinous condition of the garrison in the fortress made its capture possible. The siege was conducted in a most unsoldier-like manner, the rear of the besieging army being a scene of disgraceful confusion, the men being chiefly en- gaged in the unmilitary occupation of skylarking, running races, pitching quoits, wrestling, shooting birds, or chasing the balls shot from the fort, a bounty being paid for each one brought into camp. A well- conducted sortie from the fortress would have de- stroyed the undisciplined besiegers. On the 17th of June, however, the Dunkirk of America, as Louisburg was sometimes called, surrendered to the New Eng- land troops. " If any one circumstance," says a his- torian of that time, " had taken a wrong turn on our side, and if any one circumstance had not taken a wrong turn on the French side, the expedition must have miscarried." Before undertaking the expedition Col. Pepperell, the amiable merchant who was placed in command, had consulted the celebrated preacher Whitefield, who gave his approval, and, after manner of the crusades, furnished a motto for the flag : " Nil desperandum Christo duce." The grand battery was captured with- out bloodshed in a singular manner. The warehouses in the northeast part of the town having been set on fire in the night, a strong wind drove the dense smoke into the battery, and caused such a panic among the French that they hastily abandoned the battery and fled into the city. In the morning, as a young lieu- tenant named Vaughan was reconnoitering with thir- teen men, he observed that there was no smoke issuing from the chimneys of the barracks, and that the flag- Btaff was without a flag. He thereupon bribed an Indian to climb in through an embrasure and open the gate. He thus found himself in possession of the works, and immediately sent the following report to the general in command : " May it please your Honor to be informed that, by the grace of God and the courage of thirteen men, I entered the Royal Battery about nine o'clock, and am waiting for a reinforce- ment and a flag." Before reinforcements could arrive the French had sent a hundred men in boats to retake the battery, but Vaughan and his baker's dozen of New Englanders gave them so warm a reception that 1 Lieut.-Col. Ebenezer Pitts, of Dighton, also was in the expedition to Louisburg, where he lost his life. they were prevented from landing. Europe was as- tonished at this victory, and in England it was sought to claim all the glory for the navy at the expense of the provincial army. After his return from the French war, Col. Rich- mond took a prominent part in town affairs, and was soon appointed high sheriff of Bristol County, hold- ing the office for many years. His father's name was Sylvester, and he had a son and grandson of that name. His wife's name was Elizabeth, and they had eight children. He was a justice of the peace, and married many couples in this town. Marriage was considered only a civil contract in those days, and justices enjoyed almost a monopoly of the splicing business. There is no record of any marriages by Rev. Nathaniel Fisher for many years after he was settled in Dighton. Col. Sylvester Richmond died in 1783, aged eighty-four years. His wife died in 1772, at the age of seventy-two. Col. Richmond's house and farm were on the north slope of Richmond Hill, to which his ownership gave the name. Only a part of one of the chimneys of the house is now standing to mark its site. It was a pic- turesque, gambrel roofed old mansion a generation ago, with an immense fireplace in the kitchen, where, it was said, the colonel's slaves were wont to gather in cold weather. For many years it was inhabited by two old maiden ladies, granddaughters of Col. Syl- vester, who made some pretence of carrying on farm- ing. The cart-path from the road to the rear of the house was a thoroughfare for the school children while going to and from the huckleberry pastures during the summer vacations, and they could not always resist the temptation to pocket some of the red-cheeked lady-apples and luscious sugar-pears that often strewed the path, for which pilferings they were generally roundly scolded by the watchful guardians of the premises, whose names were Sally and Nancy. In return for these jobations, one of the older bovs, who had a reprehensible propensity for punning, was wont to speak of the scolding Sally as " Sally-rate-us," while an admonition from her sister was termed the " Edict of Nance," an allusion, probably, to the his- torical Edict of Nantes. The house had the reputa- tion in its later years of being haunted; stories of strange sights and sounds seen and heard by some of its tenants are still current in the neighborhood. One of these stories, related to the writer by an Irishman who is known by the sobriquet of "Sleepy Bill," and vouched for as true by his wife, was to the following effect. Let it be premised that the house stood six or seven rods from the nearly disused road that leads over the hill, and was approached by the cart-path already mentioned, which was closed at the road by bars. This cart-path ran along within a foot or two of the south side of the house, on the lower floor of which was the bedroom occupied by the Irishman and his wife Kate, the head of whose bed was against the south wall. 224 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. The somnolent William said that one night about one o'clock he and his " old woman" were awakened by what seemed to be a long procession of carriages that appeared to come up the cart-path from the road, and go past the house down into the swamp at the rear. Having previously heard unaccountable sounds in and about the house, they were too much frightened to get up and see what was going on, while the twenty or more carriages rumbled and jolted along over the frozen ground close to their heads. They appeared to move slowly, like carriages in a funeral procession. Another night they were awakened by a terrible crash in the front hall, as if the whole staircase had fallen and been broken into fragments, but no assignable cause for the racket could be found in the morning. A boarder of theirs related that, coming home rather late one moonlight evening, he was astonished and very much frightened to see several people, dressed in the costume of long ago, dancing what he termed a " breakdown" in the front door-yard. He did not tarry to make the acquaintance of these ancient dis- ciples of Terpsichore, but beat a retreat in double- quick time, and found a lodging elsewhere. The uncanny reputation given to the old house by these stories and others of a similar nature, together with its dilapidated condition, made it difficult to ob- tain tenauts who would stay in it long, and it rapidly went to ruin. While it was tenantless the cellar was dug over more than once in the night-time by parties acting under the direction of clairvoyants, who pro- fessed to see large sums of money buried there. Whether any pot of doubloons or of Spanish dol- lars ever rewarded the diggers is not known, but, judging from the ill success that has attended the long-continued search for Capt. Kidd's buried treas- ure, it is probable that the search in the old Richmond cellar was unsuccessful. In 1767 the meeting-house on the hill was destroyed by fire, the work of an incendiary. The building of a new meeting-house had been agitated for sometime. The old house was found too small for the increasing congregation, but there was a division of opinion as to the proper location for the new one. Some thought the old place the best situation that could be found ; others preferred Buck Plain, as that would be nearer to their own homes, while a few were in favor of en- larging the old house. One dark night there was a blaze upon Meeting-House Hill, and the question of repairing and enlarging the primitive structure that stood on its summit was decided beyond reconsidera- tion in the negative. After the fire the dispute about the site for the new house still continued to agitate the community, and there being no prospect of agree- ment, it was found necessary to call in referees from another town to settle the vexed question. The names of five men were drawn from the juror-box in Attle- borough, and the referees thus called upon, after a careful hearing of all parties in the dispute, decided to stick up a stake on Buck Plain as the spot where, in their opinion, the new house should be built. The place chosen was about a mile westerly from where the first house stood. There were but few houses in the immediate vicinity. Nature has not been lavish in her gifts to that level portion of the town known as Buck Plain. The land is not remarkable for fer- tility, and the plain is chiefly covered with a low growth of scrub-oaks, and such was undoubtedly the case in the early settlement of the locality. The origin of the name is said to have been as follows: Informer times there were three distinct families bearing the name of Briggs in the town, and to distinguish them they were called respectively the "Stout Briggses," the " Buckhorns," and the " Whip- poorwills." What was the signification of the latter appellation is not, perhaps, known at the present day. Possibly some members of the family lived in the woods, and were nocturnal in their ways. The " Buckhorns" were so called from certain curious protuberances like budding deers' horns that ap- peared on the heads of many of that branch of the name, even down to a late period. The "Stout Briggses" were distinguished for great bodily strength, the word stout being here used in its original sense of strong, and not in the later sense of corpulent as Washington Irving used it in his sketch of the " Stout Gentleman." According to the story which has been handed down, one Samuel Briggs, of the Buckhorn branch, lived not far from the locality that is now called Buck Plain ; how long ago the tradition does not state, but it was some time, probably, in the first half of the last century. Samuel was crossing the plain one day when he came upon a large buck lying under a rock among the scrub-oaks fast asleep. Being an active young man he determined, as he had no gun to shoot the animal with, to attempt to cap- ture it alive. He therefore crept cautiously up to the sleeping deer, and sprang upon its back, seizing one of its horns in each hand. The astonished and frightened buck leaped to its feet, and made off at a headlong pace in the direction of the river, which was more than a mile distant, Briggs clinging to his back as best he could. On they tore through bushes, briers, and scrub-oaks, and reaching the river at last, the panic-stricken animal plunged in with its rider, who managed to drown and capture it. According to the tale, when Briggs reached the river he was very nearly in purls naturalibus, all of his clothing having been torn off excepting his shirt collar and wristbands. Mazeppa's famous bareback ride was a tame affair compared to Samuel Briggs' ride on the buck. Although the Cossack hetman's condition as to clothing was much the same throughout his invol- untary ride as Briggs' condition was at the end of his, yet, unlike the latter, his clothes were not torn from him piecemeal by cruel thorns, nor was he in danger of falling off, being securely tied to his horse's back. While Mazeppa's ride has been the theme of poets like Lord Byron, of novelists like Bulgarin, and of DIG H TON. 225 painters like Horace Vernet, Samuel Briggs' exploit has been celebrated neither in poesy, fiction, nor art. 1 The meeting-house that was built on the plain was much more capacious than the one that was burnt. It was fifty-five feet long by forty-five wide, and with twenty-four-feet studs. The sum of five hundred pounds was appropriated in town-meeting for build- ing expenses. While it was building meetings were held at the house of Samuel Whitmarsh, nearly oppo- site. In after-years this Buck Plain meeting-house was cut down to one tier of windows, and used ex- clusively for a town hall. When the present town- house was built a few years ago the old house on the plain was sold at auction, and torn down by the pur- chaser. Among the names that are prominent in the records of vital statistics of the period before the Revolution- ary war are those of Shove, Walker, Talbot, Gooding, Hathaway, Pitts, Stephens, Atwood, Deane, Ware, Briggs, Pool, Whitmarsh, Waldron, Jones, Andrews, Fisher, Paull, Williams, Westcoat, Austin, Bobbitt, afterwards Babbitt, Goff, Wide, afterwards Ide, Burt, Nichols, Crane, Hoar, afterwards Hoard, Smith, Perry, Baker, Simmons, Phillips, Pierce, Shaw, Luther, Cleveland,- Tuels, afterwards Tew, Vickery, Link- horn, afterwards Lincoln, Peck, and Francis. The number of children to a family at that time would probably average more than twice the number of the average family of to-day, twelve to fourteen being not uncommon in the days of our great-grandfathers. 3 1 It is no more than just to state that there are some reasons for doubting whether the honor of this exploit belongs to Samuel Briggs or to one Matthew Gooding, it having been claimed by some that the latter was the hero of the affair. The writer does not pretend, in the absence of authentic data, to decide to which party the credit belongs, but when the above account was written he had not heard the Gooding side of the story. It is evident, however, that there would scarcely be two claimants to an apocryphal exploit, so it may be set down as toler- ably certain that either Samuel or Matthew performed the feat above related. Perhaps as much controversy will be excited in the future over the question, " Who rode the buck?" as has been caused in the past by such unsettled problems as who the "man in the iron mask" was, who wrote the "Junius" letters, who killed Tecumseh, and who wai the author ot " Beautiful Snow." 2 The name of Cleveland has been brought before the public lately by the election iu New York of a Governor of that name. Moses Cleveland came to America from Ipswich, Eugland, about 16o5, and settled in Woburn, in this State. He had a family of seven sous and four daughters. He died in 1701. From him are descended all the Clevelands in this country who are of New England origin. The city of Cleveland, Ohio, was named after one of his descendants and a relative of the Dighton Clevelands. Winiuan, in his " Puritan Settlers," states that the family derived the name from Cleveland, in the county of Durham, England. Early in the thirteenth century, Sir Guy de Cleveland was present at the siege of Boulogne, in Frauce, afterwards at the battle of Poictiers, where he commanded tbe spearmeD. The name is a corruption of ClifTeland. Coal of Arms. — Per chevron, sable and ermine, a chevron engrailed, counterchauged. Motto.— " Pro Deo et Patria." 3 Children were so numerous in those days that it is probable they were individually less thought of by their parents than are the individual boys and girls of one of the small families of the present day. Thus it is stated in the records »f the Walker family that Capt. Elijah Walker, born in 1730, and who married Hannah Pigsley, had fourteen children, of whom " two or three were drowned by falling at different times 15 The Revolutionary Period.— The town records of the Revolutionary period are, as usual, provokingly meagre and unsatisfying, being generally only brief entries of certain expenditures for war purposes, and mentioning only a few of the names of those who served in the army. The first indication of the coming contest with the mother-country is found in the record of a town- meeting held Dec. 12, 1767. A town-meeting had just been held in Boston, at which resolutions to abstain from certain " foreign superfluities" had been passed, and copies of these resolutions had been sent by the selectmen of Boston to the select- men of Dighton, and probably to the selectmen of most of the towns in New England. The foreign su- perfluities mentioned were glass, paper, printers' col- ors, and tea, on which articles the British Parliament had recently fixed an import duty when brought into the colonies, thereby causing great indignation throughout the country. At the Dighton town-meeting Joseph Atwood was chosen moderator, and it was voted to refer the matter to a committee of three, consisting of Ezra Richmond, Esq., Abiezer Phillips, town clerk at that time, and Capt. Stephen Beal. 4 The meeting was then ad- journed. What action the committee took is not mentioned. It is probable that the people of this town were somewhat conservative at that time and not quite ready to follow the lead of the fiery radicals in Boston, and that nothing came of the resolutions that were sent to Dighton. In 1771 a vote was passed to release " the Quakers and Anabaptists from all the charge relating to the meeting-house," and from all taxes to support the minister. This vote shows the advance in liberal ideas since the settlement of the Rev. Mr. Fisher, when Quakers and Baptists were obliged to con- tribute to his support. In 1774 the town had lost some of its conservatism, and at a town-meeting, held July 18th, the following votes were passed : " Voted, unanimously, that it is highly necessary at this time for this town to enter into an agreement not to consume any British manufac- tures which shall be imported from Great Britain after the 31st day of August, 1774." " Voted, to choose five men to take into consideration and draw a cov- enant, or something similar to the Boston covenant, which should be proper for ye inhabitants to agree together in and sign, and the com- pany chosen was Doct. William Baylies, Capt. Elkanah Andrews, Syl- vester Richmond (3d), Deacon George Codding, David Walker." into the well in the back-yard, the well having been left for years with- out a curb." In a family of fourteen childreu two or three down in the well would hardly be missed. Elijah Walker was captain of the Ninth Company, of forty-six men, of the Second Regiment of Bristol County militia iu the Revolutionary war. He was a farmer, and was one of the selectmen in 1780. His children may have been drowned while he was away soldiering, and so unable to attend to having the well curbed. 1 Stephen Beal was made captain of the First Company of the Dighton militia in 1762. He lived on Richmond Hill, where the cellar of his house is still to be seen. He was pound-keeper for many years, the old pound being only a few rods from his house. It was owing to his own- ership that the picturesque piles of rock that crown the hill were named Beat's Hocks. 226 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. The following October another important town- meeting was held, of which the record is as fol- lows: " At a Town-Meeting held at Dighton on Monday, the third day of October, Voted to choose Col. Elnathan Walkerand Dr. William Baylies to represent the said Town of Dighton in the General Court, to be em- powered and directed to act at the Provincial Congress to be holden at Concord on ye second Tuesday of October, provided the business of the General Court will admit of their attendance." 1 It was then voted that the two representatives should draw the pay of only one, and they were instructed in their duties as follows : "Gentlemen,— We have chosen you to represent us in the Great and General Court to be holden at Salem, on Wednesday, the fifth of October next ensuing. " We do hereby instruct you that in all your doings as Members of the House of Representatives you adhere firmly to the Charter of this Province, granted by their Majesties, King William and Queen Mary, and that you do no act which can possibly be construed into an ac- knowledgment of the validity of the act of the British Parliament for fettering the government of Massachusetts Bay, more especially that you acknowledge the Hon. Board of Councillors elected by the General Court at their session in May last, as the only rightful Constitutional council of this Province ; and we have reason to believe that a consci- entious discharge of your duty will produce your distinction as an House of Representatives, we do empower and instruct you to join with members who may be sent from other Towns in the Province, and to meet with them at a time to be agreed upon in a general Provincial Congress, to act upon such matters as may come before you, in such manner as may be most conducive to the true interests of this Town and Province, and most likely to preserve the liberties of all Amer- ica." The above instructions were read in town-meeting, and were voted without dissent. On the 26th of De- cember following another meeting was held, as the warrant set forth, " To elect and depute as many mem- bers as the town should deem necessary to represent them in a Provincial Congress, to be holden at Cam- bridge on the first day of February next ... to con- sult upon such further measures as under God shall be effectual to save this people from impending ruin, and to secure those inestimable privileges derived from our ancestors, and which it is our duty to pre- serve for posterity." At the meeting it was voted to choose a committee "to carry into execution the resolves of the Conti- nental Congress," and the following-named persons were chosen : Sylvester Richmond (3d), Rufus Whit- marsh, Peter Pitts, Joseph Gooding, Dr. William Bay- l Elnathan Walker was lieutenant-colonel of the Second Regiment in the Second Brigade from about 1760 to 1762. He was the son of Lieut. James Walker, of Taunton, the third of that name. Col. Walker's farm was in the northwest corner of Dighton. He had three wives, viz., Hannah Crossman, daughter of Robert, of Taunton ; Bethia Tisdale, daughter of Joseph, and Mrs. Phebo King, daughter of Deacon Samuel Leonard, of Raynham. Col. Walker's will was probated in 1775. The inventory amounted to four hundred and thirty-seven pounds. He had ten children. He was deacon of the First Congregational Church, and gave more towards the building of Buck Plain meeting-bouse than any other person. The building committee consisted of himself, David Walker, and Dr. George Ware. He was one of the selectmen for sev- eral years, and was several times representative to the General Court. He was a justice of the peace, and was often chosen moderator of the town-meetings. His influence in town affairs was large, and he was a worthy and respected citizen. lies, William Brown, 2 Abiezer Phillips, 3 George Cod- ding, David Walker, Samuel Phillips, William Good- ing, James Dean, John Richmond, John Simmons. It was then voted that five of this committee should constitute a quorum, and that it should be continued and supported by the town. In March, 1775, a vote was passed to raise minute- men, who were to train two half-days per week, and were allowed one shilling each for every half-day em- ployed in training. The town also assumed the cost of an instructor in military tactics. In May of the same year it was voted to hire one hundred and thirty- five pounds, lawful money, to be paid into the hands of Henry Gardener, of Stow, for the use of the province. At another meeting in May it was voted that the selectmen should purchase " twenty small arms for the use of the town," and a committee was chosen to see that the militia was provided with arms and ammunition. At that time the qualifications necessary to be a voter included the owning "of an estate of freehold in land of forty shillings per annum at ye least, or other estate to ye value of forty pounds sterling." In October, 1775, a meeting was held "to choose a field officer," and Sylvester Richmond 1 (3d) was chosen. In this year the sum of thirty-five pounds was raised for school purposes. At a meeting held May 20, 1776, it was voted " that if ye Honorable Congress should for the safety of the united colonies declare them independent of the King of Great Britain, they, the said inhabitants, will sol- emnly engage with their lives and fortunes to support them in the measure." This vote, it will be perceived, was some six weeks before independence was declared. The town was now as radical as even Boston could desire. On the 22d of July it was voted " to give, as a bounty to each soldier who has enlisted, or shall enlist, to go to New York, ye sum of five pounds, ex- clusive of the province bounty." These men were enlisted for two months. At that time the prices of - William Brown was a merchant and vessel-owner. His store was at the Four Corners, and he owned the house now belonging to the es- tate of the late Dr. Charles Talbot. 3 Abiezer Phillips held the office of town clerk for thirty-five years. He was a deacon of the church, was representative to the General Court for several years, and was several times chosen selectman. He was twice married, and had twelve children. 4 Silvester Richmond (3d) was son of Col. Silvester, who was at the taking of Louisburg. He was born Nov. 20,1729. Silvester (3d I was major in the Second Regiment in the Second Brigade from Feb. 7, 1776, to June 9, 1778. He was then promoted to be lieutenant-colonel, holding the office till 1781. In August, 1778, he served under Gen. Sullivan on Rhode Island, having about one hundred and fifty men and company officers under his command. About nine hundred men from the Bristol County brigade were with Sullivan's expedition. After his return from the war, Lieut. -Col. Richmond was made a justice of the peace.and took a somewhat active part in town affairs until his death, which occurred near the close of the last century. Before his death he gave a large tract of woodland to the Second Congregational Society, which had re- cently built a meeting-house at the Four Corners, for the support of a minister. He lived at the old homestead on the north slope of the hill. His wife was Abigail Nightingale, of Providence, and they had seven children, including Sally and Nancy, the two old maids previously men- tioned, and a son named Silvester. DIGHTON. 227 most commodities were regulated by law. In 1776, the price of a day's labor was fixed at three shillings. " The best of grass-fed beef three pence a pound ; po- tatoes one shilling a bushel; flour one pound and five shillings a barrel ; cord-wood thirteen shillings a cord ; ' rum by ye gill and good flip by ye inugg one shilling, and toddy ye same;' a dinner boiled and roast one shilling two pence; only boiled one shilling; board per week eight shillings, and most other things were proportionally cheap. In those stirring times town-meetings were held every few weeks, but at only a few of them were the proceedings of interest at the present day. In August, 1777, the selectmen were instructed to hire eight hun- dred and fifty pounds "to raise Continental soldiers with." A committee was also chosen to carry out the provisions of the act of the general court, " to prevent monopoly and oppression." Speculators were getting control of the markets for provisions, clothing, etc., and prices were raised faster than would naturally happen from the depreciation of paper money. Salt had become so scarce and dear that a small lot, secured by the town authorities, was by a vote of the town dis- tributed by the selectmen according to the number of persons in each family, and a quantity of molasses was divided in the same manner. The smallpox was making ravages in this and neighboring towns, and an article was inserted in the warrant " to see if this town will set up anocolation for the smallpox" (that was before the discovery of vaccination by Jenner), but the article was voted down. Soon afterwards, however, an inoculating hospital was provided by the town, and many persons were there inoculated with the smallpox virus, and had the malady in a mild form, while a few died after being inoculated. Ammunition was exceedingly dear at that date, pow- der being eighteen shillings a pound, and lead four shillings. Flints were sixpence apiece. In 1778 the subject of preventing the spread of the smallpox was again before the town. Probably in- oculation had not worked well, for a vote was passed "to prosecute all offenders who shall inoculate for the smallpox within this town, contrary to the laws of this State." At the end of this year paper money had depreciated to such a degree that it was " voted to each man that enlisted to go to Rhode Island seven dollars per day" for the seven days they were gone. Slaves were still held in Dighton at that date, and some of them were serving as soldiers in the army, fighting to keep their masters from becoming slaves; there were also a few Indians in the town, one family of which, named Simon, being supported out of the poor rates. In August, 1779, a committee of twenty-three per- sons was chosen to regulate prices of labor and mer- chandise. The names of the committee are as follows : Dr. William Baylies, Thomas Church, Esq., 1 Capt. 1 Col. Thomas Church was a lineal descendant of Capt. Benjamin Church, the Indian fighter and capturer of Annawan. He represented Elijah Walker, Isaac Jones, Sylvester Richmond (3d), John Simmons, Jabez Pierce, Deacon George Cod- ding, Henry Yew, Abiezer Phillips, Elkanah Andrews, William Francis, Seth Austin, William Walker, Samuel Talbot, David Dean, William Hathaway, Ezra Richmond, Esq., Abram Allen, Caleb King, Joseph Perry, Eliakim Briggs, Simeon Williams. Regulating the prices when the currency was so rapidly depreciating was a Sisyphean labor; prices would not stay regulated. In 1780 the price of board had risen to nine pounds a week, and probably there were few luxuries in the bill of fare at that price. In this year the town raised the sum of twenty-two thousand seven hundred pounds. In 1781 it took sixty dollars in paper money to be equal to a silver dollar. On the first day of March in this year the town issued an emancipation proclamation, as far as the negroes serving in the army were concerned, which indicates that the iniquity of slavery was be- I coming apparent to the people of New England.'- As will be seen, the term servant was euphemistically ! used in the place of the word slave, as it was formerly at the South. "Voted, that, whereas, the following Blacks, viz., Peter, ye servant of Job Winslow, Reuben, ye servant of ye Widow Prudence White, of Taunton, Caesar, ye servant of Col. Thomas Church, Neos, ye servant of Capt. Elkanah Andrews, Prince, ye servant of John Pierce, Thomas, ye servant of David Dean, and Benoni, ye servant of Jonathan Williams, the town at the General Court in 1795. He was born in Seaconnet, now Little Compton, R. I., in 1727, and died June 8, 1797. He was a man of considerable influence in the community. He was interested in vessels and ship-building, us was also his sou Gamaliel, who represented the town of Wellington at the General Court in 1817. The Church farm is now owned by A. W. Paul, Esq., one of the most successful farmers in Bristol County. The Church wharf and former place of business is sit- uated just above Rocky Nook, formerly one of the most dangerous places to navigate on the river. Gamaliel Church removed to Westport from Dighton. 2 A story that has been handed down about one of these slaves shows that they could make themselves very useful upon occasion, and also proves that fur soive purposes the African head is superior to the Caucasian. Among the quota of twelve men who went in the expedition to Rhode Island at the time the British General Prescott was captured was a slave named Prince, belonging to Capt. John Pierce, a sturdy, bull- necked negro of pure African blood. Some difficulty was encountered by the soldiers in breaking open the door of the house in which the British general had been surprised. At this juncture Prince came to the front. " Golly ! massa," said he, "jess you stand little one side and gib dis nigger chance at datdoah." Retreating a few steps in order to get a better impetus, be rushed at the door, head foremost, like an animated battering-ram, and knocking hinges and bolts from their fastenings, so that the soldiers entered without further difficulty. Prince was a somewhat noted violin player, and once, while serving under Gen. Washington, his fiddle-bow became scant of hairs, and he pulled a quantity out of the fine long tail of the general's charger to replenish it with. Washington happened to appear on the scene while he was in the very act, anil gave him two or three 6inart cuts with his whip. Prince used in after-years to boast of this interview with the Pater Patriae. On the occasion of the capture of Prescott, a Dighton man named Paull, a stalwart sou of Anak, whose feet required at least number four- teen shoes, was among the party. Gen. Prescott was a small man, and had remarkably small feet, lie had not had time to put on bis shoes before he was hurried off by his captors, and on the way complained that the stones hurt his naked feet. Thereupon Paull gravely took off bis huge foot-coveriDgS and offered them to the captive. It is needless to say that the offer was not accepted, as the shoes would not have re- mained on the general's feet an instant while walking. 228 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS have enlisted into ye army of the United States for three years as part of the quota of the Town of Dighton, hy the consent of their masters, who have made ever all their right in said Blacks to the Town of Digh- ton ; the said Town does in consequence thereof declare the aforesaid Peter, Reuben, Cfesar, Neos, Prince, Thomas, and Benoni Freemen." The town further agreed to support any of these men that might become disabled or incapable of sup- porting themselves. The Dighton Emancipation Proclamation was issued nearly eighty-two years be- fore the more famous one of President Lincoln. At the election of Governor in April, 1781, only fifty-six votes were cast, all of them for John Hancock. This small vote indicates the extent to which the town had been depopulated of voting citizens by the war, and the call for money was quite as urgent as that for men. The sum of nine hundred pounds in silver money was voted for war purposes in June of this year. The early part of this year was one of the most gloomy periods of the Revolution for the American cause. Treason and revolts in the army, and reverses in the field, had brought many patriotic men to doubt the final success of the Continental armies. But it was the darkness that precedes the dawn, lor soon the sur- render of Cornwallis heralded the final triumph of the Americans, and the loyal people of Dighton re- joiced with their compatriots in the other towns of the State, and of the other States. In 1784, the year after peace was declared, one hundred and two votes were cast. The people had settled down to the peace- ful vocations of life. After the war ship-building, which, after farming, was the chief business carried on, received an im- petus which lasted until the famous Embargo Act, just before the second war with Great Britain. 1 The population of the town received large acces- sions from other towns, and the newcomers were duly warned to remove out of town within fifteen days, under the penalties prescribed by law for not doing so. This warning people out of town was a mere technical formality gone through with by the select- men, so that if any of the new population came to want, the expense of their support would not fall upon the town. The persons who were warned were not expected nor desired to depart unless they chose to do so. In 1791 more than two hundred persons were warned to leave the town. They were people of various occupations, hatters, carpenters, cordwain- ers, and " spinsters." In 1789 the commercial and ship-building interests had increased to such an extent that Dighton was made a port of entry, and Maj. Thodijah Baylies was appointed collector of customs, holding the office until 1809. Ship-building had been carried on here at an early period. In 1693, Thomas Coram came over from England to Boston in the interest of several London 1 American ship-owners, whose vessels were rotting at the wharves while the embargo lasted, probably considered the act an infamous rather than a famous one. merchants to build ships. In 1699 he bought a piece of land on Taunton River, in the South Purchase, of one John Reed, and set up a ship-yard near what is now known as Zebulon's Landing, and not far from the wharf of the Old Colony Iron Company. Coram stayed in this country about ten years; he became in- volved in lawsuits and took a strong dislike to some of the people, although he was finally victorious in his controversies before the courts. In 1700 his land and house in the South Purchase, together with two new ships, one of them rigged and ready for sea, were attached by one Stephen Burt, who resided in what is now the town of Berkley, in the house lately occupied by Thomas J. Burt; this property Coram afterwards recovered. 2 Thomas Coram was a notable man in his day. As one of the early residents of Dighton, and perhaps the first man to carry on ship-building here, a brief sketch of his career* will not be out of place. He was born in 1668, at Lyme Regis, in England, his 'father being the captain of a fishing vessel. Having been apprenticed to a shipwright, and having thor- oughly mastered the art of building vessels, Thomas, at the age of twenty-five years, came to New England, where timber was more plentiful than at home, to put his ability as a mastership-builder to a practical test. While residing here he married a Boston girl named Eunice Wait. After his return to England he en- gaged in various schemes and enterprises connected with the development of the American provinces, particularly in a persistent endeavor to further the settlement of Nova Scotia. His unwearied efforts were eventually crowned with success, and in 1749 a colony was sent over, which founded the town of Halifax. Carlyle says of the founding of this city, "Thanks to you, Capt. Coram, though the ungrateful generations (except dimly in Coram Street, near your hospital) have lost all memory of you, as their wont. Blockheads, never mind them." Coram's philanthropic sympathies led him to join Gen. Oglethorpe's enterprise to colonize Georgia with the thousands of poor debtors released from the Eng- lish prisons, through Oglethorpe's humane efforts. He also exerted himself in behalf of the Mohegan Indians, who had petitioned to the British govern- ment for redress for the encroachments of the people of Connecticut upon their lands. But the great work of his life was the London Foundling Hospital, in the chapel of which he was buried, and where this inscription commemorates his name: "CAPTAIN THOMAS CORAM, "Whose name will never want a monument so long as this hospital shall subsist, " Was born in the year 1668. " A man eminent in the most eminent virtue of the love of mankind, little attentive to his private fortune, and refusing many opportunities of increasing it, his time and thoughts were continually employed in 2 For several of the facts in this sketch relating to Thomas Coram the writer is indebted to a paper read by C. A. Reed, Esq , before the Old Colony Historical Society in 1879, and published by the Society. DIGHTON. 229 endeavors to promote the public happiness both in this kingdom and elsewhere, particularly in the colonies of North America, and his en- deavors were many times crowned with success. His unwearied solici- tation for above seventeen years together (which would have baffled the patience and industry of any man less zealous in doing good), and his application to persons of distinction, obtained at length the charter of incorporation .... for the maintenance and education of exposed and deserted young children, by which many thousands of lives may be pre- served to the public, and employed in a frugal and honest course of in- dustry. "He died the 29th of March, 1751, in the eighty-fourth year of his age, poor in worldly estate, rich in good works, and was buried at his own request in the vault underneath this chapel, .... many of the Governors and other gentlemen attending the funeral to do honor to his memory. " REAPER, "Thy actions will show whether thou art sincere in the praises thou mayest bestow on him, and if thou hast virtue enough to commend his virtues, forget not to add also the imitation of them." Coram's unremitting perseverance enlisted art, as well as rank and wealth, in aid of his hospital. Handel in music, and Hogarth in painting, lent their best efforts in furtherance of the project. As an illustration of the way this establishment strikes an American of cultivated and poetic mind, the follow- ing extract from a letter from London to the Neiv York Tribune may not be out of place. It was written by William Winter, the accomplished poet and the dramatic critic of that journal : " How looks to-night the interior of the chapel of the Foundling Hospital? Dark and lonesome, no doubt, with its heavy galleries and sombre pews, and the great organ, — Handel's gift, — standing there, mute and grim, between the ascending tiers of empty seats. But never, in my remembrance, will it cease to pre- sent a picture more impressive and touching than words can say. At least three hundred children, rescued from shame and penury by this noble benevo- lence, were ranged around that organ when I saw it, and, in their artless, frail little voices, singing a hymn of praise and worship. Well nigh one hundred and fifty years have passed since this grand institution of charity, — the sacred work and blessed legacy of Capt. Thomas Coram, — was established in this place. What a divine good it has accomplished and continues to accomplish, and what a pure glory hallows its founder's name. . . . No man ever did a better deed than he, and the darkest night that ever was cannot darken his fame." 1 And so we take our leave for the present of that whilom, worthy resilient of the South Purchase, Capt. Thomas Coram. In him was seen a large develop- ment of what Herbert Spencer terms altruism, the opposite of egoism, and the motto he adopted was •Those familiar with the stories of Charles Dickens will recall in "Little Dorritt" the warm-tempered and equally warm-hearted Tatty- corain. taken from the foundling hospital by Mr. Meagles, as a maid for his little daughter, ami the description as to how the name originated. "The name of Iieadle being out of the question," said Mr. Meagles, "and the originator of the institution for these poor foundlings having 1" en a blessed creature named Coram, we gave that name to Pet's little maid. At one time she was Tatty, and at one time she was Coram, until we got into a way of mixing the two names together, and now she is always Tattycoram." characteristic of the man," non sibi, sed aliis" (" not for himself, but for others"), was the daily rule of his life. Capt. Coram was probably the first builder of large vessels in this vicinity; probably the business was carried on here after he returned to England, but there is no record or tradition that such was the case. There was an abundance of excellent oak to be had here, and it was the common material for the frames of houses and other buildings. About the middle of the last century one John Reed, perhaps a descendant of the John previously mentioned, carried on the building of vessels in what is called Muddy Cove. That was before the road was laid out and the bridge built over the mouth of the cove, which must have been deeper then than it is now, though it is probable that the vessels that Reed built were small. 2 This ship-yard was, it is supposed, on or near the site of Mr. H. M. Simmon's lumber-yard. John Reed owned and lived in the old Andrews house, near the cove. During the period from 1785 to the commencement of the war of 1812, several firms carried on the ship- building business here. Most of the vessels built were small coasting sloops, ranging from twenty to seventy tons ; but some were larger craft, ships and brigs, intended for the European or the West Indian trade, or it may be for the bringing of slaves from Africa, although it is not known that any ship-owners of this town were engaged in the last-named business. Among those engaged in building vessels during the period mentioned were the firms of Bowen & Hath- away, and Smith & Wardwell. 3 Their yards were just - The bridge across Muddy Cove was built by Capt. Elkanah Andrews about the year 1772. John Reed was the contractor, and lost all of his property in the job, Capt. Andrews becoming the owner of his house and land north of the cove. The road was laid out at the same time from the Widow Stetson's house (for many years long afterwards the residence of John P. Perry) to Capt. John Pierce's house, at what is now called Luther's Corner. Capt. Andrews lived in the house on the south side of the cove, afterwards owned by James Spooner, and remodeled in later years in the Grecian style of architecture by his son, Joshua Spooner. Capt. Andrews did a large business in shipping hay, fish, and other commodities to Southern ports. His store and wharf were in front of his house. He died in 1787. Mr. John C. Perry, mentioned above, was for some years town clerk. He taught school for many years in the little red school-house that st 1 north of the John Reed house. Mr. Perry was, in most respects, an ex- cellent teacher. 3 Smith go on the women's side of the house (the sexes were kept apart in the meeting-house in those days), while those in favor of Mr. Staples went on the men's side. The former was found to be the larger party. 540 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. the society. After Mr. Bailey's death Rev. Malachi Bullard, of Med way, preached three months, and Rev. E. B. Claggit filled the pulpit for a short time. Rev. William Walker, of Dighton, a licentiate preacher of the Baptist order, also preached occasionally. In 1845, Rev. George Brown, from Maine, filled the pulpit, hut left at the end of a year. In 1852, Rev. E. Newhall stayed for about two months. In 1853, Rev. Ezra Newton was called. Mr. Newton stayed till August, 1855. He was followed in 1856 by Rev. E. Sanford, of Raynham, who remained until May, 1860. Mr. San ford's successor was Rev. E. Dawes, who preached until 1879, when he received a call to the pastorate of a church in Lakeville. Mr. Dawes was followed by Rev. E. J. Moore, and he by the present pastor, Rev. William B. Green. The brick meeting-house, the place of worship of the Central Church and Society, which formerly met in the Buck Plain meeting-house, was built in the year 1826. It was dedicated on the 1st day of May, 1827. Second Congregational Society. — When the referees from Attleborough had stuck up the stake on Buck Plain in 1768, as the proper place to build a meeting-house to replace the one burnt on the hill, there was much dissatisfaction among the people living in the east and south parts of the town. The stake on the plain might be in the exact geographical centre of the township, but it was by no means in the centre of population. The business and wealth of the town were chiefly along the lower streets, nearer the river, where were also to be found the best farms and more than half of the population. Nevertheless, the meeting-house was built on the plain, and the people in the eastern and southern sections of the town paid their proportion of the cost, and went regu- larly up among the scrub-oaks on Sundays for many years, facing many a bitter northwester on the way to meeting. Meanwhile they had resolved to have a meeting-house nearer their homes, and their efforts in this direction resulted in the raising and covering of the Second Congregational meeting-house, now occupied by the Unitarian Society, near the Lower Four Corners. So much had been accomplished by the new society just before the Revolution. During the war the resources of the people were too heavily taxed in meeting the calls of the government for men and money for them to raise the amount required to complete the new meeting-house, which was conse- quently left in an unfinished state, without windows or doors. While in this condition the building was for some time used as a sheep-pen by Capt. Rufus Whitmarsh, who owned the adjoining farm. After the war two tracts of land were given by Col. Syl- vester Richmond and Joseph Atwood for a minis- terial fund for the use of the Pedo Baptist Congre- gational Church and Society at the Four Corners. In February, 1797, it was voted by the society that the trustees of this property should immediately sell the wood and timber on the land, and that six hun- dred dollars of the money arising from the sale should be devoted to repairing the meeting-house, the re- mainder to be nut at interest, and the interest to be A. 7 used in the support of a minister. The house was accordingly repaired, 1 and in 1798 the Rev. John Smith undertook to heal the breach in the two socie- ties by preaching alternate Sundays at Buck Plain and at the Four Corners, but this arrangement did not last long, and when Mr. Smith left Dighton a permanent separation between the two societies took place. The Rev. Mr. Allen preached for a short time after Mr. Smith's departure, as did also Rev. George Barstow, and both were invited by the society to settle with them, but probably the salary offered (four hun- dred dollars) was not a sufficient inducement to these gentlemen, as both declined. In June, 1803, the society met, and voted " that Mr. Abraham Gushee be and is hereby invited to take upon him the pastoral charge of the society by settling with them in the ministry of the gospel." It was then voted to pay him four hundred dollars a year as long as he should remain with them, in case he accepted the offer, and Thomas B. Richmond, James Briggs, and Josiah Wardwell were chosen a committee to notify him of the society's proposals. Mr. Gushee accepted the call, and was ordained Sept. 23, 1803, eleven churches being invited to at- tend the ordination by their pastors or by delegates. Mr. Gushee was the pastor of the society for more than half a century. He was born in Raynham, Sept. 19, 1775, and graduated at Brown University in 1798. His ancestors were French. After the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, about one hundred and fifty French Huguenots came over to Massachusetts, where large numbers of their posterity are still to be found. Among these refugees were two brothers, Henri and David Gachet, who came from Rochelle, France. Their name has since been Anglicized into two distinct names, the descendants of the older brother, Henri, writing it Gassett, and those of 1 The steeple of the meeting-house was not added until a generation after the house was finished as above stated. The four timbers forming the corners of the square tower were long, heavy sticks, and as to get- ting them upright was beyond the engineering resources of the carpen. ters who were to build the steeple, they called upon Capt. Anthony Shove to superintend the job. Capt. Shove procured ship's tackles, and with the aid of shears and a windlass, readily hoisted the sticks into their places. After the square tower was finished the spire was built inside of it, and Capt. Shove also superintended the hoisting of that into position. Capt. Anthony Shove, father of the writer of this sketch, was born in Freetown, March 21, 1787. His parents, Joseph and Lois, were Quakers. He was a descendant of Rev. George Shove, of Taunton, one of the origi- nal proprietors of the Taunton South Purchase. Capt. Shove married Abby Bowen, daughter of David Bowen, ship-builder of this town. They had five children, two daughters and three sons, — Joseph, David B., and George A. Capt. Shove in early life was a shipmaster, making voyages to England and up the Mediterranean. He was chairman of the board of selectmen for several years, and was four times chosen to represent the town in the Legislature, viz., in 1840, 1841, 1846, aud 1852. He was also postmaster for a number of years. He died suddenly Jan. 2, 1858. His widow survived him fourteen years. DIGHTON. 241 David converting it into Gushee. When the division between the Orthodox or Evangelical Congregational- ists and the Unitarians took place, Mr. Gushee joined the latter, and ever afterwards preached the Unitarian doctrines. Mr. Gushee died Oct. 25, 1861, at the age of eighty-six years. In person he was tall and some- what spare of flesh, and he was erect and dignified in his bearing. In his best days his sermons were well- written, able discourses. Mr. Gushee's first wife was Bathsheba Tobey, daughter of Samuel Tobey, of Berkley, by whom he had seven children, — Maria, Almond, Frederick A., Horace, Silas T., Julia A., and Bathsheba. His oldest son, Almond, practiced medi- cine in Warren, R. I. He married Elizabeth Williams, daughter of Nathaniel Williams, Esq., of Dighton. In 1861 the Unitarian meeting-house was remod- eled and repaired at an expense of nearly two thou- sand dollars, the old galleries, pulpit, and pews were taken out, the two tiers of small windows were changed into one tier of long ones, and other im- provements were made, including the purchase of an organ. Rev. Francis Le Baron received a call from the society, staying with them one year. Mr. Le Baron, like Mr. Gushee, was of Huguenot descent. He was a man of fine presence, of an enthusiastic and poetic temperament, which characteristics were dis- played in his discourses, and, while he was genial and companionable, he was, perhaps, not altogether without a consciousness of possessing culture and in- tellectual gifts superior to most of those with whom he associated. After leaving Dighton he gave up preaching, and removing to the West, engaged in the manufacture of barrels by machinery, in company with Rev. William Chamberlain, formerly a Univer- salist preacher in this town. Mr. Le Baron was succeeded in 1863 by Rev. Fiske Barrett, who resigned in 1866, and was followed by Rev. J. L. Hatch, who stayed one year. In 1868, Rev. Mr. Kelso supplied the pulpit. Mr. Kelso was a Spiritualist, in the best sense of this unpopular term. Mr. Kelso's successor was Rev. F. E. Kittredge, who stayed until 1874, when, owing to domestic troubles, he resigned and weut West, where he procured a divorce from his wife and married a Western lady. He was suc- ceeded by Rev. John Wills, an Englishman, who re- signed in 1876, and was followed by W. H. Reeby, now of Norton, and he by the present pastor, Rev. Obed Eldridge. The ministerial fund is now between five and six thousand dollars. After the sale, in 1797, of the wood and timber from the land donated to the society, about one thousand dollars remained as a permanent fund when the bills for repairing the house were paid. The trustees named in the act of incorporation, which was approved by the Governor June 25, 1798, were William Baylies, Silvester Richmond, John Hathaway, Hodijah Baylies, Joseph Atwood, Silves- ter Atwood, Jr., David Andrews, George Ware, and Thomas B. Richmond. They were authorized to hold 16 funds to the amount of eight thousand five hundred dollars. The George Ware mentioned as one of the trustees was Dr. George Ware, who died Jan. 7, 1805, aged forty-four years. His father had practiced medicine before him in Dighton, and was also named George. He died Feb. 16, 1771, aged thirty-seven. They were both considered skillful physicians, as was also Dr. William Ware, brother of the first George, who prac- ticed medicine for many years in this town. He died about the year 1764, leaving a widow and several children. His widow, who was a daughter of Eliakim Walker, afterwards married Col. Thomas Church. Dr. William Ware lived on the Broad Cove road. He owned the farm now belonging to Weston Earle. The old farm-house was torn down some years ago. Dr. George Ware and his son George lived on a farm about a third of a mile east of Pitt's Corner. It is still known as the Ware farm, and contains the family burying-ground. A story has been handed down con- cerning the first Dr. George and the selection of a site for the family burying-ground, which is to the follow- ing effect: The doctor had searched his farm over in vain for a suitable place for the family cemetery ; where the land was not wet and swampy it was cov- ered with rocks. In this dilemma he offered a friend who was making him a visit five dollars if he would find a suitable spot on the farm for a burying-place. After considerable search the gentleman announced that he had found the right place, which was where the family burial-lot was afterwards walled in. Dr. Ware assured his friend that the spot was altogether too wet for the purpose, and that whoever was laid there would have the rheumatism in their bones. " Well, it may be as you say, doctor, but it is the only place that is at all suitable on your farm, and, con- sidering how you will be situated hereafter, the wet- ness of the soil ought to be a recommendation." Dr. Ware was too fond of bantering others to be offended when the tables were sometimes turned upon himself. His friend's decision was accepted without further demur, but whether the five dollars were paid over or not tradition does not state. George Ware, Sr., mar- ried Mary Winslow. Dr. George Ware the younger married, in 1785, Polly Andrews, daughter of Capt. Elkanah Andrews. They had eight children. Their oldest daughter, Polly, was the second wife of Capt. Seth Talbot, of this town. Capt. Talbot represented the town in the Legislature in 1829. He was father of the late Dr. Charles Talbot, who had a large practice as a physi- cian for many years in this and neighboring towns. Dr. Talbot was formerly postmaster, and in 1874 represented the Tenth Bristol District in the Legis- lature. He was a man of large influence in town affairs, and was a leading member of the Unitarian Society. He was born in Dighton, March 30, 1811, and died June 6, 1880. He graduated from the Har- vard Medical School in 1835. 242 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Capt, Seth Talbot's brother, Capt. Eben Talbot, was captain of the second company of Dighton militia from 1814 to 1817, and held the offices of selectman and assessor for several years. The Baptist Church —In the year 1771 there was a general revival among the Baptists in Rehoboth and in the adjoining towns. Sixty members were added to Elder Wick's church in Rehoboth. Quite a num- ber of these new converts were Dighton people, to whom it was a great inconvenience to attend meeting at such a distance. Enoch Goff and other members were therefore allowed to hold meetings in this town. Mr. Goff was in favor of communion with those who had not been immersed. Being a man of considera- ble force of character, other members were led through his influence to adopt similar views, and the result was that a church was organized in the west part of Dighton in 1772. Mr. Goff was chosen pastor of the church, and as they had no meeting-house he was or- dained in the barn of a Mr. Briggs. The sermon on the occasion was preached by Elder Lyon, of Canterbury, and Elder Jacob Hicks gave the hand of fellowship. Not much is known of Elder Goff s early life. He was born in Dighton, Nov. 3, 1740, was baptized in 1771, and began to preach the same year. During the Revolution he served for a short time as a private in the army. In person he was short in stature, but strongly built. Though intensely earnest and zealous in his religious belief, he was yet cheerful and social in his intercourse with his friends and neighbors, and was liked by all who knew him. The members of his church were to him as his children. When in- vited to the pastorate of a church in Providence, he answered, "I cannot leave my family." The reply was that he was expected to bring his family with him. "But my family is very large; there are two hundred and fifty members in it." He was a shoe- maker by trade, and supported his family by making and mending shoes, as he never had a salary. He was an illiterate man, having attended school but very little. He had a stentorian voice, which in summer- time, when the meeting-house windows were open, could be heard for a long distance. In 1781, David Simmons (or Seamans) was ordained as his colleague. In 1780 the church completed the meeting-house, which had been commenced some time before, the site being near the Rehoboth line. It was a small structure, had rough benches instead of pews, and had neither stove nor fireplace. The circumstances attending its dedication were in the highest degree im- pressive, for it was dedicated on the " dark day," May 19, 1780, a day of intensified gloom, which must have strangely affected the congregation of farmers and their families, many of them, no doubt, illiterate and superstitious, who had assembled at the dedication. The sermon on the occasion was preached by Elder Knapp. In 1796 a larger and better finished house was built, about one mile north of the first one, and which has been known ever since as Elder Goff's meeting- house, although it is not now in possession of the de- nomination to which he belonged. Elder Goff's con- gregation came from other towns besides Dighton and Rehoboth, and there were members of his church in Freetown, Berkley, Somerset, and Taunton. At one period his church consisted of more than three hun- dred members. He continued to preach regularly until 1806, when, his health failing, Elder Ephraim Sawyer was called to the pastorate, although Mr. Goff still preached occasionally. The oldest records belonging to the church commence in 1807, when there were one hundred and ninety-one members. In 1808 there was a revival, and fifty-seven were added to the church. The next year there was a schism among the members, and the trouble con- tinued for two years, when thirty members were excluded for having em'braced what the majority considered erroneous doctrines. From November, 1807, to October, 1813, two hun- dred and sixty-two members were received into the church. But while so many were received, the strict- ness of the discipline caused many to be excluded after having been members for a short time,' while deaths and removals further diminished the number, so that in 1826 there were only one hundred and thirty-nine belonging to the church. Elder Goff died March 17, 1810. His widow, Deb- orah, died in 1816. They had two children, Deborah and Shubael. In 1813, Mr. Silas Hall, of Raynham, came to labor in the church, and was ordained the same year. He remained only one year. In 1816, Mr. Bartlett Pease, of New Bedford, was ordained pastor. In 1820 sixty-five members were added to j the church. Mr. Pease left in 1821. During his stay i there was quite a large party in the church in sym- pathy with those who were excluded in 1811 for having become infected with what was termed the I " heresy of Unitarianism." In 1821 a Mr. Lovejoy was called to preach. Lovejoy seems to have accepted too literally the apostolic saying about being all things to all men. His sermons in the church were of the orthodox, Trinitarian pattern, but when he met with the factions that had been excluded he ex- pressed views that were radically Unitarian. Mr. Lovejoy was dismissed at the end of a year, and his dismissal was so unacceptable to many that the party who were in his favor withdrew from the church and held separate meetings. Thirty members were ex- cluded soon afterwards, including two of the deacons. The Unitarian faction finally obtained possession of the meeting-house, which, under the name of the Christian Baptist Society, they retain at the present time, the Rev. Otis W. Bates being now the pastor. 1 The following entry in the church records of 1S2R shows that at that date there were sporadic cases of a disorder that has since become almost an epidemic. At a church meeting " Brother Green reported, in rela- tion to Sister Lewis, that he had found her gilty of an incurable eavle, having divorced hir husband and married again, contra to the laws of God." DIGIITON. 243 From 1822 to 1827 the church had no settled pas- tor ; in the latter year Mr. Caleb Greene, of New Bedford, was ordained. At this time the church numbered only one hundred members. Mr. Greene remained until 1831. In 1832, Eev. John Reed was called, and stayed till 1836. He was followed by Mr. J. L. Wittemore, who was ordained in May, 1837, and remained until 1840. The next year the church was without a pastor, and had but forty-one members. They were accustomed to meet in the school-house at the Lower Four Corners, and sometimes at private houses. In 1842 the church voted " to make an effort to build a meetingdiouse at the Four Corners, and that the church be located there." The house was completed in 1845 at a cost of about sixteen hundred dollars, the whole amount having been raised and paid before the dedication. During the period they had been without a meet- ing-house they had been supplied with preachers for most of the time. Mr. John B. Parris, a licentiate, was with them for about a year and a half. Caleb Blood and Charles F. Colver, then students at Brown University, also preached for a time, as did also Alexander W. and Samuel Carr. After the dedication of the new house, Mr. James Andern was ordained pastor Nov. 13, 1845. The sermon on the occasion was by W. H. Shailer, D.D. Mr. Andern remained about a year, and was succeeded in 1847 by Rev. Edwin Stillman, who stayed until 1851. While he was here there was a revival, and seventeen persons were baptized. During the ten years that followed Mr. Stillman's departure the church was without a resident pastor, excepting for six months, when Rev. S. A. Thomas preached. They were generally supplied with preach- ing, however, and there were some additions to the church. At that time it was classed as one of the ■" feeble churches," and received aid from the Taun- ton Baptist Association, to which it belongs. In 1861, Rev. L. Kinney commenced to preach. Mr. Kinney's successors have been Rev. Mr. Latham, Rev. Mr. Horton, Rev. J. C. Boomer, and the present pastor, Rev. A. W. Carr, who has been with the church since 1874. Within a few years a handsome parson- age has been built near the church by the society, and an organ purchased. There are eighty-four members in the church at the present time. First Methodist Episcopal Church. — Not much is known in regard to the early days of the Meth- odist Church at North Dighton. If records were kept of the proceedings in the church and society at that period, they are not now to be found. In the year 1814, Israel Anthony moved to North Dighton from Somerset, and through his influence there was occasionally Methodist preaching in that village, by Rev. John Tinkham, from Easton, and by others whose names are unknown. In 1815, or early in 1816, Rev. Orlando Hinds was on the circuit, and a. revival commenced, resulting in a large number of conversions ; many were baptized and received on trial. After the revival had subsided a reaction set in, and the record states that the conduct of some of the leading members was such as to greatly militate against the prosperity of the infant society. There is no record of the formation of the church, and probably no one living knows when it was formed. From 1815 to 1823 the following preachers were sta- tioned here: Rev. Orlando Hinds, who died in 1820; Rev. Elisha Streeter, Rev. Isaac Bonney, and Rev. Jason Walker. As there was no meeting-house they preached sometimes in the school-house, sometimes in the Long House on the island, and occasionally in the loft over the store. A Quarterly Meeting was held at the Long House at one time at which so many attended that the house was full to overflowing, and sails had to be procured to make a temporary shelter for the crowd outside. The first authentic record extant is a class paper, dated Wellington, July 31, 1823. Abiathar White, leader; Rev. Hermon Perry and Rev. A. Tummins, circuit preachers; Rev. J. A. Merril, presiding elder. In 1831, Revs. F. Dane and H. Waldron were stationed at Somerset and North Dighton. One hundred and fifty-seven dollars was raised at the latter place to pay the preachers. In 1832, Rev. W. Emerson and Rev. J. D. Baldwin were stationed on the circuit, and the sum of two hundred and eighty-six dollars was collected from Dighton, Taunton, Rehoboth, and Somerset. In 1833, Rev. F. Dane was stationed at North Dighton. A meeting-house had been commenced in 1830, and was finished in 1831. Rev. L. Bates, of Bristol, preached the dedication sermon. In 1834, Rev. Thomas Gile was stationed there; the preachers suc- ceeding him up to the time of building the present meeting-house were as follows: in 1835, Rev. Elias Scott; 1836, C. Howard; 1837, John Bailey, B. Oth- man, presiding elder; 1838, D. Culver; 1839, Ephraim Capen; 1840-41, Byron Morse; 1842, G. H. Win- chester (fifty members in the church) ; 1843, Charles Carter; 1844, E. A. Lyon; 1845, A. Gardner; 1846, Richard Donkersly; 1847, William Cone, and also in 1848; 1849, Franklin Garett; 1850, W. H. Richards; 1851, A. N. Bodfish, also in 1852 (this year a reed organ was purchased, taking the place of the bugle, clarionets, and trumpets, which had hitherto furnished the instrumental music in the church) ; 1853, P. Cady ; 1854-55, C. Banning; 1856, Charles H. Titus (presid- ing elder; church members, one hundred and five; on probation, twenty; five hundred and fifty dollars paid the preacher) ; 1858, H. H. Smith, also in 1859; 1860, John N. Coolidge ; 1861-62, Lewis B. Bates; 1863, Erastus B. Benton, also in 1864 ; 1865, Asa Bod- fish (members, one hundred and seventy-four; nine hundred dollars paid for preaching). In 1865 a new meeting-house was commenced. The trustees engaged in seeing to its building were Allen Talbot, James H. Codding, George F. Gavitt William L. Hathaway, J. R. Talbot, F. A. Horr, A. 244 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Chace, Eliakim Briggs, and J. W. Hathaway. A church was formed at South Dighton this year, and fourteen members were transferred to it by letter. In 1866, Rev. A. N. .Bodfish preached. The new church was finished this year, the whole cost being about twenty thousand dollars. It was dedicated Oct. 11, 1866, Rev. Mark Trapton, of Providence, preaching the dedication sermon. The centenary collection of the church this year amounted to six thousand five hundred dollars, all, excepting five hundred dollars of the amount, being given by the North Dighton Furnace Company. The whole sum was appropriated towards paying for the new church. Eight thousand four hundred and three dollars was raised in all by the society this year. In 1867, Rev. A. N. Bodfish was continued at North Dighton, at a salary of one thousand dollars ; in 1868, T. S. Thomas (one hundred and seventy-seven members in the church) ; in 1869, W. H. Stetson, also in 1870; 1871, E. T. Jones; 1872, G. W. Ballou (salary, eleven hun- dred dollars; members, one hundred and eighty-five; probationers, forty-one; Sunday-school membership, three hundred and seventeen) ; in 1874, G. W. Ballou was continued, and also in 1875; 1876, Rev. George H. Bates, also in 1877; in 1879-80, G. W. Wright. The present pastor is George H. Bates. Second Methodist Episcopal Church.— In March, 1866, an energetic effort was made to establish a Meth- odist Church at Dighton Four Corners. Various local preachers had before this time been preaching, though without much regularity, at the Broad Cove school- house. At the time referred to James A. Dean was engaged to preach, and the building that had been known as the Dighton Academy was purchased by a joint-stock company for a meeting-house. The upper part of this building had formerly been used as a Universalist meeting-house or chapel, as it was called. It had been raised up, and a story built underneath. The first meeting of the Methodists at their new house was held April 8, 1866, Avith a congregation of about fifty persons. Before the end of May congregations of one hundred and upwards were obtained. The church was organized on the 13th of May, with a membership of twenty-three. A strawberry festi- val, held in June of that year, netted one hundred and fifty-six dollars, and the proceeds were used to purchase a cabinet organ. In the following Septem- ber a clam-bake, given by the society in Baylies' Grove, added somewhat to the resources of the young society. In 1867 a revival commenced, lasting about two months, meetings being held almost every evening. About forty converts were made. At the close of the year the church was in a very prosperous condition. In 1868, Mr. Dean, finding that his salary would not meet his expenses, left for the pastorate of a church in Providence. He was succeeded by Rev. H. H. Smith, and he, in 1872. by Rev. A. E. Hall. In 1874, Mr. Hall was appointed to St. Paul's Church in Prov- idence, and Rev. V. W. Mattoon was appointed in his place. Mr. Mattoon was succeeded by Rev. Dennison L. Brown, and he, in 1877, by Rev. John Lindsey, an Englishman by birth. Mr. Lindsey's successor was Rev. L. P. Causey, who was followed by Rev. S. E. Evans, and he in turn by the present pastor, Rev. F. D. Sargent. The church is now in a prosperous con- dition. Annual clam-bakes and strawberry festivals are an established custom with the society, and are a material aid to its finances, as they are to the sister society at North Dighton, and to the Baptist Society at the Four Corners. The Universalist Society. — Nearly forty years ago a society of Universalists was formed at South Digh- ton, and a neat chapel, of the Greek temple or Par- thenon style of architecture, albeit the material was wood, was built a short distance east of the Four Cor- ners, on a pleasant and commanding site. At that time, and for some years before and afterwards, there was a remarkable intellectual activity in New Eng- land. Old creeds and theological dogmas were over- hauled and criticised, without regard to their age or the weight of authority that supported them. It was an epoch when men's minds were uncommonly recep- tive of new ideas. Emerson, Alcott, Thoreau, Mar- garet Fuller, and other gifted and earnest men and women were searching in German philosophy and in the theological literature of India and other Asiatic lands, for answers to questions that constantly recur to thoughtful minds as to the meaning of this visible universe and the destiny of the human race. Nor was this mental activity and questioning confined to what are termed the cultivated classes. The carpenter at his bench, the blacksmith at his forge, the shoemaker over his lapstone, and even the butcher and the tin- peddler from their wagons, were wont, according to their various gifts, to become argumentative, like Milton's angels, "on finite, free-will, foreknowledge absolute," or on subjects quite as abstruse, and, like the angels, "found no end in wandering mazes lost." That was a flourishing period for isms of various sorts, some of them based on error and others founded on truths of the greatest moment to the human race. The Universalist Society in Dighton was the out- growth of this intellectual ferment, although the doc- trines believed in by the sect had long been familiar to many, through the published sermons of John Murray and other able preachers in this denomina- tion. Since the time of Origen and others of the early church Fathers, the doctrine of eternal torment of the wicked after death has been repulsive to many intelligent minds, driving some into deism, and even into atheism, while others have become agnostics, or have taken refuge in Socinianism, Unitarianism, or Universalism. For several years the society at the Corners was in a flourishing condition, the congregation meeting in the chapel being larger in numbers than the one that listened to Mr. Gushee's sermons in the old meeting- DIGHTON. 245 bouse. But after some years of prosperity various causes led to the decline of the society, and the meet- ings were no longer kept up. The chapel was sold and was converted into a school-house, called the Dighton Academy. 1 The columns in front were taken off, the building was raised up, and a story or base- ment was built underneath. In 1866, after the fail- ure of the academy project, the building was bought by the Methodist Episcopal society for a meeting- house. The names of the Universalist ministers who preached at the chapel were Hewitt, Hodston, Cham- berlain, and Arnold. Of these, Mr. S. C. Hewitt was probably the most talented preacher, but was appar- ently lacking in the conservative elements of charac- ter that enter into the composition of a well-balanced mind, this deficiency leading him to engage with a zeal untempered with a sufficiency of knowledge or wisdom in a pseudo science like phrenology, and into the wildest vagaries while investigating what are termed the phenomena of spiritualism, a class of phenomena needing for its investigation the most level-headed common sense and a thorough scientific training. When to these qualifications is united a fearless pursuit of truth, we have results such as have been given to the world by the distinguished English scientists, Professor William Crooks and Professor Alfred E. Wallace, and by the equally distinguished German investigator, the late Professor Zollner. In those days the odium theo/ogicum was much more bitter than at present, when the advance of liberal ideas gives promise of soon breaking down the walls of sectarian bigotry and prejudice, and no doubt to many of other denominations, Universalism and infidelity were almost synonymous terms. It may have been some narrow-minded member of one of the so-called orthodox societies who raked out of the limbo of things forgotten, a quartrain of old Daniel Defoe's, and inscribed it with a pencil on one of the columns of the chapel, when the society was in its most flourishing condition, or it may have been some out- sider, with a turn for jesting, who had no objection to stirring up the Universalists by a little quotation from an unfamiliar source. Probability, however, favors the latter supposition. The lines were as follows : " Whenever saints erect a house of prayer, The devil always builds a chapel there ; And 'twill lie found, upon examination, The latter has the largest congregation." 1 It has been called an American peculiarity to magnify the actual by frequently using terms of larger meaning than the facts will warrant. But the pretension of terming an ordinary private school, without en- dowment, or library, or apparatus, and without a corps of teachers, an "academy," is not peculiar to this country nor to the nineteenth cen- tury. When some one inquired of Boswell's father, the old Laird of Auchinleck, how James was prospering, the reply, in broad Scotch, was as follows: "There's Dae hope for Jamie. Jamie has gaen clean adaft. What do you think, mon ? He's done wi' Paoli — he's off wi' the land- louping scoundrel of a Corsicau. And whose tail do you think he has pinned himself to now, mon? A dominie, mon — an ould dominie; he keepit a schule, and cau'd it an acaademy." Such sallies as this were but little regarded by the Universalists, 2 who were wont to retaliate by repeat- ing with gusto anecdotes showing up their orthodox friends in ridicule, such as the story of the old dea- con's exhortation at a church meeting : " Brethren, there is, I am sorry to say, a new doctrine going about the world ; we are told that all men are to be saved, but, brethren, let us hope for better things." The Christian Baptist Societies.— Besides the religious organizations of which sketches have been given there are in Dighton two Christian Baptist Churches, in regard to the founding of which, or the names of the pastors that have been settled over them, I have not been able to obtain any information. The first of these is in the west part of the town, the meet- ing-house being the one in which Elder Goff used to preach and still called by his name, and the second is at North Dighton. The meeting-house owned by the latter society was probably built about the same time as the old Methodist meeting-house. Besides the religious societies mentioned there are two Christian Baptist societies in this town, of the history of which I have been unable to obtain any definite information. The one at West Dighton is now under the pastoral charge of Rev. Otis H. Bates, and the one at North Dighton is under the charge of Rev. Mr. Bacheler. Manufactures. — There are many people now liv- ing who can remember the days when the spinning- wheel, the hand-loom, and the dye-tub were to be found in use in almost every farmer's family, and when homespun cloth of wool and of flax was used almost exclusively for the dress of men and women, as well as for bed and table coverings. How the women of that time managed to do all the spinning, weaving, and dyeing needful to be done in their house- holds, and bring up their large families besides, is a mystery to their novel-reading granddaughters of to- day, who "toil not, neither do they spin," — at least, nothing more substantial than the yarns of gossip. There was, no doubt, as much done in this town in early times in the way of such domestic manufac- tures as have been mentioned as in other country towns of its size. In one industry, however, Dighton probably forestalled all the other towns in the State. This was the business of raising silk-worms and the reeling and manufacture of silk from the cocoons, which was introduced into this town by Mrs. Sarah Hart more than half a century ago. Mrs. Hart not only raised and manufactured the silk, but she taught the mysteries of the business to others, so that at one - Among the prominent members of the society were Anthony Keed, Joseph Pitts, Capt. William Cobb, and his two brothers, Capts. George and Benjamin, Maj. Charles Whitmarsh and W. B. Whitmarsh, and Bradford Pratt. Mr. Keed was a lumber-dealer, trader, and master-car- penter; Mr. Pitts was a shoemaker by trade, was justice of the peace, ami represented 'the town in the Legislature in IS42-44; Maj. Whit- marsh was a trader and ship-builder; Capt. W. B. Whitmarsh was post- master for many years; Bradford Pratt was a surveyor, school-teacher, and justice of the peace; he was a member of the Legislature in 1848-49. 216 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. time there was quite a number of people interested in the occupation in a small way. That was about the time of the Moras multicaulis mania, which was started by Prince, the Flushing, L. L, nurseryman, who had these, as he described them, wonderful mul- berry-trees for sale, quite a number of which were set out in this town, and some of them have grown into large trees. Further mention of the silk-culture and manufacture in Dighton will be found in the ap- pendix. Now that the manufacture of silk goods has attained to such dimensions in the United States, there being in 1880 three hundred and eighty-three factories, producing silk goods valued at over thirty- four million dollars, 1 it is interesting to know that this town was the pioneer in the business in this State, and that here were grown the first specimens of the larva? of the Bombyx mori (or silk-worm moth) ever seen in Massachusetts. The manufacture of textile fabrics by machinery was commenced in this town in the year 1809, when a small cotton-factory was built on the Three-Mile River at North Dighton. 2 This was called Wheeler's factory, from the agent, Nathaniel Wheeler. This old building, which had been leased by various parties, was burned in February, 1881, at the time of the paper-mill fire. In 1810 another and larger cotton-mill was built on the Three-Mile River, about a fourth of a mile above Wheeler's mill. The new factory was for some years known as the Bristol mill, some of the owners living in that town. It is now known as the Mount Hope mill. The building was raised on the Fourth of July, a large crowd being collected at the raising, and a barrel of rum being required to moisten the throats of those who worked, and of those who assisted, in the French sense of the term, by looking on. Thomas S. Baylies, who was one of the owners, sold the com- pany the land for the mill-site, and also the water- power privilege, being an inheritance from his father, Nicholas Baylies. The property has had a number of owners and lessees, among the latter being Theophi" lus, Azariah, and Jervis Shove, deceased, who carried on the manufacture of cotton goods for some years. The original building has been enlarged by ad- ditions. The present proprietors of the Mount Hope mill are Stafford & Company, John W. Chadwick being 1 The value of the silk goods imported in 1880 was thirty-two million eight hundred and ninety-nine thousand five hundred dollars, go that we manufacture more than half of the silk fabrics that we require. - According to information received since the above was written, the old White-Birch factory was built in 1S08, which would give it pre- cedence, in point of time, over Wheeler's factory. None of the cotton- mills in Fall River had been built at that date. The non-intercourse and embargo acts that preceded the second war with Great Britain, while they were disastrous to American shipping interests, had all the stimulating effect of a high protective tariff upon our infant manufactures, and thus helped materially towards our com- plete independence of the mother-country. Without the aid of these retaliatory acts of Congress the Dighton factories would not have been built. the superintendent. Six thousand four hundred spin- dles are run. About a hundred hands are employed, turning out fifty-four thousand pounds of hosiery yarn per month. The other principal manufacturing establishment at North Dighton is the paper-mill of L. Lincoln & Co., which employs some twenty-five hands, and turns out daily about six thousand pounds of manilla and and other paper. The junior members of the firm are Edward and James M. Lincoln. The mill was established in 1850 by Caleb M. and Lorenzo Lincoln. On the death of the first-named, a few years after- wards, the firm-name was changed to that of L. Lin- coln & Co. The firm has been burnt out twice, the last time in 1881. The new building is a substantial brick structure, and the mill is probably one of the best appointed in the State. The property is owned by the Dighton Manufacturing Company, a firm that was incorporated in 1822 for the manufacture of cot- ton goods, in what was called Wheeler's factory. At that time the company consisted of Israel Brayton, Oliver Chace, Eliab B. Dean, Elisha Lincoln, Nahum Mitchell, James Maxwell, Clark Shove, Nicholas Stevens, Nathaniel Wheeler, and Nathan Williams. The company is not now engaged in manufacturing, but leases all its property. It owns real estate on the Taunton side of the river, as well as in Dighton, in- cluding the " pipe-shop" on the east side. This build- ing was formerly occupied by George F. Gavitt, in company with others, for the manufacture of gas- pipes. It has lately been converted into a wool- washing establishment, under the firm-name of Scott & Talbot. The water-power privilege is owned by the Dighton Manufacturing Company. This com- pany formerly had a small cupola furnace on the " island," where castings of various kinds were made. Nearly two centuries ago there was an iron-furnace on the island, owned by members of the Walker family, of Taunton, who also owned several hundred acres of land in the vicinity. The Walkers manufac- tured iron from bog-ore dug on their own land. Further reference to this iron-works will be found in the appendix, in the genealogical history of the Walkers, and also a brief mention of Nicholas Ste- vens' saw- and grist-mill that stood near the iron- works. Another manufacturing establishment at North Dighton is the Waldron bakery, established more than thirty years ago by.Francis Waldron. Although situated in Taunton, yet the Dighton Furnace Company's works are so near the boundary line as to make the name seem not inappropriate. Besides, the works employ numbers of Dighton men, and the treasurer, Mr. James H. Codding, is a resi- dent of this town. Not far from one hundred and fifty men are employed in this establishment, which is a great aid to the prosperity of North Dighton village. If the boundary line between Dighton and Taunton had been established as was at first contem- DIGHTON. 247 plated when this town was laid out, the Dighton Furnace Works, the wool-washing establishment, Rose's nickel-plating shop, the North Dighton Rail- road depot, with twenty or thirty dwelling-houses and several hundred acres of land, which are now within the limits of Taunton, would belong to this town. The division line between Dighton and Taun- ton, starting from near the northwest corner of this town, runs in a straight line in a southeasterly course until it reaches the pond just above the Mount Hope mill ; thence it follows the sinuous course of Three- Mile River down to its junction with Taunton River. When Dighton was laid out it was proposed that the northern boundary line, instead of following down the Three-Mile River, should continue straight on in the southeasterly course to Taunton River, and across the latter stream to the Freetown line. This would have brought the irregularly triangular tract between the Three-Mile River and Taunton River into this town, where it naturally belongs. There are many good reasons for having this pro- posed boundary line established now, and the triangu- lar strip of territory mentioned annexed to Dighton. This would do away with the mistakes and confusion arising from the fact that the North Dighton Rail- road depot and the Dighton Furnace are now in Taunton. Besides, to use the language of diplomacy, it would " rectify our frontier," and would unite under one town government the village that has grown up on both sides of Three-Mile River, and which now is inconvenienced by being partly under town and partly under municipal government. It is believed, besides, that annexation to this town would be no detriment, but an advantage to those dwelling on the territory in question, or owning real estate there, through the much lower rate of taxation prevailing in this town than in Taunton. The question of an- nexation, however, is one in which the people on the territory described must take the initiative. Water-Power of the Segreganset. — The Segre- ganset River runs its course almost wholly within the limits of this town. Excepting near its mouth, where it joins the Taunton, it is little more than a brook. One branch of it rises in the west part of the town, near Goffs Hill, and another takes its rise in the ex- treme northwest corner; these branches unite at the pond, just above the saw-mill and grist-mill of J. T. W. Reed. At this point, on the east side of the road, there was formerly a small cotton-mill, called the White-Birch factory, which was burnt more than forty years ago, while it was being run by David Westcoat, now of Taunton. Just above the site of the White-Birch mill one Simeon Williams had a saw-mill in the last century, and near by was, at a later date, the lap-mill of Joshua Williams, the build- ing having been previously used for the making of plugs for ship-carpenters' use by Isaac Babbitt. About a quarter of a mile west of the brick meeting- house is the pond that gives power for the forge and grist-mill of Albert Briggs, son of Joseph Briggs, who carried on business here for many years. The property has been in the family for a long period. About one hundred and eighty years ago one Matthew Briggs came over from England, and brought the machinery for a forge and grist-mill, which was set up at this place. Mr. Briggs was one of the deacons of the Congregational Church. A part of his busi- ness was the makiug of pod-augers for carpenters' use, that being in the " good old pod-auger days," before the screw-auger was invented. Just below the Briggs Forge, and not far from Leonard Horton's house, there was many years ago a fulling-mill, all traces of which, as well as its his- tory, have long ago disappeared. A short distance below the east and west road that leads to the Upper Four Corners is a stone building which was built in 1822, by Capt. David Perry, for a machine-shop. On his failure in business the property was sold, and the building was afterwards occupied as a tack-mill by various parties. About a quarter of a mile below the stone building there was, many years ago, a flaxseed-oil mill, but by whom it was owned or when it was built are not now known. It was an unfortunate concern, and the machinery was said to have been bewitched by an old woman who had a spite against the owner. No sooner was it started to running than some part of it would break down. The iron spindle of the mill- stone seemed to be the particular object of the old lady's evil spells, for it would melt down almost as soon as the mill started, although its bearings were liberally supplied with tallow and other lubricants. That was long after the time of that zealous divine and witch- hunter, Cotton Mather, and none of the women of the neighborhood were hung or tortured on suspicion of having bewitched the oil-mill. The building was afterwards used as a tub- and pail-factory by a Mr. Willard, the lower part being used by Mr. Cummings as a blacksmith-shop. The witch spell seemed to cling to it to the end, for it took fire from friction one night, and was destroyed. A plank had been run through the spokes of the water-wheel to prevent its turning, but a freshet coming on, the pressure of the water broke the plank, and the machinery started into rapid motion. As there was not enough oil on the bearings to prevent friction, the building was in flames before morning. Afterwards a saw-mill was built on the site by Joseph Briggs. About half a mile below the site of the oil-mill was the tack-factory of Nathaniel Leonard & Son, built about the year 1845, and which ran twenty-two machines until within a few years, when the concern was sold out to the combination of tack manufacturers, and has since been idle. Mr. Leonard was a skillful mechanic, and for some years was the only manufacturer in the county of the plated rolls used by jewelers. He was also the inventor of a tack-machine identical with what is called the Blanchard machine, but was forestalled in 248 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. getting a patent by Blanchard. Some distance below the Leonard 1 factory, on the road that was formerly one of the boundaries between Dighton and Welling- ton, was the grist-mill known as Simmons' mill, which has not been running for many years. Of all the many manufacturing enterprises that have been started on the Segreganset River only two are in operation at the present time, Mr. Reed's saw- mill and Mr. Briggs' forge and grist-mill. Elderly and middle-aged people, who have been familiar with the stream from boyhood, say that the amount of water it carries down is much less than was the case when they were young. This is probably true of the other streams in this town. They have apparently shrunk within the last thirty or forty years. The reason for this shrinkage is no doubt to be found in the cutting off of the woods in the north and west part of the town. Sally Richmond's Brook. — This stream, named for one of the old maiden ladies before mentioned, takes its rise in the swamps northwest of. Hunter's Hill, runs at first a northeasterly course, crossing the road leading to Pitts' Corner from the Four Corners twice, then turns southeasterly, skirting the base of Richmond Hill, and loses itself in the oozy flats of Muddy Cove, near the color-works of J. C. Jessop &Co. There were formerly in operation on this small stream a shingle-mill and a forge, both on the west road. The first, owned by Gen. William Peck, who used to saw cedar shingles in the winter, there not generally being water enough in the summer for the purpose. Gen. William Peck, who owned the farm that formerly belonged to the father of Commodore Talbot, was born in Swansea, April 12, 1795. His father's name was Thomas, who married Elizabeth Mason, of Swansea. William Peck was colonel of the First Regiment, Second Brigade of the county militia from Aug. 27, 1828, to Sept. 11, 1830, when he was promoted brigadier-general of the Second Brigade, consisting of five regiments and a battalion of artil- lery. He was also president of the court-martial which met in Boston for the trial of Lieut.-Col. G. S. Wiuthrop for failing to properly do escort duty with his command on election-day in 1832. His unflinch- ing firmness on this occasion and his somewhat stern expression of features won him, in the newspaper re- ports of the affair, the sobriquet of Gen. Pluck. He married Lemira Mason, daughter of Job Mason, of Swansea. They had four daughters, whom he used to term his bushel of girls. His death occurred in Octo- ber, 1851, his wife surviving him three years. The forge and blacksmith-shop of Matthew Briggs stood about a quarter of a mile below Gen. Peck's 1 The Leonards came from Wales, and have always been noted in the working anil manufacture of iron ever since the two brothers, James and Henry Leonard, came over in 1652, and, in company with Balph Kussel, set up in Taunton (now Kaynham) the first iron-works built in this country. shingle-mill. There was a small pond in the rear, from which a flume led to the undershot-wheel that carried the tilt-hammer. Mr. Briggs was a man of Falstaffian proportions, and almost of Falstaffian humor. He was quick at repartee, his eyes would twinkle under his round spectacles, and his rotund form would shake with laughter at anything that tickled his fancy. He was, withal, a skillful smith, and could make almost anything in his line from a horse-nail to a monkey-wrench. His forge being near the school-house, the boys used to find it a fascinating place of resort during recess, especially when the trip-hammer was in motion, sending horizontal show- ers of sparks from the white mass of metal it was beating into shape. Mr. Briggs was captain of the Second Company of Dighton militia from 1818 to 1822. His father's name was Matthew, and he was a seventh son ; he also had seven sons, the youngest of whom ought, according to the old superstition about seventh son of seventh son, to be endowed with the gift of curing by touch the king's evil. Matthew Briggs' forge has long been torn down, the dam leveled, and the pond converted into a meadow. The only manufacturing establishment now in op- eration on Sally Richmond's Brook is the color- grinding works of J. C. Jessop & Co., already men- tioned, steam being the motive power, and the water of the little pond, formed by a dam across the stream, being only used for manufacturing purposes. From twenty to twenty-five hands are employed, and the colors produced are chiefly intended for the printing of wall-papers. The building was erected in 1861 for the manufacture of woolen cloths. A company was formed consisting of Capt. William Cobb, of this town, George G/ Crocker, of Taunton, Dr. Samuel West, of Tiverton, R. I., Thomas Whitridge, of Bal- timore, and others. The capital stock was at first forty thousand dollars, afterwards increased to fifty thousand dollars, and then to seventy-five thousand dollars. In 1864 the company held property, accord- ing to a sworn statement of the directors, valued at one hundred and twenty-nine thousand dollars, with a debt of eighty-one thousand dollars. George G. Crocker was the first president of the company, and Capt. Cobb, treasurer. The business was not con- ducted so as to be financially profitable, and after the establishment was burned, in 1867, an upper story of wood was built on to the brick walls, which remained standing, and the manufacture of furniture was com- menced by a new company, with a capital stock of sixty thousand dollars. Of the six hundred shares, Capt. Cobb held two hundred and ninety. The other principal shareholders were Gordon Bartlett, of Salem, Stephen Bartlett, of Charlestown, and Edward Gordon, of Boston, the latter being president of the company. The manufacture of furniture did not prove profitable, and the business was soon abandond, and the com- pany dissolved. The building was next used for the manufacture of white-lead, and was known as the DIGHTON. 249 Albion Lead-Works. Capt. Cobb was a large stock- holder, as were several prominent Taunton men. The business was conducted at a loss for some years. May 2, 1878, early in the morning, the building was burned for the second time. It has since been partially re- built by the color-works company. Capt. William Cobb, previously mentioned as prominently connected with the woolen-mill, the fur- niture factory, and the lead-works, was also concerned in manufacturing enterprises in the buildings near the town-landing, now owned and occupied by the Dighton Stove-Lining Company. The first manufac- turing establishment on this site was a steam saw-mill erected more than a generation ago, and used for the manufacture of shingles from southern cedar, nail- kegs, sashes, blinds, and doors. This building was burnt while it was occupied by Shove and Stur- tevant, sash, door, and blind manufacturers. It was rebuilt by a joint-stock company, of which Capt. Cobb, Anthony Reed, and others were members, Mr. Reed being the agent. The business was not con- ducted so as to be profitable, and the establishment was soon turned into a tack manufactory under other managers, and styled the Union Manufacturing Com- pany, of which Capt. Cobb was the president. The capital stock of this company in 1857 was sixteen thousand dollars. Stephen Rhodes was the treasurer and in 1861 was president of the company. In 1865 a new company was formed under the name of the Dighton Tack Company, in which several Boston men were interested, Jeremiah Abbott of that city being the president. The capital stock of this company in 1866 was eighty thousand dollars, and the amount of property belonging to it was estimated in the sworn certificate of the directors to be one hundred and forty-three thousand dollars, with liabilities amount- ing to fifty-four thousand dollars. After other changes in the ownership the tack manufactory was bought by the combination of tack manufacturers, and the busi- ness was abandoned in Dighton. The premises have since been used for the manufacture of stove-linings and fire-brick. In 1866 a builing was erected just north of the tack factory for an iron-works, and a company was formed under the name of the Dighton Rolling-mill Company, of which Enoch Robinson, Jr., was presi- dent, and Capt. Cobb treasurer. The capital stock was forty-four thousand dollars. In 1868 the capital stock was increased to eighty thousand dollars. In the great gale of September, 1869, the building was partially wrecked, and soon afterwards it was burnt to the ground by an incendiary fire. The business had not proved a profitable one as it had been man- aged, and the works were not rebuilt. William Cobb was born in Taunton in 1811. He was the son of Charles and Rhoda, nee Dean. He was connected, though not by direct descent, with Gen. David Cobb, of the Revolutionary period, who afterwards, during Shay's rebellion, when the court- house in Taunton was threatened by an angry mob, emphatically informed the turbulent crowd that he would " either sit as a judge, or die as a general." Capt. Cobb came to Dighton to reside about the year 1837, and was followed by his brothers George and Benjamin, who were also sea-captains. He bought the farm that was formerly the Bragg farm. In 1840, in connection with other parties, he built the bark " Elizabeth Hall." In 1849 he went to California in command of the bark " Ann," carrying a company of gold-hunters. After his return he gave up the sea, and entered into business pursuits on the land. He built a large wharf and store now owned by the Old Colony Iron Company, and was for many years the agent of that company in transporting their coal and iron to East Taunton. He also built a number of vessels at his wharf, the last of which, built in 1874, was a barkentine, named for himself. In 1857 the Rhode Island coal-mine was bought by a company consisting of himself, Samuel L., and George A. Crocker. He was one of the originators of the Dighton and Somerset Railroad Company, and was president of the com- pany when the charter was sold to the Old Colony Company. He also contracted to build the bridge across the river at Somerset, one of the longest bridges in New England, and took the contract to cut through the " Pinnacle" ledge in Stoughton, after other con- tractors had abandoned the work. He was also in- fluential in getting the new carriage-road built from Dighton to Somerset, across Broad Cove, and also the one starting from near his house, and running north across Segreganset River, to join the old stage-road. 1 Capt. Cobb was also interested in the brick business at Medford, in this State, and at Haverstraw, on the Hud- son River. He died suddenly, of heart-disease, in his state-room, on board of one of the Fall River and New York steamboats, while on his way home from the latter city, July 31, 1875. Capt. Cobb was twice married. His first wife was a Peckham, by whom he had two children. His second wife was Miss Emma Lubec, of this town, by whom he had three sons and two daughters. Whatever judgment may be passed upon Capt. Cobb's business methods, and some of them have been severely criticised, no one who knew him will deny that he was a man of energetic and enterprising character, of large personal magnetism, enabling him to secure the co-operation of others in any project or undertaking in which he was interested, or that he was kind and genial in his relations to his family and his friends. Various Topics. — Dighton has been represented in mathematics by John D. Williams, son of Jared and Martha, who was born in the year 1800. He was early in life quite noted as a mathematician, and i Capt. Cobb and Charles W. Brigs* '""^ u "' contract to build Broad Cove bridge, which wan built in 1855. The new road and bridge over the Segreganset were limit the same year. Theso improvements were much n led, and have been a great convenience to the traveling public. 250 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. published a little text-book on algebra, which has long been out of print. The author was not remark- able for intelligence in matters outside of the domain of figures or their algebraic symbols, thus adding an- other to the many similar illustrations of the psycho- logic fact that the mathematical faculty is frequently largely developed in people of otherwise very ordi- nary intellectual gifts. Mr. Williams was a mason by trade. He took the contract to build the city hall in Fall River, but the city authorities, after he had worked for some time, perceiving that the work was not being properly done, annulled the contract and gave the job to another per- son. Mr. Williams led a somewhat irregular life, and, having laid by nothing for a rainy day, his closing years were spent in the almshouse. His father, .Tared Williams, was a very peculiar and eccentric man, especially in his speech. In art this town has furnished a worthy represen- tative in Jesse Talbot, son of Josiah and Lydia, who resided on a farm in the northwest part of the town. Jesse was born April 1, 1805, and was the youngest of eight children. Before he had reached the age of manhood he went to Dedham, in this State, and was employed as a clerk in the store of Dr. Wheaton. From Dedham he removed to New York City, where he was appointed secretary of the American Tract Society and married the daughter of a clergyman. Having shown considerable talent in drawing and painting in his youth, he was induced by the persua- sions of his friends, as well as by his own inclina- tion, to adopt the profession of a landscape painter. Thenceforward he devoted his life to the practice of his art, and with considerable success, his pictures finding a ready sale, and many of them being en- graved on steel for the magazines and annuals of that p>eriod. His pictures of views on the Hudson River and Rockland Lake were especially admired. Probably many worldly-wise people would have considered Jesse Talbot's adoption of the profession of landscape painter, at a time when there was not nearly the taste for art in the United States that there is at present, and when artistic work was compara- tively poorly remunerated, as having some connection with his having been born on " All-Fools' day." Yet, if he did not amass a fortune by his art, as Bierstadt, Church, and a few other American artists have done in later years, he at least secured a moderate compe- tence; and probably with him, as with many others, the practice of his art was its own exceeding great reward, and pecuniary considerations were of second- ary importance. Dighton Rock. — Any sketch, however fragment- ary, of the history of this town that made no mention of Dighton Rock would be, to use the hackneyed simile, like the play of Hamlet with the part of the Prince of Denmark left out, or, to use a fresher and more apposite comparison, it would be like a descrip- tion of Newport with no mention of the old Stone Mill. In considering the diverse theories that have been advanced as to the genesis of the sculptured charac- ters on this famous rock, and the difficulty, if not the impossibility, of proving or disproving either of them, it would seem as if the genius of mystery were brood- ing over the spot, hiding with an impenetrable cur- tain the meaning of the semi-obliterated characters, and one recalls the inscription before the mysterious temple of Isis, "Yesterday, to-day, forever, and no mortal hath lifted my veil." That the controversy over this rock is not yet en- tirely settled to the satisfaction of everybody is in part owing to the wearing effect of ice and waves for hundreds of years on the sculptured face of this bowlder of gneiss, making it a matter of great diffi- culty to trace some of the shallow lines of the figures among the natural seams and crevices of the stone, and to this difficulty of following the lines, as they were originally chiseled into the rock, is to be attrib- uted the fact that no two drawings of the characters by different people that were ever made would agree in all respects when compared together. This di- versity or disagreement in the drawings that have been made of the rock is strikingly shown in the " Antiquitates Americana?," a tri-lingual, quarto work, published nearly half a century ago by the Royal Society of Northern Antiquaries of Copenhagen. In this work there are nine drawings of the rock, taken by different people, at different times, no two of which are alike. The first of these attempted representations of the characters on the rock was by Dr. Dan forth, in 1680. The second has been attrib- uted to Cotton Mather, in 1712. It bears not the slightest resemblance to the sculptured characters, but appears as if executed by a person having the St. Vitus' dance or the delirium tremens. Then follow other drawings, of more or less accuracy, one of the best being by Dr. William Baylies, of this town. The best drawing in the series was furnished by the Rhode Island Historical Society, and was the one chiefly relied upon by the Danish savants in studying the character of the inscription, which, it is well known, they decided to be the work of the roving Northmen in the eleventh century. If they did not succeed in proving beyond doubt that Dighton Rock is a Scan- dinavian relic, they at least succeeded, by the publi- cation in the " Antiquitates Americanse" of the old Icelandic sagas or histories, in proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the Norse freebooters discov- ered this continent, and made some attempts to col- onize it, centuries before Christopher Columbus was born, and that the site of the ancient Vinland, men- tioned in these sagas, was probably in the southeastern part of what is now New England. The party of Norsemen, whom the Danish antiqua- ries supposed to have made the characters on Dighton Rock, came over to Vinland (so called from the :q Cv. ■? --,V-. V \ £r.i(.JftcTe. Di^kton Rock. MMl rap Etchings on Rocks in New-Mexico. "--■'■:%>-. - " ■"..-. ■ --„ I H i . Yi Win ft KW\jM' - 1 wM HMmmtmrmmfmm ^. Runic Inscription in Greenland. DIGHTON. 251 abundance of grapes that grew wild there) in the year 1007. The leader's name was Thorfinn Karlsefue, or Thorfinn the Hopeful. He left Greenland with three vessels and one hundred and sixty-one men, but the men in one vessel mutinied, and turned back to Greenland. Other parties of Norsemen had pre- viously visited Vinland, which Professor Rafu and his co-laborers supposed to be the region of country bor- dering Narragansett Bay and Taunton River. Most of the characters in the drawings of the rock they could make nothing of, but there was a group near the centre of the inscription which they deciphered to be the Runic characters standing for the name of Thorfinn, above which were the Roman numerals CXXXI, followed by a character which they decided to be an anaglyph, standing for the word men. Since that time the Royal Society of Northern Antiquaries has been supplied with a photograph of the rock, and it is said they now think that they were in error in claiming Dighton rock as a Scandinavian relic, so that those who think the inscription merely an ex- ample of the rude pictographs of the Indians, of which specimens of the same general character are to be found in other parts of the country, now meet with little opposition to their views. Such was the opinion of Professor Schoolcraft, who visited the rock twice, some thirty or forty years ago. On his first visit he was inclined to think that the inscription was of a mixed character, part Indian and part Runic, or Scandinavian, but on his last visit he decided that it was wholly the work of the aborigines. Professor Schoolcraft, though not a runologist, was well versed in all that pertains to the manners, customs, and art of the Indians, as is evidenced in his great work, pub- lished by the government, on the Indian tribes. On another page are representations in outline of the characters on Dighton Rock, and also of a genuine Runic inscription from Greenland, the undoubted work of the Northmen, together with a fac-simile of an Indian pictographic inscription on a rock in New Mexico. The latter is copied from a wood-cut in the government report of the Southern Pacific Railroad survey. A glance at the three inscriptions will show the reader the great general resemblance between the characters on Dighton Rock and those on the New Mexican rock. They were evidently executed by people of the same state of artistic development, or the lack of it, while the Runic inscription, which has been translated, is arranged in a systematic and read- able way, and is composed of well-formed letters or characters. It does not seem probable that the North- men, who executed the Greenland Runes, could have descended so far as to scratch out the puerile hotch- potch of characters on Dighton Rock, which bear intrinsic evidence of being the work of a savage race. Yet notwithstanding that the weight of evidence is against the supposition that this rock is a relic of the Norsemen, as it is also in the case of the Newport round-tower, there is little doubt that the accounts of the Scandinavian discovery and attempted coloniza- tion of this continent in the eleventh century, as given in the " Antiquitates Americana?," are substantially true, and that to Leif Ericsson belongs the honor of being the first European to land on the shores of "that new world which is the old." A Dighton Sampson. — The extraordinary exploit of Samuel Briggs in capturing a buck has been related in another part of this sketch. Samuel displayed in that affair uncommon pluck, endurance, and tenacity of purpose, but his renown was eclipsed in the first half of this century by the great strength, courage, and prowess of another Briggs, who was known in this and neighboring towns as Stout George. As one of the celebrities of Dighton and the product of a state of society that has disappeared forever, he merits some little mention. George Washington Briggs was born June 27, 1776, in the stirring times just preceding the Declaration of Independence. He was the son of James and Hannah, and was the fifth of ten children, six boys and four girls. Several others of the family were en- dowed with great physical strength and activity, par- ticularly the oldest son, James, who is said to have nearly equaled George in these respects. These virile family gifts were shared, though of course in a less degree, by the girls. The oldest daughter, Nancy, became insane early in life. She is represented as having been a very handsome woman, tall, finely formed, with a queenly dignity of bearing and un- common muscular strength, which she sometimes used in overmastering those who had charge of her. George in his early days was a seafaring man. Many stories of his adventures on sea and land have been handed down, of which the following are given as specimens. While yet a young man he was on one occasion mate of the ship " Pomona," of which Capt. John Pierce, of this town, was master. They were bound for Valparaiso with a cargo of lumber, which was part dry and part green, the dry having been put in the hold and the green, heavy lumber on deck. This made the ship very crank and top-heavy. Capt. Pierce was overfond of ardent spirits, his indulgence in which often unfitted him for the management of the vessel. When nearing the end of the voyage heavy weather was experienced, and the ship was put under close-reefed topsails. While it was yet blowing a stiff gale, the captain, in his usual semi-inebriated condition, and as obstinate as the proverbial mule, came upon deck and ordered the reefs to be shaken out of the topsails. " Captain Pierce," said George, " the ship has as much sail now as she can carry. If the reefs are shaken out she will capsize." This re- monstrance had no effect upon the muddled intellect of the captain. 1 The men were ordered aloft and the reefs were shaken out, but scarcely were the topsails 1 Capt. Pierce fell a victim to his habits of inebriation. His death was caused by bis jumping out of a chamber window during a fit of delirium tremens ami breaking his neck. 252 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. sheeted home and the yards braced to the wind when a fierce squall struck the ship abeam, and over she went. The deck-load of lumber was instantly swept oft', but still the vessel remained on her side, the offi- cers and crew clinging for dear life to the rigging or belaying-pins to prevent being washed overboard by the seas that swept over the ship. Briggs was now virtually in command, and deter- mined to make an effort to right the ship. Tying a line to his waist, he crept along forward, clinging with vise-like grip to the weather bulwarks, over which the waves were sweeping, and cut the lanyards of each topmast-shroud in succession. The topmasts, unable to bear the additional strain, snapped off at the caps, and the ship suddenly righted, with all her top-hamper gone, and rolling like a log in the trough of the sea. They drifted in this condition for some days, having scarcely any sail set, when they fell in with a mass of wreckage, which, singularly enough, proved to be the ship's top-hamper, which had been cut adrift when she capsized. The floating spars and sails were secured, and the ship, partially rigged again, proceeded on her voyage, and arrived in a few days at Valparaiso. On their arrival in port new perils awaited the crew. There was a British man-of-war in the harbor, one of the most dreaded of objects to the crews of merchant vessels, for at that time the crews in the British armed vessels were recruited by means of press-gangs, the brutal commanders of which were not at all particu- lar whether the men they seized in their raids were British subjects or not. Soon after the arrival of the " Pomona" in port, Briggs and three of the crew were on shore, when they met a press-gang of nine men from the British vessel. These men were armed with muskets, with fixed bayonets, though, as afterwards appeared, the guns were not loaded. The commanding officer of the press-gang accosted one of the crew of the "Pomona" and demanded to see his protection. The man handed over the docu- ment, which was such as every American seaman was obliged to carry with him, when the officer imme- diately tore up the paper and directed his men to arrest the man. Another of the " Pomona's" men met with similar treatment, his certificate of Ameri- can citizenship being torn up and the man being placed under arrest. The only man at liberty now, besides Briggs, was an Englishman named Owen, who of course had no protection, and who did not relish the idea of being impressed on board of a man-of- war. Owen was an active, powerful man, though less herculean in strength than Briggs. While the press-gang were arresting the others these two had determined not to be captured without a struggle for liberty. Briggs carried a heavy club, some two inches thick at the large end, on which was an ugly knob. 1 Owen had also managed to secure a club. 1 This cane or club, which did such fearful execution on that occasion, is now in the possession of a relative of George Briggs. The captain of the gang now stepped up to Briggs, and in an insolent tone demanded his protection. "There is my protection!" said Briggs, as he dealt the officer a blow over the head that felled him in his tracks. The two determined men now rushed at the press-gang, dealing death with almost every blow of their clubs. Five of the men were killed on the spot, and the others were placed hors de combat. Owen, or "Johnny Bull," as he was called by his shipmates, received a bayonet-thrust through the leg, which in the excitement of the melee he did not feel, but when the fight was over found his shoe full of blood. Briggs and Owen thought it best to keep out of the way after their encounter with the press-gang, until the " Pomona" was ready to sail, as the captain of the British vessel had sworn to kill or capture them, and had a force of men detailed for the pur- pose. In after-years Briggs was loth to speak of this adventure, and could never do so without tears in his eyes. It was such rough work, he said, that he did not like to think of it. On the return voyage Owen became ugly and mu- tinous, and Capt. Pierce requested Briggs to chastise him, which he effectually did by a single blow of his fist, sending the rebellious Englishman reeling back- wards over the windlass. When he finally picked himself up all the ugliness appeared to have been knocked out of him, and he gave no further trouble during the voyage. Briggs afterwards went to Liverpool in the "Po- mona," and while the ship was unloading at that port he displayed several feats of strength that drew attention to him from the sailors and wharf-laborers in the vicinity. Among the classes mentioned it was deemed that the honor of the city required that a man should be found who could beat this young Yankee athlete in feats of strength. Among the stalwart porters, stevedores, and coal-heavers of Liverpool are always to be found a few men of remarkable physical strength, and generally there is one who so far surpasses the rest in muscular force as to be considered a sort of champion, to be called upon at any time to maintain the city's prestige for men of muscle. At the time referred to the champion strong man was an Irish porter named O'Brien, a heavily-built, brawny-limbed man of some fifteen stone weight. In company with a number of his companions he went on board of the " Pomona" to challenge Briggs to a trial of strength. "The top of the morning till yez, captain," said he, accosting Capt. Price. " Be- dad, it's meself, Johnny O'Brien, that wants to see the broth of a bye they're afther tellin' yez have on board." Surmising what the man's errand was, Capt. Pierce called Briggs up from below, and introduced him to his visitor, who at once proceeded to business, and proposed a trial of strength in lifting one of the heavy ship's anchors that lay on the wharf. Briggs readily D1GHT0N. 253 accepted the proposal, and requested O'Brien to show his strength first. The Irishman accordingly placed his hands under the shank of one of the huge anchors, and with great effort succeeeded in raising it so that the lower fluke just cleared the ground, a feat that prohably no other man in the city could have per- formed. It was now Briggs' turn ; he stooped over and grasped the shank of the anchor, and then re- quested O'Brien to get up on his hack and sit on his shoulders while he lifted. The Irishman demurred at such a proceeding at first, but was finally pursuaded to comply with Briggs' request, when the latter straightened himself up under the combined weight of the anchor and the Irishman's two hundred pounds avoirdupois. 1 George Briggs was about five feet ten inches in height, massively built, broad-shouldered, deep- chested, large-limbed. In the keen steel-gray eyes that looked out from under his bushy eyebrows there were indications that this was not the sort of man to play tricks with or to impose upon with impunity. After he had left off his roving, seafaring life, and had settled down upon his farm near the Upper Four Corners, the fame of his exploits became noised abroad, and he had many visitors from the neighbor- ing towns, who came to satisfy their curiosity with a sight of " Stout George," not unfrequently interfering, to his annoyance, with his work. It is related that on one occasion, while he was at work on the upper part of his farm, which was quite a distance from the house, a stranger dismounted at the gate, hitched his saddle-horse, and inquired of Mrs. Briggs for her husband. She told the man where he was at work, that he was very busy, and did not want to be called from his work upon any trivial pretense. As the stranger persisted in his desire to see Mr. Briggs, she, supposing he had some business of importance, put on her bonnet and went for her husband. The latter, not in a very amiable mood from being interfered with in the work, which he was hurrying to finish before night, came down to the house, where he found his visitor leaning against the wall by the road. The latter introduced himself, and said that, happening along that way, he could not go past until he had seen the man about whom he had heard such remark- able stories. While he was talking, if he had known the indications, he would undoubtedly have seen " danger signals" flying in Briggs' eyes. "Well, my friend," said George, "now you have seen me, you may as well trot along about your busi- ness, and I will help you over the wall." As he spoke he seized his astonished visitor by the coat-collar and the slack part of his trowsers and tossed him over the wall, so that he landed near the middle of the road. 1 When Briggs bad shown the Irish champion what he could do in the way of lifting he suggested a square tight to see which was thi man with the fi f t.<, but tin- Hibernian, although a noted bruiser, excused himself from entering the lists with so formidable an antagonist, and the fight did not come off. This story in course of time became exaggerated, as stories are apt to become, and it was seriously related that the horse had been thrown over the wall as well as its rider. Briggs' remarkable constitution would probably have carried him well on towards his hundredth year if he had taken ordinary care of himself. He worked on Howland's Ferry bridge while it was building, and was accustomed to dive down in deep water and ad- just the heavy stones for the foundations of the piers. Such work as that must have shortened his life many years. Towards the close of his life only the wreck of his splendid physique remained, and he could only hobble about with a crutch or sit at his front window and watch the passers-by, many of whom would stop to talk with him. But even in his decrepitude he had the strength of two or three ordinary men. His son-in-law, Mr. Ashley, relates that once, having a large stone, much heavier at one end than the other, to place on top of a wall, and not knowing how to get it there, the old man hobbled out and told him and another man who was with him that if they would lift the small end of the stone he would lift the heavy end, which he accordingly did with apparent ease. While he was in his prime he built, unaided, save by some slight assistance from his wife, a Cyclopean wall, bordering the road, which has attracted the attention of thousands of travelers by its massive cap-stones. It is to be hoped that this wall will be permitted to stand for many years, as the fitting monument of one of the strongest and most active men that this country has ever produced. Richmond Hill. — The most considerable eminence in this township is Richmond Hill, in the southeast part. Compared with Tom, or Holyoke, or Waehu- sett, or even with the Blue Hills of Milton, its eleva- tion is very moderate, being but little more than two hundred feet, but it is nevertheless an interesting spot to visit to the student of physical science, as well as to the lover of natural scenery. The view from its rocky summit takes in the Blue Hills on the north, Mount Hope on the south, and the Cumberland Hills, in Rhode Island, on the west. Portions of the cities of Taunton, Fall River, and Providence are visible, as well as the towns of Somerset, Freetown, Berkh-v, Attleborough, Norton, Raynham, and Rehobotli. More than forty church spires can be counted with the aid of a glass on a clear day in winter. The windings of Taunton River can be traced for several miles. The singular gorge through the rocks on the top of the hill seems made on purpose to accommodate the road that runs through it. It is evidently one of the furrows left by the great ice-plow that tore its wax- over the hill from the northward in the last glacial period, and which must have reduced the height of the hill very materially. The marks of glacial action are very distinct here. The rock in place, a gray- wacke conglomerate, or pudding-stone, has been 254 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. ground down, polished, and grooved by the stones imbedded in the ancient glacier, which, according to Agassiz and other scientists, once covered the north- ern portion of this continent to the depth of hundreds of feet, and slowly moved, with irresistible force, in a southerly direction. Huge masses of rock were torn from this hill and shoved along to the south, in some cases, for several miles. The large bowlder in Somer- set known as the Hanging, or Toad Rock, and which weighs probably more than a hundred tons, was origi- nally a part of this hill. The conglomerate which underlies this town, as well as a large portion of the rest of Bristol County, is composed of rounded fragments of a much older rock, which were broken from the parent ledges perhaps hundreds of thousands of years ago, then rolled upon the shores of the primeval sea for a long period of time, until they become rounded and polished, after which, owing to an increase of the temperature of the earth's crust at this point, the clayey mud that filled their interstices became hardened into stone by heat. Then the rock was gradually raised by forces in the interior of the globe to its present height above the ocean. Scarcely any fossils are to be found in this rock. Some of the nodules or pebbles when broken show the blackened casts of a small, bivalve shell-fish, a species of lingula, an ancient, diminutive represen- tative of the modern clam. The late Professor Wil- liam B. Rogers visited the hill some years ago on pur- pose to get specimens of these fossil shell-fish. In a pasture on the southern slope of the hill is a curiosity of the vegetable kingdom. This is a prostrate juni- per, Juniperus communis. It is nowhere more than two feet in height, while its branches extend outward from the centre to the distance of a dozen feet on all sides, making the tree resemble a large green mat. Smaller specimens of this tree are not uncommon, but it rarely grows to so large a size as the one on Richmond Hill. Hunter's Hill. — About three-fourths of a mile west of Beal's Rocks, on Richmond Hill, is Hunter's Hill, an elevation somewhat less in height than the former and without its rocky features. The hill was a noted resort for hunters in the early years of the town's settlement, hence the name, which it retains to the present day. From its summit they could see all over the large clearing, or Indian plantation, that has been described, and whether any deer had come out of the forest, as they frequently did, to browse on the vegetation of the clearing. Then the hunters would hasten down the hill and through the woods to get within range, taking care to keep to leeward of the keen-scented animals. At that time, the date of which is uncertain, although it must have been nearly two hundred years ago, there was probably a log house or hunter's lodge on the hill. The first frame house that was built there was put up by one Elijah King, who owned the hill about one hundred and fifty years ago. This old house was torn down in 1838 by Rescome Hart, the then owner of the farm, who built a stone cottage in its place, the only stone dwelling-house in the town. 1 One of the owners of Hunter's Hill after King was Capt. Samuel Talbot, brother to the commodore. He married Capt. Stephen Beal's widow, and had two sons. After his death, which was towards the close of the last century, his widow and one son emigrated to Kentucky. At that period there was a Kentucky fever raging in this town, and about twenty men, with a number of women and children, left for that far-away land at one time. At Johnston, N. Y., the party was increased by the addition of all of Com- modore Talbot's children, who were living in that town. The journey from Dighton to Kentucky occu- pied several months' time, much of the way being through an unbroken wilderness. All of the emi- grants, so far as is known, liked their new home and prospered in their worldly affairs. Capt. Samuel Talbot's widow wrote to her friends here when she was eighty-three that she had taken a long horseback ride that day, and enjoyed life as much as when she was a girl. This remarkable rejuvenescence was, no doubt, due to plenty of exercise in the open air. In old times there were many more houses and in- habitants in the vicinity of Hunter's Hill than at present. There are the sites of some half-dozen de- molished dwellings to the north, west, and south of the hill, and there are four old cellars on Richmond Hill. The old King house, on Hunter's Hill, which was torn down by Mr. Hart, was once used by the town as an inoculating hospital for the smallpox. Upwards of one hundred persons were inoculated with the disorder there, and on their recovery were thoroughly fumigated in a smoke-house that stood near the house. Old people, forty or more years ago, used frequently to tell of the fun they had when they were in the smallpox hospital. Besides Richmond and Hunter's Hills there are two rounded crests of land in the western part of the town, known as Davis' Hill and Goff's Hill, the lat- ter, named from Elder GofF, being near the Rehoboth line, and the former, running northerly from Pitt's Corner, also known as Flat Rock, from a large, smooth ledge of graywacke that crops out there, and furnishes further interesting evidence of glacial ac- tion in a long-past geological epoch. Ledges of gray- wacke also crop out in other parts of the town, and even in the river, where it forms two rocky islets. The most southerly of these islets is known to mari- ners as the Whale Rock, it being at some stages of the tide, to use the words of Polonius, "very like a whale." The other islet lies just above the Old Col- ony Iron Company's wharf, and has long been known 1 Mr. Hart came to this town in 1826 from Bristol, R. I., and bought the farm on Hunter's Hill. He was a man of intelligence and with a taste for reading. He was the father of Henry W. Hart, of North Dighton, and of William T. Hart, a wealthy resident of Boston, and for many years president of the New York and New England Railroad. Rescome Hart died Nov. 4, 1855, set. seventy-nine. His wife, Sarah, died July 5, 1806, set. eighty-three years. DIGHTON. 255 as Reuben's Island. The latter does not resemble a whale, but there is, nevertheless, a tale to it, or about it, which is as follows: The True Story of Reuben's Island. — As the exact date of the incident about to be related is not known, it might perhaps be allowable to commence with the old formula of the nursery tales, " Once upon a time," but it is possible to be a little more definite than that. Near the beginning of the present century there lived in the town of Berkley, across the river from Dighton, a young man, a farmer's son, named Reuben Phillips. This youth had a sweetheart named Nancy Simmons on the Dighton side of the stream, whom he was accustomed to visit on Sunday evenings, and perhaps at other times. It would appear that he did not own a boat, but was in the habit of borrowing one with or without the leave of the owners. One sultry evening in summer he started from home just at dusk, appareled in his Sunday suit, and came down to the crossing-place, where he found a skiff', which he jumped into and rowed, as he thought, across the river. Then he got out of the boat and gave it a push out into the stream, knowing that the wind would carry it back near the place from whence he had taken it. He probably thought that the owner would miss the boat and discover who had taken it ; his plan was to go home by the way of the bridge. After pushing off the boat and watching it till it disappeared in the darkness he turned to make his customary short-cut across lots to the dwelling where, he was pleased to think, somebody was anxiously awaiting his coming. He had scarcely taken three steps when, to his astonishment and dismay, he per- ceived that he was surrounded by water, and was, in fact, on an island. This was a fine predicament for an ardent swain to be in : alone on a rocky islet scarcely three rods in length, and with the light in the front parlor of his lady-love's dwelling twinkling in the distance, as if in derision of his mishap. One can imagine how poor Reuben must have felt when he realized that he was a prisoner for the night on that forlorn little island; how he halloed in vain for help, and how any desire to swim ashore, if, indeed, he was able to swim, was effectually checked by the fact that his Sunday suit of clothes would be ruined in the muddy water of the flats. What made the situation worse was the fact that a thunder-storm was probable before morning, judging from a dark curtain of cloud in the western sky, and the occasional flashes of lightning that lit up its murky depths. Probably philosophy came to his aid after a while, — that resig- nation to the inevitable which is expressed in the homely proverb that " What can't be cured must be endured," and he, perhaps, sat down on a rock and watched the play of the lightning in the advancing cloud, listening the while to the distant thunder, to the swirl of the tide over the rocks, or to the sibilant sound of the night-wind, rustling the clumps of coarse beach-grass that grew in the crevices of the rocks. Perhaps he had read " Robinson Crusoe," and compared his condition to that of Crusoe on his island, being monarch of all he surveyed. Yet, before morning, he must have considered his condi- tion much worse than that of De Foe's hero, for the tempest, which had been gathering its forces during the early part of the night, burst upon his unsheltered head. The next morning a limp, soaked, and shiver- ing young man was taken from the island to the Berkley shore, where anxious friends were awaiting him. It is a pleasure to be able to state that after the above related misadventure Reuben prospered in his wooing, as the following entry in the town records of Dighton will conclusively show : " Married, Oct. 5, 1805, by Rev. Enoch Goff, Reu- ben Phillips, of Barkley, and Nancy Simmons, of Dighton." In the old record-book of the proprietors of the South Purchase Reuben's island is called Cedar Island. In a document, dated 1699, mention is made 1 of the "landing-place at the point below Cedar ! Island." This name would seem to indicate what ; is very probable that the island then was larger j and had more soil on it than at present, and that i it was covered with a growth of savins or red cedars. The white cedar, Cupressus thyoides, would hardly grow on such a spot. Dighton has natural advantages that ought to have made it much more thriving and populous than it is. It has many fertile farms, is situated on the banks of a navigable river, and is agreeably diversified by hills and lowlands, woods and meadows. There is probably no healthier township in the State. Yet emigration has depleted it at various times of large numbers of its young men. There has been an exo- dus of its population ever since the Revolutionary war, sometimes to the Genesee country, sometimes to Kentucky, then to Illinois, to Minnesota, to Kansas, or to the mining regions of the great West. Then many of the young men and women of this town, as of most other agricultural towns in New England, have been drawn into the ci.ties, which thrive at the expense of the country. There has, of course, been a counter-flow of population -into the town to fill to some extent the vacancies left by those who have gone, but the new comers have mostly been of a very different class, — Irish, Western Islanders, French Canadians, and others of alien birth. These accessions have hardly kept the population of the township from retrograding. In New England a town that is devoted chiefly to agriculture cannot hope to keep pace in population and wealth with towns that are largely devoted to manufacturing; it is obvious, therefore, that our citizens who have the means should invest a portion of their capital in 256 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. starting new manufacturing enterprises here, in such kinds of business as are sure to pay fair returns if well managed, and will employ a good class of oper- atives. Every such establishment raises the value of real estate, and furnishes a market near at home for the produce raised by our farmers. For many years the farmers of this town have made a specialty of raising strawberries for market, and the town is ahead of every other town in New England in the acreage devoted to this berry, and the number of quarts sent to market reaching in favorable seasons to nearly or quite one million. The crop is an exhaust- ing one, and requires large quantities of commercial and other fertilizers to produce the best results. Those who were early in the business found it a profitable one, but of late years increased production in this and other towns has reduced the price of berries and the margin of profit. In educational advantages Dighton is up to the average of towns of equal population and wealth, al- though there is still plenty of room for improvement, the first necessity of which is a larger appropriation of money for school purposes. The best teachers now command large salaries, and when teachers of excep- tional ability and qualifications are secured in our schools they usually stay but a short time, being drawn away by offers of larger pay elsewhere. Within a few years the district system has been abolished, two of the largest of the ten schools have been graded, the number of the school board has been increased from three to six, and the board has been required to appoint a superintendent of schools. All of these changes, it is believed, have been bene- ficial in their effects. For some years past many of our teachers have been graduates from the normal schools. New methods of teaching have been intro- duced, which have mostly given good results, al- though, notwithstanding the so-called improved sys- tems of teaching, there are some who doubt whether the schools of the present day turn out young men and women better fitted for the battle of life than did the schools which their fathers and mothers attended. Reference has been made in the course of this sketch to the great value and interest a series of pho- tographs of the people of the colonial period, or even of a much more recent date, would have at the pres- ent tinle, if it were possible to obtain sun-pictures of our ancestors, and the thought occurs that people of future generations will be quite as much interested in the likenesses of the men and women of to-day. In view of this fact, and considering the liability of photographs in private hands to be destroyed or lost, would it not be well to have collections of pho- tographic portraits under the charge of each town or city, which would of course furnish a secure place in which to keep them ? An act of the Legislature would be required to legalize the plan, and the act should be so worded as to make it obligatory upon towns and cities to provide a sufficient number of large pho- tograph albums, each capable of containing two or three hundred portraits, and bound in the most sub- stantial manner; the act should further make it com- pulsory for all town or city officers, for all clergy- men, physicians, lawyers, officers of the militia, or masters of vessels to have their photographs inserted in the albums of the town or city to which they belonged, while all other adult persons of either sex should have full permission, after a residence of five years, to have their likenesses placed in the al- bums. The albums would be in charge of the town and city clerks, and would be kept in iron safes. Be- tween the sheets of portraits would be a sufficient number of pages of linen paper to record the names of the owners of the likenesses, the date of their births and of the insertion of their portraits, their parents' names, and any other facts concerning them that it might be deemed advisable to have recorded. There is little doubt that people generally avail them- selves of such a means of having their likenesses pre- served for future generations to contemplate, and the value and interest of the collections would increase with the lapse of years. The foregoing suggestions are respectfully sub- mitted to the readers of this sketch, among whom may possibly be some of the Solons who will be chosen to the next or future Legislatures, and who will, perhaps, see the utility of the plan and make an effort towards its realization when the proper time arrives. CHAPTER XX. DIGHTON.— ( Cv„t; ll ,,e death. He leaves a widow and three daughters. "It was while in command of the 'Lucy Thompson,' in 1853, that public attention was first called to ('apt. Pendleton by his rescue of some of the passengers of the ill-fated 'San Francisco,' and especially by his manner of extending his aid. The 'San Francisco' was a new steam- ship, owned by Mr. Aspinwall, and built especially for the California trade. She was of two thousand five hundred tons burthen, and was regarded as one of the finest steamers that ever sailed from this port. She started on her first voyage from New York Dec. 21, 185:5, having on board about six hundred souls, including officers and crew. Among the passengers were eight companies of the Thirtieth Regiment United States Artillery, comprising about five hundred men, bound for California, under command of Col. William Gates, and a number of ladies and chil- dren composing the families of the officers of the regiment. The ' San Francisco' sailed with fine weather and good prospects for an excellent voyage, but on December 27th, when only three days out of port, a ter- rific gale was encountered, and the new steamship proved to he totally unmanageable in the heavy seas. On the first day of the storm her masts went by the board, and one hundred men were swept overboard and lost by one powerful sea. For five days she labored in the rolling waves, threatening at every moment to founder, and each day a number of unfortunates were swept into the sea and drowned. To add to the horrors of the situation the sailors began to drink heavily, plundering the stores of the purser, and all discipline was at an end on the steam- ship. The cholera also broke out on the dismantled vessel, and scores were prostrated by this scourge, so that there seemed to be only one choice for all, — death bydrowningor destruction by the fell disease. On December 20th, however, the bark ' Kilbey;' Capt. Lowe, was spoken, and she took off upward of a hundred of the passengers. Two days later the' Three Bells,' Capt. Creighton, who died a short time ago, rescued another lot, and on Jan. 2, 1854, the 'Antarctic,' Capt. Stouffer, took the remainder of the passengers from the sinking ship, which soon after sank beneath the waves. " The ' Kilbey," when she took the passengers from the ' San Francisco,' was herself in distress. She had been out forty-eight days, was short of provisions, and had only one cask of water to serve out to her own crew and the strangers. Capt. Murray, however, thought it probable that he would meet some vessel soon which would relieve him of his charge, and he refused to leave the men to die on the 'San Francisco.' For fifteen days the 'Kilbey' sped along, meeting no ship and encountering heavy gales, which split her sails and almost dismantled her, while her pro- visions had been reduced to such a low ebb that for nearly ten days a hand- ful of parched corn was all that could be allowed to each person on board. Hope of deliverance had well-nigh fled, when, on January loth, the 'Lucy Thompson,' Capt. Pendleton, was sighted, and, in answer to the signal of distress shown by the ' Kilbey,' lay to, although a terrific gale was blowing and the sea ran dangerously high. Capt. Pendleton sent a boat to the 'Kilbey,' and on ascertaining the condition of things on i the vessel offered to take on the ' Lucy Thompson' one hundred of the passengers of the 'San Francisco,' and to furnish provisions to the ' Kilbey.' It was a matter of great difficulty and danger to transfer the passengers with the heavy sea running, but the work was safely done, and tin- two vessels proceeded on their way, the 'Kilbey' to Boston, and the ' Lucy Thompson' to this port. Col. Gates, as soon as he boarded the 1 Lucy Thompson,' sent his quartermaster to Capt. Pendleton to assure him that he should be paid well for his rescue of the United States offi- nd Boldiers. To this the captain replied that he had done only his duty, and he could not think of taking money for saving human life. Capt. Pendleton continued to hold this noble view of his duty to the day of his death, refusing to put in any claim for payment against the gov- ernment, although be was frequently urged to do so by his friends, and although his officers and men all filed claims and were duly paid for their - The 'Lucy Thompson' arrived here with the rescued igera Jan. 15, 1854, and Capt. Pendleton, with the other captains of the vessels who had taken the people from the 'San Francisco,' were the - of the bom-. The merchants of this city contributed over six and dollars for a testimonial to be given to the captains, and at a public dinner Capt. Pendleton was presented with a handsome service of plate, valued at two thousand dollars. This was inscribed, ' Presented by the merchants and citizens of New York to Capt. C. B. Pendleton, of the ship " Lucy Thompson," as a testimonial of the appreciation of his humane and g illant efforts in assisting to save the passengers and crew of the steamship " San Francisco" after the terrific gale of the 24th De- cember, 1853.' The citizens of Boston also sent to Capt. Pendleton a handsome silver pitcher, and from Philadelphia came a purse of two hundred and fifty dollars. This money he invested in a picture descrip- tive of the rescue of the passengers, painted by Walters, the Liverpool artist Iu after-years the house of ('apt. Pendleton was often the scene of reunions of the rescued passengers of the 'San Francisco.'" TOWN CLERKS 1712. Joseph Dean. 1717. Capt. Jared Talbot. 1718. Joseph Atwood. 1720 Jared Talbot. 1721. Joseph Atwood. 1724. Ephraim Atwood. 1751. Ezra Richmond. 1752. Samuel Briggs. 1753. Gershom Williams, Jr. 1755. Nathan Walker. 1756. Ephraim Atwood. 1704. Abiezer Phillips. 1783. Thomas B. Richmond. 1785. David Whitmarsh. OF DIGHTON. 1790. Abiezer Phillips. 1806. Joseph Gooding, Jr. 1809. John Hathaway, Jr. 1813. Joseph Talbot. 1818. John P. Perry. 1829. Jonathan Jones. 1841. Leonard Gooding. 1845. William B. Smith. 1840. Leonard Gooding. 1855. A. W. Paul. 1858. George E. Gooding. 1861. William Wood. 1872. G. A. Shove. REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GENERAL COURT FROM DIGHTON. 1825. Darius Perry. 1719. Ephraim Atwopd. 1721. Benjamin Crane. 1722. Jared Talbot. 1723-24, 1727-28, 1733. Edward Shove. 1729. Joseph Atwood. 1753, 1764-67. Ezra Richmond. 1771-74. Elnathan Walker. 1774. Dr. William Baylies. 1776-78. George Codding. 1779-8(1, 1783. Abiezer Phillips. 1784-85. Thomas B. Richmond. 1786. Elkanah Andrews. 1787. Silvester Richmond. 1791-92, 1S18. Thomas S. Baylies. 1794-95. Thomas Church. 1796, 1801-15. Rufus Whitmarsh. 1799, 1802-3, 1809-11. Geo. Walker. 1800. Dr. George Ware. 1804-5, 1807-11, 1813, 1821. John Hathaway. 1813-14. Leonard Hathaway. 1816. Jeremiah Jones. 1817-23. Dr. William Wood. 1827. Nathaniel Wheeler. 1829-30, 1832-35. Nehemiah Walker. 1835-37. David Hathaway. 1838. William Peck. 1840-41, 1845-52. Anthony Shove. 1842-44. Joseph Pitts. 1847. William T. Rose. 1848-49. Bradford Pratt. 1850. Jonathan Jones. 1851. William L. Hathaway. 1853-57. Jervis Shove. 1854. Isaac Hathaway. 1855. George F. Gavitt. 1856. Benjamin Trapton. 1860. Jonathan Pratt.i 1863. William Wood.l 1866. James H. Codding.* 1868. Rev. E. Dawes.2 1872. Dr. Charles Talbot.* 1877. J. A. Lewis. 3 1882. F. A. Horr.s It will be seen that for some years Dighton was not represented in the Legislature, and during several years had two representatives. SELECTMEN OF DIGHTON. Edward Paul, 1714-15, 1720. Samuel Waldron, 1714-18. Benjamin Jones, 1714-16, 1731-32, 1740, 1742-45, 1750, 1754, 1758, 1768. Joseph Atwood, 1715-19, 1745-68. Col. Ebenezer Pitts, 1716-17, 1719, 1722-23, 1726. Nicholas Stevens, 1717-19. Nathan Walker, 1718. Jared Talbot, 1 720-25. Edward Shove, 1720-23, 1725-2'.), 1731. David Walker, 1721-23, 1725-31, 1761. John Burt, 1721. Abraham Shaw, 1727-29,1733, 17 In. Daniel Axtil, 1725. Joseph Dean, 1732-55. Josiah Talbot, 1733-34, 1739-40, 1742-44, 1746, 171s, 1750. Gershom Cralie, 1733-34. Silvester Richmond, 1734, 1742-43, 1745-46, 1748, 1751, 1763, 1767. Ephraim Atwood, 1739-40, 1754. Josiah Walker, 1744-46. Oliver Simmons, 1746-48. David Whitmarsh, 1750-58, 1777- 78. Ezra Richmond, 1751. Dr. William Wan?, 1751-53. Joseph Ford, 1753. Samuel Briggs, 1753. Elnathan Walker, 1754-55, 1758, 17iio-Gl,1764-66, 1768-72. George Pitts, LI Constant Simmons, 1760. Samuel Shaw, 1760. Ebenezer Stetson, 1761. .b,i, Winslow, 1763. Gershom Williams, 1763-66,1768- 72, 1774, 1778. i Sixth Bristol District. ■'< Tenth Bristol District. 2 Fifth Bristol District. 262 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. John Pierce, 1764-6C, 1768-71, 1773. Seth Briggs, 1772-74. Joseph Gooding, 1773. Dr. William Baylies, 1774-85. Silvester Richmond, Jr., 1775, 1779- 86. John Whitmarsh, 1775. Abiezer Phillips, 1775-76, 1779. George Codding, 1776. John Simmons, 1776. William Gooding, 1777. Peter Pitts, 1777-78. Elijah Walker, 1779. Elkanah Andrews, 1779, 1785-8S. Simeon Williams, 1780, 1789-95. Rufus Whitmarsh, 1780, 1782-84, 1790-95, 1799, 1800-5, 1S11-13, 1815-17. Thomas Church, 1781. William Brown, 1781. James Dean, 1782-84. Thomas B. Richmond, 1783. Seth Talbot, 1786-88. Stephen Smith, 1787-89. Thomas S. Baylies, 1789-95, 1807. William Walker, 1796-98. Samuel Phillips, 1796, 1800-3, 1805. George Williams, 1796, 1800-1. James Briggs, 1802-3. George Briggs, 1804-5. Samuel Stephens, 1804-6. Silvester Atwood, Jr., 1805. Ephraim Hathaway, Jr., 1806. Josiah Wardwell, 1807-9. George Walker, 1807-9. John Walker, 1808-14. Nehemiah Walker, 1810-14, 1829- 32, 1835-37, 1853. Samuel Dean, 1810. Dr. William Wood, 1814-15, 1817- 23. Salathiel Jones, 1815. Simeon Talbot, 1816-17. Caleb Chace, 1818, 1820-28. Elkanah Phillips, 1818-19. Darius Perry, 1819. Ebenezer Talbot, 1820-25, 1828-30. Luther Talbot, 1824-27. Matthew Briggs (2d), 1826-30. Charles Whitmarsh, 1831-34. Leonard Gooding, 1831-33, 1857. David Hathaway, 1833. Seth Talbot, 1834. Abiathar White, 1834. William Peck, 1835,1838-39. Edward Rose, 1835-39. Samuel Davis, 1836-43, 1846-50, 1852, 1854. Anthony Shove, 1840-43, 1846-52. Samuel Walker, 1840-44. Charles H. Green, 1841-43, 1846-52. Joseph Pitts, 1844-45. Cyrus Gooding, 1844^5. Gideon Walker, 1845. Abiathar Walker, 1851, 1855-56, 1858, 1860. Oliver Eaton, 1853. Alfred W. Reed, 1853, 1855. Jervis Shove, 1854. Weston Earle, 1854, 1857-59, 1863. G. E. Gooding, 1855-56, 1863. Jathniel Williams, 1856. Jer. P. Edson, 1857-61, 1864-66. Jonathan Pratt, 1859-60. O. P. Simmons, 1S61-62. Zebina Wilmarth, 1861. George F. Gavitt, 1862. Charles II. Gooding, 1863. James H. Codding, 1864. Noah Chace, 1864-66, 1872-74. Allen Talbot, 1865-66. Edward Lincoln, 1867-71. Nehemiah Walker, 1867-68. Cyrus Talbot, 1867-71. Nathan Walker, 1869-71. Joseph B. Warner, 1S72. Henry A. Williams, 1872-74. F. A. Horr, 1873-82. Ira P. Briggs, 1875-82. E. S. Ashley, 187"'. J. A. Lewis, 1876-82. In the preparation of these pages the sources from which information has been obtained have been so various, and the individuals to whom the writer is under obligations so numerous, that only a few of them can be mentioned here, and he can only extend to the great majority, collectively, his sincere thanks. Among those not already mentioned to whom he is indebted are Hon. Henry Williams, of Taunton; Gen. E. W. Pierce, of Freetown ; C. A. Reed, Esq., of Taunton ; and H. W. Hart and G. E. Gooding, Esqs., of North Dighton. Mr. W. R. Taylor, of Bristol, R. I. ; Rev. L. Kinney (historical sketch of Baptist Church) ; and also the pastors and clerks of several of the religious societies for the loan of records. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. WESTON EARLE. Ralph Earle emigrated from England probably be- tween the years 1633 and 1638. There is a tradition presumed from the directness of its descent to be au- thentic that he came from Exeter. Of this, however, we have obtained no positive proof. No efforts have been made to trace his family prior to his arrival in this country. From the records of the Colonial Court it appears that Ralph Earle, with nineteen other residents of Portsmouth, R. I., petitioned the king, under date of April 30, 1638, for " permission to form themselves into a body politic." Upon the records of the town of Portsmouth, R. I., under date of first of eighth month, O.S. (October) 1638, there is " A Catalogue of such (persons) who by the Genrall consent of the com- pany were admitted to the Inhabytants of the Island now called Aqueedneck, having submitted themselves to the Government that is, or shall be, established according to the word of God therein." This cata- logue contains fifty-nine names, of which that of Ralph Earle is one. Again, under date of " April ye 30th 1639," his name, with twenty-eight others, is ap- pended to the following declaration of allegiance : " We whose names are under [written doe acknowl- edge 1 ] ourselves the legell subjects of [his majestie] King Charles, and in his name [doe hereby bindej ourzelves into a civil body politicke unto his lawes according to matters of justice." March 21, 1640, Ralph Earle conveyed " parcells of upland and meadow," to William Baulston. At a town-meeting, June 2, 1649, Ralph was " chosen treasurer for this next year ensuing, and also overseer for the poor," and at another town-meeting, April 29, 1650, he, with five others, was chosen " for the commit- tee for the General Assembly at Newport in May next." At a town-meeting in 1647 he had been " chosen to keep an Inn, to sell beer and wine, and to entertain strangers," but at a similar meeting, Nov. 12, 1650, with a species of hair-splitting worthy of the meta- physicians, it was " voated and granted that Ralph Erl's house wherein he now dwelleth be recorded an Inn, in ye room of ye former vote that he was an Inn- keeper." It would appear that he was an inn-keeper by compulsion rather than choice. Jan. 16, 1651, he was "chosen to oversee the work of the Prison," etc. May 5, 1655, with two others, he was chosen as jury- man " for the Generall Court of tryals to be held in Providence." In 1667, he joined a " troope of horse," which had been ordered to be raised, and on the 10th of August signed, with eighteen others, a paper ap- proving "the choyce of our captaine and Lieftenant to the full." It appears that Ralph was afterwards captain of this troop. April 28, 1669, he was placed on the Grand Jury ; and June 7, 1671, he and eleven others of Portsmouth, R. I., and several residents of Newport, were appointed by the General Assembly of the colony as a Special Court, to sit on the 15th of the same month, to try " two Indians now imprisoned upon criminall charge." i The words in brackets are modern interpolations in places where the original record is torn off. r j /V// Y a /vv m &% c^y -np-z&^^tfy DIGHTON. 263 Several deeds of real estate from Ralph to other persons are upon the records of Portsmouth. In the "New England Genealogical and Antiquarian Reg- ister," vol. vi. p. 369, it is stated that Ralph claimed the lands of the Dutch " House of Good Hope," now Hartford, Conn., and commenced a lawsuit therefor against Richard Lord and James Richards, of Hart- ford, possessors of the Dutch land ahout 1667. Earle affirmed that he purchased the land of Underhill in August, 1653, and paid him twenty pounds sterling for it, but Underhill protested against Earle's claim. "It is not improbable," continues the writer in the " Register," " that there was some foundation for this claim." There are many papers on the subject in the archives of Connecticut. We have no record of the date of Ralph's decease, but his " Will was Entered and Recorded the 14th day of the 11th month (O.S.), 1677, as Atest John Anthony, Town Clarke," of Ports- mouth. Thomas Earle, of Portsmouth, was received a free- man of the colony in 1764. No other record of his name has been found. He was probably a son of Ralph, and died not long after the year just men- tioned. Ralph} Earle married lone ; settled in Ports- mouth, R. I., in 1638. His children were Ralph, William 2 , Mary, Martha, and S.irah. William 2 died in 1715. His children were William, Ralph, Thomas 3 , John, and Prudence. Thomas 3 lived in Warwick, R. I. He died in 1727. His children were William, Thomas, Mary, Oliver*, Sarah, Lydia, and Rebecca. Oliver* married Rebecca Sherman, and lived in Swan- sea, Mass. He died in 1766. His children were Joshua, Caleb 5 , Thomas, and Mary. Caleb 5 was born in 1729, and died in 1812. He lived in Swansea, Mass. He was twice married, first to Sarah Buffin- ton, in 1745. They had six children, — Elizabeth, Weston 6 , Caleb, Benjamin, Joshua, and David. His second wife was Hannah Chase. They were married in 1769. Their children were Mary, Jonathan, Re- becca, Daniel, Sarah, Oliver, and William. Weston* was born in Swansea in 1750, and died Sept. 5, 1838. He married three times, first Hepsibeth Terry. Their children were Caleb, Sarah, Hepsibeth. His second wife was Sarah Slade. (See Slade biography, in Som- erset.) Their children were John 1 , Slade, Edward S. His third wife was Martha Smith. They had one son, Thomas G. John' was born May 24, 1790. At the age of sixteen he began teaching, and continued in this em- ployment during the winter months for thirty-seven years. In addition to the common school studies he taught navigation and the higher branches. He was also a successful farmer, was for several years a mem- ber of the General Court, and for two years occupied a seat in the State Senate. He held many responsible positions in the town, where his value was recognized, was a justice of the peace, and was often called upon to administer estates. He died in the seventy- fifth year of his age. He married Roby, daughter of Asa Cornell and his wife, Martha Mason. She was born in Swansea in 1789, and died in her eighty-third year. Their children were Weston 8 ; Sarah, born in 1811, married Philip Simmons' in 1835; John M., born in 1819; Elizabeth M., born in 1822, married, in 1857, F. A. Boomer, of Fall River, Mass. (See biography in history of Fall River.) Weston 8 Earle was born Feb. 19, 1810, in Swansea, where he continued to reside, working on his father's farm until he was twenty-one. He then went to Rochester for three years, when he returned to Swan- sea, where he worked on a farm until he was twenty- eight. In 1837 he purchased his present farm, where he has lived since 1838. He is a firm supporter of the Republican party. He was for many years one of the selectmen of Dighton. He is a descendant in the eighth generation from Ralph Earle, who came from England, and was one of the first purchasers and settlers of the island of Rhode Island (in 1638). His wife's name was lone, and the subject of this sketch has a grandson and granddaughter named after the original Ralph and lone Earle. Mi\ Earle married Content (daughter of Benjamin Slade and Elizabeth Robinson), born Feb. 8, 1798, at Swansea. She was the youngest of eight children, who all lived to an advanced age. Children of Weston Earle: John W., born July 6, 1838, and Elizabeth S., born May 1, 1841. John W. married Caroline E. Searle, of Scituate, R. I. Their children are Ralph, Howard Weston (deceased), lone and one not named (twins). CHARLES H. GOODING. Charles H. Gooding was born in Dighton, Mass., Feb. 5, 1812. He is the fifth generation of the Good- ings who have resided on the ancestral farm settled by George Gooding in 1684. He had emigrated from Somersetshire, England, and purchased the place be- fore King Philip's war. George Gooding had four children, three daughters and one son, viz. : Matthew, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch. His grandfather and father both bore the name of Joseph, the latter born in 1772. His mother was Betsey Austin, daughter of Seth Austin, Sr., of Digh- ton, and he is the youngest of a family of six children, of whom he and his sister Betsey, widow of the late Samuel L. Thaxter, are the only survivors. Mr. Gooding was well educated in the branches taught at the common schools of his native town, and received additional advantages at a grammar school in Fall River, where his father resided and carried on the clock- and watch-making business and a general jeweler's store. Charles learned of his father the trade of a clock- and watch-maker, though he did not continue to follow that pursuit. He served as deputy postmaster at Fall River about one year, and in 1834 went to the city of New York, and was about ten 264 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. years engaged there as a book-keeper for his brother, Albert Gooding, who was a merchant in the Spanish West India trade. In 1844 he settled on the home- stead in Dighton. Under the administration of Presidents Taylor and Fillmore he was inspector of customs at Dighton, a branch of the Fall River office being then kept at that place. He has carried on the homestead farm since his return there in 1844. Mr. Gooding was married, Feb. 5, 1857, to Mary Almy, daughter of Capt. Abraham Briggs, of Digh- ton, and widow of Mr. Gilbert L. Talbot. She was a native of Providence, R. I. They had no children. She died Sept. 24, 1880, aged sixty-six years and two months. A Whig and a Republican in politics, he is yet an Independent, and believes more in principles and men than in party. In religious faith and worship his affiliations are with the Unitarian Church, and he is a supporter of the church of this order in Dighton. We append to this brief sketch the following arti- cle, recently published in the Taunton Gazette, re- specting the occupation pursued by several members of this family : " The Gooding Family of Clockmakeks. — A recent notice of the death of a member of the Gooding family, the last of the brothers, natives of Dighton, suggested the grouping of a brief genealog- ical reminiscence relative to the history, mechanical skill, and occupation of this family of clock and watchmakers. Probably no similar instance can be cited in this country where so many of one family followed that ingenious business, to whom may be added nearly a dozen descendants pursuing the same occupations, nearly all citizens of this State. " The old homestead where they were born stands upon the estate of their late pilgrim ancestor, George Gooding, 1 who died Jan. 1, 1712, in his eightieth year. His son Matthew inherited the estate ; Joseph was the third, Joseph (2d) the fourth, in lineal descent, and the eldest of the five brothers, and three sisters — Rebecca (Mrs. Reed), Deborah (Mrs. Standish), and Elizabeth (Mrs. Perry) — comprised the family of the fourth generation. " Joseph (4th) was born in 1772, and at an early age developed a remarkable mechanical genius and a pe- culiar aptitude for clock and watch machinery. When about sixteen years of age his father sent him as an apprentice to an English Quaker, an ingenious watch and elockmaker in Hanover, where he remained a few years, until he was as expert as his master in the business. He returned to Dighton, and commenced the manufacture of brass clocks before he was twenty- one years of age, in a little room in the old home- stead. He afterwards, in 1797, built a store near the Upper Four Corners, and enlarged the business, with 1 Joanna, a daughter of George Gooding (3d), married John Godfrey, Esq., and was the mother of Brig.-Gen. Godfrey, men of note during the last century in this county. two of his brothers as apprentices, in making the tall, mahogany-cased clocks, after the English style, recently imported from London at great expense. These clocks, besides the time-dial, noted the day of the month and the moon's phases, some of which may be found in old family residences at the present day. All the delicate brass-work was executed by his own hands and those of his brother apprentices. Not a cog-wheel or pinion was turned out by ma- chinery, as done by the million at present. None of those grand mahogany-cased time-keepers are now made, yet many are still keeping note of the time and the phases of the moon as correctly as they did nearly a century ago. Those who hold them in pos- session as family heirlooms are loth to part with their venerable Gooding clocks for any consideration, which have proved such reliant time-keepers. At the manufacture of these famous clocks the younger brothers, as they left the humble school and patri- monial farm, served apprenticeship with their senior brother, Joseph. "In 1826, Joseph removed his business to Troy (now Fall River), then having a population of less than three thousand, and followed watchmaking, at which he was an adept; also a designer, engraver, and die-cutter, and skillful at all. After remaining a dozen years he returned to his homestead in Dighton in 1838, and resumed the repairing of clocks and watches until his death, in 1853, at the age of eighty years and eight months. He married Austin, and they had two daughters and four sons. The two eldest, Joseph and Albert, followed their father's business, and went to Bogota, South America. AVil- liam also removed there in the shell-comb manufac- ture. Albert and William died some years ago, and Joseph died recently. Charles H., who cultivated the ancient family estate of nearly two centuries, also repairs clocks for diversion, continuing the family occupation. "Josiah, the second brother, after finishing his trade, settled in Bristol, R. I., and followed the clock and watch business until his death, in 1864, at the age of eighty-eight years. He left four sons, two of whom, James and Josiah, continued the same busi- ness. One remains in the father's store. " John, the third brother, went into business in Plymouth, remaining there until his death, some eight years ago, at the age of ninety, leaving three sons. Benjamin succeeded his father, and James is one of the prominent members of the Walthain Watch Manufactory, and aided in building up that enter- prising establishment to its present vast proportions and wide reputation. " Alanson, after leaving his apprenticeship, settled in New Bedford, and followed the business until 1840, when he retired. He made a trip to Europe several years ago. He died Nov. 18, 1877. " Henry, after partially serving with Joseph, com- pleted his trade with Josiah at Bristol, and com- y9| $ik DIGHTON. 265 menced the clock and watcli business in Duxbury, where he married and remained a few years. He subsequently removed to Boston, and continued the favorite business in Dock Square, Washington and State Streets, until age caused him to retire about a dozen years ago. He died on the 10th of December at the age of ninety-two years and six months, leav- ing five daughters and a son, but none to continue the business of the father. "The five brothers averaged over half a century in devotion to that business, and they sustained the re- markable aggregate age of nearly four hundred and forty years. Their sister, Mrs. John Reed (mother of Henry Gooding Reed, of Taunton), died in Jan- uary, 1872, at the venerable age of ninety, making the aggregate of the five brothers and sister over five hundred and thirty years. All lived remarkably temperate and even-tenored lives, worthy representa- tives of their sturdy pilgrim ancestry and lineage, as well as their successors and descendants, who follow them in the ingenious line of occupation. It is a rare record of a family, hence it may be of readable in- terest to the relatives, friends, and others who may not have heard of the Gooding clock and watch- makers." ALFRED W. PAUL. Alfred W. Paul is of Scotch descent, and is lineally connected with one of the oldest families in Taunton. Two brothers, Richard and William Paul, came to i this country from Scotland at an early day, the former on board of the ship " Castle" in 1636-37. He was born in 1615, and Nov. 7, 1638, married Margary Turner, of Taunton, Mass. The same year he took an in- ventory of the estate of John Bryant, of Taunton. He was licensed to keep a victualing-house Aug. 3, 1640 ; was subject to military duty 1643 ; was on a | jury of inquest September, 1650, and again July 23, 1653 ; June 7, 1652, he was surveyor of highways, and died at the age of about thirty-nine in 1654, his " widow" being mentioned in the will of Elizabeth Pool, dated March 17th of that year. That William was not a son but a younger brother of Richard is evident from the fact that he "was born in Scotland in 1624." The lineage of the subject of this sketch is traceable directly back to this ancestor, William. He was a weaver by trade, and married Mary, daughter of John Richmond, of Taunton. He sold a dwelling-house to his sons, John and Edward, Feb. 27, 1687; gave five acres of land towards the payment of Rev. Mr. Danforth, the Taunton minis- ter, Feb. 27, 16S8 ; was a large land-owner in the "Taunton South Purchase," containing the present town of Dighton, which was bought of the Indian "King Philip" in 1672 by a company in Taunton, of which William Paul was a member. In two different divisions of the purchase he received lots Nos. 3, 28, 46, and 86, the last division having been made March 18, 1683-84. The dates of the deaths of William and his wife, taken from their tombstones, are as follows: William, died Nov. 9, 1704, aged eighty years ; Mary, his wife, died Oct. 3, 1715, aged seventy-six. James Paul, the eldest son of William and Mary, was born April 7, 1657; it is not known into what family he married, but his wife's name was Mary. He was one of the twenty-six proprietors of the South Purchase (or Dighton), and owned three shares March 25, 1715. He died before Jan. 14, 1724-25, aged about sixty-seven years. James Paul, of the third generation, also married a wife Mary, and had a son William (fourth generation), born date un- known. This William married Mary (family un- known), died about 1735; their son James (fifth gen- eration) was born in Dighton, date unknown. He married Sarah White, and moved thence to Putney, Vt., about 1795, where he died. John, the second son of James, above mentioned, was in the Revolutionary war, and was one of the party of twelve men who captured the British commander, Gen. Prescott, with- in the British lines in Rhode Island, while John was serving in the command of Gen. Barton. He was the first man picked by Gen. Barton for the danger- ous service, and was selected to throttle and secure the British sentinel on guard at night, which he did. Subsequently to the Revolution he removed to Ver- mont, where he died. Peter White Paul, son of James, of the fifth gen- eration, was the grandfather of our subject, Alfred W. Paul. He first married Silence Briggs, who died May 7, 1795, and he subsequently married a second wife, whose name was Hannah. He lived in Dighton; his death was caused by a fall from a load of wood Jan. 15, 1814. He left children by each wife ; among the former was Peter Paul, father of our subject, born March 20, 1787. He married Dilly Phillips, who died Sept. 14, 1819, and he afterwards married Eunice Edson. He died Oct. 27, 1851. The children by the first wife were Peter W. and Nancy ; by the second wife Alfred W., Elisha K. (of Dighton), Lucy F. (twins), and Eunice. Alfred W. Paul was born in Dighton, Mass., Aug. 5, 1822. He was brought up on the ancestral farm and educated at the common schools, evincing in early life an aptitude for study, which, notwithstand- ing a lack of opportunity for classical instruction, has enabled him to acquire large knowledge on general subjects and to become exceptionally well informed on the special subject to which his life has been chiefly devoted, viz., that of agriculture, embracing also hor- ticultural studies and pursuits. A portion of his early life was devoted to teaching in the common schools, for which he was in part prepared by one term spent at the State Normal School at Bridgewater, Mass., in 1844. On Nov. 26, 1846, he was united in marriage to Deborah Palmer Briggs, daughter of Silas P. Briggs, of Dighton. Her ancestors were among the early settlers in this portion of New England. The fruit 266 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. of this union was one son, Silas Alfred Paul, who died in infancy. Mr. Paul is a self-made man, and in every respect the architect of his own fortune, having by his own unaided exertions made his way from poverty to com- parative competence. His honor and integrity as a man have also been preserved unsullied through his struggles for worldly success, and he has attained a high place in the respect and esteem of his fellow- citizens. One instance may be mentioned illustrative of his energy and self-reliance. When he purchased the farm where he now resides in 1847 he had not a dollar in his possession, and bought the place wholly upon credit. Of course he did not fail to meet his obligations, and it is mentioned as a fact that he suc- ceeded in entirely paying for the place in about eight years, besides carrying on the expenses of living and other interests. He has given special attention to farming and gardening, illustrating on his own land the kind of tillage and crops which yield the largest percentage of profit per acre. He is a member of the Bristol County Agricultural Society, and of the Massachu- setts Horticultural Society; has been active in the meetings of these societies, and has written some articles on the subject of agriculture, notably " My Farming Experience," an address delivered before the county meeting of the Massachusetts Board of Agriculture in December, 1878. This article was published in the Annual Export of the Massachusetts Board of Agriculture for 1878-79. It attracted con- siderable attention, and he received letters on the subject from many portions of the United States. Mr. Paul has been a Republican in his political principles since the inception of that party, and voted for its first Presidential candidate, John C. Fremont, in 1856. His standing in relation to polit- ical questions has never been equivocal or doubtful, for he has decided opinions. He has served many years as justice of the peace, and as probate judge has settled many estates to the general satisfaction of those interested, and has held several offices in his town. While managing his home land in a manner to se- cure the largest returns for the acres cultivated in 1882 he purchased four farms, with buildings and improvements thereon, in New Hampshire, which he still owns. He and Mrs. Paul are members of the Congrega- tional Church in Disditon. THOMAS D. STANDISH. Thomas D. Standish, whose portrait appears on another page, is a lineal descendant in the seventh generation from Capt. Miles Standish, who came over in the " Mayflower." The latter belonged to a family of some consequence in England, who had been long established, with landed possessions, in Duxbury, a town of the parish of Standish, in Lancashire, where he was born. The family settled in Duxbury, now in Plymouth County, Mass. Alexander, Miles, Josiah, Charles, and Lora Standish were children of Capt. Miles Standish, by his wife, Barbara. Alexander, of Duxbury, eldest son of Capt. Miles Standish, married Sarah, daughter of John Alden. They had sons, Miles, Ebenezer, and David, and daughters, Lora, Lydia, Sarah, and Elizabeth. Alex- ander, by his second wife, had Thomas, born 1687, Desire, born 1689, and Ichabod. Josiah, of Duxbury, brother of Alexander, married Mary Dingly, Dec. 19, 1654. They had children, Miles, Josiah, Samuel, Israel, Mary, and Lois. Miles, son of Capt. Miles Standish, lived in Boston, where he married Sarah, a daughter of John Wins- low, July 19, 1660. It is probable that Thomas D. Standish is descended from Alexander, of Duxbury, as the names in that branch would indicate, although the records are not sufficient to establish the fact. David, one of the sons of Alexander, was of the third generation from the original Miles Standish. The line of descent was probably through Comfort, Lemuel, and David, the father of our subject. From an imperfect record torn from an old family Bible once in the possession of David Standish, it appears that his grandfather, Comfort, died Jan. 4, 1795, aged seventy years. This would make his birth to have occurred in 1725. He married Rachel Magoon. The record of their children is as follows : Lemuel, born June 25, 1746. Olive, born May 29, 1748. Hannah, born Sept. 1, 1751. Lucy, born March 6, 1754. Priscilla, born April 24, 1756. David, born Sept. 10, 1758. The grandfather of our subject was the Lemuel Standish above mentioned. His wife's name was Hannah, and her death is recorded as having occurred Aug. 23, 1803, aged seventy-four years. David, son of Lemuel and Hannah Standish, was born in Hanover, Mass. His children were : 1. Eliza, born Feb. 23, 1796. 2. Lucy, born Dec. 10, 1797. 3. Amanda, born Aug. 26, 1799. 4. David, born July 23, 1801. 5. Miles, born April 30, 1803. 6. Deborah Gooding, born April 29, 1805. 7. James (died young), born May 25, 1807. 8. Thomas D., born April 29, 1809. 9. James C, born May 9, 1812. Thomas D. Standish was born on the homestead adjoining his present residence, in Dighton, Mass., his father, David, having removed there from Han- over and established a ship-yard, which he carried on for a number of years. He married Deborah, daugh- ter of Joseph Gooding, who was born and reared on the old Gooding homestead near by. They had nine C7 L^ £P ^^^^f *z^&£fj^ FAIRHAVEN. 267 children, one of whom died in infancy. Thomas was next to the youngest child. He received a common- school education, and worked on the farm and in the ship-yard during his minority, part of the time in New Bedford. He has been a man of unusual energy and perseverance, having acquired by his own exer- tions all that he possesses. His father becoming in- solvent through losses when he was quite young, he managed to purchase the homestead and kept it in the family, paying for portions of it from time to time, as he could earn the means by working at ship-build- ing. Dec. 17, 1843, he was united in marriage to Cynthia Briggs, daughter of George Briggs, of Dighton. Her mother's maiden name was Cynthia Jones. Mrs. Standish was born Nov. 12, 1821. They have had four children, one son and three daughters, of whom James C. and Delia T. are living, the former married and living on the adjoining homestead farm, the latter living with her parents. CHAPTER XXI. FAIRHAVEN.i Not unworthy of a name so suggestive is the pleas- ant town which lies at the southeastern corner of Bristol County. Originally a portion of the town- ship of Dartmouth incorporated in 1664, it was in- cluded in a grant of lands from their Indian owners to the colonists dated Nov. 29, 1652. The eastern boundary of this grant was three miles eastward from the Acushnet River. The Indian name of the vi- cinity was Sconticut, an appellation now confined to the neck of land which stretches from the southeastern part of the town into the bay. In 1787 the town of New Bedford, including the present city of that name, together with the towns of Fairhaven and Acushnet, was incorporated. In 1812, when political feeling ran high, the Jeffersonian Democrats of Fairhaven, de- risively called " Corsicans" by their opponents, the Federalists, on the opposite side of the river, on ac- count of the attitude of the former towards Napoleonic affairs, effected a division of the township. In 1860 Fairhaven was in turn divided by the setting off of its northern portion as the town of Acushnet. As at present constituted, the town is apparently three miles square, exclusive of Sconticut Neck. From its northern limit at Acushnet it stretches along the river until it reaches its southwest corner at Fort Phomix, where the river broadens into an arm of the bay, forming the lower harbor of New Bedford and Fair- haven. This western water-line is broken by the marshes connecting the Isle of Marsh with the main- land, and by the peninsula on which is situated the i By L. S. Judfl, Jr. village of Oxford. On the opposite bank of the river is the city of New Bedford. The southern shore-line, after extending nearly due east from Fort Phu?nix, is indented by a cove, and beyond this is broken by Sconticut Neck, which extends out into the bay. The eastern boundary is formed by the town of Mattapo- sett, in Plymouth County. The surface is generally level. Fort Phoenix stands on a rocky prominence overlooking the harbor and bay. This headland was called by the Indians Nolscot, and the ledge of which it forms a part extends up into the village, and crops out in Centre Street in front of the Congregational Church. A rocky bluff overlooks the river near the Acushnet boundary, and the land rises towards the northern and eastern sections of the town. The village of Fairhaven is in the southwestern corner of the township, on the river, directly opposite New Bedford. Just north of the village, but with no dividing line between, is the little village of Oxford, generally known as the " Point." In the eastern part of the town are the hamlets of New Boston and Nas- katucket. There is a considerable amount of wood and farming land, and along the southern boundary, at the head of the cove, an extent of salt marsh. Probably the village of Fairhaven grew up almost simultaneously with the village of Bedford, on the opposite side of the river, beginning near the middle of the last century. It remained, however, very small for a long period, for we find no record of the lay-out of a street until 1790, no church established until 1794, and the village remained confined to the wharves and a few short streets up to about the year 1832. The following-named persons, proprietors of lands granted by William Bradford, deputy governor of Plymouth Colony, in a deed dated Nov. 13, 1694, probably settled in this vicinity : Seth Pope, Thomas Taber, Jonathan Delano, Isaac Pope, Lettice Jenny, Samuel Jenny, Mark Jenny, Valentine Nuddlesene, Samuel Spooner, William Spooner, John Spooner, Joseph Tripp, Daniel Sherman, Edmund Sherman, John Davis. The first settlers probably scattered themselves over the limits of the town from Sconticut Neck to Acushnet, not uniting in villages for some years. There was a garrison on the bank of the river, just above the Isle of Marsh, in the old days of In- dian warfare. The site of the ancient block-house, above theIsleofMarsh,ison landofMr. John M. How- land. Tradition relates that a man and woman by the name of Pope were murdered by the Indians in the locality of the Frog Pond while on their way to a fortified place of refuge. The Frog Pond occupied land which now borders the south side of Spring Street, between William and Walnut. Mr. Howland has gathered an interesting collection of relics from the ruins of the structure previously mentioned, con- sisting of household utensils, implements of Indian warfare, and among the rest an old key, supposed to be that belonging to the fortification, the name of which was Cook's Garrison. The old Cook house 268 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. stood some little distance east from this point, and was burned by the British during their march around the river. One of the earliest purchasers of land was William Wood, who removed here in 1700 from Little Comp- ton, R. I., and purchased of Philip Taber a tract ex- tending from the Bread and Cheese road, at Oxford village, on the north to the land of Elnathau Pope on the south. The southern boundary of this tract was the northern limit of the twenty-acre lot after- wards laid out for the original village of Fairhaven, and must be a short distance north of the present line of Washington Street. Some of the oldest houses probably dated back to the period immediately suc- ceeding King Philip's war, and a few possibly ante- dated these. We are told that the old house back of Mrs. Paul Burgess' was probably the first house in Oxford village, and was the homestead occupied by William Wood after the purchase of his farm. Mr. Wood bought the house of Philip Taber, who proba- bly built it soon after the close of the Indian war. The remains of the old house are still to be seen at Oxford village, and are an object of interest to the antiquarian. The house was built of wood and stone combined. It contained a huge fireplace and was furnished with two outside doors, one opposite the other, in order to enable the horse to get in the logs to burn. It was the custom to cut down the logs, hitch on the horse, draw them into the house, then roll them into the fireplace, and drive out at the op- posite door. The body of the house was blown down in the great gale, but the south end and chimney, built of rough stone rudely cemented together, still withstand the severity of storm and gale. The earliest record found by the writer of the lav- out of a road within the limits of the town is that of the opening of a way on to Sconticut Neck in 1730, from which it is inferred that this was one of the first settled portions of the township. On March 28, 1745, a road was laid out from " Abraham Russell's wall to the county road a little northward of the Friends' meeting-house." This is supposed to be the road which runs from Naskatucket northwesterly towards Acushnet. There is no record of the lay-out of a road in the village previous to the Revolution. The old road from Fairhaven to Oxford, previous to the con- struction of the Mill Bridge about 1795, rambled off to the northeast from a point near the residence of Capt. Joseph Taber, corner of Centre and Green Streets, and opened into what is now Rotch Street, thus necessitating a roundabout course in order to go a short distance. The village of Oxford was at this early period, doubtless, the most important point on the river, as may be seen by reference to our chapter on the whale fishery. A deed conveying land from William Wood to Elnathan Eldridge bears date of Dec. 12, 17G0, and covers a large portion of the terri- tory at the point. Thirty building lots were laid out west of Cherry Street, including one for a common. Elnathan Eldridge & Co. kept a store for the sale of West India goods, groceries, etc., near the Point Wharf, from 1765-1780. There have been two tav- erns in this village. One stood on the corner of Main and Oxford Streets, the other near by. Hat-making was carried on hereby Cornell Wilkey, and continued by Bartholomew Taber, plane-making by Nicholas Taber & Sons. Reuben Jenney was a shipping mer- chant, and tanning and currying was carried on by Joseph Hathaway. When Lewis Taber moved to Oxford in 1764, we are told that there were very few neighbors in the place, and there were, we should judge, but limited opportunities for obtaining the conveniences of the times, as, when Capt. Taber moved his family down river in a boat and neared the shore at the point, one of the ladies of Salathiel Eldridge's family, watching the debarkation, and observing a. reel among the household effects, remarked that she was more pleased to see that implement than to see the woman herself. It is related of one of the young ladies of Oxford that she spun the linen of which her wedding-dress was made, and produced a texture so fine that five hundred and sixty threads could be drawn through an old-fashioned, no-top thimble. Another lady- resident was accustomed to make two cakes of tal- low, hang them one upon each side of her horse, mount, and ride to Newport in order to dispose of them and purchase her laces and other articles of finery. Newport was one of the principal business centres in this section of country at that time. One of the earliest real estate transactions in Fair- haven village of which we have knowledge is of the sale of a lot, with the eighth part of a wind-mill, from Richard Delano to Isaiah Eldridge, the price paid being one hundred and twenty pounds, also the house and lot formerly owned by Kelley M. Huttle- stone, part of a warehouse and lot, and wharf at what is now the foot of Washington Street. The oldest house in the village is supposed by some to be the Caleb Church house, also known as the Wrightington house, now situated on a high bank above the railroad track, just east of Green Street. The house formerly stood on the line of the street, but was removed to make a way for the rail- road. In early days this building was considered as outside the village. The master of the house died of smallpox in 1771, and was the first person whose body was interred in the old cemetery. Another an- cient building is the Proctor house, which stands on the corner of the lot laid out for the original village. It is situated just west of Middle Street, on the bank of the river. The oldest portion is said to have been brought from the Copeland farm, at Naskatucket, and fitted as a residence and cooper-shop. Two additions have since been built on at the east, giving it alto- gether a unique appearance. On Water Street the house occupied by the late Charles Damon, and the rear portion of the residence of the late Tucker FAIRHAVEN. 269 Damon, are of early date. The house on Eldridge lane, between Water Street and the river, formerly occupied by Harvey Caswell, is of Revolutionary date. Into this building it is that a ball was fired at the time of the British attack on the village. The ball entered one of the chambers, passed through the room, and imbedded itself in the opposite wall. There are standing on Main Street two old houses. One of these is the Tabey house, a small old-fashioned building, nearly opposite the Union Hotel. The rear portion is the older, and was said to have been brought from New Bedford on the ice, though there was some contradiction to this story. The second building is the gambrel-roofed house, the only one of that style in town, on the corner of Main and Centre Streets, opposite Phoenix Hall. It is related of the master of this house that he declared seeing in a dream the ap- proach to the village of a squadron of armed vessels, and that when the British fleet appeared and took up its position east of outer Egg Island its appearance corresponded exactly with the previous vision. It is even asserted that it was no dream at all, but that from some marvelous cause he, looking from his east chamber window, actually saw the fleet long be- fore its arrival. Another story of this man, whose name was Taber, is that one day as he was about to step from his house in going to his shop, he beheld standing in the shop-door Joseph Francis, a man whom he well knew, who had a few days before sailed on a whaling voyage. As Mr. Taber ap- proached, Francis turned, and walking towards an- other door, disappeared, all search for him proving vain. Mr. Taber was troubled, but kept the matter quiet until, ten days later, the news came of the loss of the "Thetis," with twenty-nine of those who sailed in her, Francis being among the number. Though the supernatural element in these events may have been an illusion, and a belief in the marvelous may have been more readily entertained then than at present, yet the workings of certain phenomena upon certain minds seem almost unaccountable. One of the older houses at Naskatucket was the Copeland house, which has been torn down. Scon- ticut Neck was the place of residence of several of the old families of the town, and here some of the older houses were built. Among the dwellers on the Neck was Samuel Hathaway, of whom it is related that, after the labors of the week, when Sunday came, he would hoist sail and away to Falmouth in order to attend divine service there. Here also lingered the last remnant of the Indians who remained in this vicinity. Will Simon, a well-known Indian, died in 1817, and Martha, the last of her race, some twenty- five or thirty years ago. It seems to be well estab- lished, though not extensively known, that the people of this village, then a portion of Dartmouth, may claim the honor of the first naval capture in the Revo- lution. On May 14, 1775, Lieut. Nathaniel Pope and Capt. Daniel Egery, commanding the sloop " Suc- cess," captured two tenders of the British sloop-of- war "Falcon," off West Island. A council was held to determine what disposition to make of the captives, but the captors, fearful for the result, marched them off hurriedly to Taunton ere the decision was reached. A rusty swivel lashed to a timber-head was the only carriage-gun on the craft. The men added two or three buckshot to the bullet in each charge of their muskets. The first verbal report of the transaction before the Provincial Congress gave the number of prisoners as fifteen, although, when the question of disposition finally came up, but four were mentioned. The account of the British movement against Fair- haven during the Revolution is substantially as fol- lows: On Saturday, Sept. 3, 1778, the troops landed at Clarke's Cove, marched up to the Head of the River, destroying property in the village of Bedford, and passed around down on to Sconticut Neck, avoiding the village, but making some depredations and burn- ing a few buildings on their way, including a school- house where the house of George H. Taber now stands. The fleet dropped over from Clarke's Cove to a position near outer Egg Island. Many of the terri- fied inhabitants, appalled at the presence of such an armament in our waters, snatched up what could con- veniently be carried off, and fled to the woods. Fort Phoenix was captured by the British on Sun- day or Monday, and on Monday night, the enemy having re-embarked from the Neck, an attack was made upon the village, of which the following account was given by President D wight, of Yale College, as found in Ricketson's History of New Bedford : " The militia of the neighboring country had been summoned to the defense of this village. Their com- mander was a man far advanced in years. Under the influence of that languor which at this period en- feebles both the body and the mind he determined that the place must be given up to the enemy, and that no opposition to their ravages could be made with any hope of success. This decision of their offi- cer necessarily spread its benumbing influence over the militia, and threatened an absolute prevention of all enterprise and the destruction of this handsome village. Among the officers belonging to the brigade was Israel Fearing, Esq., a major of one of the regi- ments. This gallant young man, observing the torpor which was spreading among the troops, invited as many as had sufficient spirit to follow him and station themselves at the post of danger. Among those who accepted the invitation was one of the colonels, who, of course, became the commandant; but after they had arrived at Fairhaven, and the night had come on, he proposed to march the troops back into the country. He was warmly opposed by Maj. Fearing, and finding that he could not prevail, prudently re- tired to a house three miles distant, where he passed the night in safety. After the colonel had withdrawn, Maj. Fearing, now commander-in-chief, arranged his men with activity and skill, and soon perceived the 270 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. British approaching. The militia, in the strictest sense raw, already alarmed by the reluctance of their superior officers to meet the enemy, and naturally judging that men of years must understand the real state of the danger better than Maj. Fearing, a mere youth, were panic-struck at the approach of the enemy, and instantly withdrew from their post. At this critical moment Maj. Fearing, with the decision which awes men into a strong sense of duty, rallied them, and, placing himself in the rear, declared in a tone which removed all doubt that he would kill the first man whom he found retreating. The resolution of their chief recalls theirs. With the utmost expe- dition he led them to the scene of danger. The British had already set fire to several stores. Between these buildings and the rest of the village he stationed his troops, and ordered them to lie close, in profound silence, until the enemy, who were advancing, should have come so near that no marksman could easily mistake his object. The orders were punctually obeyed. When the enemy had arrived within this distance the Americans rose, and with a well-directed fire gave them a warm and unexpected reception. The British fled instantly to their boats, and fell down the river with the utmost expedition. From the quantity of blood found the next day in their line of march it was supposed that their loss was considerable. Thus did this heroic youth, in opposition to his su- perior officers, preserve Fairhaven, and merits a statue from its inhabitants." In regard to this affair a letter from Maj. -Gen. Grey to Sir Henry Clinton, dated on board the "Carysfort" frigate, off Bedford harbor, Sept. 6, 1778, says, "The only battery they had was on the Fairhaven side, an inclosed fort with eleven pieces of cannon, which was abandoned and the cannon properly demolished by Capt. Scott, commanding officer of the artillery, and the magazine blown up." Among the incidents of this attack was the killing, on Sconticut Neck, of a British guard by an American prisoner named Pease. The story goes that Pease crept stealthily up to the guard, and as the soldier turned in pacing his beat struck him over the head with a stake, killing him instantly. It was supposed that the deed was witnessed from the fleet by the British, as the report of a gun was heard soon after, and it is certain that the body was buried and after- wards disinterred by an Indian, in order to obtain the gilt buttons on the uniform. It is said that Pease afterwards lost his life by an accidental blow upon the same portion of the head. A few words relative to the history of the old gun which stands muzzle down at the corner of Main and Centre Streets will be of interest. On March 2, 1777, Ezekiel Hopkins, commander of ship "Alfred," carrying twenty-eight guns, while on a cruise in Southern waters for the purpose of intercepting and capturing British vessels, visited Nassau, made the Governor a prisoner, took one hundred guns or cannon, and a quantity of mili- tary stores, and arrived at New London, Conn., March 17th. Several of these guns were sent here and placed on the fort. At its capture by the British they were spiked and rendered almost useless. This gun, the only one remaining of the original number, was soon after taken from the fort by Nathaniel Pope and placed at what is now the foot of Union Street for the defense of the village. Here it remained until Union wharf was built. It was then removed and planted muzzle down near the old church. About the time that the church was altered to a public hall it was again removed, but has now been restored to its position on the corner. In the year 1790 was made the twenty-acre pur- chase, from land of Elnathan Pope, on which the older part of the village was laid out. The following streets were surveyed within this tract : Water, Mid- dle, Main from Washington to the south end of the purchase, Centre from Middle to Main, Union from Main to Water, Washington from Main to the river. It is possible that some of these names were not ap- plied until a later date. Centre Street from Main to Green was probably already in existence, forming a part of the old road to the Head of the River. The proprietors of land on these streets were as fol- lows : On the west side of Middle Street, crossing Water to the river, Abisha Delano, Reuben Delano (two lots), Noah Allen (three lots), Ephraim Delano, Jonathan Negus, Thomas Taber, Isaiah Eldridge (two lots), Richard Delano, Caleb Church, Thomas Nye, John Wady (three lots), Jonathan Hathaway, Eleazar Hathaway, Nathaniel Delano; on the west side of Main Street, extending to Middle, Abisha Delano, Isaiah Eldridge (two lots), Ephraim Delano, Jona- than Hathaway, Nathaniel Delano, Eleazar Hatha- way, Noah Allen, John Wing, and Thomas Nye ; on the east side of Main Street, Thomas Taber, Jona- than Negus, John Wady (two lots), Caleb Church, Reuben Delano (two lots), Noah Allen (three lots). The old high-water line, it is thought, crossed Water Street near the foot of Centre Street, and approached Middle Street at the southern end. In 1795 a street leading from Fairhaven to Oxford was constructed, beginning at the north of Samuel Proctor's garden. This was of course that part of Main Street which crosses the Mill Bridge and leads north. In this year, therefore, it is probable that the Mill Bridge was built. The old church on the corner of Main and Centre Streets was erected about the same time. The New Bedford Bridge was incorporated in the next year, 179(3. The laud east of Main Street, from the mill- pond to the old cemetery, was owned by William Rotch, of New Bedford, remained in the possession of his family for a number of years, and no streets were laid out within its limits for a long period. The people of Fairhaven at the beginning of the century were, in contrast to their present political status, ardent supporters of the ultra Democratic views of Mr. Jefferson, and on July 4, 1801, had quite a lively FAIR HAVEN. 271 celebration in honor of the doctrine of enlarged liberty. In early days the liberty-pole stood on the lot where now stands the residence of Hon. E. R. Sawin, corner of Middle and Centre Streets. As years went on the result of the political antagonism between Fairhaven and New Bedford was the incorporation, in 1812, of the town of Fairhaven. The New Bed- ford Gazette of Feb. 21, 1812, contains the following: " The bill for establishing the town of Fairhaven was taken up and passed to be engrossed, in concurrence with the Senate, two hundred and thirty-three to one hundred and eighty-eight." The first Fourth of July after the incorporation was celebrated at the Head of the River with the reading of the Declaration of In- dependence and President's message, singing of an ode composed by Lieut. Henry Whitman, U.S.N., and an oration by James L. Hodges, Esq., of Taun- ton, at the meeting-house, followed by a dinner at Pratte tavern, presided over by Hon. Nathaniel Mor- ton, Jr., Capt. Noah Stoddard, and John Hanes, Esq. There was published in New Bedford about this time a strongly Democratic paper called the New Bedford Gazette. The political climate, however, becoming too hot for its comfort, it was transplanted to the more congenial soil of Fairhaven, and flourished here under the name of the Bristol Gazette about the year 1813. Daniel Gleason, Jr., was publisher for a time, but he having beeu appointed to a government office at the fort, retired and was succeeded by Paul Taber. The editorial sanctum was, we believe, near the head of the old South wharf. The war of 1812 interfered with the business of Fairhaven, but this temporary cloud soon passed. On Sept. 23, 1815, occurred one of the most terrific gales ever known on this coast. It is said that the tide rose ten or eleven feet higher than had ever been known before, inundating, of course, stores and dwell- ings in the village. Two stores on the Old South wharf and one on the Union wharf were carried away, also B. Church's barn and contents, and Sam- uel Borden's ropewalk, which extended from the main land to Crow Island. Several dwellings were more or less injured. It is related that a long boat put off from the store of John Delano, on Union wharf, con- taining Stephen Merrihew, Asa Swift, William P. Jenney, and others. They landed at Capt. Samuel Borden's, above the bridge, and stopped until the tide ebbed. " Capt. Borden's horse was in the keeping- room, tied to the crane, and barrels of oil, stored in the cellar, floated up and thumped heavily against the floor, caused by the wind and tide rushing in through the cellar windows." Two or three persons from this town, we believe, lost their lives in this storm. Few events of interest, aside from the successes and sub- sequent decline of the town's peculiar branch of in- dustry, have marked its later history. Previous to the financial crisis of 1857 the town increased greatly in population, wealth, and business enterprise, while the moral worth and general excellence of the com- munity was and is a source of gratification to the people. The records of the first few years of the | town's existence are said to have been lost in the great gale of 1815. Some of the earliest town-meet- ings were held in the Methodist meeting-house at the Head of the River. In 1818 meetings were held in the old Congregational meeting-house at the Head j of the River, and continued to be held there until about 1831-32, when they were transferred to the Academy Hall, on Main Street, between Fairhaven and Oxford village. There seems to have been some objection to holding the meetings here, probably on the part of people from the northern portion of the town, who were obliged to come a considerable dis- tance. Here, however, they continued to be held until, in 1813, the town house was built, on the road to the Head of the River, near the Woodside Ceme- tery, over a mile north of the village. This building was destroyed by fire in 1858. For a few years meetings were held in Sawin's Hall, on William Street, and the division of the town, in I860, removed further objection to the hold- ing of them within the village. Since 1864 they have been held in Phoenix Hall. In 1825 it was voted to petition the Legislature for the opening of a passage from Long Pond, in Middleborough, to the Acushnet River, by means of which a valuable fishery could be secured to the towns along the banks of the river. This, however, was, we think, not accomplished. In 1828 money was raised for the purchase of a buryin°-- ground and building one-half of the stone bridge at the Head of the River. The bridge is a substantial reality, but the cemetery project seems not to have been so successful, a fact for which, in view what has transpired since, we can only be grateful. In 1830, to the credit of the town, be it known that it was voted, " That it is the sense of the inhabitants of Fairhaven that there be no licenses granted to retail- ers or taverns for the sale of spirituous liquors for the ensuing year. In 1832 and 1833 there was a great advance in building operations in the village. In the latter year William, Walnut, and Green Streets were accepted, as well as Washington and Union as far east as Green. Numerous substantial residences were built in various parts of the village at this time. In 1836 we find the first vote authorizing the purchase of a fire-engine, and in 1842 the first one authorizing the construction of a sidewalk. This was the plank walk which formerly crossed the Mill Bridge. Since that date flagged sidewalks have been laid on a large part of Main and Centre Streets, as well as flagged and brick walks on other streets. Recently a con- siderable amount of concreting has been done. In 1850 Riverside Cemetery, a beautiful resting- place for the dead, presented to the people of the town by Warren Delano, Jr., was consecrated. Its natural beauties were greatly enhanced by the donor in the lay-out and adornment of the grounds, which have been still further embellished by the care and 272 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. taste of owners of lots. The Fairhaven Branch Rail- road, opened in 1854, passed through a portion of the old cemetery at the foot of William Street. The northern part was allowed to remain, and has since been an unsightly disfigurement to the village. Hap- pily, a number of removals have of late been made from here, and it is to be hoped that soon few vestiges of its former use may remain. Up to the beginning of the war the village was a busy place, in consequence of the whale fishery and industries connected, therewith. With the sudden decline of whaling the town was left with almost nothing of business enterprise. Population and wealth decreased, and the future looked dark indeed. Two manufacturing companies have, however, started up since that period, and with the increasing prosperity of New Bedford and slight gains in population better days have already dawned. The increase in building operations within the last ten years over the amount during the previous decade has been marked. On Sept. 8, 1869, the town was visited by a furious gale, which, besides inflicting a large amount of minor damage, tore off" the tall steeple of the Congregational Church, which had been a prominent landmark for over twenty years. It also carried away a large por- tion of the New Bedford bridge, thus rendering Fair- haven people dependent upon a ferry-boat for trans- portation to and from New Bedford. Previous to the opening of the bridge, about the beginning of the present century, the village of Fairhaven and Bedford had, we think, been connected by a rude sort of ferry. This first bridge was destroyed by a storm in 1807. The bridge was rebuilt and again destroyed in the great gale of 1815, while the next structure, after en- during for a half-century and more, met with the disaster mentioned above. Up to this period it had been customary to collect toll from passengers. The removal of this burden has proved to be a great con- venience to the people of the town since the reopening of the bridge in June, 1870. In former days, and especially after the destruction of the bridge in 1869, there was some opposition on the part of New Bedford people to its present location. The advantages of its present situation are, however, so great that the ques- tion may now be considered as a thing of the past. About 1833 a ferry-boat was put on the route between Fairhaven and New Bedford, in order more effectu- ally to accommodate traffic between the two growing places. The New Bedford and Taunton Bailroad was opened about 1840, and for some time a coach was run to accommodate Fairhaven passengers. In 1854 was opened the Fairhaven Branch Railroad, con- necting with the Cape Cod Railroad at Tremont, opening a through line from Fairhaven to Boston, and connecting New Bedford with Cape Cod and Plymouth County. A new and more commodious steam ferry was at this time put on the New Bedford route by the railroad company. At about this time, R. A. Dunham put on his line of omnibuses, which continued to run to New Bedford, with the exception of periods when the bridge was impassable, until 1872. In October of that year was opened the Fair- haven Branch of the New Bedford and Fairhaven Street Railroad, a convenience which is greatly appre- ciated by the people. In 1873 the ferry-boat " Union" was disposed of, and since that time regular traffic has been given over to the street railroad company. The Fairhaven Branch Railroad was sold to the New Bedford and Taunton some years after its comple- tion, and since that time has passed into the hands of the New Bedford Railroad Company, Boston, Clinton, Fitchburg, and New Bedford Company, and in 1879 was leased by the Old Colony. A tele- graph office is maintained at the railroad station, and telephonic connection with the New Bedford central office is availed of by a number of residents. Aside from the wharves and some buildings in the older portion of the village there is little of the appear- ance of the decayed seaport about Fairhaven. The streets are more regular than in many places, and some of them are beautifully shaded. Centre Street, in particular, beneath its arch of waving elm branches, forms a lovely vista during the warm sea- son. Tasteful and substantial residences scattered about the village add to its good appearance. It is to be regretted that the town possesses no common or park, and that many of the houses stand close together and very near the street, since its beauty might have been greatly increased by large public or private grounds. In Riverside Cemetery stands a neat and tasteful monument erected by the town in 1867 in memory of her citizens who lost their lives in the rebellion. The monument bears the following names : Bart. Aiken, Charles H. Austin, Joseph S. Caswell, Benjamin F. Cowen, Edward H>. Dillingham, Lewis Albert Drew, Charles Eldridge, Barnabas Ener, Jr., John Arthur Fitch, Ebenezer B. Hathaway, Charles N. Jenney, James Merrihew, Harvey C. Morse, Ebenezer Parsons, Jr., Phineas Peckham, Jr., George F. Rogers, Francis H. Stod- dard, Loring P. Taber, John M. Thompson, Amos S. Tripp, William B. Watterson, William A. West. Within the last few years Fairhaven has been steadily growing in favor as a pleasant but unpreten- tious summer resort. The heat is tempered by the southwest winds from the bay, and our beautiful river and harbor afford facilities for boating and fishing. Fort Phoenix, now dismantled, affords, with its adja- cent rocks and beaches, a delightful resort for the rambler on a summer's afternoon. The view of the river dotted with sailing craft, the compact mass of roofs of the neighboring city, sprinkled with towers and spires, forming a charmingly variegated picture along the opposite bank ; the wooded shores of Clark's Point and Sconticut Neck below on opposite sides of the harbor, the bright waters of the bay fading far off" at the south into the blue shores of Falmouth, Nau- FAIRHAVEN. 273 shon, Nashawena, and Cuttylmnk, is a source of de- light to the lover of natural scenery. One would like to see more activity about the quiet streets and wharves of Fairhaven. Still, the swift-ebbing tide of business prosperity has begun to rise, and from the advantages of its situation, its proximity to New Bedford, and from the excellence of the community itself, the future outlook for the town is not unfavor- able. The writer would gratefully acknowledge the aid furnished him in the compilation of historical matter by Messrs. Charles Eldridge, Job E. Tripp (of whose historical sketch of the Unitarian Church the follow- ing is, in the main, an abstract), Eben Akin, Jr., and Mr. Ingraham, of the New Bedford Public Library. Bicketson's " History of New Bedford," and news- paper sketches written by various persons, have afford e 1 assistance. Industries and Corporations. — A number of branches of business connected either directly or in- directly with the whale fishery, such as ship-building and repairing, coopering, sail-making, and sperm- candle manufacturing, have been carried on in this place. Ship-building early engaged the attention of the people of Oxford village and Fairhaven. About the year 1800, Abner Pease built, near his homestead, several ships and smaller vessels. At a later date the business was continued by John and Joshua Delano at the Union wharf ship-yard. They were followed by Elias Terry and Fish & Nuttlestone. Here were built a number of ships and other vessels, and at times two or three vessels might have been seen in process of construction. Two of the largest ships ever built on the river, the "Sea Nymph" and "John Milton," were built by Fish & Nuttlestone for the late Edward M. Robinson, of New Bedford. Vessels were also built on Main Street in a lot north of the residence of the late Isaac Wood. Messrs. Delano & Co. have built a number of first-class ships and other vessels at the yard of the late Capt. William G. Be- lackler, on Fort Street. The business has now been discontinued. The Fairhaven Marine Railway, on which vessels are drawn up for repairs, is still in ex- istence. There were two candle manufactories, one at the head of Middle Street, the other on Fort Street. The latter was built by the late William R. Rodman, of New Bedford, in 1831 or 1832. There are now two manufacturing companies established in the town, — the American Tack Company and the Fairhaven Iron- works. A portion of the building now occupied by the iron-works was formerly used as a cotton-mill. The Fairhaven Star, a weekly newspaper, published by C. D. Waldron, was established in 1879. National 15a nk of Fairhaven. — Incorporated in 1831, reorganized in 1864. L. S. Judd, president; Reuben Nye, cashier; Directors, L. S. Judd, Isaiah West, Cyrus D. Hunt, Phineas E. Terry, Charles H. Morton, Levi M. Snow, James V. Cox. Capital, one hundred and twenty thousand dollars. 18 Fairhaven Institution for Savings was in- corporated in 1832. President, George H. Taber; Treasurer, Charles Drew ; Board of Investment, George H. Taber, Charles H. Morton, Walter P. Winsor, Thomas B. Faller, and John B. Hussey; Trustees, George H. Taber, Reuben Nye, Bartholo- mew Taber, John M. Howland, Lewis S. Judd, James V. Cox, Noah Stoddard, Cyrus D. Hunt, Job C. Tripp, George F. Howland, Isaac Terry, Walter P. Winsor, Thomas B. Faller, Charles H. Morton, Jonathan H. Holmes, John B. Hussey, Levi M. Snow, John Mayhew. Fairhaven Iron- Works were incorporated in 1879. (Successor to Boston and Fairhaven Iron- Works, incorporated 1863.) President, 1882, Edwin S. Thayer; Directors, Edwin S. Thayer, Lewis S. Judd, Thomas H. Knowles ; Treasurer, Job C. Tripp ; Superintendent, William C. Lincoln. American Tack Company was incorporated in 1867. President, 1882. J. A. Beauvais; Directors, J. A. Beauvais, C. P. Brightman, C. D. Hunt, L. S. Judd, Loum Snow, Jr. ; Treasurer, J. A. Beauvais. Capital, one hundred and twenty-five thousand dol- lars. This company made use of a stone building on Fort Street, erected for the purpose of manufacturing sperm candles. They have since built a two-story and French-roof building at the west, and during the past year (1882) have added a three and one-half story stone addition to the main building. The Whale Fishery.— In Starbuck's " History of the American Whale Fishery" we read : In the vicinity of New Bedford whaling probably begun but little prior to 1760. In that year William Wood, of Dart- mouth, sold to Elnathan Eldridge, of the same town, a certain tract of land located within the present town of Fairhaven, and within three-quarters of a mile of the centre of the town, on the banks of the Acushnet River, "always excepting and reserving . . . that part of the same where the try house and Oyl Shed now stands." This tract of land was in the vil- lage of Oxford, and we are informed that there can be no doubt that the first whaling-vessels were fitted at this place. The earliest voyage of which the writer has any knowledge was that of the sloop " Phoenix" in 1743, the proceeds of which amounted to nine hundred and sixteen pounds, eighteen shillings, and four pence. She was followed by sloops " Diamond" in 1744, "Speedwell" in 1745, "Speedwell" and " Rainbow" in 1746-47. The " Rainbow" also sailed in 1750 and 1751. Thomas Nye, Judah Paddock, Bartholomew Taber, James Hatheway, or Hathaway, were among those interested in the business at this early period. From Oxford, in 1765, came sloops " Industry" and " Dove," and in 1767 sloops " Myriad," "Sea Flower," "Rover," and "Supply." In 1758, during the French and Indian war, sloop "Industry," Isaiah Eldridge master, was captured by a French privateer, but concerning the result of the capture we 274 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. have ho information. Of the early days of Oxford, Ricketson's "History of New Bedford" says, "The village of Oxford at this period fairly rivaled her neighbor across the river. Here were owned and fitted out several large vessels,— ships, brigs, etc.,— owned by the Bennetts, Huddlestones, and others. The sub- stantial old houses still there evince a state of pros- perity at that period." It is stated that two ships and a brig have been seen building at Oxford ship-yard, and four ships lying at the wharf at the same time. The names of some of the early whaling captains are as follows : Thomas Nye, Ephraim Delano, John Delano, Elnathan Delano, Joseph Tripp, Isaiah Eldridge, Salathiel Eldridge, and Benjamin Jenny. Of Lewis Taber it is related that he was once engaged to sail from Mattapoisett. While his vessel was fitting it was his custom to traverse the five miles or more between the two hamlets of Oxford and Matta- poisett on foot. His employer perceiving this, in- formed him that if he would return with one hundred barrels sperm, he should be provided with a horse with which to go back and forth. In due time Capt. Taber sailed, and returned from a successful voyage in one week, having taken a large whale, and received his promised reward. The prosperity of Oxford as a separate community was checked by the construction of the New Bedford bridge, incorporated in 1796. Business activity soon passed almost entirely to the lower village. The distance between the villages being, however, less than a mile, there has been for many years practically no dividing line between them, and with the increase of population their interests became mutual. In the early days of Fairhaven village the try-works were located near the northeast corner of the land of Wil- liam N. Alden, corner of Main and Washington Streets. Concerning them Capt. Delano writes, " North of the Proctor house were the try-w r orks, where the blubber from the whalers was boiled out. It was the custom invariably to bring in the catch - ings and extract the oil on the land. Just to the northeast of the try-works is the entrance to Herring- River, up which the whaling vessels went to get their water, which they obtained at a well, said to be that attached to the John Milan house, between which and Herring River was a fresh-water pond, known as the Frog Pond, with flags growing in it." Herring River is much better known as the Mill Pond, and the John Milan house is the house on the corner of Walnut and Spring Streets. The first wharves constructed are said to have been the Old South and the old pier at the foot of Washington Street. Union Wharf was built about 1802 or 1803, the names of the proprietors being as follows: William Rotch, Silas Allen, Noah Stoddard, Nicholas Stoddard, John Sherman, Thomas Nye, Benjamin Church, Jr., Stephen Merrihew, Na- thaniel Proctor, John Price, Kelley Eldridge, Asa Swift, Elias Terry, John Delano, Joseph Tripp, Levi Jenney. Some of the ships owned in Fairhaven pre- vious to the war of 1812 were as follows : " Juno," " President," " Columbia," " Exchange," and " Her- ald." The latter vessel was owned by Capt. Samuel Borden. Capt. Jabez Delano writes, concerning her, " It was a gala day to us boys when the old ' Herald' came in with her cargo of oil from the Brazil Banks, which she performed annually for many years. The peculiar olden-time habits so indelibly impress the mind that they live as though of yesterday's occur- rence. Capt. Borden had his oxen on hand, by which the heavy hoisting was done, while the light casks and barrels were hoisted out by hand." Other ves- sels probably belonging in Fairhaven and Oxford in the latter part of the last century were schooner "Lively," Capt. Rowland Gibbs; brig "Atlantic," Capt. Parker; schooner "Swan," Capt. May hew; " Sally," Capt. Cunningham ; and " Industry," Capt. Taber. Among the ship-owners or agents of this date may be mentioned Messrs. Samuel Borden, Sam- uel Proctor, and John Alden. The war of 1812 inflicted a temporary check upon maritime pursuits, but after its close the business grew with unprecedented vigor, and during the quarter of a century beginning with 1830 Fairhaven saw the flood-tide of its business prosperity. During this period its wharves were alive with workmen fitting vessels for sea, or discharging the cargoes of those newly arrived. Bustle and activity reigned. At certain periods it was difficult to find men enough to perform the work required. In 1821 three vessels arrived with 2200 barrels sperm and 800 barrels whale oil. In 1830 the number had increased to eleven, with 3062 barrels sperm, 11,093 whale, and 57,300 pounds bone. In 1834 sixteen vessels arrived, with 12,953 barrels sperm, 12,601 barrels whale, and 56,500 pounds bone. Some of the largest aggregate annual catches of sperm and whale oil were made as follows: In 1837, 28,521 barrels; 1841, 26,730 barrels; 1842, 27,680 barrels; 1845, 32,040 barrels; 1846, 27,524 bar- rels ; and 1849, 29,804 barrels. The largest reported amount of bone brought into this port in one year was 477,900 pounds in 1850. The number of whalers hailing from this port was in 1840 forty-four. In 1845 this number had increased to forty-eight, and in 1847 to fifty. The amount of tonnage reached its maximum limit, 16,840, in 1857. In 1837 the amount of money invested was about $945,000; in 1850, esti- mating $26,000 to each ship, about $1,350,000. One of the most successful voyages recorded of a Fair- haven vessel is that of the bark " Favorite," Capt. Pierce, F. R. Whitnell, agent, which arrived June 19, 1853, with 84 barrels sperm, 2211 barrels whale, and 31,900 pounds bone, having sent home 300 bar- rels sperm, 4484 barrels whale, and 41,000 pounds bone, the aggregate value being over $100,000. The " Favorite" was gone about three years. Successful voyages of vessels whose agents were Gibbe & Jenney, Nathan Church, and other Fairhaven merchants are also found on record. FAIR HAVEN. 275 Although the whale fishery was greatly conducive to the prosperity of the town, and spread abroad her name and fame, yet it had, as is well known, its dark and tragic side. In 1837 ship "Clifford Wayne" re- turned in consequence of a mutiny among the crew, and caused thereby a loss of ten thousand dollars to those who had invested in her. In the same year ship "Oregon" was lost on a reef near Tahiti. In 1838 ship "Pactolus" was burned in the Pacific. On Dec. 22, 1842, ship "Sharon" put into Sydney, the crew having mutinied and killed Capt. Norris. Capt. Jenney, of the "Albion," was killed by a whale in March, 1844. In 1847 ship " Acushnet" lost her third mate and four men in consequence of a boat being stove, and in 1852 the " Heroine" lost her second mate, C. Fuller, and five men in a severe gale. In 1863 brig " Pavilion," Capt. Handy, was lost, with seven of her crew, in Hudson's Bay, and the survivors endured severe sufferings. On June 27, 1865, occurred a disaster which from its character is one of the most noticeable that ever befell a Fairhaven vessel. On that date bark " Favorite," Capt. Thomas G. Young, F. R. Whitnell, agent, was captured by the rebel cruiser " Shenandoah," after a bold but ineffectual effort at resistance on the part of the gallant captain. With the commercial crash of 1857, the increasing use of petroleum for illuminating purposes, and the coming on of the Rebellion, the peculiar industry of the town rapidly declined. The number of whaling vessels decreased from forty-three in 1859 to nine in 1863, causing, of course, a great diminution in the amount of business done. A few vessels, principally brigs and schooners, were sent out in succeeding years, bur at the present date not a single Fairhaven vessel is engaged in the business, and the town must look to other sources for future prosperity. The last whale-ship to arrive at this port was the "General Scott," Capt. William Washburn, Tripp & Terry, agents,, which arrived Oct. 5, 1869. In concluding this sketch the mention of the names of Gibbs & Jenney, Warren Delano, Atkins Adams, F. R. Whit- nell, Nathan Church, Jenney & Tripp, Bradford & Faller, Fish & Robinson, Ezekiel Sawin, and Lemuel Tripp will recall to the minds of many the names of the prominent shipping merchants of the town, who, with others, contributed by their business enterprise to its wealth and prosperity. Schools. — On April 13, 1798, a number of citizens of the town met, and agreed to build "an academy between the villages and Oxford, fifty feet and half by twenty-four feet and half, two story high." The agreement is signed by Isaac Sherman, Benjamin Lin- coln, Levi Jenne, Noah Stoddard, Nicholas Stoddard, Killey Eldridge, Thomas Delano, Jethro Allen, Jo- seph Bates, Robert Bennet, Reuben Jenne, Nicholas Taber, and Luther Willson. In 1802 the school was taught by Richard Sawyer, and later in the same year by John Nye and Abiah Haskell. For a number of years this building was the principal place of in- struction for the young people of the town. It also served as a public hall and place for religious meet- ings during a portion of its existence. The last re- corded meeting of the trustees is dated April 5, 1836. The building is now the property of Capt. Johu A. Hawes, and in the upper portion there are a hand- some music hall and a billiard-room. Rev. Mr. Gould, for a number of years pastor of the Congregational Church, established a young la- dies' boarding-school, which had an excellent reputa- tion, and attracted pupils from other places in this part of the State as well as from town. The building stood on Main Street, but was removed and divided in order to make way for the railroad. The High School was established in 1851, and made use of the church edifice on Main Street previously occupied by the Methodist Episcopal Society. The First Congregational Church.— Previous to the year 1794 there existed within the present limits of the town no church organization. People from Oxford, Fairhaven, and Sconticut Neck who wished to attend the services of the Lord's day made weekly pilgrimages over such roads as were then in existence to the old church at the Head of the River. The fol- lowing description of the walk to meeting was nar- rated by one of the ladies of this village : " It was our invariable rule during the pleasant season of the year to form groups and walk to meeting. We took our dinner with us. We put our shoes and stockings in our pockets. The road then was round Herring River (now known as the Mill Pond) ; thence by the homestead of John and Bartholomew Taber. When we got a little north of the residence of the late Alfred Nye we got over a wall, where was a path that led direct to the meeting-house. Near the house and to the south of the road is a long, low, flat rock ; here we sat down and put on our stockings and shoes and went into meeting." In 1794, however, was organized the Second Church of Christ in New Bedford, which organization became later the First Congregational Church in Fairhaven. The churches represented at the Council were the First Church, at the Head of the River, New Bed- ford ; the Second Church, in Rochester; and the church in Little Compton. The covenant is signed by Lemuel Williams, Benjamin Church, John Aiden, Eunice Paddoe, Phebe Jenne, Abigail Church, Ke- turah Church, Elizabeth Landers, Bethiah Delano, Sally Alden, Ruth Shearman, Patience Jenne, Jere- miah Mayhew, Isaac Tompkins, Abel House, Peggy Mayhew, Joseph Damon, Jethro Allen, Henry Jenne, Joseph Bates, Isaac Wood, Isaac Shearman, Joseph Church, Pardon Taber, twenty-four in all. The original church edifice was erected at about the same time, and was an old-fashioned wooden structure, well remembered by our older citizens. It stood on a rise of ground, on what is now the corner of Main and Centre Streets. The upper portion and belfry are still in existence, forming a part of Phoenix Block. 276 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. On Feb. 4, 1795, Isaiah Weston was ordained pas- tor, the sermon being preached by the Rev. Joseph Barker, of the First Church in Middleborough. In the year 1802 we find that the use of a fiddle in the church service was productive of mental if not of musical discord. It is certainly to be hoped that the notes of the instrument were more harmonious than the feeling roused by its use. The church, as at first constituted, was Arminian in doctrine, as were many at that period. In the year 1807, however, there came a powerful revival of religious interest, which was productive of results greatly affecting the future of the church. Mr. Weston was dismissed in 1808. It soon became apparent that there were antagonistic elements with- in the church, and finally certain members who came into the church after the great revival withdrew in 1811, and were instrumental .in forming a new society called the Third Church. The services of this church were held in a small building occupied both as church and school-house, and which stood on Main Street, opposite where the Union Hotel now stands. Hap- pily, however, the. two churches united harmoniously about the year 1820. On May 26, 1813, the old church voted to call Mr. Abraham Wheeler, and he was duly ordained on June 30th of the same year, and re- mained about five years. On Nov. 24, 1820, they voted to install Paul Jewett. Mr. Jewett, however, remained but a short time, and on Jan. 9, 1823, the church voted to ask Rev. William Gould to continue as their minister. Mr. Gould remained as acting pastor, without installation, for about seventeen years after this date, and during his long pastorate the church became greatly strength- ened in numbers, influence, and material prosperity. In 1839, Mr. Jacob Roberts was ordained as colleague with Mr. Gould, whose health had begun to fail. An unhappy complication of affairs, in regard to Mr. Gould, resulted in the division of the church in 1841. The members who withdrew formed themselves into an organization styled the Centre Congregational Church, and erected the neat church edifice on the corner of Centre and Walnut Streets, now occupied by the Methodist Episcopal Church. This society disbanded in 1848 ; their pastors were the Rev. Mr. Gould and his colleague, Rev. Mr. Poor. In 1844-45 the old church erected the substantial edifice of brick which they have since occupied. It is a fine specimen of Gothic architecture. The interior walls are finished in a tasteful pattern of blocking in shades of brown, while pulpit, galleries, pews, and organ front are adorned with elaborate Gothic ornamentation. The exterior walls were unfortunately covered with stucco, which, under the action of the weather, came off in patches, giving the building for some years an un- sightly appearance. The lofty steeple, the tallest in this vicinity, and a landmark for sailors in the bay, was overthrown in the great gale of Sept. 8, 1869, but, providentially, with little damage to the church. In 1879 the building was painted and the tower finished by the addition of four pinnacles, improvements which added materially to its appearance. Slight alterations have also been made within the building, such as the lowering and widening of the pulpit, and the removal of the old desk from the vestry and sub- stitution of a platform. Mr. Roberts was succeeded by Mr. John Willard, ordained in 1853, dismissed in 1867. Later pastors have been Rev. Avery S. Walker, 1868-71; Rev. Winfield S. Hawkes, 1873-76; and the present pastor, Rev. William Carruthers, who was installed in June, 1878. The society, in common with the town, suffered with the decline of business and consequent loss by removals, but amid all material changes the vital force which inspired its founders still remains, and with the future growth and pros- perity of the village it is to be hoped that its useful- ness may be further extended. Present membership of the church (1882), one hundred and seventy-five. The Washington Street Christian (Unitarian) Church. — On Nov. 28, 1819, a few persons in town, dissatisfied with the prevailing Calvinistic doctrines, gathered at thehouseof Elizabeth Taber, in Oxford vil- lage, and decided to hold a series of religious meetings under the leadership of Elder Moses Howe, with the view, probably, of forming a church of the Christian order, whose doctrine is mainly Unitarian, but whose practice is somewhat similar to that of the Baptists. The Bible was taken as the only rule of faith and duty. The Academy Hall was engaged for the pur- pose of holding meetings, and under Elders Moses How and Frederick Plummer a considerable degree of interest was manifested. On Nov. 30, 1820, a church was organized with forty-five members, and on Sept. 4, 1821, Elder Charles Morgridge was ordained pastor. Mr. Morgridge was followed by Simon Clough, James Taylor, Frederick Plummer, George Kelton, and others until 1830. On evening of Jan. 11, 1832, a meeting of subscribers to a fund for building a church was held at the residence of Capt. Warren Delano. On Dec. 7, 1832, the church was organized as the Washington Street Christian Church, at the house of Elizabeth Adams, and on December loth of the same year the meeting-house was dedicated. Elder Wil- liam H. Taylor was the first pastor. In 1834 a great accession was made to the number of members, eighty- six uniting with the church in that year. About this time there was some discussion in regard to baptism, and a vote that no person should be allowed to join the church unless baptized by immersion, is on record. This was, however, rescinded soon afterward. The church was careful to take notice of the indulgence of its members in questionable amusements, and to deal with them accordingly; but it seems to have been inclined to deal with delinquents in a kindly spirit. Mr. Taylor left in 1838, and was followed on June 9th of the same year by Elder John H. Currier, who was followed by Elder C. Bernett, in November, 1839, he being dismissed at the end of three months. FAIRHAVEN. 277 In April, 1840, Elder Joseph H. Smith was engaged for three months. In July of the same year Elder David Millard took charge of the church. In this year renewed activity and interest was manifested. In 1841, Elder Charles Galligher was invited to preach for three months. Within the next few years there was brought about an important change in the history of the society. In 1841 the use of the pulpit was i granted to Elder William Miller, the exponent of Second Advent doctrines. Mr. Miller's preaching pro- duced such results that thirty-three persons left the church, most of whom united with a number from the Methodist Episcopal Church and formed the nucleus of the Second Advent Society. In July, 1841, Elder Charles Morgridge was chosen pastor. He was fol- lowed by Elder Stephen Fellows. The old church had from various causes become much weakened at this period. It was now decided to employ an edu- cated ministry, and to put itself more in harmony with the spiritual wants and intelligent thought of the age, and in March, 1844, it was voted, twelve to four, to invite a Unitarian minister to come and preach on trial. No change was made in the covenant, and the new element which came in found a well-estab- lished foundation upon which to build. In August, 1844, Thomas Danes was unanimously chosen pastor. At this time, or soon after, a new front was put on the building, a vestry put under- neath, and the pulpit was removed from the north to the south end, and the pews changed to conform with the alteration. Meantime Sawin's Hall was used for a short period, and later the Centre Congregational Church was occupied in union with the society wor- shiping there, each society occupying the church for half a day. Mr. Danes' ministry closed in 1853, after a useful pastorate. From 1853 until 1856 the society had no settled pastor. In the latter year a call was extended to Rev. C. Y. De Normandie, who was duly installed on September 10th of that year. The church was greatly quickened by the religious revival of 1858, which resulted in the addition of forty members to its roll. In the year 1865 a reorganization of the church was effected, in which the Christian Scriptures were declared to be the sufficient rule for faith and practice. In 1868 the society reluctantly complied with a request of their pastor for his dismission, and in April, 1869, Mr. De Normandie left, after having served the society for nearly thirteen years. Ellery Channing Butler was ordained Oct. 26, 1869, but was called away after a short pastorate of nearly three years. The next pastor, Alfred Manchester, was or- dained Jan. 9, 1873. In 1874 various improvements were made upon the building, the interior being newly frescoed and carpeted, thus giving to thesociety a beautiful and attractive audience-room. In 1877, Mr. Manchester was dismissed, after a successful pas- torate, and was followed by James M. Leighton, the present pastor, who was ordained April 10, 1878. In 1881 a new organization of the church was made, which changed somewhat the basis of fellowship. Members are required to sign their names to a com- pact pledging themselves to the worship of Almighty God, and the study and practice of pure religion as manifested in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. To this compact seventy-two members signed their names. Such is a brief abstract of the history of a church whose unseen influences have striven to add to the moral excellence and religious power of the commu- nity in which it is planted. The Methodist Episcopal Church.— In the year 1820 a Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in New Bedford. A number of persons in Fairhaven united with this church, attended its services, and the preacher in charge sometimes preached on this side of the river. On Dec. 28, 1829, the brethren residing in Fairhaven requested that a chapel be erected for their accommodation. It was resolved that their re- quest ought to be complied with, and that such a step will tend to the glory of God and the enlargement of the kingdom of our common Saviour. In June, 1830, the meeting-house was opened for worship, and dedi- catory sermons were preached by Rev. Orange Scott and Rev. John Lindsey. This was the building now occupied by the town as a high school, and stands on Main Street north of Bridge Street. Rev. William Livesey was in that year appointed to this station. Once in two weeks Mr. Livesey exchanged with Rev. Mr. Merritt, of New Bedford, and Rev. James Porter, of the Head of the River. The society continued to be a branch of the one in New Bedford until 1832, when it was deemed expedient that the Fairhaven ! society become a separate organization. On Aug. 30, 1832, the male members met and pro- ceeded to organize a board of trustees, consisting of the following-named persons: Joseph Millett, James Tripp (2d), John P. Winslow, Joseph P. Swift, Joseph B. Morse, Dennis McCarthy, and Warren Maxfield. The society continued to occupy their house of wor- ship until the spring of 1849, when the subject of purchasing the edifice left vacant by the Centre Con- gregational Society was considered. On April 16th the trustees reported that they had obtained a title to the church for the use and behoof of the Methodist Episcopal Church.- Their report was accepted, and the building occupied in that year. The last of the notes due by reason of the purchase of this building was paid in March, 1867. Extensive improvements have been made within the church edifice since its present occupancy, and the church is now in a highly prosperous condition. Official Appoiiifments.~18S0-S\, Rev. William Live- sey ; 1831-32, Rev. Leonard Griffin; 1832-34, Rev. Nathan Paine; 1834-35, Rev. Lewis Janson; 1835 -36, Rev. Daniel K. Banister; 1836-38, Rev. David Leslie; 1838-39, Rev. Henry Mayo; 1839-41, Rev. Apollos Hale; 1841-43, Rev. Isaac Stoddard; 1843 -44, Rev. Nathan Paine; 1844-45, Rev. John W. . Case; 1845-46, Rev. Daniel Webb, supplied by G. 278 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. W. Brewster ; 1846-48, Rev. Micah J. Talbot, Jr. ; 1848-49, Rev. Henry Baylies; 1849-51, Rev. Samuel C. Brown ; 1851-53, Rev. Horatio W. Houghton ; 1853-55, Rev. Richard Livesey ; 1855-57, Rev. Wil- liam H. Kichards; 1857-58, Rev. Bartholomew Othe- man; 1858-59, Rev. James M. Worcester; 1859 -61, Rev. John B. Husted ; 1861-63, Rev. Edward A. Lyon ; 1863-65, Rev. William Livesey ; 1865-68, Rev. Henry H. Smith ; 1868-71, Rev. Frederic Up- ham ; 1871-73, Rev. John Gray ; 1873-75, Rev. Hop- kins B. Cady ; 1875-78, Rev. George De B. Stoddard ; 1878-79, Rev. Daniel C. Stevenson; 1879-80, Rev. Francis D. Sargent ; 1880-83, Rev. George E. Fuller. The Second Advent Society. — In 1841, Elder William Miller preached in the Christian Baptist Church in this village. A number of persons became converts to the Second Advent faith, and in 1842 began to hold meetings. The first meetings were held in a private house on Main Street. Afterwards they were held in the building formerly occupied by Rev. Mr. Gould as a young ladies' boarding-school, and in Fountain Hall on Main Street. The building on William Street, formerly known as Sawin's Hall, was purchased and converted into a chapel, and a new organization effected about seventeen years ago. Present pastor, Elder George F. Haines. Friends' Meeting. — Since the early settlement of Old Dartmouth the Friends or Quakers have been an important element in the history of the town. In Fairhaven, however, they have not been so influen- tial as in New Bedford and Dartmouth. There was no meeting-house in the present limits of the town until 1849, when the plain but neat building on Bridge Street was erected. The number of wor- shipers here has always been quite small, and num- ber at present about ten or twelve families. Meet- ings are held on first days and fourth days, and a Bible-class is sustained. The Friends do not recog- nize the pastoral relation in the manner that other denominations do, and their method of church gov- ernment differs also from that of other societies. The Fairhaven Meeting belongs to the New Bedford Monthly Meeting, which is the principal organization in this vicinity. Civil History. — The records of the first few years of the town's existence have been lost, and filenames of the officers during that period have not been definitely ascertained. The following-named per- sons have held the office of town clerk since 1816 : 1816-17, Levi Jenney ; 1817-19, Jabez Taber; 1819-34, Bartholomew Taber; 1834-42, Nathaniel Church ; 1842-55, Eben Akin, Jr. ; 1855-75, Tucker Damon, Jr. ; 1875, Eben Akin, Jr. SELECTMEN FROM 1816 TO 1883. 181G. — Bartholomew Akin, James Taber, Joseph Whelden. 1817. — Bartholomew Akin, James Taber (no other name found). 1818.— Bartholomew Akin, James Taber, Joseph Whelden. 1819.— John Atsatt, James Taber, John Taber. 1820.— Warren Delano, James Taber, John Taber. 1821. — Bartholomew Akin, James Taber, John Taber. 1822. — Bartholomew Akin, Ansel Allen, James Taber. 1823-25.— Ansel Allen, James Taber, John Taber. 1826-27.— Warren Delano, James Taber, John Taber. 1828. — Warren Delano, James Taber. 1829-30.— Ansel Allen, Gideon Nye, Jabez Taber. 1831. — Ansel Allen, John Taber, Joseph Whelden. 1832-33. — Daniel Davis, Levi Jenney, Gideon Nye. 1834. — Cyrus E. Clark, Daniel Davis, Jabez Delano, Jr. 1835.— Cyrus E. Clark, Daniel Davis, William L. B.Gibbs. 1836.— Ansel Allen, Cyrus E. Clark, Daniel Davis. 1837.— Daniel Davis, William L. B. Gibbs, Bartholomew Taber. 1838. — Daniel Davis, Rodolphus W. Dexter, Bartholomew Taber. 1839-40. — Gideon Nye, Ezekiel Sawin, Bartholomew Taber. 1841. — Gideon Nye, Bartholomew Taber, Firman R. Whitnell. 1842.— Cyrus E. Clark, Elbridge G. Morton, Firman R. Whitnell. 1843.— Nathaniel Church, Cyrus E. Clark, Elbridge G. Morton. 1844.— Nathaniel Church, George Mendall, Sheffel Read. 1845-50.— Nathaniel Church, Cyrus E. Clark, Ellis Mendall, Jr. 1851.— Cyrus E. Clark, G. N. Taber, Isaac Wood, Jr. 1S52.— Nathaniel Higgin, George Mendall, Firman R. Whitnell. 1853.— Cyrus E. Clark, John Terry, Firman R. Whitnell. 1854. — Nathaniel Church, Cyrus E. Clark, Firman R. Whitnell. 1855 — Edmund Allen, Charles D. Capen, Barnabas Ewer, Jr. 1856. — Edmund Allen, Charles D. Capen, Henry A. Church. 1857. — Martin L. Elbridge, John A. Hanes, Elbridge G. Morton. 1858-59. — John A. Hawes, Elbridge G. Morton, Abiel P. Robinson. 1860. — Jonathan Ewen, John A. Hawes, Elbridge G. Morton. 1861-62. — Jonathan Ewen, Rodolphus W. Dexter, Bartholomew Taber. 1863. — Jonathan Ewen, Bartholomew Tabor, George H. Taber. 1864.— Edwin R. Almy, Bartholomew Taber, Ellery T. Taber. 1865-66.— Bartholomew Taber, Frederick Taber, Isaiah West. 1867-6S. — Reuben Nye, Bartholomew Taber, Isaiah West. 1869-70.— Bartholomew Taber, George H. Taber, Isaiah West. 1871.— Bartholomew Taber, George H. Taber, William H. Whitfield. 1872.— Weston Howland, George H. Taber, William H. Whitfield. 1873.— Daniel J. Lewis, George H. Taber, William H. Whitfield. 1874.— Daniel J. Lewis, Welcome J. Lawtoti, George H. Taber. 1875-76. — Welcome J. Lawton, George H. Taber, Arnold G. Tripp. 1877-78.— Daniel W. Deane, George H. Taber, Arnold G. Tripp. 1879-83.— George A. Briggs, Daniel W. Deane, Robert E. Dewitt. 1812-14. John Hanes. Nicholas Davis, Jr. Joseph Tripp. 1814-16. John Delano. 1816-20. No representative. 1820. James Taber. 1821. Stephen Merrihew. 1822. No representative. 1823. Joseph Tripp. James Taber. Joseph Whelden. 1824. No representative. 1825. James Taber. Stephen Merrihew. Joseph Whedlen. 1826. James Taber. 1827. James Taber. Joseph Tripp. 1828. Nathaniel S. Spooner. James Taber. Joseph Tripp. 1829. Rowland Gibbs. Gideon Nye. Joseph Tripp. 1830. Joseph Tripp. 1831. Joseph Whelden. 1833. Gideon Nye. 1834. Ansel Allen. Cyrus E. Clark. Samuel Pierce. 1835. Joseph Tripp. Ezekiel Sawin. Gideon Nye. 1836. Joseph Tripp. William L. B. Gibbs. REPRESENTATIVES. 1837. Cyrus E. Clark. 1838-39. Joseph Tripp. Daniel Davis. John Stoddard. 1840. Cyrus E. Clark. Elbridge G. Morton. 1841. Ezekiel Swain. Gideon Nye. 1842. Cyrus E. Clark. Jones Robinson. 1843. Elbridge G. Moiton. Jones Robinson. 1844. Joseph Tripp. 1845. Joseph Tripp. Ellis Mendall, Jr. 1846-47. Nathaniel Church. George Mendall. 1848-50. George Mendall. Isaac Wood, Jr. 1851. Isaac Wood. 1852-53. Elbridge G. Morton. 1854. Charles Drew. 1855-57. Daniel J. Lewis. 1858-59. Martin L. Eldridge. 1860-62. Samuel L. Ward. 1863-65. Ezekiel Sawin. 1866-67. Charles Bryant. 1868-69. Lewis S. Judd. 1870-71. No representative. 1872-73. William H. Whitfield. 1874-75. Daniel J. Lewis. 1S76-77. No representative. 1878-79. Elbridge G. Morton. 1880-81. No representative. 18S2-83. Rufns A. Dunham. &^l^?^/ //^-<^^S^/'t>'7^ FAIRHAVEN. 279 Military Record, 1861-65. — The following en- listed from Fairhaven during the late war of the Re- bellion : Bartholomew Aikin, E. Delevan Allen, Elishup P. Allen, William F. Allen, Andrew W. Alniy, Charles II. Austin, Benjamin T. Baker, Charles A. Bates, Martin Bowen, Thomas G. Bowen, Charles G. Braley, George B. Braley, George P. Briggs, Alexander J. Brown, John Brown, Peter Brown, Benjamin Burt, William W. Carsley, Joseph S. Caswell, William F. Caswell, Ezekiel Cekiell, Ebenezer W. Chase, John Conly, Elisha Copeland, Reuben Corsen, Jonathan C. Cowen, Jamea N. Cox, Henry P. Cronell, Edward P. Damon, Alden Davis, Robert Decker, Edward H. Dillingham, William Driscoll, George Dunham, William II. Dunham, Edward Emmons, Barnabas Ewer, Jr., John H. Fitch, John Flynn, Timothy Fox, William A. Fox, John P. Freeborn, Albert D. Gelett, Charles W. Gelett, Charles H. Gifford, Cornelius Grady, Joshua Grimes, Charles J. Hale, Joseph P. Hamblin, Michael Harrington, William A. Haskins, Ebenezer B. Hathaway, John A. Hawes, Ablin Hayden, Henry Hill, Ebenezer V. Hitch, Frederick H. Hitch, Franklin L. Hull, Edward J. Hurley, John Isherwood, James Jackson, Charles N. Jenney, Benjamin Jones, Benj. W. Kempton, Jared R. Lake, Leonard Luther, Jabez 31. Lyle, Saml. M. Manell, Geo. F. Manchester, W. A. Manches- ter, Henry Morton, E. Murphy, John Murray, John 0. Neil, Michael Nolan, Thos. Nye, Phineas Peckham, Jr., II. Pope, W. B. Purrington, James Reed, Amos Rogers, Jr., George F. Rogers, Benjamin Samp- son, Zebelial S. Sampson, Arthur Saunders, Louis Schmidt, John P. Sears, Daniel Sheridan, Charles Smith, Roland Smith, William Smith, Edward Staunett, Henry C. Steele, George Stevens, Henry Stevens, Francis H. Stoddard, Nelson J. Sweet, Loring P. Taber, Charles Thompson, John M. Thompson, Elbridge B. Townsend, Joseph F. Townsend, Amos Tripp, Ebenezer R. Tripp, Horace P. Tripp, James F. Tripp, Joseph Tripp, William H. Tripp, John Wal- deck, Frank Waldron, Jesse H. Warner, John Warren, Edward W. West, Andrew Westgate, Stephen W r estgate, Henry White, Joshua H. Wilkey, Albert M. Willcox, George R. Wixon, George Wood, Lemuel C. Wood, Jr., Thomas Wood, Thomas M. Wrighington. Navy.— John W. Babbett, Elisha B. Bumpus, William B. Bumpus, Jabez Chandler, George H. Copeland, Joseph Ellis, Henry W. Fitch, Reu- ben II. Fitch, Ansel S. Hitch, James R. Lawrence, Jr., William C. Nye, Albert Shaw, Thomas Shaw, Eli Sherman, F'rancis Snell, Jr., Frederick M. Faber, William A. West, Oscar F. Wixon. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. HENRY HUTTLESTONE. The Huttlestone family is of good English stock. The name was formerly Hnddlestone, the name now of a solid village in England. Valentine Huddle- stone came from England to America in the first part of the seventeenth century to Newport, and settled ultimately in Dartmouth (now Fairhaven), where, in 1694, he was one of the fifty-six original proprietors of the town. He had two sons by his wife Catharine, — Henry, born Sept. 21, 1673, and George, born Sept. 28, 1677. From one of these (Henry probably) was no doubt the Henry of whom we write, but we have no data to establish the fact. Henry Huttlestone was born in Fairhaven, Mass., in 1768, at or near the residence of the late Hon. John A. Hawes. His father, Peleg Huttlestone, was a man of good circumstances and repute in his day, a land- holder, and a valuable citizen. He was born in 1741, and died in 1801 ; his wife Tabitha was born in 1743, and died in 1790. Henry Huttlestone, although of limited education, early manifested great business ability. He became owner of numerous vessels, and was extensively engaged in fitting out ships for the European trade. He was also a merchant for many years in his native town. He was a man pleasant to meet, of winning manners, and a general favorite for his benevolence and sympathy towards suffering. During the Napoleonic wars and embargoes and the perilous times connected with the war of 1812 he lost heavily, numbers of his ships being captured or de- stroyed by the belligerent European powers. He had at the time of his death several claims against the Spanish, French, and English nations for captured vessels, yet only one of the claims — one against the French government — ever realized anything for his heirs. He married Rhoda Merrihew, of Fairhaven. They had seven children, — Henry (deceased), Nancy (deceased), Betsey (Mrs. Charles Stoddard), Stephen (deceased), Jane (deceased), Killey (deceased), and Mary. Mr. Huttlestone died in January, 1831. He was Unitarian in religion, and a Whig in politics. Rowland Rogers, son of Abishai and Judith Rogers, was born in Mattapoisett, Mass., March 21, 1810. He became a merchant in Fairhaven, and March 21, 1833, married Mary, youngest child of Henry Huttlestone. They had three children, — Eliza (deceased), Henry H., and Rufus A. In his latter years, Mr. Rogers was an accountant. He was a Democrat from prin- ciple. He could give sound reasons in support of his belief, and was one of the little band of from five to seven in the town who steadily voted the Democratic ticket, undaunted by the bitter partisanship of the times. He died in 1861. His wife is now living in Fairhaven, with youthful appearance for her years, beloved by all who know her. Henry Huttlestone Rogers was born in Fairhaven, Mass., Jan. 29, 1840. He was a quick and diligent student, and graduated at the Fairhaven High School. Upon leaving school he engaged as clerk in a store in Fairhaven, where he remained until his twenty-first year, when he went to Oil City, Pa., and started busi- ness for himself by establishing an oil refinery. He exhibited good business qualities, was hard-working and energetic, yet the refinery did not pay, and after a faithful but unsuccessful effort to succeed, he aban- doned it and became assistant superintendent of Na- trona Chemical Works. His manner of transacting business attracted the attention of Charles Pratt, of " astral oil" celebrity, and in a few months' time he left the chemical works for a position in the New York house of Mr. Pratt. This, in a short time, resulted in Mr. Pratt's admitting Mr. Rogers to a partnership in the firm now Charles Pratt & Co. He is of qitick, energetic temperament, carries through successfully whatever he undertakes, and has a warm, social nature, which endears him to a large circle of friends. Plis family spend their summers in Fair- haven with his mother, and for which Mr. Rogers has the strongest attachment, believing the town of his birth the finest place on earth. His love for Fair- 280 HISTORY OF BUISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. haven and for its improvement has recently been manifested in a most pleasant and valuable way, by the offer recently to build, at his own expense, a high- school building in that town, contributing also the land on which it is to stand. Mr. Rogers married, Nov. 17, 1862, Abbie, daughter of Capt. Peleg Gifford, of Fairhaven. They have five children, — Anne, Cara, Amelia, Mary, and Henry H. He is Republican in politics. He is yet in the prime of life, and, with many years of active business before him, is a fair type of the impetuous, rushing, success- ful Americans of the nineteenth century. Rufus A. Rogers was born in Fairhaven, Feb. 22, 1843. He married Maude Thumm, and is now an accountant, residing in Oil City, Pa. He has two children. HON. JOHN A. HAWES. Hon. John A. Hawes was born in Fairhaven, Mass., Sept. 27, 1823. He graduated at Harvard in 1845, and studied law with J. H. W. Page, Esq., in New Bedford, but he never practiced the profession nor engaged in any regular business. He has been selectman and a member of the school committee in his native town, and was captain of Company E, Third Massachusetts Regiment, in the nine months' service during the Rebellion. In 1871-72 and 1874- 75 he was a member of the State Senate, often tem- porarily filling the chair, and was for some time the elected president pro tern. He was at one time presi- dent of the Bristol County Agricultural Society and commander of the Massachusetts Department Grand Army of the Republic. He took considerable inter- est in yachting. He was one of the originators of the New Bedford Yacht Club, and was elected its first commodore in 1878, an office which he held while his health remained good. He resided upon the old homestead, his children being the fifth generation living upon the same land. Mr. Hawes was a Repub- lican in politics, and in religion he tended towards Rationalism. He died March 10, 1883. His wife is Amelia (Hallet) Hawes. Children, — Elizabeth Bor- den, Amelia H., and Mary. He was a good citizen, a warm friend, and a generous hearted man. John A. Hawes, father of John A., was for some time a member of the firm of Cornell & Hawes, New York City. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Sam- uel Borden, of Fairhaven. John Hawes, father of John A., Sr., was a prominent man in New Bedford and vicinity. He was for many years collector of that port, and was one of seven to organize the first Methodist Society in New Bedford. NATHANIEL CHURCH. Nathaniel Church, son of Joseph and Deborah (Perry) Church, was born in Fairhaven, Mass., Nov. 16, 1798. He had the advantages of good blood and a long line of reputable ancestors, reaching away back through early colonial days to a substantial standing in " merrie England." With only a com- mon school education, he attained a success in life which showed business qualities, energy, and pru- dence. When but a little past his majority he went to Rhode Island, and engaged as a merchant with his brother Ebenezer as E. P. Church & Co. He re- mained in trade there until 1831, when he removed to Fairhaven, where he entered into merchandising, and continued steadily in trade until near the close of his life. He then was engaged for a few years in a brass foundry in Fairhaven. He was more or less connected with various whaling expeditions, but these were not remunerative. He married, Aug. 22, 1829, Lydia, daughter of Barney and Sarah (Cook) Hicks. She was born in Westport, Mass., Dec. 15, 1800. On both sides she is descended from old families of good repute, and to-day, with vigorous mental faculties, she» is in good physical health, and with cheerful content in the society of her old friends and affectionate daughters, she is awaiting the summons to meet her husband on the " other shore." They had seven chil- dren, of whom four attained maturity. They were Sarah C, Nancy F. (deceased), Mary L. (married Ansel G. Jenney, resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has four children), and Lydia M. Mr. Church was Whig and Republican in political affiliations; as such he was called to fill many positions of honor and trust. He was town clerk many years; was many times chosen overseer of the poor and selectman; held the commission of justice of the peace for nearly all of his active life; was called to represent his district in the Lower House of the State Legislature twice, dis- charging his duties with impartiality and ability. He was, during his extended business life, called to ad- minister on many estates, and from his cautious, care- ful, and wise advice many received much benefit. He was a man who, while unostentatious in his giv- ing, did not withhold a helping hand from worthy charities or public benefactions, but gave liberally. He was a man of strict integrity, of many virtues, and one whose life served well to merit the confidence and esteem which he received from a large circle of friends. He died March 17, 1865, in the sixty-seventh year of his age. CHARLES SPOONER TABER. Charles Spooner Taber, son of Jacob and Dolly (Spooner) Taber, was born on the old Taber home- stead in Fairhaven, Dec. 5, 1809. His earliest ances- tor of the name in Fairhaven was Thomas Taber (son of Philip, who came to this country probably in 1633, and lived successively in Watertown, Yarmouth, Mar- tha's Vineyard, Portsmouth, R. I., and Tiverton), who was born in 1645, settled here as early as 1672, and died in 1730. He was a mason by trade, and built and occupied a stone house at Oxford village, which was recently demolished. Capt. Taber inherits his landed estate, north of Oxford village, from this o be content his natural desire; He asked no angel's wings, no seraph's fire ; But thought, admitted to that equal sky, His faithful dog should bear him company." The long and remarkably peaceful reign of "good old Massasoit" was drawing to a close, and the de- crepitude of old age gave unmistakable warning that he would ere long be "gathered with his fathers," which called his eldest son, Wamsutta, to the seat of a chief councilor to the aged sachem, and made him practically ruler of the wampum or tribe and nation. Among the dwellers in Plymouth at that date was one John Barnes, a grog-drinker and liquor-seller, who put the cup to his neighbor's lips as well as to his own, making them and himself drunken, and causing a great deal of trouble to those with whom he had to do and disturbance in that settlement until, when probably " wine was in and wit out," he at- tempted to play some pranks with a bull that resented the indignity by goring him to death. To that John Barnes Wamsutta became indebted for some things taken up at his shop in Plymouth, which debt was made use of to extort from that chief sachem-in-prospect a written promise at some time in the future, not then defined, to sell the land then called Assonet, but now Freetown, to certain of the ancient freemen of Plymouth colony, of whom John Barnes was one. Whenever that deed should be executed the debt to John Barnes was thus to be canceled, and, as an additional inducement, it was further agreed that Wamsutta should then receive twenty coats, two rugs, two iron pots, two kettles and one little kettle, eight pairs of shoes, six pairs of stockings, one dozen of hoes, one dozen of hatchets, and two yards of broadcloth. Great was the reluctance felt and exhibited by Wamsutta to the act of giving a written promise that he would some time sell what his father, despite of repeated and persistent importunity on the part of the whites, had so determinately refused to part with, and thus long and sacredly kept. But the Shylocks were after him, fully intent upon securing their " pound of flesh," though it should be taken from the young chief's heart. Thus did they requite the son of their lifelong, constant, and never-failing protector and friend, the great and "good old Massasoit," and in practice ex- emplify their true principles, despite their very pious pretensions, thus utterly ignore the doctrine, " In all things whatsoever as ye would that men should do to you do ye even so to them," and thus did they deny that "blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy," although during the nearly forty years that FREETOWN. 285 the Pilgrims had then been in this country, as to Paul when shipwrecked, "the barbarous people showed no little kindness." Dec. 24, 1657, was the date at which was extorted from Wamsutta a written promise at sometime to exe- cute a deed, and April 2, 1659, that at which the deed was obtained. The names of the several purchasers in that deed enumerated were as follows, viz. : Capt. James Cud- worth, Josiah Winslow, Sr., Constant Southworth, John Barns, John Tisdall, Humphrey Turner, Wal- ter Hatch, Samuel House, Samuel Jackson, John Daman, Mr. Timothy Hatherly, Timothy Foster, Thomas Southworth, George Watson, Nathaniel Morton, Richard More, Edmund Chandler, Samuel Nash, Henry Howland, Mr. Ralph Partridge, Love Brewster, William Paybody, Christopher Wadsworth, Kenelm Winslow, Thomas Bourne, and John Water- man, being twenty-six in number, no one of whom became an actual settler on this purchase, thus show- ing most conclusively that it was not because they were pressed for lack of land or at all straitened in their several localities or quarters, but because they " coveted things that were their neighbors'," and those that neighbors' needs required and demanded that he should have and continue to possess, and his ardent heartfelt wish and earnest oft-repeated desire was to be permitted to retain. Twenty-six being the num- ber of those ancient freemen of Plymouth Colony, who, on the 2d day of April, 1659, had purchased that tract of country which subsequently became the township of Freetown, a division of the purchase was effected early the next year, by which the number of lots was made to correspond with the number of the purchasers, and thenceforth this proprietary for the next twenty-three years was generally known as "ye ffreeman's lands at Taunton River." Each lot or " freeman's share" was bounded on one end by the river, and on the other by the head line of the original purchase, and it was intended that each of these lots should have been about one hundred rods wide, though some lots fell considerably short of that width and some lots overrun, reference being had to relative value and an effort made to make up in quantity for lack of quality. To prevent dissatisfaction or any grounds for future complaint the purchasers, on the 4th of January, 1660, set their hands to a written agreement that whereas " it may fall out that some lots may prove better than others, therefore, wee do all and every one of us agree and determine and doe by these presents firmly bind ourselves each to the other our heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns to rest contented with what providence the Lord shall dispose by lott to each of us not troubling or molesting each other, and to this mutually agree before the lots be drawn," and in this manner the purchase was di- vided, Capt. James Cudworth receiving the twenty- fifth lot in number. Capt. James Cudworth was born in or about the year 1612. He was a son of Rev. Ralph Cudworth and a brother of Rev. Ralph Cud- worth, D.D., author of "The Intellectual System of the Universe." Capt. James Cudworth came to Ply- mouth in 1634, and soon after took up his residence in Scituate, where he held offices both civil and mili- tary, was Governor's assistant several years, and in 1681 was promoted to the position of Lieutenant- Governor of Plymouth Colony, for a time commander- in-chief of the combined forces of Massachusetts and Plymouth Colonies in the early part of " King Philip's war," was too liberal and lenient to suit the bigots of his time, and for a while kept out of office because he opposed the religious persecution then being waged against the Quakers, was sent to England to transact business for Plymouth Colony, and while in London he took the smallpox and died, aged about seventy years. His grandson, James Cudworth, settled upon this Freetown land, and made his will in March, 1729, and died soon after. Considerable portions of that tract still continue in the possession of lineal descendants, haying never gone out of the family blood or sire-name. Josiah Winslow, Sr., drew the fifteenth lot. He was the youngest brother of Governor Edward Wins- low, and uncle to Governor Josiah Winslow, dis- tinguished as a general in King Philip's war. Josiah Winslow, Sr., emigrated to America in 1629, and settled at Marshfield, where he held various offices of public trust, was elected town clerk of Marshfield in 1646, and performed the duties of that place until his death, that occurred in 1674. He was born in or about the year 1605. April 8, 1661, Josiah Winslow, Sr., sold the fifteenth lot to William Makepeace, of Boston, a cooper by trade, who occupied it until his death. William Makepeace was drowned in Taunton River some time in August, 1681. Constant Southworth received for his share the nineteenth lot. He with his mother, then a widow, came to America in 1628, of which the account has been preserved, and was as follows : " 1628. Paid for Constant Southers' passage and diet 11 weeks at 4s. Sd. = £3, 11, 4." He settled in Duxbury, and represented that town in the Colonial Court twenty-two years ; was Gov- ernor's assistant several years ; colonial treasurer from 1659 to 1679; commissary-general in King Philip's war. He died March 10, 1679. The nineteenth lot after his decease became the property of his children, who sold to parties that became settlers thereon in or about the year 1682, or some twenty-three years after its purchase of the Indians. John Barns drew the twenty-second lot, it being that whereon the greater part of Assonet village now stands, and he, in August, 1666, sold it to Hugh Cole, of Swansea, who in turn conveyed the same, in 1685, to Benjamin Chase, a cooper by trade, who settled thereon about twenty-six years after it had been pur- chased of the natives. 286 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. John Tisdall received the twenty-third lot. It is upon this lot that a portion of Assonet village is lo- cated. John Tisdall (or Tisdale, as that name is now generally spelled) settled in Marahfield, where in 1645 he was elected constable. Removing to Taunton he was made a selectman of that town in 1672, and served in that office until his death, which occurred in June, 1675 ; was a representative to the Colonial Court in 1674. He was slain by the Indians, who at the same time burned his dwelling and carried away his gun, that was retaken at Rehoboth Aug. 1, 1675. Joshua Tisdale, son of John, settled upon the twenty-third lot, and died thereon in or near the year 1714. Considerable portions were retained in the family name for about a century, and a part is still inherited by those of the blood, but of other sur- names. Humphrey Turner drew the second lot, it being that whereon is now the most thickly-settled portion of the city of Fall River. Humphrey Turner resided in Scituate, of which town he was constable in 1636 and 1639, representative to the Colonial Court in 1640, which place he filled for ten years. This lot descended by kinship from Humphrey Turner to his son Joseph Turner, who in 1671 sold the same to Israel Hubbard, who in turn conveyed it to the great Indian hunter, Capt. Benjamin Church, who in or near the year 1700 settled in what was Tiverton, but now Fall River, and but a short distance from this second lot. Walter Hatch drew the twelfth lot, that is now within the northerly part of Fall River. Walter Hatch resided in Scituate. He was a son of William Hatch, ruling elder of the second church in Scituate. Walter was a ship-builder. This lot passed by kin- ship to his son, Joseph Hatch, who on the 8th of June, 1705, sold the same to Jonathan Dodson, a settler. Walter Hatch was constable at Scituate in 1654. Samuel House had for his share the fifth lot, now in Fall River. He resided at Scituate and died there in or about the year 1661. His sons, Samuel and Jo- seph House, March 20, 1678, sold this lot to Henry Brightman and Thomas Cornell, of Portsmouth, R. I., and the next year Cornell sold his part to George Lawton, Jr., of Portsmouth. Brightman and Lawton were probably the first settlers. Samuel Jackson was of Plymouth, but changed his residence to Scituate in 1638. He probably sold his right in this purchase to William Randall, who drew the seventeenth lot, from whom, in 1678, the land title passed to Nicholas Cotterell, of Newport, R. I., and in 1683 and 1690 most of this lot became the property of Lieut. Thomas Terry, whose sons settled thereon, and a large portion is not only retained by the family blood but also surname. John Daman drew the twenty-sixth lot. He was of Scituate, where he held the office of constable iu 1662, and was representative to the Colonial Court in 1675 and again in 1676. John Daman died in or about June, 1677, and this lot passed to his heirs, who in 1713 and 1714 sold it to Timothy Lindall, a mer- chant residing in Boston, who through his tenants probably caused it to be settled upon. It remained in the Lindall family until the war of American Rev- olution. Mr. Timothy Hatherly probably sold his right in "ye ffreeman's lands at Taunton River" before the date of division, and hence the ninth lot was drawn by Capt. James Cudworth, who in 1681 sold the same to Simon Lynde, of Boston, from whom, by heirship, it descended to his son, Samuel Lynde, of Boston, who gave it to his grandchildren, Thomas and Eliza- beth Valentine. Mr. Timothy Hatherly resided in Scituate, was Governor's assistant for many years, colonial treasurer from 1640 to 1642. Timothy Foster drew the first lot, and of him very little appears at this date to be known, nor is it easy to learn what disposition he made of this property, upon which Ralph Earle was an early settler. Thomas Southworth received the thirteenth lot. Thomas Southworth, with his brother, Constant Southworth, and their mother, then a widow, emi- grated to America in 1628, Thomas settling at Ply- mouth, where, March 7, 1648, he was commissioned as lieutenant of local militia, promoted to captain in August, 1659, a position he continued to hold until his death, Dec. 18, 1669, representative from Ply- mouth three years in the Colonial Court, Governor's assistant some fifteen years. George Watson drew the seventh lot. He was con- stable at Plymouth in 1660, and again in 1762. Prob- ably retained the seventh lot as long as he lived, and leaving it to his children and grandchildren, as his grandson, John Watson, July 20, 1706, sold his right therein to Henry Brightman. Nathaniel Morton drew the eighteenth lot, which he sold to John Hathaway, Sr., of Taunton, in March, 1671, and whose son, John Hathaway, Jr., soon after settled thereon. Nathaniel Morton was a son of George Morton, who came to Plymouth in 1623. Nathaniel Morton was colonial secretary from 1647 to 1685. Richard More drew the eleventh lot. Richard More was an early settler in Duxbury, where he owned land at a place called the " Eagle's Nest." Edmund Chandler received the fourth lot, that em- braced what is now the " City Farm" of Fall River. Edmund Chandler retained it through life, and at his decease it passed to his son, Joseph Chandler, who, in July, 1673, sold the same to Henry Bright- man, of Portsmouth, R. I. Edmund Chandler was constable of Duxbury in 1637, and representative to the Colonial Court in 1639. Samuel Nash drew the twenty-first lot, it being that on which the southerly portion of Assonet vil- lage stands. He was a lieutenant; led the force that Plymouth Colony sent against the Indians in August, 1645 ; was marshal of that colony for many years. FREETOWN. 287 Henry Howland, of Duxbury, for his share re- ceived the sixth lot, and his sons, John and Samuel, appear to have become actual settlers. John died in or before 1687, Samuel died in or near 1716. Henry Howland died in 1670. Mr. Ralph Partridge, of Duxbury, after the date Wamsutta gave his written promise to sell these lands, but before that deed was executed, died, and at the division, in 1660, his heirs received the eighth lot that his grandsons, Ralph and Peter Thatcher, on the 29th day of October, 1694, conveyed to John Reed, a " cordwainer," who became an actual settler. Mr. Ralph Partridge emigrated to America in 1636, and after a boisterous passage was landed at Boston on the 17th day of November. He soon after became pastor of the church in Duxbury, and continued in that position until his death. Before coming to this country he had been a clergyman of the Church of England. Secretary Morton, in 1658, gravely re- corded, " This year there was a great earthquake in New England. Also, Mr. Ralph Partridge died in good old age, having for the space of forty years dispensed the word of God with very little impedi- ment. His pious and blameless life became very ad- vantageous to his doctrine. He was much honored and loved by all that conversed with him. He was of sound and solid judgment in the main truths of Jesus Christ." And to all this an admirer added : " Run is his race, And his work done ; Left earthly place; Partridge is gone. He's with the Father and the Son." Love Brewster drew the tenth lot. He was born in England. He came to America in 1636, landed at Plymouth and settled in Duxbury, where he died, and this lot passed to his son, Wrestling Brewster, who sold the southerly half to a carpenter named John Bogers, who in turn sold it, Oct. 3, 1702, to Edward Thurston, Sr., of Newport, R. I., whose son, Thomas Thurston, settled thereon, and here remained until his death, which occurred at about eleven o'clock at night, March 22, 1730. William Paybody received the fourteenth lot, that now has one-half in Freetown and the other half in Fall River. He exchanged this lot for lands else- where, and it soon after came to be owned by the In- dian hunter, Capt. Benjamin Church. William Paybody was town clerk of Duxbury from 1666 to 1684, and representative to the Colonial Court twenty-three years. He was born Nov. 24, 1619. He died in 1707. Christopher Wadsworth drew the third lot. This name upon ancient records was spelled Xxofer Wads- worth. Christopher Wadsworth was an early settler in Duxbury, where he was elected constable in 1633, and served in that office four years ; selectman in 1666, and served six years ; representative to the Colonial Court in 1640, and served four years. He died in or near the year 1677. Kanelm Winslow received the twenty-fourth lot. He was a brother of Governor Edward Winslow, and emigrated to America in or about the year 1629. He settled at Yarmouth, but died while absent from home on a visit to Salem. He was buried Sept. 13, 1672. This lot was settled upon by Nathaniel, a son, and Josiah, a grandson of the original proprietor. Na- thaniel did not long remain here, but Josiah continued to reside here until his death, April 3, 1761. Thomas Bourne had the twentieth lot. He resided in Marshfield, and was a representative from that town to the Colonial Court in 1640-41 and 1644. He died May 11, 1664, aged eighty-five years, and must have been born in or about 1579. The ownership of the twentieth lot passed to John, a son of Thomas Bourne, and John Bourne, March 4, 1678, gave it to his daugh- ters, Anna, the wife of John Bailey, and Martha, the wife of Valentine Decro. John Bailey was elected selectman of Freetown, June, 1685, and died June 22, 1686. John Waterman drew the sixteenth lot. John Waterman was a son of Robert Waterman and wife Elizabeth, a daughter of Thomas Bourne. This lot ere long became the property of Lieut. Job Winslow, a son of Kanelm Winslow. Lieut. Job Winslow settled on the sixteenth lot, and remained until his death, July 14, 1720. Pioneer Settlers.— 1st Lot. Ralph Earl was upon this lot at an early date. He was probably a son of William Earle, of Portsmouth, R. I. A sister of Ralph Earle became the wife of John Borden. Ralph Earle was a surveyor of highways in 1690-92 and 1696, constable in 1699, grand juryman in 1700 and 1715, assessor in 1710 and 1711, selectman in 1715, commissioned ensign of local militia in or be- fore 1715, owned the northerly half of first lot as early as 1710, built a pound for the town in 1704, pound- keeper about fourteen years. The ear-mark for his creatures as recorded was " a halfpenie on the hinder part of the right yeare, and a Crop of the Left." 4th Lot. Matthew Boomer was probably the earli- est European settler upon the fourth lot, as he was referred to by colonial records in 1675 as " residing in the government without order, and not attending the public worship of God, living lonely and in a heath- enish way from good society." In March, 1686, Mat- thew Boomer was arraigned for an assault upon John Brandon. 5th Lot. George Lawton, Jr., of Portsmouth, R. I., who purchased one-half of this lot March 24, 1679, probably settled thereon before 1687. 6th Lot. John Howland was an early, or perhaps the earliest, settler. He died before Feb. 13, 1687 ; was succeeded by his brother, Samuel Howland. 7th Lot. Settled by grandson of George Watson, the original proprietor. 8th Lot. John Reed, cordwainer, who purchased 2SS HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. this lot Oct. 29, 1694, settled here, and remained until his death, about eight o'clock in the evening, Jan. 3, 1721. He had resided somewhere in what became Freetown even before the date of incorporation (July, 1683), as when it was made a constablewick, Sept. 28, 1680, John Reed was ordered to appear at court as a grand juryman. 10th Lot. Settled upon by Thomas Thurston, who was grand juryman in 1706, assessor in 1707-9 and 1718, selectman in 1708-9, constable in 1710, surveyor of highways in 1712 and 1713. His will bore date of March 20, 1730. He died about eleven o'clock at night, March 22, 1730. 11th Lot. Thomas Gage was part owner and prob- ably an early settler upon the eleventh lot, which doubt- less accouuts for the fact that the high bluffs near the river a little north of Steel Brook received the name of " Gage's Banks." Thomas Gage was a clothier, or cloth dresser. He was a representative to the General Court in 1722, 1727, and 1736 ; assessor in 1720. 12th Lot. Settled upon by Jonathan Dodson in or near the year 1705. He was town clerk of Freetown in 1719, moderator of annual town-meetings in 1712, 1714-15, and 1718, selectman in 1711-12, 1714-15, 1717-20, assessor three years, constable one year. In 1723 he was elected representative to the General Court, but declined to serve. At a town-meeting held June 2. 1713, it was " Voted Jonathan Dodson to be minister of the gospel for this town until there is a supply from England." The will of Jonathan Dod- son bore date of June 8th, 1741. 15th Lot. Settled upon in or near 166-, by William Makepeace, of Boston, a cooper by trade, who, save j during King Philip's war, remained thereon until j August, 168-, when he was drowned in Taunton River. It was probably partly in the fifteenth and partly in the sixteenth lot that the reservation was made to the Indian Tabadacason for the Indians that kept the ferry, and the "wild roving Indian girls, bright Al- farettos," the daughters of the red heathen, soon proved a snare to their white Christian neighbors, as will ap- pear from the Plymouth Colony record, under date of Oct. 29, 1672. "William Makepeace, Sr., living at Taunton River, for lacivious attempts towards an Indian woman, was sentenced by the court to be whipped at the post, which was accordingly performed. And the said Makepiece for selling stronge liquors to the Indians was fined five pounds." 16th Lot. Settled on, soon after King Philip's war, by Lieut. Job Winslow, from Swansea, who occupied until his death, July 14, 1720. Lieut, Job Winslow was a leading man in Swansea before coming to re- side in Freetown. Of Freetown he was a selectman ten years, assessor six years, and for a short time town clerk, representative to the General Court in 1686 and 1G92, moderator of annual town-meeting one year, and on the town council of war in 1691 and 1692. 17th Lot. Settled on by a tenant who probably leased off Cotterell, the then owner. 18th Lot. Settled on in or near the year 1671 by John Hatheway, Jr., from Taunton (that part now Berkley), who remained until his death, that occurred in or about the year 1730. John Hatheway was made constable, Sept. 28, 1860, of what afterward (viz., July, 1683) became Freetown. He was Freetown's earliest tavern-keeper, being licensed to keep the same June 5, 1684. He was a selectman of Freetown twelve years. 19th Lot. Settled upon by John Bailey, from Wey- mouth, about 1682. He was elected as a selectman of Freetown in June, 1685, and he died June 22, 1686. 22d Lot. Settled upon by Benjamin Chase, a cooper by trade, who purchased by deed bearing date of 1686. Benjamin Chase was a selectman of Free- town two years. He died in or about the year 1731. 23d Lot. Settled upon by Joshua Tisdale, who was town clerk of Freetown four years, selectman six years, assessor three years. He caused to be built the lowest dam on Assonet River, on which he oper- ated a grist-mill. The high ledge of rocks near As- sonet Depot was on his land, and hence called " Joshua's Mountain," and that part of Assonet River bounding his lot on the west end is still called "Joshua's Channel." 24th Lot. Settled on by Capt. Josiah Winslow. He in or near the year 1695 built the dam now occu- pied by Th6mas G. Winslow, and located thereon a saw-mill. Josiah Winslow came from Yarmouth, where he was born Nov. 7, 1669. Josiah Winslow was promoted to lieutenant of the local militia of Freetown in or near 1702, commissioned captain Feb- ruary, 1715. He was a selectman of Freetown five years, assessor seven years, moderator of annual town- meeting three years, and several years town treasurer. He died April 3, 1761. 25th Lot. Settled on by James Cud worth, a grand- son of Capt, James Cudworth, the purchaser. James Cudworth, the settler, remained here until his death, which occurred in 1729. He was born April 3, 1665. Participation in Early Wars. — Freetown was purchased of the Indians in 1659, and European set- tlers began to locate thereon in 1660 or 1661 ; yet so slowly did these arrive that the number of such were only sufficient to constitute a constablewick twenty years later, and it was not until July, 1683, or more than twenty-four years after the date of purchase, that the population entitled this locality to incor- poration as a town. Little can, therefore, be learned of the action taken by the people in that greatest and most bloody of New England's conflicts, King Philip's war, waged in 1675 and 1676; but tradition says that the people en masse left all to the foe, and fled for refuge to a garrisoned house in Taunton, leaving one of their number named Lawton (who re- sided in what is now Fall River) dead at his home, where he was found by the Indians and slain the day they commenced to kill the English inhabitants at Swansea. FREETOWN. 289 It was not until King William's war, so called, that the inhabitants of Freetown appear to have been required to furnish both men and money, arms, and equipments, and were regularly constituted a part of the military force of Plymouth Colony, one of the preliminary steps towards which was to organize the entire militia of the town as one company, of which, on the 4th day of June, 1686, Thomas Terry was com- missioned as lieutenant-commandant. The Colonial Court, in session at Plymouth Aug. 14, 1689, enacted as follows : " If any souldiers of ours shall be maimed in s d war, and thereby disabled to maintain e themselves, he or they to be provided for, relieved, and maintained in such capacity as he or they lived in before concerned in s d war, and also to have victuals & amunition allowed while upon the expedition." In a force sent out under Maj. Benjamin Church, the renowned Indian hunter, Freetown furnished a soldier named John King, the expenses of whose outfit were charged as follows : Charges to the soulders under Maior Church august 27, £ s. d. To 1 gun from John hath way to John King 1 7 00 To 2 yards (loth for snapsacks from Benjamin Chase Valued att 5 00 To Cash to Cp* Southerd for a hatchet 1 06 To billiting John King 8 days 4 00 To 1 pair of shoes from Kalfe aerll to John King 6 00 Concerning the expedition under Maj. John Walley, of Bristol, Freetown's participation was in accordance with the following order : " To the Lif tenant or towne Counsill of freetoun " You are required in their majesties name to take care that the two men you were to provide by order of the Last general Court he in readi- ness by the sixth of July well armed and fixed and every way provided to march according to order. "Hereof fail not. "Dated at Bristol the 16 of June 1690. "John Wallet, " Major." Lieut. Samuel Gardiner, recruiting officer for Free- town, made the following returns : " June the 24. Entered for volunteers William Davis, thomas traintor, and Joseph Chetihagweatt, Indian, for the town of freetoun, Egainst the Common Enemy for the present Expidition for Canady, and tarbo Gary being present for said Expidition. " Taken by me, " Samcel Gardiner." " July the fourteenth tarbo Cary and thomas traintor marcht for plimoth but Willi Davis and the Indian went not. " Samuel Gardiner." 1690. ffreetoun Dr. £ s. d. July 3. To Cash Delivered to Thomas Traintor by order of the majority of the Toun Counsill 3 09 To 21 Hints 8 To 3 pd of Led 1 6 July 15. To 1 pair pumps to Tarbo Cary 3 6 To 1 pair ..I plain finish shoes to Thomas Traintor 5 I m l pair of stockingB to Tarbo Cary 3 3 To 2 yards of Backing to Tarbo Carey 3 9 To Cash deliv 3 to John Hathway for 3 p« powder 6 To Cash i' 1 Mr. Edy for mending tin' Country's guiin.. 2 To Cash to Thomas Traintor 3 July 1G. To Cash pd John Hathway towards his musket 5 To Cash pd Thomas Terry towards 2 hatchets.'. 2 To brown thred to Tarbo Cary 6 To 1 shirt from will makepeace to Tarbo Carey 6 To 1 musket from Thomas makepeace delivered to Thomas Traintor 16 19 £ «. d. To 1 powder horn from Hathway delivered to Tarbo Cary . o 6 To 1 snapsack from Durfee to Tarbo Cary 2 To 1 gun from Tho. King dl a to ditto Cary 17 To 1 wescoat from Hathway to ditto Cary 7 6 July 22. To 1 hatchet del* to Tarbo Cary 1 6 To 1 hatchet del' 1 to Thomas Traintor 1 6 Aug. 10. To 2 quarts of rum to Traintor's wife 1 8 Two years later Tallby Jennens and Benjamin Hop- pin appear to have been serving as soldiers on the part of Freetown, where the following charges appear. The Country dd. to the Inhabitants of freetowne, July the 13, 1692. £ t. d. To 1 gun dd. to Tallby Jennens from Samuel Gardiner ap- praised at 15 To Samuel Gardiner's Slippering 12 men and brackfasting 13 men at 4 apiece 8 4 To cash by said Gardiner for fitting men out 4 I By ditto from John Read 3 To ditto from Job Winslow 2 To ditto from Samuel Howland 3 To ditto from mathew Bomar 1 To ditto from Ralfe Aerll 1 To ditto from nickolus Evans 1 4 To John Hathway a snapsack dd. to Tallby Jennens 2 3 To Thomas king for billiting benjamin Hoping 8 days from the time he was prest to the time he marcht 5 4 To 1 powder horn from Sam Howland to Tallby Jennens 6 To John Read for billeting 18 Englishmen at Gd. a meal 9 To 32 Indians at 4d. apiece 10 8 To 22 ditto 7 4 To a Lofe of bred and a cheese 3 To 4 days 1 horse to nantncket 4 To Ceeping six horses 1 nite and 1 man supper, Lodging and brekfast 2 10 To billiting at the return of the souldiers three Englishmen, super, Lodging, and brekfast 2 8 To 42 Indians 14 To Thomas King for transporting an Indian souldier 2 To a bullet-pouch from Ralfpaine to hopping 6 The French, and Indian War.— The accounts of Lieut. James Winslow, as treasurer of Freetown in 1756, show that he received of David Cudworth, Jr., who had been drafted for service in the army, seventy- five pounds, old tenor, to buy himself off, and with which to hire a substitute possessing less pounds but more pluck. Maj. Abiel Terry as recruiting officer made returns as follows : May 3d day, 1756, their Entered into his Majesties' Service out of the first foot company in freetoun, Viz., benjamin porter, Edward paini Leonard Carlile, Josiah Braman. At the above date was paid by the town Treasurer of Freetown to £ s. d. Benjamin Porter, old tenor 11 15 00 Edward Pain, " " 11 4 03 Josiah Brannau 50 00 Beside these the official records in the State-house at Boston show that Elijah Hatch, Benjamin Butter- worth, Joseph Rounsevill, and John White, all of Freetown, performed service in the army in the cam- paign of 1756, and the records of Freetown Treasury that to be relieved from going to the war, Charles Cudworth paid two pounds eight shillings, and John Terry, to get one of his sons relieved, paid eight pounds, and James Edmenster bought off his son Noah, who was impressed, by the payment of two pounds eight shillings; and the official rolls at Boston inform that Solomon Paine, of Freetown, enlisted into the army and deserted. War of American Revolution. — " Minute-men" who responded to the first call, April 19, 1775, usually known as the "Lexington Alarm": 290 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTS, MASSACHUSETTS. Commissioned Officers. — Levi RoUDSevill, captain; Samuel Taber and Nathaniel Morton, lieutenants. Non- Commissioned Officers. — John White and Consider Crapo, sergeants ; Joshua Lawrence and Seth Hillman, corporals. Private Soldiers.— Philip Taber, Uriah Peirce, Benjamin Lawrence, Abiel Cole, Consider White, Jesse Keen, Jacob Benson, John Clark, John Braley, Percival Ashley, Ichabod John- son, Micah Ashley, Seth Morton, Jeff. Sachems, Israel Haskell, Louis De Moranville, Abram Ashley, Charles Be Moranville, Aaron Seekel, Abner Hoskins, Benjamin Runnels, Thomas Rouusevill, Peter Crapo, and Joseph Hacket. Freetown men in Capt. Levi RounsevilPs company raised for service in Ninth Regiment of patriot army : Levi Rouusevill, captain; Samuel Taber, lieutenant; John White, ser- geant ; Micah Ashley, corporal ; Zadoc Peirce, fifer ; Noah Ashley, Jephah Ashley, Thomas Amos, John Braley, Jacob Benson, Timothy Borden, Josiah Bowen, Jesse Briggs, John Clark, Alderman Crank, George Davis, Joshua Davis, Samuel Evans, William Evans, Abner Holmes, Eliphalet Hoskins, Benjamin Ingraham, Timothy Ingra- ham, Joshua Lawrence, Jabez Lumbart, Reuben Mason, Uriah Peirce, William Parker, James Paige, Daniel Paige, Gideon Bemus, Aaron Seekel, Thomas Street, Jeff'. Sachems, Philip Taber, Charles Tobey, Benjamin Wescott, Samuel West, and Simeon White, private soldiers. First company of the local military of Freetown that responded to an alarm in December, 1776, and performed a brief tour of duty in Rhode Island, with term of time that each served : First Company in the local militia in service at Rhode Island in July and August, 1780 : Days Served. Benjamin Reed, captain 24 Philip Hathaway, Jr., lieuten- ant '. 24 David Peirce, second lieutenant 14 James Cudworth, sergeant 24 Eleazer Hathawav, " 7 Joshua Hathaway, " -4 Edward Cudworth, corporal 16 James Cudworth, Joseph Allen, private David Briggs, " James Briggs, " Abner Briggs, " Paul Cudworth, " 9 6 21 21 Days Served. Ehenezer Chase, private 11 Darius Chase, " 6 David Douglas, " 9 William Fisher, " 24 Joseph Hathaway (2d"), private... 9 Joseph Hathaway (3d), " ... 24 John Paine, private 24 6 24 21 24 7 John Paine c2d i, Solomon Paine, Job Paine (2d), Charles Strange, James Strange, Ephraim Tisdale, Win. Winslow, Third company of local militia at Rhode Island in December, 1776 : Days Served. Nathaniel Morton, lieutenant Elijah Babbett, sergeant 20 Consider Crapo, " 16 Hezelriah Mason, " 7 Nathaniel Morton, " 24 Joshua Crapo, corporal 10 Josiah Haskell, " 6 Benjamin Westcott, corporal.... 5 Percival Ashley, private 5 12 4 12 20 6 Days Served. Barnabas Ashley, Joseph Ashley, Abram Ashley, David Babbett, Timothy Borden, Noah Borden, John Braley, Nathaniel Braley, Peter Crapo, Thomas Chase David Durfee, " Robert Eastabrook, " .labez Eastabrook, •' Thomas Hoskins, " Nathaniel Hoskins, " John Hamilton, " Ichabod Johnson, " Elijah Juckett, " Joshua Lawrence, " Nathaniel Morton (4th), private. Reuben Mason, private Nathaniel Morton, Sr., private.. Joseph Pool, private 12 George Taber, " :; Joseph Voter, ■' 4 private 20 " 12 " 7 20 7 7 3 7 5 21 o II 2(1 6 From the Third Company were drafted for service in the patriot army nine months, and ordered to re- port at Fishkill : Francis Crapo, aged thirty-eight years ; Robert Pittsley, nineteen ; and Luther Parker, seventeen ; and for service in the Continental army in 1780 marched on the 29th of August, Elkanah Rider and John De Moranville. On the occasion of an alarm in 1777, Samuel Dur- fee, David Durfee, Abner Hacket, and Richard Mason served each one month and twenty-four days in Rhode Island. Days Served. Benjamin Read, captain 12 Philip Hathaway, -Jr., lieuten- ant Benjamin Evans, second lieu- tenant Guilford Evans, sergeant 10 Samuel Hathaway, " 11 Silas Hathaway, " 10 David Douglas, corporal 6 John Paine, " 6 James Winslow, musician 6 George Winslow, " 10 Ephraim Briggs, private 10 John Briggs, " 7 Daniel Beaman, " 2 Abner Briggs, " 6 Isaac Burbank, " 6 Greenfield Chase, " 6 Jesse Cudworth, " 6 Gilbert Chase, " 6 George Chase, Jr., " 2 Richard Clark, " 2 Fairfax Chase, " 10 Thomas Evans, " 6 John Evans, Jr., " 6 Guilford Grinnell, " 10 Benjamin Grinnell, " 6 Jonathan Hathaway, Jr., pri- vate .' 10 Days Served. Seth Hathaway, private 6 Joseph Hathaway, " 6 Robert Hathaway, " 6 Joseph Hathaway, Jr., private... 6 Ebenezer Hathaway, " ... 2 Job Keen, private 10 Walter Nichols, private 6 10 10 6 6 6 6 6 6 2 6 6 2 '".".".'.".. 2 6 6 6 6 10 2 5 6 6 6 Solomon Paine, Warden Paine, John Paine, Benjamin Porter, Samuel Richmond, Charles Strange, Rufus Raymond, William Read, Isaac Record, Samuel Richmond, James Strange, Lot Strange. Jr., Peter Jucket, Job Terry, Solomon Terry, Abiel Terry, Jr., Benjamin Weaver, David Winslow, Ezra Winslow, Oliver Winslow, Richard Winslow, Thomas Winslow, William Winslow, Members of First Company of local militia in Freetown that served in the Continental army in 1780, and dates they marched: Thomas Evans, July 6th ; Belona Chase and Philip Chase, July 15th ; Benjamin Grinnell and America King, August 15th ; and Barley Reed, September 18th. Third Company in the local militia in service at Rhode Island in August, 1780 : Days Served. Joseph Horton, captain 6 Percival Ashley, lieutenant 7 Peter Crapo, second lieutenant. 7 Jabez Eastabrook, sergeant 7 Joshua Hillman, " 7 Dudley Hathaway, " 7 John Lawrence, " 7 John Benson, corporal 7 Asa Clark, " 7 Benjamin Eastabrook, corporal. 7 Elijah Parker, " .. 7 William Ashley, private 7 Abraham Ashley, Joseph Ashley, Michael Ashley, John Barrows, John Barden, Jacob Benson, Jonathan Bolton, Nathaniel Braley, Nathaniel , Thomas Chase, Simon Clark, C. Crapo. Joshua Crapo, Edward • 'base, Joseph Davis, Roger Haskell, private David Durfee, " Banjamin Haskell, " Josiah Haskell, " Thomas Hoskins, " Gershom Howland, " Ichabod Johnson, " Benjamin Lawrence, pr Nathaniel Morton, Nathaniel Morton (2d), Nathaniel Morton (3d), Benjamin Mason, Robert Pigsley, Joseph Pigsley, Benjamin Pigsley, Alexander Parker, Samuel Parker. John Ronnsevill, William Rouusevill, Philip Rouusevill, Thomas Rounsevill, Elkanah Rider, George Taber, John Voler, Thomas White, Jenkins White, Thomas Williams, Days Served. 7 6 4 4 4 4 7 ivate... 7 u ... 7 (( ... 7 (( ... 7 (( ... 7 <( ... 7 (( ... 7 " ... 4 (( ... 4 (1 - it ... 4 (1 ... 4 " ... 4 " ... 4 a ... 7 ic ... 6 it — 7 u ... 6 <( ... 7 C( ... 4 War of 1812. — Names of those members of First Company who formed a part of the Coast Guard, put on duty at New Bedford June 20, 1814, and re- maining about ten days : Lyn.de Hathaway, captain; Thomas Burbank, lieutenant; Joseph Evans, Preserved Cotton, and Joseph Evans (2d), sergeants; Calviu Payne and William Winslow, musicians. Private Soldiers. — Zephaniah Andros, Thomas Booth William Burr, Lu- ther Briggs, Isaac Burbank, Josephus Briggs, John Briggs, Stephen Burden, Holden Chase, Edmund Chase, Simeon Chase, Samuel Chase, Gilbert Chase, James Chase, John D. Cudworth, Michael Chase, Daniel Douglass, Jr., Paul Davis, John Dean, John Dean (2d), Ebenezer Dean, King Dean, Benjamin Dean, Jr., Joshua Down- ing, William Evans, Lemuel Edmiuster, Ephraim Hathaway, Daniel FREETOWN. 291 Hathaway, Lot Hathaway, Michael Hathaway, Joseph Hathaway (2d), Funis Hathaway, Jason Hathaway, Henry I'. Hathaway, Noah Hathaway, Bradford Hathaway, John Haskins, Malachi How- land, Seth Howland, Enoch Hathaway, Silas Hathaway, Philip Hath- away, Malhone Hathaway, Joseph Marble, Ebene/.er Miller, Mason Martin, Charles Marble, William Nichols, John Nichols, Henry Payne, Baalis Phillips, Pierce Phillips, Solomon Payne, Abram Payne, George Pickens, Adino Paddock, Henry Porter, John V. Pratt, John Read, Dean H. Read, Joseph Read, Thomas Randall, Benjamin Raymond, Abraham Richmond, Isaac Richmond, Samuel Richmond, Gilbert Staples, John Strange, Joshua Seekel, Joseph Terry, Thomas Terry, Silas Terry, John Wilkinson, James Webster, Darius Wilbur, Barnaby Winslow, Ephraim Winslow, Jr., Gilbert Winslow, Kenelm Winslow, William Winslow. Names of men drafted from the first company for duty in the Coast Guard, when service commenced, and how long continued : Days Served. Henry Frederick, July 7, 18U 7 Morrell Hathaway, July 7, 1814 7 Israel Smith, July 7, 1814 7 Gardner Chace, July 8, 1814 G Benjamin Douglas, July 8, 1814 G Hampton Pierce, July 8, 1814 6 Thomas S. Booth, July 25, 1814 12 Bradford G. Chase, July 25, 1814 12 Earl P. Chase, July 25, 1814 12 John Clark, July 25, 1814 12 Benjamin Dean, dr., July 25, 1814 12 George Dean, July 25, 1814 12 William Evans, July 25, 1814 12 Lemuel Edminster, July 25, 1814 8 Lot Hathaway, July 25, 1814 12 Thomas Hathaway, July 25, 1814 12 Job Paine, July 25, 1814 12 Solomon Paine, July 25, 1814 12 Abraham Richmond, July 25, 1814 12 Robert Robertson, July 25, 1S14 12 Second company in the New Bedford as a part of 18, 1814: local militia that served at the Coast Guard from June Days Days Served. Served. Simeon Ashley, captain- 14 Frederick Downing, private 9 Samuel Macomber, ensig n 14 John Downing, tt 11 Bishop Ashley, serge John Kounsevill, " 14 11 James Gotham, David S. Hathaway, tt tt 14 14 Gilbert Rounsevill," 11 Philip Hathaway, tt 11 Philip Taber, " John Allen, " 11 14 Nathaniel Hathaway Nathaniel Jucket, tt tt ..,.. 11 7 Benjamin Ellis, " 14 David Lawrence, tt 14 Clark Haskins, " 14 Spencer Lawrence, tt 11 Josiah De Moran ville, sei grant 14 Ansel Lucas, tt 11 Ephraim Gurney, mi 14 Hezekiah Mason, tt 11 Thomas Rounsevill, Jr., musi- Noah Pet kins, " 14 14 Ira Pittslev, tt 14 14 Abraham Pittsley, tt 14 Abram Ashley (3d), CI 11 Alexander Pittsley, tt 14 Taber Ashley, If •> James Pittsley, tt 11 Thomas Ashley, (( 11 Mike Reynolds, Jr., tt 12 Leonard Ashley, It 11 Wilbur Reynolds, tt 14 Jonathan Braley, II 11 Luther Rogers, tt 14 Job Braley, II 14 Silas Rounsevill, tt 14 Abel Briggs, i( 11 Joseph Rounsevill, tt 11 John Bent, ri 10 John Tobey, tt 14 Asa Clark, Jr., it 14 James White, tt 11 Josepb < lark, tt '.) John White, tt 14 George Cummings, " 11 Malachi White, tt 11 J. Cummings, tt 11 Samuel White, Jr., " 11 William Cummings, tt 4 William Westgate, tt 11 William Case, it 14 (fames of men drafted from the seeond company to Berve in the Coast Guard, at or near New Bedford: Days Served. Joseph Aldrlch, July 25, 1814 11 I. tard Ashley, July 25, 1814 11 William Case, July 25, 1-14 11 William Cummings, July 25, 1814 11 Nathaniel Haskell, July 25, 1814 11 Lathlev Haskins. July 25, 1814 11 Elijah Lucas, July 25, 1814 11 Abram Pittsley, July 25, 1-14 11 Silas Rounsevill, July 25, 1814 . 11 Philip Taber, July 25,1811 11 John Voter, July 25, 1814 11 And Elias Hoard served ten days, and George Douglass five days, at Fairhaven. Minute-men of April, 1861, who responded to the "first call," and performed service three months at and near Fortress Monroe, in Virginia, being known as Company G, in Third Massachusetts Regiment, under Col. David W. Wardrop, of New Bedford : Commissioned Officers: John W. Marble, captain ; Humphrey A. Francis and John M. Dean, lieutenants. Non- Commissioned Officers : James H. Hathaway and George D. Williams, sergeants ; Frederic Thayer and Chester W. Briggs, corporals. Private soldiers, James C Clark, James H. Haskell, Charles H. Haskins, Ephraim II. Haskins, George H. Haskins, Russell Haskins, Urial M. Haskins, David B. Hill, Russell H. Hathaway, John Malcolm, Columbus Peirce, Luther Pickeus, George F. Putnam, Edward E. Reed, Welcome H. Richmond, James H. Whittaker, and Benedict A. Winslow. Names and rank of Freetown men who performed nine months' service in Company A, of Third Regi- ment of infantry, mustered in September, 18(32, and discharged in June, 1863 : John W. Marble, captain ; James H. Hathaway, Stephen Hathaway, and Frederick Thayer, sergeants ; Urial Hoskins, Ephraim II. Hoskins, and David B. Hill, corporals; Albert B. Ashley, Francis E. Briggs, Franklin J. Chase, Sumner J. Chipman, George Durfee, Andrew T. Hambly, George H. Haskins, James H. Haskell, Aaron D. Hatha- way, Andrew J. Hathaway, Lynde Hathaway, Andrew J. Horr, Shubael E. Howland, Thomas W. Murtaugh, George A. Paine, Edwin H. Berinis, Edwiu S. Rounsevill, Simon D. Rounsevill, AsaSpooner, Jr., Benedict A. Winslow, George F. Wilcox, and Marceuah B. Wil- cox, private soldiers. Names and rank of Freetown men in the "three years' service" of late war of the "Great Rebellion." Service performed in the Twenty-ninth Regiment of infantry, of which Ebenezer W. Peirce, of Freetown, was colonel : John M. Deane and George D. Williams, captains; Martin V. Haskell, corporal ; James Booth, John Booth, Thomas E. Bosworth, Abram Haskell, Ephraim Haskell, William Haskell, Edmund H. Peirce, Henry L. Hill, James Pittsley, Albert E. Pittsley, William Pittsley, Culbert Reynolds, Cornelius Westgate, Elisha Westgate, Elisha B. Westgate, John Westgate, Joseph Westgate, Joseph L. Westgate, Preserved Westgate, Edward Wilbur, private soldiers. Names and rank of Freetown men in the Fifty- eighth Regiment of infantry, of which John C. Whiton, of Boston, was colonel : Ephraim H. Haskins, second lieutenant; Aaron D. Hathaway, sergeant ; Alsou G. Ashley, Francis E. Briggs, Thomas Brewer, Abiel Hatha- way, Octavus V. Robinson, Charles H. Read, Benedict A. Winslow, William S. Winslow, William E. Piatt, and Philip A. Wilcox, private soldiers. General and field officers in the local militia, with dates of commissions, promotions, and discharges: General Offices. Ebenezer W. Peirce, brigadier-general, com. Nov. 7, 1855, disch. Dec. 13, 1861. Field Officers. Second Hegimenl of Infantry. Thomas Elliot, colonel, com. 17G2; disch. Sept. 10, 1775. Thomas Terry, lieutenant-colonel, com. 174-; disch. Ebenezer Hathaway, lieutenant-colonel, com. 174- ; disch. Abiel Terry, lieutenant-colonel, com. 1758; disch. 1762. James Winslow, lieutenant-colonel, com. July 25. 1771; disch. Sept. 19, 1775. Joseph Durfee, lieutenant-colonel, com. July 1, 1781 ; disch. 1788. Benjamin Weaver, lieutenant-colonel, com. July 10, 1788; disch. March, 1793. Thomas Terry, major, com. 173- ; pro. 174-. 292 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Abiel Terry, major, com. 175- ; pro. 1758. Joshua Hathaway, major, com. Feb. 7, 1775 ; disch. 1778. Joseph Durfee, major, com. June 9, 1778; pro. July 1, 1781. Joseph E. Read, major, com. June 2, 1807 ; pro. April 14, 1S12. Third Regiment of Infantry. Silas P. Richmond, colonel, com. 1862; disch. 18C3. Ebenezer W. Peirce, lieutenant-colonel, com. April 2, 1852; pro. Nov. 7, 1855. Silas P. Richmond, lieutenant-colonel, com. 1862; pro. 1862. Ebenezer W. Peirce, major, com. Aug. 3, 1851 ; pro. April 2, 1852. Fourth Regiment of Infantry. Joseph Weaver, major, com. April 14, 1812. Fourth Regiment of Artillery. Ebenezer W. Peirce, lieutenant-colonel, com. Sept. 5, 1846; disch. July 27, 1848. Ebenezer W. Peirce, major, com. Aug. 31, 1844; pro. Sept. 5, 1846. Fifth Regiment of Infantry. Simeon Ashley, colonel, com. Aug. 10, 1818; disch. Hercules Cushman, colonel, com. Sept. 28, 1821 ; disch. Aug. 31, 1827. Ephraini Winslow, Jr., colonel, com. Oct. 5, 1829 ; disch. 1830. Lynde Hathaway, lieutenant-colonel, com. Sept. 28,1821; died Nov. 7, 1822. Ephraim Winslow, Jr., lieutenant-colonel, com. March 8, 1S28; pro. Oct. 5, 1829. Philip P. Hathaway, lieutenant-colonel, com. Oct. 5, 1829; disch. 1833. Lynde Hathaway, major, com. Aug. 10, 1818 ; pro. Sept. 28, 1821. From the date of incorporation (July, 1683) until about the time that what had been a part of Tiverton was annexed in 1747, a period of some sixty-four years, the local militia of Freetown were embodied in one company, but about that time were made to con- stitute three companies. What is now Old or West Freetown is nearly identical with what was then made to constitute the geographical limits of the first com- pany, the. section set off in 1803, which became Fall River, includes nearly all the territory assigned to the second company, and East or New Freetown militia were made the third company. From 1683 until 1715 the local militia of Freetown were commanded by a lieutenant, being too few in number to constitute a captain's command. As lieutenant-commandant, Thomas Terry was commissioned June 4, 1686, and he was succeeded in that office by Job Winslow a few years later, and by Josiah Winslow in or about the year 1702. The names of captains of the first company, with dates of commissions, etc., were as follows: Josiah Winslow, com. Feb. 1715; disch. about 1725. Thomas Terry, com. about 1725; pro. to maj. Ebenezer Hathaway, com. 173- ; pro. to lieut.-col. Samuel Tisdale, com. 174- ; disch. Abiel Terry, com. 175- ; pro. to maj. James Winslow, com. June 4, 1762; pro. to lieut.-col. July, 1771. George Chase, com. July, 1771; dismissed Sept. 19, 1775. Benjamin Kead, com. 1776; disch. 1781. ■ Benjamin Weaver, com. July 1, 1781; pro. to lieut.-col. July 10, 1788. Benjamin Porter, com. July 18, 1788; disch. 1792. Charles Strange, com. June 28 ; 1792 ; disch. 1799. John Wilkinson, com. May 27, 1799 ; disch. 1801. Job Pierce, Jr., com. Aug. 21, 1801 ; died Sept. 22, 1805. Joseph E. Read, com. Aug. 16, 1806 ; pro. to maj. June 2, 1807. Melrose Baruolz, com. Aug. 5, 1807; disch. March 8,1811. Joseph Weaver, com. June 24, 1811 ; pro. to maj. April 14, 1812. Lynde Hathaway, com. June 29, 1812 ; pro. to maj. Aug. 10, 1818. Henry Porter, com. Sept. 4, 1818 ; disch. March 1, 1822. Malichi Howland, com. April 13, 1822; disch. March 1, 1827. Ephraini Winslow, Jr., com. April 23, 1827; pro. to lieut.-col. March 8, 1828. Seth Howland, com. May 16, 1828; disch. 1831. Noah H. Evans, com. May 27, 1831; disch. Sept. 7, 1836. Second Company of Infantry. Ambrose Barnolz, com. 17 — ; disch. 17 — . George Brightmau, com. 175- ; disch. Jail Hathaway, com. July, 1771 ; dis. Sept. 19, 1775. Thomas Durfee, com. July 5, 1776 ; disch. 177-. Brightman, com. 177- ; disch. 178-. Joseph Read (3d), com. July 1, 1781 ; disch. 178-. Luther Winslow, com. June 8, 1789; disch. 1793. Ichabod Read, com. Oct. 2, 1793 ; died Dec. 5, 1796. Benjamin Broyton, com. May 2, 1797; pro. to maj. Sept. 19, 1803. Third Company of Infantry. John Bounswill, com. 1751 ; disch. Elisha Parker, com. 17—: dis. Sept. 19, 1775. Joseph Hoston, com. 177- ; disch. 178-. Pei igreen White, com. July 1, 1781 ; disch. Noah Crapo, com. April 21, 1797 ; disch. August, 1798. Abraham Morton, com. May 21, 1798; cash. 1805. James Ashley, com. Oct. 14, 1805; disch. April 13, 1811. Simeon Ashley, com. Feb. 4, 1812; pro. to col. Aug. 10, 1818. Ephraim Gurney, com. Sept. 22, 1818; disch. April 15, 1822. Daniel Edson, com. May 25, 1822; disch. 1830. Malichi White, com. May 4, 1830; disch. April 15, 1835. Robert W. Cottle, com. June 20, 1835 ; disch. April 24, 1840. Cavalry Company. (Raised at large in the several towns within the Second Regiment.) Abiel Terry, Jr., capt., com. 1771 ; disch. Sept. 19, 1775. First Light Infantry Company. Rufus Bacon, com. capt. June 13, 1818 ; disch. 1824. John H. Peirce, com. capt. May 4, 1824; disch. 1825. Sylvanus S. Payne, com. capt. Aug. 18, 1825 ; disch. March 1, 1827. Herman Lyndsay, com. capt. July 21, 1827; disch. May 30, 1831. Second Light Infantry Company. Ebenezer W. Peirce, capt., com. June 29, 1850 ; disch. May 12, 1851. Augustus C. Barrows, capt., com. June 14, 1851 ; disch. April 5, 1854. John W. Marble, capt., com. April 29, 1854; disch. March 20, 1855. Silas P. Richmond, capt., com. May 8, 1855 ; pro. July 24, 1856. James R. Mathewson, capt., com. March 4, 1857; disch. 1860. John M. Marble, capt., com. 1860; disch. 1862. Third Light Infantry Company. William F. Wood, capt., com. Nov. 22, 1851; disch. 185-. Marcus M. Rounsevill, com. March 19, 185-; disch. Feb. 1854. William A. Hofford, com. March 11, 1854 ; disch. March 18, 1856. Tracy Allen, com. May, 1856; disch. July, 1857. At the commencement of the war of the American Revolution the three companies into which the local militia of Freetown were then divided, together with 1 a part of a company of cavalry to which some be- longed, composed a part of the Second Regiment of infantry, of which Thomas Gilbert, of Freetown, was colonel, James Winslow, of Freetown, lieutenant- colonel, and Benjamin Grinnell, of Freetown, adju- tant. The commissioned officers of the companies were as follows : First Company. — George Chase, captain ; Benjamin Tompkins and George Winslow, lieutenants. Second Company. — Jail Hathaway, captain ; Stephen Borden and Am- brose Barnolz, Jr., lieutenants. Third Company. — Elisha Parker, captain ; Abraham Ashley and Na- thaniel Morton, lieutenants. Cavalry Company. — Abiel Terry, Jr., captain ; John Evans, cornet. The battalion of loyalists that Col. Gilbert claimed to have raised to fight for the king and Parliament, and to arm and equip which he applied to Governor FREETOWN. 293 Gage, and received a generous supply of the munitions of war, was doubtless that part of these four com- panies that could be induced to take the king's arms and train in his name, as a considerable proportion doubtless did, and were thus for several days engaged in drilling and perfecting themselves to fight against the "Sons of Liberty," and by force of arms to rivet the chains of bondage upon their own countrymen, including their nearest neighbors, uphold a foreign monarchical, despotic, and singularly arbitrary power. The four captains gave most unmistakable evidence that their sympathies were strongly on the side of the king, as did also Lieuts. Tompkins and Ashley and Cornet John Evans. But Lieuts. Borden, Barnolz, and Morton, if not all " liberty" men at the start, soon became so, and gave their undivided efforts and influence to the cause of their distressed and bleeding country. Ambrose Cleveland, of Freetown, when in arrest at Providence, R. I. (Oct. 31, 1775), signed a written confession and recantation, in which he set forth that "he acknowledges his wrongs in signing Brigadier Ruggles' association under Col. Gilbert, and training under said Gilbert for two days, and going to Boston and working at the king's works, and likewise of my saying I could pilot the fleet as far as Bower's (now Somerset village), all which I am heartily sorry for, and for the future am determined to stand for the rights and liberties of my country." In an intercepted letter of Col. Gilbert to Gen. Ruggles, dated April 5, 1775, he said concerning the British man-of-war that came to the assistance of the Tories, " My son took a long-boat and went to the man-of-war, and brought back a letter from Capt. Walli.s to the admiral, which I sent to your care. I hear from Capt. Wall is that he fears to venture up the river with the ship, fearing there is not sufficient depth of water. A vessel of less force might answer the purpose. " Last Monday the rebels mustered from Middle- borough and Berkley, Swansea and Dighton, and made up a hundred and forty in arms, marched by my house, where were twenty-five men with king's arms well loaded. I went out before my door and told them that they were a poor set of deluded rebels. So they marched off' without tearing down my house or killing me, as the day before they swore they would." That a large proportion of the local militia in the First Company, and considerable numbers of theSec- ond and Third Companies, as also of the cavalry com- pany, took up arms for the king at the commence- ment of the war of the American Revolution seems quite conclusively proved by an address of the Free- town Committee of Correspondence, Inspection, and Safety to the Massachusetts Legislature in session at Boston, March 22, 1780, in which said committee, as also the selectmen of Freetown, concerning the votes of said town, declared that " great numbers, we have reason to believe, held a criminal correspondence with the enemy when they occupied the island of Rhode Island. " A great number took the king's arms by the in- stigation of Col. Gilbert, and never acted but against us. " Many have refused to turn out at alarms when the enemy invaded our town and committed depre- dations. " Our exertions against the enemy has been em- barrassed by the conduct of our inhabitants. " If the king of Great Britain should forbear hos- tilities and recall his troops from our land we should not have presumed thus to trouble your Honors with complaint. " We should have rested under their insults, al- though we have used our utmost efforts, and spent our thousands for the defense of our beloved country. " What have we to hope or expect if Great Britain should continue the war, and the king's troops re- possess Rhode Island ? We should be between two fires. " Our fears are multiplied in case such dissatisfied persons should take the lead in town affairs." A newspaper called the Essex Gazette, published in Salem, April 18, 1775, the day before the battles of Lexington and Concord were fought, contained the following communication : " Boston, Monday, April 17th. " A letter from Taunton dated last Friday, mentions that on the Mon- day before parties of Minute Men, etc., from every town in that county, with arms and ammunition, met at Freetown early that morning in order to take Col. Gilbert, but he had fled on board the man-of-war at Newport. " They then divided into parties and took twenty-nine Tories who had signed enlistments and received arms in the colonel's company to join the king's troops. They also took thirty-five muskets, two case bottles of powder, and a basket of bullets, all which they brought to Taunton the same afternoon, where the prisoners were separately examined, eighteen of whom made such humble acknowledgments of their past bad conduct and solemn promises to behave better for the future they were dismissed, but the other eleven being obstinate and insulting, a party were ordered to carry them to Simsbury Mines, but they were sufficiently humbled before they had got fourteen miles on their way thither, upon which they were brought back the next day, and after signing proper articles to behave better for the future, were escorted to Freetown. "There were upwards of two thousand men embodied there last Mon- day." But this successful expedition did not rid the town of active Tories, as the following from the public records of the town serves to show : "At a legal town-meeting held at ye public meeting-house house in Freetown on ye 31st day of May, 1777, ye following Tories were voted for trial, viz.: George Brightman, William Winslow, Luther Winslow, John Winslow, Jail Hathaway, .Solomon Terry, Abiel Terry, Abiel Terry, Jr., William Hathaway, Silas Hathaway (2d), Silas Terry, Eben- ezer Terry, Benjamin Tompkins, Ralph Paine, Job Paine, Job Paine (2d), George Chase, George Chase, Jr., Bradford Gilbert, Ephraim Win- slow, Ammi Cha.se, Horah Durfee, Jonathan Dodson, Job Terry, Silas Sherman, Benjamin Cleveland, Abraham Ashley, John Briggs. ''Then Maj. Joshua Hathaway was chosen agent in behalf of ye said town." The lenity exercised towards the Tories by the Whigs, instead of making the former more tractable, only served to encourage them to seize upon, as they 294 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. did, every opportunity that presented itself to make trouble for those who had spared them when in their power, thus ever and always returning evil for good, and showing neither kindness, tenderness, or mercy to those from whom they owed much of all, and to whose clemency alone they owed their power to do hurt. Even before the close of the Revolutionary war these Tories, who had been so signally defeated when and wherever they submitted their cause to the arbitration of the cartridge-box, suddenly changed their tactics, and by a united and well-directed effort, being joined as they were by the " baser sort" of all parties, com- pletely carried their points at the ballot-box in Free- town, allowing, as they did, persons in their village to vote that they might thus swell the number of their boasted majority ; and the legislative power of the State had to be appealed to, and did exercise its au- thority to bring order out of such anarchy and con- fusion as resulted from that disorganizing and dis- graceful act of the Tories, thoroughly determined either to rule or ruin. Nor did the indignities suffered at the hands of the Tories cease at what was gener- ally considered the successful termination of the Revolutionary war, for the " Shay's rebellion" of 1786 found them again in the field, and this town, that in 1775 in the person of Col. Thomas Gilbert furnished the most prominent and troublesome Tory in the county, only eleven years later furnished the county leader of rebels in arms against the new government, and it is a noteworthy fact that when the "Shay's men" with arms appeared to stop the session of the County Court, being held at Taunton, a prominent leader was dressed in a full British uniform, and new muskets of British manufacture were plentifully supplied gratis to all who would volunteer to use the same to aid the motley crowd of anarchists there drawn up in battle array under the command of David Valentine, of Freetown. Shay's Rebellion. — As in the war of the American Revolution, so also in the outbreak usually known as " Shay's Rebellion, the local militia remained divided into three companies, that also continued to constitute a part of the Second Regiment. Those officers resid- ing in Freetown, who were all commissioned July 1, 1781, being as follows : Field Officers. Joseph Durfee, lieutenant-colonel. Company Officers. First Company. Benjamin Weaver, captain. Nathan Dean, lieutenant. Samuel Hathaway, second lieutenant. Second Company. Joseph Read, third captain. Benjamin Durfee, lieutenant. William Elsbree, second lieutenant. Third Company. Peregrine White, captain. Peter Crapo, lieutenant. Samuel Burden, second lieutenant. In Massachusetts, the State which had been fore- most in the war for independence against Great Britain, occurred the first instance of armed and or- ganized rebellion against the situation and conduct of public affairs consequent upon the changed char- acter of the government and its administrators. This spirit of lawlessness was not entirely confined to Mas- sachusetts, as in the neighboring State of New Hamp- shire a reckless and desperate body of malcontents en- tered the legislative chamber at Exeter, overpowered and made prisoners of the General Assembly of that State; but the citizens arose, and by energetic and well-directed efforts the dastardly movement, with its aiders and abettors, was crushed. Not so, however, in Massachusetts, where the re- bellion secured to itself a much longer lease of life. The mob spirit grew more and more rampant, Bristol, Hampshire, Middlesex, and Worcester Counties at- taining to the unenviable reputation of being the chief centres of lawless violence throughout New England. Few towns in Bristol County could muster an entire company of its local militia to sustain the government, and in Freetown that iu the person of David Valentine furnished the county leader of the "Shay's men." The mobocrats probably bore a still larger proportion to the whole number of the inhab- itants than the Tories had done at the commence- ment of the war of American Revolution. In Rehoboth, then also embracing what afterward became Seekonk and Pawtucket, the malcontents showed by their votes a large majority at the polls, and took possession of the town's stock of powder, bullets, and munitions of war. But in Freetown, the county headquarters of that re- bellion, the town's stock, by the unyielding constancy of Benjamin Weaver, then captain of the First Com- pany in the local militia, was saved from capture by the rebels, and used only for lawful purposes, and so plentiful was the supply that he obtained with which to kill the "Shay's men," that of what was not then expended his son, Maj. Joseph Weaver, filled the cartridge-boxes of the same company under his com- mand at the beginning of those difficulties that ripened into the war of 1812, and Freetown's con- tribution to the force sent to Virginia at the first call in April, 1861, in the brigade commanded by Benja- min Weaver's grandson, Gen. E. W. Peirce, carried in its cartridge-boxes some of the bullets moulded in Freetown with which to que'l the rebellion of 1786. Benjamin Weaver's loyalty, courage, and good con- duct secured to him a speedy promotion to the office of lieutenant-colonel. Ecclesiastical.— Probably the first or earliest rec- ord still preserved of an effort on the part of the in- habitants of Freetown to provide for the public wor- ship of God was that of a legal meeting which appears upon the thirty-fifth page of the first book of the pub- lic records of said town, and in the words follow- ing: FREETOWN. 295 "At a town meeting in freetown, on the tenth day of June, in the year 1099, legally warned by the Selectmen, to ho at the house of John hathway, in freetown, In order to consider of a convenient place to set a meeting house where it may he most convenient to join with some of our neighbors in tanton. " And in case they will join with us, we have voted that the meeting house shall be set on James Cudworth's land, on the southward side of the brook called abut's cwarter, and at the foasd meeting James Cud- worth and Josiah Winslow were chosen to treat tanton men, and to bring thayransor to us with all speed whether thay will join with us or'not." That town-meeting was held in a house, then a tavern, that stood on the spot of the former residence of Benjamin Hambly, late of Freetown, deceased. The neighhors in Taunton doubtless lived in that section of said town set off in 1735, incorporated as a new town, and called Berkley. The spot proposed on which to erect a meeting-house is at the foot of the hill, a little northerly of the former residence of the late Philip J. Tripp. From the fact that nothing more appears to have been done about it leads to the conclu- sion that the people of Taunton were unwilling to join with those of Freetown in the labor and expense of erecting a meeting-house at the spot proposed. Tradi- tion or records furnish nothing further until the first Monday in February, 1702, when, in open town-meet- ing, Robert Durfee was chosen as the town's agent to obtain a man to dispense the gospel and instruct chil- dren in reading and writing ; and further, that no meeting-house be built at the town's charge until such man had been procured. Two years later, Wil- liam Way accepted these trusts, and was by the town engaged to serve them as a gospel minister and school- master. Mr. Way proposed to receive for his minis- trations in the gospel whatever the inhabitants in gratuity or free will chose to confer upon him. Two years more passed, and the town found itself in- dicted by the grand jury on a charge of not being supplied with a minister according to law, and Lieut. Job Winslow, one of the selectmen, elected as the town's agent to answer in behalf of the town at the next session of the County Court. Lieut. Job Wins- low was also chosen the town's agent to confer with 'Mr. Samuel Danforth, minister at Taunton, in order to have William Way, of Freetown, approbated as a minister, qualified according to law. Failing in all these efforts, the town on the 21st day of January, 1707, voted to dismiss William Way from longer serving the town as a minister and school- master. Then from the Court of General Sessions came a precept directing the town to provide itself with an able, learned orthodox minister, pursuant to which the town on the 21st day of March, 1707, by a vote of more than two-thirds present and voting, de- cided to be supplied by the Bishop of London with a minister according to the Church of England, estab- lished by the law of the English nation. Three years later the town voted to build a meeting-house thirty- six feet long, twenty-six feet wide, and eighteen feet between joints, and elected three Congregational min- isters, viz., Samuel Danforth, John Sparhawk, and Richard Billings, a committee to determine where the meeting-house should be set, which committee in writing, bearing date March 7, 1710, recommended that the proposed house should stand upon a lot of land that Samuel Lynde, of Boston, had promised to give to the town on which to erect a meeting-house and a school-house, and to be used also for the pur- poses of a burial-ground and training-field. The town the same year voted to raise the sum of thirty pounds with which to build the meeting-house, and voted thanks to the General Court for twenty-five pounds voted to the town, and expressed the desire that it be paid to Mr. Joseph Avery for his services as minister that year. Oct. 10, 1710, John Hathaway and twenty-three others of Freetown petitioned the General Court to grant aid to Mr. Avery for his en- couragement to preach still among them, and that the court would be pleased to give as much as it had done the last year. March 17, 1711, the General Court passed the following resolution : " Resolved, That there be allowed and paid out of the public treasury to Mr. Joseph Avery, after the rate of twenty pounds per annum, for each Sabbath he hath or shall preach at Freetown, from the time he was last paid to the session of the court in May next." Mr. Joseph Avery, the second person who attempted to perform the duties of a gospel minister at Free- town, was the fourth and youngest child of Lieut. William Avery and wife, Elizabeth White. Elizabeth was the second wife of Lieut. William Avery, who had had four children by a former wife; and Joseph Avery, born in Dedham, April 9, 1687, though his mother's fourth child, was the eighth child on his father's side. Lieut. William Avery, the parent, re- ceived a commission in the train-band at Dedham, from which his title was derived, and bearing date of Oct. 15, 1673. Lieut. Avery also held the offices of town clerk and selectman of Dedham. Mr. Joseph Avery, at the age of nineteen years, graduated at Harvard College in 1706. His brother, John Avery, aged twenty-one years, graduated at the same time and place, and was settled in the gospel ministry in the town of Truro, on Cape Cod. Soon after leaving college Joseph Avery was for a time employed to teach a school in Rehoboth. Added to the offices civil and military held by William Avery and already enumerated, he also held the position of deacon of the church, which circumstance throws more light upon the causes operating to bring about the result of his having two sons that became ministers or clergymen than all other known causes combined, the religious element in the character of the father thus largely cropping out in his sons, who, if not foreordained be- fore the world was by the God of the Bible to be am- bassadors for the cause of Christ, doubtless were by the God of nature before either of these sons were born. Mr. Joseph Avery, Freetown's second minister, in or about the year 1720, was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Newman, of Rehoboth. She was born 296 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Nov. 20, 1700, and consequently was about thirteen years younger than her husband. She was a daugh- ter of Deacon Samuel Newman, Jr., granddaughter of Samuel Newman, Sr., and wife, Bathsheba Chick- ering, and great-granddaughter of Rev. Samuel New- man, one of the first settlers, and the first minister of Rehoboth. Mr. Joseph Avery remained in Freetown but a short time, as on the 28th day of October, 1714, he was ordained pastor of the Church of Christ in Norton, and thus became the earliest settled minister in that town ; and when we are informed that the people of Norton voted upon their own responsibility to pay him a salaiw of fifty pounds per year, no fur- ther reasons need be assigned why he left Freetown with its proposals to pay him thirty pounds per year, and beg, if they could, a yearly appropriation of twenty pounds more from the General Court. To have remained in the field of his labor at Freetown may seem more pious, but his change to the vineyard of the Lord at Norton was decidedly more practical. At a town-meeting holden in Freetown, July 5, 1711, "voted Recompense Wadsworth to Vie our gospel minister, according to the tenor of our warrant. " Voted that Recompense Wadsworth should have after the rate of 20 pounds per year so long as he shall dispense the word of God amongst us. "Voted Mr. Joseph blackman to treat Mr. Wadsworth in the town's behalf, according to the above written vote." Against this action of the town John Read, Jr., made a public protest, characterizing the vote as "rash and heady," in that the town had no knowl- edge of the man's "conversion" or "qualification," to what town or government he belonged, that the voting of twenty pounds was contrary to gospel rule, and that the town had already voted to be supplied by the Bishop of London. And this strife was finally ended by a report from Mr. Blackman that Mr. Wads- worth had refused to serve the town as minister. Recompense Wadsworth was born March 19, 1688. In 1713 he was appointed master of the North Free Grammar School, at Boston. He was a son of Thomas Wadsworth, a gunsmith, who for a time re- sided in Boston, and removed from thence to New- port, R. I. Aug. 8, 1712, the town voted " that in order for the incouragement of the preaching of the Word of God in the town, it is therefore agreed to raise 25 pounds for the use for one year's preaching." Sept. 22, 1712, " Then voted John hath way, agent, to seek for and treat with some meet person, in order to dispense the word of God in said town, and to preach one month in the town, and then, being liked and approved by the town, and the person so called also agreeing with the town, to be their minister for some time as shall be hereafter agreed on." Jan. 13, 1713, the town voted "The minister that John hathway, the town's agent, hath brought into town, not being liked by the inhabitants, therefore it was then voted he not to be the town's minister." "Voted Mr. James hail shall have three pounds of the 25 pounds formerly granted by the town for some service done by him, said hail, for some of the inhabitants of this town." Mr. James Hale was probably the person whom John Hathaway brought into town, and who did not prove acceptable to a majority, but was liked by a few. May 25, 1713, "Voted 10 pounds to be raised for the reperation of the meeting-house, and to be added to the 30 pounds rate formerly granted by said town." Robert Durfee, Constant Church, Benjamin Chase, Jr., Walter Chase, and Jacob Hathaway entered their protest against this vote. June 2, 1713, the town made choice of "Jonathan Dodson to be minister of the gospel for this town untill there is a supply from England, according to a former vote of the town." June 19, 1714, the meeting-house that in 1710 it was agreed to build being completed, was by the building committee delivered to the selectmen for the use of the town. Sept. 22, 1715, Josiah Winslow, Thomas Terry, Jonathan Dodson, and Joseph Read were chosen a committee to seat the meeting-house at the town's charge. Enough has already been given to show that the people of the town, if not prosecuting or carrying on a " holy war," were persistently and determinately engaged in religious controversy. They had a few years before voted that a gospel preached in the town must be dispensed to the people's acceptance, and the town clerk, who may have been equally con- versant with the spirit of Christianity and the rules of orthography in committing said vote to the town records, stated that the dispensation must be to the town's "cx-ceptance" (instead of acceptance); and thus the sequel seemed to prove, for bickerings, strife, contention, opposition, envyings, and taking exceptions to anything and everything proposed or done, attempted or recommended for the establish- ment of a preached gospel in town, became a general rule instead of an exception. In or about the year 1715, at the request of several of the principal inhabitants, accompanied by their written promise of support, the Rev. Thomas Craig- head entered upon the duties of a gospel minister in Freetown, and he, being approbated by the ministers of the neighboring towns as qualified for the duties of that position, a meeting of the inhabitants was called by a warrant from the selectmen, and held in the meeting-house at Freetown on Monday the 9th day of September, 1717, to see if the town in its corporate capacity would vote to employ the Rev. Thomas Craighead as the town's minister. Capt. Josiah Wins- low was elected moderator, whereupon John Read, Benjamin Chace, Jr., George Winslow, Abraham Simmons, and John Cleveland protested against further proceedings, giving as their xeasons for so doing " that the town had already a choice to be supplied by the Bishop of London, as may appear on record, as also the non-sufficiency of the warrant." But the legal voters present decided to proceed, and by a vote of twenty-eight for to three against, or a clear majority of twenty-five votes, made choice of Rev. Thomas Craighead to be the town's minister, and yet, after all this, Mr. Craighead, to collect his FREETOWN. 297 pay for services, was forced to sue the town, and ob- taining a verdict in his favor, the town appealed to the General Court, where the town being again beaten, several of the principal inhabitants were thrust into the county jail, and there kept confined until Mr. Craighead was paid, a train of proceedings in which the wrong done was only equaled by the ridiculous. July 19, 1721, the town voted the use of the meeting- house to the Rev. James Macsparron " to carry on the public worship of God in at time and times, ac- cording to the true intention of his order by the rev- erend society in his mission honorably intended." The town at the same time voted that the selectmen be a committee to solicit the Rev. James Macsparron to accept the meeting-house for that service, but that such acceptance should " in no wise hinder or bar any other public use or improvement of said house as formerly." These difficulties did, as they were reasonably cal- culated to do, prejudice many of the inhabitants against a paid ministry, and the provision for such payment when provided for by a public tax, and many, and perhaps the most, of those inhabitants best able to pay thenceforth allied themselves with the Friends or Quakers, which religious body erected a place of public worship near what is still called Quaker Hill, not far distant from the bleachery, and just across the street from what is known as the South school-house. That Quaker meeting-house was prob- ably built in or near the year 1725, and for at least half a century the Friends or Quakers were numeri- cally the largest worshiping congregation in town, embracing the men of first minds, most money, and best manners, in fact, the wit and the wealth, if not exclusively, was generally theirs. Nearly one hun- dred years ago that Quaker meeting-house was re- moved to the northern part of the town, where, as a place of public worship, it continued to be used by the Friends or Quakers nearly seventy years, when demolished, and its place supplied by a new one that is still standing. i >ct. 20, 1721, the town voted to relieve Thomas Durfee and George Winslow, constables, of t a fine levied upon them for their neglect or refusal to col- lect a tax assessed under the title of " the minister's rate." For the next quarter of a century scarcely anything appears upon the public records of Free- town concerning the support of a gospel ministry, and it was not until 1747 that another minister was settled in town, who, to relieve himself from a repeti- tion of the troubles experienced by his predecessors, made a written promise that was copied into the public record-book of the town, where it still appears in the words following : "This instrument, made at Freetown, in y« County of Bristol, and Province of y e Massachusetts Hay, in New England, this thirtieth day of Novemher in y c year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven hun- dred and forty-seven, Witnesseth that I, Silas Brett, oi Easton, in y e County ahoves d , Preacher of y c Gospel, and now Pastor Elect of Congre- gational Church of Christ, in Freetown ahoves' 1 , do hereby covenant, promise, grant, and agree to and with the aforesaid church, and y e Oon- I gregation usually worshipping with them, that from the day of my Solemn Separation to the Pastoral office in said church, and for and during y e full term and time of my Continuance in that office, in said church, I will neither directly nor indirectly take advantage of y Laws of this Province to get a salary settled on me in y e town of Freetown, , hut look for and expect my support by the free will offering of ye j People. " In testimony whereof, I have subscribed this Instrument, to be en- tered in ye Records of ye church ahoves' 1 , and also in y e Records of y e town, if it be desired." " Witness my hand, " Silas Brett." " A true record. Atte-t : Ambhose Barsaby, " Town Clerk." This course of action was like oil poured upon the waters, allaying strife, but failing to secure either the support or good will of a majority of the tax-paying inhabitants, as the following from the record of a town-meeting held on the 18th day of March, 1754, most clearly serves to prove : "Voted that those that are disposed to repair the town's meeting- house, so as to reuder it fit to meet in for worship, that they may have the liberty to repair the said house on their own cost and charge, and not at the charge of the town. "Abiel Tekrv, " Town Clerk: 1 Rev. Silas Brett was a son of Seth Brett and wife, Sarah Alden, born in or about the year 1716. He preached to this church and society in Freetown about twenty-eight years. The church was always small, as also the congregation, and Sabbath services found in attendance but few worshipers, who, becom- ing divided in political sentiment by the troubles which gave rise to the American Revolution, soon realized that " a house divided against itself cannot stand," and the ministerial labors of Rev. Silas Brett were thus and then brought to a close, and no min- ister of this denomination was regularly settled in town from the close of Mr. Brett's labors, in or about 1775, until the engagement of Rev. Joseph P. Tyler, in or near the year 1809, when a Congregational meeting-house was erected at Assonet village, and the old meeting-house, that had stood nearly a century of years just within what is now the most northerly limits of Fall River, was demolished. Three Calvin- istic Baptist Churches for a time existed and held public worship in Freetown. One of these erected a large and commodious meeting-house in the southerly part of Assonet village, employing as their pastor the Rev. David Simmons, whose services were closed by his death, he being drowned while attempting to cross the river. He was succeeded by the Rev. Philip Hathaway, who proclaimed the doctrines of and preached to this church until 1807, when the pastor and nearly all his people having become greatly liberalized took a " new departure" from their former faith and founded a new church, and, in imitation of the primitive brethren at Antioch, took upon themselves the name of "Christians." That Christian Church continued to occupy the Calvinistic Baptist meeting-house until about two vears before its demolition, the Christian 298 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Church and Society, in 1832, building a new meeting- house that those bodies still continue to occupy. The old meeting-house was taken down in 1835. The building of that house was probably commenced in 1793, but was not finished for use until 1796. It was neither lathed nor plastered until taken possession of by the Christians, so called. What was known as the Second Calviriistic Baptist Church in Freetown was gathered within that section now Fall River, and is in existence still, and known as the First Baptist Church in that city. Their meeting-house stood near the pond, adjacent to what is now known as the " Nar- rows." The Third Calvinistic Baptist Church in Freetown was gathered in the easterly part, or what is called New Freetown. Rev. Abner Lewis was for a time the pastor. Their meeting-house stood a little east of the village, and near what is now known as the "County road." Four churches of the Christian denomination have existed in this town, three of which were gathered in East or New Freetown; and each church has a comfortable and commodious house for public worship, and three of the four maintain a gospel ministry. There are now six church edifices in town, viz., the Trinitarian Congregational, at Asso- net village, erected in 1809, but considerably enlarged a few years since; the Christian Chapel, at Assonet village, built in 1832 ; the Friends' meeting-house, in the extreme northerly part of the town, erected in or about 1852 ; the Second Christian, at " Mason's Cor- ner," so called, in East Freetown, erected about fifty years ago ; the Third Christian, at Braley Four Cor- ners, built about forty years since ; and the Fourth Christian, standing near the line of Rochester, built about twenty-five years ago, and is the only one of the six in which public worship is not regularly main- tained. Coercive measures for the support of the ministry in Freetown have long since been abandoned, and the last attempt at anything pointing in that direction which appears upon the public records was that of a town-meeting held on the 2d day of De- cember, 1805, and as follows : "Voted, to drop the first article in the warrant in regard to settling a minister by the town." " Voted, to divide the town into two districts or parishes, and to divide it as the old town and New Freetown, to be called East and West Parishes." " Voted, to have a Committee to examine and see if there is any legally settled minister in the town, and to report at the next annual meeting." "Benj. Weaver, Esq., Washington Hathaway, Esq., and Philip Hath- away were chosen as that Committee. " Eben'r Pierce, " Town Clerk." What report, if any, was made by that committee is not now known, and the vote then passed appears to have been not only the first but the last done, said, or written concerning the establishment of two re- ligious parishes in Freetown. Educational. — William Way, Freetown's earliest minister of the gospel, was also the earliest school- master, having been engaged, so saith the public record, "to Educate and instruct Children in Read- ing and Righting," which may, for aught we know, have been to teach the young ideas how to shoot in right or proper directions. Nothing more upon the public record concerning schools appears until May 15, 1718, when it was voted to set up a school to learn children to read and "right," and "made choyce of Jacob hathaway, agent to seek for a schoolmaster." Oct. 8, 1718. "Voted, to allow thomas roberts 36 pounds for one year's service to keep the school at three several places; the public meeting-house ; Walter Chase's ; also at or near to John howlatid's." Feb. 14, 1721. " Voted and agreed to seek out for a schoolmaster for the present year, inasmuch as the last year's schoolmaster, Roberts, and the town did not agree." May 17, 1721. "Voted, to leave it in the prudence of the selectmen to agree with William Gaige or with William Caswell to serve the town as a schoolmaster for the term or time of one year." July 19, 1721. "Voted thirty pounds to be raised on the inhabitants to pay the town's schoolmaster." July 16, 1722. "Voted William Caswell thirty pounds in considera- tion of his serving the town to keep school in the town one ' hole' year; he, s d Caswell to be at all cost of boarding or dieting himself; s d Cas- well being present did agree to serve. "Voted, the school to be removed three times in the year; the first remove to be had at the meeting-house : the second remove to be at the lower part of the town ; thirdly, to be removed to the upper part of the town. "Voted, the school-houses to be set at the middle of each half of the town from the meeting-house or centre." In 1725, William Gaige was employed to teach school one year for thirty-two pounds and to board himself. In 1726, 1727, and 1728, William Caswell was employed to teach school for thirty-eight pounds a year and board himself; and also in 1729 his wages were raised to forty pounds. Caswell taught in 1729 for forty pounds, and William Gaige in 1730. July 10, 1727. The town voted to erect two school- houses, one of which should be eighteen feet long and fourteen feet wide. Nov. 2, 1733. " Voted the sum of fifty pounds to Mr. Israel Nichols 1 to keep school in said town, always excepting Saturday, every week." 1758. Voted Mr. James Ward sixty-six pounds to keep school one year, and sold two school-houses at public auction, one for five dollars and the other for two dollars. Dec. 17, 1744, James Meade was dis- missed'from further service as the town's schoolmaster. Nov. 13, 1745, the town made choice of Shadrach Hathaway to keep school for one year. Tradition saith Shadrach Hathaway was a graduate of some college. The inscription on his tombstone states that he died Dec. 3, 1749, in the thirty-third year of his age, and therefore must have been born in or near the year 1716. He was buried on the farm now owned and occupied by Daniel Macomber. The town in 1746 purchased of Ephraim Tisdale a new school- house, together with the land upon which it stood, for the sum of one hundred pounds old tenor. Samuel Forman, George Winslow, Stephen Chace, and Joshua Boomer were the town's committee that 1 Israel Nichols, schoolmaster in 1733, appears to have been employed in Freetown as a minister in 1739. FREETOWN. 299 contracted with Ephraim Tisdale for the building of that house and purchase of the land. It was agreed that Tisdale should also furnish convenient seats and tables, and that the house should be " finished to y e turning of a key." That house stood upon the spot now occupied by the building recently owned by Joshua Shove, late of Freetown, deceased, and wherein he kept the post-office. That school-house remained about twenty-seven years, when, from well authenticated tradition, we learn that it was acci- dentally destroyed by fire. The town also in 1745 voted to add twelve feet to the length of what was then the middle school-house, and also to provide said house with a good chimney. It is doubtful whether that vote was put into effect, as on the 6th day of May, 1748, the town " voted to build a new school- house of twenty-four feet in length and twenty feet wide, upon the town land in the centre of the town, near or upon the spot on which the old school-house stands." This town land, so called, was that upon which the town erected a meeting-house some time between the years 1710 and 1715. It lies just within the most northern limits of Fall River. Jan. 17, 1750. — "Voted, that Joseph Brightman, Jr., should take care to mend that school-house at y e south end of s d town upon y e town charge, and bring in his account for allowance at our next March meeting." Jan. 7, 1755. — " The town voted to dismiss the former com- mittee that were chose to build the middle school- house, and then made choice of Nathan Simmons to finish s d house." This vote of the town, although not complimentary to the committee, could not justly be characterized as hasty, for nearly seven years had passed since the town voted to build the house, and the work in charge of that committee still remained incomplete, and the prospect probably was that, after being forgiven for their delay seven times, they would need to be for seventy and seven. " March 15, 1762. — Agreed with Capt. Elisha Parker to build a school- house in New Freetown, 18 feet long and 14 feet wide, in the most con- venient part of 8 d town, for 21 pounds 6 shillings lawful money, to be completed by the 1st of Oct. next ; the aforesaid house to be shingled, y e Ruff and sides, and seated within, and a brick chimney." "Agreed that they shall have },* part of the school for the future." That school-house was probably located at or near what is now known as Mason's Corner. Freetown at that date embraced what in 1803 became Fall River, and from the vote passed March 15, 1762, it may be quite reasonably inferred that the inhabitants of East or New Freetown then equaled only one-eighth part of the entire population of the town. "April 18, 1708. — Voted, that the selectmen supply the town with a grammar schoolmaster as soon as may be. " March 20, 1709.— The town voted William Palmer £24 15s. and 10 pence, for 7 months keeping school; also paid schoolmaster Brown for keeping school one month £1 10«. ; schoolmaster Crocker, for keeping school three months, 5 pounds 8 shillings." Most of this labor in teaching school had doubt- less been performed in 1768, as in November, 1769, the town made choice of " an agent to answer a pre- sentment of the grand jury vs. s d town, because they were destitute of a schoolmaster, as the law directs." " Aug. 29, 1770. — Voted, to James Tisdale, for keeping school twelve weeks in New Freetown, three months and a half in y« middle of the old part of the town, and six mouths at Assonet, the sum of 24 pounds 11 shillings." "Jan. 0, 1772. — Voted, that Mr. Shadrach Winslow shall be the town's grammar schoolmaster for two months at 40 shillings per month, and shillings per week for his board." Shadrach Winslow was a son of Lieut.-Col. James Winslow, of Freetown, and wife, Charity Hodges, and born Dec. 17, 1750. He was a graduate of Yale College, studied medicine, and settled for practice in Foxborough. The town, on the 17th day of May, 1773, voted to build a school-house at Assonet village, and locate it upon the spot occupied by the school-house erected in 1746, that had then, probably, recently been burned. "Voted, to build y e s' 1 house of y° same bigness of y e middle school- house in s d town. "Voted, that Capt. George Chase shall provide timber and stuff suit- able to build y e s d house, and to build it at as low an expense as he pos- sibly can. " Chose Joshua Howard Brett the town's schoolmaster, and voted to release him from town-rate." That school-house remained in the possession of the town until Aug. 7, 1809, when disposed of at pub- lic auction for the sum of forty dollars. Joshua Howard Brett, the town's schoolmaster, was a son of the Rev. Silas Brett, and born June 29, 1751, united in marriage with Annie Dunbar, of Easton, April 4, 1782. He studied medicine, and for a time practiced in Freetown. He was an assessor at Freetown two years, and on the 18th of May, 1782, elected as rep- resentative to the General Court. July 3, 1781. "Voted, the upper school-house at Assonet be a work- house to put the poor in, and Capt. George Chase chose to be overseer." The bills that year paid for the support of the poor appear to have amounted to the sum of four hundred and sixteen dollars. "March 18, 1782. Voted, that the poor of Freetown that are upon the town should be put into the school-house near Assonet bridge, except the Widow Davis' family." "August, 1784. Voted, to reconsider that vote about the school-houne for the poor. Then voted to put the poor out to the lowest bidder." Dec. 9, 1791. The town of Freetown was divided into seven school districts, when it was decided that the size of each school-house built or to be built, together with the number of families in each district, should be as follows: District. House. Families. No. 1 24 by 20 47 No. 2 24 by 20 52 No. 3 24 by 20 50 No. 4 25^by20K 58 No 5 22 bv 18 40 No. 6 22 by 18 40 No. 7 21 by 17 38 Districts Nos. 1 and 7 were in what afterwards be- came Fall River; District No. 4 at Assonet; District No. 5 included Slab Bridge, Quanapang, and the 300 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Backside, leaving the family of Ashley at option to send to which district he pleases ; District No. 6 to include all the inhabitants to ye eastward of Bolton's cedar swamp, and also to include ye family of Ben- jamin Westcoat, Mr. Rounseville, Levi Rounseville, Thomas Rounseville, and Philip Rounseville. " Abraham Ashley, Joshua Lawrence, Edward Chase, are a committee to conduct ye matter respecting building a school-house in ye district to which they belong." It was at the same time agreed that schools should be kept as follows : "In District No. 1, 1 month and 3 weeks. it t< tt 9 -i K tt o it it Cl 4920 " " 6, " " 8, 54.55 " Benjamin Weaver, " Job Morton, " Committee. "Eben'r Peirce, Town Clerk." " The committee appointed to revise the school districts in the town of Freetown and report how much money each district shall receive yearly, in lieu of the time heretofore allowed them, having attended the service assigned them, offer the following report: " That from and after the close of the present year, 1805, each district shall receive yearly as follows: South District, now No. 1, 58 families, $103.84 Late Assonet West, " 2, 36 " 64.62 " " East, " 3,32 " 59.15 " No. 9, now " 4, 15 " 27.96 " " 10, " " 5, 28 " 49.43 " " 5, •' " 6,33 " 51.33 " " 8, " " 7,20 " 31.00 " " 6, " " 8, 45 " 70.58 "Oct. 19, 1805. " Benjamin Weaver, " Charles Strange, " Job Morton, " Committee. " Eben'r Peirce, Town Clerk." " May 5, 1806. Voted, that the one half only of the monies heretofore appropriated for the use and support of public schools the last year be devoted to that use the present year. " William Pratt, Town Clerk." " Nov. 3, 1806. Voted, that Cols. Benjamin Weaver, Nathaniel Morton, Esq., and Capt. Charles Strange be and they hereby are appointed a committee to inquire into the situation of the old school-house lot, in order to ascertain by what title said town holds the same; whether they have a right to alienate said lot; if so, for said committee to de- termine on what conditions the said lot and school-house can be dis- posed of." "Aug. 7, 1809. The school-house and lot was now exposed to sale by the selectmen pursuant to order of the town at a former meeting, and struck off to Richard Clarke, who, being the highest bidder, for the consideration of three hundred and ninety dollars, the town to give a deed and take security payable ou the 20th day of May next, till which time said town to improve said house at their own risk, calculated and valued by mutual agreement at forty dollars. " William Pratt, Town Clerk." This lot of land was the same that the town pur- chased of Ephraim Tisdale in 1746, and whereon he built that year for the town a school-house that tra- dition saith was destroyed by fire some twenty-seven years later. Capt. George Chase as an agent of the town erected another school-house upon the spot in or near the year 1773, which school-house, together with the lot, was disposed of by the town at public auction Aug. 7, 1809. In 1809 the town voted to raise and appropriate four hundred and fifty-seven dollars and ninety-one cents for the support of public school, and this was repeated in 1810. "April 19, 1814. Voted, that Capt. J. Strange, Maj. Joseph Weaver, Capt. Benjamin H. Lawton, Mr. Edmund Peirce, Capt. Lynde Hatha- way, Job Morton, Esq., Deacon Abraham Ashley, and Mr. Josiah De Maranville be a committee to divide, sub-divide, and revise the school districts, as, on a review of the same, shall be found indispensable." " Mr. Hercules Cushmau, Maj. Joseph Weaver, aud Robert Strobridge were chosen a committee for examining schoolmasters and visiting FREETOWN. 301 (( ct CC l( (( (c schools in the old part of the town. Job Morton, Esq., William Rounse- ville, Esq., and Malachi White for New Freetown. "William Pkatt, Town Clerk." Mr. Hercules Cushman was a lawyer then recently come to practice in town, and representative for several years to the General Court. In 1821 he was made col- onel of a regiment, and in 1822 elected a member of the Governor's Council. Maj. Joseph Weaver was a son of Col. Benjamin Weaver and wife, Amy Brownell. He was commissioned captain in 1811, promoted to major in 1812, and died in December, 1814. Robert Stro- bridge was elected four times to the General Court, and he was postmaster at Assonet village from 1817 until his death, July 28, 1822. Job Morton, Esq., was elected to the General Court eleven years, and William Rounseville, Esq., elected to the same posi- tion ten years in succession. A committee appointed to regulate the school districts in Freetown, on the 1st day of January, 1820, reported as follows : " District No. 1 and 2, 40 families, entitled to $53.98 tt it o 09 « " » 8, seven years; Lieut. William Ennis, March 23, 1795, five years; Ben- jamin Porter, Jr., April 7, ISO , one year; Ebenezer Peirce, April 6, 1801, one year; Capt. Job Pierce, Jr., April 5, 1802, one year; Eben- ezer Peirce, April 4, 1803, three years ; Lieut. William Pratt, April 7, 1806, eighteen years; Dr. Thomas Bump, April 5, 1824, two years ; James Taylor, April 3, 1826, one year; John T. Lawton, April 2, 1827, two years; Ephraim Atwood, April 6, 1829, three years; Dr. Thomas Bump, March 5, 1832, three years; Col. Ephraim Winslow, March 2, 1835, two years; Alden Hathaway, Jr., March 6, 1837, three years; Davis J. Barrows, March 2, 1840, two years; Joseph B. Weaver, Esq., March 7, 1842, seven years ; Dr. Thomas G. Nichols, Nov. 7, 1848, ten years; S. T. Richmond, March 14, 1859, four years; George W. Hall, March, 1863, one year; D. C. II. Hathaway, March, 1864, two years; Humphrey A. Francis, March, 1875, four years; Palo Alto Peirce, Esq., March 31, 1879. TOWN TREASURE BS. Lieut. Samuel Gardiner, May 12, 1690; Lieut. Josiah Winslow, March 28,1704; Lieut. Thomas Terry, March 17, 1713, seven years; Wil- liam Winslow, March 29, 1720, eight years ; George Winslow, March 4, 1728, twenty-one years; Philip Hathaway, March 20, 1749, three years; George Chase, October, 1752, two years; John Winslow, 304 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. March 18, 1754, one year; Lieut. James Winslow, Nov. 10, 1755; Nathan Simmons, March 21, 1763, five years; William Winslow, March 21, 1768, four years ; Lieut. Jonathan Reed, March 2, 1772, eightyears; George Winslow, July 10, 1780, one year; Lieut. Jona- than Reed, March, 1781, two years ; George Brightman, Esq., Marcli, 1783, two years ; Lieut. Philip Hathaway, Jr., March, 1785, one year; Ambrose Barnaby, March 20, 1786, two years ; Col. Benjamin Weaver, April 7, 1788, two years; Darius Chase, April 1, 1793, one year; Lieut. William Ennis, April 7, 1800, one year ; Col. Benjamin Weaver, April 6, 1801, eighteen years : Robert Porter, April 5, 1819, four years ; Lieut. Philip P. Hathaway, April 7, 1823, one year ; George Pickens, April 5, 1824, two years; Joseph Durfee, Jr., April 3, 1826, four years; Elnathan P. Hathaway, April 5, 1830, one year; Joseph B. Weaver, April 4, 1831, three years ; Guilford H. Hathaway, March 3, 1834, four years ; Capt. Sylvanus Payne, March 5, 1838, four years ; Benjamin Burt, Jr., Sept. 24, 1842, two years ; William Pratt (2d), March 5, 1844, one year ; Maj. Ebenezer W. Peirce, March 3, 1845, one year; Gideon P. Hathaway, March 9, 1846, one year; Guilford Hathaway, March 15, 1847, fourteen years; John D. Wil- son, March 10, 1861, one year; James Burr, March, 1862, three years ; Guilford Hathaway, March 20, 1865, three years; Dr. Thomas G. Nichols, March 30, 1868, two years; Guilford Hathaway, March, 1870, five years; George W. Hall, March, 1875, two years; Lewis P. Phillips, March, 1877, two years; Nathan W. Davis, March 31, 1879, one year; John W. Pickens, April 5, 1880, two years; Frank A. Barrows, April 10, 1882. Postmasters. — There are two post-offices in Free- town, one at Assonet village, in the old or west part of the town, and the other in the " Furnace village," so called, in East Freetown. The names of postmasters of the office at Assonet and terms of service are as follows : Stephen B. Pickens, 1811-17; Robert Strobridge, 1817-22; George Pick- ens, 18J2-41 ; Guilford H. Hathaway, 1841-45 ; Joshua Shove, 1845- 72; Daniel L. Johnson, 1872-82; Elbert E. Winslow, 1882. East Freetown.— Amos Braley, 1811-16; Abraham Braley, 1816-22; Reuel Washburn, 1852. The office at East Freetown was discontinued in or about 1822, and re-established in 1852. Postmasters Robert Strobridge and Amos Braley died while hold- ing the office. Freetown gentlemen who have been members of the Governor's Council, with dates of election and terms of service : Thomas Durfee, elected 17 , served years ; Hercules Cushman, elected 1826, served one year; Rufus Bacon, elected 1827, served one year. Members of Massachusetts Senate. — Thomas Durfee, elected 17 , served years ; Nathaniel Morton, elected 1804, served five years; Elnathan P. Hathaway, elected 1843, served one year; Philip J. Tripp, elected 1875, served one year. Chairman of County Commissioners. — Job Morton, 1827-28; Rufus Bacon, 1828-30. Clerk of County Courts. — Job Morton, appointed in 1812. Members of Constitutional Convention. — Samuel Barnaby, 1779; Thomas Durfee, Richard Borden, December, 1789; Nathaniel Mor- ton, Earl Tompson, Oct. 16, 1820; Elnathan P. Hathaway, March, 1853. The first convention was called to form a State con- stitution, the second to ratify the Federal constitution, the third and fourth for revising the State constitu- tion. H. Elbridge Tinkham in 1861 tendered his ser- vices to the government, and was appointed acting master's mate Dec. 12, 1861, and was ordered to re- port daily on board United States ship " Ohio" for instruction in gunnery. Feb. 8, 1862, in obedience to orders, reported for duty on board United States gunboat " Kennebec," and joined the West Gulf Squadron, Admiral D. G. Farragut commanding. In 1863 was promoted to acting ensign. While in Farragut's squadron took part in the following en- gagements: Fort Jackson and St. Philip, Baton Rouge, Vicksburg, Port Hudson, and Mobile. At the latter place was wounded by a shell from the rebel ram " Tennessee," and invalided home. In four months reported for duty, and was ordered to the United States steamer "Bat," North Atlantic Squadron, Admiral David D. Porter commanding, and took part in the fight of Wilmington, Cape Fear River ; also acted as convoy to President Lincoln during his trip from Washington to Richmond and back. When the " Bat" was placed out of commission was ordered to the United States gunboat " Seneca" until she was placed out of commission, when he was ordered home on " leave." He was also attached to the United States ship " Constitution," to assist in removing the naval academy to Annapolis, Md. After the war closed he made a two years' cruise with the West India Squadron, Admiral James S. Palmer command- ing, and on his return home was honorably discharged with the thanks of the department, which discharge bears date of May 13, 1867. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. GUILFORD H. HATHAWAY, Guilford H. Hathaway is a lineal descendant on the paternal side from John Hathaway, the descent being as follows : John 1 , John 2 , Jacob 3 , Philip 4 , Philip 5 , Ed- mund 6 , Guilford H. 7 On the maternal side he is de- scended from the same original John Hathaway, through John 2 , Jacob 3 , Meltiah 4 , Rev. Philip 4 , Betsey*, Guilford H. 7 Edmund Hathaway, father of our subject, was born in Freetown, Mass., Sept. 29, 1771, and married Bet- sey, daughter of Rev. Philip and Abiah (Ashley) Hathaway. She was born Oct. 12, 1780, and died Oct. 11, 1873, at the advanced age of ninety-three years. They had twelve children, — six sons and six daughters, — of whom Guilford H. was the fifth child. All of this large family lived to attain their majority, and six of them are living at this writing (1883), the youngest of whom is fifty-eight years old. Edmund Hathaway was in his day the most promi- nent business man of his town. He was largely en- gaged in ship-building; was a merchant and ship- master, and carried on trade with the West Indies. In his varied business enterprises he was quite suc- cessful, and exerted a large influence not only in the town where he resided but beyond its limits. He was one of the original subscribers to the stock of the Fall River Bank, and one of its largest stockholders at the time of his death, which occurred Oct. 5, 1832. ^fW?4£-^? FREETOWN. 305 Guilford H. Hathaway was born in Freetown, May 3, 1808. He was reared amid the diversified business operations carried on by his father, and grew up with some practical knowledge of these various things. He attended the common school, and at sixteen went to Capt. Alden Partridge's Military School at Norwich, Vt., and left when that school was transferred to Middletown, Conn. He had among others lor classmates Governor Thomas H. Seymour, of Connecticut, Lieutenant-Governor Cushman, of Massachusetts, and Gideon Welles, of Connecticut, Secretary of the Navy under President Lincoln. When he was eighteen he began teaching, and taught six consecutive winters, chiefly in Fall River and in his own town. During this time he spent his sum- mers with his father in Freetown. About 1830 he was engaged in merchandising in Freetown, and followed the business some two years, when he retired. He has since been engaged in the same business as his father, — i.e., building vessels, — in company with others. He has owned an interest in a large number of vessels and coasters engaged in the whaling trade and in freighting. In 1836 he became a director in the Fall River (now National) Bank, which position he still retains, being the oldest living director. He was elected president of the Fall River National Bank in 1876, and still holds the office. He is the oldest living member of the Fall River Savings- Bank, Board of Investment, and has been a member since 1847. Mr. Hathaway followed in early life the political faith of his father, being a Jeffersonian Democrat, and casting his first Presidential vote for Gen. Jack- son, whom he much admired. Soon after, however, he united with the Whigs, and so became a Republi- can in 1856. He was collector of taxes for Freetown four years and selectman of the town five years. In Fall River he was an assessor thirteen years and was chairman of the board during that period. He was a member of the General Court in 1837, and county commissioner of Bristol County from 1868 to 1877. He was a member of the Common Council of Fall River in 1864 and 1865, and of the board of aldermen in 1866 and 1867. He married Betsey Wilson, daughter of Edward and Hannah Wilson, Nov. 1, 1832. She was born Oct. 14, 1814, and died in Fall River, April 9, 1865. Their children are (1) Othalia W., (2) Abiah, (3) Edmund, (4) Edward W., (5) Edmund 2d, (6) Emma Florence, (7) Charles G., all deceased save Edmund 2d and Emma Florence. Mr. and Mrs. Hathaway were members of the Unitarian Society of Fall River. Mr. Hathaway was in former days a strong anti- slavery man. He is opposed to all forms of slavery, an earnest advocate of temperance and other reforms, and a believer in universal education. While he is cautious and economical, he is also liberal towards all worthy objects and a friend to the poor. 20 CAPT. WASHINGTON READ. Capt. Washington Read was born in Freetown, Bristol Co., Mass., July 2, 1813. He is the son of John and Rosamond (Hathaway) Read, and grand- son of William Read, who was a farmer, and resided in that part of Freetown which is now Fall River. John Read, father of Capt. Washington, was a sea captain, and most of his life was spent as master of vessels in the merchant service. For an extended ancestral history of the Read family both in this country and in Europe, see biography of Henry C. Read elsewhere in this volume. Capt. Washington Read was one of a family of eleven children, and his father, not being in affluent circumstances, was unable to give to all of his chil- dren a liberal education. Among the number who received but limited advantages in that direction was Washington. His life has chiefly been spent on the waters. At the early age of nine years lie went as cabin-boy on board his father's vessel. At the age of thirteen he commanded a sloop called " Friendship," which plied between Fall River, Newport, and Provi- dence. But it was at the age of fifteen that his life as a sailor began in earnest, He commenced at the lowest round of the ladder, shipping as a sailor before the mast with Capt. Nathaniel Briggs, on the "Ann Maria," plying between Savannah, Ga., and Darien. He continued on this vessel two years, then shipped from Providence, R. I., with Capt, Thomas Andrews on the brig " Abeona," in the West India trade. After two years on this vessel he shipped with the same captain as second mate on brig " Agenoria," engaged in the European trade. He soon became first mate, and at the age of twenty-one he was made master of the brig "Laura," It would be idle to attempt to follow minutely his adventurous and constantly- changing career, but it may be of interest to note a few of the vessels he has at different times com- manded. After the "Laura" he commanded the " New England," in the New York and West India trade. Sept. 20, 1826, he took command of the "Friendship;" Nov. 27, 1827, the " Victory;" June 10, 1835, the schooner "Florida;" Sept. 2, 1835, the brig " Laurel ;" March 27, 1836, he took charge of the "New England ;" July 20, 1838, the " Agenoria." In 1840 he commanded the " Nicholas Brown," and afterwards the bark " AVilliam and James" in the European trade. He then for three years com- manded the "John P. Harward." He then had a ship built at Swansea named for his wife the "Caro- line Read." In this vessel, in 1850, he circumnavi- gated the globe. Starting from New York lie doubled Cape Horn to San Francisco ; thence to Singapore, E. I. ; thence to Calcutta ; then around Cape of Good Hope to London ; from there home to New York. The trip occupied seventeen months. His next vessel was the ship " Pride of the Ocean ;" in her he made one voyage to London, and sold her there to a London house for use in the Crimean war. 306 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Returning to New York he built the " Belle of the Ocean," and for a while employed her as a packet chiefly between Philadelphia and Liverpool. During the war of the American rebellion he sold her to an English house. He then went to Hull, England, and took charge of the ship " Argosa ;" sailed in her to Callao, Peru, thence back to Hamburg, thence to Newport, England, and thence to New York. After a brief intermission he went to Falmouth, England, and again took charge of the " Argosa ;" took her to Nazarre, France, where he superintended the repair- ing of her, then sent her to San Francisco, Cal., and returned to New York. This was Capt. Read's last voyage, and was in 1874. It is worthy of note that in all his extensive and varied experience as commander, he never lost a ves- sel, and always returned in the same ship he went out unless she was sold. He has never grounded or put ashore, although he has frequently lost both spars and sails. He has rescued many survivors from nu- merous wrecks, and has frequently periled his life to save that of others. On one occasion, after he had rescued, during a terrific gale, fifty-two of the crew of the wrecked ship " Sea Nymph" in mid-ocean, and in doing so had encountered great peril, he was called before the lord mayor of London to receive remuner- ation for his brave deed, as the rescued crew were British subjects. He received high commendation from the lord mayor on this occasion, and he would have received a medal or badge of honor, only that he was in command of an American vessel. He has crossed the Atlantic more than seventy-five times, and Mrs. Read has accompanied him thirty-eight times. He has always given such satisfaction to owners and employ- ers that he never was recalled from the command of a vessel, and has frequently been solicited to take a place in marine insurance offices. He has sailed in nearly or quite all the navigable waters of the globe, and has visited all civilized nations, and most of the principal ports of the world. He has owned the great majority of the vessels he has sailed, and established such confidence with the capitalists and prominent business men in the differ- ent parts of the world that his word was good for any amount of money he might need or call for, and he has in his possession to-day letters from Baring- Brothers, the celebrated bankers of London, author- izing him to draw on them for any amount. Upon retiring from the life of mariner, Capt. Read returned home to his native village of Assonet, and the follow- ing year was elected to represent the sixth district of Bristol County in the State Legislature. He has always been Republican in politics. Sept. 13, 1837, he married Caroline Chase, daugh- ter of Cape. Allen and Sarah Chase. She was born Sept. 14, 1815. They have one son, Allen Washing- ton, born May 28, 1839. Mrs. Read is descended from one William Chase, who emigrated from England in 1630, and settled in Yarmouth in 1637. The line of descent is as follows: William (1), Benjamin (2), Walter (3), George (4), Gilbert (5), and Allen (6). Capt. Read has a beautiful home in the picturesque little village of Assonet, and after roaming the wide world over, has followed the example of thousands of other of New England's sons, returned to the home of his childhood to spend the autumn of his days. DR. THOMAS G. NICHOLS. Dr. Thomas G. Nichols, of Freetown, was the youngest son of Capt. John Nichols, of that town, born Nov. 9, 1819. 1 Nurtured in a Christian home, he early manifested a desire for a liberal education, and was fitted for college under the tutelage of Mr. Ben- jamin Crane, A.M., a teacher in Assonet village, and entered Union College in 1839, and graduated in 1843 in the class with Hon. Alexander H. Rice. His scholarship was such as gave him high standing in his class. He studied medicine, graduating at New York Medical College and Jefferson Medical Uni- versity, 1846 and 1847. Returning to his native town, he entered upon the practice of medicine, in which he continued for twelve years, and then relinquished it on account of the exposure incident to the wide cir- cuit which it embraced. It was with much reluctance that he abandoned the profession for which he was so eminently fitted, to embark in other business. In 1862 he became a partner and financial manager in the firm of N. R. Davis & Co., manufacturers of fire- arms, continuing this connection till his death, which occurred Feb. 16, 1883. In his business relations he was widely known as a man of sterling integrity, just and liberal in all his dealings, careful and discrimi- nating in judgment, courteous and considerate of the opinions and interest of his associates. Twenty years devoted to this department of manufacturing, cover- ing the dark and trying season of the great civil war, taxed his physical powers to such a degree as to impair his health, which never was robust. In addition to his manufacturing he was active in the cause of agriculture, and was a prominent member for years of the Central Bristol Society. He early took a deep interest in public affairs, and was for many years prominent on the school board, and, in fact, was foremost in all that pertained to the best in- terest of his town. He was the representative of the Fourth Bristol District in the Legislature in 1858 and 1867, in which capacity his rare discretion was ac- knowledged, and his influence and advice highly re- garded. In early life he disclosed a reverence for the re- ligion of his parents, and for more than thirty years was foremost in sustaining the ordinances of the gos- pel in his native village, and his consistent life was a perpetual illustration of the true Christian. As a 1 For ancestral history, see biography of Walter D. Nichols, of Berk- ley. ^2 FREETOWN. 307 trusted friend he was much consulted, and was often called to settle disputes where lawsuits were threat- ened. In the settlement of estates he was frequently engaged, and the widow and orphan found in him a sympathizing friend. Politically he was a Republican, having cast his first vote for James G. Birney. He was from the first among the active Free-Soilers, and rendered effi- cient service in the early struggle for the overthrow of the slave power. His firmness and stability of character were conspicuous, while courtesy and re- spect for the opinions of others was a part of his nature. His tender regard for those in trouble or dis- tress was early illustrated. While at the medical col- lege his chum was stricken with the smallpox, and being far from home was abandoned by even the so- ciety of which he was a member. Dr. Nichols stood by him, though fully expecting to contract the dis- ease, until death relieved him of his sufferings. In the more sacred and tender relation of domestic life his unsullied character was most happily revealed, while his broad culture and manly character were quickened with that benevolence that was eager in every enterprise promotive of the welfare of the family, the church, and the community where he lived. Hap- pily married in 1852 to Miss Irene Lazell, daughter of Barzillia Crane, of Berkley, their children are Win- slow, Charlotte Crane, Gilbert M., John T., and Hes- ler D., the latter son a member of Harvard College. His only surviving brother is Curtis C. Nichols, treasurer of the Boston Five-Cent Savings-Bank. ALDEN HATHAWAY, Jr. The first American ancestor of Alden Hathaway was John 1 Hathaway, who was one of the first settlers in the town of Taunton, Mass. He came from Eng- land about 1640, and became a landholder in that part of Taunton now Berkley. He was a commis- sioner, land agent, etc., of the Plymouth Colony, and a man of prominence and note in his day. He had a son, John 2 , who came to what is now Freetown, and became a landholder there before the town was in- corporated. This John had children, — Jacob, Thomas, Isaac, Ephraim, John, and a number of daughters. Isaac 3 inherited a part of the homestead of his father, and also the iron forge, which was established by his father. This was the first forge in the town. He was also a mill-owner, and was a man of push, sagacity, and enterprise. He had three sons — Thomas, Nicholas, and Peleg — and five daughters, — Martha, Phebe, Rebeccah, Mehala, and Jarah. Nicholas 4 married Rebecah Merritt, and became a farmer, inheriting a part of the original purchase by his grandfather, John, which was the eighteenth lot of the freemen's purchase. He had four children, — Stephen, Elkanah, Isaac, and Rebecca. She became the wife of Henry Tew. Stephen 5 , when of proper age, learned the carpenter's trade. He married Hope Peirce, of Middleborough, Mass., and resided there till 1786. when he removed to Taunton, where he died in 1819. He represented Taunton in the State Legislature, and was a promi- nent, influential, and honored citizen. He was the guardian of numerous children, and settled many estates, and was always regarded as a man of great probity and virtue. He had a family of thirteen children, — Leonard, Alden, Stephen, Nicholas, Anna (Atwood), Elias (died young), Ebenezer, Frederick, Anson, Hope, Polly (Pierce), Erastus, and one which died in infancy. Alden 6 was born April 9, 1770. He learned car- pentering when a boy, but when he grew up he went to sea and became master of a vessel. When twenty-six years of age he met with the misfortune of losing his vessel at sea, and with it most of his possessions. He then gave up a seafaring life, and returning to his native town he engaged in trade at Assonet village, and became a successful business man, accumulating quite a property for those times. He was a much .respected citizen of the town. He married Mercy Palmer, and had three children who reached maturity, — Gideon P., Anna A. (married Samuel Blake, of Taunton), and Alden. In 1821 he purchased the house formerly owned by his brother Nicholas, who was a physician, and resided there until his death, September, 1861. Alden Hathaway, Jr., was born April 6, 1811. He received a common school education, and upon arriving at proper age he employed his time during several winters in teaching school, and in farming and trading during the summer months. He has been through life a trader and speculator and a suc- cessful business man. He is one of the few honor- able and worthy representatives of one of the most ancient, useful, and respectable families of the town. Among various positions of office and trust he has i been chairman of the board of selectmen and over- seer of the poor, and was member of the board eight years. He was representative to the State Legislature two years (1838-39). He was reared in theDemocratic school of politics, voted that ticket many years, and was elected to the Legislature on the Democratic platform, but he now affiliates with the Republican party. He resides on the homestead of his father in Assonet village, and is passing down the hill of life with the pleasing consciousness that the acts of his long business career will bear the closest scrutiny, and that there is nothing in his past record that does not sustain the honor of the family name. He married Susan Hathaway, daughter of Edmund and Betsey Hathaway, and sister of Guilford H. Hath- away. (See his biography.) To this union there are three living children, one son and two daughters. The son went to California when eighteen year's of age, married there, has three children, and is a suc- cessful business man. Mrs. Hathaway died Aug. 23, 1882. 308 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. A. H. CHACE. Abishai H. Chace was born in Freetown, Dec. 16, 1807. He is a son of Edward and Permelia Chace, and grandson of Edward Chace. Both of these Ed- wards were natives of Freetown, and were men much respected and esteemed in their day. The Chace family is a very ancient one in New England. (For an extended genealogy of the family, see elsewhere in this volume.) The educational advantages afforded boys in the rural districts at the period of Mr. Chace's boyhood were very limited indeed. An attendance of three months during the winter at the district school was the most to be hoped for, and fortunate, indeed, was the lad who could boast of an unbroken attend- ance during even that short term. Mr. Chace was no exception to the general rule, but he read more out of school than most boys, and so managed to secure a pretty fair English education. His first start in busi- ness life was as a farm laborer. After one year spent in this manner, he became clerk in a country store, where he remained three years. He then engaged in farming and lumbering, and this has been his business chiefly through life. In 1869, at the earnest solicita- tion of Mr. Joseph Grinnell, who was then president of the New Bedford and Taunton Railroad, he was induced to come to Braley Station, on that road, and assume the duties of station-agent at that place. In connection with bis duties as agent he also established a store at the same point, and has continued merchan- dising to the present time. He was a Democrat in politics until the election of Franklin Pierce as Presi- dent of the United States. Since that time he has affil- iated with the Republican party. He is a member of the Christian Baptist Church, has been selectman and overseer of the poor, and is now road commissioner. He has always been an earnest advocate of temper- ance, and his own hale, hearty manhood in old age is itself an impressive sermon in favor of total absti- nence. In his younger days he was for many years an ensign in the militia ranks, and afterwards lieu- tenant. Mr. Chace is an example of what may be accom- plished in the quiet walks of life, even under adverse circumstances, by honesty, fidelity of purpose, and industry. He commenced his married life almost literally without a dollar, reared a large family of children, and is to-day in comfortable circumstances. He married Feb. 14, 1828, Lucy Cummings, daugh- ter of George Cummings, of Lakeville. To them were born fourteen children : George, born April 15, 1830 ; Sarah J., born May 22, 1831 ; Albert F., born Nov. 24, 1832 ; Azel, born May 3, 1834 (deceased) ; William C, born Sept. 22, 1835 ; Lucy P., born Oct. 6, 1837 ; Azel (2), born Nov. 20, 1838 ; Seth H., born Nov. 1, 1841 (deceased) ; Ophelia, born April 27, 1843 (deceased); Franklin J., born Sept. 16, 1844; Carlton, born Dec. 15, 1845 (deceased); Arline F., born May 24, 1847 ; John C, born June 25, 1849 ; Ellen C, born May 22, 1851 (deceased). Mr. Chace married for his second wife, March 23, 1853, Mrs. Jane Gibson, of New Bedford, by whom he had four children, — Charles S., born July 18, 1854; Annie D., born Sept. 11, 1856; Carrie E., born Oct. 16, 1858 ; and James S., born Oct. 27, 1863. All of the children by his first wife are married. CHAPTER XXIII. FALL RIVER.i Geographical — Topographical — Original Purchase of 1656 — The Indian Deed — The Pocasset Purchase in lfiSO — Incorporation of Freetown and Tiverton— Disputed Boundaries — Division of Pocasset Purchase — Early Settlers — Col. Benjamin Church — John Borden — The Pioneer Grist-, Saw-, and Fulling-Mill — Early Valuations — Slow Growth of the Settlement — The Village in 1803 — Increased Population — Census of 1810— The First Cotton-Factory— Col. Joseph Durfee— Fall River in 1813— A New Era. Fall River lies in the southwestern part of the county, and is bounded as follows: On the north by Taunton River and Freetown ; on the east by Free- town ; on the south by Westport, Dartmouth, and Rhode Island; and on the west by Mount Hope Bay and Taunton River. This section of territory originally embraced a por- tion of what was known as the " Freeman's Purchase,'' a tract of land which was granted by the Plymouth Colony to a number of freemen July 3, 1656. This tract lay east of Taunton River, four miles in width, and from six to seven in length, bounded on the south by Quequechan, and on the north by Assonet Neck. April 2, 1659, a warrantee deed of this tract was given to Capt. James Cudworth, Josiah Winslow, and others by Ossamequin (Massasoit), Wamsutta, his son, and Tattapanum, wife of Wamsutta, usuall} r called Weeta- moe. This deed was signed by Wamsutta and Tatta- panum, in presence of Thomas Cooke, Jonathan Bridg, and John Sassamon, and July 9, 1859, was acknowl- edged by " Wamsutta and Squaw Pattapanum" before Josiah Winslow and William Bradford, assistants. Ossamequin never signed the deed. The consideration for this purchase was " twenty coats, two rugs, two iron pots, two kettles and one little kettle, eight pairs of shoes, six pairs of stock- ings, one dozen hoes, one dozen hatchets, two yards of broadcloth, and a debt satisfied to John Barnes, which was due from Wamsutta to John Barnes." This grant was incorporated in 1683 as Freetown. " The first settlers," says the late Rev. Orin Fowler, " were principally from Plymouth, Marshfield, and Scituate. Some were from Taunton, and a few from Rhode Island. The early names were Cudworth, Winslow, Morton, Read, Hathaway, Durfee, Terry, 1 For much of the earlier history of Fall River, before it became a separate town, including original owners of lots, names of Revolution- ary soldiers, early record history, etc., see history of Freetown elsewhere in this work. c/fmh*L w7s/?^+_ FALL RIVER. 309 Borden, Brightman, Chase, and Davis. The purchase was divided into twenty-six shares, and the shares were set off* — whether hy lot or otherwise does not appear — to the several purchasers. After the division into shares was made, there was a piece of land be- tween the first lot or share and Tiverton bounds, which in 1702 it was voted by the proprietors be sold ' to procure a piece of land near the centre of the town for a burying-place, a training-field, or any other public use the town shall see cause to improve it for.' Accordingly this piece of land was sold to John Bor- den, of Portsmouth, R. I., the highest bidder, for nine pounds and eight shillings, and was the territory on which that part of the village south of Bedford Street and north of the stream now stands. This John Borden is believed to be the ancestor of all who sustain his name in this vicinity." The occupation of this tract soon attracted the attention of other enterprising pioneers, and in 1680 a second grant was made to Edward Gray, of Plym- outh ; Nathaniel Thomas, of Marshfield ; Benjamin Church, Daniel Wilcox, and Thomas Manchester, of Puncatest; and Christopher and John Almy and Thomas Waite, of Portsmouth, R. I., of a tract extend- ing south along the bay from the Quequechan to the town of Dartmouth and Seaconnet and inland from four to six miles. This tract was purchased from the Indians for the sum of eleven hundred pounds, and was known as the Pocasset Purchase, and was subse- quently incorporated as the town of Tiverton. For several years after Freetown and Tiverton were incorporated there was a dispute respecting the boun- dary line between the two towns, which was amicably adjusted in 1700 by a committee, consisting of Josiah WinsloWj Robert Durfee, and Henry Brightman, of Freetown, and Richard Borden, Christopher Almy, and Samuel Little, of Tiverton. The division line settled by this committee ex- tended by a cleft rock, over which the store of Reed & Bowen 1 now stands, southwardly to the Fall River, thence the river to be the bound to its mouth, and from the cleft rock easterly about on the line of the present Bedford Street. This continued to be the line between these two ancient towns so long as Tiverton belonged to Massachusetts. In 1740 a dispute arose concerning the boundary line between the colonies of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and a royal commission was appointed to de- termine the true boundary, whose report, in 1746, was confirmed by the king, though appealed from by both colonies. Ex parte lines were run by Rhode Island, which were found incorrect when revised by Massa- chusetts in 1791. "One of the decrees in the king's award mentioned ' a certain point four hundred and forty rods to the southward of the mouth of the Fall River,' from which a line was to be run three miles towards the east, 1 In 1841. forming the northern boundary of that part of Rhode Island. In measuring this four hundred and forty rods the ex parte commissioners of 1746 'measured round a cove or inlet, and followed the sinuosities of the shore' until they reached a point from a quarter to a half mile farther north than if the same distance had been measured in a straight line. From this point they extended the three-mile line, running it through the southern part of the village of Fall River at the old Buttonwood Tree, so called, on Main Street, a little north of the present line of Columbia Street. No definite decision of the question in dispute was reached at the time, and in 1844 another commission was appointed, which in 1848 made a report to their respective Legislatures. " In a matter so seriously affecting the interests of Fall River, it was deemed expedient to appoint a committee, consisting of Rev. Orin Fowler, Dr. Foster Hooper, and Dr. Phineas W. Leland, to petition the Massachusetts Legislature not to allow any settlement of the boundary line less advantageous than that granted by George II. in 1746. This committee claimed, and gave good reasons therefor, that George II. designed that the point from which to run the three-mile line should be four hundred and forty rods in a divert line from the mouth of the Fall River. They showed that in making these measurements as they had ' the Rhode Island commissioners added to their State a thickly-settled territory with about fif- teen hundred inhabitants, and a taxable property valued at nearly half a million dollars, when, if the measurements had been made in straight lines, not only would the design of George II. and his commis- sioners have been carried out, but Fall River would have been brought within the bounds of one State, with no danger of its thickly-settled territory being again placed under a divided jurisdiction.' In con- sequence of these representations the Massachusetts Legislature refused to ratify the decision of the com- missioners of 1848, and by agreement of the two States the question was referred to the United States Supreme Court. " In 1860 the Supreme Court appointed engineers, with instructions to measure and mark a described line which should be the true boundary between the two States, the decree to take effect in March, 1862. The full claim of neither State was granted, but such a boundary fixed as to give an undivided jurisdiction to densely-populated districts without infringing on the rights of any. By this change of boundary Massachusetts acquired a territory comprising about eleven square miles. Of this about nine square miles, with a population of nearly three thousand six hun- dred, and a taxable property of some two million dol- lars, were embraced within the limits of the city of Fall River." " The Pocasset Purchase," says Rev. Orin Fowler, i in 1841 (after reserving thirty rods wide adjacent to i the Freeman's Purchase and the river and some other 310 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. small tracts), was divided into thirty shares and dis- tributed among the proprietors, the lot nearest the river being numbered one. This piece of land, in- cluding the water-power on the south side of the river to (the present) Main Street, and on both sides east of said street to Watuppa Pond, contain- ing sixty-six acres of land, was also divided into thirty shares and sold to the original purchasers. Col. Church and his brother Caleb, of Watertown (who was a millwright), bought twenty-six and a half of the thirty sbares, and thereby became the chief owners of the water-power. On the 8th of August, 1691, Caleb Church sold his right in this property (thirteen and a half shares) to his brother Benjamin, who then became the owner of twenty-six and a half shares. Probably John Borden purchased the other three and a half shares. In 1703, Col. Church had moved to Fall River and improved the water-power by erecting a saw-mill, grist-mill, and fulling-mill. His dwelling-house stood between the present resi- dence of Col. Richard Borden and that of his brother Jefferson, and remained till within forty years. He continued at Fall River but a few years, and, Sept. 18, 1714, sold the above-named twenty-six and a half shares to Richard Borden, of Tiverton, and Joseph Borden, of Freetown, sons of John ; and thus the lands on both sides of the river, with all the water- power, came into the possession of the Borden family, John Borden having previously purchased that on the north side, west of Main Street." Caleb Church sold his interest for one hundred pounds. At this rate the whole sixty-six acres was val- ued, in 1691, at about seven hundred and forty dollars. The piece on the north side cost John Borden about thirty-one dollars and thirty-four cents ; total, seven hundred and seventy-one dollars and thirty-four cents. This included the whole of the water-power and most of the land where the village now stands, together with a strip east to Watuppa Pond. Twenty- six and a half shares of the above sixty-six acres were sold by Col. Church in 1714 for one thousand pounds. The Village in 1803.— The embryo settlement thus founded by Col. Church and John Borden was, however, of slow growth. Although Col. Church had erected a saw-, grist-, and fulling-mill 1 on the stream, and was doubtless an enterprising man of that day, still there seemed to be nothing of particular advan- tage to attract the settler, and as late as 1803, one hundred years later, we find the village numbering only eighteen dwellings and about one hundred in- habitants. "In North Main Street," says Rev. Orin Fowler, " there were six houses occupied by Charles Durfee, Daniel Buffington, John Luther, Abner Davol, John Cook, and Mary Borden. In East Central Street there were four occupied by Nathan Bowen, Perry Borden, 1 This mill stood on the south side of the stream near the south end of the present granite block. Seth Borden, and Elihu Cook. In West Central Street there were two occupied by Nathan Borden and Daniel Borden. In South Main Street there were five occupied by Simeon Borden, Richard Borden, Thomas Borden, Benjamin Brayton, and Francis Brayton. Near the shore there was one occupied by Thomas Borden. Of these eighteen families nine were Bordens." From this period, however, as the natural advan- tages of the place began to be appreciated the growth of the settlement was more rapid, and in 1810 the population of the town numbered twelve hundred and ninety-six. And among this number was one par- ticularly enterprising spirit who did much to advance the interest of the town at that period, and became the pioneer in cotton manufacturing in Fall River, Col. Joseph Durfee. This pioneer mill of Col. Dur- fee's was a small affair, erected in 1811 at Globe vil- lage. Fall River in 1813.— Henry H. Earl, Esq., in his excellent work published in 1877, entitled " Fall River and its Industries," in speaking of the town in 1813, says, — "The resident community of Fall River, or Troy, as it was then called, was located about what is now the centre of the city, the main street following the line of the present principal thoroughfare northward, and another considerable street trending eastward to the lake. The greater part of the residences were in these two avenues. Within a territory approximating to one and a half miles square, which would be desig- nated at that day the village, were about thirty dwell- ing-houses, three saw-mills, four grist-mills, one full- ing-mill, a blacksmithv with trip-hammer, and several small stores. The population was estimated at three hundred. " One small, three-masted vessel, which had been engaged in foreign trade, but was, for a short period after the war, hauled up in the creek where the ' Old Depot' was afterwards located, and a few small sloops carrying cord-wood to Newport and Bristol, consti- tuted the local shipping interest. There was no regu- lar conveyance to Providence, and what freight was transferred between the two places went by craft ply- ing between Providence and Taunton, which, in de- fault of wharfage convenience at the Falls, stopped at the ferry two miles up the river, where all the cotton and merchandise was lauded for some years. The first craft regularly sailing to Providence was a small schooner, or two-masted lighter, large enough to load ten bales of cotton and a small additional cargo of flour and miscellaneous goods. This was succeeded by the sloop ' Fall River,' of thirty or forty tons ca- pacity, and that again by the sloop ' Argonaut,' and another craft whose name is forgotten, which sus- tained the communication till the steamer ' Hancock' was put on. " The religious and educational structures of the village were far from suggestive of the present num- FALL RIVER. 311 ber, convenience, or architectural beauty. ' In 1813,' says our chronicle, ' there was one poor old dilapi- dated wooden meeting-house, neither plastered nor lathed, which stood upon the line dividing the States, occupied occasionally. The regular place of worship on the Sabbath was at the Narrows, about two miles east. There was one, and only one, good school- house in the village, which stood on the corner of Annawan and South Main Streets.' The residences were of the usual simple and plain construction adopted in early New England communities, the most pretentious one being erected by Charles Durfee in 1S11, and standing until 1857, when it was burned down. The richest resident from 1813 to 1824 was estimated worth forty thousand dollars, ' and there were but a small number of this class.' The entire valuation for some years did not exceed five hundred thousand dollars, and the total taxation in 1813 was fifteen hundred dollars." The location as a manufacturing centre now began to attract the attention of leading men in this and adjoining towns, and the year 1813 witnessed the organization of the Fall River Manufactory and Troy Mills, and from that time to the present, the growth of the city as a manufacturing centre has been almost phenomenal. CHAPTER XXIV. FALL RIVER.— (Continued.) WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. Reminiscences of Col. Joseph Durfee — Early Incidents — 1777 — Fall River exposed to the British — Organization of a Guard of Safety — The British approach the Town by Boats — Fired upon by the Guard at the Bay — Retreat of the Guard — Pursuit by the Enemy — Battle near the Bridge 1 — The Enemy defeated — Burningof Buildings by the British — Capture of Richard Borden — Retreat of the Enemy. The following reminiscences of Col. Joseph Dur- fee, written in 1834, is an invaluable contribution to the pioneer Eevolutionary history of the town : " Joseph Durfee was the eldest son of the late Hon. Thomas Durfee. He was born in April, in the year 1750, in what is now the city of Fall River. At that time, and until within a few years, the Fall River stream was owned by the Bordens. Much of what is now in the city, where are elegant buildings and a dense population, was then a wilderness, where the goats lodged in the winter seasons. The Bordens and the Durfees were then the principal proprietors of the Pocasset Purchase, and owners of the land on the south side of what is now Main Street for more than a mile in length. Thomas and Joseph Borden owned the south side of the stream, and Stephen Borden owned the north side. Thomas Borden owned a saw- mill and a grist-mill at that time, standing where the l This battle was fought nearly in front of the location of the present City Hall. old saw- and grist-mills stood near the iron-works establishment. " Thomas Borden left a widow and four children, viz., Richard, Christopher, Rebecca, and Mary. Jo- seph Borden, brother of Thomas, owned a fulling-mill, which stood near where the Pocasset Factory now stands. He was killed by the machinery of his full- ing-mill. He left four children, viz., Abraham, Sam- uel, Patience, and Peace. Patience was my mother. Stephen Borden, who owned the north side of the stream, had a grist-mill and a saw-mill standing near where the woolen establishment has since been erected. He left six children, viz., Stephen, George, Mary. Hannah, Penelope, and Lusannah. " The widow of Joseph Borden was afterwards mar- ried to Benjamin Jenks, by whom she had six chil- dren, — John, Joseph, Hannah, Catherine, Ruth, and Lydia. The widow of Stephen Borden was married to John Bo wen, by whom she had two sons, — Nathan and John. " At that time, and until within a few years, there were but two saw-mills, two grist-mills, and a fulling- mill standing on the Fall River. There are now about forty different mills on the river. The stream was very small ; but the falls were so great that there was little occasion for dams to raise a pond sufficient to carry the wheels then in operation. A small foot- bridge, which stood near where the main street now crosses the stream, afforded the only means of passing from one side to the other of the stream, except by fording it. There was formerly a small dam near where the Troy Factory now stands, over which the water flowed the greater part of the year. When it failed, those who owned the mills near the mouth of the stream hoisted the gates at the upper dam and drew the water down. It was no uncommon thing, twenty-five or thirty years ago, for the water to be so low and the river so narrow at the head of the stream that a person might step across without difficulty. It was frequently not more than six inches deep. At one time there was a foot-bridge of stepping-stones only across the Narrows between the North and South Ponds. " Our country has been involved in three wars since my recollection. The first was with the French and Indians, when we fought for our lives. The French offered a bounty for every scalp which the Indians would bring them. It was therefore certain death to all who fell into the Indians' hands. I distinctly recollect the time when Gen. Wolfe was killed, and of seeing the soldiers on their march to reinforce the army. I saw many men enlist into the service, and among them Joseph Valentine, father of William Valentine, of Providence. I was then about ten years of age. " The second war was with Great Britain, during the greater part of which I was actively engaged in the service of my country. We then fought for our liberty. We were divided into two parties, called 312 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Whigs and Tories, the former the friends of liberty and independence, the latter the enemies of both. Before the Revolution broke out the Whigs were busy in making saltpetre and gunpowder, in making and preparing small-arms, in training and learning the art of war. At this time we of this State were British subjects, and constituted what was then called the Colony of Massachusetts. Conventions were held in the colony to transact the business and consult upon the affairs of the colony. At one of these conven- tions I received a captain's commission, signed by Walter Spooner, Esq., and took the command of a company of minute-men. " British ships, commanded by Wallace, Asque, and Howe, early in the Revolution, were off our coast, in the river and bay, harassing and distressing the towns of Newport, Bristol, and other towns on the river. I was called upon with my company and such others as could be mustered to guard the shores and prevent the British from landing, until the colony could raise a force sufficient to protect the inhab- itants from their depredations. "In 1776, after the battle on Long Island, a rein- forcement was called for to cover the retreat of the American troops. I was ordered to take the com- mand of a company of sixty men and march forth- with to the army then retreating from New York. These orders were promptly obeyed. With the com- pany under my command, I joined the regiment commanded by Col. Thomas Carpenter, and by a forced march we reached the army a few days before the battle at the White Plains. In that engagement I took an active part. " Soon after my return home from the battle at the White Plains, the British landed at Newport, on Rhode Island, and took possession of that town. I was called upon to proceed immediately with my company to assist in covering the retreat of the small forces then commanded by Col. John Cook from the island of Rhode Island. This was effected without loss, though attended with difficulty and delay, as there was no bridge from the island to the mainland. At that time the inhabitants in the south part of Massachusetts and Rhode Island were in a critical situation. They were nearly surrounded with British emissaries. A part of the English squadron lay off our coast, and their troops had possession of the south part of Rhode Island. Both were harassing our towns, destroying property, and making prisoners of the in- habitants. In addition to this, we had Tories at home, enemies in disguise, who were aiding and abetting the British, while they professed friendship for the cause of liberty and for those who were shedding their blood to obtain it. " Early in the spring of 1777, I received a major's commission, and was stationed at Little Compton, in the State of Rhode Island, in the regiment under the command of Col. John Hathaway, of Berkley, Mass. At Little Compton, and in that neighborhood, I con- tinued several months on duty with the regiment, often changing our station to repel the invasions of the enemy and to protect the inhabitants from their frequent depredations. In the fall of 1777, 1 returned home to Fall River. I found the citizens, among whom were my relatives and best friends, exposed and continually harassed by the enemy. I applied to several of the leading and influential men of this place, and proposed raising a guard for the safety and protection of the inhabitants. They coincided with my views, and the necessity of a guard to protect our defenseless inhabitants. I went to Providence to con- sult Gen. Sullivan, who was commander-in-chief of all the forces raised in this section of the country, and to obtain assistance from him. He approved of my plan of raising a guard, and gave me an order for two whale-boats, and an order also for rations for twenty men, drawn upon the commissary, then at Bristol. I soon raised a guard, procured the store now standing at the end of the Iron- Works Company's wharf in this place for a guard-house, where we met every clay, called the roll, and stationed sentinels for the night to watch the movements of the enemy, and give the alarm when approached. The orders of the sentinel were peremptory, — that if a boat was seen approaching in the night, to hail them three times, and if no answer was received, to fire upon them. It was not long before one of the guard, Samuel Reed, discovered boats silently and cautiously approaching the shore from the bay. The challenge was given, but no answer received. He fired upon the boats. This created an alarm, and the whole neighborhood were soon in arms. I stationed the guard behind a stone wall, and kept up a constant fire upon the enemy, until they brought their cannon to bear upon us, and commenced firing grape-shot among us, when, as we were unable to return the compliment, it was deemed advisable to retreat. Two of the guard were sent to remove all the planks which laid over the stream for foot-people to cross upon, and to cut off, as far as possible, every facility for crossing the stream, except the upper bridge. We then retreated slowly until we reached the main road, near where the bridge now crosses the stream. I then gave orders to form and give them battle. This was done, and never were soldiers more brave. So roughly were the enemy handled by our little band of Spartans that they soon beat up a retreat, leaving behind them one dead and another bleeding to death, besides the wounded whom they carried away. " The wounded soldier left by the enemy, before he expired, informed me that the number of the enemy who attacked us was about one hundred and fifty, commanded by Maj. Ayers. When the enemy landed they set fire to the house of Thomas Borden, then nearly new. They next set fire to a grist-mill and a saw-mill belonging to Mr. Borden, standing at the mouth of the Fall River. These buildings I saw when set on fire. When the British troops re- FALL RIVER. 313 treated, as they were compelled to do from the shots of our little band of volunteers, they set fire to the house and other buildings of Richard Borden, then an aged man, and took him prisoner. We pursued them so closely in their retreat that we were enabled to save the buildings which they had last fired. The British were frequently fired upon, and not a little annoyed by the musketry of our soldiers as they passed down the bay in their boats on their retreat. Mr. Richard Borden, whom they took prisoner, was in one of their boats. Finding themselves closely pursued by a few American soldiers, who from the shore poured in their shot and balls upon them as fast as they could load and fire, and finding them- selves in danger from the musketry of these few brave Whigs who pursued them, they ordered Mr. Borden, their prisoner, to stand up in the boat, hoping that his comrades on the shore would recognize him, and desist from firing upon them. But this he refused to do, and threw himself flat into the bottom of the boat. While lying there a shot from the Americans on shore killed one of the British soldiers standing by his side in the boat. Mr. Borden was obsti- nately silent to all the questions which were asked him, so that not being able to make any profitable use of him they dismissed him in a few days on parole. This engagement took place of a Sabbath morning, on the 25th of May, 1778. The two British soldiers killed in this engagement were buried at twelve o'clock on the same day of the battle, near where the south end of the Massasoit Factory now stands. " During a considerable part of the month of Au- gust following we were busily engaged in procuring arms, ammunition, and provisions for the soldiers, and in building flat-bottomed boats and scows for the troops to cross over the river on to Rhode Island, with a view to dislodge the British army who then had possession of the island. A barn, now standing near the stone bridge, was occupied for a commissary store, of which I had the charge until things were in readiness and the troops prepared to cross over to the island, when I left the'* store in charge of my friend and relative, Walter Chaloner. " In the forepart of August, 1778, the American troops embarked in the boats and scows prepared for them and landed on Rhode Island, where I joined them, having been appointed a major in Col. Whit- ney's regiment. Our troops were then marched to a spot but a short distance to the north of what is called Butts' Hill, where they encamped for the night, with but the canopy of heaven for a covering and the ground for our beds. But we were animated with the hope of liberty, with a belief that we were engaged in a righteous cause, and that He who sways the sceptre of the universe would prosper our under- taking. At this time we were anxiously looking for the French fleet, from which we hoped for as- sistance against the enemy, whose numerous bodies of troops were before us. Soon the French fleet hove in sight, when the British set fire to the shipping in the harbor and blew up most of the vessels within their reach. Not long after the French fleet came up, the British fleet appeared in the offing. Imme- diately the French fleet tacked about, went out and attacked the British squadron, when broadsides were exchanged and a bloody battle ensued. A tremen- dous storm came on, long remembered as the August storm, in which the two fleets were separated, and many who had escaped the cannon's mouth found a watery grave. The French fleet, or so much of it as survived the storm, went into Boston to repair, and the remnant of the British fleet went into New York. " Soon after this storm our troops marched in three divisions towards Newport, — one on the East road so called, one on the West road, and the brigade com- manded by Gen. Titcomb moved in the centre, — until we came in sight of Newport, when orders were given to halt, erect a marquee, and pitch our tents. General orders were issued for a detachment from the army of three thousand men, our number being too small to risk a general engagement with the great body of British troops then quartered on the south end of the island. Early on the next morning a de- tachment of troops, of which I was one, was ordered to proceed forthwith and take possession of what was called Hunneman's Hill. " The morning was foggy, and enabled us to advance some distance unobserved by the enemy, but the fog clearing away before we reached the hill, we were discovered by the British and Tory troops, who com- menced such a heavy cannonade upon us that it was deemed expedient by the commanding officers, to pre- vent the destruction of many of our brave troops, that we should fall back and advance under the cover of night. Accordingly, when night came, we marched to the hill undiscovered by the enemy. We imme- diately commenced throwing up a breastwork and building a fort. When daylight appeared we had two cannon mounted, — one twenty-four pounder and one eighteen, — and with our breastwork we had com- pleted a covered way, to pass and repass without being seen by the enemy. The British had a small fort or redoubt directly under the muzzles of our cannon, with which we saluted them, and poured in shot so thick upon them that they were compelled to beat up a retreat. But they returned again at night to repair their fort, when they commenced throwing bombshells into our fort, which, however, did but little damage. I saw several of them flying over our heads, and one, bursting in the air, a fragment fell upon the shoulder of a soldier and killed him. " At this time we were anxiously waiting the return of the French fleet from Boston, where they had gone to repair. But learning that they could not then re- turn, and knowing the situation of the British troops, that they were enlarging and strengthening their forts 314 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. and redoubts, and that they had reinforcements arriv- ing daily from New York, it was deemed expedient by our commanding officers, Lafayette, Greene, and Sulli- van, all experienced and brave generals, that we should retreat to the north end of the island. "Accordingly, on the 29th day of August, early in the morning, we struck our marquee and tents and commenced a retreat. The British troops followed, and soon came up with our rear-guard and com- menced tiring upon them. The shots were briskly returned and continued at intervals, until our troops were joined by a part of our army a short distance to the south of Quaker Hill, so called, when a general engagement ensued, in which many lives were lost on both sides. At night we retreated from the island to Tiverton. On the following day we left Tiverton, crossed over Slade's Ferry, and marched through Pawtucket and Providence to Pawtuxet, where we remained until our term of service expired. "Some time after this I received a lieutenant-col- onel's commission and took the command of a regi- ment to guard the sea-shores, and a part of the time my regiment was stationed at Providence. I soon re- ceived orders from Gen. Gates, who at that time was principal in command, to march with my regiment to Tiverton and join Gen. Cornell's brigade. The war now raged throughout the country. Old and young, parents and children, all, excepting the Tories, were engaged in the common cause of their country, in breaking the shackles of colonial bondage, in obtain- ing her liberty, and achieving her independence. Old England now began to examine the prospects be- fore her. She found, after a bloody contest, what she might and ought to have known before, that her re- bellious colonies, as she was pleased to term them, could be ruled, but not ridden upon, that by mild and liberal measures she might have retained a valu- able part of her kingdom. She discovered her error too late to profit by it. The brave people of her col- onies were resolved to throw off the yoke and them- selves be free. "On the 29th day of October, 1779, the British troops left Ehode Island, and the American troops, under the command of Gens. Gates and Cornell, marched on to the island and took possession of the town of Newport. On the 29th day of December following, my time of service having expired, I returned home to my family. This was the coldest winter known during the last century. The river and bay were frozen over so thick that people with loaded teams passed all the way from Fall River to Newport on the ice. I continued in the service of my country until about the close of the Revolu- tionary war, when I removed from Fall River to Tiverton, in the State of Rhode Island, where I lived about thirty years. During this time I was elected by my fellow-citizens to several offices in town, and was a member of the General Assembly for many vears. " When Thomas Jefferson was elected President of the United States in 1801, and the Democratic fever raged to the highest pitch, I was what was then called a Federalist, and having repeatedly sworn to sujiport the Federal Constitution, could not consent" to turn my coat wrong side out. I was therefore not permitted to hold any office for some time after. But in time this party fever abated, and finally the people united in electing Mr. Monroe, under the general appellation of Federal Republi- cans. Attempts have since been made to alter the Constitution, that noble fabric reared by the Revolu- tionary patriots, and should they succeed it will be, in my estimation, like sewing new cloth to an old garment." CHAPTER XXV. FALL RIVER.— (Continued.) THE MANUFACTURING INTEREST. The Pioneer Cotton Manufacturer in Fall River — Col. Joseph Durfee — The First Mill— The Fall River Manufactory— The Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory— The Pocasset Manufacturing Company — The Aunawan Manufactory — The Metacoraet Manufacturing Company — The American Linen Company — Union Manufacturing Company — The Granite Mills— The Robeson Mills— The Tecumseh Mills— The Durfee Mills — The Davol Mills — The Merchants' Manufacturing Com- pany— The Mechanics' Mills— The Stafford Mills— The Weetamoe Mills — The Slade Mills — The Richard Borden Manufacturing Com- pany — The Wampanoag Mills — The Narragansctt Mills — The King Philip Mills— The Crescent Mills— The Montaup Mills— The Osborn Mills— The Chase Mills— The Flint Mills— The Borden City Mills— The Sagamore Mills — The Shove Mills — The Barnard Manufacturing Company — The Conanicut Mills — The Globe Yarn-Mills — The Bourne Mill — The Laurel Lake Mills — The Barnaby Manufacturing Com- pany — The Fall River Bleachery- — Wamsutta Steam Woolen Mill — The Wyoming Mills — The Massasoit Manufacturing Company — Fall River Merino Company — Fall River Spool and Bobbin Company — The Fall River Iron-Works Company — Fall River Machine Company — Hargiaves Manufacturing Company — The Fall River Gas-Works — The Manufacturers' Gas-Light Company — Watuppa Reservoir Com- pany — American Printing Company — Union Belt Company — Globe Street Railway — The Quequechan Mills —An Old Landmark. The manufacturing of cotton in Fall River dates back to 1811, when Col. Joseph Durfee, in company with a few others, erected a small wooden factory in what is now known as Globe village. This. pioneer establishment was continued until 1829, when it was changed into a print-works, and finally destroyed by fire in 1838. This enterprise was not practically suc- cessful, probably for the lack in the promoters of practical knowledge of the business. Col. Durfee was ! a prominent citizen, and during the Revolutionary war was a zealous patriot, and held the rank of lieu- tenant-colonel in a regiment recruited from this section. The Fall River Manufactory.— The year 1813 ushered in an important era in the history of Fall River. That year witnessed the organization of the first regular cloth manufacturing enterprise on a sub- stantial basis in the town. In the month of March two companies were incorporated, — the Fall River FALL RIVER. 315 Manufactory and the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manu- factory. The Fall River company was organized with a capital of 840,000, its prominent promoters being Daniel Anthony, Dexter Wheeler, and Abraham Bowen, with Anthony as treasurer and agent. Mr. Anthony was a native of Somerset. The mill was erected in 1813, and was sixty by forty-five feet, three stories high, with 1500 spindles. It went into opera- tion in October, 1813, and was the first cotton-spin- ning organization in the village of Fall River. Power weaving was first done in this factory in 1817, the weavers receiving $2.50 per week, and in 1819 the employes numbered about thirty-five. The factory erected in 181J5 was enlarged in 1827, and again in 1839, and was entirely destroyed by fire in 1868. The following year the present factory was erected. It is two hundred and seventy-five feet long, seventy-three feet wide, five stories high. The mill contains 640 looms and 27,080 spindles. The Fall River Manu- factory was incorporated in 1820, with a capital of $150,000, which has been increased to $180,000, its present capital. The present officers of the corporation are as fol- lows : President, John S. Brayton ; Clerk and Treas- urer, Holder B. Durfee ; Directors, John S. Brayton, Christopher Borden, H. B. Durfee, A. S. Covel, and J. M. Morton, Jr. The Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufacturing- Company. — Coincident with the starting of the Fall River Manufactory was that of the Troy Manufac- turing Company. The articles of association upon which this enterprise was inaugurated are dated, as approved, March 8, 1813: "Articles of agreement for the regulation and well-ordering the concerns and proceedings of the subscribers associated for the purpose of building a manufactory of cotton or other goods in the town of Troy, county of Bristol and commonwealth of Massachusetts, with a capital stock of 150,000, divided into one hundred shares, to be paid by instalments. Article First: The company shall be known and called by the name of the Troy Manufacturing Company, etc." The articles, eleven in number, were signed by the following-named per- sons, together subscribing for all the shares, namely: Amey Borden, Clark Chace, Oliver Chace, James Maxwell, Jonathan Brown, William Slade, N. M. Wheaton, Oliver Earl, Eber Slade, Joseph G. Luther, Sheffel Weaver, John Stackford for Charles Wheaton and self, Nathaniel Wheeler, James Driscol, Benja- min Slade, Moses Buffinton, Nathan Slade, Danjel Buffinton, Hezekiah Wilson, Benjamin E. Bennett. Joseph Buffinton, Walter Durfee, Wiliam Read, Rob- inson Buffinton, John Martin, and Benjamin Buffin- ton. Article Second providing for an annual meet- ing, at which were to be chosen a moderator, clerk, and standing committee, consisting of five persons, " whose duty it shall be to transact and do all the busi- ness of the company during the year;" this annual meeting of the stockholders was holden on the 7th i of June, and James Maxwell, Sheffel Weaver, Nathan Wheeler, Benjamin Slade, and Jonathan Brown were chosen standing committee for the ensuing twelve- month. At this meeting it was voted to petition the Legislature for a charter for incorporation. This charter having been issued Feb. 22, 1814, a meeting was holden July 25, 1814, to organize under their act, and the name of the company was changed to the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory. There is also a record of a meeting on the 7th of the same month, at which it was voted to increase the amount of capital $16,000, assessing each share $40, payable quarterly during the ensuing year. The Troy Company's mill was built of stone gath- ered from the neighboring fields, and designed to run two thousand spindles. The building was one hun- dred and eight feet long, thirty-seven feet wide, four stories, and had a low hip roof. It was located at the foot of the fall, near to or directly on the site of an old saw-mill. The date of its commencing operation was about the middle of March, 1814, the building having been finished in the previous September. Oliver Chace was the originator and agent of these mills. In 1821 the Troy Company had erected a small building where the old saw-mill previously referred to stood, which was called the " Little Mill." This addition was nearly ready for occupation when the main building was burned, and was immediately equipped with the few carders and looms rescued from the fire and a small supplement of machinery from the Globe, and put in operation. In 1843 an addition of stone, three stories high and seventy-five by forty-seven feet in proportions on the ground, was made to the original Troy Mill. Ten years later this new part was raised two stories and the building extended eighty feet on the south, all the old wooden erections being removed. In 1860 the original mill of 1823 was removed, and the part known as the New Mill erected on the north reach- ing to Bedford Street, two hundred and ninety-six feet long, seventy feet wide, and five stories high. Oliver Chace remained agent of the Troy until 1822. when he accepted a similar position with the Pocasset Company. The mill contains 961 looms and 38,928 spindles. The present capital is $300,000. The present officers are : President, Jefferson Borden ; Clerk and Treas- urer, Richard B. Borden; Directors, Jeflerson Bor- den, Stephen Da vol, Thomas J. Borden, John S. Brayton, Richard 15. Borden. The Pocasset Manufacturing- Company was or- ganized in 1821, with a paid in capital of $100,000, with Samuel Rodman as president and principal owner. The original stockholders were eight in number, namely, Samuel Rodman, Abraham Bowen, Oliver Chace, Clark Chace, William Slade, Nathaniel B. Borden, Nathaniel Wheeler, and Edward Bennett. Oliver Chace became the first agent. The first build- 316 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. ing erected was that known as the " Bridge Mill." It was forty by one hundred feet, three stories high. This was destroyed in the fire of 1843. The Pocasset Company seemed to have made it a point to encourage smaller manufacturers, and to this end erected buildings successively for some ten or fifteen years, which were leased to other parties. A small building to the west of the ell of the old " Bridge Mill" was occupied by Job Eddy, of New Bedford, and subsequently by Edward and Oliver S. Hawes and others for printing calicoes in a small way, but this was of short continuance. In the fall of 1824, Andrew Robeson, of New Bed- ford, came to Fall River to establish a calico-printing business, and made arrangements with the Pocasset Company to occupy a part of the building erected in 1825, and known as the Satinet Factory. The capital ($50,000) for this enterprise was generally subscribed in New Bedford. The south half of this building was occupied by J. & J. Eddy for the manufacture of woolen goods (whence the name "Satinet"), and con- tinued to be so used by them till the erection of the Wamsutta Steam Woolen-Mill, on " Mosquito Island," in 1849. In 1826 a stone building, on the site of the present Quequechan Mill, known in those days as the " New Pocasset," was erected and leased to A. & J. Shove, who sub-leased the north half to Chase & Luther, both firms engaging in the manufacture of cotton into yarn and cloth. The succeeding year still another stone building was put up, which was after- wards known as the "Massasoit," and now as the " Watuppa Mill." It was a building so large that it was considered no one firm would want to occupy the whole of it, hence a partition-wall was run from the foundation to the roof, and two wheel-pits put in. January, 1831, Holden Borden leased the whole mill and proceeded with a master hand to develop the manufacturing business. The mill was furnished with nine thousand spindles, and was from the begin- ning successful. This enterprise of Holden Borden gave character to the business and definitely settled the future of Fall River as a manufacturing centre. From that time onward the growth of Fall River as a cotton manufacturing city has been almost phenom- enal. The old Quequechan Mill, which commenced opera- tions in 1826, and was owned by the company, has been taken down and mills No. 2 on Pocasset Street and No. 3 on Central Street built. The company now run 56,112 spindles and 1385 looms on sheeting, shirt- ing, drilling, duck, and print cloths ; employ 730 hands. Capital, $1,161,000. President, Samuel W. Rodman, Boston ; Clerk and Treasurer, Bradford D. Davol, Fall River; Directors, Samuel W. Rodman, Stephen Davol, F. M. Weld, B. R. Weld, Horatio Hathaway, Thomas R. Rodman, Alfred Rodman. The Annawan Manufactory was incorporated Feb. 8, 1825, with a capital of $160,000. One of the lower water privileges on the Fall River stream was purchased of the Fall River Iron- Works Company, and a brick mill, with finished stone in the lower stories, immediately erected under the supervision of Maj. Bradford Durfee. He was also the agent of the mill. Thirteen persons took all the stock, as follows: Abra- ham and Isaac Wilkinson, four shares ; Bradford Durfee, two; William Valentine, two; Joseph Butler, two; Richard Borden, two; Holden Borden, four; Benjamin Rodman, eight; Francis Rotch, one ; Wil- liam B. Rotch, one; Thomas Swain, one; William Swain, one; Charles W. Morgan, two. Of this capi- tal one hundred thousand dollars was paid in. The Annawan contains 192 looms and 10,016 spindles. Capital, $160,000. The present officers are as follows : President, Jefferson Borden ; Clerk, Rich- ard B. Borden ; Treasurer, Thomas S. Borden ; Direc- tors, Jefferson Borden, R. B. Borden, A. S. Covel, John S. Brayton, Thomas S. Borden. The Metacomet Manufacturing Company. — The mill owned by this company was built in 1847 by the Fall River Iron-Works Company, and owned exclu- sively by that corporation, which also owned the Fall River Gas- Works Company, the Fall River and Provi- dence Steamboat Company, and the Fall River Ma- chine Company. These five companies were operated in conjunction until 1880, when a division occurred. The Metacomet Mill contains 25,760 spindles and 592 looms. Capital, $288,000. The present officers are as follows : President, Jefferson Borden ; Clerk and Treasurer, Thomas S. Borden ; Directors, Jefferson Borden, John S. Brayton, R. B. Borden, A. S. Tripp, Robert C. Brown, and David A. Brayton, Jr. The American Linen Company. — The year 1852 witnessed the establishing of a new industry in this city. This was the American Linen Company, organ- ized for manufacturing the finer linen fabrics on a large scale. This corporation owns two mills. No. 1 Mill, 301 feet by 63, four stories high, was erected in 1852. In 1858 the production was changed to cotton print cloths, and the mill was enlarged. No. 2 Mill was built in 1866, 399 feet long, 72 feet wide, and five stories high. These mills contain 1973 looms and 82,452 spindles. Capital, $400,000. Walter Paine (3d) was treasurer and agent from its organization to 1879, when he was succeeded by Philip D. Borden. The present officers are as follows : President, Jefferson Borden ; Clerk, Daniel E. Chace; Treasurer, Philip D. Borden ; Superintendent, James P. Hillard ; Directors, Jefferson Borden, Rich- ard B. Borden, John S. Brayton, A. S. Tripp, Na- thaniel Lindsey, Fall River ; Horace M. Barnes, Bristol ; W. "H. Pearce, Providence. The Union Cotton Manufacturing Company — The Union Mill Company was incorporated Dec. 31, 1859, with a capital of $175,000. The first officers were S. Angier Chace, president; David Anthony, treasurer; Simeon Borden, clerk; and S. A. Chace, David Anthony, Hale Remington, William Mason, Charles O. Shove, and Charles P. Dring, directors. FALL RIVER. 317 This enterprise was successful, and gave an impetus to manufacturing and to the growth of the city in every direction. No. 1 Mill was completed in 1860, and No. 2 in 1865. During the financial troubles in 1879 the property of the Union Mill Company was sold to the creditors and reorganized as the Union Cotton Manufacturing Company. No. 3 Mill was subsequently completed, and the mills now contain 89,608 spindles and 2122 looms. The present capital is $750,000. The present officers are : President, William D. Forbes; Clerk, Joseph F. Knowles; Treasurer, Thomas E. Brayton ; Directors, William D. Forbes, Charles Whitney, Boston ; A. H. Seabury, Thomas B. Wilcox, New Bedford; John B. Anthony, Providence; Theodore Dean, Taunton; F. H. Stafford, Henry C. Lincoln, James M. Morton, Jr., Fall River. The Granite Mills were incorporated March 3, 1863, with William Mason as president, Charles O. Shove treasurer, and William Mason, Lazarus Bor- den, Edmund Chase, Samuel Hathaway, Charles O. Shove, and Charles P. Stickney, first board of direc- tors. The originator of this enterprise was Charles O. Shove, who for several years previously had contem- plated the erection of a cotton-mill.. The original capital was $225,000, which was increased to $400,000 in May, 1864, and to $415,000 the following July, but in 1871 was reduced to $400,000, its present capital. No. 1 Mill, three hundred and twenty-eight feet long, seventy feet wide, five stories high, commenced running in January, 1865, and the first lot of cotton was manufactured at a loss of $60,000. Soon after, however, a rapid change for the better took place, the profits of the corporation were large, and in 1871 No. 2 Mill was erected, three hundred and seventy-eight feet long, seventy-four feet wide, five stories high. The two mills contain 79,000 spindles and 1902 looms. Mr. Charles O. Shove was the active manufacturer and financial manager of these mills until his death in July, 1875, when he was succeeded by his son, Charles M. Shove, who is the present clerk and treas- urer. The present officers of the company are as fol- lows : President, William Mason ; Clerk and Treas- urer, Charles M. Shove; Directors, W. Mason, Ed- mund Chase, John S. Brayton, Iram Smith, John P. Slade, Charles M. Shove, and Frank S. Stevens. The Robeson Mills. — This corporation was organ- ized Dec. 1, 1865, with the following board of direc- tors: Andrew Robeson, Jr., Charles P. Stickney, Samuel Hathaway, William C. Dayol, Jr., Linden Cook, Samuel Casta er, and Josiah Brown. Samuel Hathaway was elected president, and Linden Cook treasurer. The new corporation took the name Robe- son Mills, from Andrew Robeson, Sr., and was incor- porated Feb. 20, 1866. A brick mill, three stories high, with a French roof, two hundred and twenty- two feet long and seventy-six feet wide, was erected during the year 1866, and commenced running in March, 1867. The mill has since been enlarged, and now contains 23,648 spindles and 600 looms. Capital, $260,000. The present officers are: President, Linden Cook ; Clerk and Treasurer, Linden Cook ; Directors, Linden Cook, William R. Robeson, Danforth Horton, Frank S. Stevens, Louis Robeson, E. E. Hathaway, and Samuel Luther. The Tecumseh Mills.— These mills were incor- porated Feb. 8, 1866. Augustus Chace, James W. Hartley, John P. Slade, and their associates were in- corporated as the Tecumseh Mills Company, with a capital of $350,000, in shares of $1000 each. This stock was taken by eighty-nine subscribers. Land was purchased on Hartwell Street, bordering also on the Quequechan River, a short distance above the upper or Troy dam, and immediate steps taken for the erection of a mill of about 20,000 spindles. Au- gustus Chace was elected president, Isaac B. Chace treasurer, and the following board of directors: Au- gustus Chace, James W. Hartley, Louis L. Barnard, Lazarus Borden, Jonathan T. Lincoln, Cook Borden, and Danforth Horton. The mill was completed and running in 1866. In 1873 No. 2 mill was completed. No. 1 mill has 23,472 spindles and 589 looms, and No. 2 has 22,576 spindles and 576 looms. Capital, $500,000. The present officers are as follows : President, Au- gustus Chace; Clerk and Treasurer, Frank H. Dwelly ; Directors, Augustus Chace, Samuel Wad- dington, D. T. Wilcox, John Southworth, S. B. Chase, George E. Hoar, George W. Nowell, Jerome C. Bor- den, and Leontine Lincoln. The Durfee Mills. — This company was organized in 1876 with a capital of $500,000, and named in honor of Maj. Bradford Durfee, whose son was the principal stockholder and original president. This corporation owns three mills. No. 1 was built in 1866, No. 2 in 1871, and No. 3 in 1881. This has the largest capacity of any corporation in the city, having 109,360 spindles and 2734 looms. Capital, $500,000. The present officers are : President, John S. Brayton ; Clerk and Treasurer, David A. Brayton, Jr. ; Directors, John S. Brayton, Hezekiah A. Brayton, and David A. Brayton, Jr. The Davol Mills Company was organized Dec. 1, 1866, and incorporated in 1867, nineteen persons con- tributing the entire capital of $270,000, and named after one of the conspicuous promoters of cotton manufacturing, William C. Davol. A site was se- lected above the dam and on the wot side of the pond, in such proximity to the latter as to assure a convenient supply of pure water for steam purposes. Ground was broken for the foundation April 1, 1867, and on the 11th of March, 1868, the first yard of cloth was woven. This company has two mills, with an aggregate of 30,496 spindles and 768 looms. The company was reorganized in 1880, and has a capital of $400,000. The present officers are : President, Frank S. Stevens ; 318 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Clerk and Treasurer, Charles M. Slade; Directors, William C. Davol, Frank S. Stevens, Jonathan Slade, E. E. Hathaway, W. C. Davol, Jr., Charles R. Batt, William A. Haskell, Daniel Denny, Boston. The Merchants' Manufacturing Company — This company was organized Oct. 24, 1866, with a capital of eight hundred thousand dollars. On the 2d of November following a permanent or- ganization of the company was arranged, W. H. Jen- nings being chosen treasurer and corporation clerk, and James Henry, W. H. Jennings, Augustus Chace, L. L. Barnard, Robert S. Gibbs, Charles H. Dean, Crawford E. Lindsey, Robert K. Remington, and Lafayette Nichols, directors. At a subsequent meet- ing James Henry was chosen president, and Mr. Jennings, clerk. The promoter of this enterprise was Mr. William H. Jennings, a man of great business energy and tact. As illustrative of this fact, it is said that he secured all the capital, $800,000, in the brief period of two days. The mill was erected in 1867, and in February, 1868, the first cloth was made, and in the following fall was in full operation. In 1872 a large addition to the mill was completed, thus making it the largest mill under one roof in Fall River. It contains 90,656 spindles and 2100 looms ; capital, $800,000. The present officers are as follows : President, James Henry ; Clerk and Treasurer, Simeon B. Chase; Directors, James Henry, William H. Jen- nings, Augustus Chace, James M. Osborn, Richard B. Borden, Robert T. Davis, Samuel Wadington, Andrew J. Borden. The Mechanics' Mills.— This corporation was chartered May 25, 1868, and organized on the 1st of the following July with the following officers: Presi- dent and Agent, Thomas J. Borden ; Clerk and Treas- urer, D. H. Dyer; Directors, Thomas J. Borden, Stephen Davol, Lazarus Borden, Job B. French, Southard H. Miller, B. M. C. Durfee, Tillinghast Records, James M. Morton, Jr., and A. D. Easton. The capital stock was fixed at $750,000, divided into 7500 shares of $100 each. The stock was largely distributed among parties of small means, there being in all 328 stockholders, 188 of whom owned from 1 to 10 shares each, and 73 owned from 11 to 25 shares each, making 261 stockholders, no one of whom owned over $2500 of the stock, and aver- aging less than $1000 each. The organization of the Merchants' Manufacturing Company in 1867, with a capital of $800,000 and about 250 stock- holders, and of the Mechanics' Mills in 1868, with a capital of $750,000 and 328 stockholders, were the development of a new feature in the ownership of manufacturing property in Fall River, all previous enterprises of the kind having been associations of parties of considerable wealth, while these two were the result of bringing together in large amounts the funds of parties of very moderate capital. The mills were completed and running in 1869. Thomas J. Borden remained president until 1871, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Stephen Davol. D. H. Dyer was treasurer until 1871, when Thomas J. Borden succeeded, and continued until February, 1876, when George B. Durfee was appointed. He was succeeded in 1879 by Frank S. Stevens, who held the office about two years, when he resigned, and H. N. Durfee, the present treasurer, was appointed. James M. Morton, Jr., the present clerk, was ap- pointed Feb. 3, 1870. These mills have 53,712 spin- dles and 1330 looms. Capital, $750,000. The presentofficers are as follows : President, Stephen Davol ; Clerk, James M. Morton, Jr. ; Treasurer, Horatio N. Durfee; Directors, Stephen Davol, Job B. French, Thomas J. Borden, Tillinghast Records, Southard H. Miller, James M. Morton, Jr., John B. Hathaway, F. S. Stevens, John S. Brayton. The Stafford Mills was organized Dec. 12, 1870, with a capital of $500,000. Foster H. Stafford was elected president and agent, and Shubael P. Lovell clerk and treasurer, with the following board of direc- tors : F. H. Stafford, Samuel Hathaway, Charles P. Stickney,' Robert T. Davis, William C. Davol, Wil- liam L. Slade, Danforth Horton, Edmund Chase, and Weaver Osborn. March 18, 1871, this corporation was dissolved, and the subscribers, twenty-two in number, reorganized under a special charter granted to Charles P. Stick- ney, Samuel Hathaway, Foster H. Stafford, and their associates as the "Stafford Mills," with a capital of $550,000. The persons chosen officers in the first or- ganization were elected to the same positions under the special charter. The company assumed the name of "Stafford Mills," in honor of their president, who was the pro- jector of the enterprise, and whose long experience, untiring devotion to the business, and proved skill and success had justly earned him the confidence and esteem of his associates. The mill was erected in 1872, and now contains 38,800 spindles and 966 looms. Capital, $550,000. The present officers are as follows : President, F. H. Stafford; Clerk and Treasurer, Albert E. Bosworth ; Agent, F. H. Stafford ; Directors, F. H. Stafford, R. T. Davis, Edmund Chase, Danforth Horton, William L. Slade, William Mason, Irani Smith, Frank S. Stevens, and E. E. Hathaway. The Slade Mill was organized May 1, 1871, its principal promoters being William L. and Jonathan Slade, Benjamin Hall, the Dwelly heirs, Frank S. Stevens, John C. Milne, W. and J. M. Osborn, Rich- ard B. and Thomas J. Borden, S. Angier Chace, David A. Brayton, B. M. C. Durfee, and William Valentine. William M. Slade was chosen president, and James M. Osborn treasurer. These mills contain 37,040 spindles and 875 looms. Capital, $550,000. The present officers are as follows: President, William L. Slade ; Clerk and Treasurer, Henry S. Fenner ; Direc- FALL RIVER. 319 tors, William L. Slade, Jerome Dwelly, Frank S. Stevens, Benjamin Hall, Jonathan Slade, John C. Milne, Daniel Wilbur, Henry S. Fenner, George W. Hills. The Weetamoe Mills Company. — The first meet- ing for the organization of this company was held Dec. 29, 1870, and the following directors were chosen : L. L. Barnard, Job B. French, Jonathan I. Hilliard, Josiah C. Blaisdell, William Lindsey, Francis B. Hood, Henry C. Lincoln, E. C. Kilbnrn, and D. H. Dyer. L. L. Barnard was elected president, and D. H. Dyer, treasurer. The act of incorporation is dated Feb. 24, 1871. The number of original subscribers was two hundred and seventy-five. Land for a mill- site was purchased on the banks of Taunton River, near Slade's Ferry, and the new corporation assumed the name of " Weetamoe," after the Queen of the Pocassets, who was drowned near by in crossing the river. Another tract of land, north of Mechanics- ville, was purchased for tenement houses. Work on the mill building was begun in March, 1872, and within ten months the looms were running off cloth. The mill is of brick, three hundred and twenty feet long, seventy-four feet wide, and five stories high, with basement. The first steps in the organization of this company were taken by D. Hartwell Dyer, wdio opened the books for subscriptions, and he also drew the plans for the erection of the mills. The mill contains 34,080 spindles and 860 looms. Capital, $550,000. The present officers are as follows : President, Job B. French; Clerk, John E. Blaisdell; Treasurer, Wil- liam Lindsey; Directors, Job B. French, Elijah C. Kilburn, Josiah C. Blaisdell, Henry C. Lincoln, Wil- liam Lindsey, John P. Slade, William H. Ashley. The Richard Borden Manufacturing Company was organized May 19, 1871, the entire capital of $800,000 being taken by twelve individuals. Thomas J. Borden was elected treasurer and corporation clerk, and Richard Borden, Philip D. Borden, Thomas J. Borden, Richard B. Borden, and A. S. Covel, direc- tors. Richard Borden was chosen president at the second meeting of the board. The mill, which is one of the most perfect struc- tures for manufacturing purposes in the country, was erected and "wound up" under the personal super- vision of Thomas J. Borden, who made the plans of construction and machine equipment. It was started in February, 1873. The present number of spindles are 46,048, with 1080 looms. Its production annually is 14,000,000 yards of print cloth. Col. Richard Borden remained president until his death, in February, 1874, when he was succeeded by his son Richard B. Borden, who continued in the office until 1876, when he succeeded Thomas J. Borden as treasurer, and has officiated in that ca- pacity to the present time. Capital, $800,000. The present officers are as follows: President, Thomas J. Borden ; Clerk and Treasurer, Richard B. Borden ; Directors, Thomas J. Borden, Richard B. Borden, A. S. Covel, Jerome C. Borden, Edward P. Borden, M. C. D. Borden, and Avery Plummer. The Wampanoag Mill Company.— The prelimi- nary meeting for the organization of this company was held May 23, 1871, when Stephen Davol, J. I). Flint, William H. Jennings, L. S. Earl, Walter C. Durfee, and R. T. Davis combined for the purpose of projecting a new corporation. On the 31st of the same month, the capital of $400,000 having been sub- scribed, the company was organized with Walter C. Durfee as treasurer and corporation clerk, and R. T. Davis, J. D. Flint, Walter C. Durfee, Stephen Davol, Foster H. Stafford, Simeon Borden, George H. Eddy, A. L. Covel, L. S. Earl, William H. Jennings, and John H. Brown, directors. At a subsequent meeting R. T. Davis was chosen president. No. 1 Mill was erected in 1872, and No. 2 Mill in 1879. These mills operate 64.872 spindles and 1605 looms. Present capital, $500,000. The present officers are : President, Robert T. Davis ; Clerk and Treasurer, Walter C. Durfee; Directors, Robert T. Davis, W. C. Durfee, John D. Flint, Stephen Davol, Foster H. Stafford, William H. Jennings, George H. Eddy, Simeon Borden, John H. Boone, Daniel Wilbur. The Narragansett Mills. — The original promoters of this mill were Daniel McCowan, James Waring, A. D. Easton, and others. The capital, originally $350,000, was, on the acceptance of the charter, July 6, 1871, increased to $400,000. At the meeting of organization, July 12th, James Waring was chosen treasurer, and A. D. Easton president. The mill was finished and wound up for operation by the latter part of December in the following year. Its capacity is 32,144 spindles and 787 looms. The present officers are as follows : President, Robert Henry ; Clerk and Treasurer, James Waring ; Directors, Robert Henry, James Waring, Foster H. Stafford, David T. Wilcox, James P. Hillard, Samuel Wadington, George W. Nowell. The King Philip Mills. — This corporation was pro- jected in 1871 by Messrs. Elijah C. Kilburn and Craw- ford E. Lindsey, of Fall River, and Jonathan Chace, of Valley Falls, R. I. Believing that the times were auspicious for the establishment of a company for the manufacture of fine cotton goods, these gentlemen de- cided to open a subscription to a capital of $500,000 for a mill of about 36,000 spindles. Within a fort- night the $500,000 desired was subscribed (and $160,- 000 more offered), and on July 14, 1871, the company was duly organized by the election of Mr. C. E. Lind- sey as president, Mr. E. C. Kilburn as treasurer, Mr. A. S. Tripp as clerk, and a board of eleven directors, viz., Jonathan Chace, James Henry, S.Angier Chace, C. E. Lindsey, Philip D. Borden, Charles O. Shove, E. C. Kilburn, A. S. Tripp, Benjamin A. Chace, Simeon Borden, and Charles H. Dean. Work was begun on the foundation of the No. 1 Mill in October, 1871, and pressed forward until cold 320 HISTOllY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. weather prevented further operations that season. In April, 1872, work was resumed, the mill building completed, the machinery received and placed in po- sition, and in March, 1873, the first piece of cloth was woven. The mill is situated on the west shore of Laurel Lake, and is built of granite quarried on the prem- ises. It is three hundred and twenty by ninety-two feet, being a wide jnill, so called, and is four stories high above the basement. The engine- aud picker- house is attached to the main building, and is sixty- five by fifty feet, and three stories high. This mill contains 42,016 spindles and 852 wide- looms. The anticipations of the projectors of the King Philip Mills were fully verified within a decade from the starting of the No. 1 Mill, for in June, 1881, in response to a request from many of its largest stock- holders, the directors issued a call for a meeting to consider the advisability of increasing the capital stock from $500,000 to $1,000,000, and the erection of a new mill. The corporation, by a large vote, de- cided to adopt the plans proposed by the directors, and in July, 1881, ground was broken for the founda- tion of the No. 2 Mill, which was completed in 1882, and has 52,928 spindles and 1006 looms. This mill is three hundred and eighty-six by ninety-two feet, which, together with the No. 1 Mill and engine- house, present an unbroken frontage of seven hundred and forty-six feet. The two mills contain 94,944 spindles aud 1838 looms, having more spindles in operation than any other corporation in the city, with the single excep- tion of the Durfee Mills. Capital, $1,000,000. The present officers areas follows : President, Craw- ford E. Lindsey ; Corporation Clerk, Azariah S. Tripp ; Treasurer, Elijah C. Ivilburn ; Directors, C. E. Lind- sey, E. C. Kilburn, William Lindsey, Edwin Shaw, Henry H. Earl, Leontine Lincoln, Charles E. Fisher, Robert Henry. The Crescent Mills were organized Oct. 25, 1871, with a capital stock of $500,000, and the erection of this mill was soon after commenced, and the main building is of granite, 339 feet by 74, four stories and attic above the basement. The picker- house building in rear is 85 by 50 feet, three stories high. The first cotton was put in Dec. 21, 1872, and the first cloth produced Feb. 8, 1873, and the entire mill was in full operation Aug. 30, 1873. The mill contains 33,280 spindles and 762 looms. The original officers of the corporation were Ben- jamin Covel, president; Lafayette Nichols, treasurer; and Benjamin Covel, L. Nichols, D. A. Chapiu, Wil- liam B. Durfee, J. F. Nichols, Joseph Brady, David F. Brown, G. M. Haffards, and A. S. Covel consti- tuted the board of directors. Mr. Nichols served as treasurer until Nov. 12, 1873, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Mr. R. B. Borden. Mr. Borden filled the position until Feb. 9, 1876, when he resigned, and Mr. A. S. Covel, the present treasurer, was elected. Capital, $500,000. The present officers are as follows : President, Benjamin Covel ; Clerk and Treasurer, Alphonso S. Covel ; Di- rectors, Benjamin Covel, Daniel A. Chapin, William B. Durfee, Alphonso S. Covel, Lafayette Nichols, W. H. Ashley, and N. Amzen. The Montaup Mills were organized Nov. 14, 1871, when the following board of directors was chosen : Josiah Brown. Bradford D. Davol, George B. Dur- fee, A. D. Easton, William L. Slade, Isaac Borden, George H. Hawes, William Valentine, Holden B. Durfee, and Thomas J. Borden. Josiah Brown was elected president, and Isaac Borden, treasurer and clerk of the corporation. The capital was fixed at $250,000, and the name of " Montaup Mills" adopted as the corporate name, suggested by the Indian name of " Mount Hope." The act of incorporation bears date Dec. 1, 1871. The projector of these mills was Josiah Brown, Esq. Land was bought on the northern shore of Laurel Lake, and operations on the foundation were begun Feb. 13, 1872, and the work advanced with such rapidity that the engine was started Jan. 2, 1873, and the weaving Feb. 7, 1873, or in a little less than a year from the first breaking of ground. The company entered immediately upon the man- ufacture of first quality seamless bags, cotton bats and duck, running 7200 spindles and 112 looms, pro- ducing 600,000 bags (two-bushel) annually. After about two years the style of goods manufac- tured was changed. These mills now operate 9120 spindles and 152 looms, and manufacture yarns, plain and fancy ducks colored. Capital, $150,000. The mill is of brick, 242 feet long; 74 feet wide, four stories high. The present officers are as follows : President, William L. Slade; Clerk and Treasurer, Isaac Borden ; Directors, William L. Slade, Bradford D. Davol, Weaver Osborn, William H. Ashley, Ben- jamin Greene, Isaac Borden, and Charles A. Chace. The Osborn Mills enterprise was due to the sug- gestion of Weaver Osborn, Esq., who, in consultation with Messrs. Easton & Milne and Joseph Healy, pro- posed the formation of a company with $500,000 capital for the manufacture of print cloths. The books were opened, and before night the whole amount was subscribed, and the same evening " rights" sold at three per cent, premium. The first meeting of the original subscribers, thirty-five in number, was holden Oct. 9, 1871, and the company organized with the following board of directors: Weaver Osborn, Joseph Healy, James T. Milne, Benjamin Hall, Andrew J. Borden, Joseph Osborn, Joseph E. Ma- comber, George T. Hathaway, John C. Milne, D. H. Dyer, and Edward E. Hathaway. Weaver Os- born was subsequently elected president, and Joseph Healy treasurer and clerk of the corporation. The capital was fixed at $500,000, and the name of "Os- born Mills," in honor of the president, selected as the FALL RIVER. 321 corporate name. The act of incorporation bears date Feb. 1, 1872. A tract of land on the eastern shore of Laurel Lake, comprising about fifteen acres, was secured as a mill-site. The mill is built of granite, and is three hundred and eighteen feet long by seventy-four feet wide, five stories high, with a flat roof and a base- ment, with an L on the west ninety feet by forty, three stories high, as an engine- and picker house, to which is attached a boiler-house forty-one feet by forty-two, two stories high. The mill building was put up, the machinery placed in position, and weav- ing commenced (March 10, 1873) in less than a year from the time of beginning work on the foundation. The mill was " wound up" for the manufacture of print cloths 64 by 64, and contained 37,232 spindles and 930 looms. The capacity has been increased until now the spindles number 39,256, with 970 looms, manufacturing print cloths and jeans. Capi- tal, $500,000. The present officers are : President, Weaver Osborn ; Clerk and Treasurer, Joseph Healy ; Directors, Weaver Osborn, Joseph Osborn, John C. Milne, Joseph Healy, Edward E. Hathaway, Benja- min Hall, and Thomas Almy. The Chace Mills Company was organized in 1871-72, the original promoters of the enterprise being Augustus Chace, George W. Grinnell, and J. M. Earl. The first suggestion of the new cor- poration was the effort of a few gentlemen associated with Mr. John P. Slade to start a mill a considerable distance south, on the shore of the Quequechan Pond. The locality proposed being considered too far removed from the city, the undertaking resolved into another enterprise, which terminated in the for- mation of the Chace Company. The Chace Mill, located on Rodman Street, is a granite structure three hundred and seventy-seven feet long by seventy-four feet wide, and six stories high. At the first meeting of organization Augustus Chace was chosen president and Joseph A. Baker treasurer. This mill at first contained 43,480 spin- dles and 1056 looms. The number has since been in- creased, and at the present time there are 50,000 spin- dles and 1275 looms. Productions, print cloths. Cap- ital, $500,000. The present officers are as follows : President, Au- gustus Chace ; Clerk and Treasurer, Joseph A. Baker ; Directors, Augustus Chace, George W. Grinnell, Ed- ward E. Hathaway, William Mason, Joseph A. Baker, James F. Davenport, Jerome C. Borden. The Flint Mills were organized in February, 1872, with a capital of $500,000, which was increased to 1600,000 in October of the same year; Dec. 22, 1879, to $580,000. The act of incorporation, bearing date Feb. 28, 1872, names John D. Flint, Stephen C. Wrightington, Simeon Borden, and William H. Jen- nings, their associates and successors, as the new cor- poration. The number of original subscribers was about two hundred. John D. Flint was elected president, 21 Stephen C. Wrightington treasurer, and J. D. Flint, Robert T. Davis, Stephen Davol, William H. Jen- nings, William T. Hall, Daniel McGowan, Gardner T. Dean, S. C. Wrightington, William Carroll, and Cornelius Hargraves the board of direction. Mr. Wrightington resigned in March, and George H. Eddy was elected treasurer to fill the vacancy. Mr. Eddy resigned in September, 1879, and J. D. Flint was chosen treasurer and B. D. Davol president. J. D. Flint resigned April, 1881, and B. D. Davol was chosen treasurer and J. D. Flint president. In October, 1882, B. D. Davol resigned, and W. S. Potter, the present treasurer, was chosen. Upon the organization of this corporation it assumed the name of Flint Mills, in honor of its president, and the village, which has since grown up in the vicinity of the mill, is known locally as " Flint Village." Land for a mill-site and tenement was purchased on the upper part of the stream, near where it issues from the South Pond, and before frost was out of the ground operations were begun for the foundation of the mill. The mill was built of stone, in accordance with plans drawn by D. H. Dyer, architect, and, un- like most of the cotton-mills in the city, was a wide mill, after the English style, being three hundred feet long by ninety-four feet wide, instead of the usual width of seventy-two to seventy-four feet. It was five stories high, with a flat roof, and a finely-propor- tioned tower in front. The machinery was mostly American, and arranged for the manufacture of print cloth 64 by 64. The mill commenced running in April, 1873, and at the date of its destruction by fire manufactured 15,200,000 yards of print cloths per annum. It contained 49,360 spindles. 1065 looms, and employed 500 operatives, with a monthly pay- roll of $12,000. The machinery was driven by a double Corliss engine of 800 horse-power. Steam was supplied by six upright boilers of 150 horse- power each. Water was taken directly from the stream by a canal dug for the purpose. This mill was entirely destroyed by fire Oct. 28, 1882. The fire broke out at 3.35 p.m., soon after the mill had been shut down for the day, and the flames increased with such amazing rapidity that all attempts to check it were unavailing. The entire mill was de- stroyed with its contents. 1 Border City Manufacturing Company.— The Border City Mills were organized April 29, 1872, with the following board of directors : S. Angier Chace, Stephen Davol, Chester W. Greene, E. C. Kilburn, Charles P. Stickney, A. D. Easton, George T. Hath- away, John M. Dean, William E. Dunham, James E. Cunneen, Horatio N. Durfee. S. A. Chace was subsequently elected president, and George T. Hath- away treasurer. An act of incorporation was secured under date of June 3, 1872, and the name of" Border 1 Since the above was written the corporation has decided to rebuild, and work lias already been commenced. 322 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. City Mills" adopted, a name often applied to Fall River because of its proximity to the State of Rhode Island. Two mills were erected, No. 1 in 1873, and No. 2 in 1874. The former was 318 feet long and 73 feet wide, five stories high, and contained 35,632 spindles and 880 looms. No. 2 Mill was 329 feet long, 73 feet wide, five stories, and contained 36,512 spindles and 880 looms. Nov. 17, 1877, Mill No. 1 was totally de- stroyed by fire. During the financial irregularities of 1879 this cor- poration passed into the hands of its creditors, and was reorganized as the Border City Manufacturing Company, with a capital of $400,000, which has been increased to $600,000. No. 1 Mill has been rebuilt, and the two mills now contain 76,000 spindles and 1850 looms. Production, print goods. The present officers are as follows : President, John S. Brayton ; Clerk, Henry K. Braley ; Treasurer, Edward L. Anthony; Directors, John S. Brayton, Charles J. Holmes, A. S. Covel, Jonathan Bourne, Jos. Arthur Beauvais, Charles E. Barney, Theo. Dean, Francis A. Foster, and George M. Woodward. The Sagamore Manufacturing 1 Company.— The Sagamore Mills were incorporated in the spring of 1872, with L. L. Barnard as president, Francis B. Hood treasurer, and the following board of directors : L. L. Barnard, F. B. Hood, Josiah C. Blaisdell, James W. Hartley, Charles McCreery, .Jonathan I. Hilliard, Joseph Borden, William M. Almy, D. Hartwell Dyer, and Job T. Wilson. A tract of land on the borders of Taunton River, a little north of Slade's Ferry, was purchased, and work on the foundations of the mill begun in July, 1872. The mill was completed in 1873, three hundred and twenty feet long by seventy- three feet wide, five stories high. The mill continued under this management about four years, when it went into other hands, with new capital, with the following officers: President, James A. Hathaway ; Clerk and Treasurer, George T. Hath- away ; Directors, James A. Hathaway, Job T. Wilson, Josiah C. Blaisdell, John D. Flint, Charles P. Stick- ney, George T. Hathaway, James E. Cunneen, John M. Deane, Chester W. Greene. In 1879 the corporation failed, and the property went into the hands of the creditors, and was reorgan- ized as the Sagamore Manufacturing Company, with a capital of $500,000. A new mill was built in 1882, and the two mills now contain 84,692 spindles and 2042 looms. Capital, $750,000. Production, print cloths. The present officers are as follows: President, Theodore Dean ; Clerk, Henry K. Braley ; Treasurer, Hezekiah A. Brayton; Directors, Theodore Dean, Taunton ; Moses W. Richardson, Boston : A. S. Tripp, John S. Brayton, William Lindsey, D. H. Dyer, Charles J. Holmes, Fall River; Abram H. Howland, Jr., Jos. A. Beauvais, New Bedford. The Shove Mills. — The honor of having been the founder of these mills is due to John P. Slade, Esq., as it was mainly through his instrumentality that the organization was finally effected, a charter secured, and the project brought to a successful issue. The first meeting of the subscribers, thirty-one in number, for the organization of the company, was held March 4, 1872. The act of incorporation is dated April 2, 1872. The capital was fixed at $550,- 000, and the name of " Shove Mills" assumed as the corporate name, in honor of Charles O. Shove, a prominent cotton manufacturer of the city, and the first president of the new corporation. John P. Slade was elected treasurer, with the following board of directors : Charles O. Shove, Joseph McCreery, George A. Chace, Lloyd S. Earle, William Connell, Jr., Na- than Chace, Isaac W. Howland, Josiah C. Blaisdell, and John P. Slade. Land for a mill-site was purchased on the western shore of Laurel Lake, just within the line of boun- dary between Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and further purchases beyond the boundary line were made for tenement blocks. No active steps towards building the mill were taken until the fall of 1873, when a foundation only was put in. Work was resumed in the spring of 1874, and the building carried forward to completion and filled with machinery. The mill is a handsome granite structure, 339 feet long, 74 feet wide, and five stories high, with a basement, a flat roof, and a large square tower running up at the centre. The mill was erected in 1874, and commenced run- ning in April, 1875, with 37,504 spindles and 960 looms ; about 1500 spindles have since been added. The mill is heated by steam, and lighted by gas made from petroleum and manufactured on the premises. In 1881 the company erected a yarn-mill of 21,088 spindles just over the line in Bhode Island, making the present capacity of the mills 60,128 spindles and 1500 looms; production, print cloths. The present officers are as follows : President, Charles M. Shove; Clerk and Treasurer, George A. Chace; Directors, Charles M. Shove, John P. Slade, George A. Chace, Edmund Chase, Lloyd S. Earle, Isaac W. Howland, H. B. Allen, George W. Slade, and Fenner Brownell. The mill was wound up and all the machinery in operation April 7, 1875, with a capacity of 28,400 spindles and 768 looms. This has been increased to 31,280 spindles and 808 looms. The mill structure is of granite, located in the eastern part of the city on the Quequechan River. Capital, $330,000; produc- tion, print cloths. The present officers are as follows : President, William H. Jennings; Clerk and Treas- urer, Nathaniel B. Borden ; Directors, William H. Jennings, James M. Aldrich, N. B. Borden, Simeon Borden, John Campbell, Arnold B. Chace, Alphonso S. Covel, Robert T. Davis, Stephen Davol, W. H. Gifford, William Huston, Henry C. Lincoln, John W. Rogers. The Conanicut Mills were originally built by FALL RIVER. 323 Oliver Chase as a thread-mill, and after several changes the present company was incorporated in 1880, with a capital of $80,000. The mill is located at Globe village, and contains 11,072 spindles and 250 looms. Production, wide fine goods. The present officers are as follows : President, Edmund W. Con- verse; Clerk and Treasurer, C. E. Lindsey ; Directors, E. W. Converse, Charles L. Thayer, Moses W. Rich- ardson, Boston; James H. Chace, Providence; Wil- liam Lindsey, E. C. Kilburn, Crawford E. Lindsey, Pall River. The Globe Yarn-Mills were incorporated in 1881, with a capital of $350,000, for the manufacture of superior quality of yarns. The mills contain 32,000 spindles. The first and present officers are as follows : President, William H. Jennings; Clerk and Treas- urer, Arnold B. Sandford; Directors, William H. Jennings, Robert T. Davis, Frank S. Stevens, James M. Osborn, Samuel D. Howland, A. B. Sanford ; E. S. Draper, of Hopedale. The Bourne Mill, named in honor of Jonathan Bourne, a capitalist of New Bedford, was erected in 1881, and is one of the most complete mills in the country. It contains 43,000 spindles and 1100 looms. It is located just over the State line in Rhode Island. Capital, $400,000. The present officers are as follows : President, Edmund Chase ; Clerk and Treasurer, George A. Chace ; Directors, Jonathan Bourne, New Bedford ; Edmund Chase, George A. Chace, Danforth Horton, Lloyd S. Earle, Charles M. Shove, and Frank S. Stevens. Laurel Lake Mills. — This corporation was organ- ized in 1881 by John P. Slade, R .T. Davis, M.D., and Henry C. Lincoln. Mr. Slade was elected president of the corporation, and has held the position to the present time. The manufacture of cloth commenced in December, 1882. The mill contains 860 looms and 34,038 spindles. Capital, $4(10,000. The present offi- cers are : President, John P. Slade ; Clerk and Treas- urer, Abbott E. Slade; Agent, James E. Cunneen ; Directors, John P. Slade, William H. Jennings, Rob- ert T. Davis, Frank S. Stevens, Henry C. Lincoln, David T. Wilcox, S. H. Miller, George E. Hoar, Wil- liam Beattie, John B. Whitlaker, Milton Reed, Prelet D. Conant; Lawton I. Ware, Warren. The Barnaby Manufacturing Company was in- corporated in 1882, with a capital of $300,000. The first officers were as follows: President, Simeon B. Chase; Clerk and Treasurer, Stephen B. Ashley; Directors, Simeon B. Chase, Samuel Wadington, Robert T. Davis, George H. Hawes, S. B. Ashley, George H. Hills, J. B. Barnaby, Charles E. Berney, and William F. Draper. The officers and directors have not been changed. The mill is located in the eastern part of the city on the Quequechan River, and contains 15,000 spindles and 500 looms. Produc- tion, fine ginghams. The Fall River Bleachery.— The founding of this establishment is due to Mr. Spencer Borden, who started the movement for organization in 1872. After submitting his plans to various manufacturers in Fall River and New Bedford, who pronounced the project feasible, the books of the company were opened, and the stock so quickly subscribed that before a stone had been laid it was quoted at 110 in the market. Promi- nent among the subscribers were Messrs. Jefferson, Philip D., and Richard B. Borden, Stephen Davol, Frank Stevens, C. E. Lindsey, C. P. Stickney, George B. Durfee, Walter Paine (3d), of Fall River; Messrs. Thomas Bennett, Jr., William J. Rotch, Edward D. Mandell, Edward C. Jones, William W. Crapo, Charles L. Wood, Andrew G. Pierce, Joseph Arthur Beauvais. Edward L. Baker, Jonathan Bourne, Jr., Charles L. Hawes, David B. Kempton, of New Bed- ford; Messrs. T. P. Sheperd & Co., John O. Water- man, George Bridge, and Arnold Peters, of Rhode Island ; and Mr. Dempsey, of Lewiston, and others. At a meeting of the stockholders Jefferson Borden was chosen president; Spencer Borden, agent and treasurer; and Messrs. Thomas Bennett, Jr., Richard B. Borden, Bradford D. Davol, Crawford E. Lindsey, Philip D. Borden, George B. Durfee, and Charles P. Stickney, with the president and treasurer, directors. The bleachery was built with twelve kiers, or a ca- pacity of twelve to thirteen tons per diem, which has been increased until the present capacity is twenty-two tons per day. Capital, $250,000. The present officers are as follows: President, Jefferson Borden; Clerk and Treasurer, Norman E. Borden ; Directors, Jeffer- son Borden, Spencer Borden, Richard B. Borden, Bradford D. Davol, Crawford E. Lindsey, Thomas Bennett, Jr., Joseph Arthur Beauvais, William J. Rotch, and Norman E. Borden. Spencer Borden re- mained as clerk and treasurer until 1882. Wamsutta Steam Woolen-Mill.— The manufac- ture of woolen cloth into a fabric known as satinet, made with a cotton warp and wool filling, was com- menced here in 1825 by Samuel Shove and John and^ Jesse Eddy, under the firm-name of Samuel Shove & Co. The firm was dissolved in 1834 by the withdrawal of Samuel Shove, and the business passed into the hands of the remaining partners, under the firm-name of J. & J. Eddy. In the management of the business John Eddy was the manufacturer and Jesse the buyer and seller. The production of Eddy's satinets was largely in- creased from year to year, and they became well known in all the principal markets as the best goods of that style of fabric. In 1843, however, the satinet manu- facture was discontinued, and a fabric of all wool, called "cassimere," was commenced. Two years later business was removed to a place known as " Eagle Mill," situated about three and a half miles south of Fall River, in the' town of Tiverton, R. I. Shortly after the firm of J. & J. Eddy was dissolved, but the business continued in the above locality for a few years, until the property was destroyed by fire. In the mean time Jesse Eddy, in connection with 324 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Joseph Durfee, bought and located a mill on a tract of land just above the dam, and near the outlet of the pond known as "Mosquito Island." designing to manufacture the same kind of goods produced by J. & J. Eddy, but as they were about ready to commence operations Joseph Durfee died, and it was not until January, 1849, that manufacturing was begun in the new mill. Jesse Eddy became the proprietor, and shortly after took his son, Thomas F., into partner- ship, under the firm-name of Jesse Eddy & Son, by whom the business was conducted for twenty-one years. In 1873, upon the decease of the father, the busi- ness passed into the hands of his two sons, Thomas F. and James C, who still continue the manufacture under the name of the Wamsutta Steam Woolen- Mill, Jesse Eddy's Sons, proprietors, the production being fine fancy cassimeres. The Wyoming Mills.— These mills were established by Augustus Chace and the late William B. Trafford in 1845. The property subsequently passed into the possession of Mr. Chace, who is the present proprie- tor. Production, cotton twines, batts, and carpet warp. The Massasoit Manufacturing Company was or- ganized in 1882, and occupies the edifice formerly oc- cupied by the Massasoit Flour-Mills, so famous in former years as the business home of Chase, Mason & Durfee. The new company manufactures com- fortables as a branch of an establishment in Connec- ticut, and has a capacity for turning out near a thou- sand a day, employing about sixty hands. The officers and directors of this company are as follows: Frank L. Palmer, president; Wendell E. Turner, treasurer; Directors, Edward A. Palmer, Elisha L. Palmer, William H. Turner, Frank L. Palmer, Wendell E. Turner. The Fall River Spool and Bobbin Company was partially organized in June, 1875, but did not perfect its organization until July 11, 1878, obtaining their charter July 13, 1878. The first officers elected were : President, Cook Borden ; Treasurer, George S. Davol ; Clerk, B. D. Davol ; Directors, Cook Borden, F. H. Stafford, Wil- liam H. Jennings, Stephen Davol, Charles C. Shove, Frank S. Stevens, Walter Paine (3d), Weaver Osborn, George T. Hathaway, Augustus Chace, S. Angier Chace. The mill and buildings were erected and occupied in December, 1875; employ one hundred and fifty men ; one hundred thousand dollars production yearly. Present officers : President, Joseph Henley ; Clerk and Treasurer, J. Henry Wells; Directors, Joseph Healey, Augustus Chace, Stephen Davol, F. H. Staf- ford, B. D. Davol, F. L. Almy, Jerome C. Borden, J. Henry Wells. Capital stock, originally $40,000; after perfecting its organization was reduced to $21,000. Is doing a very prosperous business, which has steadily increased since 1878. The Fall River Iron-Works Company.— This corporation, which for so many years directed and controlled the interests of Fall River, was founded in 1821, principally through the instrumentality of Richard Borden and Bradford Durfee. The original company was organized with a capital of twenty-four thousand dollars, and consisted of Richard Borden, Bradford Durfee, Holden Borden, and David Anthony, of this town, and Joseph Butler and Abram and Isaac Wilkinson, of Providence. Soon after the capital was reduced to eighteen thousand dollars by the with- drawal of the Wilkinsons. The works were incorporated in 1825 with a capi- tal of $200,000, which was increased in 1845 to $950,000. In the organization of the Fall River Iron-Works Company, that " earliest germ of the wealth of the city," Col. Richard Borden took an active part, and was appointed treasurer and agent, a position which he filled ably and satisfactorily up to the day of his final withdrawal from business, a period of over fifty years. The Iron-Works Company, meeting with as- sured success almost from the start, soon turned its attention to the improvement of its landed estate, water-power, etc., and as part owners became largely interested in enterprises somewhat foreign to its own legitimate sphere of work. The agent of the com- pany as its representative thus became an active par- ticipant in all these schemes, and the business tact and skill of Col. Borden were brought into fullest exercise. The Iron-Works Company became owner in the Watuppa Reservoir Company, organized in 1826 ; in the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory ; in the Fall River Manufactory; in the Annawan Mill, built by it in 1825; in the American Print- Works, whose buildings were all erected by the Iron- Works Company in 1834, and leased to the Print- Works Company ; in the Metacomet Mill, built in 1840 ; in the Fall River Railroad, opened in 1846 ; in the Bay State Steamboat Line, established in 1847 ; in the Fall River Gas- Works, built in 1847, as well as in the erection at various times of buildings which were leased to individuals for the establishment of business or private manufacturing enterprises. Up to the year 1880 the Iron-Works Company owned and operated the Fall River Gas- Works, the Fall River and Providence Steamboat Company, and the Metacomet Mill. In that year a division of this large interest occurred, and the following corpora- tions were organized as separate corporations : the Fall River Gas-Works, with a capital of $288,000; the Fall River and Providence Steamboat Company, capital, $192,000; the Fall River Machine Company (new), capital, $96,000; the Metacomet Manufactur- ing Company ; and the Fall River Iron-Works Com- pany. The present officers are as follows: President, Jef- ferson Borden ; Clerk and Treasurer, Robert C. Brown ; Directors, Jefferson Borden, John S. Brayton, William. FALL RIVER. •lor B. Durfee, R, B. Borden, H. B. Durfee, R. C. Brown. D. A. Bray ton, Jr. The Fall River Machine Company, successor to Marvel, Davol & Co., was organized in 1880, with a capital of $96,000. The present officers are as follows : President, Jef- ferson Borden ; Clerk, A. S. Covel ; Treasurer, Wil- liam B. Durfee; Directors, Jefferson Borden. John S. Bray ton, A. S. Covel, Nathaniel Lindsey, David A. Brayton, Jr., H. M. Barnes, of Bristol. The Fall River Merino Company, for the manu- facture of knit goods, is among the later industries started here, and is the only manufactory of the kind in this vicinity. The mill is a fine brick edifice of two full stories and attic, in which last are a few mules to do the spinning needed. The concern was well wound up from the first, and the most improved knitting-machines in use obtained, so that work was turned out with great celerity. The productions of this factory have always found a ready market, and maintained their rank among all descriptions of home work or imported fabrics. The present superin- tendent, Mr. Charles E. Bean, is an accomplished manager of this sort of manufacturing interest. The present officers are as follows : President, Frank S. Stevens ; Clerk, Seth H. Wetherbee ; Treas- urer, Charles E. Bean ; Directors, Frank S. Stevens, Foster H. Stafford, Robert T. Davis, William Mason, Samuel Wadington, S. H. Wetherbee, Charles E. Bean, Matthew C. Yarwood ; Jason P. Stone, Jr., Providence; Charles Weil, Boston. Hargraves Manufacturing- Company.— In 1851, Cornelius Hargraves commenced the manufacturing of soaps and glue substitute on the site now occupied by the Hargraves Manufacturing Company, com- mencing in a very small and limited way, the capa- city of the works being only one small kettle in which to make soap ami prepare the glue substitute; but by perseverance and strict attention to business he succeeded in increasing the business from year to year, it being a success from the start, and as the time rolled by he was enabled to add some de- cided improvement, and in 1871 he organized the Hargraves Manufacturing Company, consisting of Cornelius Hargraves, Reuben Hargraves, and Thomas Hargraves, the two latter being his sons ; and after continuing two years the senior member of the firm sold his interests to James S. Anthony, who con- tinued in the business four years, then sold out to Reuben and Thomas Hargraves, the present pro- prietors of the Hargraves Manufacturing Company, who still continue to manufacture soaps of various brands, glue substitute, fertilizers, tripe, pigs' feet, and neat's-foot oil, also dealers in tallow, bones, grease, rosin, chemicals, etc., and from the small beginning have grown to its present condition, now having the capacity to turn out every week sixty thousand pounds of soap, fifteen thousand pounds of glue substitute, ten tons of fertilizer, three thousand pounds of chicken feed, three thousand pounds of pigs' feet, four thousand pounds of tripe, etc. Reuben Har- graves, Thomas Hargraves, John W. Hargraves, clerk, and Alfred I). Butterworth, agent. The Fall River Gas-Works were erected in 1847 by the Iron-Works Company, and were operated by that company until 1880, when they were organized as a separate corporation, under the name of the Fall River Gas Company, with a capital of $288,000. The present officers are as follows: President, Jefferson Borden ; Clerk, William B. Durfee, Jr. ; Treasurer, George P. Brown ; Directors, J. S. Brayton, R. B. Borden, Jefferson Borden, A. S. Tripp, William B. Durfee, D. A. Brayton, Jr. The Manufacturers' Gas-Light Company was incorporated in 1866. The present officers are as fol- lows : President, Thomas F. Eddy ; Clerk and Treas- urer, Joseph A. Baker; Directors, Thomas F. Eddy, Foster H. Stafford, Simeon B. Chase, Charles M. Shove, Joseph A. Baker, David A. Brayton, Jr. Manufacturers' Board of Trade. — President, Frank S. Stevens: Vice-President, Charles M. Shove; Secretary and Treasurer, Simeon B. Chase. Watuppa Reservoir Company was incorporated in 1826. The stock of this corporation is held by the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufacturing Company, Pocasset Manufacturing Company, Fall River Print- Works, Fall River Manufactory, Annawan Manufac- turing Company, and the Fall River Iron-Works Company. American Printing- Company.— The pioneer in calico-printing in Fall River was Andrew Robeson, of New Bedford, who began this industry in a very small way iu 1826 in the north end of a mill owned by the Pocasset Manufacturing Company, the other portion of the building being occupied by J. & J. Eddy in the manufacture of satinets. In 1827 he erected works especially for this busi- ness, the capacity of which was increased from time to time until the year 1836 by the erection of new buildings. The enterprise continued with marked success until 1848, when the depression then prevail- ing caused the suspension of the works. It is said that the first calico-printing machine in the United States was constructed in these works, and first operated in 1827, soon after which two sons of the founder, William R. and Andrew, Jr., became as- sociated with him, under the firm-name of Andrew Robeson & Sons. After the suspension of the Robesons in 1848, the establishment passed into the hands of a corporation organized by Andrew Robeson, Jr., under the name of the Fall River Print- Works, which continued the business of calico-printing for about twelve years, the product being chiefly indigo-blue prints, when print- ing was discontinued and the works converted into a cotton-mill for the manufacture of print cloths. The second calico-printing establishment within the present territory of Fall River (but then in Tiver- 326 HISTOBY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. ton, R. I., and since brought within the limits of Fall River by a change of the boundary line between Massachusetts and Rhode Island) was located at Globe village, one and a quarter miles south of the Fall River stream, upon a stream flowing from Laurel Lake to Mount Hope Bay, which has been utilized for manufacturing purposes since 1811, when a small cotton-mill was built there by Col. Joseph Durfee. After passing through several hands it was pur- chased by Potter & Chatburn in 1829, and converted into a print-works. The first goods were printed there in 1830. After that date it was enlarged from time to time, and with varying degrees of success was run in 1833-34 by Holder Borden; 1835-39, as Tiver- ton Print- Works ; 1839-42, by Walter C. Durfee, agent; 1843-44, by Prentiss & Marvel; 1845-53, by W. & G. Chapin ; 1853-58, as Bay State Print-Works, when in 1858 it was purchased by the American Print- AVorks, and operated by them in connection with their larger works until 1876. It was sold in 1880, and the site is now occupied by the Globe Yarn- Mills, chiefly a new brick structure, but utilizing in connection with it a small part of the old print-works. This establishment from 1851 to 1855 had ten print- ing-machines, and printed 10,000 to 12,000 pieces per week, about one-half delaines and one-half calicoes. Delaine-printing was discontinued in 1855, and the product was subsequently confined to calicoes. The American Print-Works was established by Holder Borden in 1834, there being associated with him in the ownership most of the stockholders of the Fall River Iron-Works Company. The requisite buildings were erected by the Iron- Works Company on land owned by them, their owner- ship continuing until 1857, when the print-works, which had rented the land aud buildings from 1834 to 1857, was organized as a corporation, and purchased the real estate from the Fall River Iron-Works Com- pany. The works were started in January, 1835, with four printing-machines, producing two thousand to two thousand five hundred pieces of prints per week. Mr. Holder Borden held the management until Feb- ruary, 1837, when, in consequence of ill health, he resigned, and Jefferson Borden was elected agent and principal manager, which position he held until Feb- ruary, 1876, a period of thirty-nine years, when Thomas J. Borden was chosen agent and treasurer. In 1840 the works were enlarged by the construc- tion of a new machine building, dye-house, etc., and the production about doubled. Further additions and improvements in methods of operating had brought the production in 1854, with six printing-machines, to about nine thousand pieces per week. No impor- tant changes in the arrangement of these works were made from the latter date until 1867, when a portion of the buildings were removed and a new and greatly enlarged structure of Fall River granite was com- menced. As the new and extensive works were about completed, and while negotiations for insurance were in progress, but not consummated, a fire broke out on the 15th of December, 1867, in one of the old build- ings, which destroyed the whole of the new part of the establishment and about one-half of the old, causing a loss to the corporation of more than one million dollars. This disaster had been preceded on the 6th of the same month by a fire at the Bay State Works, then owned and operated by the American Print-Works, which laid in ashes the boiler-house and machine- room buildings and their contents. With the characteristic energy of the agent and treasurer, Mr. Jefferson Borden, all of the buildings so suddenly destroyed were in a very short space of time, compared with the magnitude of the work, recon- structed, filled with machinery, and in 1869 put in operation, the corporation having in the new Ameri- can Works 16 printing-machines and other facilities for producing 24,000 pieces prints per week, and at the Bay State Works 5 printing-machines, with the requisite accompaniments for turning out 7000 pieces per week. In consequence of the disastrous fire in 1867, with no insurance, the works were operated under a heavy indebtedness until 1879, when they were obliged to suspend. In February, 1880, a new corporation was organized, under the name of the American Printing Company, with a capital of $300,- 000, which was subsequently increased to $500,000. Several additions have been made both of buildings and machinery, and the works now have 19 printing- machines, and produce, when in full operation, 36,000 pieces printed fabrics per week. The main building of the works of the American Printing Company is one of the finest in the world devoted to the business of printing textile fabrics, and attracts the attention of all strangers as they enter the city by steamboat or railway. A fair idea of the magnitude of this establishment may be ob- tained by the consideration of the fact that the aggre- gate length of the various buildings comprising it is over two thousand five hundred feet. Its ample rooms are furnished with the best mod- ern appliances of science and skill in each depart- ment, and the productions of this company are to be found in all sections of the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The present officers are : President, James C. Eddy ; Clerk, Alphonso S. Covel ; Treasurer, Thomas J. Bor- den ; Directors, James C. Eddy, Thomas J. Borden, A. S. Covel, A. S. Tripp, of Fall River, and C. N. Bliss, of New York. Union Belt Company. — The year 1871 is notable in the history of Fall River as witnessing the extra- ordinary development of the cotton industry. Some fifteen large mills were erected, calling for a large in- crease of its population and the establishment of sev- eral industries to supply material incidental to run- ning and keeping in motion the thousands of spindles and looms which were contained in the handsome and FALL RIVER. 327 substantial buildings that had been erected for their use. Prominent among these industries stands the Union Belt Company, a corporation organized for the purpose of manufacturing leather belting. The rapid expansion of the cotton industries of Fall River had attracted the attention of Mr. Wil- liam H. Chace, a gentleman living in a neighboring city, and who was a practical belt-maker. He be- lieved that it was an opportune time to establish the manufacture of belting in a city that was so large a consumer, and he succeeded in inducing a number of gentlemen to engage in the enterprise. In the latter part of the year a corporation was formed, with a capital of two thousand four hundred dollars, with the following officers : President, R. B. Borden; Treasurer, A. S. Covel ; Agent, William H. Chace; Directors, R. B. Borden, T. J. Borden, Wal- ter Paine (3d), B. D. Davol, and William H. Chace. A large brick building was erected by the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory on Troy Street, which was leased by the Belt Company, and fitted up for the requirements of the business. Contracts were made with several of the new mills then being erected to furnish the belting, and the enterprise fairly inaugu- rated. After a short time the business of coverfng top rolls was added. From the first the company has done a successful and profitable business. The mar- ket for its belting is not confined to Fall River alone ; the reputation which the company has earned for itself in doing first-class work has created a demand for their belts in the neighboring manufacturing cities and also in Chicago, where a large part of their pro- duction has been used. The growth of their business called for additional room, and a large two-story brick addition has been made to the original building, giving them ample facilities for meeting the increased demand for their belting. As a financial venture it has been one of the most successful in the city, having returned large dividends since the first year of its organization, and being now in the strongest and best of credit. The success of the enterprise is due in a large measure to the agent, Mr. W. H. Chace, whose faithful and unremitting efforts and knowledge of the business has been given to the corporation from its organization. The officers at this time are: R. B. Borden, president; A. S. Covel, treasurer; W. H. Chace, agent; Directors, R. B. Borden, T. J. Borden, E. C. Kilburn, B. D. Davol, W. H. Chace, and A. S. Covel. The Globe Street Railway Company was char- tered April 16, 1380, with a capital of $100,000. The original storkholders were as follows: Edward Her- bert, Isaac P. Francis, Edward E. Mannersley, S. V. Bliffins, Seth H. Wetherbee, Foster H. Stafford, Mrs. B. Wlxon, Franklin P. Osborn, Braley & Swift (Henry K. Braley, Marcus G. B. Swift), Cook Borden & Co., George F. Mellen, D. B. Wilson, and Frank W. Brightman. The first meeting of the incorporators was held April 24th, when the following officers were elected: President, Edward Herbert; Treasurer, George F. Mellen; Clerk, Marcus G. B. Swift; Directors, Ed- ward Herbert, F. H. Stafford, F. P. Osborn, S. V. Bliffins, George F. Mellen, Isaac P. Francis, and James B. Hillard. The company operates a line of road, a portion of which is double track, extending as follows : From Weaver Street to City Hall, up Pleasant Street to Quequechan Street; from City Hall, through East South Main Street, to East Main, to Globe Street ; thence through Globe Street to South Main, and through North Main to near the Slade school-house. A line also extends from Weaver Street to Forest Hill. The present officers are as follows: President, Wil- liam H. Jennings; Treasurer, Frank W. Brightman; Clerk, M. G. B. Swift; Directors, William H. Jen- nings, Frank S. Stevens, John S. Bray ton, Andrew J. Borden, M. G. B. Swift, Joseph A. Beauvias, and Thomas B. Wilcox. The Quequechan Mills.— The original Quequechan Mill was located two privileges above the mill now known by that name, and was several years since torn down, and its site is now included in the extensive works of the Pocasset Manufacturing Company. Andrew Robeson commenced the business of calico printing on the site of the original Quequechan Mill in October, 1824. In 1826 he purchased the site now occupied by the present Quequechan Mills, and in company with his two sons, Andrew and William, transferred his business to this point, erecting build- ings which now constitute a part of the buildings of this corporation. They had at that time associated with them in various capacities Mr. George Kilburn (afterwards of Lonsdale, R. I.), Mr. Samuel Hathaway, and Mr. Thomas Tasker. The business was continued, in- creasing from time to time, under the firm-name of Andrew Robeson & Sons until Jan. 27, 1848, when they failed. At the date of this failure they were operating about fourteen printing-machines. The property then passed into the hands of the Fall River Print- Works, which was incorporated by special act of the Massachusetts Legislature, April 18, 1848, of which Mr. William H. Taylor was treas- urer until 1858, when Mr. Andrew Robeson, Jr., be- came treasurer, holding the management of the works until 1866, when Andrew Robeson (3d), son of An- drew Robeson, Jr., became treasurer, and continued until Aug. 28, 1878, when the concern filed a volun- tary petition in bankruptcy. Mr. Alonzo Borden was superintendent of the Fall River Print- Works during most if not all its exist- ence. They ran from two to three printing machines, principally on indigo blues, greens, buff's, etc. In 1859 the main or largest building was filled with machinery for the manufacture of printing cloths; capacity, about 6000 spindles. This was in- creased in 1865 to 11,000 spindles, and again in- 328 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. creased in 1867 to 12,800 spindles. The mill was completely reorganized in 1868, and brought nearly to the present capacity. The printing business was completely abandoned about 1863. After the failure of the Fall River Print-Works the mill was run under the management of trustees for the creditors, with Mr. Andrew Robeson (3d) as man- aging trustee until Dec. 20, 1879, on which date the property passed into the hands of the corporation now known as the Quequechan Mills, with Andrew Robeson (3) as treasurer, and Mr. Henry G. Fenner, superintendent. Mr. Robeson and Mr. Fenner re- signed in January, 1881, when Mr. D. H. Dyer be- came treasurer and general manager. During the past two years important improvements have been made both to buildings and machinery, and the mill now contains 13,952 spindles and 306 looms, and is fitted for the manufacture of a considerable variety of goods. When the whole capacity is devoted to (sixty-four by sixty-four) print cloths, the product is about 1600 pieces per week. An Old Landmark. — A writer in the Providence Journal in speaking of the old tannery of Edmund Chase, Esq., says, — " Among the few old landmarks of by-gone years that seem to connect the present waning decades of the century with the earlier period, the oldest in the centre of the town is the old tannery, now owned by Edmund Chase, Esq., situated adjoining the new elegant United States custom-house and post-office building on Bedford Street. These two edifices afford just the contrast needed to indicate the progress of the last seventy years. This ancient tannery build- ing was erected or at least the tanning business was organized here not far from 1808 by the father of the present owner, and antedated by five years the estab- lishment of the cotton manufacture in this town. The location chosen was on the Quequechan River, be- cause of the abundance ot water, and where the Troy mill was built the company selected the site across the stream next above the tannery, and that establish- ment also marks the middle period of development between the date of the tannery and the new post- office building. Years ago this tannery was a scene of busy industry. The hides were bought of the sur- rounding country farmers, and wrought into good solid leather for the general market. In those days other tanneries flourished in this vicinity, and leather- dressing was an art of great importance. This branch of manufacture was kept until a short time ago, when it was found that finished leather could be bought in the market cheaper than it could be made here in the present state of the hide market. Since the great increase of cotton mills and other works employing machinery, belt-making has been a leading industry. For many years Mr. Chase has carried on this branch, and many manufactories here and elsewhere use his work, which has always proved substantial and ser- viceable. The older portion of our citizens would probably regret to see the old favorite landmark of the first quarter of the century swept away, nor do they regret that there is no symptom of its going just yet. Mr. Chase is still in the vigor of business life, and by his judicious management has built up his business on the soundest basis, and has always ranked among the leading solid business men of the city. Few concerns in New England have maintained for seventy-five years such unimpeachable credit or gained a more enviable reputation for honest deal- CHAPTER XXVI. FALL RIVER.— {Continued.) THE BANKING INTEREST. The National Union Bank— The Fall River National Bank— The Mas- sasoit National Hank — The Metacomet National Bank — The Pocasset National Bank — The First National Bank — The Second National Bank — The Fall River Savings-Bank— Citizens' Savings-Bank— The Fal River Five-Cent Savings-Bank — The Union Savings-Bank. The National Union Bank.— The National Union Bank is the oldest bank in the city, having been char- tered as the Bristol Union Bank, of Bristol, R. I., in 1823. Its authorized capital was $50,000, with the privilege of increasing the same to $200,000. It com- menced business in 1824 with a paid in capital of $10,000, which was increased within the next two years to $40,000. In 1834 the capital was increased to $100,000; in 1846 to $200,000, and in 1866 to $300,- 000, its present capital. The first president of the bank was Barnabas Bates, who officiated till some time in 1824, when he was succeeded by Parker Borden, who held the office until 1838, when he was followed by David Durfee. Mr. Durfee was succeeded in 1846 by Nathaniel B. Bor- den, who remained until 1865, and was then suc- ceeded by Jesse Eddy. Mr. Eddy was president until 1874, when Cook Borden became president, and Mr. Borden was succeeded by the present president, Mr. Daniel Wilbur, in 1881. The cashiers have been as follows : Nathaniel Wardwell, 1824; Josiah Gooding, 1825; William Coggeshall, 1826-60; Daniel A. Chapin, from 1860 to the present time. In 1830, Fall River, Mass., affording a more prom- ising field for banking operations, the bank was re- moved from Bristol and located in Tiverton, just over the line from Fall River, and its name changed to the Fall River Union Bank. Its office was on South Main Street, opposite the head of Columbia Street. In 1837 the bank erected for its accommodation the brick building corner of South Main and Rodman Streets, and removed its office to the lower floor, where it continued its business until 1862. In that year, by the change of boundary line, Fall River, R. I., became Fall River, Mass., and the bank was FALL RIVER. 329 removed to the office in the southwest corner of the market building, now City Hall. In June, 1865, the bank became a national hank- ing association, under the name of the National Union Bank. In 1872 the office of the bank was re- moved to No. 3 Main Street. The present officers are as follows: President, Daniel Wilbur; Cashier, Daniel A. Chapin ; Directors, Daniel Wilbur, Thomas Bor- den, William B. Durfee, William H. Ashley, John D. Flint, Samuel Wadington, D. A. Chapin, D. M. Anthony, A. S. Covel. The Fall River National Bank— The Fall River Bank was the first banking institution established in this town. It was chartered in 1825. The prelimi- nary meeting to consider the expediency of establishing a bank in what was then the " village" was held at the office of James Ford, Esq., Jan. 18, 1825. The record reads as follows : " At a meeting of the citizens of the village of Fall River at the office of James Ford, Esq., Jan. 18, 1825, pursuant to previous notice, to take into consideration the expediency of establishing a bank in said vil- lage, David Anthony being called to the chair and James Ford appointed secretary, it was " Voted and Resolved, That a petition be presented to the Legislature, at their present session, for a charter for a bank; "That a committee of five be appointed to receive subscription for the stock, and to cause the petition to be presented ; " That Oliver Chaco, David Anthony, Bradford Durfee, llichard Bor- den, and .lames Ford be this committee; " That five cents on a share be paid by the subscribers to defray the expenses that may accrue in obtaining an act of incorporation; "That Oliver Chace be treasurer to receive the above money. " A true copy. Attest: 31. C. Durfee." The act of incorporation contains the names of Oliver Chace, David Anthony, Bradford Durfee, Richard Borden, Nathaniel B. Borden, John C. Bor- den, Lucius Smith, Samuel Smith, Clark Shove, Harvey Chace, Edward Bennett, Arnold Buffum, James Ford, James G. Bowen, William W. Swain, Benjamin Rodman, William Valentine, and Holden Borden. At the first meeting of the stockholders, April 7, 1825, Oliver Chace, David Anthony, Bradford Dur- fee, Sheflfel Weaver, Edward Bennett, Gideon How- land, Benjamin Rodman, John C. Borden, and Rich- ard Borden were elected directors, and at a subsequent meeting of the directors, May 3, 1825, David An- thony was chosen president, and Matthew C. Durfee cashier. This was the only bank of discount and deposit in the village for twenty years. David Anthony, after a service of forty years, re- signed the office of president on account of ill-health in 1865, and was succeeded by Col. Richard Borden, who died in 1874, and was succeeded by Guilford H. Hathaway, the present president. Matthew C. Durfee continued as cashier until 1836, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Henry H. Fish, who served twenty-seven years, resigning in 1863. George R. Fiske was elected his successor, and served until 1873, when he resigned, and was suc- ceeded by Ferdinand II. Gilford, the present cashier. The first banking-house of the Fall River Bank was a brick building, erected in 1826, on the corner of Main and Bank Streets. It was destroyed by the great fire in 1843, but rebuilt of the same material the same year. The Fall River Bank started with a capital of $100,000, which was increased to $200,000 in 1827, and to $400,000 in 1836. In 1844 it was reduced to $350,000, but increased again to $400,000 in 1864, when it was incorporated as the Fall River National Bank. The present officers are as follows : President, Guil- ford H. Hathaway; Cashier, Ferdinand H. Gifford; Directors, G. H. Hathaway, William L. Slade, John P. Slade, Richard B. Borden, Isaac Borden, Henry S. Fenner, F. H. Gifford. The Massasoit National Bank. — The Massasoit Bank was organized June 2, 1846, with an authorized capital of $100,000. Jason H. Archer was elected president, Leander Borden cashier, and Jason H. Archer, Oliver S. Hawes, Azariah Shove, Nathan Durfee, Henry Willard, Irani Smith, and Benjamin Wardwell a board of directors. The bank com- menced business in December, 1846, with a paid up capital of $50,000, which was increased in the follow- ing March to $100,000. In January, 1854, the capital stock was again increased to $200,000. In October, 1852, Dr. J. H. Archer, having removed from the town, resigned his office as president, and Israel Buffinton was chosen his successor. In Octo- ber, 1864, Charles P. Stickney was elected president, vice Israel Buffinton, resigned. Charles P. Stickney resigned Sept. 11, 1878, and Irani Smith elected presi- dent. Leander Borden resigned Nov. 1, 1881, and E. W. Borden elected cashier. In December, 1864, the bank was converted into a national banking association, under the name of the Massasoit National Bank. It was also made a de- pository and financial agent of the United States. The bank when first established occupied rooms in the north end of the Mount Hope Block, corner of Main and Franklin Streets. It continued here for thirty years, or until 1876, when it was removed to its more commodious and convenient banking-house at the Four Corners, the northeast corner of Main and Bedford Streets. The present officers are as follows: President, Irani Smith; Cashier, Eric W. Borden; Directors, Irani Smith, Southard H. Miller, Edmund Chase, William Mason, Bradford D. Davol, Charles M. Shove, George A. Chace, Nathaniel B. Borden. The Metacomet National Bank.— The Metacomet Bank was incorporated by the Legislature of 1852-53, with a capital stock of $400,000, which was soon after increased to $600,000. It was organized in the sum- mer following by the choice of Jefferson Borden as president, Azariah S. Tripp cashier, and a board of nine directors, viz. : Jefferson Borden, Nathan Durfee, William Lindseyj Philip D. Borden, Thomas J. Bor- 330 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. den, Daniel Brown, William Carr, William Marvel, and Joseph Crandall. The bank was located in the brick building corner of Water and Pocasset Streets, and commenced business in December, 1853, with a capital then as large as that of any bank in the com- monwealth outside of Boston. In 1865 the institution was converted into a national' banking association, under the name of the Meta- comet National Bank of Fall River, No. 924. After having been located on the boundary of the " Border City," it removed in 1876 to its present commodious and complete banking-house in the Borden Block, corner of South Main and Pleasant Streets. Mr. Borden remained president until January, 1880, when he was succeeded by William Lindsey, the present incumbent. Mr. Tripp has remained cashier of the bank from the first, a period of nearly thirty years, and is one of the oldest bank officials in term of service in the commonwealth. The Pocasset National Bank.— The Pocasset Bank was incorporated by the General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island in May, 1854, Moses Baker, Oliver Chace, and Joseph Osborn being named in the charter. The bank was organized June 3, 1854, by the choice of Oliver Chace, Samuel Hathaway, Weaver Osborn, Gideon H. Durfee, and Moses Baker, of Tiverton, and John C. Milne and William H. Taylor, of Fall River, Mass., as directors. Oliver Chace was elected president, and William H. Brackett cashier. The bank was located in the Fall River Union Bank building, corner of South Main and Rodman Streets, then in Tiverton, R. I. In 1856 the town of Tiverton was divided, and that part wherein the bank was located became Fall River, R. I. In 1862 the boundary line between Rhode Island and Massa- chusetts was changed, Fall River, R. I., being set off to Massachusetts, and the bank, by authority of the Legislature, became a Massachusetts institution, and was removed to the office in the northwest corner of the market building, now City Hall, on Main Street. Feb. 1, 1865, the bank was organized as a national bank under the title of the Pocasset National Bank, No. 679. In 1872 the bank purchased the lot on the southeast corner of Main and Bedford Streets, and erected on the " Four Corners," so called, a fine gran- ite building of three stories high, with a mansard roof. In January, 1873, the bank was removed to its present eligible location on the lower floor of this building. At the annual meeting of the board of directors, Jan. 6, 1882, Oliver Chace resigned the presidency, and on the following day William H. Hathaway was elected to fill the vacancy. Dec. 9, 1862, William H. Brackett resigned, and was succeeded by the present cashier, Mr. Edward E. Hathaway, who has been connected with the bank since its organization in 1854. Samuel Hathaway officiated as president until his death, when he was succeeded by Mr. Weaver Osborn, the present president. Only three of the original board of directors are living, viz., Weaver Osborn, John C. Milne, and Gideon H. Durfee. Mr. Osborn and Mr. Milne are members of the present board. The present board is as follows: Weaver Osborn, Nathan Read, Danforth Horton, Linden Cook, Foster H. Stafford, John C. Milne, E. E. Hathaway. Capi- tal, $200,000; surplus, $40,000; undivided profits, $37,475.13. The First National Bank was organized Jan. 23, 1864, with a capital of $200,000. Hon. John S. Brayton was elected president, and Mr. Charles A. Bassett cashier. In March, 1865, the capital stock was increased to $400,000, which is its present figure. From the date of organization until 1870 it was a United States depository and financial agent. The bank is located at No. 14 Granite Block, on the corner of Main and Central Streets, the southwest of the " Four Corners," so called. Mr. Charles A. Bassett, cashier, having in 1877 been elected treasurer of the Fall River Savings-Bank, was succeeded by Mr. Hezekiah A. Brayton, who remained cashier until April 28, 1880, when he was succeeded by Mr. C. E. Hendrickson, the present incumbent. The present officers of the bank are as follows : President, John S. Brayton ; Cashier, Charles E. Hendrickson ; Direc- tors, John S. Brayton, William B. Brayton; H. A. Brayton, D. A. Brayton, Jr. The Second National Bank is a successor of the Wamsutta Bank, which was incorporated as a State bank June 4, 1856, with a capital of $100,000. The first board of directors were S. A. Chace, Hale Rem- ington, James B. Luther, Brownell W. Woodman, E. C. Kilburn, Thomas F. Eddy, and Thomas Almy. S. A. Chace was chosen president, and officiated in that capacity until 1878, when he resigned, and Thomas F. Eddy was elected to that position. Charles J. Holmes was elected cashier, and has continued to the present time. In May, 1864, the bank was reorgan- ized as the Second National Bank of Fall River, and the following year the capital was increased to $150,000. The present board of directors are Thomas F. Eddy, E. C. Kilburn, C. J. Holmes, C. E. Fisher, Leontine Lincoln, Albert Winslow, and A. B. Sandford. Cap- ital, $150,000 ; undivided earnings, $34,000. The Fall River Savings-Bank was incorporated March 11, 1828, and Oliver Chace, James Ford, Henry Chace, Bradford Durfee, John C. Borden, Clark Shove, and Hezekiah Battelle were constituted a cor- poration by the name of the Fall River Institution for Savings. The organization of the institution was completed by the election of Micah H. Ruggles as president, Harvey Chace secretary, and James .Ford treasurer. The first board of trustees were as follows: David Anthony, Samuel Chace, Nathaniel B. Borden, John C. Borden, Harvey Chace, Joseph Gooding, James FALL RIVER. 331 Ford, Bradford Durfee, Richard Borden, John S. Cotton, Clark Shove, Philip R. Bennett, Joseph C. Luther, Jesse Eddy, Enoch French, Hezekiah Bat- telle, Matthew C. Durfee, and William H. Hawkins. Enoch French, David Anthony, Matthew C. Durfee, Jesse Eddy, and Harvey Chace were constituted a board of investment. May 28, 1828, the bank was opened for business, and sixty-five dollars was deposited on that day by four depositors. During the first year there was three thousand two hundred and twenty-four dollars received from fifty-eight depositors, but of this amount five hundred and eighteen dollars was withdrawn. The first dividend was made in October, 1828, amount- ing to thirteen dollars and four cents. The act of incorporation provided for its continu- ance for a term of twenty years. In April, 1847, by special vote of the Legislature, the act was continued without limitation. In April, 1855, the name of the bank was changed to " The Fall River Savings-Bank. " \ The bank has had but four presidents, viz., Micah H. Ruggles, from 1828 to 1857 ; Nathaniel B. Borden, from 1857 to 1865 ; Job B. French, from 1865 to 1882; | and William Lindsey, from 1882 to the present time. Its original place of business was in the office of James Ford, the first treasurer. In 1830 it was re- moved to the store of Hawkins & Fish, southeast corner of Main and Bedford Streets, Mr. William H. Hawkins having succeeded Mr. Ford in the office of treasurer. In July, 1833, Mr. Hawkins was succeeded by Mr. Henry H. Fish, who was in turn succeeded in 1836 by Mr. Joseph F. Lindsey. Mr. Lindsey de- voted the best years of his life to the interests of the bank, and upon his retirement in 1877, after forty years' service in an office which he had conducted with marked honesty, ability, and courtesy, was com- plimented with the appointment of vice-president of the corporation. His successor as treasurer was Mr. Charles A. Bassett, who has continued to the present time. Mr. Bassett had been cashier of the First National Bank of Fall River for thirteen years. The bank continued in Mr. Fish's store till some time in 1841, when an increase of business demanded more room, and a small building in the rear of the old post-office on Pocasset Street was procured. It remained here about a year, and was then removed to the basement of a house on North Main Street, owned and occupied by Dr. Nathan Durfee. This house was destroyed in the great fire of July, 1843, and a private dwelling was occupied by the bank until the next January, when the Mount Hope House Block was completed on the site of the former office. The bank was then moved into the office in the southwest cor- ner of this block, where it remained until the erection of its own banking-house on North Main Street in March, 1869, which is one of the most complete in the State. The bank has paid dividends regularly every year, excepting 1879. In 1882, however, an extra dividend of four and a half per cent, was paid, which made good to the depositors the deficiency of 1879. The total dividends from organization up to and including October, 1882, amount to three hundred and thirty- three and a half per cent., making an average of six per cent, since its organization. Previous to the spring of 1878 the bank had con- tinuously increased its deposits, until the amount reached an excess of $6,000,000. The well-known local financial irregularities of that and the following year caused universal distrust, and it was deemed ex- pedient that the bank should take the benefit of the restrictive act limiting payments, known as the " Pay Law." It was first applied to the bank in July, 1878, and continued in force until April 1, 1880, when the bank resumed payment under its by-laws, and has since paid upon demand all sums desired by the de- positors, and the managers can now confidently say that in their opinion it is as sound and safe as never before. The present deposits amount to over $4,400,000. The present officers are as follows : William Lind- sey, president; A. S. Tripp, vice-president; Isaac B. Chace, clerk; Trustees, J. B. French, A. S. Tripp, Caleb B. Vickery, Robert C. Brown, Guilford H. Hathaway, Benjamin Earl, William Lindsey, Isaac B. Chace, Thomas J. Borden, James C. Eddy, Brad- ford D. Davol, Newton R. Earl, Crawford E. Lindsey, Samuel R. Buffinton, Henry C. Hawkins, Henry K. Braley, Clark Shove, Ferdinand H. GifFord, Robert Henry; C. A. Bassett, treasurer; N. R. Earl, secre- tary board of trustees; Board of Investment, William Lindsey, Guilford H. Hathaway, Robert C. Brown, James C. Eddy, Henry C. Hawkins. Citizens' Savings-Bank.— " In 1851 the October session of the General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island passed an act incorporating ' The Savings-Bank,' to be located in Tiverton. Oliver Chace, Jr., Cook Borden, Thomas Borden, Clark S. Manchester, and their associates and successors, were created a body politic, under the name and style of ' The Savings-Bank,' with perpetual succession. The amount of deposits to be received was limited to four hundred thousand dollars. " The bank was organized Nov. 15, 1851, by the election of Joseph Osborn, president ; Charles F. Searle, secretary; William H. Brackett, treasurer; and a board of fifteen trustees. Cook Borden, Oliver Chace, Jr., Weaver Osborn, William C. Chapin, and Samuel Hathaway were chosen a board of invest- ment. The bank was opened for business Dec. 1, 1851, at the office of the Fall River Union Bank, and on that day the first deposit was made. "In June, 1854, the bank was removed to the office in the southwest corner of the Fall River Union Bank building, on South Main Street, corner of Rodman Street, and continued there until the change in the boundary line between Rhode Island and Massachu- setts, March 15, 1862, when it became a Massachu- 332 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. setts institution, under the name of the Citizens' Savings-Bank, and was removed with the Pocasset Bank to the northwest corner of the market building, now City Hall. In January, 1873, the bank was again removed to the office prepared for it, in connection with the Pocasset National Bank, in the latter's new building, erected for a banking-house and other pur- poses, on the corner of Main and Bedford Streets. " In December, 1862, William H. Brackett resigned the office of treasurer on account of removal to an- other city, and Edward E. Hathaway was elected to fill the vacancy. " The first dividend was declared June 4, 1852, viz., three per cent, for the preceding six months." The present deposits, February 9th, are $2,216,- 183.02; undivided profits, .$47,993.95; guarantee fund, $39,702.75. President, Joseph Osborn ; Vice- Presidents, Linden Cook and Danforth Horton ; Secretary, John C. Milne ; Treasurer, E. E. Hatha- way ; Assistant Treasurer, E. F. Borden ; Second As- sistant Treasurer, William F. Winter; Clerk, William B. Shove ; Book-keeper, F. 0. Dwelly ; Trustees, Jo- seph Osborn, L. S. Earle, Linden Cook, Charles P. Dring, J. C. Milne, Weaver Osborn, B. F. Winslow, F. H. Stafford, Joseph Healy, George O. Fairbanks, Samuel W. Hathaway, Danforth Horton, Joseph U. Carr, George H. Eddy, M. G. 15. .Swift, P. I. Conant, John B. Marvel, F. L. Almy, James W. Henry, Je- rome Dwelly; Board of Investment, Weaver Osborn, Charles P. Dring, John C. Milne, Linden Cook, Lloyd S. Earle. Weaver Osborn was a member of the first board of trustees, and has remained a trustee to the present time. The Fall River Five-Cent Savings-Bank was in- corporated April 10, 1855, with the following incorpo- rators : S. Angier Chace, Hale Remington, Walter C. Durfee, James Buffinton, E. P. Buffinton, B. H. Davis, A -a P. French, and Alvan S. Ballard. The institution was organized on the 25th of the following October, with S. Angier Chace, president; Hale Remington, secretary; Charles J. Holmes, Jr., treasurer; and S. Angier Chace, Asa Eames, E. P. Buffinton, Abner L. Westgate, and Kobert K. Remington, a board of investment. Mr. Chace remained president until 1878, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Walter C. Durfee. Mr. Bemington continued as secretary until October, 1856, when John P. Slade was elected to that position. There has been no change in the office of treasurer, Mr. Holmes having officiated dur- ing the twenty-seven years of the bank's existence. The present deposits amount to $1,100,000 ; surplus, $30,000. The present board of investment is as fol- lows: Walter C. Durfee, E. C. Kilburn, Iram Smith, S. M. Brown, and Edwin Shaw. The Union Savings-Bank was incorporated April 24, 1869, with Gardner T. Dean, Edwin Shaw, and Lafayette Nichols as corporators. An organization was immediately effected by the choice of Augustus Chace, president; James M.Morton, Jr., secretary ; D. A. Chapin, treasurer ; and a board of twenty-five trustees. The board of investment consisted of Cook Borden, William B. Durfee, Gardner T. Dean, Lafay- ette Nichols, and Alphonso S. Covel. The bank opened for business in May, 1869. Its present officers are as follows : President, Augustus Chace; Secretary, Abraham G. Hart; Treasurer, Daniel A. Chapin ; Board of Investment, Nathan Chace, William B. Durfee, Gardner T. Dean, Lafayette Nichols, A. S. Covel. CHAPTER XXVII. FALL RIVER.— {Continued.) MISCELLANEOUS. The Press, Civil History, Etc. The Fall River Monitor— The Moral Envoy — The Village Recorder — The Patriot— The Archetype— The Gazette— The Argus— The Flint and Steel — The Mechanic — The Wampanoag — All Sorts — Journal — People's Press — The Labor Journal — L'Echo du Canada— The Spark — The Fall River News— The Daily Evening News— The Fall Daily Herald— The Advance— The Daily Record— The Daily Sun— The First Stage Line Between Fall River and Providence — The Fall River Line of Steamers— The Clyde Line— Voters in 1830— The Fire of 1S43 — List of Buildings Destroyed — Custom-House and Post-Office — The City Hall — Educational— Schools in 1703 — Present Conditiou of Schools— Mrs. Mary B. Young's Gift— The Public Library!— The Skeleton in Armor — Water-Works — Fire Department — Oak Grove Cemetery — The North Cemetery — Civil History — Incorporation of Town — Name Changed to Troy — Subsequently to Fall River — Incor- poration of the City— First Officers— Mayors from 1854 to 1884— Members of Congress Residents of Fall River — State S u natois — Rep- resentatives from 1803 to 1884— Town Clerks from 1803 to 1854— City Clerks from 1854 to 1884 — Present City Officers — Valuation from 1854 to 1882— Population from 1810 to 1882. The Fall River Monitor. — The pioneer in Fall River journalism was the Monitor, first issued Jan. 6, 1826, by Nathan Hall. The office of publication was on Bedford Street, in a brick building which stood where is situated the block now occupied by Messrs. Allen, Slade & Co., for their wholesale grocery busi- ness. The size of the paper was nineteen by twenty- four inches, four pages, and four columns to a page. The paper was printed on a Bamage press, similar to the one used by Franklin. The ink was distributed upon the type by balls, the very ancient style of the art. The number of advertisements, though quite lim- ited, was respectable for this early period of our history as a town. Among these we note that John S. Cotton offers a variety of goods at his store, at the old stand at the corner formerly occupied by the Fall River Manufactory, viz., dry-goods, groceries, crock- ery, glassware, and hardware. John Southwick was also a dealer in the same articles. J. & D. Leonard supplied the people with paints and oil, but as no- 1 See Appendix. FALL RIVER. 333 thing is said about paper hangings, we infer that Fall River people had not attained to the style necessary to make them a profitable commodity. Bennett & Jacobs were prominent dealers in West India goods and groceries, as also did Hiram Bliss. Enoch French & Sons supplied the people with boots, shoes, and leather, which, by the way, is the only store which has remained till this day, the same being continued by one of the sons and a grandson under the firm-name of Job B. French & Son, at or near the old stand, but with greatly increased facilities. Samuel Shove & Son were engaged in the dry-goods business, and also including in his stock crockery, earthen- and glass- ware. Blake & Nichols were dealers in staple goods. Peleg H. Earl was the merchant tailor. James Ford dispensed the law. Joseph Luther and J. Ames taught private schools. Benjamin Anthony and John Southwick were the auctioneers. James G. Bowen was the postmaster. .Matthew C. Durfee was the only bank cashier. Susan Jennings was the tailoress, and Mrs. Hannah Allen the mantuamaker. David An- thony was agent for a Boston insurance company. John C. Borden and David Anthony were among the principal owners of real estate, and the former as justice of the peace, his name appearing occasionally as officiating at ceremonies. A Masonic lodge was in being here at this early day, of which Rt. W. Leander P. Lovell was Master, and John C. Borden was Secretary and Tyler, with Rev. A. B. Read as Chaplain. B. Earl entered the office of the Monitor as an ap- prentice late in the fall of 1826. After serving three years, and continuing labor in the office some six months longer, he purchased the office with all its materials, the good-will, and list of subscribers to the Monitor, and commenced its publication on the 1st of July, 1829, continuing its publication until 1838, when it was sold out to Tripp & Pearce. During the last year or two of Mr. Earl's connection with the office, J. S. Hammond was associated with him in that and other business. James Ford, Esq., officiated as editor of the Monitor during most of the period of its publication by Mr. Earl. During the publication of the Monitor by Mr. Earl, the Morgan excitement on Masonry and anti-Masonry sprung up, and waxed hot and bitter between the • •(intending adherents on either side; and also the " great Hodges and Ruggles' contest," as it was after- wards called, for Congressional appointment, which finally terminated in the election of Hodges on the seventh ballot. The Monitor took the Masonic side of question in controversy, and this gave to its publisher the cognomen of "Jack-mason." In March, 1838, Earl & Hammond sold out their interest in the paper to Mr. N. A. Tripp and Alfred Pearce. Their partnership continued but three months, when Mr. Henry Pratt assumed the obliga- tions which Mr. Pearce had thrown off. Thus for many years the publishers were Messrs. Tripp iV- Pratt. In 1850, Mr. Tripp went out of the firm, and in 1857 engaged in the publication of the Daily Star, which soon after came into existence. The senior publisher, Mr. Noel A. Tripp, still sur- vives, and is an attache, of this office. He is probably the oldest printer in the county, and still wears his honors bravely, receiving to himself, very justly, the credit of establishing the first daily newspaper which became a permanent institution. Mr. Alfred Pearce died in Providence, March 12, 1871. For many years previous to the fire of 1843 the paper was published in the Exchange Building which stood where the City Hall building is now located. After the fire it sought temporary quarters in the rear of Mrs. Young's residence, on North Main Street, until the Borden block, which stood where the new one is now erected, was finished, when it was removed thither. When the Pocasset House was rebuilt the office was removed to its present quarters, where it has remained ever since. In 1841 the present proprietor entered the office to serve an apprenticeship, after concluding which he continued in the employ of Mr. Henry Pratt, the pub- lisher, most of the time till about 1855, when he en- gaged in business himself. In December, 1868, he assumed the publication of the Monitor, which had been suspended for some months. For two years it was run as a free paper. Jan. 1, 1871, it was enlarged to its present dimensions and issued at one dollar per annum. It continued at this price one year, and Jan. 1, 1872, the subscription was raised to one dollar and fifty cents per annum. Its subscription is larger, and it has, undoubtedly, now a far wider circulation than at any period in its history. The names of those who at various times previous to Mr. Robertson's connection with the Monitor wielded the editorial pen in its columns are in their order as follows: Joseph Hathaway, Esq., Charles F. Town- send, Matthew C. Durfee, James Ford, Esq., and Hon. Joseph E. Dawley. Mr. Dawley is the only one now living. The first editor, Mr. Hathaway, was a native of Fall River, which then embraced Freetown, where Mr. Hathaway was born. He was probably one of the most brilliant members of the Bristol County bar. As a platform speaker he had few equals, and as an incisive writer he could wield a lance which cut to the quick. Charles F. Townsend, Esq., of "Townsend Hill" notoriety, became an early contributor to the columns of the Monitor, more especially in its poetical depart- ment, and continued in that capacity many years. Matthew C. Durfee was its editor from 1828 to 1830. He was a man of fine talents, a cashier of the first bank ever started here, and possessed good business abilities. He was a good writer, a person of conscien- tious principles, and wielded a trenchant pen. He died in December, 1841. 3:-u HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. James Ford, Esq., assumed the editorial chair in 1830 and continued till 1858. As a writer, he was honest in statement and an ardent advocate of his political party,— the Whigs. Daring a good portion of this time the Democracy were in the ascendant in the nation, hut Fall River usually was carried hy the Whigs, and it was generally conceded that the paper was a powerful motor in the accomplishment of this work. Political controversy raged high in those days, much hotter thau in modern times. The editor was not peculiarly mild in his denunciation of the policy of the Democratic party, whom he generally styled " Locofocos," a term quite commonly applied to them in those clays. Various attempts were made to sustain a newspaper again by the Democratic party, but with indifferent success. Failure after failure followed until the Weekly News got a foothold. In the mean time the editor of the Monitor was continually pouring hot shot, metaphorically speaking, into the enemy's camp. Generally the opposition papers were edited by various persons, hence arose a term of " forty fathers," which Judge Ford applied to the authors of their editorials. The first objective point seemed to be the demolition of the theories of the Monitor, against which they battled long and earnestly. The controversy was long continued, the excitement ran high, and epithets of a harmless nature were freely applied on both sides. Though for a while these afforded considerable amusement to the patrons of the papers, yet they were carried to such an extent as to become tedious to the readers and unprofitable to the publishers. In those days newspaper controversy was more popular than it is now, but as they gener- ally degenerate into personal abuse, they detract from the character and profitableness of the paper, and please few but those whose belligerent propensities are superior to the mental. Mr. Ford lived to a ripe old age, being only a few days short of eighty-nine years at his death, retaining his mental faculties till the last. Hon. Joseph E. Dawley became a contributor to the Monitor as early as 1847, and upon the retirement of Mr. Ford, in 1858, he assumed the sole editorial charge, and continued to discharge those duties until about 1861, when, in consequence of the war of the Rebellion, the paper was suspended for several months. The Monitor is now published by Mr. William S. Robertson, editor and proprietor. The Moral Envoy (anti-Masonic J was started in 1830 by George Wheaton Allen, a native of Batavia, N. Y. This journal continued to be published about a year, when in 1831 it was succeeded by the Village Recorder, Noel A. Tripp publisher. This was issued once a fortnight from the same office as the Monitor for a short time until 1832, when it came out weekly. After running nearly three years, the Recorder was merged in the Monitor. In 1836 there was started the first Democratic paper, a weekly, called the Patriot. The publisher was William N. Canfield. It was edited a few months by B. Ellery Hale, after which the editorial work was mostly performed by a coterie of writers, among whom were the late Dr. P. W. Leland, Dr. Foster Hooper, Jonathan Slade, and Louis Lapham, Esq. These were the " forty fathers," so termed by James Ford, Esq., who at this time edited the Monitor. The Patriot was a journal of considerable ability, and did good service for the Democracy. It lived four or five years, and was succeeded by the Archetype, which was started in 1841 under the management of Messrs. Thomas Almy and Louis Lapham. After one year it was discontinued, and was followed by the Gazette, published by Abraham Bowen, and edited by Stephen Hart. This was also short-lived, when the Argus sprung up under the editorial supervision of Jonathan Slade, with Thomas Almy as publisher. The office being destroyed in the great fire of 1843, the paper was suspended. About this time was issued the Flint nnil Steel, a small weekly sheet edited by the late Dr. P. W. Leland. It was in the interest of the Democ- racy, and gave full scope to the talent possessed by the doctor in making the sparks of criticism and sar- casm fly thick and last. At its demise various ventures in journalism were made, among them The Mechanic, by Mr. Thomas Almy, assisted by Mr. John C. Milne, the Wdm- panoag, and some others. Since 1845 there have been the All Sorts, by Abraham Bowen, published occa- sionally ; Journal, weekly, by George Robertson ; People's Press, tri-weekly, by Noel A. Tripp. The All Sorts and Journal lived for a season. The Press was published five years, and then in 1865 was merged into the Monitor. The Labor Journal, published by Henry Seavey, was started in 1873, now discontinued. The V Echo du Canada, an organ of the French Canadians, was started in 1873, and lived about two years. The first daily paper was The Spark, published in 1848, a small campaign paper, edited by Louis Lap- ham, Esq., which lived but a few weeks. The Fall River Weekly News was established April 3, 1845, by Thomas Almy and John C. Milne, as a Democratic paper, and continued as such till 1853, when it espoused the principles of the Repub- lican party, which it has continued to advocate ever since. In June, 1859, the publication of the Daily Evening News was commenced, in connection with the Weekly. In 1864, Mr. Frank L. Almy, who had entered the office as an apprentice during the first year of the Weekly News, was admitted as a partner. In 1882 the firm of Almy, Milne & Co. was dissolved by the death of the senior partner, Mr. Thomas Almy, after a business connection with Mr. Milne of more than thirty-seven years, and the publication of the two papers has been continued since that time by Mr. John C. Milne and Mr. Frank L. Almy, under the original firm-name of Almy & Milne. Both the Daily and Weekly Neivs have been enlarged from time to time, until they are now the FALL RIVER. 335 largest papers in the State, each containing thirty-six columns. The Evening News is the largest daily pub- lished in the city, and it has a large and increasing circulation, and its value as an advertising medium is well understood by business men. It is an able, high- toned, and influential journal, and in the days of the anti-slavery agitation was noted for its zeal and effi- ciency in the cause of human freedom. It occupies a bold and fearless position on the great moral ques- tions of the day, is a prominent advocate of the tem- perance cause, allows no liquor advertisements in its columns, and gives its aid to advance in every way the best interests of the community. Fall River Herald.— In 1872 a conference of lead- ing Democrats of Fall River was held to consider the advisability of establishing a daily paper to represent the interests of the party and the workingmen of the city. Accordingly, a subscription-paper was circu- lated chiefly among the Irish Democrats of means, and in a short time stock to the amount of six thou- sand dollars was taken and paid for. An office in Nichols building on Pocasset Street was secured, and the necessary materials purchased. On July 2d the first copy of the paper was issued, under the name of The Border City Herald, with Mr. William Hovey, later editor of the Boston Transcript, and now editor of the Sunday Budget, in charge of the editorial de- partment. The paper sprang into immediate favor both among readers and business men, and its success was assured from the first issue. Instead of confining itself to the narrow channels of partisanship, an inde- pendent position was assumed, and Democratic pro- clivities set aside whenever any false course was per- ceptible in that party. With success came that negligence so characteristic of people who have not much on their minds, and the result was that the monetary affairs of the concern were improperly man- aged. Several times was the project of dissolving the company broached in the meetings of the stockhold- ers, but the wisdom of the clear-sighted members prevailed, and the question effectually disposed of forever. A debt of over five thousand dollars was in- curred by the directors, which no one could see a way of lifting. A new and more energetic board of direct- ors was chosen, who personally managed the affairs and applied for articles of incorporation in 1877, which were granted, and the name changed to Fall River Daily Herald. A good system of economy was at once inaugurated, money raised to meet the out- standing obligations, and the company placed on a sounder footing. The new lease of life infused into the Herald at that time has brought it to its present ex- cellent standing ; so that the stock, which sold for forty dollars per share in 1876-77, cannot now be had for one hundred and fifty dollars. Mr. Hovey was succeeded as editor by the late Judge Lapham, whose ponderous editorial articles afforded great pleasure to the old-line Democrats, among whom he was the leading light. He contin- ued in charge until his duties as justice of the Police Court became so onerous that he was compelled to re- sign. Mr. Walter Scott was the third editor, followed soon by a New Jersey journalist named Trellease, whose stay was exceedingly brief, because of his ir- regular habits. George Salisbury, now editor and publisher of the Fall River Weekly Advance, was ap- pointed his successor, but receiving a more advan- tageous offer, he shortly afterward resigned to accept a similar position from Henry Sevey, who at that time was running a one-cent paper on Pleasant Street called the Daily Journal and Democrat. Mr. Ernest King, an associate at one time of Horace Greeley, and publisher of a paper in Connecticut, was next called in as editor, and filled the position acceptably, when he asked to be released, on account of a difficulty with the directors, who held that the paper was amenable to the laws under the copyright act for publishing an article on the Irish question written by Charles S. Parnell for the North American Review. The seventh editor was William B. Wright, a young Boston journalist, who caused the paper to assume a new and more vigorous tone. He stayed two years, when he, too, January, 1882, resigned. The vacancy remained unfilled for a few weeks, until Mr. Joseph E. Chamberlain, at that time editor of the Newport Daily News, and former managing editor of the Chicago Times, assumed charge at the invitation of the direc- tors. The paper has made a great gain in circulation and influence within the past year. It is Democratic in politics, and independent and fearless in its man- ner of discussing public topics. The Advance was started as a licensed victuallers' organ in March, 1879, by a person named Trellease, and soon afterwards fell into the hands of Salisbury & Newell, who continued to run it until August, 1881, when Mr. Salisbury purchased his partner's interest in the concern, and has since run it as its sole pro- prietor and editor, entirely changing its character and tone, and making it an independent, chatty, and amusing family and news paper. Starting as a small six-column, patent outside sheet, it has gradually de- veloped into a nine-column paper, all filled with bright, fresh, and interesting reading-matter. It is a paragraphic and witty paper, which is quoted far and near, and its jokes and stories are reproduced as largely in the old country as at home. Mr. Salisbury, the editor, is an Englishman, who has only been in this country about nine years. He has built up a big and a jolly paper, and is a prime favorite with the paragraphic fraternity all over the country. The Advance is a weekly paper, published every Saturday, and has a large and steadily-increasing circulation and a good advertising patronage. The Advance is illustrated by humorous cuts, and makes a specialty of racy and laughable stories. The Daily Record was established Dec. 12, 1878, by W. O. Milne & Co., and was discontinued July 29, 1879. 336 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. The Fall River Daily Sun was first issued May 11, 1880, by the Fall River Sun Publishing Company, with Earnest King as editor, and was published until March 24, 1882. The First Stage Line between Fall River and Providence and Fall River and New Bedford was established in 1825, Mr. Isaac Fish being proprietor of the former, and I. H. Bartlett of the latter. The terminus of each line being at Slade's Ferry, which was crossed by a horse ferry-boat. This primitive craft was succeeded in 1847 by the steam ferry-boat " Faitt," and this by the " Weetamoe" in 1859. This ferry continued in use until the completion of the bridge in 1875. Fall River and Providence Steamboat Com- pany. — The Fall River and Providence line of steamers was established by the Iron-Works Company in 1828, and was owned and operated by that corpor- ation until 1880, when it was organized as a separate company, with a capital of one hundred and ninety- two thousand dollars. The first steamer on this line was the " Hancock," put on in 1828; she measured ninety-eight tons, eighty-nine feet long, eighteen feet beam, and about six feet depth of hold, and was commanded by Capt. Thomas Borden. The " Hancock" was succeeded by the " King Philip" in 1832. The " Bradford Durfee" was placed upon the route in 1845, the "Canonicua" in 1849, the " Metacomet" in 1854, and the " Rich- ard Borden" in 1874. Two steamers, the "Richard Borden" and "Bradford Durfee," ply regularly be- tween this city and Providence. The steamer " Canon- icus" is used for the summer season. The present officers are as follows : President, Jefferson Borden ; Clerk and Treasurer, Robert C. Brown; Directors, Jefferson Borden, John S. Brayton, R. B. Borden, Nathaniel Lindsey, David A. Brayton, Jr., and H. M. Barnes. The Fall River Line. — The first steamboat com- munication between this city and New York was in- augurated in 1847 by the organization of the Bay State Steamboat Company with a capital of $300,000. The first steamer commenced her trips in May of that year. This was the " Bay State," three hundred and twenty feet long, with a tonnage of sixteen hun- dred, commanded by Capt. Joseph I. Comstock. The alternate boat was the steamer " Massachusetts," which was chartered until the completion of the " Metropo- lis" in 1854. This steamer was three hundred and fifty feet in length, with a capacity of two thousand two hundred tons. The conception of the organization of this favorite through route of travel between Boston and New York, via Fall River, was largely due to Col. Richard Borden, by whom also the railroad was projected and mainly constructed. Other business men were inter- ested in this latter movement and aided in its develop- ment, among whom were Andrew Robeson, Sr., who was its first president, his successor, Hon. Nathaniel B. Borden, and David Anthony, who was treasurer. Jefferson Borden was also most prominent in the management, and shared with his brother Richard in the organization of the steamboat line. Until 1846, there had been no communication direct from Fall River by steam or rail with either Boston or New York. The Bay State Steamboat Company in course of time passed into the control of the Boston, Newport and New York Steamboat Company, and, the Old Colony Railroad Company having in the mean time extended their road from Fall River to' Newport, that city (1864) was made the eastern terminus for the boats of the line. Soon came another change, the steamers becoming the property of the Narragansett Steamship Company, then under the control of James Fisk, Jr., and Jay Gould, of New York, and the eastern terminus was re-established (1869) at Fall River. About two years later this line passed into the pos- session of the Old Colony Steamboat Company, which was controlled by the Old Colony Railroad Company, thus forming the now famous " Fall River Line," be- tween Boston and New York. Among the older boats operated by this company were the "Senator," the "Governor," the " Katahdin," and the "State of Maine." The present steamers are the "Old Colony" and " Newport" for winter service, and the palatial steamers " Bristol" and " Providence" for summer travel. A new palatial steamer has just been added to this line, bearing the appropriate name of " Pil- grim." This is one of the finest and largest steamers plying on the Sound. The present officers of the company are as follows: President, Charles F. Choate ; Clerk, George Marston ; Treasurer, John M. Washburn ; Directors, Charles F. Choate, F. B. Hayes, Uriel Crocker, Samuel C. Cobb, Fred. L. Ames, Samuel L. Crocker, John J. Russell, John S. Brayton, T. J. Borden, R. W. Turner, George Marston, William J. Rotch, and Elisha W. Willard. Clyde's Philadelphia and New England Steam- ship Line. — This project was inaugurated in 1876, when a line of steam propellers was started plying between this city and Philadelphia, thus opening a new and direct route between Philadelphia and Boston. Voters in 1830.— In the years of 1830 and 1832, when Fall River was a village of three thousand in- habitants or thereabouts, the following-named citizens were legal voters in the town, who are yet residing here, and perhaps others : Allen, Rodolphns U. Boomer, Nathaniel. Bliss, Hiram. Blossom, Barnabas. Borden, Amasa. Borden, Isaac. Borden, Laban. Borden, Leander. Borden, Melvin. Borden, Thomas. Bowen, Abraham. Brightman, Cory D. Briggs, Zephaniah T. Brown, Joseph D. Buffi uton, Oliver. Collins, John. FALL RIVER. 337 Davol, Stephen. Olney, David. Davol, William C. Read, William V. Earl, Benjamin. Li ndsey, Joseph F. Fish, Isaac. Sauford, William. French, ,Ioh B. Smith, Irani. French, Stephen L. Strange, William. Freeluve, Thomas. Terry, Church. Grinnell, Oliver. Terry, Brightman. Hall, Abiathar. Tripp, Noel A. Hart, Jonathan. Vickery, Caleh B. Marvel, William. ^Wilson, Job T. Mason, William. Winslow, Frederick. Negus, Seymour. Wordell, Charles The following-named persons then residents are now living out of the city : Allen, James S. Leonard, Daniel. Cook, Paul. Winchester, John P. French, Asa P. Wood, Leonard. This list does not include those citizens of Fall River who were then citizens of Tiverton, R. I. The Fire of 1843.— The year 1843 marks a mem- orable epoch in the history of Fall River. On the afternoon of July 2d of that year the town was vis- ited by a most devastating conflagration, which in a few hours laid nearly the entire village in ruins. The fire originated in a small carpenter-shop on Borden Street, near Main, which when discovered was enveloped in flames, and the fiery element was already threatening adjacent buildings. A mo- ment more the surrounding buildings were on fire, and the strong wind blowing from the south was hurling the crackling flames and burning cinders into the very heart of the village. The flames leaped from building to building with such amaz- ing rapidity that all attempts of the hand-engines and " bucket brigade" to subdue them were unavail- ing, and for seven hours the fire raged and was only checked when the wind suddenly changed and blew in an opposite direction. Twenty acres were burned over in the heart of the village, extending from Borden Street on the south to Franklin on the north, embracing the following property: Number of buildings burned, not including the smaller ones 196 Of which there were used as dwelling-houses, and occupied by one or more families each 95 Hotels 2 Churches (Methodist and Christian Onion) 3 Cotton-factory (Old Bridge Mill) 1 Carriage-factories 2 Banks. 2 Cabinet warehouses :; Marble-factory 1 Tannery 1 Li very -stables -1 Dry-goode i Btablisbments destroyed 17 Clothing " " 11 Grocery and provision establishments, including 3 or 4 crockery stores connected 24 Iio.t and shoe-stores destroyed 6 Hat- and cap- " " :; Book- and periodical-stores destroyed 3 Hardware- " " 3 Mi Miners' shops destroyed w ... 11 Mantua-makers' shops destroyed 5 Apothecaries' Jewelers' " " 3 Harness-makers' " " 3 Stove- and tinware-shops " 3 Brass-foundries " 2 Blacksmiths' shops " 3 Machine- " " 2 Carpenters' " " 8 Reed-maker's shop " 1 Shoemakers' shops " 7 Plane-maker's shop " 1 22 Roll-coverer's shop destroyed \ Turner's " " \ Painters' shops " g Butchers' " " 4 Soap-boiler's shop " \ Cigar-factory " x Restaurants " 7 Bake-houses " 2 School-house " \ Schoolrooms besides " 3 Athena'um " x Custom-house " \ Post-office " x Auction-room " \ Counting-rooms " 7 Dentists' " " .' 2 Stage-office " x Printing-offices " 3 Lawyers' " " 5 Physicians' " " 5 Barbers' shops " 3 Whole amount of loss on buildings $264 470 " " " other property 262,015 $526,4*5 Whole amount of insurance 175,475 Excess of loss $351 ',010 The number of families residing within the burnt district at the time of the fire was 225 - ' Persons belonging to those families 1334 Persons in addition, employed or doing business in the burnt dis- trict, but living out, about 600 Custom-House. — The district of Fall River— em- bracing, besides this town, the other towns adjacent to Taunton River — up to April 1, 1837, was called the District of Dighton, with Dighton as the port of entry. In 1834 the custom-house was removed to Fall River, and the name of the district changed to Fall River. In 1840 there were belonging to this district one hundred and thirteen registered, enrolled, and li- censed vessels, and the tonnage was eight thousand eight hundred and nine. The following is a list of collectors : Hodijah Bay- lies, 1789-1809; Nathaniel Williams, 1809-23; Her- cules Cushman, 1823-25; Seth Williams, 1825-29; William Wood, 1829-33; Horatio Pratt, 1833-34; P. W. Leland, 1834-42; Charles J. Holmes, 1842 -45 (deputy collector, J. E. Read) ; S. W. Leland, 1845-49 (deputy collector, Jonathan Slade) ; Samuel L. Thaxter, 1849-53 (deputy collector, Benjamin Earl) ; S. W. Leland, 1853-61 (deputy collector, Jon- athan Slade) ; Charles Almy, 1861-65 (deputy col- lector, Samuel R. Buffinton) ; James Brady, Jr., 1865 -83 (deputy collectors, Samuel R. Buffinton, Isaac Borden, Edward T. Marvell). The customs-office was in several different places after its removal to Fall River, always in rented rooms, until June 29, 18S1, it was removed to the new government building, temporarily occupying the southeast room of the second story. The building not being completed made very uncomfortable work for several months, or until the office was removed to the north rooms, which were assigned as those for the public business. At the time of the great fire of 1843 all papers pre- vious to 1834 were burned. The books were mostly saved, dating back to 1789. Custom-House and Post-Office Building. — In 1873 Congress appropriated $200,000 for the erect- ing of a custom-house and post-office building in this 338 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. city, the appropriation being limited to this amount. In 1875 the limitation was repealed, and an additional sum of $40,000 appropriated. In 1876, $25,000 was appropriated; in 1877, $20,000; in 1878, $70,000 ; in 1879, $85,000 ; in 1880, $50,000 ; and in 1881, $28,000, making a total appropriation of $518,000, of which $132,856.65 was expended for the purchase of land. The building was designed and the plans completed in 1875 by Mr. William A. Potter, supervising archi- tect, to whose professional ability it is certainly very creditable. The building was begun in September, 1875, and was occupied by the custom-house in June, 1880, and by the post-office a few months later. The government structure has a frontage on Bed- ford Street of one hundred and twenty-five feet, and on Second Street of eighty-four feet. It is three stories elevation, with a steep, high roof, the total height from street curb to line of roof being ninety-two feet. At the two flanks, and facing on Bedford Street, are circular pavilions, which project from the body of the building, and between these, on the ground-floor, are the entrances to the post-office, through five broad archways. The main features here are the large monoliths of polished red granite, each in one block, five feet by three feet six inches, finished by elabor- ately-carved capitals of gray granite. A noticeable amount of carved work of a high order is displayed upon the Bedford Street front, in red and some in gray granite. On the Second Street frontage the entrance to the custom-house is the prominent feature of the design. This entrance-way, with its arches, polished columns, massive buttresses, corbels, crockets, copings, etc., is a masterpiece of architecture, occupying a space twenty-nine feet in breadth, and two stories in height. The main body of the building is gray rock-faced ashlar, laid in regular courses. The mullions and reveals of the windows, the interior of the arcade entrances to the post-office, and other prominent points are of gray granite finely dressed. The band courses, sills, lintels, cornices, water-tables, etc., are of red granite, similarly face-finished. The entire ground-floor is occupied by the post- office, the second floor by the custom-house, while the third floor can be used for the United States courts whenever required. This is one of the most complete and elegant government buildings in the United States. The City Hall. — The first town-house was estab- lished at Steep Brook, the then centre of business in 1805. In 1825 a new town house was erected on land now occupied by the North Cemetery. In 1836 this building was removed to Town Avenue, and occupied until the completion of the new town hall and mar- ket building, erected after the great fire on Main Street. In 1845-46 the present City Hall building, built of Fall River granite, was erected in Market Square, at an expense of sixty-five thousand dollars, including lot, foundation, sidewalks, furniture, etc. It was considered a model public building for the time, solid and substantial in its construction, and judiciously arranged with a lock-up or town prison in the basement, a market on the first floor, and a large town hall, with offices in front, upon the second floor. The hall was one of the best in the State, and more commodious even than the far-famed Faneu-il Hall of Boston. With the growth of the city, however, more office accommodation was required, and in 1872-73 the building was entirely remodeled and rebuilt, with the addition of a mansard roof, tower, clock, bell, etc., at a cost of two hundred thousand dollars. Educational. — The first church edifice in ancient Freetown was erected within the present limits of Fall River, and was used for religious purposes about ninety-eight years. Adjacent to this church edifice, and upon the same lot of land, stood a school-house where the children of former generations were taught to read, write, and spell. So long has that house been gone that all traditions concerning it have been si- lenced, and have passed from the minds and memo- ries of men. Secular knowledge and divine instruc- tion were doubtless for a time imparted under the same roof, as some of Freetown's earliest ministers were also employed to officiate in the capacity of town school-master. The following are extracts from the town records: "On the first Monday in February, 1703-4, Voted, that a man should be chosen to endeavour to bring a mail into town to educate and instruct children in reading and writing, and dispensing the gospel to the town. Exceptance, " John Reed, Jr., Town Clerk.' 1 '' Again we find under the date of May 15, 1718 : "At a legal town meeting in freetown, Voted, — To set up a school to learn children to read and right, and made a choyce of Jacob hath away agent, to seek for a schoolmaster. " John Reed, Jr., Town Clerk." 1 Hathaway was not only a wrestling Jacob but a prevailing Israel, for five months later we find upon the time-worn record was entered, — "October, the 8th day, — Voted, to allow thomas roberts 3G pounds for one years service, to keep the school at three several places, the public meeting-house, Walter Chase's, also at or near John howlands. " february, the 14th day, 1720-21, — Voted and agreed, to seek out for a school-master for the present year, inasmuch as tho last year's school- master, Roberts and the town did not agree. "Jonathan Dodson, Town Clerk." "freetown, May, 17th day, 1721. — Voted, to leave it in the prudence of the Select Men to agree with William Gaige or with Win. Caswell to serve the town as a school-master for the term of one year." "freetown, July 19th day, 1721. — Voted, 30 pounds be raised on the inhabitants to pay the town's school-master." " freetown, July ye Kith day 1722. — then at a legal town meeting, voted, William Caswell 30 pounds in consideration of his serving the town, to keep school in the town one whole year, the said Caswell to be at all cost of boarding or dieting himself: Said Caswell being present did agree to serve. Voted, the school to be removed three times in the year, the first remove to be at the meeting house, the second remove to be at the lower part of the town, thirdly to be removed to the upper part of the town. Voted, the school-houses to be set at the middle of each half of the town from the meeting-house or centre. " John Reed, Toun Clerk." To carry out the last clause of that vote a school- house had to be built at or near Steep Brook. In FALL RIVER. 339 1725, William Gaige was employed to keep school one year for thirty-two pounds and hoard himself. William Caswell served as school-master for the years 1726-28 for thirty-eight pounds per year, and boarded himself, and in 1729 his wages were raised to forty pounds. • July 10, 1727, the town voted to build two school- houses, one of which should be eighteen feet long and fourteen feet wide. In 1730, William Gaige was again the town's school-master at forty pounds per year. In 1733 we find the following record of a vote passed November 2d of that year : "Voted, the sum of 50 pounds to Mr. Israel nichols, to keep school in said town, always excepting Saturday every week." In 1738, " Voted Mr. James Ward 06 pounds to keep school one year. " Joseph Reed, Town Clerk." In 173S sold two school-houses at public auc- tion, one brought five dollars and the other two dol- lars. Dec. 17, 1744, James Mead was dismissed from serving longer as school-master. Nov. 13, 1745, the town made choice of Shadrach Hathaway to keep school one year, and he to board himself. Ambrose Barnaby, town clerk. Shadrach Hathaway was a graduate of Yale Col- lege. His gravestone bears the following inscrip- tion : " In memory of Shadrach Hathaway, M.A., died December ye 3d, 1749, in ye 33d year of his age." Up to this date, all that was done about schools in Freetown, that part now Fall River received about one-half the benefits of, as it constituted about one-half of the town. East or New Freetown was annexed in 1747, and then Fall River was considered about one- third of the entire township. A school-house standing near the meeting-house 1 1 " In the pulpit of that meeting-house in what had been the centre of Freetown, now just within the most northerly limits of Fall River, the gospel was preached for nearly a century by the following divines, sev- eral remaining but a short period, as it was found to be an exceedingly difficult matter to 'dispense the gospel to the town's exceptance,' and taking exceptions to anything and, in fact, to almost everything that a minister could do or say seemed to be the darling project of many of the people, instead of accepting or submitting to anything whatever. Jar- gon and contention was the rule, peace and quiet the exception. "The patience of one of these preachers having become exhausted, tradition asserts that he with warmth once proclaimed from the pulpit that he never before in all his life saw such a set of heathen and such incorrigible sinners, when, suddenly recollecting some others of the same sort, he checked himself with the words, 'God forgive me, for I must and will except Taretown,' meaning Tiverton. " One preacher who had failed to edify in the morning effort, told the audience that he should improve upon the same text in the afternoon, when one of his hearers blurted out, ' Well, preach from it again in the afternoon, but I shall not come to listen to you, and the man in the next pew says he won't.' " The laborers in this stony ground of this vineyard of the Lord were as follows : " Rev. William Way, from Feb. 14, 1704, to January, 1707 ; Rev. Joseph Avery, Mr. Joseph Haile, Jonathan Dodson, Eev. Thomas Craighead, Rev. James McSparrow, Mr. Israel Nichols, and Rev. Silas Brett. Of was in the town records of 1748 called an old school- house, and a vote passed to supply its place by a new school-house, twenty-four by twenty. The school-house then built must have been the second that stood on the meeting-house lot. These extracts, meagre as the same are, furnish nearly all that can now possibly be learned of what was done for the education of children in Fall River from 1704 to 1748. In the early history of the town but feeble efforts were put forth in the promotion of the common schools. As the population of the town increased, however, much praiseworthy interest seemed to be manifested, and in 1826 the town voted to raise six hundred dollars for the support of the common schools, and appointed a general school committee to examine teachers and superintend the school. This committee consisted of Joseph Hathaway, James Ford, Jason H. Archer, John Lindsey, and William B. Canedy. In the following year the amount voted was more than doubled, being twelve hundred and eighty-eight dollars. In 1840 the committee consisted of Rev. Orin Finley, Asa Bronson, James Ford, Eliab Wil- liams, Joseph F. Lindsey, Jonathan S. Thomson, and George M. Randall, and the amount voted was four thousand five hundred dollars. With the incorpora- tion of the city and the rapid increase in population increased educational facilities were demanded, and from that time to the present the citizens of Fall River have manifested a lively interest in educational matters, and their public schools to-day are among the best in the commonwealth. STATISTICAL. Population of Fall River May, 18S1 49,049 Number of children in the city between 5 and 15 years of age, May 1, 1881 * 10,252 Increase 489 Of these there were in the Borden Grammar School Dis- trict 1357 Maple Street School District 522 High " " " 1451 Davis " " " 2217 Morgan " " " 3735 Slade " " " 970 10,252 Whole number of different pupils enrolled 10,361 Average number belonging 6,958 Average attendance 6,131 Number of school-houses,:;.".; sittings 8,266 Number of pupils over 15 years of age 332 Number of separate schools (high, 1; grammar, 22; interme- diate, 34; primary, 0:1; BUburban, !)) 129 Whole number of teachers employed in day schools: high, 8; grammar, 27; intermediate, 41; primary, 79; suburban, 9. Total 164 Whole number employed in evening schools, 35; evening draw- ing school, 6. Total 41 Number of male teachers employed in day schools (high, 6; grammar, 4) 10 Number of female teachers employed in day schools : high, 2 ; grammar, 23; intermediate, 41; primary, 79; suburban, 9. Total 154 the seventy-one years between Feb. 14, 1704, and 1775, Rev. Silas Brett preached about twenty-eight years. " The old church edifice, the first erected in what is now Fall River, was demolished in or about 1808. It was a very modest-looking, unpre- tending Structure, without a bell-tower or steeple, and innocent of the adornment- of paint. "No church-bell was used in town during the ninety-eight years this old church stood, nor for quite a number of years afterwards." — Gen. E. W. Peirce. 340 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Financial Statement. Appropriation for clay schools, 1881 893,000.00 Expended for salaries $82,132.10 " " text-books and stationery 7,009.06 " " printing 624.73 " " carrying school children 540.00 " " miscellaneous things 1,445.52 Balance carried to sinking fund 1,248.59 Total $93,000.0(1 Expended for janitors for day schools $10,165.27 " fuel 4,813.38 " " repairs on school-houses 4,506.00 " " new school houses 22,693 40 Evening school appropriation $3,500.00 Expended for teaching $2,692.75 " " textbooks 580.60 " " janitors 74.00 " " miscellaneous things 20.44 Balance carried to sinking fund 132.21 $3,500.00 High School. Whole number enrolled 384 Average number belonging 272 Average attendance 264 Number of pupils graduated 53 Grammar Grade. Whole number of pupils enrolled in grammar schools 1439 Average number belonging HIS Average attendance 1036 Intermediate Grade. Whole number of pupils enrolled in intermediate schools 2388 Average number belonging 1610 Average attendance 1437 Primary Grade. Whole number of pupils enrolled in primary schools 5728 Average number belonging 3700 Average attendance 3109 Suburban Schools (Mixed). Whole number of pupils enrolled 422 Average number belonging 261 Average attendance 225 School Census. — The truant officers on the first day of May, 1881, took the census of the school chil- dren between five and fifteen years of age, with the following results. Whole number in the city 10,252, which is 489 more than for the previous year. There were on that day, in the public schools, 6897 children between the ages above named, being 459 in excess of the previous year. An enrollment of 852 was found in the parochial and private schools, which is 21 more than was found the year before. There were 1420 children employed in the mills on the above days against 1331 the year previous. Of those children neither at work nor in the schools, 1083 were found, which is 80 less than the preceding year. The results obtained are tabulated below for conve- nience of reference and comparison with those of former years. Grammar Districts. In Public Schools. Slade 676 Morgan Street.... 2370 High Street 1006 Davis 1449 Maple Street 433 Borden 963 Last year . 6897 6438 459 In Private Schools. 17 493 93 206 32 11 852 831 21 At Work, 118 473 203 380 19 227 1420 1331 89 Not in any School nor at Work. 159 399 149 182 38 156 1083 1163 —80 Total. 970 3,735 1,451 2,217 522 1,357 10,252 9,763 489 The number of children between five and eight years of age was found to be 3363, the number be- tween eight and fourteen, 5899; and the number over fourteen but less than fifteen, 990. The following tabular statement exhibits the facts in detail in the different grammar-school districts : p Between 5 Between 8 Over 14 but urammar and g yearg an(J u years uQt ]5 years Tota] _ Districts. of age _ of age _ of age Slade 328 545 97 Morgan Street 1298 2154 343 High Street 487 825 139 Davis 713 1267 237 Maple Street 163 315 44 Borden 434 793 130 3363 5899 990 10,252 The present school committee is as follows : Louisa G. Aldrich, January, 1883 ; Harriet T. Healy, Jan- uary, 1883; Leontine Lincoln, January, 1883 ; Wil- liam G. Bennett, January, 1884; Marcus G. B.Swift, January, 1884; John A. Tourtellot, January, 1884; Thomas L. Ramsbottom, January, 1885; A. M. Jack- son, January, 1885 ; E. W. Hunt, January, 1885. William Connell, superintendent of schools. A. M. Jackson, chairman; William Connell, secretary. The Munificent Gift of Mrs. Mary B. Young to the city of Fall River for the purposes of a high school is best explained by the following documents : " To the Mayor of the City of Fall River. "Sir, — Ton will please find inclosed herewith a written proposition of Mrs. Mary B. Young, which I would thank you to present to the City Council for its consideration. " Very respectfully yours, "John S. Brayton. " Fall River, Feb. 5, 1883. '"To the City Cocncil of Fall River. "'The undersigned makes the following proposition: " ' As soon as the proper plans can be prepared, she will erect and furnish, at her own expense, in memory of her son, Bradford Matthew Chaloner Durfee, on the lot bounded on the north by Locust Street, east by High Street, south by Cherry Street, and west by Bock Street (which lot contains about two hundred and forty square rods of land), a build- ing suitable for the purposes of a high school, and upon its completion, will convey the same with the lot to the city of Fall River. "'She will also provide mechanical, philosophical, and chemical ap- paratus, and give to the city of Fall River, in trust, the sum of fifty thousand dollars, the income of which shall be devoted to instruction in the branches of study illustrated by the use of said apparatus. "'Shemake8 tnis proposition upon the condition that the selection and continuance of the teachers for said high school, and the depart- ments connected with it, shall be subject to the approval of certain per- sons to be named by her in said deed of gift, and their successors. "' Mary B. Young. "'Fall River, Feb. 5, 1883.' " In Board of Aldermen, Feb. 5, 1883. "Received, read, and referred to his honor the mayor, city solicitor, chairman of school committee, superintendent of schools, and the joint special committee on high school building. "Sent for concurrence. " George A. Baldard, City Clerk. " In Common Council, Feb. 5, 1883. " Concurred in. "Arthur Anthony, Clerk." "To the City Council: " The special committee to whom was referred the proposition of Mrs. Mary B. Young, to give a lot of land, to erect thereon, equip, endow, and present to the city of Fall River a high school edifice, as a memo- rial to her son, Bradford Matthew Chaloner Durfee, and for the benefit of the higher education of the youth of said city, would report that they recommend the adoption of the accompanying order and resolu- tions. " Henry K. Braley, James F. Jackson, A. M. Jackson, William Con- nell, Thomas F. Eddy, Hugh McKevitt, Henry II. Earl, J. Henry Wells, M. H. Connelly, Committee." FALL RIVER. 341 " Ordered, That the proposition of Mrs. Mary B. Young to erect and convey to the city of Fall River, in memory of her son, Bradford Mat- thew Ohaloner Durfee, a building for the uses and purposes of a high school, as contained in the written proposal submitted by her, bearing date Feb. 5, a.d. 1883, be and the same is hereby accepted, and a form of deed substantially like that annexed hereto is hereby approved and adopted, and the mayor is authorized to petition the Legislature for the passage of such act or acts as may be necessary, if any, to make valid the contemplated action. " Resolved, That in its acceptance of the munificent offer of Mrs. Mary B. Young, to give a lot of land, unsurpassed in location for the purpose, to build thereon, equip, endow, and present to the city of Fall River a high school edifice in memory of her son, Bradford Matthew Chaloner Durfee, and for the advanced education of the youth of the city of Fall River, the City Council desire to express and place on record its grateful acknowledgment of the gift and the spirit which prompts it. Coming at a time when the subject of a new high school building, after repeated delays, had forced its importance upon the attention and careful consid- eration of the city government for immediate action, this noble and generous proposition to honor the memory of a beloved and only son in such a form as to adorn the city and benefit its inhabitants, and by an expenditure so far in advance of what prudence, on our part, would dic- tate as judicious for the city to make with due regard to other wants and necessities, excites our warm appreciation, and relieves us by its happy solution of a most important and trying question. "Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of both branches of the City Council, and a copy thereof be forwarded to Mrs. Marj r B. Young, signed by his honor the mayor, the president of the council, and duly certified by the respective recording officers thereof." The following is the form of the deed : " Know all men by these presents, that I, Mary B. Young, of Fall River, in the Stale of Massachusetts, in consideration of one dollar to me paiil by the city of Fall River, a municipal corporation situate in said State, do hereby give, grant, bargain, sell, and convey unto the said city of Fall River, a certain lot of land, with all the buildings and im- provements thereon, situate in said Fall River, and bounded on the west by Rock Street, on the north by Locust Street, on the east by High Street, and on the south by Cherry Street, and containing two hundred and forty square rods of land, more or less. "To have and to hold the same for the uses and purposes of a high school, in memory of my son, Bradford Matthew Chuloner Durfee, to the said city of Fall River, its successors and assigns, with all the privi- leges and appurtenances thereto belonging, to its and their use and be- hoof forever as aforesaid. "Provided that, and this conveyance is made upon the express con- dition that the selection, employment, and continuance by the school committee of Fall River, or such other body, or person or persons as are or may be charged with that duty, of the teachers for and in said high school and the departments connected therewith, shall be subject to the written approval of , and of such persons as, in case of the non- acceptance, disability, death, removal, or resignation of any of them or of their successors, shall be chosen by a majority o( those then remain- ing and acting to fill the vacancy or vacancies caused by such death, non-acceptance, removal, resignation, or disability ; and in case any teacher or teachers shall be selected, employed, or continued in said school, or any of the departments connected therewith, without such written approval, then said premises, and the buildings and improve- ments thereon shall revert to the grantor, her heirs and executors, ad- min istrators and assigns, and she and they may enter and repossess them- selves thereof. " And I do hereby, lor myself and my heirs, executors, and adminis- trators, covenant witli the grantee, its successors and assigns, that I am lawfully seized in fee-simple of the granted premises, that they are free from all incumbrances, •xcept the condition aforesaid, that I have good right to sell and convey the same as aforesaid, and tfiat I will and my heirs, executors, and administrators shall warrant and defend the same t>> the said grantee, its successors and assigns ag linst the lawful claims ami demands of all persons, except those arising from a breach of the condition aforesaid. '"In witmss whereof, I, the said have hereto set hand and seal this day of a.d. eighteen hundred and eighty " Signed sealed and delivered ^ in presence of J " Bristol, SS. " In Board of Aldermen, Feb. 5, 1883. " Report accepted, recommendations, order, and resolutions adopted. " Sent for concurrence. "George A. Ballard, Ciiy Cleric. •'Concurred in. " In Common Council, Feb. 5, 1883. " Arthur Anthony, Cleric" THE SKELETON IN ARMOR.i " Speak ! speak ! thou fearful guest ! Who, with thy hollow breast Still in rude armor drest, Comest to daunt me ! Wrapt not in Eastern balms, But with thy fleshless palms Stretched as if asking alms, Why dost thou haunt me?" When Longfellow wrote "The Skeleton in Armor," he commemorated forever the curious and mysterious remains that were found in Fall River in the year 1832, and destroyed in the great fire of 1843. Few persons of general reading are entirely unacquainted with the conjectures of antiquarian and archaeological societies in relation to the origin of this skeleton. The Society of Northern Antiquaries of Copenhagen, Denmark, which, a few years after the finding of the skeleton, had the subject under consideration, raised the query whether it might not have been the remains of one of the Northmen, who are now very generally supposed to have visited our coast, and to have spent a winter here, or near here, about the eight or ninth century. Probably the best account now extant of the finding of the skeleton, and a description of its ap- pearance at the time, was written by the late Dr. Phineas W. Leland in the records of the old Fall River Athenaeum soon after the fire of 1843, and is as follows : " Among the curiosities of peculiar interest (in the cabinets of the Fall River Athenaeum) was the entire skeleton of a man, about which antiquarians in the old as well as the new world had speculated much. The skeleton was found in the year 1832 in a sand- or gravel-bank a little east of the Unitarian meeting- house 2 by some persons while digging away and re- moving a portion of the bank. The skeleton was found near the surface in a sitting posture, the leg- bones doubled upon the thigh-bones, and the thighs brought up nearly parallel with the body. It was quite perfect, and stood remarkably well the test of exposure. Covering the sternum was a triangular plate of brass somewhat corroded by time, and around the body was a broad belt made of small brass tubes four or five inches in length about the size of a pipe- stem placed parallel and close to each other. Arrow- heads made of copper or brass were also found in the grave with the skeleton. That these were the remains of an Indian seemed to be very generally conceded ; the configuration of the skull, the position in which the skeleton was found, and the additional fact that Commonwealth of Massachusetts. "Then personally appeared, etc." 1 Contributed by George W. Rankin. * On or very near the site now occupied by the gasworks, corner of Hartwell and Fifth Streets. 342 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. parts of other skeletons were found near the same place renders it nearly certain that these were the bones of an Indian. Whose frame it was will not likely ever be permitted us to know. Whether it be- longed to some chief still celebrated in song and story, or to an obscure child of the forest, whose bones and deeds slept in the same undistinguished grave, we have no means of knowing. Tradition and history are alike silent when interrogated. We would fain believe that these were the remains of some noble old chief, once master of the beautiful and rich valley through which the dark waters of the Titicut (Indian name of Taunton River) still roll. We would believe so, for we love to think that humanity once warmed the heart of him whose bones have excited so much our wonder and curiosity. Whoever he was, peace be to his ashes." In the American Monthly Magazine for January, 1836, is a short article on the skeleton, then in the Fall River Athenaeum, portions of which we shall extract, not because the description is faultless, but because it is the account of one J. Stark who ex- amined the remains for the purpose of describing them to the public. With Mr. Stark's speculations accompanying his description we have little concern. More facts and greater reflection would probably have led him to very different conclusions. He describes the skeleton as "the remains of a human body, armed with a breastplate, a species of mail and ar- rows of brass, which remains he supposes to have belonged either to one of the race who inhabited this country for a time anterior to the so-called aborigines, and afterwards settled in Mexico or Guatemala, or to one of the crew of some Phoenician vessel that, blown out of her course, thus discovered the Western world long before the Christian era. " These remains were found in the town of Fall River, in Bristol County, Mass., about eighteen months since. In digging down a hill near the vil- lage, a large mass of earth slid off, leaving in the bank and partially uncovered a human skull, which, on examination, was found to belong to a body buried in a sitting posture, the head being about one foot below what had been for many years the surface of the ground. The surrounding earth was carefully re- moved and the body found to be enwrapped in a cov- ering of coarse bark of a dark color. Within this envelope were found the remains of another of coarse cloth, made of fine bark and about the texture of a Manilla coffee-bag. On the breast was a plate of brass, thirteen inches long, six broad at the upper end and five at the lower. This plate appears to have been cast, and is from one-eighth to three thirty-sec- onds of an inch in thickness. It is so much corroded that whether or not anything was ever engraved upon it has not yet been ascertained. It is oval in form, the edges being irregular, apparently made so by corrosion. " Below the breastplate, and entirely encircling the body, was a belt composed of brass tubes, each four and a half inches in length and three-sixteenths of an inch in diameter, arranged longitudinally and close together, the length of the tube being the width of the belt. The tubes are of thin brass, cast upon hollow reeds, and were fastened together by pieces of sinew. This belt was so placed as to protect the lower parts of the body below the breastplate. The arrows are of brass, thin, flat, and triangular in shape, with a round hole cut through near the base. The shaft was fastened to the head by inserting the latter in an opening at the end of the wood, and then tying it with a sinew through the round hole, a mode of con- structing the Aveapon never practiced by the Indians, not even with their arrows of thin shell. Parts of the shaft still remain attached to some of them. When first discovered the arrows were in a sort of quiver of bark, which fell in pieces when exposed to the air. "The skull is much decayed, but the teeth are sound and apparently of a young man. The pelvis is much decayed and the smaller bones of the lower extrem- ities are gone. "The integuments of the right knee, for four or five inches above and below, are in good preservation, apparently the size and shape of life, although quite black. "Considerable flesh is still preserved on the hands and arms, but more on the shoulders and elbows. On the back under the belt, and for two inches above and below, the skin and flesh are in good preserva- tion, and have the appearance of being tanned. The chest is much compressed, but the upper viscera are probably entire. The arms are bent up, not crossed, so that the hands turned inwards touch the shoulders. The stature is about five and a half feet. Much of the exterior envelope was decayed, and the inner one appeared to be preserved only where it had been in contact with the brass. "The preservation of this body may be the result of some embalming process, and this hypothesis is strengthened by the fact that the skin has the appear- ance of having been tanned, or it may be the acci- dental result of the action of the salts of the brass during oxidation, and this latter hypothesis is sup- ported by the fact that the skin and flesh have been preserved only where they have been iu contact with or quite near the brass, or we may account for the preservation of the whole by supposing the presence of saltpetre in the soil at the time of the deposit. In either way, the preservation of the remains is fully accounted for* and upon known chemical principles. " That the body was not one of the Indians we think needs no argument. We have seen some of the drawings taken from the sculptures found at Palenque, and in those the figures are represented with the breastplates, although smaller than the plate found at Fall River. On the figures at Palenque the bracelets and anklets seem to be of a manufacture precisely similar to the belt of tubes just described. FALL RIVER. 343 "If the body found at Fall River be one of the Asiatic race, who transiently settled in Central America, and afterwards went to Mexico and founded those cities, in exploring the ruins of which such as- tonishing discoveries have recently been made, then we may well suppose also that it is one of the race whose exploits have, although without a date and almost without a certain name, been immortalized by Homer. Of the great race who founded cities and empires in their eastward march, and are finally lost in South America, the Romans seem to have had a glimmering tradition in the story of Evander. "But we rather incline to the belief that the re- mains found at Fall River belonged to the crew of a Phoenician vessel. The spot where they were found is on the sea-coast, and in the immediate neighbor- hood of Dighton Rock, famed for its hieroglyphic in- scriptions, of which no sufficient explanation has yet been given, and near which rock brazen vessels have been found. If this latter hypothesis be adopted, a part of it is that these mariners, the unwilling and unfortunate discoverers of a new world, lived some time after they landed, and having written their names, perhaps their epitaphs, upon the rock at Dighton, died, and were buried by the natives." Water-Works. — " The system of public water- works, regarded by engineers as one of the most per- fect, both in design and construction, in the Union, is justly a constant cause of self-congratulation to the residents of Fall River. The natural resources of the district in which the city has grown up, almost unique in the wealth and purity of their treasure, hardly need be suggested to the reader who has formed his own conception of the eastern plateau, extending parallel with the community of mills and residences, and bearing in its bosom the long chain of spring-fed lakes. Farther on will be given a comparative view of the enormous volume of water which this unequaled natural reservoir contains. The value of Watuppa to the city, regarded simply as an element in its in- dustrial progress, is very great, but when its more recent service, as a sure and powerful antagonist of fire, and a never-failing purveyor of health, cleanli- ness, and comfort in every household is considered, its worth is really beyond our powers of estimate. " Fall River is fortunate in the possession of a beau- tiful lake of fresh water within two miles of the centre of the city, whose purity is unsurpassed by any other public water-supply equally extensive and so easily attainable. "Watuppa Lake, the source of supply for the water-works, and also for eight mills that run by water-power on the lower part of Quequechan River, — the outlet of the lake, — is seven and two-thirds miles in length, with an average width of about three-quarters of a mile. It is fed principally by springs and small streams, which collect the water from the surrounding hills. The drainage area is sparsely settled, and covered principally by a young growth of oak, interspersed with pine and chestnut, and the soil is exceedingly favorable for the collec- tion of a pure and abundant water supply, being composed principally of sand, gravel, and gravelly loam, interspersed with numerous bowlders, and rest- ing generally on a solid stratum of granite rock. " The whole area included by the water-shed con- tains about 20,000 acres, or 31.25 square miles, and is capable of furnishing a daily supply equal to half the amount of water used by the city of Paris, or about double the quantity used by the city of Boston. "In fact, the lake is capable of furnishing a daily supply of about 35,000,000 gallons, and of this the water-works took less than 1,000,000 gallons per day during the year 1875, and about 1,500,000 gallons per day during the excessively dry season in the summer of 1876. The daily average for the year 1876 will undoubtedly be less than one and a quarter millions. " According to the analysis made by Professor John H. Appleton in 1870, the water of Watuppa Lake is remarkably pure, there being but 1.80 grains of solid matter per gallon. " In the spring of 1871 the first board of water commissioners was appointed by the City Council, and in the fall of the same year work was begun upon a road which it was necessary to construct for a distance of nearly a mile and a half to give access to the place selected for a pumping-station. " During the year 1872 the foundations of the engine-house, boiler-house, and coal-house were built, and the superstructure was completed the following year, being constructed of granite quarried in the immediate neighborhood, on the lot bought by the city for the pumping-station and reservoir." COST OF MAINTENANCE AND REVENUE FOR 1882. Items. Interest on bonds Engineering department Water board and water registrar's de- partment General repairs and incidentals Cost of pumping : Attendance Repairs Fuel purchased Oil, waste, and articles for engine- bouse Total. $98,975.00 2,500.0(1 2,021 .60 4,500.41 4,050.40 45.03 5,940.38 494.65 Cost per 1000 Gal- lons Pumped. Cents. Total cost of maintenance for 1882 $118,527.53 Revenue from water 1 115,301.06 Excess of maintenance over revenue 2 ... 3,226.47 Management and repairs (without in- terest on bonds) 19,552.53 Excess of revenue over management and repairs 95,748.53 .1481 .0037 .0031 .0067 .0061 .0089 .0007 .1773 .1725 .0048 .0290 .1433 Total number of gallons pumped in 1882, 068,242,286, or an excess over last year of 23 4- per cent. Interest account is in excess of last year $1815.00 Fuel purchased is in excess of last year 2906.30 1 The appropriation for water for city uses was 816,000 less this year than last, but the revenue from privato individuals and corporations was «4713.65 more than last year. 2 For the above reuson the maintenance account shows an excess over revenue. 344 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. The following is a schedule of receipts for water by months, from commencement to Dec. 30, 1882 : Months. 1874. 1875. 1876. 1877. 1878. 1879. 1880. 1881. 1882. $1,285.17 101.46 1,205.51 306.35 390.50 910.86 13,715.89 449.55 688.22 1,094.16 1,036.89 254.63 20,000.00 $1,841.16 533.52 247.85 2,170.35 238.00 865.52 15,076.88 1,655.06 514.17 '3,390.58 2,273.82 196.49 20,000.00 $3,062.10 790.67 882.48 3,756.41 544.15 1,204.85 17,391.86 2,133.28 402.89 5,194.27 1,314.18 137.08 20,000.00 $4,622.40 2,311.43 325.55 3,372.50 2,039.56 497.08 15,253.51 3,916.13 452.25 5,295.10 3,402.48 491.75 25,000.00 $2,834.28 2,903.10 1,194.81 3,741.45 3,135.93 1,007.38 14,132.40 5,094.28 303.18 4.811.00 4,545.49 987.50 25,000.00 $4,448.91 3,431.45 . 155.57 4,642.17 3,176.84 640.59 15,684.33 4,273.99 239.19 5,919.80 6,531.26 562.28 65,000.00 $4,185.43 3,998.56 2,288.36 5,317.93 4,171.08 1,118.30 12,220.86 8,066.22 1,606.38 2,467.39 9,842.26 1,304.64 70,000.00 $2,07,0.09 5,117.07 4,077.73 2,734.14 7,255.90 2,120.97 13,094.93 9,796.09 299.59 4,299.64 9,936.76 498.15 54,000 00 $385.64 4854.23 483.10 487.99 1556.97 970.10 598.92 July Totals $9336.95 $41,439.19 $49,003.40 $56,814.22 $66,979.74 $69,691.46 $114,706.38 $126,587.41 $115,301.06 DISTRIBUTION OF WATER DURING 1882. Months. January February... March April May June July August September. October November.. December.. a o c4 ft s 47,841,488 44,366,556 47,985,005 42,830,866 48,941,968 57,391,090 62,418,459 69.9S0,161 70,491,103 74,799,894 55,463,151 45,732,548 o — OJ " a 3 (25 1,543,274 1,584,519 1,547,903 1,427,695 1,578,773 1.913,030 2,013,499 2,257,425 2,349,703 2,412,899 1,848,771 1,475,243 J2 s u 1 § So w 1 99 ™ "» £ — O CM . ft 3 ■3 O " 3 s — oS OQ H O <2~ * c 1882 668,242,289 1,830,800 2906 39,315 ] 2906 39,350 2913 39,400 2939 39,560 2964 39,700 2989 39,850 3001 39,925 3034 40,100 3061:40,225 3085140,325 3106 40,450 3120 40,500 50,507 •( 39.25 30.55 40.28 31.37 39.28 30.64 36.09 28.36 39.76 31.25 48.00 37.87 50.53 39.86 56.29 44.69 68.39 46.52 59.83:47.77 3002 39,891 45.70 36.42 45.89 36.60 29.20 36.25 The first engineer was William Rotch. The pres- ent engineer is A. H. Martine ; W. W. Robertson, water registrar. From that time to the present the improvement and enlargement of the water-works has kept abreast with the rapid increase in population, and is now one of the best systems in the State. The total number of gallons pumped since the in- ception of the water-works is 3,928,770,440. The Fire Department of Fall River, one of the most efficient in the commonwealth, has been for many years a conspicuous feature of municipal or- ganization. It is well managed, and the services of the officers and men prompt and efficient. It consists of five steamers, eight hose-reels, three hook-and- ladder trucks, and one supply-wagon, and two steamers and two hose-reels fully equipped held in reserve. The present chief of the department is John A. Mac- farlane. William C. Davol, Jr., and Holder B. Dur- fee, have also held this position. Col. Thomas J. Borden was chief several terms, and his active in- terest in the department will not soon be forgotten. Oak Grove Cemetery. — This burial-place occu- pies an elevated location in the northeasterly section of the city. The original purchase of forty-seven acres was made in 1855, and by several additional purchases now embraces eighty acres. The original young forest was retained, and on three sides it is quite nearly surrounded by a high stone wall. It has cost an immense amount of labor to clear away the rocks and fit the land for a burial-place, but so much has been done that there are now seven miles of paths and avenues. Up to 1869, or fourteen years from the beginning, 1348 interments had taken place, but since that date, and for the second fourteen years, 4108 have been added, making a total of 5456. In 1869 the present superintendent, Jonathan E. Mor- rill, Esq., came into office, and during his term the cemetery has become a point of great interest both for the elegant monuments that have been multiplied very much the last ten years, and the floral decora- tions in summer and autumn. During last year 352 interments were made, of which 296 died in this city, and 56 in other places, or were brought from other cemeteries. Of the 296 which died in this city last year, 128 were children under five years of age. The citizens of Fall River manifest a just pride in Oak Grove Cemetery, which is one of the most beau- tiful burial-places in the commonwealth. The North Cemetery, upon North Main road, was for many years the principal burial-place of the city. There are also various Roman Catholic ceme- teries in the city. The superintendent of the North Cemetery is Stephen White. Civil History. — The town of Fall River 1 was set off from Freetown, Feb. 26, 1803, during the admin- istration of Governor Caleb Strong, May 8, 1804; by a vote of the town the name was changed to Troy. Tradition reports that this action was induced by a prominent citizen who had recently visited Troy, N. Y., and who became so enamored of its name that upon his return he induced his fellow-townsmen to give up the suggestive and appropriate name received from the red man and assume that derived from the ancient 1 The Indian name of Fall River was " Qnequeteaut," signifying the " place of falling water," and that of the river "Quequechan," which signifies "falling water" or "quick running water," hence its appropri- ate name of Fall River. " Watuppa," the Indian name of the ponds on the east and by which they are sti'l called, signifies "boats," or the "place of boats." FALL RIVER. 345 and mythical Homeric city. The act changing the name was passed June 18, 1804. The town was known as "Troy" until 1833, when at a town-meeting held on the 18th of March of that year, it was voted " that it is expedient to have the name of the town of Troy altered to that of Fall River," and " that the selectmen be directed to peti- tion the Legislature now in session for an act to alter the name of the town of Troy to that of Fall River." The act passed Feb. 12, 1834. Incorporation of the City. — Fall River was in- corporated as a city April 12, 1854, and the first city election was held on the 6th of the following month, when the following officers were chosen : Mayor, James Buffinton ; Aldermen, James Henry, Edward P. Buffinton, Oliver H. Hathaway, Alvin S. Ballard, Edwin Shaw, Julius P. Champney ; Common Council, Robert C. Brown, Henry Wilbur, Oliver Grinnell, Chris. W. Tillinghast, John Mason, Jr., Smith Wins- low, William Goodman, Obadiah Chace, Gardner Groves, Nathaniel Bonney, David S. Brigham, Shef- field Brightman, Peter J. Dennise, Henry Diman, Jr., Howard B. Allen. Wm. M. Almy, Thomas T. Potter, Albert Winslow. Organization of the First City Government, May 15, 1854. At a session of the mayor- and aldermen-elect May 15, 1854, previous to the administering of the oath of office, the members of this board and board of Common Council made choice of Alvan S. Ballard, clerk pro tern. Ordered, That a set of rules and orders, presented by Alderman Shaw, be adopted by this board temporarily. Voted, That a committee of two, consisting of Aldermen Shaw and Henry, notify the Common Council that this board is now ready to meet them in convention for such business as may legally come before the City Council. In board of Common Council, concurred. Adjourned to City Hall, to meet in convention. The officers present were then marshaled into the City Hall by Col. William Sisson, accompanied by the selectmen, where a large number ot the citizens were in attendance to witness the ceremonies, and to hear the inaugural address of Mayor Buffinton. The meeting was called to order by Chester W. Greene, chairman of the board of selectmen, and the throne of grace was addressed by Rev. Benjamin J. Relyea. The names of the city officers-elect were called by the clerk, and the oath of office administered by James Ford, Esq., justice of the peace. Chester W. Greene then addressed the mayor in behalf of the board of selectmen. Mayor Buffinton then delivered his inaugural address. After which the boards of aldermen and Common Councilmen sepa- rated, each going to their respective rooms. The mayors from 1854 to 1884 have been as fol- lows: James Buffinton, 1854-55; Edward P. Buffin- ton, 1856, 1860-66; Nathaniel B. Borden, 1857 ; Josiah C. Blaisdell, 1858-59; George O. Fairbanks, 1867-68 ; Samuel M. Brown, 1869-72; Robert T. Davis, 1873; James F. Davenport, 1874-77; Crawford E. Lindsey, 1878-79; William S. Green, 1 1880-81 ; Robert Henry, 2 1881 ; Henry K. Bealey, 1882-83. The following members of Congress were residents of Fall River : Nathaniel B. Borden, 1837-40, 1843- 44; Rev. Orin Fowler, 1849-52; James Buffinton, 1 Resigned March 28, 1881. « Elected by City Council. 3 Re-elected for 1875-76, but died before the opening of Congress. 1855-56, 1859-64, 1871-74; Robert T. Davis, M.D., 1882-84. Fall River was first honored, in 1838, by the choice of one of her citizens to the position of State senator of Massachusetts. Since that date she has had the following representative in this branch of the Legis- lature, viz.: 1838, Hon. John Eddy; 1840-42, Dr. Foster Hooper; 1843, Dr. Phineas W. Leland ; 1845 -47, Hon. Nathaniel B. Borden; 1848, Rev. Orin Fowler; 1854, Col. Richard Borden; 1855-56, Hon. Joseph E. Dawley ; 1857, Hon. Jeremiah S. Young; 1859-61, Dr. Robert T. Davis; 1865, Hon. Josiah C. Blaisdell ; 1867-68, Hon. Samuel Angier Chace; 1869 -70, Hon. John B. Hathaway ; 1871-74, Hon. Charles P. Stickney ; 1877-78, Hon. Charles J. Holmes; 1879, Hon. Weaver Osborn ; 1880, Hon. Thomas Webb ; 1881, Hon. Milton Reed ; 1882, Hon. Andrew J. Jen- nings; 1883, Hon. John W. Cummings. Selectmen and Representatives. — The following is a list of selectmen from 1803 to 1854, and represen- tatives from 1803 to present time : 1803. — Thomas Borden, Benjamin Durfee, Robert Miller, selectmen. 1804.— Samuel Thurston, Benjamin Durfee, Robert Miller, selectmen; Abraham Bowen, representative. 1805. — Nathan Bowen, Pardon Davol, Elijah Blossom, Jr., selectmen ; Jonathan Brownell, representative. 1806. — Jonathan Brownell, Abraham Bowen, Elijah Blossom, Jr., select- men ; Jonathan Brownell, representative. 1807.— Jonathan Brownell, Elijah Blossom, Stephen Leonard, select- men ; Abraham Bowen, representative. 1808.— Nathan Bowen, Henry Brightman, David Wilson, selectmen ; Abraham Bowen, representative. 1809— David Wilson, William Read, Jr., Charles Durfee, selectmen; Robert Miller, representative. 1810.— David Wilson, William Read, Jr., Charles Durfee. selectmen; Robert Miller, representative. 1811.— David Wilson, William Read, Jr., Benjamin Bennett (2d), select- men ; Robert Miller, representative. 1812.— Hezekiah Wilson, William B. Canedy, William Borden, select- men; Robert Miller, representative. 1813.— William B. Canedy, William Borden, Isaac Winslow, selectmen ; Robert Miller, representative. 1814 —William Borden, Benjamin W. Brown, S. Hathaway, selectmen; Joseph E. Read, representative. 1815.— Renjamin W. Brown, Sheffel Weaver, Bradford Durfee, select- men; Joseph E. Read, representative. 1816.— Sheffel Weaver, William Ashley, William Read, selectmen ; Hezekiah Wilson, representative. 1817.— Sheffel Weaver, Abraham Bowen, William Ashley, selectmen; Hezekiah Wilson, representative. 1818.— Benjamin W. Brown, Charles Pitman, James G. Bowen, select- men ; Joseph E. Read, representative. 1819.— Benjamin W. Brown, Charles Pitman, James G. Bowen, select- men ; Joseph E. Read, representative. 1820.— Sheffel Weaver. Benjamin W. Brown, Richard Borden (2d), selectmen; voted not to send representative. 1821.— Robert Miller, Charles Pitman, Enoch French, selectmen; Abra- ham Bowen, representative. 1822.— Robert Miller, Charles Pitman, Enoch French, selectmen ; Robert Miller, representative. 1823.— Joseph E. Read, Benjamin W. Brown, Edmund Chace, select- man ; William B Canedy, representative. 1824.— Enoch French, Hezekiah Wilson, William Read, selectmen; William B. Canedy, representative. 1825.— Enoch French, Hezekiah Wilson, William Read, selectmen ; James Ford, representative. 1826— Enoch French, Hezekiah Wilson, William Read, selectmen; voted not to send representative. 1827.— Enoch French, Hezekiah Wilson, William Read, selectmen ; Jo- seph Hathaway, representative. 346 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 1828. — Enoch French, Sheffel Weaver, William Bead, selectmen ; Enoch French, representative. 1829. — Enoch French, Sheffel Weaver, William Read, selectmen ; Joseph E. Read, Enoch French, Anthony Mason, representatives. 1830.— Sheffel Weaver, John Eddy, William Read, selectmen ; Frederick Wiuslow, Anthony Mason, Joseph E. Read, representatives. 1831. — Samuel Chace, Robinson Buffinton, William Ashley, selectmen ; Nathaniel B. Borden, Foster Hooper, Frederick Winslow, represen- tatives. 1832. — Samuel Chace, Leonard Garfield, William Ashley, selectmen; Simeon Borden, Azariah Shove, Anthony Mason, Barnabas Blossom, representatives. 1833. — Samuel Chace, Matthew C. Durfee, Elijah Pierce, selectmen; Simeon Borden, Azariah Shove, Smith Winslow, Isaac Borden, Earl Chace, representatives. 1834. — Azariah Shove, Smith Winslow, Samuel Chace, selectmen ; Na- thaniel B. Borden, Micah H. Ruggles, Anthony Mason, Jervis Shove, William Winslow, representatives. 1835. — John Eddy, Israel Anthony, Luther Winslow, selectmen ; Micah H. Ruggles, Anthony Mason, Philip R. Bennett, Job B. French, Elijah Pierce, representatives. 183C. — John Eddy, Israel Anthony, Luther Winslow'selectmen ; Micah H. Ruggles, Anthony Mason, Caleb B. Vickery, William Ashley, Gilbert H. Durfee, representatives. 1837. — John Eddy, Israel Anthony, Luther Winslow, selectmen ; Micah H. Ruggles, Cyrus Alden, John Eddy, Constant B. Wyatt, Richard C. French, Philip S. Brown, representatives. 1838. — John Eddy, Israel Anthony, Luther Winslow, selectmen; Fred- erick Winslow, Benjamin B. Sisson, Philip S. Brown, Hezekiah Battelle, representatives. 1839. — John Eddy, Israel Anthony, Russell Hathaway, selectmen ; Micah H. Ruggles, Iram Smith, George Brightman (2d), John A. Harris, representatives. 1840. — Nathaniel B. Borden, Israel Anthony, William Read, selectmen ; John Eddy, Perez Mason, Nathan Durfee, Enoch French, represen- tatives. 1841. — Matthew C. Durfee, Israel Anthony, William Read, selectmen; Linden Cook, Nathan Durfee, Job B. French, representatives. 1842. — Jervis Shove, Stephen K. Crary, George Brightman (2d), select- men ; Jonathan Slade, King Dean, William H. Ashley, representa- tives. 1843. — Jervis Shove, Israel Anthony, Perez Mason, selectmen ; Jonathan Slade, William A. Wade, William V. Rend, representatives. 1844. — Thomas D. Chaloner, Israel Anthony, Perez Mason, selectmen; Simeon Borden, Thomas D. Chaloner, Nathan Durfee, representa- tives. 1845. — Thomas D. Chaloner, Israel Anthony, Perez Mason, selectmen ; Simeon Borden, James B. Luther, Benjamin F. White, representa- ( tiv.-s. 1846. — Israel Anthony, Leander Borden, James 31. Morton, selectmen ; Charles J. Holmes, Benjamin W. Miller, Albert G. Eaton, represen- tatives. 1847. — Azariah Shove, Israel Anthony, Benjamin Earl, selectmen ; David Perkins, Benjamin Earl, Benjamin W. Miller, representa- tives. 1848. — Benjamin Wardwell, Israel Anthony, Benjamin Earl, selectmen; David Perkins, Hezekiah Battelle, William R. Robeson, representa- tives. 1849.— jThomas J. Pickering, David Perkins, Benjamin Earl, selectmen ; Simeon Borden, Benjamin Wardwell, James Ford (2d), representa- tives 1850. — David Perking, Thomas J. Pickering, Daniel Brown, selectmen; Iram Smith, Azariah Shove, representatives. 1851. — Thomas .1. Pickering, James Buffinton, Daniel Brown, selectmen ; Nathaniel B. Borden, Richard Borden, James B. Luther, Richard C. French, representatives. 1852. — James Buffinton, George 0. Fairbanks, Azariah Shove, Leander Borden, Chester W. Greene, selectmen; Nathan D. Dean, Iram Smith, Edward P. Buffinton, Southard H. Miller, representatives. 1853.— James Buffinton, Chester W. Greene, Thomas T. Potter, George 0. Fairbanks, Azariah Shove, selectmen ; three trials, and no choice for representatives. 1854. — Mark A. Slocum, Job G. Lawton, selectmen. 1855. — Daniel Leonard, Asa P. French, Jonathan E. Morrill, Benjamin H. Davis, selectmen. 1856. — Brayton Slade, Jonathan E. Morrill, John S. Brayton, Job B. Ash- ley, selectmen. 1S57. — Jonathan E. Morrill, Vernon Cook, Brownell W. Woodman, John E. Gronard, selectmen. 1858. — Josiah C. Blaisdell, Jonathan E. Morrill, selectmen. 1859. — Stephen C. Wrightingtou, Thomas T. Potter, selectmen. 1860. — Lloyd S. Earle, Stephen C. Wrightington, selectmen. 1861. — Lloyd S. Earle, Stephen C. Wrightington, selectmen. 1862. — Simeon Borden, Henry Pratt, selectmen. 1863. — Simeon Borden, Henry Pratt, selectmen. 1804. — Nathaniel B. Borden, Andrew D. Bullock, selectmen. 1865. — S. Angier Chace, Fred. A. Boomer, selectmen. 1866. — Josiah C. Blaisdell, John B. Hathaway, selectmen. 1867. — Abraham G. Hart, John B. Hathaway, selectmen. 1S68. — Abraham G. Hart, Weaver Osborn, Iram Smith, selectmen. 1869. — Abraham G. Hart, Weaver Osborn, Iram Smith, selectmen. 1870. — Edward T. Marvell, George 0. Fairbanks, Abraham G.Hart, se- lectmen. 1871. — Frederick A. Boomer, Weaver Osborn, George O. Fairbanks, se- lectmen. 1872.— Thomas F. Holder, George 0. Fairbanks, George H. Eddy, select- men. 1873. — George O. Fairbanks, Charles J. Holmes, Weaver Osborn, select- men. 1874. — George 0. Fairbanks, Daniel McGowan, John Davol, Jr., select- men. 1875. — Southard H. Miller, Nicholas Hathaway, William Carroll, select- men. 1876. — George 0. Fairbanks, Weaver Osborn, Albion K. Slade, select- men. 1877. — Weaver Osborn, John B. Whitaker, Iram Smith, Franklin Gray, Pardon Macomber, selectmen; Franklin Gray, 1 Pardon Macomber, 1 John B. Whitaker, Iram Smith, Weaver Osborn, representatives. 1878. — Andrew J.Jennings, 1 Pardon Macomber, 2 John W. Cummings, Hiram B. Coffin, Patrick M. McGlynu, representatives. 1879..— Andrew .1. Jennings, 1 Daniel Willin, 2 Marcus Leonard, Patrick M. McGlynn, John W. Cummings, representatives. 1880. — James F. Davenport, 1 Pardon Macomber, 2 James Langford, Mar- cus Leonard, Patrick M. McGlynn, representatives. 1881.— James F. Davenport, 1 Silas B. Hatch, 2 Frank W. Burr, Robert Howard, John Stanton, representatives. 1882. — James F. Davenport, 1 Job M. Leonard, 2 Frank W. Burr, George W. Billings, John B. Whitaker, representatives. 1883.— James F. Davenport, 1 Job M. Leonard, 2 Patrick E. Toley, T. Dwight Stowe, Charles B. Martin, representatives. The town clerks from 1803 to 1854 have been as follows: 1803, Walter Chaloner; 1804-14, Benjamin Brightman ; 1814-16, William B. Canedy ; 1816, March to November 2, Nathaniel Luther; when at a town- meeting was made the following record : " Nathaniel Luther, the town clerk, being absent, made choice of Joseph E. Read to act as town clerk the remainder of the year (at all town-meetiugs and all other other business pertaining to the town clerk's duty) in the absence of Mr. Luther." 1816, November 2, to 1821, Joseph E. Read; 1821-25, John C. Borden; 1825, Nathaniel B. Borden ; 1826-31, Benjamin Anthony ; 1831-36, Stephen K. Crary; 1836-46, Benjamin Earl - ; 1846-48, George S. Baker; 1848-53, Samuel B. Hus- sey ; 1853, John R. Hodges. The city clerks from 1854 to 1884 have been : John R. Hodges, 1854; Alvin S. Ballard, 1855 to 1864; George A. Ballard from 1864 to present time, nearly twenty years. The present city officers are as follows: Mayor. — Hon. Henry K. Braley. Aldermen. — Ward 1, Vincent Thorpe ; Ward 2, John South worth; AVard 3, William J. Hurley; Ward 4, 1 Wards 5 and 6 and Somerset. 2 Wards 7, 8, and 9, and Somerset. FALL RIVER. 347 Hugh McKevitt; Ward 5, Dennis Garvey ; Ward 6, Henry G. Langley ; Ward 7, Thomas S. Borden; WardS, Thomas F. Eddy ; Ward 9, William J. Wylie. Common Council (Henry H. Earl, President). — Ward 1, Samuel B. Wilcox, George T. Durfee, Charles H. Albert; Ward 2, Franklin P. Osborn, Edward F. Murphy, John H. Wells ; Ward 3, James Powers, John Desmond, Michael Grandfield; Ward 4, Thomas Darcy, Jr., Thomas Tyrell, Thomas Latham ; Ward 5, John T. Murphy, Michael J. Kelly, Michael H. Connelly; Ward 6, Peter Harwood, John G. Blais- dell, Thomas Sanford; Ward 7, William S. Robert- son, Edward S. Adams, Charles E. Brown; Ward 8, Henry H. Earl, William F. Thomas, Cyrus C. Rounse- ville; Ward 9, Jethro H. Wordell, Charles H. Boomer, Walter D. Read. Oity Clerk. — George A. Ballard. Treasurer and Collector. — James C. Brady. Auditor. — Arthur Anthony. Superintendent of Streets.- — Anthony Thurston. Assessors. — Edward Buffinton, Robert O'Hearn, William J. Waring. Solicitor. — James F. Jackson. Messenger. — Charles L. Dean. City Marshal. — J. A. Hunt. Chief Engineer of Fire Department. — John A. Mac- farlane. City Physician. — James E. Sullivan. Superintendent Oak Grove Cemetery. — J. E. Morrill. Superintendent North Burial -Ground. — Stephen White. Superintendent Public Buildings. — James M. Adam. Superintendent Public Schools. — William Connell, Jr. Sealer of Weights and Measures. — William W. Dar- ling. School Committee. — A. M. Jackson, Harriet T. Healy, Louisa G. Aldrich, E. W. Hunt, Thomas L. Ramsbotton, Leontine Lincoln, William G. Bennett, M. G. B. Swift, John A. Tourtellot. Watuppa Water Board. — Philip D. Borden, Weaver Osborn, William M. Hawes. Water Registrar. — W. W. Robertson. Engineer and Superintendent. — A. H. Marti ne. Trustees <>( Public Library. — Henry K. Braley, Leon- tine Lincoln, Robert Henry, James M. Morton, Charles J. Holmes, Crawford E. Lindsey. Librarian. — W. R. Ballard. Overseers if the Poor. — Mayor and Aldermen. Agent of Board. — George O. Fairbanks. Board of Health. — B. F. Winslow, J. S. Anthony James E. Sullivan. VALUATION, 1854-1882. Yeir Valuation Tax An "" |Mt r,iised No - Year. Valuation. lax. |py Tax . lticm p oUg 1854 $8,939,215 85.80 $.50,6.23.70 3,117 1855 9,768,420 5.60 59,426.16 3,148 1800 11,522,1 7.40 90,124.61 3,2 18 1865 12,134,090 10.50 200,272.20 4,401 1806 12,702,534 17.50 232,827.62 4,740 1807 15,220,628 17.00 200,020 05 5,135 1868 17,919,102 14.00 202,872.74 1809 21,398,525 15.00 340,310.99 6,247 Year. Valuation. 1870 923,612,214 1871 29,141,117 1872 37,841.204 1873 47,416,240 1874 49,005,110 1875 51,401,467 1876 48,920,485 1877 47,218.320 1878 42,320,730 1879 38,173,510 1880 30,171.204 1881 41,110,761 Tax. $15.30 13.00 12.00 13.00 12.80 14.50 15.20 15.50 17.50 18.00 18.00 10.00 Amount raised by Taxation. $374,753.22 392,974.15 471,835.53 636,461.61 002.480.11 708,404.37 764,629.41 753,735.96 739,518.48 689,370.32 702,088.91 777,546.46 No. Polls. 0,74:*, 7,070 8.S70 10,020 11,119 11,571 10,519 10,926 11,564 11,678 12,008 12,091 In 1840 the number of taxable polls was 1,003. The valuation of real estate was 81,678,603 ; of personal estate, $1,310,805; total, $2,989,468. POPULATION, 1810-81. 1810 1,296 1820 1,594 1830 4,159 1840 6,738 1845 10,290 1850 11,170 1855 12,680 1800 13,240 1861 14,020 1802 l 17,401 1863 15,495 1804 17,U4 1S65 17,525 1866 19,262 1867 21,174 1808 23,023 1869. 25,099. 1870 27,191 1871 28,291 1872 34,835 1873 38,404 1874 43,289 1875 45,100 1876 44,356 1877 45,113 1878 48,494 1879 46,909 1880 47,883 1881 49,049 CHAPTER XXVIII. FALL RIVER.— {Continued.) ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.^ The First Congregational Church— The Central Congregational Church —The Third Congregational Church— The First Methodist Episcopal Church — St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church— Brayton Methodist Episcopal Church— The North Methodist Episcopal Church— Quarry Street Methodist Episcopal Cliurch— Maple Street Methodist Episcopal Church — Primitive Methodist Church — North Main Street Methodist Episcopal Church— The First Baptist Church— Second Baptist Church —Third Baptist Church— Church of the Ascension— St. John's Church —Christian Church, Franklin Street— North Christian Church- Church of the New Jerusalem— Society of Friends— United Presby- terian Church— Hebrew Worshipers — Roman Catholic Churches. The First Congregational Church was organized at the dwelling-house of Deacon Richard Durfee, Jan. 9, 1816, with the following members: Joseph Durfee and wife Elizabeth, Richard Durfee, Benjamin Brayton, and Wealthy Durfee, wife of Charles Dur- fee. Benjamin Brayton died Dec. 9, 1829, and leaving no children, he bequeathed the bulk of his property to this church, in trust, as a permanent fund for the support of the ministry. For about seven years after the organization of the church it had no house of worship nor settled pastor. The church, however, met regularly on the Sabbath for public worship, and when they were destitute of a pastor conducted the devotional exercises themselves. A portion of the time they were supplied by missionaries, among whom were the following: Revs. John Sanford, James Hubbard, Amasa Smith, Reuben Torrey, C. H. Nichols, Curtis Coe, Samuel W. Colburn, Moses 1 The increase in population in 1802 was owing to the annexation of the town of Fall River, R. I., which contained a population of about three thousand five hundred and ninety. - For history of Unitarian Church, see Appendix. 348 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Osborne, Isaac Jones, Seth Chapin, Silas Shove, Otis Lane, and Loring D. Dewey. During the first three years after their organization there were added to the church, chiefly by profession, thirty members, among whom were only four males. While this church was without a house of worship their meetings were held sometimes at private houses, sometimes in a large store-room, sometimes in the only school-house in the place, and occasionally in the line meeting-house, an edifice located on the line between the States of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and erected in 1798. The first movements for the erection of a church edifice were inaugurated in 1819, and in 1821 and 1822 their first house of worship was erected, and dedicated in February, 1823. It was forty-five feet long by thirty-six wide, with a vestry underneath. This was the second meeting-house built in Fall River, the Friends having built a small house for worship in 1821. An ecclesiastical Congregational Society was formed in 1820, and incorporated in February, 1821. The in- corporators of the society caused considerable excite- ment in the town, which, however, " soon spent itself by its own warmth, and ultimately did no harm to the society." The first settled pastor was Rev. Augustus B. Eeed, who was ordained and installed July 2, 1823. His salary was four hundred and fifty dollars per year. Mr. Reed remained until Aug. 3, 1825. Nov. 1, 1826, Rev. Thomas M.Smith became pastor, and continued until April 27, 1831. In 1827, the first year of Mr. Smith's ministry, an addition of twenty-five feet was made to the length of the meeting-house. May 22, 1831, Rev. Orin Fowler, A.M., became pastor of this church and remained until May 15, 1850. Mr. Fowler was born in Lebanon, Conn., July 29, 1791. Upon his settlement in Fall River he entered zealously into every project looking to the advance- ment of the material, educational, and religious wel- fare of the town. He was a member of the State Semite from this district, and in 1848, before his senatorial term had expired, he was elected to the Thirty-First Congress. He died Sept. 3, 1852. Mr. Fowler was dismissed from the pastorate of the church in May, 1850, and in the same month was succeeded by Rev. Benjamin J. Relyea, who re- mained until April, 1856. He was succeeded by Rev. J. Lewis Diman, D.D., in April, 1856, who continued until February, 1860. He was afterwards professor of history in Brown University. In May, 1861, Rev. Solomon P. Fay was installed, who re- mained until Oct. 1, 1863, when he was succeeded in the following month by Rev. William W. Adams, D.D., who was acting pastor until Sept. 14, 1864, when he was installed as pastor, and has remained to the present time. The present church edifice was erected in 1831-32, at a cost of about $16,500. In 1856 the interior was entirely remodeled, walls of audience-room and ceiling frescoed, pulpit trans- ferred from east to west end of the church, etc. In 1866 a new organ was procured of Messrs. Hook, in Boston, at an expense of about $4000; water motor added in 1880; 1868, mission chapel built and furnished, at a cost of about $4000; 1872, missionary employed in connection with the chapel Sunday-school ; 1873-74, parsonage built, at a cost, with lot, of $16,400. In 1874 the Third Congregational Church 1 was organized in mission chapel, which they have since continuously occupied. In 1875 the chapel was removed to a better loca- tion, enlarged, frescoed, thoroughly refitted, and pro- vided with basement for Sunday-school, etc. ; change in First Church from afternoon to evening service. In 1876 new articles of faith and covenant were adopted, and in 1878 the weekly offering system was adopted; 1881, pastor sent abroad for a year, all ex- penses paid, and pulpit supplied by the society. In 1882 church edifice thoroughly renovated within and without, newly upholstered and furnished, at an ex- pense of $8500. Present membership, Jan. 1, 1883, 47 males, 157 females; total, 204. Total membership from organi- zation, 831. Contributions for strictly charitable objects from 1865 to 1882, inclusive, $48,000; besides large sums given by individuals. Subsidiary organizations: Ladies' Benevolent So- ciety, Society for Good Works, Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, Children's Missionary Society. The officers for 1883 are as follows: Deacons, Hiram Bliss (emeritus), F. W. Macomber, George W. Bobbins; Clerk, Hiram G. Andrews; Sunday- school Superintendent, Isaac Borden ; Chorister, Charles H. Bobbins. The Central Congregational Church of Fall Riyer was organized Nov. 16, 1842. Seventy mem- bers of the First Orthodox Congregational Church, then under the pastoral care of Rev. Orin Fowler, were dismissed from that church, and united to form this new body. A council composed of the pastors of the neighbor- ing churches, with their delegates, confirmed and ratified the organization. The Rev. Mr. Sheldon, of the church in Easton, was moderator of the council, and Rev. Erastus Maltby, of Taunton, scribe. A warrant being issued, and a meeting called for the purpose, according to the statutes of the State, a corporate and legal form was given to the organiza- tion on the 20th of January, 1843, which then as- sumed the name of "The Central Congregational Society of Fall River." 1 See history elsewhere in this work. FALL RIVER. 349 The members of this society were Amery Glazier, Nathan Durfee, Benjamin Earl, Richard Borden, Henry H. Fish, Abraham Cook, John S. Cotton, William A. Burt, Charles C. Dillingham, Edward S. Chase, Daniel Leonard, Henry Woodward, and Jesse Eddy. Three days later, Jan. 23, 1843, the society met, and a committee previously appointed to secure a lot for a church edifice, reported as follows: "The lot on Bedford Street, known as the Massasoit lot, and belonging to Messrs. Bradford Durfee, Nathan Dur- fee, Joseph Durfee, and Mrs. Fidelia B. Durfee, can be had as a donation, for the erection of a house of public worship thereon, for the use of the Central Congregational Society, if said lot will answer the uses of the society." The lot was accepted, and a committee at once ap- pointed to prepare a plan for the house, with the estimated cost. Nathan Durfee was chairman of that committee. The result was the erection of the building on the lot at the corner of Rock and Bedford Streets, which was dedicated for worship March 27, 1844, and was used for that purpose until the completion and dedica- tion of the new building, which now stands at the corner of Rock and Franklin Streets, a period of nearly thirty-one years. It formerly fronted upon Bedford Street, but in 1882 was turned around, and now fronts on Rock Street. It is still used by the Sabbath-school of the Central Church. This first church was built by Melvin Borden, who had erected the frame and collected a large part of the material when the memorable fire of July 2, 1843, destroyed the lumber and delayed the work. The frame was by great exertion saved. When the fire occurred the society was worshiping in Pocasset Hall, in a building used as a hotel, and known as the Pocasset House. This building was burned, and the one now called Pocasset Block stands upon its site. This most destructive fire by which Fall River has ever been visited not only turned the society adrift, but rendered scores of families homeless. In this emergency the congregation were most cor- dially invited to the full and free use of the Baptist temple for their worship, with the. privilege of using the pulpit one-half of each Sabbath. The Rev. Asa Bronson was then the pastor of that church, a man made up without stint in soul or body, a man who was a tower of strength in the religious history of Fall River. This kind and generous offer was gratefully ac- cepted, and the two congregations worshiped together j until the autumn, when the vestry of the new build- ing was ready to be occupied, and the congregation met there. During this period the church was without a settled pastor, and preaching was supplied by recent gradu- ates of the Theological Seminary at Andover. Among them were Rev. Robert S. Hitchcock, whose father was a Congregational clergyman for many years in Randolph and in Wrentham; Edward A. Washburn, who afterwards entered the Episcopal Church, and after a useful life died, deeply regretted, in New York in 1881 ; Roswell D. Hitchcock, now eminent as presi- dent of Union Theological Seminary in New York City ; and Benjamin F. Hosford. This last was a most refined and accomplished man, who did faithful and successful work as pastor of the Centre Church in Haverhill, Mass., from 1845 till 1863, when ill health compelled his resignation, and he died the next year at the age of forty-six. The dedication of the church took place the next spring, April 24, 1844. On the same day the Rev. Samuel Washburn was installed as the first pastor of the church. Mr. Washburn was a preacher of more than ordinary ability, and possessed a rare and grace- ful manner and oratory. Before this settlement he had traveled and preached as agent of two of the Christian societies of the church, and had been a set- tled pastor at Greenfield, Mass. His tastes were cul- tivated and refined, and his talents and conversation made him a brilliant accession in any gathering of scholarly men. He remained with the church four years and eight months, and was dismissed by his own repeated request in January, 1849. He died at New York on the 15th of September, 1853. His last set- tlement as pastor was over a Presbyterian Church in Baltimore. The next pastor was Rev. Eli Thurston, D.D., who was installed on the evening of Wednesday, March 21, 1849, a night to be remembered as one on which occurred one of the most violent of equinoctial storms that ever visited New England. Mr. Thurston had previously been settled for nearly ten years over the Congregational Church in Hallowell, Maine. He was born in Brighton, Mass., in 1808, and commenced studying for the ministry, after learning a trade, at the age of twenty-one. After his conversion, which took place at Millbury, Mass. (where he was learning his trade), he became possessed with the idea of preaching the gospel. Nothing could turn him from this purpose, and from that day till his death it was the one absorbing passion of his life. " This one thing I do" was as true of him as of Paul. When he was settled over the Central Church it had a membership of about one hundred. It had many zealous, efficient, working members, and they, with their pastor, soon came to make the church a felt power in Fall River. Accessions were made yearly, and oftentimes in great numbers, while as a mission- ary church at home and abroad it came to stand in the front rank among the churches of Massachusetts. The Sabbath-school was large and prosperous, and from it as a centre radiated light and service and suc- cessful toil among the large population of the city less favored with religious instruction. 350 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Mr. Thurston was a man of positive beliefs, and had a positive way of stating his convictions. He made no compromise with error or half truth, or with any practice which annulled or would lead to the an- nulling of the commands of God. His interest in questions relating to the progress of the world, its discoveries, its inventions, its most wonderful facili- ties for communication with all nations, — these were matters of vital importance to him. They aroused the whole enthusiasm of his nature, because through them he beheld the grand and final triumph of the gospel of Jesus Christ in all the world. This was the glorious consummation to which he devoted all the power and energy of his own life, and his unfaltering faith in its accomplishment. It gave zest and hope and cheerful alacrity to his every effort. In his earlier ministry at Hallowell, when the subject of slavery had come to divide the church as well as the politics of the country, he had thrown all the weight of his eloquence and influence into the anti-slavery balance, and with such impetuous fervor as to bring upon himself much reproach, and so it was later, as a natural sequence, in the dark days of the war, which this sin brought upon the country, his whole soul was stirred to its depths, and his sympathy in the struggle most intense. Then, too, his faith in God and in his omnipotent power to work righteousness and redeem the world from sin did not forsake him. It was the strong tower into which his soul fled and was safe. In his appeals in those days, made from the pulpit and often from the rostrum of the large City Hall, to the manhood, the loyalty, the Christian sentiment, the patriotism of our citizens, he showed an eloquence and a strength of intellectual power which will never be forgotten. Probably no one man in Bristol County wielded so strong an influence, and so long as he lived, and as often as he spoke in Fall River upon this topic, or upon temperance, or upon any social reform, never did he lack an audience. The opposers of truth and the enemies of reform acknowledged the power and pungency of his reasoning, for his logic was close and almost invulnerable when one had conceded his prem- ises, and he had the eloquence which comes from highest personal conviction. In the work which fell to the Christian minister in the days of the civil war, Mr. Thurston was helped and stimulated by the sympathy and co-operation of his dear friend and brother minister, the Rev. P. B. Haughwant, of the First Baptist Church. For many years the Central Church came under the influence and most eloquent preaching of this talented and accomplished scholar, whose interest in the war and whose zeal for the right were equal to Mr. Thurston's. The two men stand side by side and heart with heart to all who review that period of greatest interest in the history of the American citizen of this century. The Central Church enjoyed the blessing of Dr. Thurston's ministry for twenty-two years. In De- cember, 1869, he was seized with pneumonia, and died on the 19th of the same month, at the age of sixty-one years. At the time of Dr. Thurston's death the Central Church was large, vigorous, and prosperous. It had a membership of nearly three hundred, many of whom were, intelligent, active workers in the Lord's vine- yard. They had been trained to a consecration of wealth as well as of heart, and were among the most cheerful and hearty supporters of the gospel through- out the world, while their obligations to the poor and ignorant about them were never ignored. A mission school, which for some years existed as a union school, had been partially under the care of members of this church, but for some time previous to this date had assumed a separate and distinct or- ganization, under the sole care of the Central Church, and the large and commodious mission building, on Pleasant Street, was purchased by the society. The services of Rev. Edwin A. Buck, of Slaterville, R. I., were secured as a missionary to have the care of this branch of the service. Mr. Buck's work in this department has now been most successfully car- ried on for fifteen years. Mr. Thomas F. Eddy was the efficient superintendent of the mission-school for twenty-five years. His successor is Mr. Alphonso S. Covel. Very many have been trained in the mission-school who have added to the strength as well as the num- bers of the church. It has been a great blessing. Dr. Thurston's death occurred at the close of the year 1869. In the spring of 1870 the people listened to the preaching of the Rev. Michael Burnham, who was still in the seminary at Andover, and their choice fell upon him as successor to their late pastor. Mr. Burnham graduated in June, and was installed as pastor of the Central Church Oct. 25, 1870. His or- dination occurred at the same time. Under Mr. Burnham's ministry the church con- tinued to prosper and increase in numbers, and it was thought best to enlarge the space and opportunity to give the gospel to a larger number of the rapidly- increasing population. For this purpose it was decided to build a larger and more enduring house of worship in some new locality. In March and April, 1872, measures were taken for this purpose, and a valuable lot secured, comprising the whole space on Rock Street between Franklin and Bank Streets. The purchase comprised one hundred and four square rods, and cost something over fifty-six thousand dol- lars. A building committee was chosen, consisting of Thomas J. Borden, Robert K. Remington, William H. Jennings, and Holder B. Durfee. The subscriptions to the new building were about one hundred .and twenty-six thousand dollars, and a contract was made at once for a brick and stone building, in the Victorian early English Gothic style, stately in proportions and complete in detail, to be erected on the northerly and easterly sections of the new lot. The work was commenced in May, 1874, FALL RIVER. 351 the basement walls and brick pillars to support the floor were put in, and on July 23d of that year the congregation assembled with glad hearts to lay with solemn ceremony the corner-stone. The report of the building committee was read, appropriate hymns were sung by the congregation, the selections and music being under the care of Mr. Charles Durfee, chorister, and Mr. Lyman W. Deane, the organist of the church. A very interesting and impressive ad- dress was made by the pastor, and the corner-stone was hud with all due formality by the senior deacons of the church. These were Deacon Benjamin Earl and Dr. Nathan Durfee. The box, which was properly sealed, and was placed under the stone, contained the confession of faith of the church, a list of pastors and officers and mem- bers, a history of the organization and subsequent growth of the church, history of Fall River, copies of the local newspapers and of the religious papers of the day. After the laying of the corner-stone the work on the building went rapidly on, and was fin- ished before the end of the following year (1875). The costly and elegant structure thus completed, with tower and steeple, with nave and transept, and high-reaching roof, is built of brick, with freestone trimmings and facings, and occupies the whole north- ern portion of the lot on Franklin Street, with a front- age of one hundred and forty feet on Rock Street. This includes an elegant cloister, by which the main building is destined eventually to join a chapel on the south end of the lot. One cannot fail, on looking at the building from the east, on Rock Street, of re- ceiving the impression of grand solidity and strength, as well as of most harmonious proportion and elegance of finish in all the exterior decoration. The main entrance, through a heavy black walnut door hung in a case of the same wood, and sur- rounded and ornamented with a belting of stone richly cut in flower-work, is enriched also by fine and highly-polished pillars of Scotch granite. These elegant pillars, with carved capitals, and stone-cut- ting in relief, are continued at the entrance of the cloister. The floor of this building, as well as all the vesti- bules, are of handsome tile. The tower is on the northeast corner, quadrangular in form, and is sup- ported by heavy buttresses on both Rock and Frank- lin Streets, trimmed at the base and all along its edges with freestone. It is provided with abundant win- dows, and at some seventy-five or eighty feet from the ground the form is changed to a hexagonal, and carried up to its full height of one hundred and ninety feet, with an occasional belt of stone, and sur- mounted with a gilded cross. It is one of the finest and, to the eye, most satisfactory steeples to be seen in this part of the State. On the front, to the left of the main entrance, is the beautiful motto in Gothic letters, "Let us exalt His name together." On the right, in a narrow space between the buttress of the tower and the entrance, is another, " Praise ye the Lord." On the Franklin Street side is the sentence, "Seek ye the Lord while He may be found ; call ye upon Him while He is near." At intervals on the outside of the fiant are several panels of stone inserted in the brick wall and cut in rosettes. The eaves and border of the roof are arched with stone. The main entrance ushers you into an extended portico, where, on the left and right, wide staircases invite to the gallery above. Beyond the stairway the corridor leads to various anterooms for the use and convenience of the people. Those at the north end are appropriated to the ladies, while at the south end are rooms for gentlemen. They are supplied with heat and water and every needed furnishing. Two very large and elegant parlors for the work and business of the society, and for social gatherings, connect these accommodations with the main body of the church, while a finished basement below sup- plies all that is needed for culinary and domestic purposes when food is provided. Coming to the auditorium the eye is struck with the size of the room and its adaptedness for religious worship. Including the space occupied by the pulpit platform, it is not far from one hundred feet long by one hundred and thirteen feet wide in the rear, and about one hundred and thirty feet in the transepts, and over seventy feet in height to the ridge of the roof. It is finished in pure Gothic style, with arches between the pillars clear to the ridge. The seating capacity, including the main and transept galleries, is some twelve or thirteen hundred, while eighteen hundred can easily be provided for by filling up the spaces with camp-chairs. Numerous exits in front and rear afford opportunity to vacate the church in a few mo- ments should occasion require. The pulpit platform is at the extreme west end of the audience-room, in the main body of the church. It is fourteen and a half feet in width by twenty-four feet in length, and has a small but richly-ornamented desk for the speaker. A wide and handsome arch is thrown over the plat- form with the inscription, " The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." A capacious recess with inner arch has the motto, " Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness," and this encloses a highly decorative design illustrating the Trinity. It is formed by a triangle, within which the quaint Latin symbol of the doctrine is made by the word " Deus" in the centre, with radiations to the three points of the diagram, where the letters "P." "F." "S S." stand for Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, while the radiating lines, with the Latin word " est" reading one way and " non est" the other, make a puzzle such as old divines delighted to quarrel over through centuries of church history. The pastor's room, at the north end of the platform, 352 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. is one of the gems of this beautiful church. It is pro- vided with whatever can contribute to the comfort and quiet of the speaker before and after the service, and is a most restful, as well as tasteful, little room. It is entered by a door from Franklin Street, and, be- sides the door leading to the platform, has two which open upon the floor of the church. Upon the front of this room, which projects out into the body of the church, is inserted a large and most beautiful memo- rial tablet of Tennessee marble, with rich marble pillars and sculptured adornments, the whole set in a frame of heavy black walnut. This tablet is a memo- rial to the first two pastors of the church, Rev. Sam- uel Washburn and Rev. Eli Thurston, D.D. The organ stands at the southwest corner of the auditorium, projecting slightly into the church, par- allel with the pastor's room on the north of the plat- form. It has a very elegant and elaborate case, and is one of the finest instruments ever manufactured by Hook & Hastings, of Boston. Its tone and compass are nearly perfect, and such as to give exquisite pleasure to the most cultivated musical taste. The interior decorations of ceiling and fresco are in Gothic style, to accord with the exterior. The tints are of soft gray, with borders of drab, the lines and figures relieved by gold. The wood-work is of black walnut, much of it being finely carved. The windows are of rich stained glass; the small and delicate clus- tered pillars that support the roof are gilt-bronze ; the gas (struck by electricity) is so arranged as to throw light down upon the audience, and thus never pain- fully to meet the eye ; indeed, the whole effect of the interior arrangement is so perfect as never to bewilder or astonish, but seems ever to breathe a solemn repose and a comforting sense of the fitness of it all to the worship of God. The society took leave of the old church on Sab- bath afternoon, Dec. 12, 1875. A most interesting sermon was preached on the occasion by Mr. Burn- ham, from 2d Peter iii. chapter, 1st verse (last clause), " I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance." The formation and history of the church was reviewed in that sermon, and just and worthy tributes paid to its former pastors, and to all who had helped to sus- tain it. The congregation present on that occasion numbered five hundred and sixty. On the following evening, Monday, Dec. 13, 1875, the new church was dedicated. The dedication ser- vices were of great interest, and the building was filled by a large audience of over two thousand people. The audience-room was on this occasion most brilliantly lighted, while elegant floral decorations, from the con- servatories of Dr. Nathan Durfee and Mr. C. V. S. Remington, adorned the pulpit and platform. A splendid crown of roses was placed in the family pew of the late Dr. Thurston, while a cross of the same lovely flowers adorned the pew of the present pastor. The touching significance of these tokens added to their loveliness and beauty. An organ voluntary, under the skillful hand of Mr. Lyman W. Dean, brought out the long time honored and deep tones of " Old Hundred," succeeded by the grand anthem of Mozart, " Praise the Lord," by a choir of select singers, who occupied the south transept. The prayer of invocation was by Dr. J. W. Wellman, of Maiden. The Scriptures were read by Dr. William W. Adams, of the First Congregational Church, and the sermon was preached by Dr. Richard S. Storrs, of Brooklyn, N. Y. The text was John xvii. chapter, 20th verse, "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them who believe through their word." It was delivered with- out notes, and was an able and instructive discourse on the power and efficacy delegated to the church by their risen Lord, a power greater than he could have exerted by remaining on earth under mortal conditions and limits, because it brought into exercise faith, which all could exercise, and which could over- come all things. Mr. Burnham offered the dedicatory prayer, followed by the anthem from Leach, "How Beautiful are Thy Dwellings." The exercises closed with the singing of the Doxology by the whole con- gregation, and the benediction by the pastor. With these formal services was dedicated to the service of the living God, this church building, which stands to-day among the chief achitectural ornaments of the city, arranged with every appliance of invention and art to make it a comfortable and suitable place of worship. But these satisfactory outward conditions did not suffice to ward off' from the church, within a short time, great perplexity and financial embarrassment. This came from many trying causes, as well as from the universal depression of all business (succeeding the panic of 1873). and especially of the manufactur- ing interest, upon which in Fall River everything de- pends. The sun of prosperity had shone for many years upon this Christian enterprise, but now the clouds of adversity darkened its sky, and with the incubus of a heavy debt, resulting from inability to dispose of its old lot and building as had been contemplated, and the removal by death of some who had been its strong supporters, it was greatly tried. It had missed for several years the counsel and presence of one of its most honored and most devoted members, Col. Rich- ard Borden. With wise judgment and generous heart, he had stood by the church through every vicissitude, and with longing desire had hoped to see the extension and enlarged usefulness which he felt would come to the church through this new temple to God's honor, but he did not live till its completion. After struggling with a debt of more than one hun- dred thousand dollars for four years, a strenuous and successful effort was made on Sunday, Feb. 1, 1880, to raise the debt. More than seventy thousand dollars were raised by that day's efforts, and this with subse- quent donations, added to property already held by the church, canceled the obligation. The people FALL RIVER. 353 were greatly indebted in this work to the interest and influence of Rev. Dr. Alexander McKenzie, of Cam- bridge, Mass., who had been a friend and helper of the church for several years, and who was rewarded by the grateful affection of all the people. The pastor, too, gave himself untiringly to this work for months previous to the happy crisis, and by his unwearied and judicious efforts secured large aid and sympathy from a few generous-hearted Christian men in Boston and other places. This strain, added to all the cares and duties of so large a parish, resulted in injury to Mr. Burnham's health, and although he continued for two years longer to work with great zeal and efficiency, he became convinced that it would be better for him to leave the Central Church and enter another field of labor. With great reluc- tance he was dismissed in the summer of 1882, and in October of that year was settled over the Immanuel Congregational Church at Boston Highlands, Mass. Almost immediately after Mr. Burnham's dismis- sion the church and society united in giving a call to Rev. Eldridge Mix, D.D., who had for some years previous ministered to the First Presbyterian Church in Orange, N. J. Dr. Mix was installed Wednesday evening, Sept. 27, 1882. The sermon was by Rev. Dr. Alexander McKenzie, and the other services were conducted by Rev. Samuel G. Willard, of Colchester, Conn.; Rev. Michael Burnham, Boston Highlands; Rev. William W. Adams, D.D., Fall River, and Rev. A. J. F. Beh rends, Providence, R. I. The present membership of the church is four hundred and fifty- nine. The Third Congregational Church was organized in 1874, with Rev. Leander S. Coan as pastor, who remained until 1875, when he was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. Calvin Keyser. The church edifice was erected in 1874, and is located on Havover Street, corner of Maple. First Methodist Episcopal Church. 1 — The Meth- odist Episcopal Church in Fall River cannot boast of a very early origin. Somerset, a few miles distant, had been favored with Methodist preaching for about twenty years previous to any account of regular preaching by Methodist ministers in this place. In the year 1824, Rev. Ebenezer Blake, then stationed at Somerset, now South Somerset, held meetings in this place, then a considerable village called Troy, and for a time, according to an old record, " preached lectures" once in two weeks. He was succeeded at Somerset in June, 1825, by Rev. Herman Perry, who continued to preach or "lecture" in the village, and during the year formed a class of about twelve members. Of this first class John Anthony, afterwards a local preacher of the Bank Street Church, then a young man, was appointed leader. Luther Chace and wife, Constant B. Wyatt, Elouisa Chase, who afterwards married a Mr. Pierce, Rebecca Lindsey, now Tilling- 1 By Rev. W. A. Luce. hast, Nancy Cory, afterwards the wife of Rev. Daniel Webb, and Betsey L. Douglas were members. In June, 1826, Revs. Charles Virgin and Nathan B. Spaulding were appointed to Somerset, one of whom preached in this place once in two weeks. About the commencement of the year 1827 fruits of their labors began to appear. A gracious revival com- menced, and Mr. Spaulding confined his labors entirely to this place the remainder of the Conference year. A school-house, standing on the corner of Anawan and South Main Streets, was their place of worship. How many were added to this number we have no means of knowing. There is a single record of the ordinance of baptism administered to nine persons, April 1, 1827, by Mr. Virgin. At the Conference in the following June, Rev. E. T. Taylor, afterwards universally known as " Father" Taylor, and justly celebrated for his labors in behalf of seamen, was appointed to Fall River, he being the first minister sent to the place by the Con- ference. The appointment appears on the minutes in connection with Little Coinpton, and Amos Binney was his colleague. They were, however, virtually distinct charges. A new church edifice was immedi- ately commenced, which was completed and dedicated December 25th of the same year. It was a modest, unpretending structure, without spire or bell, and sit- uated a little off from what is now Central Street. When the house was nearly completed a gentleman asked Mr. Taylor where they intended to put the bell. With a significant turn of the head he promptly re- plied, "In the pulpit, sir." The pulpit bell had the right ring. Its tone was loud, clear, inviting. It gave no uncertain sound. The people flocked to hear it and were charmed. The minutes of the next Conference, held in June, 1828, report for Fall River and Little Compton one hundred and ninety in connection. Mr. Taylor was reappointed to this place at this Conference, but in December he was removed to the Mariners' Church, Boston, in which sphere he labored with signal suc- cess till old age superannuated him. Rev. E. Blake, then stationed at Easton and Stoughton, and others supplied the church until the next Conference. At the Conference of 1829, Mr. Blake was appointed to this charge, and labored with good success. Two hundred and six are reported in connection with Fall River and Little Compton at the next Conference. At this early date the names of Iram Smith and Wil- liam Mason, of Nehemiah Rogers, Edward Mason, and John E. Green appear on the records as class- leaders. Mr. Blake was succeeded in June, 1830, by Rev. Daniel Webb. In May, 1831, Rev. Ira M. Bidwell was appointed to this place, and remained two years. The church was eminently prosperous during his ad- ministration, though the latter year was one of severe trial and conflict. As a result of their united efforts a blessed and powerful work of grace was wrought among them, extending through the greater portion 23 354 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. of his term of service. Meetings were held nearly every night for about four months ; more than a hun- dred persons professed conversion, and about seventy- five were added to the church. But in the midst of this prosperity trials came ; a terrible storm swept over the church in this vicinity, which for a time threatened complete destruction. The famous or rather infamous Avery and Cornell affair was the occasion of this fiery trial. It occurred in the latter part of the year 1832. Mr. Avery was then stationed at Bristol, R. I., but as Fall River was the scene of the tragedy, it was here that the storm of excitement raged with greatest violence. It is impos- sible to correctly estimate the state of public feeling which existed at that time, and the violent prejudice and opposition against the Methodist Church. As a consequence the church suffered severely. Some withdrew from the membership, many more from the congregation. But one man remained a regular member of the congregation who was not a member of the church. That man was Joshua Remington, who was then unconverted, but adhered firmly to the church with his wife, who was a faithful member. At the close of Mr. Bidwell's pastorate Fall River stands alone in the minutes for the first time, with one hundred and sixty in connection. At the end of Mr. Bidwell's first year the number reported for Fall River and Little Compton was two hundred and sev- enty-six, but this number was reduced to the above figures by the Avery and Cornell tragedy. In June, 1833, Rev. Squire B. Haskell was appointed to suc- ceed Mr. Bidwell, and remained two years. The membership was reported to be one hundred and seventy-four at its close. At the Conference in 1835, Rev. Mark Staple was appointed to this station. The church had not even then recovered from the severe shock received from the Avery tragedy. A powerful revival prevailed throughout the most of this year, and at its close the number reported to the Conference was two hundred and sixty-three. Mr. Staple was reappointed in 1836, and continued until January, 1837, when his health failed, and he was obliged to resign, and was succeeded in February by Rev. Jesse Fillmore, a local preacher, who was appointed by the presiding elder, Rev. D. Webb, to supply the church until the ensuing Conference. He is credited with having put the records of the church into a somewhat systematic and preservable form. Rev. Jesse Fillmore was suc- ceeded in June, 1837, by Rev. Hector Bronson, who served the church for one year only. Notwithstand- ing the labors of Mr. Bronson, the church was in a languishing and declining state the whole year. In June, 1838, Rev. Phineas Crandall was appointed to this station. Mr. Crandall labored in the place two years, dur- ing which time the church was blessed, in common with other churches in the village, with revival influ- ences. During the year about one hundred were re ceived into the church by profession of faith and certificate. Under his administration an attempt was made to secure a more suitable place of worship, which was successful. The debt on the old house was paid, the house sold, and a new and better one built, in a more central and eligible part of the town, near the corner of South Main and Anawan Streets, where the present church stands. This house was dedicated to the worship of God by Rev. Orange Scott, Feb. 20, 1840. At the end of Mr. Crandall's administration the church was in a very prosperous condition, with a membership of two hundred and sixty-six souls; the congregation was larger and the prospect for the future brighter than ever before. In July, 1840, he was succeeded by Rev. Isaac Bonney. In June, 1842, Mr. Bonney was followed by Rev. Thomas Ely. Dur- ing his second year the "great fire" occurred, and the church edifice was burned to the ground. This was July 2, 1843. The bright hopes and cheering pros- pects of the church seemed all blasted in one brief hour. Not only was their place of worship destroyed, but many of the members were deprived of a part or all of their property, which rendered the condition of the society still more distressing and gloomy. But the Lord did not forsake his people. Although " cast down" they were not utterly "destroyed." The First Congregational Church kindly invited the church to worship with them, which they did for sev- eral Sabbaths, when A. L. Westgate and William Borden having erected their furniture warehouse, which had been destroyed by the fire, opened an upper room in the same to accommodate the society for the time being. The society now began to con- template rebuilding their church. Mr. Ely. left home and traveled extensively to solicit funds for the erec- tion of a new church. He succeeded, however, in raising but about seventeen hundred dollars. The building was soon commenced, being much larger, more commodious, and better adapted to the wants of the society than the former one. On the 3d of April, 1844, it was dedicated to the worship of God, Rev. Charles K. True preaching the dedicatory ser- mon. In July, 1844, Rev. George F. Poole succeeded to the pastoral charge of the church. In 1845 he was followed by Rev. James D. Butler. He remained two years, which were years of great spiritual pros- perity, so that at the termination of his ministry the church numbered three hundred and eighty-one members. In April, 1847, Mr. Butler was succeeded by Rev. David Patten, now deceased. Rev. Daniel Wise was the next pastor of the church, being ap- pointed to the charge in April, 1849. During the winter of his first year that eminent evangelist, Rev. James Caughey, labored with the church for about three months. More than two hundred professed conversion as the result of their united efforts. The congregation had now become so large that persons wishing to hire seats could not be accommo- FALL RIVER. 355 dated. The question of division was agitated, and it was finally decided to establish a second congrega- tion, and ask Conference to send them two preachers. Accordingly Mr. Wise was returned, and Rev. Elijah T. Fletcher was appointed with him. The result was a second church, now known as the Bank Street Church. At the next Conference in 1850, Rev. Frederick Upham was appointed to the First Church, and Rev. Ralph W. Allen to the Second, or Bank Street Church. The latter enterprise was immedi- ately successful, and to-day both churches number about four hundred members each. Rev. Elisha B. Bradford succeeded Mr. Upham in April, 1853. An organ costing sixteen hundred dol- lars was placed in the church this year. In 1855, Rev. John Howson, still living, was made pastor, and continued its minister for two years. In 1857, Rev. Thomas Ely was appointed to this church for the second time. During the winter of 1857-58 this church shared in the gracious visitation then enjoyed by most of the churches in the land. The church edifice was inter- nally improved and beautified at an expense of six- teen hundred dollars. Mr. Ely was followed in 1859 by Rev. Andrew McKeown, who commenced his ministry under favor- able auspices, and was eminently successful in every department of church work. He reported at the close of his pastorate two hundred and forty mem- bers and twelve probationers. In 1861, Rev. Charles H. Payne became the pastor of the church. Mr. Payne is now president of one of the largest Meth- odist universities in the West. While here Mr. Payne gained the enviable reputation of being an able, popular, and successful minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His successor in 1863 was Rev. Henry Baylies. During this year a commodious and comfortable par- sonage was purchased on South Main Street at an expense of three thousand one hundred and thirty dollars. In the spring of 1864 Mr. Baylies returned to this charge. Mr. Baylies' health failing, he yielded to the conviction that he could be more useful else- where, and so sought and obtained a transfer to the " Upper Iowa Conference." The Rev. Joseph H. James, then a member of the New Jersey Conference, supplied the pulpit for the remainder of the year, being engaged for the work by Rev. Paul Townsend, then presiding elder of the district. In March, 1867, J. D. King was pastor. In March, 1870, Rev. A. A. Wright followed Mr. King; in 1873, S. L. Gracey; 1874, Rev. Ensign McChesney ; in 1877, Rev. Watson L. Phillips ; in 1879, Rev. William T. North ; and 1882, Rev. Warren A. Luce, the present pastor. These all have been years of more or less prosperity. During the administration of Rev. A. A. Wright, the old par- sonage on South Main was sold, and a new one built on Ridge Street. It will be seen that this church has always been a 1 revival church, and that for the first twenty years of its history its success as an evangelizing agent was simply wonderful. Without making any invidious comparisons, it may be safely and truthfully said that but few churches, if indeed any in the Conference, have gathered into their communion more converts to the truth during the same period of time. It is impossible to give the precise number, but from the data we have it is probable that at least two thousand persons have professed faith in Christ in this church during the last fifty years. The church edifice was raised, stores built in front on Main Street, and many other neces- sary repairs made during the pastorate of Rev. J. D. King. Too much cannot be said in his praise for the time and energy he put into this work. Foremost of those who have gone up from this Bethel below to the grander Bethel above stand those sainted men, Edward Mason, James Waring, Wil- liam Henry, Ashley Saunders, John Livesey, and Luther Chace, and nameless others not less worthy who have washed their robes to spotless purity in Christ's own cleansing blood. "Once they were mourners here helow, And poured out cries and tears ; They wrestled hard, as we do now, With sins and doubts and fears." Many were the conflicts they waged in the main- tenance of this church, many were the difficulties encountered, many the sacrifices made. There is still remaining a noble, heroic band of men and women; may their victories be as many as their fathers' were, and then "a saint's rest" for each and every one. May the future history of this branch of God's peo- ple be still more glorious than the past. St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church was or- ganized in 1851, and their church edifice was erected in the following year. The first pastor was Rev. Ralph W. Allen, who was followed in 1853 by Rev. John Hobart. His successors have been as follows : M. J. Talbot, 1855; Samuel C. Brown, 1857; J. B. Gould. 1859; J. A. M. Chapman, 1861; Samuel C. Brown, 1863 ; Alfred A. Wright, 1865 ; George Bowler, 1866; Francis J. Wagner, 1868; Emory J. Haynes, 1870; George E. Reed, 1872; George W. Woodruff, D.D., 1875-76 ; Richard H. Rust, 1877-79 ; Charles W. Gallagher, 1880-81 ; Edward M. Taylor, 1882-83. The present officers are as follows : Trustees. — William Mason, Iram Smith, Robert C. Brown, Caleb S. Chace, Lafayette Nichols, Charles E. Case, Robert Henry, J. E. McCreery, William S. Greene; J. E. McCreery, clerk; R. C. Brown, treas- urer. Stewards. — Robert C. Brown, John Reed, Charles E. Case, John G. Sargent, J. E. McCreery, Samuel Allen, Abram F. Shove, Henry W. Davis, M. V. B. Benson ; A. F. Shove, recording steward and treas- urer. Brayton Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 356 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Globe village, was organized in 1854, with Rev. A. H.Worthington as pastor. Mr. Worthington remained one year, and was succeeded by Rev. C. A. Merrill, wbo officiated until 1858. His successors have been as follows: A. U. Swinerton, 1859; Elihu Grant, 1861; William P.Hyde, 1869; George H. Lamson, 1871; Charles S. Morse, 1873; E. A. Lyon, 1875-76; Samuel McKeown, 1877-78 ; Rev. E. Grant, 1879-80 (supply); William B. Heath, 1881, present incum- bent. The church edifice belonging to this society was erected in 1850 by Christ's Church, which existed four years, when it was disbanded and their house of , worship sold to this church in 1854. The North Methodist Episcopal Church, located at Steep Brook, was organized in 1859. The first pastor was Rev. Philip Crandon, who filled the pulpit until 1863. He was succeeded by Rev. George H. Manchester in 1863; John Gifford, 1865; John Q. Adams, 1867 ; J. G. Gammons, 1869 ; Philip Crandon, 1871 ; R. W. C. Farnsworth, 1873. The present pastor is Rev. Dr. Church. Quarry Street Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1870, and their church edifice on Quarry Street was erected the same year. The pastors of this church have been Revs. Samuel M. Beal, Richard Porey, E. D. Hull, H. H. Martin, and J. H. Nutting, the present incumbent. Maple Street Methodist Church was organized in 1881, Rev. Isaac Emery pastor. The Primitive Methodist Church is located on the Eight Rod Way. It was erected in 1874. Pastor, Kev. Ralph Fothergill. North Main Street Methodist Episcopal Church 1 was organized in 1875, and was located on Terry Street. Rev. William B. Heath was first pastor, and remained from April, 1875, until 1878, when he was suc- ceeded by Rev. John F. Sheffield, who was appointed in April, 1878. The same year the church was re- moved to its present location, North Main Street. John F. Sheffield remained one year only. Rev. Eben Terrill was next appointed April, 1879; he re- mained three years until April, 1882, and was suc- ceeded by Rev. E. F. Smith, the present pastor. First Baptist Church. 2 — The earliest record extant in relation to this church is under date of May 15, 1781, as follows : "February the 15th day 1781. then was Established the 2nd haptis church of Christ In Freetown, In fellowship with Elder Thompson's and Elder Luises Churches." It is supposed that the organization of the church was in the house of one Jonathan Brownell, that stood on what is now North Main Street, east from the house of worship of the Third Baptist Church. There were thirty constituent members of the church, — sixteen men and fourteen women,— whose names 1 Contributed by Joseph Wood. 2 Condensed from an historical addreBS delivered by Mr. J. E. Dawley, at the centennial anniversary of this church Feb. 15, 1881. may be found in a church manual. On the 22d of May, 1783, was the ordination of the first pastor, Elder Amos Burrows. The ordination service was conducted by Elders Thompson, of Swansea, Bur- rows, of Tiverton, and Goff, of Dighton, in the house of Samuel Warren. After an unfortunate pastorate of one year, Mr. Burrows removed to Vermont. It seems that a regular church-meeting was held on the second seventh day in each month, that "George Crocker was appointed to keep the church-book," and that those meetings were considered as important as preaching services, since it was " voted that our stated meetings should not be set aside, notwithstand- ing a minister should be present at any such meet- ing." Five years after Mr. Burrows left, the church chose two of their own useful and promising young men " to improve their gifts in public and to attend meet- ings where they shall be requested," and three years later appears an arrangement for more regular public worship. It was voted that one of those brethren, who from his eighteenth year had been blind, "should improve one-half of the Lord's day, that Brother Nathaniel Boomer read the psalm, and that Matthew Boomer take the lead of the singing." After three years' more proof of their real worth, on the third Thursday of May, 1795, occurred the double ordina- tion of those two young men, James Boomer and Job Borden. The ministers participating in the ordination service were Elders Thompson, Burrows, Hathaway, and Baker. During the same month the church in- vited Joseph Stillwell and Nathaniel Boomer " to act as deacons till some should be chosen." Four years later, in 1799, the church joined the Warren Associa- tion. For about eight years the two pastors labored faith- fully together, when a threatening cloud is indicated by this record of Dec. 9, 1803 : " This day is a trying scene to us, both our eiders think of leaving us; may the God of heaven protect us." And God did protect them, for while Elder Boomer asked for his dismis- sion to go to Charlton, where he died Feb. 24, 1837, Elder Job Borden remained the honored pastor of the church. On June 13, 1789, was a meeting of a committee " concerning the meeting-house." That first meet- ing-house, at the Narrows, must have been opened for worship about the year 1800, when the church, which for some time had been known as "The Church in Freetown, Dartmouth, and Tiverton," by a second change of name came to be called "The Second Bap- tist Church in Tiverton." " The church in Tiverton, under the pastoral care of Elders James Boomer and Job Borden," invited a council to meet at the house of Gamaliel Warren, Oct. 30, 1799, when there was the triple ordination of James Reed as an itinerant preacher, and Nathaniel Boomer and Joseph Stillwell as deacons. Two years later — Nov. 13, 1802 — is found in the records this first allu- FALL RIVER. 35^ sion to the new meeting-house: "Chose George Crocker to have the care of the meeting-house." Plainly, then, worship commenced in that house be- tween 1799 and 1802. There are but brief records of the church for the next twenty-five years ; this single item giving a glimpse of the public worship : " Sept. 2, 1813, chose John Davol to read the him, etc., in publick." During the two years 1827-29, Rev. Arthur Ross acted as colleague pastor, receiving a part of his sup- port for services as school-teacher. Those two years are memorable for the first great revival in the history of the church, in which more than ninety were added to its membership ; for the third change of the name of the church, when it became "The First Baptist Church of Troy;" for thebuilding of the second meeting-house; and the organization of " The Baptist Female Charita- ble Society," one of whose first enterprises was " to procure the trimmings and dress the meeting-house." Mr. Ross was born in Thompson, Conn., 1791 ; or- dained in 1819. He published several valuable his- torical pamphlets, and during his ministry baptized more than fourteen hundred persons. The new meeting-house referred to was the one on South Main Street, afterwards sold to the Episcopal Church. It was dedicated July 30, 1828. In connection with the new village meeting-house, appeared an evident tendency towards fashion. It was voted to purchase candlesticks for the evening meet- ings, the Association was invited, and N. White, R. Wrightington, and William Ashley were appointed to "seat the house;" and Deacon French, A. Hall, and P. Smith were chosen to take charge of the bass viol. It is possible that the violins were in such demand elsewhere that three church officers could not exercise exclusive control of them. Fortunately, perhaps, there followed some checks to undue vanity, for it was voted " to withdraw fellowship from Israel C. Durfee for his remarks respecting building our meeting-house, in which he manifested a covetous disposition, and for his unrichous remark in relation to our young deacons, French and Davol." Elder Seth Ewer was obtained to supply the pulpit for the year 1829. Rev. Bradlv Miner was next called to the pulpit. He was born in North Stonington, Conn., July 18, 1808. He successfully filled the office of pastor for about three years. About the time that Mr. Miner left the venerable senior pastor passed from earth. Rev. Asa Bronson became pastor April 4, 1833. About that time revised articles of faith were adopted, and Abiathar Hall and Stephen L. French were elected deacons. In 1835 the modest little Meh-Shway-ee Society appeared like an obscure fountain, whose broadening stream of pure, life-giving waters has steadily been flowing on for forty-five years. In 1834 the name of the town was changed from Troy to Fall River, when there must be the fourth change in the name of the church, and in 1836 the " Female Charitable Society of Troy" adopted a new constitution, by which the name became "The Fall River Baptist Female Benevolent Society." In the same year the church became one of the constituent members of the Taunton Baptist Association. The first covenant meeting was held in the vestry of the new house of worship, called the Temple, July 1, 1840, and that house was dedicated September 16th of that year. Some years before the church had re- corded this resolution : " That we most earnestly and affectionately invite all the members of the church who are not now members of the Temperance Society immediately to become members, and throw all their influence in favor of Christian sobriety." Then fol- lowed the great anti-slavery struggle, in which this church took a foremost and unequivocal position. During the earnest discussions of the decade from 1840 to 1850, the bold pastor, deacons, and members introduced, defended, and had recorded, as the adopted sentiments of the church, such declarations as these : "Slavery is one of the grossest sins against God and violations of the rights of man that can be committed." "No circumstances justify holding slaves." "This church, as an independent body, feels bound to bear its unequivocal testimony against the abominable sin of slavery." " We will not invite or allow a slave- holding minister to occupy the pulpit, or invite or allow a slaveholder to commune with us as a church." The church was blessed with two remarkable re- vivals, and during the eleven years of Mr. Bronson's pastorate seven hundred and nine were added to the church. He was afterwards pastor at Albany for two years, when he returned and became pastor of the Second Baptist Church in this city, and died Nov. 29, 1866, aged sixty-eight years. He was succeeded in this church by Rev. V. R. Hotchkiss, who became, pastor Dec. 4, 1845. The house called the " Temple" was conveyed to the Second Church in October, 1847, from which time this church worshiped in Union Hall till the first Sunday in 1850, when, Rev. A. P. Mason having become pastor, the church entered the vestry of the new house on North Main Street, which completed house was dedicated October 23d. Mr. Mason was a lineal descendant of the Samson Mason who was an officer in Cromwell's army. He came to America in 1650, and settled in Dorchester; then removed to Rehoboth, and afterwards, " for con- science' sake," to Swansea, where he assisted to build the Baptist meeting-house, for which he was sum- moned before the authorities of Plymouth Colony, fined fifteen shillings, and warned to leave the juris- diction of the colony. From that true Baptist stock descended our Pastor Mason, during whose faithful ministry of three years was an interesting revival, in which fifty-nine valuable members were added to the church. He was afterwards pastor in Chelsea, and for several years has been district secretary of the American Baptist Home Missionary Society. 358 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. The next pastor, Rev. Jacob R. Scott, could be retained here for only the year 1853. After his resig- nation, Rev. Jonathan Aldrich successfully supplied the pulpit for nearly a year, when Daniel J. Glazier was elected pastor. Before taking the place for which he seemed so peculiarly fitted he suddenly died, March 9, 1855. Rev. P. B. Haughwout became pastor in 1855. In 1860 he went to Europe, remaining seven months, during which time the church ordained and had for acceptable supply Rev. A. Judson Padelford. Pastor Haughwout gave to this church fifteen years of his most vigorous life, during which was his enthusiastic share in the great struggle against rebellion, and the addition of more than two hundred to the church, when failing health made retirement essential. He died April 26, 1877, in the forty-ninth year of his age. In 1871, Daniel C. Eddy, D.D., became pastor. The house of worship was extensively remodeled and enlarged. The former pastors, Drs. Hotchkiss and Mason, with other clergymen of the city, took part in the interesting rededication services, Sept. 3, 1872. After a rich revival, in which more than sixty were added to the church, Dr. Eddy closed a two years' pastorate, and was succeeded in 1874 by Rev. A. K. P. Small, who remained until 1883. The deacons have been as follows: Deacons Still- well, Boomer, Enoch French, John Davol, Philip Smith, John E. Carr, Benjamin Buffington, Abiathar Hall, Stephen L. French, Seth Pooler, Jesse F. Eddy, Joseph L. Buffington, Edward Warren, Henry Rich- ards, George S. Davol, and Henry S. Buffington. The Second Baptist Church.— For seven years previous to the year 1846 the question had been agi- tated among the members of the First Baptist Church whether the best interests of the cause of Christ, the salvation of souls, and the glory of God did not re- quire the organization of another Baptist Church in Fall River. No decisive action was taken until the month of April of that year, when a number of breth- ren who felt that the time had fully come when a new interest should be commenced requested the pastor and deacons of the First Baptist Church to entertain the question, and if they thought proper call a special church meeting, in order to ascertain whether those who were disposed to embark in this enterprise could do so with the approbation of the whole church, and under the influence of mutually kind feelings. This request was cordially received, and in pursu- ance a very full meeting of the church was convened on the evening of April 21, 1816. At this meeting, no objection being raised to the formation of a second Baptist Church in this place, it was unanimously voted to give their approbation to the project. Having thus obtained the full consent of the mother-church, these brethren secured the use of the town hall, adopted the plan of free seats and volun- tary contributions, and invited the Rev. Asa Bronson, of New York, their former pastor, to preach the gospel in the above-named place. Pursuant to this request he came and commenced his labors on the second Sabbath in May following. Much interest was manifested, a large congregation gathered, and unexpected encouragement realized. On the 9th of June one hundred and forty-nine members sought and obtained letters of dismission from the First Baptist Church. Of these members fifty were males and ninety-nine females. On the 18th of June these, with several other brethren from different churches, were, by mutual and voluntary consent, formed into a church by the adoption of articles of association and a covenant and the elec- tion of the proper officers. At this meeting Rev. Asa Bronson was moderator, and John C. Milne was clerk. The church was styled the Second Baptist Church of Fall River, and officers elected as follows: Rev. Asa Bronson, pastor; Charles Borden and Joseph Borden, deacons ; John C. Milne, clerk ; Joseph Bor- den, treasurer. A prudential committee, a board of Sunday-school managers, and a committee of order were also appointed. On the 29th of September, 1846, the church was publicly recognized by a council composed of the pastors and delegates from several of the sister churches within the bounds of the Taunton Baptist Association. The church immediately entered upon a season of great spiritual prosperity. The vestry of the Unita- rian Church on Second Street was secured in addition to the town hall. The church having completed arrangements for the purchase of the temple in which they now wor- ship, they removed thither from the town hall the first Sabbath in October, 1847, the First Church in the mean time having vacated it. Soon after the organization of the church the " Second Baptist Society" was incorporated by act of the Legislature. The Sabbath-school dates its origin from the organ- ization of the church. The church has had six pastors during its history, viz., Rev. Asa Bronson, who served from May, 1846, till Sept. 13, 1857 ; Rev. Charles A. Snow, from Feb. 25, 1858, till Oct. 20, 1864; Rev. John Duncan, D.D., from Feb. 12, 1865, till June 9, 1870; Rev. Frank R. Morse, from Nov. 5, 1871, till Feb. 23, 1873 ; Rev. Henry C. Graves, from Oct. 4, 1874, till Feb. 22, 1880; Rev. E. W. Hunt, from Sept. 1, 1880, to De- cember, 1882. Two of the above pastors were ordained by coun- cils called under the direction of the church, viz., Rev. Charles A. Snow, July 7, 1858, and Rev. E. W. Hunt, Sept. 21, 1880. Additions to the board of deacons were made Nov. 6, 1853, when Joseph M. Davis and Charles Coburn were chosen. Feb. 5, 1865, William S. Robertson FALL RIVER. 359 was elected. April 12, 1880, Alexander O. Cook was also chosen. Joseph M. Davis resigned May 7, 1881, and Burton Crankshaw was elected to fill the vacancy June 2, 1881. The following brethren have been elected deacons, but declined serving, viz. : Dan forth Horton, Nov. 6, 1853, and again Feb. 5, 1865; Silas Smith, April 12, 1880 ; and Charles Long, June 2, 1881. The office of treasurer has been filled successively as follows, viz. : Joseph Borden, from June 18, 1846, till April 1, 1851 ; Benjamin F. Winslow, from April 1, 1851, till July 3, 1S55; John C. Milne, from July 3, 1855, till Oct. 5, 1857 : Mason Buffinton, from Oct. 5, 1857, till April 26, 1858 ; Joseph Borden was again chosen June 7, 1858, and continued till July 12,1860; Garrett Horton, from July 12, 1860, till July, 1868, when the present treasurer, Charles Co- burn, was elected. The office of clerk was filled by J. C. Milne from the organization of the church till Oct. 4, 1853; A. G. Hart, from Oct. 4, 1853, till April 5, 1854 ; and William S. Robertson, the present clerk, was elected May 9, 1854. The church has licensed three of its members to preach the gospel, viz., Rev. John J. Bronson, July 3, 1855; Rev. Jacob Furrhman, April 8, 1872; Rev. William C. Carr, Sept. 1, 1872. All of these are now ordained ministers. In the winter of 1873 the present house of worship was remodeled and refitted, the main audience-room and also the vestry sharing in the general improve- ment. At the same time the additions to the front of the temple were made, giving the present spacious en- trance to the audience-room and vestry. The Third Baptist Church. 1 — The Mechanics- ville Baptist Church was the outgrowth of a mission Sabbath-school started by the First Baptist Church, and operated under their direction until Oct. 9, 1871, when a church was organized with the foregoing name, under the pastorate of Rev. Ambler Edson. The first officers were D. H. Dyer, Richard Thack- ray, deacons; William A. Dunn, clerk; Silas B. Hatch, treasurer; and a total membership of twenty- eight. The church was recognized as a regular Baptist Church by a council convened in due form April 10, 1872. The pastorate of Rev. A. Edson closed April 30, 1873. During the following summer their pulpit was supplied principally by Rev. M. C. Thwing and Rev. .1. N. Williams. Rev. F. A. Lockwood became pastor of the church Nov. 16, 187M. The church was reorganized and incorporated under the laws of Massachusetts March 25, 1874, as the "Third Baptist Church of Fall River." The pas- torate of Rev. F. A. Lockwood closed Oct. 31, 1875. From the close of Rev. F. A. Lockwood's pastorate until Sept. 20, 1878, the church had no settled pastor, i Contributed by D. H. Dyer. their pulpit being supplied by students from Newton Theological Seminary, the most prominent of whom were Rev. M. B. Lanning and Rev. George L. Mason. On the 7th day of July, 1876, the church ordained Rev. George L. Mason to the gospel ministry while he was still a student at Newton, and from that time he supplied the pulpit of the church, and was elected pastor May 2, 1878, assuming the pastoral office Sept. 20, 1878. Rev. George L. Mason resigned his pastorate July 13, 1880, to accept an appointment from the Baptist Missionary Union as a missionary to Ningpo, China. Since that time the church has been without a pas- ; tor, but has maintained its appointments and regular '' preaching, employing students from Newton, the most prominent of whom were Revs. C. E. Higgins, L. A. Eaton, W. F. Slocum, and W. A. McKillop. Rev. C. A. Snow, of Taunton, became acting pastor Oct. 1, 1882, and is still serving the church in that capacity. Present officers, J. H. Jackson and Her- bert W. Davis, deacons ; D. H. Dyer, clerk ; and Richard Thackray, treasurer. Church of the Ascension 2 (Protestant Episco- pal). — The first service according to the ritual of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States held in (what was then) the " village of Fall River" was conducted by the Rev. James C. Rich- mond, on a Sunday evening in 1835. This was in the Unitarian house of worship. The next public service was on July 13, 1836, in the First Congrega- tional Church. The preacher was the Rev. James Pratt, of Rhode Island. He was assisted by the Rev. John West, also of Rhode Island. This service was held with the view of effecting a permanent or- ganization of the church, which, however, was not accomplished until two days after. Then, July 15, 1836, in the Methodist Episcopal Church on Central Street, a parish was duly formed under the name (suggested by the diocesan, the Rt. Rev. Alexander Viets Griswold, D.D., Bishop of the Eastern Diocese) of the Church of the Ascension. The clergy present at the formation of the parish were the Revs. John West, James Pratt, J. W. Fenner, and Stephen El- liott, afterwards (1841) and now Bishop of Georgia. A missionary, the Rev. P. H. Greenleaf, was put in charge of the infant parish, which consisted of ten men, every one of whom has passed beyond this world. James Ford, Esq., was senior warden, Job H. Lawton junior warden, and Richard W. Batt secretary. The first services were held in the hall of the Pocasset House. The congregation was of about fifty persons, and the Sunday-school had about twenty scholars. From the Pocasset House the parish moved to the town hall on Central Street in March, 1837. Here the parish worshiped for three years, and struggled through many difficulties 2 By Kev. A. St. John Chambre, D.D. 360 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. and against much prejudice and opposition. A legal existence and corporate powers were secured May 1, 1837. In this act of incorporation are found the names of J. H. Lawton, Cyrus Alden, Esq., William Langford, Richard W. Batt, James Ford, Esq., James R. Lake, Baylies J. Talbot, John Chatburn, William Canedy, John Houghton, George Bay lis, Richard W. Houghton, Dennis Brown, Elijah Astle, Joseph Pot- ter, Edward P. Lake, Richard W. Smith, T. Mar- quand, and Nathaniel Munday. Cyrus Alden was elected senior and J. H. Lawton junior warden, R. W. Batt clerk. The missionary left in July, 1837. In 1838 (July 22d) the Rev. George M. Randall (af- terwards, 1865-73, Bishop of Colorado), immediately upon his ordination to the deaconate, assumed charge of the parish. He was instituted as rector August, 1840. His ministry, amid many discouragements, was greatly blessed. In 1839 a Baptist house of worship was purchased. It was centrally located on South Main Street, and (after necessary altera- tions) was solemnly consecrated in 1840 by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Griswold. A heavy debt for those days and for the strength of the parish was contracted by this purchase, which for a long time burdened and crippled the church. In 1844, Mr. Randall resigned to accept the rectorship of the Church of the Messiah in Boston. For nearly a year there was no clergy- man in charge, when the Rev. A. D. McCoy was in- stituted rector, April 10, 1845. He remained only two years. There was no rector then for two years, much to the detriment of all the interests of the parish, when (under very discouraging circumstances), on Sunday, April 29, 1849, the Rev. E. M. Porter became rector. His labors were blessed. He suc- ceeded, with large aid from outside of Fall River, in liquidating the debt. The congregation increased, and the spiritual life deepened. But the parish was still feeble. The church was destroyed by fire on Christmas-eve, 1850. The parish, however, was not destroyed. The corner-stone of a new edifice on the same site, or nearly so, was laid in 1851. An address was made by Dr. Randall. In 1852 (February) the new church was consecrated by the Right Rev. Man- ton Eastburn, the Bishop of Massachusetts. It was only in this year (1852) that the parish was able to do without missionary aid, which it had steadily re- ceived since its original formation. Mr. Porter closed his labors with the church in 1863, after a successful rectorship of fourteen years, by far the longest that the parish had enjoyed thus far. His name and memory are held in affectionate remembrance. In the summer of 1863 the Rev. A. M. Wylie was called to the rectorship. His resignation was ten- dered Nov. 1, 1868, and took effect in December fol- lowing. The Rev. John Hewitt succeeded Mr. Wylie, remaining only until January, 1871. The Rev. Henry E. Hovey became rector about Easter of this year, and resigned in November, 1872. The Rev. William McGlatherv assumed charge in August, 1873, and re- signed in the fall of 1875. In 1876 the Rev. William T. Fitch was elected rector. His resignation took effect in May, 1881. On the 15th of May, 1881, the present incumbent, the Rev. A. St. John Chambre, D.D., assumed charge of the parish. The history of the parish has been that of struggle from the beginning, but of steady advancement, not- withstanding all and every difficulty. In 1875 the parish moved into its large, costly, and elegant stone church, erected upon Rock Street. Its financial con- dition is second to that of no parish in the city. Its congregations are large, and it is blessed with a spirit of great harmony and of commendable zeal in all good works. The magnificent stained-glass window- in the front of the church, representing in life-size the Saviour and the four evangelists, is a memorial of the late Bishop Randall, of Colorado, the first rector. It was erected by the contributions of the Sunday-school. From this parish, as the growth of Fall River de- manded, has sprung the flourishing parish of St. John, on South Main Street, now independent of its parent, but holding pleasant relations with the mother- church. The Church of the Ascension has a mission by the name of St. Mark in the eastern part of the city, and it is contemplating other movements for the good of the community, the advancement of the church, and (above all other considerations) to the glory of God. St. John's Church 1 is located near the Park, on the Main Street, about a mile and a half south of the Ascension, of which it was once a mission. Between thirty and forty families connected with the old parish, residing at "the Globe" and farther south towards the Rhode Island line, found it incon- venient because of the distance to attend the parish church regularly; it was also too far for the children to walk to Sunday-school, hence the desire for a mission. Services were first held in "ConnelPs Hall," di- rectly opposite the present church building, the fourth Sunday in September, 1878, by the Rev. W. T. Fitch, rector of the Ascension. The church, a plain wooden building, seating three hundred and fifty, with a Sunday-school room in the basement, was used for the first time Sunday, Aug. 15, 1880, the Rev. Arthur T. Barrington, assistant at the Ascension, officiating. It was built on leased land. The land has since been purchased and fully paid for. The parish was generously aided, both in erecting the building and in the subsequent purchas- ing of the land, by churchmen in Boston and else- where. The mission was organized into an independent parish Easter Monday, 1881, with Nathaniel Lewis and George Walters, wardens. The Rev. Samuel S. Spear, then at St. John's, Taunton, was soon elected 1 By Kev. Samuel S. Spear. FALL RIVER. 361 rector, and took charge of the infant parish Sunday, July 3, 1881. The list of communicants, Easter, 1883, numbered one hundred and twenty-five, and there is a pros- perous Sunday-school of about three hundred officers and scholars. Parish officers: Rector, the Rev. Samuel S. Spear; Wardens, George Walters, Oliver H. P. Howard ; Treasurer, John Taylor; Clerk, Enoch Horsfield ; Vestrymen, Nathan Crabtree, George Porteus, George Hanson, Richard Fleet, William Wild, William Wooley, Sr., Alpheus Burdick. The church property, valued at seven thousand dollars, is entirely free from debt, and is held for the parish by the "Trustees of Donations." The building has not yet been consecrated, as it is deemed desirable to make several needed improve- ments and additions before consecration. Christian Church, Franklin Street.— This church was organized in April, 1829, and in the following year the society was organized and the first church edifice erected. This church was destroyed in the great fire of 1843, and in the following year the pres- ent church edifice on Franklin Street was erected. The first pastor was Rev. Joshua V. Hines, who was succeeded by Benjamin Taylor, H. Taylor, James Taylor, Simon Clough, M. Lane, A. G. Cumminirs, Jonathan Thompson, previous to 1840; Revs. P. R. Russell, 1841; A. M. Averill, 1843; Elijah Shaw, 1845 ; Charles Morgridge, 1847 ; Stephen Fellows, 1848 ; David E. Millard, 1852 ; B. S. Fanton, 1855 ; Thomas Holmes, 1863 ; Hiram J. Gordon, 1865 ; S. Wright Butler, 1866. Present pastor, Rev. M. Sum- merbell. The North Christian Church was organized in 1842, and is located on North Main Street, at Steep Brook. The pastors of the church have been as fol- lows : Revs. Wm. Shurtleff, 1861 ; Moses P. Favor, 1866; Chas. T. Camp, 1872; O. P. Bessey, 1874; O. O. Wright, 1876. Church of the New Jerusalem. 1 — The Fall River Society of the New Jerusalem was organized in 1854. It consisted of seven members. Thirty-one have been added since, making thirty-eight in all. Ten have died, two have been transferred to other soci- eties. The number now belonging to it is twenty-six, nine of whom reside out of the city. Four of the original members are still living. Its church on Rock Street, between Cherry and Locust, was built in 1869. The services were conducted by lay readers, except upon the communion Sabbath, when a minis- ter officiated; but in 1877 the present pastor, Rev. John Westall, was ordained and invited to devote all his time to the service of the society. The Sabbath-school consists of forty-four scholars and teachers. The library contains three hundred and fifty-seven volumes. The expenses of the society l By Rev. John Westall. are met by voluntary subscription. All the seats of the church are free. Society of Friends. — The first meetings of the Society of Friends in Fall River were held about the year 1812, the attendants coming mostly over the river from Swansea and Somerset. They commenced public worship here in 1819, and in 1821 erected a house of worship, which was subsequently removed, and the present edifice on North Main Street, between Pine and Cherry, was erected in 1836. The present overseer is Nathan Chace. The United Presbyterian Church, Pearl Street corner of American, was organized in 1846, and the church edifice was erected in 1851. The pastors have been as follows : Revs. David A. Wallace, 1851-53 ; William Maclaren, 1854-67 ; Joshua R. Kyle, 1869- 75; James H. Turnbull, 1876. Hebrew Worship. — The Jewish or Hebrew resi- dents of this city number some fifty to sixty men, many having families. Of these six are German Jews, so called, but as they do not 'affiliate with the Polish Israelites, they have no organized synagogue. The other class have pushed ahead, organized a syna- gogue by themselves, employed a leader, and have kept up worship for several months on Pleasant Street. St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church was estab- lished in 1836, under the name of St. John Baptist, which was changed upon the occupation of the church edifice in 1855. The pastors of this church have been as follows: Revs. John Corry, Richard Hardy, and Edward Murphy. Rev. John O'Connell and Corne- lius McSweeney were assistant pastors in 1875. The present assistant pastors are Revs. Louis Dady and James A. Gleason. Church of the Sacred Heart was organized in 1873. The present pastor is Rev. Matthew McCabe, assisted by Rev. James Masterson. Church on Linden Street. St. Ann's Church (French Catholic) was organ- ized in 1873 by Rev. A. de Montanbrieg. It is located on Hunter Street corner of William. The present pastor is Rev. Thomas F. Briscoe, assisted by Rev. O. F. Clark. St. Joseph's Catholic Church was organized in 1874, by Rev. William H. Brie. The present pastor is Rev. Andrew J. Brady, assisted by Rev. J. F. Roach. Location, North Main Street. St. Patrick's Catholic Church was organized in 1874, by Rev. J. Kelly, who has since continued as pastor. Location, Slade Street. Notre Dame Church was organized in 1874, by Rev. P. J. B. Bedard, who has since remained as pastor. Location, Notre Dame corner Ashton Street. St. Peter's and Paul's parish is of recent organiza- tion, and a church edifice is soon to be erected. The pastor is Rev. Father Doyle. The Immaculate Conception is also a new parish, with Father Kiernan as pastor. Of the one hundred and eighty thousand attendants upon Catholic wor- 362 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. ship in the Providence district, about eighty-eight : thousand reside in Bristol, Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket Counties of Massachusetts, and some twenty-eight thousand in this city. In the proposal to establish three new dioceses in this State, it is con- fidently expected that the above counties will be set off as one of them, and Fall River be constituted the cathedral city. There is also a French mission (Baptist) on Pleas- ant Street, Eusibe Leger, missionary. CHAPTER XXIX. FALL RIVER.— {Continued.) Mount Hope Lodge, F. and A. M. 1 — " Dec. 8, 5824. The petition of Andrew Harris and others, praying for a charter for a new lodge in the village of Fall River and town of Troy, to be called ' Mount Hope,' was read and referred to W. Joseph G. Sprague, Rev. Joseph Richardson, and Abra Haskell. " The committee appointed to consider the applica- tion of Andrew Harris and others for a charter for a lodge in the town of Troy have heard the represen- tations on the subject, and would report that the prayer of the petitioners ought to be granted. " By order, J. S. Sprague, Chairman. " Read and accepted. " Agreeably to a commission from the M. W. John Abbot, Grand Master, dated Aug. 3, 5825, directed and given to R. W. Thomas Talman, D. D. G. Master for the Fourth Masonic District, authorizing and em- powering him to constitute Mount Hope Lodge, holden at Troy, village of Fall River, and to install its officers, the 1st of September, 5825, was agreed on and appointed the day for installation. " On the evening preceding, to wit, on the 31st day of August, a lodge of Past Masters assembled at the hall of Mount Hope Lodge, the R. W. D. D. G. Master in the chair, assisted by R. W. Lemuel Gay and R. W. Asa Wood as Wardens, when the degree of Past Master was conferred on R. W. Brother Leander P. Lovell, the Master elect of Mount Hope Lodge. On the 1st day of September, a.l. 5825, a Deputy Grand Lodge, consisting wholly of Worthy Present or Past Masters of lodges, assembled at Fall River, and was opened in due and ancient form. Present, R. W. Thomas Talman, G. M. pro tem.; R. W. Benjamin Huntoon, Dep. G. M. ; R. W. James L. Hodges, S. G. W. ; R W. James W. Crossman, G. Treas. ; R. W. Asa Wood, G. Sec; R. W. George Randall, G. Mar- shal ; R. W. Rev. Luther Hamilton, G. Chap. ; R. W. Samuel Caswell, Jr., S. G. D. ; R. W. Jonathan Reynolds, J. G. D. ; R. W. Nathaniel Blake, 1st G. S. ; R. W.Simeon Presbury, 2d G.S.; R.W.Anthony 1 Copied from records of the Grand Lodge. D. Richmond, G. S. B. ; R. W. Thomas Cole, R. W. Ephriam Kemp ton, G. P.; R. W. Thomas Shepherd, G. Tyler ; R. W. Caleb Earle, Bearer of the Book of Constitutions ; R. W. John Carlisle, Bearer of the Holy Writings. "A committee, consisting of R. W. Brothers Hun- toon and Gay, were appointed to examine the officers of Mount Hope Lodge as to their knowledge of the lectures and work, and to inspect their records and by-laws. The committee having attended to the duty of their appointment, reported that they found the officers well skilled in the lectures and mysteries of Masonry ; that they found their records and by-law r s in conformity to the regulations of the Grand Lodge, fairly kept and duly entered, and that they cheer- fully recommended said lodge for constitution and installation. "This report having been unanimously accepted by the Deputy Grand Lodge, they were escorted to the hall of Mount Hope Lodge, where a very large procession was formed, consisting of brethren and companions of the several Masonic degrees. "Several officers of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island and other distinguished members of the fra- ternity were present, and united in the procession on the occasion. "The whole procession, accompanied by an excel- lent band of music, then moved to the Baptist Church, where a very appropriate and truly Masonic address was delivered by R. W. Rev. Paul Dean, of Boston. " Mount Hope Lodge was then solemnly conse- crated and dedicated according to ancient custom. The acting Grand Master then proceeded to consti- tute the brethren into a regular lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, after which the officers elect were publicly installed into their respective offices. Their names are as follows : " R. W. Leander P. Lovell, M. ; W. Benjamin An- thony, S. W. ; W. Joseph Rice, J. W. ; Joseph E. Reed, Treas. ; James Ford, Sec. ; Augustus B. Reed, Chap.; Richard Chase, S. D. ; Lucius Smith, J. D. ; Pierce Allen, Marshal ; John Norris, Oliver Mason, Stewards; Calvin Seaver, Tyler. "After the services at the church, the Deputy Grand Lodge having completed the business for which it was assembled, was escorted back to the room which had been provided for that accommoda- tion, and closed in due and ancient form. A sump- tuous repast having been provided by Mount Hope Lodge, the brethren proceeded to the place of re- freshment, and united in the social festivities of the occasion. "A true record of the proceedings. Attest: "Asa Wood, Dep. G. Secretary." The Masters of Mount Hope Lodge from Dec. 8, 1824, have been as follows: 1825-26, Leander P. Lov- ell ; 1827-28, Benjamin Anthony ; 1829, Daniel Leon- ard ; 1830, Peleg H. Earl; 1831-32, Thomas D. FALL RIVER. 3f>3 Chaloner; 1833, Ebenezer Andrews; 1834-35,' Seth Darling; 1845-46, Joshua Remington ; 1847, Thomas D. Chaloner; 1848-49, Daniel Leonard; 1850, James M. Morton ; 1851-54, Joshua Remington ; 1855, Gardner D. Cook; 1856-58, Robert C. Brown ; 1859, Joshua Remington; 1860-61, James Davenport; 1862, Josiah C. Blaisdell; 1863, Robert Henry ; 1864- 65, Charles A. Holmes ; 1866, Robert C. Brown ; 1867, Charles A. Holmes; 1868-70, Henry Paddock ; 1871- 73, A. G. Hart; 1874-75, Henry Waring; 1876, Wil- liam J. Burt; John T. Graham, two years; Nathan Everett, one year; Charles E. Spencer, still in office. The charter members of the lodge were Joshua Remington, Thomas D. Chaloner, Daniel Leonard, John P. Winchester, Thomas Driver, Samuel B. Gardner, Thomas Killer, James D. Burt, William B. Canady, Francis Eddy, Gideon Hatch, Sabin Blake, William A. Waite, Jesse Eddy, Edward Thompson, Jonathan T. Lincoln, John Eddy, and B. W. Miller. King Philip Lodge, F. and A. M., was chartered Dec. 12, 1866, the " precedence" to begin Jan. 16, 1866. The charter members were Joshua Reming- ton, James F. Davenport, Daniel Stillwell, George A. Ballard, E. P. Buffinton, Francis W. Eddy, Joseph Brady, Mason Fisher, William M. Almy. Charles A. Bassett, George A. Borden, George A. Tower, Silas Williams, Alexander Forbes, D. S. Brigham, T. An- drew Francis, Robert A. Brown, George E. Hoar, J. C. Blaisdell, James Henry, James B. Bray ton, Par- ker Borden, George W. Billings, William G. Bennett, L. F. Pease, William Davenport, Thomas L. Brayton, Arthur R. Borden, M. Tootle, Jr., Alden Gilbert, George W. Gibbs, A. D. Easton, Edwin Shaw, E. P. Haskins, John P. Slade, Perry Gifford, and James Buffinton. The following is a list of Masters: James F. Daven- port, 1865 to October, 1868; George A. Ballard, 1868 to October, 1869; Charles E. Gifford, 1869 to October, 1870; Daniel Stillwell, 1870 to October, 1871 ; Wil- liam Davenport, 1871 to October, 1872; Thomas G. Estes, 1*72 to October, 1873; John S. Henry, 1873 to October, 1875; Horatio N. Durfee, 1875 to October, 1876; Charles E. Vickery, 1876 to October, 1877; Edward T. Marvell, 1877 to October, 1878; Joseph L. Buffinton, 1878 to October, 1879; Charles A. Ben- nett, 1879 to October, 1880; Enoch J. French, 1880 to October, 1881 ; Judson C. McKenzie, 1881 (now in office). Narragansett Lodge, F. and A. M., was char- tered Dec. 13, 1876, the precedence to commence 1 In consequence of the depressed condition of Mount Hope Lodge, and of Freemasonry generally, at a regular meeting held Nov. '■), 18:15, it was Voted, " To raise a committee to sell all the furniture of the lodge as they may deem proper for thn interest of the lodge." The meetings were then discontinued until 1845, when the brethren desiring to revive the interest in Freemasonry and resume their meetings as a lodge, find- ing that the original charter, with other furniture, had been destroyed by the great fire of July 2, 1843, obtained a new charter, which declares the precedence of the lodge to date from Dec. 8, 1824, that being the date of the original charter. Dec. 30, 1875. The charter members were James Davis, Daniel Stevens, William Roderick Robertson, George Leonard Walker, William Henry Brow, Edwin Jackson Dyer, Robert Macfarlane, Charles Sil- vester Norman, John McKean, Mark Phillips, Chaun- cey Howe Sears, Bennett Cook, James Henry Mini- ken, John Whitaker, Jeremiah Rodgers Elsbree, Aimie Benjamin Bruneau, James Barney Chace, Rob- ert Hampson, Alexander Jefferson Wilcox, John Adams Tourtellot, Edmund Whitehead, Edwin dish- ing Phillips, Leon Eugene Sweet, Robert Hammer- ton, Thomas Francis Vickery, David Smith, Abner Luther Howard, Asa Wilson Gifford, James Francis Davis, Everett Bemis Dyer, Rodney Augustus Moore, Joseph Harrison, Samuel Mark Standing, Philip Roberts, Charles Frederick Tripp, Robert Johnston Adams, Joseph Hyde, Walter Thackery. The Fall River Royal Arch Chapter was char- tered Jan. 9, 1865, " to take rank, date, and prece- dence from the 7th day of June, 1864." The follow- ing were the charter members : Thomas D. Chaloner, Joshua Remington, Robert C. Brown, Abner L. West- gate, Charles A. Holmes, Daniel Stillwell, James C. Stafford, James Davenport, Robert Henry, Silas Williams, James B. Brayton, Jonathan E. Morrill, Alden Gilbert, Williams A. Burt, Lemuel Hall, George A. Tower, William Preston, Eber Slade, Jona- than T. Lincoln, John Whitaker, John Shepley, John B. Whitaker, Joseph Brady, John G. Tinkham, Charles F. Langford, James Davis, Samuel Root, William G. Bennett, George E. Hoar, Mason Fisher, John P. Slade, Joel Wood, William Davenport, Jireh B. Pettey, Humphrey A. Francis, and Silas P. Rich- mond. Robert C. Brown was first High Priest, Robert Henry first King, and Joshua Remington first Scribe. The Grand Chapter officers at this time were Solon Thornton, Grand High Priest; Caleb Rand, Deputy Grand High Priest; Albert E. Foth, Grand King; Wanton T. Drew, Grand Scribe; Thomas Waterman, Grand Secretary. The Past High Priests are as follows: Robert C. Brown, Robert Henry, George A. Ballard, Henry Paddock, Hiram C. Harrington, Gideon F. Tomp- kins, Alfred H. Hartley. Godfrey De Bouillon Commandery was chartered Oct. 13, 1868, " to take rank and precedence from May 9, 1868." The charter members were Robert Car- ver Brown, Robert Henry, James Franklin Daven- port, James Henry, John Palmer Slade, Silas Wil- liams, William Davenport, Charles Edwin Case, Jo- seph Brady, Henry Paddock, John Shepley, John Birtwistle Whitaker, George Andros Borden, Mason Fislur, James Davis, Edward Shove Anthony, Wil- liam Preston, Leander Davenport Wilbur, Charles Ellis Gifford, Daniel Edson Chace, James Crosby Ramsay, Perry Gifford, Francis Wilmarth Eddy, William Macomber Almy, Daniel W. Baldwin, James Barney Chace, George Alvan Ballard, Thomas Lyn- 36-t HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. don Brayton, James Buffinton, Abner Lewis West- gate, Frederick William Macomber, Elisha Cook Hathaway, John Whitaker, George Edward Hoar, Josiah Coleman Blaisdell, Alfred Henry Hartley, Thomas Francis Vickery, William Gray Bennett, Thomas Durfee Chaloner, William Wait Stewart, Joel Wood. Robert Henry was first Commander, James F. Davenport first Generallissimo, and Henry Paddock first Captain-General. The Eminent Commanders have been as follows: Robert Henry, R. C. Brown, S. W. Butler, John B. Whitaker, George A. Ballard, Charles E. Gifford, A. H. Hartley, Albert F. Dow, and Henry Waring. Military Record, 1861-65.— Fall River responded promptly to the call of her imperiled country during the war of the Rebellion, and only six days after the firing upon Fort Sumter, April 19, 1861, a " war meeting" was held at the City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Hon. N. B. Borden, who read the call, was chosen chairman, and made the opening address. Speeches were also made by David Anthony, James Ford, Hon. James Buffinton, Dr. Foster Hooper, John Collins, John Westall, J. C. Blaisdell, R. T. Davis, and Walter C. Durfee. Dr. Hooper offered the following resolutions, which were adopted by acclamation : " Resolved, That the government of the Union shall be sustained. "That the city government be requested to appropriate ten thousand dollars in aid of those who may volunteer, and for the support of their families. " That each volunteer be paid the sum of twenty dollars per month from the city treasury, in addition to what is paid by the government." On April 24th the committee of the City Council to whom these resolutions were referred reported as follows : " Whereas, etc., in the southern section of our country public law is disregarded, the authority of the United States set at defiance, and armed forces have been and are organizing, with the avowed purpose of over- throwing the government as formed by our Revolutionary fathers, and of establishing a new government, in which freedom of the press, ..f speech, and of the individual man shall be more restricted,— in a word, a government for the perpetuation of slavery ; and " Wliereas, etc., for the repelling of such forces, the standing army being inadequate, the President of the United States has made requisi- tion on the several States for militia; therefore, to the end that said requisition may he more readily answered, '• Ordered, That to each of our citizens who may join a militia com- pany of our city, organized according to law, pledged to render military service whenever and wherever required, whether by authority of the State or the United States government, there be paid from the city treasury the sum of fifteen dollars for outfit, when such company shall be mustered into service; and thereafter, for a term not exceeding three months, fifteen dollars a month, the latter to be applied for the support of the family or dependents, as the soldier may direct; and if, at the ex- piration of the service, a balance or the whole shall remain unpaid, then payment to l,e made to the soldier in person or his legal represen- tatives; these payments to be made in addition to compensation that may be realized from the United States government." The order was adopted by the City Council, and ten thousand dollars were appropriated in accord- ance therewith. Meanwhile enlistments were rapidly going on. A company was already partly formed under Lieut. Gushing, who had seen service in the Mexican war, and a rifle company, composed of some of the best young men in the town, was being or- ganized under Capt. (afterwards Lieut.-Col.) C. W. Greene. Fall River was the third in the list of ap- plicants in the commonwealth to Governor Andrew for permission to raise military companies. April 29th the mayor was requested to apply to the State authorities to furnish two hundred muskets for the two companies organized in the city. These were mustered into the United States service June 11, 1861, and formed companies A and B of the Seventh Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers, commanded by Col. (afterwards Gen.) D. N. Couch, of Taun- ton, and by Lieut.-Col. Chester W. Greene, of this city. Besides the above-mentioned companies, a third was formed, composed mainly of "adopted citi- zens." It was not deemed expedient, however, for them to be mustered into service at the time, and June 5, 1861, the city government voted that twelve dollars be paid to each member, and they were dis- banded. In September, 1861, a bounty of fifteen dollars was authorized to be paid to each volunteer who should join a company then forming, which was afterwards mustered into active service. The first Fall River soldier who fell in the struggle for the nation's life was Nathaniel S. Gerry, a private in Company A, Seventh Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, and the first commissioned officer was Lieut. Jesse D. Bullock, of the same regiment, who died June 25, 1862, from wounds received at the battle of Fair Oaks. During the war the city furnished eighteen hundred and forty-five men, thirty-seven of whom were com- missioned officers. The roll of one hundred and sixty-three names of fallen heroes on the soldiers' monument in Oak Grove Cemetery shows in part only the sacrifice in human life made by Fall River in the struggle for national existence. The following is a summary of the different regi- ments in which Fall River men served : In the three years' regiments of Massachusetts volunteers, the city furnished Companies A and B of the Seventh Regi- ment; Company G, Twenty-sixth Regiment; a large portion of Companies F and G, Fifty-eighth Regi- ment; and a number of men for the Ninth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth, Nine- teenth, Twentieth, Twenty-second, Twenty-fourth, Twenty-fifth, Twenty-eighth, Twenty-ninth, Thirty- second, Thirty-third, Thirty-seventh, Thirty-ninth, Fortieth, Fifty-fourth, and Fifty-seventh Regiments of infantry; also for the Fifth and Sixth Batteries of light artillery, Second and Third Regiments and First Battalion of heavy artillery ; and for the First, Second, Fourth, and Fifth Regiments of cavalry. Be- sides the above, Fall River men also served in the regular army, general service, signal service, and in regiments from Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and Illinois. Four hundred and ninety-seven men from Fall River also served in the United States navy. FALL RIVER. 365 In the short-term service the city furnished Compan- ies C and D, Third Regiment (nine months) ; also a number for the Eighth, Forty-third, Forty-sixth, Forty-seventh, and Forty-eighth Regiments (nine months); for the Sixty-first Regiment (one year); ( lompany D, Sixteenth Regiment (one hundred days) ; Fiftli Unattached Company (ninety days) ; Twenty- first Company (one hundred days) ; and also men for the Fifth, Fifteenth, Eighteenth, and Twenty-fourth Unattached Companies (one hundred days). The amount of money appropriated and expended by the city on account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was $107,S28.03. The sums of money raised and expended by the city during the years of the war for State aid to soldiers' families, and which were repaid by the commonwealth, were: In 1861, $7262.25 ; in 1862, $29, 771.67; in 1863, $36,476.10 ; in 1864,134,000; in 186.3, $20,000 ; total amount, $127,510.02. The city was fortunate in having for municipal officers, as well as in other places of power and trust, men of high integrity and undoubted patriotism. The mayor through the entire crisis was Hon. E. P. Buffintou. He was thoroughly acquainted with and commanded the confidence of the people, and his labors were incessant and untiring. The aldermen during the years of the war, all of whom were sub- stantial and trustworthy citizens, and steadfastly co- operated with the mayor in his labors, were in 1861 George H. Eddy, Nathaniel B. Borden, Asa Pettey, Jr., John Mason, Jr., James Ford, Job B. Ashley ; in 1862, Joseph Borden, Nathaniel B. Borden, Asa Pet- tey, Jr., John Mason, Jr., James Ford, Job B. Ashley; in 1863, Samuel Hathaway, Joseph Borden, Nathaniel B. Borden, Benjamin Covel, Charles O. Shove, Walter Paine (3d) ; in 1864, Weaver Osborn, Joshua Rem- ington, Nathaniel B. Borden, Daniel Stillwell, Walter Paine (3d), Philip D. Borden ; in 1865, James Henry, Joshua Remington, Nathaniel B. Borden, Daniel Stillwell, Walter Paine (3d), Philip D. Borden. The member of Congress from this district during the war, and to whom the city is as largely indebted perhaps as to any one man, was Hon. James Buffinton. Mr. Buffinton enlisted as a private in Company A, Seventh Massachusetts Regiment, at an early hour of its organization, and positively declined to be elected to any office therein. He took part in its preparatory drills and movements, marching in the ranks, and went with it when it was mustered into service. At Camp Brightwood, Washington, he was appointed adjutant of the regiment under Col. Couch. He per- formed the duties of his position until the fall session of Congress in 1861, when his constituents demanded his discharge and the resumption of his seat in Con- gress. The women of Fall River during the struggle were worthy of the city and of the cause. As early as April 27, 1861, a ladies' sewing society was organ- ized. For six weeks the members met daily, working from morning until evening, and afterwards they usually came together one afternoon in each week. .Many other meetings were held for work and con- sultation, and several ladies did their work for the society at their own dwellings. Mrs. Richard Bor- den was the president; Mrs. Avis Ames, vice-presi- dent; and Miss A. C. G. Canedy, secretary. The committee of arrangements comprised twenty-two of the prominent ladies of the town, and the society re- tained its organization from April 27, 1861, to July 28, 1865, with some change in its officers, although Mrs. Borden remained its president during the entire period. Mrs. Caroline Borden, the treasurer, Mrs. Ames, Mrs. William Munday, Mrs. S. Angier Chace, Mrs. Mary A. Brayton, Mrs. Mary Young, Mrs. Fos- ter Hooper, Mrs. Mary Durfee, ami many other ladies rendered valuable services. The society received during the time of its existence $3347.76 in cash, which was properly expended for materials to be made up for the soldiers. Among the articles fur- nished were 200 soldiers' uniforms, 231 bed-sacks, 131 bed-quilts, 365 bed-comforters, 87 blankets, 355 sheets, 262 pillows, 307 pillow-cases, 167 cushions for wounds, 90 dressing-gowns, 380 cotton shirts, 292 flannel shirts, 284 shirts, 209 drawers, 1164 pairs woolen hose, 1365 handkerchiefs, 2246 towels, 5589 yards, 323 rolls, 1 box, and 4 bundles of bandages, 127 boxes of lint, and a great number and variety of other articles, including pin-cushions, wines, jellies, pictures, newspapers, books, etc. A children's lint society was also kept up during the war, alternating its meetings at the different homes of the children. The following is a list of those who enlisted from Fall River during the late war of the Rebellion: Adams, Charles P. Allen, Theodore H. Allen, Charles C. Anthony, Charles W. Anderson, Andrew. Anderson, John. Adams, William. Allham, Thomas. Anderson, John. Asliton, Thomas. Alty, Josiah S. Adams, George F. Aldrich, Asahiel. Altham, George. Austin, Francis L. Andrews, Thomas A. Austin, Thomas A. Ash, Thomas. Alden, Frederick 1). Albert. Richard W. Ardean, William. Ardean, Thomas. Anderson, James. Allen, Theodore A. Adams, Francis M. Albert, James. Albinson, James. Allen, George F. Ale-horn, George, Jr. Arnold, Gilbert D. Adams, William. Albro, George F. Atw 1, Tisdale. Austin, William H. Albro, Gardner I). Alchorn, George. Albro, Charles E. Altham, George. Burt, John B. Boomer, Nathan II. Bowen, Karl I. Beaumont, Joseph. Borden, Arthur R. Bennett, Henry B. Burgess, Elijah F. Bennett, Francis T. Burgess, Freeman R. Barker, Frank. Bmmwood, William. Baldwin, Amos. Brightman, James L. Brady, Martin. Brayton, Thomas L. Brown, George W. Bullock, Jesse D. Buffinton, Israel. Brightman, Henry W. Burrows, Isaac II. Bigelow, Lucius T. Brocklehuist, John. Bullock, Job F. Brown, William A. Briggs, Andrew J. Beers, Hiram L. Birtwell, Thomas E. Blown, Henry E. 366 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Bulger, Joseph. Borden, Franklin. Chace, Andrew J. Cottrell, Benjamin. Bostick, Samuel. Bonney, Darius. (hace, Hiram. Crumbell, Robert W. Barker, Francis. Booth, John. Connelly, Lawrence. Cook, Isaac B. Brady, James, Jr. Bannister, Wilson. Carr, George A. Cannon, Joseph. Butler, William H. Burns, Thomas. dishing, John. Curran, Bartholomew. Burke, William. Bunting, William. Church, James G. Crapiu, Elisha M. Bennett, William H. Booth, William. Crompton, George. Coffee, William. Burns, Patrick. Borden, Thomas J. Calroon, James F. Carroll, Henry. Brow, Aaron, Jr. Baker, William R. Carroll, Henry. Currity, Daniel. Brown, Robert A. Buffinton, Charles. Chace, Joseph H. Courtney, Timothy. Bentley, George. Brightman, Charles I. Chace, Philip. Crowley, Timothy. Burt, Charles A. Bowler, George. Costello, Patrick. Cook, Enos A. Borden, Clark P. Booth, Joseph. Campbell, John B. Conroy, Michael. Booth, George. Brown, William. Clark, James. Carey, Bartholomew J. Beck, John I. Bourne, Joseph. Conley, Timothy. Conway, Philip. Brady, James. Bowen, Joseph. Crowther, James. Callahan, Jeremiah. Booth, Richard. Bridge, James. Connell, Charles. Carroll, James. Benson, James T. Batt, Charles R. Collins, John E. Christie, James. Basset t, Ellory. Browuell, William T. Cook, Horace M. Clark, James. Buftam, Thomas J. Borden, George H. Cutting, George S. Clark, Alexander. Budd, Nathaniel. Briggs, Nathaniel. Collins, Stephen. Cannon, John. Brown, Henderson. Bray, James. Cantwell, Patrick. Copeland, Samuel. Bullock, Moses A. Bowen, Marcus. Cook, William H. Collins, Albert. Buchannan, George T. Barlow, James. Cheetham, William. Cottrell, Benjamin G. Burke, Patrick. Boyuton, Samuel H. Clark, John S. Crotey, Daniel. Boyle, Francis. Barnett, Washington. Carey, Thomas. Cunningham, Maurice. Baldwin, James H. Boomer, Ephraim. Carver, Charles H. Cornier, John. Boston, John. Boomer, David S. Clapp, Owen. Colbert, Edward. Borden, Stephen B. Borden, Prince S. Chase, Hiram, Jr. Colbert, Maurice. Butler, James. Bowers, Alfred. Coleman, John. Co wen, Benjamin F. Borden, Alphonso. Brayton, James. Churchill, Josiah S. Conery, John. Borden, John A. Brightman, Perez 0. Carr, John. Connell, Theodore. Bucklin, George W. Bush, Oliver P. Cushman, Nelson. Chace, Thomas W. Bray ton, Stephen F. Barnes, Joseph. Cahill, Thomas L. Cavalier, Walter S. Bowers, Joseph. Baylies, George. Chace, Baylies R. Conway, Philip. Bohan, James. Boyden, Joseph C. Chace, Joseph A. Conely, Frank. Bradbury, William. Browuell, Charles. Cochrane, Daniel. Conway, John. Brow, Frank E. Brady, Thomas. Copeland, Charles D. Corksey, Michael. Baker, Abram M. Brow, Benjamin F. Creighton, Thomas J. Croty, Maurice. Bradley, David. Brow, James. Clark, Henry. Church, George J. Barker, Jeremiah D. Brown, Albert T. Clarkson, Edwin. Carrigan, John. . Braley, Sierra L. Borden, James E. Coggeshall, Edmund D. Cluney, Joseph. Brightman, William B. Borden, Henry S. Caswell, Thomas N. Collins, Peter. Borden, Charles C. Borden, William. Cunnern, James E. Coleman, Bartholomew. Borden, Asahiel. Brady, John. Cook. Cbarles H. Coughlin, Charles. Brightman, James. Benuer, Alexander. Chace, George N. Castino, Adoniram. Brown, Samuel. Boomer, David T. Crapo, Francis H. Dyer, David H. Bradbury, Robert. Brown, Patrick. Coldwell, William. Durfer, Thomas M. Brussell, Thomas. Briggs, Charles R. Cameron, John A. Dunham, Isaac, Jr. Bradbury, Samuel. Briggs. George W. Cash, William. Davis, Anthony. Barnett, John. Brown, Walter. Crowley, Patrick. Dickinson, John. | Blomley, Joseph. Brown, William J. Clarkson, Thomas. Davol, Leander A. Broadbent, James Baldwin, Charles H. Chase, Philip. Dunn, William A. Burke, Patrick. Brow, William H. Canedy, William J. Dunning, Eben R. Butterworth, James. Brightman, Sheffield. Corgan, James. Deckerton, William. Broadbent, Charles N. Boynton, James A. Curry, Michael. D wight, Eugene. Burt, Benjamin T. Briggs, William A. Currau, James. Davis, Edward E. Britton, Edward. Burns, Conrad. Cordingly, Thomas R. Davis, Otis H. Bowden, Joseph. Burns, James. Catler, Israel. Doane, Henry. Burt. Icbabod B. Brestlin, James. Connor, Dennis. Dunham, Ichabod H. Borden, Thomas Lawrence. Berkinshaw, John. Coogan, Joseph. Davis, Robert F. Blake, Richard. Bennett. Henry. Corcoran, Thomas. Donahoe, William. Babbitt, Edward F. Brayton, James. Canedy, William B. Dunn, Charles. f Butler, Henry. Borden, William H. Chace, William H. Dyer, Edwin J. Burns, John. Borden, Isaac H. Campbell, Alexander. Desmond, Patrick. Borden, Joseph F. Borden, Hiram C. Collins, Bernard. Denny, Obadiah. Beaumont, Samuel. Brown, Daniel R. Conroy, Daniel. Dunlap, Matthew. Borden, George G. Brown, John. Cottrell, William T. Dewhurst, Thomas. Burroughs, Samuel N. Bessey, Henry. Carroll, Thomas. Dunley, Patrick. Brown, Cyrus B. Babbitt, Ebenezer. Campbell, Thomas. Duckworth, Alexander. Bullock, Isaiah B. Belcher, Thomas E. Cook, Henry Clay. Downing, Cornelius P. Browuell, Jonathan. Canoran, John. Chace, George H. Donovan, John. Broadbent, Samuel. Cunningham, John. Connell, Peter. Duckworth, James. Babcock, William. Coyle, Thomas. Coughlin, Michael. Dunbar, William. Babcock, John. Cobb, John F. Chappell, Augustus G. Dunnell, Benjamin. Bliss, Charles C. Clough, James. dishing, William H. Downing, James H. Becton, James. Carr, William W. Carey, Job S. Doyle, Michael. FALL RIVER. Bollard, Garret. Deplitch, William. Pelniage, James L. Dixon, James. Dolman, Joseph. Durfee, Samuel T. Darling, John A. Da vol, John N. Davol, John, Jr. Davis, John R- Davis, John 1'. Donovan, Edward M. Dacoy, Timothy. Dolan, Andrew. Dewire, William. Dillon. John. Dorsey, Edward. Davis, William L. Delauey, James. Dunn, John. Desmond, Cornelius. Driver, William. Dean, Thomas S. Devine, Michael. Dugan, John. Drohan, John E. Dnvally, John J. Doyle, Michael. Dailey, Thomas. Dwigbt, Delois. Durfee, JoBeph. Daffy, Edward. Driscoll, Edward 0. Durfee, Andrew. Dorley, Thomas. Drennan, Richard. Dolan, Charles. Dixon, Thomas. Dean, George B. Drennan, John. Dimoran, Timothy. Downey, John. Deplitch, Jonathan. Dyer, Everett B. Davol, Bradford D. De Caro, Frank. Dennis, Robert 8. Dunning, Marillo P. Dailey, Archibald D. Davis, Albert. Davis, Alonzo B. Dailey, John. Dennan, John C. Devine, John. Desmond, Dennis. Doherty, Thomas. Dougherty, Philip. Dougherty, Hugh. Driscoll, Daniel. Driscoll, Michael. Dugan, Michael. Dugan, John. Downing, Thomas. Dailey. Thomas. Dewire, John. Dewire, Patrick. Donnan, John. Dnnovan, Patrick. Driscoll, Patrick. Delaney, Thomas. Davis, Albert. Davis, William. Dearden, James. Daley, John. Droyer, Thomas. Desmond, Humphrey Donnelly, James. Dunnivan. John. Delaney, James. Durfer, Richard. Eddy, Jesse F. Elshrer, Frederick O. Elshrer, Edwin P. Baton, Josiah J. Eaton, Henry A. Emmer, John B. BlBbrer, Almanza S. Evans, James. Bastham, William. Emerson, William. Edge, Samuel. Elshrer, Joseph R. England, George. Emery, Benjamin. Eddy, James C. Eastou, Alexander D. Earles, Newton R. Eccles, Thomas. Ellis, Simeon. Eltz, William. Evans, Franklin. Eddy, George. Fish, John R. Farnsworth, William H. Finneran, John. Fleet, James. Farrar, Patrick F. Farnsworth, Henry. Flaherty, James. Fleet, George. Fitzgerald, James. Field, Daniel L. Foley, John. Flummery, Thomas. French, Asa B. Flynn, Nicholas. Ford, Nathaniel. Fiske, Benjamin L. Fitzgibhons, Thomas. Fielding, Robert. Farren, P. Henry S. Freelove, Richmond D. Frawley, Patrick. Francis, William. Folger, David J. Flaherty, John. Fay, Edward A. Fulce, James. Fiuley, William. French, William S. Foster, John. Fitzsimmons, Martin. Freeborn, Orlin J. Field, Charles F. Freelove, Henry B. Fagan, Robert. Frazier, Thomas. Franklin, George A. Frawley, Henry. Fish, Joseph H. Fairbank, George 0. Ferguson, Andrew. French, Edward A. Frazier, John. Fish, Asa F. Flaherty, Thomas C. Frawley, John. li. Ming, Michael. Fleet, John. Ford, John W. Fish, William. ffiBh, Andrew E. FiBh, William E. French, George H. Greene, Chester W. Greenhalgh, John H. Greene, James E. Gerry, Benjamin 1". Greene, John R. Gregory, Robert. Gerry, Nathaniel. Gifford, George W. Grimshaw, John. Gobs, Walter S. Galligan, Bartley. Grinnell, Richard. Goslin, John. Grinnell, William T. Garvey, Andrew. Gardner, Sidney. Greene, Daniel. Greene, Joseph. Ghilden, Benjamin. Griffin, Thomas. Grant, Elihu. Grush, George G. Graham, William. Gilbert, Thomas. Grant, George A. Greene, Dennis. Grush, Frederick A. Goslin, James. Gleason, James. Guynian, Michael. Gordon, Charles. Griffin, Thomas. Garvey, John. Gordier, John. Griffiths, Thomas W. Grinnell, James E. Gifford, James F. Gregory, James. Greenhalgh, Joseph. Grady, Michael. Gavin, Patrick. Greenhalgh, James. Gage, Alexander. Greene, Benjamin. Gifford, David S. Graham, George. Gray, Edward M. Gannon, Thomas. Canning, Thomas. Gifford, Joseph P. Gifford, Almanza P. Greene, Cornelius. Greene, Daniel S. Goodier, Samuel. Gifford, Asa W. Gerry, Charles. Gleason, Daniel. Goff, William F. Hayden, Frank B. Hall, Charles. Harding, Christopher. Herin, Patrick. Hill, William. Hampson, William. Harding, Lawrence. Flamer, John. Hazeltine, William. Hambly, John G. Hedge, Lemuel M. Holmes, Peter A. lladnekl, Thomas. Hathaway, Warren. Harrihan, Thomas. Hulehouse, James. Holehouse, John. Harding, James. Hogau, Patrick. 3t>7 Halden, James. Hoar, Charles P. Higginbottom, John. Harrington, Timothy. Hamblin, William. Harrison, Joseph. Hoar, John. Hanly, Michael. Haggerty, James. Hedge, Mortimer. Henrys, William. Hosmer, James L. Hart, Ferdinand B. Haggerty, John. Horsman, John. Horsman, Francis. Hart, Isaac L. Hill, Joseph. Hubbard, Russell. Hayston, Thomas. Hinckley, Samuel B. Holt, James. Hanson, George. Hackley, John. Harrington, Timothy. Harrington, Daniel. Hoolan, Michael. Harrington, John. Haywood, Abram. Higbam, William. Halmer, Theodore. Haley, Jeremiah C. Hunt, Albert B. Harding, Charles. Holden, George. Holland, Daniel. Holley, William. Handy, John. Harrington, Jeremiah. Hayes, John. Hastie, William A. Hill, Thomas. Hill, Charles F. Harrington, Mark. Hanley, James. Howard, Charles A. Hayes, Quiulan. Healy, James. Hayes, Samuel A. Haekley, William. Holloway, Abram P. Holland, Cornelius. HilL Leander M. Howard, Oliver H. P. Hathaway, Thomas S. Hathaway, Charles W. Hallsworth, James. Hanson, Philip. Harvey, John. Harrington, James. Hayes, Patrick. Harris, Abraham. Hathaway, Henry W. Healy, Timothy. Henry, James. Hibbert, William. Hy nes, John. Hibbert, Samuel. Hathaway, Edmund. Henry, James W. Hillard, Charles. Horsman, Joseph. Harroll, Richard. Hamilton, James. Hillard, Oscar A. Margraves, William. Hathaway, Samuel W. 368 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Hodgeson, Thomas. Hurley, Richard. Dalian, Thuinas. Harrington, John. Higney, Edward. Harrington, William E. Haskell, Thomas H. B. Haggerty, Patrick. Hawthorne, William. Healey, David A. Henigan, James. Home, Michael. Holland, Michael. Holland, Robert C. Holley, Patrick. Hurley, Timothy. Henigan, Thomas. Hogan, John. Hogan, James. Haughlin, James. Haughliu, Jeremiah. Hilton, Francis. Hodnett, Philip. Harrington, Daniel. Han ley, James. Haskins, Edward. Habitt, William. Hamilton, Hugh. Hearn, Patrick. Howard, William. Healy, William. Howe, Frank. Haswell, George. Hicks, Charles H. Hosford, Peter F. Hawkins, Charles. Houghton, Edward J. Hamilton, William. Holmes, Leonard. Hopkins, Edward A. Hart, George A. Irving, Eli. Isherwood, John. Jones, John A. Jackson, John. Johnson, James. Jones, Oswego. Jones, Charles E. Jennings, Thomas J. Jennings, Cornelius D. .]..i. len, James. Jameson, John. Jones, Charles. Jones, Robert. Johnson, Walter. Johnson, James. Jones, Joseph. Kay, Henry E. Kelly, Michael. Kelly, Michael C. Keenan, John. Kelly, James. Keenan, Samuel R. Keefe, John. Kennedy, Michael. Keith, Charles. Keith, Ebenezer. Keefe, Patrick. Kariigh, John. Kay, Ralph. Kendrick, John H. Kendrick, Michael. Kershaw, Samuel. Keith, Sidney. Keith, Sumner. Kenny, Thomas. Kelly, Cornelius. Kidd, Thomas. Kelleher, William. Kay, John. Kay, Thomas. Kenny, Lawrence. Kelleher, John R. Kelly, Thomas. Kelly, James. Kendrick, Jeremiah. Kelly, Edward. Kendrick, John. Kelly, Thomas H. Kennedy, John. Keefe, John. Kinsley, William M. Kenyon, John S. Kidd, James. Kelly, Timothy. Keeling, William. Kane, Jeremiah. Kent, Chancellor. Kingsley, George F. Kirby, Joseph D. Keith, TaplerQ. Kelly, John. Kelly, Patrick. Kelly, Michael. Kelly, Edward. Kelly, John. King, Sylvester. Kneeland, William. Keith, Topley C. Knee, George. Kelly, Curley. Kelly. Daniel. Keenan, William W. Langford, Edward L. Lanford, James II. Lonsdale, Thomas. Lawton, Andrew S. Leonard, William. Lang, Richard. Lake, Alexander. Lotta, Robert. Lannaghan, John. Le Munyon, Luther W. Leonard, Thomas. Lewis, Thomas. Lawrence, John. Lewis, Joseph. Lawton, Aimer M. Lyons, Patrick. Leary, James. Ley, Thomas. Lee, Robert. Lincoln, David B. Lawton, Joseph. Litchfield, George G. Loftus, Nicholas. Lawrence, James. Larason, Lester. Lawton, David. Lewin, William H. Lord, George. Locke, John B. Leva II}', Benjamin W. Leary, James. Ledu tth, James. Lewis, Lathrop H. Lyons, John. Lewin, George W. Lewis, Thomas E. Lindsey, Cyrus W. Lew us Thomas. Linahan, Daniel. Lynch, Patrick. Luuiey, Henry. Lawrence, James. Lawrence, William. Langley, Henry. Lothrop, Cyrus S. Luther, Ehen, Jr. Lawrence, Albert M. Leary, Thomas. Leary, John. Lynch, John. Leary, John. Laley, Anthony. Lonsdale, James. Lewis, Joseph. Lewis, Thomas R. Lane, Patrick. Lawton, Robert B. McEwan, John. Maboney, Daniel. Marrel, Edward T. Martin, Frank. McQuillan, Joseph. Malone, Peter. Manchester, William C. Murphy, Thomas. Mather, Joseph. Mitchell, Peleg. Musson, Thomas. Murphy, John. Mather, Thomas. Mahoney, William. Manchester, Lorenzo D. McLeod, William. Munroe, John H. Mather, Joseph. Monks, Major. Morse, Andrew. Meadowcroft, William. Marlow, Kinder. McCarty, Daniel. Murphy, Michael. Manchester, Borden. Manchester, John W. McCarty, Dennis. Moorehouse, Samuel. McMenormy, John P. Murphy, Timothy. Meadowcroft, Edward. McNally, Patrick. Malady, Geoi ge. Mellor, James. McCloskey, Thomas. Morrison, John. Mahoney, William 0. McAvoy, Michael. McAllister, Levi. Mason, John L. McCloskey, James. McMahon, John F. Munroe, Albert F. McKinnon, Thomas. McGuire, James. Manchester, Edwin F. Murphy, Dennis B. Malone, Henry. Mallison, John. Martin, George. Mars, Reuben. Martin, Peter. Mottramm, John. McFarland, Thomas. McKenny, Felix, Jr. McDermott, Thomas. McDonald, Daniel. McPhee, Thomas. McGraw, Francis. Millerick, John. Meller, ChailesH. Morey, William I. Murphy, Timothy. McGuinness, Edward. McNaughton, Charles. Miller, George. i Munhall, John. McGowan, John. Manchester, Gilbert. Massy, David. Malone, John. Melvin, John. Madden, William. Maxwell, Patrick. McGuinness, Lawrence. McAvoy, Frederick. McGrath, Lawrence. McFarland, Bernard. Macomber, Charles H. Mooney, Thomas. Mahoney, Jeremiah. McMillan, James. Murphy, Michael. . McGowan, Terence. McDonald, John. Mosier, Charles D. E. Mars, Thomas. Murphy, William. Mann, James F. Murphy, Jeremiah. Maloy, Thomas. Moriarty, Daniel J. Macomber, Lorenzo T. McCarty, Daniel. Morrison, Michael. Mooney, Timothy. Myers, George W. Moriarty, Philip. Murphy, Jerry. Marshall, Charles W. Melville, Thomas D. Murphy, Jeremiah T. Manchester, H. C. Milne, William C. Moriarty, John. McAvoy, Michael. Murray, Bernard. Miller, James W. Mason, Lavader. Macomber, James P. McClintock, James. McKeunon, Thomas. McFarlaud, James. Murphy, Jeremiah B. Martin, George. Murdock, James. Martin, John C. Manchester, Henry S. Manchester, Albert S. Manchester, William S. Martin, Michael. Manchester, Henry F. Manchester, Albert. Manchester, William T. Mahoney, John. McCloy, John. McCoy, John. McKee, William. McAriue, Cornelius. McCarty, James. McCarty, Jeremiah. McGee, John. Merriweather, Thomas. Mellen, Thomas. Moriarty, Dennis. Moriarty, Thomas. Morey, Patrick. Murphy, James. FALL RIVER. 3G9 Murphy, John. Mawhinney, Hugh. Mawhinney, Samuel, Milligan, John. Murphy, Michael. Murphy, John. Murphy, Jeremiah. Manchester, Gilbert. Manchester, William. Morse, Albeit. Murdock, James. Meeson, Orin F. McOarty, John. McCarty, Thomas. McCarty, Mortimer. McCue, Timothy. McCain), John. Martin, John C. Meeson, Edward. Millally, John. Man tins, Augustus A. Murphy, Edward. McKine. Jobn. McCarthy, Dennis. Nye, William H. Nichols, Henry W. Norton, Henry F. Nash, William A. Novel!, Francis S. Negus, Robert C. Norton, Frederick A. Nary, James. Newman, William. Nickerson, Henry 0. Negus, Darius. Nulty, Thomas, Nichols, Alpheus. Negus, Joseph. Negus, Frederic C. Nickerson, Freeman. O'Brien, James. O'Neil, Daniel. O'Neil, James. O'Neil, Robert. O'Brien, Patrick H. O'Neil, William. O'Connell, Daniel. O'Leary, Patrick. Oerhlein, George. Ogden, Henry. Owen, Edward. Oliver, Joseph. O'Brien, Patrick. O'Brien, John. O'Biieu, Jeremiah. O'Neal, Thomas. Ogdeu, John. Omrod, Robert. Omrod, James. O'Brien, James. O'Brien, Patrick H. O'Brien, Thomas. O'Neil, Timothy. O'Brien, Edward. O'Connor, Peter. O'Neil, James. O'Brien, Edward. O'Brien, Dennis. O'Brien, Jeremiah. O'Connell, Peter. O'Donuell, John C. Palmer, Albert S. Peckham, John R. Pickford, Thomas. Peckham, Daniel H. Pucell, William. Patterson, John. 24 Pierce, Oliver W. Potter, James H. Pierce, Oliver. Powers, James. Pierce, George R. Peters, Robert. Palmer, Matthew. Palmer, John, Jr. Perkins, Joseph. Paine, Charles F. Patterson, Harley W. Peckham, Jacob T. Pierce, William H. H. Packard, Thaddeus M. Peterson, Seth S. Peckham, William W. Peckham, Peleg H. Phelan, John. Pell, Jabish. Piatt, Edward. Packard, William H. Poole, John. Peters, John. Piatt, Charles. Perry, Valentine. Page, Hathaway B. Pickles, James. Petty, Hiram S. Palmer, Benjamin. Pollett, William. Philips, William 0. Powers, Edward. Powers, John. Pratt, William. Packard, George F. Pierce, George R. Peckham, Edward M. Pratt, Phiueas M. Peckham, Ferdinand E. Pritchard, John W. Prentiss, William. Pendlebury, Robert. Petty, George A. Purdy, Frederic W. Palmer, George L. Percy, James. Quinlan, Daniel. Quigley, Patrick. Quigley, John. Quigley, Martin. Read, Thomas A. Read, George H. Ray, James. Ryan, Lawrence. Read, Gustavus L. Rose, Eli. Regan, David. Rusby, George. Ryan, Patrick. Rose, Joseph. Riley, Francis. Rourke, Patrick. Kay, Eber A. Reynolds, Thomas. Radigan, John. . Rourke, John. Ridgeway, William, llyan, James. Redman, Henry. Roberts, Ebenezer. Roberts, William P. Remington, Charles G. Reed, John F. Reagan, Timothy. Reagan, Morty. Reynolds, George, Jr. Ryan, Jeremiah. Rowbottom, James. Rowcroft, Thomas. Riley, James. Radcliff, William. Reynolds, Josiah K. Ray, William II. Ricketson, Joseph R. Rhuder, Charles H. Rhoder, Augustus S. Read, Augustus. Rooney, Thomas. Ryan, Timothy. Reynolds, Peter C. Rigby, William. Rider, Charles H. Richardson, William. Rateliffe, Joseph. Riley, Charles. Reed, Ferdinand S. Remington, Stephen. Read, Sidney H. Riley, Philip. Riley, Dennis. Rogers, Justin. Runnels, James. Rowland, Michael. Remington, Henry H. Reagan, William. Riley, Dauiel. Riley, John. Riley, Miles. Ragan, William. Ramsbottom, James. Sheehan, Robert. Sellers, John T. Sanderson, William II. Swan, Horace S. Scott, William. Smith, Patrick. •Slocum, Frederick A. Smyth, Robert. Smithies, Samuel. Sullivan, Jeremiah. Swindles, Joseph. Smith, John. Shawcross, Bristo. Sullivan, Timothy. Sullivan, Michael. Slade, Amos A. Sullivan, Daniel. Smith, Charles D. Sullivan, Timothy. Snow, George E. Simons, William. Shaw, Joseph S. Sullivan, Philip. Sullivan, Bartholomew. Smith, William H. Smith, Thomas W. Sherruau, James A. Snow, Alfred A. Sullivan, John. Sanders, Edmund N. Sullivan, Daniel. Smith, William H. Smith, Israel. Shaw, Addison J. Sauford, John D. Surgens, Edward S. Staples, John D. Sullivan, Patrick. Smith, Adolphus P. Shove, Benjamin 0. Smithson, John. Smith, Lafayette. Sharpies, Lawrence. Sidley, John P. Smith, James B. Shehan, David. Sanford, Sylvester. Sherman, William H. Shea, Michael W. Sargent, John. Slade, Charles E. Smith, Robert. Shaw, Charles. Snow, Rev. Charles A. Sanford, Leonard M. Shaw, James. Stowell, Joshua. Sheddon, James. Short, Charles. Snyder, Asa. Shea, Stephen. Smith, Lyman R. Shaw, Clark S. Sullivan, James 0. Sullivan, John D. Spooner, Horatio. Sullivan, Patrick. Sheedy, Thomas. Sanford, Herbert D. Snell, Albert H. Sullivan, Thomas. Swert, Joseph S. Shurd, Joseph. Sanford, Joseph C. Sanford, William. Smith, George W. Sullivan, Morty. Sullivan, Daniel. Shea, Cornelius. Swain, Frederick. Sanford, Charles G. Short, Joseph. Smith, George J. Sherman, Charles H. Strausman, Adolphus. Sisson, Richard F. Sisson, James F. Smith, Robert E. Sherman, William M. Smith, George. Smith, Thomas. Spencer, Nathaniel. Sanderson, Humphrey. Sanford, John B. Sanford, Arnold B. Simmons, Job S. Smith, Edward. Simpson, John. Sherman, George A. Stearns, Benjamin H. Sullivan, Dennis. Shaw, John C. Smith, Richard. Sheen, Alexander. Shay, Cornelius. Simmons, William. Short, Robert. Snowden, .lames H. Snell, Welcome B. Swasey, Charles II. Sullivan, Daniel. Sullivan, Daniel. Sullivan, Fletcher. Sullivan, Marcus M. Sullivan, Dinnis. Sullivan, Patrick. Sullivan, Jeremiah. Sullivan, Jeremiah. Sullivan, Jeremiah. Sullivan, Jeremiah. Sullivan, John. 370 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Sullivan, Thomas. Sullivan, Timothy. Sullivan, Michael. Sullivan, John. Sullivan, Daniel. Sullivan, Dennis. Sanford, Alexander. Sealiury, Philip A. Short, Thomas. Sisson, George. Spinlin, John. Stafford, James C. Smith, William H. Sisson, George C. Slatery, John. Smith, Silas. Smith, James. Smith, William. Snell, Barney. Snell, Francis. Simmons, Thomas. Slade, Henry. Shea, Daniel. Sherman, William. Sullivan, John. Sullivan, Cornelius. Sullivan, Patrick. Sullivan, Dennis. Sullivan, Timothy. Sullivan, Thomas R. Sullivan, Jeffery. Sullivan, Timothy 0. Tootle, Edward. Taylor. John. Teele, Robert. Tierney, Thomas. Thomas, Sidney M. Taylor, Henry. Taylor, John. Taylor, Isaac. Terry, Charles W. Thompson, Nathan. Tierney, Michael. Thompson, Joseph P. Tiukham, Augustus G. Terry, Edward P. Thackery, William. Tracy, William. Tripp, Charles F. Twealth, Henry. Thrasher, Charles A. Twiner, Robert. Tompkins, James. Tillinghast, William M. Townsend, Stephen. Thackery, George. Tompkins, Daniel. Thacker, John F. Tansy, William F. Thackery, Richard. Town ley, Edwin. Thackery, James. Thackery, William. Terry, Benjamin F. Thurston, P. Sanford. Thomas, Edward J. Thacker, Joseph. Tobin, John. Tuttle, Thomas. Thackery, Lewis. Tillinghast, Henry. Terry, Charles W. Taber, Henry D. Terry, George A. Taber, Gideon. Taylor, John. Tootles, Thomas. Tew, William H. Tillinghast, William. Uncles, William. Vocell, Jame-i A. Vickery, William S. Vickery, Charles P. White, G. Foster. Whalon, John. Whalon, James. Watson, Wales R. West, Edward P. Warhurst, William. Wilbur, Albert. Wallace, Thomas A. Wordell, Ephraim. White. William. Wilbur, Lloyd. Winslow, Abial W. Wright, James G. White, Francis A. Wilcox, Henry C. Ward, John. Whitaker, William. Winslow, George H. Whitehead, Richard. Welch, James. Whalon, Patrick. Wiuteruottom, Thomas. Welden, Joseph. Wilkinson, Joseph. Wordell, .lames H. Wright, Ellington L. Willman, John A. Wright, David. White, William E. Wheeler, Edward B. Wallace, Martin R. Wiseman, Thomas. Weaver, Charles S. Walker, James. Wallace, Richard D. Whitehead, Thomas. Wright, Andrew R. Woodcock, Jonas. Wade, Vernon. Wright, William II. Wise, Whitlock. Wardwell, William. Walsh, Frank. Webb, Richard. Whitaker, John. Wrage, John. Walters, Edward. Wordell, George A. Wixon, Francis H. Whitehead, George. Woodworth, William E. Wright, John. Womsley, William H. Womsley, Alexander. Woodcock, George. Walsh, William. Wild, William. Whipp, James B. Wordell, Francis A. Wood, John. Wilbur, Solomon. Wilbur, Otis R. Warren, Benjamin M. Walker, William H. Wilcox, James P. Whitehead, Edmund. Watts, Simon C. Welch, Thomas. Welch, Bartholomew. Winegar, Norman S. Walsh, William T. Williams, James H. Williams, Edmund. Wilbar, James H. Wilson, George. Wordell, Gardner K. Wyatt, Robert E. Walker, Thomas. Williams. Abiel. White, John. White, Patrick. Wooley, Alfred. Wood, Benjamin F. Wood, Herbert A. Young, Joseph H. Young, George W. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. NATHANIEL BRIGGS BORDEN. Mr. Borden was a descendant in the seventh gener- ation of Richard Borden, who came from England in 1635, and settled in 1638 in Portsmouth, R. I. The first English ancestor was from Bourdonnay, in Nor- mandy, and came to England as a soldier under Wil- liam the Conqueror. After the battle of Hastings (a.d. 1066) he was assigned lands in the county of Kent, where the family subsequently became wealthy and influential, and the village where they resided was named Borden. Early in the seventeenth century John Borden re- moved to Wales, where his sons Richard and John were married, and after they had returned to their native town of Borden, in England, they embarked for America in May, 1635. The line of descent from Richard Borden, the first American ancestor, and from whom probably all of that name in this vicinity de- scended, is as follows: Richard 1 , John 2 , Richard 3 , Joseph 4 , Abraham 5 , Simeon 6 , Nathaniel B. 7 Nathaniel Briggs Borden was born April 15, 1801, in Freetown, in that portion thereof subsequently set off and incorporated into a separate township by the name of Fall River, and he died in Fall River, April 10, 1865, being five days less than sixty-four years old. He was born in the house which stood formerly on the west side of South Main Street, south of what is now Pocasset Street, and nearly opposite the south end of the present Pocasset Mill. The house had a local celebrity from the fact that two British soldiers were shot and killed at its eastern door when the British made their attack upon the village during the Revolutionary war. Simeon Borden, his father, was also born in Free- town in 1759, and continued to reside there until 1806, when he removed to Tiverton, R. I., where he died Nov. 27, 1811. He was a man of generous im- pulses, possessed of a strong mind, and largely in- terested in the water-power at Fall River. The mother of Nathaniel, Amey Borden, nee Amey Briggs, was said to have been a woman of sterling traits of character and superior business qualifications. She was one of the original proprietors of the Troy Cot- ton and Woolen Manufactory, one of the earliest and largest manufacturing establishments in Fall River, then called Troy, incorporated in 1814. In consider- ation of a grant to the company of the land and upper fall, upon which the mill was located, and by which FALL RIVER. 371 it obtained a relative control of the whole water- power, she received eleven of the one hundred shares constituting its capital stock. She died May 26, 1817, leaving five children, of whom Nathaniel was the fourth. Nathaniel was but five years of age when his father removed to Tiverton, and only ten when he died. The greater part of his youth was spent there, upon the farm at what was called Nana Quaket. During the winter months he attended the country school, and assisted upon the farm the rest of the year. His mother sought to give him a liberal education, and for this purpose sent him to the Plainfield Academy in Connecticut, but as she died when he was only six- teen years of age this project had to be abandoned, and he returned home to enter thus early upon the busy conflict of life. Although his school education was indeed meagre, young Nathaniel made the best use of his opportunities, and his great interest in the success of the government of the then infant republic, kindled anew by his boyhood knowledge of the second war, led him to read and study well the best authors on government, paying particular attention to the writings and speeches of the statesmen of all coun- tries, especially to those of the fathers of our country. Having previously removed from Tiverton to Fall River, Mr. Borden associated himself with others in purchasing several mill-sites and adjoining lands, in- cluding the falls just west of Main Street, where the Granite Block and Pocasset Mills now stand. On the loth of August, 1821, these associates held a meet- ing and organized as the Pocasset Manufacturing Company. Mr. Borden, though but a few months over twenty years of age, was chosen clerk and treas- urer of the corporation, and continued to hold these responsible positions to the entire satisfaction of the owners until January, 1838, when he resigned on ac- count of the pressure of public duties devolving upon him as a member of Congress. The Pocasset Manu- facturing Company, after its organization, proceeded at once to develop iis property, voting at first to erect a grist-mill, but subsequently changing its plans, erected what was known as the Old Bridge Mill, which was built of stone, one hundred feet by forty feet, three stories high, and stood just north of the stream in front of the present Granite Block, on ter- ritory subsequently taken by the town in the widen- ing and straightening of Main Street. It seems to have been one of the main purposes of the Pocasset Company in those days to encourage small manufac- turers, and to this end it erected buildings succes- sively for ten or fifteen years, which were leased to other parties. In 1825 the Satinet Mill, so called, was erected. In 1826 a stone building was erected on the site of the present engine-room and picker-room of the Pocasset Mill, where the old Quequechan Mill formerly stood. The next year still another stone building was put up, which was afterwards known as the Massasoit, and now as the Watuppa Mill. All the above buildings were let, the latter — which was thought to be so large that no one firm would want the whole of it, and consequently was built with a partition wall in its centre and two wheel- pits — being leased as a whole for fifteen years to that young master business-spirit of the time, Holder Borden. In this way the Pocasset Company fostered the early manufacturing enterprises of the town. And thus Mr. Borden, though scarcely twenty-five years of age, was continuously engaged in building operations, whether of dwellings, factories, or work- shops, in leasing the same, and in buying and con- veying real estate. In 1825, Mr. Borden, with others, obtained acts of incorporation from the Legislatures of Massachusetts and Rhode Island as the Watuppa Reservoir Com- pany, authorized to build a dam and make reserves of water in the Watuppa Ponds while yet the dam- ages for flowing the surrounding lands would be in- considerable, and realizing, it may be hoped, that some of the waters then in the ponds would ere long be wanted to quench the thirst of the population of the great and prosperous city that they conceived would grow up and occupy the territory between the ponds and Mount Hope Bay. A man of large capacity, thus early schooled in taking responsible positions in the management of manifold industries, Mr. Borden's advice and aid were largely sought and highly appreciated. He was for many years in local public life as town clerk, selectman, assessor, and highway surveyor, be- lieving it to be the duty of every citizen to serve the public when called upon to occupy any official posi- tion for which he was qualified. He was a member of the lower branch of the Mas- sachusetts Legislature in 1831, 1834, 1851, and 1864, and was a member of the Senate in 1845 and 1847. At the time of the agitation of Freemasonry and Anti-Masonry he took decided grounds against secret institutions in a free country, believing them to be unnecessary and of no practical use in a country where the government is the people. Identified with the manufacturing interests from association and busi- ness, he acted in the earlier part of his adult life with the National Republican party, until the time when the Masonic question became a distinct issue, and then, as heretofore stated, he was found opposed to the Masonic fraternity. He advocated for those times a protective but not a stimulative tariff, be- lieving that capital should be left free to invigorate all the industrial interests of the country. He was prominent among the early and personal friends of the slave, and made his house an asylum for the fugi- tives, many of whom he assisted, either directly or in- directly, on their way to Canada and freedom. In 1834, at a time when it was fashionable to mob abol- itionists, he opened the Washington School-House, then his private property, in which to form an anti- slavery society. 372 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTS, MASSACHUSETTS. In the winter of 1833-34 the questions of the re- J charter of the United States Bank and the removal of the deposits were prominent subjects of public and private discussion, and Mr. Borden was found nearly ; in harmony with the Jackson party upon those ques- tions. This led to his nomination as representative to Congress in the fall of 1834, and he was supported by both the Anti-Masonic and Jacksonian parties for that position. It was a spirited contest, and he was not elected until the third trial, being the first citizen of Fall River ever chosen to said office. In 1836 he was re-elected to the Twenty-fifth Congress by an overwhelming vote. The Twenty-fourth Congress comprised the last two years of the administration of Gen. Jackson, and the Twenty-fifth the first half of the administration of Martin Van Buren ; and besides the bank question, the tariff questions, and the em- barrassing questions of finance incident to the period of the most disastrous financial crisis through which the country has ever passed, the slavery question was even then dominant, and began to assume por- tentous magnitude. New Territories were being ac- quired, and new States were knocking at the door of the Union, and in every instance the battle had to be fought over again whether they should be admitted unless their constitutions prohibited slavery. The pro- slavery party were seeking to annex Texas for the pur- pose of cutting it up into slave States, and the anti- slavery people of the North were pouring in a mul titude of petitions for the abolition of slavery, only to be jeered at, and met by Congress with a rule that upon their presentation " all such petitions, without further action, should be laid on the table without being de- bated, printed, or referred." To Mr. Borden, whose heart was so earnest in the anti-slavery cause, it was a source of great satisfaction that in this severe con- flict, in influence, in committee, and in vote, if not in debate, he was privileged to participate in the support of the " old man eloquent" in his triumphant battle for the right of petition. With him were such men as Joshua R. Giddings and Stephen C. Phillips and Levi Lincoln and George N. Briggs and Richard Fletcher and William B. Calhoun, whose names might well have been stereotyped into the multitude roll-calls, always in favor of the right of petition. In the election of 1838, in consequence of some modifications in his views relative to the United States Bank, for the purpose of relieving the finan- cial distress of the country, and his entire want of sympathy with the administration of Van Buren, and possibly his extreme anti-slavery principles, Mr. Borden was defeated, and the Hon. Henry Williams, of Taunton, elected. But in 1840, Mr. Borden's friends again rallied to his support and elected him to the Twenty-seventh Congress, covering the period of the first half of the term for which President Harrison was elected, but who, unfortunately for the country, soon died, and was succeeded by Vice-President Tyler, for whose administration no party seems to have had respect. Again the great struggle between slavery and freedom for the colored race was renewed, and while even then the pro-slavery party in Congress were plotting the destruction of the government, John Quincy Adams was threatened with expulsion by the House for presenting the petitions of the women of Massa- chusetts praying for the peaceable dissolution of the Union. Again Mr. Borden was only too glad to be there and stand shoulder to shoulder with Mr. Adams, whom he loved and venerated, until, after one of the most stormy conflicts, of eleven days' duration, such as even " our stormy hall of legislation" has rarely wit- nessed, the heroic old man's complete vindication and victory came, his assailants being discomfited and vanquished, and their resolution ignominiously laid upon the table. At the close of the Twenty-seventh Congress, Mr. Borden declined a renomination. As a legislator he had extensive practical knowledge, a cool, deliberate judgment, and a firm purpose to do what he believed to be right regardless of personal or political conse- quences to himself. His convictions of duty were ever in advance of any real or supposed interests that were merely personal. Mr. Borden was a large owner of real estate, a good deal of which was situated in the very centre of the town, and when the great fire of 1843 visited the vil- lage he was one of the largest sufferers, having eleven buildings consumed, the loss of which was severely felt. His private residence on Second Street, nearly opposite the point where the fire started, was saved by the exertions of friends and neighbors, and was hospitably thrown open to those who had been less fortunate. Although somewhat disheartened In- spirits rallied, and by the advice and encouragement of his friends he immediately set about rebuilding in earnest. In 1845 the Fall River Railroad was opened as far as Myricks, and the next year it was extended to South Brain tree, connecting there with the Old Col- ony Railroad. In 1847, Mr. Borden was chosen presi- dent, which position he held until 1854, when the Fall River Railroad was consolidated with the Old Colony Railroad, a measure to which he was opposed as being against the best interests of Fall River. During his connection with the railroad the Fall River steamboat line to New York was established, which added largely to his labors. Mr. Borden car- ried to this position the benefits of his large experi- ence, sound judgment, and practical knowledge, and discharged its duties with his accustomed zeal and efficiency. During the session of the State Legislature in 1851, the long and memorable contest for the election of a senator in Congress arose, wherein Robert C. Win- throp and Charles Sumner were the leading candi- dates. Mr. Borden was chosen to the Legislature on the Whig ticket, and to deal justly by his supporters FALL RIVER 373 he continued to vote for his old friend and colleague in Congress, Mr. Winthrop, until by town meeting and by petitions from the people of his district, it appeared that a large majority were in favor of Sum- ner, whereupon he changed his vote, and has the credit of casting the one ballot which secured Sum- ner's election. As was natural, Mr. Borden's course was considerably criticised at the time, he was blamed for overlooking party lines in so acrimonious a contest, and was even charged with having been instrumental in procuring the expression of his townspeople in the mode it was given. But to Mr. Borden's credit be it said, that he was always a firm believer in the right of the people to " give instruc- tions to their representatives," under Article XIX. of the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of Massa- chusetts. He therefore, in cheerful obedience to the constitutional right of his constituents as well as in deference to his own personal preference, voted for Charles Sumner, and it is to be hoped that neither the people of Fall River nor of Massachusetts ever had occasion to regret that vote. In 1856 he was chosen mayor of Fall River, and during the trying times of the winter of 1856-57, while the mills were stopped owing to the greatly de- pressed condition of the business of cotton manufac- ture, and hundreds were thrown out of employment and destitute, the constant and untiring efforts of Mr. Borden shone with a benevolence rarely sur- passed. He believed that starvation and suffering for want of food should never be permitted in a Chris- tian community having the means to alleviate them, and most nobly did he fulfill his duty. Employment was given to many of the idle laborers, having no legal settlement, at a very cheap rate in necessary work about the city. By this means great improve- ments were wrought upon the city farm and Oak Grove Cemetery, and in building new streets and re- pairing old ones at a very small cost to the tax- payers. Mr. Borden believed it to be a just and wise, as well as a humane policy, to provide for the wants of these people temporarily, and secure to the city at the same time the benefits of their cheap labor. They were thus retained at comparatively little ad- ditional expense to the city, where their useful ser- vices would again soon be in demand, and the ob- jectionable course avoided of throwing them as a burden upon the State, with all the family disorder and social degradation consequent- thereupon. If deeds of kindness and sympathy, coupled with well- directed charity, embalm a man's name in grateful remembrance, such will be the recollection of the name and character of Mr. Borden during this trying time. Mr. Borden was an alderman from 1850 until his death in 1865, and it mattered little what party or combination was formed against him in his own ward, the people there knew him, ami that was sufficient to secure his election. He was president of the Fall River Union Bank, and of the Fall River Savings- Bank at the time of his death, positions which he had held for several years. In stature Mr. Borden was rather short and thick set, but not gross, with a genial countenance. Pos- sessed naturally of a happy, cheerful disposition, he was a pleasant and agreeable companion, a kind and indulgent parent. In religious faith he was a Unitarian and a firm believer in both the justice and goodness of the Deity. He uniformly maintained that the best prep- aration for a happy future life was to do well here. Cant and pretence had little influence with him. "The doers of the word," and not the mere pretend- ers, were in his view Christians. "Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works" was his favorite text and the rule of his conduct. And so by holiness in life and godliness in walk, he sought to be judged rather than by any show of the mere ceremonials of profession. Thus sought he his reward. It is what earth can neither give nor take away, " profitable unto all things, having prom- ise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." Such a character is pleasant to contemplate. With a moral integrity unimpeached and unimpeachable, a large heart and generous sympathies, he passed through life, shedding light upon and assisting by kindly acts his fellow-man wherever found, without regard to the color of his skin, the place of his birth, or the nature of his creed. To oppression he was an enemy, to the oppressed a friend. At a special meeting of the City Council of Fall River, held on the day of his decease, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted : " Whereas, It lias pleased Almighty God to call one of our number, the Hon. Nathaniel B. Borden, from the active arena of life to enter upon the untried scenes of eternity, one venerable in years, rich in ex- perience both in national, State, and municipal legislation, one who has filled the highest executive position in our city, it is therefore " Resolved, That it is with feelings of solemnity and sorrow that we bow under this dispensation of His providence in severing from the midst of this board one whose services have so long been identified with its action, one whose long experience in the municipal affairs of the city, together with his good judgment, enabled him to give direction to its councils and decisions. " Resolved, That the members of this board sympathize with the family of the deceased in this their sad bereavement, and commend them to the loving-kindness and compassion of our blessed Lord, who doth not wil- lingly afflict His children, but doeth all things, after the counsel of His own will, f>r our good. " Resolved, That in token of our esteem for the deceased, we do attend his funeral in a body, and that the public offices of the city be closed on the afternoon of his funeral. " Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the family of the deceased by the city clerk, and the same be published in the news- papers of the city.'' Resolutions of similar import were passed by the Fall River Savings-Bank, of which Mr. Borden was president at the time of his decease. Mr. Borden was four times married. By his first wile, Sarah Cray, he had five children, of whom two 374 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. are still living. His second wife was Louisa Gray, to whom he was married Dec. 10, 1840. She died June 4, 1842. On the 12th of February, 1843, he married for his third wife Sarah G. Buffum. By this marriage he had one son, still living. His fourth wife was Lydia A., daughter of William Slade, of Somerset, Mass., and widow of John Wilbur, of Fall River, whom he married March 14, 1855. She is still living. COL. RICHARD BORDEN. The Borden family traces its ancestry through a long and honored lineage to the blood of the Norse- men, the fierce and warlike vikings of Scandinavia. Later on we find the ancestor of the Bordens of America a soldier with William the Conqueror, and was meted out his full share by that sanguinary chieftain of the spoils of war, and received his just distribution of the lands of the conquered Saxons. The ancestry of Col. Richard Borden is clearly traced to John Borden, of Kent County, England, who was a man of note in the realm. His sons, I Richard and John, emigrated to America in 1635. John Borden and his descendants seem to have soon i passed out of notice of their cotemporaries, but Richard Borden became prominently identified with the settlement of the northern portion of Rhode Island, and died May 25, 1671. From one of his sons, John Borden, a large number of the Bordens in this country are without doubt descended. His eld- est son, Richard, was born in 1671, died in 1732. The descent from this Richard Borden to Col. Rich- ard Borden, the subject of this memoir, is as follows : Richard 1 , Thomas' 2 , Richard 3 , Thomas*, Richard 5 . Thomas, father of Col. Richard, married Mary Hath- away, and had thirteen children. Col. Richard Borden was born in what is now Fall River (then Freetown), April 12, 1795, and he was in his eighth year when Fall River was incorporated in 1803. He was educated in the common schools in | his native town, and after the period of boyhood, his early years were spent as a farmer, aud to the end of I life he continued his interest in that honorable pur- ; suit. But, step by step, he became identified with all the different leading business interests of the rapidly- growing town, village, and city. He was early iden- tified with the maritime interests of the place, and gave fresh impulse to the local shipping pursuit when as yet it was but a rural village. While still a young man he ran a grist-mill (1812-20), which stood just west of the present Annawan Mill, where the corn of the whole region was ground. In company with his brother Jefferson, it was his custom to go down to Prudence and Conanicut Islands, in the sloop " Irene and Betsey," which carried about two hundred and fifty bushels of corn, and having secured a load, to return to Fall River and discharge it directly into the mill. The "Irene and Betsey" was also used as a packet between Fall River and the neighboring places, and the surplus meal was sold in Warren, Bristol, or Providence, and a return freight secured of provisions, groceries, cotton, etc. Another mill was placed on the north bank of the creek, at the next fall above, where the Annawan Mill is now, and a tramway had been constructed from this mill (known as the Daven- port Mill, but owned by Richard Borden, the uncle of Col. Richard) to the shore, and a car run up and down this incline, drawn by a rope. This rope was wound on a drum, which connected by gearing with the water-wheel, and thus the water-power was made to do double service. The great strength of the colonel was always a marvel to the small boys sent on horse- back with a grist to grind, it being his ordinary feat, after putting two or three two-bushel bags of meal on the horse with the greatest ease, to take the boy and lift him to his place on top of all. It was about this period he joined Maj. Durfee in the construction of several small vessels, the lumber for which was pre- pared in a saw-mill adjoining the grist-mill. Here, too, the strength of the colonel found development, as single-handed he would roll into position great white- oak or mahogany butts, two feet through and twenty feet long. The year 1821 ushered in an important era in the history of Fall River. In that year was organized the Fall River Iron- Works Company, which for sixty years has been a powerful element in the financial operations of Fall River. In the organization of this company, that " earliest germ of the wealth of the city," Col. Borden took an active part, and was ap- pointed treasurer and agent, a position which he filled with distinguished ability up to the day of his final withdrawal from business, a period of over fifty years. The Iron-Works Company meeting with assured suc- cess almost from the start, soon turned its attention to the improvement of its landed estate, water-power, etc., and as part owners became largely interested in enterprises somewhat foreign to its own legitimate sphere of work. The agent of the company, as its representative, thus became an active participant in all these schemes, and the business tact and skill of Col. Borden were brought into fullest exercise. In this way the Iron-Works Company became owner in the Watuppa Reservoir Company, organized in 1826; in the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory ; in the Fall River Manufactory; in the Annawan Mill, built by it in 1825 ; in the American Print-Works, whose buildings were all erected by the Iron- Works Com- pany in 1834, and leased to the Print-Works Com- pany ; in the Metacomet Mill, built in 1846; in the Fall River Railroad, opened in 1846 ; in the Bay State Steamboat Line, established in 1847 ; in the Fall River Gas- Works, built in 1847 ; as well as in the erection at various times of buildings which were leased to individuals for the establishment of business or pri- vate manufacturing enterprises. FALL RIVER. 375 The care and development of the interests of these corporations brought into exercise those qualities which mark the highest order of business talent, and which in him were combined to a remarkable degree, namely, clearness of perception, excellent judgment, and great energy, together with the highest and purest moral integrity. Col. Borden was a thorough business man, and devoted himself untiringly to the trusts im- posed upon him. These were enough to crush any common man, but he possessed that happy faculty of dropping one subject completely and taking up an- other as occasion required, and when he left his office he left his business there too, putting it off as an outer garment, so that in his home and in his family he was untrammelled and free from care, the loving father and grandparent, the genial host, the centre of the heart's warmest affections and highest esteem. It is not surprising, therefore, that he filled a most uncommon list of offices of trust in the community and in the State. In the cotton manufacturing in- dustries of the city he was conspicuously interested, being identified with several companies either as originator or director. He was president and director of the American Print- Works, the American Linen Company, the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory, the Richard Borden Mill Company, and the Mount Hope Mill Company, and director of the Anuawan and the Metacomet Mill Companies. He was presi- dent and director of the Fall River National Bank, director and treasurer of the Fall River Iron-Works, president of the Watuppa Reservoir Company, agent of the Fall River Furnace Company, and director of the Fall River Gas Company. In corporations oper- ating outside his own home his interests were also large and his administrative ability recognized. He was president of the Bay State Steamboat Company^ Providence Tool Company, Cape Cod Railroad Com- pany, the Borden Mining Comrjany of Frostburg, Md., and director in the Old Colony Railroad Com- pany. One of those men whom office has to. seek, though his patriotism and conspicuous public service in an individual capacity might easily have secured him any position his ambition could have aspired to in his native commonwealth, the legislative terms he filled both in the Senate 1 and House of Representa- tives were probably the most ungrateful duties of a long life of duty, and yet while the highest political position possessed no exaltation to attract him, his genuine appreciation of a citizen's duty would not allow him to refuse the humble town or village dig- nity of assessor or highway surveyor, when his ser- vice seemed obviously needed. If there was one public recognition of his patriotism and public worthi- ness those who know him can fancy he took pleasure in, it was doubtless the honor accorded to him by the 1 He was elected to the Lower House in 1871 , and to the Senate in 1854. In the former he served on the Committee on Mercantile Affairs and Insurance, and in the Senate on the Committee on Claims. people of casting one of the electoral votes of Massa- chusetts for the second time for Abraham Lincoln. Col. Borden's ship-building and boating experiences fitted him for further enterprise in the same line, and under the auspices of the Iron-Works Company a regular line of steamers was established between Fall River and Providence, commencing in 1827 with the steamer " Hancock." Other steamers had previously attempted to establish communication between Fall River and the neighboring places, but with only par- tial success. The " Hancock" was succeeded in 1832 by the steamer " King Philip," the " King Philip" succeeded in 1845 by the steamer " Bradford Durfee," and in 1874 the steamer " Richard Borden" was also placed upon the route. One of the largest debts of gratitude which Fall River owes to Col. Borden is for the present admi- rable system of communication with New York and Boston. Up to 1846 there was no communication direct by steam with either city, though the traveler could, by going to Providence or Stonington, catch a train or a boat. At this time Col. Borden projected, and mainly by his own effort constructed, a railroad from Fall River to Myrick's, to connect with the New Bedford and Taunton Railroad, and using the latter to join the Prov.dence Railroad and complete the route by rail to Boston. This was an eccentric way of reaching the State capital, and the next advance was consequently made to South Braintree, striking the Old Colony Railroad of that day. A satisfactory through route was thus secured ; but Col. Borden, not satisfied yet, was ambitious not only to have the com- munication opened for his favorite city, but to make it self-sustaining. With this view he organized the Cape Cod Railroad Company, of which he was presi- dent, and constructed a line from Middleborough down to the Cape, as a feeder for his Fall River route. The care, administrative and executive abil- ity, and the financial involvement — for he was not only the designer but the banker of the enterprise — were excessive demands to be made upon one man in that comparatively early day; but Col. Borden's re- sources in all respects were equal to the exigency. It was his good fortune soon to see his railroad enter- prise at least relatively a success. His purpose in freeing Fall River from its isolation was at any rate accomplished, and in a year or two he was relieved of his new responsibility by a consolidation of the roads he had constructed with the Old Colony. In the mean time, being the second year (1847) of the Fall River Railroad, observing the success of the two steamboat lines running between Stonington and Norwich (Conn.) and New York, Col. Borden deter- mined to inaugurate a similar water communication for Fall River. The capital appropriated was three hundred thousand dollars, and the line was started in 1847 with the " Bay State," a line craft for that day, built for the company, and the old " Massachusetts," chartered as an alternate boat. The following year 376 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. the " Empire State" was launched and put on the route, and in 1854 the mammoth " Metropolis," the most superb boat of her period on Eastern waters. Both boats were paid for out of the earnings of the line, which was such a success as in 1850 to pay six per cent, monthly dividends for ten successive months. In 1864, dissatisfied with his connection with Bos- ton via the Old Colony Railroad, Col. Borden obtained an act of organization and set about a second through route to Boston, starting from the west side of Mount Hope Bay, opposite Fall River. It was a great scheme, with a warranty of profitable result through its control of the New York boat connection, but en- | tailing great effort and care upon a man, however ; energetic and indefatigable, who was far advanced in j life. Unquestionably the road would have been con- | structed, but the Old Colony corporation could not permit a competing route to either terminus, and its policy, as it could not prevent the action of the new company, was to control it by a purchase. The prop- osition was accordingly made to Col. Borden to trans- fer his charter to the Old Colony Company upon terms of a very favorable character to himself and his stockholders. Had he been in middle life, retain- ing the physical as he still did the mental vigor of maturity, it is doubtful if he would have entertained any proposition however favorable. In his considera- tion of the business he determined to make it a con- dition of his acceptance that the Old Colony Rail- road Company should purchase the steamboat line to New York. With this proviso he made known his acquiescence in the proposition, and after a short deliberation the Old Colony became possessed of the most profitable water route to New York, and at the same time secured relief from the certainty of a very dangerous competition. During the war of 1812, Col. Borden joined the local militia company as a private, and was promoted while yet in his minority. He was first commissioned ensign in a company of the Second Regiment of in- fantry July 30, 1814. Sept. 14, 1815, he was commis- sioned lieutenant in the same regiment. He received his first commission as captain April 11, 1818, and his second commission as captain May 2, 1822, both in the Fifth Regiment of infantry. He was made lieu- tenant-colonel of the same regiment June 28, 1823, and colonel March 12, 1828. After this promotion he withdrew from the service that others might gain for themselves as noble or higher honors. His pa- triotism during the late civil war, developed in a most active interest on behalf of the Union and an earnest care for the well-being of its defenders, will not be forgotten while the beautiful monument and grounds of the soldiers' burial-place, given by him, at the entrance of Oak Grove Cemetery, and the Rich- ard Borden Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, named in honor of his benevolence to the soldiers and their families in the trying days of the Rebellion, re- main to perpetuate his memory. Personally, Richard Borden represented the best type of that pure, straightforward, stalwart Saxon virtue which has proven New England's best inherit- ance from the mother-country. His sympathies were given to all good things; he was a man broad in his views, true and steadfast in his convictions and feel- ings. A sincere, outspoken Christian in early life, identifying himself with those observant of the Sab- bath, the public services of the sanctuary and the requirements of the gospel, he became, in 1826, a member of the First Congregational Church of the city, and afterwards one of the leaders of the Central Congregational Church, which to his energy, liber- ality, piety, and judicious counsel is largely indebted for the success that has marked its subsequent history. In the mission Sabbath-school work he engaged with his characteristic energy, for a long time going seven miles out of the village for this purpose. His interest in this department of work continued so long as he lived. The benevolence of his nature flowed out as a deep and silent stream. He gave as to him had been given. None sought aid from him in vain when they presented a worthy cause. He was always willing to listen to the appeal of the needy, and sent none such empty away. " Home and foreign charities alike found him ready, yea, often waiting to attend on their calls, and among our institutions of learning not a few are ready to rise up and call him blessed for the timely aid ren- dered in the hour of their greatest need. Thus he came to be looked upon as the foremost citizen of the place, and his death left a void in the community which no one man will probably ever fill again. Gen- erous, noble-hearted, sagacious, enterprising, of un- tiring energy and spotless integrity, far-seeing, judi- cious, ever throwing his influence and his means on the right side, he presents a character for admiration and example which is fragrant with all the best qualities of our New England life." " Among his last contributions," says the Fall River Daily Evening News of Feb. 25, 1874, "was one of marked generosity to the State Temperance Alliance. The newly-dedicated Children's Home also counts him its most liberal benefactor. ... As one of the corporate members of the American Board of Com- missioners of Foreign Missions he was most highly esteemed, not only for his judicious counsel and genial fellowship, but also for his generous contributions." The cursory sketch of his business career which space has permitted will suggest the conspicuous qualities of Col. Borden's mind and temperament, as the world saw them and events caused them to de- velop. It is doubtful, however, if any qualities of his can be termed more conspicuous than others, among those who really knew him, so well rounded was his nature. His achievements were many and great, a few of them extraordinary in view of his resources and experience, yet he did not possess one spark of the so-called genius to which exceptional successes are generally ascribed. His brain was like his body, rf W c& / A , l C l , *H • >->^ h/// T^ZtsOtJ^-''- r FALL RIVER. 377 robust and full of forces; his mental process direct and simple ; his faculties of perception and deduction more than the average in quickness and correctness of action ; his scope of observation and consideration general and yet effective. He had, moreover, a thor- ough self-reliance and self-assertion, yet was not over- sanguine. The possession of such a mental structure always assures excellence of judgment and consequent success if combined with a suitable temperament, and such was the fact in the present instance. Col. Bor- den's nerve was strong and undisturbed by sudden or severe trials. Exceedingly honest of purpose, he was wonderfully persistent when his judgment supported his efforts, never giving up when legitimate means and thorough industry could compass an end he had started for. His industry was his conspicuous quality, if he had one. He was an indefatigable worker while the day lasted. May 27, 1872, Col. Borden was stricken with paraly- sis, and from that day forward he was invalid. He sank to rest on the 25th day of February, 1874, " Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch About him, ami lies down to pleasant dreams." Col. Richard Borden was a universally esteemed, beloved, and honored citizen, and his very memory is precious. Feb. 22, 1828, he united in marriage with Abby W., daughter of James Durfee, and their children are as follows: Caroline, Thomas J., Richard B., Edward P., William H. H., Matthew C. D., and Sarah W. DR. PHINEAS W. LELAND. Dr. Phineas W. Leland was born in Grafton, Mass., in 1798. He entered Brown University, Providence, R. I., in 1821, but left college before the expiration of the usual term of four years, owing to ill health. He studied medicine with Dr. George C. Shattuck, of Boston, and received the degree of M.D. at Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Me., in 1826, and practiced his profession for some time at Medfield, Mass., but abandoned it in 1834, and removed to Fall River, where he received the appointment of Collector of Customs from President Jackson. This position he held in all about twenty years, being reappointed by the successive Democratic administrations. He retired from this otlice in 1860, at the beginning of President Lincoln's administration, and from that time until his death lived in retirement. In the fall of 1842, Dr. Leland was elected to the State Senate, and on taking his seat, in 1843, was elected president of the Senate. This is the only political office he ever held. He retained through life his early attach- ment to the Democratic party, and was a constant attendant to the conventions of that party until his retirement from public life. The excellence of Dr. Leland's personal character, his large public spirit, and above all the high standard of his literary attain- ments, gave him a marked individual prominence in the community. He was always interested in every- thing that tended to improve the literary taste of Fall River, and was identified with many plans to effect this result. He was one of the founders, and for many years president, of the Fall River Athenaeum, and when the Public Library was organized he was elected one of the trustees, a position he held until his death. He served on the building committee of the City Hall, and delivered the address on the occa- sion of its dedication in 1846. He was always active and ardent in all literary enterprises. Dr. Leland was for many years connected with the press, and his writings were distinguished for a peculiar piquancy and brilliancy. He was the editor of the Fall River Patriot, a journal which was started in 1836, and con- tinued four years. He was also the first editor of the Fall River Weekly News, started in 1845, and after his connection with that journal was severed, he was an occasional and popular contributor. While a member of the State Senate he contributed a series of articles to the Boston Post, entitled " Pen and Ink Sketches from the Gallery of the Senate Chamber," which were widely read and admired. He was always interested in the study of Indian history, and was thoroughly acquainted with all the Indian lore of this part of New England. For several years previous to his death he was very much of an invalid, and after many weeks of painful suffering he rested Jan. 22, 1870, aged seventy-one years. SAMUEL HATHAWAY. Samuel Hathaway was born in Freetown, Mass., Oct. 31, 1807, his parents being Samuel Hathaway and Hannah Cook. When he was ten years of age his mother, with her four children, of whom he was the eldest, removed to Fall River. His educational advantages were limited, and at an early age he was obliged to leave school and assist in the support of the family. In 1824 he became employed at Robe- son's Print Works, where he learned the trade of a color-mixer, and became overseer of the color-shop. He subsequently became manager of the Print Works, which position he retained until 1848, when Mr. An- drew Robeson, Sr., then the principal proprietor, re- tired from business, and the establishment changed hands. Mr. Hathaway then severed his connection with the Print Works, and retired to agricultural pursuits in the suburbs of the city, a business to which he devoted most of the remaining portion of his life. Mr. Hathaway was one of the first to organize the Citizens Savings-Bank in 1851, and was ever after till his death one of its board of investment. In 1854 he assisted in organizing the Pocasset Bank, of which he was the rest of his life a director, and during his last ten or twelve years its president. As a hanker he was noted for his sound judgment, strict integrity, and faithful performance of all the trusts reposed in him. 378 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. He was also largely interested in the manufac- turing interests of Fall River, having been a prime mover in organizing the Robeson Mills, and an active participant in the founding of the Stafford and Davol Mills. He was a director in the Watuppa, Granite, Robeson, Davol, and Stafford Mills, from the time of their organization, and was the president of the Robe- son Mills and a director in the Manufacturers' Gas Company. In all these responsible positions his judgment was valued by his associates. For politics and office- holding he had little taste, though always earnest in the support of correct principles and the elevation of the most suitable men to office. He was a member of the board of aldermen for one year, declining a re- election at the expiration of his term. Though fre- quently importuned to become a candidate for the office of mayor, he always declined. For many years Mr. Hathaway was one of the foremost and most valued citizens of Fall River. Possessed of a rugged and independent character, he was always bold in his denunciation of shams and frauds, and earnest in the defense of what he consid- ered to be just and true. His uprightness and integ- rity were known to all men, and no one had a greater share of public confidence in all fiduciary relations. He was an earnest friend of temperance and active in all efforts for the moral welfare of his native city. He was a friend of the widow and orphan, an earnest hater of pretenses, and will long be remembered for the sterling virtues of his character. His life was well spent, and the memory of his good deeds and upright life will long survive him. Mr. Hathaway married Abby Warren, daughter of Joseph and Rhoda Warren, March 21, 1832. She was born Aug. 10, 1811, in Fall River, and died Feb. 10, 1869. They had ten children, four of whom died in infancy, and daughter Mary, at sixteen years of age. The surviving children are : Abbie, wife of Eleazer Waldron, of Fall River; Edward E. ; Marion A., wife of Henry Fry, of Providence; Samuel W., and Clarence M. Mr. Hathaway died on the 10th of April, 1873, aged sixty-five years and five months. HON. OLIVER CHACE. Hon. Oliver Chace was born in Swansea, Mass., Nov. 11, 1812. He is descended in a direct line from William Chase, who was the first of the name settling in America, and who came from England in the fleet with Governor Winthrop in 1630, bringing with him his wife, Mary, and his eldest son, William, then a lad about eight years of age. The first residence of William Chase was in Roxbury (now Boston High- lands), Mass., where he lived until 1637. He was a carpenter by trade, and in the winter of 1637-38 made a settlement with Stephen Bachiler and others in Yar- mouth, Barnstable Co., Mass., dwelling there until his death in May, 1659. The place of his residence in Yarmouth was near Stony Cove, and his " farm fence" is designated as a boundary in several deeds and other documents. William 2 Chase was born in England about 1622, came with his father to America, married and settled near Herring River, on the east side of the Bass River in Yarmouth, now Dennis or Harwich. His children, born from 1646 to 1672, were connected with the Society of Friends. He died in 1685. Joseph 3 Chase, son of William 2 , married Sarah Sherman, and reared a large family. He was a member of the Friends' Meeting at Sandwich, Mass., in 1681. In 1688 he was at Portsmouth, R. I., and was a prominent member of the Rhode Island Friends' Meeting until his death, in 1724, at Swan- sea, Mass. Job 4 Chase, son of Joseph 3 , was born Aug. 21, 1698, married Patience Bourne Sept. 6, 1718, and resided in Swansea. His will was proved Dec. 25, 1766. The family name of his wife is variously spelled " Born," " Burne," " Bowen," and " Bourne," tradition and ancient records favoring the latter orthography. Jonathan 5 Chase, son of Job, was born May 11, 1728. He married Mary Earle May 13, 1754, and had eleven children, of whom Oliver was the sev- enth. Oliver was born Aug. 24, 1769. He married Susanna Buffinton Sept. 15, 1796, by whom he had seven children. He married (second) Mrs. Patience Robinson ; no issue. He enjoyed in early life few of the advantages of birth or circumstances. His father's patrimony was an extremely limited one, and the son's education correspondingly restricted, especially was this a result of the stormy period of the Revolution. Inured to toil and compelled to be industrious in early boyhood, he naturally became noted in after-life for his application and perseverance. In 1806 he took the agency of a small mill in Swansea, in which he became part owner, and commenced the manufacture of cot- ton yarns. In 1813 he removed to Fall River, and in company with Eber Slade, Sheffel Weaver, Hezekiah Wilson, Benjamin Slade, Amey Borden, and others, erected the Troy Mill and became its agent. At that time Fall River was a village of but a few hundred inhabitants. It was mainly through his efforts that the Pocasset Company was projected and established in 1821, and for many years he controlled and man- aged its interests. He was remarkable for the pos- session of many prominent traits of character, among which may be mentioned clear and sound judgment, punctuality, industry, and integrity. He was the first to spell the family name "Chace." He died at Fall River in 1852. Hon. Oliver Chace came with his parents from Swansea to Fall River in 1813, when only one year of age. His education was obtained at the district schools in Fall River, and at the Friends' school in Providence, R. I. Upon leaving school he entered l/c^u t^ts^TJ^ Z<^r^ y EnytbyAHRLti ■ ■ FALL RIVER. 379 the variety store of Caleb Viekery, where he remained but a short time. He then accepted a clerkship in the office of the cotton manufactory of Chace & Luther, his brother being the senior partner. A few years later he formed a copartnership with Israel Buf- fington, under the firm-name of Buffington & Chace, and engaged in the manufacture of cotton laps, which business he continued until 1838, when in company with Joseph C. Anthony, firm-name Chace & An- thony, he engaged in the manufacture of cotton yarns. In 1840 he erected the Mount Hope Mills, of which he was sole proprietor and business manager for more than twenty-five years. He also conducted a large farm located in that part of Tiverton, R. 1., now Fall River, Mass., including part of the Park and lands adjacent on the south. He was a director of the National Union Bank from 1842 to 1854. In 1851 he was prominent in establishing, and was one of the corporators of the Citizens' Savings-Bank, and was trustee and member of its board of investment until June 9, 1856. He was one of the corporators of the Pocasset National Bank in 1854, and was its president from the time of its incorporation until June 7, 1862. He was interested in various enterprises, and assisted in establishing and building up many of the great manufacturing concerns of Fall River, which stand to-day as monuments to the energy and enterprise of their founders. While his was eminently an active business life, he was repeatedly called by his fellow- citizens to fill important trusts. He was an assessor of taxes, an overseer of the poor, a member of the Town Council, and was several times elected to the General Assembly of Rhode Island, both as repre- sentative and senator. In politics he was a Whig and a Republican. He was the originator of the Fall River Manufac- turers' Mutual Insurance Company, which was estab- lished solely by his untiring zeal and persistent energy. He was its president from its organization until his death May 6, 1874, and devoted his time and strength to its management even to the detriment of his health. He was a birthright member of the Society of Friends. He married, Nov. 22, 1835, Mary E., (laughter of William S. N. and Mahitable (Church) Allan, of Newport, R. I. She was born Oct. 4, 1813. Their children are Oliver, born Jan. 24, 1837 (died 1837); Benjamin A., born March 19, 1840, married Sarah R. Durfee Jan. 27, 1864; Susan A., born Nov. 20, 1842 (died 1860) ; Mary E., born Nov. 17, 1844, married Crawford E. Lindsey May 27, 1863, and Wil- liam ()., born 1847 (died 1848). Mr. ( lhace was an outspoken and persistent oppo- nent of American slavery, an advocate of temperance and other reforms, and was to the full measure of his ability a helper of those around him who needed and deserved encouragement and assistance, and was a considerate and generous friend to the poor. He was a man of positive character, but kind and generous in his impulses, of quick perception and sound judg- ment. Public spirited to a fault, active and earnest in all he did, he brought to bear upon whatever he undertook great enthusiasm and the whole strength of his nature. COOK BORDEN. The Bordens from whom he is descended were originally from Bourdonnay, an ancient village in Normandy, France. The first of the name in Eng- land was a soldier under William the Conqueror, who, after the battle of Hastings (a.d. 1066), was as- signed lands in the County of Kent. Here the family subsequently acquired wealth and influence, and the village where they resided was named Borden. The father of Richard and John Borden, the first emigrants to America, removed to Wales in order to secure to his family larger religious liberty than they could enjoy in England. Richard and John married in Wales, and afterwards returned to Borden, Eng- land, with a view of emigrating to America, which they did in 1635, in the ship " Elizabeth," Roger Cooper, master. For a short time they resided near Boston, but preferring the greater freedom of Rhode Island, they chose that colony as their future home. Richard, the elder brother, and progenitor of the family to which this writing refers, chose, with other pioneers, the north end of the island, and was one of three men to lay out the original town of Portsmouth, R. I. His son Matthew, born there in May, 1638, was the first white child born on the island of Rhode Island. John, the fifth son of Richard and Joan Borden, was born in September, 1640 ; married Mary, daughter of William Earle, and died June 4, 1716. His wife, Mary, died in June, 1734, aged seventy-nine years. He was a prominent Friend, and was extensively known among the Friends at a distance as •'John Borden, of Quaker Hill, Portsmouth, R. I." Richard, of the third generation, was the eldest son of John Borden, and was born Oct. 24, 1671. He was a large land-owner in Tiverton. He and his brother Joseph bought of Capt. Benjamin Church twenty-six and a half thirtieths of the mill-stream and mill-lot at Fall River, which he bequeathed, with other lands, to his four sons, John, Thomas, Joseph, and Samuel. He died July 12, 1732. Thomas Borden, through whom the family line is continued, was born Dec. 8, 1697, and married Mary Gifford, 1721. He was a farmer and considerable land-owner in Tiverton, and owned a large interest in the Fall River stream. He died in 1739, in the forty-third year of his age. Richard Borden, of the fifth generation, was a farmer and mill-owner in Fall River. During the Revolution he was taken a prisoner by the British, and carried to Newport, R. I. While on his way a chain-shot from the American fort at Bristol killed two British soldiers who had him in charge, while he, lying close upon the deck, escaped unharmed. He 380 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. died July 4, 1795, aged seventy-four years. This Richard was the grandfather of Cook Borden. His wife was Hope Cook, whom he married March 12, 1747. His sons were Thomas and Eichard, the last named being the father of the subject of this memoir. Richard Borden, of the sixth generation, married Patty Bowen, and had ten children, of whom Cook was the seventh in the order of birth. He was also the seventh in descent from the original Richard Borden, who came from England in 1635. Of the eleven children of the first Richard and his wife Joan, Mary, the youngest, married John Cook in 1684. Thus early the Bordens and Cooks became intermar- ried, and from this came the given name of our sub- ject. The Cooks were among the early settlers of Rhode Island, and also of Eastern Massachusetts. Cook Borden was born in Fall River, Mass. (in that portion then Tiverton, R. I.), Jan. 18, 1810. He mar- ried Mary A. Bessey, Jan. 1, 1832, and about that time built a residence on his estate in Tiverton, where he spent the remainder of his life, and where his widow and sons now reside. By the change of boundary line it has since come into Fall River. Before the change Mr. Borden held the office of assessor in his town, and represented it one term in the Legislature. He was, however, a business man rather than a politician, and never sought the honors or emoluments of office. He was a self-made man, and rose to the prominence which he attained chiefly by his own exertions. The weight of his character gave him position and respec- tability, although few men have been able to look back to a nobler line of ancestors. Few men have better illustrated the dignity of labor or the value of economy in early manhood. His father died when he was about eighteen, and his first money was procured by his own labor. When starting out in business he sold the portion of the farm left him by his father, situated west of Main Street, for a sum not exceeding twelve, hundred dol- lars, and this was all the capital he had, except what he made for himself. Before he embarked in business on his own account he worked several years for Frost & Gurney, the original lumber dealers of Fall River. He then commenced the lumber business for himself near Lindsey's Wharf, on lands now occupied by the new freight depot of the Old Colony Railroad Com- pany. His business grew to be large and profitable, and in 1846 he bought Bowenville, and removed his yard to the site which it now occupies. Mr. William Cogswell, cashier of the old Tiverton Bank, was his partner for many years from the first inception of the business, and he had other partners, until at last his sons, who had grown up in the busi- ness, took their places by his side, and have carried on the business since his death, the style of the firm, " Cook Borden & Co.," remaining unchanged. For some time Mr. Borden operated in lumbering in Western Pennsylvania, and at the same time car- ried on his business in Fall River. We have mentioned the marriage of Mr. Borden to Mary Bessey on the first day of the year 1832. Mrs. Borden still survives. Their children have been : (1) Mary J., died young ; (2) Mary J., married Dr. James W. Hartley, May 1, 1853; (3) Theodore W., married Mary L. Davol, June 10, 1859; (4) Avis, died young; (5) Philip H., married Ruth A. Dennis, Oct. 8, 1861 ; (6) Jerome O, died young; (7) Jerome C, married Emma E. Tetlow, June 28, 1870. Mr. Borden died Sept. 20, 1880, in the seventy-first year of his age. From notices published at the time of his death we select the following, which is no over- drawn estimate of his character and worth as a man and a citizen : " Mr. Borden from his birth, which occurred in this city in 1810, by his long business life and close asso- ciation with the varied industries of the city, was as intimately connected with Fall River, its peculiari- ties and aspirations, as a man well could be. Related by ties of blood to most of our old families, and ac- quainted by business associations with almost every- body in the city who had connections with our man- ufacturing and mercantile interests, he was one of the best known of our prominent men. His acquaintance was confined to no one class ; the operative, the laborer, the mechanic, the fisherman, the tradesman, the man- ufacturer, the professional man, the clergyman, all knew him; and in his long, large list of acquaint- ances there was not one that did not know him to respect him. Naturally reserved and reticent, he was better known upon closer acquaintance. There was nothing about him flashy or eager; he was solid, conservative, steady. " Mr. Borden was not selfish or avaricious. Many a man now lives in Fall River who has tested his kindness of heart and willingness to help one who was trying honorably to help himself. He was also a man of deep religious convictions, and for many years had been a consistent and earnest member of the First Baptist Church of Fall River. He was al- ways to be found in his seat on Sundays in the days of his health, and never tired in service or in giving. He was one of the largest contributors to his church and other religious agencies. " Mr. Borden was fond of out-of-door sports, espe- cially of fishing. He knew all about our coast and the best fishing-grounds. He was almost an authority on these matters. In pleasant weather he delighted to be on the water, and was an expert in the use of the fishing-line. " He always applied himself to business, and his life was one of labor and constant application. In his large lumber business, one of the best-known es- tablishments of the kind in this part of New England, he has lately been associated with his three sons. The business grew from a modest beginning into large dimensions. He has held a long list of offices of trust, and his death will leave many vacancies to be filled. He was president of the Union National mmm. ^ ^z< ^o ^r &- FALL RIVER. 381 Bank, a member of the Board of Investment of the Union Savings-Bank, a director in the Chace, Richard Borden, and Tecumseh Mills. " His life was gentle, and the elements so mixed in him that nature might stand up and say to all the world, ' This was a man.' " W. B. TRAFFORD. William B. Trafford, son of William Bradford and Sarah (Castinow) Trafford, was born in Dartmouth, Mass., Dec. 5, 1819. He was descended, in the sixth generation, from a prominent Protestant family of England, which, under the popish persecutions, suf- fered much in person and estate. The first Trafford who started for America was a wealthy gentleman living near London. He Avas selected as a victim for death during the last Catholic persecution in Eng- land, and was warned when the officers coming to arrest him were approaching his house, and not having time to escape he hastily put on his groom's clothes and engaged in labor in the stables. The officers came, found no one but the grooms, and de- parted. Trafford then left the place, and chartered a vessel to remove himself and family to America. Here he passes from our knowledge. Whether he was captured and was executed, or died while at sea, are equally unknown to us. The vessel, however, came to America, and landed at Dartmouth, Mass., about 1690, bringing his two sons, one of whom was Thomas. The English estates were confiscated, and reverted to the crown. Thomas settled in Dartmouth, married, and had children. The other son settled in New Jersey, and his descendants are numerous in the Middle and Western States. From the landing at Dartmouth the Trafford family has been connected with the history of Bristol County. The oldest son of Thomas and the only child attaining maturity was Philip. He had a son Joseph, who was a Revolu- tionary soldier under Washington. Tradition says that once, while he was standing guard, Washington endeavored to make the rounds without giving the countersign. He succeeded in passing two of the guards, but Trafford refused to let him pass until he had given the proper countersign. From that time Joseph Trafford was the one chosen for duties of great trust and especial responsibilities, and he was rapidly promoted, becoming one of the best officers in his division. He lived and died in Dartmouth, leaving seven children, Samuel, Joseph, William Bradford 1 , Philip, Phebe, Ruth, and Naomi. (We find in family records that Joseph had a brother Elihti, who with two others ran a vessel from New Bedford to New York and up the Connecticut River. While the vessel was moored at New Bedford, Elihu and two others started on foot to visit their friends in Dartmouth. When but a short distance out they ob- served British soldiers following them, when they shot at them, and the soldiers returning their fire in- stantly killed all three.) Joseph lived to a hale old age, and was esteemed for his strength of character and general worthiness. William Bradford Trafford, the first of this family to bear the name of the old colonial Governor, was born in Dartmouth, and was a mariner. He had two daughters, Ruth and Nancy A., and one son, William Bradford-. (Nancy, born Feb. 11, 1811, is now living at Westport, Mass.) He left not much to record, as shortly before the birth of his son he went to sea, where he probably was lost, as he never returned, and no tidings ever came of him. William B. Trafford 2 had very limited advantages of schools, and from the age of ten, when he began to work in the mills at Fall River, until his death he was constantly at work with hands and brain, and during his long and busy career no one ever won more or warmer friends. The support of his mother's family in time largely devolved on him, and well did he discharge the trust. (His mother is yet living at Westport, Mass., aged ninety-one. She married a second time a Mr. Lewis, and George and Elijah Lewis, so long connected with Mr. Trafford in the Westport Manufacturing Company, were her sons by this marriage. She was daughter of Raymond Cas- tinow, who emigrated to America from France, mar- ried Phebe Salisbury, resided in Westport, Mass., and had seven children, — Raymond, John, Phebe, Martha, Hannah, Barbara, and Sarah C, — and died aged sev- enty-six. Mrs. Castinow died aged forty-seven.) From his fifteenth year Mr. Trafford carried on busi- ness for himself, hiring machinery and working dili- gently, and developed those traits of economy and thrift so marked in later life. In the spring of 1846 he entered into copartnership with a fellow-workman, Augustus Chace, as Chace & Trafford. They had only a small beginning, the savings from their wages as mill operatives. Mr. Chace contributed two thou- sand three hundred dollars, Mr. Trafford seven hun- dred dollars. With this capital they purchased a small lot and water privilege at Globe village, and put up a very small mill for spinning coarse yarn, for which their means would only allow the purchase of second-hand machinery. The machinery being in poor order it was not easy to hire operatives, but the partners were men whose capacity for work enabled them alone to achieve as much labor as six hired operatives. The stream was small, and as it furnished their only jiower, to avoid the waste of any water they very frequently ran their machinery night and day, and for a long period habitually they would work until two or three o'clock in the morning. To such labor there could only come one result, — wealth. After enlarging the capacity of this mill they pur- chased the Westport mill, Mr. Trafford taking the management of that, and settled in Westport in June, 1854. About 1861 the interests were divided, Mr. Trafford and his half-brothers, George and Elijah Lewis, who had been previously connected with the HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. business, taking the Westport Mills, which were or- ganized and operated by the Westport Manufacturing Company. Mr. Trafford continued as business man- ager until his death, Feb. 4, 1880, having, however, returned to Fall River Sept. 16, 1876, where he con- tinued to reside till his death. His brothers attended as well to the mechanical departments as he to the financial, and all worked in harmony. Additions and extensive improvements were from time to time made, and the company has been very prosperous. Mr. Trafford married, first, Abby W. Borden, May 15, 1842. She died Nov. 2, 1856. Their children were William C, Andrew R., Charles A., and Orrin F. April 19, 1858, he married Rachel M., daughter of Perry and Ruth (Macomber) Davis. Their chil- dren are Allison W., H. Lester, Perry D., and Ber- nard W. (A most wonderful and strong attachment exists between the four older children and the second wife of Mr. Trafford. She has nobly filled a mother's place in their young lives, and her care and attention has been fully appreciated by them. Her comfort is their first care.) All the children are living but Orrin F., who was thrown from a buggy Nov. 18, 1880, and instantly killed. William C. succeeds his father as manager of the Westport Manufacturing Company. Andrew R. resides in Westport, and has three children,— Abby W., Orrin I., and Edith C. Orrin left two daughters, — Rachie B. and Orena F. Charles A. and Allison W. reside in Providence, R. I. Charles has two children,— Minnie .E. and William Bradford. Henry L., Perry D., and Bernard W. are residing with their mother in Fall River. Mr. Trafford was a consistent member of the Frank- lin Street Christian Church, of Fall River. He was Republican in politics, and as such represented the town of Tiverton, R. I., in the State Legislature as senator in 1857. For many years he was a director in the Fall River National Bank. A beautiful and costly monument marks his resting-place in the Oak Grove Cemetery at Fall River, but his memory will be kept green in the hearts of the many who learned to prize him for his unassuming worth, his pleasant ways, his sterling integrity, and his liberality to all worthy social, public, and religious causes. He was more than an ordinary man. Without early educa- tion, he rose, by the force of his own ability, to stand in the front rank of the business men of his day, and left a large estate as the result of his ability. In re- ligious, business, social, and family relations his death left a vacuum in many hearts that can never be filled by another. THOMAS ALMY. No sketch of the lives of men who have contributed to the upbuilding of the social and material growth of Fall River would be complete without mention of the late Thomas Almy. With his name more than that of any other citizen must always be associated the history of journalism in Fall River. His life spanned almost the entire period in which Fall River journalism grew from fitful and spasmodic ventures into a permanent and powerful influence in directing the thought and energies of the community. Thomas Almy's life was spent in this city, or within a few miles from it. He was born in the neighboring town of Tiverton, R. I., on Feb. 28, 1819. His par- ents were Deacon Thomas and Lydia (Bailey) Almy, and his early life was spent on a farm in his native State, where he developed that strong character and sturdy manliness which distinguished him in his more mature years. He enjoyed such advantages and edu- cation in his youth as substantial New England farm- ers there gave to their children. His affectionate dis- position and amiability of temper made him popular with his youthful associates, and many of the friend- ships made when he was a lad were maintained all his life. His willingness to work and unwillingness toshirk his just share of the labor such as was then incidental to the life of a boy on a farm were exhibited throughout all his boyhood and youth, and afterwards, even under trying conditions and in ill-health, won distinguishing characteristics in all his relations of life. When he left the farm he went to Bristol, R. I., where he be- came apprenticed in the printing business to Hon. W. H. S. Bailey, at the office of the Bristol Pfycsnix. In this establishment he learned thoroughly the printer's trade. His next change, was made by a removal to Providence, R. I., where he was engaged as a compos- itor at the office of the Providence Journal. The coun- try lad soon was recognized as having much promise. His fidelity, integrity, and energy were manifested in both cities, and in later years he would speak with affectionate admiration of his early employers and those who befriended him in his youth. After Mr. Almy had attained his majority he decided to start in business for himself, and his attention was called to Fall River, which had then acquired some promi- nence as a manufacturing town. He came to this city before 1840, and after working for a short time in the office of the Patriot, a small weekly paper, he associated himself in business with the late Louis Lapham, and commenced the publication, in 1841, of the weekly Archetype. This journal was subsequently followed by the Weekly Argus, of which Mr. Almy and the late Jonathan Slade were the publishers, but, like its predecessor, this sheet had a fitful existence, and the young publisher had the misfortune of losing his office and material in the great fire of 1843. He was not disheartened by his loss, and soon after com- menced the publication of the Mechanic, and still later the Wampanoag. In all these ventures there was much hard work and anxiety, but the earnest, ambitious young printer was not so easily discour- aged. He played a manly part and was constantly making friends. These weeklies invariably incul- cated the importance of the temperance reform and the elevation of the working-classes. In 1845, when the old Whig and Democratic parties were wrestling 2 SZff ^//7/77'7 FALL RIVER. 383 for the control of the country, a number of leading Democrats in Fall River decided to start a weekly newspaper which was to represent the principles of that party in this city. These gentlemen employed Mr. Almy and Mr. John C. Milne, also a young printer at that time, to manage the printing and publication of their paper. In this way was born the Weekly News, with which paper all of Mr. Almy's subsequent years were most intimately associated. The enterprise was arduous, laborious, and difficult. The responsibilities thrown upon the two young publishers seemed very great, but industry and perseverance* surmounted all obsta- cles. One by one the original proprietors sold their interest to the firm of Almy & Milne, until they be- came the sole owners of the journal. Among their early contributors were Dr. Foster Hooper, Dr. Phineas W. Lelaud, Jonathan Slade, Esq., and the Rev. John Westall, who was ever afterwards Mr. Almy's loved and trusted friend. The Weekly News remained an adherent of the Democratic party until that organization became fatally entangled in the meshes of the slave power, and the publishers, after adopting the principles of the anti-slavery movement, became identified with the rising and growing Repub- lican party. The increase of population in Fall River demanded a daily paper, and in 1859, the year before the outbreak of the great civil war, the Daily News was started, and its publication has been witnessed simultaneously ever since with that of the Weekly News. The co-partnership of Almy & Milne was never dissolved until the death of Mr. Almy. In 1864 it became Almy, Milne & Co., by the addition of Mr. Franklin L. Almy, wdio had been an employe in the office from the very beginning. The prosper- ity of the paper was largely due to the sound judg- ment, excellent sense, and unwearied eflbrts of Mr. Almy, who never spared any honorable means to make it worthy of sound popular approval. October 1, 1846, Mr. Almy was married to Han- nah T. Almy, a daughter of Langworthy and Edith G. Almy. The ceremony was performed by the late Rev. Benjamin Phelan. With gathering years Mr. Almy's character became rounded and ripened into a splendid manhood. He constantly grew into the uni- versal respect and esteem of the community, and be- came known as a stanch, earnest, and true laborer in every good cause. He identified himself with the manufacturing interests of Fall River, and served as a director in the Osborne and Wampanoag Mills. He was also a director in the Second National Bank, and was a trustee and member of the board of investment of the Five Cents Savings-Bank. He was for some years secretary of the Children's Home, and was al- ways a liberal friend of that excellent charity. The moral side of Mr. Almy's character will longest i be remembered. In him the temperance cause had a devoted friend. His church relations were sweet and beautiful. He was a disciple of Emanuel Sweden- borg, and for many years was a member of the Church of the New Jerusalem. In this society his position was almost patriarchal. He loved its ministrations, its Sunday-school, and gatherings. His place was never vacant when his health allowed. His spir- itual and religious life, although modest and unosten- tatious, was deeply devout. Religion was in him a daily walk, his evening incense and morning devotion. His noble life made his faith respected. His charity and philanthropy were bounded only by his means. He was the friend of the poor and needy, of those in sorrow, of the struggling young man or woman who came for assistance or advice. Like gathering sun- shine his good deeds gilded his life and sweetened his declining years. Mr. Almy's death occurred at the house of his bro- ther, Judge Joseph Almy, at San Rafael, Cal., May 7, 1882. In search of health and needed rest, and in fulfill- ment of the dream of years, he, with his wife and his partner, Mr. Milne and wife, had joined an ex- cursion party for California, the month previous. Mr. Almy's health had been feeble for some time, and the long journey was too much for his weakened physical powers. He died shortly after reaching his brother's house. His remains were brought to Fall River and interred in Oak Grove Cemetery, his beloved pastor, Rev. John Westall, conducting the funeral services. Words of praise seem almost out of place in writing of one whose modesty and self-forgetfulness would lead him, if alive, to shrink from panegyric. But memory loves to linger on the history of a man so thoroughly true and manly as Thomas Almy. His death was universally mourned. His beauti- ful and serene life was a legacy to the community where he lived, and will blossom in unknown paths and quiet places wherever his influence may have reached. Well did he act his part in life ; well did he win the crown of immortality. Though his name has not figured in the great fields of action which led to worldly renown, he none the less lived the life of a moral hero, and shrauk not from the duty of the hour. To his friends and in the family circle loving and gentle; to the world retiring and unobtrusive, those who were admitted to his friendship will never forget in him "that best portion of a good man's life, his little nameless, unnumbered acts of kindness and of love." The various corporations and societies of which Mr. Almy was a member put upon record appropri- ate expressions of their esteem and respect for his memory. From the records of the directors of the Second National Bank, of Fall River, we copy the following : " Our late associate, director, and friend, Mr. Thomas Almy, having been suddenly called from this life while away from home seeking restoration 384 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. of failing health, we enter this day upon our records : this tribute of esteem and respect to his memory. " Mr. Almy was one of the original directors of , this bank, having been elected to that position Sept. 23, 1856, while it was a State institution with the name of Wamsutta Bank, was re-elected under its present organization as the Second National Bank, March 19, 1864. He has therefore been connected with this institution nearly twenty-six years,— years | of more than usual interest and responsibility, cov- ering times of great prosperity and corresponding adversity of peculiar trial and discipline. Through- out these years he has been a faithful, diligent officer, attending to his duties in a careful, conscien- tious, and gentlemanly manner, winning our affec- tionate regard by his kindly, honest, and efficient service. Firm when occasion demanded it, he was ever gentle in his deportment, and especially en- deared himself by his thoughtful consideration of the feelings of others. He had decided opinions of his own, but was always careful and modest in the ex- pression of them so as not to reflect or seem to re- flect upon the opinions of others, or wound their sensibilities. " We shall miss him from his seat at this board, where for so many years he has been a valued mem- ber, but we rejoice in the feeling that it is well with him in the larger life into which he has now entered. As friends we tender our heartfelt sympathy to the afflicted family in this their bereavement, and will join them in paying the last tribute of respect to his re- mains by attending his funeral services." • The directors of the Wampanoag Company put upon their records a similar tribute, saying among other things, "The passing away of such a man, whose long residence in this community, and inti- mate connection with its interests, moral as well as material, is an event that will be deplored wherever he was known." The Massachusetts Association, of which he was a member and often a delegate, adopted the following brief expression of their sense of his character and services to the church : " Whereas, Since our last meeting, Mr. Thomas Almy, of Fall River, has been removed to the spiritual world ; " Resolved, That this association hereby records its high appreciation of his character, and its grateful acknowledgments of his quiet but useful service to the church." JONATHAN T. LINCOLN. Prominent among the industries of Fall River, and one deserving more than a passing notice, is the ma- chine-works of Kilburn, Lincoln & Co. The success of this industry, the business history of which covers a period of nearly forty years, is largely due to the mechanical ingenuity and business sagacity of Jona- than Thayer Lincoln. Mr. Lincoln was a member of one of the Taunton families of Lincoln, whose ancestors were among the earliest settlers in Bristol County. He was a son of Caleb and Mercy (Thayer) Lincoln, and was born in Taunton, Oct. 17, 1805. Their other children were Nellie (born 1788, died 1865), Nancy (born 1789, died 1874), William (born 1790, died 1822), Betsey (born 1792, died 1882), Hannah (born 1793, died 1874), Leontine (born 1796, died 1820), Maria (born 1798, died 1822), Narcissa (born 1800, died 1827), Caleb Martin (born 1802, died 1855). Lorenzo (born 1803), and Mercy Emmeline (born 1810). Caleb Lincoln was a farmer and miller, living on a farm in the now village of Westville, Taunton, which had been in possession of his family since their settlement in the town about the year 1660, and which is still owned and occupied by one of his sons. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Caleb's father was Wil- liam Lincoln, who married Hannah Wade. Children, — Zilphy, Sally, Lurana, Rebecca, Deborah, and Caleb. William's father was Thomas Lincoln, who married Rebecca Walker. Children, — William, Silas, Nathan, and Tabatha. The family came to Taunton from Hingham. It is an interesting fact that nearly all the Lincoln fam- ilies in the United States trace, with more or less dis- tinctness, their first settlement therein to Hingham. Hon. Solomon Lincoln, in a monograph on the Lin- coln families of Massachusetts, claims that all the Lincolns in Massachusetts are descendants of the Lincolns who settled in Hingham in 1636 and 1638. He says, " We have evidence of authentic records that the early settlers of Hingham of the name of Lincoln were four bearing the name of Thomas, dis- tinguished from each other by their occupations as miller, weaver, cooper, and husbandman ; Stephen (brother of the husbandman), Daniel, and Samuel (brother of the weaver.)" He adds, "Our claim is that the early settlers of Hingham above enumerated were the progenitors of all the Lincolns of this coun- try." From Hingham the Lincolns trace their early home to Norfolk County, England. The subject of this sketch received the first rudi- ments of his school education at the old red school- house at Westville, and completed it at the age of sixteeen years at the private school of Rev. Alvin Cobb, a school which early in the century enjoyed considerable local fame. He then went to work for his brother William, who with a cousin, Benjamin Lincoln, had begun the business of cotton-spinning in what was called the Shovel-Cake Factory at West- ville. At the age of eighteen he was apprenticed to David Perry, who owned a machine-shop on the White Birch Stream in Dighton. Here he learned the machinist's trade, a trade which had been his choice from boyhood. When out of his time, at the age of twenty-one, with a new suit of clothes and fifty dollars in money, then the usual "freedom" payment to an apprentice for his three years' service at his trade, he left Taun- ton for Pawtucket, where he found employment at the FALL RIVER. 385 machine-shop of David Wilkinson. Here he worked about three years, and had for fellow-workmen David Fales and Alvin Jenks, afterwards founders of the firm of Fales & Jenks, and Clark Tompkins, after- wards the successful machine-maker of Troy, N. Y. He next removed to Taunton, where he lived about a year. It was about this time that he was engaged to change a single-color printing-machine to a multiple- color machine, one of the first probably ever made in the country. He came to Fall River in 1829, and in 1831 was employed as master-mechanic by the Massasoit Mill Company, which then leased the mill property on Pocasset Street owned by the Watuppa Manufacturing Company. In 1845-46 the Massasoit Company re- moved its machinery to its new mill on Davol Street. The Watuppa Company, of which Mr. Linden Cook was agent, decided to fill its mill with improved ma- chinery for the manufacture of cotton goods, and engaged Mr. Lincoln to build a part of the looms, which he did in the machine-shop of the mill. The job of looms was divided into three parts. Mr. Lin- coln had at first a third, and Mr. John Kilburn a third, with the understanding with the company that the one who completed his part first should have the remaining third to make. Mr. Lincoln was the suc- cessful competitor, and so made two-thirds of the looms. The style of loom then made was widely known as the " Fall River loom." In 1844, John Kilburn, a native of New Hampshire, began in Fall River the manufacture of cotton-looms and the Fourneyron turbine, the latter a French in- vention which was being introduced into the New England mills as a water-motor. He had been in business but a short time when his health failed, and he died in 1846. Shortly after his death a copartnership was formed, comprising his widow, his brother Elijah C, and Mr. Lincoln, which succeeded to the business he had been engaged in establishing. The firm, which was called E. C. Kilburn & Co., manufactured turbines, shaft- ing, and various kinds of machinery for print-works and iron-mills. Mr. Kilburn had charge of the office-work, and Mr. Lincoln of the mechanical. Both were industrious, hard-working men, and they soon built up a flourish- ing business. The firm continued until 1856, wdren a new firm, Kilburn, Lincoln & Son, was formed, con- sisting of Mr. Kilburn, Mr. Lincoln, and his oldest son, Henry C. Lincoln. The younger Mr. Lincoln brought to the business a practical knowledge of me- chanics and a thorough business training, having been associated with his father in business in various ca- pacities from early manhood. Although making many other kinds of machinery, the firm made a specialty of the " Fourneyron Tur- bine." This turbine, as improved by them, had a large sale, displacing the lumbering breast-wheels, and utilizing a percentage of power the best of them never •25 rivaled. In 1859, Mr. Lincoln made an extensive business tour through the Southern States, his firm having built up a considerable business with the manufacturers of that section of our country. In 1867 it was found necessary to build a larger machine-shop, and it was decided to add an iron foundry to their works. To insure the new feature being a success, Mr. Charles P. Dring, who had been superintendent of the Fall River Iron- Works Com- pany's foundry for many years, became associated with them. The name was changed to Kilburn, Lin- coln & Co., and they became an incorporated com- pany in 1868, under the general incorporation act of Massachusetts. Mr. Lincoln's son-in-law, Andrew Luscomb, who had been engaged with them in the manufacture of musket-ports for the United States government, was also admitted. The new works were completed on a tract of three hundred rods of land in an eligible location near railroads and tide-water, and comprised a machine-shop, iron foundry, brass foundry, pattern-house, paint-shops, warehouse, and setting-up shop. Mr. Lincoln was elected president of the corporation, and remained so until his death. Mr. Kilburn was elected treasurer, which position he held until 1872. In January, 1869, Mr. Kilburn disposed of the larger part of his interest, and subsequently of all of it, to the other members, and in 1872 he was elected treasurer of the King Philip Mills, which position he still holds. On his retirement Mr. Lincoln's young- est son, Leontine, was elected treasurer. In 1872 additions were made to the works with a view to the manufacture of looms on a large scale. Since then the company has been among the largest manufacturers of looms for cotton- and silk-weaving. It has a capacity for making fifty looms a week, be- sides the other kinds of machinery, such as shafting, pulleys, dye-works, and bleachery machinery, of which it makes a specialty. When running full capacity two hundred and twenty-five hands are employed. Since Mr. Lincoln's death his interest has been held by his family. The company is now organized as follows: President, Henry C. Lincoln ; Treasurer, Le- ontine Lincoln ; Directors, Henry C. Lincoln, Leontine Lincoln, Andrew Luscomb, and Charles H. Dring. In 1855, Mr. Lincoln became associated with his brother Lorenzo, his nephew James M., and his son Edward Lincoln, in the business of paper manufac- ture at North Dighton. The firm was called L. Lin- coln & Co., and succeeded to the business which was established in 1850 by Mr. Lincoln's brothers, Caleb M. and Lorenzo. He retired from the firm before his death, his son Edward taking his interest therein. He had the greatest faith in the success of Fall River as a centre for the cotton manufacturing industry, was one of the original stockholders in the Union Mill Company, an owner in several other corporations, and a director in theTecumseh Mills from the time of the organization of that corporation. 38G HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Although he took a deep interest in public affairs, Mr. Lincoln was averse to holding public office, and never held but one, that of member of the Common Council of Fall River. He was one of the oldest members of the Mount Hope Lodge of Masons, of which organization he was treasurer for many years. In politics he was a Free-Soil Whig before the for- mation of the Republican party, when he became an earnest adherent to the principles of that party. He was a man of sunny temperament, earnest of purpose, charitable in judgment, and distinguished by acts of practical benevolence. The Fall River Daily Neivs closed an editorial notice of his death as follows: " Mr. Lincoln was held in great esteem and respect by his fellow-citizens generally. He had the reputation of being an ingenious and skillful me- chanic, and a business man whose integrity was un- questioned. He was a worthy and valuable citizen, whose loss must be felt." STEPHEN DAVOL. Stephen Davol, one of the oldest and most success- ful cotton manufacturers in New England, was born in Fall River, Nov. 22, 1807, where he has resided to the present time, and has been thoroughly identified with the rapid growth and development of the cotton industry and of the city in general. The beginning of Mr. Davol's career in connection with the cotton manufacture dates back to the year 1818, when he entered the Troy Mills, working in the mills during the summer, and attending school in the winter. A few years later bleaching and calico-print- ing was started in this place by Daniel Wright & Co., and the treasurer of the company expressing a wish that young Davol should come with them and learn the business, his father apprenticed him to this firm for three years. The work there being irregular, one week on and two off, he was not satisfied with it, and returned, after a few months' trial of the printing business, to the Troy manufactory, and soon became an overseer of their spinning, dressing, and weaving, where he remained until 1833, when he was called to the superintendency of the Pocasset Mills, and con- tinued in that capacity until the death of the treas- urer of the mills, Mr. M. H. Ruggles, in 1857, when Mr. Davol succeeded him as treasurer, and continued in that capacity until 1877. It may be stated also that from 1843 to 1800 he was treasurer of the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory. At the time Mr. Davol entered the Pocasset Com- pany as superintendent, in 1833, the company was operating 1000 to 1200 spindles in what was known as their Bridge Mill. This mill was burned in the great fire of 1843, and since that time Mills Nos. 1, 2, and 3 have been erected, and this company now operates 56,112 spindles, 1385 looms, and has a capital of $1,161,000. The skill and long experience of Mr. Davol as a cotton manufacturer have been largely called upon in these later years, and his opinions are sought on all occasions with reference to manufacturing changes and methods, for even in his practical retiracy he loves to mark the progress of his favorite business, which he has seen rise almost from its birth, with its crude devices and surroundings, and has lived to see the rapid improvements and ingenious applications which have resulted in making a modern cotton-mill one of the wonders of the nineteenth century. Although Mr. Davol has practically retired from active business life, still his experience and judgment in the cotton business are yet called into requisition, as indicated by his remaining on the board of direc- tors of not less than seven or eight corporations. He is president of the Mechanics' Mills, and a director in this and the Pocasset, Troy, Wampanoag, and Barnard Manufacturing Companies, and in the Spool and Bobbin Company. He is also president of the Fall River Manufacturers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and a director in the Blackstone and Mer- chants' Fire Insurance Companies of Providence, R. I., and in the Metacomet Bank of this city, and Wau- tuppa Reservoir Company. In this latter corpora- tion he has been a director over thirty years. May 18, 1840, Mr. Davol was united in marriage with Sarah F. Chase, and their children were as fol- lows: Bradford Durfee, married Cornelia Wheeden Lincoln, Dec. 1, 1875; Sarah Louisa, married Joseph L. Buffington, Sept. 21, 1864; Mary Anna, married Alexander Dorrance Easton, Sept. 27, 1865; James Clark Chase, married Mary Ellen Brownell ; George Stephen, married Mary Louisa Dean, Sept. 3, 1873 ; Harriette Remington, married Stephen Barnaby Ash- ley, Feb. 18, 1874 ; Abner Pardon, married Harriet J. Marvell ; Charles M. R. and Clara Freeborn. All living except Clara, who died in 1881. Mr. Davol is a public-spirited citizen, and all measures tending to the advancement of his native town find in him an earnest advocate. R. T. DAVIS, M.D. Robert Thompson Davis, M.D., M.C., is a native of County Down, in the north of Ireland, and was born Aug. 28, 1823. His father was of Presbyterian edu- cation and ancestry, while his mother belonged to the Friends' Society. Coming to America when three years old, he passed his early life at Amesbury, Mass., where his father resided for half a century. He was educated at the Friends' school at Providence, R. I., and Amesbury Academy. Choosing the medical pro- fession for his life-work, he became a student of Dr. Thomas Wilbur, of Fall River, passed two years at Tremont Medical School, Boston, and was graduated i'roni Harvard Medical Department in 1847. After a short experience as dispensary physician in Boston, he went to Waterville, Maine, and after three years came to Fall River in 1850, and permanently established FALL RIVER. 387 himself here in his profession. Excepting four years of New York City life, Fall River has since been his home. He at once became actively interested in the Bristol County South Medical Society, was again and again elected its president, the youngest man at that time on whom the honor had been bestowed. He is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and has been frequently elected councilor of that honor- able body. He is also a member of both the Ameri- can Medical Association and National Public Health Association. He has been much in public affairs, and from early life was strongly anti-slavery in sentiment, and was bold and earnest in advocacy of its cause, beginning his public career in 1851, by a spirited and eloquent speech in favor of instructing the represen- tatives of Fall River in the State Legislature to cast their votes for Charles Sumner for United States sen- ator. The vote was taken in harmony with the forci- ble presentation of Dr. Davis and the representative voted for Sumner, who was elected. Dr. Davis was a member of the Constitutional Convention of the State in 1853. In 1858 and 1860 he was elected to repre- sent his district in the State Senate. No public mat- ter came up during these troublous times on which Dr. Davis did not eloquently express his views, either by speeches or written articles, and show a keen power of forecasting the future. He was instrumental in securing the line adopted and ratified by the Legis- latures of Rhode Island and Massachusetts as the boundary between those States, and clearly foresaw the value of such action to the prosperity of Fall River. He was a delegate to the National Republican Con- vention in 1860 which nominated Abraham Lincoln, and also a delegate to the one in 1876 that nominated Rutherford B. Hayes. Governor Andrews appointed him, in 1863, a member of the State Board of Chari- ties. In 1869, on the organization of the State Board of Health, he was appointed one of its members by Governor Claflin, and by repeated appointments con- tinued on the board during its existence. It was su- perseded by the State Board of Health, Lunacy, and Charity, and of this new body he was immediately made a member by Governor Talbot, and was reap- pointed by Governor Long. In 1873 lie was elected mayor of Fall River, there being no opposing candi- date. His administration was in a great transition period of the city, many large and expensive improve- ments were under way, and his inaugural was full of important recommendations that were, with few ex- ceptions, adopted and carried out by the city. Among the improvements thus recommended and made was the erection of three large public school-buildings (one of which was named " Davis School"), three, engine-houses and police-stations, the widening of Pleasant Street for a distance of two miles, laying out and finishing many other streets. A plan of sewer- age was adopted in accordance with his recommenda- tion ; also the City Hall was completed and dedicated under his administration, and Dr. Davis was the one who delivered the address. The mains, machinery, and buildings of the water-works were brought to completion sufficiently for use during the same period, and in the same year the city government adopted the State law, furnishing the pupils of the public schools text- books free of cost to them. Fall River was the first city in the State to do this, and the re- sult amply proves the wisdom of this action. Dr. Davis was mayor one year only, he declining a re- election. The salary of the office he donated to the " Children's Home." Always a friend and earnest worker in the cause of education, he has aided everything proposed for the good of the scholars and increasing their proficiency. He has been prominently and actively interested for years with the business prosperity of Fall River. He purchased real estate in the eastern portion of Fall River in 1869-70, and made investments in the various corporations having mills in that locality, and its rapid increase of business and population is much of it due to his enterprise and business sagacity. He is president of the Wampanoag Mills, a director in various other corporations, and was one of three to purchase the Globe Print- Works property, where two mills have since been put up. He is often called on to address public assemblies. He delivered in 1868 the first address made in the city on Decoration Day. At a public meeting, held in the fall of 1871, to relieve the sufferers by the Chicago fire, Dr. Davis, in a forcible speech, proposed and sustained resolutions pledging Fall River to give twenty-five thousand dollars for this purpose. They were adopted by the meeting, approved by the city authorities, and the amount sent to Chicago. He de- livered a centennial address Oct. 25, 1880, before the assembled scholars of the higher grades of the public schools on the one hundredth anniversary of the adoption of the constitution of Massachusetts. He closed with this practical and patriotic advice: " Now, my young friends, in closing, let me simply say that you are on the threshold of the duties and responsi- bilities of American citizens. The generation of which you form a part will see your own country the dominant power of the civilized world. It is of vast importance that that power shall be wielded in favor of free and good government. I have no fears that educated as you are in Massachusetts, inheriting the traditions of your forefathers, and imbued with their spirit, you will not perform all your duties in this great regard. The present generation must transmit to its successors that which it has accomplished or inherited from the past. It must hold firmly aloft that glorious standard of free principles which your predecessors maintained so firmly and so long ; that standard which waved before the armies of the Revo- lution and of the Union, and which led them on to conflict and to victory, giving us in the one case a country, and in the other preserving its liberties and 388 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. its life. It is a standard consecrated by the efforts, sac- rifices, and memories of the noblest, best, and bravest names in our history. May it float forever, the un- questioned symbol not of national power- and progress only, but of the eternal principles of freedom and justice." He was unanimously nominated in 1882 by the Republican Congressional Convention of the First District as its candidate, and was elected member of Congress by eleven thousand four hundred and seventy-five votes in his favor to five thousand five hundred and eighty-one cast for his opponent on the Democratic ticket. He married Oct. 1, 1848, Sarah, daughter of Dr. Thomas Wilbur, his instructor in medicine. She died in 1856, having survived their only child. He married, in June, 1862, Susan Ann Haight, of New Castle, N. Y. They have one son. As an evidence of the pleasant social qualities of Dr. Davis we will mention that on the organization of the Commercial Club of Fall River, an institution formed for sociality, Dr. Davis was elected president, and still holds that office. EDMUND CHASE. Edmund Chase, the subject of this sketch, was born in Fall River, June 14, 1818, and is the son of Edmund and Phebe Chase, who were prominent members of the Society of Friends. Edmund Chase, Sr., was the son of Obadiah and Eunice Chase, and was born in Somerset, Mass., April 11, 1787. He learned the trade of a tanner, and com- menced business in Somerset, doing his first tanning in a half- hogshead. He married, Sept. 30, 1813, Phebe, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Slade, of Swan- sea, Mass. Removing to Fall River in 1810, he purchased the place adjoining the present post-office building, where his son now carries on business, and where he for nearly fifty years conducted the business of a tanner and currier. His son, Edmund, was reared to the occupation of his father, and received his education at the common schools and the Friends' Boarding-School, Provi- dence, R. I. July 2, 1843, came the " Big Fire," entirely destroy- ing his lather's business, involving a loss often thou- sand dollars. He immediately rebuilt, taking his son as partner, so that by the end of the year the business was again in successful operation, the firm being Edmund Chase & Son, and so remained until the death of his father, which occurred July 4, 1859. From obituary notices, which were published at the time, we take the following: " For nearly half a century he has been the steady, industrious, and upright man of business, maintaining under all circumstances a character for strict integrity and probity, leaving behind him a reputation for the faithful performance of the varied duties of life rarely equaled, and very seldom surpassed. "He was one of our oldest and most respected citi- zens, a man of uprightness and integrity in all his business and social relations, and most careful and conscientious in his daily walk and conversation. Through a long life he maintained a character above reproach, and has left behind him what is more to be coveted than riches and honors, the record of a good example, not soon to be forgotten by those who en- joyed his friendship and confidence." After the death of his father, Mr. Chase began the manufacture of belts, and this has since been his principal business. He has been a director in the Granite and Stafford Mills from their organization, also director and president of the Bourne Mills, and director in the Massasoit National Bank since 1857. Besides these Mr. Chase holds offices of responsibility and trust in various other important relations. He has been twice married. His first wife was Amy C. Douglass, daughter of Daniel and Patience Doug- lass, whom he married Nov. 12, 1841. She died Oct. 5, 1863. He married for his second wife Sarah B. Vickery, daughter of Caleb B. and AlmiraW. Vickery, May 30, 1865. He is a Republican in politics, and a Unitarian in his religious belief and associations. JOB B. FRENCH. Job B. French, son of Enoch and Sarah French, was born in Troy (now Fall River), March 6, 1806. He is a descendant of Ephraim French, who came from England about 1680 and settled in Raynham, Mass. One of the descendants of the latter, Ephraim, of Raynham (probably his grandson), married Eliza- beth Presbrey in 1775, and had two sons, Ephraim, born in 1777, and Enoch, born in 1779. Enoch was taken to Fall River by his mother at the time of her second marriage, the father having died a young man. He was soon after apprenticed to a tanner named James Read, whose youngest sister Sarah he married in 1799. The children of Enoch and Sarah were Asa P., George R., Stephen L., Richard O, Job B., Nancy, Abram, William, James, and Eliza, — eight sons and two daughters. Soon after his marriage, Enoch, although not quite of age, bought the tan- nery and subsequently added »a shoe manufactory. He also engaged quite extensively in farming. The sons worked on the farm and learned the trades of tanning and shoemaking. Read's tannery, where Enoch French served his ap- prenticeship, was on what is now known as French's Hill, the name of the latter owner having entirely superseded that of the former. In 1820 he opened the first boot- and shoe-store in Fall River, on the corner of North Main and Central Streets, where the Durfee block now stands, Asa, Stephen, and Job act- ing as clerks. In 1822 he moved a few doors west on y^r^-eyrL FALL RIVER. 389 Central Street, and in 1824 again moved to Main Street, a few doors south of the present location of the store of J. B. French & Son. In 1822, Asa be- came a partner, the name of the firm being changed to Enoch French & Son. Stephen was admitted in 1824 and Job in 1826. In 1832 the firm was dis- solved, Asa taking the tannery, Stephen the shoe- manufactory, and Job remaining in the store with his father, the firm-name being Enoch French & Co. Their store was destroyed by the fire of 1843, but they at once erected the "brick block (Merchant's block), where they continued business until the senior partner died, in 1847, aged sixty-seven years. Mr. Enoch French was an influential and highly respected citizen. He was a selectman in the town of Fall River eight years, 1821-22, 1824-29, and was representative to the General Court, 1828-29 and 1840. He was one of the committee often appointed to dis- tribute funds sent to Fall River after the great fire of 1 843, He was a corporator of the Fall River Savings- Bank, and April 15, 1828, he was elected chairman of its first board of investment, a position which he held until his death, a period of nineteen years. The following will illustrate his high sense of busi- ness honor. His son Richard, when but fourteen years old, was engaged for a year to work for a man near Newport, R. I., but getting homesick he returned before the expiration of his time of service, and plead so hard to be relieved that Job was sent to take his place, the father contending that the contract must be fulfilled by one of the boys. But it was not in the business or political aspects of his life that his character was most illustrious, although he discharged most honorably the duties of the various offices assigned him, and in a spirit so uni- formly kind to all with whom he associated as to se- cure universal esteem and respect. In early youth he became a member of the First Baptist Church of Fall River, which was then small and feeble, and from that time until his death the enlargement and prosperity with which that church was blessed were inseparably connected with his his- tory. For more than forty years he served the church in the offices of deacon and treasurer. During the early part of this period he was accustomed to assist in conducting the public services, the pastor, the late Rev. Job Borden, being blind. At some seasons, when the church was dependent npon occasional supplies for the pulpit, he was called to discharge the duties belonging to the pastoral office. In many instances funeral services were conducted by him alone, or in connection with an associate deacon. Job B. French, the immediate subject of this notice, has been so intimately associated with his father and his brothers that it is impossible to con- sider his Life as separate from theirs. Nor would it be desirable on his part could such a tiling be done, for he modestly asks that to his father especially should be given the more prominent place in this record. After his father's death, Job B. continued the busi- ness alone until Jan. 1, 1864, when he admitted his son, Edward A. French, into partnership. The firm since then has been J. B. French & Son. We have thus traced the business back to the beginning of the century, a little more than eighty years. Mr. French was a representative to the General Court in 1835 and 1841, and a member of the Com- mon Council of Fall River for several years, and he has also been an assessor. He has served as presi- dent of the Fall River Savings-Bank for sixteen years, and as trustee nearly forty years, a position which he still holds. He has been director of the Mechanics' Mills, and president of the Weetamoe Mills since its organization. He has been since 1830 a member of the First Baptist Church of Fall River. He married for his first wife Abby, daughter of William S. N. Allan, of Newport, R. I., April 17, 1831. She was born June 20, 1807, and died March 17, 1870, in the sixty-third year of her age. She too joined the Baptist Church in 1830. Of this union there were born six children, whose names are as follows: (1) Mary E., wife of D. H. Dyer, of Fall River; (2) James R., deceased ; (3) Sarah J., wife of William Lindsey ; (4) Edward A., business partner with his father, and who married Eliza A. Ricketson ; (5) Abby M. ; and (6) Julia W.; the latter two resid- ing at home. Mr. French married for his second wife, Aug. 19, 1873, Mary B., daughter of Robert Cook, of Fall River. She was born in Wrentham, Mass., Sept. 15, 1816, and died April 26, 1882. She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Fall River for many years. Although past seventy-seven years of age, Mr. French is a remarkably active man of unusually good judgment, and his advice is very frequently sought. He is a person of sterling integrity, and enjoys the respect and esteem of the community in which he lives. GEORGE READ FRENCH. George Read French, second son of Enoch and Sarah (Read) French, was born in Troy (now Fall River), Mass., on the 24th day of January, 1802. He is a descendant of Ephraim French, who came from England about the year 1680, and settled in Rayn- ham, Mass. One of the descendants of Ephraim French married Elizabeth Presbry in 1775, and had two sons, whose names were Ephraim (born in 1777) and Enoch (born in 1779). Enoch French located in Troy (now Fall River), and married Sarah Read in 1799. To them were born ten children,— Asa P., George R., Stephen L., Richard C, Job B., Nancy, Abram, William, James, and Eliza. At the age of seventeen years George R. French became the manager of a leather- and shoe-factory at Oneysville (now a part of the city of Providence, R. I.), where he remained some six months, when, in 390 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. consequence of failing health, he embarked in a sloop ("Rosetta") for Darien, in the State of Georgia, where he engaged as clerk with Perry Davis, late of Providence, R. I., who at that time was conducting a mercantile business in said place under the firm- name of Davis & Kelly, and who was subsequently and more popularly known as proprietor of " Perry Davis' Pain-Killer." After residing in Georgia about ten months, Mr. French returned to his home, and in the autumn of 1822 made another trip South, and located in the town of Wilmington, N. C, where, under the firm of Hathaway & French, he entered into business with the late John Hathaway (father of his lifelong friend Mr. James L. Hathaway, of New York City), dealing in lumber shipments and general merchandise, laying the foundation of his long and successful business career in the city of Wilmington. In the year 1828 he opened a shoe-store in his own name, the firm of Hathaway & French being dissolved. On the 5th day of April, 1827, he was married to Sarah C. Weeks, of Wilmington, with whom he lived till her death on the 19th day of May, 1867. They had twelve children, — Sarah A., Susan M., George H., Georgianna C, William A., Margaret G., Caroline, George R., James McD., Charles E., Eliza D., and Josephine H. George H., Georgianna C, and Caro- line died in infancy and youth. All the others are still living, situated as follows : Sarah A. is wife of Col. E. J. Lutterloh, of Fayette- ville, N. C, now residing at Cedar Keys, Fla. Susan M. is wife of E. D. Nixon, of Edenton, N. C, now residing at Baltimore, Md. William A. married Harriet P. Timmons, of Tim- monsville, S. C, now resident of Wilmington, N. C. Margaret G. is wife of Rev. G. S. Jones, of Pasquo- tank County, N. C, now residing in Hendersonville, N. C. George R. married Cornelia M. Worth, of Wil- mington, N. C, now resident of the same city. James McD. married Mattie Boykin, of Southamp- ton County, Va., who died leaving no children. His second marriage was with Edna Godwin, of Lumber- ton, N. C. Charles E. (still unmarried) is one of the proprie- tors of the Crown Rolling-Mills, in Minneapolis, Minn., where he resides. Eliza D. is the wife of Llewellyn Christian, of Ala- bama, now resident of Minneapolis, Minn. Josephine H. is the wife of M. C. Toms, of Bun- combe County, N. C, now residing in Hendersonville, N. C. From the date of his engagement in the shoe trade (1828) up to the beginning of the late civil war (1861) Mr. French was the sole manager of his business, which he successfully prosecuted with char- acteristic energy through the financial changes of that period, maintaining his mercantile credit and high standing, and so protecting his commercial honor that at no time was his paper dishonored or protested. Taught in his early youth to honor the flag of his country and cherish a patriotic adherence to the Union, he took a decided stand against the doctrines of secession, and during that entire struggle (although surrounded by friends and his family, who entertained opposite views politically) he adhered to his convic- tions as to the folly of appealing to arms for the set- tlement of the then existing differences, remaining true in his allegiance to his country. In the year 1865, by admitting his son William A. into copartnership, the firm of George R. French & Son was formed, and in 1866, admitting George R., Jr., and James McD., the firm now known as George R. French & Sons was established. In 1879, James McD. retired from the firm and removed to Lumber- ton, N. C. In the year 1827, Mr. French became a member of the First Baptist Church in Wilmington. From that date to the present, through all the changes wrought in the history of this church, down through the past fifty-six eventful years to its present prosperous con- dition, the position occupied by Mr. French has been deservedly prominent, as evidenced by his early ordi- nation as deacon, his services as superintendent of the Sabbath-school, as chairman of committees in- trusted with the most important enterprises of the church under its eight successive pastorates. To his personal efforts and contributions, in a large measure, are the Baptists in Wilmington indebted for their present handsome church edifice standing on the corner of Fifth and Market Streets. During his commercial career Mr. French has held positions of trust and honor in local corporations, — director in the bank of Cape Fear, director and also president of the Bank of Wilmington, director in the Wilmington Savings-Bank and the Bank of New Hanover, director in the Wilmington Gas-Light Company, director and president of Oakdale Ceme- tery, president of the Seamen's Friend Society of the port of Wilmington. A warm friend and supporter of educational and religious institutions, he has served as trustee of Wake Forest College, as vice-president of the Board of Missions in the Southern Baptist Convention, and as vice-president of the American Sunday-School Union, of which he is a life member. Aug. 27, 1872, he married Mrs. Sophia M. Sawyer, of Fall Biver, Mass. Mr. French is now in his eighty-second year, re- markably vigorous and well-preserved in body and mind, and although having retired from active busi- ness, he still maintains his interest in the firm con- ducted by his sons. It is his custom now in his ripe old age to pass his time quietly enjoying the comforts of his Southern home in the winter season, and in summer he visits his three beloved brothers, residing in Fall River and vicinity, or shares the warm- hearted welcome awaiting him in the widely-sepa- rated homes of his devoted children. u^ FALL RIVER. 390a JOHN JASON ARCHER. John Jason Archer, son of Dr. Jason H. and Jen- nette (Bowen) Archer, was born in Fall River, Mass., July 26, 1845, and died at his residence in the same city, Oct. 31, 1882. His paternal grandfather was Amos Archer, a resident of Wrentham, Mass., and was one of her most esteemed men. His father, Dr. Jason H. Archer, was a native of Wrentham, Mass., where he spent his youth and prepared for college at Day's Academy. He entered Brown University in 1812, and graduated in 1816. He immediately commenced the study of medicine with the celebrated Dr. Wil- liam Ingalls, of Boston, and after completing his medical studies, he very soon came to Fall River, where he continued to have a successful practice till May 12, 1852, when he returned to his native place, and resided there until his death, January, 1864. While a citizen of Fall River he took an active part in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the town. Politically, he was a Whig and Republican. He was the first president of the Massasoit Bank, and continued to hold that position five years, until he severed his relations with the place. He received from the officers of the bank soon after his retirement a beautiful " service of silver" in recognition of his valuable services. During his residence at Wrentham he was a director in the Wrentham Bank. He married Jennette, daughter of Abraham and Ruth Bowen, and had four children, viz., Amanda M. ; Caroline A., wife of Frederick H. Gee ; Jennette F., died in infancy; and John Jason. Mrs. Archer's father, Abraham Bowen, was one of the first men in Fall River to commence the manufacture of cotton or woolen goods. (For a more detailed history on this subject, see history of Fall River.) Abraham Bowen, son of Nathan Bowen, was one of Fall River's most intelligent and useful citizens. His heart was in every good work, and he did much to build up the rural and material interest of the town. His house was often the house for the weary traveler, and especially ministers of various denominations. He was social, hospitable, and kind, and the poor found in him a warm and sympathizing friend. Mrs. Jennette (Bowen) Archer was born in Fall River, Oct. 16, 1805, and died at her residence in the same city, Jan. 19, 1883. From the Daily News we append the following : "Death of John J. Archer, Esq.— One of the most highly-esteemed members of the bar of this city, John Jason Archer, passed peacefully away between six and seven o'clock this morning. He had been in fail- ing health for about eighteen months, but was fully as well as he had recently been until about two weeks since, when he was attacked with fever with typhoid symptoms, and gradually sank until his death this morning. " Mr. Archer was the son of Dr. Jason H. and Jennette Archer. His father died a number of years since, hut his mother has been spared to render such ministries to him as only a devoted mother can in the hours of suffering and mortal weakness. "He was born in till— city, where he resided until the removal of his parents to Wrentham, from whence he went to Brown University and graduated in the class of 18CG. Very soon after graduating he was ap- pointed an instructor in English literature in the Naval Academy at Annapolis, where he remained between one and two years, when he was attacked with measles, which were epidemic at the Academy at the time. On recovery from the disease his eyes \vere found to he so much affected as to prevent his performing the duties of his position, and he resigned and returned home. He soon after commenced the study of law, and was admitted to the bar of Norfolk County. On his return to this city he began practice, and has been for a number of years the senior member of the firm of Archer & Jackson. He was also associate justice of our District Court, and was for several years a member of the school committee. "In all the relations of life as son, brother, wise and honest coun- selor, friend, and good citizen, Mr. Archer has left a record that is equaled by few and seldom surpassed. He was thirty-seven years of age." The accompanying portrait represents him about eighteen or twenty years of age, and is the only good one extant. Nov. 1, 1882, the members of the Bristol County (Second District) bar, met in the court-room to take action on the death of the late John J. Archer, asso- ciate justice of the court. Hon. J. C. Blaisdell was appointed chairman, and A. B. Leonard, clerk. A committee, consisting of Hon. Mayor Braley, Milton Reed, and Andrew J. Jennings, was appointed to draft resolutions, and presented the following: " With unfeigned sorrow we assemble here to-day. The death of John J. Archer has removed from our bar one whose place cannot easily be filled. Intellectually and morally he had few, if any, superiors in our community. His scholarship was not only wide and varied, but also accurate and unpretentious. Thoroughly read in law and master of its fundamental principles, he was one of our safest and ablest counselors. No man had a keener sense of right or wrong, or stronger moral con- victions. Upright in all his ways, he ever had a charitable word for the wrong-doer. His attainments commanded the respect, and his character the regard of all who knew him. "Realizing the worth of such a man, not only to our profession, which he dignified and adorned, but to the community at large, which he influenced and elevated; "Resolved, That we the members of the Fall River bar, most fully and keenly recognize the ability, worth, and high character of our de- ceased brother, John J. Archer, and with feelings of mingled pride and sadness attest his many virtues, his professional attainments, and his upright life ; that in him we have each lost a sympathizing friend, and one whose intercourse with us was ever marked by the greatest cour- tesy and kindness. "A. J. Jennings, " M. Reed, "H. K. Braley." On motion of M. G. B. Swift, the following resolu- tion was adopted : " That the above resolutions be adopted as the sense of the bar and be presented the Second District Court to be spread upon its records, and that they be sent to the family of the deceased and to the press for pub- lication." A special session of the District Court was subse- quently held before his Honor Judge Blaisdell, at which A. J. Jennings, on behalf of the members of the bar, presented the resolutions adopted at their meeting. In a few remarks Mr. Jennings' said, — " My heart responds to every word in the resolutions. It is a day when a bar like this should rejoice when they can write words of truth, as these words are, about any man who has been a member of it. I think we have a right to have something bright mingled with our sadness, when we can point to such a man as a member of the bar here, as one who has chosen our profession, as one whose every act and thought has simply tended to elevate, to raise it in the respect and esteem of the com- munity, and who gained for himself the love and respect of all his fel- low-members and the members of the community in which he lived. " As far as my personal knowledge is concerned, the words of the reso- 390b HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. lution and its preamble express to myself the cordial relation in which he stood to me. I never heard from his lips any words except those of truth, of justice, of honesty. I never .heard from his lips aivy words in which he sought to belittle other men; strong words he sometimes spoke against wrong and evil, but he always found there was some good in the man that committed the wrong. " He seemed to be always looking for the best instead of for the worst, but always in the straight line of integrity, honesty, and uprightness, and all his words and acts conformed to it. He was very sparing of his speech to those who swerved from the true path, and I say we should honor him for it, and should be proud of him for it. " One of our younger members has been taken away and our ranks are broken, but I am glad we can assemble here and feel that the good acts done will live after him. His acts must still remain to exert their in- fluence upon us who have seen his life, been impressed by his thoughts and works, to make us better and truer men, better and truer members of the profession. I submit to the court these resolutions, and ask that they be spread upon its records." Hon. Mayor Braley, on seconding the resolution, said, — " It seems to me that it is fitting for the bar to pause a moment in its career of business, and take notice of the death of one of its members- brother Archer. He delighted to make himself a master of law. He was a sound adviser, and was a legislator of this court for some time, and always presided with dignity, with impartiality, and with justice. In his intercourse with the members of the bar he was always pleasant, always cordial, and also strictly true. Whatever he said might be relied on, and in his death we lose a faithful friend." Hon. M. Reed made a few remarks, and incidentally referred to the death of members of the bar since he was received. J. M. Wood, M. G. B. Swift, A. N. Lincoln, and H. A. Dubuque followed, each mention- ing some pleasing trait in the character of the de- parted. In accepting the resolutions on behalf of the court, Judge Blaisdell said, — " After hearing the eulogies pronounced by you, gentlemen of the bar, I can but say that the occasion of our meeting is a most unusual one. ' A good man has fallen,' not simply a lawyer, not simply a neigh- bor or kind friend, but a good citizen, with all that that term implies. My words must be few after so much has been said. In the life of Mr. Archer, who has now passed on and gone before, we have a lesson for ourselves, a lesson for us to learn. He was a true man in all the rela- tions of life. So far as I have knowledge of him, he was emphatically a true man. He never misled, never deceived, never permitted litigation for the sake of litigation. "I can only say that I only knew John Jason Archer to respect him. As one of the special justices of this court he discharged the duties with fidelity, with truthfulness, with high motion before him to always do justly between party and party, and was conscientious in the discharge of his duty. More than a lawyer, his character, as I understand it, is engraven to-day not only upon our memories here, but it is er-graven in matters of education, of good example here in our community, going in and out before us an upright man. When such a man passes away we may well pause in our ordinary proceedings of life to pay tribute to the fallen. Try and pay that tribute of respect which is due to such a man. It is the pleasure of the court to order that these resolutions be enrolled upon the records of the court." of the Dally News soon after graduation, but subse- quently studied law at the Harvard Law School, and was admitted to practice in 1872. He opened an office in Fall River, and rapidly advanced to a high rank in his profession. He served several years as special justice of the Police and District Courts and city solicitor, in the latter capacity extending his reputation as a sound and able lawyer by his success with the important cases of the city. In 1880 he was chosen senator for the Second Bristol District, and rapidly made a reputation at the State House as a brilliant debator and sagacious legislator. He de- clined a renomination the following year. In 1881 and 1882 he was the Republican nominee for mayor, and although defeated polled the highest vote ever given an unsuccessful candidate. Mr. Reed is a man of studious habits, great energy of character and business foresight, which have already reaped him a substantial reward. He is interested in many and a director in several of the largest corporations of the city, and for his age one of the most successful citizens of Fall River. MILTON REED. Hon. Milton Reed was born in Haverhill, Mass., on Oct. 1, 1848. He is the second son of William and Sophia (Ladd) Reed, and through both father and mother descended from the first English colonists in the Merrimac Valley. In 1868, the youngest in his class, he was graduated with high honors from Harvard University, and came to Fall River as editor EDWARD PURINGTON BUFFINTON. Edward Purington Buffinton, son of Aaron and Rebecca Buffinton, was born in Westport, Mass., Nov. 16, 1814. His parents coming to Fall River when he was but a lad, he grew up personally in- terested in all that related to the prosperity of the growing town. Mr. Buffinton engaged in business for himself early in life as a market-man, at the corner of Main atfd Pocasset Streets until the erection of the town-hall and market-building in 1846, when he removed thither, and continued in the same pur- suit until the close of his life, being one of the lead- ing merchants in' that department. In 1852 he was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives. In 1854, when Fall River changed its form of govern- ment and became a city, he was honored with an elec- tion to the Board of Aldermen, and in November, 1855, was chosen mayor to fill the vacancy occasioned by the' resignation of Hon. James Buffinton. The following year, 1856, he was elected to the same office by the people. The three succeeding years he devoted to his business and private affairs, during which he was free from the cares and responsibilities of official life, and happy in the change. In 1860, however, he was again elected to the mayoralty, and held the office for seven consecutive years. From the inauguration of the Rebellion to its close, Mr. Buffinton was at the head of the city government, and had an experience from which a man of weaker nerve would have shrunk discouraged. His labors were almost incessant day and night, but he never for a moment faltered in the discharge of his duties, and his entire administration was distinguished for judiciousness, care, economy, and humanity. He died Oct. 2, 1871. m$ FALL RIVER. 391 WILLIAM LINDSEY. William Lindsey, son of Capt. Jonathan W. and Hannah Lindsey, was born in Bristol, R. I., Sept. 20, 1816. His grandfather, also William Lindsey, was a lifelong resident of Bristol, and died advanced -in years. Jonathan was a hatter in early life, and after- wards going to sea rose to be shipmaster. He was born June 18, 1778, and married Hannah Easter- brooks, who was born in Bristol, Aug. 18, 1778. They had eleven children born in Bristol, — Sarah, Hannah, Martha, .Mary, Lydia, Jonathan W., Catherine, Abby, William, Nancy W., and Nathaniel. All attaiued maturity, married, and all except Lydia had children. The combined ages of the eight now living is five hundred and sixty-six years. Mrs. Lindsey died in Bristol, March 21, 1851. Capt. Lindsey survived her three years, dying April 12, 1854. William Lindsey had but limited advantages for school education. At the age of seven he accom- panied his parents to Providence, and after working a short time on a farm, at the age of thirteen went to work in a hat-factory, thus early commencing the battle of life. He came to Fall River, then Troy, when he was fifteen, and entered the employ of G. Burr & Co., wholesale grocers and provision dealers, as clerk. Remaining with them until he was nine- teen, he acquired a full knowledge of the business, and purchased it from his employers. This was in 1836. From that time Mr. Lindsey continued in trade, under the different firms of William Lindsey, J. W. & W. Lindsey, Lindsey & Brothers, and W. & N. Lindsey, until 1875. For forty-three years, from 1832 'to 1875, he was in constant occupancy of the same location. He was prosperous, his industry and in- tegrity bringing satisfactory financial results and a well-deserved reputation for business capacity. Mr. Lindsey was for many years largely interested in whaling, coasting, and trading vessels, owning alone or in company with others quite a large number. In 1875, Mr. Lindsey became treasurer of the Weet- amoe Mills, of Fall River, and has held that office to the present writing. He has been a director of the Metacomet National Bank, of Fall River, since its organization, and its president since 1881. He has been a trustee of the Fall River Savings-Bank for more than forty years, and its president since 1882. He is a stockholder and director in various cor- porations, notably, King Philip Mills, Globe Yarn- Mills, Weetamoe Mills, and Conanicut Mills. Po- litically, Mr. Lindsey was in former days a Whig, and since the organization of the Republican party a supporter of its principles, never, however, a bitter partisan, but caring more for the triumph of right principles and the election of good men than for party or personal gain. He has never sought political distinction, his time being fully employed in attending to business. With- out seeking the position, he was in 1871 elected a member of the first board of water commissioners of Fall River, and held that position during eight years, and until after the completion of the water-works, when, at the expiration of his third term of service, he declined a re-election. Mr. Lindsey has been three times married, — first to Eliza A., daughter of Deacon Enoch French, of Fall River. They had three children, — Crawford E. (twice elected mayor of Fall River), Charles B., and Sarah F. His second wife was Ariadne M., daughter of Leander P. Lovell, of Fall River. They had five children, — William, Maria L., Eliza, Anna B., and John H. His present wife, Sarah J., is daughter of Job B. French, of Fall River. From his twentieth year Mr. Lindsey has been a member of the Baptist Church, and identified with measures and means for the elevation and improve- ment of mankind. He is truly a self-made man, and his life has been steadily and actively devoted to business. He has a good knowledge of men and events, and a marked individuality of character. Cautious and prudent, of high honor as a man, rich in experience, faithful to all trusts, he has won and maintained a high place in the regards of his asso- ciates for his financial ability and his sound and wise judgment. Inheriting a vigorous constitution, strengthened by the labor of early years and method- ical habits of life, at an age when many men lay aside active business he performs his many duties with a vigor of mind and body which promises many years of usefulness. WILLIAM MASON. William Mason, son of Wm. and Nancy (Northum) Mason, was born in Swansea, Mass., Sept. 13, 1806. His father was a merchant in Swansea, where he re- sided till his death, which latter event occurred in April, 1816, when he was thirty-eight years of age. His mother was the daughter of Capt. Joseph Northum. William was brought up with limited opportunities for education, beginning at the early age of seven to work in a small cotton-mill near his home, and while in his eleventh year entering upon an apprenticeship to the shoemaker's trade, in which capacity he con- tinued until he was twenty-one, attending school but a few months each year. He, however, was a diligent student, as well as a thorough and active worker at his trade. After working a few months for Richard Chace, with whom he had served as an apprentice, he went to Fall River in November, 1827, and entered the employ of Leonard Garfield, a shoemaker, with whom he continued about six months, when he commenced doing work on his own account in a little shop which he had hired for that purpose. After a few months he entered into a copartnership with Gardner D. Cook in a store situated on the west side of Main Street, where the Granite Block now stands. Afterwards 392 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. they had a store on the east side of Main Street, nearly opposite the first. After some two years Mr. Mason purchased his partner's interest and continued the business himself. His trade grew, and he employed several hands and made goods to order, besides deal- ing in ready-made boots and shoes. He continued this business until December, 1837, when he closed out, and in May, 1838, settled his family in Woon- socket, R. I., where he went into the manufacture of soap with his brother, Stephen N. Mason, under the name of W. & S. N. Mason. They continued till the spring of 1843, and on March 6th of that year Mr. Mason returned to Fall River, where he continued to manufacture soap on his own account, and after a few months formed a partnership with George S. Holmes (firm of Holmes & Mason), and at the expiration of about seven months they dissolved, and Mr. Mason remained in the business till about 1864. During this time he had Joshua Remington as a partner about two years. During a portion of this time he was also en- gaged in the grocery business, which he conducted after they had dissolved partnership. During this time (1859) he invested some money in the Union Mills, and was chosen a director, which position he held till he sold his entire interest there- in. He also owned an original interest in the Granite Mills, was a director, and was chosen president of the company, which position he still holds. He is also a director in the Stafford Mills, a director in the Chace Mills many years, and a director in the Massasoit Bank about twenty years. He has also been engaged with Foster H. Stafford and Asahel T. Pierce, of Paw- tuxet, R. I., in the manufacture of yarn. They have three mills, — one in North Dighton, one in Norton, Mass., and one in Warwick, P. I., and they run a thread-mill in Pawtucket. Besides all these, Mr. Mason owns large interests in various manufactories of Fall River, and is a director in the Merino Manu- facturing Company. In politics he is a Republican, but he has a de- cided disinclination to office, although he allowed himself to be elected a member of the board of alder- men in 1857. He declined the nomination for mayor, preferring to give his undivided attention to his large and increasing business. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since February, 1823, when he joined at South Somerset, Mass. Since that time he has been an ardent supporter and a worthy member of that large and influential Christian body, in which he has been a class-leader for more than half a century, Sunday-school superintendent, steward, trustee, etc. He was the first Sunday-school superintendent in St. Paul's Church. He has been, and is, a liberal sup- porter of the various church interests, while his sym- pathies and support extend to all matters which have for their object the good of the community in which he lives, and the elevation of humanity at large. On the 6th of January, 1831, Mr. Mason was married to Harriet, daughter of Jeremiah W. and Sarah Anthony. Six children sprang from this union, viz. : Sarah E., wife of Iram Smith ; William W., died in infancy; William W. (2d), Harriet A., died in in- fancy ; Edmund F., Charles T. Mrs. Mason (1st) died March 14, 1865, in her fifty- sixth year. He married, second, Jan. 1, 1866, Lois Richmond Anthony, daughter of Jonathan and Lorana An- thony. She died May 23, 1867, in her thirty-eighth year, leaving an infant son, Louis R. A. Mason. His third and present wife was Emeline F., daugh- ter of George W. and Emeline E. Reed, of Fall River, to whom he was united Dec. 16, 1869. They have had three children, — George R., Stephen N. (died in infancy), and Emeline E. Mrs. Mason was born in Lowell, Mass., Sept. 25, 1839. IRAM SMITH. Iram Smith, son of Henry and Susan (Higgins) Smith, was born in Hampden, Me., Oct. 26, 1807. His father was a farmer and also a mason by trade, but the former was his principal occupation. He was a native of Cape Cod, and resided with an uncle by the name of Hinckley. He had two children, — Iram and Susan, who married Jefferson Stubbs, of Hampden, Me., and had several children, of whom only two daughters are living. Henry Smith died in Hampden, aged eighty-six years ; his wife died in 1811. Iram, at the date of the death of his mother, was ' only four years old, too young to realize how great a loss he had sustained; for no father, however kind and wise, can fill the place of a good mother. He was reared by his father till eleven years of age, and then lived with a Mr. Mayhew, in Hampden, and Mr. Harding, at Cape Cod, until the age of nineteen, when he went to Duxbury, Mass., and remained there till he was twenty-one. During this time he had learned the carpenter's trade, and had acquired such education at the common schools as his limited cir- cumstances would permit. On Nov. 1, 1827, he went to Fall River, Mass., where he has ever since remained. As an example of his true worth we give the following. His father was afflicted with a disease which incapacitated him for labor or for earning a livelihood, and, being poor, as soon as young Irani was old enough, he took the care of his father until his death. In 1827, the same day Mr. Smith arrived ;n Fall River, he entered the employ of Deacon Shaw, a con- tractor and builder. He soon after engaged with Andrew Robeson, with whom he remained till failing health compelled him to relinquish his trade and seek some other mode of employment. In 1832 he put one thousand dollars, which he had saved from his five years' hard earnings, into a small grocery business, — # /ft ' ^/ /// FALL RIVER. 393 only, however, to be swallowed up in less than a year, leaving him destitute but not disheartened. He was young and energetic, and by his talents and versatil- ity could easily retrieve his loss in some new enter- prise. This proved to be the turning-point in his life, for just then he had started a general variety store, and made a special run on calicoes, which he could and did sell cheaper than any of his competi- tors. Though badly in debt, with failure staring him in the face, this good luck, or, perhaps, more properly, successful competition, brought him out safely, and, as the saying is, put him on his feet. He loves to associate with this also an important event in his religious life. His cheap calicoes were draw- ing many customers to his store, and the evening trade was especially valuable. It was class-meeting night, and he was the leader. What should he do iu this conflict between interest and duty? He decided to ask his customers to come some other time, and went to his class. They did come, and more with them, impressed by the example he had set, so that he was undoubtedly a great gainer in a pecuniary point of view, and what was more important on that eventful night, while at class, he received such evi- dence of his spiritual acceptance that it has ever been looked back to as the bright epoch of his life. How small an act of self-sacrifice may exalt the spirit and bring it to a sweet consciousness of peace and joy. Through duty the soul is opened to the " visitations from on high," and the law of duty is thus revealed as the law of true life. Blessed are they who learn to follow it in youth. Mr. Smith continued in mercantile business about five years, and then for about two years was engaged in whaling and fishing. Regaining his health, he entered trade as a dry- goods merchant, which he continued till 1873, when he sold to his son, Iram N., and Mr. Jenney, since which he has not been actively employed in busi- ness, though he is identified with several manufac- turing interests. He is a director of the Granite and Stafford Mills; has been president of the Massa- soit Bank since 1878 ; has been a director of the same since the organization, and is the only original direc- tor now living. He is a member of the board of in- vestment of Bank. Mr. Smith is a Republican in politics. He cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Jackson in 1882, was a member of the Liberal party in 1840, and voted for James G. Birney for President and Thomas Earle for Vice-President. He was one of the First Free-Soilers in Fall River. In 1839 he was a representative to the General Court, and has since served five times in that capacity, acting on several important committees. He joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in 182G, and has been a class-leader more than half a century, and during an equal period a teacher in Sun- day-school. He is liberal, eveu generous, in the be- the Fall River Five Cents Savings- stowment of aid on all worthy objects, and an active supporter of education. For many years he has been a trustee of East Greenwich Academy, R. I. His first wife was Betsey L., daughter of Daniel and Patience Douglass, whom he married Aug. 15, 1834. She was born Oct. 23, 1814, and died July, 1859. Their children were: 1. Susan H.; 2. Henry D. (deceased); 3. Rhoda D. ; 4. Ellen A.; 5. Eliza- beth L. (deceased); 6. Iram N. ; 7. Emma E. ; 8. Charles H. (deceased). He married for his second wife, June 15, 1864, Sarah Elizabeth, daughter of William Mason, of Fall River. (See sketch of William Mason.) She was born in Fall River, Nov. 13, 1832. The children by this marriage are: 1. Harriet A.; 2. Annie M. ; 3. William H. ; 4. Charles E., — all living at home. COL. THOMAS J. BORDEN. • Col. Thomas J. Borden, one of the leading business men of Southeastern Massachusetts, was born in Fall River, March 1, 1832. He was educated in the pri- vate select schools of his native town, and at the age of sixteen years entered the office of the Fall River Iron-Works Company, of which his father, Col. Richard Borden, was treasurer. After remain- ing here one year he entered the Lawrence Scientific School at Cambridge, where he completed a two years' course, studying engineering under Professor Eustis, and chemistry under Professor Horsford. The technical knowledge acquired at this institution proved invaluable to Col. Borden in his subsequent successful business career. He returned to Fall River in 1851, and re-entered the employ of the iron-works company, where he re- mained two years, developing business capacity of a high order. In the summer of 1853, being at that time only twenty-one years of age, he was appointed agent and treasurer of the Bay State Print- Works, a newly organized corporation. The financial panic of 1857 led to the consolidation of these works with the American Print- Worksj and Col. Borden was retained as manager of the new corporation. In February, 1860, he was appointed agent and treasurer of the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufac- tory, and immediately commenced operations for the enlargement of the mills. The plans submitted by him were at once adopted, and in less than ten months the capacity of the Troy Mills was increased fourfold, and the property which was valued at two hundred thousand dollars in 1860, had risen in 1876 to the value of eight hundred thousand dollars, and more than one million two hundred and fifty thousand dollars had been paid in dividends. Upon the or- ganization of the Mechanics' Mills, in 1868, Col. Bor- den Avas chosen president and agent, and officiated in that capacity about eighteen months, when he was elected treasurer, thus devolving upon him the entire management of the business. 394 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. In 1871 he organized the Richard Borden Manufac- turing Company, and was chosen treasurer of the corporation, and held that position until February, 1876. He has been a director since its incorpora- tion, and president since the early part of 1874. Thus it will be seen that Col. Borden was practically the controller from 1871 to 1876 of the Troy, the Mechanics', and the Richard Borden Mills, the three corporations embracing a total of one hundred and thirty-seven thousand seven hundred and seventy -six spindles and three thousand two hundred and twenty- eight looms. Although the management of this large interest caused a severe strain upon his mental and physical powers, Col. Borden proved himself equal to the labor imposed, discharging his duties with emi- ' nent ability, and these mills enlarged their operations and were financially successful under his skillful and judicious management. In 1876 he relinquished the active management of the three corporations mentioned above, and accepted the onerous position of treasurer, agent, and director of the American Print- Works (now American Print- ing Company), which he has held to the present time. The manufactory of the American Printing Company is one of the finest and most complete in the world that is devoted to the printing of cotton cloths. (See history on a former page.) Col. Borden has been a director in the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory since 1860, in the Me- chanics' Mills Company since 1868, and in the Rich- ard Borden Manufacturing Company since 1871. He has also been treasurer of the Wautuppa Reservoir Company since 1864, and has been intrusted with the management of the vexatious litigation to which this company has been subjected. He has been a di- rector in the Metacomet Bank since its organization in 1854. He was elected a director in the Old Colony Railroad Company in January, 1874, and in the fol- lowing June was chosen a director in the Old Colony Steamboat Company. He has also been a. director of the Fall River Manufacturers' Mutual Insurance Company since 1870; of the Boston Manufacturers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company since 1876 ; of the Worcester Manufacturers' Mutual Insurance Com- pany since January, 1879; of the State Mutual Fire Insurance Company since 1878 ; and of the What- cheer Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of Provi- dence, R. I., since 1873. Col. Borden inherited from his honored father, Col. Richard Borden, his love for the military, and rose from first lieutenant in the Massachusetts militia to the rank of colonel. He was commissioned as first lieutenant of the Fall River Light Infantry Sept. 3, 1863; as first lieutenant of the Fifth Unattached Company May 4, 1864; as captain of Company K, Third Regiment, Sept. 16, 1864; as lieutenant-colonel of the same regiment on Sept. 3, 1866; and as colonel on the 25th of June, 1868. He resigned the latter position in 1871. All measures tending to advance the welfare gen- erally of his native town have found in Col. Borden an earnest advocate. His efficient service in the fire department, from 1865 to 1872, will not soon be for- gotten. He labored unremittingly to advance the efficiency of the department, and upon retiring from the office of chief engineer, which he had held for the last three years, he left the department in most excel- lent condition. He has been a trustee of the Fall River Savings-Bank since 1866, and in 1874 was made a director in the Borden Mining Company of Frost- burg, Md., which Col. Richard Borden had assisted in organizing. He is a prominent member of the Central Congregational Church, and was chairman of the building committee during the erection of the present imposing edifice of the society on Rock Street. He has also been a corporate member of the American Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions since 1877. He was a member of the Common Council of the city of Fall River in 1874, and president of that body in 1875. Col. Borden's life has been one of steady and active devotion to business, and his great success has been the natural result of his ability to examine and readily comprehend any subject presented to him, power to decide promptly, and courage to act with vigor and persistency in accordance with his conviction. Feb. 20, 1855, Col. Borden united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of Ebenezer A. Hill, and their family has consisted as follows: Harriet M., Anna H., Carrie L., and Richard, all of whom are living except Richard, who died in early life. HON. CRAWFORD E. LINDSEY. Hon. Crawford E. Lindsey, son of William and Eliza A. (French) Lindsey, was born in Fall River, Aug. 19, 1838. His education was obtained in the public schools of Fall River, Mass., in Providence, R. I., and at Peirce Academy, in Middleborough, Mass. Upon leaving school in 1857, when in his nineteenth year, he entered the office of the Ameri- can Print- Works of Fall River in the capacity of clerk, and subsequently became book-keeper. A por- tion of the company's goods had always been sold in Boston by commission merchants, and it was mainly through the suggestions of Mr. Lindsey that in 1860 a change was made, and this market supplied direct from the works He was appointed selling agent, which position he held until the suspension of the company in 1879, when his connection with the com- pany was dissolved. When a young man, Mr. Lindsey became actively identified with the industries of the city. He was one of the originators of the Merchants' Manufacturing Company, and was a director from its organization until very recently. He was also until lately a di- rector of the Fall River Bleachery, being a member of its first board of officers. He was largely instru- &■■ £ 7 / ^-^ , ^a^-^ FALL RIVER. 395 mental in organizing the King Philip Mills in 1871, and was elected its first president, which position he still retains. In 1880 he, with a few others, pur- chased what had been known as the Mount Hope Mill property. A corporation was organized under the name of Conanicut Mills, and Mr. Lindsey was elected treasurer, which position he now holds. Under his management, the property has been greatly improved and enlarged, and devoted to the manufacture of fine cotton goods. He has long been interested in the welfare of the Fall River Savings-Bank, and is now one of its trustees. Mr. Lindsey's political associations have always been with the Republican party. In 1869 and 1870 he was a member of the Common Council of the city of Fall River, and the latter year was chosen presi- dent of that body. In 1871 and 1872 he served as a member of the Board of Aldermen, and in 1874 he was again a member and president of the Common Council. In 1870, 1871, and 1872 he served as a member of the school committee. In 1878 and 1879 he was mayor of the city of Fall River, the second year being elected with practically no opposition. The two years during which he served as mayor were dark and trying ones in the history of Fall River. Extreme business depression prevailed throughout the country. The defalcations which were discov- ered during the first year, and which resulted in the ruin of several corporations and a general suspension of manufacturing, threw large numbers of helpless operatives upon the city's charity. In 1879 an un- fortunate strike of mill operatives, the most serious which has ever afflicted the city, and attended with considerable disorder, rendered the second year also of Mr. Lindsey's administration peculiarly trying and difficult. His office hours were extended through the whole day and often into the night. The times de- manded firmness, and the greatest promptness and vigor of action in the performance of official duties, and very often the executive authority failed to re- ceive the support of a majority of the Board of Alder- men, yet the mayor acquitted himself to the general approval of his fellow-citizens. Since his retirement from the office of mayor he has held no public posi- tion, except that of trustee of the public library, to which he was elected in 1882. On the 27th day of May, 1863, Mr. Lindsey was united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of Hon. Oliver Chace, of Fall River. Mr. Lindsey is now in the prime of life, and enjoys in the community in which he resides the esteem and confidence which he has won by his decided abilities, his persistent industry, and his strict and undeviating integrity. ELIJAH C. KILBT'RN. The name of Kilburn is found among the English nobility as far back as Chaucer, and the line of de- scent can be directly traced down to the present. Thomas Kilburn was the ancestor of the family in this country, and came from England in 1635, bring- ing with him his wife and five children. One of his descendants of the fourth generation was John Kil- burn, the first settler of the town of Walpole, N. H. He settled there in 1749. He was born at Glaston- bury, Conn., in 1704, married Mehitable Bacon Oct. 26, 1732, and had four children, of whom the only son was John, who accompanied his father to Wal- pole. This son is spoken of, in connection with his father, in an account of an Indian attack upon that town, recorded in Aldrich's " History of Walpole:" " Kilburn and his son John, in his eighteenth year, a man named Peak and his son were returning home from work about noon, Aug. 17, 1755, when one of them discovered the red legs of the Indians among the alders ' as thick as grasshoppers.' They instantly made for the house, fastened the doors, and began to make preparations for an obstinate defense. Besides these four men there were in the house Kilburn's wife and his daughter Hetty, who contributed not a little to encourage and assist their companions, as well as to keep a watch on the movements of the enemy. . . . "The Indians next appeared on the eminence east of Kilburn's house, when the same ' old devil' Philip who had visited him the summer before came forward, and screening himself behind a tree called out to those in the house to surrender. ' Old John, young John,' says he, ' I know you ; come out here, we give you good quarter.' "'Quarter!' vociferated old Kilburn with a voice of thunder that rang through every Indian heart and every hill and valley. ' You black rascals be gone, or we'll quarter you !' " Philip then returned to his companions, and after a few minutes' consultation the war-whoop was given. The Indians rushed forward to the work of destruc- tion, and probably no less than four hundred bullets were lodged in Kilburn's house at the first fire. . . . They had several guns in the house, which were kept hot by incessant firing. . . . The women, with true Grecian firmness, assisted in loading the guns. . . . The contest was kept up till nearly sundown, when the Indians began to disappear, and as the sun sank behind the western hills the sound of the guns and the cry of the war-whoop died away in silence." The account from which the above is quoted closes with these words, "Seldom has it fallen to the lot of our forefathers, by personal courage and valor, to reap a more brilliant crown of laurels than that won by Kilburn on that memorable day. . . . During the whole of the Indian and French war, which lasted till 1763, the Indians never afterwards made their appearance in Walpole." 396 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. The inscription on the gravestone of John Kilburn, in the Walpole burying-ground. is as follows: " In memory of John Kilburn, who departed this life for a better, April 8, 1789, in the S5 year of his age. He was the first settler of this town in 1749." Young John, or, as he was afterwards called, Capt. John, married Content, daughter of Rev. Ezra Car- penter, of Swansea, N. H. He died in Shrewsbury, Vt., July 20, 1819, leaving five children, of whom Elijah, the father of our subject, was the youngest. He was born in Walpole, Sept. 30, 1772; married Re- becca Jennison, daughter of John and Sybil Jenni- sou, in 1798. He died in 1847; his wife in 1849. They had nine children, all born in Walpole, viz. : (1) Harriet, died unmarried in 1830; (2) Mary, wife of Noah Smith ; (3) Josiali, married Emily Bonney ; (4) George, married Laura Hooper; removed to Fall River about 1840, and subsequently connected with the Lonsdale Manufacturing and Bleaching Com- pany, of which he was superintendent; (5) John, mar- ried Maria E. Gage, and settled in Fall River, where he died Dec. 4, 1846 ; (6) Frederick, married Mary Ann Watkins ; represented Walpole in the General Court in 1858-59; a carpenter and millwright by occupa- tion; (7) Elijah C, the subject of our sketch ; (8) Re- becca, wife of Rodney Smith ; (9) William J. , a whole- sale merchant of Augusta, Me., firm of William J. Kilburn & Co. Elijah C. Kilburn, the immediate subject of this notice, was born in the town of Walpole, N. H., June 10, 1811. His father was poor, with a large family to support, and the only income was from his daily labor as a carpenter. Hence as soon as the boys were able to be of any service to their father in his business and could assist in the support of the family they were put to work. In this way Elijah had gained quite a knowledge of the carpenter's trade before he was nineteen years of age, and was getting what was considered good pay for the times, — about fifty cents per day and board. Previous to this time, as a lad, he had worked on the farm of one of his elder brothers in Walpole. His early school advantages were few ; the most he attended was during the three months of each winter, and some years not so much as that. When between nineteen and twenty years of age, in the year 1830, he left home and went to Boston, where his brother John had been three years, and was then the proprietor of what had been Holland's Coffee-House. He was given employment by his brother at eleven dollars per month and board. By carefully saving what money he earned, and what was given him by the boarders for odd jobs done for them, at the end of four years he had accumulated about five hundred dollars. Then borrowing of a friend the sum of two hundred dollars, he was able to buy of his brother a half-interest in the public-house, which became known as Kilburn's Coffee-House, sit- uated on Howard Street, and was well known in those days. It was the first temperance house in Boston. They had some twenty steady city boarders, and they catered for a class of transients who came into the city to attend the Legislature in the winter, and country merchants who came to Boston to buy goods, staying from one to two and sometimes three weeks. He remembers with a great deal of pride many men who used to stop at his house who have since become famous in the world of business and of letters. The first money he made he used in paying the two hun- dred dollars he had borrowed. While in this situation, on the 24th of September, 1835, he united in marriage with Hannah S., daughter of Benjamin and Martha (Tilton) Carter. It may be as well here as elsewhere in this sketch to give the names and dates of birth of their children, which are as follows: Emily A., born April 1, 1839; Mary Theresa, born Aug. 3, 1841 (deceased) ; Charles W., born July 12, 1844 (deceased) ; Elias T., born June 21, 1850. After being associated with his brother about three years in the hote^ business, he sold his interest for about three thousand dollars, and in 1837 returned to Walpole and bought with his brother George a half-interest in a farm in that town known as the Major Jennison farm, which had previously belonged to his grandfather. On the farm was a famous stock of fine Saxony sheep. They carried ou the farm to- gether about one year, when his brother retiring, left him sole proprietor. He remained here about nine years, and in addition to the work of the farm he be- came quite a contractor, building highway bridges, doing masonry-work, and entering somewhat into the lumber business. In the year 1846 he repre- sented the town of Walpole in the General Court. In 1847, Mr. Kilburn removed to Fall River, Mass. His brother John, who had preceded him to Fall River and had established the machine business, entering largely into the manufacture of turbine water-wheels, died in 1846, leaving his widow execu- trix of his estate. Mr. Kilburn took charge of the business in 1847, and not being a practical machinist, associated with him Mr. Jonathan T. Lincoln, under the name of E. C. Kilburn & Co. The business was carried on under this name till 1856, when, on ac- count of the illness of Mr. Lincoln, his son, Henry C. Lincoln, was added to the firm, which then took the name of Kilburn, Lincoln & Son. They carried on business till 1867 in the old shops on the site of the present Fall River freight depot/between Water and Pond Streets. The present corporation of Kilburn, Lincoln & Co. is a joint-stock company, with a paid-up capital of eighty thousand dollars. It was incorporated in 1867. At that time the new shops at the corner of Pocasset and Canal Streets were built. * ^ FALL RIVER. 391 DR. J. M. ALDRICH. James Mott Aklrich was born in the town of Smith- field, R. I., Oct. 30, 1817. He is the son of Arnold Aldrich, who was the twelfth and youngest child of Judge Caleb Aldrich, of the same town. He is the fifth generation in descent from George Aldrich and his wife Catherine Seald, who came to this country from Derbyshire, England, in 1631, and settled in the town <»i' Mendon, Mass. George was one of the original purchasers of the town, and reared a family of eleven children. Moses, the grandson of George, and the lather of Caleb, became an eminent Quaker preacher, and traveled quite extensively in prosecuting his divine mission. After suffering many petty persecutions and deprivations from the dominant religious sect of his native State on account of his religion, he moved to the freer atmosphere of Rhode Island, bringing with Mr. Kilburn sold most of his interest in the ma- chine-shops in 1869, and in 1871 united with Craw- ford E. Lindsey, of Fall River, Jonathan Chace, of Valley Falls, R. I., and others in organizing the King Philip Mills Company, of Fall River. After several interviews it was decided by these gentlemen to test the practicability of raising a capital stock of five hundred thousand dollars for the erection of a mill of about thirty-six thousand spindles for the manufacture of fine cotton fabrics. Says the history of Fall River industries, "The matter was put in charge of Mr. E. C. Kilburn, and within a fortnight the whole amount of five hundred thousand dollars was taken by forty-seven responsible persons, and an additional one hundred and sixty thousand dollars asked for; but at the first meeting of the subscribers, held July 14, 1871, for organization, it was decided to limit the capital stock to five hundred thousand dollars." Mr. Kilburn was one of the original board of di- rectors, and was elected treasurer of the corporation, which office he still holds. The company was incor- porated Sept. 15, 1871. The mill was built under the superintendence of Mr. Kilburn, assisted by W. F. Sherman and F. P. Sheldon, architects and draughts- men, and started in January, 1873. Mr. Kilburn was one of the original stockholders of the Union Mills, and upon the death of Mr. Hale Remington was elected a director, and remained in that capacity until the suspension. He was also a director in the Border City Mills, and is at present a director in the following companies: Conanicut and Weetamoe Mills, Union Belt Company, Fall River Manufacturers' Mutual Insurance Company. He was and is an original stockholder and director in the Second National Bank, an original trustee of the Five Cent Savings-Bank, and about ten years past a mem- ber of the Board of Investment. During the years 1860-63, 1866-67 he was a member of the Common Council of Fall River. him and transmitting to his children such a hatred of religious tyranny and priestly domination that it has not yet become extinct in his later descendants. James was the youngest of ten children, seven sons and three daughters, of whom he is the only one living. As an interesting evidence of the multiform branch- ing of the family tree, there is to be found on the headstone of his grandmother's grave the statement that at the time of her death she had living nine children, ninety-seven grandchildren, and one hun- dred and seventy great-grandchildren. He was of a somewhat delicate and sensitive or- ganization, and has never enjoyed the vigorous health which was shared by the other brothers of the family. His childhood and youth were spent on his father's farm, which was pleasantly situated about one mile south of Union village, near the main road to Provi- dence. After obtaining a knowledge of the common branches of education at the public and private neighborhood schools he entered the academy at Union village, which was then under the charge of James Bushee. Here he studied the higher branches taught in a select school, and during the time read ancient and modern history and the writings of the standard poets, of which he was particularly fond. He was a studious scholar, loved learning for its own sake, aud took a high rank among his fellow-pupils. Another means of his education which should not be overlooked was the Debating Club, of which he was an active member. Here were discussed, and fre- quently by the most intelligent persons in the com- munity, the various prominent and public questions of the day, and as Mr. Aldrich was particularly fond of debate, he used all available means to enable him to discuss these questions intelligently, and being a ready and not unpleasant speaker, he became quite prominent in these friendly educational contests. Through these various methods, aided on the religious side of his nature by the instruction received from his Quaker parents, he arrived at the stage of man- hood with convictions matured beyond many of his years, and being naturally conscientious and of an active temperament, he soon identified himself with the earnest opponents of slavery, intemperance, capi- tal punishment, and restricted charter suffrage, the four questions which were just then disturbing the usual quiet of his State. To his great disgust the latter reform soon fell into the hands of unwise leaders, and he withdrew from all further connection with the party, not being inclined to place himself in rebellion against the de facto authorities of the State, though not the less convinced of the justice of the demand. From early childhood Mr. Aldrich had been a victim of gastric disease, which in his later youth increased in severity, and was occasionally accompanied with severe intestinal complications, which, with the de- bilitating effects of the treatment considered necessarv 393 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. to give relief, greatly enfeebled his general health, and caused his friends much solicitude for the future. An entire change in the treatment was finally decided upon, and on the accession of one of these attacks a botanic physician was called, who gave him more speedy relief and with less exhaustion than he had previously experienced. The treatment finally re- sulted in the establishment of better health than he had ever before enjoyed. This gratifying result turned his attention to the study of medicine, and in the early part of the year 1839 he entered the office and infirmary of Dr. J. A. Brown, of Providence, R. I. With his usual ardor he entered upon his new course of study, also gaining a practical knowledge of the use and effects of remedies at the bedside of the numerous patients treated in the infirmary. Here he remained until the last of November, 1840, when he accepted an invitation to go to Fall River, Mass., to take the place of Dr. J. B. Woodward, who went South for the benefit of his health. Dr. Woodward returned in about a year, and Mr. Aldrich left to further pursue his studies. He attended a course of lectures in the Medical Department of Harvard Col- lege, and subsequently a course at the Botanic Medi- cal College in Cincinnati, where he received his di- ploma and was chosen valedictorian of his class. After practicing several months in Woonsocket, he removed to Fall River in November, 1843, again tak- ing the place of Dr. Woodward, then made vacant by his death, and now antedates by some years any other practitioner in the city, and has been the long- est in practice of any one of his school in Bristol County. He continues to adhere to the same princi- ples of sanitive medication he at first adopted, yet, profiting from his experience and keeping himself somewhat familiar with current medical literature, he is ever ready to adopt such changes in remedies and methods of application as his judgment approves. For the purpose of combating medical intolerance and prejudice, and giving to such as were disposed to inquire a knowledge of the reformed practice, Dr. Aldrich, in connection with Dr. T. W. Wood, A.M., of Middleborough, published for a year (in 1846-47) a monthly paper called the Medical Enquirer, of which several hundred copies were issued. In 1867, Dr. Aldrich was elected president of the Massachusetts Eclectic Medical Society, and subsequently delivered the annual address. The energy and perseverance required to overcome the peculiar obstacles incident to his independent position as a physician, added to the ordinary duties of a remunerative practice which he secured, did not prevent the doctor from taking an active part in some of the vital questions which have agitated the community. Indifferent to the odium which for a time was thrown upon the Abolitionists of the Garrison school, he early became one of the most active and earnest laborers in the anti-slavery cause to be found in the place. He circulated petitions, secured lecturers, presided at their meetings, con- ducted the correspondence, and was closely identified with the comparatively few of a similar faith and ac- cordant spirit. He has always been a strong advocate of total abstinence from all alcoholic beverages, was for years president of the Temperance Society, has frequently spoken at temperance meetings, and for many years has almost entirely discarded the use of alcohol as a curative agent. His early views on the suffrage question made him a ready advocate of woman's right to the ballot as a matter of justice and sound expediency. For some years he has held the office of president of the Children's Home, a public institution designed to have charge of orphans and destitute children, and in the success of which he has been much interested. He has also been the principal physician employed at the Home in cases of sickness. In 1852 the doctor was elected a member of the school committee, the only political office he ever held, being loosely bound by party ties, though strongly in sympathy with the Republican organization. From 1852 to 1879 he held the office fifteen years, the last five of which he was elected chairman of the committee. He declined a further renomination, and after a year's interval his wife was elected to the position, which she still holds. The annual reports of the committee during his chair- manship indicate theintelligentinteresthe manifested in the discharge of his official duties. Dr. Aldrich continued his connection with the Society of Friends until the New England Yearly Meeting decided to forbid the opening of its houses of worship for anti-slavery meetings, and advised its members not to be identified with the Abolitionists, since which time he has ceased to regard himself as a member of the denomination, though never dis- owned by the society. The knowledge and experience gained during these years liberated his own mind from some religious assumptions and peculiarities which he formerly re- garded as important and led him to separate religion, which lie defines as the vitalizing and guiding principle which exalts and dignifies the soul and consecrates it to noble uses, from the great body of theology which the human intellect has imposed upon it. In 1871 he united with the Unitarian Society, and was shortly after chosen a member of the standing committee, which office he still holds, and is ranked among the most active, liberal, and progressive members of the society. Dr. Aldrich was married, May 24, 1844, to Mary A. Allen, of Dedham, Mass. She was a teacher in the higher branches of instruction, and thoroughly in accord with her husband in social and reformatory questions. She never enjoyed vigorous health, and died of inherited pulmonary disease Dec. 18, 1857. He was again married, Sept. 23, 1862, to Louisa G., youngest daughter of Hon. Nathaniel B. Burden, the atmosphere of whose home was permeated with those ideas of practical righteousness which underlie all / ifU'Cr?'?^-- j M?^^ I a^t FALL RIVER. 399 that is genuine in life and enduring in character. They have a daughter and son, the former of whom has nearly completed her second year in Smith Col- lege, Northampton. For twenty-five years the doctor lived in the Blossom house, No. 77 North Main Street, on the corner of Franklin Street. In 1870 he purchased a pleasant home on the corner of Hanover and Prospect Streets, where he has since resided, hut continues his office at the old place on Main Street. We conclude this biography with the following ap- preciative tribute, written by a prominent and highly- respected citizen of Fall River: " Dr. Aldrich has more than a reputation, he has a character so well woven into the woof and warp of his e very-day life as to present a degree of faultless- ness that has secured for him general confidence and respect. He is a gentleman of strong convictions and marked individuality; has opinions of his own, and is not slow in defending them when it becomes ne- cessary for him to do so. Indeed, his combativeness is fairly developed, and at times he loves controversy, and wields a ready and caustic pen, as those have found who have crossed lances with him. While honoring the profession of which he is a worthy mem- ber, he has found time for that general and select reading which, as much as anything, develops, strengthens, and makes the man. As a physician, Dr. Aldrich is safe, reliable, and always to be trusted ; as a citizen, gentlemanly in his bearing and deport- ment, and holds a high and well-merited place in the good will of the community. " His services on the school committee of Fall River, for which he is admirably adapted both by culture and experience, have been valuable in many ways, and his interest in general education and all that is good and ennobling in life are well known and ap- preciated. We wish him the addition of many golden years to the silver summers of his life." DR. JEROME DWELLY. Dr. Jerome D welly was born in Tiverton, R. I., Jan. 21, 1823, about four and one-half miles south from the city of Fall River. His father, Daniel Dwelly 2 , was a well-known and respectable farmer, and was a direct descendant of Richard Dwelly, who was one of the early settlers of Plymouth Colony, and who, about 1605, settled in Scituate, Mass., having been in some of the neighboring towns as early as 1654. He had a grant of land in Scituate from the colony for ser- vices rendered in King Philip's war in 1676. His grandson, Joshua Dwelly, being a ship-carpenter, emigrated from Scituate to Swansea, Mass., and about 17' io to Tiverton, R. I., and his grandson, Richard Dwelly 3 , emigrated from Tiverton, R. I., to Manlius, N. Y., when his son, Daniel Dwelly-', was about eleven years of age, where the family remained, except the son Daniel, who returned to Tiverton and married the daughter of Jonathan Slade 2 , formerly of Slade's Ferry. Jerome Dwelly, his son, having become lame when quite young, was sent to school at Fall River, and subsequently to Pierce' Academy, at Mid- dleborough, Mass., to fit for college, with a view of becoming a lawyer. He remained there three years, and then, his health failing, he was obliged to suspend his studies for two or three years, after which his mind became diverted to the study of medicine. He then became a student in the office of the late Thomas Wilbur, of Fall River, and subsequently entered the offices of Dr. William E. Townsend and his father, Solomon D. Townsend, one of the surgeons of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. He was graduated in medicine at the Harvard Medical Col- lege in 1847, and has been in the active practice of his profession in Fall River since that time, with the exception of two years spent in California, from 1849 to 1851. He was for about twenty years a member of the school board of Fall River. AUGUSTUS UHACE. A man who entirely by his own efforts has risen to affluence and social position, and through all the changing events of an active business life has pre- served his integrity unimpeached, well deserves the pen of the historian. Such an one is Augustus Chace, the subject of this sketch. Without the advantages of inherited aid he has worked the problem of his own fortune, and lives to enjoy the fruition of a successful business career. Augustus Chace was born in Freetown, Mass., Sept. 20, 1813. While he was quite a small lad his parents removed to Valley Falls, R. I., where they remained about five years, and then removed to Fall River. His first work in a mill was at Valley Falls, where he received one dollar per week. Upon com- ing to Fall River he commenced work in the Print- Works, carrying cloth, and soon after went into what was long known as the " yellow mill," stripping cards, receiving the meagre salary of fifty cents per day. Here he remained about eight years, and then re- moved to Eagleville, and later to Newville or " Sucker Brook," as the locality is called. He had now became a thoroughly practical manu- facturer, and with that clear foresight which has ever been characteristic of the man, he saw the facilities afforded by Fall River for manufacturing purposes, and in 1845 he came here, and in company with the late William B. Trafford erected a small mill for the manufacture of yarns, etc., under the firm-name of Chace & Trafford. This partnership continued about fifteen years. The firm subsequently purchased the Westport Manufacturing Company, and after about six years the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Chace retaining the interest of the linn in the Fall River property, and Mr. Trafford taking the Westport pro- ject. The business was originally commenced in a 400 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. WEAVER OSBORN. Weaver Osborn, son of Thomas and Anna (Durfee) Osborn, was born in Tiverton, R. I., May 23, 1815. He remained at home until he was eighteen, working on the farm and attending the common school, which furnished his early advantage for an education, except a few months' instruction at the seminary at Little West Hill, South Kingston, R. I. At eighteen he began to learn the blacksmith's trade in Fairhaven, small way, the product being about eighty pounds of coarse yarn per day, employing six persons. It has increased and developed until at the present time the production is three' thousand six hundred pounds per day of cotton twines and carpet warps, — employing ninety persons. During the present year the capac- ity of the mill is to be largely increased. Mr. Chace has ever manifested a lively interest in all matters tending to advance the welfare of his adopted town, and may be ranked as one of the lead- ing mill directors and manufacturers in this famous manufacturing city. In addition to the Wyoming Mills, which are owned exclusively by him, he is president of the Tecumseh Mills, president of the Chace Mills, a director in the Fall River Spool and Bobbin Company, also in the Merchants' Mill Cor- poration, and is an owner in the Barnaby Manufac- turing Company. He has been president of the Union Savings-Bank since its incorporation in 1869. He was a member of the Legislature of Rhode Island when the town of Tiverton embraced a portion of the present city of Fall River, and has also been identified with the city government, serving in the Common Council, and also in Board of Aldermen. Sept. 20, 1832, Mr. Chace united in marriage with Rhoda M. Lake, a native of Tiverton, R. I., and their family consisted of four children,— Augustus W. D., deceased ; Mary Maria, deceased ; Adoniram J., who is in his father's office ; and Sarah L., wife of John J.Wood. Augustus Chace's career has ever been guided by a truly religious principle, and from that Sabbath morning while playing marbles in the streets of Val- ley Falls he heard the voice of the Christian woman inviting him to the Sunday-school, to the present time his life has been characterized by a consistent Christian spirit. He was a member of the Second Baptist Church of this city for forty years. Augustus Chace is essentially a self-made man. Early in life he learned that the way to success was by no royal road, but was open to stout hearts and willing hands. He has gained nothing by mere luck, but everything by perseverance and well-digested plans, and the intelligent application of his energies to the end in view. In social life he is gentlemanly and affable, and is one of Fall River's most enterpris- ing and honored citizens. Bristol Co., Mass., and having served his apprentice- ship pursued that occupation till 1871. In 1835, Mr. Osborn bought out Nathaniel Peirce, of Tiverton, and carried on his trade there about eight years, and in 1843 he removed to Providence, where he remained one year, when he returned to Tiverton. In 1844 he began to work for Andrew Robeson as a journeyman, and continued in that capacity four years, when in 1848 he resumed business in his native town, continuing till January, 1855, when his shop was destroyed by fire. In this juncture of affairs he removed to Fall River and entered into copartner- ship with James M. Osborn, his younger brother (firm of W. &. J. M. Osborn). Their shop was situ- ated where the new post-office now stands, and the partnership lasted till 1871. Since then Mr. Osborn has been closely connected with manufactures and with the growth and develop- ment of Fall River. He was elected president of the Pocasset National Bank in 1873, an office which he still holds. He has been a director in the same bank since its organization in 1854, when it was known as the Pocasset Bank under the State laws. In 1873 he was elected chairman of the board of investment, and still holds the position. He has been a member of the board since its organization in 1851, and, with the exception of William C. Chapin, of Providence, he is the only living member of that original board. Mr. Osborn is president and director of the Os- born Mills, which take his name. He was chiefly in- strumental in getting the stock taken and building the first mill in 1872- Since the last date he has also been a director in the Montaup Mills. He is a trus- tee of the Citizens' Savings- Bank of Fall River, one of the board of water commissioners, and one of the trustees of the State workhouse at Bridgewater, Mass. As a Whig in politics, he cast his first vote for Henry Clay, but became a Republican upon the or- ganization of the latter party in 1856. As such he was elected to represent the town of Fall River, R. I., in the State Senate in 1857, 1858, and 1859, and served on the military and other committees. He has since served in the Legislature of Massachusetts for the fol- lowing-named years, 1868, 1869, 1871, 1873, 1876, 1877, and in 1879 he was a member of the State Senate, and served on several important committees. As a military man, he has served through the va- rious grades from private to captain in the State militia, and was in the Dorr war. Mr. Osborn has had much experience in the settle- ment of estates, and his labors in that direction have given general satisfaction. He is a man of strict in- tegrity and sound practical judgment. He married, Jan. 7, 1837, Patience B. Dwelley, daughter of Daniel and Mary Slade. They have had four children, as follows: (1) Mary S. ; (2) Daniel W., died in his twenty-third year; (3) Thomas F., died aged nine; (4) Anna Jane, died aged nine. ■ ,:?3*« Wffl, cm CX^U^r '/t- Z y^7^2/ y ( ,/ 4m. FALL RIVER. 401 Mrs. Osborn was born May 27, 1817, in Tiverton, R. I. Mr. and Mrs. Osborn have been members of the Baptist Church since 1843. The nine children of Thomas and Anna (Durfee) Osborn were (1) William, (2) Thomas, (3) Joseph, (4) Anna (deceased), (5) Wilson (deceased), (6) Pa- tience (deceased), (7) Eliza, (8) Weaver, (9) James M. Thomas Osborn died October, 1833, aged sixty-six. His wife died May 23, 1845, aged seventy-two. J. M. OSBORN. James Munroe Osborn, son of Thomas and Anna (Durfee) Osborn, was born at Tiverton, R. I., Aug. 27, 1822. His grandfather, William Osband, was a native of Newport, R. I., where he was born Aug. 16, 172D; he married Elizabeth Shriove in 1751; had children, Weaver, Elizabeth, Patience (died young), Thomas, William, and Wilson, and died Oct. 29, 1810, aged eighty-one. Thomas Osborn, father of J. M., was born at Tiverton, R. I., March 31, 1766 ; was a ship's cooper, and when not on a voyage engaged in farming. He married Anna Durfee in 1797, had nine children, of whom James M. was the youngest. He died, aged sixty-seven, Oct. 7, 1833. His mother be- ing left a widow when James was eleven years old, he remained with her on the farm, availing himself for six years of such common-school advantages of education as were given by the town schools, when he learned the blacksmith trade of his brother, Weaver, with whom he stayed three years ; he was then twenty. Going back to the farm, he tried seine fishing with unsatisfactory results, and relinquishing this field of labor he resumed blacksmithing in Prov- idence and worked in other places until 1845, when he came to Fall River and entered the employ of John Kilburn, for whom he worked until the death of Mr. Kilburn, some eighteen months thereafter. Mr. Kilburn's shop was shortly after taken by Kil- burn & Lincoln, and Mr. Osborn began work for them and continued there until 1855. In February of that year he joined his brother, Weaver, in the purchase of the shop of Gideon Packard, No. 44 Bedford Street, where they commenced business for themselves under the firm-title of W. & J. M. Os- born. In 1859 the incentive of making Fall River a lead- ing manufacturing centre of the State was given to the live business men of the city, and W. & J. M. Osborn became interested in and helped build the Union Mill, so soon to be followed by others. The firm afterwards took stock and were interested in the Granite Mill, and in 1867 invested largely in the Merchants' Manufacturing Company, in which corpo- ration Mr. Osborn was made a director. Companies desiring to establish themselves here soon saw that the assistance of this active and progressive firm was a step, and not an unimportant one, to success, and the members of it were soon associated with others in 26 the erection of the Stafford Mill. By this time other and weightier duties superseded the business which the firm was organized to transact, and, retaining the firm-name, the blacksmithing was dropped. Mr. Os- born, in 1871, was elected director and treasurer of the Slade Mill, then organized, and devoted himself to the duties of that office, and superintended the building of the mill. The next corporation in which the brothers were interested was the Osborn Mill. The copartnership of W. & J. M. Osborn continued until 1880. They were interested in the Union Belt Com- pany, Fall River Bobbin Mills, Montaup Mills, and other corporations. Mr. Osborn married, Aug. 9, 1847, Mary B., daugh- ter of Nathan and Elizabeth (Buffinton) Chace, of Somerset. (See history of Chace family in history of Fall River in this volume.) They have had three children, only one of whom, James E., now survives. He was born Jan. 24, 1856, graduated at Fall River High School, married Delia S., daughter of William and Elizabeth (Durfee) Carr, and has one child, Ma- rion. Mr. Osborn is a director of the Globe Yarn-Mill, Merchants' Manufacturing Company, and a trustee of the Fall River Five Cents Savings-Bank. In poli- tics Whig and Republican. He has been from early life a temperance worker in connection with the order of Sons of Temperance. He has never used to- bacco or liquor. He has been a member of the city government, serving in both branches. He and his wife have been long connected with the Second Bap- tist Church of this city as members, and Mr. Osborn has been for several years and is now chairman of the standing committee of the society. Mr. Osborn erected the pleasant residence which is now his home in 1859, occupying it the same year. He is a pleasant, affable man, and has been truly the architect of his own fortune, and enjoys a warm place in the regards of many friends. DANFORTH HORTON. Danforth Horton, son of Aaron and Bethaney (Baker) Horton and grandson of Solomon Horton, was born in the town of Dighton, Mass., Nov. 19, 1812. His grandfather, Solomon Horton, married Hannah Talbot, a native of Dighton, and had ten children, seven sons and three daughters, — Aaron Horton, son of Solomon and Hannah (Talbot) Horton, was born in Dighton, Mass., in 1779 or 1780, and died Dec. 3, 1854, aged seventy-four years. He married Bethaney, daugh- ter of Samuel Baker, of Rehoboth, and had five sons and two daughters, viz., Mason, deceased ; Danforth ; Hiram ; Nancy B., wife of Jarvis W. Eddy ; Na- thaniel B. ; Angelina, wife of Levi Baker; and Alvah, deceased. Mr. Horton married for his second wife Sally, daughter of Cromwell and Sarah (Mason) Burr, of Rehoboth. Danforth Horton spent his youth on his 402 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. father's farm, and attended the common schools until about the age of nineteen, when he began to learn the trade of a mason with James Horton, of Reho- both. He subsequently worked at his trade in Provi- dence, Taunton, and New Bedford, and in 1833 set- tled in Fall River, where he has ever since resided. About one year after his arrival in Fall Eiver he formed a copartnership with Lloyd S. Earle, which continued till 1860. As contractors and builders during that period they did a large amount of busi- ness, erecting in whole or in part some of the most substantial buildings in the city, including many of the business blocks and dwellings. They carried on every kind of masonry, and as builders sustained a high reputation for the substantial and solid charac- ter of their work. In 1858, Mr. Horton was elected surveyor of high- ways, and two years afterwards superintendent of streets, which latter position he held till 1878, and for a considerable period of the time held the office of surveyor of highways. Mr. Horton was superintendent of lights for many years, and for some time had charge of the teams of the fire department. As superintendent of sewers he had charge of all those constructed prior to 1878. He is a director in the Eobeson Mills, and presi- dent of the company since February, 1882. He has also been a director of the Bourne & Stafford Mills since the organization of the companies, and was a director for some time of the Merino and Tecumseh Mills, and of the Fall River Granite Company. He is at the present time a director of the Pocasset National Bank, and a trustee and vice-president of the Citizens' Savings-Bank, of Fall River. In his political principles he was in early life a Democrat, affiliating with the Free-Soil branch of the party in 1836 and subsequently, so that in 1856 it was easy for him to join the Republican movement, of which he has since been a stanch advocate, although never aspiring to political honors. He and Mrs. Horton have been members of the Baptist Church since 1840, nearly half a century. He married Sarah B., daughter of Carlton and Sarah (Brayton) Sherman, of Fall River, Jan. 29, 1835. She was born in Fall River Feb. 18, 1810. Her father, Carlton Sherman, was a native of Free- town, a son of Silas Sherman, and had four children, — Benjamin B., Zeruiah A., Persis P., and Sarah B. He was a farmer and cabinet-maker, and died, in his seventy-fourth year, July 10, 1849. His wife died Jan. 15, 1845, aged seventy years. Mr. and Mrs. Horton's two children, Sarah and Charles, both died young. Dan forth Horton is one of the self-made men of his time. Starting out a farmer's boy, with limited education, and with no capital save his own indomi- table energy and perseverance, he has made his way to a high standing among the men of character and business integrity of Fall River. LLOYD SLADE EARLE. Lloyd Slade Earle, son of Sladeand Hannah (Gibbs) Earle, was born in Somerset, Mass., Dec. 11, 1812, and soon after settled in the town of Swansea. Slade Earle, his father, was a farmer in that town, where he was born in 1791. He married, in 1812, Hannah Gibbs, daughter of Robert Gibbs, and had six chil- dren, viz. : Lloyd S., Gibbs, George W., Slade W., Hannah J. (Mrs. William Maxam, of Swansea), and John M. Slade Earle and his wife were members of the Baptist Church in Rehoboth. Lloyd S. spent his youthful days in Swansea. His advantages for an education were such as the common schools of his day afforded to farmers' boys who had to work during the summer, as our subject generally did, either on his father's farm or hired out to some neighboring farmer, till the age of seventeen. It was at this age, in 1829, that he went to New Bedford to learn the mason's trade. After serving an apprenticeship of four years with Pierce & Wheaton, contractors and builders, he went to Fall River in the summer of 1834, and found employment with Ephraim G. Woodman, and the fall of the same year entered into copartnership with his brother-in-law, Danforth Horton, for the purpose of carrying on the contract- ing and building business. Mr. Earle did not, how- ever, at once embark in business, but returned to Swansea, and taught school during the winter of 1834-35 in his own district. The two following win- ters he taught in Dighton. The partnership with Mr. Horton continued till 1860, during which time they did a large business. After it Avas dissolved Mr. Earle continued to carry on a heavy business of his own, erecting some of the finest mills and houses in Fall River. He built sixteen mills, among which we may mention the Granite Mills, American Print- Works (twice, on account of fire), Flint Mills, American Linen Mill, Shove Mills, Union Mills (first), Bourne Mill, and Wampanoag Mill No. 2. He has been a very successful contractor for brick and stone work, and also for finishing, plastering, etc., the interiors of houses. In politics, Mr. Earle was first a Democrat, acting with the Free-Soil branch of the party, and has been a Republican since that organization was formed, in 1856. He has taken some interest in local affairs. He served one year as a member of the Common Council of Fall River, and in 1860-61 he was a member of the General Court. He has always been a strong temperance man, having never used tobacco or liquors of any kind. He married Persis P., daughter of Carlton Sher- man and Sarah Brayton, in 1836. She was a daugh- ter of Carlton and Sarah (Brayton) Sherman, and was born in Fall River, Jan. 23, 1808. She had one brother and two sisters, viz., Benjamin B., Zeruiah A., and Sarah B. Mr. and Mrs. Earle had one son, Andrew B., born March 27, 1837. He married Hannah E. Borden, ^Z^tc^/d pT, W OJi/^ 0% 6 // ^ I Oyrt^ f FALL RIVER. 403 daughter of Durfee Borden, of Fall River, and had three children, — Lloyd B., died in infancy; Emma P. and Mary A., with their mother, survive. Andrew B. Earle was a grocer. He died Jan. 12, 1867, aged twenty-nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd S. Earle are members of the First Baptist Church in Fall River. He has taken a deep interest in Sunday-school work, and has been a teacher, more or less, for nearly forty years. He is a director in the Shove, Wampanoag, Robe- son, and Bourne Mills, a trustee of the Citizens' Savings-Bank, and member of its board of invest- ment. Mr. Earle is actively connected with some of the leading enterprises of Fall River, and has taken a deep interest in all public improvements, as well as in all measures and institutions calculated to conserve the moral and intellectual welfare of the community. He is a self-made man, and the architect of his own fortune, having started in life a poor boy, and by his own unaided exertions made his way to the honorable standing which he holds among the substantial men of the city. In all his business and social relations he has sustained a high reputation for honor and in- tegrity. 1 WILLIAM MARVEL. William Marvel was born in Swansea, Mass., on the 21st day of March, in the year 1800. His father, William Marvel, was a mason by trade, and the Mar- vels, Marbles, or Marbels, for these are different spell- ings of one family name, had been generally" mechanics since they came to this country from Wales, about the year 1650. Charles and Joseph, brothers, and the first of the name in this part of the State, were ship-builders, and many of their descendants followed the same profession, building vessels for Newport, New Bedford, Warren, and neighboring ports. Pru- dence Mason, his mother, was descended from a family of Baptist Puritans, who fled to this country at the time of the Restoration. Many of the Masons were well-to-do farmers, but several are recorded as tanners and shoemakers. Is it to be wondered at that coming from such a stock, the child should have developed a remarkable love and aptitude for the mechanical arts ? About the year 1805 or 1806 a small cotton-mill was started in what was then known as the " Mason neigh- borhood," now Swansea Factory, by those pioneers of manufacturing in this county, the Wheelers — Na- thaniel and Dexter — and Oliver Chace. When the mill was put in operation, William Marvel, then hardly six years old, was hired to tend the "breaker" or carding-machine. He remained here, employed in different parts of the mill, most of the time until 1812 or 1813. His work was occasionally interrupted by 1 For a more complete history of his ancestors, see biography of Weston Earle, Dighton. attendance at school during the summer term, and for a month or six weeks in winter, and by two longer intervals, when he was engaged in farming. In 1813 he was hired to clean and repair the machinery of a small mill, situated in what was then a part of Ti- verton, now Globe village. At that time there were no spindles running in Fall River, but in the next year the Troy Mill was built. His services seem to have been demanded in all the earlier manufacturing; enterprises in this city, for in 1814 he was employed in the Troy Mill, the next year as overseer in a small mill owned by Dexter Wheeler, and later hired by Benjamin E. Bennett, carding rolls for hand-spin- ning. He was constantly occupied in the mills either in Fall River or Swansea until 1819, when a long, severe illness prostrated him. Before he regained sufficient strength to endure the confinement and hard work of a factory, he learned the shoemakers' trade, and was occupied one season seining herring and shad at Dighton. In 1821 he returned to Fall River, and was overseer in the old Troy Mill until it was destroyed by fire in October of that year, and afterwards found work in the machine-shops of Oliver Chace, and Harris, Hawes & Co. Mr. Marvel was married on the 4th of March, 1827, to Lydia Gifford, daughter of Daniel Giffbrd, of this city. They had three children, — one son, died in infancy, and a daughter, died at the age of eighteen or nineteen, and a daughter, Ann E., married, May 14, 1855, William W. Stewart, son of Anthony Stew- art, of Newport, R. I. In 1824 the firm of Harris, Hawes & Co. was dissolved, but Oliver Hawes con- tinued the business, hiring William Marvel to build spinning-frames, and in 1825 the two formed a co- partnership. They not only built machines, but owned and ran a small mill, making satinet wraps for J. & J. Eddy. Finding their business increased beyond their facilities, in 1841 they hired a new shop of the Iron- Works Company, and at the same time took William C. Davol into partnership. Mr. Davol about this time obtained a patent on a speeder, and soon after introduced the " Sharp & Roberts' Self- Acting Mule," the first in this country. The posses- sion of these two patents brought a great amount of business to the firm, and for nearly forty years Marvel & Davol (Mr. Hawes withdrew in 1857) were em- ployed in building machinery for every department of cotton-manufactory, besides looms for weaving linen-damask. Their machines were in demand through the whole country from Biddeford and the many factory-towns of Maine through all the New England States, New York, New Jersey, and as far south as Baltimore. They supplied all the spinning- machinery for the great Pacific Mills at Lawrence, and until within a few years no mill has been built in Fall River without their help in some of its equip- ments. Mr. Marvel withdrew from active participa- tion in the business about 1865, but it was not until 404 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. the works were destroyed by fire, April 14, 1876, that he finally severed his connection with the firm, which three years later sold out to the Iron-Works Company. Many positions of trust, requiring business ability and sound judgment, have been offered to Mr. Marvel at various times, but, naturally retiring and reluctant to accept responsibility, they were generally refused. He was for a short time director in the Metacomet Bank. In his earlier days he held numerous public offices, was chairman of the school committee, and sev- eral times elected fireward, holding a position similar to that of our chief engineers. In connection with Thomas Durfee, he made the first hook-and-ladder apparatus used in this city. He was for many years inspector of steamboats for Fall River, New Bedford, and Newport. In politics he has always voted the old Whig or Republican ticket, and in the war of 1812 joined a volunteer company, but was never called into active service. Such is a brief outline of the busy life of an ener- getic, persevering man. Fall River is justly proud of her rapid growth and supremacy in manufactures, and that supremacy is due to the labors of just such earnest, skillful, keen-sighted, hard-working men. It is the opinion of one of our oldest and most success- ful business men, whose portrait also appears in this book, that the name of William Marvel is more closely identified with the progress of manufactures in this city than that of any other man. The story of his life is a history of every advance and improvement in cotton manufacturing for more than fifty years, during which he was employed in building machinery. Eminently practical, he knew the whole business, from the earliest and simplest processes to the action of every steel nerve and iron muscle in the elaborate and complicated machines of the present day. His success in his chosen profession was due not only to his industry, ambition, and care- ful attention to the details of business, but to an un- usual talent for mathematics. Taught by himself, he mastered the deep principles of that science, and spent many hours solving the knotty problems in- volved in calculating the intricate movements of dif- ferent machines. As far as can be ascertained, he is the oldest cotton-spinner now living in Bristol County. Mr. Marvel is what is called a " self-made man." With far less than the advantages that every child now enjoys, and obliged to assist in the sup- port of his father's family at an age when many are scarcely out of the nursery, he has by his own un- aided efforts acquired an enviable position in the community, and now at eighty-three, still hale and vigorous, is enjoying his richly-deserved rest, re- spected by all for his clear judgment, unbending in- tegrity, and upright, useful life. SAMUEL MARTIN LUTHER. Samuel Martin Luther, son of Samuel and Abigail Luther, was born in the town of Swansea, Mass., Nov. 15, 1806. His grandfather, Frederick Luther, was a native of Warren, R. I., where he lived and died at a ripe old age. He was a farmer by occupation and had children, one of whom was Samuel, who was born in Warren and settled in Swansea, where he followed the occupations of farmer and carpenter. He died in Fall River in the fall of 1843, and his wife Abigail died in 1858 or 1859. Their children were: (1) Rebecca, married James Bowen ; (2) Polly, married Willard Barney; (3) Abby, married James Richards; (4) Daniel B., followed the seas; (5) Pris- cilla, married John Bushee; (6) Samuel M. ; and (7) Nancy, married John Baker. Samuel M. Luther had very limited advantages for an education. He attended the district school some three months every winter (when not otherwise en- gaged) until he was about seventeen years of age. He remained at home, working on the farm, till the spring of 1826, when he came to Fall River and com- menced as an apprentice at the mason's trade with John Phinney, one of the early contractors and build- ers of Fall River. After serving his apprenticeship of three years, he continued to work for Mr. Phinney as a journeyman till 1831, when he began business for himself as a contractor and builder. The first work he did after starting for himself worthy of men- tion was the building of the stone church (Congrega- tional) situated on North Main Street, Fall River. Since that time he has had a hand, in whole or in part, in the construction of many of the most sub- stantial dwelling-houses and mills in this city. As a contractor and builder, Mr. Luther has been one of the most successful in Fall River. Being a practical workman himself, he has given his personal attention to all his more important jobs, and was ever careful to see that those whom he employed did their work well. He required no more of others than he was willing to do himself. He has been a director in various corporations in Fall River, and is at the present writing director in Robeson Mill. Politically, he is a Republican. He has been twice married, first to Abby M. Bosworth, of Warren, R. I. Of this union three, children were born, all of whom died young. Mrs. Abby M. (Bosworth) Luther was born Feb. 21, 1809, and died July 11, 1854. Mr. Luther married for his second wife Harriet, daughter of William and Susanna (Spencer) Bateman, Nov. 18, 1857. She was born July 8, 1817, in Newport, R. I. They have one son, Charles B., born Nov. 15, 1860, in Fall River. He prepared for college at the High School in this city, and graduated from Brown University in the class of 1883. Mr. Luther commenced life a poor boy, but by his indomitable energy, keen perceptions, good sense, sound judgment, coupled with honesty and economy, he has accumulated a competency for old age. / L ^/^^ FALL RIVER. 405 He detests anything that savors of shams, hut honors all well-directed efforts which have for their object the good of society and the elevation of man- kind. JOHN PALMER SLADE. John Palmer Slade, son of John and Mary Slade, was horn in Somerset, Bristol Co., Mass., Nov. 13, 1824. He is of Welsh descent, and traces his lineage back to Edward Slade, who was born in Wales and came to Newport, E. I., among the early settlers of that colony. William, the son of Edward, was the founder of the family at Slade's Ferry, in Somerset, and settled there in 1680. The line of descent is as follows: On the paternal side, Edward 1 , William', Ed- ward 3 , Edward 4 , Baker 5 , John 6 , John 7 , and John P. 8 ; on the maternal side, Edward 1 , William 2 , Edward 3 , Edward*, Baker 5 , Edward 6 , Mary Slade 7 , John P. 8 His grandfather, John Slade, on his father's side, and Edward, ou his mother's side, who were brothers, lived in Swansea and Somerset, and were respectable farmers. John Slade married Phoebe Pierce, of Som- erset, and had sons, Pierce, John, and Edmund. Dying at the age of twenty-seven, his widow married Wing Eddy, by whom she had several children, and died at an advanced age. John Slade, son of John, was born in Swansea, and married Mary, daughter of Edward Slade, of Somer- set. They had children, — Winslow (lost at sea), John P., Edward and Mary (twins, died in infancy). The father died at the age of twenty- seven, and the mother at thirty-nine. John P. Slade, the subject of our sketch, was de- prived of his father at the early age of four years, and of his mother at fourteen. Being without a home, he went to live with Capt. Robert Gibbs, a farmer of Som- erset, Mass. He continued there until about the age of eighteen, when a desire for higher knowledge than he had been able to obtain in early boyhood at the common schools induced him to spend some six months at Myers Academy, in Warren, R. I. In the fall of 1841 he came to Fall River, Mass., as a clerk for Hale Remington, who was then engaged in the grocery and drug business. He remained in this capacity about eight months, when he accepted a clerkship with his cousin, F. P. Cummings, a cotton dealer and general merchant, located at Georgetown, S. C. At the end of the following eight months he entered into copartnership with Mr. Cummings, under the name and style of Cummings & Slade, and after some two years he purchased his part- ner's interest, settled up the business, and came to Fall River in the spring of 1848. For the next seven years he served as clerk and conductor for the Fall River Railroad Company, which was after- wards changed into the Old Colony. In 1855 he entered the office of Hale Remington, a general commission merchant, as clerk and salesman, and continued in his employ three years. In January, 1858, he formed a copartnership with A. B. Macy (firm of Slade, Macy & Co.) in wholesale commission and insurance business at Fall River. At the close of the first year the partnership was dis- solved, and Mr. Slade continued the business alone until January, 1879, when he associated with himself his eldest son, Leonard N. Slade (firm of John P. Slade & Son, engaged in the general commission and insurance business). Mr. Slade began life as a poor boy, dependent upon his own unaided exertions for success in whatever branch of industry he might choose to pursue. He is in every respect a self-made man, and the architect of his own fortune. At the formation of the Granite Mills corporation in 1863 he was one of the original subscribers, ,and that corporation was organized in his office, and he was elected a director in 1873. At the organization of the Davol Mills in 1867 he was made a director. In 1872, at organization of Shove Mills, was made treasurer and director, and at the death of its presi- dent, Charles O. Shove, in 1875, was elected president, and served until 1880. He is also a director of the Weetamoe Mills, and president of Laurel Lake Mills. Oct. 25, 1856, soon after the organization of the Fall River Five Cents Savings-Bank, was elected its secretary, and still remains in that position. Has been a director of the Fall River National Bank since January, 1865. Mr. Slade has been married three times, — first to Sarah L. Lewin, daughter of Martin and Mary Lewin, of Somerset, Mass. She died of typhoid fever soon after marriage. Second, to Ruth Ann Gardner, daugh- ter of Preserved S. and Ann Maria Gardner, of Swan- sea, Mass., by whom he had two sons, Leonard N. and Abbott E. Slade, both living ; the latter is now treasurer of Laurel Lake Mills. Third, to Lois A. Buffinton, daughter of Moses and Ruth B. Buffinton, of Swansea, Mass. They have had four children, viz., Mary E., Benjamin (deceased), John Milton (de- ceased), and Louis Palmer. Mr. Slade is a Republican in politics, and has been a member of the Roard of Aldermen and of the City Council of Fall River. BENJAMIN COVEL. Benjamin Covel, son of Benjamin and Polly (Newell) Covel, was born in the town of Berkley, Mass., March 2, 1818. His father was a native of Killingley, Conn., and was a farmer and ship-car- penter by occupation. He was twice married, — first | to Polly Newell, and had children, Samuel and Ben- jamin ; second, to Susan Tinkham. He settled in Berkley previous to his first marriage, and continued i to reside there until his death. March 15, 1848, aged ! sixty-four years. Benjamin Covel, the immediate subject of our sketch, received a common-school education. He 406 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. remained at home, working upon his father's farm, until he was eighteen years of age, when he went to Fall River, and commenced as an apprentice at the carpenter and joiner trade with Melvill Borden, a contractor and builder in wood. He remained with him about a year and a half, when he went and fin- ished his apprenticeship with the firm of Pierce, Mason & Co., and continued in their employ till the summer of 1842. In September of that year he went to Boston as a boss-carpenter to work for Samuel Sanford. Mr. Covel had the general oversight of all the repairing and erection of new tenement-houses put up by Mr. Sanford. In November of the same year he returned to his native town (Berkley), and remained there the winter following, and in the spring of 1843 went to Fall River, and in company with James Smith built the Pearl Street Church, Richardson House, Wilbur House, and many more. Mr. Covel has been constantly employed for the past forty years as a contractor and builder in wood, not alone in Fall River, but in Boston, Newport, R. I., and elsewhere. Among the finest buildings erected by him in Fall River we may mention the Troy Buildings, the Durfee Block, the residence of William C. Davol, Jr., A. S. Covel, and many others. At the time of the extension of the Old Colony Railroad from Fall River to Newport, he built all the bridges and depots on the line. At the present writing (1883) he is putting up a large freight-house in Boston for the Old Colony Company, which is sixty by three hundred and eighty feet. He has been president and director of the Crescent Mills since its organization, and vice-president and trustee of the Union Savings- Bank. Politically he is a Republican. He has held vari- ous offices of trust and honor in his adopted city, and has been a delegate to County and State Conventions. On the 14th of December, 1841, he married Angeline, daughter of Halsey and Mercy (Allen) Baker, of Dartmouth, Mass. She was born Jan. 3, 1821, in Dartmouth. They have four children, — (1) Alphonso S., treasurer of Crescent Mills; (2) Benjamin F., a machinist; (3) Thomas D., a merchant under the firm-name of Sanford & Covel ; (4) Ina F., who died at two years of age. Mr. Covel commenced life a poor boy, but by his characteristic energy, indomitable will, quick per- ception, and resolute character he has surmounted all obstacles, and is now (1883) in good circum- stances, and is surrounded with all the comforts of a happy home. JAMES HENRY. Fall River owes an imperishable debt to such men as James Henry, who, with well-stored minds of prac- tical knowledge, have given large and comprehensive abilities, sterling integrity, and wise and sagacious industry to the development of those manufacturing interests that are the source of her wealth and pros- perity. Justice to the men who have spent long lives in her service demands that they be worthily men- tioned in her history, and we give an outline of the business career of one of its most prominent and use- ful representatives when we write of James Henry. He was born Aug. 5, 1805, in Clitheroe, England. Clitheroe is a busy cotton-manufacturing town on the Ribble, in the greatest cotton-manufacturing district of the world, Lancashire. Robert Henry, his father, was an overseer of calico- printing in the employ of James Thompson, who owned and managed the Primrose Print-Works. James Thompson was a famous manufacturer, known for his enterprise and liberality throughout Europe. He selected the best talent to instruct his apprentices, employing several scientific men and French chemists as practical teachers. The system of seven years' ap- prenticeship was, in his establishment, the best possi- ble educator. Of its immense advantages in the way of securing the most thorough knowledge and highest skill in the learner no one can doubt. Miles Brace- well, father of John Bracewell, for many years had charge of the " color department," and his son was apprenticed in the establishment, and both John Bracewell and James Henry are living arguments of the excellence of the apprentice system as existing in Clitheroe. Robert Henry married Sarah Ireland, and had six children, — Mary, James, Nannie, Catharine, William, and Margaret. They all grew up, had families, and only James and Catharine are living. James was but eight years old when his father died, and his mother was left to struggle with poverty in bringing up her family. She was, however, a woman of rare strength of character, deep Christian fervor, and re- markable industry. Her courage and skill kept the family together, and her uprightness and womanly virtues made her a model mother, whose instructions bore good fruit in succeeding years. The most of the education received by James in youth was acquired at Sunday-school, which he regu- larly attended. At a very early age, soon after his father's death, he commenced labor in the print- works as a " tier boy." He continued in this service until he was about eleven, when he was employed for a short period in the department of machine print- ing, and then was apprenticed to learn " block print- ing." He began at the lowest round in the ladder of his advancement, and was long and rigidly held at each until he could safely mount the higher one. Seven years were thus passed in the acquisition of knowledge which afterwards made him so important a factor in the rise and fortunes of the American Print-Works and Globe Print-Works. After his ap- prenticeship he worked for two years longer, when the subtile and irresistible influence of America drew him to her shores. He arrived in Boston Aug. 15, 1829, in the ship " Hellespont," Pratt, master. // />// // I i ' FALL RIVER. 407 After a short visit to friends in Taunton, he went to Springvale, Me., where a number from his native town were engaged in color-printing, and engaged as color-maker. Staying there something more than a year, he went to Lowell, Mass., to work as a color- printer. Becoming ill, however, he went to Dover, N. H., for medical treatment, and stayed three months. Regaining his health shortly after his re- turn to Lowell in 1832, he was solicited to come to the infant town of Fall River, Mass., and take charge of the color department of the " Globe Print- Works." He accepted the position, and rapidly won a reputa- tion for ability, energy, and skill. From that time to the present, over fifty years, Mr. Henry has been identified with the growth and development of this city. He remained at the " Globe" as color-maker for two years, when he entered the employ of the "American Print- Works," then just organized, as head color-maker. This was under the administra- tion of Holder Borden, who had the tact of securing the best talent in every department. In 1837 he be- came manager of the American Print-Works, Jef- ferson Borden becoming agent, on the death of Holder Borden. Mr. Henry had as his assistant his brother, William Henry, who remained with him in that ca- pacity until his death in 1856. Mr. Henry about 1850 was called to be superintendent of the Globe Mills also, and continued to ably direct the fortunes of the corporations under his superintendence. By his tireless perseverance, his quickness of insight, and his perfect command and knowledge of the minute details of every branch of his work he kept the repu- tation of the goods at the very head of their class, and did much toward establishing the permanent prosperity and reputation of these mills. He con- tinued in these responsible labors until apprised by failing health of the necessity of throwing the ardu- ous duties upon younger men, when, in 1873, he re- signed both positions, with the satisfaction of know- ing that his son Robert was to succeed him in both. Mr. Henry has built up a handsome property by his unwearied and faithful services and investments in manufacturing corporations. He has made every dollar he owns in the interests to which his life has been devoted, and is now stockholder in various cor- porations, both in Fall River and elsewhere. He has been president and director of the Merchants' Mill since its organization. He was a director of the King Philip and Chase Mills also until compelled to re- sign by failing health. Though born and educated in England, he became an American from the very day his feet touched American soil. His pride and hopes for this country are as intense as any native son's. His love for Fall River is as tender and steadfast as though its air was the first he breathed, and during his residence here he has endeared himself to all classes of people by his liberality and his keen personal interest in what- ever affected the welfare of the city or the condition of its inhabitants. He has been Republican in po- litical sentiment, and was elected alderman in the first city election of Fall River. He has held that office eight years. He was quick to suggest and ready to assist any movement helpful to the material or moral advancement of the city. He united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in the prime of life, under the pastorate of Rev. James D. Butler, and has been an ardent supporter of its institutions and every good cause in the community. He has long served as Sunday-school teacher, class- leader, and steward, discharging those duties as pleasant labors of love. For over half a century, from the activities of early manhood to the well-developed years of old age, Mr. Henry has borne himself a gentleman, kind- hearted and liberal, and has ever stood high in the esteem of the better element of society. HON. JOHN B. HATHAWAY. In looking over the past history of Fall River, we find some men now living who were in business over half a century ago, and have retired and are enjoying the fruits of their labor at a good old age. Of those now living who toiled in the past and worked their way up from small beginnings to ample fortunes by their persevering industry and close application we now mention Hon. John B. Hathaway. He was son of John and Amy (Read) Hathaway, and was born in Rochester, Mass., June 28, 1809. His parents moved to Assonet (Freetown) when he was but six years old, and from that time he has been identified with Bristol County. When he was eleven, his mother, then a widow, indentured him to a farmer in Berkley to serve five years. This service accomplished he learned the shoemaker's trade, and worked two years in Assonet. He was then requested to remove to Fall River by Gardner D. Cook, of that city, into whose employ he went for six months, receiving twelve dollars per month and board. Thus in a very modest way was his successful career commenced. In the spring of 1828 he went to work for Andrew Robeson at calico-printing, where he remained until 1831, when he had to leave on account of ill health. He then hired a shoe-shop of Nathaniel B. Borden, located about where Trafton & Anthony's hardware- store now is in Borden Block. It was about fifteen by twenty feet, formerly used as a tailor-shop on the corner. It was moved three times to make room for other buildings, the first time for the French's build- ing, corner of South Main and Pleasant Streets ; the second to make room for Edward Smith to put up a boarding-house, and the third for Westgate & Craigin to put up a building. In 1834 he went into Smith's building, and took his brother, Joseph B. Hathaway, into partnership, and added to the boot and shoe business groceries. They remained in company until 1841, when he was 408 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. taken sick, and sold out to his brother Joseph. In about a year afterwards he started the wholesale gro- cery business in the basement of the old hotel build- ing, corner North Main and Bedford Streets, where he was burnt out in 1843. Unfortunately he was not insured, and lost every dollar he had in his business. He then put up the first building erected in the place after the fire. It was on Bedford Street, where David Wilcox is now located, and continued the same busi- ness until 1854, when he built on the corner of Bed- ford and Second Streets, where he removed and con- tinued until he sold out to Petty, Lawton & Co. in 1864. He married Sept. 11, 1832, Mrs. Betsey F. Gray, daughter of Edward and Amy (Tripp) Phillips, of Westport, where she was born. They have no chil- dren. In spite of various disasters Mr. Hathaway was prosperous in business, accumulating a comfortable fortune. He was one of the city's most successful merchants, shrewd as a buyer, expert as a salesman, and with an easy affability of manner which attracted customers. He is now a director in Mechanics' Manu- facturing Company, Fall River. In politics he is Republican. He was a member of the Lower House of the State Legislature in 1866-67, and of the Senate in 1869-70, serving his constituents with accepta- bility. He owns a pleasant home on the corner of Rock and Cherry Streets, also real estate in various parts of the city, besides a farm near Westport Point, which he has transformed from a rocky and almost barren place to a beautiful summer residence. The past ten years he has passed his winters in Florida. He keeps his eyes open, and has a good idea of what is going on around him. He is a genial companion, fond of a good joke, and has a keen appreciation of humor, and enjoys the esteem of a large circle of friends. BENJAMIN EARL. The wise man said, many years ago, that " a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches." One of those who has been accorded this "good name" — not by seeking for it, but by the oft-expressed judg- ment of his fellow-citizens, based upon an upright and correct life through a long series of years, and in many public and private capacities — is the subject of this sketch. Benjamin Earl has been a resident of Fall River for nearly sixty years, coming to the then rapidly growing village in 1826. He was born at Taunton, Mass., Aug. 7, 1809, and was the third child of Hil- liard and Mary Ware Earl. His ancestors have always lived in this section of the State and Eastern Rhode Island. He is a direct descendant of Ralph Earle, who came to this country from the town of Exeter (probably), in England, between the years 1633 and 1638, and settled at Portsmouth, on the island of Rhode Island. We find his name, with nineteen others, appended to a petition to the king, dated April 30, 1838, craving permission to form themselves into a body politic in that town. William Earle, the son of this Ralph, was also of prominence in the town, and with one other erected and main- tained the windmill (1668— 85j on Windmill Hill, so called, and for this valuable service to the town he was given two tracts of land in the immediate vicin- ity. He also was owner of half a share of the thirty shares into which the land adjoining the " Queque- chan" or "Fall" River (at Fall River, Mass.) was divided, and his farm covered what is now one of the most populous and valuable districts of the city of Fall River. His well, which was long distinguished as a most excellent one, and was freely resorted to by the people of fifty years ago, was uncovered recently when putting in the curbing in front of the easterly buttress of the new post-office building. The descendants of these two men lived at Dart- mouth and in New Bedford, Mass. From thence Hilliard Earl, the father of Benjamin, went to Taun- ton, and, having married, established himself in busi- ness, and formed his circle of acquaintances among the first families of that ancient town. But that fell de- stroyer of New England life, consumption, soon seized him for its victim, and he died at the early age of thirty-seven years, leaving a widow and six young children, the eldest but ten years of age. He had employed all his capital in carrying on his business, and in the settlement of his affairs but little remained for the family. The mother, nevertheless, courage- ously pressed on, and with prudence and economy successfully reared her young family, trained them in good habits, and gave them a fair common-school education. Benjamin, at the age of thirteen or fourteen years, made his first venture in life by shipping as cabin- boy on one of the numerous fleet of coasting-vessels hailing from Taunton. Like many a boy of our day he found life upon the sea abounding in stern real- ities, and a severe storm and gale off the coast of Cape Cod thoroughly weaned the young lad from the desire for a seafaring life. Returning to Taunton he became an apprentice to a wool-carder and cloth-dresser, one whose treatment of the orphan boy was such as caused him ever to be held in highest esteem and remem- brance. He continued in the business but a few years, when in May, 1826, he came to Fall River and found employment in Bennett's wool-carding mill, then located on Central Street, where now stands the massive and lofty North Mill of the Pocasset Manu- facturing Company. In the fall of the same year (1826) he entered the printing-office of the Fall River Monitor as an appren- tice, and became thoroughly acquainted with the business in all its detail as then conducted. His suc- cess was such that in the course of a-few years, with the advice and assistance of friends, he was enabled FALL RIVER. 409 to purchase the entire establishment, both paper and office-material, and on July 1, 1830, not yet having quite attained his majority, he sent forth his first issue as proprietor. He continued the business of printing and publishing until March, 1838, when he sold out in order to devote his time and energies to the cognate branches of the book and stationery trade, into which he had entered a year or two before. The period covered by his publication of the Monitor was an exciting one in the affairs both of the town and the Dation. The late James Ford, Esq., one of the oldest and most highly-esteemed members of the bar of this city, was editor, and its columns were often filled with spice which possibly, on occasions, was of a some- what personal character. It was the period of the great Morgan excitement on Masonry and anti-Ma- sonry, the paper assuming the Masonic side of the controversy, and its publisher, though never a mem- ber of any secret organization, became well known in this section by the sobriquet of " Jack Mason." It was at this time that politics ran high and the famous contest occurred in this Congressional district between Hodges and Ruggles, which required no less than seven elections before the question was settled in favor of the former. This time also covered the Presidential term of General Jackson with its days of " nullifica- tion" excitement. In the spring of 1836, Mr. Earl purchased the book- and stationery-store of Mr. S. L. Thaxter, and was the principal dealer in that department for many years. In the early years of this business, and also in the last two years of the publication of the Monitor, he had associated with him as partner Mr. J. S. Ham- mond, who at a later period became one of the pro- prietors of the Providence Journal. In the memorable great fire of 1843, which swept through the village with such destruction of property as to render many homeless and penniless, Mr. Earl lost his entire stock in trade, and but barely escaped with his life. He had packed his goods into cases, with the vain hope of their removal, and realizing that with their destruction went the savings of many long and laborious years, he lingered so long, while the fire traveled so rapidly, that almost before he was aware of it the buildings were in flames upon both sides of the street. He ran the fiery gauntlet, escaping with the smell of fire upon his garments. His stock of goods was entirely destroyed, and his insurance also came to naught by the failure of the insurance company, which could not meet so large a loss at one time as that caused by the great fire of Fall River. But a good credit secured from his jobbers the volun- tary oiler of a new stock of goods as soon as he could find a roof to cover them, and after a temporary rest- ing-place on Pleasant Street, where the Borden Block now stands, he was one of the first to select and oc- cupy a store in the Granite Block (erected in 1844), where he has continued business to the present time. In 1870 he admitted his son, Henry H. Earl, into partnership, and with the growth of the city the business was considerably enlarged and successfully prosecuted. While Mr. Earl was neither a politician nor a par- tisan in the objectionable sense of those terms, he has always taken a deep interest in public affairs, and has been honored by his fellow-citizens in elections and appointments to numerous official positions, cov- ering a period of more than forty years. He was town clerk from 1836 to 1846; treasurer and collector from 1843 to 1846; representative to the General Court in 1847; selectman from 1847 to 1850; deputy collector of customs for the district of Fall River from 1849 to 1853; a member of the com- mittee on drafting a city charter, which was granted by the Legislature and accepted by the town in the spring of 1854 ; a member of the Common Council and president of the same in 1858 ; an alderman in 1859; city auditor and collector from 1862 to 1867; and a member of the school committee from 1867 to 1870. In 1848 he received a commission as justice of the peace, which he has held by renewals to the present time. In 1853, at the requests of the banks, he was appointed a notary public, and for many years was the principal notary for the financial in- stitutions of the city, holding his commissions by re- newals from that date to the present. In 1874 he was commissioned by the Governor (a life appoint- ment) " to qualify and administer the oaths of office to civil officers," and for the past six or eight years (until failing health prevented) has annually in- ducted into office the successive city governments of the city of Fall River. So that for forty-five years he has been almost constantly in one or more official positions, performing the duties of these diversified trusts with perfect fidelity and rare ability, and prov- ing the wisdom and insight of those who selected him for these varied responsibilities. He was elected a member of the Fall River Sav- ings-Bank corporation in 1841 ; the next year he was chosen one of the trustees, and in 1852 was placed on its board of investment, where he was continued by annual elections until 1882, when failing sight and hearing caused him to decline further service in that position. He also served as secretary of the board from 1862 to 1880, when, by a change in the by-laws, the treasurer of the bank was made ex officio secre- tary. His interest in the successful management of this institution, one of the largest in the State, was very great, and during the trying times which came upon the city from 1877 to 1880, the critical periods in its history, excited his liveliest apprehensions, and rested like a great burden upon his mind day and night. None rejoiced more than he when the days of peril were passed and the customary course of financial transactions resumed their sway. His legislative service was under Governor George N. Briggs, with Hon. Nathaniel B. Borden for senator, and Cushing, Hayden, of the "Atlas," Banks, Bout- 410 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. well, Schouler, Bird, and others, as colleagues in the house. His aldermanic year under Mayor (now Judge) Josiah C. Blaisdell was distinguished as one in which the government kept within its appropria- tions for municipal purposes, a wise and conservative course of action, worthy to be followed by its successors. His faithful discharge of duty in his office of collector of taxes for the city is indicated by the fact that while, for the six years previous to his term, the uncollected taxes averaged some three and a half per cent., the average for his six years was reduced to one and three-fifths per cent., and this notwithstanding the tax-levy was increased $167,000, viz. : from $102,000 in 1861 to $269,000 in 1867. Moreover, this period covered that of the civil war, with all its vicissi- tudes aud the many and rapid changes in the popu- lation of a working community. In 1836, Mr. Earl was brought under more direct religious influences, and having made a public con- fession of his faith, united with the First (orthodox) Congregational Church of Fall River, then under the pastoral care of Rev. Orin Fowler. Upon the organi- zation of theCentral Congregational Church in Novem- ber, 1842, he became one of its original members, and in 1844 was elected its first deacon, an office which he has held to the present time. His fidelity in this posi- tion is again conspicuously illustrated by the statement that for thirty-three consecutive years he served as office-bearer in the celebration of every communion service, save one, when he was confined to his house by sickness. By reason of his prominence as an officer of the church, his tender sensibilities and kind and considerate action, he was repeatedly called upon by neighbors and friends and fellow-townsmen to super- intend the last sad rites to the dead ; and this was continued to a comparatively recent period, when, with the growth of the place and the constant re- quirements of such service, others made it a special branch of business, and assumed that which before- time was demanded of neighborly kindness and re- spect. To within a few years he has also been called upon oftener, perhaps, than almost any other person to assist as bearer on such occasions. The experience gained in this service, prompted him many years ago to secure the construction of a tomb by the town upon the public burial-grounds — the first in the place — for use in stormy and wintry weather, and at such other times as occasion might require. Mr. Earl has filled various other offices in the church and society, as treasurer, member of the standing committee, super- intendent of the Sabbath-school, etc. He took an active part also in the various local associations instituted in past years for the moral and social welfare of the community. An ardent lover of music, he identified himself with most of the musi- cal organizations formed during the first twenty-five years of his residence in Fall River. As a member of church choirs he played upon several instruments — the flute, clarionet, violin, and double-bass viol — previous to the introduction of the modern organ; and when that came into use, continued his interest and services vocally, — a period of some thirty years from first to last. He was leader of a band of field music early in life, and besides seeing service in the military brigades of this section of the State, as- sisted in the reception to General and President Jackson on his visit to Massachusetts in 1833,— an event of great moment and distinguished honor in those times. Thus the measure of his days has been filled out in usefulness to others as well as in the care of him- self and his ; and whether in public or in private life, in the community as a citizen or as an officer in church, town, or State, at home or abroad, in the house or by the way, he has been faithful to the trusts committed to him ; has shown marked ability in the execution of his numerous and diversified duties, and has merited, as he has received, from a grateful com- munity the "good name" which "is rather to be chosen than great riches." Mr. Earl was married in Fall River, in 1830, to Miss Nancy Simmons, eldest daughter of Capt. Nathan B. Simmons, then of Tiverton, R. I. They have had a family of six children, two of whom died in infancy, and four of whom are still living, two sons and two daughters. In November, 1880, it com- ing to the knowledge of their church associates that the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding would occur early in the month of December of that year, ar- rangements were quietly made, and much to the sur- prise of the venerable couple, they were invited to celebrate their golden wedding in the parlors of the New Central Church, on the evening of December 2d. A large gathering of old acquaintances, inter- spersed with many of a younger generation, graced the happy gathering. Their pastor, the Rev. M. Burnham, made a congratulatory address, and placed in their hands an elegant solid silver vase, suitably inscribed as a memorial of the occasion. A lady friend voiced some of their earlier life ex- periences in poetical form, while the young men of the congregation brought forward a staff of life in the shape of a substantial gold-headed cane of black ebony. Mr. Earl made a characteristically modest and happy response in receiving these good wishes and elegant and costly tokens of esteem, and ac- knowledged with heart-felt gratitude the leadings of Divine Providence in all these long years of resi- dence and service in the home of his adoption, to- gether with the measure of temporal prosperity which had attended them. Two years later, in July, 1882, he was seized with a severe and what appeared at first to be a fatal ill- ness. For some months previous his eyesight had been failing, and now the disease culminated in a partial paralysis of the optic nerve, together with a general weakness of body, which seemed to indicate a breaking down of the hitherto vigorous and healthy FALL RIVER. 411 constitution. But though prostrate at length upon a bed of sickness, from which he has never risen, and for the past few months shut out from the blessed sunlight by the total loss of vision, he has, neverthe- less, retained his courageous spirit and happy, hopeful disposition. Clear in mind, while weak in body, he has found his faith sustained and strengthened in the promises of Him whose coming he awaits with the calmness of a Christian's hope and trust, and whether the time be long or short he has the assurance within of receiving his Master's salutation, " Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." JEFFERSON BORDEN. Jefferson Borden, the oldest living person of the residents of Fall River who have been identified with the inception, growth, and the present established supremacy of its distinctive industry, was born on the 28th of February, 1801, in the then village of Freetown. He was the twelfth of thirteen children of Thomas Borden, in the fourth generation from John Borden, the founder of the family in Fall River. His father's farm was situated in the east part of the village, comprising a tract upon which have since been erected the Richard Borden, Chace, and other mills. Jefferson worked on the farm, going to school regularly as the local season commenced, until September, 1816, when, in his sixteenth year, he left- home for the first time, and obtained a position as clerk in the provision-store of William Valentine, in Provi- dence. In 1819 he returned to Fall River, thoroughly educated in the routine details of a business of trade and barter, but already entertaining the ambitious vision of a commercial career that would recog- nize no limits of its operations. His brother Richard, six years his senior, was running the craft " Irene and Betsey" in trading trips, in connection with his grist- mill, located on the lower stream. For the ensuing year Jefferson, when not absolutely needed on the farm, joined Richard in the sloop expeditions to Conanicut and Prudence. In 1820 the two brothers bought out the small store of Holder Borden, and ! Jefferson was put in to conduct the business. In 1821, upon the organization of the iron-works enter- prise, he was chosen clerk of the establishment. He retained this position till September of the following year, when the company opened a warehouse and salesroom in Providence, and the business experience and proclivities he had already demonstrated pointed him out as the most eligible representative of the grow- ing industry. Mr. Borden was a few months over his majority when he undertook the office of agent of the company at Providence, but the shrewd, sagacious promoters of the iron-works knew they had chosen the right man for the place. The event amply proved the correctness of their judgment, the agent's wise, systematic control really directing the home produc- tion of the company, while his keen perception and clever manipulation of the market constantly ex- tended the field of its operations throughout the Union. For fifteen years Jefferson Borden remained at his place in Providence. In 1837 the ill health of his cousin Holder made a vacancy in the management of the American Print-Works, and he was recalled to Fall River. While in Providence, Mr. Borden had a high posi- tion as a business man, and was associated with the men who were then the leaders in business affairs. He is at present probably the last survivor of the board of directors of the old United States Branch Bank, and after that was abolished by Gen. Jackson, was a member of the board of directors of the Black- stone Canal Bank until he removed to Fall River. For thirty-nine years Mr. Borden was the executive officer and managing agent of the print-works, re- tiring from active control only during the spring of the present year. He assumed the position at a period which will not be forgotten in financial annals as the extreme test of industrial and commercial en- durance. No panic has been more severe and no de- pression of business more general than that of 1837, and its distressing stringency upon all elements of recuperative life was greater than it could ever again be, in the degree that all industry and enterprise was comparatively immature, the country itself lacking the great elasticity it now possesses in the wonderful development of its natural and productive resources. To undertake the work of carrying a great establish- ment successfully through such a period of embarrass- ment on every hand was a terrible trial of a business man's best powers, and it is undoubtedly safe to say that when an all- wise Providence removed Holder Borden, the projector and worker, from the control and direction of the enterprise, the only person thor- oughly fitted for the exigency by experience and managing power, and probably superior to Holder in his approved financial ability and estimation among capitalists, was wisely and fortunately chosen. His well-known reputation for business capacity in Providence was of great assistance in overcoming the difficulties at this most trying period, when not only was there great stricture in the money market, but several of the accredited agents of the company failed. During the panic of 1857 also Mr. Borden's finan- cial ability was severely tested, and at that time also some of the agents failed. Then, however, Mr. Bor- den was for weeks confined to his bed by sickness when the difficulties were greatest, but he still con- ducted his correspondence, dictating to a confidential clerk the replies to his letters, and directing all his business affairs. Upon the destruction of the American Print- Works by fire in 1867, Mr. Borden's extraordinary capacity for recuperation and support through a most trying period was again in forced requisition. The rapid 412 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. restoration of the establishment in all its operative powers was truly remarkable. The eyes of all were able to observe with startled wonder the immediate re-erection of the great structure, the spacious rec- tangle of solid granite going up almost like the Khan's palace in Coleridge's phantasy, and the huge engines and machines reassuming their old places with a con- current promptness; yet few appreciated or even guessed that greater difficulties than these mere mate- rial matters, difficulties calling for rare credit and un- questioned responsibility, had been met and overcome. Since his return to Fall River, Jefferson Borden has been largely concerned in the various enterprises that have marked the progress of the city. A partner of the deceased Col. Richard in the important special undertakings of his later years, he was with him in- terested in the old Bay State Steamboat Company (of which he at one time owned three-fifths of the stock), the Fall River Railroad Company, the Borden Mining Company, and other extensive operations. Another great trust which should be noted in con- nection with Mr. Jefferson Borden's business career is the management of the Valentine estate as trustee since 1839, at first in connection with Maj. Bradford Durfee, and later with Mr. Philip D. Borden. An eminent probate judge has said that there is scarcely another such case on record of an estate which at its first appraised valuation was less than two hundred thousand dollars, and from which there has already been divided more than ten times that amount among the different heirs as they became of legal age, besides providing for their support in the mean time. Mr. Borden's retirement from immediate connection with active business has not severed his close relation to the earnest life and progress of his native city. He is still president of the Fall River Iron-Works Com- pany, the Fall River Bleachery, the American Linen Company, the Troy Cotton and Woolen Company, director in Borden Mining Company, the Annawan Manufacturing Company, the Fall River Machine Company, Fall River and Providence Steamboat Company, the Metacomet Manufacturing Company, Fall River Iron-Works, and Fall River Gas Com- pany. He has also been for many years a trustee of Brown University, and until the weight of years made it impossible to attend to the business was an active member of the executive committee of that body, and officially concerned in other business or- ganizations. His long life, full from the start of honest purpose, intense application, and constantly hopeful energy, claims for him at last exemption from the cares of business routine, and Providence has yielded to its declining years the blessings such careers worthily demand, — -competence, the serene joy of a beautiful home, and the affectionate esteem of the community. DR. NATHAN DURFEE. Dr. Nathan Durfee was born in Fall River, then Freetown, in 1799. He was a graduate (with his brother Thomas R.) of Brown University in 1824, they being the first college graduates from this town. He studied medicine, and received the degree of M.D. at Harvard University, but the practice of the profession was not suited to his tastes, and he con- tinued in it but a brief period of time. He opened a drug-store on what is now Central Street, a little distance west of Main, erecting for this purpose the first brick building in the township. It was very small, but was then remarkable for its neatness and beauty, and its adaptedness to the use for which it was constructed. This he occupied until the erection of his brick dwelling-house on the corner of Bank and North Main Streets, where the Narragansett Hotel now stands. The first story of this house he occu- pied for his store until he gave up the business, after a brief experience in it. He soon discovered an interest in the growing in- dustries of the place, and though not entering directly upon the management of any one business, was asso- ciated with others in the general direction of many new enterprises coincident with the progress of Fall River. In this way he became a director in the Fall River Iron-Works, American Print- Works, the old Fall River Railroad, and the Cape Cod Railroad; was one of the proprietors of the Bay State Steam- boat Line; was largely interested in several of the banks, and in later years entered heartily into the new manufacturing projects of the city, and at his death was director in at least seven of the corporations and president of three. In earlier times, as a mer- cantile venture, he embarked in the whaling business, fitting out, in company with other persons at this port, several vessels for the whale fishery, and estab- lishing oil-works. The venture did not prove very successful, however, and was finally abandoned. A more successful enterprise was a flour-mill, which did an extensive business for many years. He was prin- cipal owner of the Massasoit Steam Mill, for the man- ufacture of print cloths, which were destroyed by fire in 1875. Besides filling various municipal offices, Dr. Dur- fee was a representative to the General Court for sev- eral years, and was always one of the most public- spirited of citizens. After the "great fire" he erected the Mount Hope Block for a public-house, not as a profitable investment, but to give character and respectability to the then growing town. Dr. Durfee was a large land proprietor, owning nearly one thousand acres, a portion of it valuable for real estate purposes, in and about the city. Besides being for some years the president of the Bristol County Agricultural Society, he was the orig- inator and president for a long period of the Bristol County Central Society, and contributed liberally both of money and zeal to its advancement. He was FALL RIVER. 413 a trustee of the State Agricultural College, and its treasurer until declining health necessitated his resig- nation. Kind-hearted and genial in his disposition, he was ever ready to help and encourage the unfor- tunate and despondent, the frequent losses sustained by him in his readiness to aid those seeking his as- sistance never chilling his sympathy or preventing his efficient action when again sought by any who needed a helping hand. He was a strong advocate of the cause of temperance, and during the active period of his life was a public and efficient worker in it. The moral and spiritual welfare of his native town and city was ever prominent in the mind of Dr. Dur- fee, who was one of the earliest projectors of the Sunday-school work, and instrumental in establishing several suburban mission schools. He was closely identified with the Central Congregational Church, being an original member and contributor of one- quarter of the lot upon which the society's first house of worship was erected. Always one of its most ac- tive and efficient members, he took an especially deep interest in its development, and, with the late Col. Richard Borden, furnished a large portion of the funds used in the construction of the new and elegant edifice erected in 1875, and considered one of the most perfect ecclesiastical structures in the country. He died April 6, 1876. WILLIAM C. DAVOL. William C. Davol was born Jan. 5, 1806, in Fall River, and while yet a lad entered the Troy Mill, then just commencing operations. He was made overseer of the spinning in 1819, and superintendent in 1827, a position which he occupied until 1841, when he be- came partner in the firm of Hawes, Marvel & Davol, and engaged in the manufacture of cotton machinery. He was an intimate friend of Holder Borden and Maj. Durfee, and when the latter went to Europe, in 1838, to investigate the improvements in cotton and iron machinery, accompanied him. By letters of in- troduction, a little Yankee ingenuity and persistence, he effected an arrangement with the owners of the Sharp & Roberts self-acting mule, to secure patents for their manufacture in the United States, and the manufacture of cotton and other kinds of machinery from the most approved patterns was entered upon at once by the new firm of Hawes, Marvel & Davol. Mr. Davol soon projected improvements to beautify and perfect the operation and durability of the self- acting mule, and from these patterns built one hun- dred and eighty thousand spindles. In 1847 a new- set of patterns were made, which superseded the old, and from which one hundred thousand spindles were soon constructed. In 1852 and in 1854 other new mules were perfected with a combination of improved principles for spinning fine yarn. At the same time Mr. Davol's inventive genius was at work upon other parts of cotton machinery, resulting in patent carders, speeders, and drawing-frames, by which the produc- tive power was quadrupled. The advantage to any manufacturing community to have among its number one such man cannot well be estimated, and the high opinion of Mr. Davol's practical worth may be gath- ered from the opinion of a well-known cotton manu- facturer, as expressed in the statement that " William C. Davol was worth more to Fall River, for the twenty years succeeding the building of the Metacomet Mill, than all others put together because of his improve- ments in cotton machinery." This is high praise, but is in some respects justified by the statement of another noted manufacturer, who said, " There's more in the man than in the mill." The Davol Mills, for the manufacture of sheetings, shirtings, silesias, etc., were named after Mr. Davol, who was elected and still holds the position of presi- dent of the corporation. HON. WILLIAM STEDMAN GREENE. Hon. William Stedman Greene, ex-mayor of Fall River, was born in Tremont, Tazewell Co., 111., April 28, 1841, and removed with his parents to Fall River, Mass., in July, 1844. He was educated in the public schools of the city, and in the autumn of 1856 was employed in a fancy goods and millinery store, but only continued in that occupation six months. In March, 1858, he entered the employ of John P. Slade in the insurance business, and remained with him until May, 1865. He was married to Mary E. White, of Providence, R. I., in March, 1865, and they have three children, two sons and one daughter. In 1865 and 1866 was engaged in life insurance business in Providence, R. I., Buffalo, N. Y., and New York City. In June, 1866, returned to Fall River, Mass., and formed a copartnership with his father, transacting business as auctioneers, real-estate, stock, and insur- ance brokers under the name and firm of Greene & Son, of which firm he still remains an active member. In the fall of 1875, Mr. Greene was elected a mem- ber of the Common Council from Ward five, and served in that body during the years 1876, '77, '78, '79, and for the last three years named served as president. He has always been an active Republican, and in 1876 was chosen chairman of the Republican City Committee. An active campaign was entered upon and a canvass of voters made and an estimate of the probable result made, predicting a Republican ma- jority of seven hundred and eighty-seven. The re- sult being that President Hayes had a majority of 861, and the Republicans carried five of the six wards, and gave their senatorial candidate over one thousand majority, and elected their entire represen- tative ticket. In November, 1879, Mr. Greene was nominated by acclamation as the Republican candi- date for mayor, and was elected the following Decem- ber by four hundred and sixty-one majority. In the 414 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. State election on the first Tuesday in November, 1879, the Democratic candidate for Governor carried the city by twelve hundred and fifty-nine majority. In the face of this result the outlook for the election of so outspoken a Republican as Mr. Greene only one month later did not seem promising, but his friends worked actively and with determination, with the successful result before stated. His administration of the office was marked with firmness and economy. He vetoed two appropriations for three thousand five hundred dollars and two thou- sand five hundred dollars respectively, for the cele- bration of Fourth of July, both of which were sus- tained. He also vetoed an appropriation of seven thousand dollars for a city stable, but this veto was not sustained. During the year an ordinance was prepared under his direction creating the office of superintendent of public buildings and inspector of buildings, establishing a fire district and regulating the construction of buildings throughout the city ; also an ordinance creating the office of city engineer and defining his duties. In May, 1880, he was chosen an alternate delegate from the First Congressional District to the Republi- can National Convention, holden in Chicago in June, 1880, and was present and participated in the delib- erations of the convention, which resulted in the nomination of Hon. James A. Garfield for the Presi- dency. In November, 1880, was unanimously re- nominated by acclamation by the Republicans as candidate for mayor, and was elected the following December by thirteen hundred and sixty-eight ma- jority. He entered upon his second term in Jan- uary, 1881, and in March, 1881, was appointed post- master by President Garfield, and on the 28th day of March, 1881, resigned the office of mayor, and as- sumed the position of postmaster, April 15, 1881. Under his administration of that office additional mail facilities have been obtained, mail messenger service has been established to and from the railroad depots, the number of letter carriers has been in- creased, and the routes for the collection and delivery of letters have been greatly extended, and few cities are now provided with better mail facilities. He is a member of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church, and is superintendent of the Sabbath-school, which position he has held during the past five years. He is also a member of the board of trustees. He is a mem- ber of the Mount Hope Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, Fall River Royal Arch Chapter, and Godfrey De Bouillon Commandery Knights Templar, but has never held any official position in either of these bodies. Mr. Greene is a public-spirited citizen, and all measures tending to advance the interests of Fall River have found in him an earnest advocate. E. T. LEONARD. Ebenezer Turell Leonard was born in Gardner, Mass., July 19, 1812. He commenced the study of medicine under Drs. Perry, Bowditch, Gould, and Wylie, of Boston, and afterwards studied at the Har- vard Medical School, graduating in 1886. He com- menced practice in Weymouth, Mass., in the spring of 1836, and remained there ten years. He removed to Fall River in 1846, and has labored here uninter- ruptedly until the present time. He graduated at Harvard Medical School in 1836. He has held the following offices in the South Massachusetts Medical Society: president two years, and vice-president and councilor two years. Dr. Leonard is one of the oldest practitioners in the State, and one of Fall River's most honored and esteemed citizens. HON. JAMES BUFFINTON. Hon. James Buffinton was born on " Chaloner Hill," in Troy (now Fall River), Mass., March 16, 1817. His parents removed to Swansea, near the village of that name, in his infancy, where the first years of his childhood were passed, and where he commenced at- tending school ; but soon the interests of the family caused their return to his native village, which hence- forward became his home. His earlier years were those of self-denial and constraint, yet all through his boyhood and youth his promptness in thought and independence in action were indicative of the coming man. His parents were members of the So- ciety of Friends, his mother being an approved minister of that body of Christians for many years. She was careful in the training of her youngest born — the subject of this sketch — to inculcate in his mind the love of truth and virtue, to lay a foundation for the principles of honesty and uprightness, and to nurture him in a strict regard for the same. He attended public and private schools a part of each twelvemonth, until he was some fifteen years of age, when he was sent for two or three terms to the Friends' Boarding School in Providence, R. I., where he made good use of his privileges, and progressed satisfactorily in his studies. Here, as elsewhere, the activity of an irrepressible nature often led him to the front, and in sports and exercises of muscular power and skill he ever showed an ambition to lead. After leaving school he commenced the study of medicine with the late Dr. Thomas Wilbur, pursuing his investigations in this science successfully to the period when he should have attended medical lectures as a finishing step to make him a veritable M.D. Failing to obtain the necessary funds at the proper time satisfactorily to himself, he turned his attention to teaching, and spent two or three years as a precep- tor in public and private schools at Westport, and afterwards in Dartmouth, at or near Padanaram, the southern extremity of the town. Here, from constant FALL RIVER. 415 association with men interested in navigation, his thoughts were turned in this direction, and he finally shipped for a whaling voyage on board the ship " South Carolina," about to sail from that port. Making a successful voyage, he returned home, and engaged in business as a druggist. Subsequently abandoning this enterprise, he entered the dry-goods and millinery trade. About this time also he united in marriage with Miss Sarah Perkins. During these years he possessed the full confidence of his fellow-townsmen, who often by their suffrages acknowledged his qualifications, electing him to posi- tions of trust and usefulness. He was a prominent and efficient member of the fire department, and in 1851 was chosen selectman, being re-elected in 1852, and again in 1853. On the adoption of a city charter in 1854 he was elected mayor by a majority over all of three hundred and thirty-one, in an aggregate of twelve hundred and sixty-one votes. At the second city election, in 1855, he was re- elected mayor ; but the same autumn, his executive abilities having become more generally known and appreciated, at a convention called to nominate a candidate for representative in Congress, he was chosen by acclamation, and subsequently elected by a ma- jority of several thousand. When the Rebellion was being inaugurated, his attention in the House was, if possible, increased, and no effort was lost to advance the nation's cause and preserve her life and usefulness. On his return home early in the spring of 1861, he immediately set influences at work to raise a company of volunteers in person, joining the " Boys in Blue" in their drill, their marches through the street, and in all their preparations to become defenders of their country's life and integrity. In 1864 Mr. Buffinton, having declined a re-nomi- nation for Congress, accepted an office in the Internal Revenue Department, tendered him during President Johnson's administration. The duties of this office — general treasury agent — were satisfactorily performed for a year or two, when he was appointed revenue collector for the First Dis- trict of Massachusetts, which office he held until after the death of Mr. Eliot, his successor in Congress, in June, 177<», when he was again elected by those whom he had so faithfully served in previous years as their representative in the national councils. He served two terms, and was re-elected for a third, when death intervened. Thus was spent the remainder of his useful life, the last few weeks in distress of body, yet to the last with the same alert mind, anxious to do his whole duty, prompt in his attendance upon each session of the House, and finally dying with the har- ness on. He remained in his seat, against the wishes of his friends, until the adjournment of Congress, when he came home to die in less than one hour after being welcomed by his beloved domestic circle, Sab- bath morning, March 6, 1874. His funeral obsequies were attended by a large con- course of relatives and friends, residents of this and many other towns in the State. CHARLES H. DEAN. Charles H. Dean, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was born in the town of Freetown, Mass., Nov. 29, 1821, and died at his residence in Fall River, Mass., July 22, 1882. He was seventh in de- scent from Walter Deane, his paternal American ancestor, and ninth in regular descent from Walter Deane, who lived a few miles from Taunton, England. This first Walter Deane had several children, but only one son, William Deane. Nothing is known of Walter Deane, except that he died in England, in 1591. His son William was born there, and died there. He died in 1634. He had nine children, the three youngest of whom, John, Walter, Mar- garet, we know came to America, and were first at Dorchester in 1636 or 1637, and in Taunton in 1637-38. " Walter Deane married Eleanor Strong and had six children, but we know the names only Benjamin, Ezra, and Joseph. He was a representa- tive to the General Court as early as 1640, and was a selectman in Taunton for many years, and with his wife was living as late as 1693." (See history of pioneers of Taunton.) Benjamin Deane, 1 son of Walter and Eleanor (Strong) Deane, was married to Sarah Williams, Jan. 6, 1680 or '81. They settled in Taunton, Mass, and had children, — Naomi, Hannah, Israel (born Feb. 2, 1685), Mary, Damaris, Sarah, Elizabeth, Mehitable, Benja- min (born July 31, .1699), Ebenezer (born Feb. 24, 1702), Lydia, and Josiah (born Oct. 23, 1707). His will was made Feb. 2, 1723, and probated April 14, 1725. Ebenezer Deane, third son of Benjamin Deane, married Rachel Allen, of Rehoboth, Jan. 19, 1709 or '10. He had several children, among whom • were Joshua and Ebenezer. * He marched with his son Joshua in defense of their country against the French and Indians. He was captain of a company, and served with distinction in that war. Ebenezer Dean, Jr., son of Capt. Ebenezer, Sr., was born about 1730, and died Jan. 5, 1819, in his ninetieth year. He was known as Deacon Dean. He married Prudence, daughter of John King, of Rayn- ham. She died March 10, 1787, in her fifty-fifth year. Their children were ten in number, of whom we know of Ebenezer, Abiather, Enos, Levi, and Apollos. Mr. Dean resided in Taunton, but purchased a tract of land in Freetown, and gave to his sons Levi and Apollos. Gen. Peirce, of Assonet, says, ''There was a small house on the farm of Levi Dean, which was 1 The name was usually written with an e final, but for several gener- ations past many have dropped the e. 416 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. raised and enlarged," but many new buildings had to be put up and other improvements made. Levi Dean, son of Deacon Ebenezer and Prudence (King) Dean, was born in Taunton, Dec. 13, 1767, and died Nov. 1, 1840. He settled in Freetown on a farm given to him by his father, and the farm is now (1883) in the family. He married Betsey Dean in 1792. She was born Feb. 27, 1770, and died Aug. 22, 1836. Their children were King, Eliza, Gains, and Prudence, all born in Freetown, Mass. King Dean, son of Levi, was born in Freetown, Sept. 24, 1795, married Betsey Lawton, Oct. 20, 1817, and had five children, — Anna E., Benjamin D., Charles H. (deceased), George W., and James O. (de- ceased). Mr. Dean was a farmer during the earlier part of his life in Freetown. About 1830-33, however, he settled with his family in Fall River, where he was engaged in farming at first, then he worked in the packing department of the Robinson Print-Works for many years. Finally in 1849 he went to California, and returned via the Isthmus of Panama, at which place he contracted a fever from the effects of which he died at New Orleans, Dec. 26, 1850. Mrs. King Dean died Jan. 30, 1872, aged seventy-four years. The line of descent from Walter Deane, of England, to Charles H. Dean, the subject of our immediate sketch, has been Walter 1 , William 2 , Walter 3 (the first of the name of this line in America). Benjamin 4 , Ebenezer 5 , Ebenezer 6 , Levi 7 , King 8 , and Charles H. 9 " Charles H. Dean came to Fall River very young, and became interested in the dry-goods business, and started for himself in 1847, which he continued until his death. As a merchant he was generally liked. Ill his business he was strictly honorable to everyone, being no respecter of persons ; the rich and poor were used alike. He was always the courteous gentleman that won the respect and admiration of all. He was a thoroughly Christian man, and a working member of the First Baptist Church in this city. His kind words and counsels were often heard in the way of doing good to his fellows, no matter in what station in life. He was liberal to the worthy poor, and yet he always had enough and to spare. Mr. Dean was largely in- terested in manufactures, being a stockholder and di- rector in several of the cotton-mills of Fall River, among which we may mention the King Philip, Mer- chant, Osborn, and Wee tarn oe Mills. He took a considerable interest in the municipal affairs of the city, and was a director in the Globe Railroad Com- pany. He was a man of large and broad views on all things that pertained to the welfare of the com- munity, and being a man of more than ordinary intel- lect, he was the better able to deal with the great, important questions of the day in a most intelligent and satisfactory way. Politically he was a Republican, but he did not seek political honors, but preferred to attend to his legitimate business. " Mr. Dean possessed qualities of head and heart which endeared him to all, and if in daily life he was unostentatious and quiet, he was always as genial and pleasant, and in this way not only won the respect but secured the friendship of all whose friendship was worth having. He was, too, a man of refined and generous sympathies, and these found expression in kind, cheerful words where cheer and comfort were most needed. He was a gentleman by nature and social intercourse, and a Christian from convictions. Goodness of heart was as natural to him as song to the bird or sweetness to the flower." He was one of the best of husbands and fathers, and it was in his home life that he appeared to the best advantage. Mr. Dean was a man who will long be remembered for his many nameless acts of kind- ness to those who needed them. He will be remem- bered for his general courteousness of manners and for his many virtues. Truly a good man has gone home to rest. Oct. 19, 1847, he married Louisa M., daughter of David and Louisa (Chase) Peirce, of Somerset, Mass. She was born in Somerset, Jan. 26, 1824, and died April 9, 1877. Their only child, Mary L., married, Sept. 3, 1873, George S. Davol, of Fall River, and has three chil- dren, — Stephen B., Louisa D., and Charles D. CHAPTER XXX. EASTON. 1 The town of Easton is situated in the northeast corner of Bristol County. It is bounded on the north by Stoughton and Sharon, on the east by Brockton and West Bridgewater, on the south by Raynham, Taunton, and Norton, and on the west by Norton and Mansfield. It derived its name from its location with reference to the town of Norton, of which it originally formed a part ; it was the East Precinct of that town, and became the East Town, or Easton. lis area is twenty-nine square miles, or, more precisely, eighteen thousand five hundred and eighty-four square acres, of which three hundred and seventy acres are water. The underlying geological forma- tion is in the northerly half sienite, and in the southern half a conglomerate sometimes called gray- wacke. There are a number of acres, perhaps two or three hundred, in which bog-iron ore is found, and where it has been dug with profit. The surface of Easton is quite level, the north part of the town having, however, a pleasant variety of elevation. Considerable swamp-land exists, especially in the southern portion, where is located what is known as the Great Cedar Swamp. There are some ponds i By Rev. William L. Chaffin. EASTON. 417 artificially made for manufacturing purposes, and oc- cupying altogether about three hundred and seventy acres. The two largest streams are Leach's Stream, once called Mulberry Meadow Brook, in the west part, and Queset River, which is in the northeastern part, and on .which stand the Ames Shovel-Works. The soil is not above the average quality for this section. Wise management and hard work are needed to make farming pay even a small profit. The population of Easton is about four thousand. At the census of 1880 it was precisely three thousand nine hundred and one. Easton Centre is twenty-four miles south of Boston, twelve north of Taunton, and twenty-seven north of Fall River. It is twenty- two miles from the sea-shore in a direct line. It is on the Old Colony Railroad, on the main line from Boston to Fall River and Newport, and has two rail- road stations. It has three villages, each with a post-office. The principal village is North Easton, which contained a population of two thousand one hundred and fifty-six in 1880, considerably over half of the whole population of the town. The other villages are Easton, or the Furnace village, and South Easton. The chief industry of North Easton, the industry in fact which has built up this village, is shovel-making. Another important business here is the manufacture of hinges. There are two boot- and shoe-factories, and the New England Specialty Company, which manufactures screw-drivers and a variety of similar articles. There are also twelve stores, including markets, drug-store, etc. South Easton has the cotton-thread factory of E. J. W. Morse & Co., a grist-mill, machine-shop, two shoe- factories, a wheelwright-shop, and two stores. The Furnace village (post-office address, Easton) has two foundries or furnaces, two saw-mills, and two stores. In the southeast part of the town mathe- matical and scientific instruments are manufactured. These is also a small grist-mill in the west part, and one in the northeast part. All these industries of the town are merely alluded to here; they will be more particularly -described farther on. North Easton village presents many points of special interest and attraction. There are several costly and other handsome dwelling-houses, among which may be mentioned those of F. L. Ames, Oliver Ames, Oakes A. Ames, Mrs. Oliver Ames, E. W. Gil- more, George W. Kennedy, and Unity Church par- sonage. The residences of F. L. Ames and Oliver Ames are within a large and beautiful park, which is open to the public for driving and walking, a privi- lege that is highly appreciated. An immense green- house filled with rare and costly plants, and contain- ing a collection of orchids hardly second to any in the United States, forms a great attraction. At one of the entrances to these grounds has been recently erected a most unique and interesting lodge-house. It is built of large, roundish, moss-covered stones taken from stone walls or from the surface of the ground 27 and cemented together. Its two sections are con- nected by a massive and splendid archway which forms the entrance to the park. The walls are low, the chimneys large and of stone like the walls, and the roof is covered with red tiles. Some of the public buildings of this village are costly and handsome. The school-house is a large three-story building, in which are eleven large and convenient school-rooms. Besides the extensive green- houses of F. L. Ames, excellent green-houses are owned by Mrs. Oliver Ames, E. W. Gilmore, and Oakes A. Ames. Unity Church is a beautiful stone edifice, Gothic in style, cruciform in shape, with a solid stone spire surmounted by a stone cross. It has a chapel connected with it, and below the auditorium is a church-parlor. This church was dedicated in August, 1875. It was built by Hon. Oliver Ames two years before his death, and was by him presented as a free gift to the Unitarian Society. John A. Mitchell was the architect. The public library building is also an attractive edifice, built of the native stone, a pinkish granite called sienite, with brown sandstone trimmings. It is elaborately finished inside with polished butternut and black-walnut woods. Over ten thousand books were provided, and the library opened to the public March 10, 1883. This library was founded by a bequest of Hon. Oliver Ames just mentioned. Near the library building, a little higher up on the hill, is the massive and handsome public hall, built as a memorial to Oakes Ames by his children. It stands on the solid foundation of a natural ledge, from the northeast corner of which rises the tower. It has in front an arcade with heavy pillars and arches, and is approached by wide stone staircases terminating on stone platforms, and so combined with the natural stonework as to present an imposing appearance. In this building on the first floor are two small halls, the large hall on the second floor, and a beautifully-deco- rated and furnished Masonic Hall in the third story. H. H. Richardson was the architect of this hall and of the library. In front of this hall is a triangular piece of ground, upon which the Ames corporation are now building, from designs of Frederick Law Olmstead, an extensive cairn or rockwork two hun- dred and fifty feet long and twenty-five feet high at one end, with an archway passing underneath. This will eventually be covered with vines and shrubbery, and will, with the lawn, flower-beds, and walks which will surround it, add much to the beauty and attrac- tiveness of this locality. There are three church edifices in this village, — Unity Church, already spoken of, a large Catholic Church, and a Methodist Church. On Washington Street, one mile east of the village, is another Meth- odist Church. In the centre of the town is the Eas- ton Unitarian Church, now closed except for occa- sional services, the lower story of which is used for a town hall. The church of the Evangelical Society 118 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. was destroyed by fire in 1882, and a new building will be erected this year (1883). Between these churches stands the new soldiers' monument, erected in 1882 at a cost of five thousand dollars, upon which are in- scribed the names of forty-seven townsmen who were killed in the war of the Rebellion. There are in North Easton a national bank and a savings-bank. One is known as the First National Bank of Easton, the other as the North Easton Sa- vings-Bank. Of these Frederic L. Ames is president and P. A. Gifford cashier. The savings-bank has considerable influence in promoting thrifty habits among the working-people, many of whom frequently deposit portions of their wages therein. The town has its proportion of social and other organizations. Besides those connected with the churches may be mentioned the Paul Dean Lodge of Masons, of which George K. Davis is the present Master ; the Mizpah Star Lodge of the Daughters of Rebekah, the A. B. Randall Post, No. 52, Grand Army of the Republic, Ellis Holbrook commander ; a division of the Sons of Temperance, an organization of the Knights of Honor, etc., the headquarters of all the above being at North Easton, except that of the army post, which is at South Easton. The town of Easton is represented in the State gov- ernment for this year by Hon. Oliver Ames, Lieuten- ant-Governor ; Hon. L. S. Drake, State senator; and Mr. George A. Lackey, representative to the State Legislature. The assessed value of real estate in Easton for May 1, 1882, was $1,158,800 ; the assessed value of per- sonal property $2,212,537. The corporation tax was $8617.85, national bank tax $3545.20, State tax $3320, county tax $2924.92, town tax $13,717.92. The rate of taxation was $5.50 on $1000; the number of dwell- ing-houses taxed was 730 ; acres of land taxed, 16,- 165 ; horses taxed, 416 ; cows taxed, 425. The num- ber of polls was 1068. There was appropriated for the poor $5000, for schools $8577.92, for roads $2000, but for school and road purposes there are large special funds available. The number of births reg- istered for 1882 was eighty-nine, the number of mar- riages forty-one, the number of deaths one hundred and eleven. The board of selectmen, assessors, and overseers of the poor, the board of school committee, and that of road commissioners numbers three men each. The town of Easton is singularly fortunate in re- gard to the means at its disposal for educational and other purposes. The educational privileges will be spoken of farther on. A fund of fifty thousand dol- lars was left by the late Hon. Oliver Ames for the im- provement of roads. The income of this fund, four thousand dollars, in addition to the amount annually appropriated by the town, will soon provide roads that will equal if not surpass those of any town in the commonwealth. For a place of the size of Easton the public library is large, and is exceptionally fine. Taxes are very low, being for 1882 but five dollars and fifty cents on one thousand dollars, and less than that for 1883. It is less than an hour's ride from Bos- ton, and has increasing attractions and advantages that render it a very desirable place of residence. History. — The town of Easton was incorporated Dec. 21, 1725. It was previously a part of the town of Norton, which was incorporated in 1711, and of which, in 1718, it was made the East Precinct, being set apart for the maintenance of a minister. Previous to this time it was part of a tract of land called Taun- ton North Purchase. This tract included the whole of what is now Easton, nearly all of Mansfield, and about a third of Norton. When first incorporated Norton included all this tract and considerably more, Easton being the older and Mansfield the younger child of that town. The North Purchase was bought by fifty-three of the citizens of Taunton of the agents of Plymouth Colony. The first town-meeting of Easton was held March 2, 1726. It will be best to consider this subject, the history of Easton, under several different divisions. Industrial History. — -The limits assigned to this sketch of the history of Easton will not allow any very detailed narrative of the growth and decline of the various business enterprises that existed here pre- vious to the present century. At the time of the in- corporation of the town (December, 1725) there were certainly two, probably three, iron forges in opera- tion. One was established in 1724, at what was then known as Cranberry Meadow Pond, and is now called the Dean farm, owned by F. L. Ames. The other was established by the Leonards, who were celebrated iron-workers, and was in successful operation before 1724, but how long before has not yet been deter- mined. This forge was in what is now North Easton, at the lower end of Stone's Pond. Several saw-mills were running at the same time in different parts of the town. There was at least one grist-mill, and probably more. The forge business at the Dean farm place continued until about 1750. A saw-mill was then built to take its place. About the same time the furnace at Furnace village was established. At the time of the Revolutionary war this furnace was owned by Capt. James Perry, who manufactured among other things cannon and cannon-balls. It afterwards passed into the hands of Gen. Shepard Leach, by whom a flourishing business was carried on. Large quantities of bog-iron ore were dug from the swampy lands in the west part of town, and were used at this furnace. In the northeast part of the town the forge business continued through the last century. Before its close two forges were in operation there, the second one being on what is known as the Quaker Leonard road. In the year 1775 or 1776 the manufacture of steel was begun in Easton by Eliphalet Leonard, who was grand- son to James, the founder of the first forge in town. Jonathan Leonard, son of the Eliphalet just named, EASTON. 419 is authority for the statement that this was the first attempt to manufacture steel in this country. Such statements must, however, be received with great cau- tion. Eliphalet Leonard was led to that attempt by the groat scarcity of steel in this country, then in great demand for the manufacture of firearms, which were needed for the defense of our liberties. He con- structed several furnaces, and was able to supply him- self and his neighbors with steel. In 1787, Jonathan Leonard having, by means of extraordinary shrewd- ness, of which curious things are told, "obtained further insight into this business, erected at Easton a furnace capable of making three tons at a batch." In 1808 he erected another furnace here of over three times the capacity of the first. The Leonards manufactured firearms, which are well remembered by our old inhabitants. In 1792, Calvin Brett erected a small factory in the south part of the town for the manufacture of linseed-oil. It was built as a wind- mill, but did not prove a success. Since the year 1800 a great many business enter- prises have been undertaken, have had their day, and have passed away. To take up and give in de- tail the account of these enterprises would be inter- esting, but will be impossible in this brief historic sketch. Of the earlier ones the mere mention must suffice. At what is now the Morse privilege at South Easton there was at the beginning of the century a saw-mill owned by Josiah Copeland. He afterwards with others ran an oil-mill. About 1805 the same parties started a factory for the manufacture of cot- ton yarn, and afterwards of cotton cloth. It con- tinued until 1834, when E. J. W. Morse, a native of Dedham, Mass., commenced the cotton thread busi- ness. Under the name E. J. W. Morse & Co., South Easton, cotton thread manufacturers, this business became successful, and has continued uninterruptedly down to the present time. This company employs about fifty hands. At the privilege next below, now the property of T. H. and J. O. Dean, some kind of active enterprise has been going on for nearly two centuries. From a time preceding the incorporation of the town until now the grist-mill business has been carried on there. Not much else seems to have been done there until about 1810, when Elijah Howard & Co. started the forge business, and manufactured bar-iron, nail rods, etc. But a disastrous fire, which burned an amount of charcoal worth more than the whole capital invested in the business, brought this enterprise to a close. The same company then began the manufacture of cut nails, at that time a new invention. This con- tinued until about 1823. In 1825 or 1826, Elijah Howard and Capt. Barzillai Dean began to make cotton cloth. In 1836 or 1837, Capt. Dean bought the entire interest, and manufactured cotton print goods of light texture. Capt. Dean died by accident in 1848, and from that time this factory, since en- larged, has been a machine-shop, and, with the grist- mill, is the property of T. H. and J. O. Dean. In the machine-shop are manufactured piano-forte ma- chinery, wood slipper heels, etc. The privilege next below was once used for saw- mill purposes, but soon after the beginning of the present century a carding-mill was started there. It then was used for a fulling-mill. Subsequently in one building satinet was manufactured, and in an- other cotton yarn. Asa R. Howard made hoes there. The manufacture of shoe-pegs was engaged in, and in 1848 Solomon W. Morse bought the whole privi- lege and made cotton cloth. It was then purchased by E. J. W. Morse, and has since lain idle most of the time. At the Furnace village at the opening of the cen- tury Gen. Shepard Leach carried on a successful furnace business. In 1837, Capt. Lincoln Drake es- tablished the malleable iron works, under the firm- name of A. Boyden & Co. It went under that name for about two years, and was under the superintend- ence of Mr. Boyden. Daniel Belcher then took charge of the business for Capt. Drake. About the year 1840 brass castings were for a while also made. In 1849, Daniel Belcher bought out the business, and since that time it has run constantly, except for a few weeks after the works were destroyed by fire. The castings are for agricultural implements, carriage and saddlery castings, cotton and woolen machinery, and many similar things that take the place of difficult forgings. These castings are sent all over the coun- try. This firm, known as the Daniel Belcher Mal- leable Iron Works, enjoys a high reputation for the excellence of its work. It employs thirty men. Near by is the foundry of L. S. and A. L. Drake, successors, in 1872, to Capt. Lincoln Drake, who organized this business in 1833. This firm employs twenty-five men. Its castings in 1881 were of about seven hundred tons weight, and they are largely for machine purposes, school-house work, hot-water heating apparatus, etc. In this village, farther south, and not far from 1830, there, was an oil-mill. In 1854, Keith, Botch & Co.. were running a thread-factory. Pratt, Belcher & Co. carried on the same kind of business. In 1844 the first belt saw-mill erected in this vicinity was built by Lewis Williams and his son, Edward D. Williams. It has been running since that time, and is the prop- erty of the latter at this time. James Belcher also runs a saw-mill now in this village on the old grist- mill privilege. In the south part of the town, in the year 1828, J. and H. M. Poole began the manufacture of mathe- matical instruments on a small scale. A strong prej- udice for foreign-made instruments was only slowly overcome. Poole's work was found not only to equal but to excel the imported. In 1878, John M. Poole, who had for twenty-five years been foreman, succeeded to the business. He manufactures surveyors' transits, builders' levels, land and telescopic compasses, and many other instruments of this kind. 420 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. John Poole was, after a while, associated with Charles Poole in the manufacture of thermometers. Farther north, on the turnpike, Guilford White, in 1850, began the manufacture of shoes, and continued it for six years. For several years afterwards the same business was conducted by Horatio Thayer and Na- thaniel R. Packard. At the same time Lewis Thayer manufactured shoes, and so continued from 1856 to 1870. Irving and Emory Packard began the manu- facture of shoes there in 1864-65, and their business still continues. On the other road, just south of the Dean Works, Samuel Simpson has for years carried on the wheelwright business. At the beginning of the century industrial enter- prises of some importance were conducted in the northeast part of Easton. Northwest of the present site of the Ames Shovel-Works, near what is called the Picker field, there was a grist-mill. There was also a cotton-picking machine in operation. Capt. John Ames manufactured knives there, and at what is called the "Hoe-Shop" Nathan Pratt manufactures hoes. Close to the present location of the Ames office was another grist-mill, and still lower down was the cotton-factory of the Easton Manufacturing Company. At the lower end of Stone's Pond steel was being manufactured when the century began. Soon a grist-mill was added, afterwards there was a nail-factory ; then William G. Andrews and Eli- jah Howard began the manufacture of cotton yarn. After a while they provided looms and made cotton sheeting. Gurden Stone succeeded William G. An- drews in the business, which was carried on until 1837, when Jason G. Howard bought out Mr. Stone. In 1839 nine tack-machines were put in and the tack business was begun. Edward J. W. Morse subse- quently rented a part of the works and manufac- tured knitting-cotton. In 1852, Mr. Howard sold the place to Oliver Ames, by whom it was used, as it is still used, for shovel-works. Steel was also being made in 1800 at the now Calvin Marshall place, where firearms were manufactured. Jonathan Leon- ard and his father were here, and this was the scene of the disastrous attempt at lead-mining. At this place was also a mill for breaking flax. At the lower end of what is now called Shovel Shop Pond there was a dam with a grist-mill, nailer's shop, and iron forge with trip-hammer, etc. This prop- erty was purchased by Oliver Ames, the founder of the great shovel business. He had manufactured hoes and shovels here before this time, but had moved to Plymouth. He subsequently returned, and began in a small way the establishment of the now world-fa- mous Ames' shovel business. Having built a new dam and enlarged the Shovel Shop Pond, he renewed at the lower end of this pond the manufacture he had engaged in some years before farther up the stream. It is but repeating a familiar story to say that shovels were slowly made at first, a few at a time, that the first made were carried to market in a one-horse wagon when one load was almost sufficient to glut the market, that the one-horse wagon gave place to the six-horse team until the railroad was available. Oliver Ames purchased land farther up the stream. In 1852 the factory at the lower end of Shovel Shop Pond proved too small to accommodate the increasing business, and a substantial two-story stone building was erected five hundred and thirty feet long, to which additions were subsequently made. Several other shops were afterwards erected near by, and there are others in different parts of the village where water-power is available. Steam-power is, however, the main reliance. Every description of shovel is made, — long and short handled, square and round- point shovels, spades, grain and coal scoops, post-hole diggers, and other varieties. These are sent not only throughout the United States, but to South America, to parts of Asia and Africa, and to Australia. An intelligent Englishman visited these works with the writer, and was curious to know how the raw material, steel and iron, could be imported and duties paid thereon, and yet shovels be exported to English provinces, to Australia for instance. Stand- ing before an ingenious machine, he exclaimed, "I see clearly enough how it is, it is your wonderful labor-saving machines. If such a machine as that were set up in one of our shovel-works, our trades unions would have the building in ashes before the next morning, though in so doing they drive business away, and hence injure the working men they pro- fess to benefit. Our manufacturers, too, are very conservative, and are slow to adopt improvements." Those who desire to read a detailed description of the whole process of shovel-making in these works may find it in an article published in the Atlantic Monthly of about 1870, written by Azel Ames, Jr. The Ames corporation have additional shops in Can- ton, South Braintree, and West Bridgewater. If all the stone shops which they use for the shovel busi- ness were placed end to end they would reach about twenty-five hundred feet, or nearly half a mile. Five hundred men are employed in this shovel business. They manufacture from 110,000 to 125,000 dozens of shovels per year. Taking the average of these fig- ures, 117,500 dozens, we have the incredible number of 1,410,000 shovels per year, or 27,115 per week, 4519 per day, 451 per hour. From 1200 to 1500 tons of Swedish iron, and from 1200 to 1400 tons of steel are annually used in this manufacture. The business of next importance in town is the manufacture of hinges by E. W. Gilmore. In 1854 the firm of E. W. Gilmore & Co., the other partners being Oakes Ames and Oliver Ames, began in a small way the manufacture of strap- and T-hinges, ship-scrapers, wrought iron washers, and other arti- cles. This business was begun in the building for- merly used by the Ames Company for the manufacture of shovels. In 1871, E. W. Gilmore bought out the Ames' interest in the business first named. He then & I L / 1 v- ^ t e / c r/ C EASTON. 421 built the large works which he now occupies, and moved into them in January, 1872. His power is furnished by a sixty horse-power Corliss engine. Mr. Gilmore is a practical and ingenious machinist, and from time to time has invented and introduced important improvements in the way of machinery and labor-saving processes. By this means, by hard work of brain and hand, he achieved success. When full of work he employs about seventy-five men and boys, making about fifteen thousand strap- and T-hinges per day, besides other articles. In 1851 was organized in North Easton the firm of A. A. Gilmore & Co., the other members of the firm being Elisha T. Andrews and Oakes A. Ames. They manufactured fine calf-skin boots in a building owned by Cyrus Lothrop. Oakes Ames succeeded to the in- terest first owned by Oakes A. Ames. In 1870, Messrs. Gilmore and Andrews bought out Oakes Ames. This firm, which for some time did quite an extensive business, gave up the manufacture of boots in 1879, but the firm did not dissolve until death broke up the long partnership, Mr. Andrews dying in 1883. In 1855, William Andrews built what is known as the Brett Shop, and went into the business of shoe manufacture with Ward L. Foster; but the business crisis of 1857 made this attempt a failure. The firm of Pratt, Foster & Co. manufactured for a while in the same building. In 1863, George Brett manufactured ladies' shoes in this building for E. H. Johnson, of Lynn. In 1855 he went into business in the same place for himself, and continued it for ten years, when it was closed. In 1865 John B. King with P. A. Gilford as part- ner began to make boots and shoes. In 1871 Mr. King bought out his partner's interest, and has con- ducted a successful business ever since. He now em- ploys about fifty hands in his work ; his goods go chiefly West and Northwest. In the fall of 1880, D. H. Packard began the manufacture of shoes in North Easton. The firm is now D. H. Packard & Co. They employ about fifty hands. In March, 1880, A. J. Leavitt established a business which goes under the name of the New England Specialty Company. He manufactures a large variety of such articles as screw- drivers, can openers, sewing-machine trimmings, steel keys, etc. William King owns a small factory where he makes awls, various kinds of cement, and other goods. This long journey through the various manufac- tures of the three principal villages of the town where nearly everything has been or is made, brings us at last to " The Centre," where, in 1880, Reed & Lin- coln began the manufacture of quite a variety of shoes. At the present time this firm employs twenty- five hands. Educational. — The history of school matters in an ordinary country town does not furnish material for an extended or for a very interesting narrative. Our ancestors were much more interested in churches than in schools, and they expended very much more for their religious than for their educational privileges. But they were not unmindful of the latter, and they illustrated the need of it, for some even of the prom- inent men, and more of the women, were unable to write, and were obliged on old deeds, wills, surveys, etc., which the writer has seen, to " make their mark." It was provided in the articles of incorporation of the town of Easton that, within six months from the time of the publication of such articles, the town should " procure and maintain a school-master to instruct their youth in writing and reading." The town records do not show, however, any very liberal provi- sion for education, even taking into account the char- acter of the times. The following verbatim extract from the town records will suffice to illustrate the too common spirit of town-meeting legislation upon the subject : " Easton March the thirty-first day 1727 at a Leagall meeting of the Inhabitants of said town for to make choice of a schollmaster and to rais money to pay him and to appoint a place for the scholl to be kept : &c. 1 we made choice of Josiah Keith Mod- erator for said meeting. 21y a vote was called for to give fourty pounds to a schollmaster for one year to keep scholl but not voted. 31y a vote was called for to give twenty pounds schollmaster to keep scholl one year but not voted. 41y a vote was called for to give ten pounds to a schollmaster to keep scholl for one year but not voted. 51y a vote was called for to give five pounds to a schollmaster to keep scholl for one year but not voted. 61y voted and agreed to give three pounds to a schollmaster for one year to teach youths to Read and to writ and to keep it at his own House and to find himself diet." What a change in school affairs from the time when the school-master of Easton must provide a school- room, do the teaching, and board himself for fifteen dollars a year, and to-day, when he gets fifteen hun- dred dollars ! There is nothing, down to a very recent date, of sufficient interest to enter into a narrative of this kind. The High School of Easton was organized in 1868, first as a peripatetic institution, moving into different sections of the town for different terms ; but before long it was permanently located at North Easton, because more than half the scholars were there. The district system was abolished in 1869, and this change, here as elsewhere, has had a bene- ficial result. On May 1, 1882, there were in Easton (population, 3901) 822 children between five and fifteen years of age. On the school registers for that year there were enrolled the names of 903 different scholars. Of these 99 were over fifteen years of age, and 11 were under five years. The amount appropriated for the support of schools for the same year was £8577.92. This amount is the exact average per scholar of the appro- priation for schools for all the towns in Massachu- 422 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. setts, not including the cities, for the preceding year. The average attendance of scholars for the year was 629, and the percentage of attendance was .79. There are twenty schools in town, eleven of them, including the High School, being at North Easton, and two at the Furnace village, all of which are graded schools, the remaining seven being mixed schools. In pecuniary means for educational purposes the town of Easton probably stands first in the list of towns in the State. By the will of Hon. Oliver Ames, who died in 1877, it was endowed with the large bequest of fifty thousand dollars for the support of schools. In order that such a fund might not tempt the town to reduce its appropriations, the will pro- vides that it shall be forfeited unless the town shall every year appropriate for the support of schools an amount per scholar equal to the average amount per scholar appropriated by all the towns of the State. The income of this fund is four thousand dollars per year, and it is used for general school purposes. Be- sides this, there is another fund of fifty thousand dol- lars, left by Hon. Oakes Ames, for the benefit of the children of North Easton village. By the aid of this fund the High School is being furnished with excel- lent apparatus, various chemical and mechanical in- struments, including microscope with numerous speci- mens, a skeleton, and a manikin recently sent from Paris. Courses of lectures, chiefly illustrated, are given m the large Ames' Memorial Hall. These, though pri- marily for the benefit of the children, are open to the general public, have been enjoyed by large audi- ences, and cannot but be attended with excellent results. With the income of this fund magazines appropriate to the ages of different scholars are sub- scribed for nearly every family of children in North Easton ; and in order that all the children in town may have the same privilege, Lieutenant-Governor Ames pays for the subscription of magazines for chil- dren in parts of the town outside of this village. Over three hundred copies of the Saint Nicholas alone come into town, and a magazine of some kind goes into every family where there are children attending the public schools. The liberal funds provided enable the school com- mittee to secure teachers of exceptional ability, to provide supplementary books and other means for conducting the schools in the best manner. Music and drawing have been taught by a special teacher, and in the North Easton schools sewing has been taught for several years, with most marked beneficial results. The excellent public library just opened with over ten thousand carefully-selected books fur- nishes an important auxiliary to the educational ad- vantages of the place, and it will be the fault of the school committee if these are not in time of the high- est order. CHAPTER XXXI. EASTON.— ( Continued.) MILITARY— ECCLESIASTICAL, ETC. As the town of Easton was incorporated long after King Philip's war, there is nothing to record in re- gard to any w r arfare with the Indians. We have but little knowledge of the part taken by the citizens of Easton in the French and Indian war of 1754-63. The most prominent figure of that time is Capt. Na- thaniel Perry, who raised a company of men for the defense of the eastern frontier. His commission as captain was dated June 6, 1754, and signed by Gover- nor Shirley. He enlisted a company of ninety-six men, of whom only sixteen were from Easton. Easton was then waging an ecclesiastical war in its own borders of the most violent and embittered kind, and there- fore came to the question of the French and Indian war with exhausted energies. Capt. Perry saw con- siderable active service in Nova Scotia, assisted under Gen. Shirley in the capture of Fort Cumberland, and in 1756 was mustered out by death. Easton was very active during the Revolutionary war, and sustained her part in that memorable struggle. The town records of this period are full of allusions to the sub- ject, and are, indeed, largely composed of reports of the business of the town related to the war. The first of such records bears the date of April 3, 1775. It was then voted to raise fifty minute-men, twenty-five out of each military company in town. The battle of Lexington occurred April 19, 1775, and on this day these fifty minute-men, under the command of Capt. Macey Williams, started for the seat of war. Being enlisted merely as minute-men for what was called " the Lexington alarm," they were out for only a brief service, viz., nine days. On the 4th of May another town-meeting is called. A bounty is voted every soldier who has enlisted or shall enlist and who will provide himself with a blanket. A com- mittee is chosen to procure blankets for those who re- fuse or neglect to procure them for themselves. Town-meetings follow each other in quick succes- sion. The change of feeling towards the king is in- dicated by the significant fact that the term " Maj- esty," which had previously been prefixed to his name, is now dropped, and he is simply called " George the Third." Even that term soon disap- pears, and we have no more allusion to royal author- ity. Our citizens partake of the common excitement that stirred our countrymen after the battle of Bunker Hill. Every available offensive weapon is hunted up and brought into service. Investigation shows that the town is short of ammunition, and one of the citi- zens, David Manley, is despatched to Newport for powder, ball, and flints. The Boston Port Bill had impoverished many of the Bostonians, some of whom had to be sent for support to surrounding towns. In February, 1776, a committee of three is ap- EASTON. 423 pointed to take care of such of the " poor of Boston" as were then in town. A committee of " correspond- ence and inspection" took general charge of war mat- ters here. A committee was chosen " to incorage the manufacturin of Sault Peter in this town." On the first anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill, in a notable town-meeting, the citizens vote that "if the Honerabel Continantal Congress, for the safety of the United Colonies, Declare themselves indepandent of. Great Breton, we ingage Even at the Besque of life and fotin to do Whatever is in our Power to soport them in ad. measure." Soon followed the declaration of independence, and Bev. Archibald Campbell, the minister of Easton, read that heart-stirring document to a large and eagerly-listening assembly on Sunday next after July 17, 1776. It was then handed to Matthew Hayward, who, like every other town clerk in Massachusetts, proudly recorded it in his town records. Among the military officers from Easton one of the most prominent was Col. Abial Mitchell. He was appointed major May 19, 1775, and received his com- mission as colonel June 17, 1779. He was prominent in town affairs, and served as representative to the General Court for twenty-one years. He served in the army until the close of the Bevolutionary war, and many interesting incidents are told of his courage and prowess. These incidents, interesting as they are, cannot be narrated here, as they would too much lengthen this necessarily brief sketch. Another of Easton's heroes in the war was Capt. Elisha Harvey. He was in the artillery service, and as he did not die until 1821, he is still (1883) held in remembrance by some of the older inhabitants of the town. He was the hero of a brave action at the battle of Brooklyn Heights, where, in face of the advancing enemy and after his men had deserted their guns, he touched off two loaded cannon, and then turned the gun-carriages about and sent them rolling down the bluff into the water. He then rushed down the cliff, entered a boat, and made for the opposite shore, which he reached, notwithstanding the hot fire that was poured after him. The action was witnessed by the troops on both sides, and was soon reported to Gen. Washington, by whom it was highly complimented. He was present at the execution of Maj. Andre. He was sergeant in Drury's company of Knox's artil- lery in May, 1776. He was commissioned first lieu- tenant in Lamb's artillery regiment June 28, 1778, and was made captain in 1780. He died in Easton, Feb. 11, 1821. Another man who saw considerable service was Capt. James Perry, who raised a company of soldiers as early as 1776. He departed for the seat of war with a company of sixty men. He served in the army of Gen. Washington, was at the battles of Trenton and Princeton, and returned home some time in 1779. His service was not confined to the field ; he owned a fur- nace at home, where he manufactured cannon and cannon-balls. At the same time firearms were being manufactured by the Leonards in the northeast part of the town, where in 1785 or 1786 Eliphalet Leonard began the making of steel. Capt. Josiah Keith raised a company of soldiers, thirty-three of whom were from Easton, and served with them for a while in Col. John Daggett's regiment. Subsequently, for three years dating from January, 1777, he served as cap- tain in Col. Michael Jackson's Eighth Begiment. He was then made major in the same regiment, in which capacity he served during the year 1780. A comparatively large number of men from Easton served in the Bevolutionary war, many enlisting in the company of Capt. Francis Luscomb, of Taunton, in Capt. Keith's, in Capt. John Allen's company of Col. Carpenter's regiment, in Capt. Macey Williams' company, and there were some scattered through various other companies. Easton had reason to be proud of her record in that great struggle for national independence. The war of 1812 did not create much enthusiasm, and there are no facts concerning Easton's connec- tion with it to call for any special notice in this sketch. On the breaking out of the war of the Be- bellion there was in town a military company com- manded by Capt. Milo M. Williams, known as Com- pany B of the Fourth Begiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. A call for troops was made by Governor Andrew. This company received the order, and reported with other companies of the regiment on the very next day. The day after this the regi- ment was sent to Fortress Monroe, where it remained for three months. Easton furnished three hundred and thirty-four men for the army and navy, and ex- pended more than forty thousand dollars for war pur- poses. Besides this large subscriptions were made by citizens, and there were here, as in other towns of the State, large contributions for camp and hospital stores. The following is the list of the patriots of Easton who died in the service of their country, and whose names are inscribed upon the soldiers' monu- ment, which was dedicated on Memorial-day, 1882: Capt. Ansel B. Randall. Lieut. Albert Tilden. Mason A. Hill. Thomas Duffy. John Gkralding. Peleg F. Randall. Beth Ramsdell. Addison A. Lothrop. Cornelius Slattery. John D. Haney. Samuel H. Gilmore. Edward W. Hansel. Charles H. Willis. Minot E. Phillips. Theodore Mitchell. PhineaB A. Randall. Major Crockett. Henry T. Drew. John Mullen. John Phillips. Martin Cunningham. Hosea S. Packard. Patrick McCourt. Michael E. Roach. John Duffy. Seth T. Dunhar. J. Manley Tinkham. Charles L. Britton, Jr. Daniel Donovan. Richard Seavers. James McCullough. Charles Bellows. James A. Humphrey. Michael Milleric. Calvin A. Marshall. George H. Davis. Benjamin Boodry. John Randall. William A. Lothrop. George A. Tilden. William M. Packard. John Richards. 424 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. E. Granville Howard. Franklin Godfrey. H. Frank Poole. Charles S. Torrey. Jason F. Eldridge. Ecclesiastical. — From 1711 to 1725 the territory now embraced in the town of Easton was part of the town of Norton. In 1717 the inhabitants of this ter- ritory, being in sufBcient number, as they judged, to establish a religious society and to support a minister, petitioned the General Court to be set apart as a sep- arate precinct. This permission was subsequently granted, and on June 5, 1718, what is now the town of Easton was set apart as the East Precinct of the town of Norton. Soon afterwards a church was built. Instead of being, as at first proposed, in the centre of the town, it was built near the easterly boundary of the town, the reason for this being that many of the parish lived over the Bridgewater line. It was the most central of any place, so far as the population was concerned, for the east part of the town was more generally settled earlier than the west part. But this question of the location of the meeting- house is the great bone of contention which caused trouble for many years, at one time creating a bitter contention in the parish, dividing the church, and even threatening to permanently divide the town. The meeting-house was soon built, and after some time spent in hearing candidates the church and parish settled upon Rev. Matthew Short as the min- ister of the Church of Christ in the East Precinct. Rev. Matthew Short was born at Newberry, March 14, 1688. He graduated from Harvard University in 1707. In November, 1712, he was ordained a min- ister at Attleborough, and remained there three years. Subsequently he preached in Saco and Biddeford, Me., and was settled in the aforesaid East Precinct of Norton about 1722. Three years after this, in December, 1725, this precinct was incorporated as a town with the name of Easton. The rapid increase of inhabitants soon made it necessary to build a new church. Work was begun in 1728, and the new meet- ing-house was slowly constructed, and after consider- able altercation concerning the management of the committee appointed to oversee the work it was fin- ished. This was in 1730. Two years before a severe epidemic passed over this section. Mr. Short was brought near to death's door, and after his recovery he preached two sermons, which he calls " A Thank- ful Memorial of God's Sparing Mercy." These were published, and one copy of them has been in the hands of the writer. Mr. Short died in Easton, April 16, 1731, in the forty-fourth year of his age, after a peaceful ministry of about nine years. He was succeeded in his ministry in Easton by Rev. Joseph Belcher, who was probably from Braintree, and who graduated from college in 1723. He was set- tled here Oct. 6, 1731. Not much is known of him or of his life in this town. He began after a while to show signs of insanity, one of his peculiarities being that of preaching several sermons in immediate suc- cession, regardless of the fact that his congregation had gradually dispersed, leaving him addressing the bare walls. On the 16th of April, 1744, after a pas- torate of nearly thirteen years, he was dismissed from the church. He lived several years afterwards. At this time there began the most earnest conten- tion relative to the location of the meeting-house. The west part of the town had increased in the num- ber of inhabitants, and when it was necessary to build a new place of worship they very naturally desired that it should be located nearer them. On May 24, 1744, an exciting town-meeting is held. Two factions are developed, which are designated respectively as the " town party" and the " party of the east part." The town party proves the stronger. It is voted to build the meeting-house in the centre of the town. It is voted to make a survey in order to determine the centre, and fearing no committee of Easton men would be sufficiently unprejudiced to be trustworthy, a committee of Taunton, Bridgewater, and Norton men is chosen. The survey is made at a cost of two pounds, nine shillings, and sixpence. At a town-meeting in January, 1745, it is voted to build the new meeting-house " at or within twenty rods of ye senter," and that it shall be finished in two years. But the disagreement is so strong that nothing is done about it until 1749. Meantime the church and parish had agreed in giving a call to Rev. Solomon Prentice. Mr. Prentice was born at Cambridge. May 11, 1705, and graduated from Har- vard College in 1725, in a class in which were Hutch- inson and Trumbull, afterwards Governors. He was settled in Grafton in 1731. Had the Church of Christ in Easton consulted the antecedents of Mr. Prentice before giving him a call, they would have learned that he was no man to pour oil on the troubled waters and to reconcile and unite the two factions that were developing here. He was a man of mark, positive in his character, and belonged to the party at that time known as " New Lights." These were the persons who sympathized with Whitefield, con- cerning whose merits, doctrines, and methods the New England clergy were in great disagreement. Mr. Prentice warmly espoused his cause, invited him into the Grafton pulpit, and scandalized his people not only by inviting itinerants to preach for him, but also on account of the extreme and fanatical opinions he avowed. Councils were called, the breach healed for a while, but no lasting union could be effected, and accordingly on July 10, 1747, he was dismissed. Only two months afterwards, on September 14th, he received a call at Easton, and was installed pastor November 18th. He finds things at loose ends here, and immediately begins to set them right. The church records, if any had been kept by his prede- cessor, are not discoverable. He immediately begins new records. No covenant can be found. He imme- diately draws one up, and it is signed by one hun- dred and thirteen persons. The question as to who EASTON. 425 are proper subjects of baptism is then earnestly dis- cussed and disposed of. Various personal dissen- sions are adjudicated. Then with these minor mat- ters out of the way, the field is clear for the great conflict concerning the location of the meeting-, house. The new house is ready for occupancy, and the town party, by summary action, pull down the old one, that no more services may be held there. A majority of the church, but a minority of the whole parish, vote that services shall be held in private houses, and not at the new meeting-house. Though Mr. Prentice, with the advice of a council that had been called to heal this difficulty, had once agreed to worship there, he changed his mind. The town party sends a petition to the General Court. A coun- ter petition follows from the party of the east part. The General Court appoints a committee to come and view the situation. This committee reports that the meeting-house is already in the most convenient place for the whole town. A proposition is then made to divide the town, and a survey is made for that purpose. The proposition is defeated. Mr. Prentice then refuses to preach in the new meeting- house and preaches in private houses. The party of the east part then, acting under the determined lead of Mr. Prentice, separate from the town parish and form a new church after the model of Scotch Presbyterianism. They begin to build a meeting-house, raise the frame, cover it in, but never finish it. Mr. Prentice finally gets into trouble with the Presbytery, and is deposed in 1754. His church gradually died out. This controversy led to many personal altercations, some of which involved a good deal of church discipline, and it left the religious life of the people at a very low ebb. Religion suffered most in the house of its friends. Mr. Prentice left town in 1755. For several years before this the meet- ing-house at the centre had for much of the time been unoccupied. In 1754, while Mr. Prentice was preaching to his Presbyterians, on pleasant clays in the unfinished Presbyterian meeting-house, and on stormy days at private houses, Mr. George Farrar sup- plied the regular pulpit. He had been a schoolmaster at Dighton, and- was just beginning to preach. Mr. Farrar was born in Lincoln (then a part of Concord), Mass., on Nov. 23, 1730. He was ordained at Easton, March 26, 1755, though not without a vigorous protest on the part of the Presbyterians. He was minister of the church for nearly two years, but died at Lin- coln, Sept. 17, 1756, at his father's home. Still the bitter contention goes on. Town-meetings are disorderly. At one of them the two factions or- ganize, each claiming to be the regular meeting. By petition and counter petition the subject is referred to the General Court; a committee is appointed, and decision is rendered again adverse to the party of the east part and favorably for the town party, who are fortunate in having Edward Hayward, Esq., as a leader, a man who headed the opposition at all times against Mr. Prentice. Rev. Messrs. Vesey and Vinal, who preach temporarily during the aforesaid church difficulties, are without their pay for several years; the schoolmaster asks for his wages in vain, and the town-meetings give ample evidence that the town is badly demoralized. This state of things lasts for over thirteen years. In March, 1763, after a day spent in solemn fast- ing and prayer, a call was given to Rev. Archibald Campbell. He was ordained August 17th. Mr. Prentice has carried away his church records (which were, however, recovered some years later), and a new book was begun. A new covenant was drawn up and signed, but it is signed by only about half the number that had signed the covenant of sixteen years before. There is nothing especially eventful in the ministry of Mr. Campbell until near its close. Trouble, of course, there must be. An opposition gradually developed, one element of which was a vile slander against his character. He was a man more sinned against than sinning, was unfortunate in his wife, and in a son who was said to have been hung while on the St. Clair expedition. Mr. Campbell left Easton December, 1782, and preached temporarily in various places. But his spirit was broken, and, un- fortunately, he had neither philosophy nor religion enough to enable him to stem the tide of ill fortune that had set against him. He and his wife were said to have fallen into intemperate ways. He died a pauper in Stockbridge, Vt, July 15, 1818! The next ministry of Easton was peaceful and profitable. The minister chosen for Mr. Campbell's successor was Rev. William Reed. He was born June 8, 1755. In 1776 he enlisted as a soldier in the Continental army. Two years afterwards he entered Harvard University, and graduated in 1782. In August, 1783, he was invited to settle as minister in Easton, and was ordained there April 21, 1784. One of the best proofs of the good character and success of his ministry is that there is so little of interest for the historian to record. He was an earn- est, practical preacher, with a character not only above reproach, but strong also in moral and sympa- thetic power. His ministry in Easton closed only at his death, which occurred Nov. 16, 1809. His esti- mable wife lived to the age of eighty-three. Her death occurred March 26, 1850, and " her eight surviving children, at the average age of fifty-four, after thirty- five years of separation, gathered around her bier at the old homestead to mingle their tears and prayers, and to lay her precious duSt beside that of their hon- ored and lamented father." Before speaking of his successor we must retrace our steps to 1762, when a Baptist Society was formed in what is now North Easton. At that time Rev. Ebenezer Stearns was ordained as minister of this society. It had only a struggling existence, but it made itself felt in town affairs, first by protests against being assessed for the support of the preaching in the 426 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. town meeting-house, and secondly by a lawsuit grow- ing out of the refusal to pay the ministerial tax. In this lawsuit the town was worsted, and an agreement was made that all those Baptists who were in covenant relations with the Baptist Society should be exempt from the payment of the ordinary ministerial tax. As the expenses of the Baptist Church were very low, there was a temptation to enter into those relations simply to evade that tax. Eseck Carr succeeded to the ministry of this society, a service which was not sufficiently exhausting to prevent his conducting the coopering business during the week. In fact, his cooper-shop served on Sunday as a meeting-house for his little flock. This movement dragged on until two or three years before Mr. Carr's death, which occurred in 1794. At this time the Methodist movement was beginning, and as it had more elements of real life in it, and served equally well the purpose of evading the town ministerial tax, it absorbed the Baptist Society, and we hear nothing further about the latter. In the town church and parish, Rev. Luther Shel- don was the successor of Rev. Mr. Reed. Mr. Shel- don was a native of Rupert, Vt. ; was born in 1785, graduated at Middlebury College in 1808, and was or- dained at Easton, Oct. 24, 1810. He was a man of strong character and exceptional ability ; was con- servative in his theology, resolute and tenacious in support of any principle and method that he had adopted. In 1816 a new meeting-house was built, a little way behind where the church stood that was erected in 1750. The old building was moved away and used for a town hall. At the time of Mr. Sheldon's settle- ment the movement was in progress, which, some years later, resulted in the division of the old churches of Massachusetts into two parties. There was a steady growth of sentiment adverse to the rigid Cal- vinism that had so long held sway in New England, there being a so-called liberal and conservative party in nearly all the churches. These two elements were long in coming into any open collision. But the ministers of the two opposing parties began to under- stand each other, and to draw more and more aloof. The conservatives were naturally and conscientiously, of course, very reluctant to allow those who held what they esteemed unsound and dangerous doctrines to preach in their pulpits. In the neighboring town of Norton was a minister, Rev. Pitt Clarke, who had been accustomed to ex- change with Mr. Reed. He had espoused the so- called liberal ideas, and Mr. Sheldon was unwilling for this reason to exchange with him. This displeased a portion of the Easton congregation, who much ad- mired Mr. Clarke, and June 8, 1830, the following action was taken : " Voted, that it is the wish of the Parish that neighboring Congregational ministers in regular standing should minister with this society as was formerly the practice." As this vote had no effect, in November of 1831 the parish formally re- quested their minister " to exchange pulpit services with neighboring Congregational ministers indis- criminately, agreeably to the practice that prevailed at the time of his settlement." A committee was ap- pointed to wait upon Mr. Sheldon, and they reported that he refused to reply to them, and he did not make the exchange as requested. This was now April, 1832. The dissension increased. The parish pro- posed a mutual council in order that the connection between pastor and people might be dissolved. As Mr. Sheldon took no notice of this proposal, his op- ponents called an ex-parfe council, who voted that sufficient cause existed for the dismissal of the minis- ter. Mr. Sheldon denied the jurisdiction of the coun- cil. His opposers, however, notified him that his ser- vices would be dispensed with, and provided another clergyman to preach on the following Sunday. Fully believing that he was not legally dismissed, a belief justified by the final result, Mr. Sheldon prepared to maintain his position. Fifteen minutes before the usual time of service he took possession of the pulpit and began the services. In the afternoon the other clergyman was first in the pulpit, and when Mr. Sheldon appeared and would have gone into the pul- pit his approach thereto was blocked by a man as de- termined as himself. He thereupon called upon his adherents to follow him to the chapel near by. A large part of the audience, including the major part of the church members, followed him, and thus the open rupture was effected. It must be stated that at all times a majority of those who were in the habit of attending church favored Mr. Sheldon, while a majority of those legally entitled to vote upon parish matters were found among his opponents. These were, however, in some cases those who had no in- terest in the parish. There were a few such who voted upon the other side, each party summoning all the votes it could by any means secure. This open rupture did not cure the strife. The parish voted to discontinue the salary of Mr. Shel- don. At the beginning of 1834 he brought suit against the trustees for the payment of his salary. This suit was hotly contested, but went against the trustees. Finding themselves obliged to pay his salary, the parish demanded his services, hoping to embarrass his connection with his own flock, to whom, since the division, he had been preaching. Such a state of things was too exasperating to con- tinue ; and, in 1838, the parish accepted a propo- sition, made by Mr. Sheldon, as a basis of settlement. In consideration of the sum of three thousand dol- lars, he and his friends discharged the parish from all liabilities and claims they might have against it. On Nov. 19, 1838, forty-one members of the parish formally withdrew all connection with it and organ- ized themselves into the " Evangelical Congrega- tional Society of Easton." The legal aspects of this controversy were very important and interest- ing. The underlying question was, " Whether a EASTON. 427 refusal to exchange with another minister could be made a just ground for refusing to pay a minister's salary or for dismissing him." Mr. Sheldon acted in accordance with the advice of the association of orthodox ministers. Some of the best legal talent in the State urged him to take this position, and what seemed like obstinate silence on his part was merely obeying the instruction of his lawyer. Though his opponents appealed from the first decisions, which were adverse to them, these decisions were sustained by the full bench, a majority composing which were Unitarians and opposed to Mr. Sheldon's theological position. The concluding history of the old parish is easily told. It became at last distinctively Unitarian. In 1839, Rev. William H. Taylor received and accepted a call. Mindful of the past, the parish make a three months' notice (after the first year) the only neces- sary condition for dissolving the pastoral connection. Mr. Taylor did not remain long. In 1845 the church was remodeled and rededicated, Eev. Paul Dean hav- ing been settled the same year. He continued pastor for five years, and was succeeded in 1851 by Rev. William Whitwell, who preached here for seven years. Rev. George G. Withington was settled in 1858, and remained pastor of the church* for twelve years, re- signing in 1870. Regular services were henceforward discontinued, except that occasionally in summer preaching has been sustained for a - while. The nucleus of the Evangelical Society was the majority of the members of the original church and of the customary attendants upon public worship. This society organized in 1839, but those composing it had been worshiping in the church built by them in 1833. In 1855, Mr. Sheldon relinquished his salary and his active duties, but remained senior pastor until his death, which occurred in 1866. The successor to his active duties was Rev. Lyman Clark, who was pastor seven years. Rev. Charles E. Lord was settled two years, Rev. Charles Mills somewhat longer, Rev. Mr. Richardson four years, and Rev. Mr. Hudson a year and a half. Rev. Luther Sheldon, son of the first pastor, preached as acting pastor about three years, since which time, 1877, the society was without a regular pastor until, in 1882, the present pastor, Rev. William H. Dowden, became the minister. In 1882 the church building of this society was destroyed by fire, and a new church was built in 1883. The Methodist movement began in town about 1790. The first society was organized about 1796 in the northeast part of the town. Isaac Stokes, a nailer by trade and a kind of local preacher, was one of its founders. The celebrated Jesse Lee .and the eccentric Lorenzo Dow occasionally preached here in those early days, the latter within the recol- lection of many now living. The first Methodist Church was built on Washington Street, where the present building now stands. It stood until 1830, when it was replaced by a new one. This society was at first on the old Warren Circuit, but shortly after 1800 a new circuit was formed including Easton, Stoughton, and four other towns. The first regular preacher sent here by the Conference is said to have been Nehemiah Coy. He was followed by Thomas Perry, and afterwards by Samuel Cutler. Then in 1810 Rev. John Tinkham was minister. Under his administration the church flourished. He was re- turned for another year, at the end of which he de- termined to locate here. He died in 1824 universally respected and beloved, and his remains rest in the Washington Street Cemetery. During his ministry instrumental music was introduced into the service of the sanctuary, much to the indignation of some who regarded all innovations in the old-fashioned usages as likely to disturb the peace and mar the prosperity of Zion. There were various supplies until 1829, when Lewis Bates, familiarly known as " Father" Bates, was appointed for this station. During his stay a great revival prevailed. Father Bates was not an educated man, and even boasted that he did not come out of an " old gospel-shop." About this time Universalists Avere occasionally allowed to preach in the new building, which had been liberally subscribed to by several persons who sympathized with Universalist sentiments. This led to serious trouble, and was finally prevented by having the church deeded to the Conference. The revival under Mr. Bates had been followed by a corresponding period of spiritual decline, and in 1840 and 1841, other revivals under Rev. Nathan Payne and Rev. Edward Lyons occurred. About 1843 a portion of the congregation, dissatisfied with the Episcopal form of government, withdrew and formed a Protestant Methodist Church. For about ten years previous to 1856 the Washington Street Society had hardly any connection with the Confer- ence, and the church records state that the " church experienced rather turbulent times." During a part of 1855-56, Rev. Luther Sheldon supplied the pulpit, and then the church was closed. In 1857 it was re- opened with Rev. John B. Hunt pastor. He inau- gurated a powerful revival, the effects of which upon one individual at least- will not soon be forgotton. In 1861, under Rev. L. B. Bates, a division of the society occurred, the minister leading or following those who preferred to have services held in the vil- lage. The village society built a church on Main Street, and worshiped there until 1876. At that time they moved into the church formerly occupied by the North Easton Unitarian Society, which had been pre- sented to the Methodists by Hon. Oliver Ames. The two Methodist societies supported separate ministers until a few years ago, when they united to support one pastor, who should minister to both societies. This arrangement still continues. In North Easton village the growing shovel busi- ness called together an increasing number of work- men, many of whom were foreigners and Catholics. 428 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. In 1850 the first Catholic Church, now called " The Chapel," was built upon land presented to the church by Oliver Ames & Sons. The present commodious church was erected in 1865. It was thoroughly re- modeled in 1873. The names of the pastors in their order are Fathers Fitzsimmons, Roach, McNulty, Quinn, Fitzgerald, Carroll, and the present pastor, Father McComb. This church is large and flourish- ing. In 1843 the Protestant Methodist Society was or- ganized. Services were held for a while in Torrey's Hall. In the year 1845 a church was built. Preach- ing was maintained for about five years, when the in- terest in this movement became small. An attempt was made for a while to sustain Episcopal Methodist services. About 1855 an interest was manifested in Unitarian preaching, and proved a permanent in- terest. The North Eastou Unitarian Society was or- ganized in 1857. After a long season of transient preaching, in 1860 Rev. C. C. Hussey was invited to become pastor. He accepted and filled that office for six years. In the autumn of 1867, Rev. William L. Chaffin received a call from this society, which he accepted. He began preaching as its pastor on the first Sunday of 1868. In August, 1875, the society moved into the beautiful church built by the late Hon. Oliver Ames, and presented by him to the so- ciety. At that time it reorganized, and assumed the name of Unity Church. So brief a sketch as the above, giving, as it neces- sarily does, only a bare outline of the history of Easton, omits much that deserves to be chronicled. Many things of a more personal nature, which would have made this a more readable narrative, have been reluctantly omitted, and have had to be sacrificed to a general statement of facts. If only a few of the more widely-known citizens have been selected for special biographical notice, it is not because there have not been others ; indeed, there have been many others who well deserved more special mention than they have received. As the writer, though warmly attached to this home of his adoption, has been a resident here for only about sixteen years, very few of the individuals alluded to were personally known to him. But the impression they have made upon the town and upon the memories of citizens now living justify such a reference to them. Among them well known in other days as men of mark and char- acter were Daniel Wheaton, Elijah Howard, Martin Wilde, Howard Lothrop, Dr. Caleb Swan, Gen. Shep- ard Leach, and Rev. Luther Sheldon. Other names will readily occur to those who have been at all famil- iar with the history of the town. Easton may well be proud of her industries ; she has more reason to be proud of the men and women she has given to the world. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. OLIVER AMES, Sr. Hon. Oliver Ames, the founder of the great manu- facturing firm of O. Ames & Sons, was born at Ply- mouth, Mass., April 11, 1779, being the youngest son of Capt. John and Susannah Ames, and was a lineal descendant of William Ames, who came to this coun- try in 1638 and settled in Braintree, Mass. His early education was gained by ordinary common-school instruction, and by the practical experience of hard work in his father's blacksmith-shop. These fur- nished him the groundwork of a sober judgment, in- dustrious habits, and a stable and energetic charac- ter. At the age of eighteen he went to Springfield, where he learned the trade of gunsmith. In April, 1803, he married Susannah Angier, and by this mar- riage two distinct branches of the English family of Ames which had sent representatives to this country were united ; for Susannah Angier was a descend- ant of Dr. William Ames, a famous author and pro- fessor. Very soon after his marriage Mr. Ames re- moved from Bridgewater to Easton, and commenced the manufacture of shovels. After a stay of over two years at Easton,- he removed to Plymouth to manufacture shovels for Messrs. Russell, Davis & Co., and he continued there until about 1813, when he returned to Easton. He had determined upon this return previous to this time, had purchased land and a good water-privilege, and had begun the erection of a dwelling-house. He was one of a company to build a cotton-factory for the manufacture of cotton fabrics. He had manufactured hoes and shovels during his first stay in Easton, but on his second ar- rival he began again the business that has now be- come world-famed. Difficulties and embarrassments that would have defeated any one but a man of great ability and persistent energy beset him in these early days. The cotton-factory burned ; the war of 1812 had had a disastrous effect upon business; he was endeavoring to restore the business of his father to a prosperous condition ; and he had made great outlays in getting established at Easton. But his credit was good and his courage strong; his character and abil- ity alike inspired unlimited confidence ; and he worked steadily on to a sure and lasting success. With only a humble beginning, shovels being made by hand and carried to market upon a one-horse wagon, the business steadily increased, shop being added to shop, workmen increasing by scores, until it has become by far the largest and most prosperous shov,el business in the world. He would never allow any work to be sent to the market that was imperfect, and he thus laid the foundation for the great reputa- tion which the Ames shovel has borne, and which it continues to bear. In 1828-29 he represented his town in the Massa- chusetts Legislature, serving with marked ability Albertype ;— Forbes Co., Boston. *C£j J^^T^z^^ EASTON. 429 upon the Committee on Manufactures. In 184~> he was elected, contrary to his desires, and by a large vote, to the Massachusetts Senate. He was, however, no lover of office, and desired only that he might have the charge of the highways of his town intrusted to him, a charge he took pride in, and faithfully ful- filled. He was a man of strong and resolute will, of great force of character, indomitable energy, and per- severing industry. He was the possessor of a splendid physique, and easily bore off the palm in all feats of strength and skill, especially in wrestling, of which he was very fond. His manly and dignified bearing gave every one who saw him the impression that they looked upon a man of mark. He was such a man as a stranger, meeting upon the street, would turn to look at a second time. Born of the people, he was always very simple in his tastes and democratic in his feelings and principles. In his likes and dislikes he was equally decided, but his judgments were based upon what he believed to be the real worth of any one, without reference to his station or condition. He was consequently greatly respected and beloved by his neighbors and fellow-townsmen. He was enthusi- astically fond of farming, and, like Daniel Webster, was especially fond of fine oxen, always obtaining the best, and taking great pleasure in their manage- ment. He took an early stand, both as a matter of principle and practice, in favor of temperance, and brought up his family according to total abstinence principles. He was a decided Unitarian in his re- ligious convictions, having a cordial dislike to the rigid tenets of the Calvinism of his day. He was liberal in his aid of religious institutions, to which he also gave the sanction of his personal attendance. His charities were large, and they were not bounded by the limits of his sect or neighborhood. His de- fects were such as pertained merely to his limited culture and to the stern conflict and discipline of his early life. Mr. Ames lived to the ripe "old age of eighty-four years, dying at North Easton, Sept. 11, 1863. OAKES AMES. Hon. Oakes Ames is the most widely known of any of the citizens of Easton, and the one who has had the greatest influence upon the. fortunes and affairs of the country. To him more than to any other man belongs the great credit of accomplishing one of the grandest enterprises of this generation, the building of the Union Pacific Railroad. For that work, which has been of incalculable benefit to the country in many ways, he deserves the gratitude of all its citi- zens, and his name will always be associated with that splendid achievement. Oakes Ames was the oldest son of Oliver and Su- sannah Ames, and was born in Easton, Mass., Jan. 10, 1804. He passed his youth there, acquiring a common-school education, and assisting his father in the workshop and on the farm. He gained a thor- ough knowledge of the shovel business, in which his father was engaged, and he devoted to it for years a laborious industry and great energy, early becoming its overseer. In 1844 his father, having reached the age of sixty-five, withdrew from all active participa- tion in the business, turning it over to his sons, Oakes and Oliver, and from this date the firm bore the name of Oliver Ames & Sons. The discovery of gold in California and Australia, and the vast increase of railroad building, gave a new impetus to the shovel business, and it rapidly grew to extensive proportions, and became very profitable. It was managed with great enterprise, and weathered the financial storm of 1857 without serious disturbance, and went on to increasing success. In 1860 Oakes Ames was elected councilor from the Bristol district, and served with great efficiency as one of the cabinet officers of Governor Andrew, by whom he was highly esteemed. He was soon solicited to become candidate for Congress from the Second District. On the informal ballot at the nominating convention he received two-thirds of all the votes cast. He was elected by a large popular vote. This was for the Thirty-eighth Congress, and he was re- elected for the four succeeding Congresses, serving ten years altogether. During these ten years he was a member of the several Committees on Manufactures, on the Pacific Railroad, on Revolutionary Claims, and on Roads and Canals, and his business experience and sound practical judgment rendered his services valuable upon these several committees. He was a warm friend of President Lincoln, and enjoyed his personal confidence. It was as a member of the Committee on Railroads that he first became interested in the government project of building a road to the Pacific. In July, 1862, Congress passed an act authorizing and making some provision for the construction of a railroad and- telegraph line from the Missouri to the Pacific. Scarcely anything, however, was done about it. In July, 1864, the need of such a line of communication between the East and the West was imperatively felt, and Congress passed a second act more liberal than the first, doubling the land-grant, authorizing the issue of mortgage bonds to the same amount as the government bonds, and making the latter a second mortgage, and offering to withhold only one-half the money the road might earn for government transpor- tation. One attempt to construct the road under this new arrangement signally failed. Oakes Ames was then looked to as the man competent to undertake and complete this gigantic work. Many prominent men, among them President Lincoln, urged him to undertake it for the public good. After nearly a year of such solicitation, and after careful deliberation, he decided to do it, and thus to connect his name iin- perishably with the greatest public work of the cen- tury in this country. It is impossible in the necessary limits of this brief 430 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. sketch to trace even in outline the progress and suc- cessful completion of that great work, or to do more than allude to the famous Credit Mobilier affair which engaged such general attention and created such absurd excitement. Once undertaken, Oakes Ames gave to the work all his accustomed energy. He in- vested a million dollars and hazarded his entire for- tune in the enterprise. He invited his friends to join him and invest their capital, men in and out of Con- gress being invited to engage in it on the same terms. The obstacles to be overcome, both physical and financial, were immense. But they were overcome, and on May 10, 1869, the rails of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific were joined at Promontory Point, and the Pacific Road was complete ; the East and West were united, and this was seven years earlier than the terms of the contract required. As to the Credit Mo- bilier affair, those have been freest to condemn it who knew least about it. It is safe to assert that not one in a hundred of those who used that term as a symbol of business iniquity really knew what it meant. It was for this very reason a convenient and powerful weapon to wield in a time of great political excite- ment. It suggested unknown horrors and depths of iniquity. In fact, however, it was a construction com- pany. Roads had been built by the same method be- fore ; they are commonly built in the same way in the West to-day. It was not until this matter was given a political turn that anything wrong was suspected. It was found that several congressmen had a financial inter- est in it, and it was asserted that Mr. Ames had inter- ested them with corrupt intent in order to influence their legislation, and they were accused of taking bribes. Yielding to popular clamor, Congress de- manded investigation. . Two committees were ap- pointed to make it. They sat for months, made their reports to Congress, and on the 28th day of February the House passed a resolution condemning the con- duct of Mr. Ames " in seeking" — so reads the resolve — " to procure congressional attention to the affairs of a corporation in which he was interested," etc. He alone must bear the brunt of the storm and be offered up as a scapegoat, where in reality no sacrifice was needed. He was charged with bribery when it did not appear that any man had been bribed. The charge rested upon the assertion of one man, and that man an interested party, whose word was good for nothing in the face of Mr. Ames' denial. In fact, no 'legisla- tion was desired or even looked for. Mr. Ames, for the good of the enterprise, endeavored to enlist the influence of prominent men in different parts of the country. There was far less reason why ownership in the stock referred to should embarrass a congress- man than his ownership of stock in a national bank, an iron furnace, a woolen-mill, or even in government bonds. Those congressmen who openly declared their ownership in the Credit Mobilier stock and regretted they had so little, are held in honor to-day. But those who, fearful of the result of such confession upon their political chances, sought to evade the matter, have been permanently disgraced ; but from that day to this, in proportion as the case is understood and his services appreciated, Oakes Ames has risen in popular regard. The Massachusetts Legislature, May 7, 1883, passed a resolve relating to the above-named vote of censure, acknowledging "the great services of Oakes Ames," "his unflinching truth fulness and honesty," the public confidence in his integrity and honor, and ending thus : " Therefore the Legislature of Massachusetts hereby expresses its gratitude for his work and its faith in his integrity of purpose and character, and asks for like recognition thereof on the part of the national Congress." Oakes Ames was a man of large and powerful frame, — "the broad-shouldered Ames," as Mr. Lin- coln called him. He was courageous and enter- prising in business affairs, with a special liking for large undertakings. The Pacific Railroad suited his liking and capacity for great and adventurous tasks. He was very temperate, a total abstinent from all in- toxicating drinks, and was simple and democratic in his tastes, caring little for the luxuries that usually accompany great wealth. His business integrity was unquestioned. Under a rugged exterior he carried a kind heart, and after his death scores of letters from various quarters told his friends of numerous kind- nesses until then unknown to them. In 1828 he married Eveline O., daughter of Joshua Gilmore, of Easton. Of this union there were born Oakes An- gier, April 15, 1829; Oliver, born Feb. 4, 1831; Frank Morton, born Aug. 14, 1833: Henry, born April, 1839, and died in September, 1841 ; and Susan Eveline, born May 12, 1841. He was stricken with paralysis on the 5th day of May, and on Thursday, the 8th day of May, 1873, he died. OLIVER AMES, Jr. Hon. Oliver Ames, the second of that name, was the third son of Hon. Oliver and Susannah Ames. He was born at Plymouth, Mass., Nov. 5, 1807. In 1814 he became a resident of Easton by his father's removal to this place, since which time Easton has been his home. In his youth his time was divided between attending school and employment in the shovel-works. He became an expert workman, and was thorough in every branch of the shovel manu- facture. He also showed great aptitude for study, and in 1828, being disabled for active labor by a se- , vere fall, he entered an academy at North Andover, Mass., intending to prepare for college, and ultimately to study law, for which pursuit his talents peculiarly fitted him ; but, after spending a year and a half at the academy, he entered as a law student the office of William Baylies, Esq., of West Bridgewater. This proved unfavorable to his health, and with the in- creasing demands of business at home led him to ^ <£>. / s >J s~ EASTON. 431 cast in his lot with that of his father and his brother Oakes. In June, 1833, he married Sarah, daughter of Hon. Howard Lothrop, of Easton. In 1844 he entered into copartnership with his father and brother, forming the house of O. Ames & Sons, and became a most efficient co-laborer with them. As early as 1826 he became much interested in the temperance movement, sup- porting the cause of total abstinence, of which from that time he was a consistent and earnest advocate, serving it actively and contributing to it largely. He was a member of the Whig party, and, at its dissolu- tion, joined the Republican party, taking a lively in- terest in its principles and measures. In 1852 he was elected to the Senate of Massachusetts by the Legis- lature, there being no choice by the people, and he did excellent service upon several important commit- tees. In 1857 he was elected to the State Senate by popular vote. In some of the campaigns he made effective speeches upon the issues of the hour. In 1855 the Messrs. Ames built the Easton Branch Rail- road, and after this became interested in those im- portant railroad enterprises in which the two brothers became so deservedly famous. The achievement of building the Union Pacific Railroad, which was mainly accomplished by their united efforts, is now common history. In 1866, Oliver Ames was elected president of that railroad, an office he held with sig- nal ability until March, 1871. During this time the road passed through some of its stormiest days and severest trials. His sound judgment, great business capacity, and inflexible integrity were of immense service in carrying this great enterprise safely through difficulty and peril to final success. Oliver Ames held many positions of trust and re- sponsibility, of which a few may be mentioned. He was a trustee in the Taunton Insane Asylum for about twenty years; he has been president of the National Bank of Easton, of the Ames Plow Com- pany, and the Kinsley Iron and Machine Company ; a director in the Union Pacific, Atlantic and Pacific, Kansas Pacific, Denver Pacific, Colorado Central, Old Colony and Newport, and other railroads ; also of the Bristol County National Bank, and other corporations. His public spirit led him to take great interest in enterprises of education, philanthropy, and reform. He was identified with agricultural, historical, and other societies, and willingly served for years on the board of school committee of Easton. He was always interested in the Unitarian Churches of Easton and North Easton, was constant in his attendance upon religious services, and for several years was a Sunday- school superintendent. He died at North Easton, March 9, 1877. Oliver Ames stood among the foremost in his repu- tation for a manly and unblemished character, and for business ability, — a reputation he well deserved. No one could be with him without seeing that he was a strong, substantial, able, and honorable man. His name was felt to be a sufficient indorsement of the worth and promise of any enterprise. Though Oakes Ames, with characteristic courage, took the initiative in the magnificent undertaking of constructing the Union Pacific Railroad, his brother, by the co-opera- tion of his sound judgment as well as by his financial support, shares in the honor of that splendid achieve- ment. Business cares were not, however, allowed to engross all his attention. He continued, to the last, his interest in literature, kept himself familiar with the great questions that agitate thought and life, en- joyed the society of cultivated persons, and often sur- prised them by the clearness and comprehensiveness of his carefully-formed opinions. In his character there were blended an admirable simplicity and a most cordial fellow-feeling with a real dignity and refinement. He was noted for his generosity. No help was denied any object that commanded his confi- dence; but he shrank from all publicity in his benefac- tions. He had a high sense of honor that was prompt to rebuke anything mean and dishonorable. He was not only a philanthropic, but he was also a religious man, with a strong faith in God and in immortality, — a faith that at the last ripened into glad anticipation. All his benefactions will never be known, but those he was known to have bestowed were most wisely made, and are doing a good that is incalculable. Reference has already been made in the sketch of Easton to some of his large bequests, to his gifts of a fund of fifty thousand dollars each for the schools, the roads, and for a free public library, as well as his gift of the beautiful and costly church to the Uni- tarian Society. Besides these may be mentioned his gift of about thirty-five thousand dollars for the Plymouth monument, ten thousand for building Unity Church parsonage, and two other bequests of the same amount to keep the church, parsonage, and cemetery in repair. In these gifts, and by the influ- ence of his noble character, he has signally blessed his town, and has left behind him a perpetual memo- rial of good. Oliver Ames' children were Frederick Lothrop Ames, born June 8, 1835, and Helen Angier Ames, born Nov. 11, 1836, and died Dec. 13, 1882. E. J. W. MORSE. Edward J. W. Morse was a descendant in the eighth generation from Samuel Morse, who was of a Norman family of high antiquity, and was born in Devonshire, England, in 1585, and came to New Eng- land in ship "Increase," April 15, 1635, settled first in Watertown, in 1(337 in Dedham, and died at Med- field, Mass., June 20, 1654. In 1635 he was one of a company who settled a tract of land south of the Charles River. The next year they changed the name of their town from Contentment to Dedham, the General Court passing an act Sept. 10, 1636, in- corporating it. In this movement Samuel Morse was the leader, and was chosen collector. "The first set- 432 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. tiers of Dedham were a remarkable collection of people. Tradition brings down a bigh character at- tached to most of the names on its early records, and their public and private acts fully confirm it. Or- derly and industrious in their habits, they allowed no one to remain in the community who was not engaged in some regular occupation. Any violation of rules was followed by a penalty, yet the most exact strict- ness was accompanied by equally unfailing kindness." Samuel was townsman (selectman), 1640-42; treas- urer, collector, etc. A monument to his memory and others of his family stands in the town of Medfield. He married his wife Elizabeth in England, and their seven children were probably all born there. His son John (second generation), born 1611, in- herited the homestead in Dedham. This he soon sold, and went to Boston to become a merchant tailor. In 1655 he went to England, making his will the same year. He died in 1657, leaving his widow, Annis, with forty pounds. His other property, in- ventoried at three hundred and eighty-seven pounds, nine shillings, five pence, was to be equally divided among his eight surviving children. One of these was Joseph (third generation). He married, Nov. 12, 1668, Priscilla Colburne, and settled in Medford, near " Death's Bridge," where he " built a house in the time of King Philip's war," and died in 1689. His second son, Joseph (fourth generation), graduated at Harvard in 1695, became A.M., and was pastor of the church in Canton for twenty years from 1707. He was persecuted out of the pulpit, but remained a member until his death, in 1749, at seventy-one years. His estate was inventoried at seventeen hundred and sixty-three pounds, five shillings, six pence, his library at thirty-five pounds, and his plate at thirty- seven pounds, ten shillings. By his wife Amity he had six children. Henry (fifth generation) married Abigail Clapp, at Stoughton ; had six children, one of whom was Asa (sixth generation). He was born Nov. 7, 1752, married Hannah Griggs, of Roxbury, in 1778, resided in Canton, and had seven children, one being James (seventh generation). He married Lucy Whiting, lived in Dedham, was a musician and clerk of a military company, and a hatter by occupa- tion. Edward J. W. Morse was born in Dedham, Mass., and had a common school education, and from an early age worked in cotton-mills in Mansfield and Ded- ham as mule-spinner, and from a low round on for- tune's ladder rose step by step to occupy a high financial standing by his attentive industry and the force of his strong individuality. He came to Easton about 1828 to take charge of a cotton-cloth factory as agent and manager at the early age of nineteen, and ever after made his home here. He was connected with business in the same building in which he com- menced his labors at the time of his death. (It was built in 1802, and is still standing.) About 1833 he began the manufacture of cotton thread, under the firm-name of E. J. W. Morse & Co. This name is still continued in the business, which is now conducted by his son, Edward N. Morse, and his grandsons. He established his business in eight other places, and was a general partner in each man- ufactory. Six were in Easton, one in Kingston, Mass., one in Portsmouth, N. H., and one in Milford, N. H. The building up of this enormous business in twenty- three years indicates something of the push and busi- ness ability of Mr. Morse. At the time of his death, Aug. 17, 1865, he was the largest land-owner in Easton, and was but fifty-six years old. He was uniformly suc- cessful in his undertakings, and, although a Whig in politics, attended to his business strictly, leaving to those who cared for them the emoluments and honors of official place. He joined the Congregational Church at the age of seventeen, and continued in its fellowship during life. He had decided musical tastes. When but eighteen was a member of the Medfield Brass Band, was leader of the church choir of Easton for years, bought for the church its first organ and was its organist, and retained the same position when the larger one was introduced. He was liberal to all good objects, social and full of humor in his associations with others, and, while very affable and courteous, was of prompt decision and res- olute character. He could and would say " No" to all plans or schemes which his judgment did not approve. Positive in his own convictions, he was very consider- ate of the opinions of others, did much to mold pub- lic opinion, and had many warm and stanch friends. He married Eliza O, daughter of Daniel and Cath- arine Newcomb. She was a direct descendant of Francis Newcomb, the emigrant. (See biography of Nathaniel Newcomb, of Norton.) She first came to Easton on the day of her marriage to Mr. Morse, May 17, 1830, and shortly after united with the Congrega- tional Church, with which she was in communion for many years and until her death, at the ripe age of seventy-seven years, April 9, 1883. The last few years of her life she was prevented by poor health from taking the active part in the church and benev- olent causes which she had been wont to take, but her interest was unabated, her zeal never flagged, and her heartfelt sympathy and generous assistance were given to every call for aid. "She stretched out her hand to the poor; yea, she stretched out her hand to the needy." Mr. Morse had two children, Edward N. and Car- oline E., who died unmarried. Edward N. Morse, born Oct. 12, 1831, succeeded to his father in manufacturing, married, Oct. 4, 1854, Hannah Alice, daughter of Deacon John and Eliza- beth (Bassett) Bryant, of New Bedford, Mass. Their children are Caroline A. (married Abner J. Towne, of Boston), Edward J. W. and Gertrude B. (twins), Alfred B., Grace N. (deceased), Justin N., and Flor- ence W. ' y ( £ ^-Z^ C *^Zt EASTON. 433 JOHN KIMBALL. The Kimball family is one of the oldest in New- England. It sprang from Richard Kimball, who, with his wife Ursula and seven children, left their home in England, braved the dangers of a stormy ocean, landed on the inhospitable shores of an un- broken wilderness, and commenced a new life, de- prived of the comforts and luxuries of civilization, but blest with civil and religious liberty. He came from the old town of Ipswich, England, on the ship " Elizabeth," and in 1634, at the age of thirty-nine, settled in Ipswich, in Massachusetts Bay Colony. The next year he was admitted a freeman, which fact proves him a Puritan in good standing. He was the father of eleven children, and died June 22, 1675. From this patriarch most of the New England Kim- balls are descended. John Kimball, son of Isaac and Rebecca (Evans) Kimball, was born in Easton, Mass., Jan. 1, 1810, in the building now (1883) occupied by his son George as a store. His father was born in Easton, Sept. 18, 1770, married Nov. 15, 1797, Rebecca Evans, born in South Reading, Oct. 15, 1776. They began house- keeping where John was born. Isaac was a trader, in early life a carpenter, and built the house spoken of, and kept it as an inn and small store. It was a stage station, where the aristocratic and pretentious coaches changed horses, and in those days the "inn- keeper" was a man of consequence. Isaac and Rebecca had four children who grew up. Betsey (second wife of Barzillia Drake), Rebecca (first wife of Barzillia Drake), John, and Sarah, who married Calvin Keith. Mr. Kimball died Aug. 28, 1848, aged seventy-six. His wife died April 21, 1813. Ammi Kimball, father of Isaac, came to Easton in early life, and was a laboring man, attaining a good length of days. John Kimball had a common-school education merely, remained with his father as clerk from the age of ten, and finally succeeded him in business in 1834. For twenty-one years he was in trade, devot- ing himself closely to business, and was prosperous withal. In 1855 he retired from merchandising with wealth, and was succeeded by Drake & Goward, who were in trade, eleven years. In 1866, John T. Kim- ball succeeded them, and after six years he was suc- ceeded (in 1872) by his brother, George L., who now occupies his father's and grandfather's stand. Mr. John Kimball is Republican in politics, and was postmaster for nineteen years from 1863 to 1882, was town clerk and treasurer from 1853 to 1872, selectman and overseer of the poor from 1860 to 1872, and was representative from Easton to the Massachusetts Leg- islature in 1857. He married, April 30, 1833, Lu- sanna Williams, who was born in Easton, Aug. 5, 1814. She was daughter of Lieut. Seth and Sarah (Mitchell) Williams, and is a lineal descendant of | Richard Williams, the early settler of Taunton. (See history of Taunton.) The descent and brief history of her immediate ancestors is this: Benjamin 28 Williams settled in Easton, Mass. ; Josiah settled at Bridgewater, where Seth Williams, great-grand lather of Mrs. Kimball, was born May 21, 1722. At the age of eighteen he came to Easton, and took up one thousand acres of government land. He married Susannah Forbes, of Bridgewater, and built the homestead now in possession of his descendants. His son Edward married Sarah Lothrop, of Bridgewater, in 1772, and lived on the homestead where Lieut. Seth was born, Jan. 29, 1776. He was a tanner by trade, and took part in the war of 1812. He married Sarah Mitchell, daughter of Col. Mitchell, of Bridge- water, Oct. 23, 1800. Col. Mitchell was a very active man in the Revolution, and for many years was member of the Legislature from Easton. Lieut. Seth lived near the old homestead, and had eight children, viz. : Nathan (deceased), Julia (deceased), Sarah (deceased), Sally, Harriet (deceased), Seth, Lusanna, Charles, and George. Mr. and Mrs. Kimball have had the following chil- dren : Lusanna W., married J. D. Howard, has one child, Nelly, who married Frank Foster, and has one child, Howard Kimball ; Harriet, married George Copeland, of South Easton, and has three children, Marion A., Ethel H., and George Hubert ; John T., married Belle G. Heath, has one child, Florence B. ; George L., married Sarah E. Heath, sister to Belle, and is engaged in trade as mentioned above. Among the representative citizens of Easton, who enjoy the confidence of the community, we can safely place John Kimball. BARZILLIA AND THOMAS H. DEAN. Thomas Holmes Dean was born in Taunton, Mass., Nov. 28, 1819. (For early ancestral history see his- tory of Taunton in this volume.) His grandfather, Nathaniel Dean, was born July 5, 1747, in Raynham, where he always resided. He married Elizabeth Car- ver, and reared a family of nine children on his farm in that town. Of these Barzillia was the youngest, and was born Nov. 25, 1794. He was first a grocer in Taunton, and afterwards was interested in cotton manufacturing in Somerset or Dighton with his brother Asa. He was also drafted as a soldier in the war of 1812. From Dighton he went to Pawtucket, R. I., and became a machinist, working for Avery, Ives & Wilkinson. In 1824 he came to Easton as a machinist, to superintend the putting in operation of a cotton-mill near the present Easton depot. Re- maining here one year, he engaged in business as a cotton manufacturer at South Easton, and followed this business successfully until his death June 29, 1848, in the prime of life, which was caused by the falling upon him of the roof of a tomb in which he was at work. He was an active man, strong and resolute, and uncompromising in his nature, with great force of character. He was a Whig in politics, and a Congregationalist in religious sentiment. He 434 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. married Deborah, daughter of Thomas and Sylvia (Shaw) Holmes, of Taunton. Her father was a con- sequential man in public affairs during the Revolu- tionary period, held various important positions, not the least of which was that of tithingman (an office conferring much dignity at that day, but now known only in history). Barzillia and Deborah Dean had eight children, — Henry H. (deceased), Sarah F. (Mrs. Adonijah White, deceased), Thomas H., Susan W. (Mrs. William Blanchard, deceased), Elizabeth H. (Mrs. N. B. Dana), Mary R. (deceased), Sylvia S. (Mrs. F. G. Gushee, deceased), and John O. Thomas H. Dean had a common-school education, which was improved upon by attendance at Deacon Heman Packard's select school at North Bridgewater, now Brockton. Upon leaving school he went to Fall River to learn the machinist's trade of an uncle, who afterwards moved to Taunton to work there. Thomas accompanied him, and stayed with him there one year, when, desiring to see more of the world, the young man went to Matteawan (Fishkill), N. Y.,and worked at his trade there one year. Returning to Easton in 1838, he connected himself with his father in cotton manufacturing, and also carried on a machine-shop in connection with this. The fluctuations in busi- ness arising from agitation, and the unsettled condi- tion of the tariff question in the frequent Presidential campaigns, caused Mr. Dean to relinquish the cotton business soon after his father's death, and for the last twenty-five years his principal business has been to make tools and other hardware for the piano-forte makers of Boston. In this he is now engaged, and may be found, as in the days of long ago, hard at work personally in any department where he thinks his service is needed, showing by his practice that, although possessed of a good property, he does not despise the means by which his wealth was made. He is also connected with his brother, John O., under the firm-name of T. H. & J. O. Dean, in a Hour, grain, and coal business, which is quite extensive. In politics, Mr. Dean has been a Whig, and since the Republican party was organized a stanch sup- porter of its candidates. Mr. Dean married, Nov. 12, 1843, Elizabeth C, daughter of Philip and Sarah (Johnson) Willis, of Easton. Their only child, Herbert B., born Sept. 24, 1851, died March 23, 1868. He was a bright and promising youth, a good student, and of an ingenious and mechanical turn of mind. H. P. DRAKE. Hiram P. Drake, son of Phineas and Fanny Drake, was born in Easton, within one-fourth of a mile from where he now resides, Nov. 17, 1814. He had very limited school advantages, as he was a poor boy and compelled to labor, and what education he did secure was " picked up." His father labored at farming, but owned no land. Hiram went to work for one Reed to learn shoemaking, but was used so badly that he only stayed one year. He remained at home with his father for several years thereafter, and at "0 -T^fr MANSFIELD. 435 last was bound out to Gen. Shepard Leach to learn the trade of inolder; two older brothers being al- ready engaged there. Gen. Leach died before Hiram completed his apprenticeship, but the works were carried on by Lincoln Drake, who succeeded to the ownership. For thirty years Hiram worked here after learning his trade. In March, 18(59, he went to Maine, and settled in Sherman, Aroostook Co., as a farmer, where he continued for seventeen years, and was prospered. He returned to Easton in 1875, and built the house he now occupies the next year. For the last seven years he has lived a retired life by reason of failing health. He has been in succession Whig, Free-Soiler, and Republican in politics. He has been for many years a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, joining it at eighteen years of age. He has held various positions in connection with his church, class-leader, steward, Sunday-school teacher, treasurer, and superintendent for many years. He is no longer connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and affiliates with the Wesleyan Methodists. He is a great reader of wholesome and valuable litera- ture. He has taken great interest in Freemasonry, has been treasurer of Molunkas Lodge, Sherman, Me., and now is a member of Paul Dean Lodge of North Easton, and Keystone Royal Arch Chapter of Fox- borough. He is actuated by truly Masonic princi- ples, and, with his wife, gives freely to every church and benevolent object and cause. He married (1), Feb. 1, 1836, Nancy, daughter of Greenfield and Bethiah Williams, a descendant of the old Taunton family of that name. (See Taunton history in this volume.) She was born May 26, 1814, and died Nov. 1, 1845. They had five children, — Nancy M. (died young), Lenura A., Hiram S., Nancy H. (twins, of whom Nancy died young), Hiram (who is living in Canada, engaged in lumbering), and Sarah L. (died young). He married (2) Mary L. Morey March 5, 1864. She was the daughter of Augustus L. and Mary L. (Billings) Morey. She was born Aug. 19, 1813, at Woodstock, Conn. She had one son, Aaron C, who died in infancy. By the death of a brother in Norwich, Conn., Mrs. Drake inherited a handsome property with which she is, in an unosten- tatious way, doing much good. Phineas Drake, father of Hiram and son of Thomas, was born on the old Drake homestead in Easton, always resided here, and died at the age of seventy-two. He had eight children, — Phineas, Rachel, Thomas, El- mina, Hiram P., Fanny H., Charity, and William K. His father, Thomas Drake, was for many years a resi- dent of Easton, where he was born, and died an old man after rearing a family often children, the last of whom, George Washington, was buried March 1, 1883. From " Centre Items" of the Easton Journal of .March 9, 1883, we extract this in reference to him : " The old hermit, George Washington Drake, who for sixty years lived alone in a little hut in the woods, died recently. He was well known in this and ad- joining towns. He was a very religious man, and would travel miles to church, and would pray and exhort in prayer-meeting. In early life he fell des- perately in love, but the fair damsel broke his heart by a refusal to marry him, and ever afterwards he avoided the society of women, and would cross the street rather than meet them. About the same time he was converted to the Methodist faith and sought an opportunity to preach, which was denied him. Before these two disappointments he had been a man of vigorous intellect and good judgment, but these blows to his aspirations seemed to unsettle his mind, and since then he has been eccentric and peculiar. He was a constant reader of the Bible, and a most rigid observer of the Sabbath. He sought to gain a livelihood by chopping wood for the farmers, who had a great respect for him. He was a patient, inno- cent, and conscientious man, and was the recipient of many charitable attentions from the people in the neighborhood, and his nephew, Hiram P. Drake, did much towards mitigating the severities of his lonely and comfortless existence. Especially during his last illness has this nephew been unremitting in his atten- tions to his aged and unfortunate relative. The ne- cessary expenses of his uncle's illness and funeral were likewise borne by Mr. Drake." CHAPTER XXXII. MANSFIELD.i Mansfield lies in the northern part of the county, and is bounded as follows: On the north by Norfolk County, on the east by Easton, on the south by Norton, and on the west by Attleborough. The most important structures to the early settlers were the meeting-house and the grist- or corn-mill. The first must have been a terribly cheerless and for- bidding place, located upon some hill or large open common, receiving in full force the north wind and the noonday sun ; stoveless, Mindless, with its white- oak seats, high and straight back, with its long ser- mons upon the closest theological points. They were strict disciplinarians in the old days, and men must give good reason for the faith and belief the)' pro- fessed or they would be condemned by both the clergy and people. This strictness would be irksome to us of to-day, but it might be the better for us. The mill was always a cheery place. Farmers met there and discussed the merits of the last Sunday's sermon, told stories of the winter's storms, told of the ravages of the red man and of the encroachments of the beasts of prey, discussed the prospects of the crops, and rehearsed the items gathered from some newspaper which some one of them had heard read 1 By E. M. Reed. 436 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. in Boston or Taunton, or Plymouth or Medfield. In 1732 the Groves and Skinners, and Wellmans and Leonards, and Williams and others, to the number of twenty-five or thirty families, having for many years attended meeting in Taunton, Norton, orWren- tham, determined to separate themselves from the Norton Church or Norton North Purchase, and they mustered all the heads of families and all permitted to vote in parish affairs, and started for Norton meet- ing-house, where the question was to be put whether a separate parish should be established in what we call Mansfield. They had been often upon the same errand, but had theretofore met always with defeat. This day in 1732 noses had been counted, and as the fathers presented their nays they felt sure of the suc- cess they attained, and on that day it was voted that Mansfield be a parish and maintain its own preach- ing. They already had a meal-mill near " Cobbler's Corner," but a little way from the grist-mill we call Fisher's. This " Cobbler's Corner" is frequently made mention of in old deeds, and it is supposed that at some time beyond the " historic period" an itinerant shoe-mender located there for a brief period. At any rate it was of such note and importance as that it is made a boundary or point in several old deeds of land in that locality, being located south to west, a little distance from the present residence of James W. Cable. Mansfield was a parish, and the next thing was to get a meeting-house. Various meetings were held. The money for this object was raised by tax upon the ratable polls and estates of the inhabitants of said precinct. The lumber was cut from the ministerial land. The meetings where this important matter was discussed were held at the house of David Wellman, and the votes were recorded by Benjamin Williams, clerk. At a meeting, legally warned, on the 30th day of June, 1732, " for to do what may be proper as to the hiring a minister to preach in said precinct, and to raise money to pay him, and to do what may be proper concerning finishing the outside of the meet- ing-house, met at the house of Isaac Wellman, of said precinct, first they made choice of Mr. Eph- raim Leonard to be moderator of said meeting ; sec- ondly, they made choice of Mr. Thomas Skinner, Deacon Nicholas White, and Mr. Ephraim Grover to hire a minister or ministers to preach in said precinct, as they shall think proper ; thirdly, they voted to raise the sum of twenty pounds upon the polls and ratable estates in said precinct, according to law, for the payment of the ministry in said precinct. Re- corded by me, Benjamin Williams." At the same house another meeting was held June 27, 1733, to see what to do about hiring a minister and finishing the meeting-house. Thomas Skinner was chosen mod- erator, Capt. Ephraim Leonard, Andrew Grover, and Ephraim Grover were chosen a committee, and em- powered to hire a minister for the balance of the year. At a meeting held Aug. 19, 1734, the moderator called for a vote by paper ballots for the choice of a minister, "and they broght in thayer vots, and made choyceof the Reverend Mr. Abial Hay ward, of Bridge- water, to be theyr minister without one negative vote." They then voted to pay their newly-elected minister the sum of one hundred pounds annually in money or bills of credit, or yearly, during his abode in the work of the ministry in said precinct. They made choice of " Deacon Nicholas B. White, Ephraim Grover ye 1 st and Benjamin Williams, all of said pre- cinct, to be a committy to treat with the Reverend Mr. Abial Hayward in the above read affairs." This vote made a disturbance, for it is upon record that on the 7th of October, 1734, at an adjournment of a meeting in Norton, North Precinct, referring to the settling of a minister, "We, whose names are under- written, do enter our protest against the proceedings of that day, Samuel Brintwell, Thomas Skinner, John Skinner, Isaac Wellman, Solomon Skinner, Ebenezer Brintwell. Samuel Wellman, John Skinner, Joseph Skinner. Nathaniel Brintwell, Ebenezer Skinner, Benjamin Wellman, Samuel Skinner, Benjamin Skin- ner." The following letter was received from Rev. Mr. Hayward, dated Bridgewater, Nov. 30, 1734: " Dear Brethren and Gentlemen. " Inasmuch as it has pleased God to incline your Hearts to give me an Invitation to settle in the work of the Gospel ministry in your precinct, I do hereby with hearty thankfulness acknowledge your Love and Re- gard ; but since there is a number among you (whose souls are precious) which are dissatisfied with your proceedings, and not well satisfied with my ministry, and thinking it unlikely that I should be very serviceable to them unless their hearts are turned towards me, and trusting that they will fall in and unite with you in a future choice, which possibly may be more for your comfort and their spiritual interest, I must declare that at present I cannot see my way clear to accept your call, and there- fore accept my love, earnestly praying that God, through infinite Riches of free Grace, would be pleased to bless you all with a happy and ser- viceable ministry, with peace and plenty in this world, and Eternal Glory and Happiness in the world to come. "Abial Hayward." At meeting held April 30, 1734, they voted to hire a minister for three months, provided he commenced June 1st following. At a meeting of the precinct, held in the meeting- house on the 5th May, 1735, but adjourned to the 12th day of the same, very important business was transacted ; they voted to settle a minister, and made choice by paper votes, without a dissenting vote, of Rev. Atherton Wales; they voted to build a pulpit in their meeting-house suitable for a minister to preach in ; they voted to build the seats below in said meeting-house, and to have a convenient alley between the men's seats and the women's seats. Mr. Wales declined the offer. On the 29th day of December, 1735, another meet- ing was held in the meeting-house to see about set- tling a minister in the work of the Lord, and they made choice of Rev. Samuel Tobey, of Sandwich; they appointed a committee to wait upon Mr. Tobey, and the committee made several journeys to Sand- wich. The meeting was adjourned several times. MANSFIELD. 437 The freeholders were anxiously waiting the report, but waited in vain until March 1, 1786, when the committee reported that "Mr. Tobey declined to ac- cept the brilliant offer made because of his being ' young in years.' " This report was " excepted," and the moderator dismissed said meeting. On the 7th day of September, 1736, another meet- ing was held in the meeting-house to make choice of and settle a gospel minister. A vote was called for by paper votes, and they brought them in and made unanimous choice of " Rev. Mr. Ebenezer White, of Brookline, to be their minister to follow in the work of the gospel ministry in said precinct, according to the Congregational platform," and voted to pay him "one hundred pounds annually or yearly." A com- mittee was chosen to wait upon Mr. White, and he returned the following reply : " To the Honorable Committee of Norton, North Precinct: " Sins, — Having taken into serious consideration your invitation to me in the name of jour precinct to settle with you in the work of the min- istry, and your proposals in order ... I have at length come to con- clude in the affirmative, admiring the subsequent alteration of the follow- ing article : Whereas, you have voted one hundred pounds for my annual support, considering the different expenses you will be at on the accouut of finishing your meeting-house, ministers, settlement, &c, I accept it for the first and second years of my settlement with you, provided that the third year it be advanced to one hundred and ten, the fourth year to one hundred and twenty pounds, and that as supply I be annually pro- vided with a sufficient quantity of firewood; provided also that money be in equal value, as it is in its present currency, and if it increases or diminishes in its value my salary increases or lessens accordingly. "Your true friend and humble servant, " Ebenezer White." At an adjourned meeting it was voted to comply with Mr. White's request as to increase in salary, not, however, unanimously, for a protest to the same was entered by Josiah Pratt, Nathaniel Brinton, Samuel Skinner, and Benjamin Skinner. At a meeting held Jan. 3, 1736, it was voted the sum of fifteen pounds to defray the expenses of Mr. White's ordination. This was to be expended for the entertainment of the ministers at said ordination. Mr. White was ordained probably soon after; and the fifteen pounds were no doubt all spent. The names of his church members it is impossible to ascertain with any certainty, but the following-named persons withdrew from Mr. Avery's church, at Norton, and as everybody went to meeting in those days, it is fair to presume that they constituted the main member- ship of Mr. White's church: Nicholas White, John Hall, Thomas Skinner, Sr., John Skinner, Sr., Ephraim Grover, Sr., Benjamin Williams, Seth Dorman, Josiah Pratt, Thomas Tillebrown, Joshua Atherton, Stephen Blanshar, William Pain, Benja- min Lam, William Dean, Jonathan Pratt, Joshua Williams, Andrew Grover, Thomas Grover, Sr., Ezra Skinner. Nearly all these surnames are now familiar and borne by many in the town. They found no fault with their treatment in the Norton Church, and left with the benediction of the mother church upon them. Rev. Mr. White stayed but a few years with the Mansfield people. His health gave out, and he was frequently prevented from attending to his parochial duties by reason of ill health, and it has been in- ferred that fault was found with the interpretation of the Word by him, but no foundation for such an opinion is apparent from the records. That the people were very uneasy and dissatisfied is shown by the numerous town-meetings held, at which the ques- tion of his dismission was discussed. His opponents were unable to have passed a vote dismissing him until prejudice was awakened against him, upon the ground that he had not ruled and governed the church "according to the platform of church disci- pline which said church has voted to be their rule of discipline." In September, 1760, Mr. White wrote to his parish that he would be no hindrance in the settling of a " learned and orthodox minister." The town and church voted the same year his dismission, he receiving pay only as he preached, and the parish gave themselves up to hearing candidates. On Jan. 12, 1761, the parish and church concurred in extending a call to Rev. Mr. Roland Green, and while the people were waiting the candidate's reply to the call, Jan. 18, 1761, Rev. Mr. White died, in his forty-eighth year, and in the twenty-fourth year of his ministry. His death may well have stirred up their consciences to an acknowledgment that their judgment may have been too hasty and far from just. Mr. White married Lydia Gennison, of Maiden ; she died March 28, 1749, aged thirty-six years. His second wife was Hannah Richards, of Milton. She survived him nearly forty years, and died in widow- hood, Dec. 1, 1800, aged eighty-three years. His body and those of his two wives are buried in the old yard, near the site of the old church. Around his grave has sprung up a thriving, busy village, and hundreds pass and repass his burying-place without a thought of him or of his work, but the seed he sowed has perhaps brought forth abundant fruit. The residence of Mr. White was where the family of the late Capt. Ira Richardson now live; it is one of the oldest houses in town, "gambrel roof," built close up to the line of the road, about one and one- half miles from the site of the old meeting-house, and one-fourth of a mile from " Cobbler's Corner." It passed into the possession of Capt. Ira Richardson, who was at one time captain of the Norton Artillery, a military company of good local repute. At the time of Lafayette's second visit to America, and as he was passing through Pawtucket, then a portion of Massachusetts, this company was ordered to report there and do salute duty. The captain, in consequence of some not very complimentary remarks which had before been made about their field-pieces, ordered them loaded to the muzzles, and upon the first dis- charge of the pieces the buildings in the neighbor- hood shook and the glass rattled from the windows. The captain was waited upon by the authorities and asked to desist, but his reply was that the colouel 438 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. ordered him to fire, and he should do so, at the same time ordering his men to fire away. During the Gar- field campaign the captain, although very aged, ap- peared at his door and reviewed the Garfield and Arthur torch-light procession. He was for many years sexton of the town. He was shingling his house one day as the writer passed, and upon inquir- ing of him how long it would probably take him to finish it he replied that he couldn't tell, as so soon as he got to work somebody died, and he had to leave his work and take care of them. Capt. Richardson died in 1882. Rev. Roland Green, the second settled minister of Mansfield, was born in Maiden, April 10, 1737. There was a little difference of opinion about "calling" Mr. Green, as he did not quite indorse the full platform, but after correspondence he declared his intentions to follow the platform, " so far as it is agreeable to the Word of God." None could object to this, and his ordination was fixed for Aug. 26, 1761, and £13 6s. 8d. was voted to defray the expenses of the ordination. Twelve churches were invited, viz., two in Maiden, two in Attleborough, two in Stoughton, two in Dedham, one each in Taunton, Walpole, Norton, and Wren- tham. The council met at Col. Ephraim Leonard's. The ordination exercises were performed under the wide-spreading limbs of the venerable elm-trees which stood west of the meeting-house. No record of the interesting exercises is now to be found. Mr. Green died July 4, 1808, in the seventy-first year of his age, and in the forty-seventh year of his min- istry. He was a faithful, God-fearing man, beloved by his whole congregation ; fearless and outspoken, plain and emphatic in his teachings, he was kind, cheerful, and sympathetic. He was buried on the 6th of July, and a large concourse attended the services, and moved to the grove in the following order : Band, playing a funeral dirge, male member^ of the church, bearers, corpse, pall supported by Rev. Messrs. Thatcher, Mowry, Reed, Palmer, Richmond, Clark, Fiske, and Whittaker, mourners, particular friends of the deceased, female members of the church, sing- ing society, members of the congregation, strangers, and he was buried in the burying-ground near the church, by the side of his predecessor, where also his wife is buried. The following record of him is found, made by a committee of the Bristol Association : " In the appro- priate duties of his profession he was punctual, ener- getic, and faithful; he possessed the gift of prayer in a happy degree, and on special occasions his thoughts were ready, pertinent, and impressive. In the public services of the sanctuary he used plainness of speech, and his general strain of instruction was evangelical and practical. He professed One only to be his mas- ter, even Christ, and disdained to teach for doctrines the commandments of men. He went not to human creeds, but to the Word of God for doctrine, reproof, and instruction." Rev. Roland Green built and lived in the house now occupied by Mr. De Wolf, on the north side of West Street. What he believed to be Scripture he boldly inculcated and enforced. Founding his opinions on what he believed to be the true sense of the gospel, he was strong in the faith and valiant in the truth ; he never disguised his sentiments through fear or favor of men, but what he believed he openly avowed. The voice of hypocrisy was a stranger to his heart, and we have reason to hope that his en- deavors to promote the cause of his Redeemer con- stitute a bright gem in the crown of his present rejoicing. The pulpit was without a settled minister until April 13, 1809, when a call was forwarded from church and society to Rev. Richard Biggs. Mr. Biggs' reply in the affirmative quickly followed, and he was ordained May 24, 1809. The introductory prayer was by Rev. Mr. Morey, of Walpole ; sermon by Rev. M. Richmond, of Stoughton ; ordaining prayer by Rev. Dr. Reed, of Bridgewater; charge by Rev. D. Sanger, of Bridgewater; right hand of fel- lowship, Rev. Pitt Clark, of Norton ; concluding prayer, Rev. Mr. Briggs, of Boxford. Rev. Mr. Briggs was born in Halifax, March 2, 1782; graduated at Brown University in 1804; studied theology with Rev. Dr. Richmond, of Stoughton ; arrived in Mansfield Dec. 31, 1808 ; preached the fol- lowing Sunday. He continued in the active and ac- ceptable discharge of his duties until 1833, when he was disabled by sickness. He preached for the last time Jan. 20, 1833, twenty-five years after his first sermon. He was dismissed Dec. 8, 1834, and died after four years of feebleness and disease July 5, 1837. No printed sermon of Mr. Briggs exists. The follow- ing sketch, written by one who heard him during his entire ministry, is evidence of the esteem his people had for him : " Mr. Briggs' character as a man was irreproachable. He was kind, sympathetic, and gen- erous. He was emphatically a philanthropist, and seemed to feel for all the woes of mankind. He was peculiarly fond of children, always addressing them with tenderness, and often bestowing upon them some small token of approbation. Perhaps the most promi- nent trait in his character was benevolence, — an un- tiring assiduity in administering to the wants of all with whom he had intercourse in the world. He was accustomed to speak of the 'luxury of doing good,' as if it was the very height of earthly enjoyment, and this was probably the sincere expression of his per- sonal feelings. It is believed that all who were ac- quainted with Mr. Briggs will agree in saying that he had not, at least while residing in this place, one personal enemy." Mr. Briggs married Miss Fanny D. Billings, daugh- ter of Dr. Benjamin Billings, of this town. His widow survived him many years. She was a woman of generous impulses, a great lover of society, and of large hospitality. She occupied the house built by MANSFIELD. 439 her father, at the corner of 8011th Main and West Streets. On Sunday the worshipers at the old church where her husband preached would repair to her house to eat their lunch. After the death of her father and husband, Dr. Horace Palmer occupied the premises with her. He removed to the West, and Dr. William G. Allen had his office for several years there. Upon the failure of Mr. Briggs' ability to preach, the pulpit was supplied for a while by Rev. Nathan Holman, of Attleborough, until June 16, 1833, alter- nating with Rev. D. Saunders, ofMedfield. This divis- ion of labor was caused by a difference in the minds of the worshipers upon some theological matters. On the 30th of January, 1835, Mr. James H. Say ward arrived, and preached on the following Sunday very accept- ably to his hearers, and on the 27th April, same year, a call was extended to him to become their spiritual adviser, at a salary of five hundred dollars per year for three years. His affirmative answer was received upon the same day. He was ordained upon the 17th of June, but remained only two years with the society, asking his dismission, which was granted, and he was dismissed June 17, 1837. He married May B. Pratt, daughter of Hon. Solomon Pratt. He died at the age of thirty-six in Fitzwilliam, N. H., and is buried in the .same yard with his predecessors. He was an active, earnest worker in all reforms, was anxious to secure unanimity among his people, visited much, held weekly meetings for prayer at private houses, quite sensitive, and resigned because of the growing dissension among his people, arising from a desire upon the part of some to liberalize the creed. As in all other towns, so here a portion of the church withdrew and formed an orthodox Congregational Society. This was on May 9, 1838, and on October Gth of the same year the society was duly organized. The " original compact" is dated May 9, 1838, and is as tul lows : " We, the undersigned, do hereby agree to form ourselves into a society or association for the purpose of procuring and supporting orthodox preach- ing in this place," and is signed by Isaac Skinner, Daniel Williams, Jr., Julius Skinner, Daniel Wil- liams, John Rogers, Elijah Copeland, Jr., Benjamin Williams, David Williams, Harvey Corey, Amasa Copeland, Apollos Skinner, Apollos Skinner, Jr., Elkanah Bates, Isaac Paine, Isaac White, Hermon Hall, Erastus Givins, James E. Paine, Elijah Cope- land, James L. Corey, James H. Reilly, Leonard Corey, Loring C. Shaw, Avery 0. Dunham, Mahlon Williams, Homer Skinner, John E. Corey, William A. Paine, Avery D. Allen, Joseph S. Corey, Elisha Hodges, Alvin Robinson, Adoniram Skinner, Hosea Grover, William White, Ruel Mills, Nelson Paine, Willard Billings, Levi Skinner, Jacob Bailey, Charles B. Corey, Joseph Skinner, Isaac Skinner, Jr., Elias Skinner, Jacob A. Blake, William B. Baker, Amasa Pratt, Amasa Grover, Almond Copeland, Otis Allen, Charles Turner, Jesse Hodges, Luther E. Skinner, George E. Bailey. The new society at once commenced worship in a school-house near the old church, and the first min- ister was Rev. N. Holman, of Attleborough ; they afterwards hired a hall in the Mulberry Tavern, which stood where the Methodist Church now stands. Rev. Mr. Hunt, who afterwards became private secretary of the Hon. Henry Wilson, and died a few years since in Attleborough, supplied the pulpit for a short time, when the church and society extended a call to Rev. Mortimer Blake, of Franklin, who graduated at Amherst in 1835 ; he accepted, and was ordained Dec. 4, 1839. The society built a new meeting-house in 1839, which has since been thor- oughly remodeled and enlarged. Rev. Mr. Blake re- mained with the society until 1855, when he became pastor of the Winslow Church in Taunton, where he has ever since been. The society, under Mr. Blake's administration, grew rapidly, and pastor and people were strongly united, and it was with sad hearts the sacred ties were severed. After Mr. Blake's removal the Rev. Jacob Ide, Jr., of Medway, son of Rev. Dr. Ide, and grandson of Rev. Dr. Emmons, accepted the call extended to him, and was ordained in 1856, and has remained with the society ever since ; and won- derful unanimity has all the time existed in the church and society, and there has never been the slightest rupture between pastor and people. After the death of Rev. Mr. Briggs, Rev. James L. Stone, of Brown University, accepted a call to become pastor of the old society, and was ordained in 1840, October 28th. He was dismissed in 1844, subsequently taught school in Foxborough, then became agent for a life insurance company, and died a few years since at Taunton. After his dismission the pulpit was occupied by supplies up to 1850, when Rev. Daniel W. Stevens, of Marlborough, graduate of Harvard University, was ordained as pastor, which position he occupied with great acceptance up to 1857, when he ceased preach- ing ; for a time opened a select school in the basement of the old church, which he continued for several years as a teacher. He ranked high, as friends and scholars were fully satisfied with his success. He at the close of the school here removed to Fall River, where he was superintendent of schools two years, then removed to Vineyard Haven, where he has ever since resided, engaged in preaching and caring for a library used by the many seamen who visit that har- bor. Since Mr. Stevens vacated the pulpit in the old church different ministers have occupied it, and it is now filled by Rev. Donald Frazer, who has also under his charge the Universalist Society of Foxborough. In 1837 the Calvin Baptists organized a society and built a church in the centre of the town ; had no set- tled minister until about 1853, when Rev. Mr. Wel- come Lewis was settled. He remained with the so- ciety a few years, then moved to the State of New York, and the society engaged Rev. Mr. Gardner; and since 440 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. the close of Mr. Gardner's services, which lasted but a short time, the society have employed Rev. Mr. Blain, Rev. Mr. Lewis again, Rev. Mr. Pope, Rev. Mr. Russell, and others. At the present time Rev. Dr. John Duncan is preaching to the society. Rev. Mr. Lewis married Hannah, daughter of Marshal Shaw, an old resident of this place. His wife died several years since. Mr. Lewis was compelled by ill health to resign his ministerial duties, and is now dwelling in New York with friends. The society is now under the charge of Rev. Dr. John Duncan. Emanuel Methodist Episcopal Church was organ- ized in 1860 with sixteen members; the first meeting was held in the hall over Rayerson's store April 8, 1860, Rev. E. F. Hicks supplying the pulpit. Wor- ship was continued there until January, 1861, from which time to April, 1864, there were no public ser- vices held. At that time the old meeting-house was hired, and services held therein for two years under charge of Rev. Mr. Alderman. After an interval of five years meetings were again commenced, this time in Lovell's Hall, in 1871, under the charge of Rev. Mr. W. J. Smith, who remained with the society one year. Services have been continued ever since, and the ministers have been F. C. Newall, J. H. Hum- phrey, W. H. Turkinton, J. Oldham, Thomas J. Ev- erett, E. W. Goodier, and the present pastor is Rev. Mr. Jorden. In 1876 the society built an attractive place of worship on the corner of North Main and West Streets, on a lot donated to them by Charles T. Borden, Esq., a prominent member of the church. A society of Friends was organized at West Mans- field in 1809. They built a meeting-house which now stands a model of neatness, and regular meetings are now held there upon each " First Day," and occasion- ally other meetings are held. Rev. Brother Thomas. Grover is the preacher. In 1830 a Christian Baptist Society was organized, and a small church built at West Mansfield. A new church has since been built near the depot at West Mansfield, and the society is now prospering under the faithful ministrations of Rev. Gustin, of Attle- borough. The " Mansfield and Foxborough Society of the New Jerusalem" was organized in 1838. They had no regular place of worship, but met at the houses of the members, of which the more prominent are David Fisher, Sr. (now deceased), Capt. Ira Richardson, Frederick A. Mason, Peyton Hodges, George L. Stearns, and others. In 1871 they built a neat and convenient church on a lot given to them by Dr. Wil- liam F. Perry, located on the south side of West Street, and have since then held regular Sabbath ser- vices therein. They have had no regularly settled minister. Parish. Votes. — At parish meeting in 1788 it was voted to build and sell four pews in meeting-house, and with the proceeds to paint the house. At subse- quent meeting, same year, voted to sell the pews at vendue, and that if they did not bring the average price the bids to be void, and Cobb White was chosen vendue-master. At the adjournment it was voted that all votes and bids made at meeting be declared void. At another meeting, same year, voted to raise thirty pounds to paint and repair meeting-house. At a meeting held a month after this vote was reconsid- ered, and it was voted to sell the ground for four pews, and Cobb White was chosen vendue-master, and that the purchasers could give their notes payable 15th of October, and to have the privilege of buying the joint stock and putting it on the notes. The pews were then sold as follows : Isaac White bid off the first pew on the men's side at nine pounds one shil- ling; Jesse Hodges bid off second pew men's side at six pounds four shillings ; Lieut. Joseph Leonard bid off the first pew on the women's side at ten pounds two shillings ; Jonathan Newland, Jr., bid off second pew women's side at nine pounds. At the meeting in 1789, voted twenty pounds to build steps for meeting-house. In 1791 Dwight Dean was chosen collector, and Ames White engaged verbally in said meeting as bondsman for said Dean's faithful performance of his duties. In 1804 it was voted to put window-springs in all the windows of the meeting-house. At meet- ing, in 1808, to see about ministerial affairs, it was voted that means be used to continue the preaching of the gospel in said parish, and there was chosen at that meeting to see that the pulpit was supplied, Deacon Abijah Leonard, Deacon Daniel Williams, and Dr. Rolland Green. Voted that Mr. Simeon Dag- gett should have an invitation to preach one Sabbath. Instructed committee not to pay over eight dollars per week to any minister. Instructed committee to see those persons who belong to the town and have separated themselves from the parish if they will come in again and help support a minister. Voted that said committee be requested to relate what they had heard relative to a man in the country, which was understood to be Mr. Chandler, of Shelburn. After hearing what was related by them respecting him the question was put to see if the parish would have him, and it was voted to hear him if he could be obtained without any cost to the parish in sending him or in fetching him down. I conclude Mr. Chandler would not come down upon these terms, as at an adjourned meeting it was ; voted to hire Rev. Mr. Briggs to supply the pulpit. At the meeting in 1809 it was voted to call Rev. ; Mr. Briggs to settle, provided he "would come on reasonable terms," and they appointed a committee of fifteen to decide what sum to offer Rev. Mr. Briggs. That committee consisted of Benjamin Bates, Esq., and Moses Copeland. Both of these gentlemen de- clined serving ; then chose John Williams, Nathaniel Brintnell, Capt. John Hodge, Lemuel White, William Copeland, Solomon Pratt, James Andros, Seth Shep- ard, Jr., Jacob Dean, Isaac Skinner, Elkanah Bates, MANSFIELD. 441 Ephraim Pond, Capt. Joseph Lane, Ebenezer Ware, and Dr. Roland Green. The meeting took a recess of one hour, at the end of which they reported that four hundred and fifty dollars was the proper sum to pay Rev. Mr. Briggs per annum. The report was ac- cepted, and signed Solomon Pratt, chairman ; R. Green, scribe. Benjamin White was treasurer of parish in 1770, also in 1771 ; Lieut. Isaac Dean was treasurer in 1772-77; in 1778, Maj. Isaac Dean, treasurer; and in 1779 and in 1780, Col. Isaac Dean was chosen ; in 1783 it was Isaac Dean, Esq. ; in 1785, Thomas Shaw; in 1780, Lieut. Elijah Hodges; 1787, Isaac Lowell, Jr.; 1792, Isaac Dean ; 1793, Jonathan Newcomb. Iu 1792 it was voted that all the meeting-house doors have decent steps, and a committee of seven was chosen to conduct the business of getting up said door-steps ; John Knapp, Jesse Hodges, Thomas Skinner, William Copeland, John Cobb, Jacob Skin- ner, and Col. Isaac White for said committee. Voted that said steps be "dun" in three months. At a meeting in 1798 it was voted that the parish com- mittee lease the land in the burying-grouud at their discretion. In 1789 voted to repair meeting-house, and at meeting in 1801 eighty dollars was appro- priated to shingle north side of meeting-house roof, as well as the south side, and that William Copeland procure shingles at the eastward, as he has fairly bar- gained for them. This rule was favorably reconsid- ered at a subsequent meeting, and it was voted to set up the shingles at vendue; and it was moved that he who doeth said shingling shall have the old shingles and the nails. Michael Allen bid off the shingling at ninety dollars. He was the only bidder. The parish officers for 1809 were Isaac Skinner, clerk; David Gilbert, Esq., treasurer; Lemuel White, Isaac Stearns, and William Copeland, committee; John Williams, Isaac Skinner, and Asahel Williams, assessors. In 1814 it was voted that the " burying-ground should not be pastured the present year." In 1816 voted to build by subscription a pew in Mansfield meeting-house for the singers, proposed to be the length of the front gallery. Voted to mend the plastering and point the under- pinning of said meeting-house. In 1818 the following pews were "vendued:" The first pew struck off to Benjamin Williams for $36 ; the second pew struck off to John Williams for $60 ; the third pew struck off to David Gilbert, Esq., for $63; the fourth pew struck off to Benjamin Bates, Esq., for $50. In 1768 or thereabouts the good people residing in the North Precinct, after doubtless severe discussion and agitation, decided they would make strenuous efforts to dissolve their municipal relations with the South Precinct. Previous to this from 1764, one-third of the town-meetings had been held at the North meeting-house, but in 1767 it was voted to hold no more there, and the North Precinct voters accordingly petitioned the Great and General Court to be set off as a separate district, and in April, 1770, this prayer was granted, and Mansfield became a " district." This gave them all the powers of towns, except the separate choice of a representative. In a few years this restriction was removed, and Mansfield became a full-fledged town. The old town (Norton) bid them God-speed in these words, " Voted, whereas the North Precinct of the town of Norton has desired said town to vote them off a district, the said town doth hereby signify their consent to the same, if the General Court shall think proper to set off and make s d precinct a separate district ; s d North Precinct taking their pro- portionable part of the poor of said town, and also their proportionable part of the town stock." The first town-meeting was held in March, 1771, and the warrant is as follows : " Bristol, ss. To either of tlie Constables of the District of Mansfield in said County, Greeting : "In his Majestie's name you are hereby required forthwith to notify and warn all the freeholders and other persons of the district of Mans- field that are qualified according to law to vote in town affairs, to meet and assemble together at the publick meeting-house, in said Mansfield, on Monday, the eighteenth day of March, instant, at twelve of the clock of said day, then and there first to choose a moderator to manage and carry on said meeting ; secondly, to choose a district clerk for the en- suing year, and selectmen and all other officers that towns are obliged by law to choose annually in the month of March; thirdly, to vote if they will think proper that swine may run at large, being ringed and yoked according to law ; fourthly, to vote for county treasurer ; fifthly, to vote to accept of a rode, if they think proper, which is laid out by the selectmen, leading from line near where Abiether Babbot now dwells to the rode that leadeth from Ephraim Leonard's, Esq., to E. Clapp's and another rode from Easton line, along near the house of Walle Southward, agreeable to a returne iu said meeting to be produced ; hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant and your doings to either of us, the subscribers, timely in said meeting. Giveu under our hands and seals this fourth day of March, in the eleventh year of his majesty's reign, Anno Domini, 1771. " Eph'm Leonard, " George Wheatox, " Selectmen of Mansfield. "Eecorded the 29th of March, 1771, by me. "Isaac Dean, Clerk.'' Doings of the Meeting.— Chose William Dean to be a moderator to carry on and manage the meeting ; chose Isaac Dean their district clerk ; chose Dr. George Wheaton, Mr. Benjamin Williams, and Thomas Skinner for selectmen. They each took the oath relating to the " government bills" before Ephraim Leonard, Esq., justice of the peace, in pub- lic meeting. They chose Samuel White, Dr. George Wheaton, and William Dean, Jr., for assessors for ensuing year; chose Samuel Tillebrown for one of the constables, and accepted Samuel White in place of Samuel Tillebrown as constable for the ensuing year ; chose Abijah Beeley for one of the constables, and accepted of Elijah Dean in the room of said Beeley. They made choice of Benjamin White for treasurer; chose Alfred Leonard and John White for wardens. They chose Nehemiah White and Ben- jamin Sweet for hog-reeves. They voted that swine may run at large, being yoked and ringed according 442 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. to law. They voted to adjourn. Met according to adjournment, and chose Lieut. Job Hodges and Reuben Titus for to keep the river clear for the free passage of the fish for the ensuing year, and they accepted the " rodes," and voted for county treasurer, and the doings recorded by Isaac Dean, clerk. The next town-meeting was to see if the town would vote reasons to the Great and General Court why Eleaser Robbins and others of Stoughton, who were annexed to Mansfield, should not be taken from said Mansfield, and they chose a committee to aid the Stoughton people in their efforts to withdraw from Mansfield. At a meeting in November, 1771, called to vote what they shall think proper relating to the schools in the district of Mansfield, it was voted " that the one month's school which has been lately kept at the dwell- ing-house of Nathan Williams, Jr., should be reckoned to the whole district, and go towards the present year's schooling. They voted not to have three schools at once during the present winter, but they did vote to have two schools. Voted to have the schools kept at or near the same places where they were kept last year." In 1775 the sum of fifteen pounds was voted for the support of the schools. The same year they voted to Capt. William Howes as their part of his pay in Con- gress the sum of nine pounds and two shillings, and to Eleazer Clapp for the same purpose the sum of two pounds and sixteen shillings. At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Mansfield, legally warned pursuant to a resolve passed in the honorable House of Representatives on the 17th of September, in order to consider and de- termine whether they will give their consent that the present House of Representatives of this State of the Massachusetts Bay, together with the Council, should consult upon and enact a form of government for said State, and, taking the same into their most ma- ture consideration, came under the following votes: "lly. Voted that the establishing a good form of government abso- lutely necessary in order to lay a foundation for the future safety, happiness, and welfare of a people. "21y. Voted that, as the end of government is the good of the people, so the power and right of forming and establishing a plan thereof exists essentially in them. " 3Iy. Voted that, as this State is at present without a form of govern- ment, it is highly necessary that one should soon be formed. "4Iy. Voted that we cannot give our consent to the proposal of the Honorable House in their Resolve of the 17th Sept. last past, that the present Hon. House, with the Hon' Council, should enact a form of Government for this State, for these Reasons, viz. : " lly. That the present house and council was not separately elected by the people for that special purpose, which we think is highly rea- sonable they should be in a matter of great importance. "21y. That it is the undoubted right of many of the inhabitants of this State to have a voice in the establishing a form of government that was not allowed to vote in the choice of the present House of Repre- sentatives. " 51y. Voted we humbly conceive that it would conduce much to the peace and quite of the people of the State, and we hope would be a sal- utary measure to obtain the ends proposed, if each County should meet by their delegates with an Equal Representation from the several towns and consult what form of government they may think it would be Best for this State to come into, and when they have no desire to lay the result of their several meetings before a State Convention to be chosen by said County Conventions, and the State Convention to se- lect from the whole such a form of government as shall by them be thought most likely to terminate in the safety, peace, and happiness of the people. "61y. That it appears to us absolutely necessary for the liberty and safety of this State that the plan of government when formed should be published for the perusal of the people and not established without their approbation. " 71y. Voted that we think that it would be very proper and expedi- ent for the present Honorable House of Representatives to give out precepts or orders for the choice of said Conventions. " 81y. Voted that the dark of this town should lodge a copy of the votes passed in the meeting in the Secretary's office. " Recorded by me, "John White, Clark." At town-meeting held Feb. 25, 1777, it was voted to give a bounty of twenty-five pounds to all those who enlisted in service of the United States for three years or during the war. In March, 1777, the following prices for labor, etc., were fixed, in pursuance of an act of the General As- sembly : s. d. f. Farming labor in the summer, found as usual, shall not exceed 3 Good wheat, per bushel 7 6 Indian corn, per bushel 3 6 Rie, good rie, per bushel 4 6 Good sheep's wool, per pound 2 Good fresh pork, per pound 4 2 Salt pork, clear of bone, per pound 6 3 Good grass-fed beef, per pound 2 3 Good stall-fed, ditto 3 3 Good raw hides, per pound, other skins in the same propor- tion 3 Good cheese, maid in town, per pound 6 Good butter, per pound 9 Good beans, per bushel 6 8 Good Spanish potatoes, in the fall of the year, per bushel 10 Ditto, in the spring, per bushel, and other sorts in proportion, according to their quality 14 Men's shoes, made by the best neat leather 8 0. Us, good oats, per bushel 2 Good tried tallow, per pound 8 Beef tallow, fit for suet, per pound 5 Yarn cloth, yard wide, the best sort, flannel, yard wide, of the best quality, per yard 3 6 Cotton and linneii home-made cloth, best quality, per yard 3 6 Mutton, lamb, and veal, per pound 3 Good new milk, from December 1st to March 1st, per quart 2 " " Rest of year 12 English hay, in field 2 6 Tobacco in lief, of the best 6 Carpenters' pay, per day, found 3 6 Spinnin by the skein, taken home 5 Woman's tailor, per day, found 10 2 Woman's shoes, made of calfskin, per pair 6 Victualing at tavern, with good boyled or roast meat, with sose, per meal 10 Lodging, for one night 3 2 Boarding a laboring man, per week 5 Keeping, per day 3 6 Best blue all-wool cloth, % yard wide, well dyed 10 Shoemaking in familys, he finding his wax, per pair 2 The above prices made by the Selectmen and committy. Recorded by me, John White, Toim Clerk. April 7, 1777. A town-meeting was called June 16, 1777, to "pre- sent tories," and the warrant warns the voters in the name and government of Massachusetts Bay, " To 2dly to chuse a man to procure and lay before the court hear- upon described, the evidence that he had of the inimical expression of any person towards this or any United States. 3dly, act and proceed with any persons that have Ben Inimical to their country, according to a late act of the grate and General Corte, and to act upon the hole as they shall think proper." Isaac Dean was chosen moderator. Made choce of Elijah Dean to procure evidence against any such persons as described in warrant. 3dly, the Selectman, Reverend Zephaniah Hogges, as a person Dangerous to our cause, and effort was made to relieve Mr. Hogges of this "soft impeachment," but not a sing.e voter would con- sent to it, and it was ordered that he "should be tried by a special court for that purpose." At the March meeting, 1778, it was MANSFIELD. 443 "Voted to send to each of the soldiers in the Continental sirvis for the Town of Mansfield, and which engaged for the Town's Bounty, one Shurt, one pair of Trowsers, and four stockings ami one pair of shoes." In May, 1778, Town had a meeting in "favor of Government." Voted additional Bounty to all men who would volunteer, and voted " To clear or indemnify the commission offices for said town for any damage or fines which may he laid upon them for not Drafting men for the ser- vice." In 1780 two warrants were issued by the selectmen ; one directed the constable to notify all the voters on the east side of Rumford River, and the other directed him to notify all the voters on the westerly side of said river, to meet at the public meeting-house, then and there to act on certain articles enumerated in a former warrant, which were not acted upon by reason of the "late alarm which prevented the said meeting being holden." A town-meeting warrant was issued same year directing the officer " to warn all the male persons being twenty-one years of age, and resi- dents of said town for the space of one year, or that have their usual homes in said town, having a free- hold estate in said town of the annual income of three pounds, or other estate than a personal or mixed of the value of sixty pounds, computed in silver at 6s. 8'/. per ounce, to meet or assemble the 13th day of October, 1780, to elect a person who is an inhabitant of said town and secured in his own right of a free- hold of the value of one hundred pounds, or any valuable estate of the value of two hundred pounds, within said town, to be computed in silver as afore- said, to serve for and represent them in the Great and General Court." And at this meeting Capt. Samuel White was unanimously made choice of as the representative, and he was given by the town clerk and selectmen a " fair certificate," and Con- stable Skinner summoned and warned the said White to appear and to attend to the service for which he was chosen. Probably the largest appropriation in figures ever made at any town-meeting was at the December, 1780, meeting, when for town purposes and some few inci- dentals there was appropriated the sum of fifty-three thousand three hundred and forty-seven pounds, and this fact will give us some idea of the value of a paper currency. At this time John Pratt was the constable, and Benjamin Bates was the town clerk. At the town-meeting held April, 1786, the vote for Governor stood : the Hon. John Hancock had twenty- seven, the Hon. James Bodwine had two. At a meeting held just previous to the preceding, it was voted to pay their representative the sum of four shillings per day out of the town treasury, and Capt. Benjamin Bates was chosen representative. The town was called together in the name of the commonwealth of Massachusetts on Monday, Feb. 5, 1787 — "To Reade and hear the address of the General Courte lately pub- lished. To take into consideration the present calamities in this com- monwealth and to see if the town will petition the General Court to recall those troops under the command of General Lincoln, who have marched to the counties of Worcester and Hampshire, in order to pre- vent the further effusion of Blood and the calamity of a Domestic War, and also that the Honorable General Court Repeal the Act passed the last session suspending the Habeas Corpus act, or for the town to pass any vote or votes Relative to the before mentioned premises they may think proper." At this meeting it was voted " not to read the address lately published by the General Court," and it was voted that a copy of the petition drawn up by Capt. Pratt be sent by the town clerk somewhere, probably to the General Court. At this time Jona- than Newcomb was town clerk, Elijah Dean and Jonathan Newcomb were the selectmen who signed the warrant, and William Copeland was the constable who served the warrant. At a meeting held on 5th November, 1787, it was voted " that the poor of the town shall be set up at publick vendue to them that will keep them the cheapest." At this time Thomas Skinner and Jona- than Williams were selectmen, and Stephen Bond constable, and Jonathan Newcomb town clerk. At the "Governor's meeting," in 1778, John Han- cock had forty-five votes, Elbridge Gary had forty- three votes, James Warren had one. One article in the warrant calling the meeting for September, 1783, is to "see if the town will vote to choose a committee to act with the committee chosen in other towns in this county for the purpose of peti- tioning to the General Court for the better regulating of fishing in Taunton Grove River, and Capt. John Pratt was duly chosen." At the December town meeting, 1788, for voting for representative to Congress, the district consisting of Bristol County, Dukes County, and Nantucket, the Hon. George Leonard, Esq., had twenty votes, the Hon. David Cobb had thirty-six. The vote for elec- tor stood : Elisha May had thirty-six, Samuel Tobey had thirty-six. At a meeting held Sept. 29, 1789, it was voted, "To build a stone pound 30 feet square within the walls, six feet high, with a stick of Timber all Round said wall to a Dubble Wall three feet wide at the Botom and carried up the 6 feet in proportion." Extracts from the proceedings at the town meetings might be made to a great extent, which would prove of value and of much interest, but the limits allowed for this sketch will not permit it. Early Settlers.— " Very Worshipful Ephrairo Leonard, Esq.," was probably the most distin- guished man who ever lived in Mansfield. His residence was in the house at East Mansfield, formerly owned by Mr. Calvin Thomas, now owned by George Thomas, located on the easterly side of the road, near Flint's saw-mill. The old house in its wide entry and staircase, in its high rooms, gives evidence of its former grandeur. He was ap- pointed judge of Court of Common Pleas in 1747, and was in office until after the Revolution. He was born Jan. 16, 1705-6. He was a leader in the town, a man of great energy ; held the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens; held the office of col- 444 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. onel in the militia during the old French and Indian war. He was a man of eminent piety, and the wealthiest man in the region. His name is often found upon the old records of both town and parish. His grave, with those of three of his wives (he was married four times), are in the woods a short distance from his former residence ; the slate slabs indicating their burial-places are flat upon the ground, and it is extremely difficult to decipher any of the lettering upon them. There are evidences near these graves of other burials, but the stories of the men and women who found their last resting-place are only known to the Recording Angel, and probably their names will never more be mentioned upon earth. He had a son, Daniel, born May 18, 1740, graduated at Harvard University in 1760, at the age of twenty years. Studied law, and was a man of brilliant abilities. Became a Loyalist, and was appointed by Governor Hutchinson a mandamus counselor in 1774; practiced his profes- sion at Taunton Grove, but the honest yeomanry would not tolerate him. Left Taunton and went to Boston, thence to Halifax, thence to England, and was after- wards chief justice of Bermuda Islands. The house in which he lived still stands just north of the court- house in Taunton, and the marks of the bullets still remain to testify to the animosity which the people felt towards the sentiments he held. His personal popularity, however, was great. His father be- queathed to him a large portion of his estate, pro- vided he was allowed to return and enjoy it, and also be allowed the rights of citizenship; but if not, then to any of Daniel's children who should come to Amer- ica and become citizens. A son, Charles, did come, took possession of the property, entered Harvard College, but did not graduate ; was subsequently placed under guardianship, and was found dead May 4, 1831, in the road near Burrowsville. Mr. Ephraim Leonard gave the land to the parish now used as a burying-ground at East Mansfield. John Caswell, Sr., settled at East Mansfield. His son John, Jr., lived near him. He was a lieutenant and ensign in " the King's service." He died 18th December, 1773. His wife died July 6, 1769, in her eighty-first year. They had ten children. Benjamin Caswell and James Caswell, it is sup- posed, lived at East Mansfield. There is now no per- son in town bearing the name of Caswell. Seth Dorman settled in East Mansfield, and was one of the original members of the Norton Church. Joseph Elliot lived at East Mansfield. He died in 1752. Thomas Brintnell, with his family, made a settle- ment in the northwesterly part of Mansfield, a few rods easterly of Wading River, short distance from the lines of the two colonies, near the Obadiah Brintnell I place. He built a rude shelter, partly of wood and partly of stone, wherein, with his two muskets, he felt safe against the unfriendly red men. He came from Boston. His descendants are numerous, some of which have resided in town continuously since the settlement by their ancestor. Samuel Buzby, who lived at East Mansfield, mar- ried, Aug. 28, 1711, Elizabeth Caswell. They had eight or nine children. Capt. Samuel Brintnell, son of Thomas and Esther, lives at his father's house. He was a man of note, and his voice was often heard in the discussion of parish and town affairs. He was often selectman, and was also representative to the General Court. He was married three times, and in his will names six chil- dren. Samuel Brintnell, Jr., son of Samuel, lives near the old homestead. He married twice and had three children. Thomas Grover, born March, 1668. He settled at West Mansfield. He built a house near the " Tobitt" place. Andrew, his brother, built a house where Mr. Sherman now lives, formerly occupied by Elder Chad- wick. Ephraim, another brother, built a house near what is now Mr. John Bailey's. He was a deacon of the church in North Precinct. John Hall lived near Cobbler's Corner, and at one time was interested in the grist-mill near the Corner. He had a brother Ebenezer. Ephraim Sheldon lived at West Mansfield a short time, then moved to Attleborough. Thomas Skinner settled at West Mansfield. He was one of the original members of the North Church, and was the first schoolmaster who lived to be ninety years of age. John Skinner, brother of Thomas, lives at West Mansfield. Deacon Nicholas White built the old house now owned by Charles N. Hall, Esq., on the south side of Hall Street, until lately occupied by Mr. Hall. He was a very prominent man in town and parish affairs. He was one of the selectmen eleven years, member of General Court, and deacon of the church. A man of much importance, whose opinion was much relied upon by his neighbors both in town and parish meet- ings. He was buried upon his farm, near the resi- dence of Mr. Elkanah Hall. His grave, like the graves of many of the early settlers, it is now impos- sible to find. Marcus White lived near his brother, Deacon Nich- olas. Deacon Benjamin Williams lived where Charles Henry Williams now lives, from whom the last named descended. He was a man of great influence in town, and was often chosen to parish and town office, and was a man of good mind, careful judg- ment, and sound sense. Public Buildings. — The first meeting-house was never completed. In 1-752 the freeholders voted to " the very worshipful Col. Ephraim Leonard, Esq., the privilege and liberty to build a pew in the meeting-house for the comfort and convenience of himself and family, to extend from the public stairs MANSFIELD. 445 hall-way to the west wall of the said meeting-house." At the same meeting the privilege was given " to Lieut. Josiah Pratt to build a pew extending from the northeast corner of said meeting-house to the min- isterial pew, even *to front with the same pew." In 1752, Nathan Williams, " for locking and onlocking the meeting-house doors, and sweeping the meeting- house, was voted in lawful money, or rye at three shilling's per bushel, or Indian corn at two shillings per bushel, the sum of six pounds." A part of this ministerial land was on "Dorches- ter plain, so called," and six acres of it was " near a lot of land which Brian Hall owneth." It was granted by the proprietors of "Taunton North Pur- chase, for the maintenance of the congregational ministry." The land as granted was divided between Norton and Mansfield Jan. 9, 1778, Isaac Hodges, John King, and Seth Smith, acting for Norton; Benjamin White, Samuel Tillebrown, and Isaac Dean, for Mansfield. There was also another tract of min- isterial land in Taunton Cedar Swamp. "At a legal meeting holden by the freeholders and others, inhabitants of Norton, North Precinct, at the public meeting-house in said precinct, on Wednesday, ye 30th day of May, a.d. 1765. "Firstly, they made choice of Capt. William Dean for a moderator to carry on and manage said meeting. " Secondly, they voted to build a new mpeting-house on the meeting- house lot, near where the meetinghouse now stands. " Thirdly, they voted to build said house on the ground, sixty feet in length and forty-four feet wide. "Fourthly, they voted to begin to build said meeting-house in Octo- ber next. " Fifthly, they voted to get the timber for the frame of said meeting- house on the ministerial lot. " Sixthly, the moderator with the vote of the assembly adjourned the meeting until the first Monday in October next ensuing, at one of the clock in the afternoon, and then they voted that said meeting-house should be in height in proportion with the length and breadth. " They voted to raise two hundred and fifty pounds to provide for the building of said house. "They voted that the walls of said house should be studded and boarded and shingled. "They voted that sum of two hundred and fifty pounds should be paid into the treasury on or before first day of September next en- suing. "They made choice of Capt. William Dean, and Deacon Benjamiu Skinner, Nathan Williams, and Job Hodges for a committee to carry on and manage the building said meeting-house. The moderator with a vote of the assembly dismissed the meeting. " Recorded by me. " Benjamin Williams, Precinct Clerk.'- The bell in the meeting-house tower was presented to the town July 25, 1829, by Hon. Asa Clapp, and in a letter to Dr. Benjamin Billings of that date he says, "In consideration of your wishes and the early and sincere affection I bear to my native town, I present this bell to them in hope that it will tend to unite the good people more in one scheme of worshiping God. . . . The scheme is not of so much consequence to man as a willing mind and humble heart." The location of the second meeting-house has been changed since its erection, and it now stands on the west side of I T nion Street. The graveyard at the centre is, and the church formerly stood upon land set off by the original proprietors to be used as " buring field, hurrying and other public uses by the parish." The inevitable controversy arose in after -years whether this land belonged to the town or to the " old society." This gave rise to several law-suits and very much bad feeling was being engendered, when the counsel employed by the town suggested to the counsel upon the other side an amicable settlement of the whole controversy. This was adopted, and the town voted to the society a sum of money which enabled them to purchase and remove the church to a suitable lot, upon which it now stands. It also made ample appropriation for the grading and fencing of the vacant lot as a common, and we have now a " breathing-place" in the centre of the town, which with its fast-growing maple-trees, its well-kept walks and green grass, will soon for beauty rival famous Taunton Green. During all the existence of the town it has held its meetings as a town in the meeting-house, latterly hiring the use of the same of the Unitarian society. Several years after the subject of a building for town and high school purposes, and a vote was passed to build one, but that vote was soon after, at a special meeting, reconsidered, and the matter has remained quiet up to the March meeting of 1882, when, as ap- pears from the following article from the Mansfield News of Feb. 16, 1883, it was voted to erect such a building. Too much credit and praise cannot be given to Rev. Jacob Ide for his indefatigable and per- sistent efforts in the interest of the town for the town- hall, and for every other enterprise and undertaking tending to advance the interest of the town as a cor- poration or of its citizens. Mansfield's New Town-House. — Mansfield is soon to dedicate her town-house, and for the information of our readers we purpose giving at this time a de- tailed description of the structure. The need of a town-house has been felt and admitted by most of our citizens for some years past, and at different times projects have been entertained and considered for building. The matter took definite shape at the an- nual town-meeting in March last, when the committee, appointed at a preceding town-meeting, " to see about a location and plans for a building for a town hall, and for the High School," presented its report. At this meeting Rev. Jacob Ide read a letter from a former resident of the town, Mr. W. O. Grover, of Boston, who offered to give five thousand dollars to aid in building a town hall. The offer was at once accepted by the town, and it was also voted that the sum of ten thousand dollars be raised and appropri- ated for the object. The choice of location was divided between a piece of land on North Main Street, tendered by Mr. J. W. Rogers, and the " Heater piece" on West Street, owned by the town. From the first the " Heater piece" seemed to be the choice of the majority, and at an adjourned town- meeting in April following that location was adopted by the town. As its many advantages become more 446 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. and more apparent the choice gives general satisfac- tion. At this meeting several plans were exhibited by a committee appointed for that purpose. That submitted by Mr. John L. Faxon, of 7 Exchange Place, Boston, was recommended by the committee and adopted by the town. Mr. Faxon was employed as the architect, and to his taste and intelligent super- vision during the whole progress of the work are we indebted for the fine proportions and the thorough construction of the building now before us. The fol- lowing gentlemen were appointed a building com- mittee : Messrs. A. C. Hardon, E. M. Reed, and A. V. Rogerson. The contract for building was awarded to Messrs. S. M. and H. A. Chesley, of Boston, for about thirteen thousand dollars, including everything above the granite wall ; no allowance, however, being made for gas-fixtures, frescoing, or clock. Ground was broken in July, and by the terms of the contract the building was to be finished Feb. 14, 1883. In spite of some vexatious delays this has been accomplished, and, except the grading and some minor matters, nothing now remains but to furnish the building. Let us take a look at the building as it stands com- pleted, first considering the outside. The designs were original with Mr. Faxon, while the style of ar- chitecture is colonial. The building is of wood, with a brick underpinning all around about three feet in height above the stone-work. The bricks are laid in black mortar, and a heavy granite base gives a sub- stantial finish to the whole. The rough-stone work, which can be seen from the cellar, is thoroughly done, and is the work of Mr. E. G. Miller, of this town. The front steps are of granite, with brick buttresses capped with granite, and the back steps, which are of hard pine, also have brick buttresses capped with granite. There is no outside door to the cellar, but a large bulkhead serves instead. The granite-work, which is among the finest jobs on the building, was laid by Mr. Stephen Blaisdell, of Foxborough. It is a matter for congratulation that Mansfield can boast so many good workmen, and that so large a part of the best work on this building was performed by our own mechanics. Prominent among these is Mr. George W. Keith, who was assisted by Mr. J. Har- kins, of Quincy, who did the brick-work and plaster- ing, and whose labor has been praised by natives and strangers alike who have seen it and are competent to judge of its excellence. The building is in the form of a cross, this form admitting of a more pleasing architectural appear- ance than would have been the case with a plain rectangular edifice, and the transept affording needed room to the apartments in the lower story. The depth of the building from front to rear is ninety-seven feet ; the width of the main building is fifty feet, and the extreme width of the transept is sixty feet, which leaves a projection on either side of five feet. The height of the main walls of the buildings from bot- tom of sills to top of plate is thirty-four feet. It is fifty-eight feet from bottom of sills to top of ridge or saddle-boards, while from the top of the belfry or clock-tower to the bottom of sills is eighty feet, or eighty-four feet to the ground. The building is clap- boarded and finished with corner-lfoards. Instead of the old-fashioned water-table, a heavy moulded base caps the brick-work. Around the building, between the lower and upper stories, runs a moulded belt, which relieves any appearance of bareness which the plain clapboarding might convey. The frieze is divided off into short panels of diagonally-laid nar- row sheathing. The roof, which is shingled, is capped with an ornamental cresting, and with its valleys and hips presents a picturesque appearance. The clock- tower is finished in keeping with the rest of the build- ing, and is provided with a circular window on each of its four sides, which will give place to the dials whenever a clock may be put in. Glass slats are sub- stituted for wood or iron in order that the inside may be well lighted. The tower is surmounted by an octagonal dome of galvanized iron, and this in turn by a gilded metallic weather-vane. The front eleva- tion facing on the common, and the north side facing on West Street, are of course the most highly orna- mented. Over the front platform is a fine portico, supported by moulded columns, from which an ellip- tic arch is sprung. On each front corner over the arch is the raised letter " M," inclosed in carved wreaths, while on either end, in raised figures, is the date of building, " 1882." The portico is shingled to conform to the general appearance. There are no windows on the lower story front, but in their place, one on either side of the portico, are wide tablets or panels finished with ornamental architraves and pedi- ment caps. These tablets, which are now left blank, are to be inscribed at some future day. The main roof is relieved by a large pediment or gable with or- namental verge-boards, which was designed to make room for a stained-glass window which lights the gallery. The groundwork for the face of this gable is of rough-cast stones and cement, and being painted in old gold, presents a pleasing appearance. The same effect is produced on the gables of the north and south sides, in the centre of which a large panel bears the words in large raised letters, "Mansfield Town Hall." A striking feature on the sides are the cluster of windows in the lower story of the transept. They are what are called " triplets," and are crowned with a handsome elliptic arch, filled in with a large num- ber of small square lights. In the second story the ' triplets are finished with square heads, over which are stained-glass windows. The painting was awarded to Mr. M. H. Robinson, of Boston, and under the superintendence of the foreman, Mr. Charles Traverse, it has been most tastefully executed. The outside colors are four, — the groundwork or body is Venetian red, the main trimmings are a bronze green, the panels on the frieze and upper part of the building, together with the concrete-work before alluded to, are MANSFIELD. 447 in old gold, and the roof is painted aburntsienna color with bronze green trimmings. In addition to these colors the rosettes, wreaths, letters, figures, and other ornaments are gilded. Without spending more time on the outside let us enter, for after all the inside is the essential part. Beginning at the cellar, we find this department well lighted and roomy, with a height of eight feet. Three Chilson furnaces here give heat to the building; ample coal-bins are provided; the gas-machine and gasoline will be located here. Numerous brick piers give evidence that the superstructure is well sup- ported. Cells or "lock-ups" are here noticeable for their absence, and may it be a long time before they are needed. Stairways lead to the floor above at both front and rear. Ascending the front one we find our- selves in the main vestibule. Entrance is made to. this from the portico through double doors which swing out, seven feet wide and seven and one-half high, with stained-glass border lights on each side and on top. This story measures eleven feet high in the clear. The floors throughout the building are of hard pine, well laid, and the wood finish is white- wood, except the front stairways, which are of ash, and the rear one, which is of hard pine with ash trimmings. As we come into the vestibule, the first objects of attraction are the fine ash stairways on either side, which lead to the floor above. These are without exception the finest work in the building, with their scroll-work and hand-worked newel-posts. From the vestibule a wide entry-way leads to the dif- ferent rooms. Conspicuous on the right hand wall at the entrance is a large marble tablet, finished about with fluted columns, with capitals and a handsomely- carved cap and base. Chiseled into the stone is the following inscription, which is gilded : Mansfield Town Hall, Erected 1882. A. C. Hardon, E. M. Reed, A. V. Rogerson, Building: Committee. S. M. & H. A. Chesley, Builders. John Lyman Faxon, Architect. Immediately opposite is a small room, provided with desk, etc., and a window for taking or selling tickets. Beyond this is the school committee's room, and next a reception-room opening into the High School room. Opposite these rooms is the selectmen's room, with two ante rooms, one of which is for a dressing-room, and the other one is designed for the fire-proof safe. At the end of the entry is the large High School room, which measures thirty-five feet six inches by forty-nine feet, occupying the full width of the building. Leading out of the school-room to- wards the rear are wardrobes on either side, while a door in the middle opens into the back entry. This back entrance will be used by the scholars from day to day, and will be the common entrance, thus saving the main front entrance. The school-room is sheathed to the height of three feet, has a base, and the sheath- ing is capped with a hollow moulding to hold chalk, as a continuous line of blackboard runs around the room, which is well lighted. A small platform has been provided for the teacher, and " Paragon" desks, said to be the best in use, will be put in for the use of the scholars. Ascending the front stairs, a fine lobby is reached, from which on either side a flight of stairs leads to the gallery. At the back of this gallery is the stained-glass window already mentioned. The floor rises in steps from front to rear, that all may have an equally good chance to view the stage. From the lobby a double set of doors, swinging both ways, open into the large hall, which, with the gallery, has a seating capacity of seven hundred and fifty. The height of this hall is twenty-one feet six inches. The size of the hall is sixty-three feet four inches in depth, and fifty feet in width, while at the transept it is sixty feet wide. The gallery is twenty -one by fifty feet, and the stage is eighteen by twenty-four feet. On either side of the stage is a dressing-room, each of which opens into the stage, into the hall, and into the rear entry, from which descends a flight of stairs to the lower rear entry. In one of these rooms a place is provided for turning on and turning off the gas, while a small sliding panel in the wall enables the janitor to see at once the effect of his efforts in this direction. The stage descends from rear to front, and a narrow sunken channel at the front edge affords opportunity for foot- lights. The front is circular, and is handsomely pan- eled and moulded. The two large centre panels can be pulled out, affording opportunity to store away a large amount of scenery, etc., under the stage. The stage is framed with an elaborately ornate elliptical proscenium arch and supporting columns, the key- stone of which is a female head, representing " The Fair Maid of Mansfield." This is set off by branches of oak, the whole forming a novel and pleasing de- sign. The front of the gallery is sheathed diagonally, and the whole hall sheathed vertically to the height of three feet, with a moulded base besides. The win- dows are of plate-glass, and are " twin windows," ex- cept in each end of the transept, in which are the " triplets," over which are the stained-glass windows. Over each window is a small sliding ventilator, which is easily opened or shut, affording at any time a cur- rent of pure air without opening the windows, while the impure air is carried off through four large circu- lar ventilators in the ceiling of the hall. The large hard-pine trusses are left exposed and given two coats of oil, which shows the fine natural grain to advantage, and the iron-work is painted red. These trusses are supported at each end by a heavy hard-pine bracket, on each side of which is a conventional sun flower. The windows and doors are finished throughout with 448 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. moulded architraves, and the doors, which are of white- wood, are supplied with bronze trimmings. Through- out the inside of the building the painters have given the wood-work a " dead" or " wax" finish of three coats, which is afterwards rubbed with pumice-stone and oil, making it very smooth. The building is piped for gas throughout, and is warmed with furnace heat. The plaster is skimmed throughout, except in the hall, where it is prepared rough for frescoing. Over the stage is an aperture, through which by means of a ladder admission is had to the garret, where can be seen the thorough manner in which the roof is J built and covered with matched boards. Much credit is due Mr. James B. Henry, the foreman on the job, for the thoroughness and skill displayed in the prose- cution of the work. A fine clock, which will soon be put into the tower, is the gift of Thomas H. Wood, Esq., of New York, whose wife is a native of this town. As there is at present no town clock in our village, this gift will be highly appreciated by our citizens. A five-hundred-pound bell has been pur- chased to ring out the hours. The contract to furnish the gas-fixtures has been awarded to the firm of Shreve, Crump & Lowe, of Boston. The school furniture and the settees for the large hall have been purchased, and work will soon begin upon the frescoing. Last, but not least, we feel safe in saying that the generosity of W. O. Grover, Esq., will not soon be forgotten, for his munificent gift set the ball of improvement to rolling. The first moneyed institution in Mansfield was or- ganized the present year (1883), under the name of the Mansfield Co-operative Saving Fund and Loan Association, the officers of which are as follows: President, Charles A. McAlpine; Vice-President, David E. Harding ; Secretary, Alfred B. Day ; Treas- urer, James E. White ; Directors, D. S. Spaulding, John Birkenhead, A. W. Cobb, Howard Perkins, F. W. Shepard, L. R. King, W. B. Rogerson, John Somers, S. C. Lovell, George L. Foster, S. A. Green, William C. Winter, F. L. Cady, William White; Auditors, A. V. Rogerson, F. W. Spaulding, C. T. Borden. Iron and Coal.— In the early history of the town iron ore was dug in considerable amounts from cer- tain localities in East Mansfield, and the excavations are now to be seen. That there is a large amount of ore in the soil of the town there is no doubt, but it probably cannot for years, if ever, be profitably taken therefrom. Much has been done in the coal business. Several corporations have been formed for the pur- pose of seeking for coal in this town, and at one time, about thirty years ago, under the superintendence of B. F. Sawyer, Esq., who is now a lawyer in New York, and was lately mayor of Jersey City, N. J., a large sum of money was expended in sinking a shaft at West Mansfield. Coal was found, but not in suffi- cient quantities and of good quality enough to en- courage the stockholders, and the money being ex- hausted, operations ceased, though it was the opinion of eminent geologists that had the shaft been sunk deeper (as it was only sunk about sixty feet) coal in paying quantities and of good quality would be found. A shaft was also sunk to the depth of about forty feet in the rear of Mr. E. B. Goodwin's present residence, but with the same result. Several years ago the land- owners in the Copeland and Fisher neighborhood held several meetings in school-house of District No. 3, to discuss the feasibility of drilling for coal, but the pro- ject was abandoned as likely to prove expensive and profitless. Tasker Bryant, Esq., was a leading mover in the coal business at the start. He took up his residence here, and was well acquainted with mining operations in Pennsylvania. He is still alive, and has never abandoned the hope and belief that at some time coal would be mined here in large quantities, with profit to the operators. Mr. Bryant has been one of the most active of citizens in all town affairs, and orig- inated the " free school" movement of twenty years ago. The agitation of coal-mining here has again commenced, as will be seen from the following article taken from the Boston Journal of Feb. 23, 1883, and it is hoped for the benefit of all that the efforts of the new projectors may be successful: The Mansfield Coal-Mines. — The excitement over the reported discovery of coal in Mansfield has increased, and steps are being taken to have the dis- trict thoroughly prospected. Professor Shaler, of Harvard College, is one of the most prominent men connected with the enterprise. One thousand acres of land owned by Messrs. Edmund Briggs, John Bailey, George E. Bailey, Hugh Smith, George C. Sherman and others have been leased on these condi- tions : They shall have the right to prospect for three years, paying twenty-five cents per acre for acreage; at the end of that time if coal is found in sufficient quantities to work, the company shall pay fifty cents per acre, and shall pay ten cents per ton for all coal mined. The lease runs for ninety-nine years. Mining experts from England have examined the land and say that there is a rich deposit of coal. Three times within the last half-century attempts have been made to mine the coal, but each one has failed. The coal near the surface contains so much slate that it is not worth mining. After reaching this stratum the claim was abandoned. The projectors of the present movement propose to go below this layer, and expect to reach a large vein of good coal. It is claimed that this is a continuation of the vein which is now being profitably worked in Rhode Island. Geologists have for years known that coal could be found in this vicinity. In the geological survey of Massachusetts, made by Dr. Hitchcock, of Amherst College, about forty years ago, he stated that coal measures existed in Mansfield, and predicted that in the near future, when other fuel would command high prices, this coal would be used. Its quality is not thought to be MANSFIELD. 449 of the finest, but it is believed that the mine can be worked to advantage. Boring will at once be begun, and the actual value of the coal will soon be learned. Cattle Marks. — To distinguish one man's sheep and cattle from another's, each owner adopted some peculiar mark, a description of which was recorded by the town clerk upon the town books. "The mark of Mr. James Gilbert's creatures is a square crop off the end of the right ear. Recorded May 18, 1779, by Benjamin Bates, town lerk." " The mark of Jesse Hodges' creatures is a crop off the left ear. Re- corded June 0, 17S9, by Benjamin Bates, town clerk." "The mark of Elias White's sheep is a square piece cut out of the under side of the left ear. Entered July 17, 1790. Benjamin Bates, clerk." " The mark of Mr. Elkanab Bates' creatures is a crop off the left ear and a slit in the same. "Recorded June the 1st, 1804, by Isaac Skinner, town clerk." "The Rev. Roland Green's mark for all his creatures one halfpenny cut out of the upper and under side of the Rite Ear, and a crop off from the end of the same ear, and a slit in the end of the left ear. " Recorded April the 8th, 1771, by me, Isaac Dean, district clerk." " Wolley Soullard's mark for his creatures is the top cut off the left ear, and two sclits in the top of the came ear. " Recorded 3d February, 1772." "The mark for Dr. Daniel Parker's creatures is a square crop off of the left ear, and a sclit in the ends of both ears. " Entered Aug. 10, 1778." " The mark for Micah Allen's creatures is the end of each ear in the form of the letter W. " Entered December ye 23d, 1778." "The marks for Thomas Grover's creatures is a Slanting crop off of the upper side of the left ear, and a sclit in the end of the same. " Entered 27th April, 1778." "The artificial mark for Calvin Wheatou's creatures is a slanting sclit in the under side of the right ear, upwards. " Entered this first day April, a.d. 1794. Isaac Dean, town clerk." " The mark for Isaac Steam's creatures is a crop off of the top of the left ear, attd a halfpenny out of the upper side of the same. " Recorded the 4th day of December, 1800, by me, Isaac Dean, town clerk.'" " The artificial mark for Apollas Frances' creatures is a half crop off the under side of the right ear, and a hole through the left ear. "Recorded the 8th day of August, a.d. 1801, by me, Isaac Dean, town clerk." "Sarah Wellman's artificial mark for her creatures is a crop off of the left ear and a slit in the same, and a hole through the right ear. "Recorded Sept. 21, 1802, by me, Isaac Dean, town clerk." Lawyers. — Ephraim Leonard, Esq., Dr. George Wheaton, Isaac Dean (the old town clerk), Benjamin White (the selectman), were all men of learning and sound judgment, and what legal business our fathers wanted doubtless was by these gentlemen performed acceptably by them for years, and the first lawyer who settled here was David Gilbert, Esq., who lived in the house on South Main Street next south of James L. Hodges' residence, was town clerk, and had at one time a large practice, and I am told by the Hon. John Daggett, of Attleborough, who knew him, that he was a clear-headed and safe lawyer. His con- versational powers were good, and no doubt he took well his part in the pure wit and satire of the law- yers of other days as they gathered around the fire- place in the old Cohannet tavern at Taunton during the evenings of the court days. Mr. Gilbert married, Feb. 17, 1800, Deborah, daughter of Rev. Roland Green, and they had seven children, — Henry Hamil- 29 ton, Gustavus, Hannah Grover, David Humphrey, William Augustus, Deborah Mariah, and Sophia Maria. The last child was born July 30, 1812, and lived in this town up to her death, which occurred a short time since. Mr. Gilbert was town treasurer many years, and held many offices of trust and importance in town and parish affairs. He died suddenly in 1842. Hon. Horatio Pratt commenced practice in this town about 1830. His office was near where Bessom's store now stands, but soon removed to Taunton, where for many years he had a large and lucrative practice. He retired from practice in 1855, which he told the writer of this was the greatest mistake of his life. He was exceedingly frail in appearance, and his health was always very poor, but he had a clear mind, and was called one of the sharpest of lawyers. He was collector of the port of Dighton under Gen. Jackson, which office he resigned, as it was required of him to move to Fall River; was at one time dis- trict attorney, a master in chancery, and was a mem- ber of the Massachusetts Senate three years. He was the son of Solomon, the prominent manufacturer, and he died at Taunton in 1872, leaving a widow and several children. An old gentleman from Maine named Warren, and a descendant of Gen. Warren, alternated between here and Foxborough for a short time previous to 1855. He was an old-fashioned, courtly gentleman, and a well-read lawyer, and in the olden time a prominent school-master. During the rebellion he went South and resided with a son, after which he returned, and a short time since died in Wrentham. Erastus M. Reed, born July 28, 1832, at Taunton, studied law in the office of Bassett & Reed in that town (now city), was admitted to practice at the April term of the Supreme Judicial Court 1856, commenced practice in Mansfield May 13, 1856, was appointed trial justice 1858, and held the appointment until 1873, when the First District Court of Bristol County was erected, and he was appointed special justice of said court, and holds daily at Attleborough a session of said court ; was a member of the Legislature in 1866-67. He has served many years as town clerk, and as one of the school committee. He married Aug. 21, 1857, Sarah J. Crockette, of Middletown, Conn., had one child, Bertha H., born March 10, 1867. William A. Copeland, Esq., son of Almond and Elizabeth, born 1855 ; graduated at Amherst, 1877 ; was admitted to practice in 1880 ; opened an office here and also in Boston at about the same time ; is now a member of the Legislature (1883) and also of the school committee; is grandson of Elijah Cope- land, Sr., who was a large farmer and owned and worked a large farm in the southerly part of the town ; upon mother's side his grandfather was Dea- con Otis Allen. Thomas E. Grover, Esq., a son of Thomas the 450 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Friend, was here during 1866 or 1867 ; then removed to Canton, where he now resides ; has been trial jus- tice and notary public for many years. Dr. Samuel Caswell, a "Practitioner of Physick," was born Oct. 6, 1695, settled within the present limits of Mansfield, near Benjamin E. Sweet's present residence ; died about the year 1747. Dr. Nicholas White was born 1705 ; alternated be- tween the north precinct (Mansfield) and south pre- cinct (Norton) ; died in the north precinct June 21, 1751. Dr. Lewis Sweeting migrated between Mansfield and Norton ; was one the committee of correspondence and safety in Mansfield in 1776. He married Abiah Cobb, by whom he had ten children, and he must have had a large practice to have kept his own family well. Dr. George Wheaton was born Aug. 18,1728; he bought the place previously owned by Dr. Caswell. After the incorporation of Mansfield he removed to Norton; he was prominent in town affairs while he resided here. Dr. Jonathan Pratt was born Oct. 17, 1729 ; he lived southeast from the centre; died Oct. 13, 1771. Dr. Daniel Parker was here in 1777 ; his name is found in the parish records. • Dr. Hezekiah Skinner owned and lived for many years in the dwelling-house at West Mansfield in which Mr. Brayton Sherman now lives. He had a large practice, and had the reputation of being skill- ful in his profession. He died Aug. 24, 1848. Dr. Roland Green, son of the second minister, in early life settled here, built and lived in the house now occupied by Dr. Carpenter in West Street. He had a large practice at one time. Dr. Charles Talbot, afterwards the well-known Dighton physician, lived and studied with Dr. Green. Dr. Green married Hannah Talbot. They had no children. He died Oct. 1, 1841, aged seventy-five years. Dr. Benjamin Billings built and lived in the house now occupied by S. C. Lovell. He married, Dec. 7, 7, 1780, Sibell Dean. They had children as follows : Fanny D., Ferdinand, Benjamin, and Sibel E. He had a large practice and much influence in town and parish. His eldest daughter married Rev. Mr. Briggs. He had a jovial, kindly disposition, and fought dis- ease cheerfully and hopefully and successfully. He died Oct. 9, 1842, aged eighty-two years. Dr. William G. Allen, born in Rehoboth Dec. 16, 1833, married Martha M. Matherson, of Pawtucket. He graduated at the Albany Medical School, studied in the office of Dr. Miller, of Providence, settled here in 1857, and has continued here ever since. Have had one child, William Howard, born in February, 1868. Dr. Frederick L. Perry, son of Dr. William F. Perry, at his father's decease took his practice, and lives in house upon south side of West Street, near his late father's residence. Dr. John B. Wilson, born in Easton Oct. 19, 1837, married Susan, daughter of Jephtha Buck, of Easton ; commenced practice there in 1857, removed to this place in 1870, and has ever since resided here; and children have been born to them as follows : Brad- ford W., born February, 1860; Eugene, born in 1865; Ida, born in 1869; Willimena, born in 1874; EffieJ., born in 1881. Dr. Charles Young was here during the years 1875 and 1876. He removed to Stoughton, where he now is. Dr. Sanford was here a short time about 1880. Masons. — Saint James' Lodge of Masons was char- tered March 9, A.D. 1865. The charter members were William G. Allen, William B. Bates, William Graves, Daniel W. Stevens, E. M. Reed, Ellis Fairbanks, Charles M. Dean, William N. Hamblet, Simeon J. Clark, Charles Hellitt, John Rogers, Zacheus Fletcher. Biographical Sketches. — Deacon Otis Allen, for many years one of the deacons of the Orthodox Con- gregational Society, clerk in the cotton mills, a man much given to the preservation of the deeds of mar- riages, births, and deaths, a God-fearing, holy man, lived for many years in the house now occupied by his son, Lloyd A. Allen. He lived a peaceful, natural life, and died regretted and mourned by all who knew him, at the advanced age of ninety years and five months, Aug. 30, 1874. He was a constant at- tendant at church, and a great help and support to his pastors, the Rev. Mr. Blake and Rev. Mr. Ide. Charles Day, for many years deputy sheriff, col- lector of taxes, constable, etc., was at one time in business at East Mansfield. During the " abolition" period he was one of the first to announce his oppo- sstion to slavery, and his house was a sort of a station of the " Underground Railroad," where fugitives could find a warm friend and a hospitable roof. At one time Frederick Douglass rested at his house. Capt. Day was a conscientious member of the Orthodox Congregational Society. At the time of his death he lived in a house erected by his children on the south side of Park Street. During the Garfield and Arthur campaign, Capt. Day appeared in the uniform of the Garfield Club of this town, and marched with it whenever it paraded. A photograph of him in his uniform was sent to President Garfield, which the President acknowledged, and sent to Mr. Day a photograph of himself. Mr. Day died Nov. 19, 1881, aged eighty-five years. Edward Kingman, Esq., at one time a prominent citizen, was representative to General Court and se- lectman, justice of the peace, etc. Formerly kept the " Old Lamb Tavern" in Boston, a most noted hotel. Afterwards kept hotel in Baltimore; was a member of the Columbia Lodge of Masons of Boston, was in the grocery business here, and died April 9, 1871. He had a kind, generous disposition, was very emphatic at times in expression of opinions. At one time a rum case was being tried before him, and the counsel for the prisoner was pleading for mild treatment, upon MANSFIELD. 451 the assurance that the prisoner would quit the busi- ness. The squire turned to him and said that lie would let him off easy this time, but he must quit rum- selling d — d quick. Elijah Hodges, Esq., a prominent politician, early- espousing the principles of the Democratic party, and clinging to them with great tenacity to the time of his death. He was a man of good judgment, a most fluent conversationalist, and his wife told the writer that her husband never would go to a "sewing circle," because the women wanted to do all the talking. He was justice of the peace many years, at one time clerk in Pratt's store, did something in straw business, held many public offices, was a prominent and active mem- ber of the Unitarian Society, a pleasant and accom- modating neighbor, was for many years unable to do any business by reason of ill health, built and lived for many years in the house on the east side of South Main Street, now occupied by Alfred Grover. He died Dec. 16, 1871, aged eighty-two years. Jacob Dean lived in the house north of Lloyd A. Allen's house, now owned by Mr. Chase. He was a farmer and owned a large tract of land. He early gave attention to cultivation of apples, of which he raised a large variety, sending some years to the annual cattle show at Taunton, in which he took a deep interest, one hundred and sixteen varieties. He was a quiet, modest man, a good citizen, a man of more than ordinary intelligence. He died July 15, 1871, aged ninety years and seven months. William Reed Dean, son of Jacob, a distinguished antiquarian, published several genealogical works. Died at his father's house, June 16, 1871, aged sixty- one years and ten months. Darwin Dean, Esq., for many years justice of the peace, settled a large number of estates, was select- man, member of the "Old Society," a farmer, and lived near Jacob Dean. Was a man often consulted by the townspeople, of good judgment, died Nov. 8, 1882, aged seventy-seven years, leaving a daughter, who married Walter L. White. They live upon the old place. In ancient deeds the street running by his late residence is called " the road leading from Taunton to Mansfield." Ebenezer Williams, a large land-owner, prominent in town and parish matters, a conscientious, upright man, lived in the house on the west side of North Main Street, now owned by his son, Charles P. Wil- liams. He died Nov. 7, 1851, aged seventy-five years and nine months. Hon. John Rogers, in early life, started in a small way the collection of straw braid from the women of this and the surrounding towns; afterwards commenced the manufacture of straw goods, in which he was very successful, the business rapidly increasing until it gave employment to a large number, both male and female. He built the shop upon the south side of Park Street, and the house upon the east side South Main Street, both of which are now occupied by his son. He was much interested in politics, formerly a Democrat, afterwards a prominent member of the "Know-Nothing" or American movement, then join- ing the Republican party, of which he was an active member to the time of his death. He was a member of the Constitutional State Convention, represented this town in the Legislature, and this senatorial dis- trict in the Massachusetts Senate. He was a leader in politics, much interested in all political conven- tions ; a successful business man, one who gave lib- erally to all worthy objects ; a prominent member of the orthodox Congregational Society, and presented that society with the organ now in their church, as well as the bell now in the tower of the same church. He was a kind and pleasant neighbor, a good citizen, and an honest and upright man. He died March 31, 1873, aged sixty-six years and four months, leaving three children,— Ellen M., wife of Rev. Jacob Ide; Frances E., wife of Daniel E. Harding ; and John W., who is now, with a partner, engaged in the straw business in the shop his father built. William B. Bates, Esq., son of the prominent man- ufacturer, Maj. Elkanah Bates, held the offices of town clerk, selectman, representative to the Legisla- ture, trial justice, justice of the peace, postmaster, etc. No man ever lived in Mansfield in whom more people had confidence than in Mr. Bates. He was administrator, executor, referee, guardian, and trustee in very many estates, managed his own business well, and managed other people's affairs just as well ; was the " right-hand man" of his pastors, Rev. Mr. Blake and Rev. Mr. Ide ; contributed largely in behalf of every worthy object; was a charter member of St. James Lodge of Masons, and an officer of it fpr many years; was a kind, sociable, pleasant, and accommo- dating neighbor, prominent in the temperance move- ment, a member of the Republican party from its birth; erected and lived in the house now occupied by his son-in-law, George H. Hallett, on the east side North Main Street. Died June 10, 1880, aged sixty- nine years and eleven months, leaving two children, — Alfred W., in business in New York, and Marrigen H., who married Mr. Hallett. Benjamin Bates, formerly a well-known Boston banker, and founder of Bates' College, of Maine, brother of William B., died a short time previous to the death of William B. Elkanah Bates, another brother, was at one time in business in Boston, from which he withdrew many years before his death, and spent the winters in Boston, but a portion of every summer he spent here with his brother. He died a short time after his brother, Wil- liam B., in Boston. The three brothers all died sud- denly of heart-disease. James Green was one of the most active and influ- ential members of the " old society." For many years, up to his death, was station agent in the em- ploy of the Boston and Providence and Taunton Branch Railroads. He was the son of Simeon Green 452 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. and grandson of Roland Green, the second settled minister of the town. He was a large land-owner. His funeral sermon, which was published, was preached by his pastor, Rev. Daniel W. Stevens. He died Oct. 6, 1869; his age was fifty-two years and eleven months. Capt. Ellis Fairbanks, at one time captain of a military company, a charter member of St. James Lodge of Masons, for many years secretary of the lodge, prominent member of the " old society," died Oct. 27, 1871, aged seventy-one years. Elijah Copeland, one of the largest farmers, owning many acres in the south part of the town. His old house stood on the present site of the residence of his sons. He subsequently built the Copeland House, a little south of the old house. He was very successful in his business. A quiet, modest man, never took an active part in any public meetings ; a constant at- tendant upon divine worship, was reckoned as the "salt of the earth" by his pastors, Rev. Mr. Blake and Rev. Mr. Ide. He died Aug. 3, 1872, aged eighty- seven years and four months, leaving two sons, Elijah, who now works a portion of the old farm, and Al- mond, who has died since his father did, and several daughters. Elbridge Sweet lived at West Mansfield, was a farmer and mill-owner, doing a large business in his grist- and saw-mill. He was many years one of the selectmen of the town, a man of good judgment, honorable in his dealings, a deacon in the Christian Baptist Society; died Feb. 2, 1876, aged sixty-four years, five months. Isaac Skinner, a man with a great fund of histori- cal matter and deeds relating to the early history of the town and to the individuals who up to his death had lived here, a prominent and active member of the Orthodox Congregational Society, very modest and retiring; of far more than ordinary intelligence; great student of the Bible, which he, though never having more than ordinary school advantages, was able to read in its original language; upright and honorable in all business transactions. He died April 19, 1873, aged seventy-nine years, six months. Gardner Chillson started a furnace here in 1852 for the manufacture of his own furnaces, stoves, and ranges, with salesroom in Boston. He was an active member of the Baptist Church, was previous to his removing here a representative to the General Court from Boston, was a liberal contributor to religious charities, and left the bulk of his large estate to the several Baptist missionary organizations. He died Nov. 21, 1877. Rev. John Blain, a Baptist clergyman, and once settled over the Baptist society, afterwards gave his time to the work of an evangelist, in which he was very successful. He was for many years without a settlement ; built the house now owned by S. W. Cord; died here Dec. 26, 1879, aged eighty-four years and ten months. He was "tall of stature," of robust health, and never took a vacation during his life. He made large donations for missionary pur- poses, and left the greater part of his property at his death to such uses. Business. — For a town so well located, with its railroad facilities and its proximity to the trade cen- tres, Mansfield has not had its just share of mercan- tile interests. This may be attributable to several causes, the principal of which is perhaps the value set upon valuable land by its owners. Thirty-five years ago a scheme was devised to sell nearly all the lands in the immediate vicinity of the depot at a large price. The whole area was laid out (upon paper) into house-lots, streets, and parks, and ficti- tious and exorbitant prices set upon the lots. The scheme failed for the want of purchasers, but the prices then asked clung to the land like an incum- brance, and have proved something more than a " shadow," but owners of land are now offering it in favorable localities at reasonable prices. Very prominent among the business men of the town stands the name of Solomon Pratt, who com. menced business in the early part of the present century, at the age of twenty years. He was a man of very large business capacity, owned largely of real estate, and was in his day the most active and indus- trious man in the town. He opened a general store in a building which stood where Borden's drug-store now stands, which was afterwards moved to Sodem, and now stands near Mr. Cabot's factory and is a part of his estate. He built the building for a store after the removal of the old one, which now is owned by William C. Bessom, and stands at the corner of South Main Street and Webb Place. Mr. Pratt opened the first store in the Centre village, and it was the favorite resort for all the local politicians and theologians. The hall overhead, on the after- noon of the election, was resorted to by the voters, who were treated by the successful candidate. Mr. Pratt was engaged in the iron business, — that is, he delivered the iron to different persons who took it home and worked it by hand into nails, and returned the nails to him ; in the straw business, buying straw braid from all the women within thirty miles, which he had sewed into bonnets. At one time braid ac- cumulated to such an amount that he manufac- tured fifteen thousand bonnets from the amount on hand, and it was said by his clerk, Elijah Hodges, that there was a profit of two dollars on each bonnet. In 1811 was built the Middle Factory, by a corpo- ration of which Mr. Pratt was an active member, for the manufacture of woolen goods, which was success- fully operated until by some mismanagement on the part of the agent, and the corporation was sold to Mr. Pratt, who assumed the entire business, assisted by his sons Charles and Harrison. In 1830 the mill was burned, with six thousand dollars' worth of stock therein. Upon neither stock nor mill was there any insurance. This financial loss would have dis- MANSFIELD. 453 couraged many men, but Mr. Pratt, full of resolu- tion and pluck, rebuilt at once tbe mill, filled it with machinery from Cracken & Richmonds, of Taunton, and the year the factory was completed it made money enough for its owner to pay the cost of both factory and machinery. He was also a partner of Elkanah Bates, another of Mansfield's eminent men, and together they op- erated the factory known as the " Knife Shop." After the death of Mr. Bates, Mr. Pratt bought his interest and ran the mill alone. He was also owner in the mill at East Mansfield owned by a manufacturing corporation composed mostly of Boston parties ; had a large farm which he supervised. In person he was tall and commanding; in conversation dictatorial; held many offices in town, and represented the town in the Legislature. He died in April, 1848, aged seventy years. About the year 1857 the matter of building a fac- tory, to be used for the manufacture of jewelry, was discussed among the citizens, and there was formed an association, and the jewelry-shop, corner of North Main and Pratt Streets, was built by this association, and soon after its completion it was let to the Sturdy Brothers, of Attleborough, who came here and com- menced operations, and did a large and profitable business for several years. The investment in the building did not prove a success to the stockholders, and they were anxious to dispose of the property, and it was sold to Merritt & Draper, who were manufac- turing in Attleborough, but came here and commenced the making of shell jewelry (made from tortoise shell), and manufactured it in large quantities, and were very successful. Subsequently Mr. Merritt with- drew and formed a partnership with John Shepard- son, and they, in the upper part of the shop, began making a general line of goods, plated and solid, silver and gold. They continued in the business several years, when they, much to the regret of the citizens, moved their business to Attleborough. Mr. Draper took in as partner D. S. Spaulding, and they continued the shell business for a number of years, when Mr. Draper withdrew and left the whole busi- ness to Mr. Spaulding, who has continued it ever since. The business has all the time been steadily increasing. Mr. Spaulding united the making of chain and other jewelry from gold plate and coin to his shell business, and it now requires the whole shop with a large addition, which has the present year been built, to do the business in giving employment to one hundred and twenty-five hands. Mr. Spauld- ing has an agency in New York city, and runs an extensive jewelry store in the City of Mexico. He is a live business man, and we feel certain that as long as any jewelry business is done anywhere, and Mr. Spaulding lives, it will be done in Mansfield. Mr. Spaulding has associated with him as special part- ner Mr. Charles P. Williams, an old citizen of the place. In 1863, Francis G. Hodges, of Attleborough, com- menced the making of bracelets in a corner of Henry W. Rayman's barn, located in the rear of his dwell- ing-house upon North Main Street. His beginnings were very small, and the power he used was literally Aorse-power. He made haste slowly for a year or two. In the meantime had seen some specimens of horn jewelry, and went to work getting out samples made from cattle horn, and after completion started for the New York market with his little sample case containing them, and was the first man who ever ex- hibited samples of horn jewelry. He subsequently formed a partnership with Mr. Benjamin Frank Shaw, who was then in New Jersey, and two other gentlemen, and commenced the horn business here, and the firm manufactured largely and sold the goods readily, Mr. Shaw doing the selling, and King- man & Hodges the manufacturing. This firm lasted but a short time, Kingman & Hodges assuming the business, which rapidly grew beyond the capacity of the barn, and they bought of the estate of Charles Morse the " Middle Factory," so called, upon Rum- ford River, and there for years continued the busi- ness successfully up to about 1876, when the demand for this style of jewelry ceased. Mr. Shaw, after withdrawing from the firm hereto- fore mentioned, formed a copartnership with Willard O. Coferem and Harrison A. Williams, and this firm commenced making fine jewelry at Mr. Cabot's factory in Sodem, being what was formerly known as the lower factory. Early in the present century Mr. Simeon White commenced the manufacture of shoe-nails and tacks in that part of Mansfield now called Whiteville. It was a very small trade at the beginning, but during his life it was greatly en- larged. At his death Mr. F. A. White, a son, con- tinued the business, which then gave work to a large number of hands. Mr. F. A. White and his brothers, Charles P., Hiram, Adoniram J., and Henry, were engaged in the business, which had become large and lucrative, and continued to improve up to the time of the formation of a combination a few years since, and Mr. White was shut out, and being unable to obtain stock, was obliged to stop the manufacturing. So what was twenty years ago the most prosperous village in Mansfield is now without business. Mr. Charles P. White represented the town once in the Legislature. Simeon, the father, died July, 1845. In 1842, Robert McMoran and Robert Fulton com- menced the manufacture of shoe-knives and awls in the factory on the west side of Water Street. They made good articles and soon built up a large business. The firm was dissolved in 1862. Mr. Fulton con- tinued the business at the old place. Mr. McMoran formed a copartnership with his son-in-law, George A. Robinson, and his grandson, William N. McMoran, and commenced the same business at the old Wil- liams privilege at West Mansfield. Mr. McMoran soon after died, and the grandson withdrew from the 454 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. firm, and the business has since been conducted under the name of George A. Robinson & Co. Mr. Fulton died March 3, 1865, and his business was continued for three years by his executor, at which time Mr. Matthew George, who married Mrs. Fulton, succeeded to the business, and has continued it ever since. The basket business has always been a leading in- dustry in town, and it now gives employment to nearly one hundred persons. As long as the oldest inhabi- tants can remember, this branch of business has been followed. Mr. James L. Hodges is probably the largest manufacturer in town ; his shop is near the Perry man & Hodges claim, though he gives employ- ment to many outside of his shop. His baskets are all sold in the New York market. Mr. Henry Shepard is a large dealer in baskets; he buys of the small manufacturers and supplies the Boston market. Mr. Isaac G. Hodges manufactures in his shop west from Main Street. Mr. James E. Paine does a large business at his shop on West Street. Mr. V. B. Hodges manufactures in the shop west of Card & Co.'s machine-shop, and there are a number of others in town who devote a part of their houses or barns or sheds to the making of baskets. Fifty years ago Capt. Schuyler Shepard, a man of influence in town affairs, began the manufacture of soap, and his son Albert S. has continued the business. Mr. James W. Cobb commenced the making of soap at his residence some years ago. Its virtues are said to be manifold ; certain it is that he sells it in very large quantities, and carries it with his teams great distances. In the summer of 1882 he canvassed suc- cessfully the Canadas. Mr. R. H. Belcher and Mr. Rufus Paine are also severally engaged largely in the manufacture of this valuable household article. A corporation formed under the laws of Rhode Is- land called the " Manton Steam Windlass Company," signified their willingness to settle in this town if the citizens would furnish them with a building. Mr. S. A. Green, a son of the late James Green, offered the land to put a suitable building on. His offer was ac- cepted, and a sufficient amount was raised from indi- viduals to erect the building. It is located near the foundry building of the Ryder Brothers, and the new company commenced business in it April 1, 1883. Mr. S. W, Card commenced some ten years ago in the basement of the Murphy shop in the making of taps and dies. The reputation of his goods became so good he was obliged to increase his facilities, and hired additional room in the same building, where he continued until three years ago, when the shop burned. A new shop was built, and Mr. Card asso- ciated with him Mr. David E. Harding, and the firm purchased the building and the water privilege, and they are now doing a very large and prosperous busi- ness. Near where the depot now stands there stood in very early times an old saw-mill, owned by Williams, and what is now the road on the south side of the depot was used as the saw-mill yard. Mr. John Birkenhead ten years ago removed from Canton to this place, and began the making of spin- dles. He is very ingenious, and conceived of several improvements which he got patented, and which very much aided him in the sale of his goods. His busi- ness rapidly increased, and he gave employment to a large number. He went to Europe and disposed of his patents in several foreign countries. He has now united lathe-making with his other business. His shop is in the rear of the Chilson's Furnaces. He built and now lives in a house on the north side of Pratt Street, near Spaulding's jewelry-shop. Mr. F. M. Cabot some ten years ago purchased the. Lower Factory on Rum ford River, and removed here from Attleborough, and brought with him his business of coffin trimmings, which has ever since been continued by him. Thirty-five years ago Mr. George E. Bayley commenced in a small way the baking business at his father's residence, about one mile west from the centre. He had the usual ups and downs which attend a new enterprise, but finally became firmly established, and the business assumed great proportions; now he gives employment to a large number of hands, has salesmen in New York City, Boston, Newport, Fall River, and Taunton, and with him are now associated his two sons. Several years ago Mr. William Bird built a foundry building on the west side of the Boston and Provi- dence Railroad, and during his life the business in- creased, and at his death, which occurred soon after the building was completed, his widow and grand- children (Ryders) have continued the business with very fair returns. Mr. Wilbur, from Foxborough, has just pur- chased what was formerly a repair-shop on the east side of the Boston and Providence Railroad, which he is fixing up as a furnace. Mansfield is watered by three rivers. Canoe River, which rises in Sharon, flows through the easterly part of Mansfield and empties into Winneconnet Pond in Norton. Upon this stream are located the north factory, formerly a woolen-mill, then a shoddy- mill, now used to manufacture saleratus in. The American Awl Blade Company, manufac- turing taps and dies, awls, and other small tools. Flint's saw-mill, where formerly stood Hartwell's thread-factory, in which a large and successful busi- ness was carried on up to the death of Mr. Hartwell, nearly twenty-five years ago. This factory was burned. There is a small stream in the northeasterly part of the town, which supplies the power used by the tack- shop in Whiteville, then flows into Canoe River. Rumford River, sometimes called Ten-Mile River, rises in Sharon, flows through the centre of Mansfield and Norton, uniting with Wading River. Upon this river are located S. W. Card & Co.'s tap and die MANSFIELD. 455 manufactory, formerly a woolen-mill, which was burned ; then Schenk's shop for making planes, also burned ; then a jewelry- and machine-shop, also burned. George's knife- and awl-shop, formerly a woolen- mill, which was burned. Kingman & Hodge's jewelry-shop, formerly by a woolen-mill, which was burned; then a mill used as a woolen-mill at one time, afterwards as shoddy-mill ; then a jewelry-shop, also burned. Cabot's coffin-trimming shop, which was formerly occupied as woolen-mill, then a tack-shop. Fisher's grist-mill, which for generations has been owned by the same family. Lower down upon the stream can now be seen the remnants of an old dam, and it was the site of a mill which was burned some thirty years ago. Wading River flows through the westerly part of the town. It rises in Shepard's Pond, near Wren- tham. Upon this stream is located the knife-works of George A. Robinson & Co., and a leather-board manufactory, a grist- and saw-mill of the Briggs Brothers. Where now stands the Robinson mill formerly stood the woolen-mill of Friend Marcus Williams, a prominent man in business and town affairs, a large land-owner, who died, leaving four children, — Richard, who was a physician in Maine, now dead ; Adeline, who is practicing medicine in Worcester ; Nancy, who is practicing the same pro- fession in Augusta, Me. ; and Marcey, who read law with the Hon. John Daggett, of Attleborough, but who died before she was admitted to practice. Mar- cus Williams died March 7, 1847. Upon this stream formerly stood the Sweet's flour- and grain-mill, owned and run by Elbridge Sweet. Upon his de- cease parties from Attleborough commenced the manufacture of jewelry, but the mill burned soon after, and it has not been rebuilt. Mansfield is located in the north part of Bristol County ; its north line is the northerly line of the county. It is bounded north by Foxborough, in Nor- folk County, east by Easton, south by Norton, and west by Attleborough. It is the junction of the Bos- ton and Providence Railroad and the Northern Divi- sion of the Old Colony Railroad, and close on to fifty trains pass through daily. It has the following vil- lages : the Centre,containingseven stores, five churches, town hall, school-house, barber-shop, billiard-saloon, etc., and is by far the largest village ; the west part contains fifty houses, store, three churches, post-office, and the coal-mines, which, if operated successfully, will cause a speedy growth in business and building there ; the east part contains about the same number of houses as the west part, and here is located the monumental works and Flint's saw- and grist-mill. Whiteville, a small village in the northeasterly part of the town. Much business was formerly done there in the manufacture of tacks and shoe-nails, but now little is done there. The number of acres in Mansfield is twelve thou- sand nine hundred and thirteen, from which about three hundred acres may be deducted for roads and ponds. The population in 1800 was 1016 " " " 1810 " 1030 " " " 1820 " 1225 " " " 1830 " 1172 " " " 1875 " 2G56 " 1880 " 2765 The number of polls in 1880, 671, and the valua- tion was $1,187,158. Mansfield belongs to the first Bristol senatorial and representative districts, and is within the jurisdiction of the first Bristol District Court. Its present board of officers (1883) is Alfred V. Rogerson, town clerk and treasurer ; Howard Per- kins, James L. Hodges, William B. Rogerson, select- men and assessors and overseers of the poor; William A. Copeland, Mr. Lucas, W. L. Robinson, school committee; Rufus H. Davis, tax collector; Howard Perkins, George M. Austin, Alonzo Reed, highway surveyors ; A. W. Cobb is deputy sheriff; Samuel C. Lovell, postmaster at Centre ; Albert Perry, post- master at West Mansfield ; J. A. Blake, A. W. Cobb, and R. Jinks Paine, auctioneers. Carpenters and Builders. — L. M. and H. G. Hodges, Win. H. Angell. Business Men. — Rogerson Bros., general store ; S. C. Lovell, groceries, boots, shoes, etc.; W. and W. L. Robinson, dry-goods; Charles T. Borden, drug-store; J. B. Wilson, M.D., drug-store ; T. M. George, Jr., grocery; H. B. Lillebridge, groceries; C. M. Tibbitts, groceries; Wm. C. Bessom, market; S. H. Sherman, market; C. H. Pratt, market; F. M. Washburn, watches and jewelry; N. and N. G. Whittemore, gun- makers; Mrs. Louisa Hodges, millinery; Mrs. Charles H. Morey, millinery; Andrew Wils&n, harnesses; Lewis R. Prentiss, bootmaker ; Harvey Lincoln, bootmaker; Pratt & White, printers and publishers. They issue the Mansfield News and three other papers from their steam-printing office. John Fox, tailor and ready-made clothing ; A. C. Hardon, bonnet block manufacturer; Frederick Paine, station agent; Edward P. Paine, ticket agent ; William H. Skinner, restaurant; A. D. King, coal dealer; Le Roy King, livery and sale stable; Elbridge G. Miller, stone- mason and contractor ; Prince A. Drew, stone-mason and contractor ; Mrs. Wilson, hotel-keeper at depot ; Mr. Clapp, hotel-keeper at Centre ; S. W. Card & Co., tap and die manufacturers; John Moorhouse, tap and die manufacturer; M. George, knife and awl manufacturer; George A. Robinson & Co., knife and awl manufacturers ; D. S. Spaulding, jewelry manufacturer; F. W. Barnard, jewelry manufac- turer ; H. A. Williams & Co., jewelry manufac- turers ; J. B. Draper, jewelry manufacturer; Rogers Comey & Co., straw-goods manufacturers; F. W. Cabbot, coffin trimmings ; Fisher Brothers, grist- mill ; W. W. Taylor, screw-drivers and small tools; George E. Bailey & Sons, bakers; Charles Wilbur, furnace; J. E. Ryder & Brother, furnace; Manton 456 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Steam Windlass Company ; John Murphey, small tools ; G. F. & C. M. Austin, poultry. The following is a list of the volunteers during the Rebellion of 1861 upon the quota of Mansfield: Charles W. Belcher. James Blancliard. John Blancliard. William C. Belcher. W. T. Britton. Calvin Briggs. James Bislick. Otis Baily. J. Curtis. M. Brown. Alson W. Cobb. George S. Cook. William A.M.Cobb. William S. Clapp. Charles E. Cady. J. S. Colby. William Coleman. John S. Chadwick. E. R. Chadwick. C. A. Carter. R. S. Cook. William R. Cooper. D. Crompton. Ethan E. Cobb. Thomas W. D. Dean. Edmund Davis. Samuel W. Day. William Daunt. E. S. Deane. Joseph Estes. David Flahaven. William F. Frazer. Henry H. Fairbanks. J. W. Fisher. John Fox. William B. Foster. E. 0. Farrington. Vernon E Grover. Samuel II. Gooch. John Gorman. E. A. Goodwin. Thomas M. George, Jr. Edward George. H. W. Gorman. Joseph B. Goff. E. Luther Gay. Thomas High. T. H. Hunnewell. E. F. Hall. George D. Hodges. James W. R. Holland. William H. Holmes. John G. Hall. H. W. Hodges. Preston Holbrook. William H. Harriss. Alanson C. Keenan. A. S. Kittrell. James P. Kitrell. Benjamin Knight, Jr. Horatio M. Lawton. Samuel C. Lovell. Henry Lamb. Frost Lord. D. F. Leonard. John W. Martin. Charles H. Morse. Edward McDonald. Henry I). Melville. J. H. McGavett. James W. Morrison. Joseph Milness. William McCauseland. William Henry Patten. James Prime. H. W. Packard. J. P. Parker. James C. J. Phillips. M. C. Pierce. Maurice Pendergrass. Reuben Purdey. John W. Rogers. Evon H. Bounds. Charles D. Robinson. Charles A. Robinson. Hiram B. Reed. William W. Robinson. Daniel B. Reynolds. William H. Richardson. Nathan M. Shaw. Alonzo M. Shaw. 0. S. Stearns. Jesse W. Smith. H. W. Smith. 1. E. Shepardson. Joseph Stephenson. H. A. Snow. George E. Snow. E. 0. Shepardson. R. E. Sherman. George L. Sweet. Timothy Shields. Henry W. Stearns. Albert S. Shepard. Herbert L. Shepard. D. P. Sherman. H. B. Tftus. R. II. L. Talcott. J. W. Talcott. William J. Thompson. John S. Treeu. John L. Tol.itt. Albert A. Tillsou. John D. Tucker. Elisha Tillison. William E. Thomas. James Thompson. Archibald Thompson. John R. Whitcomb. William F. White. Sumner H. W'etherell. Roland Thomas White. Albert W. Williams. Otis W 7 illams. N. C. Wood. Roland White. Benjamin F. Wood. Ebenezer Willard. James F. Wiggins. Henry B. Wright. C. B. Wood. Oliver M. White. William W. W'ilson. Simeon S. Wood. William H. Smith. Josiah Williams. F. M. Cabot. S. B. Austin. William H. Atwood. William H. Adams. Isaac R. Burchard. Levi Brown. Barney McCort. John Downing. Francis Drake. Michael Egan. William Gray. Andrew McGee. S. B. Gammons. Edward Gallegan. M. A. Hill. George C. Hunt. A Win W. P. Holmes. Elkanah Ingalls. George H. Ide. Richard H. King. William Kerr. Charles W. Knowies. Hiram L. Martin. William Martin. Owen 0'Malley. Stillman F. Morse. James S. Palmer. Chandler J. Pike. Francis Rose. Charles H . Seagraves. George H. Shepard. Adolphus P. Smith. Philip Smith. Alexander F. Vallett. Frederick Wink. Frank Wink. John F. Morrison. George Albert Brown. Samuel Johnson. Patrick McKennes. Ralph Gibbs. George R. Keyes. Thomas Leonard. Paul Waters. Henry Downs. Peter Snider. Eli Merrill. George Fox. George Middleton. William A. Cromwell. George Fisher. Charles Demounde. Lewis Miller. James Davis. Charles M. Packard. John Smith. Charles J. Clapp. Edward S. Champney. Robert H. Belcher. Obed Cobbett. Frank W. Kravitt. Josiah A. Whitman. Harrison Doty. Charles E. Miller. Rul'us P. Hardon. Andrew Drake. Henry B. Pratt. Jerald Brennan. John Flahaven. William Moorhouse. William H. Hunnewell. Franklin E. Paull. Frank Buckley. John Smith. Charles F. Daley. Charles Brown. Henry Harvey. James H. Pennery. Isaac Briggs. F. A. Brown. William H. Bentley. William H. Keuney. L. A. Chadwick. Edwin Hodges. Henry Hodges. Robert E. Harris. Daniel Whitmore. Andrew D. King. H. W. Gammons. Archibald Sinclair. Charles Proser. John 0. McCormick. Benjamin Lofitte. Terrauce Reane. David Roache. William Daniels. James How. Alfred Burrows. R. J. Kennedy. William B. Buckwood. Jacob Blank. John Collins. John McGivens. Charles Morgan. Byron Rice. George E. Thomas. Henry M. White. Willard L. White. Herbert A. White. Sanford A. Morse. George B. Brown. Harrison L. Phillips. Elijah W. Stearns. F. Cobb. Laban P. Smith. G. E. Sanborn. Lyman C. Smith. Charles 31. Hodges. R. I. Briggs. E. B. Fisher. E. Dunbar. Alfred D. White. H. L. Grover. A. R. White. The following persons served in the navy : Frederick D. W r alker, Lloyd E. Richardson, George A. Fisher, David Fisher, Charles W. Pond, John G. Smith. The time allowed me for the preparation of this article was very scanty and altogether too short, and of its manifold imperfections I am fully aware. I do not view it as approaching completion. In its prepa- ration I have been greatly aided by Mr. Emery's "Ministry of Taunton," and Mr. Clark's "History of Norton." 1 1 (In consequence of an unfortunate delay in transmitting proof be- tween author and publishers, corrections will be found in errata. — Editor.) MANSFIELD. 457 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. HON. JOHN ROGERS. Probably no one better deserves a permanent place in the history of Mansfield than the Hon. John Rogers. He was the oldest son of Benjamin and Mary (Blan- chard) Rogers, a descendant of John, of Scituate, 1644, and was born in Mansfield, Nov. 2, 1806. He married, Oct. 15, 1833, Miss Eliza A. Williams (born March 21, 1810), daughter of Joseph C. and Sally Williams, of Easton. Their children were Ellen M., wife of Rev. Jacob Ide, present pastor of the orthodox church ; Frances E., wife of David E. Harding, Esq. ; John W., successor in his father's business; and Charlotte G., who died in her twenty-first year. After the lamented death of his wife, Sept. 16, 1866, Mr. Rogers married Miss Mary E. Gage, daughter of Joshua and Anstress Gage, of Waterville, Me. His own death occurred suddenly March 31, 1873, in his sixty seventh year, to the deep sorrow of the whole community, as attested by the crowded assembly at his funeral. In his youth Mr. Rogers enjoyed only a public school education. But his natural quickness of per- ception, his acute observation, and retentive memory compensated his lack of early opportunities by giving him a large practical culture in all things necessary to a successful life and a wide influence. He was an extensive reader, especially of modern histories, and was familiar with the connection of events in Europe as well as in his own country. His acquaintance with all political questions was thorough and intelligent. The intervals in his business were much occupied in familiarizing himself with public topics. When, therefore, his increasing wealth allowed him to remit the closeness of his personal application and surren- der the details of his large affairs to others, and to give himself more to his congenial tastes, his general qualifications and his genial interest had already secured the confidence of the community in his sound judgment and integrity, and they bestowed upon him the highest civic honors in the gift of the town. Mr. Rogers was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1853, of the House of Representatives of 1855, and of the State Senate of 1856. In all these positions he was on the side of every wise and valu- able reform, and was emphatically both in office and in private a strenuous advocate of prohibition. After his refusal of further public service the public had such confidence in his judgment that his advice was widely sought and regarded, and his aid was as widely rendered to every measure he believed to be for the public good. He became a member of the Sons of Temperance, a vigilant watchman against violations of law, and a generous helper to lift up the victims of strong drink. His influence with young men was decided and often decisive in favor of their total ab- stinence. His contribution could alwavs be counted upon generously to every good word and work. He was also one of the first members of the Masonic lodge, and made it the medium of many an untold gift and deed of helpfulness. No worthy cause ever went away begging from his always generous hand. Mr. Rogers accumulated his abundant wealth en- tirely by his close and skillful devotion to his busi- ness at a time when honest work and personal integ- rity commanded a premium in the market. He was among the first manufacturers of straw goods in this region. He began upon a small and safe basis. He secured reliable hand-sewers in families, and per- sonally collected and sold his bonnets in New York, as the custom then was. By fair dealing in honest articles he rapidly enlarged the demand for his man- ufactures, and soon secured such a profitable trade that he was early able to transfer his large business to his son and son-in-law and retire with a well- earned income, ample for his simple tastes and for the deeds of benevolence he so much enjoyed. Though not uniting with the church, he became a member of the orthodox Congregational Society soon after its organization, and was one of its most liberal subscribers in its early weakness, when help- ers were few. Being an ardent lover of singing and a most excellent singer, he was the leader of its choir, and served it gratuitously so long as he felt able to fulfill its duties. He gave largely to the first organ in the church, and on the rebuilding of the house of worship, of which he bore the chief expense, he re- placed the old organ by a large and fine instrument, superior to any in the vicinity, and at his own ex- pense. The fine-toned bell of the church was also his gift. As was truly said of him in the sermon at his funeral, "He was a prompt and generous helper in every movement which he approved." Families in need, sickness, or trouble received always prompt aid from him, of which the public never knew, until his heart and hand were alike stopped by his sudden death. Mr. Rogers, like all men, had his peculiarities and his imperfections, which as a public man were per- haps sometimes magnified for effect, but they were balanced by some decided excellences of character. He was positive in his convictions, but he did not offensively push them. He rather withdrew entirely his co-operation where he could not approve. His resentments against whatever he thought to be im- proper were quick and strong, but he indulged them in silence, and signified them by his absence. He could not endure or palliate any ever so plausible meanness, but he was among the first to counteract its results. He could not calmly encounter opposi- tion, but he did not drop his interest in measures which he could not carry. He showed sometimes contrary surface currents, but the under-tide of his feeling and labor always steadily flowed toward his ideal of the best good of his church and his commu- nity. As was truly and aptly said of him in a public 458 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. printed notice of his death, " He was a good man for the town, so anxious to advance all its interests; a good man for society, so frank and honest, so free from hypocrisy and duplicity ; a good man for a neighbor, so kind and obliging and sympathizing; a good man for a friend, so true and faithful and willing. His place cannot be filled. He is missed by everybody, for he had a hearty greeting, a kind word, a pleasant smile for us all." DR. WILLIAM F. PERRY. The Perry family were of English origin, and re- lated to the ancestral line of Commodore Perry. The great-great-grandfather, Josiah Perry 1 , was born July 13, 1712. We find it recorded that he was father of Capt. Nathaniel Perry 2 , of whom it was said that he received a captain's commission, signed by Gov- ernor Shirley, June 6, 1754, as captain of Company 10, in Col. John Winslow's regiment, and had a war- rant to enlist soldiers. In 1754 raised ninety men ; served in Nova Scotia ; was at the taking of Cumber- land ; died in Nova Scotia, 1756. His son, James Perry 3 , grandfather of William F. Perry, was born in 1745, in Easton, Mass. Was a man of wealth and influence ; owner of the iron foundry in Easton, which was afterwards owned by Gen. Shepard Leach. He was active in the Revolutionary war. He equipped a company of men at his own expense, and volun- teered as their commander in the emergency at Con- cord and Lexington. He was afterwards made cap- tain in the army of Washington ; was in service three years ; was in the battles of Princeton and Trenton ; but as the army was in want of ordnance, it was thought he could serve his country more efficiently by manufacturing cannon and balls. He came home to Easton and superintended the castings, furnished the needed supplies, and was paid in Continental money, which caused his failure. One of his work- men (Benjamin Buck, of Easton) said he saw a bushel- basket full at one time in Capt. Perry's possession of Continental money. He never received any remu- neration for his loss by pension or otherwise. He was a stalwart man of commanding appearance. He died suddenly of lockjaw July 3, 1808, aged sixty-three. He left four sons, — Abner, Leonard, Simeon, and James (afterwards Dr. James). The fourth son, Dr. James Perry*, was born in 1767 ; was five feet seven inches in height, black hair and eyes, with florid complexion. He had a long head for its width; was a man of keen intellect and quick perception. His wife was Adah Sheperson, of Mansfield. The children of this marriage were three sons and three daughters,— James Leonard Perry, D.D.S., Ada, Harriet, Eliza, Jonathan Pratt Perry, and William F. Perry. Dr. James* was a physician of some note, espe- cially in typhus fevers. During the prevalence of what was then called the " cold plague," which was fatal to the majority of its victims, his services were in constant requisition. His exposure and over- exertion and loss of sleep broke down his constitu- tion so that he was an invalid the remaining part of his life. He died May 2, 1825, aged fifty-eight years. William F. was then in his sixteenth year. Soon after his father's death he decided to study medicine, but as his resources were limited he depended mostly on himself, and worked on the farm and studied alter- nately with Dr. Swan, of- Easton. He acquired the classical education requisite to enter college at Middleborough, Mass. In the spring of 1831 he commenced a course of medical lectures at Bowdoin College, attended one course at Harvard Medical School in the fall of 1832, and in 1833 another course at Bowdoin, making three courses in all. He graduated and took his diploma at Bowdoin. After graduation he became assistant to Dr. Peck, of Fox- borough. While there he lost, by the burning of Dr. Peck's house, his books, instruments, and clothes. He then returned to his mother's home in West Easton, where he lived till the summer of 1835. During those two years he attended very closely to the study of medicine and surgery, and practiced occasionally in the neighborhood and vicinity. In the summer of 1835 he was invited by some promi- nent citizens of Mansfield to settle among them. There were at that time two practicing physicians in Mansfield, one at West Mansfield, Dr. Skinner, who, from age and neuralgia, could not be depended on, except in pleasant weather, and Dr. Billings, at the Centre, who was nearly eighty years old, but still vig- orous and unwilling to give up practice, so that Dr. Perry often visited their patients in the night and in stormy weather gratis, they thinking the experience thus gained sufficient remuneration. He has been heard by the writer of this to say that he could not have stayed in Mansfield had it not been for the prevalence of the measles and a storm at that time, which covered the ground everywhere with ice and prevented the older physicians from going out. This was his first introduction to practice, which was somewhat opposed by Thomsonianism, which was rife at that time in Mansfield and other adjoining towns for two years or more. On Dec. 22, 1839, he married Miss Emeline B. Davis, of New Market, N. H., daughter of Capt. Samuel C. Davis, a man who was highly esteemed by his fellow-townsmen, and on whom they conferred many offices of trust. The children of this marriage were seven sons and one daughter : William Hunter, born Oct. 25, 1840; died May 2, 1868, while a student in medicine at Harvard Uni- versity. James Leonard, A.B., C.E., M.D., born Feb. 3, 1842; graduate of Harvard College ; graduate of the Law- rence Scientific School as civil engineer; graduate of Bellevue Hospital Medical College in medicine ; graduate of Bellevue Hospital as interne; graduate of m -m 7^L/z^~~ X MANSFIELD. 459 New York State Woman's Hospital for Diseases of Women as surgeon. Frederic Davis, D.D.S. and M.D., born Dec. 20, 1843; graduate in dentistry, Philadelphia; graduate in medicine at Harvard Medical School. Edward Everett, graduate of Harvard Medical School, born July 9, 1845. Samuel Freeman, born Nov. 10, 1847; died in in- fancy. Harriet Emeline, graduate of Salem Normal School in 1874, since which time she has been an efficient and acceptable teacher in her native town. Dana Duane, born July 10, 1859 ; graduate in medicine at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York, March, 1882. It will be noticed that the son who graduated as C.E., after two years in that profession, studied medi- cine; 'also the dentist, after practicing his profession a few years successfully ; so that all five of the sons studied medicine, and the father and grandfather were physicians. It may not be out of place here to state that there was no high school or academy in Mansfield at the time when his children, three of them, could have been benefited by it, and the elementary instruction was very limited, so that when they were at the age of thirteen and a half and fourteen, the doctor was obliged to send them from home to obtain the prepar- atory education for their professional studies. This was a great draft on the doctor's uncertain income, and required strict economy and self-denial. Edward E. practiced medicine in Boston six years, and died in 1875. The following notice of his death will serve to show something of the esteem in which he was held : " Dr. Edward E. Perry died at his home in Mansfield after a short illness on the morning of Sept. 14, 1875. He was a graduate in medicine at Harvard, and began practice in Cross Street, Boston, in 1868. From the first he was successful. Kind, courteous, and genial, he made friends of all with whom he came in contact. Generous and liberal to the poor, he always supplied their wants with a liberal hand. He soon had an extensive practice, which was not limited to the city, but extended in all directions for many miles. At the time of his death he was the most popular physician at the north end. Few phy- sicians have died as much lamented as young Dr. Perry. For several years he has had attacks of he- patic colic, caused by biliary calculi; his death oc- curred suddenly after a severe paroxysm. Hundreds called at his office during his illness to inquire for him, and on learning of his death burst into tears, and expressed the most devoted friendship and pro- found sorrow.'' Of the living children J. L. practices in New York City ; F. D. succeeds to his father's practice in Mans- field. The imperfect picture which must unfortunately accompany this sketch gives only a correct idea of that part of the face above the nose and his eyes, and would have been withheld if his biography could have been accepted without it. He never sat for a picture intentionally, — we regret it ; but he will be re- membered by his contemporaries as a handsome and distinguished-looking man, whose presence was calcu- lated to inspire confidence and hope. Dr. Perry had black curly hair, dark expressive eyes, fine teeth, and clear dark complexion ; was slight when young, was five feet ten inches in height, and weighed later in life one hundred and eighty-four pounds. For thirty-eight years he had an extensive practice in Mansfield and the adjoining towns, more laborious than remunerative. During that time he was never laid aside by illness which prevented his visiting his patients but two days, and never absent from home on business or pleasure but twice in that time. He was absent on business once in 1858, when he took a ten days' Western trip, and in 1873 spent a few days in New York. He was earnest and devoted to his patients ; was absolutely pure and honest both in public and private life. He often used the expression, " I mean to be honest before God." He had strong convictions and pronounced opinions on matters religious and politi- cal, and being tempered with rare good judgment and foresight, his opinions were always worthy of respect. He utterly detested immorality and vice, and was so outspoken in such matters that he was both by ex- ample and precept one of the best teachers of mo- rality. He had a large brain and strong memory, well stored with the history of men prominent in politics or eminent in science, and especially medical science. He possessed an analytical mind ; was a close ob- server ; in fact, nothing seemed to escape his observa- tion. In the reading of character he was quick and almost unequaled. A learned and skilled physician, with whom he was called in consultation, said of him, " Dr. Perry was one of the best country physicians I ever knew, combining rare powers of diagnosis with the most varied and thorough knowledge of drugs." He was by nature, by study, and by observation, a chemist and a therapeutist. He was ingenious and fertile in mechanical appliances, and, being ready in the use of instruments, was a careful surgeon and a good oper- ator. He was sincere, conscientious and faithful, and being modest shrank from notoriety or office-holding, except in the cause of education, which he labored zealously to promote. Dr. Perry was liberal beyond his means, kind and considerate to the poor ; was often called the " poor man's friend," and, dying as he lived, his last act was a charity, for he died suddenly Oct. 17, 1873, while visiting a poor family, of whom he said he must go or they would suffer. The following tribute by Mr. Ide justly expressed the feelings of the public : 460 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. " His sudden death was a great shock not only to his family, hut to the community at large. He had for many years been most confidently relied on for medical aid, and his loss was widely and deeply de- plored. He had so distinguished himself by inva- riable promptness in responding to the call of the sick, taking no thought for himself while others were suffering, that when his strong system gave way under the continuous strain, the public generally became mourners. "At his funeral the large gathering, the sad and tearful faces, the touching and honorary tribute paid to his memory, showed how deeply the sense of a great and irreparable loss had impressed itself upon Mansfield. No public utterances, however appreci- ative of his character and skill, could tell the grief which his death had caused. In the homes which even now sadly miss his comforting presence, there are frequently heard voices of sorrow at his de- parture, which are the truest and most valuable testimonials to his worth. His death was not an occasion for any mere material monument, for his noble and self-denying life had built up many and more precious ones in living and loving hearts." The accompanying elegy was composed by one of his friends and neighbor, Miss Adelaide Pettee : ELEGY AT THE GRAVE OF WILLIAM PERRY, M.D., MANS- FIELD, MASS. 'Tis winter dread, Yet earth, arrayed in robes of spotless white, Seems for a bridal dressed, while morning bright O'er hill and dale her banner wide unfurls, And forests sparkle with unnumbered pearls Save where I stand, her mantle 'neath my feet, Seems but one vast, unbroken winding sheet That wraps the dead. Beneath this mound, Deep buried from the world's ignoble strife, Rests one whose only aim it was iu life To find in ocean cave, on mount, or plain Some soothing remedy for mortal pain. sacred, heaven-born purpose ! — wondrous skill. That never faltered till the heart was still, Low in the ground ! Yet not in vain Thy mission here ! many shall pause and shed The silent tear-drop on thy dreamless bed. The good begun by thee shall onward flow, And man shall still seek on himself to know. Time shall perpetuate the work begun, And thy dear image in eacli noble son l Shall live again. Rest, spirit, rest ! We leave thee in the bosom of our God Till we the rugged paths of life have trod. We seek the unseen Father's guiding hand Till we shall join thee in the better land, And the great mysteries of life shall cease In that sweet home where all is light and peace, Home of the blest ! Addie. 1 He left three sons, who are physicians. GEORGE EDSON BAILEY. John Bailey 1 , the first American ancestor, resided in Scituate, Mass., as early as 1670. He married, in 1672, Sarah White, and upon her decease he married, in 1699, Ruth Clothier. He died in 1718. His son Samuel 2 was born in 1690, married Elizabeth Caswell, and had, among other children, Abijah', who, Nov. 20, 1765, married Sarah Grover. They had six chil- dren, of whom Abner 4 was one. Abner married, Nov. 30, 1797, Deborah Lovell, by whom he had two chil- dren, Jacob 5 and Caroline. He married as his second wife Sarah Brintnell, June 6, 1819, and upon her de- cease he married Jemima Skinner, June 12, 1828. There was no issue by either the two latter marriages. His daughter Caroline married Joseph Brintnell, and is now (1883) residing iu Connecticut in her eighty- fourth year. Jacob was born April 5, 1801. He married, July 27, 1827, Sally S. Skinner, daughter of James and Sarah (Sumner) Skinner. She was born Jan. 29, 1807. To them were born two children, — George E. and Deborah Caroline. She was born July 23, 1830, married Charles A. Turner, June 14, 1851. She died May 22, 1878. She had four chil- dren, of whom one died in infancy, the others grew up to maturity. George Edson Bailey, sixth in descent from the original John Bailey, of Scituate, was born in Mans- field, Mass., Jan. 1, 1829. In addition to the advan- tages afforded by the common schools of his town, he attended for a period of about two years a select or private academy. He was brought up a farmer's son, and early taught to labor, and laid the foundation for a rugged constitution by abundant out-door exercise. At about the age of nineteen he entered upon that branch of business which he has followed through life, and which, by reason of inventions connected therewith, and which will be noticed hereafter, has made his name known throughout the land. He es- tablished a small bakery, hired men to do the work, and by applying himself to the practical part of the business soon learned from his employes the modus operandi of the trade. This was in 1848. Mr. Bailey soon established himself in the confidence of the peo- ple, and the circle of his trade gradually widened. There were at the time of which we write a number of small bakeries in the adjacent towns, but one after another gave up the business, and in a few years Mr. Bailey controlled the trade. From his early boyhood Mr. Bailey was noted for an investigating and inven- tive turn of mind. It was no argument to his mind that a particular method of doing a thing was the best way simply because it was the usual way. Never content with conventional methods, he was always seeking for the most simple, rapid, and effective means of accomplishing whatever he had in hand, and to this trait or faculty may be attributed his success in life. At the time when he first engaged in the baking business the ovens then in use were very crude and ^^y tJljLt^Lf* i^CV^^U MANSFIELD. 4G1 imperfect. There was no such thing as obtaining and maintaining a regular temperature, both of which were essential to the best results. His inventive faculties were brought to bear on the solution of this problem, and " Bailey's patent oven" was the result. Years of patient thought, experiment, and labor were expended, however, before the desired results were obtained ; but as is usually the case where diligent application is coupled with intelligent direction, he at last suc- ceeded in perfecting an oven which combines every essential advantage, — economy of fuel, convenience of arrangement, and an equal distribution of tem- perature, the degree of which is completely under the control of the operator. Dec. 5, 1871, letters patent were issued to Mr. Bailey for his invention, and July 1G, 1872, another patent was granted him for an improvement on the same. As soon as his oven was in satisfactory working order he began using it in his own shop, and was enabled by its use to offer to customers advantages, both in price and quality of production, that no one using the old-fashioned ovens could possibly offer. He appointed Charles B. Good- rich, of Charleston, Mass., agent for his invention in the States of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts, and Jesse A. Locke, of New York, agent for the rest of the United States. Through them his invention became widely known and exten- sively used. It is now in use in many of the public institutions and bakeries throughout the United States, and in many parts of Canada. This oven is particularly adapted to baking bread, cake, and pas- try. He has also in use in his establishment many other accessories to his business, involving improve- ments upon old ideas, as well as the practical appli- cation of new ones, which he has never had patented, and does not care to make public. From the time of the invention of his " oven" he began enlarging the sphere of his operations and rapidly extending his business. He has now a regular delivery team of his own in Boston, Providence, Taunton, Fall River, and Lowell. In addition to this he has agents in many of the principal cities and towns of New England who handle his goods exclusively. Mr. Bailey is a good illustration of what may be accomplished in this progressive age by an earnest, enterprising, intelligent man, — one who brings to bear in the every-day affairs of his business life all the energies and faculties with which he has been endowed, and who is ever on the alert to grasp any idea which may aid in the development of the par- ticular industry he has chosen as his life's work. He is one of those men who, seeing all around him evi- dences that "the world is moving on," believes in moving on with it. He is continually seeking for the development of new ideas and new methods, which shall improve upon and supersede the old, and that this is the true pathway to success his prosperity attests. George E. Bailey married, Oct. 16, 1851, Ellen Au- gusta Hall, daughter of Hermon and Fanny (Cope- land) Hall, of Mansfield. She was born June 25, 1832. To them were born five children, — Marion Au- gusta, born Oct. 3, 1852 (now Mrs. W. I. Dudley, of West Salem, Wis.); Carrie Edson, born March 29, 1854 (now Mrs. Alexander H. McRae, of Mansfield) ; Harriet Sumner, born Sept. 29, 1855 (now Mrs. C. Boylston, of Milton, Mass.); George Palmer, born Sept. 7, 1857 (married Mary O. Birkenhead, of Mans- field, and is in business with his father) ; Frank Her- mon, born June 9, 1859 (also in business with his father). Mrs. Bailey died' April 8, 1861. Mr. Bailey married as his second wife Sarah Sprague, of Dux- bury, Mass., June 17, 1862. They had one child, Sarah Sprague, born Feb. 15, 1873. Mrs. Bailey died Feb. 17, 1873. Mr. Bailey's present wife was Mrs. Susan H. Stratton, n'ee Shepard, daughter of Elijah H. Shepard, of Mansfield. He is a Republican in politics, though not an active politician. He has chosen to concentrate his energies and apply his powers to the prosecution of his business, and the promotion of happiness around his fireside, rather than seek office or position. He is a genial, pleasant companion, of quick perception, active mind, and generous impulses, decisive in his judgments, and prompt in his actions. He and his family are noted in their community for their musical talent. All perform on some one or more instruments, and are good vocalists. Mansfield has a reputation as quite a musical town, and its status in that particular is largely owing to Mr. Bailey's exertions in cultivating a love for that art. SABIN COBBETT. James and Josiah Cobbett, brothers, came to New England from London, England, in 1633, in the ship " Elizabeth and Ann," Roger Cooper, master. They are the original American ancestors of the Cobbett family in this country. From the best authorities on the subject we obtain reasonable data from which to infer that the names Cobbett and Corbett were orig- inally identical. The Cobbetts have been a family of considerable importance both in this country and Europe. Philip Cobbett was born in Boston, Mass., Aug. 8, 1744. He married Marcy , of Dedham, Mass. She was born Dec. 5, 1748. Their children were Isaac, born Oct. 3, 1774; Jacob, born June 4, 1777 ; Thomas, born Dec. 17, 1779; Margaret, born Feb. 14," 1783 ; Joseph, born Nov. 28, 1785 ; Abigail, born Oct. 10, 1788; Lewis, born Oct. 19, 1790. Philip died Oct. 6, 1817, and Marcy, his wife, April 13, 1821. Thomas, their son, was a brick-mason and plasterer. He married Peggy Cobb, of Dedham. She was born April 1, 1782. Their children were Nancy, born March 3, 1802; Willard, born Oct. 25, 1804; Lavinia, born Oct. 18, 1806; Thomas, born Oct. 17, 1808; 462 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Louisa, born Dec. 8, 1810 ; Abner Lewis, born Feb. 15, 1813; Dorinda, born July 6, 1815; Sabin, born Oct. 12, 1818; Obed, born Dec. 6, 1820; Amanda, born March 14, 1823. All of these lived to maturity. Nancy died September, 1881. Willard is now (1883) living in Stougbton, Mass. Lavinia died October, 1854. Thomas resides in Hyde Park, Mass. Louisa married Asher Parker, of Pepperell, had five children, and died 1863. Abner Lewis died January, 1859, leaving a widow and three children in Stoughton. Obed lives in Sharon, Mass. Amanda married Elisha F. Guild, of Duxbury. Upon his death she married Henry E. Stratton, of Mansfield. Thomas, about 1803, removed to Wardsboro', Vt., resided there a short time, returned to Dedham, and after a time removed to Boston. About 1814 he once more made Wardsboro' his home. About 1822 he came to Walpole, Mass. Four or five years later he returned to Dedham, which place he made his home to within a few years of his death, when he came to Mansfield, Mass., where he died Feb. 10, 1866. He was a Democrat in politics prior to organization of the Republican party, after which time he affiliated with the latter party. In religion he was a Baptist. Mrs. Cobbett died April 2, 1851. Sabin Cobbett had but limited educational advan- tages ; his parents were poor, and at an early age he was placed in a factory to work. After his eighteenth year he turned his attention to farming, which occupation he has followed through life. He is a hard-working, honest, frugal man, and is entitled to much credit for having fought the battle of life with so much success, laboring as he did under serious difficulties and disadvantages. Most of his life he has been burdened with a large family, and he remained unmarried in order to care and provide for his maiden sisters. By earnest and diligent labor and proper economy he has managed to make himself one of the foremost farmers of his section, and while he has not amassed wealth, yet he has a competence for his old age. He has devoted himself exclusively to agriculture, never engaging in either manufacturing or speculation. He is a Republican in politics, has been county surveyor, served on juries, etc., and is a respected citizen of his town. ALBERT PERRY. The Perry family came from England to America in the early days of the New England colonies. Ichabod 1 Perry was among the first settlers of Attle- borough, Mass., to which place he came from Taunton. He located in the southeastern part of the town. He was born about 1700. He married Sarah Haskins, of Roxbury, and had three children, — Ichabod, Nathan, and Sarah. The two sons married and settled in Norton. Ichabod had two children, Ichabod 2 and Lemuel. Nathan had five, — Nathan, Annie, Alvin, Sophia, and one name unknown. Sarah Perry mar- ried Timothy Conant, of Rehoboth. Upon the de- cease of his first wife, Ichabod married for his second wife Ruth Fisher, of Norton, by whom he had six children, — Abiel, Ruth, Isaac 3 , Hannah, Lucy, and Ephraim. Ichabod's third wife was Experience Bra- man, of Norton. Abiel Perry settled in New Hamp- shire. Ruth married A. Lincoln and settled in Taun- ton. Isaac 3 married, first, Philena Lincoln, of Taunton, by whom he had two children, Isaac and Polly. Mrs. Perry died in 1785. He married as his second wife, Elizabeth Perry, 1786. They had five children, — Polly 2 , Stephen, Betsey, Caleb, and Achsah. Of these children, Isaac, Jr., moved to Savoy, Mass., was a farmer and dairyman. Polly resided with him. Betsey married Calvin Drake, of Sharon, Mass., afterwards removed to Seneca Lake, N. Y., where she died 1865, leaving one child. Achsah married Wil- liam Conant, of Rehoboth, resided in Attleborough, had five children, and died in 1851. Caleb married Wealthy Macomber, of Norton, and had three chil- dren. Stephen 4 was a farmer, and resided at the old homestead. He married Rowena W. Lincoln, daugh- ter of Sanford W. and Phebe Lincoln, of Taunton. Their children were Rowena W., Stephen C, Achsah A., Harriet, Albert, and Ezra. Of these, Stephen C. married Susan B. Monroe, and resides in Rehoboth. Rowena W. married Thomas Grover, of Mansfield, a Quaker minister. Achsah A. married Edmund Briggs, of Norton, and resides there. Harriet mar- ried Albert Shaw, of Mansfield. Both she and her husband are deceased. Ezra married, first, Mary M. Balcom, and upon her decease married Diana B. Cor- nell, and resides in Attleborough. He is by occupa- tion a farmer. Albert Perry 5 was brought up as a farmer on the old Perry homestead in Attleborough, and resided there until he was thirty-two years of age, having inherited, together with his brother, the ancestral acres. He, however, sold his interest in the home farm, removed to Norton, purchased another farm, and for the fol- lowing four years engaged in agriculture. He then accepted a position with the Taunton Copper Com- pany as weigher and caser of goods, in which posi- tion he continued eight years. In January, 1868, he purchased the store at West Mansfield, and since that time has been engaged in merchandising at that place. He is also postmaster. In former years he did considerable lumber business in connection with his farming operations. He married, July 4, 1850, Alice T., daughter of Joshua White, of Raynham. She is descended from Peregrine White. There were two children (twins), Albert E. and Alice E., born March 24, 1851. Mrs. Perry died Aug. 2, 1876. Mr. Perry married as his second wife Mary P., daughter of John and Amy (Hodges) Smith, of Mansfield. They were married Oct. 2, 1877. Mrs. Perry is de- scended from a New Hampshire family. There is no issue by second marriage ; both children by first wife REHOBOTH. 463 are married. Albert E. married M. Maria Reed, daughter of Lorenzo R. and Martha Reed, of Mans- field. They have three children, — Everett, Emma, and Ernest. Alice married John S. Briggs, of At- tleborough. They have two children, Nellie A. and Mabel. Mr. Perry is neutral in politics, always voting in local elections for the candidate whom he esteems as the best man. He has not voted for President since 1848. He attends Friends' meeting, has been selectmen of his town four years, and chair- man of the board last year. An honest, highly re- spected citizen. CHAPTER XXXIII. REHOBOTH. Geographical — Indian Purchase — Original Bounds— The First Purchase —The Second Purchase— The North Purchase— The First White Set- tlers — First Meeting of Original Planters — Valuation of Original Lauds — Names of Proprietors — Early Townsmen — Documentary His- tory — Deed from King Philip — Names of Inhabitants in 1G89. The town of Rehoboth lies in the western part of Bristol County, and is bounded as follows : On the north by Attleborough and Norton, on the east by Taunton, Dighton, and Swansea, and on the south by Swansea. The original town of Rehoboth embraced, in addi- tion to its present territory, the present towns of See- konk, Pawtucket, Attleborough, East Providence, Cumberland, and that part of Swansea and Barring- ton which was called by the Indians Wannamoiset. The first purchase of land was made of Massasoit in 1641, and embraced a tract ten miles square, com- prising the present towns of Rehoboth, Seekonk, Pawtucket, and East Providence. The second purchase was the tract called by the English Wannamoiset, forming a part of Swansea and Barrington. The third and last purchase was a tract embracing the present towns of Attleborough, Mass., and Cum- berland, R. I. This was known as the " North Pur- chase." The town retained its original area until 1667, when Swansea (Wannamoiset) was incorporated, including, besides the present town, that of Somerset, Mass., Cumberland, R. I., and the greater part of Warren, R. I. In 1694 it was further decreased by the incor- poration of Attleborough, and in 1812 Seekonk was set off. The first white settler within the bounds of the orig- inal town of Rehoboth was William Blackstone, in what is now Cumberland, R. I. He was a Non-Con- formist minister of England, who fled from his native land and sought an asylum in the wilds of America. He was the first white man who lived on the penin- sula where the city of Boston now stands. The next white settler here was the famous Roger Williams. He, however, remained but a short time, and subse- quently became the founder of Rhode Island. The real founder of the original town of Rehoboth was the Rev. Samuel Newman, who came with numer- ous other persons from Weymouth and settled here (Seekonk) in 1644. The records, however, show that as early as 1642 one John Hazell was residing at "Seacunck." "John Hassell" (afterwards written Hazell in the town records) " doeth acknowledge himself to owe the king, to be leveyed of his lands, goods and chat- tels, &c. £XX. if he fayle in the condicon following: The condicon that the said John Hassell shall either take the oath of allegiance to the King, and fidelitie to the Government, betwixt this and March Court next, or els remove his dwelling from .Seacunk." [Plym. Col. Rec, vol. ii. p. 67.] The twenty pounds which he acknowledged him- self to owe the king was a fine for contempt of court, as appears from the following : " August 2, 1642. It is ordered that a warrant be sent to fetch John Hassell, that lives at Sickuncke, to answer his ■contempts at the General Court : which was made and signed by all the assistants present." [Plym. Col. Rec, vol. ii. p. 55.] John Hazell continued to reside at "Seacunk," where he had lands granted him in 1669. And he appears to have owned largely before, for in describ- ing the bounds of the grant mention is made of "his other allotment, being six hundred acres, bounded on the east with his fresh meadow and a little run of water and a cedar swamp ; on the west side Patucet River; on^the north side the woods; on the south side the towne land ; only the Island and little up- land above mentioned is part of the six hundred acres." [Plym. Col. Rec, vol. ii. p. 193.] " Seacunck," we have seen, was first granted to people of Hingham, but they were soon joined by Mr. Newman and a majority of his church at Weymouth, in their projected settlement ; and it is even possible that some of the people of Weymouth were among the original grantees of 1641, though none of them are among the names mentioned. It appears, how- ever, that those whose names are given were a com- mittee acting for " themselves and divers others." The first meeting of the original planters of Reho- both to be found on record is dated at " Weimoth the 24th of the 8th month [October], 1643." The record is as follows : " At a general meeting of the plantores of Seacunk, it was ordered : " (1) That the [illegible] lottes shall not exceed the number of sixty and live, and in case anny of those that have these lottes granted al- ready fale, that Goodman [illegible] of Cambridge to be admitted if he please; and in case so manny fale as may limit to sixty then not to ex- ceed sixty lottes." " (2) It is agreed that the ground that is most fit to be planted and hopefull for corne for the present to be planted and fenced by such as possess it according to [illegible.]" " (3) It is ordered that those that have lottes granted and are [illegi- ble] inhabitants shall fence the one end of their lottes and their part in the comon fence, in the same time, by the 20th day of April next or 464 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. else forfit their lottes to the disposal of the plantation ; and likewise to remove themselves and family to inhabit [torn off] by this time twelves- month, or else forfite their lottes again e to the plantation, allowinge them their necessary improvements, as they in their discretion shall think meet." " (4) That if anny damages shale fale out by anny man's particular fence, the owner of the fence shale pay the damage, and if [torn off] generall fence, then those persons that one the fence to pay [torn off.]" [Rehoboth ltec. vol. i. p. 1.] The next meeting of the proprietors was held at Weymouth, "the 10th day of the 10th month" [De- cember], when regulations were made as to the plant- ing of corn. The teacher to have a certain portion from each settler. Servants after four years to be in- habitants and entitled to their privileges. Richard Wright employed to build a corn-mill. During the year 1643, and probably before any other division of land had been made other than for house-lots, the proprietors were required individually to give in the value of their estates, in order that the allotments of land might be made accordingly, as ap- pears from the Proprietors' Records : " About the year 1643, a joynt agreement was made by the inhab- itants of Sea-conk alias Rehoboth, ffor the bringing in of their estates ; that soe men's lotments might be taken up according to person and estate, as alsoe for the carrieing on of all publick chardges both for. pres- ent and future; furthermore the means and interest of what is heare expressed is that by which lands, now granted by the Court of Plymouth to the towne, is to be divided according to person and estate, as is expressed in this following list: £ s. d. ' 1. Mrs. Bur 100 00 00 Ruth Ingram accepted in her plan-. 2. Widdow Walker 50 00 00 3. John Read 300 00 00 4. John Cooke 300 00 00 | which still is in the town's hands. 5. The Schoolmaster.... 50 00 00 6. Will (Jheesbrook 450 00 00 7. Mr. Winchester 195 00 00 8. Richard Wright 834 Ou 00 9. Mr. Newman 330 00 00 10. Will Smith 196 10 00 11. Walter Palmer 419 00 00 12. James Clark, now John Perrum's 71 00 00 13. Ralph Shephard, now Jas. Redewave's.. 121 10 00 14. Zachariah Roads 50 00 00 15. John Mathewes 40 00 00 16. John Perrum 67 00 00 17. John Millar 69 10 00 18. Saml. Butterworth... 50 00 00 19. George Kendrick 50 00 00 20. Abram Martin 60 10 00 21. The Teacher 100 00 00 22. Edward Seale 81 U0 00 23. John Browne 50 00 00 24. Mr. Howward 250 00 00 25. Mr. Peck 535 00 00 26. Mr. Oued. Holmes, now Robt. Wheaton's. 100 00 00 27. Edward Smith 252 00 00 28. Job Lane, now Rob- ert Abell's 50 00 00 29. Thomas Hitt 101 00 00 30. James Walker, now John ffitctae'a 50 00 00 31. Thomas Blyss 32. The Governor's lot, now Richard Bul- lock's 33. Isaack Martin, now Thomas Wi I mot's 34. Robert Morris 35. Ed. Bennet, now Richard Bowen's, Jr... 36. The Pastor 37. Mr. Henry Smith.... 38. Mathew Pratt... 39. John Megg's 40. Thorn. Clifton, now Stephen Payne's Jr... 41. Joseph Torry, now John Peck's 42. Thomas Cooper 43. Robert ffullur 44. John Allen 45. Ralph Allen 46. Ed. Gillman, now Joseph Peck's 47. Thomas Iloulbrook.. 48. William Carpenter... 49. John Houlbrook, now Nicholas Ide's.... 50. Robert Titus, now Robert Jones's 51. William Sabin 52. Stephen Payne 53. Sir. Browne 54. Ed. Patteson, now John Woodcock's 55. Peter Hunt 56. Robert Martin 57. Robert Sharp, but now Rice Leonard's... 58. Richard Bowen £ s. d. 153 00 00 200 00 00 50 00 00 94 10 00 134 10 00 100 00 00 260 01) 00 239 00 00 120 00 00 160 00 00 134 00 00 367 00 00 150 00 00 156 00 00 270 00 00 306 00 00 186 10 00 254 10 00 186 10 00 156 10 00 53 0U 00 535 00 00 600 00 00 50 00 00 327 00 00 228 10 00 106 00 00 270 00 00 tation, who should have power to dispose of the lands " in lots of twelve, eight, or six acres, as in their dis- cretion they think the quality of the estate of the person do require." This applied to house-lots. It was further ordered " that all other lots to be divided according to person and estate. One person to be valued at twelve pounds sterling in the division of lands, and that no person should sell his improve- ments but to such as the towne shall accept of;" also voted " that the meeting-house shall stand in the midst of the town." On " the 21st of the 4th month" [June] a town meeting was holden, but the records of it are so mu- tilated as to be mostly illegible. It appears, how- ever, to relate to a new division of land. It was re- solved that on every fortieth day a meeting should be holden by all the inhabitants " for the considera- tion and acting of such necessary affairs as concern the plantation." " At a town meeting, the 31st day of the 4th month [JuneJ, 1644, lots were drawn for a division of the woodland between the plain and the town. Shares were drawn to the number of fifty-eight, as follows : 10. n. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. Mr. Winchester. Mr. Leonard. Peter Hunt. William Cheesborough. Ralph Allin. John Holbrook. John Perram. The Schoolmaster. Matthew Pratt. William Carpenter. Ephraim Hunt. Samuel Butterworth. Edward Patterson. James Browne. Richard Bowiu. Mr. Newman. Mr. Peck. Walter Palmer. Abraham Martin. John Sutton. Robert Morris. John Matthewes. Isaac Martin. James Walker. Robert Titus. Edward Seale. George Kendrick. Thomas Bliss. 30. The Pastor's. 31. Stephen Payne. 32. Edward Smith. 33. William Smith. 34. James Clark. 35. The Governour. 36. Edward Bennett. 37. Ohadiah Holmes 38. Mr. Browne. 39. Thomas Cooper. 40. Thomas Holbrooke. 41. Thomas Hitt. 42. John Allin. 43. John Meggs. 44. William Sabin. 45. Mr. Henry Smith. 46. Zachery Roades. 47. Edward Gilman. 48. Thomas Clifton. 49. Joseph Torrey. 50. Thomas Dunn. 51. Robert Martin. 52. Widow Walker. 53. John Miller. 54. Mr. B .1 55. The Teacher. 56. John Cooke. 57. Ralph Shepherd. 58. John Reade. At a meeting of the proprietors of Seekonk (the date of which is torn off, though it was probably among the first) it was voted that nine men should be chosen to order the prudential affairs of the plan- On "the 3d of the 5th month [July], 1644," the inhabitants signed a compact in the following words : "This combination, entered into by the general consent of all the in- habitants, after general notice given the 23d of the 4th month. "We whose names are underwritten, being, by the providence of God, inhabitants of Seacunk, intending there to settle, do covenant and bind ourselves one to another to subject our persons [torn off] (accord- ing to law and equity) to nine persons, any five of the nine which shall be chosen by the major part of the inhabitants of this plantation, and we [torn off] to be subject to all wholesome [torn off] by them, and to assist them, according to our ability and estate, and to give timely no- tice unto them of any such thing as in our conscience may prove dan- 1 Obliterated. REHOBOTH. 465 gerous unto the plantation, and this combination to continue untill we shall subject ourselves jointly to some other government." Walter Palmer. Edward Smith. Edward Bennett. Robert Titus. Abraham Martin. John Mattliewes. Edward Sale. Ralph Shepherd. Samuel Newman. William Cheesborough. Alex. Winchester. Richard Wright. Henry Smith. Robert Martin. Stephen Payne. Richard Bowen. Ralph Alin. Joseph Torrey. Thomas Bliss. James Clark. George Kendricke. Ephraim Hunt. John Allen. Peter Hunt. William Sabin. William Smith. Thomas Cooper. John Peren. Zacbery Rboades. Job Lane. "The 12th of the 5th month [July], 1644. At a meeting upon public notice given, it is ordered that such as shall have allotments in the three divisious of lands presently to be laid out by Mr. Oliver and his partner, Joseph Fisher, and shall not pay the surveying of it, by the 28th of the Sth month [October] next, at Boston or Dedham, according to the proposition of Mr. Oliver, shall forfeit all such lands laid out in the three aforesaid divisions, into the bands of the nine men entrusted with the town affairs, who are desired to undertake with Mr. Oliver to satisfy him for the laying out of the aforesaid divisions. "It is further ordered, the day above written, that Will. Cheesbor- ough is to have division in all lands of Seakunk for a hundred and fifty- three pounds besides what he is to have for his own proportion, and that in way of consideration for the pains and charges he hath been at for setting off this plantation." " At a general meeting of the town of Seacunk, being the 9th of the 10th month [December], 1644, at lawful warning given, by reason of many meetings and other strong causes for the easing of the great trouble and for the [illegible! and the deciding of controversies between party and party, as well as the proposing of men's levies to be made and paid, and for the well ordering of the town affairs, as may stand with future equity, according to our former combination, the inhabi- tants of said place have choose these men here named :" Alexander Winchester, Richard Wright, Henry Smith, Edward Smith, Walter Palmer, William Smith, Stephen Payne, Richard Bowen, Robert Martin. The first meeting of these townsmen, as they were styled, was on " the 3d day of the 11th mo. [January] 1644," when they voted to give Robert Morris, "in consideration for the spare lot he hath taken," the first lot in the next division. "The 26th of the 10th mo. [December], 1644, at a meeting of the town it was ordered, that, for time past, and for time to come, that all work- men that have or shall work in au3' common work, or shall work for any particular men, shall have for their wages for each day's work as followeth : for each laborer, from the first day of November until the first day of February, 18d. a day, and for the rest of the year 2()d. a day except the harvest, that is to say while men are reaping harvests." " It is ordered that the work of 4 oxen and a man for a day [torn off], shilling and sixpense ; and that for six oxen and a man seven shillings; and for eight oxen and a man, eight shillings." "The 10th of the 11th mo. [January], 1644, at a meeting of the towns- men it was agreed upon that all those that are underwritten have for- feited their lots for m t fencing, or not removing their families accord- ing to a former order, made the 24th of the Sth month, 1643 ; therefore we do enter upon them for, aud in the behalf of the town, to be dis- posed of as the town shall think meet, only paying them for their necessary charges, according to a former order :" Ralph Shepherd, James Browne, Mr. Leonard, 30 Mr. Peck, Obediab Holmes, James Walker, The Governour's lot, Matthew Pratt, Thomas Dunn, John Meggs, Thomas Cooper, John Sutton, Edward Oilman, Tho. Holbrooke, John Holbrooke, Mr. Browne, Edward Patteson, Ephraim Hunt. " It is ordered, the day and year above written, at a town meeting, that all men that have lots granted upon the neck of land, shall fence so much fence as the number of his acres Cometh to, by the 15th day of the 2d month, or pay 2s. for every rod that shall not be fenced." "It is ordered that no man shall fall any tree or trees within the space of eight rods of the road and of house-lot, upon the forfeit of 6«. 8d. for every tree fallen without the consent of the owner of the lot." "It is agreed that Edward Bennett shall have the ground that his house standeth upon, and so much of the breadth of the ground as he hath railed in to the edge of the hill towards the brook." "The 17tb day of the 12th mo. [February], 1644, at a town-meeting it was agreed upon, that whoever hath not convenient land to plant, for present getting of corn, shall be allowed to plant so much as they can break up this year, and shall have it six years, and then to fall to the town again, either upon Manton's neck or else upon the back side of the lots on the southeast side of the town." "The 26th of the 12th mo. [February], 1644, at a meeting of the townsmen, Richard Wright, Richard Bowen, Alexander Winchester, Walter Palmer, William Smith, Edward Smith, being present, it is or- dered that the recording of any man's land in the town-book shall be to him and his heirs a sufficient assurance forever." " The same day it is ordered that no man's lands shall be recorded until he shall bring to the town clerk a note for his lands, butted and bounded." It will be observed that the records thus far bear the date of " Seacunk" or "Seakunk." Though the proprietors purchased their land of the Plymouth Colony, yet it appears from the compact signed by them on becoming inhabitants of "Seacunk" that they considered themselves independent of any juris- diction but their own, though they were afterwards claimed by both Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay. In 1645 they submitted themselves to the jurisdiction of the Plymouth court, or rather were assigned to that by the Commissioners of the United Colonies, and were incorporated by the scripture name of Rehoboth, a name selected by Mr. Newman ; for said he, " The Lord hath made room for us." Next on the town records follow the registers of the lands of the proprietors. Here we find the following names: Mr. Alexander Winchester, Mr. Howard, Peter Hunt, William Cheesborough, Ralph Allin, John Holbrooke, John Peram, the Schoolmaster, Matthew Pratt, William Carpenter, Samuel Butter- worth, Edward Patteson, James Browne, Richard Bowen, Mr. Samuel Newman, Mr. Peck, Abraham Martin, John Sutton, Robert Morris, John Mat- thewes, John Fitch, Robert Titus, George Kendricke, Robert Sharp, Thomas Bliss, the Pastor, Stephen Paine, Edward Smith, James Clarke, William Smith, the Governour, Edward Bennett, Obadiah Holmes, Mr. John Browne, Thomas Cooper, Thomas Hol- brooke, Thomas Hett, John Allin, John Meggs, Wil- liam Sabin, Henry Smith, Zachary Roades, Edward Gilman, Sr., Thomas Clifton, Joseph Torrey, Widow Walker, Richard Ingram (now Ingraham), the Teacher, Thomas Loring, Ralph Shepherd, John Reade, John Miller, Richard Wright. Baylies, in his " Memoir of Plymouth Colony," has 466 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. inserted Robert Fuller in the above list, but the date of the registry of his land is not till 1652, though it stands on the record in the place he has assigned to it. The name of Thomas Wilmot (now written Willmarth) is also found in the same list, though I am confident that there were none of that name in town at so early a period as 1645; and another name appears to have been erased, and this written over it in a handwriting of more modern date. " The 16th of the 1st mo. [March |, 1645, at a gen- eral meeting of the towne upon public notice given, it was agreed that all the fence in the general field shall be fenced by the 23d of this present month ; and whosoever shall be negligent, and not repair or set up his fence by the day above written, shall pay six- pence for every rod deficient, and the damage that shall come to any man by the same." " The same day, the men after mentioned were made choice of to view the fences and to judge of the sufficiency of them, viz.: Richard Bowen, Robert Titus, William Smith, Capt. Wright, Alexander Winchester, Thomas Bliss, Stephen Payne, and Thomas Copper." " The same day were made choice of for townsmen those men whose names are underwritten, for one whole year, viz. : Mr. Browne. Thomas Cooper. Stephen Payne. William Carpenter. Mr. Henry Smith. Edward Smith." Robert Martin. " The 16th of the 1st mo. [March] , 1645, it was agreed upon by the towne that the towne shall be divided into two parts for the making of the foot bridges and the keeping of them, and the highways leading to them to be done by the whole town ; the division to begin at the Widow Walker's, and so on to Will. Carpenter's and so on to half; and Robert Martin and Thomas Cooper were made choice of to be surveyors to oversee to work." "The 9th of the 4th mo. [June], 1645, at a meeting of the town upon public notice given, those seven men underwritten were chosen to order the prudential affairs of the town for half a year, viz. : Mr. John Browne, sen. William Cheesborough. Stephen Payne. Mr. Alex. Winchester. Richard Wright. Edward Smith." Walter Palmer. " The same day lots were drawn for the great plain, beginning upon the west side; and he that is first upon the west side shall be last upon the east." The lots, were drawn by the following persons in the following order, viz. : 10. Robert Titus. 11. Walter Palmer. 12. James Walker. 13. Alexander Winchester. 14. Samuel Butterworth. 15. William Sabin. 1G. Thomas Hitt. 17. Edward Smith. 1. Stephen Payne. 2. Widow Walker. 3. Robert Martin. 4. Edward Gilman. 5. Ralph Shepherd. 6. Richard Wright. 7. Abraham Martin. 8. The Teacher. 9. Will. Carpenter. 19. Thomas Clifton. 20. John Cooke. 21. Mr. Browne. 22. William Cheesborough. 23. Ralph Allin. 24. James Browne. 25. The Goveruour. 26. William Smith. 27. John Sutton. 28. Job Laine. 29. Thorn. Cooper. 30. Thomas Bliss. 31. John Peram. 32. Joseph Torrey. 33. John Holbrooke. 34. James Clarke. 35. Edward Sale. 36. George Kendricke. 37. Mr. Leonard. 38. Richard Bowen. 18. Edward Bennett. 39. Edward Patteson. 40. John Reade. 41. John Matthews. 42. Matthew Pratt. 43. Robert Sharpe. 44. Ephraim & Peter Hunt. 45. Zachary Roades. 46. John Meggs. 47. John Miller. 48. Thomas Holbrooke. 49. The Schoolmaster. 50. Mr. Peck. 51. Richard Ingram. 52. Isaac Martin. 53. John Allin. 54. Mr. Henry Smith. 55. Mr. Newman. 56. The Pastor. 57. Obadiah Holmes. 58. Robert Morris. "26th of the 10th month [December], 1645, at a meeting of the townsmen, it was voted that the house- lot and the rest of the accommodations that was laid out for John Sutton, forasmuch as he hath not come to live amongst us, nor fulfilled the order agreed upon, and bearing date the 24th of the 8th month, 1643, be granted to William Devell." It was also voted the same day "that a fence shall be made between the Indian lands, at the marked tree, from sea to sea, by the last day of the 2d month next, and the fence of five rails to be laid out by Robert Martin and Edward Smith and 2 more, and they shall begin at the east side of the neck, and so to the west. Walter Palmer shall do the first fence, Abraham Martin the second, and so accordingly as the house-lots fall in order round the town j 1 and if any man shall fail, or be negligent to set up his fence by the day fixed, he shall forfeit for every rod not set up, two shillings, to be employed for the use of the town by the townsmen [one line here illegible], and those that are employed for the setting up the fence shall have an abatement in their fence so much as comes to their labor." "The 18th of the 12th mo. [February], 1646, at a meeting of the towne, it was agreed to draw lots for the new meadow, and to be divided according to per- son and estate, only those that were under £150 estate to be made up 150. They were drawn as fol- io weth : "1. Robert Sharp. 2. Nicholas Ide. 3. Isaac Martin. 4. Mr. Newman. 5. Thomas Clifton. 6. Ralph Allin. 7. Robert Fuller. 8. Edward Sale. 9. Joseph Torrey. 10. John Fitch. 11. Abraham Martin. 12. Walter Palmer. 13. William Devill. 14. Edward Gilman. 15. Richard Bowin. 16. Robert Titus. 17. Robert Martin. 18. Widow Walker. 19. George Robinson. 20. Thomas Cooper. 21. Obadiah Holmes. 22. Stephen Paine. 23. James Redwaie. 24. William Sabin. 1 The town was built in a semicircular form, around what is now Seekonk Common (the south extremity of the plain), with the meeting- house and parsonage in the centre, the semicircle opening towards Seekonk or Pawtucket River. This circle was afterwards called "the ring of the town." REHOBOTH. 467 25. Robert Wheaton. 36. George Wright. 26. Thomas Bliss. 37. Zachary Roades. 27. Widow Bennet. 38. George Kendricke. 28. Mr. Henry Smith. 39. John Matthewse. 29. Edward Smith. 40. John Dogget. 30. Ademia Morris. 41. Robert Abell. 31. John Peram. 42. William Carpenter. 32. Peter Hunt. 43. Mr. Peck. 33. John Miller. 44. John All in. .14. Richard Ingram. 45. William Cheesborough. 35. Mr. Alexander Winchester. 46. William Smith." " The 24th of the 4th mo. [June], 1650, at a town-meeting, those men underwritten were chosen townsmen for this year: " Mr. Browne. Richard Bowen. Mr. I'eck. William Smith. Stephen Payne, Robert Martin." Thomas Cooper. "At the same meeting the town gave permission to these men chosen to call a town-meeting so often as need shall require." " The 10th mo. [December], 1C50, the county rate was agreed on." At the same meeting it was voted " to have a con- venient way, four rods wide (to be made by Edward Smith), to be for the town's use, or any that shall have occasion to pass from town to Providence, or to Mr. Blackstone's." "The 15th day of the 1st mo. [March], 1651, at a towne meeting, it was agreed on that Peter Hunt should accompany Mr. Browne to Plym- outh to make agreement about the Indian complaints." " The 19th day of the 3d mo. [Miyv], 1651, chosen deputies Stephen Payne and Richard Bowen, for the Court at Plymouth ; Walter Palmer and Peter Hunt to be grand jurymen. Surveyors for the highways, William Smith and John Read." " The 18th of October, 1651, these were chosen townsmen, viz. : " Mr. Browne. Thomas Cooper. Mr. Peck. Richard Bowen. Stephen Payne. Robert Martin." Peter Hunt. "At the same time Peter Hunt was chosen Town Clerk." "At a town-meeting lawfully warned, the 12th of December, in the year 1653, voted that the price of corn should be 5s. ; wheat, 5s. ; rye, 4s. ; and Indian corn, 3s. (provided that the corn be current and merchant- able corn)." " At the same time those men were chosen to be townsmen, viz. : "Mr. Brown. Thomas Cooper. William Smith. Stephen Payne. William Carpenter. Robert Martin." Richard Bowen. "The Kith of the 11th mo. [January], 1623. Voted that the Indians that kill any wolves are to be paid out of the rate by the constable." " June the 26th, 1655. At a town-meeting it was agreed upon that Mr. Newman, our teacher, should have fifty pounds a year; and those seven men whose names are hereto appended were chosen committees for the levying of a rate according to person and estate for the raising of said maintenance: " Joseph Peck. Robert Martin. Thomas Cooper. Peter Hunt. Richard Bowen. Will. Sabin." Stephen Payne. Feb. 22, 1658. " The following persons are accepted as freemen of the town, to take up their freedom, namely: Joseph Peck, John Peck, Henry Smith, Robert Fuller, John Fitch. Stephen Paine, Jonathan Bliss, William Buckland, Rice Leonard." June 22, 1658. " At a town-meeting lawfully warned, lots were drawn fol the meadows that lie on the north side of the town, in order as fol- loweth, according to person and estate: '1. John Peck. 2. George Robinson. 3. Robert Abell. 4. Nicholas Ide. 5. James Reddeway. 6. Jonathan Bliss. 7. Mr. Winchester's children. 8. Mr. Newman. 9. George Keudrick. 10. Stephen Payne, sen. 11. John Butterworth. 12. John Read. 13. Thomas Wilmoth. 14 John Fitch. 15. Henry Smith. 16. Will. Carpenter, sen. 17. John Millard, jun. 18. Robert Wheaton. 19. Richard Bullock. 20. Robert Martin. 21. John Perrum. 22. Richard Bowen, sen. 23. Obadiah Bowen. 24. Anthony Perry. 25. Joseph Peck. 26. John Matthews. 27. John Allin. 28. John Sutton. 29. Peter Hunt. 30. Tho. Cooper, jr. 31. Will. Sabin. 32. Philip Walker. 33. Daniel Smith. 34. John Dogget. 35. Nicholas Peck. 36. Rice Leonard. 37. Robert Jones. 38. Francis Stevens. 39. Thomas Cooper, sen. 40. John Woodcock. 41. Edward Hall. 42. Stephen Payne, jun. 43. Roger Amadowne. 44. Richard Bowen, jr. 45. Robert Fuller. 46. Will. Bucklin. 47. Mr. Peck. 48. John Willard, son. 49. Will. Carpenter, jun." Quit-Claim Deed from King Philip.— On the 30th of March, 1668, Philip, who had succeeded his brother Alexander as sachem of the Wampanoags or Pokanokets, as they are sometimes called, confirmed to the town the purchase of the " eight miles square" made of Massasoit, or Ossamequin, his father, in 1641, and relinquished all claim and title to the same by giving the town a quit-claim warrantee deed. The following is a list of the names of the inhabit- ants and proprietors of the Towne of Rehoboth having Rights and Titles to the Measuages, Tenements and Lands contained in the quit-claim deed of William Bradford to the town of Rehoboth, which hath been reade and allowed in a full Towne Meeting, ffebruary the 7th, 1689: Mr. Samuel Angier, Decon Thomas Cooper, Joseph Peck, sen'r, John ffitch, John Wood- cock, sen'r, Serj. Thomas Reade, George Ken ri eke, Nichollas Ide, sen'r, George Robinson, sen'r, Robert Wheaton, Richard Martin, John Peren, Jonathan ffuller, sen'r, Enoch Hunt, John Hunt, Ephrahim Hunt, Rice Leonard, Sam'l. Butterworth, Philip Wal- ker, ffrancis Stevens, sen'r, John Ormsby, Nathaniel Chaffee, Samuel Sabin, Serj. Preserved Able, Daniell Reade, Israll Reade, James Sabin, John Sabin, Noah Sabin, The Hieres of Thomas Kenrick, Samuel Rob- inson, Mosses Reade, Mr. Christopher Sanders, Jonah Palmer, sen'r, Samuell Palmer, Noah Mason, Samuell Mason, Nicholas Ide, jun'r, Sam'l Millerd, sen'r, Sam'l Millerd, jr., Johe Hall, John Redway, Sam'l Carpenter, John Tittus, Samuell Tittus, Joseph Tit- tus, John Carpenter, Thomas Grant, John Willmath, Samuel Blise, Jonathan Blise, Joseph Buckland, Samuell Paine, Joseph Browne, William Carpenter, jr., Isack Allen, Thomas Willmath, jr., John Wood- cock, jun'r, Iserall Woodcock, Thomas Woodcock, Jonathan Woodcock, Samuel Newman, jr., John Kinsley, Timothy Ide, Jonathan ffuller, jun., Jeremiah Wheaton, John Shawe, Joseph Sabine, Richard Whiteaker, Samuel Bullock, Thomas Ormsby, Thomas Man, Robert Millerd, sen'r, Mr. Henry Sweeting, Jathniell Peck, Joshua Smith, John Smith, Richard Evens, James Thurber, Sam'l Bowen, Jonathan Will- matli, John ffrench, Joseph Borsworth, Joseph Peck, jun'r, Hezekiah Pecke, Richard Bowen, Thomas Bowen, sen'r, John Marten, Jonah Palmer, jun'r, Samuel Cooper, Nathaniell Perry, John Daggett, 463 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Thomas Cooper, Joseph Daggett, Nathaniel! Daggett, Nathaniell Whitaker, Eprahim Wheaton, Abiah Car- penter, James Carpenter, Samson Mason, Joseph Mason, Joseph Buckland, jun'r, Baruk Buckland, Sillas Titus, Nath. Paine, jun'r, William Robenson, Josiah Carpenter, fFrancis Stevens, jun'r, Richard Bowen, jun'r, Joseph Millerd, Benjamin Millerd, John Bowen, Benjamin Robinson, David Newman, David ffuller, John Jenkings, John Jonson, Daniell Shepard, sen., David ffreeman, James Wilson, James Welch, John Bullock, John Callender, John Bartlet's heires. Orphans. — Thomas Cooper and Nathaniell Cooper, sons of Nath. Cooper, The Heires of Benjamin Buck- land, Samuell ffuller, The Heires of Eldad Kinsley, Jonathan Carpenter, David Carpenter, Sollomon Car- penter, Zacheriah Carpenter, Abraham Carpenter, The Heires of Robert Joanes, Daniell Sabin, son of Nehemiah Sabin, John ffuller, Abiall ffirller, Benja- min Paine, George Robinson, Jr., Isake Mason, Thomas Bowen. CHAPTER XXXIV. 1 REHOBOTH.— {Continued.) INDIAN HISTORY/* Rehoboth in the War — Garrison-Houses— Burning of the Town — Pierce's Fight — Philip Slain at Mount Hope — Capture of Anuawan — Anna- wan's Rock — Col. Benjamin Church — His Account of Anuawan's Capture. Indian War. — In 1675 commenced the bloody and destructive Indian war known by the name of " Philip's war." Of the miseries of this war Reho- both, from its proximity to Mount Hope, the residence of Philip, or Pometacom, the prime mover of the war, was destined to suffer its full share. The first blood was spilled within the original jurisdiction of Reho- both, and the last of Philip's generals, the stern and intrepid old warrior and counselor Annawan, was captured within the present limits of the same town. During this war, which lasted nearly two years, the inhabitants of Rehoboth were kept in almost constant alarm ; a number of them were at different times slain, and the whole town, the garrison-houses ex- cepted, was at one time laid in ashes. This town was also the scene of Pierce's fight, one of the most dis- astrous battles to the English that occurred during the whole war. The " three houses" into which " the inhabitants of both towns" (Rehoboth and Swansea) were gathered, and where they rendezvoused during the war, were called garrison-houses. They were fortified and con- tinually guarded in time of danger, and were some- 1 Condensed from Bliss' History of Rehoboth. 2 See Chapter II., where will be found the Indian history of the county. AIbo, see history of Attleborough for Indian history of this section. times so strong as to enable a few men to sustain a long siege against a large body of savages. The three principal garrison-houses maintained in Rehoboth and Swansea during Philip's war, and which were probably meant by the writer last quoted, were one in Rehoboth North Purchase (now Attleborough), called " Woodcock's Garrison," another on the south end of Seekonk Plain (now Seekonk Common), and the third near Miles' Bridge, in the northern part of Swansea ; this last was called " Miles' Garrison," from the Rev. John Miles, the minister of Swansea, whose house was garrisoned. It stood a short distance west of Miles' Bridge, 3 probably near the site of the tavern of Mason Barney, Esq. 4 Woodcock's Garrison was named from John Woodcock, who built the house and occupied it before the war and after it during his life for a public tavern. The following is the record of the license granted him for this purpose by the court of Plymouth : " July 5, 1670. John Wood- cock is allowed by the Court to keep an Ordinary at the ten-mile river (so called), which is in the way from Rehoboth to the Bay ; and likewise eDj'oined to keep good order, that no unruliness nor ribaldry be permitted there." (Plymouth Colony Record.) This garrison was in ^.ttleborough, near the Bap- tist meeting-house. The principal garrison-house at Seekonk stood on the southeast side of the common. Several other houses were occupied temporarily as garrisons, but the three described were the strongest, and were always resorted to in times of the greatest danger. Church mentions a Maj. Brown's Garrison, where a part of the Plymouth forces on their arrival at Swansea were posted. Where this garrison stood it is impossible now to determine, though I have the im- pression, from the fact that Mr. Brown's father owned land very largely at Wannamoiset, which had now descended to his son, that it was in the same part of Swansea with Miles' Garrison. Mr. Baylies, in his " Memoir of Plymouth Colony," vol. ii., pt. 3, p. 33, mentions a garrison at the house of one Bourn, at Mattapoisett, twelve miles distant from Swansea. Though in this he follows Hubbard (133), yet this distance, " twelve miles," is undoubtedly an error. Hubbard in another place calls Mattapoisett " a small neck of land in the bottom of Taunton Bay, in the midway between Mount Hope and Po- casset Neck," and mentions it as being twelve miles from Rehoboth? This would make the distance be- 8 This bridge is over Palmer's River, about three miles north of War- ren, R. I. 4 In the year 1833, in digging or enlarging a cellar on this spot, a large number of cannon-balls were dug out of the ground, which leads me to suppose that this was the site of the garrison. It is not mentioned by any historian that cannon were used by the English at Swansea at the time of Philip's war. But I know of no other purpose for which these balls could have been deposited there. The place where they were found I conjecture to have been the spot of Mr. Miles' cellar. 6 Hubbard's Narrative, p. TO. REHOBOTH. 469 tween Miles' Garrison and Mattapoisett six miles, the former being six miles distant from Rehoboth, and in the direction of the latter. Mattapoisett Neck is the same as is now called Gardner's Neck, in Swansea, which runs into Mount Hope Bay, early called Taun- ton Bay. March the 28th, 1676, two days after Pierce's fight, 1 a party of the Indians, crossing the river, laid the town in ashes, burning forty houses and thirty barns. 2 These houses were around the " Ring of the Town," now called " Seekonk Common." Only two houses were left standing, the garrison house, which stood on the spot where the house of Phanuel Bishop now stands, and another house on the south end of the common, which was preserved by black sticks having been arranged around it, so as to give it at a distance the appearance of being strongly guarded. The houses were set on fire, as tradition informs us, early in the evening, and when the sun arose the next morning it beheld only a line of smoking ruins. The town records give the name of only one person slain by the Indians at this time : " Robert Beers, slain y e 28 March, 1676." He was an Irish- man, and a brick-maker by trade. It is said that he was a religious but eccentric and superstitious man, and that on the approach of the Indians he refused to go into the garrison house, but sat down in his own house with his Bible in his hand, believing that while he continued reading it nothing could harm him. He was shot through the window, and fell with his Bible in his hand. The following mention of the burning of the town by the Indians on the 28th of March is made in a letter written at that time by the council of war at Plymouth to Governor Leverett, of Massachusetts Colony. The copy, found among the Winslow papers, has no date, but from the contents it is inferred that it was written on the 31st of March, 1676 : " Another messenger with sad tidings, at the heels of the other, from Rehoboth ; that town in flames, 28 instant, soon after daylight, the enemy having fech't away sundry cattle the day before, and lay all night in their hear- ing, burnt sixty houses and barns, appeared very nu- merous, and continued lurking thereabout after it." The next notice of the Indians relative .to Reho- both found in history is that "in the road to Reho- both (in their march from Wrentham) they assaulted one Woodcock's house, killed one man and one of his sons, wounded another, and burned his son's house." The Indian war in this quarter was now fast draw- ing to a close. Philip, the prime mover of the war, was slain on Saturday morning, Aug. 12, 1676, at Mount Hope, and Annawan, the last and bravest of his generals, was taken captive on Monday evening of the 28th, in Rehoboth. The rock where he was taken is still known to all the country round by the name of " Annawan's rock." This rock lies in the 1 See Attleborough. ' Hubbard's Narrative, p. 125. southeasterly part of Rehoboth, near the confines of Dighton, a few rods south of the new turnpike from Taunton to Providence, about eight miles from the former and ten miles from the latter place. It is on the northern border of a great swamp called Squan- nakonk, by which it is rendered inaccessible except on the northern side. This side can be seen from the turnpike, and is easily ascended, sloping gradually away from its summit to its base, at an angle of about 35°. The whole rock extends northeast and south- west seventy or eighty feet, and its height is twenty- five or thirty feet. It is composed of sand and peb- bles. A part of its southeast side projects a little over its base, while on the northeast it seems at no very distant period to have tumbled down in large clefts. Near its southeast extremity is an opening of an angular form, resembling the corner of a room, with sides nearly perpendicular. In this, it is said, Annawan and his men had encamped. In one of the perpendicular sides of this opening is an excava- tion or fissure, narrow at the bottom, and widening gradually upwards, and commencing so near the ground as to make a very convenient seat. This is called " Annawan's chair," for it is said that in this Annawan used to sit. Within the large angular opening or corner, some years since, stood a large tree, covered for several feet from the ground with the names of many who had visited the rock, and whose passion for immortality had prompted them "to give in trust their names" to this reverend senti- nel of the place. But the " September gale" of 1815 prostrated this ancient chronicler of the rock, and an uprooted stump now marks the place where it stood. It is probable that this tree grew since the days of Annawan, as it occupied a large share of the angle. Small bushes still grow from the seams on the top and in the steep side of the rock, as in the days of Church. Till lately a thin scattering wood grew around it, and near to the east and south was a thick forest, which seemed to make it even then a fitting abode for savages. But these have within a year or two all yielded to " the woodman's axe," and the re- treat of Annawan now looks lonely and desolate. It is frequently visited by the curious and the gay, and the rock where the rude Indian once trod is now often pressed by the soft foot of the American fair. The nearest inhabitant to this rock is Deacon Asahel Bliss. (Bliss in 1838.) Annawan was of the tribe of the Wampanoags, and had been greatly distinguished as a warrior and counselor under Massasoit, and was " Philip's great captain" in this war. He is first mentioned in the annals of Philip's war by Church, in describing the skirmish in which Philip was slain : " One of the enemy, who seemed to be a great surly old fellow, hallooed with a loud voice, and often called out, "lootash, Iootash /" Capt. Church called to his In- dian, Peter, and asked him who that was called so. He answered that it was old Annawan, Philip's great 470 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. captain, calling to his soldiers to stand to it, and fight stoutly." The hest authority for the circumstances of the capture of Annawan is found in the account writ- ten under the direction of the old warrior, 1 to whose valor the glory of the achievement belongs. " Capt. Church," says the narrative, " had been but a little while at Plimouth (after the death of Philip) before a post from Rehoboth came to inform the Governour that old Annawan, Philip's chief captain, was with his company ranging about their woods, and was very offensive and pernicious to Rehoboth and Swanzey. Capt. Church was immediately sent for again, and treated with to engage in one expedi- tion more. He told them their encouragement was so poor he feared his soldiers would be dull about going again. But being a hearty friend to the cause, he rallied again, goes to Mr. Jabez Howland, his old lieutenant, and some of his soldiers that used to go out with him, told them how the case was circum- stanced, and that he had intelligence of old An Ha- waii's walk and haunt, and wanted hands to hunt him. They did not want much entreating, but told him they would go with him as long as there was one Indian left in the woods. He moved and ranged through the woods to Pocasset. " It being the latter end of the week, he proposed to go on to Rhode Island and rest until Monday ; but on the Lord's day morning' 2 there came a post to inform the captain that early the same morning a canoe with several Indians in it passed from Pru- dence Island 3 to Poppasquash 4 Neck. Capt. Church thought if he could possibly surprise them he might probably gain some intelligence of more game, there- fore he made all possible speed after them. The ferry- boat being out of the way he made use of canoes. But by that time they had made two freights and had got over about fifteen or sixteen of his Indians the wind sprung up with such violence that canoes could no more pass. The captain seeing it was impossible for any more of his soldiers to come to him, he told his Indians if they were willing to go with him he would go to Poppasquash and see if they could catch some of the enemy Indians. They were willing to go but were sorry they had no English soldiers. 5 So they marched through the thickets that they might 1 Col. Benjamin Church was born at Duxbury, Mass., in 1639, and died Jan. 17, 1717, in the seventy-eighth year of his age, at Little Compton, R. I. He married Miss Alice Southworth, and had five sons and a daughter. His daring and intrepidity can scarce find an equal in our annals. He was particularly distinguished in Philip's war, and was after- wards sent on an expedition against the Eastern Indians. (Church's Hist, of Philip's war.) William Church, Esq., of Providence, R. I., and Church Gray, Esq., of Seekonk, are lineal descendants of this hero, the former by the father's and the latter by the mother's side. 2 August 27th. a An island in Narragansett Bay, to the southwest of Warren and Bris- tol, about six miles in length. 4 A long narrow neck or peninsula, extending into the Narragansett Bay, on the west of Bristol, and between Bristol and Warren. 5 They had one or more Englishmen in their company, as will be presently seen. not be discovered, until they came unto the salt meadow to the northward of Bristol town, that now is, then they heard a gun ; the captain looked about, not knowing but it might be some of his own com- pany in the rear. So halting till they all came up, he found it was none of his company that fired. " Now, though he had but a few men, he was minded to send some of them out on a scout. He moved it to Capt. Lightfoot to go with three more on a scout; he said he was willing, provided the cap- tain's man, Nathaniel (which was an Indian they had lately taken), might be one of them, because he was well acquainted with the Neck, and coming lately from among them knew how to call them. " The captain bid him choose his three companions and go, and if they came across any of the enemy not to kill if they could possibly be taken alive, that they might gain intelligence concerning Annawan. The captain with the rest of his company moved but a little way further toward Poppasquash before they heard another gun, which seemed to be the same way with the other, but farther off; but they made no halt until they came unto the narrow of Poppa- squash Neck, where Capt. Church left three men more to watch if any should come out of the Neck and to inform the scout when they returned which way he was gone. "He posted the remainder of his company, half on one side of the Neck, and the other with himself went on the other side, until they met, and, meeting with neither Indians nor canoes, returned with big expec- tations of tidings by their scout. But when they came back to the three men at the narrow of the Neck, they told their captain the scout was not returned and had heard nor seen anything of them ; this filled them with thoughts of what should become of them. By that time they had sat and waited an hour longer ; it was very dark and they despaired of their return- ing to them. " Some of the Indians told their captain they feared his new man, Nathaniel, had met with his old Mount Hope friends and was turned rogue. They concluded to make no fires that night (and indeed they had no great need of any), for they had no victuals to cook, not so much as a morsel of bread with them. " They took up their lodgings scattering, that if pos- sibly their scout should come in the night and whistle (which was their sign) some or other of them might hear them. They had a very solitary, hungry night, and as soon as the day broke 6 they drew off through the brush to a hill without the Neck, and looking about them they espied one Indian man come run- ning somewhat towards them. The captain ordered one man to step out and show himself. Upon this the Indian ran right to him. And who should it be but Capt. Lightfoot, to their great joy. Capt. Church asked him what news ? He answered, ' Good news' ; 6 Monday, August 28th. REHOBOTH. 471 they were all well, and had catched ten Indians ; and that they guarded them all night in one of the flankers of the old English garrison j 1 that their prisoners were a part of Annawan's company, and that they had left their families in a swamp above Metapoiset Neck,' 2 and as they were marching towards the old garrison Lightfoot gave Capt. Church a particular account of their exploit, viz. : that presently after they left him they heard another gun, which seemed towards the Indian burying-place, and moving that way they dis- covered two of the enemy flaying of a horse. The scout clapping into the brush, Nathaniel bid them sit down, and he would presently call all the Indians thereabout him. They hid, and he went a little dis- tance back from them and set up his note and howled like a wolf. One of the two immediately left his horse and came running to see who was there ; but Nathan- iel, howling lower and lower, drew him in between those that lay in wait for him, who seized him. Nathaniel continuing the same note, the other left the horse also, following his mate, and met with the same. When they caught these two they examined them apart and found them to agree in their story, — that there were eight more of them come down into the Neck to get provisions, and had agreed to meet at the burying-place that evening. These two being some of Nathaniel's old acquaintance, he had great influence upon them, and with his enticing story (telling what a brave captain he had, how bravely he lived since he had been with him, and how much they might better their condition by turning to him, etc.), persuaded and engaged them to be on his side, which, indeed, now began to be the better side of the hedge. They waited but a little while before they espied the rest of theirs coming up to the burying- place; and Nathaniel soon howled them in, as he had done their mates before. " When Capt. Church came to the garrison he met his lieutenant 3 and the rest of his company. And then making up good fires they fell to roasting their horse beef, enough to last them a whole day, but had not a morsel of bread, but though salt they had (which they always carried in their pockets, which at this time was very acceptable to them). " Their next motion was towards the place where the prisoners told them they had left their women and children, and surprised them all and some others that were newly come to them. And upon examination they held to one story, that it was hard to tell where to find Annawan, for he never roosted twice in a place. "Now a certain Indian soldier that Capt. Church had gained over to be on his side prayed that he 1 This fort was built in June, 1675, by the Boston and Plymouth troops, who were sent to the defense of Swansea on the first breaking out of the war. - Tn Swansea. 3 Mr. Jabez Howland. From this it appears that Church had at least one Englishman with him in this expedition, and we shall presently see that he had another. might have liberty to go and fetch his father, who, he said, was about four miles from that place in a swamp, with no other than a young squaw. Capt. Church inclined to go with him, thinking it might be in his way to gain some intelligence of Annawan, and so taking one Englishman and a few Indians with him, leaving the rest there, he went with his new soldier to look after his father. " When he came to the swamp he bid the Indian go to see if he could find his father. He was no sooner gone but Church discovered a track coming down out of the woods, upon which he and his little company lay close, some on one side of the track and some on the other. They heai'd the Indian soldier making a howling for his father, and at length somebody an- swered him ; but while they were listening they thought they heard somebody coming towards them ; presently they saw an old man coming up with a gun on his shoulder and a young woman following in the track in which they lay by. They let them come up between them, and then started up and laid hold of them both. Capt. Church immediately examined them apart, telling them what they must trust to if they told false stories. He asked the young woman what company they came from last? She said, 'From Capt. Annawan's.' He asked her how many there were in company with him when she left him ? She said, ' Fifty or sixty.' He asked her how many miles it was to the place where she left him ? She said she did not understand miles, but that he was up in Squaunaconk Swamp. 4 " The old man, who had been one of Philip's Coun- cil, upon examination, gave exactly the same account. Capt. Church asked him if they could get there that night? He said if they went presently and traveled stoutly they might get there by sunset. He asked whither he was going? He answered that Annawan had sent him down to look for some Indians that were gone down into Mount Hope Neck to kill provisions. Capt. Church let him know that these Indians were all his prisoners. " By this time came the Indian soldier and brought his father and one Indian more. The captain was now in a great strait of mind what to do next; he had a mind to give Annawan a visit now he knew where to find him. But his company was very small, but half a dozen men beside himself, and was under a necessity to send somebody back to acquaint his lieu- tenant and company with his proceedings. However, he asked his small company that were with him whether they would willingly go with him and give Annawan a visit? They told him they were always ready to obey his commands, etc., but, withal, told him that they knew this Capt. Annawan was a great soldier, that he had been a valiant captain under Asuhmequin, 5 Philip's father, and that he had been * This is a large swamp in the southeasterly part of Rehoboth. 5 His name has been variously written as Asuhmequin, Ossamequin or Osamequin, Oosamequen, Osamekin, Owsaniequin, Ousamequine, Us- 472 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Philip's chieftan all this war. A very subtile man, of great resolution, and had often said that he would never be taken alive by the English. And, more- over, they knew that the men that were with him were resolute fellows, some of Philip's chief soldiers, and therefore feared whether it was practicable to make an attempt upon him with so small a handful of assailants as were now with him. Told him fur- ther that it would be a pity that, after all the great things he had done, he should throw away his life at last. Upon which he replied that he doubted not Annawan was a subtile and valiant man ; that he had a long time, but in vain, sought for him, and never till now could find his quarters, and he was very loth to miss of the opportunity; and doubted not but that if they would cheerfully go with him the same Al- mighty Providence that had hitherto protected and befriended them would do so still, etc. " Upon this with one consent they said they would go. Capt. Church then turned to one Cook, of Plym- outh (the only Englishman then with him), and asked him what he thought of it. He replied, 'Sir, I am never afraid of going anywhere when you are with me.' Then Capt. Church asked the old Indian if he could carry his horse with him. (For he con- veyed a horse thus far with him.) He replied that it was impossible for a horse to pass the swamps. There- fore he sent away his new Indian soldier with his father and the captain's horse to his lieutenant, and orders for him to move to Taunton with the prisoners, to secure them there, and to come out in the Reho- both road, in which he might expect to meet him if he were alive and had success. "The captain then asked the old fellow if he would pilot him unto Annawan. He answered that he having given him his life, he was obliged to serve him. He bid him move on, and they fol- lowed. The old man would out-travel them so far sometimes that they were almost out of sight. Look- ing over his shoulder and seeing them behind he would halt. " Just as the sun was setting the old man made a full stop and sat down.' The company coming up also sat down, being all weary. Capt. Church asked, ' What news ?' He answered, that about that time in the evening Capt. Annawan sent out his scouts to see if the coast were clear, and as soon as it began to grow dark the scouts returned, ' and then,' said he, ' we may move securely.' When it began to grow dark the old man stood up again, and Capt. Church asked him if he would take a gun and fight for him. He bowed very low, and prayed him not to impose such a thing upon him as to fight against Capt. An- nawan, his old friend. ' But,' says he, 'I will go along with you and be helpful to you, and will lay hands on any man that shall offer to hurt you.' " eamequen, Wassamegin, etc. But the name by which he is most com- monly known in history is Massassoit or Massasoit. For an account of the life of this " good old chief," see Drake's " Book of the Indians." It being now pretty dark, they moved close together. Anon they heard a noise. The captain stayed the old man with his hand and asked his own men what noise they thought it might be? They concluded it to be the pounding of a mortar. The old man had given Capt. Church a description of the place where Anna- wan now lay, and of the difficulty of getting at him. Being sensible that they were pretty near them, with two of his Indians he creeps to the edge of the rocks, from whence he could see their camps. He saw three companies of Indians at a little distance from each other, being easy to be discovered by the light of their fires. He saw also the great Annawan and his com- pany, who had formed his camp or kenneling-place by felling a tree under the side of the great cliffs of rocks and setting a row of birch-bushes up against it, where he himself, his son, and some of his chiefs had taken up lodgings, and made great fires without them, and had their pots and kettles boiling and spits roast- ing. Their arms also he discovered, all set together in a place fitted for the purpose, standing up on end against a stick lodged in two crotches, and a mat placed over them to keep them from the wet or dew. The old Annawan's feet and his son's head were so near the arms as almost to touch them. " The rocks were so steep that it was impossible to get down, only as they lowered themselves by the boughs and the bushes that grew in the cracks of the rocks. Capt. Church, creeping back again to the old man, asked him if there were no possibility of getting at them some other way. He answered, ' No.' That he and all that belonged to Annawan were ordered to come that way, and none could come any other way without difficulty or danger of being shot. " Capt. Church then ordered the old man and his daughter to go down foremost with their baskets at their backs, that when Annawan saw them with their baskets he should not mistrust the intrigue. Capt. Church and his handful of soldiers crept down also under the shadow of those two and their baskets. The captain himself crept close behind the old man, with his hatchet in his hand, and stepped over the young man's head to the arms. The young Anna- wan discovering of him, whipped his blanket over his head and shrunk up in a heap. The old Capt. Annawan started up and cried out ' Howoh !' l And despairing of escape, threw himself back again and lay silent until Capt. Church had secured all the arms, etc. And having secured that company, he sent his Indian soldiers to the other fires and com- panies, giving them instructions what to do and say. Accordingly they went into the midst of them. When they discovered themselves who they were, they told them that their Capt. Annawan was taken, and it would be best for them quietly and peaceably to sur- 1 This word signified welcome. Among the tribes of the West the same word is now used to signify approbation. Thus when a speech is made which pleases them, at the end of each paragraph they exclaim, " Hoah ! Hoah !" — Weld's Travels in America. REHOBOTH. 473 render themselves, which would procure good quar- ters for them. Otherwise, if they should pretend to resist or make their escape, it would be in vain, and they could expect no other but that Capt. Church, with his great army, who had now entrapped them, would cut them to pieces. Told them also if they would submit themselves and deliver up all their arms unto them and keep every man in his place until it was day, they would assure them that their Capt. Church, who had been so kind to themselves when they surrendered to him, should be as kind to them. Now they being old acquaintance, and many of them relatione, did much the readier give heed to what they said, complied and surrendered up their arms unto them, both their guns and hatchets, etc., and were forthwith carried to Capt. Church. '' Things being so far settled, Capt. Church asked Annawan 'what he had for supper? For,' said he, ' I am come to sup with you.' ' Tanbut', ] said Anna- wan, with a big voice, and looking about upon his women bid them hasten and get Capt. Church and his company some supper. He then turned to Capt. Church and asked him whether he would eat cow beef or horse beef. The captain told him cow beef would be the most acceptable. It was soon got ready, and pulling his little bag of salt out of his pocket, which was all the provision he had brought with him, this seasoned his cow beef. So that with it and the dried corn, which the old squaw was pounding in the mortar while they Avere sliding down the rocks, he made a very hearty supper. And this pounding in the mortar proved lucky for Capt. Church's getting down the rocks, for when the old squaw pounded they moved, and when she ceased to turn the corn they ceased creeping. The noise of the mortar prevented the enemy's hearing their creeping, and the corn be- ing now dressed, supplied the want of bread and gave a fine relish with the cow beef. " Supper being over, Capt. Church sent two of his men to inform the other companies that he had killed Philip and taken their friends in Mount Hope Neck, but had spared their lives, and that he had subdued now all the enemy (he supposed) except this company of Annawan, and now if they would be orderly and keep their places until morning they should have good quarter, and that he would carry them to Taunton, where they might see their friends again, etc. " The messengers returned that the Indians yielded to his proposals. " Capt. Church thought it was now time for him to take a nap, having had no sleep in two days and one night before. So he told his men that if they would let him sleep two hours they should sleep all the rest of the night. He laid himself down and endeavored to sleep, but all disposition to sleep departed from him. " After he had lain a little while he looked up to 1 This word Hubbard has iuterpreted to mean " thank you." see how his watch managed, but found them all fast asleep. Now Capt. Church had told Capt. Annawan's company, as he had ordered his Indians to tell the others, that their lives should all be spared excepting Capt. Annawan's, and it was not in his power to promise him his life, but he must carry him to his masters at Plymouth and he would entreat them for his life. " Now when Capt. Church found not only his own men, but all the Indians fast asleep, Annawan only excepted, who, he perceived, was broad awake as himself, and so they lay looking one upon the other perhaps an hour. " At length Annawan raised himself up, cast off his blanket, and with no more clothes than his small breeches walked a little way back from the company." . . . " By and by he was gone out of sight and hearing, and then Capt. Church began to suspect some ill design in him, and got all the guns close to him and crowded himself close under young Anna- wan, that if he should anywhere get a gun he should not make a shot at him without endangering his son. Lying very still awhile, waiting for the event, at length he heard somebody coming the same way that Annawan went. The moon now shining bright, he saw him at a distance coming with something in his hands ; and coming up to Capt. Church he fell upon his knees before him and offered him what he had brought, and, speaking in plain English, said, 'Great Captain, you have killed Philip and conquered his country, for I believe that I and my company are the last that war against the English, so suppose the war is ended by your means, and therefore these things belong to you.' Then opening his pack, he pulled out Philip's belt, curiously wrought with wampum, being nine inches broad, wrought with black and white wampum, in various figures and flowers and pictures of many birds and beasts. This, when hanged upon Capt. Church's shoulders, reached his ankles; and another belt of wampum he presented him with, wrought after the former manner, which Philip was wont to put upon his head. It had two flags on the back part, which hung down on his back, and another small belt with a star upon the end of it which he used to hang on his breast, and they were all edged with red hair, which Annawan said he got in the Mohog's (Mohawk's) country. Then he pulled out two horns of glazed powder and a red cloth blanket. He told Capt. Church these were Philip's royalties, which he was wont to adorn himself with when he sat in state ; that he thought himself happy that he had an opportunity to present them to Capt. Church, who had won them, etc. They spent the re- mainder of the night in discourse, and Capt. Anna- wan gave an account of what mighty success he had formerly in wars against many nations of Indians when he served Asumhequin, Philip's father, etc. " In the morning, as soon as it was light, the cap- tain marched with his prisoners out of that swampy 474 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. country towards Taunton. He met his lieutenant and company about four miles out of town, who ex- pressed a great deal of joy to see him again, and said it was more than ever they expected. They went into Taunton, were civilly and kindly treated by the inhabitants. Here they refreshed and rested them- selves that night. " Early next morning the captain took old Anna- wan and half a dozen of his Indian soldiers and his own man and went to Rhode Island, sending the rest of his company and his prisoners by his lieutenant to Plymouth. Tarrying two or three days upon the island, he then went to Plymouth, and carried his wife and his two children with him." Thus was the most daring enterprise successfully achieved by the prowess of a single man. Annawan, being unable to deny but that he had tortured Eng- lish captives, found no mercy with the English, and in spite of the intercessions of Church, he was be- headed. This was done while Church was absent from Plymouth. Tispaquin, or Tuspaquin, a noble chief of the Narragansett tribe, whose capture by Church immediately succeeded that of Annawan, was beheaded with him. The grief and chagrin of Church were great on finding all his prayers and en- treaties for the life of Annawan utterly disregarded, and the faith of the government pledged by him to Tispaquin that his life should be spared thus shame- fully and barbarously trampled upon. " When Capt. Church," says his historian, "returned from Boston he found to his great grief the heads of Annawan, Tispaquin, etc., cut off, which were the last of Philip's friends." Thus fell "the last of Philip's friends," and the last noble chieftains of two once powerful and war- like tribes. After the death of Annawan but little worthy of note occurred in this quarter relating to the Indians. Nearly all the hostile Indians had been either cap- tured or killed, or had submitted themselves to the English, and expeditions against them were consid- ered rather as hunting excursions than dangerous enterprises. A few Indians lurking around Rehoboth and Seekonk were all that were heard of in Plymouth colony. Soldiers in King Philip's War. — The following from Rehoboth served in Philip's war: John Fitch, Jonathan Wilmarth, Jasiel Perry, Thomas Kendrick, Jonathan Sabin, John Carpenter, John Redeway, John Martin, John Hall, John Miller, Jun., John Ide, Joseph Doggett, Sampson Mason, Jim., Preserved Abell, Samuel Perry, Stephen Paine, Jun., Samuel Mil- ler, Silas T. Alin, Samuel Palmer, James Redeway, Enoch Hunt, Samuel Walker, Nicholas Ide, Noah Mason, Samuel Sabin, Thomas Read, Israel Read. George Robinson, Nathaniel Wilmarth. The following advanced money to sustain the war: George Kendrick, Jonathan Fuller, Jo. Miller, sen., Joseph Buck- land, Wid. Abraham Perem, Rice Leonard, James Gilson, An. Perry, George Robinson, John Perem, William Carpenter, John Titus, sen., Samuel Carpenter, Widow Sabin, John Ormsby, Josiah Palmer, John Butterworth, jun., Thomas Read, Stephen Paine, jun., Joseph Sabin, Gilbert Brooks, David Smith, James Redeway, sen., Preserved Abell, William Buckland, Benjamin Buckland (with the loss of a gun), Sam- uel Peck, John Fitch (with the loss of a gun), Thomas Willmarth, sen., Francis Stephens, Joseph Peck, David Beers, John Savage, Richard Martin, Thomas Grant, Deacon Nathaniel Cooper, Robert Miller, Wid. Mason, Wid. Rachael Read (with a gun lost), John Kingsley, MoBes Reade, John Reade, sen., William Sabin, Nathaniel Paine, Samuel Reade, Thomas Willmarth, jun., John Willmarth, Joseph Chaffee, Sam- nel Bullock, John Carpenter, John Titus, jun., Nathaniel Chaffee, Rob- ert Fuller, Richard Bowen, Rebecca Hunt, John Hall, Samuel Sabin, Eldad Kingsley, Wid. Carpenter, Daniel Allen, Samuel Homes, Noah Mason, John Jonson, Jeremiah Wheaton, Obadiah Bowen, Nathaniel Foulsom, Eben. Amidown, John Crossman, Benjamin Sabin, James Redeway, jun., William Blanding, Daniel Smith, John Peck, Deacon Walker. John Allen, jun., John Dogget, Samuel Newman. CHAPTER XXXV. REHOBOTH.— ( Continued.) WAR OF THE REVOLUTION.! The first vote in the old town records concerning the war of the Revolution is under date of July 25, 1774, as follows : " July 25, 1774. Voted by a great majority, that the sum of £5 3s. 8, Csesar Cole. " Newton, Francis Bullock. " Newton, John Martin. " Ormsbee, Joseph " " Peck, Sylvester Hix. 8 months. Perry, Samuel Cole. 3 years. Pierce, Jesse Bullock. " Peck, Gains Carpenter. During war. Perry, Jesse " " Pearce, Philip Martin. " Perry, Samuel Hill. 8 months. Round, John Hix. 3 years. Round, Isaac Cole. " Round, Win Bullock. " Round, Oin Martin. " Renough. Charles Hill. " Ryle, Nicholas " " Reves, Pompev " " Smith, ...'. Peck. " Saunders, Jesse " " Smith, Sam Hix. " Sage, James Cole. " Turner, Constant Hix. " Turner, Amos " " Turner, Nat " " Thresher, Noah Bullock. " Thresher, Joseph " " Thompson, Edward " " Thresher, Charles " " Turner, Allen " " True, Solomon Hix. " Whittaker, Nat Franklin. " Wheeler, Sam Hix. " Wheeler, Jesse " " Willmarth, Valentine " " Willmarth, Benj " 8 months. Waldren, James, jr Bullock. 3 years. Whittaker, Jo Carpenter. " Wheeler, James Martin. " Wlielen, Luther Bullock. 15 months. White, Jabez Hix. 3 years. Walker, Nathan " " Wilford, Nicholas " " Weeks, Moses " During war. Wil-on. Jno " 3 years. W r hittaker, Rufus " " Votes, etc — In 1784 the town voted, "in addition to the money already granted for schooling, £20 for a grammer school." "Decemher 25,1786. The town voted that they wished to have an alteration in the present system of government in the commonwealth of Massachusetts, by a majority of 110 of what then voted." "January 22,1787. Voted that the selectmen be instructed to re- move the powder and other town stock, that is now at Col. Thomas Car- penter's, as soon as conveniently may be." Col. Carpenter was a stanch friend of the government. "The names of the following persons are registered in the town records as having taken the oath of allegiance to the commonwealth, and delivered up their arms during March of 1787. These men be- longed to the party of Shays, and had probably taken arms against the government : "Joseph Porter, Simeon Round, Nathan Hix (2d), Cyril Smith, Heze- kiah Smith, Oliver Smith, Benjamin Bowen, Jacob Cole, Ezra Thayer, Jacob Bliss, Israel Hicks, Abiel Horton, Joseph Bowen, James Cole, Timothy Fuller, Jacob Bliss, Jr., Square Goff, Jr., Benjamin Monroe, Jabez Round (3d), Charles Round, James Martin, Isaac Burr, Laben Briggs, Amos Cole, William Fairbrother, Laben Lake, Nathaniel Thur- ber, Daniel Short, James Bullock, Nathan Newman, Samuel Carpenter, Jarvis Peck, Luke Bowen, Asa Bowen, John Hopkins." November' 26, 1787. The town chose Capt. Phauuel Bishop, Maj. Frederick Drown, and William Windsor, Esq., delegates to the State Convention, to meet at Boston the second Wednesday of January, 1788, "to consult on the Federal Constitution recommended by the late Fed- eral Convention, which set at Philadelphia the summer past." This year " voted to raise £120 for schooling, £20 to be applied to the support of a grammai school." " March 17, 1788. Voted to provide a work-house for the accommoda- tion of the poor of this town." April 2, 1792. The town raised for the support of schools, " including the Latin school," £150. Also " voted that the selectmen be empowered to procure such grammar schools as shall answer the law, in the dif- ferent parts of the town, for learning the Latin and Greek languages." April 1, 1793. The town voted to raise for the support of schools, £150. " October 6, 1794. Voted that the treasurer of this town be directed to pay to each non-commissioned officer and soldier raised for this town's quota of eighty thousand men, ordered by Congress to be raised, forty shillings each, when they are ordered to march out of this town on a campaign, and forty shillings each to every man aforesaid for every month they shall continue in the camp after one month from the time they shall march, the money to be paid in one month after their return from service." This army of "eighty thousand men" were raised to repel the threat- ened invasion of France, and Washington was placed at their head. " February 24, 1794. Voted to remonstrate with the Legislature of Rhode Island against a bridge being built over Kelloy's Ferry, near Warren." May 6, 1795. A motion for petitioning the General Court to incor- porate the west precinct of Rehoboth into a separate town was carried by a vote in the negative. Voted to raise £175 for the support of schools, of which £25 was to be appropriated to a grammar school. In 1796 the town voted for the support of grammar and common schools, $666.66. The sum of $666 was thence raised yearly for the sup- port of schools till 1804. In 1804, 1805, and 1806, $666.77 was raised for the same purpose, and in 1807, 1808, 1809, 1810, $700 was raised, and in 1811, CHAPTER XXXVI. REHOBOTH.— (Continued.) ECCLESIASTICAL HIST0RY.1 First Congregational Church— Oak Swamp Church — The Hornebine Church— The Irons Church — Methodist Episcopal Church — The Union Baptist Church. The following sketches are necessarily imperfect. The writer was given only a few weeks for their preparation, and the work has been done under the constant pressure of professional duties. The diffi- culty has also been increased by the loss in every in- stance of the early records of the older churches. It is probable that some of these have been carried out of town, and it is hoped that they may yet come to light. First Congregational Church. — In the year 1643, Rev. Samuel Newman came to the place which is now East Providence, E. I., with a colony from Weymouth, Mass, He gave to this region the name Rehoboth (enlargement), and here the church was established l By Rev. G. H. Tilton. 478 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. (now the First Congregational Church in East Provi- dence). In the. year 1721 the inhabitants in the neighbor- hood of Palmer's River built a meeting-house about half a mile north of the Orleans Factory. The spot is now marked by the remains of the " old burying- ground." The lot included three acres of land given by Jethniel Peck, Capt. Samuel Peck, and Jonathan Bliss. The parent church had been granted by the General Court two hundred and fifty pounds for building a new meeting-house. Of this they relin- quished fifty pounds to aid the church at Palmer's River ; they also gave the facing of the galleries and the pulpit of their old meeting-house. The church was organized Nov. 29, 1721, consist- ing of ten members, — David Turner (pastor), Elisha May, Thomas Ormsby (deacons), Jethniel Peck, Samuel Peck, Benjamin Willson, Solomon Millard, Samuel Fuller, William Blanding, and Joseph Will- son. Rev. David Turner, the first pastor, was a native of Scituate. He received one hundred pounds for a settlement. His annual salary averaged about eighty- five pounds. During his pastorate of thirty-six years one hundred and seventy persons were added to the church. Mr. Turner graduated at Harvard College in 1718. He afterwards studied medicine, and prac- ticed to some extent during his ministry. He was talented and witty, but eccentric. He had children and grandchildren, but they brought no honor to the name, and it is now extinct. He died Aug. 9, 1757, in his sixty-third year, and was buried in his church- yard, now grown over with trees and bushes. His tombstone bears the following inscription : " In Memory of the Reverend Mr. David Turner, Pastor of the Second Church in Itehoboth, who departed this Life on y e 9th Day of August, a.d. 1757, in y e 63d year of his Age. " Watch and Pray because You know not the hour." Mr. Turner resided about one mile north of his church, in a house which stood on the spot now oc- cupied by the house of Mr. Nathan Wheeler. Until the year 1759 the whole town managed the business and bore the expenses of both churches. On January 2d of that year this church and congre- gation was incorporated by an act of the General Court into a separate society by the name of the Second Precinct in Rehoboth. Feb. 26, 1759, the precinct united with the church in calling the Rev. Robert Rogerson to be their pas- tor, and voted to give him seventy pounds settle- ment, and sixty pounds for his annual salary. He agreed to take one-third part of his salary " in the produce of the country, provided they bring me such articles as I have occasion for." March 18, 1773, the precinct " voted that the old meeting-house should be sold or pulled down, pro- vided that a new one can be built upon the plane near Timothy Readways." The site chosen is now known as the village cemetery. The new house, fifty feet by forty, was built the following summer, and the pews were sold at public auction Oct. 25, 1773. They were forty in number, and brought in the aggregate £462 10s. In 1776 a valuable legacy was bequeathed to the precinct for the support of the pastor by Lieut. Ephraim Hunt. In 1792 a number of the inhabitants of the pre- cinct were incorporated under the name of the Cath- olic Congregational Church and Society. Mr. Rogerson continued to be pastor of this church until his death, March 20, 1799. His remains lie buried in the older part of the village cemetery. On his tombstone of blue slate is this inscription : " In Memory of The Rev* Robert Rogerson, who descended from a respectable Family in Great Britain. Renouncing the Honors & Emoluments of this world, he devoted himself to the Christian Ministry, from a conviction of its truth & importance. In a pious, exemplary, & faithful discharge of that office he continued near 40 years, And in the hope of a blessed immortality He departed this life in the 78th year of his Age, March 20th, 1799." At the age of nineteen, Mr. Rogerson came to America, as an assistant to the collector of the reve- nue in Virginia. In this capacity he served one year, after which he taught school several years in the eastern part of that State, prosecuting in the mean time the study of divinity. Coming to New Eng- land, he received in 1765 the degree of Master of Arts at Harvard University. He commenced his ministry in Brookline, where he preached one year. He then came to Rehoboth, and preached one year in the First Congregational Church, in what is now East Providence, R. I. The next year he began his ministry in this church, and was ordained July 2. 1759. While at East Providence he married a daugh- ter of Col. Thomas Bowen, of that place, then Mrs. Betsey Sweet, a young widow with one child. They had three sons and three daughters. The sons were Robert, Thomas, and John. Robert was a physician, Thomas a wealthy planter in Virginia, and Capt. John Rogerson resided on his father's estate, for- merly the home of Rev. David Turner, till his death in 1835. Mr. Rogerson was a man of learning and piety, and under his long ministry the church and society were united and prosperous. Mr. Rogerson was succeeded by Rev. Otis Thomp- son, who was ordained pastor of this church Sept. 24, 1800, and continued in the pastoral office twenty-five REHOBOTH. 479 years. He was born in Middleborough, Mass., Sept. 14, 1776, and graduated at Brown University in 1798, where he remained two years as tutor. During this period he doubtless applied himself to the study of theology. His call to this church and society was unanimous, and he entered upon his work under the most favorable conditions. He had "a hundred pounds settlement" and a salary of three hundred and fifty dollars, which in 1816 was increased to five hundred dollars. The entire community were at once awakened in religious matters, and forty persons joined the church the first year of his ministry. For more than twenty years the church and society were eminently prospered. Mr. Thompson's century sermon, preached in 1821, states that the number of members at that time was fifty-six, of whom eighteen were males and thirty-eight females. The whole number that had been enrolled in the list of its mem- bers during the century was three hundred and three. Of those who joined the church under his pastorate only two are living, — Mrs. Abby Carpenter in 1820, and Mrs. Sally Horton in 1822. In 1825 a serious difficulty arose which greatly dis- turbed the harmony of the church and society. It grew out of a breach of promise suit brought by Mr. Thompson on his daughter's behalf against a gentle- man belonging to one of the. foremost families of the church. The people immediately took sides, some for and others against the pastor, and all attempts to reconcile the parties were vain. Two or three eccle- siastical councils were called by the church which advised the dissolution of the pastoral relation, but as Mr. Thompson was settled for life, he paid no at- tention to their advice. The meeting-house was closed against him, but he continued to hold a service every Sabbath, preaching for one year at Wheaton's Hall and afterwards either at his home or in the old red school-house near by. He sued the society for his salary, which they were obliged to pay. Finally he agreed with the society to relinquish all further claims upon it for the sum of one thousand dollars. He afterwards, however, endeavored to revive the old precinct, and to get possession of other funds belong- ing to the society, but without success. After he stopped preaching at the meeting-house, Mr. Thompson taught a select school for several terms. Quite a number of theological students also studied with him during his Rehoboth pastorate. He was an excellent scholar; besides editing the Hopkinsian "Magazine" for several years, he published "A Re- view of Mr. Andras' Essay on Divine Agency," and had printed several funeral and ordination sermons. Mr. Thompson's first wife was Miss Rachel Chand- ler, of Plympton, Mass., who died Sept. 16, 1827, aged forty-seven, and by whom he had four sons and five daughters. Of these, three sons and two daughters are now living. His second wife was Miss Charlotte Fales, of Bris- tol, R. I., to whom he was married Sept. 30, 1828. She died Dec. 12, 1848. Mr. Thompson continued to reside in Rehoboth until 1840, when he received a call to preach at Litchfield, N. Y., which he accepted, and labored with the church in that place till 1850. In May of that year he was married to Miss Polly Shaw, of North Abington, Mass., where he resided until his death, which occurred June 26, 1859, at the age of eighty-two. His widow died Feb. 3, 1874. The successor of Mr. Thompson was the Rev. Thomas Vernon, son of Samuel Vernon, of Newport, R. I. He was ordained over this church Sept. 13, 1826. His annual salary was five hundred dollars. At this time a large portion of the salary was paid from the pro- ceeds of the "Ministerial farm," from which some three or four hundred dollars worth of wood and tim- ber were sold annually. Mr. Vernon was born in Newport, R. I., Dec. 20, 1797. He graduated at Brown University in 1816, and studied theology at Andover Seminary. In 1831 he married Miss Adelaide A. Winthrop, of Bristol, R. I. They had six children, of whom three — one son and two daughters — are living. The son, Mr. John W. Vernon, is an officer in the Merchants' National Bank, Providence, R. I. Mr. Vernon was dismissed from his pastorate April 12, 1837, having labored successfully for eleven years. He found the church torn with dissensions ; he left it enlarged and united. He was a man of excellent spirit, sound in doctrine and judicious in management. He greatly endeared himself to all the people. During his minis- try the Sunday-school was inaugurated, and many of the young united with the church. Mr. Vernon re- sided in the village in Mrs. Otis Goff's chambers. After leaving Rehoboth he preached a while at Kings- ton, R. I. He was soon compelled to give up the ministry on account of a severe bronchial affection. He then engaged in the practice of medicine at Perth Amboy, N. J., and other places. The last few years of his life were spent in retire- ment at Providence, R. I., where he died May 9, 1876, of acute bronchitis, in his seventy-ninth year, and lies buried in the old family ground at Newport, R. I. His widow is still living in Providence, in her seventy- fifth year. The successor of Mr. Vernon and the fifth pastor of this church was the Rev. John Chester Paine, who was ordained over the church June 6, 1838. The ordination sermon was preached by his brother, Rev. William P. Paine, D.D., of Holden. On the first day of September following the society passed a vote to build a new meeting-house. A mi- nority, however, were strongly opposed to this move- ment. The building committee consisted of Abiah Bliss, Jr., William K. Bullock, John R. Rogerson, and Cyrus M. Wheaton. It was decided to locate the new house in the village on the lot where Jonathan Wheaton's barn stood. Mr. Wheaton gave the small plot which belonged to him, and the Goff brothers, Darius and Nelson, gave the remainder. The church edifice was erected and dedicated the following year, 480 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 1839. It is sixty feet long by forty wide, and cost three thousand- eight hundred dollars. Its seating capacity is about three hundred and twenty. After the dedication of the new house, the disaf- fected members of the church and the society joined with other families in town, who were Baptists in belief, in holding a series of religious meetings at Lewis' tavern. This resulted in the formation of the Union Baptist Church. The " old yellow meeting-house," which had stood on the village cemetery lot for sixty-six years, was finally sold to Mr. Otis Goff, who moved the materials home, and reconstructed them into a barn, which is now standing. Mr. Paine was an excellent preacher, and a very useful man in the community. He was born at Ash- field, Mass., Jan. 28, 1806. He was the seventh gen- eration in direct line from Stephen Paine, one of the early settlers of Rehoboth. He was educated at Amherst and Princeton Colleges, and received the degree of A.M. from the latter in 1843. He grad- uated from the theological seminary at East Windsor, Conn., in 1836. He was married April, 1839, to Miss Eliza Folger, of Nantucket. He was dismissed from this church April 5, 1847, having served the church faithfully for nine years. After leaving Rehoboth he preached at Gardner, Sandwich, Dracut, and Grove- land, Mass. In the places where he was settled he was chairman of the school committee many years. He died at Groveland of typhoid pneumonia, March 10, 1880, in his seventy-fifth year. His widow sur- vives him at the age of sixty-four. There are two children, — Charles F. Payne, a lawyer in Boston, and Harriet E. Paine, who has been preceptress of Oread Female Seminary, at Worcester, Mass. She now re- sides with her mother in Groveland. Mr. Paine was succeeded by Rev. Charles P. Gros- venor, who was acting pastor of this church from September, 1847, to September, 1856, just nine years. Mr. Grosvenor was born Aug. 12, 1804, at Pomfret, Conn.; graduated at Yale College in 1827; spent one year in the service of the American Sunday-School Union in Illinois and Missouri, and graduated at Yale Theological Seminary in 1831. For two years he was secretary and agent of the Connecticut Sun- day-School Union and editor of the Sunday-School Record, published in New Haven. He was ordained at Blackstone, Mass., July 16, 1834. Before coming to Rehoboth he preached at Kingston and North Scituate, R. I. After leaving Rehoboth he preached at Stoneham and East Randolph, Mass., and at Can- terbury, East Woodstock, and Ashfield, Conn. His eyesight failing, he closed his ministerial labors March 31, 1881. Mr. Grosvenor's first wife was Cor- delia Mathewson, of Pomfret, Conn. They were mar- ried June 24, 1835. She died the following year. On the 9th of April, 1838, he married Hannah H. Wells, of Kingston, R. I., who died Nov. 6, 1840. His third wife was Elizabeth E. Foster, of Brooklyn, N. Y., to whom he was married May 19, 1842. They cele- brated the fortieth anniversary of their marriage at Pomfret, Conn., May 19, 1882, Deacon E. A. Brown being present as the representative from this church. Mr. Grosvenor was a man of sterling sense and deep piety, and was greatly beloved by all the people. In 1851 the following names were honored by re- ceiving a diploma, signed by Mr. Grosvenor, for com- mitting to memory the " Westminster Shorter Cate- chism :" Edward P. Brown, Arnold De F. Brown, Amanda M. Brown, Rebecca Bliss, Sarah A. Carpen- ter, Rachel Carpenter, Hattie A. Carpenter, Lydia J. Peck, Dexter W. Horton, William H. Luther, Nellie M. Marsh, and Elizabeth B. Pierce. A powerful revival occurred in the church in the fall of 1855, when Rev. Norris Day, the evangelist, assisted the pastor. On the 2d of March, 1856, thirty- one persons united with the church, all by profession except one. In 1849 the present parsonage was built, Mr. Grosvenor furnishing the plan. In a recent letter from Pomfret, Conn., Mr. Gros- venor writes, " I have very many pleasant memories and but few of a different character in connection with my fields of labor. Rehoboth stands first on the list in the number and richness of its reminis- cences. I often wonder that I left a people who loved me so well, and to whom I was and am still so strongly attached." The successor of Mr. Grosvenor was Rev. Walter P. Doe, who supplied the pulpit two years, beginning with the spring of 1857. Mr. Doe resided in Provi- dence, R. I., but came to Rehoboth on the Sabbath, and occasionally spent several days visiting among the people and holding neighborhood prayer-meet- ings. In this way the church was kept awake, and several persons were hopefully converted. Mr. Doe was born at Wilton, N. Y., March 30, 1813. He graduated at Union College in 1844, and at Andover Theological Seminary in 1847. He was ordained at River Point, R. I., the same year. Aug. 1, 1849, he was married to Miss Sophia S. Knight, of Providence, R. I. Mr. Doe still resides in Providence, preaching occasionally, but is unable to study on account of the inflamed state of his eyes. The next acting pastor of this church was Rev. Alexander C. Childs, from Jan. 1, 1860, to April 1, 1862. Mr. Childs was born at Nantucket, Aug. 31, 1823. He graduated at Yale College in 1845, and Union Theological Seminary in 1849. Aug. 17, 1857, he married Miss Eunice H. Barney, of Nantucket. They have four children. Mr. Childs has had several fields of labor, and is now preaching at West Glouces- ter, Mass. Rev. S. Y. Lum was the next acting pastor, who came here in July, 1862, and continued two years. Mr. Lum was born at New Providence, N. J., May 6, 1821 ; studied at Oberlin College, and graduated at Union Theological Seminary in 1848. He was or- dained at Middletown, N. Y., Jan. 13, 1852. REHOBOTH. 481 Mr. Lum went to Kansas in 1854, and organized the first church in the new Territory; remained there as home missionary and missionary superintendent until 1861, through all the "Border Ruffian war." On leaving Rehoboth he preached at Groton, N. Y., and returned to Kansas in 1869, remaining until 1875. Since then he has preached at Mannsville, N. Y., and at Rocky Hill and New Fairfield, Conn., where he now resides. Rev. Francis H. Boynton was ordained pastor of this church Oct. 20, 1864, and continued his work here until Aug. 30, 1867. During his pastorate the church was greatly revived, and more than fifty per- sons were added to its membership. Mr. Boynton was born in Troy, N. Y., March 14, 1839. He graduated at Amherst College in 1861, and at Andover Theological Seminary in 1864. He mar- ried Miss Emily A. Clark, of Amherst, Mass., May 24, 1866. They have four children. Since leaving Rehoboth, Mr. Boynton has traveled in the East, visiting Egypt, Palestine, and other coun- tries. He has preached at Assonet, New Marlborough, Raynham, and Essex, Mass., and is now at Rye, N. H. Mr. Boynton was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Henry Johnson, who was acting pastor from October, 1868, to October, 1869. He was born March 24, 1824, at Portland, Me. He studied and taught at the Mission Institute, Quincy, 111., under the charge of the Rev. David Nelson. He was ordained at La Harpe, 111., in April, 1853; was married the following December to Miss Martha A. Brooks, of Dalton, N. H. ; they have two children. Mr. Johnson now resides at New Bruns- wick, N. J. Mr. Johnson was succeeded by Rev. Henry D. Woodworth, who was acting pastor of this church from December, 1869, to October, 1872. He was born in Lebanon, Conn., Feb. 18, 1826. He graduated at Amherst College in 1855, and at Andover Theological Seminary in 1860 ; was ordained at East Bridgewater in September of the same year. He was married Aug. 14, 1855, to Miss Sarah E. Carkin, of Brookfield, Mass. They have three children. Since leaving Rehoboth, Mr. Woodworth has been engaged in the jewelry business in Boston. Rev. Isaac R. Prior was the next acting pastor. He began his labors for this church July 13, 1873, and remained until October, 1877. Mr. Prior was born in Ohio, July 22, 1840. He graduated at Adrian Col- lege, Michigan, in 1863, at the University of Law at Albany, N. Y., in 1865, and at Union Theological Seminary in 1870. He was married, Sept. 29, 1874, to Miss Ruth E. Manton, of Providence, R. I. Since 1877, Mr. Prior has preached at Kingston, R. I., and at Alma, Fredonia, and Great Bend, Kan. The present pastor is Rev. George H. Tilton, whose services to this church began in January, 1878. He was installed as its pastor Nov. 2, 1882. During the first century of its history this church 31 had only three pastors. Within the sixty-two years already passed of its second century it has had eleven ministers, four of whom were installed as pastors. Within the last twenty-six years there have been eight ministers, of whom only two were pastors. It is much to be doubted whether this tendency towards short pastorates has proved beneficial either to the church or its ministers. The church has always been supplied with two or more deacons, the whole number of whom, since its organization, is twenty-five. We give below a list of their names and the year of their appointment : Thomas Ormsby, Elisha May, 1721 ; John Wil marth, 1731 ; Abiah Carpenter, 1738 ; Joshua Smith 1744; Thomas Carpenter, 1744; Stephen Moulton 1750 ; Ephraim Bliss, 1762 ; Joshua Smith, Daniel Bliss, ; John Brown, 1791 ; Calvin Ja cobs, 1801 ; Asahel Bliss, 1808 ; Chase Moulton, 1811 Ezra Perry, 1814; Asahel Bliss, 1827; Elijah A Reed, 1832; Eleazer A. Brown, 1842; Elisha A King, 1842; Josephus B. Smith, 1851 ; Asaph Carpen ter, 1858; Gustavus A. Reed, 1863; David Taylor, Francis A. Bliss, William H. Luther, 1877. Oak Swamp Church.— This church at first be- longed to the Six-Principle Baptists, and was gath- ered by Rev. John Comer in 1732. He was installed its pastor July 26th of that year. The installation sermon was preached by Rev. Ephraim Wheaton, of Swansea, from 1 Thess. v. 12, 13. Mr. Comer was a very able preacher and gathered many into the church. In November following he baptized fifteen persons in one day, and within a year from its commencement it numbered nearly one hun- dred members. Mr. Comer was born in Boston, Aug. 1, 1704. From a very early age he delighted in books, and composed a discourse when only fifteen. He at- tempted to learn a glover's trade, but his passion for study was so strong that he prevailed on his grand- father to send him to school. In 1723 he was admitted to Yale College, and in 1724 studied with Rev. Mr. Barnard, a Congrega- tional minister of Andover. After reading "Stennett on Baptism" he became an ardent Baptist. In 1725 he went to Swansea to teach school, and while there assisted Rev. Ephraim Wheaton in the services of the Sabbath. In 1726 he received a call to preach in the First Baptist Church at Newport. After preaching to this church about a year as colleague with the Rev. William Peckham, he came out and advocated the Six-Principle theory. In consequence of this act he was dismissed from the First Church, and became colleague with Elder Daniel Wightman, of the Sec- ond Baptist Church, where he remained two years, preaching with remarkable success. He was married Jan. 20, 1726, to Miss Sarah Rogers, of Newport, by whom he had three children. On coming to Rehoboth he labored with such zeal that he undermined his health, and died of consumption 482 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. May 23, 1734, in his thirtieth year. He was buried in the old yard at South Rehoboth, where his tomb- stone of blue slate may still be seen, bearing this brief inscription, — " Here lies Interred y» Body of y e Rev d Mr. John Comer Dec d May y e 23* 1734 in ye 30 th year of Age." Mr. Comer had formed the design of writing the history of the American Baptists, and had collected valuable materials, which were used subsequently by both Backus and Benedict in their histories. Mr. Comer's successor was Nathaniel Millard, who was ordained June 24, 1736 ; but he proved unworthy of his trust, and was dismissed in 1742. Elder Samuel Maxwell was the next pastor, and was installed in October, 1745. Having preached to this church for several years, he became a Congrega- tionalist, and took up the pen against the Baptists. The church, thus unfortunate in its pastors, became discouraged and scattered, and many of its members eventually joined other churches. Some of them, however, held together, and secured the services of Elder Richard Round, one of Mr. Comer's converts, who had organized a church in the northeast part of the town. Mr. Round preached to the Oak Swamp Church till his death, May 18, 1768. His tombstone may be seen near Elder John Comer's in the old burying-ground, about a mile southeast of the Orleans Factory. The original Oak Swamp meeting-house stood on the corner lot at the junction of the two roads which meet a short distance south of Mr. Edward Horton's store, now the South Rehoboth post-office. This house was framed on the old cemetery lot, where Elders Comer and Round were buried, but it was taken away in the night by the Oak Swamp people, and raised on the spot above mentioned. After the death of Elder Round the church no longer existed under the " Six Principle" creed. In 1773 another church was organized, with open communion princi- ples. Some of its members had come out from Elder John Hix's church, a close-communion Baptist, and others had been converted and baptized by Rev. Elhanan Winchester, a traveling preacher, while others still had belonged to the original church founded by Rev. John Comer. This new church or- dained Mr. Jacob Hix as their pastor, Jan. 20, 1773, and held their services in the Oak Swamp meeting- house. Elder Jacob Hix was born Jan. 1, 1740. He was the son of Elder John Hix, and brother of Elder Daniel Hix, of Dartmouth. He owned a farm and part of a mill, which, with some help from the church, enabled him to live comfortably. He had no chil- dren. He died March 30, 1809, aged sixty-nine years. The successor of Elder Hix was Elder Childs Lu- ther, who was pastor of this church for many years. The present house of worship was erected during his pastorate. It was built by a joint-stock company, Mr. Nathan Hix taking the contract for one thousand dollars. It was dedicated May 28, 1834. Soon after the old house was torn down and made over into a barn. Elder Luther continued his labors among this people until about the year 1841, having preached to them more than thirty years. In the latter part of his pastorate a division occurred in the church on account of the temperance question. He was in- clined to be conservative, while some of his people became vehement supporters of the principle of total abstinence. This breach was made wider by the Millerite excitement, for which Elder Luther had no sympathy. He was born Feb. 6, 1780, and was mar- ried to Miss Lucy Kilton, Dec. 10, 1797. He also married a second wife, Mrs. Mehitable GofF, Oct. 21, 1827. He died July 3, 1859, in his eightieth year. His only surviving son, Mr. Nathan C. Luther, resides in Attleborough. For a number of years Elder George Kelton as- sisted Mr. Luther as colleague. In the year 1829 there was an extensive revival in connection with the labors of Elder Joseph Black- mar, of New York, an itinerant preacher. He spent about a year in this town, and baptized in all forty- eight converts. On the first day of January, 1830, he immersed sixteen persons in the pond just below the site of the present meeting-house ; for this pur- pose a way was cut through the ice, which was four- teen inches thick. Elder Blackmar spent his last years in Boston and died there in October, 1878, aged seventy-eight years. In the year 1842, Elder M. E. Gammons came from Westport to this place and began to preach the doc- trines of Millerism, and many were carried away with excitement. Quite a number of the people, mostly members of the old church under Elder Luther, met together and formed themselves into a new body but adopting the same general creed. Many of the sub- stantial old members, however, refused to join in this movement and were left without any church connec- tion. The second advent excitement proved a great injury to the church. The people soon became dissatisfied with Elder Gammons, and some of the members ab- sented themselves from all religious services. The congregations were small, and they had no regular pastor for several years. The pulpit was supplied by Deacon Herman Wood and Elders Luther Baker, J. S. Thompson, and O. P. Tuckerman. In November, 1848, Elder James Pierce began to preach to this church. A protracted meeting was held in which Mr. Pierce was assisted by Elder Al- bert G. Morton, and quite a number were converted. Thirteen converts were baptized Feb. 25, 1849. Mr. Pierce was ordained over the church June 12, 1849, and was dismissed in August, 1850. The church was REHOBOTH. 433 supplied for the following year by Elders Waterman Pierce and Otis Bliss. Elder J. pulpit in Church in from 1865 W. Osborne, of Swansea, supplied this connection with that of the Christian Swansea for eleven and a half years, until April, 1877. Another revival oc- curred in 1870-71, and several persons were baptized. Elder Osborne still preaches at Swansea. Elder William Miller, of Swansea, preached at this church most of the time from Jan. 1, 1878, to April 1, 1882. Mr. Miller has had several pastorates, and now preaches at the Hornbine Church in this town. The Oak Swamp Church has had a hard struggle to live. It has never paid a larger salary than two hundred dollars. At the present time no regular services are held, and the outlook is not hopeful. The Hornbine Church. — This church is in the southeast part of Rehoboth, and belongs to the order of the "Six-Principle Baptists." Their creed is con- tained in Hebrews, the sixth chapter, first and second verses. The name " Hornbine" is a corruption of Hornbeam, and was given to the church because there were many trees of this species in its vicinity. About thirty members of the Second Baptist Church in Swansea formed themselves into a church in Re- hoboth, and ordained Mr. Daniel Martin as their pas- tor Feb. 8, 1753. 1 Elder Martin was the eldest son of Deacon Melatiah Martin, of Swansea. He was born Sept. 23, 1702, followed the trade of a house car- penter, and died Nov. 18, 1781, aged seventy-nine. He had nine children. In 1770 he published a dis- course against particular election and efficacious grace in conversion, to which the Rev. Isaac Backus pub- lished an answer the following year. Soon after the settlement of Elder Martin over this church, Elder Nathan Pierce was ordained as his colleague, and continued to preach to this people for forty years. Mr. Pierce was born in Warwick, R. I., in 1716. In 1738 he married Lydia Martin, of Barrington, R. I., by whom he had sixteen children, ten sons and six daughters. Mr. Pierce died April 14, 1793, 2 in his seventy-eighth year. His mortal remains lie buried in the family yard in the Horton neighborhood, where many of his descendants are interred. During his ministry the church increased in num- bers and strength. Some years before the death of Elder Pierce, Elder Thomas Seamans was ordained as his colleague. Mr. Seamans was a farmer by occupation, and possessed great physical vigor. He preached a sermon in this church after he was one hundred years of age, and died in 1826, at the advanced age of one hundred and four years, five months, and fifteen days, probably the oldest person that ever died in Rehoboth. He spent the last few years of his life with his son, Mr. Com- fort Seamans, who owned a farm about a mile north 1 This is the date given by Backus. 2 The date given In the old family Bible. of the church. His remains lie buried in a little plot on the farm inclosed by a strong wall, but over- grown with shrubs. An elm and two cedars of con- siderable size stand within the plot. The rude stones that mark the grave are without inscription. Beside him are buried his son and several members of his family. Elder Seamans' grandson, Josiah Simmons, was an honored deacon in this church for many years. During Elder Seamans' pastorate he was assisted by several colleagues. Elder Benjamin Mason, of Swansea, preached to this church for a time. In the year 1800, Elder Preserved Pierce and Elder Philip Pierce were ordained as associate pastors with Elder Seamans. Concerning Elder Philip Pierce but little can be gathered. After preaching a while to this church he went West for several years. He spent his last years in Dighton, Mass. Elder Preserved Pierce was the son of Elder Nathan Pierce, and was born July 23, 1 758. He married Sarah Lewis, of Rehoboth, by whom he had a large family of children. During his pastorate no salary was paid by the church, the minister was expected to earn his bread by the sweat of his brow. Mr. Pierce used to say that the only money he received for his services was fifty cents a year, which sum a good lady, Miss Molly Miller, slipped into his fingers while shaking hands with him. A large number of members were added to the church during his ministry, which con- tinued till his death, June 29, 1828, in the seventieth year of his age. After the death of Elder Pierce the church was supplied by Elder William Manchester, Elder Joseph Blackman, and others, until 1834, when Elder Otis Potter, of Cranston, R. I., became their minister. On the first Sabbath in May of that year Elder Potter organized the Sunday-school, consisting of thirty or forty youth, which he superintended himself. It soon increased to more than one hundred members. He resided at Swansea Factory, and preached a part of the time to the Swansea Church at the house of Deacon Ellery Wood. During the first year of Elder Potter's pastorate there was a revival, and sixty per- sons joined the church on profession of faith. Elder Potter was a strong advocate for temperance, and an uncompromising abolitionist. At the time of the Dorr disturbance in Rhode Island, he took a rigid stand against the Dorr party, much to the displeasure of certain members of his church. On going into his pulpit one Sabbath, having the week before ex- pressed himself strongly on this point, he found sus- pended there a gun, knapsack, bayonet, sword, and various other implements of war. Finding that he had in various ways aroused con- siderable opposition to himself, he left Rehoboth in 1841 or 1842 and preached at Cranston, R. I., until 1848, when he returned to his former charge in Reho- both, where he remained four years longer. After that he moved to Providence and went into the book business, still preaching as he had opportunity. He 484 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. died May 27, 1857, of consumption. His widow sur- vives him. His three children are also living, two sons and a daughter. One of his sons is Elder Thomas Potter, who preaches in Fresno, Cal. After Elder Potter resigned his pastorate the church was supplied by Elders Warner and Morton, and Elder Samuel Knight, of Swansea. Elder Waterman Pierce also preached to this people for several years. He was ordained at this church in 18B7 (?). Most of his ministerial life has bee"n spent in behalf of the Free-Will Baptist Church at Barney- ville, Swansea, which he gathered about forty years ago. Elder Welcome G. Comstock was acting pastor of this church for about fourteen years, beginning in 1862. He was a kind, jovial man, and an entertain- ing speaker, but a poor financier. From 1876 to 1880, Rev. James L. Pierce was acting pastor of this church. During this time there was a revival, in which Mr. Pierce was assisted by Dr. M. L. Rossvalley, a converted Jew. The church received some additions and was much strengthened. Mr. Pierce now resides in South Rehoboth without charge, having preached at various places for more than thirty years. The present acting pastor of this church is Rev. William Miller, of Swansea, who began his labors here April 1, 1880. Elders Miller and Pierce are both members of the Christian Baptist denomination, and the Hornebine Church has virtually abandoned the "Six-Principle" theory, though it still retains the old creed, to which a few of the oldest members cling. About twenty years ago the people attending church at the Hornebine formed themselves into an organization which they designated as Tlie First Bap- tist Church and Society. Under the direction of this society yearly clam-bakes are held in a grove near the church. These clam-bakes have become very popular. On the day of this annual feast nearly three thousand people are wont to assemble, coming from the surrounding cities and towns. Many of them have parents or relatives living in the neighbor- hood, and the day is to them an occasion of a grand reunion. More than a thousand dollars has been taken in a single day. The Irons Church. — This church is situated in the north part of the town. It belongs to the Free-Will Baptist order, and was organized Oct. 2, 1777, with thirty-one members. For three years they had no pastor. The church very early connected itself with the Groton Conference. Mr. James Sheldon, of Providence, R. I., was ordained their pastor Sept. 6, 1680. He was dismissed July 21, 1792, and removed to the State of New York. The church obtained oc- casional supplies till Mr. Jeremiah Irons came to be their pastor. He was ordained over this church Sept. 24, 1795. He continued his pastoral labors with great acceptance until his dismission, June 26, 1799. He was born in Gloucester, R. I., Oct. 14, 1765. After leaving Rehoboth he preached many years at the West. For several years after the removal of Mr. Irons the church was supplied by Elders William Northrup, Daniel Hix, and others, until 1808, when Elder Samuel Northrup became acting pastor until his death, which occurred July 21, 1812. Elder Northrup was born in North Kingston, R. I. He was a most faithful and devout man, and the church was greatly prospered during his ministry. Again the church was left without a regular pastor for a number of years. Elder Sylvester Round preached occasionally and administered the sacra- ment. The church was also supplied by Elders Childs Luther, Daniel Hix, Levi Hathaway, and Reuben Allen. The church enjoyed its greatest revival in the years 1820-22, under the labors of Elders David Sweet and Levi Hathaway, and a large number of worthy mem- bers were gathered into the church. From this time the church became connected with the Rhode Island Quarterly Meeting, and was sup- plied largely with ministers from that association. In 1830-31 the church enjoyed another interesting revival, under the preaching of Elder John Yeam- shaw, when twenty-five more persons joined its mem- bership. In 1834-35, Elder Junia S. Mowry was acting pas- tor. He was succeeded by Mr. David Steere, who was ordained pastor of this church in September, 1836. His father was a Quaker, who died leaving him, a young lad, with a large fortune. This he soon wasted with riotous living, and worked for a time in a paper-mill in Cumberland, R. I. He was converted in a bar-room. As he was putting a glass of rum to his lips, he seemed to hear a voice saying to him, plainly, " David, if you drink that cup, you drink your eternal damnation." He dropped the glass, fell on his knees, and cried to God for mercy. From that hour he was an active Christian. He remained with this church till 1840, when he was dismissed, and went to Newport, R. I. Mr. John W. Colwell was ordained pastor of this church in October, 1841, and continued for four years. For several years he was overseer in the factory at Hebronville. He preached a while in California, and on his return died at Panama. He left several chil- dren. One of his sons is Rev. John W. Colwell, a Congregational clergyman. Mr. Colwell was succeeded by Elder Joshua Stet- son, who was ordained over the church in August, 1845, and labored in all about two years, when he removed to Taunton. Mr. Stetson's successor was Elder Gardner Clarke, who was acting pastor from July, 1846, until 1853, during which time there was a revival, and several names were added to the church. Mr. Clarke was born at Highgate, Vt., Aug. 21, 1812. He spent his REHOBOTH. 485 early days mostly at Bradford, Vt., and received a good education from the academies of his native State. He was ordained at Cabot, Vt., in 1843. He was married in 1837 to Miss Jane R. Deming, of Weth- ersfield, Conn., by whom he had three daughters. Mr. Clarke resides in Attleborough. He was suc- ceeded by Elder Lowell Parker, of Charlestown, R. I., who remained with the church from 1853 to 1858, when he removed to Portsmouth, N. H. ; 1859- 62, Elder George W. Wallace; 1863-64, Elder John Pratt, of Newport, R. I. ; 1865, Elder Handy. After 1866 the church was supplied for a number of years with students from Brown University. In 1875 there were only seven active members. In 1880-82, Elder Gardner Clarke preached to this people a second time. The church at this time is nearly extinct. The Methodists now hold one service each Sabbath in this meeting-house. The following is the list of deacons since the or- ganization of the church : Jacob Bliss, David Perry, Edmund Mason, Cyril C. Peck, William Cole, Milton Freeman, George H. Thrasher, William Lane. Methodist Episcopal Church.— A Baptist Church was formed in the northeast part of the town about the year 1740. It started with forty members, and ordained Mr. Richard Round as its pastor July 13, 1743. He died May 18, 1768, and his tombstone may be seen near Rev. John Comer's in the South Reho- both burying-ground. After his death there was no regular preaching for many years. In the year 1789 the church was revived under the efficient labors of Mr. Sylvester Round and Deacon Aaron Wheeler. They were ordained as associate pastors on the 20th of April of that year. Elder Wheeler died in 1800, but Elder Round continued its pastor till his death, Oct. 26, 1824. He was a very able and influential man. He was born in this town April 10, 1762, and was married to Mehitable Perry in 1780. About the year 1800 he built the old tavern- house, now used as a parsonage, for his son. The church at this time belonged to the Six-Prin- ciple Baptists. The house of worship stood where the school-house now stands. In 1824, the old meet- ing-house having fallen into decay, a new one was built on the corner of the road leading to Norton. In 1826, Rev. Lorenzo Dow Johnson, a Reformed Methodist from Vermont, visited this place and preached the gospel with great power ; this church was revived and joined the denomination to which Mr. Johnson belonged. It soon became prosperous, and under the preaching of Rev. Benjamin McCloth, Rev. Joseph Eldridge, and others, was favored with several revivals of religion, until in 1834 it had seventy -seven members. In 1843 the present house of worship was erected, largely through the influence of Mr. Granville Stephens. Rev. Charles Hammond now became pastor, and remained for several years. After Mr. Hammond left, the Reformed Methodists were mostly merged in the Wesleyan Methodists, and the church could not find preachers for the pulpit. At length certain persons applied to the Providence Annual Conference, and the Rev. William Cone was sent to them in 1849. Now began a new era in the history of the church. It appears that about the year 1798, Rev. John Brod- head, a Methodist preacher, had organized a Method- ist class, which in 1810 had forty-five members. Rev. Thomas Perry and his wife were among the earliest members of this class, as was also Mrs. Rebecca Perry and Mrs. Noah Bliss. When Mr. Cone came here he succeeded in uniting the remnant of this old class with a few of the members of the Methodist Reformed Church, together with others who had been converted through his own labors, so that at the close of his first year he returned a membership of forty-four. Mr. Cone was succeeded in 1850 by Rev. J. E. Gifford, a zealous laborer, who brought the member- ship up to sixty-five in 1852. The church debt was wholly paid under his pastorate. In 1856-57 there was a powerful revival, owing to the efficient labors of Rev. Henry H. Smith, assisted by the Rev. Moses Chace, and many worthy members were added to the church. There have been twenty different pastors during the thirty-four years of its history. A successful Sunday-school has been sustained from the first. The church has usually held a monthly meeting of prayer for missions, and has contributed liberally for this great work. The church at the present time has forty-five members. The preachers and the date of their service have been as follows : 1849, William Cone ; 1850-51, J. E. Gifford; 1852-53, W. H. Richards; 1854-55, Arnold Adams; 1856-57, Henry H. Smith ; 1858-59, Samuel Fox ; 1860, Edward A. Lyon ; 1861-62, Abel Gard- ner; 1863, S. W. Coggshall ; 1864-65, Charles Morse; 1866-67, B. K. Bosworth ; 1868, Caleb S. San ford ; 1869-70, John Q. Adams ; 1871-72, Richard Poney ; 1873, Elijah F. Smith; 1874-75, De Witt C. House; 1876-77, S. V. B. Cross; 1878, S. P. Snow; 1879, Charles Stokes; 1880-83, J. A. Rood. One of these preachers, Rev. Abel Gardner, at the close of his second year was seized with a mortal ill- ness, and died May 2, 1863, aged forty-seven years, the first pastor who has died in this place since the death of Elder Round in 1824. The Union Baptist Church (Annawan).— In the year 1839 the Congregational Society left their old meeting-house on the village cemetery lot and entered their new house of worship in the village. Several of the older members, however, including some of the trustees, were unwilling to make the change, and withdrew from the society. At this time there were a few families of the Bap- tist belief living in Rehoboth who were members of Elder Goff's Church, on Long Hill, in Dighton. As 48(1 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. the latter church had greatly declined in numbers and power, making it difficult to sustain regular ser- vices, it was thought a favorable time to form a new Baptist Church within the limits of Rehoboth. This plan was strongly favored by Elder J. L. Whittemore, of the Dighton Church. Accordingly it was pro- posed that these brethren join with the disaffected members of the Congregational Society in holding a series of meetings with reference to forming a new church. The first meeting was held on the first Sabbath in January, 1840, at the house of Mr. Isaac Lewis. A large number were present, and the congregation con- tinued to increase from Sabbath to Sabbath, till the hall overflowed. After the first few meetings, which were conducted by Messrs. Whittemore and Brentley, the people secured the services of Mr. Caleb Blood, a talented young man from the freshman class of Brown University. Early in the spring of this year The Union Baptist Society 1 was organized. A committee was appointed, consisting of Richard Goff, Otis Peck, and Joseph Bowen, to erect a meeting-house upon the lot appro- priated for that purpose by Darius Horton, near Lewis' tavern, on the Providence and Taunton turn- pike. On the 12th of March, Mr. C. Blood presented eight articles of faith, embodying the strict principles of the Calvinistic Baptists. These articles were signed by the following persons, who thereby constituted themselves a church : Seth Talbot, Isaiah Allen, Ben- jamin Monroe, Charles C. Monroe, Sally Talbot, Ann F. Allen, Ruth Munro, Sybil Peck, Peddy Peck, Jo- anua Horton, Polly Bowen, Nancy Bowen, Fanny L. Williams, Olive Wheeler, Joanna Wheeler, Lucy Horton, and Jane Snow. This church was publicly recognized by an ecclesi- astical council which assembled at the house of Mr. Isaac Lewis, April 1, 1840; sermon by Rev. A. Fisher, of Swansea. The following day was set apart by the church as a day of special fasting and prayer, and meetings were held almost daily for several weeks, resulting in numerous conversions. April 26th, Danforth G. Horton, John Davis, Jr., Thomas Carpenter, and several others were baptized. On the 3d of June Mr. Caleb Blood was ordained by an ecclesiastical council which met at Lewis' tavern, Rev. Asa Bronson, of Fall River, preaching the sermon. Mr. Blood was engaged to supply the pulpit for the sum of three hundred dollars per annum. His pastoral labors were greatly blessed. The church at the close of the first year numbered forty-three members. Mr. Blood was born July 4, 1815, at Rodman, N. Y. He graduated at Brown University in 1844; was married April 10, 1844, to Miss Martha Baker, of Rehoboth, by whom he had 1 In 1843 this society gave a deed of all its property into the hands of the church and ceased to exist. five children. He died Nov. 21, 1881, at Independ- ence, Mo. While pastor of this church, Mr. Blood organized the Sabbath-school, which has beeu main- tained successfully to the present time. The new meeting-house was dedicated Nov. 25, 1840 ; sermon by Rev. C. Blood, from the text Isaiah lx. 13. During the forty-three years since this church began it has had fifteen different pastorates, aver- aging about three years each. We give below a list of the pastors' names and the years of their service. This church designates all its ministers as pastors, whether installed or not: Rev. Caleb Blood, 1840-41 (died Nov. 21, 1881) ; Rev. David M. Burdick, 1841- 43 (died); Rev. Henry C. Coombs, 1843-47; Rev. Silas Hall, 1847-49 (died) ; Rev. Samuel A. Collins, 1850-52 (died) ; Rev. Zalmon Tobey, 1852-53 (died) ; Rev. J. J. Thatcher, 1854-59 (died) ; Rev. Henry C. Coombs, 1860-64 ; Rev. Samuel C. Cheever, 1865-68 ; Rev. John Coombs, 1868-69 ; Rev. J. M. Mace, 1870 -73 ; Rev. Norman B. Wilson, 1873-75 ; Rev. L. F. Shepherdson, 1875-78 ; Rev. O. P. Bessey, 1878-80 ; Rev. D. C. Bixby, 1880-83. Deacons. — Seth Talbot, 1840; John Davis, Jr., 1840; Sylvester Hunt, 1845; Gilbert Bullock, 1867; Hale S. Luther, 1883 ; G. Gardner Bullock, 1883. In 1870 the church was presented with a house and lot for a parsonage, the gift of Mrs. Delight C. Reed, of Taunton, only child of the late Christopher Car- penter, of Rehoboth. In 1878 the church received a bequest of five hundred dollars from Mrs. Nancy Baker. An important revival was enjoyed under the labors of Rev. Samuel A. Collins, and many were added to the church. Another revival occurred during the pastorate of Mr. Bessey, in the winter of 1879-80, the Baptist and Congregational Churches holding union services during the season. This church, though small, has shown great vital- ity, and in the earlier part of its career at least main- tained an excellent discipline. Deputies and Representatives from 1646 to 1883 have been as follows: DEPUTIES TO PLYMOUTH 164G. Walter Palmer. 1647. Walter Palmer. Stephen Paine. 1648. Robert Titus. John Doggett. 1649-50. Robert Titus. Stephen Paine. 1651. Stephen Paine. Richard Bowen. 1652-53. Stephen Paine. Thomas Cooper. 1654-55. Stephen Paine. Peter Hunt. 1656. Stephen Paine. William Carpenter. 1657. Stephen Paine. William Sabin. 1658. Stephen Paine. Thomas Cooper. COURT PROM REHOBOTH. 1659. Stephen Paine. William Sabin. 1660-61. William Sabin. Peter Hunt.; 1662. Peter Hunt. Henry Smith. 1663-65. Peter Hunt. Stephen Paine. 1666. Stephen Paine. James Brown. 1667-68. Peter Hunt. Henry Smith. 1669. Philip Walker. Nicholas Peck. 1670-71. Stephen Paine. William Sabin. 1672. Peter Hunt. Daniel Smith. 1673. Peter Hunt. REHOBOTH. 487 1G73. Anthony Perry. 1674-75. Ensign Henry Smith. Daniel Smith. 1676-77. Daniel Smith. Nathaniel Paine. 1678. Daniel Smith. Nicholas Peck. 1679. Nicholas Peck. Gilbert Brooks. 1680. Nicholas Peck. Peter Hunt. 1681. Ensign Nicholas Peck. Gilbert Brooks. 1682-83. Ensign Nicholas Peck. REPRESENTATIVES TO 1693. Mr. Samuel Peck. Joseph Browne. 1694. Stephen Paine. 1695. Deacon Samuel Peck. 1696-98. Deacon Samuel Newman. 1699 John Hunt. 1700. Mr. John Peck. 1701. . 1702. Sergt. Moses Reade. 1703. Stephen Paine. 1704. Benjamin Allen. 1705. Col. Samuel Walker. 1706. . 1707. John Brooks. 1708. Ensign Moses Reade. 1709. Mr. Daniel Smith. 1710. Ensign Timothy Ide. 1711. Mr. Daniel Smith. 1712. Lieut. Noah Peck. 1713-15. Lieut. Moses Reade. 1716. Capt. Moses Reade. 1717. Mr. Nathan Browne. 1718. Mr. Daniel Smith, Esq. 1719-20. Daniel Carpenter. 1721-23. Mr. Jethnial Peck. 1724. Mr. Francis Willsou. 1725. Mr. Joseph Peck. 1726-31. Mr. Jethnial Peck. 1732. Samuel Browne, Esq. 1733-34. Mr. James Bowen. 1735. Mr. John Hunt. 1736. Mr. Joseph Peck. 1737. Mr. James Bowen. 1738. Mr. Joseph Bosworth. 1739. Mr. Jonathan Kiugsley. 1740. Mr. Joseph Peck. 1741. Mr. Daniel Barney. 1742. Capt. Joseph Wheaton. 1743. Mr. Dauiel Barney. 1744. Capt. Daniel Carpenter. 1745-47. Mr. Dauiel Barney. 1748. Daniel Carpenter, Esq. 1749. Mr. Daniel Barney. 1750-51. Mr. Nathaniel Smith. 1752-53. Mr. Israel Nichols. 1754. Mr. Aaron Kingsley. 1755-56. Capt. Aaron Kingsley. 1757-5'.'. ('apt. Timothy Walker. 1760-61. Mr. Noah Sabin, Jr. 1762. Aaron Kingsley, Esq. 1763-69. Capt. James Clay. 1770-73. Capt. Joseph Barney. 1774. . 1775. Mr. Eph. Starkweather. Capt Thomas Carpenter. 1776. . 1777. . 1778. Mr. Eph. Starkweather. Col. Shubael Peck. 1779. . 1780. Mr. S. Peck. 1682-83. Capt. Peter Hunt. 1684-86. Lieut. Nicholas Peck. Gilbert Brooks. 1687. . 1688. . 1689. Lieut. Nicholas Peck. Samuel Peck. 1690. Gilbert Brooks. Christopher Saunders. 1691. Christopher Saunders. John Woodcock. 1692. Christopher Saunders. Mr. Samuel Peck. THE GENERAL COURT. 1781. Shubael Peck, Esq. Mr. Daniel Carpenter. 1782. Capt. Stephen Bullock. 1783. Stephen Bullock, Esq. Daniel Carpenter, Esq. 1784-86. Stephen Bullock, Esq. 1787. Mr. Phanuel Bishop. Mr. Frederick Drown. Mr. William Winsor. 1788. Capt. Phanuel Bishop. Maj. Frederick Drown. Capt. John Bishop. 1789-91. Maj. Frederick Drown. 1792-94. Hon. Phanuel Bishop. 1795-96. Stephen Bullock, Esq. 1797-98. Hon. Phanuel Bishop. 1799-1804. Frederick Drowne. 1805. David Perry. 1806. David Perry, Jr. 1807-8. Elkanah French, Jr. 1809. Peter Hunt. 1810. David Perry. Elkanah French. Timothy Walker. John Medbury. Sebray Lawton. 1811. Elkanah French. Timothy Walker. John Medbury. Sebray Lawton. Caleb Abell. 1812. Samuel Bliss. Hezekiah Martin. Joseph Wheaton. 1813. Hezekiah Martin. Joseph Wheaton. Samuel Bliss (2d). 1814. Peter Carpenter. 1815-16. Dr. James Bliss. 1817. Jeremiah Wheeler. 1818. Thomas Carpenter (2d). 1819. David Perry. 1820. Dr. James Bliss. 1821. David Perry. 1822-23. None. 1824-25. Lemuel Morse. 1826. None. 1827-28. Joseph Nichols. 1829-30. Samuel Bullock. i laleb dishing. Joseph Nichols. 1831. None. 1832-33. Lloyd Bosworth. 1834. Lloyd Bosworth. Samuel Bullock. 1835. None. 1836. Capt. Richard Goff, Jr. Abel Hoar. 1837. Richard Goff. 1838. William Marvel (2d). Caleb dishing. 1839. William Marvel (2d). 1840-43. Childs Luther. 1844-45. Granville Stevens. 1847. Thomas Perry. 1849-51. Sylvester Hunt. 1853. George H. Allyn. 1854. Geojge H. Carpenter. 1855.1 Nelson Goff. 1850. Charles M. Dean. 1858. John C. Marvel. 1859. Ira T. Baker. 1860. George B. Bliss. 1862-64." Nathaniel B. Horton. 1867. William A. King. 1869. Elisha Davis. 1873.3 Cyrus M. Wheaton. 1876. Hale S. Luther. 1880. Remember Smith. Town Clerks. — No town clerk is mentioned by name in the town records till the year 1651, when Peter Hunt was chosen to the office. But previous to this date the records appear to have heen written, by the same hand, and it appears, from various re- turns made by the town clerk and on record at Plym- outh, that the first who filled that office in Rehoboth was William Carpenter, and that he retained it from the date of the commencement of the town records, in October, 1643, till 1649, when Mr. Hunt was prob- ably chosen. Richard Bowen was chosen town clerk in Septem- ber, 1654, Richard Bullock in January, 1659, and agreed to perform the office " for 16s. a year, and to be paid for births, burials, and marriages besides." William Carpenter (probably son of William Car- penter who served at first) was chosen town clerk in May, 1668, and served, with the exception of 1693, when Stephen Paine supplied his place till March, 1703. Daniel Carpenter was chosen in 1703, and held the office three years. In March, 1706, Daniel Smith was chosen, and in March, 1708, Daniel Carpenter was again chosen, and continued to fill the office till 1730. In 1730, Ezekiel Read was chosen, and con- tinued in the office, with the exception of 1751, '52, and '53, till 1762. In March, 1762, Jesse Perrin was chosen, and continued till 1787. In March, 1787, Lieut, (afterwards Capt.) Philip Walker was chosen, and continued until 1801, Capt. Caleb Abell from 1801 to 1812. MILITARY RECORD, 1861-65. Three Months' Men. Otis A. Baker, Co. A, 1st Rhode Island Regt. ; enl. April 16, 1861; wounded in arm at first Bull Run battle; disch. at expiration of term. James P. Brown, Co. C, 10th Rhode Island Regt. ; enl. May, 1862 ; disch. at expiration of term. Arnold DeF. Brown, Co. B, 10th Rhode Island Regt. ; enl. May 26, 1862; disch. at expiration of term. John F. Horton, 10th Rhode Island Regt. ; enl. May, 1862; disch. at ex- piration of term. Charles D. Horton, 10th Rhode Island Regt.; enl. May, 1862; disch. at expiration of term. Joseph W. Lake, Co. C, 10th Rhode Island Regt.; enl. May, 1862 ; disch. at expiration of term. Eighteenth Massachusetts Unattached (One Hundred Days). Otis A. Baker, capt., enl. Aug. 1, 1804; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. Joshua S. Bliss, sergt., enl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. David W. Francis, Corp., enl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. 1 In 1855 a new representative district, consisting of Rehoboth and Seekonk, was formed. 2 In 1865 a new district, called the Fifth Bristol District, was formed, composed of Rehoboth, Seekonk, Dighton, and Berkley. a In 1875 the district was again changed and called the Tenth Bristol District, composed of the towns of Rehoboth, Seekonk, Dighton, and Swansea. 488 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. William H. Luther, corp., enl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. Charles D. Horton, corp., enl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. Andrew J. Goff, enl. Aug. 1, 1864 ; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. Henry C. Goff, enl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. Albert W. Goff, enl. Aug. 1, 1864 ; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. William D. Goff, enl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 18C4. Edward Hanley, enl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. James Hanley, enl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. John F. Hicks, enl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. Freeman F. Horton, enl. Aug. 1. 1864 ; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. Alfred A. Horton, enl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. Joseph F. Leonard, enl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. Daniel H. Oldridge, enl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. William F. Pierce, enl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. Henry 0. Trenn, enl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. James J. Thatcher, enl. Aug. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1864. Twenty-Second Massachusetts Unattached Company. Herbert A. Whitaker, musician: enl. Aug. 10, 1864; disch. Nov. 25, 1864. Nine Months' Men. Company H, Third Massachusetts. Otis A- Baker, capt., enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. Arnold DeF. Brown, sergt., enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. June 26, 1863. Henry H. Lothrop, Corp., enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. Joshua S. Bliss, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. Gilbert D. Bullock, enl. Oct. 1, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. George E. Curtis, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. Dominick Farrol, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. David W. Francis, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. Darius P. Francis, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. Jason W. Fuller, enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. for disability March 27, 1863 Andrew J. Goff, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. George Green, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. Daniel Harrington, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. Andrew Hanley, enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. June 26, 1863. Edward Hanley, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. John F. Hicks, enl. Sept. 18,1862; disch. June 26,1863. Thomas Hill, enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. June 26, 1863. Alfred A. Horton, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. Alba B. Kent, enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. June 26, 1863. Hale S. Luther, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. William H. Luther, enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. June 26, 1863. Allen B. Luther, drummer, enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. June 26, 1863. James F. Moulton, enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. June 26, 1863. Abraham Pierce, enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. June 26, 1863. James Roach, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863 George A. Tripp, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. Jeremiah Thurber, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1863. George H. Viall, enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. June 26, 1863. Caleb Williams, enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. June 26, 1862. Other Nine Months' Men. Thomas Bliss, Co. G, 4th Mass. Regt.; enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; died May 18, 1863, at Burwick City, La. Gilbert S. Bliss, Co. E, 12th Rhode Island Regt.; enl. Oct. 1, 1862; disch. July, 1863. Isaac H. Carpenter, Co. G, 4th Mass. Regt. ; enl. Sept. 18,1862; disch. September, 1863. Cyrus F. Copeland, Co. K, 43d Mass. Regt. ; enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. July 30, 1863. Aaron S. Harlow, Co. K, 43d Mass. Regt.; enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. July 30, 1863. John S. Perry, Co. K, 43d Mass. Regt.; enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. July 30, 1863. Benjamin F. Paull, Co. G, 4th Mass. Regt. ; enl. Sept. 18, 1862 ; disch. September, 1863. John M. Reynolds, Co. G, 11th Rhode Island Regt.; enl. September, 1862; disch. July, 1863. Charles W. Tilton, Co. K, 43d Mass. Regt.; enl. Sept. 18, 1862; disch. July 30, 1863. Lorenzo J. Thayer, Co. C, 47th Mass. Regt.; enl. September, 1862 ; died Aug. 16, 1863, while on his passage home. Albert F. Smith, Co. G, 4th Mass. Regt.; enl. September, 1862; died Aug. 12, 1863, at Cairo, 111., while on passage home. Samuel H. Viall, Co. A, 43d Mass. Regt.; enl. Oct. 4, 1862 ; disch. July 30, 1863. Three Years' Men. Stephen F. Andrews, Co. H, 39th Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Edward Appleby, drafted July 15, 1863 ; disch. at close of war. Otis A. Baker, Co. A, 4th Rhode Island Regt. ; enl. September, 1861 ; pro. to 2d lieut. Nov. 20, 1861; res. Sept. 11, 1862. Francis A. Bliss, Co. I, 1st Mass. Cav. ; enl. October, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 27, 1865. Francis V. Bliss, Co. H, 40th Mass. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; wounded in battle at Thatcher's Farm.Va., May 20, 1864; disch. June 23, 1865. Richmond Barrett, Co. H, 39th Mass. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862. William W. Blanchett, enl. Aug. 14, 1862. Arnold DeF. Brown, sergt.-maj., 3d Rhode Island Cav.; enl. Aug. 7, 1863; pro. to 2d lieut. Feb. 6, 1864; disch. at close of war. Edward P. Brown, 2d lieut., Co. I, 4th Rhode Island Regt. ; enl. Aug. 27, 1862; pro. to 1st lieut. Jan. 13, 1863; to capt. March 2, 1863; brev- etted major of volunteers for gallant conduct at Fort Sedgwick and Petersburg; mustered out at his request, by order of Secretary of War, June 5, 1865. James P. Brown, 2d lieut, 14th Rhode Island H. Art.; enl. Dec. 31, 1863; died at Donaldsonville, La., of congestive chills Aug. 23, 1865. Gardner D. Bosworth, Co. D, 3d Rhode Island Regt.; enl. Dec. 31, 1861 ; disch. April 1, 1865. James Bradigau, Co. D, 3d Rhode Island Regt.; enl. Sept. 18, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 5, 1864. Augustus W. Carpenter, Co. I, 1st Mass. Cav.; enl. November, 1861 ; re- enl. Jan. 1, 1S64; disch. Nov. 27, 1865. Willard Chaffee, Co. E, 3d Rhode Island Regt.; enl. 1861 ; killed in bat- tle of James Island, S. C, June 16, 1862. Jonathan Chaffee, Co. E, 3d Rhode Island Regt. ; enl. 1861 ; disch. Aug. 31, 1864. Francis G. Cole, Co. H, 40th Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; disch. Feb. 16, 1865. Francis A. Cooper, Co. H, 39th Mass. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Peter Conelly, 38th Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 19, 1862. James C. Davis, Bat. F, Rhode Island Vol. ; enl. November, 1862 ; killed in battle of Drury's Bluff, Va., May 16, 1864. George L. Davis, drafted July 16, 1863; died at Willet's Point, L. I., July 25, 1864, of fever occasioned by wound in the hip received near Petersburg, Va. Irving Dickerman, Co. G, 24th Mass. Regt. ; enl. 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 4, 1864; disch. JaD. 20, 1866. Ezra L. Dickerman, Co. H,22d Mass. Regt.; enl. 1861; disch. for dis- ability Feb. 7, 1864. Chai les E. Douglass, sergt. Co. B, 5th Rhode Island Regt. ; enl. 1861 ; pro. to 2d lieut. Co.F Feb. 14, 1863; disch. Dec. 22, 1864. Hiram H. Drown, drafted July 15, 1863 ; died in camp near Brandy Station, Va., Jan. 7, 1864. John Daley, 2d Mass. Cav. ; enl. Aug. 17, 1864. George M. Ecclestone, Co. H, 39th Mass. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. George E. Fuller, Battery F, 1st Rhode Island Art.; enl. Oct. 19, 1861; wounded at Newbeme, N. C, and taken prisoner; exchanged and discharged in 1862 for disability. Henry W. Francis, Co. F, 7th Mass. Regt. ; enl. May 1, 1861 ; disch. Octo- ber, 1864. Henry F. Frost, Co. G, 2d New York Regt.; enl. 1861; died of diphtheria at Fort Smith, Feb. 28, 1864. Henry Freelove, 2d Rhode Island Cav.; enl. 1862; died in Andersonville prison, Georgia, 1864. Alfred H. Goff, Co C, 2d Rhode Island Regt. ; enl. Nov. 15, 1861 ; wounded in battle of Salem Heights, May 3, 1863; disch. Nov. 16, 1864. Willard J. Goff, Co. B, 127th New York Regt.; enl. August, 1862; disch. August, 1865. George 0. Goff, Co. D, 3d Rhode Island Regt. ; enl. Dec. 31, 1861 ; disch. April 1, 1865. Gamaliel B. Goff, Battery E, 1st Rhode Island Art.; enl. Sept. 30, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 29, 1863, for disability. Henry A. Gofl, Co. D, 3d Rhode Island Regt. ; enl. Dec. 31, 1861 ; disch. April 1, 1865. Jabez L. Harris, Co. C, 4th Rhode Island Regt. ; enl. Sept. 9, 1861 ; disch. for disability Feb. 7, 1863. Daniel Harrington, Co. C, 3d Rhode Island Cav.; enl. Oct. 10, 1863 ; disch. 1865. Andrew Hanley, 3d Rhode Island Cav.; enl. Oct. 10, 1863; disch. 1865. John Haley, Co. F, 3d Rhode Island Regt.; enl. August, 1861; disch. September, 1864. REHOBOTH. 489 Nahum C. Hall, Co. H, 39th Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Robert W. Hayden, Co. H, 39th Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. William E. Horton, Co. H, 39th Mass. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. Nathan B. Horton, Co. H, 40th Mass. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 14, 1S62; died while on a furlough, Oct. 19, 1864. Seth A. Horton, Co. H, 40th Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; disch. July 12, 1865. Edwin R. M. Horton, Co. A, 3d Rhode Island Regt. ; enl. Aug. 20, 1861 ; died of typhoid fever at Hilton Head, S. C, Jan. 17, 1862. Francis W. Horton, Co. A, 3d Rhode Island Regt., enl. Aug. 20, 1861 ; re-enl. Feb. 9, 1864; wounded and taken prisoner at Gainesville, Fla., Aug. 17, 1864; disch. Aug. 31, 1864. Michael Higgins, Co. A, 3d Rhode Island Regt.; enl. September, 1861 ; pro. to 2d lieut. May 23, 1863; pro. to 1st lieut. February, 1864; disch. March 16, 1865. Ebenezer Lane, drafted July 15, 1863 ; killed at Spottsylvania Court- House May 12, 1864. James M. Lewis, 2d Rhode Islaud Cav. ; enl. October, 1862 ; disch. 1865. Elbridge J. Martin, Co. C, 7th Mass. Regt. ; enl. May, 1861. Kingsley Martin, Co. C, 7th Mass. Regt.; enl. May, 1861. Hiram L. Martin, enl. May, 1861 ; dropped from rolls April 26, 1864. John D. Martin, Co. H, 39th Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 14, 1862. Benjamin Magill, drafted July 15, 1863. Kennedy L. Macelroy, 38th Mass. Regt. ; enl'. Aug. 19, 1862. Benjamin C. Monroe, Co. B,58th Mass. Regt.; killed May 15, 1864, near Spottsylvania Court-House, Va. Edward P. Murphy, 2d Mass. Cav.; enl. Aug. 29,1862. Thomas F. Mahan, enl. Aug. 24, 1864. Stephen C. Moulton, Co. I, 1st Mass. Cav.; enl. Sept. 23, 1864; disch. Nov. 22, 1865. George W. Parker, Battery F, 1st Rhode Island Art. ; enl. Oct. 29, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 28, 1864. Dexter D. Pierce, enl. June 6, 1861; disch. June 17, 1864. James M. Perry, Co. I, 7th Mass. Regt. ; enl. 1861 ; died of wounds re- ceived in battle of Wilderness, July 28, 1864. Edwin A. Peck, Co. H, 40th Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; died of diphtheria at Hilton Head, S. C, Jan. 5, 1864. Wheaton Pierce, Co. H, 40th Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; killed by shell at battle of Cold Harbor, Va., June 6, 1864. George G. Peck, Co. D, 7th Mass. Regt.; enl. May, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Sept. 30, 1863. Alden Potter, Co. H, 39th Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 15, 1862. John C. Paine, 4th Mass. Cav. ; enl. Jan. 7, 1864; disch. Nov. 14, 1865. Gersuom R. Rounds, enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; disch. Sept. 10, 1864, for disa- bility. Francis H. Simmons, Co. F, 29th Mass. Regt. ; enl. Jan. 7, 1862; died of fever at Harper's Ferry, Va., Oct. 12, 1862. Edward P. L. Sherman, Co. H. 40th Mass. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; died at Fort Independence, Boston, 1863. John Q. A. Sylvester, Co. H, 39th Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 18, 1862. John Shanahan, 38th Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 19, 1862. John J. Thayer, Co. I, 7th Mass. Regt. ; enl. May, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 29, 1863, for disability. Francis W. Thurber, Co. H, 40th Mass. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; disch. July 3, 1865. Nathaniel Tl.urber, Co. G, 29th Mass. Regt.; enl. Dec. 9, 1861; disch. Feb. 12, 1863, for disability. George H. Thrasher, Co. B, 58th Mass. Regt.; enl. Dec. 29, 1863; disch. June 20, 1865. Alexander F. Valett, Co. H, 7th Mass. Regt. ; enl. May, 1861 ; disch. July 5, 1864. Cyrus M. Wheaton, Jr., 1st lieut. Co. B, 18th Mass. Regt.; enl. July 10, 1861 ; died at Providence, R. I., June 26, 1862. Parmenus E. Wheeler, 24th Mass. Regt. Arnold A. Walker, 1st Rhode Island Battery ; enl. May, 1861 ; died in hospital in Washington, Feb. 19, 1863. Erastus F. Williams, Co. H, 40lh Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; disch. Sept. 5, 1864, for disability. Seamen. Alexander Davis, enl. Sept. 18,1862, on flag-ship " Lancaster;" disch. Sept. 22, 1863. William H. Rounds, enl. 1862, ship "Colorado;" disch. Feb. 10, 1864. Eighteenth Massachusetts (Unattached), One Year. Otis A. Baker, capt., enl. Dec. 10, 1864; disch. May 12, 1865. Joshua S. Bliss, 1st sergt., enl. Dec. 10, 1864 ; disch. May 12, 1865. William II. Luther, sergt., enl. Dec. 10, 1864 ; disch. May 12, 1865. Joseph W. Lake, corp , enl. Dec. 10, 1864 • disch. May 12, 18G5. Herbert A. Whitaker, drummer, enl. Dec. 10, 1864 ; disch. May 12, 1865. George E. Curtis, enl. Dec. 10, 1864; disch. May 12, 1865. Thomas Hill, enl. Dec. 10, 1864; disch. May 12, 1865. John Haley, enl. Dec. 10, 1864 ; disch. May 12, 1865. Melvin G. Leonard, enl. Dec. 10, 1864 ; disch. May 12, 1865. James J. Thacker, enl, Dec. lo, 1864; disch. May 12, 1865. Other One Year's Men. William A. Brownly, 7th Mass. Batt. ; enl. Dec. 1, 1864. Henry J. Brown, 61st Mass. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864. George W. Bennett, 61st Mass. Regt.; enl. Nov. 18, 1864. George H. Bosworth, 5th Mass. Cav. ; enl. March 4, 1864. John J. Clark, 61st Mass. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 27, 1864. David Crane, 1st Mass. Cav.; enl. Aug 26, 1864. Martin V. Drury, 61st Mass. Regt.; enl. Nov. 23, 1864. John Dwelly, 2d Mass. H. A. ; enl. Sept. 7, 1864. Alvanus F. Davis, 61st Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 29, 1864. Patrick Foran, 10th Mass. Batt. ; enl. Nov. 22, 1864. Sylvanus Frost, 1st Mass. H. A. ; enl. Aug. 26, 1864. William H. Fay, 28th Mass. Regt; enl. March 18, 1864. Lewis Fullen,5th Mass. Cav.; eul. March 4, 1864. James F. Gillspie, 23d Mass. Regt.; enl. Nov. 25, 1864. George Hay ward, 61st Mass. Regt.; enl. August, 1864. Patrick Hanvan, H. A.; enl. Aug. 26, 1864. Charles Hill, 3d Mass. Cav. ; enl. March 16, 1864. L. Jansen, 3d Mass. Cav. ; enl. March 18, 1864. Charles Lasson, 28th Mass. Regt. ; enl. March 16, 1864. Clarence McAllister, 61st Mass. Regt; enl. Sept. 1, 1864. Paul McHeury, 3d Mass. H. A. ; eul. Nov. 16, 1864. Charles W. Magoon, 16th Un. H. A.; enl. Aug. 25, 1864. John Macdonald, 61st Mass. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 19, 1864. Edward McKenney, 3d Mass. Cav.; enl. Aug. 24, 1864. John O'Brien, 61st Mass. Regt. ; enl. Nov. 21, 1864. Jens Oslen, 3d Mass. Cav.; enl. March 18, 1864. George M. Pay, 61st Mass. Regt; enl. Aug. 21, 1864. Alonzo A. Peacock, enl. Aug. 18, 1864. Alexander Philips, 1st Mass. Cav.; enl. Aug. 9, 1864. Theodore Stienels, 19th Mass. Regt.; enl. Nov. 18, 1864. John Thorp, enl. Nov. 15, 1864. John W. Towle, 61st Mass. Regt.; enl. Aug. 29, 1864. John M. Tucker, 2d Mass. Cav. ; enl. March 16, 1864. William H. Prissell, 3d Mass. Cav. ; enl. March 17, 1864. Charl Ulribren, 3d Mass. Cav. ; enl. March 18, 1864. Drafted Men July 15, 1863. James B. Horton, Hiram H. Brown, Taylor Phillips, Charles H. Horton, William J. Tren, Dexter J. Horton, Parvis B. Horton, Christopher T. Brown, Jabez L. Harris, James Baker, George T. Davis, John D. Thatcher, George H. Kent, Henry C. Goff, Granville S. Bower, Albert S. Horton, John H. Earle, Josephus W. Horton, Benjamin Magill, George Horton, Samuel B. Haskins, Daniel S. Cole, Daniel H. Hor- ton, Nathan W. Pierce, Charles H. Goff, John Baker (2d), George C. Goff, William H. Marvel, Henry W. Barney, Albert Bowen, Gilbert Horton, George L. Davis, Frederic H. Brown, Edward Apply, Eph- raim Tripp, Charles Horton, Calvin J. W. Bullock, Rufus P. Hor- ton, Lloyd B. Pierce, Constant P. Gofl', George S. Barney, Ebenezer Lane. Nathaniel B. Horten, enrolling and recruiting officer. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. WILLIAM W. BLANDING. William W. Blanding is descended from one of the oldest families of Rehoboth. William Blanding, LL.D., of San Francisco, Cal., has contributed the following facts concerning the ancestral history of the Blanding family: William Blanding, who was probably the progenitor of those who bear the name in this country, came from Upton, county of Wor- 490 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. cester, England, in 1640. He settled in Boston, and was made a freeman in 1641. He owned lands in that part of Boston now Brookline, and was interested in the iron-works of Taunton. In 1643 and 1648 he was a member of the Grand Inquest of the colony, and in 1646 and 1651 was a deputy to the Plymouth Colony Court. He had a brother Joseph, who was one of the most active shipmasters of that time, and in 1645 commanded the ship "Lyon," of London, and brought many emigrants to this country. William Blanding in his will refers to another brother, Ralph, residing in Upton-ou-Severn, Wor- cestershire, England. William married Phoebe . They had three children, two daughters — Mary and Phoebe, who inherited most of his property — and one son, William. This son married Bethia Wheaton, Sept. 4, 1674. Their children were William, born May 2, 1676; Samuel, born April 11, 1680 ; Obadiah, born April 15, 1683 ; Daniel, born Oct. 25, 1685 ; John, born June 20, 1687; Ephraim, born Oct. 20, 1689; and Noah, born in 1690. We find, upon consulting the town rec- ords of Rehoboth, that this William Blanding, Jr., and Elizabeth Perry were married October, 1708. Their children were Elizabeth, born Jan. 12, 1710; William, born Dec. 17, 1712; Esther, born Sept. 20, 1714; Mehitable. born Dec. 11, 1717; Bethia, born Oct. 26, 1719; Sybil, born Sept. 16, 1721; Rachel, born Sept. 3, 1723. William Blanding died Nov. 25, 1724. His son William married Sarah . Their children were Lois, born Feb. 1, 1741 or 1742; Eben- ezer, born April 2, 1744; Lucy, born March 8, 1745 or 1746 ; William, born Feb. 27, 1747 or 1748 ; Shubael, born Sept. 19, 1750; Ebenezer, born Feb. 26, 1754; Christopher, born Nov. 1, 1756. His son William married Lydia Ormsbee, July 5, 1772. Their chil- dren were William, born Feb. 7, 1773; Abraham, born Nov. 18, 1775 ; Lydia, born Feb. 22, 1778 ; James, born Oct. 12, 1781; Lucy, born Oct, 31, 1783; Reu- ben, March 17, 1786; Reuben (2d), born Feb. 6, 1789; Susannah, born March 8, 1790; Lephe, born April 12, 1793. He was by occupation a shoemaker. He was a much-respected citizen of the community, and was for several years steward of Brown Uni- versity, at which institution two of his sons, William and Abraham, graduated. He died June 12, 1830. His wife died Aug. 30, 1835, at the age of eighty-five. Of their children, William became a physician and also an enthusiastic naturalist; he died Oct. 12, 1857. James Blanding was married April 24, 1811, to Elizabeth Carpenter, daughter of Caleb and Eliza- beth (Bullock) Carpenter. Their children were Susannah C, born March 12, 1812; Elizabeth P., born April 6, 1814; Nancy A., born May 13, 1816; Juliet M., born May 8, 1818; William W., born Nov. 1, 1820; Abraham O., born April 28, 1823; Lephe H., born Feb. 9, 1825 ; Sarah M., born June 21, 1827. James Blanding, though receiving in his youth only a common school education, yet he became a man of decided literary tastes and a great reader. He was also a man of good business qualification and ability. By occupation a surveyor, he made a num- ber of important surveys in his native town, and also did much in that line in adjacent towns. He was also a farmer, and was town clerk of Rehoboth about thirty years. In politics he was a Whig, and in religious belief a Congregationalist, though not a member of any church organization. He was a liberal supporter of the public press, and a man of advanced ideas. Though his years were spent in the quiet walks of a private life, yet he left an enduring monument be- hind him in the hearts of his fellow-men. He died June 28, 1870, and Mrs. Blanding died Nov. 16, 1865. William W. Blanding, as before remarked, is de- scended from one of our oldest families. This is doubly true, for on the maternal side the line of an- cestry is perhaps even more ancient and prominent. Few names in the history of early colonial days ap- pear more frequently or with more honorable men- tion than that of Carpenter. They are also a family noted for their longevity. Elizabeth Carpenter, Mr. Blanding's grandmother, at the time of her death (1838) was in her one hundred and first year, and of eight of her children living at time of her decease their ages ranged from fifty-four years to seventy- seven years. (For ancient history of Carpenter family see another part of this volume.) William W. received the usual common school ad- vantages, and also attended one or two terms a select school. Owing to financial embarrassments in the property affairs of his father, caused by indorsing paper for others, young Blanding had early to con- tribute his quota of labor on the homestead, and thus render practical aid in the support of the family. In 1846, Wiilliam Blanding (uncle of William W.) re- moved to the Blanding homestead, having formerly purchased the same, and William W. made his home with this uncle, and took care of him until his death. In fact, Mr. Blanding's life has been mainly devoted to the care and support of other members of his family, and this is the principal reason why he has remained unmarried to the present time. Upon the demise of his uncle, 1857, he came into the possession of the homestead, then a compara- tively worthless estate. Since that time, through Mr. Blanding's enterprise and industry, it has been made one of the most beautiful and desirable homes in the town. From an unproductive and unprofit- able expanse of hill and dale he has converted it into a fertile, paying, and valuable farm. If the oft- quoted saying be true that " he who causes two blades of grass to grow where only one grew before is a pub- lic benefactor," then Mr. Blanding is certainly enti- tled to credit for the work he has done. He has not been a seeker of official honors, yet his fellow-citizens have honored him with a number of public trusts. C^i^TL ■I* > r^L^C^^^LA :^^. yy. ^o REHOBOTH. 491 He has been selectman, assessor, and overseer of the poor, town and church treasurer, etc. He is an active member of the Congregational Church of Rehoboth, and in political creed a Republican. He has proved himself a loving and self-sacrificing brother and son, and is esteemed as a useful citizen of the community. OAPT. GEORGE W. BLISS. Capt. George W. Bliss is the son of Capt. Asaph Bliss, of Rehoboth, and Abigail, daughter of George and Mercy Williams ; she was born Jan. 30, 1781, and died Nov. 4, 1825. He (Capt. Asaph) was born Dec. 5, 1772, and died Sept. 14, 1857. They were married Nov. 25, 1803. Their children were Abby, born 1804, died in in- fancy; Abby Williams, born March 19, 1805, married, June 13, 1826, Abel Carpenter, by whom she had four children ; Asaph Leonard, born July 13, 1806, died Dec. 6, 1861 ; George Williams (subject of illustration) ; Nelson Smith, born Sept. 19, 1813, by occupation a carpenter, died at Mobile, Ala., Sept. 5, 1839; and Rosina, born Dec. 4, 1816, married Erwin J. Baker, of Utica, N. Y., resides in Seekonk, Mass., and has five children living. Capt. Asaph's father was Deacon Jacob Bliss, of Rehoboth, born Feb. 16, 1732, died March 3, 1807. His mother was Judith Smith, born April 19, 1732, and died Oct. 1, 1815. Deacon Jacob had seven children, — Chloe, Judith, Bethiah, Jacob, Rachel, Lucy, and Asaph. Deacon Jacob was a son of Daniel Bliss, of Rehoboth, and Miriam Carpenter. (For a more extended genealogy of the Bliss family, see another part of this volume ; also a most excellent work by John Homer Bliss entitled, " Genealogy of the Bliss Family in America.") Capt. George W. Bliss was born Sept. 3, 1810, was reared a farmer's son, and taught to labor in that vocation. He had the usual advantages of the schools of his neighborhood, supplemented by a course at Pawtucket Academy. After leaving school he re- sumed his farm labor, working on the farm during the summer season and teaching school winters. This he continued ten years. At the age of twenty-nine he left his native State and went to Florida, where he became engaged somewhat extensively in the lumber business, building a saw-mill in copartnership with his brother-in-law, Caleb Bowen. They were quite successful in the prosecution of their business, but Mr. Bowen died, and upon his demise Mr. Bliss sold out his business and returned to his native Reho- both, where he purchased the interests of the other heirs to his father's estate, and engaged in farming. About two years after his return from Florida he es- tablished a meat-market at Pawtucket, which he continued five years, when he relinquished this pur- suit and once more devoted his entire attention to agriculture, which business he has since followed un- remittingly through life. In business affairs Capt. Bliss has been a successful man, and now in his old age is surrounded by all the comforts of life, and en- joys what is better still, the esteem and friendship of all who know him. He was a militiaman of the old school, when honor was attached to the calling, and when rank and appointment were evidence of superior ability and merit. At the age of twenty-two he was chosen captain, and served in that capacity six years. He was the chosen major of the regiment, which position he held at the time of his migration to Florida. The title of captain has clung to him through life. As an instructor of youth he was ranked among the best. He has held the positions of selectmen, as- sessor, and overseer of the poor eight years each, and has been justice of the peace thirty-one years. He was married, Oct. 6, 1834, to Betsey, daughter of Uriah and Sally (Carpenter) Bowen, of Attleborough Mass. She was born July 30, 1812, and died Jan. 23 1853. Their children are George William, born Oct 18, 1835 ; Wheaton Leonard, born Dec. 22, 1837 Warren Smith, born June 9, 1840; Warren Smith 2 born Jau. 1, 1845 ; James Walter, born Jan. 27 1847 ; and Henry Winslow, born Oct. 29, 1849. Capt Bliss married for his second wife Julia Ann Car- penter, of Rehoboth, Oct. 26, 1853. She was born March 30, 1808, and died Dec. 15, 1865. They had one child, Betsy Ann, born March 20, 1856. Capt. Bliss married as his third wife Julia Ann (daughter of Joseph A. and Eunice C.) Tiffany, June 4, 1867. She was born April 16, 1825. Both are yet living (1882). Of Capt. Bliss' children, the eldest, George William, married, Sept. 8, 1859, to Mary K., daugh- ter of Jefferson and Hannah Daggett, of Pawtucket, where she was born, 1837. Their children are Susie P., Eva W., George Edwin, and Mary Williams. Wheaton Leonard served two years in Company A, Seventeenth Massachusetts Infantry, during the great Rebellion. He was married, April 21, 1867, to Laura A. P., daughter of Noah and Olive (Medbery) Bliss, of Rehoboth. They have no children. He is a far- mer in Attleborough, Mass. Warren Smith 1 died in childhood. Warren Smith 2 married, in Nantucket, Mass., July, 1872, Mary F., daughter of George W. and Mary Jenks. He died at Gainesville, Fla., Aug. 1, 1876. They had two children, one who died in infancy, and Mabel Warren. The widow resides in Nantucket. J. Walter resides with his father at the old homestead, and is unmarried. Henry Wilson married, Oct. 10, 1873, Annie Goff, of Providence, where he now resides. He is by occupation a tin- smith. Betsey Ann married, Feb. 20, 1879, William B. Colwell, of Johnston, R. I. OTIS PERRY. Daniel Perry was one of the first settlers of Reho- both. His son Ezra was by occupation a mechanic and manufacturer of nails. He was a man of much mechanical ingenuity and of an inventive turn of 492 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. mind. He was the inventor of a certain process for manufacturing nails and utilizing windmill power for the same. His invention was considered of so much value that the Blackstone Factory Company (quite a large concern) offered him their privilege on the Blackstone for his little primitive windmill. He married Jemima Titus, by whom he reared quite a large family, 1 all of whom except his son, Deacon Ezra, emigrated from Rehoboth to other parts of the country. His second wife was Patty Ide. By this union there was no offspring. Deacon Ezra inherited largely his father's mechanical genius, and though he was always the proprietor of a farm, yet his time was chiefly given to various mechanical pursuits, such as carpentering, turning, and blacksmithing in its vari- ous branches. He was noted throughout the country for his diversified skill and versatile capabilities. He was a captain of militia, a deacon of the orthodox Presbyterian Church, and a valued citizen. His wife was Betsey Bliss, daughter of Daniel Bliss and sister of Dr. James Bliss, of Rehoboth. Of their children, Ezra went to Brimfield, was a manufacturer and a prominent man there; Betsey married Cyril Bullock, of Rehoboth ; Hezekiah was a cotton manufacturer inMunson; Sarah married Elijah Bliss, of Rehoboth; James was a mechanic ; Otis 1 died in infancy ; Daniel was a manufacturer in his native town ; Mina married Nathan Carpenter, of Rehoboth; Nancy B. married Aseph Bliss, of Rehoboth : William was a machinist at Taunton. Of all this numerous family only Otis, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, is now living. The Perrys were the first manufacturers in the United States of bobbins for cotton-factories. They manu- factured the bobbins for Slater's, the first factory es- tablished in America. Otis Perry was born at the ancestral home of the Perrys in Eehoboth, Feb. 17, 1807. When a lad he worked in the turning-shop and on the farm of his father. After attaining his majority he left his father's homestead and established at the place where he now resides a factory similar to his father's. This busi- ness he continued many years. About 1850 he com- menced sawing lumber, manufacturing shingles, and grinding meal, and has continued the business to the present time. In the quiet walk of life which he chose he has been a successful man. In politics he has always been a Whig and Republican, and is stanch and true to his political principles. 2 NATHANIEL B. HORTON. Nathaniel B. Horton, son of Aaron and Bethany Baker Horton, was born in Rehoboth, Mass., July 25, 1820. Aaron, his father, son of Solomon and Han- nah (Talbot) Horton, was born in Dighton, Mass., 1 See genealogy. 2 For data concerning the ancestors of the Perry family, see Appendix. and was a farmer. He married (1st) Bethany, daugh' ter of Samuel Baker (a farmer of Rehoboth, who also manufactured shoe-buckles, a wealthy man of that period, and a soldier of the Revolution). They had seven children, — Mason, Danforth, Nancy, Hiram, Nathaniel B., Angeline, and Alvah. She died Jan. 31, 1840, in her fifty-sixth year. He married (2d) Sarah Burr, who survives him. He died Dec. 3, 1854, in his seventy-fourth year. Nathaniel was edu- cated at the schools of his native town, and remained on his father's farm until he was eighteen, when he went to Fall River and learned the mason's trade of Earle & Horton, of that city, and worked at the trade twenty years. He then, about 1856, purchased the old homestead of his father in Rehoboth (about one hundred acres), which had been in the possession of his ancestors for several generations. To this he has since added one hundred acres by purchase. From that time this has been his home, and his avocation that of a farmer. He married, Jan. 11, 1844, Mary M., daughter of James and Mary H. (Mason) Eddy. She was born Aug. 25, 1824, in Swansea. Their only child, Arthur, born Aug. 24, 1847, died aged six years. Mrs. Horton died April 14, 1850. He mar- ried, Dec. 23, 1854, Mary J., daughter of Hale and Patience (Bosworth) Buffinton, of Rehoboth. She was born July 18, 1832. They have four children, — Adin B., born Nov. 7, 1855, married Hannah Hale, lives in Rehoboth, has two children ; Mary M., born Oct. 31, 1857, married Frank N. Martin, lives in East Providence, R. I., has one child ; Arabelle B., born Aug. 20, 1863 ; and Arthur E., born Aug. 6, 1870, who live with their parents. Mr. Horton has been an active and energetic man, and prominently iden- tified with every affair of interest in his town since his residence there. He has held every office of im- portance in the gift of his townsmen, — selectman, treasurer, collector, etc. He represented Seekonk and Rehoboth two sessions in the State Legislature. During the civil war he was agent for the town in filling its quota for military service; was also recruit- ing officer and enrolling officer, and placed in service for Rehoboth about one hundred and ninety enlisted men, traveling in that service through various States and as far south as Virginia. Perhaps very few men in the town ever have held more responsible posi- tions, or discharged their duties with more ability or acceptance to their constituents. He was formerly a Democrat, but afterward became a Free-Soiler, and since 1856 has affiliated with the Republican party. Mr. Horton has been connected with various cor- porations and business interests. He is a stockholder in Pocasset National Bank, Wamsutta Bank, and Fall River Union Bank, in Fall River; Weetamoe Mills, Osborn Mills, and Chace Mills, in Fall River. He has often been called upon to administer an es- tate, and has the reputation of being not only an able business man, but an agreeable and very social gen- tleman with a large following of friends. -«■ ^i JS &^JZ ^4 REHOBOTH. 493 ABIAH BLISS. The Bliss family in Rehoboth, Mass., are descended from Thomas Bliss, of Belstone parish, county of Devonshire, England. This Thomas Bliss was a wealthy land-owner, and belonged to the class de- nominated Puritans on account of the purity and simplicity of their forms of worship. He was perse- cuted by civil and religious authorities under direc- tion of Archbishop Laud, and finally became broken down in health and estate through the maltreatment of the intolerant party then dominant. He and his sons suffered long imprisonment. One of them died in prison, the other two emigrated to America in 1635. From Jonathan, of Belstone, is descended Abiah Bliss, whose portrait is in this volume. The line of descent is as follows : Thomas 1 , Jonathan 2 , Thomas 3 , Jona- than 4 , Jonathan 5 , Ephraim 6 , Abiah 7 , Abiah*. Of these Thomas 3 was born in Belstone, England, emi- grated to America in 1636, and after residing at Brain- tree, Mass., Hartford, Conn., and Weymouth, Mass., finally removed, in 1643, with many others, to what is now Rehoboth, and commenced a settlement there. He was a man of influence in the new colony, died in 1649. His son Jonathan was born in England about 1625. It is probable that he came to Rehoboth about 1647. In 1648 he married Miriam Harmon. They had ten children. He died in 1687. His son Jonathan (who like his father was a blacksmith) was born Sept. 17, 1666, became a man of standing and influence in his native town, accumulated property, held many offices, etc. He was married June 23, 1691, to Miriam Carpenter, daughter of William Carpenter and Miriam Searles. They had eight chil- dren, of whom Ephraim was one. Mrs. Bliss died May 21, 1706. He then married, April 10, 1711, Mary French, by whom he had four children. He died Oct. 16, 1719. Lieut. Ephraim was born Aug. 15, 1699, married, Dec. 5, 1723, Rachel Carpenter, by whom he had twelve children. He was a lieutenant of militia. Abiah, his son, was born Jan. 26, 1730, and married, Dec. 21, 1752, Judith Moulton ; she died Oct. 19, 1755. He afterwards married, April 22, 1756, Mary Smith, by whom he had six children. Mrs. Bliss died Feb. 25, 1771. He then married, Nov. 28, 1771, Eliza- beth Lane. He died Jan. 25, 1825. Col. Abiah, his son, was born May 20, 1768, married, March 22, 1792, Rebecca Kent. She was born Dec. 23, 1771, died April 30, 1856. They had eleven children, — Rebecca, born March 28, 1794; Mary, born June 10, 1795; Lita, born March 8, 1797 ; Amanda, born Oct. 3, 1798 ; Abiah, born March 6, 1800 ; Rufus, born March 7, 1802; Eliza, born Jan. 6, 1804; Ruth, born Dec. 7, 1805 ; Horatio Nelson, born Aug. 17, 1808 ; Harriet, born Sept. 20, 1810 ; and Rachel, born Oct. 28, 1812. Mrs. Bliss died April 30, 1856. He died Aug. 12, 1858. The present Abiah was born on the old Bliss home- stead, which has been in possession of the family since 1666; had common-school education, but very fair for that day. When about twenty-five years of age he purchased a half-interest in his father's farm. The principal duties pertaining to management of the farm devolved upon him, and at his father's death he inherited the rest of the homestead. On Nov. 11, 1834, he married Julia Ann Sturtevant, daughter of Francis Sturtevant, of Rhode Island. Their children are Rebecca, born Oct. 27, 1835; Francis A., born Nov. 18, 1837; Albert Henry, born Feb. 27, 1840; Thomas, born May 21, 1842; William, born Jan. 23, 1844; and Adaline, born Aug. 28, 1846. Of these, Albert Henry died Aug. 31, 1842. Thomas grew up to manhood, enlisted in Company G, Fourth Massa- chusetts Infantry, and died in Brazier City, La., May 20, 1862. William, upon arriving at his majority, emigrated to the West, and spent five years in Illinois farming and teaching ; then returned home, where he remained about a year, when he again went westward, this time to California via Panama. He remained five years, most of which time was spent in the mining regions of Nevada. Again returning home, he spent two years on the old homestead farming. Then he re- moved to Pawtucket, where he resided two years, when he had an offer, which he accepted, to go to Maine to superintend a silver-mine in that State, which position he now fills. He married Mary Hall, of Brockton, Mass. They have no children. Abiah Bliss is a fair specimen of the quiet, unobtrusive, thrifty New England farmer. Never an office-seeker or political agitator, yet he has always been a stanch Republican. His ancestors for generations have been members of the Congregational Church, and he has followed in their footsteps. Mr. Bliss has made him- self thoroughly familiar with the topography of most of the counties of Vermont, New Hampshire, and a part of Connecticut by having frequently traversed them buying and selling cattle in the days before our country was covered with a net- work of railroads, and when droves of cattle were bought in the interior and driven to the cities and seaboard-towns for shipment to other markets. In this business he was actively engaged a part of each year for more than twenty- five years. About 1850 he accepted a position as sales- man or agent for a manufacturing company (whose proprietor was a kinsman of his), and traveled through Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Iowa. With these exceptions he has confined himself to agricul- tural pursuits on the homestead of his fathers, and is now an active and well-preserved man for one of his advanced age. His son, Deacon Francis A. Bliss, married Frances M., daughter of Ira and Mary Ann | Carpenter, of Rehoboth, Dec. 25, 1867. She was born ! Nov. 16, 1840. They have five children, — Albert Abiah, born Nov. 4,1868; Martha Bird, born Aug. ! 28, 1871; Adaline Hall, born Oct. 26, 1874; Mary Carpenter, born Sept. 26, 1879 ; and Thomas Kent, born Nov. 2, 1881. Mr. Bliss had the usual district schooling, supplemented by an attendance at Thetford 494 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Academy, Vt., and Providence Conference Seminary, East Greenwich, R. I. After leaving school he en- gaged in teaching two winter terms in his native town. In October, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, First Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry, under Col. Robert Williams. They went directly to the seat of war in South Carolina, where they participated in numerous engagements, some of them of great se- verity. In the battle at Pocotaligo, S. C, Mr. Bliss was wounded in the right arm, which disabled him for duty for a period of two months. (It may be proper to state here, in explanation of what may otherwise appear as a discrepancy to those not familiar with the facts, that the First Massachusetts Cavalry was ordered about this time to the Department of Virginia. Two battalions went, the third, to which Mr. Bliss belonged, was detained by order of Gen. Mitchell for escort and special duty, and remained South during the three years of their enlistment, while the First Regiment, upon arriving in Virginia was recruited to its original number. The battalion which remained South was commanded by Maj. Ste- vens, and was styled "The Independent Battalion Massachusetts Cavalry.") Upon the expiration of the three years for which they had enlisted, Mr. Bliss, together with most of his comrades, re-enlisted. So many of this battalion re-enlisted that it still retained its original name and organization. They were now ordered to Florida, where, among other engagements, they took part with Gen. Seymour in the desperate but disastrous battle of Olusta. They were soon after this ordered to Virginia, where they arrived in time to participate in the famous battle of the Wilderness. About this time they were combined with the Second Battalion of the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry to com- plete the Fourth Regiment, under which organization they continued till the close of the war. Mr. Bliss was present at the surrender of Lee, and has as a souvenir a piece of the apple-tree under which that memorable event took place. He was in active duty nearly all the time from his enlistment till his dis- charge, which occurred December, 1865. After the I amalgamation of his battalion with the Fourth Regi- ment he was transferred from Company I to Com- pany F, and appointed quartermaster-sergeant. Upon returning home he took control and arranged for the purchase of his father's farm, and has since given his attention to its superintendence. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the board of school committee, a member of the Congre- gational Church, and has been superintendent of the Sunday-school for about eighteen years. CHAPTER XXXVII. SEEKONK. 1 Geographical — Incorporation of the Town — Act of Incorporation — The First Town-Meeting — Documentary History — Fortification at Kettle Point — Representatives — Senators — Changing of Boundary — Military History — Names of Soldiers. Seekonk lies in the northwestern part of the county, and is bounded as follows: On the north by Attleborough, on the east by Rehoboth, on the south by Swansea, and on the west by East Providence and Pawtucket. The territory embraced within the present town of Seekonk originally formed a portion of the ancient town of Rehoboth, where the record history, names of early settlers, etc., will be found. Incorporation of Seekonk. — Seekonk was set off from Rehoboth and incorporated as a separate town Feb. 26, 1812. The following is the act of incorpo- ration : "Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That the west- erly part of Rehoboth, of the county of Bristol, as described within the following bounds, with the inhabitants therein, be and they are hereby incorporated into a separate town by the name of Seekonk, viz.: Be- ginning at a rock in the line between the towns of Attleborough and Rehoboth, which is the northeast corner boundary of the west precinct in said Rehoboth ; thence south four degrees west until it strikes the line between the towns of Swanzey and Rehoboth ; thence westerly by Swauzey line till it strikes the line between the said Rehoboth and the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations; thence following the line between the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations ami said Rehoboth till it conies to the southwest corner of the town of Attleborough; thence easterly by the line between the towns of Attle- borough and Rehoboth to the first mentioned bounds. And the s;iid town of Rehoboth is hereby vested with all the powers and privileges, rights and immunities, and subject to all the duties to which other towns are entitled and subjected by the Constitution or laws of this commonwealth. " Sec. 2. Be it further enacted, Tbat of all State and county taxes which shall be levied and required of said towns previous to a new valuation the said town of Seekonk shall pay one-half thereof. " Sec. 3. Be il further enacted, That all the expenses arising for the support of the poor of said town of Rehoboth, with which it is now chargeable, together with such poor as have removed out of said town prior to this act of incorporation, but who may hereafter be lawfully returned to said town for support, shall be equally divided between the towns of Seekonk and Rehoboth ; and when the said town of Seekonk shall be organized, the paupers, whether the same be supported in whole or in part only, shall be divided as nearly as may be, and one-half of the number delivered over to the overseers of the poor of that town, to he by them in future supported. "Sec. 4. Be it further enacted, That Elkanah French, Esq., be and he is hereby authorized to issue his warrant, directed to some suitable in- habitant of Seekonk, requiring him to notify and warn the inhabitants thereof, qualified to vote for town officers, to meet at such convenient time and place as shall be expressed in said warrant, to choose all such officers as towns are by law authorized to choose in the months of March or April annually. And that the said Elkanah French, Esq., be and he is hereby authorized and empowered to preside at said meetings during the election of a moderator, to exercise all the powers and to do all the duties which town clerks by law have and do perform in the election of moderators of town-meetings." The First Town-Meeting in pursuance of this act was held in the old meeting-house March 16, 1812, when Caleb Abell was chosen moderator and town clerk, and Capt. Allen Cole town treasurer. 1 The editor acknowledges his indebtedness in the compilation of the history of this town to Deacon Joseph Brown, whose invaluable assist- ance has greatly lessened his labor in the preparation of this work. SEEKONK. 495 At a meeting held on the 23d of the same month, Peter Hunt, Worcester Carpenter, and Allen Monroe were chosen selectmen. At this meeting it was also " voted to choose a committee of three to join a committe chosen hy the town of Rehoboth to make a settlement with the late town treasurer, and by vote Messrs. Calvin Martin, James Ellis, and Benjamin Ormsbee were said com- mittee. Documentary History. — At the town-meeting held March 23, 1812, it was " voted to choose Messrs. Lewis Wade and James Bliss constables for the ensuing year. " Voted that the town-meeting in Seekonk he notified in the usual mode and manner that town-meetings were notified before the division of the town of Rehoboth, till further order he taken thereon. "April 6, 1812. — The town voted to choose two constables in addition to the two choseD at a former meeting, and by vote Messrs. Amos Read and Nathaniel Viall." At the same meeting were chosen "surveyors of highways," "fence- viewers," " surveyors of plank and timber and corders of wood and water," and " field-viewers." "Voted that the present selectmen be overseers of the poor and assessors for the ensuing. Oct. 5, 1812. — "Voted to put up the collection of taxes, to be bid off by those that would collect the lowest, they giving bonds to said town agreeable to a vote." Nov. 12, 1812, it was "voted to choose by nomination a committee of three to divide all public personal property that belongs to the towns of Seekonk and Rehoboth, and poor persons, agreeable to the act of the General Court of this commonwealth incorporating Seekonk, and choose James Ellis, Esq., and Deacon Joseph Bucklin as said committee." Sept. 7, 1812, " motion being made and seconded to give to each de- tached non-commissioned officer and soldier belonging to Seekonk five dollars per month in addition to what the general government allows as wages, vote being taken thereon, declared in the negative." October, 1812, the sum of $350 was voted for the support of schools; in 1813, $350 ; in 1814, $350 ; from 1815 to 1824, $400 was voted each year ; in 1824 $500 was voted, etc. April 5, 1813, it was " voted to put out the poor persons belonging to the town of Seekonk at auction to the lowest bidder." Fortification at Kettle Point.— Oct. 3, 1814, a committee from the town of Providence, consisting of Tristam Burgess, William Church, and Richmond Bullock, requested liberty to build a breastwork on land belonging to the town of Seekonk and Reho- both, at a place called " Kettle Point," and to solicit the citizens of Seekonk to assist in building said for- tification. " By vote granted the request of said committee so far as related to Seekonk, and choose a committee of seven to request the citizens to assist in raising the fortification." The New Town-House. — The new town-house was erected in 1814, and the first meeting was held here Nov. 7, 1814. In 1824 it was " voted to purchase a hearse and harness, a large and small pall, and a suitable house to keep them in." In 1826 the town voted that it was not expedient to build a jail in New Bedford at the county expense, and in 1827 voted against the petition of the inhabitants of Pawtucket village to be set off into a separate town. Rum and Railroads.— At a meeting held April 28, 1834, it was " voted that the public good and con- venience require that there should be innholders and retailers of ardent spirits in the town of Seekonk ;" and also by vote passed the following resolutions, viz. : "Resolved, That the town of Seekonk approve of the doings of their selectmen in returning innholders and retailers to the county commis- sioners to be licensed ; also "Resolved, That the town of Seekonk disapproves of the doings of the county commissioners of the county of Bristol In refusing to grant any licenses to innholders and retailers for the sale of ardent spirits in said county, and consider it an usurpation of power and contrary to the spirit of the law of this Commonwealth." Aug. 11, 1834, the town " voted that the selectmen of this town for the time being be a committee to see that the Boston and Providence Railroad corporation make no encroachments on any property belonging to said town, and to conduct for said town as they may think proper." In the following November it was " voted that if the Boston and Providence Railroad Company will build a bridge over the railroad near the common, and cause all the necessary roads leading to it to be laid out at their expense, and give the town a bonus of one thou- sand dollars, in that case the selectmen are authorized to make a contract with the proper agent of the rail- road." Representatives from 1812 to 1883.— The follow- ing is a list of the representatives from the incorpora- tion of the town in 1812 to the present time : 1812-14, 18101-18. Oliver Stark- weather. 1813, 1820-21. Peter Hunt. 1819. George W. Walker. 1822. Calvin Martin. 1823-28. Robert Daggett. 1829. Weston Carpenter. 1830-31. Wooster Carpenter. 1830-32. Seth Whitmarsh. 1833-35. Church Gray. 1836. Capt. Lewis Walker. William D. Hunt. 1837-38. Lewis Walker. Caleb Chaffee. 1839-10. William Ide. Caleb Chaffee. 1841-42. William Ide. 1843. Seth Whitmarsh. 1844. Viall Medbmy. 1845. Cyril Read. 1846. Leonard Walker. 1847. Calvin Carpenter. 1848. Leonard Walker. 1849. Arthur W. Aldrich. 1850. David Anthony. 1851. John Gregory. 1852. William Ide. 1853. None. 1854-55. Henry G. Stewart. 1856. Francis Armington. 1S57. Sydney Daggett. 1858 2-59. Joel Marble. 1860. Ira Baker, Rehoboth. 1861. From Rehoboth. 1862. Joseph Brown. 1863. From Rehoboth. 1864. Joseph Brown. 1865. Zamakiu W. Horton, Reho- both. 1866. John Hunt. 1867.3 James H. Codding, Dighton. 1868. William A. King, Rehoboth. 1S69. Ebeuezer Dawes, Dighton. 1870. Elisha Davis, Rehoboth. 1871. Solon Carpenter, Seekonk. 1872. Thomas P. Burt, Berkley. 1873. Charles Talbot, Dighton. 1874. Cyrus Wheatou, Rehoboth. 1875. Thomas Rich, Seekonk. 1876. Herbert A. Dean, Berkley. 1877. Hale S. Luther, Rehoboth. 1878. John A. Lewis, Dighton. 1879.4 Jas. E. Easterbrook, Swan- sea. 1880. Andrew N. Medbury, See- konk. 1881. Remember Smith, Rehoboth. 1882. Francis A. Horr, Dighton. 1883. James H. Mason, Swansea. 1 In 1815, none. 2 This town, now in connection with Rehoboth, forms one represen- tative district. 3 The towns of Seekonk, Rehoboth, Dighton, and Berkley now com- pose one representative district. 4 The towns of Seekonk, Rehoboth, Dighton, and Swansea now make one district. 496 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Senators have been as follows : 1815-17. James Ellis. I 1833-36. Seth Whitmarsb. 1821-23. Oliver Starkweather. March 1, 1862, the town of East Providence was taken off from Seekonk, leaving the town with a population of only eight hundred, almost wholly farmers. The interest of the town is agricultural, and from 1862 to 1880 the population increased from eight hundred to more than twelve hundred. There had been a long dispute between the States of Rhode Island and Massachusetts in relation to the boundary line. The case was in the United States Supreme Court, but by agreement between them it was taken from the court and referred to a commission from Rhode Island and the Governor and Executive Coun- cil on the part of Massachusetts, when a conventional line was adopted, setting the whole of Pawtucket and that portion of Seekonk now East Providence into Rhode Island, while Massachusetts received territory from Rhode Island adjacent to Fall River. The inhabitants of the present town of Seekonk almost universally opposed the act as injurious to their interest, but the influence of Providence and Fall River prevailed. The inhabitants opposed the division of the town and new State line by which the town of East Provi- dence was organized in another State, for thereby the Congregational and First Baptist Churches, in which they worshiped, were transferred to another town and State, also the town hall, and seriously deranged the several school districts. The manufacturing part of the town was transferred to Rhode Island, leaving the present town of Seekonk nearly without manufactures and wholly agricultural. It set into Rhode Island about two-thirds of the valu- ation and more than two-thirds of the population, and about one-half of the territory. Military Record, 1861-65.— The town of Seekonk responded promptly to the call for troops during the late Rebellion, both in men and means. July 24, 1862, the town voted to pay one hundred and twenty- five dollars to each volunteer, not to exceed ten in number, when accepted and sworn into service on the call for fifteen thousand men from the State. Aug. 14, 1862, the town voted to pay four hundred dollars bounty to each volunteer, seven being the number required; also voted to pay three hundred dollars bounty to all volunteers and drafted men under the first levy. Aug. 38, 1862. Voted to pay two hundred dollars bounty for volunteers for nine months' service to fill the town's quota. Sept. 2, 1862. The town voted to pay the expenses of those volunteers who were rejected. Voted that the recruiting officer be instructed to recruit or enlist any man of proper age not enrolled in any other town. Sept. 24, 1862. The town voted to instruct the re- cruiting officer to enlist not exceeding eighteen vol- unteers for nine mouths. Oct. 8, 1862. Voted that the treasurer be author- ized to hire money sufficient to aid the families of volunteers from this town. Voted twelve hundred dollars for bounties. Dec. 10, 1863. The town authorized the recruiting officer to pay three hundred and twenty-five dollars bounty for the quota of volunteers called for. April 4, 1864. Voted to pay eleven hundred and twenty-five dollars to reimburse those that have vol- untarily contributed to pay bounties to fill the town's quota on the call for five hundred thousand men. Also voted to appropriate one hundred and twenty- five dollars for each recruit for this town that maybe enlisted under the call for March 15, 1864, and also that may be enlisted under future calls of the Presi- dent before March 1, 1865. June 25, 1864. Voted to authorize the treasurer to pay one hundred and twenty-five dollars to every man enlisted in anticipation of the next call of the Presi- dent, but the officer not to enlist over ten men. Sept. 3, 1864. The recruiting officer reported to the town that the town's quota was filled, at the expense of four thousand nine hundred and seventy-five dollars. Oct. 22, 1864. Voted that the treasurer pay one hundred and twenty-five dollars for the eighteen men, and also for each of the two surplus men. Nov. 26, 1864. Voted that the recruiting officer enlist nine men for filling the town's quota in antici- pation of another call for men. Voted that the select- men order the treasurer to pay out eleven hundred and twenty-five dollars in anticipation of enlisting the above number of men. The following enlisted from this town : W. L. Bliss. Nelson Bowen. George Burke. Charles Bourns. C. V. Brown. Warren L. Chaffee. Benjamin F. Clement. Henry Davis. Edward M. Downey. John G. Doak. John Elderkin. Jonathan R. Elderkin. John Fitzgerald. Martin S. Granger. Charles C. Handy. Martin V. Hill. Charles Horton. Almond Harding. William Johnson. George Lannon. Sylvester Lumbert. James Mason. Theophilus Medbery. George E. Miller. Sylvanus Martin. John W. Miller. Caleb Miller. Francis Millard. William H. Miller. Hugh McGuire. Charles F. Ormsbee. William Riley. James Stone. Albert S. Strait. Abner P. Smith. William H. H. Smith. Albert Wood. William H. Wood. John F.Wood. Seekonk filled her quota in full. As this town is a border town and adjacent to Providence, a large number of its citizens enlisted into Rhode Island regiments, and several into the quota of other towns in the State. The following enlisted from this town in other places : Thomas Read; John A. Medbery, Myron Short, 1st Rhode Island Cav- alry; John W. Peck, seven years in U. S. regular army; Samuel SEEKONK. 497 J. Smith, capt. in Rhode Island regiment, and killed In first battle of Bull Run; James M. Munroe, in California regiment; Edward Dunbar, Rhode Island regiment, killed in battle; T. Peck, enlisted in Cambridge. CHAPTER XXXVIII. SEEKONK.— (Continued.) ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. Congregational Church— The Baptist Church — The Hebron Church. Congregational Church. — The original proprie- tors of this town were Congregationalists, who, with their pastor, Rev. Samuel Newman, and a majority of his church, migrated from Weymouth, Mass., and settled in this place in the year 1643. The town was called Rehoboth by the pastor ; by the Indians Seekonk. On the division of the town one part retained the civil name, the other the Indian. The following are the names, etc., of the successive pastors : Rev. Samuel Newman was born in Blandford, in 1600 ; educated at Oxford, England ; came to New England 1638, and died, pastor of this church, July 5, 1663. Rev. Noah Newman, son of Rev. Samuel Newman, was ordained 1668, died April 16, 1676. Rev. Samuel Angier was born in Cambridge, 1655; graduated at Harvard University, 1673; became pas- tor 1679; dismissed from ill health 1692, and died at Waltham, Jan. 21, 1717. Rev. Thomas Greenwood was born in Weymouth, 1670; graduated at Harvard University, 1690; or- dained October, 1693, and died Sept. 8, 1720. Rev. John Greenwood, son of Rev. Thomas Green- wood, was born May 20, 1697 ; graduated at Harvard University, 1717 ; ordained 1721, and died Dec. 1, 1766. Rev. John Cams was born in Boston, 1724; grad- uated at Harvard University, 1762; installed April 18, 1759; dismissed Dec. 4, 1764, and died at Lynn, Mass., Oct. 12, 1802. Rev. Ephraim Hyde was born in Pomfret, Conn., 1738 ; graduated at Yale College, 1758 ; ordained May 14. 1766, and died Oct. 11, 1783. Rev. John Ellis was born in Cambridge, 1727 ; graduated at Harvard University, 1750; installed March, 1785 ; dismissed, at his request, 1796 ; returned to Norwich, Conn., where he had been previously settled, and died in 1805. Rev. John Hill was born in Lewiston, Del., Feb. 11, 1759 ; installed over this church Sept. 22, 1802, and died 1816. Rev. James O. Barney was born in Providence, R. I., Sept. 30, 1795 ; graduated at Brown University, September, 1821, and ordained Feb. 4, 1824. Although this church was established in this town as early as 1644, the church holds no records that 32 date back previous to 1693. The earliest records of this church are supposed to have been, and probably were, destroyed when King Philip burned the town, when all the houses in this vicinity except the garrison were destroyed. Again, from the installation of Rev. John Ellis, in 1785, to the settlement of Rev. James O. Barney, in 1824, the records are lost. Rev. Mr. Barney remained as pastor and acting pas- tor until May 1, 1867, except he labored a few months among the seamen in the city of Providence and for the American Sunday-School Union in the State of Iowa. This church enjoyed an extensive revival during the winter of 1855-56, when a series of meet- ings were held, in which Rev. Mr. Barney was assisted by Rev. Norris Day, an evangelist. Forty-four united with the church in a few weeks. The spring of 1861 was marked by another revival, when thirty-six united with the church in one day. Again, in 1867, forty- seven united themselves with this church between the months of March and August. Rev. Mr. Barney, having previously notified the church and society that he should resign the pastorate on May 1, 1867, preached his farewell sermon on the 28th day of April, after having preached to this people nearly forty-three years. He remarked in his discourse that a generation had passed away since he came among them, and scarcely a person was living in the parish who was a head of a family when he commenced his pastorate. At a meeting of the church held May 2, 1867, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted : " Resolved, That this church fully concur with the Congregational So- ciety of Seekonk in the resolutions passed by them this day in the ex- pression of their confidence in the Rev. James 0. Barney as a man, a Christian, and a pastor. " Resolved, That in view of the long and meritorious services of the Rev. James O. Barney as pastor of this church, and the lively interest he ever manifested in our spiritual welfare, we tender to him our thanks and assure him that wherever his lot may be cast he has our sympathies and prayers for his welfare." After the decease of his wife he removed to Hyde Park, Mass., and afterwards to Lincoln, R. I., where he deceased in March, 1880, universally respected by all with whom he had associated. April 22, 1868, the church and society extended a unanimous call to the Rev. Samuel E. Evans to be- come their pastor. He accepted the call, and was installed pastor of this church June 3, 1868. On March 2, 1871, he resigned the pastorate, when the following resolutions were unanimously adopted by the church : "Resolved, That it is with unfeigned sorrow that we accept the resig- nation of our pastor, the Rev. Samuel E. Evans. "Resolved, That we publicly express our acknowledgments for his faithfulness and fidelity to the cause of Christ while pastor of this church, and that we shall bear his memory in grateful remembrance for the earnestness in which he labored for the good of this people, and the blessings which we as individual Christians have received through the instrumentality of his instructions, by preaching the gospel in its full- ness and purity, holding up the promises of God through Jesus Christ for our encouragement and hope, and that we bid him God speed (2 John, 10) in whatever field he may be called to labor." 498 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. The Rev. E. A. Spence, of Ann Arbor, Mich., was then engaged as acting pastor, but owing to poor health was obliged to resign. He was succeeded by Rev. Hiram E. Johnson, who labored as acting pastor for seven years, until May 1, 1879, the church com- mending him as a Christian minister and gentleman unto whatever community in which he may be called to labor. During his pastorate the church erected an elegant parsonage adjacent to their meeting-house. Aug. 28, 1879, a unanimous call was extended by church and society to Rev. J. A. Hanna, of Thomp- son, Conn., but was declined. Nov. 12, 1879, it was voted unanimously that an invitation be extended to Rev. Leverett S. Wood- worth, of Campello, Mass., to become the pastor and teacher of this church and society. Rev. Mr. Woodwortb, having accepted the invita- tion, was duly installed as pastor of this church June 23, 1880, which office he now holds. In 1882 a large and excellent organ was purchased for the church. The communion service of this church consists of four silver platters, marked R. C. ; one silver cup, presented by Capt. Willet in 1674; one silver cup, presented by Rev. Noah Newman in 1678; one silver cup, presented by Mrs. Mary Walker in 1747 ; one silver cup, presented by Deacon Samuel Newman in 1748 ; one silver cup, presented by Deacon Edward Glover in 1751 ; one silver cup, presented by Mr. Daniel Perrin in 1754; one silver cup, presented by Capt. John Lyon, without date ; one silver cup, pre- sented by Barbary Hill, an Indian lady, in 1826 ; one silver cup, presented by Barbary Hill, an Indian lady, in 1828 ; one silver flagon, presented by Mrs. Sarah Bishop in 1727 ; one silver flagon, presented by Fran- cis Stephens in 1732. Rev. J. O. Barney acted as clerk of the church from the year of his ordination, 1824, to Aug. 31, 1837, when Deacon Peter H. Brown was chosen clerk, who served until Nov. 2, 1858, when Deacon Joseph Brown was elected, who has served to the present time. Deacons.— July 29, 1824, Peter H. Wheaton and William Ellis were elected; Feb. 28, 1839, John Shory and Peter H. Brown ; Sept. 30, 1858, Robert M. Pearse and Joseph Brown ; Nov. 3, 1870, William W. Ellis and Albert R. Read. Rev. Samuel Newman's Concordance of the Bible, including the Apocrypha, is a work of the rarest merit, and is truly a monument of biblical learning and research, not surpassed, if excelled, in any coun- try or age. It is not only one of the largest and most extensive of any work of that class through all its parts, but it was the first extensive work published. Authors of similar works since that date have been able to copy from him and enjoy the benefit of his researches. There are but few copies of his revised and enlarged edition (third), published in London, 1658, known to be extant. There is a copy in the library at Oxford, England ; one in the Athena?um in Boston, presented by King William III. ; and one belonging to the Congregational Church of Seekonk (of which Deacon Joseph Brown is custodian as clerk of the church), the history of which is as follows: The author, the founder of this church, reserved this copy for himself, and bequeathed it to his son and successor, Rev. Noah Newman, in 1668; to his successor, Rev. Samuel Algier, 1679 ; to his successor. Rev. Thomas Greenwood, 1693 ; to his son and suc- cessor, Rev. John Greenwood, 1721 ; from him to his theological student, Rev. John Burt, who became the fifth pastor of the Congregational Church in Bristol, R. I., 1741. In 1742, Mr. Burt rebound it; after his death it fell to his successor, Rev. Henry Wight, 1785. Dr. Wight died in 1837, and left this work to his chil- dren. In 1858, at the suggestion of Hon. Nathaniel Bullock and Governor Diman, of Bristol, the heirs of Dr. Wight bestowed it to S. C. Newman, A.M., a lineal descendant of the author, and he in turn has bestowed it to the Congregational Church of Seekonk. Oct. 12, 1830, at a conference of churches of Taun- ton and vicinity, held in the Congregational Church of Seekonk, a county society was formed auxiliary to the American Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions. March 6, 1832, a protracted meeting was commenced this day, and continued four days. Clergymen present Rev. Mr. Fisk, of Wrentham, Ide, of Medway, Chapin and Ferguson, of Attleborough, Raymond, of Free- town, Cummings, of Dighton, Vernon, of Rehoboth, Hopkins, of Pawtucket, Burdette, of East Greenwich, and Pease, of Barrington. The meeting was attended with the most happy consequences, many indulging hope of piety, and rejoicing in hope. The church unanimously adopted the following resolution : Resolved, That no person shall hereafter be ad- mitted a member of this church who will not abstain entirely and forever from the use of ardent spirits ex- cepting as a medicine. Nov. 30, 1847, Rev. J. O. Barney, J. C. Brown, and Deacon P. H. Brown were chosen a committee to re- vise the articles of faith and covenant and report at a future meeting. March 2, 1848, the above-named committee made their report, which was accepted and adopted. April 27, 1848, Voted, to so amend the fourth ar- ticle of the covenant that no member of this church may traffic in intoxicating drinks as a beverage. Number received into the church during the pas- torate of Rev. Mr. Barney, 308 ; during the pastorate of Rev. S. E. Evans, 21 ; during the pastorate of Rev. Hiram E. Johnson, 51 ; during the pastorate of Rev. L. S. Wood worth, 24. The Baptist Church. — The first meeting to con- sider the subject of forming a separate church in the First Precinct of Rehoboth was held Dec. 5, 1793, which was adjourned from time to time until Nov. 27, 1794, it being the tenth meeting, which resulted in forming a church styled the Baptist Church of Jesus SEEKONK. 499 Christ of First Precinct, Rehoboth, and the covenant and articles of faith were unanimously assented to and subscribed by every member, as follows: Caleb Mason, Charles Peck, John Brown, John Medbery, Miles Shorey, Ezra Kent, John Perry, Molly Walker, Abigail Winsor, Abigail Wilson, Syble Ingraham, Sarah Shorey, Hannah Hays, Eunice Hading, Re- becca Braly, Susanna Mason, Molly Cole, Silence Car- penter, and Johanna Mason. Dec. 13, 1794. The church appointed Brethren Caleb Mason and Charles Peck to the office of deacons, and requested Brother John P. Jones, who had been preaching for them ten months, to qualify himself to become their pastor, but they all wished for further time to consider so important an undertaking ; chose John Medbery clerk. March 18, 1795. Brother John P. Jones was or- dained to the work of the evangelical gospel ministry, and Brethren Caleb Mason and Charles Peck to the office of deacons. April 23, 1797. On account of the ill health of El- der Jones, Elder John Pitman was called to assist him, and preached part of the time. Dec. 26, 1807. Chose Brother Joseph Bucklin as third deacon. March 26, 1808. Chose Brother Samuel Brown as fourth deacon. June 27, 1812. The name of the church was changed to that of Baptist Church of Seekonk, as the west part of Rehoboth had by act of Legislature been in- corporated into a town by that name in February, 1812. Aug. 27, 1814. Elder John Pitman (who had served us since 1797), having moved his family to this town from Providence, produced a letter to this church from the First Baptist Church in Providence, and was joyfully received a member and teacher. April 30, 1815. Brother Pitman took leave of this church for the present, being under a necessity to re- move from this place. This removal of our beloved brother and teacher was painful to the church, and apparently grievous to the society, but they did not feel able to support him, and he had no means of sup- porting himself and family here. June, 1815. Elder Jason Livemore commenced his labors with us, which were blessed with a gracious revival, and additions were made to the church for several months. August 27th. Brother Livemore came to this meet- ing with a letter of recommendation as a worthy brother and teacher from the Baptist Church, Maiden, Mass., of which he was the late pastor, and requested to become a member with us, and he was cordially received. Sept. 23, 1815, was appointed for our monthly cove- nant meeting, but was prevented by a severe storm. The storm was the severest, perhaps, ever experienced in this country. Seekonk, November, 1815. Since our last meeting our beloved brother, Deacon Joseph Bucklin, de- parted this life. December, 1815. A special meeting of the church was held at Brother David Cooper's for the purpose of selecting another deacon. Voted that Brother Livemore be moderator of this meeting. Voted by ballot for a deacon, and Brother David Brown was unanimously chosen to the office of deacon. Voted to choose one more deacon by ballot, but there was no choice. Our beloved brother, Elder Livemore, left us the first week of January, 1816, on a mission in Rhode Island. March, 1816. Brother John Pitman concluded to return to this place and preach for us the ensuing year, to the great satisfaction and joy of the church. Aug. 28, 1818. Brothers John Read and Sylvanus Newman were selected for the office of deacons by a vote of the church. Elder Pitman preached July 21, 1822, and died July 24th. Aug. 24, 1822. John Medbery, who had been clerk of the church since its formation, asked to be excused on account of his advanced age, and Brother Viall Medbery was chosen clerk in his room. 1822-23. Brother Ezra Goings (licentiate) labored with the church, and was much blessed. Oct. 5, 1823. This day Brother Bartlett Pease began to preach for us statedly for one year. It was voted to receive Brother Pease as our pastor for one year from the 1st of October inst., provided he should continue to preach the gospel consistent with the Bible and our church constitution. (He continued five years.) March 29, 1828. Brother Bartlett Pease, our pastor, was dismissed from our church on his own request. December, 1828. Brother Greene was engaged to supply the pulpit through the winter. May 16, 1829. Brother Benjamin C. Grafton, of Plymouth, was engaged to preach to us for one year. June 27, 1829. Brother Grafton and wife Ann united with the church by letter from Plymouth, Mass. Feb. 27, 1830. The church voted to build a parson- age, and chose Deacon David Brown and Sylvanus Newman and Brother Solomon Peck a committee to build the same at their discretion. July 3, 1831. Brother Grafton preached his fare- well sermon. Oct. 25, 1831. Voted this day to invite Brother Ferando Berton to become our pastor, he being a licentiate of the Baptist Church in Hartford, Conn. November, 1831. Brother Berton engaged to preach six months. March 24, 1832. Brother Berton united with the church by letter from the Baptist Church at Paw- tucket. Jan. 23, 1833. Brother Berton was ordained to the gospel ministry. July 27, 1833. Brother Berton asked to be dismissed as pastor, which request was granted August 4th. 500 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Sept. 8, 1833. Brother Uriah Medbery was unani- mously chosen deacon. Sept, 11, 12, 1833. The Warren Association con- vened with our church, and during its session Brethren Sylvanus Newman, David Brown, and Viall Medbery were ordained as deacons of this church. Oct. 1, 1833. Brother Henry Clark, a licentiate of the Warwick Baptist Church, commenced his labors with us. Dec. 8, 1833. Commenced a series of meetings, which were held morning, afternoon, and evening for one week. On the last evening five young persons expressed hope in the Saviour, and forty took the anxious seat, and fifteen were added to the church the last Sunday in December. June 25, 1834. Brother Henry Clark was ordained to the gospel ministry. Sept. 27, 1834. Brother Zenas B. Newman, one of our young members, was licensed by the church to preach the gospel. Sept. 9, 1836. Brother Newman was ordained as an evangelist. Nov. 26, 1836. Brother Clark gave in his resigna- tion as pastor, to take effect the 1st of January next, which was accepted. Oct. 19, 1836. The church withdrew from Warren and joined with another church in Bristol County in forming the Taunton Association. Aug. 1, 1837. Rev. John Allen commenced his pas- toral labors with us. July and August, 1837. Our meeting-house was re- modeled and thoroughly repaired, and we met for worship and all our services in the town hall. Sept. 26, 1840. Voted that the request of Brother Allen for dismission as pastor of this church be granted. Nov. 8, 1840. Brother John C. Welch, of Warren, R. I., commenced his pastoral labors with this church, which continued nine years and six months. 1841-42. In the winter and spring of 1841-42 the church enjoyed the most wonderful and exteusive revival in its entire history, and in some five or six months eighty were added to their membership. April 1, 1850. Brother Welch closed his labors as pastor with us. April 1, 1850. Brother Henry G. Stewart com- menced his labors in supplying the pulpit, etc. Oct. 5, 1850. It was unanimously voted to request Brother Stewart to become our pastor during mutual satisfaction, and the request was accepted by him. March 26, 1853. Brother Stewart resigned his posi- tion as pastor, and his resignation was accepted. May 15, 1853. Brother Alexander Lorimer com- menced his labors as supplying the pulpit. July 30, 1853. Voted to give Brother Lorimer an invitation to become pastor of our church (thirty- seven to three), which invitation was accepted by him. June 24, 1854. Brother Lorimer resigned his pas- toral relation, which was accepted by the church. Nov. 23, 1851. Deacon Sylvanus Newman deceased. He had been a member of the church fifty years, and had filled the office of deacon thirty-two years. Jan. 12, 1852. The church chose William S. Mun- roe as deacon in place of Brother Newman. March, 1854. Brother Andrew N. Medbery was chosen clerk. Oct. 8, 1854. The church voted unanimously to give Brother George Mathews (who commenced laboring with us Sept. 24, 1854) an invitation to become our pastor. Brother Mathews accepted the pastorate, and October 28th joined the church by letter from the Baptist Church in Casinovin, N. Y. Jan. 27, 1856. The church voted to hold a series of meetings, to commence next week, and to invite Rev. James O. Barney and his church and society to uuite with us in these meetings, which was accepted. September, 1856. The Taunton Baptist Association held its session with us. July 25, 1857. Brother Mathews resigned as pastor, to take effect Oct. 1, 1857. Nov. 29, 1857. Voted unanimously to give Rev. A. H. Stowell, of Providence, R. L, an invitation to be- come our pastor for six months, which was accepted by him. In the spring of 1858 there was quite a revival in our church, and quite a number of heads of families were added to the church. Aug. 25, 1860. The church voted that Brother Stowell's labors as pastor close to-morrow after service. Aug. 26, 1860. The church rescinded the vote passed yesterday, after which Brother Stowell resigned as pastor, which was accepted. Nov. 24, 1860. Voted to engage Brother G. M. P. King, who had been supplying us for six weeks, to become our pastor for six months. April 4, 1861. Voted to give Brother King an invita- tion to become our pastor as long as mutually satis- factory. June 11, 1861. A public recognition as pastor of their church took place. Aug. 30, 1862. The church voted to withdraw from the Taunton Association and rejoin the Warren As- sociation, as that part of Seekonk where the church was had recently been set to Rhode Island. April 29, 1865. Brother King notified the church that his relation to the church as pastor would close from this date, that he had tendered his resignation last December, which he had not withdrawn. The church voted to accept his resignation. The church voted to observe the national fast or- dered by the President on account of the assassination of President Lincoln, and voted to invite Rev. James O. Barney and his church and society to meet with us. Nov. 28, 1865. Voted to accept the invitation of the Congregational Church to meet and join with them in thanksgiving services December 7th ; and also to invite them to join with us in like services November 30th. SEEKONK. 501 March 26, 1866. Voted unanimously to give Rev. Isaac Chesebrough, of Greenwich, R. I., a call to be- come our pastor, which call was accepted April 1, 1866, in which position he continued till Sept. 30, 1880. During his pastorate, in 1877 and 1878, there was a revival of religion in the church, and thirty- eight were added to our number. Aug. 29, 1872. Voted to withdraw from the Warren Association and unite with the Providence Associa- tion. Sept. 16 and 17, 1874. The Providence Baptist As- sociation held its annual session with our church. Although the weather was unpleasant there was a good attendance, and the exercises were harmonious and very interesting. April 24, 1879. The church by appointment bal- loted for two deacons, which resulted in the choice of Brother Francis Armington and Andrew N. Medbery as deacons. April 8, 1879. It was voted to build a new church edifice or meeting house, and chose a committee of five to build the same, viz., Francis Armington, A. N. Medbery, Daniel Medbery, Isaac Chesebrough, and Allen Munroe. The church was built the ensuing summer. July 30, 1879. The church was called to mourn the loss by death of a much-loved and esteemed brother, Deacon William S. Munroe. Dec. 30, 1879. The new church edifice was dedicated to the worship of God. Jan. 27, 1881, The church voted to give Rev. Bailey S. Morse, pastor of Broadway Church, Providence, a call to become our pastor, which was accepted by him, and he commenced his pastoral labors 1st of April, 1881, which still continue. Church constituted Nov. 27, 1795. No. of constituents 19 Pastorate of Members added. Under Elder Jones 4 years. 22 " " John Pitman 24 " 124 " " Ezra Goiny 9 months. 24 " " Bartlett Pease 3 " 6 " 19 " " Benjamin C. Grafton. 2 " 2 " 22 " " Porondo Berton 1 year, U " 14 " " Henry Clarke 3 years, 3 " 103 " " John Allen 3 " 2 " 18 " " John C. Welch 9 " 5 " 120 " Henry G. Stewart 2 " 6 " 8 " Alexander Lorimer... 1 year, 1 month. 15 " " George Mathews 3 years. 31 " Austin H. Stowell 2 " 9 months. 39 " George M. P. King.... 4 •■ 5 " 15 " " Isaac Cheseborough.. 14 " 6 " 69 Bailey S. Morse .. The first Sabbath-school was formed June 1, 1819, by a few of the young people of the church and so- ciety. Viall Medbery was chosen superintendent, which office he filled to March 25, 1855, when Deacon William S. Munroe was chosen, who filled the office till Oct. 27, 1867. He was followed by Allen J. Brown, to 1870 ; John A. Medbery, to 1871 ; Samuel B. Allen, to 1872; John A. Medbery, to 1873 ; Hannah Medbery, to 1877 ; Allen Munroe, present superintendent. The Hebron Church 1 was organized Dec. 25, 1827. The church edifice was erected in 1827, and stood on the line of the towns of Seekonk and Attleborough, the line of the towns passing through the church. This building was sold and removed in 1870, and a new church built in that year, but ivholly in See- konk. The edifice erected in 1870 was destroyed by fire in 1875 ; another was built and was dedicated Aug. 6, 1875. The church erected a parsonage in 1863. The pastors of this church have been Rev. Thomas Wil- liams, Rev. Charles Simmery, Rev. William H. Hay- ward, Rev. John W. Caldwell, Rev. Joshua Stetson, Rev. Junia S. Mowrey, Rev. George W. Wallace, Rev. J. C. Seagraves, Rev. Gardner Clark, Rev. Reuben Allen, Rev. Solomon P. Snow, Rev. Sam- uel Heath, Rev. William B. Heath, Rev. John Q. Adams. Present pastor, Albert F. Remington. Rev. Mr. Remington became pastor of this church in April, 1875. The deacons were Seta Kent, Ira K. Miller, Daniel Perry, John Blanchard, Noble Fuller, George W. French, Henry Carpenter. The present deacons are Andrew J. Goff, Samuel O. Case, Jr., and George O. Newman. There are at present about eighty members belonging to the church. The Sabbath- school numbers one hundred and fifteen. We subjoin the following concerning the origin of this church : On the 25th of December, 1827, a num- ber of the members of the First Congregational Church in West Attleborough residing in and near Hebronville, having been dismissed for the purpose of forming a new organization, unitedly agreed, in order to their greater usefulness in promoting the in- terests of religion, to become a new church under the " creed of Congregationalism." Their first pastor was Rev. Thomas Williams. Under his labors the church was increased and blessed, and a house of worship was erected. The church continued to have a succession of Con- gregational pastors, with no change in their creed, until the spring of 1842, when the church became convicted that to make the creed of a sect a test of church membership, to the rejection of Christians from the Church of Christ, was not a Christian but an unauthorized human arrangement. It was accordingly voted to give up their creed of Congregationalism as a test of membership, and adopt the Scriptures, more especially the New Testa- ment, as their only and sufficient rule of faith and practice, under which all Christians located together could unite in the exercise of all the ability which God giveth in the work and worship of God, and thus become more useful and successful in building up the church and cause of Christ. 1 Contributed by Joseph Brown. 502 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. JOSEPH BROWN. There were quite a number of the early settlers of New England who bore the name of Brown. Peter Brown was probably the first. He came over from England in the " Mayflower." He was not an an- cestor, but related to an ancestor of Deacon Joseph Brown. From the most authentic records we have been able to obtain, it seems a probability bordering on certainty that William 1 Broivn, who came to Ply- mouth, and there married Mary Murdock, July 16, 1649, was the first of this particular branch who settled in America. He was from England. He died at Plymouth, 1694. He had a son, Samuel 1 , born 1656, who, in turn, had a son, Samuel 3 , born Nov. 7, 1690. This Samuel was the father of William*, who held a commission as quartermaster in Fourth Troop of Horse, Second Regiment, in Massachusetts Bay, commanded by Col. Zephaniah Leonard. His com- mission, dated Sept. 17, 1742, in sixteenth year of the reign of King George II., and signed by Wm. Shir- ley, Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief of Mas- sachusetts Bay, is now in possession of Deacon Joseph Brown, his great-grandson. Samuel 5 , his son, held a commission as second lieutenant, bearing date March 22, 1776, granted by Council of Massachusetts Bay, under King George III. ; and June 10, 1779, he was commissioned first lieutenant of Fifth Company, First Regiment of Bristol County, Thos. Carpenter colonel. (Both of these original documents are also in pos- session of Deacon Brown, who has a list in the orig- inal handwriting of the men under the command of his grandfather, Lieut. Brown.) Lieut. Samuel Brown participated in a number of engagements during the war of American independence. He was a man of character, selectman of his town, and a deacon in the Baptist Church of Rehoboth. He died in 1816, in the seventy-seventh year of his age, leaving be- hind him four children, — Samuel, Josiah, Mary, and Petei- H His wife was Huldah Hunt, a descendant of Peter Hunt, who was one of the pioneer settlers of the ancient town of Rehoboth, and one of its principal men in. his day. Peter Hunt Brown was born Jan. 13, 1793. He re- ceived only such educational advantages as were offered by the district schools of his town, was reared a farmer's son, and has followed that peaceful avoca- tion through the long period that has intervened from his boyhood days to the present writing, when (1883) Mr. Brown, at the advanced age of ninety, is still in possession of all his faculties, and able to read the finest print without the aid of glasses. He married, Oct. 15, 1815, Sally Walker, daughter of Moses Walker (who was also a descendant of one of Rehoboth's oldest families). They had two children, Joseph 6 and Huldah Hunt, the latter born June 22, 1819. Mrs. Brown died May 27, 1870. Mr. Brown, like his ancestors, gave his attention to military mat- ters. He held a commission as second, and afterwards as first, lieutenant in the State militia. He has been selectman of his town, and is now senior deacon in the First Congregational Church of Seekonk. He is a Republican in politics, and has voted at every Presidential election from James Monroe's time to the present. Upon consultation of the records with reference to the. Brown family, we find that a greater proportion of them have been clergymen than of probably any other family in New England. We also find that prior to 1836 thirty-seven of the name had graduated at Harvard and sixty-three at other New England colleges. Deacon Joseph Brown was born Aug. 7, 1816. In addition to the common-school course in his town, he had instruction at a select school, and also took an academic course. After leaving school he em- ployed much of his time, for a period of about twenty years, in teaching. In addition to this he has all his life been engaged in farming and garden- ing on the old homestead, which has been in the family so many generations. He is one of the leading farmers of his town. He has been chairman of the school committee many years, and a member of the board nearly forty years. He was chairman of the board of selectmen and overseers of the poor ten years. He represented his district in the State Legislature in 1862 and 1864. He holds a commission under the commonwealth as justice of the peace, and for many years has done much probate business, both in his own State and the neighboring one of Rhode Island. He has served as chairman of the board of trustees of the Congre- gational society of Seekonk more than thirty years. He is deacon of that church, and has been for about twenty years. He married, Jan. 11, 1844, Henrietta Smith French, daughter of Ezra French, of Seekonk. To them were born four children, three of whom are still living, viz. : Herbert E., born Feb. 5, 1847, now residing in Providence, R. I., and quite celebrated as a musician, both vocal and instrumental. Helen Au- gusta, born Nov. 24, 1851, now Mrs. J. Gardner Case, of Pawtucket; and Henry William, born Oct. 14,1856, resides on the old homestead with his father. Mrs. Brown died Nov. 29, 1879. Mr. Brown married for his second wife Alice H. Carpenter, Jan. 5, 1882. Deacon Joseph Brown is a man of stern integrity and upright life. He is a man of strong character and influence in his community, and probably no man in the town stands higher in the good will and esteem of the people. HON. OLIVER CHAFFEE. Hon. Oliver Chaffee was born Dec. 18, 1822. He is the son of Caleb and Lephe P. (Ormsbee) Chaffee, of Seekonk, Mass. Caleb Chaffee was a man of much prominence and usefulness in his community. The " /v z t CrfL ■w-e/ty seekonk. 503 following extract from the Providence Journal, pub- lished soon after his death, will serve to show some- thing of the esteem in which he was held by those who knew him best: "After a long and active life of eighty-six years and four months, Mr. Caleb Chaffee, of Seekonk, passed to his rest Aug. 1, 1880. He was a man of such prominence in his native town as to deserve special mention. He was the oldest son of six chil- dren, and on account of the death of his father the care of a large family rested upon him at the early age of eighteen. By his energy and industry he paid off all claims on the home farm and kept the family together until they were of age or married. In 1816 he married Lephe P. Ormsbee. She died Jan. 7, 1840, leaving seven children. He then married Pamelia A. Allen, who survives him. . . . " Mr. Chaffee ruled well in his own household, be- lieving in the old-fashioned doctrine that children should be taught to obey. Yet he secured good gov- ernment without resorting to harshness or violence, and these children have borne for their father an affection and respect greater than they can express. Although a farmer all his life, and not having had the advantages of a school education, yet Mr. Chaffee became a self-educated man, and was always thoroughly conversant with the news of the day. " His general information, shrewd remarks, and quick sympathies made him a most enjoyable companion. Himself, child, grandchild, and great- grandchild — four generations — have played croquet together at the old home. He served in the Massa- chusetts State Legislature four years. He was invited to serve on the board of selectmen of his town, but refused. He was of commanding presence, and gave the stranger at once the impression of being a man of unusual strength of body and mind. A man of strong convictions, he was regarded by all as possessing a character above reproach." His children were Betsey O., who married William H. Armington ; Mary, married Samuel B. Allen, is now a widow; Jonathan, now deputy sheriff at Fall River; Oliver, subject of our sketch ; Cordelia, mar- ried William Wheeler, of Taunton ; Henrietta A. (deceased), married Daniel D. Barney; Elizabeth F., died in infancy; Elpallet I., died in infancy; Lephe P., married Joseph Robinson, of Seekonk; and Sarah A., who resides with her mother at East Providence Centre. Oliver Chaffee was reared a farmer's son, and had only such facilities for an education as were afforded by the schools of his town. When a young man he taught school a number of sessions during the winter months in Seekonk and Rehoboth, but spent his summers on the ancestral farm, the care of which chiefly devolved upon him during a great part of the time after he arrived at his majority. About 1848 he took a position as clerk in a general grocery- and variety-store of Louis Keuyon, where he remained some two years. He married, June 13, 1848, Abby Maria, daughter of Church and Sally (Ide) Gray. She was born May 20, 1824. They have had seven children, — C. Frank, now in Rumford Chemical-Works, where he has been em- ployed several years; Abbie M., married C. C. Balch, of New Hampshire, and resides in Boston ; Oliver O, Caleb C, Fred. Ide, J. Irwin, graduate at Brown University, now principal of Grove Avenue School at Watcheinoket; Lizzie G., married R. M. Morrison, of New Hampshire, now resides in Boston. Mrs. Chaffee is descended from Joseph, brother of Benjamin Church, the warrior. The line is as fol- lows: Joseph 1 , Joseph 2 , Caleb 3 , Ebenezer 4 , Elizabeth 5 , (she married John Gray, and had son) Church Gray 6 , Mrs. Chaffee 7 . In the fall of 1848, Mr. Chaffee settled at the place where he now resides. He carried the mail eight years between East Providence and Providence. He has done much surveying and settled many estates. He is esteemed as one of the best citizens of his com- munity. He was selectman and overseer of the poor, and also juryman many times in Seekonk before that part of the town in which he resides was annexed to Rhode Island. Since he has been a citizen of Rhode Island he has been representative or senator six years. He is now a member of the Lower House, and has been selectman many years. He is now judge of probate. Mr. Chaffee is a most worthy rep- resentative of an ancient and honorable family. 1 VIALL MEDBERY. Among the early settlers of the ancient town of Rehoboth, Mass., was John 1 Medbery, who settled near the boundary line between Rehoboth and Bar- rington. He left four children, — John 2 , Rebecca, Ebenezer, and Thomas. John 2 married a Miss Camp, and settled in the southwest part of his native town, about one mile north of Sabin's Point. He was the father of seven children, who lived to maturity, viz., Nathaniel, Chloe, John 3 , Benjamin, Sarah, Nathan, and Josiah. Of these, Nathaniel married and had four children, — Betsy, William, Mary Ann, and Thomas. Chloe died aged and unmarried. Benjamin enlisted in the United States army, and was killed at battle of Rhode Island. Sarah married Dr. Fred- erick Radliff, who was a surgeon in a Hessian regi- ment, was captured by United States troops, and afterwards enlisted in United States army, and never returned to Germany. They had five children. Na- than married Bethiah Kent, by whom he had seven children, — Elizabeth, Anne, Hezekiah, Hannah, Humphrey, Sarah, and Bethiah. Josiah married Phoebe Rhodes, by whom he had eleven children, all of whom lived to maturity, namely, Esther, George, l Since the above was written Mr. Chaffee has passed away. He died on the evening of May 8, 1883. 504 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Phoebe, Arnold, Nicholas, Thomas,. Rosannah, Lydia, Josiah, Frederick, and Mariah. Of all these only Josiah and Mariah are now living. The mother, Es- ther, Phoebe, Arnold, Nicholas, Rosannah, Lydia, and Mariah were members of the Baptist Church at Seekonk. John 3 was born in First Precinct of Rehoboth in 1752, and learned the cooper's trade in Providence, R. I. Just prior to the expiration of his apprentice- ship, however, he met with an accident which probably changed to some extent the tenor of his life. His leg was broken by a fall from a fruit-tree, and it was many months before he recovered sufficiently to be able to walk, even with difficulty. As soon as he had so far recovered he enlisted in the Federal army, and received a commission as lieutenant. He continued in the service until the close of the war and the inde- pendence of the United States had been established. After the close of the war he married Abigail Viall, hired a small farm, and began housekeeping under very unfavorable circumstances, — without suitable tools, necessary household furniture, or money to purchase either. The pay he received for. his services in the army was in Continental currency, which at that time was so depreciated in value as to be practi- cally worthless; but as soon as early vegetables were ready for marketing he began to receive some returns for his labor, and to purchase a few of the comforts and necessaries of life, which had before been denied them. By close economy, persistent industry, and a deter- mined effort to succeed, Mr. Medbery's business grad- ually grew more prosperous. He continued farming and marketing his produce till, in the autumn of 1825, when at Central Falls, near Pawtucket, his horse becoming frightened and turning swiftly around, the wagon was upset, and he was thrown violently to the ground, receiving injuries which after some weeks of suffering and severe pain finally terminated in his death, Nov. 2, 1825. Mr. Medbery first united with the Baptist Church in Swansea, in which church he continued a member until 1794, when he obtained a letter of dismission to unite with others and organize a Baptist Church in Rehoboth. He attended all the preliminary meetings, and the church was finally or- ganized Nov. 11, 1794. Mr. Medbery was chosen clerk, and served in that capacity till Aug. 25, 1822, when he declined, and his son Viall was chosen in his stead. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Medbery were ten in number, — Benjamin, Samuel Viall, Ben- jamin, Jesse, John, Charles, Via//*, Allin Viall, Wil- liam, and Fanny. Of these, the first Benjamin was drowned when five years of age. Samuel Viall re- ceived a liberal education, graduating from Brown University in 1805, studied physic, married Ruth V. Chandler, by whom he had two children, Matthew and Samuel, and led a seafaring life, first shipping as surgeon, and afterwards going several voyages as mate. When last heard from he was master of an English ship which sailed from Savannah for Liver- pool just prior to the war of 1812. Benjamin, the third son, married Hannah Lilley and settled in Bar- rington, R. I., was by occupation a farmer, and was judge of the Court of Common Pleas one term. Their children were named Elbrige, Gerry, Nicholas W., Abbey, Charlotte, Amariah, Benjamin, Charles, Hannah, Julia, and Rufus. He died in Providence, R. I., in the ninetieth year of his age. Jesse (fourth son of John) married Elizabeth Viall. Their chil- dren were Patience, Thomas V., Ruth A., Charles, Caroline, Betsey, Jesse, Edwin, and Laura. John (fifth son of John 3 ) married Elizabeth Allen, by whom he had four children, — Elizabeth, John, Amanda, and Fanny. He was an officer in the militia, and volunteered his services under Capt. Joseph Watson in a company organized to defend the city of New Bedford against the British fleet then cruising in that vicinity. He was afterwards pro- moted to captain. He removed to Pawtucket and died there. Charles (sixth son of John) was born 1792, married Mercy Allen, moved to Ohio and settled at Belpre, near Marietta, and united with a Baptist Church on opposite side of the Ohio River, in Kentucky. He afterwards removed to St. Mary's, near the western boundary line of the State, where he resided till his death, 1853. He was a teacher many years. He had three children, two daughters and one son. Allin Viall (eighth son of John) removed from his native State to Marietta, Ohio, and thence to St. Mary's, Ohio, where he taught school several years, married, and had one son. He received a commission as judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and con- tinued in that office until his death, which occurred suddenly. William (ninth son of John) died in in- fancy. Fanny (the only daughter of John) married John Chaffee, and removed to Pennsylvania, where they settled in the town of Warren, Bradford Co. They had nine children, — William Penn, Abbey, Matthew, Susan, Francis, Jesse, Newman, Charles, and George. Three of the sons enlisted in the United States service in the war of the Rebellion. One of them (Charles) died of illness; George was captured by the Confederates, and confined in the famous An- dersonville prison, where he suffered severely until the close of the war, when he returned home reduced almost to a skeleton. He now draws a pension, is married, and lives in Nevada. Matthew, Jesse, and Newman are married, and live in Iowa. The three daughters are married, and live in Warren, Pa. Wil- liam Penn married and died in his native town, no issue. Viall Medbery (seventh son of John*), whose portrait appears in connection with this sketch, was born in that part of the town of Rehoboth now called Seekonk, April 17, 1795. When in the third year of his age he met with a severe accident, falling from the upper chamber of a corn-crib. When picked up he was thought to be dead, and though he eventually y ci& SEEKONK. 505 revived, it was many years before he fully recovered. He resided with his father till his majority, with the exception of the time he was employed in teaching, during the winter months after he was eighteen. He generally commenced these sessions about the middle of November, and continued till the middle of March, when he would then resume his farming until the following autumn. This he continued till his forty- eighth year. In 1819, Mr. Medbery, as superintendent, with four teachers, instituted the first Sabbath-school con- nected with the Baptist Church of Seekonk, and con- tinued its superintendent until October, 1855, more than thirty-five years. In 1837 he was chosen selectman and overseer of the poor, in which office he continued until 1848. In 1843 he was chosen to represent the town of Seekonk in the General Assembly of Massa- chusetts, which trust he accepted, and was absent from his seat but one day during the entire session. In 1850 he was again chosen selectman and overseer of the poor, and served two years. He also was a member of the school committee of Seekonk three years. In 1862 the present town of East Providence was set oft' from Seekonk, Mass., to Rhode Island, and Viall Medbery was appointed by the Legislature of Massachusetts trustee to call a town-meeting of the inhabitants of what remained of Seekonk, to meet on the 1st day of March, 1862, to choose a moderator and clerk, and all other town officers necessary for the year ensuing, and to act on any other business that might lawfully come before said meeting, and Mr. Medbery was authorized to preside in said meeting until a moderator and town clerk were chosen. Upon organization he was chosen moderator, and Jonathan Chaffee was chosen town clerk. At this same meet- ing he was also chosen first selectman, in which ca- pacity he served one year and then resigned. In 1865 he was chosen treasurer of Seekonk, and served one year. On Dec. 4, 1820, Mr. Medbery married Hannah Peck, by whom he had three children, — Betsey Ann, born Nov. 22, 1822; Allin Viall, born Jan. 29, 1825; and Andrew Nelson, born Dec. 5, 1827. Mrs. Med- bery died May 1, 1828, aged thirty years. Mr. Med- bery married for his second wife Lydia Peck, June 18, 1829, by whom he had six children, — Allin Viall, born Oct. 30, 1830 ; Horace Carpenter, born March 17, 1832; Matthew Hale, born April 2, 1834; Han- nah Peck, born June 20, 1835; Adeline Frances, born Nov. 2, 1837; and John Allin, born Feb. 12, 1842. Mrs. Lydia Medbery died Jan. 14, 1861. Of the above-named children Allin Viall 1 died Sept. 1, 1828; Allin Viall 2 died Oct. 12, 1831 ; Horace Car- penter died May 11, 1833; Adeline Frances died Feb. 2, 1842; Betsey Ann married Asa Chaffee, Jan- uary. 1844, and died May 1, 1844; Matthew died May, 1851. John A. resided with his parents till his eighteenth year, when with his father's consent he enlisted in the United States army for three years. He belonged to a Rhode Island cavalry regiment, and had many hairbreadth escapes while in the army. His horse was once shot under him. When the war was ended he received his discharge, enlisted in the burial corps to bury the dead who were slain in the battle near Winchester, W. Va. While employed in that service he met and formed the acquaintance of the lady who is now his wife. He now resides in Providence, R. I., and is a member of the Union Baptist Church of that place. Hannah P. was born blind. She received her edu- cation at the asylum for the blind at Boston, Mass. She is very intelligent, and has an extraordinary memory. She reads rapidly (from raised letters) and converses fluently. She united with the Baptist Church in Seekonk May 27, 1851. She is much in- terested in all good works. Mr. Medbery married as his third wife Mrs. Han- nah Wheeler, July 18, 1872, and they still reside in Seekonk. It is a somewhat remarkable fact that since the Baptist Church was first organized in See- konk the clerkship has passed from father to son in the Medbery family, and is now filled by Andrew N., a son of Viall, and has never been out of the family, almost all of whom have been members of that par- ticular religious denomination. It may be proper further to state that Viall Medbery has been a promi- nent man in the town of Seekonk for more than forty years, and as magistrate and trial justice has had be- fore him most of the criminal business of the town for thirty years. It is unnecessary to comment on the position Mr. Medbery occupies in the friendship and esteem of his fellow-townsmen, facts speak for themselves. Andrew N. Medbery, son of Viall, was born Dec. 5, 1827. His health failing when he was fourteen years of age greatly interfered with his educational pursuits. In 1847 he began teaching school in his native town, teaching during the winter months and working at farming during the summer months until 1857, when his health became so poor that he relin- quished teaching. In 1852 he was chosen one of the school committee of Seekonk, and has been a member of that board most of the time since. In 1869 he was chosen selectman and assessor, which office he filled for years. In 1879 he was chosen to represent the Tenth Bristol District in the Legis- lature. In 1878 he was appointed trial justice for Bristol County. In 1880 he was chosen town clerk, which position he has held three years. In politics he is a Republican, and in religious opinions a Bap- tist. He united with the First Baptist Church of Seekonk May, 1853. In March, 1854, he Avas chosen clerk in lieu of his father, and has held that position since. Mr. Medbery is by occupation a merchant in his native town. He married, May 30, 1854, Sarah E. Gregory, daughter of Hon. John Gregory, of Bristol, R. I. 506 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. SAMUEL 0. CASE. Samuel 0. Case, whose portrait appears on another page, is a self-made man in more respects than one. Although his ancestors have for some generations been residents of this portion of New England, yet he was one of a numerous family whose circum- stances would not permit of his enjoying the edu- cational and other advantages which even the poorest among us may have now if they will. He has been truly the architect of his own fortune. His father, Gardner Case, was one of a family of five brothers and one sister, born in the town of Rehoboth, where he lived until the time of his death in 1838, at the ripe age of eighty-one years. He married first, Elizabeth Ford, by whom he had five children, none of whom are at present living. His second wife was Mary Mason, by whom he had eight children, — Mary, James, Henry, Almira, Samuel 0., Mehala, Nathan, and Amanda. Of these only Samuel 0., Nathan, and Amanda are now living. By occupation Mr. Case was a farmer and merchant. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and in political faith a Whig. Samuel 0. Case was born Dec. 25, 1807. He had but limited educational facilities, attending only the winter terms of school, and working on the farm in summer. His elder brother being a cripple, the duties of the farm devolved largely upon him, and he was early taught that independence and self- reliance which has since contributed much to his suc- cess in life. At the age of nineteen he learned the mason's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years. About this time there came a period of great financial depression throughout the country, and there was consequently very little building being done, so Mr. Case went to work on the farm at eight dollars per month. Soon after this, however, he went to New Bedford and began work at his trade, receiving as journeyman mason from seventy-five cents to one dol- lar per day. At the expiration of two years he went to Taunton, where he received an increase of pay, getting $1.2-3 per day ; he remained at Taunton two years. Then in 1837 he helped build Dyer's factory, after walking from his home there, a distance of four- teen miles, and then doing a day's work. After this he removed to Seekonk and obtained employment on Boston and Providence Railroad, building bridges, culverts, etc., and doing general masonry, and part of the time had the care of the track. After this he began contracting and working generally at his trade throughout the country. In the mean time, in 1840, he opened a store at Kent's Mills (now called Leba- non), which he continued three years, and since that time has been variously engaged in farming, merchan- dising, etc., but always continuing to work at his trade whatever other interests he might have. He has had charge of Hunt's, Carpenter's, and " The Old Town" Cemeteries seventeen years. He holds the office of road surveyor in District No. 1 in the town where he resides (East Providence), and held the same office once before, a term of two years. He was formerly a member of the Baptist Church, but is now a Congregationalist. On Dec. 1, 1833, he married Sarah Hicks, daughter of Nathan Hicks, of Rehoboth. She was born May 1, 1808. They have five children,— Samuel O., Jr., Sarah H., Nathan H., Jane M., and James G., all of whom are still living. Samuel O., Jr., married Har- riet E. Cooper, and has three children. He is a mer- chant in Lebanon, and an active, enterprising business man. Sarah married Nelson W. Britton, and has i ' four children. Jane married Henry Bourn, and re- sides in Pawtucket. They have three children. James married, first, Emma Estes, by whom he had one child, and second, Helen Brown, of Seekonk, by whom he has two children. Nathan still resides at the old homestead with his father, and is unmarried. Mr. Case has battled with the world three-quarters of a century, and during that long period of time has been an industrious, persevering, honest, successful man, and is to-day active, well preserved, and in full possession of his faculties. He is a man respected and reverenced by all who know him for his many noble traits of character, his honesty of purpose, and his sterling worth. He is one of Seekonk's most honored and respected citizens, and may he long live to enjoy the prosperity he has so nobly won. CHAPTER XXXIX. ATTLEBOROUGH.i Rehoboth North Purchase — How and by whom Purchased — Boundaries — Wamsutta's Deed — Thomas Willett, Character and Services — List of Proprietors— Proceedings of Proprietors — First Regular Division. In 1643 a company was formed at Weymouth, Mass., consisting of Rev. Samuel Newman and a large part of his congregation, for the purpose of establishing a new settlement in this vicinity. They purchased a large tract of land of the sachem of Pokanoket, including what is now Rehoboth, See- konk, Pawtucket, East Providence, and a part of Swansea, then known by the name of Wannamoisett; and in the spring of 1644 removed to a place then called by the Indians Seacuuke, and commenced their settlement around the Great Plain. This was the Rehoboth purchase. Here the inhabitants con- tinued, with many additions to their number, as an independent settlement until June 4, 1645, when they were adopted into the jurisdiction of Plymouth Colony, to whose territory it belonged, and were incorporated as a township by the scriptural name of Rehoboth. • This was then a wilderness, and there was no other settlement in the vicinity. The nearest was the new settlement at Cohan net, Taunton, which was about 1 By Hon. John Daggett. ,«#» \ I if £" SAM'L O. CASE. ATTLEBOROUGH. 507 twelve miles distant, The Rehoboth plantation pros- pered and continued to receive accessions from new emigrants, and also from the settlements near Ply- mouth, from Duxbnry, Marshfield, and S6ituate, and some from Boston, Dorchester, Roxbury, 1 ring- ham, Dedham, and Bome more emigrants from Wey- mouth, the former residence of the original settlers. It was deemed a favorable location, as it was situated on the borders of the Narragansett Bay. During the first seventeen years after the settle- ment of the town there was remaining a large tract of land belonging to the Indians lying directly on the north of that town, and between its north line and south of the Massachusetts Bay line, contain- ing an area sufficient for two large townships. The people of Rehoboth employed Capt, Thomas Wil- lett, who was a skillful negotiator and on intimate friendly terms with the Indians, to purchase this tract of land for them. Accordingly, with the consent of the government, he purchased it of Wamsutta, the oldest son of Massasoit, the steadfast friend of the English. He lived only about a year after this. The title to Indian lands was held to be in the sachem of the tribe. There appeared to be no individual owner- ship in the soil. He was originally, as already stated, called Mooanam. After the death of his father he changed his name, according to Indian custom, to Wamsutta, and he was the reigning sachem, and the purchase was made from him. His wife's name was Namumpum. He was succeeded by the celebrated King Philip, his younger brother. The title was held by Capt. Willett in his own name from April 8, 1661, till April 10, 1666, when he assigned his title to the Plymouth government; and on the same day the agents of the colony confirmed the conveyance to the purchasers. This was in the form of a deed, and was intended as a confirmation and consent of the govern- ment, the law of the colony prohibiting any purchase of lands from the Indians without the consent of gov- ernment. The proprietors did not make any perma- nent division of their lands till the 18th March, 1668 -69, when a regular division of fifty acres to a share was made, and lots drawn for the same by each pur- chaser or owner of shares. The number of the share- holders had been increased by the addition of several from Swansea and other places to ninety individuals. The original purchase was limited to such inhabi- tants as held then a fifty-pound estate and upwards; but soon became a distinct body from the general set- tlers of the town, including new purchasers and the heirs of those who bad deceased. They held separate meetings and kept separate books of records and titles relating to these lands. The original purchasers, ami those to whom they sold shares from time to time, and the heirs of those purchasers who had died, then constituted the shareholders of the Rehoboth North Purchase. Any new coiners who wished to own land within this purchase might buy of those who had lands laid out to them, or rights to lay out under di- visions already granted, or undivided shares from any proprietors willing to sell. Private titles were ac- quired in this way: lands laid out by a surveyor and a commitee appointed for the purpose at a meeting of the company, and the " lay out" returned to the block of the proprietors and recorded by him in the books of the company, constituted a valid title to such lands. In 1661, Capt. Thomas Willet was employed by people of that^town to make a purchase of a new tract of land in their behalf, having been first author- ized and empowered by the court for that purpose. He accordingly purchased of Wamsutta 1 a certain tract of land situated north of the town of Rehoboth, which was called the Rehoboth North Purchase. It was bounded west by Pawtucket River, now the Black- stone, north by the Massachusetts Colony or the bay line (so called), east by territory which was afterwards the Taunton North Purchase, now Mansfield, Norton, and Easton, and south by the ancient Rehoboth, now Rehoboth, Seekonk, and Pawtucket, and East Provi- dence. This purchase included Attleborough, Cum- berland, R. I., and a tract of a mile and a half 2 in width, extending east and west (which was an- nexed to Rehoboth as an enlargement), and a part of Wrentham and Foxborough, as the line then ran. This purchase was afterwards, viz., April 10, 1666, granted and confirmed by the Plymouth government to the Rehoboth purchasers. Pocanoket or Pawkunnawket is a name applied to the tribal dominion of Massasoit, whose personal tribe was the Wampanoags, his general authority extending over various other tribes in Plymouth Colony, whose dominion descended through Wamsutta to King Philip. It was said that previous to 1612, before the arrival of the Pilgrims, and before the great pestilence which swept away so many of the natives, Massasoit could number four thousand warriors. "Once Pawknnnawket's warriors stood Thick as the columns of the wood ; On shores ami isles unconqnered men Called Massasoit father, then." This region was then the domain of the good Massa- soit, the fast friend of the English. It was inherited by his son, Wamsutta, and from him by his brother, Metacomet, or King Philip. How long in the ages of the past this fair domain had been in the possession of the natives the records of time have never revealed. But their hour had now come, and it was destined to pass from their hands to another ami higher race. They were doomed to extinction. According to the inevitable law of Providence, when brought into con- i Sachem of Pokanoket, originally called Mooanam, afterwards Alex- ander, the chirr brother of Kin;,' Philip, and .son of Massasoit He died in the summer of 1662. His wife's name was Namumpum — See Drake's " Indian Biography" - It wa- given and assigned to Rehoboth by the agents of the court of Plymouth, who were appointed to convey tin' North Purchase to the proprietors, ami afterwards, in 1710, restored to Attlel.orough \>y the Legislature of Massachusetts. 508 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. flict, the inferior must yield to the superior race. After Philip's war a feeble and spiritless remnant lingered around their former abodes for a short time in a degraded condition, and then vanished forever. "Of all their tribes, the heirs of want, A feeble few our land may haunt ; The gloomy ghosts of dead renown Awhile from sire to son go clown ; And in their spectral visits say, That here the red man once had sway." The following copy of the Indian deed, which is the foundation and original title to our whole terri- tory, is taken from the Old Colony Records: A Deed Appointed to be Recorded. Know all men, that I, Wamsetta, alias Alexander, chief Sachem of Pokanokett, 1 for divers good causes and valuable considerations me thereunto moving, have bargained and sold unto Captain Thomas Wil- lett, of Wannamoisett, all those tracts of land situate and being from the bounds of Rehoboth ranging upon Patuckett River unto a place called W T aweypounshag, the place where one Blackston now sojourneth, and so ranging along to the said river unto a place called Messanegta- caneh, and from this upon a straight line crossing through the woods unto the uttermost bounds of a place called Mamantapett or Wading River, and from the said River one mile and a half upon an east line, and from thence upon a south line unto the bounds of the town of Re- hoboth: To have and to hold unto him, the said Captain Willett and his associates, their heirs and assigns forever; reserving only a competent portion of land for some of the natives at Mishanegitaconett for to plant and sojourn upon, as the said Wamsetta, alias Alexander, and the said Thomas Willett jointly together shall see meet ; and the rest of all the land aforementioned, with all the woods, waters, meadows, and all emol- uments whatsoever to remain unto the said Thomas Willett and his asso- ciates, their heirs and assigns forever. Witness my hand and seal the eighth day of April in the year 1661. The mark of AXA Wamsitta, alias Alexander, his seal [l. 8.] Signed, sealed, and delivered in presence of John Brown, Jr., Jonathan Bosworth, John Sassaman, the Interpreter. April 10th, 1666. Witnesseth These Presents, that Captain Thomas Willett above said hath and doth hereby resign, deliver -and make over all and singular the lands above mentioned, purchased of Wamsitta alias Alexander chief Sachem of Pocanokett, according unto the bonnds above expressed, with all and singular the benefits, privileges, and im- munities thereunto appertaining, unto Mr. Thomas Prence, Major Josias Winslow, Capt. Thomas Southworth, and Mr. Constant Southworth, in the behalf of the Colony of New Plymouth. In witness whereof he doth hereunto set his hand and seal. Signed, sealed and delivered Thomas Willett. [Seal.] in presence of Daniel Smith, Nicholas Peck. The following is the grant or deed of the govern- ment: Know all men by these presents, that we Thomas Prence, Josias Winslow, Thomas Southworth and Constant Southworth by order of the General Court of New Plymouth, and in the name and behalf of the said Colony of Plymouth, have and by these presents do bargain, sell, alien, grant and confer and make over unto the proprietors of the town of Rehoboth (viz.) unto all that hold there, from a fifty pound estate and upwards, according to their first agreement, all and singular the lands lying and being on the north side of that town of Rehoboth bounded as followeth, (viz.) by a River commonly called Patucket river on the west, and up the said River unto the Massachusetts Line, and on the northerly side by the said Line until it cross the old road towards the Bay, where the marked tree stands and heap of stones, and thence a mile and a half east, and from thence by a direct line to the north east corner of the present bounds of the town of Rehoboth, and so back 1 Or Pocanaket, or Pawkunnawkut, a name applied to the whole do- minion of King Philip, whose personal tribe was the Wampanoags. again home unto the said Line between the governments; with all the meadows, woods, waters, and all benefits, emoluments, privileges, and immunities, thereunto appertaining and belonging, to have and to hold to them and to their heirs for ever Excepting that we reserve within this tract a farm formerly grante unto Major Josias Winslow, and a farm granted unto Capt. Thomas Willett, and two hundred acres of land unto Mr. James Brown about Snake Hill, and ten acres of meadow thereabouts; and the meadow called Blackstone's Meadow, the west plain and the South neck the quantity of two hundred acres, and the fifty acres granted to Roger Amadown, with four acres of meadow ad- joining, three acres of meadow to Nicholas Ide, and half an acre of meadow unto George Robinson : All the residue of the lands above men- tioned we do hereby firmly make over unto the above said purchasers and their heirs for ever, and do hereby acknowledge ourselves to be fully paid and satisfied for the same, and do exonerate, acquit and dis- charge them and every of them for and concerning the premises. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals, this tenth of April 1666. Signed, sealed and delivered inpresenceof Thomas Prence (l.s.) Isaac Howland Josias Winslow (l.s.) The mark X of Thomas Southworth (l.s.) John Parris Constant Southworth (l.s.) The mark y, of John Rocket. Marginal Note. It was also agreed before the signing and sealing of this Deed that according unto a clause in the Indian Deed when these lands were pur- chased by Capt. Willett, that some meet proportion of lands about Sin- nichiconet, such as the said Capt. Willett and the Indian Sachem shall agree upon, should be set out for the use of the Indians. NOTE ON THE BACK OF THE SAME DEED. This Deed is recorded according to order by me, Nathaniel Morton, Secretary to the Court of New Plymouth. The Dividend of Lands enrolled Folio 217. The following order relating to this subject was passed by the Court of Plymouth : New Plymouth October 2d 1665. Whereas the Court, having formerly impowered Capt. Thomas Wil- let to purchase of the Indians certain Tracts of lands on the North of Rehoboth towards the Bay Line, the which he hath done, and is out of purse some considerable sum of money for the same, this Court have appointed the Honored Governor, the Major Winslow, Capt. Southworth, and Mr. Constant Southworth, to treat with Capt.Willet concerning the said purchase, and have impowered the above named Committee to take notice of what hath been purchased by him, and what deeds he hath, and what his disbursments have been for the same ; and have also im- powered them to settle upon him such a proportion of the said lands as may appear to be equal, upon any grant to him ; and to accommodate the town of Rehoboth respecting an enlargement of their town, as the Court have promised; and to take such course concerning the re- mainder as he may be reimbursed of his just due and those lands may be settled by the Court. Extracted from and compared with the Records of said Court. Per Samuel Sprague, Clerk. Capt. Thomas Willett. — Some notice of Capt. Thomas Willett, who stands at the head of our list of proprietors, and whose life deserves to be better known, will not be deemed inappropriate. His his- tory does not exclusively belong to this town, but as he took so active and important a part in the original purchase and settlement of this and the neighboring towns, a brief sketch of his life seems to be demanded by the interest which our citizens must feel in his character. Capt. Willett was one of the last of the Leyden company, and came here about 1630. He was a very young man when he arrived in this country. He was ATTLEBOROUGH. 509 a merchant by profession, and in his travels had be- come acquainted with the Pilgrims in Leyden, and had probably spent much of his time with them in Holland previous to their emigration to this country. He at first resided in Plymouth, and soon became a useful and distinguished man in the colony. Soon after his arrival in 1630, though, as already observed, a young man, he was sent by the company of Plymouth, who had established a trading-house at Kennebeck, to -superintend their business as agent. While he was residing there Governor Winthrop relates of him the following curious anecdote: " At Kennebeck, the Indians wanting food, and there being store in the Plymouth trading-house, they conspired to kill the English there for their provi- sions; and some Indians coming into the house, Mr. Willett, the master of the house, being reading the Bible, his countenance was more solemn than at other times, so as he did not look cheerfully upon them as he was wont to do ; whereupon they went out and told their fellows that their purpose was dis- covered. They asked them how it could be. The others told them that they knew it by Mr. Willett's countenance, and that he had discovered it by a book that he was reading. Whereupon they gave over their design."— (Win. Jour., i. 322.) In 1647 he became the successor of Miles Standish in the command of the famous military company at Plymouth. 1 He was, in 1651, elected an assistant of the Gov- ernor, and was annually continued in that office till 1665, when other duties obliged him to decline, and James Brown, of Swansea, was chosen his successor. At this time he was selected by the Plymouth Court, agreeably to the request of His Majesty's commis- sioners, to attend them at New York (which had just been surrendered by the Dutch), for the purpose of assisting them in organizing the new government. It is mentioned by Davis, in a note to his edition of Morton's Memorial, that " Col. Nichols (one of the commissioners), in a letter to Governor Prince, writ- ten from New York the spring after the reduction of the Dutch settlements, requests that Capt. Willett may have such a dispensation from his official en- gagements in Plymouth Colony as to be at liberty to assist in modeling and reducing the affairs in this settlement into good English. He remarks that Mr. Willett was more acquainted with the manners and customs of the Dutch than any gentleman in the country, and that his conversation was very accept- able to them." He executed his duties here to the entire satisfac- tion of all concerned ; his services were so highly ap- preciated, and he rendered himself so popular with i "March 7, 1647. The military company of New riymouth, having according to order proposed unto the court two men for every especial office of their hand, the court do allow and approve of Capt. Thomas Wil- lett for captain, Mr. Thomas Southworth for lieutenant, Mr. William Bradford for ensign."— Old Col. Rec. the people, that after the organization of the govern- ment he was chosen the first English mayor of the city of New York. He was elected the second time to the same office. " But" (as Mr. Baylies, the his- torian of Plymouth Colony, has justly remarked) "even the first of city distinctions conferred by that proud metropolis did not impart more real honor to his character than the address and good feeling mani- fested by him in effecting the peaceable settlement of the humble town of Swansea." The Dutch had so much confidence in his integrity that he was chosen by them the umpire to determine the disputed boundary between New York and New Haven. He was also for a number of years one of the com- missioners or delegates of the united colonies. Soon after the settlement of Rehoboth, Capt. Wil- lett removed to Wannamoisett, now a part of Swan- sea, where he resided during most of the remainder of his life. A grant of the greater part of that town- ship (Swansea) was made to him and others. With him was associated Mr. Myles, the first Baptist min- ister in New England, and these two are justly es- teemed the founders of Swansea. The manner in which they conducted the settlement of that planta- tion was just and honorable, and reflects much credit on the character of both. Capt. Willett always cultivated a friendly inter- course with the Indians, and gained their confidence and good-will. Hence he was generally employed by the colony in the purchase of lands from the native chiefs. 2 The following order relating to him was passed by the Plymouth Court: " March, 1665-66. In reference to an order of Court bearing date the third day of October, 1665, wherein our Honored Governor Maj. Winslow, Capt. South- worth, and Mr. Constant Southworth were appointed to be a committee in reference to a certain tract of land purchased by Capt. Willett on the north side of Rehoboth, which said order empowereth the said committee to dispose and settle a proportion of the said lands on the said Capt. Willett as they shall think meet, and the Court do therefore settle and confirm unto him four or five hundred acres of the said lands, to be laid out for him on the easterly side or end of the said lands, to him and his heirs for- ever. 3 Rehoboth also voted him a gratuity for his ser- vices to that town. "21st 12th mo. 1660. In town meeting it was voted that Mr. Willett should have 2 He was the original purchaser of the Rehohoth North Purchase (At- tleborough and Cumberland), Taunton North Purchase (Norton, Mans- field, and Easton), and many other tracts of land in the vicinity. 3 This grant was laid out to him ami recorded in tin- Rehoboth North Purchase books. It lies on the Seven-Mile River, and has always borne the name of Willett's Farm. In 1720 it was divided into two parts be- tween Capt. Samuel Tyler and Joyce Newell, widow of Jacob Newell. This farm was originally laid out with great regularity, in parallel lines, and its subsequent divisions have been preserved in good shape. 510 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. liberty to take up five hundred or six hundred acres of land northward or eastward beyond the bounds of our town, where he shall think it most convenient to himself." Capt. Willett married Mary Brown (who was the daughter of Mr. John Brown the 1st) at Plymouth, 6th July, 1636, by whom he had several children : Thomas ; Hester, born 6th July, 1647 ; Rebecca, died 2d April, 1652 ; James, born Nov. 24, 1649 ; Andrew ; Samuel ; Hezekiah, who died 26th July, 1651 ; Heze- kiah (2d), born 16th Nov. 1652, etc. His son, James, married Elizabeth, daughter of Lieut. Peter Hunt, of Rehoboth, 17th April, 1673 ; Hezekiah (2d) married Anna, daughter of Mr. John Brown (2d), of Rehoboth, 7th Jan. 1675, and was killed soon after by the Indians in Philip's war. John Saffin, who had resided in Scituate and Swansea, married a daughter of Capt. Willett, and settled in Bristol, R. I., and Samuel Hooker, 1 of Farmington, Conn., married another daughter. Several of his descendants have become distin- guished in the history of the country. His grandson, Francis, was a prominent man in Rhode Island col- ony. Another descendant, 2 his great-grandson, Col. Marinus Willett (lately deceased), served with dis- tinguished honor in the Revolutionary war, and had also been mayor of New York City. Memoirs of his life have been published by his son, William M. Wil- lett. After a residence of a few years in New York he returned to his seat in Swansea, where, after a life of distinguished usefulness, he died 4th of August, 1674, at the age of sixty-three. He was buried at the head of Bullock's Cove (in what is now Seekonk), where a rough stone is erected to his memory, containing a brief and rudely-carved inscription (which is now legible) as follows 1674. Here Lyeth the Body of the worthy Thomas Willett, Esq., who died August ye 4th in the 64th year of his age Anno — who was the first mayor of New York, and twice did sustain the place. His wife Mary is buried by his side. She died about 1669. Thus the first English mayor of the first commer- cial metropolis in America lies buried on a lonely and barren heath in the humble town of Seekonk, at a place seldom visited by the footsteps of man, with naught but the rudest monument to mark the spot. The farm which he laid out in this town, at High Squissit, and agreeable to the reservation in the deed, consisted of about five hundred acres (besides his meadow and several other lots), and was situated on both sides of the Seven-Mile River, begin uing near Newel l's tavern. His share in the Rehoboth North Purchase was sold by his son, Capt. Andrew Willett, to John Wil- kinson (the 1st), of Attleborough. i Baylies' Memoirs of Plymouth Colony. 2 A descendant of Samuel. The following introduction is entered in the first book of records of the Rehoboth North Purchase : Whereas, in the year one thousand six hundred sixty and six, a pur- chase of lands was made by the Inhabitants of Rehoboth and the neigh- borhood of Annimosett — the said lands situate on the North side of the Towne of Rehoboth— of Mr. Thomas Prince, Esquire, Major Josiah Wins- low, Captain Thomas Southworth Agents of the Government of New Plymouth, the bounds of the said lands fully appearing by a Deed of sale made by the aforesaid gentlemen, to the purchasers thereof, bearing date the tenth of April 1666, which deed hath been inrolled at the Court of New Plymouth according to order of Court. The bounds of the said lands are as followeth (viz.), by a river called Patucket river, on the West, and up the said river unto the Massachusetts line; and on the Northerly side, by the same line, until it cross the ould Roade towards the Ray, where the marked tree stands, and a lieape of stones; and thence a mile and a halfe East, and from thence by a direct line to the North East comer of the present bounds of the towne of Rehoboth, and soe back againehome to the said line between the Governments — Ex- cepting there was reserved out of the said tract of land, a farm granted before to Major Josiah Winslow, a farm granted to Captain Thomas Willett, and two hundred acres of land to Mr. James Browne about Snake-hill, and ten acres of Meadow thereabouts; and the Meadow called Blackstone's Meadow the West plaine; and the South neck the quantity of two hundred acres; and fifty acres granted to Roger Animi- down with four acres of meadow ; and three acres of Meadow to Nich- olas Ide; and half an acre to George Robinson; also some Meete pro- portion of lands for the Indians at Sinnichitecouett, 3 for the use of the said Indians. All the rest of the said lands within the said tract as be- fore bouuded, to be equally divided to the purchasers thereof according to their said proportions (there being Seventy Nine whole shares and a half), being joint purchasers; and the said purchasers have fully dis- charged and paid the purchase thereof according to their several pro- portions. Mem. That the clause in the former page "to be equally divided to the purchasers thereof" hath reference to the before expressed date (viz.) one thousand Six hundred and Sixty and Six. The Names of the Purchasers with their Rights to the said Lands be- fore mentioned are those (no man contradicting) that are here expressed in the following List. Capt. Thomas Willett (one share, Abigail Carpenter, and one that John Wilkinson's). was his own). Mr. Stephen Paine, Sen., 2 shares Mr. John Myles, 1 share. (one that was his own and one William Carpenter, 1 share. that was appointed for John Joseph Pecke, 1 share. Martin). Thomas Cooper, Juu., 1 share. Mr. Noah Newman, 1 share. Ensign Henery Smith, 1 share. Lieut. Peter Hunt, 1 share. Thomas Cooper, Sen., 1 share. Mr. James Browne, 1 share. Samuel Pecke, 1 share. Samuel Newman, 1 share. William Buckland, 1 share. John Allen, Sen., 1 share. Joseph Buckland, 1 share. John Woodcock, 1% shares. Benjamin Buckland, Dshare. Thomas Estabrooke's % share John Reade, Sen., 1 share. (bought of Roger Amidowne). John Reade, Jun., 1 share. Thomas Willmot, 2 shares (one he Nicholas Pecke, 1 share. bought of Jo. Carpenter and one Elizabeth, Hannah, and Lydia oi his own). Winchester, 1 share; this sould Sampson Mason, 1 share. to Daniel Shepardson. Anthoney Perry, 1 share. Daniel Smith, 1 share. John Butterworth, 1 share (this Jonathan Bliss, 1 share. sold to Daniel Jenkes, excepting Rice Leonard, 1 share. the meadow). William Saben, 1 share. Philip Walker, 1 share. John Perrin, Sen., 1 share. John Ormsby, 1 share. George Kendricke, 1 share. Richard Martin, 1 share. George Robeuson, 1 share. Stephen Paine, Jun., 1 share. John Doggett, 1 share. Robert Jones, 1 share. John Fitch, 1 share. Obadiah Boweu, 1 share. Richard Bowen, Jun., 1 share. John Pecke, 1 share. Elizabeth Bullucke, 1 share. James Redeway, 1 share. John Miller, Jun., 1 share. Samuel Carpenter, 1 share. Robert Fuller, 1 share. John Titus, 2 shares (one that he Robert Wheaton, 1 share. bought of his mother-in-law, Ester Hall, 1 share. 3 This reservation was afterwards laid out by metes and bounds, and recorded to the Indians. ATTLEBOROUGH. 511 John Miller, Sen., 1 shine. Jaret Ingraham, 1 share. John Kingsley, 1 share. Gilbert Brookes, 1 share. Thomas Reade, 1 share. Thomas Grant, X A share. Jonathan Fuller, 1 Bhare. Robert Miller, 1 share. Nathaniel Paine, 1 share p.; of it he bought of Richard Bpwen, Sen., and the other of Jeremiah Wbeaton). Joanna Lie, of New Norwich, halfe a share. James Qillson,! share (bought of John Savage, ' , share. Samuel Sabent. Samuel Luther, 1 Bhare itbis share sold to Mr. Philip, Squire). Nicholas Tanner, 1 share. John Allen, Jim., 1 share. Preserved Abell, 1 share. Francis Stephens, 1 share. Nicholas Ide, 1 share. Richard Whittaker, \ share. Nathaniel 1'ecke, 1 share. Israel Pecke, 1 share. Thomas Ormsby, ' ., share (bought of Richard Bowen, Sen.). Jacob Ormsby, ' , share (that was his mother's). John l'olley, 1 share (that ho had of his father, Jon. Bos worth). William Allen, of Prudense, 1 share he bought of Nathaniel Paine. John Lovell, 1 share. Eldad Kinsley, 1 share. Jonah Palmer, 1 share. The aforesaid list and the preface to it was universally agreed upon at a meeting of the purchasers, May 28, 1G72, to be entered into the Booke of Records for the North Purchased Lands. This was attested to by me, William Carpenter, Jr., Gierke. This list of proprietors, as the reader perceives, was made in 1072 by a committee chosen for that purpose. The first division of lands in the North Purchase was made June 22, 1058. This division was confined exclusively to meadow land. It appears by the fol- lowing extracts from the town records of Rehoboth that the court had made a grant of the meadows in the North Purchase before the rest of the land was granted. 1 Feb. 23, 1057. — At a town-meeting lawfully warned, it was voted that all the meadows lying on the north side of the town, which were given and granted to the town by the court, shall be laid out according to person and estate. At the same time those men whose names are here subscribed have promised to go to see what meadows they can find on the north side of our town, that they may notify our town, to their best judgment, what quantity there may be of it, and this they promise to do freely on their own charge. William Carpenter, Sr., will go 3 days on his own charge, and if he go any more he is to be paid for it. William Sabin, 1 day ; Lieut. Hunt, 2 days ; Joseph Peck, 1 day ; John Peck, 1 day ; Henry Smith, 1 day ; William Bucklin, 2 days; Robert Fuller, 1 day; John Read, 1 day ; Thomas Cooper, Jr., 1 day ; Francis Stephens, 1 day. At the same time those men whose names are here subscribed are accepted of the freemen of the town to take up their freedom, viz. : Joseph Peck, John Peck, Henry Smith, Robert Fuller, John Fitch, Steven Paine, Jonathan Bliss, William Bucklin, Rice Leon- ard. Several of these persons afterwards removed to Attleborough. June 22, 1058. It was voted that all the meadow 1 This was before the lands were actually purchased, and was evi- dently intended for the immediate use of the cattle of the inhabitants. that lies upon the north side of the town that hath been visited by certain men according to the town's order shall be lotted out according to person and estate. 14th of the 9th month, 1001. Lieut, Hunt and Wil- liam Sabin were chosen to confer with Mr. Willet to know what he hath done about the north side of the town in the behalf of the town. The 28th of the 5th mo., 1002. It was voted that John Woodcock 2 should have two rods of land to build a small house on for himself and his family to be in on the Lord's day in some convenient place near the meeting-house, and Goodman Paine and Lieut. Hunt were chosen to see where the most con- venient place might be for it, 1085, June 22d. " At a town-meeting lawfully warned lots were drawn for the meadows that lie on the north side of the town, according to person and estate." April 18, 1000. It was voted by the town that the late purchasers of land upon the north side of our town shall bear forty shillings in a rate of five pounds, and so proportionable in all other public charges. It was also voted that there should be a three-railed fence set up and maintained between the late pur- chased land on the north side of the town, to be set up on all the end of the plain from Goodman Buck- land's lands to the Mill River, and every man that is interested in the said purchased lands to bear an equal proportion in the aforesaid fence according to their proportion of lands. It was also voted to make choice of a committee for the settling and stating of the late purchased lands on the north side of our town, viz., whether such, as at present seem questionable, are true pro- prietors of the aforesaid lands ; and the committee chosen were Capt. Willet, with the townsmen and those that stand engaged for the payment of the afore- said purchased lands. The committee reported April 23, 1000. It was also voted by the town that Mr. Goodman Martin shall enjoy a spot of fresh meadow that lies on the north side of the town, lying at the end of the great plain, during his life and his wife's, and at their decease to return to the town. At the same time it was agreed between the town and Capt. Willet that for the forty acres of meadow that he is to have to his farm on the north side of the town, he is, by agreement made with the town, to have High Squisset and Low Squisset, and the bounds of the said Squisset's meadows to be accord- ing to the sight of the surveyors the day that they laid out his farm, that is, Henry Smith and William Carpenter; and he is also to have a piece of meadow at the Seven-Mile River near unto the going out at the highway, and six acres of meadow at the Ten- Mile River, and what there wants of the six acres in 2 Afterwards of Attleborough. 51: HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. quality is to be made up in quantity. The said six acres of meadow on the Ten-Mile River lies by the old highway as we go into the bay. " April 23, 1666. The committee that was chosen by the town April 18, 1666, at a town-meeting, for the stating and settling of the late purchased lands upon the north side of our town, the aforesaid com- mittee being met together this 23d of April, we see cause that there shall be seventy-six whole shares and equal purchasers in the aforesaid lands, and six persons that have half-shares, which we see cause to add to the seventy-six whole shares, so that the whole number of shares amounts to seventy-nine shares." May 19, 1666. At a town-meetiug lawfully warned the town concluded to have a meeting upon the last Tuesday in June, to consider of the meadows on the north side of the town, how they may be disposed of for this present year ; it is therefore agreed by this town that no man shall mow a load or a part of a load of grass before the town hath disposed of them, upon the penalty of twenty shillings the load or part of a load. Oct. 16, 1666. At a town-meeting it was concluded that the purchased lands on the north side of the town shall be divided between this and the 1st of May next ensuing. It was also voted by the town that no person shall fall any trees upon the aforesaid lands on the north side of our town before the said lands be divided, upon the penalty of ten shillings for every tree so fallen. The same day John Doggett, John Woodcock, and John Titus were chosen by the town to see what tim- ber trees are fallen on the late purchased lands on the north side of our town, and they shall have the for- feiture for their pains, and the trees to those that the land shall fall to. June 22, 1667. At a town-meeting it was voted by the town that the meadows lying on the north side of the town shall be for this present year as they were the last year. April 10, 1668. The town chose a committee to go and view the meadows that are in the North Purchase and to acre them out, to divide them into three-score and eighteen parts and a half, and to mark and bound out each part and put in such swamps as in their prudence they think meet, to be laid out in the said division, provided they do it equally as they can. The said committee are Anthony Perry, Philip Walker, Thomas Willmot, 1 Nicholas Ide, to be paid by the whole company of purchasers. May 13, 1668. The town made an agreement with Goodman Allen that he is to have the twenty acres of meadow that is laid out by Ensign Smith at Sine- cheticonet, and the meadow called the Parson's Meadow, and all that is within his farm for his thirty acres of meadow that he purchased of Maj. Winslow, 1 Now Wilmarth. and also for his full share of meadow on the North Purchase. It was also voted that the rates upon the north side of the town be lowered and part taken on", — that is to say, whereas the lands upon the North Purchase paid forty shillings of five pounds in all rates, that now the said lands shall pay twenty shillings in five pounds until the town see cause to alter it. May 26, 1668. It was voted that John Woodcock shall have the meadow upon the Ten-Mile River be- tween Capt. Willett's meadow and his own meadow, and another piece that the townsmen shall appoint him that were chosen by the town to acre the meadows in the North Purchase for two shares of meadow on the North Purchase. The 26th of May, 1668, lots were drawn for the meadows 2 in the North Purchase. The first division of general lands was granted by the proprietors at a meeting held Feb. 9, 1668. Lots were drawn for this division March 18, 1668-69. The previous divisions had been confined to meadow land. " At a town-meeting lawfully warned Feb. 9, 1668, it was voted that there should be fifty acres of upland laid out on the north side of the town to every share, speedily ; and the rest to be laid out with as much conveniency as may be." It was voted that there should be a committee chosen to view where there is good land for the laying out of a division of lands on the North Purchase, and that the aforesaid fifty acres to a share should be forthwith laid out, and then lots to be drawn by the aforesaid purchasers according to the agreement. At a town-meeting lawfully warned the 18th of March, 1668-69, " It was voted that there should be fifty acres of land laid out to a share on the north purchased lands." It was also provided that the purchasers should draw lots for their choice, and that each one should choose his lands successively according to his turn, and give notice to the next in turn ; and that if any neglect or refuse to make choice and lay out his land in his turn for the space of three days after notice given him, he should wait until all others had made choice in regular order. At this meeting a committee of eight were chosen, any two of whom might act, to see that these rights should not be laid out so as to interfere with high- ways, previous divisions of meadows, or other lot- ments. This committee were William Sabin, Nicholas Peck, Samuel Newman, James Reddeway, Thomas Willmott, Samuel Peck, Lieut. Hunt, Joseph Buck- land. Nine purchasers entered a protest against the manner of laying out the lands by choosing, viz., Capt. Willett, Mr. Myles, Will. Sabin, Mr. Brown, Dea. Cooper, John Miller, Sr., John Peren, Sr., George Kendricke, Will Carpenter. 2 Granted by the court previous to the purchase. ATTLE BOROUGH. 513 The names of those that drew for a division on the North Purchase, 18th March, 1G68-G9. John Titus. Joseph Bnckland. John Ormsby. Children's lands. 1 Nathl. Paine. Goody Hide. Eice Leonard. Jolin Allin, Jr. Nicholas Peck. Ichabod Miller, Jr. Robert Wheaton. John Doggett. Deacon Cooper. Phillip Walker. Tho. Read. Joseph Peck. John Read, Sr. Jonathan Bliss. Roger Amidowne. Stephen Paine, Jr. Thomas and Jacob Ormsby. Richard Bullock. Daniel Smith. John Kingsley. Obadiah Bowing. John Peren, Sr. Rohert Joanes. Will. Bnckland. James Gillson. Israil Peck. Anth. Perry. Eldad Kingsley. Tho. Cooper, Jr. Sir. Myles. Richard Bemis, Jr. John Fitch. Joseph Carpenter. Preserved Abel. John Woodcock. John Allen, Sr. Nich. Ide. Capt. Willet. James Reddeway. Sam. Newman. Stephen Paine, Sr. Jona. Palmer. Robert Miller. Tho. Willmot. Gilbert Brooks. Wid Carpenter. Left. Hunt. Jaret Ingraham. Francis Stephens. John Read, Jr. Mr. Newman. Rich. Martin. John Butterworth. George Kendrick. John Lowell. Thomas Grant. Mr. Brown. Nath. Peck. George Robinson. Jonathan Fuller. Jonathan Bosworth. Sam. Peck. Robert Fuller. Nath. Paine, Jr. Richard Whittaker. Sam. Carpenter. Edward Hall. Nicholas Tanner. John Savage. Will. Saben. Will. Carpenter. Sampson Mason. John Peck. Ben. Buckland. Hen. Smith. Sam. Luther. Complaints were often made that the lands in the North Purchase were rated or assessed too high. There is the following record on this subject. At a meeting of proprietors of the North Purchase the 26th August, 1670, it was voted that the townsmen should choose three men to discuss and also to end any difference with such persons as are chosen by the com- plainers of the provisions of the rates. The time set to meet was this day s'en'nit at the meeting-house, and if not ended to attend the next court at Plymouth to defend and answer such complaints as are made against the rating of these lands. A mile and a half on the south side of this town was granted to Rehoboth by order of court, June, 1668. June, 1668. This court have ordered that a tract of land, containing a mile and a half, lying on the north side of the town of Rehoboth, is allowed to be the proper right of the said township. And for such lands as are lying betwixt the bay line, and it is to be accounted within the constablerick of Rehoboth until the court shall order it otherwise. And that such farms as lyeth within the said liberties shall be re- 1 Children of Alexander Winchester, deceased. sponsible in point of rating at the colony's disposal. — Old Col. Bee. There is the following vote concerning this tract in Rehoboth records : Nov. 8, 1670. At a town-meeting lawfully warned it was voted that the line should be forthwith run be- tween the North Purchase and the mile and a half given to the town for enlargement. The committee were Lieut. Hunt and Ensign Smith, Nicholas Peck and Will. Carpenter. Committees were also chosen to see that no timber on the north side should be fallen or drawn away. Great difficulty was experienced in preventing the loss of timber on the undivided lands. Dec. 26, 1670. It was voted that there should be a town-meeting this day fortnight, about ten of the clock in the morning, and that there should be a committee chosen to draw up such propositions as they think will be most expedient for the settling of the differences on the north side of the town concerning those lands, con- sidering that all the purchasers of the land have not yet given them, Mr. Brown engaging to give notice to all the proprietors of those lands that dwell in Swan- sea, and that these propositions be tendered at the said town-meeting, that if it were the will of God, there might be a unanimous agreement. The committee chosen were Lieut. Hunt, Ensign Smith, Nathaniel Paine, Nicholas Peck, and Anthony Perry. Nov. 23, 1670, a committee was chosen to meet the treasurer of Taunton to settle the bounds between the North Purchase and Taunton North Purchase. The committee were : Ensign Smith, Wim. Sabin, William Carpenter. At a meeting of the proprietors, May 28, 1672, it was voted, that for the comfortable and peaceable set- tlement of the lands and meadows of the north side of the town ; whereas there has been great dissatisfaction in respect of the unequal division of meadows ; and, forasmuch as there was a committee chosen in the year 1668 for the bounding of the meadows between the Tens, there shall be a new committee added to them, to make diligent search and take a deliberate view of the meadows and swamps within all the sev- eral Tens, with power to add to those Tens which needed amendment, and bound them all ; and also to redress any grievance which any particular person suffers. This order is not to take place till after six months. It was provided that the said committee should bound all the Tens before any more upland lots are laid out, if they do it within two months. At a meeting of purchasers, Feb. 18, 1684, it was voted that there should be a division of fifty acres to a share in the North Purchase. William Carpenter was chosen surveyor to lay it out. Voted that there should be a meeting of the purchasers to draw lots for said division the last Tuesday of June next ensu- ing. Accordingly, a meeting held June 29, 1685, lots were drawn for said fifty acres of upland among eighty-three persons. 33 514 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. At a proprietors' meeting, Oct. 31, 1699, it was voted that there should be two divisions of lands in the North Purchase forthwith laid out to the said proprietors according to their rights in said lands, i.e., fifty acres to a whole share in both divisions, viz., twenty-five acres to the first division, and twenty- five acres to the second division ; and he that is first in the first division shall be last in the second di- vision, and so on. • At their next meeting, Nov. 7, 1699, the proprie- tors drew lots for the new division. They had in- creased at this time to one hundred and thirty-three in number. In the year 1694 the inhabitants of the North Pur- chase were incorporated into a township by an act of the General Court of Massachusetts. 1 CHAPTER XL. ATTLEBOROyGH.— (Continued.) Incorporation— Origin of the Name — William Blackstone— His History, Settlement, etc.— John Woodcock — His Garrison — First Ordinary — History of his Settlement Here — First Mill in Town — Attack on Joshua Barrows — His Petition for Allowance of Land — Grant Made to him — Agents Employed in England on Disputed Boundary — Angle Tree — Angle Monument. " To Mis Excellency, Sir William Pliips Knight, Captain-General and Gov- ernor-in- Chief of their Majesty's Province, of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, with the Honorable Council and Representatives thereof now assembled in General Court at Boston, Oct. 17, 1694: " The petition of the subscribers in behalf of themselves and the rest of the proprietors of the lands hereunder mentioned and expressed, '•Humbly Sheweth, " That whereas our ancestors and some of ourselves have formerly purchased a certain tract of land commonly known by the name of the North Purchase, containing in length about ten miles from Patuckett River to Taunton bounds, and about eight miles from the Massachusetts line, between the two colonies to Rehoboth bounds, being in our appre- hension lands sufficient for a township, and we being now already above thirty families on the place, besides other proprietors that at present live elsewhere, do humbly pray this Honorable Assembly to make us a township endued with such privileges as other towns are for these reasons following, viz. : "First, and principally, for the honor of God, in that our distance is far to go on the Lord's days, some of us ten or eleven miles to Rehoboth to the public worship of God, which in the winter season is very incon- venient for us to go and especially for our children, and also we sustain in going so far to train, attend town-meetings, and to work in their highways, and our own in the meantime neglected. •'Secondly, In that if we were a township, we should quickly (we hope) procure an able orthodox minister to teach us, and also a school- master to instruct our children, which would incite more able and de- 1 Previous to this the North Purchase was within the jurisdiction, but not merged in the limits of Rehoboth. The inhabitants were subjected to the municipal authority, and had, for the time, all the rights of free- men of that town. It was, properly, a plantation of Rehoboth. It was ordered by Plymouth Court to be within the jurisdiction of that town until it should be incorporated, " July 5,1671." "The court have or- dered that the North Purchase (so called) shall lie unto the town of Rehoboth until it comes to be a township; and in the meantime to bear the seventh part of all the rates that shall bo levied for the public charges of that town ; and when the said purchase shall become a town- ship by itself, then the said township of Rehoboth to be eased in their rates."— Old Col. Records. sirable inhabitants to come and settle among us, we having lands and other commodities for their encouragement. " Thirdly , In that we being as frontiers in danger of the enemy be tween Rehoboth and other places should, if we were a township, be in a better posture of defence when we are completed with officers amongst ourselves. " Fourthly, We might further add the benefit that might redound to their Majestie's service, there being great store of ship-timber and cooperVstuff, which might with more facility be conveyed to the water" side were our habitations settled nearer. " All which is humbly offered to your Excellency and honors for ac- ceptance. " By your humble suppliants. " John Woodcock, "Daniel Shepperson, "John Callender, " For and in the name and behalf of the proprietors of the said lauds. "Oct. 17, 1694." The following is the act of incorporation : An Act for granting a towns/rip within the county of Bristol to be called Al- lleborotqih : - Whereas there is a certain tract of land commonly known by the name of North Purchase, lying within the county of Bristol, containing in length about ten miles from Patucket River to the bounds of Taun- ton, 3 and extending about eight miles in breadth from the line or bound- ary betwixt the two late colonies of Massachusetts and Plymouth, to the bounds of the town of Rehoboth ; being a convenient tract for a town- ship, and more than thirty families already settled thereupon. For the better encouragement and settlement of said plantation : Be it enacted by the Governor, Council, aud Representatives in Gen- eral Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That henceforth the said tract of land as above described, and bounded by the township of Taunton and Rehoboth (no way to intrench upon either of their rights), be and shall be a township, and called by the name of Attle- borough ; and shall have and enjoy all such immunities, privileges, and powers, as generally other townships within this Province have and do enjoy. Providt (I. That it be not in prejudice of any former grant. Provided, also, That the Inhabitants of the said place do continue under the power and direction of the Selectmen, Assessors, and Con- stables of Rehoboth (whereunto they were formerly annexed) as well referring to an}" assessments and arrears thereof, as all other things proper to the duty of Selectmen, Assessors, aud Constables, respec- tively; until they are supplied with such officers among themselves, according to the directions in the law in that case made and provided. The boundaries described in the preceding act in- cluded the present towns of Attleborough and Cum- berland, R. I., embracing a very extensive tract of land. The number of inhabitants at this time could not much exceed a hundred and eighty. They were mostly settled in the southerly and westerly parts of the town. These families were scattered over a con- siderable space; some had been herefrom an early period. Of the early settlements more will be said hereafter. The country was then mostly covered with forests, interspersed, however, with a good supply of natural - It was named after Attleborough, Norfolk Co., England, a town of importance in the early ages of the kingdom, a market town, and the seat of the noble family of the Lords Mortimer. It has diminished in population and business in modern times. Many of the early settlers in memory of their homes in England, which they had left forever, gave the same names to their new homes here. Two of the proprietors and settlers in this town, John Sutton with his wife and four children, and John Daggett with his wife, came from " At- tleburraye," England, and whose families had intermarried before their emigration, and suggested the name in memory of their native place. 3 Taunton North Purchase. ATTLE BOROUGH. 515 meadow, which was then considered the most valu- able kind of land, and occasional clearings which had been cultivated by the Indians, and planted by them with maize, squashes, pumpkins, beans. The inhabitants increased rapidly, and soon pene- trated into various parts of the town. The Early Proceeding's of the Town after its Incorporation. — A few extracts from the early rec- ords of the town, illustrating the character of the times, will be interesting to the present generation. The first town-meeting on record appears to have been held May 11, 1696, two years after the incorpo- ration. 1 At this meeting the town chose Mr. John Woodcock and Mr. John Rogers, late of Bristol, as agents " to manage our concerns in matters relating to that part of our township commonly called the Mile and Half, according to our petition and other copies which are in the hands of Mr. Henry Devens, Clerk to the House of Representatives, and did fur- ther appoint and impower Mr. John Woodcock to agree with and impower said Mr. Rogers, and take care to help him to such papers as may most concern our business for the promoting of matters relating to our township." At the same meeting three assessors were chosen for the ensuing year, viz. : I. Woodcock, Thomas Tingley, and Samuel Titus. The next town-meeting was held Nov. 23, 1696, at which the town authorized the selectmen to make a rate for paying the town's debts, which amounted to £5 15s. 1'/. At the same time several individuals engaged to pay certain sums "by way of free gift towards the building of a meeting-house," and de- sired their names and sums might be entered accord- ingly— f s. Mr. John Woodcock 1 " John Lane 1 " Israil Woodcock 10 Mr. Thomas Woodcock 10 " George Robinson 1 " David Freeman 1 March 22, 1696-97. The town taking into considera- tion who are by law allowed to vote in town-meetings, and finding so few allowed to vote, ordered that " all the inhabitants and town Dwellers" should have a right to vote in said meetings. At this time town officers were chosen for the year ensuing, viz. : " Mr. John Woodcock, Anthony Sprague, Daniel Jenks, Jonathan Fuller, Thomas Tingley, selectmen ; An- thony Sprague, town clerk ; I. Woodcock, consta- ble ; Nicholas Ide and Joseph Cowel, surveyors ; Henry Sweet, tithingman ; Thomas Tingley and Samuel Titus, fence-viewers; John Woodcock, An- thony Sprague, and Daniel Jenks, assessors; John Lane, grand-juryman; Benjamin Force, for the jury of trials in April next at the Quarter Sessions at Bristol." May 10, 1697. At a town-meeting for the choice of an " Assemblyman for the Great and General Court," 1 There must, however, have been a previous meeting and a choice of officers, of which no record is preserved. the inhabitants voted not to send a man, " by reason the town was excused by law." July 12, 1697. The town voted to have a pound made according to law upon a piece of undivided land between the lands of Daniel Shepperson and James Jillson, near the Bay road. Upwards of twenty years after the close of Philip's war, the inhabitants of the towns were often annoyed by strolling Indians, who disturbed and insulted the people. In relation to these disturbances the town passed the following- orders : Jan. 31, 1()97-'.)S. At a town- meeting legally warned for the making of "some town orders or by- laws touching persons disorderly coming into town who have no rights or lands in the same, but are strangers and foreigners," the town passed the fol- lowing orders : " It is ordered by the inhabitants of Attleborough, and voted in said meeting, that no person that is a stranger shall be received as an in- habitant without the consent or approbation of said town, or sufficient security given to the town by him or them that shall take in or harbor any person con- trary to this order ; moreover, the selectmen are ap- pointed to take due care and sufficient security, in the behalf of the town, of and for all such persons as shall receive in or harbor any stranger or foreigner ; or to give order and warning to such stranger or for- eigner to depart the town, according as the law directs, and that with all convenient speed after knowledge or notice given of the same; so observing from time to time that the town be not charged with unnecessary charges." 2d. "The second order or by-law was touching In- dian foreigners and strangers that have been com- plained of for uncivil carriages and behaviour towards some of the inhabitants of this town, for the preven- tion of which the inhabitants being desired to give their advice, by joint consent have voted and passed this act, That no foreign Indian or stranger should be allowed to come into town being armed under hunting pretences, nor suffered in the same to abide in drinkings and shootings at unseasonable times of night and threatenings to several persons, which is contrary to the law of this province, and disturbing to several of this town ; neither is any person or per- sons whatsoever within this town allowed to take in or harbor Indian or Indians armed other than such as hath been allowed or shall be allowed, without the unanimous consent of the inhabitants, at any time hereafter, but every person or persons transgressing against this order or by-law shall pay a line of five shillings each day for the use of the poor of this town for every such offence." March 4, 1699 or 1700, in town-meeting, Daniel Shepperson gave a piece of ground to set a pound on "at a place commonly known and called Red Rock Hill, by the roadside by a pine-tree, which pound is to be built thirty feet square and finished by the last of June, 1700." 516 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. May 13, 1700. Voted not to send a representative for the same reason that was assigned at the first meeting. March 25, 1701. In town-meeting voted and ap- pointed a "training-place, to be on the south side of David Freeman's house, between the two ways, viz., the Bay road and the road that leadeth to Nicholas Ide's house." At the same time the town " did by major vote appoint the last Tuesday in March, at nine o'clock a.m., to be their election day annually for choosing town officers according to law, without any further warning, so to continue till fur- ther order." Feb. 9, 1702-3. It was voted that Ensign Nicholas Ide and Anthony Sprague with the selectmen be a committee to agree in behalf of our town concerning the lines and bounds between Attleborough, Dor- chester, and Wrentham. It was also voted that the selectmen should make a town rate for the payment of town debts, and that a quarter part of said rate be levied upon the polls, and the rest upon the estates; and that said rate shall be paid in Indian corn at two shillings and sixpence per bushel, or rye at three shillings and sixpence per bushel, or oats at one shilling and sixpence per bushel, or in money. May 14, 1703. Voted not to send a representative by reason they were so few in number and excused by law. The first English inhabitant of Attleborough was the celebrated William Blackstone, who had so many peculiarities and such a singular history, and who was also the first settler and sole progenitor of Shaw- mut, now the site of the beautiful city of Boston. Everything that can be recovered relating to this singular but amiable man must be interesting not only to the people of this town, but to all who feel an interest in the early history of these colonies. There were two or three individuals at a distance, on Manerick and Thompson's Islands, in the harbor, apparently having no connection with him. He came to this country from England about the year 1625, and settled first at Boston, the Indian name of which was Shawm id. Here he remained alone until the arrival of Governor Winthrop's com- pany, in June, 1630. They at first located them- selves at Charlestown ; but finding the water bad and " liking that plain neck that was then called Blackstone's Neck, 1 they soon removed, by invitation, to the peninsula, where they found a good spring of water. Mr. Blackstone had been in England a clergyman of the established church. But he lived in an age of religious bigotry, intolerance, and per- secution, and " not being able," as he said, " to en- dure the power of the Lord Bishops," he left his native land and sought an asylum in the wilds of America, where he might enjoy his own opinions unmolested. After residing a few years with the new 1 Capt. Clap, May, 1G30. settlers of Shawmut, he found the same intolerant and overbearing spirit among his new associates, and be- coming "discontented with the power of the Lords Brethren," he was compelled to seek another retreat. In 1634 he sold his right and title in the peninsula to the inhabitants of Boston, each one paying him six shillings and some of them more. A reservation was made for him of about six acres where his house stood. The peninsula of Boston was then called Black- stone's Neck, the whole of which he claimed as his property, aud this claim was recognized by the new settlers. With the purchase money he bought a "stock of cows," which he carried with him to his new settlement on the banks of the Pawtucket River. The following document, quoted in Shaw's " His- tory of Boston," gives some of the particulars of this purchase : " The deposition of John Odlyn, aged about 82 years; Robert Walker, aged about 78 years; Francis Hudson, aged about G6 years; and Wil- liam Lytherland, aged 76 years. These deponents being antient dwell- ers and inhabitants of the town of Boston, from the time of the first planting thereof, do jointly testify and depose, that in or about the year of our Lord sixteen hundred and thirty-four, the then present inhabit- ants of said town (of whom the Hon. John Winthrop, Esq., Governor of the Colony, was chiefe), did treate and agree with Mr. William Black- stone for the purchase of his estate and right in any lands lying within the said neck of land, called Boston, and for said purchase agreed that every householder should pay six shillings, which was accordingly col- lected, none paying less, some considerably more, and the said sum was paid to Mr. Blackstone to his full content. Reserving unto himself about six acres of land on the point, commonly called Blackstone's Point, on part whereof his then dwelling-house stood. After which pur- chase the town laid out a place for a Training Field, which ever since, and now is used for that purpose, and for the feeding of cattle: Walker and Lytherland further testify that Mr. Blackstone bought a stock of cowes with the money he received, and removed near Providence, where he lived till the day of his death." Sworn to the 10th of June, 1684, before S. Bradstreet, Governor, and Samuel Sewall, Assistant. Mr. Blackstone received £30 for his right to the peninsula, as appears by the following record : The "10th day of the 9 mo. 1634," voted that a rate be made, viz., " a rate for £30 to Mr. Blackstone." 2 In 1635 he removed to another retreat still farther in the wilderness. This place was on the banks of Pawtucket River, which now bears his name, and on the east side of it, and within the Old Colony, and was within the ancient limits of Attleborough, in that part called the Gore, now Cumberland, R. I. This was about ten years before the settlement of Rehoboth and a few years before that of Providence. In this solitary retreat he built his house, cultivated his garden, and planted his orchard. His house and garden he surrounded with a park, which was his daily walk. Here he remained for many years in entire seclusion from the world, here was none to dis- turb his lonely retreat. He was furnished with a library, and nature and study charmed his solitary hours. He thus seated himself for life, in peaceful solitude on the banks of the Blackstone. 2 Reckoning March the first month, this assessment was made in De- cember; the purchase, of course, was made previous to this date, and Blackstone in all probability removed early in the subsequent spring. ATTLEBOROUGH. 517 His house he called " Study Hall," and the emi- nence near it was named Study Hill, which name it still retains. This place 1 is about three miles above Pawtucket village, where the late Col. Simon Whipple resided. The Indian name of the place was Wawe- poonseag. This name is mentioned in the Plymouth Records in describing the boundaries of the North Purchase in 1661 : " From Rehoboth ranging upon Patucket River, to a place called by the natives Wa- wepoonseag,' 2 where one Blackstone now sojourneth." During his residence here Mr. Blackstone married Mrs. Sarah Stevenson, widow of John Stevenson, of Boston, July 4, 1659. 3 She died about the middle of June, 1673. 4 He survived his wife only about two years, and died May 26, 1675, 5 a few weeks before the commencement of the great Indian war, thus having escaped witnessing the horrors of that awful period and the complete destruction which awaited his fair domain. He had lived in New England about fifty years, nearly ten years at Shawmut (now Boston), and forty at this place. He must have been quite advanced at the time of his death, probably not far from eighty. A brief notice of his death is furnished by his friend Roger Williams. At the date of June 13, 1675, he says, " About a fortnight since your old acquaintance, Mr. Blackstone, departed this life in the fourscore year of his age. Four days before his death he had a great pain in his breast and back and bowels ; afterwards he said he was well, had no pain, and should live, but he grew fainter, and yielded up his breath without a groan." — 4th Mass. Hist. Coll., 6, 299. Around him was still a wilderness when death snatched him from the sylvan retreat which he loved, but (though the footsteps of men were fast approach- ing) how would he be astonished to behold the region around it (the place which he once thought secure from the haunt of men) now, swarming with an indus- trious and thriving population ! How would he grieve to find the stream whose placid waters as they flowed by his dwelling he delighted to contemplate now in- 1 His title to the lauds which he occupied was respected by the Plym- outh government, who ordered them recorded to him after his death. "March 5, 1671. Mr. Stephen Paine, Sr., of Rehoboth, and Mr. Nich- olas Tanner were appointed by the court to see Mr. Blackstone's land laid forth according to the grant." — Old Col. Rec. His estate consisted of about two hundred acres. 2 This is supposed by a writer in the Massachusetts Historical Collec- tions to be properly the name of a brook, now called Abbott's Bun, which enters the river not far from Mr. Blackstone's residence. 1 " Mr. William Blackstone was married to Sarah Stevenson, widow, the 4th of July, 1659, by John Kndicott, governor." — Town Records of Boston. She was the widow of John Stevenson, of Boston, who had by her at least three children, — Onesinms, born 26th 10th month, 1643 ; John, horn — 7th month, 1045 ; and James, born Oct. 1, 1653. His second sun, John Stevenson, lived with his mother after her marriage with Mr. Black- stone, and after their decease continued at the same place during the remainder of bis life. 4 " Mrs. Sarah Blackstone, the wife of Mr. William Illusion, was buried about the middle of June, 1673." — Rehoboth Records. Many of the ancient records mention the day of the burial, but not of the death of persons. = " Mr. William Blukston buried the 28th of May, 1765."— lb. terrupted by numerous water-works, and the silence which then reigned around him now disturbed by the buzz of thousands of spindles ! To what ignoble pur- poses is his classic stream now devoted ! What a con- trast ! It is a change which the peace-loving spirit of Blackstone could not endure. To enjoy that soli- tude which was congenial to his taste he would now be compelled to seek a new abode beyond the banks of the Mississippi. Blackstone was by no means a misanthrope, but a man of natural benevolence, who took this mode of indulging his love for solitude and securing the un- restrained enjoyment of his own sentiments and tastes. He did not shun man because he hated him, but because he loved solitude more than society. He was fond of study and contemplation, and here he could enjoy both. Possessing an independent and original mind, he could not brook the dogmatical and persecuting spirit of the age, and to escape its in- fluence he fled to the wilds of America. He was not idle though in solitude. He cultivated his garden, and reared his orchard with his own hands, and is said to have been devoted to his books; though meditative in his habits, yet cheerful in dis- position. He was acquainted with Roger Williams, the father of Rhode Island,— in some respects a kin- dred spirit, though far from his opinions, — and fre- quently went to visit him, and occasionally preached at Providence and the neighboring towns. Among other anecdotes it is related of him that he tamed and rode a bull into Providence and on other journeys, but this of itself was not at that age proof of his eccentricity. It was a common practice in the rude state of the colonies, when horses were scarce and it was inconvenient to keep them, to follow such an example. Many instances are known of the same custom among the scattered colonists on their rough roads. Even John Alden, after the wedding of Pris- cilla Mullins, took his bride home on the back of a bull covered with a rich broadcloth, and led by him with a ring in the nose. " He was also remarkable," says Mr. Baylies, 6 " for his love of children." When he visited Providence he carried apples from his orchard to give to chil- dren,— the first they had ever seen.— Ca I lender's Dis- course. At a late centennial celebration in Boston, under the direction of the Massachusetts Historical Society, a present of apples was sent to their table from Cum- berland, said to have grown on the trees which grew from the sprouts of those in Blackstone's orchard. Some of the trees planted by his own hands were liv- ing one hundred and forty years after they were set out. He left one son, John Blackstone, who, it is sup- posed, "settled somewhere near New Haven." Of 6 " Memoirs of Plymouth Colony," which is a work of great interest, embodying a largo amount of historical information on the Old Colony. 518 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. him history says little or nothing; but by diligent research I have ascertained a few particulars. He was a minor when his father died, and had guardians appointed by the court. 1 He lived on his inheritance till 1692, when he sold his lands to David Whipple, 2 and soon after removed to Providence, and for a while contented himself with the humble occu- pation of a shoemaker. There, 3 it is probable, he married his wife Katharine, and continued to reside till 1718, when he returned to Attleborough, and with his wife was legally warned out of town. 4 He is pre- sumed to be the person mentioned in the records, as no other of that name has been known in this part of the country. It was generally supposed by historians that the family was extinct, and that the blood of Blackstone "runs not in the veins of a single human being." Recent research has led to the belief that his son re- moved to Branford, Conn., and settled on a neck of land not far from New Haven, where several families of that name have lived for many years. As John Blackstone disappeared from Attleborough, it is prob- able that he removed and settled there. I have been informed that there was a family of that name who lived there in seclusion for many years. His son-in-law, John Stevenson, came with his mother when she married Mr. Blackstone, being about fourteen years old, and lived with them till their death. At one time it was supposed that Blackstone had a daughter married to John Stevenson, and that they lived with him. In a romance called "The Humors of Utopia," published many years ago, this fancied daughter of Blackstone is one of the charac- ters introduced into the work, in which she doubtless figures as a creature of the field and forest, and ap- pears in all the simplicity of her native charms ; and it seems a pity to dissolve this " gay frost-work of fancy" and dissipate the fair vision into the cold re- ality. The "son-in-law" of Blackstone proves to be only the «on of the widow of John Stevenson, who afterwards became the wife of Mr. Blackstone. This belief then .prevailing was doubtless founded on the 1 "June 1st, 1675. Lieut. Hunt, Ensign Smith, and Mr. Daniel Smith are appointed and authorized hy the court to take some present care of the estate of Mr. William Blackstone deceased, and of his son now left by him ; and to see that the next court he do propose a man to the court to be his guardian ; which in case he do neglect, the court will then see cause to make choice of one for him." — Old Col. Bee. " Oct. 27th, 1675. Mr. Nathaniel Paine and Mr. Daniel Smith are ap- pointed and approved by the court to be guardians unto John Black- stone, the son of William Blackstone deceased." — lb. 2 The original deeds, with John Blackstone's signature, are still in existence, and were in the possession of Mr. John Whipple, of Cumber- land. The first is dated Sept. 10, 1692. He spells his name Blaxlon, which was undoubtedly at the time the true orthography. 3 There is no record of his marriage in this town. 4 For what cause does not appear, but may be conjectured. He had probably squandered his property, for tradition says he inherited but a small share of his father's prudence, and it was doubtless as a precau- tion against future liability for support, which was a customary proceed- ing in those days ; it was a civil and not a criminal process, and does not imply anything against the moral character of the person. error contained in the Massachusetts Historical Col- lections in a short sketch of Mr. Blackstone, where it was stated that he had two children, a son and a daughter. He came into possession of a part of his father-in-law's estate, as appears by the following order of Plymouth Court, passed June 10, 1675, about two weeks after Blackstone's decease. " Whereas the court is informed that one whose name is John Stevenson, son-in-law to Mr. William Blackstone, late deceased, was very helpful to his father and mother in their life-time, without whom they could not have subsisted as to a good help and instrument thereof, and he is now left in a low and mean condition, and never was in anj T measure rec- ompensed for his good service aforesaid, and if (as it is said at least) his father-in-law engaged to his mother at his marriage with her that he should be considered with a competency of land out of the said Blackstone's land then lived on, which had never yet been per- formed ; and forasmuch as the personal estate of the said William Blackstone is so small and inconsidera- ble, that he the said Stevenson cannot be relieved out of it ; this court, therefore, in consideration of the pre- mises, do order and dispose fifty acres of land unto the said John Stevenson, out of the lands of the said William Blackstone, and five acres of meadow to be laid out unto him by Ensign Henry Smith and Mr. Daniel Smith, and Mr. Nathaniel Paine, according as they shall think meet, so as it may be most commo- dious to him or as little prejudicial to the seat of Mr. William Blackstone as may be. By order of the court for the jurisdiction of New Plymouth." 5 — Old Col, Bee, 6 The bounds of this grant are recorded in the records of the North Purchase, Book 1st, p. 47. Extracts are made for the gratification of those who may wish to know the situation of his lands. " Imp. Fifty acres of upland lying upon Pawtucket River, most of it upon the South Neck, being part of that land that was left for Mr. Wil- liam Blackstone, and granted by the Court to John Stevenson : bounded to the eastward the land of John Fitch and the Common ; westerly, Pa- tucket River, and southerly; to the northward, the land of John Black- stone, it being 106 rods long." The five-acre lot of meadow mentioned in the grant is also recorded as laid out by the Commissioners. 1st. Two acres of meadow adjoining to the said lands lying in two pieces, one piece within the former tract of land and the other by the river side upon the Southernmost end of it. 2d. " Three acres of fresh meadow lying at the northeast corner of the meadow commonly known by the name of Blackstone's Great Meadow,* from a white oak tree marked, and so through the breadth of the meadow to the Run, the Run bounding it to the noithards; west- ward, the meadow of John Blackstone ; eastward, the swamp ; south- ward, the upland." There is another tract which he probably purchased. " Fifty acres of upland, more or less, bounded east the land of Ensign Nich. Peck and Rob. Miller; north, the land of Sam. Carpenter; west, a highway four rods wide (between John Blackstone's land and this lot) and a little piece of common land; south, coming near John Fitch's grave, to the Common. " There is to be taken out of this lot a highway 2 rods wide next to Sam. Carpenter's land to meet with the highway at the east end of said Carpenter's lot." Likewise ten acres of land allowed to John Stevenson by the king's * Often called in the Records the Parson's Meadow. ATTLE BOROUGH. 519 Stevenson acquired a taste for solitary life by living with Blackstone, and resided here (it is believed, alone) till his death. There is no evidence of his ever having been married. His time was devoted to the cultivation of his lands and the pleasures of hunt- ing. He died Sept. 16, 1695. His brother, James Stevenson, of Springfield, was appointed his adminis- trator, who returned an inventory Oct. 11, 1695, from which it appears that his whole estate was valued at £57. 5. 2. 1 This is all the account which I can find of the first settler within the bounds of the North Purchase and of those connected with him. But his name will be preserved in perpetual remembrance, for it is insep- arably attached to that noble river which flows past the site of his ancient and solitary dwelling. His name is also transferred to works of art. His name has been assumed by towns, and banks, factories, and the streets of our cities. He has become a prominent historic character in the colonization of New Eng- land, and a striking figure on the canvas of its his- tory. Just mystery enough about his life to attract and interest the reader. The Valley of the Blackstone has become celebrated as a manufacturing district, and contributes, by the advantages of its water-power, to the wealth and industry of New England. Hardly could Blackstone, the lover of undisturbed solitude and quiet, have dreamed when he forsook the penin- sula of Boston and built his lonely dwelling on the banks of this placid stream, that his peaceful retreat would be so soon the scene of industry and the abode of a numerous population, and its silence broken by jury fur land for highways, taken out of his land lying on the southerly side of Abbott's Run, etc. Another record of land commences thus: "Likewise two acres of land that I took up adjoining to my own land, at the southerly end of it, which I had in exchange with my brother John Blackstone, etc." To gratify the curious, the boundaries of John Blackstone's lands are added, by which the precise location ot his father's estate may be ascer- tained. Imp. A hundred and fifty acres of upland, swamp, and meadow ground, more or less, containing the West Plain (commonly so callec}) and land adjacent ; bounded, to the northward, the land of Isaac Allen ; to the southward, the land of John Stevenson; to the westward, l'aw- tncket River; to the eastward, the land of John Stevenson, the high- way and the undivided land, there running through it a country high- way to Pawtucket River, four rods wide. Likewise a parcel of fresh meadow commonly known by the name of Blackstone's Meadow, being eight acres, bounded to the eastward, the meadow oi John Stevenson, etc. Likewise twenty acres bud out to John Blackstone, granted to him by the king's jury for a way taken through his farm to Pattuckel River), running seventy-six rods N. W. and by W., and forty-two rods S. W. and by S. bounded round by the undivided laud; this tract lying near the new road to Dedham. Likewise two acres which he had upon exchange with his brother John Stevenson, adjoining to his own farm, on the westerly side of the country highway, next the house; bounded easterly by the highway, westerly his own farm, and southerly by a small run of water, and in considera- tion of it John Stevenson bad two acres of what John Blackstone was to have allowed by the king's jury for the highway through his land to Providence. —Records II. N. Piirchdsr, Book I, p. 153. 1 " His house, lands, and meadows at 1 50. His gun, cutlass, and car- touch box 1 0. 18. 0." etc. the busy works of art ! Were his spirit permitted to revisit the scene of his former enjoyments he would be obliged to form a new garden and plant a new or- chard, and to seek, in a more distant region of the West, a spot congenial to his taste. 2 The place which he chose for his residence is a truly beautiful and romantic spot, such as a recluse and a lover of nature would select. The place where his house stood is on the east of a small hill, the sur- face of which would make an acre or more; on the east is a gradual ascent, but on the west it rises ab- ruptly from the river to the height of sixty or seventy feet; there the Blackstone winds gracefully at its base, 5 forming a slight curve at a short distance south of the hill. Its summit commands a fine view of the " valley of the Blackstone" to the distance of more than a mile on the south. On the east is a delightful and fertile valley consisting of a few acres, which opens to the south on the borders of the meadow, and is bounded on the east and northeast by a gentle emi- nence, on the top of which runs the " Mendon road," so often mentioned in the ancient land records. This valley was cultivated by the hands of Blackstone ; here was his orchard, where are seen the stumps of apple-trees, cut down within a few years, which are said to have grown from the sprouts of the first trees planted by him. His well is still pointed out at the southern border of this valley. Though now filled up with moss and weeds, the pure water still bubbles up from its fountains. His grave is also designated, though with less certainty ; it is in the orchard, about two rods east from the foot of the hill and north of the well. The " flat stone which it is said marked his grave" is not now visible. It is either removed or buried under the surface. One Thomas Alexander, who was drowned in the river, was buried, it is said, by the side of Mr. Black- stone. Is it not probable that his wife is also buried at the same place? The spot on which he lived has returned to its orig- inal state of nature. Sixty years ago, or more, a heavy growth of timber-trees was cut from this hill, and its surface is now thickly covered with young and thrifty wood. Oaks of a hundred years have grown on the garden of Blackstone! The name, it is said, is not common in England. No one has succeeded in tracing his connections in 2 Everything in relation to Blackstone is interesting to the public. I have, therefore, been minute in this description. It could never have occurred to him who, to avoid the notice of men, sought the Shades of solitude, that future ages would take so deep an interest in his history, that he would be an object of minute research to the antiquarian, and that every circumstance connected with his life which moid be resc I from the hand of oblivion would be sought out with so much avidity ! 3 The river, within forty years past, has enlarged its channel at this place, and now washes the very base of the hill, as if attracted to the spot by a grateful remembrance of him who first sought its banks and loved its stream, and whose honored name it now bears. The margin of the river was formerly three rods, at least, west from the hill. The excavations for the railroad have also destroyed its original shape. 520 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. his native land, or finding his birthplace. But I have found the following memoranda in one of the ancient local histories of England : John Blaxton, vicar of Osmington, in Dorset, 1621. In 1650, Mr. John Blaxton incumbent, and had been so twenty-eight years. He was the author of the fol- lowing work, published in 1634: "The English Usurer; or, Usury condemned by the most learned and famous Divines of the Church of England. Col- lected by John Blaxton, Preacher of God's Word at Osmington, in Dorsetshire. " London : Printed by John Norton, and are to be sold by Francis Bowman in Oxford, 1634." " In 1650-52, John Blaxton, the vicar, had an aug- mentation out of Lord Peter's impropriation here." There was a Samuel Blaxton, June 5, 1662. — Hutch- ins' Dorsetshire, vol. i. p. 432. They were cotemporary with our Blackstone. What connection, if any, did they bear to him ? The first settlement within the bounds of the pre- sent town of Attleborough was in the neighborhood of the Baptist meeting-house, where Hatch's tavern now stands. It was commenced by Mr. John Wood- cock and his sons soon after the first division in 1669. Here he built a public-house on the Bay road, and laid out lands to the amount of about three hundred acres, which afterwards made an excellent farm. At this time and subsequently he took up, in several parts of the town, about six hundred acres, 1 part on his own shares and the rest on rights which he pur- chased of Roger Amidowne, James Redeway, Andrew Willett, etc. His house was occupied for a garrison. It was licensed in 1670, according to the following record: " July 5, 1670. John Woodcock is allowed by the court to keep an ordinary at the Ten-Mile River (so called), which is in the way from Rehoboth to the Bay, and likewise enjoined to keep good order, that no unruliness or ribaldry be permitted there." — Old Col. Bee. His name first appears in the Rehoboth records the 28th 4th month, 1647, when he bought the lands of Edward Patterson. He was admitted a freeman of that town May 14, 1673. Woodcock was a man of some consideration in those days, his name frequently appearing in toAvn offices and on committees. June 2, 1691, he was chosen deputy to the General Court from Rehoboth, and at several other times. He was shrewd, hardy, fearless, and adventurous, a character just suited to the times in which he lived, and the circumstances in which he was placed. He held Indian rights in very low estimation. On one occasion he took the liberty of paying himself a debt due to him from a neighboring Indian without 1 A part of this was on Bungay River (where Bishop's shop lately stood), which he conveyed to his sou Jonathan, with the saw-mill there- on standing. the consent of the debtor, or the intervention of judge, jury, or sheriff, for which achievement he re- ceived the following sentence from the court, an example of the rigid justice of the Puritans : " 1654. John Woodcock, of Rehoboth, for going into an Indian house and taking away an Indian child and some goods in lieu of a debt the Indian owed him, was sentenced to set in the stocks at Rehoboth an hour on a training day, and to pay a fine of forty shillings." — Old Col. Bee. Court Orders, Book Zd. Woodcock had two wives, — Sarah, who died in May, 1686, and a second one, Joanna, who survived him. He had a large family of children, some, if not all, of whose names I have ascertained (though no record of them is preserved on the books), viz., John, Israel, Nathaniel (killed by the Indians), Jon- athan, Thomas, and at least three daughters, — one, married to Thomas Esterbrook ; one, to Samuel Guild ; and another, Deborah, to Benjamin Onion, May 24, 1683. There were two others of this name supposed to be children of John Woodcock, viz. : Alice, married to Baruck Bucklin, and Mary, mar- ried to Jonathan Freeman. There was also a Sarah Woodcock, who married Alexander Bolkcom. John Woodcock, Sr., died Oct. 20, 1801, having arrived at a very advanced age, in spite of the many attempts which had been made by the Indians to de- stroy him. It is said that after his death the scars of seven bullet-holes were counted on his body. He was an inveterate and implacable enemy to the In- dians, the cause of which will hereafter appear in the notice of some events in Philip's war. In encounters with them on several occasions he ran imminent risks of his life. He was foremost in all enterprises the object of which was the destruction of the Indians. He was a very useful man as a pioneer in the dangers of a new settlement, being cunning in contrivance, and bold and active in execution. Woodcock's garrison 2 was a well-known rendez- vous during the Indian wars. It was one in a chain o'f fortifications extending from Boston to Rhode Island. There was one in Boston ; one in Dedham, at Ames' corner; Woodcock's, in this place; one at Rehoboth, 3 now Seekonk ; one, it is said, at Swansea ; and another at Newport, on the island ; and perhaps others in the intermediate spaces. Woodcock's was a famous station in those early times. The armies of the colony frequently halted at his garrison in their marches. It was on the route to Narragansett from Boston, in Philip's war. On one occasion, Dec. 9, 1675, six companies of foot, commanded by Maj. Appleton, numbering four hun- - This was prohably the only house (excepting immediate neighbor's) on the " Bay road," between Rehoboth and Dedham, though this was then the main road from Rhode Island, Bristol, and Rehoboth to Boston. 3 Situated in the centre of the Great Plains, on the borders of which the first settlements were principally located. ATTLEBOROUGH. 521 dred and sixty-five, and a company of horse under Capt. Prentiss, about five hundred in all, a large army for those days (of course marching down the " Oulde Bay Road"), and reached Woodcock's in the night, and there rested till the next afternoon, and then marched on to Seekonk, where they met the army of Plymouth Colony, under Gen. Winslow, where the two forces were united a "d moved on their way to the great Narragansett fight. The Massachu- setts forces must have rendezvoused at Woodcock's on their return. This stand, which is lately owned and occupied by Col. Hatch, is the oldest in the county of Bristol, a public-house having been kept on the spot without intermission from July 5, 1670, to this time, June, 1833, during a period of one hundred and sixty-three years. It is situated on the Boston and Providence turnpike. I have been at considerable pains to as- certain the names of several owners in succession, and the times at which they purchased, some brief notices of which may be interesting to the reader. It was established by John Woodcock, as already related, in 1670, the land having been laid out and cleared by him for the purpose. He occupied it about twenty-three years. Feb. 17, 1693-94. John Woodcock, Sr., of Reho- both (with Joanna his wife), for £390 money in hand received conveys to John Devotion, of " Muddy River, formerly of Boston," a tract of land contain- ing two hundred and ten acres, being " at a place commonly called Ten-Mile River by a highway called Wrentham Lane," etc., " with the mansion or dwelling-house, barn, and all other out-housing and buildings (the smith's shop only excepted stand- ing on the river) ;* also about thirty acres lying on northwest side the country road formerly given to his son John Woodcock, bounded by Ten-Mile River, etc., with his son's dwelling-house and barn on the same." " John Devotion took quiet possession of the same, April 9, 1694, in presence of Nathaniel Brent- nall, William Chaplain." 2 Woodcock laid out the ancient burying-ground near his house. In the above-mentioned conveyance is the following reservation : " Except a small parcel of at least six rods square, or the contents thereof, for a burying-place, in which my wife and several of my children and neighbors are interred, with liberty for my children and neighbors to come upon and make use thereof forever as occasion may be." 3 1 A Bhop now stands on the same spot. - In this conveyance to Devotion is the following curious item : " also, all the said John Woodcock hia right to and privilege in a house and pasture at Wrentham for accommodation of his family and horses on Sabbath days and other public times, as occasion may be." Previous to his removal he had a house at Rehoboth for a similar pur- pose. From this and other records it appears that he and his family were very attentive to public worship. 3 This is the oldest graveyard in the town, where the first settlers are buried. It is situated on the easterly side of the road opposite the hotel. The first interment in this place was that of Nathaniel Wood- John Devotion occupied the premises more than seventeen years. He left no descendants here, and after selling his estate removed to Wethersfield, after- wards to Suffield. 1 His wife's name was Hannah. July 10, 1711. John Devotion, for four hundred pounds money paid, conveys the said farm (contain- ing two hundred and eighty acres, more or less) to John Daggett, of Chilmark, in Dukes County, Martha's Vineyard (the first of that name who settled in this town), with twenty-five acres on Nine-Mile Run. Also, one whole share in the undivided lands in Attleborough. April 16, 1722. John Daggett, for five hundred and fifty pounds, sells the same to Alexander Maxcy, " being his homestead, containing one hundred and seventy acres in two parts on the Ten-Mile Run, etc., at a place called Mount Hope Hill." 6 The said Maxcy died in about a year after this purchase. At the division of his estate (1730) the establishment passed into the hands of his oldest son, Josiah Maxcy. After his death, in 1772 (if not before), it came into the possession of his son Levi Maxcy, who occupied it till about 1880, when he sold it to Col. Israil Hatch. The old garrison house was torn down in 1806, and a large and elegant building erected on the spot, fifty- eight by sixty feet, three stories high! 6 It thus ap- pears that the first building erected on the place stood one hundred and thirty-six years. A great part of the timber was said to be perfectly sound, pierced, however, by many a bullet received in Philip's war. A relic of this house, it is said, was preserved in the archives of the Massachusetts Historical Society. Several families settled near Mr. Blackstone's seat soon after, if not previous, to the war. Another early settlement was at the Falls (so called), now the Falls Factories. The natural ad- vantages of a fine fall of water attracted the settlers to the spot. The banks of rivers were generally se- lected by the first occupants on account of the " nat- ural meadows" which they afforded, and which were highly valued at a time when the face of the country was covered with forests. The first person who laid out lands at the latter place (as near as can be ascertained from the records) was John Daggett, of Rehoboth, who, in October, 1677,' sold fifty acres of it to his brother, Thomas cock, who was killed by the Indians in Philip's war May, 1676, and was buried on the spot where he fell, which is still pointed out in the centre of the graveyard. This cemetery is now in a state of dilapidation, many of the stones have fallen down, and the whole is going rapidly to decay. It is the duty of that neighborhood or the town (a duty which gratitude demands) to see the ground decently inclosed and the stones erected, that the few memorials which now exist of our early ancestry may be preserved. * He had a son, John Devotion, a school-master, living in Swansea in 1710. a So called to this day « The original building only was taken down; an addition, built at an early period, was moved a little back, where it stood in 1730, "carved o'er with many a long-forgotten name.'' A small remnant, one room, of the old garrison might then be seen adjoining the wood-house. 522 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Daggett, of Martha's Vineyard. Edward Hall 1 also at an early period owned fifty acres here, which he gave by will to his son John, and he sold it to John Stevenson and Samuel Penfield ; the latter sold it in 1686 to Thomas Daggett, of Edgartown, and Joseph and Nathaniel Daggett, 2 of Rehoboth. This was the land immediately around the Falls including the privilege. The first mill built there was a "corn-mill," owned or occupied by the above-named Joseph Dag- gett, at what time is not known. This was doubtless the first mill in town. March 30, 1703, the town voted that Jos. Daggett, of Rehoboth, have the priv- ilege " that the stream at the Ten-Mile River Falls shall go free of all sorts of taxes until a corn-mill has the constant custom of three-score families, and if a saw-mill be built, that to bear his equal share in public charges in said town." Thomas Butler' also laid out land near the mill. The southeast corner of the town was early inhab- ited by people from Rehoboth. The borders of the Bay road, which passed through the neighborhood of Newell's and the city, were occupied by some of the first settlers. This was the main route from Bristol to Boston, and was the first road in town. Proceedings of the Proprietors. — The proprietors of the Rehoboth North Purchase soon became a dis- tinct body from the town, and kept separate books. It may be proper to detail some of the transac- tions of the proprietors, which will throw light on our early history, and give a view of the difficulties which they had to encounter in the settlement. The proprietors' books commence in 1672. Previous to this their proceedings were recorded in the Reho- both town books. A certain company (consisting of inhabitants of Rehoboth) purchased, as already ap- pears, a certain tract of land of the Indians, through their agent, and the title was confirmed by the gov- ernment, 4 which tract was called the Rehoboth North Purchase. There were eighty-two purchasers or share- holders, seventy-six of whom had whole shares, and six half shares, making seventy-nine whole shares. 5 They called meetings, and from time to time granted divisions of so many acres to a share, which were laid out to the shareholders by metes and bounds, by a com- mittee and surveyor chosen for the purpose, under such regulations and instructions as were established by the company and were recorded by the clerk in the pro- prietors' books. This constituted a valid right to the lands so recorded. In this way all the original titles to land in this region were obtained. A transfer of 1 Then of Rehoboth, previously of Taunton. Admitted a freeman of Massachusetts May 2, 1638. One John Hall was admitted May 14, 1634, and another May 6, 1635. Edward had seven children,— John, horn be- fore his father came to Rehoboth ; Samuel, Jeremiah, Thomas, Pre- served, Andrew, Benjamin, from 1656 to 1668. 2 The last two were the sons of John Daggett, the first of Rehoboth. 3 There were three of the name of Butler in town. 4 No purchase of Indian lands was valid without the grant or confir- mation of the government. 6 What consideration was paid for the purchase does not appear. a share might be made by deed, a record of the sale being entered in the proprietors' books; or, a person might obtain a title to lands by purchasing of a pro- prietor a right to lay out a certain number of acres in a division already granted, which would be recorded to him in the same manner as to the original owner. The grant was first made to such inhabitants of Rehoboth as held a fifty pounds estate and upwards, they having made the purchase ; but in 1670 all who were then inhabitants of that town were admitted as proprietors by entering their names, as appears by the fol lowing extract from a court order passed Oct. 7, 1670. " Whereas, the lands on the northerly side of Re- hoboth, now sold by deed and passed over to the pro- prietors of that town, viz., to all that hold lands there from a fifty pounds estate and upwards; yet by mutual agreement amongst themselves all the inhabitants were taken in to be joint purchasers, it is determined that the names of such as were not comprehended in the above-mentioned deed shall be entered in their town records and in the public records of the colony, to be, if they desire it, as full and equal purchasers and proprietors in those lands as the rest." These lands were at first exempted from full taxa- tion "to accommodate the poorer sort with land, and yet so as not to oppress them as much otherwise." The court ordered " that all the north lands, both farms and else," should be taxed in a rate separate from the town of Rehoboth, and should pay thirty shillings in a £40 rate to the colony, and in the same proportion in the ministerial and other charges, "until the court shall see cause otherwise to dispose concerning them, until which time they shall be and remain within the constablerick of the township of Rehoboth." Oct. 7, 1670. The proprietors sometimes exercised legislative powers, which were, however, to some extent, author- ized by statute. June 10, 1707. Voted that all who have lands laid out in the North Purchase, and have not renewed their bounds since the 1st of March last, shall, be- tween this date and the last of September next, re- new the same, or forfeit the sum of ten shillings, to be recovered as a debt due, the one-half to the informer and the other half to the proprietors, any one of whom are authorized to prosecute this act. At the same meeting it was ordered that all the timber cut on the undivided lands should be forth- with seized, and a committee was appointed to hear and determine by what right it was cut, and if found without good right, then to take the methods of the law in that case provided. Sept. 16, 1707. Voted that the committee, with the surveyor, shall lay out all needful highways for the proprietors in said purchase, and make restitution to persons whose lands are taken for this purpose in any of the undivided lands. 6 6 A large proportion of the highwaysof this town were laid out by the proprietors, accompanied by the selectmen. ATTLEBOROUGH. 523 November, 1708. The proprietors chose a commit- tee to look after the northerly bounds of their pur- chase. At this time commenced the long and tedious contest about the northern boundary of the purchase, which was the Old Colony line. The subject was discussed at every meeting, and committees often appointed to devise means of protecting the rights of the purchasers. Petitions were sent to the Gen- eral Court, counsel were employed to defend their rights, and finally a petition and an agent were sent to England. July 21, 1714. Voted that two acres of land on the hill before Mr. David Freeman's, where the burying- place now is, shall be laid out for a burying-place for Attleborough. This is the graveyard near the vil- lage called the city. June 13, 1717. Voted unanimously that Col. Na- thaniel Paine, Esq., Mr. Richard Waterman, Esq., Lieut. Anthony Sprague, Mr. Daniel Jenks, and Mr. Daniel Smith be a committee to see to the northerly bounds, hereby giving them full power to act in all respects in behalf of the whole propriety concerning running the line between Attleborough, Wrentham, and Dedham, where it ought lawfully to be stated according to our purchase deed. July 14, 1717. The committee were authorized to defend all suits of law that may be commenced by any person or persons against the propriety, and to empower any attorney or attorneys that may be need- ful for advice, and further to commence any action or actions that they may think proper for the benefit of the said propriety. Nov. 2, 1720. Voted that the former committee still proceed with their petitions, even until they send to England about the right of our northern line (if they cannot be heard in our own government), and that the expense be paid by the proprietors according to their several interests. Voted that one hundred acres of undivided land be sold to defray the expenses of defending the northern line. 1 Feb. 21, 1726-27. Voted that any person or per- sons who will sue for our rights in the land chal- lenged by Dorchester or Stoughton, Wrentham and Bellingham. and to the south of Nathan Wood- ward and Solomon Saffrey's line, and on the north of the town, and all that part that lieth within their challenge, shall have the fourth part of said tract of land if they recover it to the use of the propriety. Maj. Leonard, Esq., ('apt. John Foster, and Fnsign Daniel Peck appeared in said meeting and accepted the offer. June 5, 1727. At this meeting a petition in rhyme was presented by one Joshua Barrows, 2 at that time a well-knowti extempore rhvmster, of whose productions ' 1 At a subsequent meetiDg, in 1752, the clerk was authorized to sell to any of the proprietors seventy-nine ami one-half acres of undivided land at eight shillings lawful money per acre. 2 He is said to have been entirely illiterate. many specimens are still remembered, and of whose wit and eccentricity tradition lias preserved numerous anecdotes, lie seems to have suffered the common fate of poets, poverty. J lis petition is recorded at length in the proprietors' books, which is transcribed merely for the amusement of the reader: " Your Honors now I do Implore To read my i r petitiou ; I hope your hearts will open be To pity my condition. "Ten acres of the common land I pray that you would give, Then thankful I will he to you As long as I do live. " Such a kindness, I must confess, From you I don't deserve; But when in health I freely work, — Why should you let me starve? " From day to day my daily bread I get it by my sweat ; But, to my sorrow, I beg and borrow When sickness doth me let. " No more in rhyme here at this time, No more I have at hand, And so I'll end, your faithful friend, And servant to command, — "Joshua Barrows. " Attleborough, June 5, 1727." The prayer of this petition our good-natured fore- fathers could not resist. " Upon the hearing of the aforesaid petition of Joshua Barrows there were sun- dry persons in said meeting, which were proprietors, which gave him land to take up upon their rights, — their names are as followeth," etc., — making in the whole thirteen acres which were laid out and recorded to him. It appears from the report of a committee that an agent was actually employed in England to defend their boundaries. In their account are the following items : £ s. d. Paid for silver money to send to England 21 17 6 Paid to Nath. Brown for carrying the money to 1! iston to send to England 2 2 G To expense at Providence, when both committees met there to wait on Governor Jencks, and writing to send to England after his return from England, etc 17 6 Jan. 3, 1750-51. Chose Col. Thomas Bowen, Maj. John Foster, and Capt. Samuel Tyler a committee, fully empowering them to prepare a petition praying the General Court that some effectual method may be taken for the perfecting of a straight line 3 from the middle of Accord Pond (so called) westward to that station which is three English miles south of the 3 The cause of dispute was an angle in the Old Colony line, which is said to have originated in this way : The commissioners win. were ap- pointed in 1640 by the two colonies to run the line between them com- menced at a rock called Bound Rock in the middle of Accord Pond, Which is in the line between ScitUate and Cohassett (once part of Iling- ham), intending to reach by a straight line the most northerly point of Plymouth Colony, "ti the easterly line of Rhode Island, but when they had arrived within about three miles thej discovered that their course would carry them far to the south of tin- intended point. Instead of rectifying the whole line, they made an angle and took a new course so far north as to reach the line point. At this turn stood a large oak- tree, marked, which was called Angle Tree. A large stone monument has been since elected on the spot by Attleborough and Wrentham. 524 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. southernmost part of Charles River, agreeable to a settlement made by the government of New Plymouth and the Massachusetts in the year 1640. Sept. 26, 1751. Made choice of James Otis, of Boston, and John Foster, of Attleborough, Esqs., a committee, in addition to Benjamin Day and Nathan- iel Smith (chosen at a former meeting), to present a petition about to be heard at the General Court at their next session, and to pursue said petition until it is fully determined by said court, and to petition anew, if need be, to have the line settled on the northerly part of our purchase. May 19, 1752. Chose a committee and gave them full power to eject any person or persons out of the possession of those lands they have possessed them- selves of within the North Purchase grant without the consent of the proprietors, as also full power to sue and pursue any action brought for the purpose to final judgment and execution. May 27, 1754. The committees of Rehoboth North Purchase and Taunton North Purchase entered into an agreement to commence actions of ejectment against persons who had intruded upon their respec- tive purchases, the costs to be borne equally by the two proprieties. Divisions of land in the North Purchase have been made among the proprietors at different times as follows : 1. A division of 50 acres to a share granted March 18, 1668-9 2. Ct tt 50 acres to a share was gra nted Feb. 18, 1684 3. (t tt 50 acres, in 2 parts, 25 acres each, Oct. 31, 1699 4. tl tt 50 acres in 2 lutments, 1703 5. (I (t 50 acres was granted June 10, 1707 6. It tt 50 M tt July 21, 1714 7. IC (t 20 II it Feb. 21, 1726-7 8. (( tt 10 It it April 14, 1735 9. It (( 3 II ti April 4, 1760 10. tl tt 2 II tt 1793 11. tt tt 2 II tt 1801 12. tc (t 1 II tt 1820 13. tt H 1 It it May 10, 1833 The most valuable parts of this purchase were taken up by these divisions many years since. A small but broken and unproductive remnant of this land yet remains common and undivided on Cutting's Plain, on the road from East Attleborough to Wrentham. From their records and the extracts which have been made it appears that the proprietors made their own regulations, gave their own titles to lands, and, in fact, enacted all their laws relative to the owner- ship and the original conveyance of lands included in their purchases. Names of the Clerks of the Propriety. William Carpenter, Jr., chosen May 17, 1682, Daniel Smith, ' Noah Carpenter, ' John Robbins, Jr., ' John Daggett, ' Ebenezer Daggett, continued till his death, March 4, 1832 gett chosen May 10, 1833. May 31, 1703, April 23, 1724, May 1, 1752, Dec. 9, 1763, July 1, 1793, and Lucas Dag- CHAPTER XLI. ATTLEBOROUGH.— ( Continued.) Indian War — Pierce's Fight: or, Battle on the Black6tone — Nine Men's Misery — Threatened Attack on Wrentham. Indian War. — The few events connected with this war which occurred here should not be omitted in the history of the town. The peaceful regions which we now inhabit once resounded with the shrill and terrible war-whoop of the Indian. These fields and woods, these hills and vales were once trod by the wild hunters of the forest. They were the domains of another race of men, who have long since passed away, and are known only by the brief histories and scattered relics which their conquerors have preserved. But whatever relates to them is interesting. They were distinguished by many peculiarities. They had their savage vices, but possessed at the same time their savage virtues. They were hardy, bold, and warlike. The most important and critical period in the his- tory of the colony was the Indian war of 1675-76. This was a gloomy and fearful period to these infant settlements. The hour of their destruction seemed to be drawing nigh. They were a scattered people, spreading over a wide extent of territory, peculiarly exposed in their lives and property to Indian depre- dations. The approaching contest required all the patience, fortitude, and courage which men are ever called to exercise. They had to contend against fear- ful odds. Nearly all the New England tribes, em- bracing many thousand warriors, had combined for their destruction, guided by the matchless genius of a chief versed in all the arts of savage warfare. It was a war of extermination, a contest for victory in which there was no quarter, no mercy. In April, 1676, the Indians, having suffered several severe defeats in a body, adopted a new mode of war- fare, and dispersed themselves in small parties over the country, burning, killing, and destroying wher- ever opportunity offered. Among other outrages they attacked Woodcock's garrison, " killed one man and one of Woodcock's sons, and wounded another, and burnt the son's house." Some circumstances con- nected with this event appear to have been accurately preserved by tradition, from which and other sources are gathered the following particulars: His sons were at work in a cornfield near the house. The Indians, concealed in a wood 1 adjoining the field, approached to its borders and suddenly fired upon them. The workmen fled to the garrison, leaving the dead body on the field. The Indians, to gratify their spite against the family, cut off the soil's head, stuck it on a long pole which they set up on a hill at some distance in front of the house and in full view of the family, to aggravate their feelings as much as 1 Now the meadow on the oast of the turnpike below the bridge. ATTLEBOROUGH. 525 possible. From this time Woodcock swore never to make peace with the Indians. He ever after hunted them like wild beasts. He was a man of resolute and determined character, and tradition says that not a few fell victims to his vengeance and a sacrifice to the manes of his murdered son. This attack was in April. The body of his son (whose name was Nathaniel) was buried on the spot where he fell, nearly in the centre of the yard, which has ever since been reserved for a burying-ground. This attack was in all probability between the date of Pierce's fight, March 26th, and April 26, 1676, and after the attack on Wrentham, when the town was burnt. His son Nathaniel, as already mentioned, and a son- in-law were killed, and one of his sons was severely wounded by several bullets in both shoulders. Six garrison soldiers who were stationed there had been suddenly withdrawn, leaving him dependent upon his own resources, and in great danger from these roving Indians. There were only fourteen persons living in "Woodcock's settlement at the time, consisting of his sons and daughters and sons-in-law, and including two or three others, and probably a man by the name of Rocket, whose signature as a witness appears on several instruments, was one of them. Under these circumstances Woodcock applies to the authorities for aid and protection from both colo- nies. In his account he refers to his own losses, and to the damage which Wrentham had already sus- tained by an attack of the Indians. His statements must be regarded as authentic and true, while they correct some mistakes of early historians. Ancient accounts fix the date in May. He entreats the gov- ernment to send him a surgeon to dress the wounds of his son, and thinks it might be safe for him if he come in the night-time; and he also begged that they would send him half a dozen soldiers to man his gar- rison and supply the place of the six soldiers who had been stationed there before, but had been suddenly withdrawn. These were certainly perilous times. Pierce's Fight. — This town was the scene of one of the most severe, bloody, and fatal battles fought during the war. It took place on Sunday, March 26, 1676, in that part which is now Cumberland, R. L, near the Blackstone River. The spot is still pointed out. The government of Plymouth, fearing that their settlements would be again attacked after so many outrages had been committed in Massachusetts, or- dered out a company for their defense, consisting of sixty-three Englishmen and twenty Cape Indians, 1 1 This account differs in some respects from that given by Church, who States that there were only fifty whites* and twenty Cape Indians. I have relied, for the must of the particulars in this description, on a "Continued Account of the Bloody Indian War from March till August, 1676," now in the hands of Mr. S. G. Drake, Boston. It was published * But as fifty-two English were killed, according to Newman's account, there must have been more in the battle. under the command of Capt. Michael Pierce, of Sci- tuate. He immediately marched in pursuit of the enemy, who were supposed to be in the vicinity. He rendezvoused at the garrison in Rehoboth on Satur- day night. The next day, "having intelligence in his garrison at Seaconicke that a party of the enemy lay near Mr. Blackstone's, he went forth with sixty-three English and twenty Cape Indians," and soon discovered four or five Indians in a piece of woods, who pretended to be lame and wounded, but proved to be decoys to lead the whites into ambuscade, for they soon discovered five hundred more of the enemy. Pierce, though aware of their superiority of numbers, courageously pursued them, when they began to retreat slowly ; but there soon appeared another company of four hundred Indians, who were now able completely to surround him. A party of the enemy were stationed on the opposite side of the river to prevent the English crossing; they were thus attacked in front and rear by an overwhelming force. Thus all chance of retreat and all hope of escape was cut off. This was a most trying moment. But there was no flinching, no quailing. Each one knew that in all human probability he must die on that field, and that, too, under the most appalling circumstances, — by the hand of a merciless enemy who sought their extermination. But bravely and nobly did they sub- mit to their fate. Each one resolved to do his duty and sell his life at the dearest rate. At such a time the awful war-whoop of the Indian would have sent a thrill of terror to the hearts of any but brave men. At this critical juncture Capt. Pierce made an exceed- ingly judicious movement. He formed his men into a circle, back to back, with four spaces between each man, thus enlarging the circle to its greatest extent, presenting a front to the enemy in every direction, and necessarily scattering their fire over a greater surface, whilst the Indians stood in a deep circle, one behind another, forming a compact mass, and present- ing a front where every shot must take effect.''' He thus made a brave resistance for two hours (all the while keeping the enemy at a distance and his own men in perfect order), and kept up a constant and destructive fire upon the Indians. But no courage or skill could prevail in such an unequal contest or longer resist such a force. 3 At last, overpowered by numbers, Capt Pierce and fifty-five English and ten Cape Indians were slain on the spot, "which in such in London the same year, and contains a minute and apparently accurate detail of this battle and many of the other important '-\ ente of the war. The work consists of a series of letters written bya gentleman in Boston to his friend in London, and published from time to time as they were received. One volume (the above mentioned), containing three or four letters, has been lately discovered, and was never reprinted in this country. 2 In the words of the account just referred to, "Capt. Pierce east his men into a ring and fought back to hack, and were double-double dis- tance all in one ling, whilst the Indians were as thick as they could stand thirty deep." 3 Canonchet, a Narragansett chief, commanded in this battle. He was soon after taken prisoner and executed. 526 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. a cause and upon such disadvantage may certainly be styled the bed of honor." But this victory was gained at a great sacrifice. The Indians lost as many (not counting women and children) as in the great swamp-fight at Narragansett, which were computed at over three hundred. An important letter, written the day after the bat- tle, has been of late years discovered in the Library of the American Antiquarian Society, at Worcester, from Rev. Noah Newman, the minister of Rehoboth at that time, to Rev. John Cotton, of Plymouth, in which he gives some facts about the movements of Capt. Pierce, and a list of the killed. It appears from his statement that of Pierce's company fifty- two English and eleven Cape Indians were slain. It is stated that he went out with a small party of his men and Indians from the garrison at Seekonk to reconnoitre, and found the enemy and attacked him, and supposed he had damaged him. But being so few with him he thought it prudent to retreat, and go out next day with a recruit of men. He returned to the settlement in Rehoboth, and the next morn- ing, the fatal day, he marched out to attack the enemy, taking pilots with him from Rehoboth, who were acquainted with the ground. Probably there were some volunteers from Rehoboth on the day of the fight. The following is the list of names of Pierce's men contained in this letter : " From Scituate, eighteen, of whom fourteen were slain, viz. : Capt. Pierce, Samuel Russell, Benjamin Chittenden, John Loth- rope, Gershom Dodson, Samuel Pratt, Thomas Savarv, Joseph Wade, William Welcome, Jeremiah Bar- stow, John Ensign, Joseph Cowin, Joseph Perry, John Rose. Marshfield, nine slain, — Thomas Little, John Eames, Joseph White, John Burrows, Joseph Phillips, Samuel Bump, John Low More, John Brance. Duxbury, four slain, — John Sprayen, Benjamin Soul, Thomas Hunt, Joshua Fobes. Sandwich, five slain, —Benjamin Nye, Daniel Bessey, Caleb Blake, Job Gibbs, Stephen Wing. Barnstable, six slain, — Lieut. Fuller, John Lewis, Eleazer — ■ — , Samuel Linnel, Samuel Childs, Samuel Benman. Yarmouth, five slain, — John Mathews, John Gage, William Gage, Henry Gage, Henry Gold. Eastham, four slain, — Joseph Nesselfield, John Walker, John M. (torn off ). Rehoboth,— John Fitch, Jr., John Miller, Jr.," and doubtless contained two other names, John Read, Jr., and Benjamin Buckland, as they were entered on Rehoboth records as slain on that day. Thomas Man is returned with a sore wound. This was the sorest defeat which the colony of Ply- mouth suffered during the war, and caused great dis- tress everywhere, for the numbers lost amounted to about to about one-third of their regular force. Ac- cording to Church, not a single white man returned from this bloody and fatal battle-field. As soon as the Rehoboth people received informa- tion of the dangerous situation of Capt. Pierce and his men, they despatched a company to his assistance, who arrived in season only to perform the last offices to the dead bodies of their countrymen. The courage and resolution displayed on this occa- sion deserve commendation. These brave soldiers were entitled to the gratitude of the colony, for whose defense they had thus sacrified their lives. They were taken by surprise, and completely surrounded by a force ten times their superior. Pierce was a bold and adventurous man — fear formed no part of his character. His men partook of his courage. They pushed forward, perhaps imprudently, and thus fell into the snare which their enemy had prepared for them. Considering the numbers engaged, it was doubtless the most warmly and closely contested of all the engagements which took place during that eventful period between the white and the red men. Nearly four hundred were killed on both sides. His- tory has recorded, with applause, every feat of brav- ery, when performed on a more conspicuous station, whilst it has often overlooked the humble though equally meritorious exploit. It requires more true courage to die on such a field, with such a foe, than on the plains of Waterloo, amid the " pomp and cir- cumstance of glorious war." The following adventure, in which "Old Wood- cock" was engaged, is abridged from a communica- tion in the Massachusetts Historical Collection, fur- nished by the research of the late Dr. Mann, formerly of Wrentham. It rests upon the authority of tradi- tion, but appears to be well authenticated. A man by the name of Rocket, in searching for a stray horse, discovered a train of forty-two Indians about sunset; from their appearance he suspected they intended to attack the settlement at Wrentham the next morning, after the men had dispersed to their work ; he therefore followed them, secretly, till they halted for the night, when he hastily returned to the settlement and gave notice to the inhabitants. A consultation was held, at which it was agreed to at- tack the Indians early the next morning. A com- pany of thirteen, under the command of Capt. Ware, was hastily collected from Wrentham and the vicinity, who, having secured the women and children and the infirm in the garrison, set out for the Indian encamp- ment where they arrived just before daylight, and were posted within a short distance, with orders to reserve their fire till the enemy began to decamp. Between daylight and sunrise the Indians suddenly rose from their resting-places, when, upon a signal given, a general discharge was made, which threw them into the utmost consternation. Some, in their confusion, while attempting to escape, leaped down a precipice of rocks from ten to twenty feet in height; some of 'the fugitives were overtaken and slain. Two of them, who were closely pursued, attempted to con- ceal themselves in Mill Brook, where they were found and killed. It is related that one Woodcock dis- charged his long musket, called in those days a buc- ATTLEBOROUGH. 527 caneer, at a fugitive Indian, at the distance of eighty rods, and broke his thigh-bone and then killed him. The number of Indians killed was from twenty to twenty-four, and not one of the whites. The place where this bold adventure occurred is in that part of the ancient Wrentham which is now Franklin. The large rock where the Indians were encamped is to this day called Indian Rock. The time is not cer- tainly ascertained, but it was, without much doubt, in the spring or summer of 1676, when the Indian forces were dispersed in parties throughout the coun- try. Nine Men's Misery.— This is the name of a spot in Cumberland, R. I., where nine men were slain in Philip's war. This place is near the house of the late Elisha Waterman, Esq., just north of Camp Swamp (so called). The only circumstances of this event which I have gathered are these : A company of nine men were in advance of or had strayed from their party for some purpose, when they discovered a num- ber of Indians near this spot, whom they immedi- ately pursued and attacked, but a large number of the enemy rushed out of the swamp and surrounded them. The whites, placing their backs to a large rock near by, fought with desperation till every one of them was killed on the spot. The rest of their party, who were within hearing of their guns, hastened to their succor, but arrived too late to render them any assistance. Their bodies were buried on the spot, which is now designated by a large pile of stones. 1 I have seen no notice of this occurrence in history, but as to the main fact there can be no doubt. The bones of these men were disinterred not many years ago by some physicians (for anatomical purposes), and were found nearly perfect. But the people in the vicinity insisted upon their being restored, which was accordingly done. One of the slain was ascertained to be a Bucklin, of Rehoboth, from the remarkable circumstance of a set of double front teeth which he was known to possess. The time when this happened none of my infor- mants can tell, but there is good reason for believing that it was at or about the time of Pierce's fight. 2 June 17, 1676, it was supposed that Philip was with one of these marauding parties, and the measures which were taken for Woodcock's protection, and for other purposes. The following orders, fortunately discovered, from the Massachusetts government, furnish material for the history of the war, and throw light upon those stirring and perilous times: 1 It was probably a party attempting to escape from Pierce's fight, and who were pursued and surrounded by the savages al this place. It is mentioned in some of the old records as "Nine Men's Misery" and "Dead Men's Hones." - Several of the Rehoboth people were slain the 26th of March, 1076, the time of Pierce's fight, viz., John Fitch, Jr.,. John Bead, Jr., Benjamin BucMand, John Miller, Jr. Robert Beers (an Irishman and then an in- hahitant of Rehoboth) was slain the 28th of March; Nehemiah Sabin in June following. "At a meeting of the Council held at Boston, 17th of June, 1676, at 8 of the clock, the Council being informed that the Indians are skulking to and again about Wrentham, Woodcock's, or Mount Hope, and have of late done mischief to the English : It is ordered that the Major of Suffolk issue out his orders forthwith for such a party as he judgeth it fit and necessary, to repair to Dedham on 2d day next early, and range the woods to and again for the discovery, distressing, and destroying of the enemy wherever they find them, committing the conduct of that party to whom he sees meet, ordering that each soldier be completely armed with firearms and ammunition, and provisions for four days. " Passed by the Council. " Edw. Rawson, Secretary." Instructions for Capt. Thomas Brattle : " Ordered to take twenty of the troops, with such officers as he may choose, and an officer and ten troopers of Lieut. Halley's troope, and march to Ded- ham, where are ordered to be an officer and eighteen foot soldiers mounted, from Dorchester, six from Rox- bury, and twenty-four from Dedham, with an officer, all appointed to be at Dedham, the rendezvous, this day, at four p.m., etc. You are to march with your troopers and dragoons to be at John Woodcock's by midnight, where you shall meet with an Indian pylot, and his file of musketeers, which pylot hath engaged to bring you upon Phillip and his company, who are not above thirty men, as he saith, and not ten miles from Woodcock's. Be sure to secure the pylot to prevent falsehood and escape. In case you meet not with a pylot at Woodcock's, you are to send to Mr. Newman at Rehoboth, and let him know of your being there." CHAPTER XL II. ATTLEBOROUGH.— (Continued.) First Parish and Church in Town— Notices of Habijah Weld, Wilder, and others— Division of the Town into two Parishes— East Parish, its History— Notices of the Ministers— North Baptist Church— Notices of its Pastors— Notices of Modern Religious Societies. The Ministry. — For many years the town consti- tuted one parish, and was not divided till April 7, 1743. For some time after its incorporation it was not able to support a preacher, owing to the small number of its population. The first settled minister in town was Rev. Matthew Short, son of Henry Short, of Newburg. He was a young man when he came to this town. He was born March 14, 1788, and graduated at Harvard College in the class of 1709. He was chosen by the parish ( >ct. 1, 1711, and ordained Nov. 12, 1712, over the church constituted at the same time. Difficulties soon arose between him and his people, which (after many ineffectual attempts to reconcile them) finally 528 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. resulted in his dismission, May 31, 1715. He con- tinued in this town only about four years, having preached here one year before his ordination. Of his previous or subsequent history but little is known. He removed to Easton, and became the first settled minister of that town, where he remained in harmony with his people till his death, in 1731, aged forty- three years, leaving ten children, — three sons and seven daughters. According to the articles of agreement made with Mr. Short, Dec. 20, 1711, he was to have fifty pounds a year for the first six years; one-third to be in money and " the other two-thirds in grain, beef, pork, butter, or cheese, any or either of them at current price." 1 At the seventh year his salary was to be raised to sixty pounds, payable as above, and there to continue until there should be one hundred families in town capable of paying public taxes in the judgment of the selectmen for the time being, and then it was to be seventy pounds per annum. He was also to have the use of the ministerial house and lands so long as he should continue in his pastoral office. Mr. Short was married to Miss Margaret Freeman, of Attleborough, by Justice Leonard, Dec. 27, 1711. He had two daughters while in this town, Anna and Judith. The first meeting-house was built in 1710. It was not, however, entirely completed until 1714. It was thirty feet square, and stood on the spot where the hall of the Agricultural Society once stood. 2 A few extracts from the records detailing more par- ticularly the early proceedings relative to the settle- ment. of the first minister will be acceptable to the present generation. March 25. 1707. " The meeting then held was for the choosing of a learned orthodox minister of good conversation to dispense the word of God to us in Attleborough; voted to give Mr. Fiske a call to preach for us. Likewise a committee of nine was chosen to procure a minister to settle. It was like- wise voted to empower the said committee to treat with the said Mr. Fiske as to his dispensing the word of God amongst us, and to settle him, if he may be obtained ; and if he may not, then any other minister that the town shall call, being approved by the neigh- boring ministers." May 20, 1707. Voted to give Mr. More a call to preach among us, and to settle if he may be ob- tained. June, 1707. Voted that Hezekiah Peck and Jona- than Fuller be a committee to see and get a petition 1 These articles were then valued as follows: Indian corn, 2s. Gd. per bushel ; rye, is. Gd. per bushel ; pork, 'id. per lb. ; beef, 2d. per lb. ; but- ter, Gd. per lb.; and good new milk cheese, 4d. per lb. 2 At a town-meeting Feb. 9, 1709-10, voted to build a meeting-house thirty feet square and sixteen feet between joints, and to set it upon a piece of land on the east side of the country road near to the house of Christopher Hall, and to get the timber for said house, and to frame and raise it by the 1st of June next. This lot of land was given to the town for this purpose by Lieut. Moses Read. written to the General Court for some help towards the maintenance of a minister. 3 The sum of eighty pounds had been granted by the town, Nov. 22, 1705, towards building a minister's house, thirty-five pounds of which had been collected ; and on the 2d of July, 1707, the town voted that the remaining forty-five pounds should be levied and collected. June 15, 1708. The meeting then held was for the choosing of an able and orthodox minister to serve us in the work of the ministry in this place ; it was voted that the committee should treat with Mr. Wis- well to dispense the word of God to us, if he may be obtained ; if not, then with Mr. Fisher, if he may be obtained ; if not, then with Mr. Hunt, if he may be obtained ; if not, then with Mr. Devotion ; and if neither of them may be obtained, then they may treat with any other that shall be allowed of by the neigh- boring ministers, until they have settled one in Attleborough. 4 July 28, 1710. Chose Mr. Ebenezer White for our minister, if he will stay with us; if not, then Mr. Myles. Mr. White, it appears, did not at this time accept the invitation to settle. He however preached for them nearly a year. Oct. 9, 1710. Chose a committee to see to the fin- ishing of the meeting-house, and the 1st of January next ensuing was the time fixed for finishing it. Voted to raise a tax of sixty pounds as a fund for said work, five pounds to be in money, and the rest in corn, rye, beef, and pork, or in materials for the building. Nov. 20, 1710. Voted that the house which is built on the ministerial lot should be given to the first minister that shall serve the town seven years in the office of a minister, and so living and dying among us, then to be his and his heirs forever. 5 Oct. 1, 1711. At a meeting for the choice of an able orthodox minister to dispense the word of God to us in Attleborough, the town chose Mr. Matthew Short for their minister. 6 Nov. 5, 1711. Granted a tax of twenty-five pounds towards paying Mr. Short, ten pounds in money, and the other fifteen pounds in grain, pork, beef, butter, cheese, at current price. Ebenezer White. — The second minister in town was Rev. Ebenezer White. 7 He was chosen by the 3 In 1710 the Mile and Half was reannexed to this town, which re- stored fourteen families, and enabled the people to support a preacher without other assistance. * The inhabitants were so few (consisting of about sixteen families, exclusive of the fourteen who had been annexed to Rehoboth) that they were not able to afford a competent salary, which was probably the cause of their embarrassment in the settlement of a minister. 5 The next settled minister acquired the property of this house (and also the ministerial farm, as will subsequently appear) by having fulfilled the condition of the grant. 6 March 18, 1711-12. " Voted to build a pew for the minister in the meeting-house, and also agreed that Mrs. Short shall have the benefit and privilege of sitting in the same during her abode in Attleborough." ~ Son of James White, of Dorchester, Mass., baptized July 12, 1685, graduated at Harvard College, 1704. ATTLE BOROUGH. 529 people July 18, 1715 ; ordained Oct. 17, 1716. He had supplied the pulpit for some time previous to his settlement. He was minister of the town eleven years, and remained here till his death, Sept. 4, 1726. So far as appears, he gave general satisfaction. He married Abigail Paine, and had several children, — Hannah, Martha, Edward, Experience, and Thank- ful, and two others who died infants. Besides his regular salary, Mr. White acquired a title to the ministerial farm and house (so called) by having fulfilled the condition of the grant. At a meeting of the proprietors of the North Pur- chase, Sept. 16, 1707, it was unanimously voted " that the surveyor with the major part of the committee should forthwith lay out a hundred acres of land within said purchase, which shall be the first settled minister's in Attleborough that continueth to be their minister for the space of seven years ; said land to be said minister's, and his heirs and assigns forever." — North Purchase Rec, 2 Book, p. 3. Several other grants and gifts have been made to the town for the use of the ministry. The ministerial lot (which has been a subject of so much controversy in modern days) was granted at an adjourned meeting of the proprietors held at Reho- both June 29, 1685, in the words following: "It was likewise voted and agreed upon (nemine contract I cente) , that a hundred acres of land be forthwith laid out at the Seven-Mile River, where Rice Leonard's lot was, and as near adjacent as may be; which said hundred acres of land perpetually to be reserved for the min- istry." — Rehoboth Town Rec, 2 Book, p. 48. Bounds Recorded, North Purchase Rec, 1 Book, p. 197. The lot where the first meeting-house stood was given by Lieut. Moses Read. " Oct. 16, 1712. Laid out to Lieut. Moses Read two acres of land by the meeting-house, bounded south the stated road, east the foot of the hill, north the land of the heirs of Christopher Hall, west the country road. The above said land the said Lieut. Read gave to the town of Attleborough for public use forever, and ordered it so to be put on record, as is attest by me, Daniel Smith, clerk." — Rehoboth North Purchase Rec, 1 Book, p. 302. Allowance for a highway through said lot. — Po. 2 Book, p. 129. Nov. 1, 1734. Noah Carpenter, Sr., and Caleb Hall of Attleborough, " in consideration of love, good-will, and affection which we have and do bear towards the church and congregation of the said Attleborough, called by the name of the Presbyterian," have given, granted, conveyed, etc., unto them, their heirs and assigns forever, that is to be understood for the es- pecial use, benefit, and privilege of that society for- ever, a certain tract of land containing about forty- five rods, where the new meeting-house now stands, bounded by the said Carpenter's and the said Hall's lands, and by the country road, etc. — Rehoboth North Purchase Rec, 2 Book, p. 126. 34 Habijah Weld.— Rev. Habijah Weld, the third minister of Attleborough, was distinguished for his usefulness in the ministry, and highly respected as a man both at home and abroad. He united, to an un- common degree, the affections of his people for the long period of nearly fifty-five years during which he was their pastor. He was a man of talents and re- spectable acquirements, and was extensively known. His character deserves a more particular notice. He was born in Dunstable, Mass., Sept. 2, 1702; graduated at Cambridge University in 1723, and was ordained pastor of the first church and congregation in this town, Oct. 1, 1727. He died May 14, 1782, in the eightieth year of his age, and the fifty-fifth of his ministry. The following notice of his character is extracted from a communication in Dr. Dwight's "Travels," from the Hon. David Daggett, late chief justice of the Supreme Court of Connecticut, and senator in Congress : " Mr. Weld was below the middle stature, and in the latter part of his life corpulent. His constitution was vigorous, and his mind almost singularly ener- getic. The stipend which he received from his parish- oners consisted of an annual salary of two hundred and twenty dollars, and the use of a parsonage lot which furnished him with wood and a little pasture. With his patrimony he purchased a farm of about seventy acres of moderately good land and a decent house. He had fifteen children, ten of whom were married during his life, and one after his death. The remaining four died while young. This numerous family he educated with the means Which have been mentioned, in a manner superior to what is usually found in similar circumstances, entertained much company in a style of genuine hospitality, and was always prepared to contribute to the necessities of others. " For the regulation of his domestic concerns, Mr. Weld prescribed to himself and his family a fixed sys- tem of rules, which were invariably observed, and con- tributed not a little to the pleasantness and prosperity of his life. His children, laborers, and servants sub- mitted to them with cheerfulness, and his house be- came the seat of absolute industry, peace, and good order. Breakfast was on the table precisely at six o'clock, dinner at twelve, and supper at six in the evening. After supper he neither made visits him- self nor permitted any of his family to make them. " His observation of the Sabbath was peculiarly exemplary. He permitted no act to be done in his house on that day, except such as were acts of neces- sity and mercy in the strict sense. "Mr. Weld was naturally of a very ardent disposi- tion. Yet so entirely had he acquired an ascendency over his temper that a censurable or imprudent act is not known to have been done by him nor an im- proper word uttered. To vice and licentiousness in every form he gave no indulgence, either in his con- versation or his public instructions. On the contrary, 530 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. idleness, intemperance, profaneness, and all kinds of immoral conduct were reproved by him with undevi- ating severity. His example in the practice of every virtue was such as to create in all classes of men entire veneration for his character. It is doubted whether any person ever uttered a reproach against Mr. Weld. " "Nor was his piety less remarkable. Since the days of the apostles it is questioned whether his zeal, fidelity, and intrepedity in the cause of his divine master have been excelled. During the long period of fifty-five years he was never once detained from the pulpit by disease, nor from any other of his pas- toral duties. His prayers were wholly formed by himself, and adapted with strict propriety to the various occasions on which they were made. They were pertinent, solemn, and impressive. His ser- mons were written and were usually delivered with- out variation from his notes. Yet at times he ad- dressed his congregation extemporaneously in a manner eminently forcible and affecting. . . . " In his parochial visits he was accustomed to ad- dress the truths and duties of the gospel to the hearts and consciences of the family, and never lost sight of the eternal interests of his congregation. And while he administered the balm of life to the wounded spirit, he addressed the most solemn alarms as well as the most pungent reproofs to stubbornness and impiety. "Mr. Weld continued his labors to the Sabbath before his death without any visible decline in his powers either of body or mind. On that Sabbath he preached two sermons from these words : " He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, and he that believeth not shall be damned." On the Tuesday fol- lowing he rode in his chaise to Providence, ten miles, returned about four o'clock in the afternoon, walked into the house, told his wife that he was unwell, re- quested her to open a window, as he found a difficulty in breathing, sat down and instantly expired of an apoplexy. So well were his secular concerns ar- ranged for his departure that the settlement of his estate cost less than five dollars. His excellent wife survived him many years, and died after she had passed the age of ninety, universally lamented. "At the death of Mr. Weld only one of his congre- gation was living of those who assisted in his settle- ment. His parishioners showed their sense of the loss which they sustained in his death by an univer- sal mourning. " The house of this gentleman was the resort of many distinguished persons from Boston, Providence, and various other parts of New England, and in no house were they received and treated with more hos- j pitality. His manners were at once dignified and | polite, and every member of his family was courteous and well bred. Nothing was seen among them but harmony and good-will. " That with such an income Mr. Weld could sup- port so large a family and live in so hospitable a man- ner will certainly excite not a little wonder. The ex- planation is found in his industry, regularity, and exactness in all his concerns. Everything was man- aged in such a manner that almost in the literal sense nothing was lost. "In my opinion," adds Mr. Dwight, "Mr. Weld was a more strict observer of the divine law and more eminently holy than any man whom I ever knew. " Permit me to subjoin," says Dr. Dwight, " that if all clergymen sustained the same character and lived in the same manner, the world would speedily assume a new aspect and its inhabitants a new char- acter." Mr. Weld married Mary Fox, of Woburn, who died Jan. 7, 1799, in her ninety-third year, by whom he had fifteen children, four sons and eleven daugh- ters, who were married as follows: Jonathan Phil- brook, of Boston, to Dorothy Weld, Aug. 7, 1759; Rev. Oliver Noble, of Newburyport, to Lucy Weld, May 15, 1760 ; Dr. Cardee Parker, of Coventry, Conn., to Mary Weld, April 15, 1762 ; Caleb Fuller, of Wind- sor, county of Ware, Me., to Hannah Weld, Oct. 28, 1762; Rev. Ezra Weld to Anna Weld, Feb. 9, 1764; Rev. Oakes Shaw, 1 of Barnstable, to Elizabeth Weld, July 19, 1764; Rev. Timothy Alden, 2 of Yarmouth, to Sarah Weld, Nov. 22, 1770 ; Eliphaz Day, of Attle- borough, to Eunice Weld. Mr. Weld was buried in the ancient cemetery at South Attleborough, within his own parish, and his gravestone has the following epitaph : " The Remains of the Rev. Habijah Weld, M.A., late the faithful, worthy, and be- loved Pastor of the first Church of Christ in Attleborough. He was born Sept. 2, 1702. He was ordained Oct. 1, 1727. He died May 14, 1782, in the eightieth year of his age and the fifty-fifth of his pastorate. Farewell, vain world ! as thou hast been to me, Dust and a shadow, these I leave with thee ; The unseen vital substance I commit- To him that's Substance, Life, Light, Love to it." In 1728 a new meeting-house was built by the town. May 13, 1728. The town voted to enlarge the meeting-house by making an addition of twenty feet to the north end ; but in September following a number of individuals engaged by subscription to advance the sum of £234 10s. (in addition to their proportion of the taxes) towards defraying the ex- penses of a new meeting-house, if the town would agree to build anew instead of enlarging the old. The town accordingly voted, Nov. 18, 1728, to build a new house, and ordered it to be fifty feet in length, forty feet in breadth, and of a suitable height for one 1 Rev. Oakes Shaw, who married Elizabeth Weld, was father of Chief Justice Shaw, of Massachusetts. 2 Rev. Timothy Alden, who married Sarah Weld, minister of Yar- mouth, author of " American Epitaphs," in three volumes, died Novem- ber, 1828, aged ninety-two. He was a descendant of John Alden, a Pilgrim of the " Mayflower." ATTLEBOROUGH. 531 tier of galleries; and that it "shall stand on a little hill on the north side of the pound, about fifteen or sixteen rods from the old meeting-house." 1 The town constituted one parish until April 7, 1743, when it was divided into "two distinct and separate" parishes or precincts by an act of the Legislature. The west constituted the First, and the east the Second Precinct. Extracts from the Records of the First Parish. — Sept. 18, 1744. The sum of £12 14s. was granted to the Second Precinct. This was probably a part of their share in the meeting-house. March 27, 1777. 2 The salary of their minister, Mr. Weld, was £66 13s. Ad. Sept. 21, 1779. Voted to raise Rev. Mr. Weld's salary to six hundred dollars. Paper currency was much depreciated. Sept. 29, 1779. Voted to double his salary for the year. March 28, 1780. A meeting was called "to see if the precinct will apply to some one to assist Mr. Weld in the work of the ministry, under his present indisposition of body," etc. Voted that the two dea- cons see that the pulpit is supplied in case Mr. Weld is unable to preach. June 3, 1782. A meeting was held " to see if the precinct will agree to pay the funeral charges of the Rev. Mr. Weld, late of Attleborough, deceased." 2d. " To see if the precinct will choose a committee so seek a supply occasioned by the death of our late pastor." From this time till the settlement of Mr. Wilder, in 1790, nearly eight years, the parish was destitute of a settled minister. The people were very much divided on this subject. Many unsuccessful attempts were made to settle a minister, numerous candidates were called, but the people could make no choice. They had been long united and harmonious under the ministry of Mr. Weld, some diversity of opinion and alienation of feeling were to be expected after so long a calm. Aug. 27, 1782. Voted to hire Rev. Mr. Morey six weeks longer. Oct. 30, 1782. A meeting was called "to see if the precinct will give Mr. Morey a call to settle in the ministry." 1st. " Voted to give him a call. 2d. Voted to reconsider it." Feb. 26, 1783. Voted to treat with a committee in Second Precinct relative to ministerial lands. There was a dispute between the two parishes for a long time in regard to their relative rights to these lands, which was finally terminated, I believe, by payment of a certain sum to the second parish. 1 It was voted that those parts of the town which may be hereafter set off as a precinct or town shall have the money repaid to them Which they now pay towards the new meeting-house. - The last meeting under the Provincial government (March, 177G) was warned, as usual, "in the name of his Majesty the King of Eng- land," etc., hut the next one, 17th September following, Boon after the declaration of independence, was warned "in the name of these States and in behalf of the good people of this province," etc. At the same meeting, voted to hire Rev. Mr. Brad- ford three months. Voted to buy one hundred ser- mons delivered by Rev. Mr. Thaeher 3 on the death of Rev. Mr. Weld. Voted to apply to Rev. Mr. Spalding, of Killingly, Conn., to come and preach a few weeks. Aug. 18, 1883. "Voted to send to the president of Yale College to send us a candidate." He accord- ingly sent them a young man, who it appears was not acceptable. Oct. 29, 1783. Voted to choose a committee to con- sult Lawyer Bradford ' concerning the ministerial lands. Dec. 15, 1783. Rev. Mr. Britt was preaching as a candidate. Subsequently Rev. Mr. Avery, then a Mr. March, Mr. Hart, of Preston, Conn., Mr. Da- mon, Mr. Plum. "Voted to send for Mr. Hunting- ton to preach for us." Before the arrival of Mr. Wilder many other names of candidates appear. So irreconcilable were the feelings or opinions, or both, of the parish, that it seemed next to impossible to make a selection. So great was the distress of the people amidst their divisions that they at last ap- pointed a " fast on account of their present difficul- ties." In this they hit upon the right expedient, for it seemed to have a very happy effect, as they soon after agreed on a candidate, the Rev. John Wilder, who, at a meeting Jan. 4, 1790, gave an answer ac- cepting the proposals of the parish, which terminated their long and troublesome contest. Mr. Wilder was born in Templeton, March 12, 1758 ; removed to Lancaster in 1776. He graduated at Dartmouth College in 1784 ; studied theology with Rev. Dr. Hart, of Preston, Conn. His first wife was Esther Tyler, of Preston, — married Sept. 2, 1790, and died Jan. 19, 1811. His second wife was Mrs. Eliza- beth Austin, of North Hartford, Conn. She died at Austinsburg, March, 1847, aged seventy-two years. Mr. Wilder was ordained Jan. 27, 1790, and the ordination sermon was preached by Rev. Levi Hart, above named, which was published. Mr. Wilder was dismissed Nov. 28, 1822. He had been the pastor of that parish upwards of thirty-two years. He died here Feb. 12, 1836, aged seventy- seven. He left a numerous family of children ; one of the daughters married Hon. Lemuel May, of Attle- borough, who was the mother of the late John Wilder May, chief justice of the Municipal Court of Boston. Mr. Wilder published several discourses, one on " The Federal Past," delivered May 9, 1798 ; an ad- dress before the Attleborough Agricultural Society, etc., delivered Feb. 22, 1805 ; a funeral sermon on the death of Hon. Elisha May, November, 1811 ; and an- other on the death of Deacon Lane. 8 The first settled minister of the Second Precinct. It was delivered before Mr. Weld's parishioners the Sabbath after his death. 4 This Bradford was afterwards lieutenant-governor of Rhode Island, a man very popular at the time in his profession. He was a descend- ant from William Bradford, second governor of Plymouth Colony. 532 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. To him succeeded Rev. Thomas Williams, formerly •of Connecticut, who was installed Sept. 29, 1824. His connection with the parish was dissolved Dec. 11, 1827. The next settled minister was Rev. Charles J. War- ren, who was ordained Feb. 28, 1828, and dismissed July 8, 1830. He died in New York, January, 1883. Rev. Mr. Chapin, Rev. Mr. Colburn, Rev. Mr. Ober supplied the pulpit from 1830 to 1840. Kev. John B. M. Bailey, of Dunbarton, N. H., or- dained here Dec. 30, 1840, and died here Feb. 24, 1851. Rev. S. B. Morley, ordained July 9, 1851 ; dis- missed March 25, 1857. Rev. B. C. Chace, Camden, Me., acting pastor from Aug. 23, 1857, to Dec. 25, 1862. Rev. David Breed, acting pastor from March 1, 1863, to March 1, 1866. Rev. H. P. De Forest, ordained and entered on his ministry January, 1867; dismissed January, 1869. Rev. John Whitehill commenced his ministry here March 28, 1869, and is the present pastor. The new meeting-house, being the third in that society, was built in the summer of 1828, and dedi- cated Jan. 1, 1829. East Parish. — The towns originally in this State constituted the religious societies, but in the course of time, as population increased, the towns were di- vided by territorial divisions, and by metes and bounds, and all the inhabitants within these terri- torial limits who had been admitted as freemen were members. This was at a time when there were no religious divisions among the people. But in the course of time religious distinctions arose, and vari- ous provisions were made to meet these exigencies. The division of the town into two territorial parishes was made April 7, 1743, by act of the Legislature. But this division was not made in consequence of any religious differences, but wholly on account of the inconvenience of attending public worship at such great distances. At the incorporation of the town Attleborough and Cumberland constituted one parish. Rev. Thomas Williams, a clergyman well known in this vicinity, particularly to the people of this town. He preached for several years in Foxborough, an ad- joining town. Afterwards he supplied the pulpit at West Attleborough First Church. After that he gath- ered and organized the church at Hebron ville, South Attleborough. Here he preached for that church a number of years. He was a man of vigorous and ac- tive mind. He entertained very decided opinions on all subjects, religious and secular, and was fearless in expressing them. He was animated in the delivery of his sermons, and always secured the attention of his hearers, not merely by his matter and manner, but by occasional use of strong and peculiar lan- guage. In preaching and sermonizing he indulged largely in doctrinal subjects. He adhered during his long life to the theology of New England. He en- joyed the power of wit and sarcasm, which he used when occasion required. He often engaged in dis- cussion on public affairs, and on various subjects, and never failed to repel the attacks of his opponents with keen repartee, and always said something which they had reason to remember. He was most truly a disinterested man, laboring often without hope of reward, hardly reserving enough to meet his own ex- penses on the journey of life. He regarded himself as an instrument in the hands of his master. He ap- peared to me the most disinterested laborer I ever knew. He died in Providence at an advanced age. He married Ruth Hale, of Newbury, has had sev- eral children ; one of them, Nathan R., graduated at Yale. He was the author of several volumes and numer- ous pamphlets, and furnished numerous articles for various periodicals. They are too numerous to men- tion here. His most interesting discourse was his funeral ser- mon on Doctor Emmons' death, Sept. 28, 1840. It was understood that it was the agreement of the par- ties some time before the death of either of them that the survivor should preach the funeral sermon of the other. It was prepared by Mr. Williams years before Dr. Emmons' death, and read to him. After a few brief pastorates, the Rev. John B. M. Bailey accepted a call of the church, and became its settled minister. He was ordained Dec. 30, 1840, and died Feb. 24. 1851, aged forty-three years, after the tenth year of his ministry. Author of the ad- dress for the consideration of Mount Hope Cemetery in Attleborough, which then opened its portals to re- ceive him among its first tenants. It was prepared to be delivered July 2, 1850, he was unable to deliver it himself, and it was intrusted to other hands. He was soon borne to the place he had consecrated for others. This address was his last labor. Mr. Bailey was born in Dunbarton, N. H., Juue 5, 1807, and was educated at an academy in Vermont. He was a man of talents and culture, and an eloquent preacher. He was popular throughout the town, es- pecially for the deep and active interest he took in the cause of common-school education, and in every- thing which concerned the common welfare of the community around him. His death was universally lamented. He left a widow and two daughters. A white marble monument was erected to his mem- ory by the citizens of the town, with an inscription expressive of their high estimation of his character and services. This parish was divided from the other April 7, 1743, about one hundred and forty years ago, by act of the Legislature. The first meeting of the parish was the 6th of June succeeding. On the 20th of the same month a meeting was called " to consider and see what the parish will do in order to placing a meeting-house for the public worship of God." This is the first ATTLEBOROUGH. 533 record of an attempt to build a meeting-house in this part of the town. At the same time a committee was chosen " to agree with Mr. Willis or some other man for the present." It was also " voted to choose a committee of two who should apply in the first place to Rev. Mr. Willis, and if he cannot be ob- tained, then to Mr. Read, and if he cannot be ob- tained, then to Mr. Peter Thacher." At said meeting it was voted to set their meeting- house on the plain " where the roads meet or cross each other.". It appears by the records of the next meeting that they had hired Mr. Thacher for a time. He was the first minister who preached here. He commenced Aug. 20, 1743, but was not ordained and settled till Nov. 30, 1748, about five years. Sept. 6, 1743. "Voted to proceed forthwith to build a meeting-house for the public worship of God." The house was to be thirty-five feet square, and high enough for one tier of galleries. A com- mittee was chosen "to carry on the building of said house." At a subsequent meeting Oct. 18, 1743, " voted to reconsider the vote relating to the dimen- sions of the meeting-house, and to build one forty- five feet long, and thirty-five feet wide, and high enough for one tier of galleries." This was the size of the house as it was afterwards built. The meet- ing-house was commenced in the autumn of this year, but the interior was not finished till several years subsequently. On the 1st of November following the parish made choice of Rev. Peter Thacher for their minister " by a free vote," and agreed to give him for a salary forty pounds yearly for four years, and at the end of four years to give him fifty pounds per annum " current money," and also for a settlement three hundred pounds, " old tenor," to be paid in four years, — i.e., one quarter part each year. The first public burying-ground in East Attlebor- ough was laid out Oct. 16, 1744, as appears by a vote of that date. " Voted to have a burying-place in the meeting-house lot, and that it should be at the north- westerly corner of said lot." This piece of land was purchased previously by the parish, and consisted of two acres called the " meeting-house lot." Dec. 21, 1747. Voted to give Mr. Thacher six hundred pounds, old tenor, for his settlement, and also twenty-five cords of wood yearly. Oct. 28, 1748. Settled Mr. Thacher's salary at four hundred pounds per annum, old tenor, " reckon- ing silver money at fifty-five shillings per ounce, and to rise and fall as silver shall rise and fall, so long as he shall continue our minister." At the same time the parish chose a committee to provide for the ordi- nation of Mr. Thacher, which took place 30th of the next month. He continued the pastor until Oct. 26, 1784, when he was dismissed by vote of parish. He had a few months previous to his dismission suf- fered an attack of paralysis (which rendered him unable to perform the duties of his station), of which he died Sept. 13, 1785, in the seventieth year of his age. He preached in this town about forty-one years, was a highly respectable and useful man. He was born in Middleborough Jan. 25, 1715, and was the son of Rev. Peter Thacher of that place. 1 Nov. 31, 1749, he married Bethiah, the oldest daughter of Deacon Obediah Carpenter, of Attleborough, by whom he had ten children, aeven sons and three daughters. Several of his descendants are living in this town. One of his descendants, Peter Thacher, was a prominent citizen of Cleveland, Ohio. He published a discourse on the death of Rev. Mr. Weld, which has been reprinted. A small volume of his sermons was also published in 1798 by his son, entitled "Select Discourses on Practical Subjects," under the superintendence of Rev. Thomas Thacher. After Mr. Thacher and before the settlement of an- other minister there were several preachers here, — Rev. Asahel Huntington, Mr. Laugh ton, Mr. Far- rington, of Wrentham, Mr. Mead, etc. The next settled minister was the Rev. Ebenezer Lazell, of Bridgewater (a graduate of Brown Univer- sity, 1788), who was ordained Nov. 21, 1792, and dis- missed Jan. 3, 1797. He continued here about four years. During his residence here he married Chloe, the daughter of Capt. Abdather Richardson, of this town. After his dismission he removed to Western New York. His successor was the Rev. Natlian Holman, who was ordained Oct. 14,1800, and was dismissed May 22, 1821, having been settled here about twenty-one years. He graduated at Brown University in 1797. Nathan Holman was born in Sutton (that part now Millbury), May 17, 1769, the third son of David Hol- man and Lucy Thornton. He worked on his father's farm during his minority. After his twenty-first year he commenced his studies preparatory for college. He depended mostly on his own exertion for the means to carry him through college. He graduated at Brown University in 1797, with the reputation of a good scholar. He studied theology with the pastor of his native town, Rev. Edmund Mills, and finished his course with Dr. Emmons. In 1800 he preached as a candidate at this place, and during the year re- ceived a call to settle as pastor. He was ordained Oct. 15, 1800. The ordination sermon was preached by Rev. Edmund Mills, pastor of the Congregational Church in Sutton, which was published. He was dismissed May 22, 1821. He married Miss Lettice Morey, daughter of Dr. Samuel Morey, of Norton. She died March 6, 1848. IRev. P. Thacher, of Middleborough, was born Oct. 6, 1G88, graduated at Cambridge University, a. p., 1706, ordained at that place Nov. 2, 1709, and died April 22, 1744, aged fifty-six. He was the son of Rev. Peter Thacher, minister of Bli.lton (by his wife Theodora, daughter of Rev. John Oxenbridgei who was the son of Rev. Thomas Thacher, of Boston, and was born at Salem July 18, 1651, graduated at Harvard College 1671, ordained June 1, 1681, and died Dec. 27, 1727, aged seventy-six. 534 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Mr. Holman died Oct. 28, 1844, leaving two sons and one daughter. He was the respected, faithful, and successful pastor here about twenty-one years. Several of his sermons and addresses were pub- lished, — a sermon preached on the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of " John Shepard the An- cient" ; an oration on American independence, July 4,1802; a sermon delivered at Attleborough, East Precinct, Thanksgiving-day, Nov. 21, 1811. Rev. John Ferguson, formerly of Providence, R. I., was the next minister, and was ordained Feb. 27, 1822. A parsonage-house was built by the parish in 1822. The second meeting-house in the East Precinct was built in 1825. It was begun in the spring of that year, and dedicated in December following. It cost about six thousand dollars. It has since been en- larged. Rev. John Ferguson, who succeeded Rev. Na- than Holman as pastor at East Attleborough, was born in Berwickshire, Scotland, Dec. 9, 1788. His father came to this country while a young man, and settled in Newport, R. I. His mother was Ann Briggs, of Little Compton. His father and mother died in Newport, each at the age of eighty-five years. While residing in Providence, R. I., at the age of twenty years, he began preparation for the ministry under the direction of Rev. Calvin Park, D.D., Pro- fessor of Ancient Languages, and afterwards of Moral Philosophy, in Brown University. He was not edu- cated at any college, but was honored with the degree of A.M. from Amherst in 1837. He was ordained over the church and society in this place Feb. 27, 1822. He was dismissed March 25, 1835. Says a writer well acquainted with him, " His ministry was of great value in the administra- tion of wise and judicious measures, and marked the commencement of the system of support to the vari- ous benevolent enterprises of the day, and of aid to the labors of parents and pastors by a judicious and careful education of children in Sabbath-schools and maternal associations." He was installed at Whately, March 16, 1836, and dismissed June 17, 1840. He removed to Lanesbor- ough, where he preached about two years. Since that time he was employed by the American Tract Society as general agent for New Hampshire and Vermont. He married, first, Mary V., daughter of Benjamin Hammett, of Newport, R. I. ; second, Mar- garet S. Eddy, daughter of William Eddy, of Provi- dence, R. I. He died at Whately, Nov. 11, 1858. He had a family of eleven children. He published a sermon on the death of Ebenezer Daggett, Jr., delivered Dec. 16, 1831, and several other discourses. He also published a memoir of Dr. Samuel Hopkins, the celebrated theologian, for the use of Sabbath-schools. Rev. Jonathan Crane. — He was born in Sche- nectady, N. Y., in 1814. At the age of fifteen he entered Union College, and graduated in 1832, at the age of eighteen. At the age of twenty-two he was ordained over the Congregational Church at East At- tleborough, Oct. 30, 1836. He was dismissed June 12, 1854, after a pastorate of eighteen years, and re- moved to New York, where he was settled over the Congregational Church at Twentieth Street. Here he remained three years. He was invited to return to Attleborough, and while here the church was re- paired and enlarged. In 1860 he received a call from the Congregational Church at Middletown, N. Y. When he went there his congregation consisted of only forty families, but when he left, in 1868, it had increased to one hundred and twenty. He then went West, and made his home in Kala- mazoo, Mich., and preached in various places in that vicinity. He labored for some time at St. Joseph, Mo., and aided the people there in building a new church. In 1875, Mr. Crane returned, by invitation, to Middletown, and remained with his people there till his death, Dec. 25, 1877, at the age of sixty-three years. In 1837, Mr. Crane married Miss Anna H., daughter of the late N. W. Sanford, of New York. She still survives him. He leaves four children. His ministry here was very successful, and the church prosperous, with large additions to its members. The next settled minister was Rev. Charles D. Lothrop, born at Easton, Mass., 1828, and a graduate of Amherst College in 1849, and also in Andover Theological Seminary. He was ordained here Dec. 14, 1854, and dismissed April 29, 1857, after a pastor- ate of two and one-half years. To him succeeded Rev. Erancis N. Pelonbet, who was born in the city of New York, a graduate of Wil- liams College 1853, and Bangor Theological Semi- nary 1857, and was installed here June 26, 1836. He was dismissed Oct. 19, 1871, and is now pastor of the church in Natick. The next pastor was Rev. Samuel Bell, who was in- stalled July, 1872, and dismissed Oct. 12, 1878. The present pastor is the Rev. William A. Spaul- ding, of Lynn, formerly missionary in Turkey ; was installed Sept. 11, 1879. North Baptist Church.— This church was consti- tuted in 1769. Its existence, however, may be traced back as early as 1747. It was at first and for many years afterwards of the Congregational order, though differing from that denomination in some respects. "There being," say the church records, " a consider- able number of Christians in this place that are dis- satisfied with the constitution of the standing order of churches in the land, they, with some others, formed themselves into a society to worship God ac- cording to His word and spirit." Jan. 20, 1747, the church proceeded "to set apart their esteemed Brother Nathaniel Shepard, by solemn ordination, as their pastor," who was removed by death April 14, 1752. It was from the commencement a small and feeble ATTLEBOROUGH. 535 church, and continued "through many trials and dis- couragements" till the year 1769, when by vote the church changed their constitution "from a Congrega- tional to a Baptist Church, in what is called open communion." At this time there were six male and four female members who agreed in doctrine, and formed fellowship with Bellingham Church. Two years previous, in 1767, the church moved Mr. Abra- ham Bloss from Sturbridge to Attleborough, who preached here two years till his death, Sept. 16, 1769. To him succeeded Elder Job Seamans, of Sack- ville, Cumberland County, and province of Nova Scotia, now in the province of New Brunswick. Mr. Seamans was born in Swansea, Mass., in 1748. He removed to Sackville, 1 New Brunswick, with Elder Mason's company, who emigrated to that place from Swansea, Mass., in 1763. He there became a preacher. He was invited to become the pastor of the church in this town, accepted the invitation, and removed here. In 1779 he, in conjunction with Elder Biel Ledoyt, of Woodstock, Conn., was appointed by the Warren As- sociation a missionary to visit various parts of New Hampshire. In the course of the same year he re- turned to Attleborough, where he remained till 1788. In 1787, May 10th, he requested a dismission from the church in this place, which was reluctantly granted in June, 1788, when he removed to New London, N. H., where he had preached during his mission, and was settled over the new Baptist Church in that place, which he established at the same time. Here he con- tinued till his death in 1830, at the advanced age of eighty-two. Mr. Seamans married Sarah Easterbrooks, by whom he had, while here, eight children, — four sons and four daughters. Rev. William Williams, 2 who was a member of this church and a respected pastor of the Baptist Society in Wrentham, occasionally supplied the pulpit during the vacancies which occurred after the removal of Mr. Seamans. November, 1789, Elder Abner Lewis came from New Bedford to Attleborough, and continued the pastor of the church until September, 1795, when he returned to New Bedford. After this Mr. Laben Thurber preached here till April, 1797, when he relinquished 1 The place was then called Tantarramar by the French, ami wae in the province of Nova Scotia. — See Benedict's History. - He was a celebrated instructor of youth. He commenced a school for fitting young men for college, near his meeting-house in Wrentham, which he continued for many years with distinguished success. He edu- cated upwards of one hundred students,* the most of whom graduated at Brown University. Many of them became distinguished men, In the number of his pupils were Dr. Maxcy, Hon. David R.Williams, formerly Governor of South Carolina, Hon. Tristan) Bulges, the former eloquent member of Congress from Rhode Island, etc. Mr. Williams himsell was educated at Baton's Academy, New Jersey, aud graduated at Brown University in \~iVJ, which was the first class in that institution. He married for his second wife Hiss Titus, the daugh- ter of Deacon J. Titus, of Attleborough. * Benedict's Hist. Bap. the office of a religious teacher and removed to the east part of the town. Elder James Read, who was then resident in Asso- net village, Freetown, commenced preaching here in April, 1800, and was so well approved that in Decem- ber of the same year the church gave him an invitation to settle, which was accepted. In February following he removed to Attleborough, and was installed Aug. 18, 1801. Sermon by Rev. Dr. Gano, Providence; charge by Elder Pitman, of Rehoboth ; right hand of fellowship by Elder Baker. At the same time Edward Clark was ordained as an evangelist. Mr. Clark died April 22, 1811, in the seventy-second year of his age. Elder Read continued in the ministry here till his death. He died Oct. 21, 1814, in the forty-sixth year of his age. He was a worthy and useful minister, and universally respected as a man. The records of the church bear ample testimony of the estimation in which he was held by his people. " In the prime of his life and in the midst of his usefulness, the Lord, who doeth all things according to his good pleasure, hath seen fit to remove him from the church militant to the church triumphant. Leaving the wife of his youth to mourn the loss of a kind husband, and three children to mourn the loss of a kind parent, and this church and society to mourn the loss of a faithful minister of the gospel, and one whose faithful warn- ings will long be had in remembrance by many of them." His funeral sermon was preached by Dr. Gano, of Providence. It is said of him : " He found much pleasure in preaching the gospel in the destitute places of Southeastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and even Connecticut. It is believed that he thus laid the foundation of several churches. An absence of whole weeks on these missionary tours was always at his own expense. He returned home from them burning with a desire to be able to preach in other villages beyond. His salary was not ample enough to allow him to give his whole time to the church. There be- ing no parsonage he rented a house and piece of land near the church, and by the produce of five days' labor of the week supported his family." He preached a sermon on the one hundredth anni- versary of the birth of John Shepard, " the ancient," at Roxborough, which was made an occasion of great attraction. He served about five years longer. April 28, 1815. Rev. Stephen S. Nelson, who was then preaching in Bellingham, was invited "to take the pastoral care of this church." He was dismissed in May, 1820. Rev. Silas Hall, of Raynham, came here in 1823, and remained four years. He was subsequently pas- tor of the. Baptist Church in Taunton. Rev. William Phillips was ordained over this church February, 1827, and continued its pastor two years, when lie was invited to Providence, R. I., and was settled over the Second Baptist Church in that place. 536 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Rev. Jonathan E. Forbush was received into the church and chosen pastor April 1, 1832. Rev. Silas Hall officiated a second term as pastor, commencing January, 1837, and remaining two years. Rev. Reuben Mosey was the next pastor ; came here June, 1839, and continued a successful ministry here for eigh|t years till May, 1847, when he requested a dismission to accept a pastorate in Homer, N. Y. Rev. William H. Alden, now of Portsmouth, was ordained over this church Sept. 1, 1852. He con- tinued pastor till April 26, 1856, when he requested a dismission to accept the call of the First Church of Lowell. Rev. G. F. Warren was next called. He accepted the invitation, and commenced his ministry Oct. 1, 1857, when he was installed. He was dismissed in October, 1860. Rev. J. F. Ashley, of Templeton, supplied the pul- pit for three months. His ministry continued one year. Rev. Abijah Hall accepted a call Oct. 19, 1862. In December, 1865, his repeated resignation was ac- cepted. Rev. Mr. Lovell and Rev. Mr. Cooper were acting pastors for several years. The first meeting-house was not finished till 1784, though it was erected many years previous. The present meeting-house was built in the spring of 1817. South Baptist Church. — This church, which is now extinct, was established as early as 1760. Its records cannot be found. April 20, 1789, the First and Second Baptist Churches in Attleborough met and agreed upon fellowship as sister churches. Elder Elihu Daggett 1 was the first preacher. It is believed that he was never regularly settled here. He occa- sionally preached at the North Baptist Church. The next preacher was Elder Elisha Carpenter. He was settled as early as 1780, if not before, and re- mained pastor of the church till about 1798, when he removed to Providence, N. Y., where he died. He was a native of this town, a son of Elisha Carpenter, and was born Aug. 17, 1745. His wife was Anna Freeman, of Attleborough. Soon after Elder Carpenter's removal the church was dissolved, and the members connected themselves with other churches in the vicinity. The meeting- house was taken down about 1810. It stood on the south side of the road leading from the late Thomas Cooper's to Capt. Joseph Tiffany's. First Universalist Society. — The first meeting was held Aug. 17, 1816, when the society was organized. 1 He was the son of Deacon Mayhew Daggett; his wife was Rebeccah Stanley, daughter of Jacob Stanley, one of the first of that name who came here from Topsfield. He was interred in the new burying-ground. On his grave-stone is the following inscription: "Sacred to the memory of Elder Elihu Daggett, who died Aug. 29th, 1769, in the 60th year of his age." " Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Rebeccah Daggett (his widow), who died Sept. 20th, 1799, In the 85th year of her age. What we left behind, others possess; What we gave to the poor, we carried with us." It was incorporated Feb. 20, 1818, by the name of the " First Universalist Society in Attleborough." The first minister was the Rev. Richard Carrique. He commenced preaching here in 1816, and was or- dained Dec. 29, 1818. A meeting-house was built in the summer of 1818, and dedicated December 29th of the same year. The church has since been removed to North Attleborough. It stood on the old post road, a few rods south of the First Congregational meeting- house. Mr. Carrique was dismissed in March, 1822. The next minister was the Rev. Robert Kilham, who commenced preaching March 18, 1822, and was soon after installed. He was dismissed in April, 1828. To him succeeded the Rev. Nathaniel Wright, who was installed in 1828. Rev. Joseph D. Peirce became the pastor of the church of the First Universalist Society at North Attleborough in 1844. He was born in Scituate, Mass., Nov. 15, 1815, and died Nov. 16, 1880. He was for thirty-six years the faithful and devoted min- ister of that society, and was always ready for every good work which he found to do, and interested him- self in whatever concerned the general interests and welfare of the town. He was particularly earnest in promoting the cause of common-school education, and was for many years an active member of the school committee. By his wise and judicious conduct and exemplary character he won and justly deserved the respect and confidence of all denominations throughout the town, and his death was regarded as a great public loss. The Rev. John S. Cantwell, D.D., the present pas- tor, was installed May 27, 1881. A new and beautiful church has been just completed, at a cost of thirty- three thousand dollars. Hebronville Church. — This church was gathered by Rev. Thomas Williams immediately after his dis- mission from the West Parish, in December, 1827. A small but neat meeting-house was built at the same time on the line between Attleborough and See- konk, — half in one town and half in the other, — to which (and the neighborhood) the name of Hebron- ville was given by the founder. Rev. Mr. Williams became its first pastor. His connection with this society was dissolved in April, 1832. The Davis Centenary Methodist Church at East Attleborough was established Nov. 26, 1865. They have a neat and convenient house of worship. The present pastor is Rev. J. A. L. Rich. Grace Church (Episcopalian) was formed in 1871. A tasteful little church, together with a parsonage, was built in 1872, and consecrated June 18, 1874. Rev. George E. Osgood, rector. The Free Evangelical Church at North Attle- borough was organized April 30, 1858. A suitable church was built by the society, and dedicated Feb. 24, 1874. The present pastor is Rev. J. A. Wood. ATTLEBOROUGH. 537 In 1850 a Catholic Church was formed at Attle- borough Falls under the name of St. Mary's Church, and has since been removed to the village of North Attleborough, where it is intended to erect a more extensive house of worship than the present. Revs. Edward Mongan and Janus Clarke are the present pastors. They have religious services at East Attle- borough, and have purchased a lot of land in the village for the purpose of erecting a house of wor- ship. There is also a Catholic Chapel at Dodgeville. There is the Hebronville Church, called by the name of the Hebronville Union Church, — same which was founded by Rev. Thomas Williams. It has undergone some changes since its organization. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. A. F. Remington. The Methodist Episcopal Church at Hebronville was organized in . It is in a flourishing condi- tion, having just dedicated a new church built by them, at a cost of ten thousand dollars. There is the Central Congregational Church at Attleborough Falls, having a handsomely-finished and commodious house of worship. The present pastor is Rev. George O. Jeuness. Murray Union Society was originally organized June 14, 1875; recognized April 7, 1878; reorganized May 11, 1881. Pastors: first, Rev. F. C. Flint, from Jan. 1, 1876, to March 22, 1876, when he died; sec- ond, Rev. A. E. White, ordained and installed Oct. 31, 1877, remained here as pastor till July 8, 1878, when he asked a dismission ; third, Rev. T. W. Ill- man, installed Oct. 1, 1878, and is the present pastor. CHAPTER XLIII. ATTLEBOROUGH.— (Continued.) Revolutionary War — Proceedings of the Town. The Revolutionary War.— It appears from our records that the citizens of the town took an early and active part in those proceedings which finally led to independence. The spirit of the Revolution began to move the people as early as 1773. They began to discuss the origin and foundation of their rights, and to proclaim in bold language their determination to maintain them. They strenuously denied the claims of the mother-country. This prepared the way for that great contest which was approaching, and which soon after commenced. Pages might be filled with the spirited addresses and resolutions adopted in town-meeting, but the limits of the work will permit only a brief outline of the transactions of that day. At a town-meeting, Jan. 18, 1773, a resolute and patriotic address was adopted and sent to the com- mittee in Boston. It is too long to quote entire. A few extracts will afford a specimen. "We His Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects and freeholders of the town of Attleborough, to the Com- mittee of Correspondence in Boston." After due professions of "honor and praise to George the 3d, King of Great Britain," etc., and praying that the "golden chance of succession by which the Protestant kings are held on the throne of Great Britain may never be broken," etc., the ad- dress proceeds to say: "Our present trials are very great. A wise king once said that oppression maketh a wise man mad. We hope not to turn maniacs, but to keep the advantage of our spirits. We will pray that all they that are Gods on earth will remember that they must die like men, and the lofty, towering heads of Kings and Princes must be brought as low as the meanest subject. And here we will make a pause and inquire what we have done, what disloy- alty there hath been in us that hath incurred the displeasures of our Gracious Majesty, that could be the cause of threatening the ruining of us his Ameri- can subjects. And to set things in a clearer light we may be justly entitled to a few notes of exultation. In the year 1745, when the British trumpet sounded war from beyond the seas to the Americans, no sooner did our American Parliament understand the certain sound of the martial trumpet but instantane- ously a political convention is called, faithfulness aud loyalty in every countenance. Like Babylon of old, one messenger runs to meet another, and one post to meet another, to tell the whole Province that the Kingdom was invaded at one end. Forthwith orders are issued out to the Colonels, and from the Colonels to the Captains, and at the beat of the Drum volun- teers paraded the ground like well-harnessed soldiers with courage bold, and like the war-horse mocking at fear, marched with their commanders to the high places of Louisbourg— stormed their intrenchments ; made a discovery of their subterraneous mines and galleries; beat down the strongholds; brake the jaws of the Gallic Lion, and made a conquest of the city to the crown of Great Britain. And in the last war that hath been upon us, we haved joined our British brethren, warring and fighting through seas of blood until we subdued the Canadian Province to the crown of our Sovereign Lord George the 3d. And after all this, shall we be conjugated, enslaved, and ruined? Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, lest they be discouraged on the one hand and encouraged on the other. We esteem our privileges tantamount to our lives, and the loss of them death in consequence; and since there is no new discovered America for us to flee to, we are almost ready to think that we will let go our ploughshares and pruning-hooks to be malleated on the anvil, and not give up our dear- bought privileges to any power on earth. " And now in a few words to say what our privileges are and wherein they are violated: We think that our privileges take their rise merely from nature. As we emigrated from our mother-country at our own expense and without any charge to the Crown of 538 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Great Britain, our subjection to the Crown of Great Britain must be considered as an act of our own election. How far that subjection was made, and in what manner the British government can possibly reach over the Atlantic to have any influence at all upon us, is known only by the stipulation between us and the king of Great Britain expressed in our Char- ter. Although it be allowed that any Plantation settled by the order and expense of any State remains naturally subjected to that State, yet that not having been the case in our departure from Great Britain, we utterly disallow any right of government over us but what is expressed in the Charter. We have no natural and necessary connection with the Crown in point of government but what springs from our own choice, and that choice can be known but by the stipulation aforesaid, which both expresseth and limiteth the subjection which was our choice. This, we apprehend, is the true and just state of our privi- leges, as they are interested in the present contro- versy. So that whatever act of government is ex- ercised contrary to or not expressly provided for in the charter is an open infringement of our privileges. " The appointment of a Governor altogether inde- pendent on us, and who, according to the present state of things, can be under no influence from our interest, but whose personal interest may naturally put him to the utter overthrow of our whole interest, — we apprehend this to be an infraction of our Char- ter rights and privileges. The appointment of Judges from home, if true, or the maintenance of them in- dependent upon us and dependent entirely upon the Crown, we think an infringement upon our Charter rights, and which tends to corrupt and destroy the very essence of our privileges. The parting our money among a set of men of no use to us or the community, without our consent, is a bold and unjust infringement upon our privileges. The subjecting civil cases to trial by Court of Admiralty instead of Juries, and especially the taking from us the right of trying capital cases in any articles, and carrying our brethren, on suspicion of guilt, from all who are ac- quainted with their character, or who can possibly do them justice, and ordering them to be transported, at almost infinite expense, three thousand miles for trial, is a most barbarous, unjust, and unconstitu- tional affair." 1774. September 12th. The town chose a commit- tee to join with the committees of the other towns in this county " to consult the safety and peace and prosperity thereof, as well as the whole government and continent, upon any emergency." The committee consisted of five, viz., Mr. Edward Richards, Deacon Eben. Lane, Capt. John Daggett, Lieut. Moses Wil- marth, and Mr. Elisha May. This was the first com- mittee of safety chosen in this town. The practice of choosing such a committee was continued till the close of the Revolution. September 29th. Captain John Daggett was chosen representative to the General Court at Salem, and Deacon Eben Lane as a " committee man" to join the Provincial Congress to be holden at Concord on the secoud Tuesday of October next. December 6th. The town established a " Superior and an Inferior Court, to hear and determine contro- versies that have arisen or may arise in this town." Five men were chosen to serve as superior judges, viz., Dea. Eben. Larce, first justice, Col. John Dag- gett, second, Capt. John Stearns, third, Capt. Moses Wilmarth, fourth, and Dr. Bezeliel Mann, fifth. Seven were appointed inferior judges, viz., Mr. Ed- ward Richards, Lieut. Elkonah Wilmarth, Capt. Jacob Ide, Capt. Stephen Richardson, Mr. Elisha May, Capt. John Tyler, Mr. William Stanley. At the same time it was voted " that we will comply with, stand to, and abide by the resolves, instruc- tions, and directions of the Continental and Provin- cial Congresses," and that " all persons who refuse to comply with them shall be treated as Infamous Per- sons." It was also voted to choose a " committee of in- spection, to inquire and give notice of all persons who shall presume to make use of an India tea after the 1st of March next." The " affair of the chest of tea at Capt. Richardson's" was left discretionary with the selectmen. These were no half-way measures, and were sup- ported throughout with the same resolution. Jan. 2, 1775. Chose Col. John Daggett "to repre- sent us at the Congress to be holden at Cambridge on the 1st of February next, and to serve in that capacity until the month of May next, or until the time fixed for the dissolution of said Congress." At the same time a committee of thirteen was chosen to procure "subscriptions for the relief of the suffering poor in the town of Boston." 1 May 24th. Capt. John Stearns was chosen to rep- resent the town at the Provincial Congress to be held in the meeting-house at Watertown the 31st inst. The committee of correspondence this year were Deacon Eben. Lane, Dr. Mann, and Capt. Moses Wilmarth. July 10th. Capt. John Stearns was elected repre- sentative to the General Court to be held at Water- town, 19th inst. March 19,1776. The Committee of Correspondence, Inspection, and Safety were Deacon Lane, Edward Richards, Capt. S. Richardson, Lieut. Alexander Foster, Ens. Noah Fuller, William Stanley, Capt. Wilmarth, Eben. Tiffany, Samuel Atherton, Thomas Starkey, Elkonah Wilmarth, Nathaniel Bishop, and Capt. Jacob Ide. May 22d. Capt. John Stearns, representative. At his request a committee, consisting of Capt. Elisha May, Capt. Stephen Richardson, Rev. Peter Thatcher, 1 This was on the occasion of shutting the port of Boston hy the British Parliament. ATTLEBOROUGH. 539 Levi Maxcy, and Lieut. Alexander Foster, was chosen to draw up instructions for the representative, who made a report, from which extracts are given : " Capt. John Stearns : "Sir, — The town, reposing special confidence in your ability and in- tegrity, have chosen you their representative at the Great and General Court for this year. At your request we take the liberty to suggest the following things to your attention as matters of great importance: " If the Continental Congress should think it best to declare for inde- pendency of Great Britain, we unanimously desire you for us to engage to defend them therein with our lives and fortunes. 1 "The fortifying and sufficiently providing for the defence of all our sea-port towns, especially the metropolis of this colony, is of such con- sequence as that parsimony or delay therein will be the worst of policy. We apprehend that the raising of soldiers for the defence of the colony is retarded, and so rendered both more chargeable and less useful for want of sufficient bounty to encourage enlistments: that the raising fewer forces at a time than is necessary, which scatters the officers with whom whoever enlists will desire to be acquainted, is a like hindrance to a speedy raising of forces." After giving some further specific instructions the report concludes, " Other things in general we refer to your wisdom and fidelity, unless some special dif- ficulty should occur, in which case you will please take our minds as occasion shall serve." At the same time it was voted that the selectmen should order the money out of the treasury to pay the minute-men who marched on the alarm occasioned by the battle at Bunker Hill. July 16th. Voted to raise the bounty from three pounds to twelve pounds for the soldiers this town are to furnish to go to New York. Jan. 27, 1777. Voted to raise the bounty for the soldiers who went to New York in July last to forty dollars for each man, " to such as will take it." March 18th. The Committee of Correspondence, Inspection, and Safety this year were Ed. Richards, Cyrel Carpenter, Samuel Tiffany, Jr., Elisha May, and Nathan Tyler. April 2d. A meeting was held to see if the town will give some encouragement' to the soldiery to enlist our proportion of the fifteen battalions granted by this State to join the Continental army. A committee was chosen to report upon the subject, and also to state what is an average on the whole since the war commenced, who reported that the bounty and wages given by Congress and our court afforded a sufficient encouragement for the first years' service; that for the second year the town allow two pounds per month in addition to the wages, and the same for the last year. Twenty-four pounds in addi- tion to the bounty, instead of the addition to their wages, was offered to those who might prefer it. The committee also reported that the eight months' men, or those who went into service in consequence 1 This seems to have been conceived in something of that holy ardor, that sublime spirit of patriotism and self-devotion, which (in a few months after) dictated those ever memorable words in the closing sen- tence of the Declaration of Independence, — "We pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." Immortal words, which sent such a thrill to the hearts of our countrymen, and inspired them with such an unconquerable enthusiasm in the cause of freedom ! of Lexington battle, have no allowance; that the six weeks' and two months' men have no allowance; that the year's men be allowed ten pounds per man ; that the Dorchester men have no allowance ; that the men raised for two months in September, 1776, be al- lowed seven pounds per man ; that the men raised for the northern or Canada expedition be allowed ten pounds per man ; that the opiarter men, or those raised for Howland's Ferry, be allowed six pounds per man. May 22d. Chose Capt. John Stearns and Mr. Wil- liam Stanley representatives. Appointed a committee to prepare instructions to said representatives, viz. : Rev. Peter Thatcher, Capt. Elisha May, Col. John Daggett, Capt. Moses Wilmarth, Mr. Levi Maxcy. Their report, it appears, is not recorded. Excused Capt. May from serving on Committee of Correspondence, etc., and elected Stephen Fuller in his room. Voted to enlarge said committee, and added Zephaniah Bishop, Jacob Cushman, and John Sweetland. Jan. 12, 1778. A committee, consisting of Rev. Mr. Thacher, Capt. Elisha May, Col. Stephen Richard- son, Deacon Stanley, Capt. Caleb Richardson, Lieut. Elkanah Wilmarth, and Mr. John Wilkinson, was chosen to prepare instructions to the representatives of the town relative to the Articles of Confederation. They presented a report, which was accepted. It shows how perfectly convinced at that time our fore- fathers were of the value and importance of a firm union of the States to the well-being of the whole people. To show the sentiments of the people a few extracts are given : "The subscribers, being chosen a committee 'to consider what in- structions it may be proper for them to give their representatives rela- tive to the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union which are proposed to the consideration of the Legislatures of all the United States as the basis thereof forever,' and also ' relative to the resolves of the most Honorable Congress of the 7th and 22d of November last,' having maturely considered the said Articles and resolves, do humbly offer the following to the consideration of the town on this very impor- tant subject : "To Messrs. John Stearns and William Stanley, Representatives of the town of Attleborough, Gentlemen, We shall rejoice at the arrival of the happy hour when the Independent States of North America have a Union established upon equitable terms to continue as long as the sun and moon endure. We are sensible of the utility and necessity of such a union to our present exertions and the success of them, as welfcis for the strength and flourishing condition of these States hereafter. We would, therefore, be as distant as possible from offering anything to ob- struct the speedy accomplishment of a thing so desirable; yet we are constrained to desire explanation of the 4th paragraph in the fifth article which determines, that, in deciding questions in the United States in Congress assembled, each State shall have one vote, which, if it exclude a voice in Congress proportioned to the number or estate of the differ- ent States, we apprehend, would be very unequal and not to be by any means consented unto, '-tc." After stating specific objections to some other arti- cles, the report concludes, — "With the foregoing emendations and explanations we desire yon to use your endeavors that the Delegates in Congress be impowered to ratify the aforesaid Articles of Confederation and Perpetual union. As to the Resolves of the most Hon'ble Congress, we only observe upon the fifth and sixth resolves, that the regulating bill formerly enacted and since repealed, though framed with an honest and good design, yet was, 540 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. as we apprehend, very inj u rious to the good and honest people of this State, and was of no use to restrain oppressors and monopolizers, but rather put an advantage of oppression into their hands, and was a great means of sinking the value of our money, and, therefore, we expect and desire you to oppose the carrying of the said resolutions into execution." At the same meeting a committee was appointed to draft a petition, which was sent to the General Court, earnestly praying for the repeal of an act culling in the bills of credit, or State money. In this petition the people expressed their fears of the consequences which would result from that act to the interests of the poor, etc. " We have waited a long time," say they, " in hopes that you would repeal that act without our troubling you with petitions ; but as we have hitherto been disappointed, we are obliged, in justice to ourselves and to our posterity, earnestly to pray for the speedy repeal of that act." They ex- press their opinion that the money ought to be called in by degrees as it was issued, — that is, one emis- sion at a time, by taxing the inhabitants of the State until the whole is withdrawn. March 17th. The Committee of Correspondence, etc., were Elkanah Wilmarth, Ebenezer Tiffany, and Ephraim Allen, Jr. May 12th. Voted to pay thirty pounds to each sol- dier who shall enlist in the Continental army to com- plete the number (thirteen) required of this town by a late resolve of the General Court ; also voted to give thirty pounds more as a bounty. May 21st. The committee, chosen at a former meet- ing to consider the constitution 1 lately submitted to the people, not agreeing upon a report, the town ap- pointed another committee of seven, viz., Rev. P. Thatcher, Rev. Habijah Weld, Elder Job Seamans, Dr. Bezaliel Mann, Col. John Daggett, Col. Stephen Richardson, Capt. John Stearns, who finally made a report. The vote in town stood fifty-one affirmative, seventy-six negative. March 16, 1779. The Committee of Safety were Capt. Caleb Richardson, John Damon, Elijah Wellman. May 18th. Elisha May, Esq., was chosen representa- tive. Voted to empower our representative to vote for the calling of a convention for the sole purpose of framing a new constitution. June 21st. Voted to raise thirteen soldiers (to serve nine months) as this town's proportion of the fifteen battalions furnished by this State to fill up the Con- tinental army. On the question of having a new constitution there were one hundred and twenty-one votes in favor, and none in the negative recorded. Aug. 2d. This town sent three members to the con- vention which formed the present constitution of Massachusetts. " Chose Col. John Daggett, Capt. John Stearns, and Maj. Elisha May to attend the convention 2 at 1 This was the first frame of government submitted to the people of this State. It was framed by a convention, 1778-79, and is commonly called the Rejected Constitution. 2 This convention met at the meeting-house in Cambridge, September, 1779, continued till the 7th, and then adjourned to October 28th ; then Cambridge on the 1st of September next for the sole purpose of framing a new constitution. The town then took into consideration the proceed- ings of the convention held at Concord for regulating articles of merchandise and country produce, and voted unanimously to accept of the doings of said convention and to conform ourselves to the proposed regulations. Chose Col. Stephen Richardson, Mr. Levi Maxcy, and Mr. Edward Richards members of the conven- tion to be held at Concord on the first Wednesday of October next. March 21, 1780. The Committee of Safety were David Richardson, Capt. Moses Wilmarth, and Wil- liam Morsel May 2. The new constitution was referred to a committee. June 14. Voted to raise twenty-nine soldiers for six months, as this town's quota to reinforce the Con- tinental army, according to a resolve of the General Court of June 5, 1780. They were to be paid by a tax on the town. Sept. 4. Voted to raise twelve thousand pounds to defray the expenses of the town the current year. Also voted to raise fourteen hundred pounds, hard money, to pay the soldiers who may engage to serve in the Continental army for three and for six months, according to resolves of the General Court of June 5th, 22d, and 23d. Elisha May, Esq., was chosen rep- resentative the two following years, which brings us to the close of the Revolution. There were no trans- actions of particular interest relating to the war during these two years. Military Services. — To furnish a full statement of the military services which the citizens of this town rendered during the Revolutionary war — to as- certain the number of soldiers who enlisted and the time for which they served — is not, perhaps, possible at this day. But some general accounts may be col- lected which will afford a tolerable view of their services. It appears from the following anecdotes that they were not slow in acting up to the resolutions which they had adopted. In December, 1774, the Committee of Safety gave notice that one Nathan Aldis, a Tory, who lived in Franklin, Mass., was selling British goods, contrary to the resolutions of the General Court. Col. John Daggett, of this town, a determined and resolute patriot, immediately issued orders to the several companies of this town to furnish a certain number of men, who being collected, marched in a bitter cold night for the place of Aldis' residence, to put a stop to his business. They were joined on the way by volunteers from the neighboring towns. They arrived met and continued till November 11th, and adjourned to Jan. 5, 1780, at the representatives' chamber, Boston; then met and continued till March 2d, and adjourned to June 7th ; then met and continued till June 16th, when it was dissolved. ATTLEBOROUGH. 5-11 late at night, and surrounding his house, ordered him out. He (and his associates who had assembled to defend him) at first attempted to resist with arms, threatening to fire upon them from the windows ; and assuming a tone of confidence ordered them to depart. Upon tli is the besiegers were directed to point their guns towards the house. But finding that his oppo- nents were in earnest, and that threats could not in- timidate them, Aldis at last came out. He was or- dered to pull off his hat while in the presence of the people's soldiers! Here, before the whole company, he was compelled to enter into an engagement not to "vend anymore British goods during the present unhappy controversy between the king and his colo- nies." The prisoner was then released. The next morning he fled to Boston, and was never after known in these parts. The captains from this town who were engaged in this adventure were Capt. S. Richardson, of the Northeast Company ; Capt. Moses Wilmarth, South- east Company ; Capt. Jacob Ide, Southwest Company ; Capt. Jonathan Stanley, Northwest Company. Assonett Expedition. — Information having been received from the vigilant Committees of Safety that the British had made a deposit of arms and ammuni- tion at Assonett village (Freetown), for the use of the loyalists, Col. Daggett, of this town, on the 9th of April, 1775, undertook an expedition for the purpose of seizing these arms and breaking up the combina- tion which had been formed to favor the royal cause. He was accompanied by the several companies from this town with their captains (as before named, ex- cept Elisha May in the room of Jonathan Stanley), and by some of the militia from Rehoboth and other towns. How many others were concerned in the ad- venture is not known. They discovered forty stands of arms and equip- ments in the possession of the Tories, together with a large quantity of ammunition, the whole of which was taken by the patriots. All who were suspected of favoring the British interest were required to swear not to bear arms against their country. Nine stanch Tories who refused to take the oath of fidelity to the colonies were made prisoners and put under the charge of the company from East Attleborough, and forthwith marched to Taunton. Here their captors threatened to convey them to Sullivan's mines in Connecticut if they would not comply. To avoid this alternative they at last submitted, and took the oath of allegiance. They were then dismissed. This expedition deserves commemoration from the circumstance of its having been accomplished pre- vious to the commencement of open hostilities in any other part of the country. It preceded a few days the first scene in the great drama which opened on the plains of Lexington. It was appearing in arms (though on a comparatively small scale) against the royal government. The patriots expected resistance, and were prepared with sufficient force to meet it. The company of minute-men, sixty in number, under the command of Capt. Jabez Ellis, Enoch Robinson, lieutenant, on the day of the battle at Lexington received orders to march instantly to Rox- bury. We set out at night, 1 stopped a short time at Maxcy's, now Hatch's Tavern, then went directly to Dedham, where we found two tables by the roadside generously provided with food for the soldiers who might pass that way, thus arranged to prevent any unnecessary delay. We snatched a hasty breakfast and marched on ; reached Roxbury about daylight, and were then marched round and round Roxbury meeting-house, to make as much show of numbers as possible in view of the British. Our company re- mained there seven or eight days, and then were per- mitted to return home. 2 The same company went down to Roxbury the day of Bunker Hill battle ; stayed about a fortnight. While there a small party of us went round to the Cambridge side to look at the British, but soon the captain of a fort called out to us that we had better not go in company, for the enemy would see us and fire at us ; and sure enough, in a minute or two, a cannon-ball came whizzing along close by us. and soon after they sent us a bomb. May 1, 1775. A company of sixty- four men enlisted for eight months, under Capt. Caleb Richardson, in the Massachusetts line (so called), and were stationed at Roxbury. July, 1776. Another company, principally from this town, enlisted five months in the recruits called the new levies, under Capt. Caleb Richardson, and Stephen Richardson, lieutenant, both of Attle- borough, in the regiment of Col. Cary, of Middle- borough, Brig.-Gen. Fellowes, and did duty in and about New York, and were at the disastrous retreat from Long Island, etc. 3 Some of the other members of this company were from the neighboring towns. September, 1776. Another company was raised (part from Attleborough and part from Norton) under Capt. 1 The circumstances are given as related to the author by one of the survivors. 2 Of one of these soldiers an anecdote was current among the sur- vivors of that day. One Henry Richardson, of this town, a bold and honest but heedless fellow, on his way to Roxbury swore he would have one of the red-coats before he went back. On his arrival at headquarters, the moment he bad opportunity, he charged his long musket, and not thinking with Falstaff that "discretion is the better part of valor," coolly marched down in frontof our lower guard, and taking deliberate aim at the opposite British sentinel, discharged bis musket, and badly wounded him, as his companions were seen to lead him off the ground, and his place was supplied by another. Much to his astonishment, our hero was immediately arrested (for doing, as he thought, so good a ser- vice) and put under guard ; hut, on the representations of his friends, was soon after discharged without further punishment, in consideration of his good intentions ! On meeting, afterwards, one of his townsmen, he exclaimed, with ex- ultation, "There, I told you I'd have one of them are British rascals." 3 Capt. Moses Wilmarth, though he had served as a captain at home, yet from a spirit of patriotism entered the service as a private soldier in the expedition to New York. He was afterwards promoted, and con- tinued much attached to the service during the war. Joel Rend of this town was wounded at New York. 542 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Elisha May, of this town, in the regiment of Col. Thomas Carpenter, of Rehoboth, and arrived at White Plains before the battle. In October, 1777, a whole company from this town marched to Rhode Island, under Capt. Stephen Rich- ardson, and served one month in Spencer's " secret expedition," so called. Several men from this town were drafted in the ex- pedition against Ticonderoga in 1776 ; served also at Saratoga. Some of our soldiers enlisted for three years, and others during the war. The above accounts do not include the many indi- vidual enlistments into the Continental army from this town during the war. Militia— Rhode Island.— The militia in this town and' the vicinity were subject to frequent drafts of men (more or less) from December, 1776, until after the evacuation of Rhode Island. Drafts were made in January, February, March, May, June, July, and August, 1777, and at many other times. The men were stationed, the most of the time, at Hovvland's Ferry (Tiverton) and at Warwick. The British took possession of Rhode Island in De- cember, 1776, and kept the surrounding country in a continual state of alarm. They occupied it above two years. Gen. Sullivan, during his expedition to Rhode Is- land, requested the government of Massachusetts to send him a reinforcement in consequence of the French forces having abandoned him. In compliance with this request the following orders were issued by the Council of this State, directing Col. Daggett, of the Fourth Regiment (including, as now, Attle- borough, Mansfield, Norton, and Easton), to take charge of the detachment : "State of Massachusetts Bay, " Council Chamber, Aug. IS, 177S. " Whereas, Maj.-Gen. Sullivan lias represented to this Board that by reason of the absence of the French troops, which he expected would co-operate with him, he is in pressing need of a reinforcement, there- fore, " Ordered, that the following colonels be and hereby are directed to detach from their respective regiments the several numbers of men here- after mentioned, and form tbem into companies of sixty-eight men each, including one captain, two subalterns, four sergeants, four corpo- rals, one drummer, and one fifer, and see that they be equipped, armed, and accoutred as the law directs, and order them to march immediately to the island of Rhode Island, and there to do duty during the campaign on said island, viz.: From Col. Hawes' regiment, one hundred and fifty men, including officers and one major ; from Col. Carpenter's regiment, one hundred and fifty men, including officers; from Col. Daggett's regi- ment, one hundred and fifty men, including officers and one colonel; from Col. Hathaway's regiment, one hundred and fifty men, including officers and one lieutenant- colonel ; from Col. Sproat's regiment, one hundred and fifty men, including officers; from Col. 'Williams' regiment, one hundred and fifty men, including officers, " And make return to the Council without loss of time. "A true copy. "Attest : John Avery, Dy. Sec'y." In obedience to these orders a regiment (consisting of nine hundred men) was formed out of the several regiments above named, which repaired to Rhode Island, and served under the command of Col. Dag- gett, of this town, during the remainder of the cam- paign. The company furnished by this town as its quota under this levy was commanded by Capt. Caleb Richardson. It was on the island at the time of the battle, and was partially engaged in it. 1 Col. Daggett also commanded the regiment (of which this town furnished a portion) from Bristol County in Spencer's expedition. This regiment was supplied by alternate drafts from the companies in the northerly and middle parts of the county. During the occupation of the island by the British, as before observed, the militia from all the towns in the vicinity were frequently called upon to defend the shore, as constant apprehensions were entertained that the enemy would attempt to land. Attempts were indeed often made, but as often failed. Orders would sometimes come for all the militia to appear at some place near the island. All hands would accordingly muster (whether by night or day) and make all haste for the scene of parade. They were sometimes thus detained a week, three weeks, and even six weeks at a time. On the appearance of a sufficient force the enemy would for the time relinquish their design, and the greater part of the militia obtain leave to go home. But sometimes before they arrived home orders would come for their immediate return. The yeomanry were thus often obliged to leave the plow in the furrow, the mown hay untouched, and the harvest rotting in the field. While Sullivan was retreating from the island, Fayette, who brought up the rear, just as he was leaving the field, espied a pickaxe belonging to the American army which had been accidentally left on the ground ; he instantly went back, dismounted and picked it up, exclaiming in broken English as he rode off with it on his shoulder, "They sha'n't have de pickaxe /" The cannonade (which was heavy) between the two armies was distinctly heard and felt in this town, and produced extreme anxiety in every family. The time of Bunker Hill battle was likewise a day of solemn feeling and fearful expectation. The can- nonade was distinctly heard at this distance (thirty- five miles), and the occasion of it was fully recognized. The town was almost deserted by all able to bear arms. Women were in tears for the fate of fathers, husbands, and brothers who had gone to the scene of action. From the preceding account of the civil transac- tions and the military services of this town it ap- pears satisfactorily that our citizens furnished their full proportion to the ranks of the patriot army, and did their duty faithfully in the day of trial. In reviewing the proceedings in that contest which agitated the country previous to the commencement of the Revolution one thing struck me as worthy of 1 Two men from this town who had belonged to the Continental army were killed in that action, viz., Lamed Hall and one John Dwyer, for- merly of Rehoboth. ATTLEBOROUGH. 543 remark (though not particularly noticed by histo- rians), that the citizens of this State generally, the people as a body, felt a deeper interest, took a more active part, and exerted a more direct influence in the transactions of the day than the people of any other State. The whole mass of our citizens seemed to be acting in concert, animated with one spirit, and in pursuit of one object. Other States were indeed as zealously engaged in the great work, but it was rather through the Legislature or the government than by | the direct influence of the people. But the citizens of this State intrusted it not to a few leaders or to any body of men to vindicate their violated rights, — they were willing to do their part and to bear the burden themselves. Every town and almost every individual felt it a duty to put forth an effort in the cause. It may be here remarked that previous to this period, viz., 1745, Cumberland was separated from Attleborough by royal charter and annexed to Rhode Island. 1 CHAPTER XLIV. ATTLEBOROUGH.— ( Continued.) Genealogical Notices of Some of the Early Settlers — List of Representa- tives of the Town from its Incorporation — Biographies of Daggett, Maxcy, Mann, May, Ide, and Others — List of Graduates in Brown Uni- versity, etc. — Dr. Hebert Mann's Death, and Wreck of the Brig " Gen- eral Arnold" — Miscellany — Topography, etc. — Character of Early In- habitants — Their Condition, etc. — Conclusion. Genealogy. — A brief genealogy of some of the earliest settlers in the town is annexed, which is in- tended to include, so far as I have been able to ascer- tain, the names of those who came into town previous to 1730, with the names of their children of the first generation (space not permitting me to extend it any further), and also the previous place of their settle- ment when known. This will not contain the names of many who have all either removed from town or whose families have become extinct. These sketches must necessarily be imperfect, from the defects in the records and the general neglect of most families to preserve any knowledge of their remote ancestry. The discovery of many of these facts connected with the history of our ancestors has been the result of fortunate accident. Many of the first proprietors (who belonged to Re- hoboth) or their descendants became the occupants of 1 The new boundaries established by this charter took from Massa- chusetts and annexed to Rhode Island a fine tract of land, including all Bristol County, R. I., Tiverton, Newport Co., and Cumberland, Provi- dence Co. Cumberland comprised nearly half of the original town. Its area is about twenty-eight square miles, and, taken together, is an excellent tract of land. It is good for grain and orcharding, and espe- cially for grass, which is cut in great abundance. Some parts of the town, however, are light and sandy. It was incorporated in 1746. It was previously called Attleborough Gore. It is well adapted to manu- facturing purposes, having three streams, Abbott's Bun, Mill and Peter's Rivers, besides the Blackstone, which is its western boundary. the lands which they had purchased ; but in process of time the cheapness of the land invited many emi- grants from various parts of the colonies of Massachu- setts and Plymouth, who either became shareholders or purchased rights. 2 Allen, Nehemiah, sou of Isaac Allen (1st), of Rehoboth, married Anne Wilmarth, daughter of Thomas Wilmarth (2d), of that town, came to Attleborough about 1710. He had five children, viz., Isaac, John, Ne- hemiah, Daniel, Annie, who were born between the years 1711 and 1726. Atwell, Richard, married Sarah Bolkcom, daughter of Alexander Bolk- com, had five children by her,— Sarah, Amos, Anne, Richard, Icbabod, 1728-39. His second wile was Mary Lawrence, by whom he had one son, William, born 1741. Barrows, Benajah, ancestor of all of that name in this town. He came here about 1708 from Rehoboth, where he had resided for a short time. His wife was Lydia Bucklin, daughter of Joseph Bucklin, one of the early settlers of that town. Had nine children,— John, born in Reho- both, 1707 ; Deborah, born 1711 ; Joseph, 1713; Nehemiah, 1715; Benja- min, March, 1717-18; Elijah, March, 1719-20; Lydia, 1722; Icbabod, 1724. He died Jan. 5, 1754. Blackinton, Penticost, the ancestor of all the Blackingtons in town, came to Attleborough previous to 1702, from what place is not known. His wife's name was Mary. He had at least four children, — Penticost, Mary, Benjamin, who came with him, and Hepzibeth, who was born here December, 1702, and John and Penelope, twins, born 1705, and both died 1706. Penticost (1st) died Sept. 24, 1715. His son Penticost mar- ried Rebeccali Figgett, had eight children, — Penticost, born 1716; Re- beccah, born 1717; George, bom' 1720; Anne, born 1722; Mary, born 1724 ; Jubn, born 1727 ; Othniel, born 1729; Peter, born 1731. Blanding, Obediah, came from Rehoboth, son of William Blauding, first of that name in Rehoboth, married Elizabeth Weeks, had five chil- dren, — Ephraim, Samuel, Obediah, Elizabeth, Mehitabel, 1719-27. Sev- eral others afterwards came here from that town, descendants of William (1st), viz., Daniel, Noah, Lamack, etc. Bishop, William, appears to be the first, came from Beverly or Salem about 1703. His wife's name was Dorothy. He had eight children, — Edward, Elizabeth, William, Martha, Rebecca, Baily, Dorothy, John, 1701-15. His second wife was Tabitha Hadley, married 1719. There were several others of this name, some of them, perhaps, brothers of the above, viz., Daniel, who married Elizabeth Brown, 1734; Sam- uel, married Mary ; Joseph, married Miriam Hodges; Thomas, who married Sarah Hobel, of Pequonick, and had one daughter, born in New Brookfield, N. Y., 1744. Bolkcom, Alexander (1st), who came to Attleborough previous to 1692, from whom all in town are descended. He married Sarah Wood- cock, daughter of John Woodcock, Sr., and had seven children, — Wil- liam, born Sept. 3, 1692 ; Katharine, born Feb. 7, 1694 ; Alexander, born April 4, 1696 ; John, born April 29, 1699; Baruck, born June 12, 1702; Sarah, born Feb. 8, 1703-4 ; Joseph, born Feb. 23, 1705-6. He died Jan. 31, 1727-28. His son William married Mary Tyler, Oct. 3, 1713 ; Alexander married Martha Obiuton, May 14, 1725 ; Baruck mar- ried Patience Blake; John married Mary Grover, by whom he had five children, and afterward Sarah Grover, by whom he had eight children ; Joseph married Mary Parminter, March 21, 1733-34. Capron, Banfield, was the first of that name who came to this country From him all the Caprons in this vicinity are descended. The name of his first wife was Elizabeth. His children were Banfield, Joseph, Eliza- beth Banfield (born Oct. 22, 1684), Edward, John, Jonathan (born March 10,1705-6), Sarah (born March 11, 1708-9). His wife, Elizabeth, died March 10, 1735. He married, Dec. 16, 1735, Mrs. Sarah Daggett (relict of Deacon John Daggett), and died Aug. 25, 1752, at a very advanced age. He settled where the late Joab Daggett lived, and laid out the lands there. Tradition says he came to this country alone when he was quite a lad, as a cabin-boy, to seek his for- tune. Carpenter, Josiah, Noah, William, Obediah, etc., came to Attleborough from Rehoboth, and were all descendants of Samuel and William Car- penter, two of the earliest of that name in Rehoboth. William Carpen- ter was admitted an inhabitant of that town March 28, 1645. He was admitted a freeman of Massachusetts May 13, 1640. - Usually new-comers, if they could not purchase a share in the undi- vided lands, bought a right to lay out a definite number of acres in a division already granted. 544 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Noah was the son of William, of Rehoboth, horn March 28,1672, mar- ried Sarah Johnson, Dec. 3, 1700, by whom he had thirteen children — Noah, Miriam, Sarah, Stephen, Asa, Mary (born in Rehoboth), Margaret, Simon (died infant), Isaiah, Simon, Martha, Elisha, Amy. He married Kuth Follet, May, 1727, by whom he had one daughter, born May, 1728. Claflin (formerly McClaflin 1 ), Antipas, came here from Sudbury, Mass. Had three children after his arrival in this town, viz., Hepzeleth (born Nov. 17, 1717), Antipas and Ebenezer, twins (born Feb. 8. 1720-21). His wife's name was Sarah. Other sons probably came with him, Noah, Phinehas, etc. Cutting. The first and only one of this name who came here was Aaron. His son, Aaron, Jr., married Ruth Pratt, 1749 (who died July 26, 1753), and for his second wife, Sarah Tucker, by both of whom he had nine children. Daggett, John, ancestor of all the Daggetts here and in Connecticut, came to Attleborough from Chilmark, Martha's Vineyard, about 1709, with his wife Sarah and nine children, four sons and five daughters, viz., Mayhew, Elienezer, Thomas, Napthali, Abigail (who married Ebenezer Guild, Oct. 12, 1714), Jane (married Caleb Hall, Nov. 9, 1721), Zilpha (married Nathaniel Robinson, July 18, 1721), Patience (married Noah Robinson, Oct. 4, 1723), Mary (married John Titus, Jan. 18, 1727-28), all of Attleborough. • Ebenezer married Mary Blackinton, daughter of Penticost the 1st, Nov. 9, 1721 ; Mayhew married Joanna Biven, of Deerfield, Mass., Oct. 11, 1709 ; Thomas married Sarah Stanley, daughter of Stanley, March 21,1722-23.2 John the 1st, of Attleborough, was the son of Thomas Daggett, Esq., of Edgartown, who married Hannah, the oldest daughter of Governor Mayhew, and was brother to Thomas, Samuel, Joshua, Israil, Mercy. Thomas, the father (who was brother of John the 1st, of Rehoboth), is supposed to be the son of John Daggett the 1st, who came to this country in 1630, and was settled in Watertown in 1642, and probably removed to Martha's Vineyard with Governor Mayhew when he settled the island in 1644. There is reason to believe that John the 1st, of Watertown, had a brother Thomas, who came to New England. Day, Samuel, appears to be the first, came from Rehoboth. His wife was Priscilla. He had several children, — Samuel, Edward (born June 9, 1705), John (born Sept. 29. 1708), Priscilla (horn Nov. 22, 1711), Ben- jamin (bom in Attleborough, April 28, 1720), and perhaps others. One Bobert Day was admitted freeman of Massachusetts May 6, 1635, and Balph Day May, 1645. Foster, John, came from Dorchester about 1712, married Margaret Ware, had thirteen children,— John (born 1700), Bobert (born 1707), Ebenezer (born 1709), — these three born in Dorchester, — Margaret (born in Wrentham in 1712), Benjamin (horn 1714), Jonathan (born 1715), Sarah (born 1718), Timothy (born 1720), Nathan (born 1722), Esther (born 1724), Michael (bora 1725 and died 1726), Michael (born 1727), Mary (born 1729). Foster, Alexander (another who came to town), whose wife's name was Suanna, had six children, — Elizabeth, Sarah, Alexander, Edward, Suanna, Jane,— from 1734 to 1746. Freeman, David and Jonathan, inhabitants of Eehoboth, came to Attleborough, probably the ancestors of all the Freemans in this town. The name of David's wife was Mary. Some of his children were Eben- ezer (born April 13, 1684), Hannah (born April 24, 1686), Margaret (born Feb. 9, 1688-89). Jonathan's children were William, Mary, Jonathan, Mercy, Samuel, Anne, David, 1690-1704. French, John, son of John French (1st), of Eehoboth, came from that town about 1710, married Martha Williams, had five children, — John (born in Behoboth), Ephraim and Martha (twins, died infants), Hannah, Samuel, 1709-14. His second wife was Abigail White, married May 23, 1728, by whom he had two children, — John (born 1729), Thomas (born 1730). Thomas, brother of the preceding, also came from Behoboth, married Mary Brown, Jan. 5, 1720-21, had children, — Thomas, Christopher, Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Bridget, Sarah, Hannah, 1722-38. Fuller. This name is numerous. The first are not all known. One 1 Sometimes spelt Meclothlin, and in one place (B. N. P. Bee, p. 336) Mack Cleaulan, a proof of the variation which names undergo in the course of a few generations. Tradition says the family originated in Scotland. 2 By a recent research I am able to trace this family still further back, and give the result for the information of numerous descendants here and elsewhere. was John, whose children were Ithaman, Abigail, John, Joduthan, Abial, Joanna, 1802-19. His second wife was Mary Follet, had one daughter Sarah, born 1721. Jonathan Fuller was an early settler of Behoboth. Bobert and Wil- liam Fuller admitted freemen Massachusetts June 2, 1641. Guild, Ebenezer, came from Dedham, married Abigail Daggett, daugh- ter of Deacon John Daggett (1st), 12th October, 1714, had several chil- dren, — Joseph, Naphtali, Ebenezer, 1716-22. John and Benjamin also came with him. Hall, Edward and John, came from England, soon to Taunton, thence to Behoboth. Ephraim, sou of John, came to Attleborough. John was admitted freeman of Massachusetts 14th May, 1634; Edward, 2d May, 1638. John married Mary Newell, of Boxbury, 18th November, 1684. Edward died 27th November, 1670. Christopher Hall also came to Attleborough, had two sons. Caleb and Joshua. Ide, Nicholas, Lieut., son of Nicholas (1st), of Behoboth, who was there as early as April 9, 1645, was born November, 1654, married Mary Ormsby Dec. 27, 1628, had seven children, — Nathaniel, Jacob, Martha, Patience, John, Benjamin, 1678-93 (all born in Eehoboth), Nicholas (by his second wife, Eliza, horn in Attleborough, July 25, 1697). Nicholas, Sr., died 5th .June, 1723. Nathaniel died 14th March, 1702-3. Jacob (second son) married Sarah Perry. His children were Sarah, (born Dec. 13, 1712), Jacob (Sept. 26, 1723). John (third son) married Mehetable Bobinson, May 14, 1719, had four children, — Sarah, John, Benjamin, Amos, 1720-29. Ingraham, Joseph, Benjamin, Jeremiah, Elijah, descendants of Benja- min and of Jarrett, whose name is on the list of purchasers, came from Behoboth. Joseph married Mary Shenardson. Elijah married Sarah Ide, had eight children, — Elijah, Jabez, Sarah and William (twins), Betty, Bemember, Comfort, Jeremiah, 1734-46. Maxcy, Alexander, 3 came from Gloucester, Mass., with his family about 1721, settled on John Woodcock's farm and continued the public-house. His wife's name was Abigail. He died Sept. 20, 1723. His children were Alexander (who died April 2, 1724), Joseph, Josiah, Abigail (who mar- ried Jacob Hascall, of Gloucester), Mary (who married William Ware, May 4, 1726), Esther (who married Nehemiah Ward, Dec. 3, 172S), and Benjamin. Josiah married Mary Everett, daughter of Joshua Everett, had eleven children. His second sou, Levi (whose wife was Ruth, daughter of Ja- cob Newell), was the father of Jonathan, Milton, and Virgil, graduates of Brown University, eminent in literary and professional life. Levi, another son, who possessed superior talents, though not liberally educa- I ted, died at the South. Martin, John, Bobert, and Timothy, came from Behoboth. Timothy married Mary, daughter of John Fuller, then of Eehoboth, afterwards of Attleborough, had three children, — Timothy, Sarah, Abel. Three of tliis name were admitted freemen Massachusetts, — Thomas Martin, 22d May, 1639 ; John and Bobert, 13th May, 1640. John settled in Behoboth. Moore, Alexander, married Alice Chaffee, had eight children,— Sam- uel, Comfort, Jane, Betsey, Esther, Alice, Rate, Hannah. Newell, Jacob, came here from Boxbury or Dorchester about 1715, bringiug with him his family of several sons, — Jacob, Joseph, Ephraim, etc. Jason, born here Dec. 12, 1717. His wife's name was Joyce. He settled near the first meeting-house and bought a part of Willet's farm, and, according to tradition, distributed it among his seven sons, which still remains in seven divisions. Peck, Hezekiah (sou of Nicholas Peck, of Behoboth), came to Attle- borough about 1700, with his family ; married Deborah Cooper, of the former place, had 6even children,— Deborah, Judith, Hannah, Heze- kiah, Rachel, born in Rehoboth ; Petronella, Perthenah, 1687-1711. Several other Pecks came here from Rehoboth, viz , John and Elisha, brothers of Hezekiah ; Daniel and Ichabod, sons of Jathniel, who was the son of Joseph (1st). 4 3 It is said that a brother came with him to this country and settled in one of the Southern Slates. 4 He came to Rehoboth from Hingham, Mass., and probably to that place from Hingham, England. Mr. Joseph Peck and Mr. Robert Peck were admitted freemen Massa- chusetts March 13, 1638-39. Robert was ordained teacher at Hing- ham Nov. 8, 1638, and Oct. 27, 1641, returned to England with his family. Joseph's name appears on the Rehoboth records April 9, 1645. On his way from Hingham the following accident befell him: 1645,1.25. "Another strange accident happened by fire about this ATTLE BOROUGH. 545 Read, Daniel, came from Behoboth about 171G, with five children, — Beriali, Ichabod, Hannah, Abigail, Esther, Daniel (died infant), 1707- 13. His first wife was Elizabeth Bosworth ; his second was Elizabeth Ide, by whom he had eight children, — Daniel, Noah, Elizabeth, Samuel, Abigail, Rachel, Benjamin, Thankful, 1716-34. ' At least two other Reads came here from Rehoboth, Moses and Ezra. Those of this name have been very numerous in this town. Richards, Edward and Nathan, came from Dedham. From them are descended those of that name in this town. The first in Dedham was Edward, who was admitted freeman 1(341. — U'orlhiiititoH's Hist. Ded. Richardson, Stephen, John, William, brothers, came to Attleborough. Stephen married Mary Brown. His children were Stephen, Seth (died), Mary, Abigail, Sarah, S>-th, Phebe, 1714-25. Several others also came to this town, — Timothy, Francis, etc. Ezeki'el Richardson, Freeman Massachusetts May 18, 1631 : Samuel, May 2, 1638. Robinson. Six of this name came to Attleborough from Rehoboth, viz., Nathaniel, Noah, John, Timothy, Samuel, Ebenezer. 2 Nathaniel married /alpha (third daughter of Deacon John Daggett, 1st), July 18, 1721 ; had nine children, — Nathan, Nathaniel, George, Zilpha, Elizabeth, Elihu, Amos, Abigail, Margaret, 1722-39. Noah married Patience (fourth daughter of John Daggett, 1st), Oct. 4,1722; had seven children, — Zephaniah, Mary, Elijah, William, Hill- dab, Enoch, Comfort, 1723-40. John married Thankful Newell and had several descendants. Timothy married Elizabeth Grant. Samuel married Mary Cooper, first wife; Mary Ide, second wife. Ebenezer married Elizabeth Read, and had eight children, — Meheta- ble, Sarah, Ebenezer, Samuel, Elizabeth, Ezekiel, Dan, Martha, 1721- 38. Stanley, Thomas, Nathaniel, Joseph, Samuel, Jacob, John came from Topsfield, Mass., and settled near the Falls. The last three were brothers. Thomas and Samuel were here iu 1707 ; Jacob came about 1717. Thomas married Mary Gould; had twelve children, — Thomas, Mary, Phebe, Nathaniel, Samuel, Daniel, David (died infant), Martha, William, Abigail, Priscilla, David. Jacob married Elizabeth Guild. His children were Jacob, Benjamin, Elizabeth (died infant), Deborah, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Solomon, Abi- gail. Nathaniel married Sarah Blackinton. His children were Servian, Sarah, Hepzibeth, Abner, Amy, Sibula, Israel, Penticost, Anne, Na- thaniel, 1721-44. Starkey, Andrew, came here about 1708. His first wife was Mehitable Waite, by whom he had two children, — Mehitable, born May, 1709; John, born July, 1712. His second wife was Catharine, daughter of Alexauder Bolkcom, by whom he had three children, — Jemima, Andrew, Thomas, 1722-33. Andrew, Sr., died Aug. 16, 1740. Sucet, Henry, was here about 1690, had five children, — John, Philip (died infant), Thomas, Michael (died infant), Dorothy. He was one of the earliest, if not the first, of that name. Died Dec. 8, 1704. Probably a descendant of John, admitted freeman 1641. Sweetland, John, came from Marblehead with several others of that name. Three of his children were Benjamin, Deborah, Samuel, 1703- 11. He died June 9, 1711. time. One Mr. Peck and three others of Hingham, being about with others to remove to Seaconk (which was concluded by the commis- sioners of the united colonies to belong to Plymouth), riding thither, they sheltered themselves and their horses in an Indian wigwam, which by some occasion took fire, and (although they were all four in it, and labored to their utmost, etc.) burnt three of their horses to death, and all their goods to the value of 50 pounds." One John Peck was in Rehoboth as early as March 29, 1645. — Win. Jour., ii. 216. Nicholas, John, Joseph, Jr., are supposed to be sons of Mr. Joseph, who came with him to Rehoboth ; if this supposition be true, then all of the name are descended from him. 1 Thomas Read, admitted freeman Massachusetts April 1,1634; John, May 13, 1640 ; William, Dec. 14, 1638; Esdras, June 2, 1641. John and Thomas (perhaps sons of John) settled in Rehoboth, and were the an- cestors of the numerous progeny of Reads in that town and Attle- borough. 2 They were descendants of George Robinson (1st), of Rehoboth, whose name is on our list of purchasers. He married Joanna Ingra- ham. William Robinson, freeman, Massachusetts, at Salem, Dec. 27, 1642- John, June 2, 1641. 35 Tyler, Ebenezer, had nine children,— Ebenezer, Elizabeth, Phebe, Catharine, Hannah (died), John, Hannah, William, 1714-31. 3 Samuel married Mary Capron, had eleven children, — Mary (died), Samuel (died), Moses, Samuel, Mary, Nathan, Huldah, Habijah and Elizabeth (twins), Ebenezer, Benjamin (died). Wilkinson, John, came here about 1700, married Rachel Fales. His children were eight, — John, Joseph, Rachel, Mary, Hepzibeth, Abigail, Sarah, Hannah, 1702-23. He purchased Capt. Willett's share in the un- divided lands, probably of his son Andrew. Died Jan. 24, 1724-25. John Wilkinson, Maiden, died December, 1675 — Far. Reg. Wilmarth, Thomas, 4 came to Attleborough about 1708, married De- borah Peck, had seven children, — Mary, Thomas, Deborah, Elizabeth, Anne, Ebenezer, Eliphalet, 1709-28. Several other Wilmarths came from that town, — Samuel (son of Thomas (2d) of Rehoboth), Jonathan, Nathan, Stephen (sons of Jonathan, of that place), Daniel, etc. The Deanes came from Taunton ; Ellises, Drapers, etc., from Dedham, subsequent to 1730. It is not expected that the foregoing list includes all who came pre- vious to that period. The names of the original ancestors of some could not be ascertained. One name was omitted in its proper place. Bourne, Andrew, came (it is supposed from Great Britain) to Attleborough about 1720, and set- tled in the east part of the town. All of that name in this vicinity are descended from him. List of Representatives from this town from its incorporation in 1694 to 1883. Elections were in May unless otherwise designated. 1709-11. David Freeman. 5 1712. Capt. Joseph Brown. 6 1713. Mr. David Freeman. Lieut. Nicholas Ide.' 1714. Lieut. Nicholas Ide. 1715-18. David Freeman. 1719. Jeremiah Whipple. 1720. Deacon John Daggett. David Freeman." 1721. David Freeman. 1722. No one would accept. 1723. Capt. John Foster. 1724. Mr. Nathaniel Carpenter. 1 1725. Capt. John Foster. , 1726-28. Capt. Joseph Brown. , 1729. Mr. Nathaniel Carpenter. 1730-32. Capt. John Foster. j 1733. Nathaniel Carpenter. 1734. Sent an excuse. ! 1735. Nathaniel Carpenter. i 1736. Capt. Mayhew Daggett. ! 1737. John Robinson. Capt. Mayhew Daggett. John Foster, Esq. Timothy Tingley. Samuel Tyler. Ahasel Read. 1738. John Foster, Esq. 1739-40. John Robbins. 1741-42. Capt. Mayhew Daggett. 1743. Maj. John Foster. 1744. Capt. Mayhew Daggett. 1745. Capt. Samuel Tyler. 1746. Perez Bradford, Esq. 9 1747-49. Capt. Samuel Tyler. 1750-53. Benjamin Day. 1754-55. Name not on record. 1756-58. Lieut. Josiah Maxcy. 1759. Deacon Benjamin Day. 1760. Japhesh Bicknell. 1761-63. Stephen Fuller. 17H4-67. Deacon Ebenezer Lane. 1768-75. John Daggett. 1776-77. Capt. John Stearns. William Stanley. 1778-79 Capt. Elisha May. 1780. Capt. Elisha May. John Daggett. 1781. Elisha May. 17S2. Name not found. 1783. Col. Stephen Richardson. 1784. Elisha May, Esq. 1785. Col. Stephen Richardson. 1756. Capt. Ebenezer Tyler. 1757. William Stanley. 1788. Elisha May, Esq. 1789. Capt. C. Richardson. 1790. Maj. Ebenezer Tyler. 1791. Elisha May, Esq. 1792. Maj. Ebenezer Tyler. 3 Tyler, Abraham, Haverhill 1650, died May 6, 1673. Job, Andover, 1653, had a son Moses, who died 1727, aged eighty-five, having had ten sons. Nathaniel, Lynn, 1642. — Far. Reg. 4 Grandson of Thomas Wilmarth, Sr., who came into Rehoboth as early as March 28, 1645, with his wife and children. This name was anciently spelled Wilmot. 5 The reader will perceive that no representative was chosen during the first fourteen years after the incorporation. The reason is given in the extracts from the town records. 6 Sou of Mr. John Brown, of Rehoboth (well known in the history of the Old Colony), came here (1709) from Kingston, R. I., to which he had removed about 1702. In this list the titles generally given, according to the custom of the times, are retained as they appear on record. 7 November, 1713. 8 June, 1720. !l July 22, 1746, Capt. Mayhew Daggett was chosen. 546 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 179:5-98. Elisha May, Esq. 1799. Cul. Ebenezer Tyler. 1800-1. Elisha May, Esq. 1802-1. Maj. Ebenezer Tyler. 1805. Ebenezer Bacon. 1800. Joel Read, Esq. 1807. Ebenezer Bacon. 1808-10. Joel Bead. 1811. Joel Read. John liichardson. Benjamin Bolkcom. 1812. John Richardson. Joel Read. Benjamin Bolkcom. 1813. Joel Read. Benjamin Bolkcom. John Richardson. 1814. Capt. Thomas French. Jabez Newell. 1815. A. Richardson, Jr. 1816. Ebenezer Daggett, Esq. 1817-19. Sent no one. 1820-21. A. Richardson, Jr. 1822-23. Ebenezer Daggett, Esq. 1824. Sent no one. 1825-26. William Blackinton. 1827. George Ellis. Elkanah Briggs. A. Ricbardsou, Jr. 1828. George Ellis. Elkanah Briggs, Esq. 1829-30. Elkanah Briggs, Esq. 1831-34. Abijah M. Ide. 1835. David E. Holnian. 1836. John Daggett. David E. llolman. Lemuel May. 1837. John Daggett. Lemuel Slay. 1838. John Daggett. 1839. Carlos Barrows. Jonathan Bliss. John Daggett. 1840. Carlos Barrows. Jonathan Blis-i. 1841. Willard Blackinton. Artemas Stanley. 1S42. Artemas Stanley. William Blackinton. 1843. Daniel Wilmarth. 1843. Calvin Richards. 1844-45. Lemuel May. Forrest Foster. 1846^7. George Bacon. Harvey Clafin. 1848. None. 1849. George D. Hatch. Samuel Carpenter. 1850. Samuel Carpenter. George 1). Hatch. 1851-53. Lyinan W. Daggett. 1854. None. 1855. Charles Cravens. 1856. Elkanah Briggs. 1857. Henry M. Richards. 1858. Horatio N. Richardson. 1859. . . 1800. George D. Hatch. Elisha Wilmarth. 1861. Gardner C. Hodges. 18G2. William D. Earl. E/.ekiel Bates. 1863. Horatio N. Richardson. John Thompson. 1864. Handel N. Daggett. Mina B. Daggett. 1865. Henry K. W. Allen. Ira N Conaut. 1866. John Daggett. Edmund Ira Richards. 1867. Joseph A. Perry. 1868. Willard Blackinton. 1869. Joseph D Pierce. 1870. Gardner C. Wright. 1871. John T. Bates. 1872. ObedC. Turner. 187:;. Edward Sanford. 1874. Samuel S. Ginnodo. 1875. Felix G. Whitney. 1876. Henry 'J. Read. 1877. George Asa Dean. 1878. George Pi ice. Abijah T. Wales. 1879. John Stanley 1880. Edwin J. llorton. 1881. George N. Crandall. Bui rill P.. iter, Jr. 1882. John Whitehill. 1883. John Whitehill. Biographical Sketches.— Rev. Naphtali Daggett, D.D., president of Yale College, was the son of Eben- ezer Daggett and Mary, his wife, and was born in At- tleborough (at the residence of the late Ebenezer Daggett, Esq.), Sept. 8, 1727. He was the second son among eight children. His father dying while he was yet young, he was left under the direction of a mother, who was, however, in every respect peculi- arly qualified to discharge the duties which devolved .upon her. He soon after commenced studies prepara- tory to college. Rev. Solomon Reed became acquainted with him while he was a youth, and forming a high opinion of his talents took him under his patronage, and advised and assisted him in preparing for college. He entered Yale College in 1744, and graduated in 1748, at the age of twenty-one. He was distinguished during his college life for industry and close applica- tion. He was settled as minister at Smithtown, and was ordained over the church there Sept. 18, 1751. During his settlement on Long Island he married Miss Sarah Smith, daughter of the third Richard Smith, Dec. 19, 1753, by Rev. Ebenezer Prime. She was born Sept. 16 (O. S.), 1728, and died at New Haven, March 25, 1772, aged forty-three years and six months. He says in his memorandum, which the author has, that he was dismissed from his pastoral charge at Smith- town, Nov. 6, 1755, for the purpose of removing to Yale College. In September, 1755, he was elected the first Professor of Divinity in Yale College, which was denominated the Livingston Professorship of Divinity ; this appointment he accepted, and removed to New Haven, and was inducted into office on the 4th of March following, 1756. 1 This office he held during the remainder of his life. After the resigna- tion of Mr. Clap, Sept. 10, 1756, he officiated as presi- dent till April 1, 1777, about eleven years, when he resigned the office, but still continued to hold that of Professor of Divinity. The learned Dr. Stiles was his successor in the presidency. Rev. Payson Williston says of him, " President Daggett was one of my father's intimate friends. His social qualities were such as to render him more than ordinarily attractive. The college was eminently prosperous under his presidency." Dr. Stiles delivered a sermon on his death. It is a remarkable circumstance that Dr. Daggett and Dr. Stiles each delivered a funeral sermon on his imme- diate predecessor. During the barbarous attack on New Haven by the British army, in July, 1779, he took an active part in the defense of the country, and was distinguished for his resolution and intrepidity. 2 He was taken prisoner, 1 The foundation of this professorship was laid in 1746 by a donation from the Hon. Philip Livingston, of New York, and having received a cons derable addition by another donation from Mr. Gershom Clark, of Lebanon, with some appropriations by the cnllege, it afforded a sufficient salary for the support of such an office, which was accordingly established in 1755. A house for the use of the incumbent was erected by subscrip- tion, and finished in 1758. 2 He had made himself obnoxious by bis open and active opposition to the British cause. He had often inculcated upon the students under his charge — in the pulpit and in the lecture-room — the duty of resistance to British oppression. He had therefore incurred the special displeasure of the invaders. He had openly preached and prayed against the success of their cause. He knew no difference between preaching and prac- ticing, and when the crisis came he carried his own principles into action. He shouldered his musket and went into the field with the rest to repel the invaders. He was taken prisoner by the enemy. They beat and bruised him, and offered him every indignity in their power. His clerical character in their eyes was no exemption from the most outrage- ous abuses. They demanded of him what he was doing, and who he was; he unhesitatingly replied, "Exercising the rights of war. lam Naphtali Daggett, of Yale College. I demand of you to release me." But they refused, and detained him as a prisoner, ami marched him back to New Haven, nearly dead with the wounds and abuse be bad received, and from which he never fully recovered. He was at first left for dead. He was saved by the intrepidity of the lady into whose house he had l>een conveyed. After the British had re- tired, an officer and a file of soldiers were sent back to convey him a prisoner on board their transports. They came to the house and in- quired for him, and were answered by the lady (who appeared at the door, and resolutely refused to admit them) that he was so badly wounded it would be impossible to convey him on board alive " My orders," said the officer, "are positive to take him with me." " But you would ATTLE BOROUGH. 547 and came near losing his life. Dr. Daggett died (in consequence of the wounds he had received on that occasion) Nov. 25, 1780, at the age of fifty-three. He presided over the university about eleven years, and held the office of Professor of Divinity twenty-five years. Possessed of a strong, clear, and comprehen- sive mind, he applied himself with assiduity and suc- cess to the various branches of knowledge, particu- larly to the learned languages and divinity. Dr. Holmes, in his life of President Stiles, says, " He was a good classical scholar, well versed in moral philos- ophy, and a learned divine." He received the hon- orary degree of Doctor in Divinity from Yale College, and in 1771 the degree of S.T.D. from Harvard Col- lege. He published a sermon on the death of Presi- dent Clap, 1767 ; another delivered at the ordination of Rev. Ebenezer Baldwin, 1770 ; a third delivered at the ordination of Rev. J. Howe, 1773; a funeral sermon on the death of Job Lane, a tutor in the college, 1768. Col. John Daggett, an elder brother of the preced- ing, born Sept. 2, 1724 or 1725, was one of the prin- cipal public characters and leading men of the town, especially during the trying period of the Revolution. He and Col. May were the two on whom the town placed the utmost reliance. He was possessed of a strong and sound mind, and was marked by a reso- lute and decided character. He was a Puritan in the plainness and simplicity of his manners, and was a firm friend to the civil institutions and republican customs of New England. His wife was Mercy Shep- ard, daughter of the centenarian, John Shepard, then of Wrentham, afterwards of Foxborough. He was commissioned one of his Majesty's justices of the peace under the provincial government before the Revolution. He took an early and decided stand (with many other patriotic citizens of this town) in the commencement of those proceedings which pro- duced the Revolution. He was a member of the Provincial Congress which assembled at Cambridge. For a long succession of years he was elected a mem- ber of the Legislature, and was also a member of the convention which formed the constitution. He was generally called to serve on the most important com- mittees which were raised in town-meeting to con- sider the many difficult subjects which were then brought before the people during and subsequent to the Revolution. Col. Daggett commanded the regi- ment from the county of Bristol, both in Spencer's and Sullivan's expeditions on Rhode Island, in 1777 and 1779. At home he was extensively employed as a sur- vivor, ami was engaged in various other kinds of public business, such as the ordinary transactions of life require between citizens. He died universally respected Jan. 20, 1803, at the age of seventy-nine. not surely carry away a dying man : lie is now in the agonies of death." After repeated demands and refusals, the officer finally determined to return ami report the case to his superior and ask for further orders. But he never came hack after his prisoner. A third brother, Dr. Ebenezer Daggett, was a re- spectable physician, who settled in Wrentham village, where he acquired an extensive practice. He married Miss Susanna Metcalf, daughter of Timothy Metcalf, Esq., of Wrentham, May 25, 1758, by whom he had several children. His son, Rev. Herman Daggett, graduated at Brown University in 1788, and pursued his profes- sional studies with Dr. Emmons, of Franklin. He was settled in the ministry on Long Island. While there he was pastor first at Southampton. He was there settled in 1791, and in the course of a few years he removed to the parish of Middletown, in the town of Brookhaven, supplying a part of the time the church at Fireplace. This was in 1801. He married Miss Sarah Mathewson, of Providence, who died Nov. 20, 1843. During the eighteen years he resided on Long Island he made four changes. One in giv- ing his character says of him, "Mr. Daggett was a man of sterling talents, respectable acquirements, and peculiar excellence of character. To all his other acquirements as a scholar he added singular neat- ness of person and an exact, systematic arrangement of all his various duties. He was remarkably digni- fied in his manners and circumspect in his deport- ment. All his traits of character are comprehended in Dr. Beecher's remark ' that he was just a fit man to preach to ministers.' " He died May 19, 1832. He was the first principal and teacher of the Indian mis- sion school at Cornwall, and afterwards removed to Ridgefield, Conn., and finally to Cornwall, where he died. Dr. Bezaleel Mann, a well-known and worthy physician of this town, deserves a notice in these sketches. He was a descendant of Rev. Samuel Mann, the first minister of Wrentham. He studied his profession with Dr. Hewes, of Foxborough, and commenced business in this town some time previous to 1750. Dr. Mann had the reputation of being a skillful physician, and had acquired an extensive circle of practice. His character is justly portrayed in his epitaph, — " Bezaleel Mann mort die Octo. tert. 1796, an setat. 74. Early im- hued with the principles of moral rectitude, he sustained through the diversified concerns of a long and active life the character of an honest man. As a physician, In- commanded, during the period of near 50 years that unlimited confidence and respect which talents alone can inspire. The features of his mind were sketched by the glowing pencil of nature, filled up with qualities that adorn humanity, and shaded with lew infirmities the frequent attendants ou mental excellence. " Bebe Mann, 1 his wife, mort. die Octo. tert. 1793, a-tat. 61. She was a person of bright genius, of few winds, and much reserved in mind. From early youth she marked all her paths with virtue, and timely took the advice Christ gave to his disciples, and made to herself a friend of the mammon of an righteousness, and when she failed could with Christian confidence say that her witness was in heaven and her reward on high. "This stone is erected by the grateful hand of filial piety to protect the awful dust of revered parents." These inscriptions may be found in Alden's valuable collection of epitaphs. 1 She was a daughter of Mr. Ezekiel Carpenter, of this town. 548 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Dr. Mann had several sons who entered the pro- fessions. His son Preston, who was a physician, was graduated at Brown University, and settled in New- port, R. I., where he was living in 1834. Another son, John Milton, was also a graduate at Brown University, became a physician, and removed to the State of New York, where he was drowned in at- tempting to cross the river Hudson. His daughter Eunice married one of his students, Dr. Seth Capron, of this town, who, with another son, Newton, re- moved to the State of New York, where they were living, 1833. His second son, Herbert, was educated a physician, and entered as surgeon on board the privateer " General Arnold," Capt. Magee, and was lost in that terrible storm which ensued in Plymouth Harbor, Dec. 26, 1778. The stone which is here erected to his memory contains the following epi- taph : "In memory of doctor Herbert Mann, who, with 119 sailors, with Capt. James Magee, master, went on board the brig General Arnold, in Boston Harbor, 25th Dec, 1778, hoisted sail, made for sea, and were im- mediately overtaken by the most tremendous snow storm with cold, that was ever known in the memory of man, and, unhappily, parted their cable in Plymouth harbor, in a place called the Cow-yards, and he, with about 100 others, was frozen to death ; sixty-six of whom were buried in one grave. He was in the 21st year of his age. And now Lord God Almighty, just and true are all thy ways, but who can stand before thy cold?" In Dr. Thacher's " History of Plymouth" is found a graphic description of this most terrific storm and awful wreck known in history, which seems unparal- leled in human suffering: " In 1778, December 26th, 27th, the inhabitants of this town were called to witness a catastrophe truly appalling to humanity. The brig ' General Arnold,' mounting twenty guns, having a crew of one hundred and five men and boys, commanded by Capt. James Magee, of Boston, sailed from that port on Thursday, 24th of December, bound on a cruise. On Friday anchored off Plymouth Harbor, being destitute of a pilot. In the night, a heavy gale, drove on the White Flat. She soon filled with water, and it became ne- cessary to cut away the masts. Unfortunately, a great disturbance was occasioned by intoxication among some of the seamen in the steerage, which was with difficulty quelled by the officers. A tremendous storm of wind and snow came on, and a considerable num- ber of men died on Saturday afternoon and in the night. Three men, not of the crew, being on board, took the yawl and passed eight or ten rods to the ice, and were taken on hoard a schooner that was frozen in. Had the boat been returned as promised many lives would have been saved. "Sunday morning the vessel was seen in a most distressful situation, enveloped in ice and snow, and the whole shore was frozen to a solid body of ice, the winds and waves raging with such dreadful violence that no possible relief could be afforded to the miser- able sufferers. The inhabitants made every effort to reach the wreck in boats, but were obliged to put back, although aware that the seamen were in the arms of death, and when the miserable victims on board saw the boats returning, leaving them in a con- dition of utter hopelessness, their spirits were ap- palled, and numbers were seen to fall dead on the deck. " On Monday the inhabitants passed over the ice to the wreck. Here was presented a scene unutterably awful and distressing. It is scarcely possible for the human mind to conceive of a more appalling specta- cle. The ship was sunk ten feet in the sand ; the waves had been for about thirty-six hours sweeping the main deck ; the men had crowded to the quarter- deck, and even here they were obliged to pile together dead bodies to make room for the living. Seventy dead bodies, frozen into all imaginable postures, were strewn over the deck or attached to the shrouds and spars; about thirty exhibited signs of life, but were unconscious whether in life or death. The bodies re- mained in the posture in which they died, the features dreadfully distorted ; some were erect, some bending forward, some sitting with the head resting on the knees, and some with both arms extended, clinging to spars or some parts of* the vessel. The few survivors and the dead bodies were brought over the ice on sleds and boards, and the dead were piled on the floor of the court-house, exhibiting a scene calculated to impress even the most callous heart with deep humility and sorrow. It has been said that the Rev. Mr. Rob- bins fainted when called to perform the funeral cere- monies. Those bodies that were to be deposited in coffins were first put into the town book ; a consider- able number were seen floating on the water fastened by ropes, that their form might be made to conform to the coffin, but about sixty were thrown into a large pit as they were taken from the vessel. This pit is in a hollow on the southwest side of the burial-ground, and remains without a stone. The greater part of those who were found alive expired soon after. Capt. Magee survived, and performed several profitable voyages afterwards. He abstained entirely from drinking ardent spirits, but was of opinion that he was greatly benefited by putting rum into his boots. Those who drank rum were the more immediate vic- tims, several being found dead in the very spot where they drank it. " A man named Downs, belonging to Barnstable, was apparently dead, but on being seen to move his eyelids was put into a vessel of cold water for several hours, by which he was resuscitated, but with the most exquisite pain. He lost both of his feet, but lived many years after. Among those who perished were Dr. Mann, of Attleborough ; Dr. Sears, Capt. John Russell, of Barnstable, commander of the ma- rines, and Lieut. Daniel Hall. The last two were buried in one grave on the south side of the burial- hill." 1 1 It should be observed that when persons are exposed to intense cold there is always a propensity to sleep, but the moment it is indulged it becomes the sleep of death. — Dr. Thacher's Plymouth, 216. ATTLEBOROUGH. 549 There was one Marchant from the Vineyard, who survived with crippled feet. He was employed many years in the registry of deeds and probate offices in Dukes County. He was living in 1830. Hon. Elisha May was a distinguished citizen of this town, who was often employed in public office, and whose name is still held in reverence by those who remember him. Courteous and gentlemanly in his manners, and honorable and upright in his prin- ciples, he was universally esteemed. Intelligent and active in business, he was well qualified to fulfill the various offices to which he was elected. He dis- charged the various. duties which devolved upon him with ability and entire satisfaction to his constituents. He was, in fine, one of the most valuable citizens of this town. He died Nov. 15, 1811, in the seventy- third year of his age. His character is justly though briefly described by one who was personally ac- quainted with him. The following extract is from a discourse delivered at his interment by the Rev. John Wilder, then the pastor of the First Congregational Church in this town : " His memory will lung be precious, not only to his near relatives and friends, but likewise to his intimate acquaintances, to his neighbors, to the religious society in this place, and to the inhabitants of the town, for he is the man whom his fellow-citizens have delighted to honor. Nor was he unworthy theirrespect and confidence; for, blessed with a sound mind, a retentive memory, a quick discernment of men and things, a polite address, an honest heart, and an education considerably above mediocrity, he was singularly qualified for public employment of various kinds. And his worth was early discovered, for at the time of the Revo- lutionary war he was an active and useful member both in the military and civil departments. Since that period he was employed, without op- position, as a legislator or a counselor until he chose to retire. For about twenty-seven years in succession, one excepted, he was called to a seat in the Legislature, and chiefly in the Upper House. For almost forty years together he has been moderator of the town-meetings in this place, in which office he was equaled by few and exceeded by none. He had the honor of being an elector of the President of the United States. As a magistrate, throughout the commonwealth he did much business, and to very general satisfaction. He was justly celebrated, both at home and abroad, for his wisdom in adjusting and settling differences between contending parties. As a politician, he was a friend and disciple of Washington; as a man, he was prepossessing and engaging; as a friend, he was faithful and constant; as a neighbor, he was kind and obliging; as a husband, he was attentive and tender; as a parent, he was pleasant and affectionate ; as to his religion, he was a firm believer in the Chris- tian system, and a very constant, attentive, and apparently devout at- tender on public worship all his life." David Daggett was son of Thomas Daggett and Elizabeth Blake. He was born in Attleborough, Dec. 31, 1764. He was a direct descendant of that John Daggett who emigrated in Winthrop's company in 1630, and of the John Daggett who came to Attleborough from the Vineyard in 1707. He fitted for college, and entered Yale at the age of sixteen, in the junior class, two years in advance, and gradu- ated in 1783 with high honors. He commenced his legal studies with Charles Chauncy, Esq., of New Haven. In January, 1786, he was admitted to the bar, and settled in that city, where he ever afterwards made his home. He was elected tutor in the college, but declined the appoint- ment in order to devote himself to his profession. He rose rapidly to distinction, and his fellow-citizens claimed him for civil service. In 1791 he was elected a representative from New Haven to the General Assembly, and was the youngest member, and was re-elected successively for six years. In 1794, three years after his first election, he was chosen Speaker, at the age of twenty-nine. In 1797 he was transferred to the Senate, and retained his seat there for seven years in succession. In 1813 he was elected United States senator, and filled the office with distinguished ability. At the end of his term he returned to his practice in New Haven. In 1824 he was connected with Judge Hitch- cock in the law school there, and in 1826 he was appointed Kent Professor of Law in Yale College. These positions he held till his advanced years in- duced him to resign. In 1826, Yale College bestowed on him the hon- orary degree of LL.D. In May, 1826, at the age of sixty-two, he was chosen judge of the Superior Court of that State, and in May, 1832, lie was appointed its chief justice. He died April 12, 18j>l, at the age of eighty-six years, three months, and twelve days, honored and beloved for his great abilities, his public services, and his social qualities. Rev. Jonathan Maxcy, S. T. D., president of Rhode Island, Union, and Columbia Colleges, was one of the most eminent pulpit orators of this country. He was born in this town, Sept. 2, 1768. He prepared for college in the school of the Rev. William Wil- liams, of Wrentham, which was'then the most cele- brated institution in the vicinity, and the resort of a great many young men for the pursuit of classical studies. He graduated at Brown University in 1787, and was immediately appointed a tutor. He was or- dained pastor of the First Baptist Church in Provi- dence Sept. 8, 1791, and at the same time was ap- pointed the first Professor of Divinity in that college. 1 After the death of President Manning he was unani- mously elected president, a.d., at the early age of twenty-four! He presided over this university for eleven years, with distinguished success and with a splendid reputation for eloquence and learning. His administration was marked by mildness, urbanity, and dignity. Under his guardianship the university acquired a distinguished name for oratory. Guided by his fostering genius it sent forth a constellation of eloquent and accomplished speakers, who have shone in various departments of public life, and whose elo- quence has been felt in the pulpit, at the bar, and in the halls of legislation, many of whom have acquired a national renown. He was peculiarly fitted to stamp impressions of his own character on the minds of those around him, and to infuse his own spirit into theirs. He acquired a salutary influence over the i He was the first and only professor of divinity ever appointed in Brown University. 550 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. youth committed to his charge. He imbued their hearts with a taste for literature and with a love of truth and moral beauty, and excited in their bosoms the most ardent aspirations after excellence. He knew well how to kindle and fan the flame of genius. His memory is cherished by all his pupils with pecu- liar affection and gratitude. In speaking of the uni- versity it has been truly said that he was one "whose name and fame are identified with its reputation, and whose mingled mildness, dignity, and goodness equaled only by his genius, learning, and eloquence, subdued all envy, made all admirers friends, and gave him an irresistible sway over the minds of those placed under his care." * Though accomplished in every department of learn- ing, he was distinguished more particularly as a belles-lettres scholar. His oratory was in some re- spects peculiar. There was nothing in it like rant or affectation, no appearance of that popular declama- tion which is so often employed to captivate the mul- titude. There was apparently no attempt in it to produce effect, no labored display, but everything appeared easy, natural, and unstudied. It was deep, impassioned, but not declamatory. His voice was not naturally powerful, but he had it perfectly under his control through all its intonations. He usually commenced in a calm and moderate tone, but grew warmer and more animated as he advanced in his dis- course, and gradually and imperceptibly gained upon the attention and feelings of his hearers, until every one present was wholly engrossed upon the subject of the speaker. Indeed, he himself seemed com- pletely absorbed in his own subject, and by the in- fluence of sympathy carried his audience with him. His delivery was remarkably expressive. ' Every sentiment he uttered came from the heart and vibrated through his whole frame. Every cord and muscle was an echo to his soul. His elocution was full of grace; yet his power was not in this, it was in the life, the soul, which he infused into his voice, his gestures, and his countenance, all expressive and harmonious. His eloquence was at once graceful and forcible. In a word, he had in perfection what Demosthenes called action. He did not neglect to cultivate the minor graces of elocution. He never made a prayer or delivered anything in public, extempore, even on the most ordi- nary occasions, in which every sentence and every word were not accurately arranged and in their right place. Though his voice was naturally feeble, it was able to occupy a large compass, and every word and every syllable he uttered, in the largest audience, fell distinctly on the ear of the most distant auditor. 1 Hon. Virgil Maxcy's Discourse before the Phi Beta Kappa of Brown University, Sept. 4, 1833. He was also a native of Attleborough, and a brother of President Maxcy. He settled in Maryland, held the office of Solicitor of the Treas- ury, and was killed by the explosion on board the United States steamer "Princeton." The following extract will show the estimation in which he was held at the South. It was written but a short time previous to his death, and contains a brief but lively description of the impressive effects of his eloquence, even when his powers were impaired by advancing age and feeble health. From the Charleston City Gazette. Extract of a letter from a gentleman residing in Columbia to his friend in Charleston : "Columbia, 6th July, 1819. " Last Sunday we went to hear Dr. Maxcy. It being the 4th of July, it was a discourse appropriate to that eventful period. I had always been led to believe the Doctor an eloquent and impressive preacher, but had no idea till now that he possessed such transcendent powers. I never heard such a stream of eloquence. It flowed from his lips even like the oil from Aaron's head. Every ear was delighted, every heart was elated, every bosom throbbed with gratitude. Such appropriate metaphor! such grand, such sublime descriptions! such exalted ideas of Deity ! and delivered with all the grace, the force, the elegance of a youthful orator! I was sometimes in pain lest this good old man should outdo himself and become exhausted, but as he advanced in his dis- course he rose in animation, till at length he reached heights the most sublime, and again descended with the same facility with which he soared. So tar as I can judge (and your partiality, I know, will allow me to be no mean critic) there was not heard the slightest deviation from the most correct enunciation and grammatical arrangement; all the powers of art seemed sub-ervient to his absolute control. In short, I never heard anything to compare to Dr. Maxcy's sermon in all the course of my life, and, old as I am, I would now walk even twenty miles through the hottest sands to listen to such another discourse I am persuaded I shall never hear such another in this life.'" His most celebrated performance while he presided over Brown University, regarded as a specimen of pulpit oratory, was his sermon on the existence and attributes of God, delivered at Providence in 1795, which is frequently spoken of even at this day, and produced at the time the most lively and striking effect on the audience. Those who heard it will never forget it. The impression it produced was the result in a great degree of the manner of its delivery. Such a brilliant effort of eloquence has seldom been witnessed in any house of public worship. This dis- course, though enlivened by a bold, luxuriant, and brilliant imagination, and a loftiness of conception, is yet characterized by his usual neatness and simplicity of language. Indeed, in his highest flights his style of writing was always remarkable for a pure English idiom and a classical simplicity of language. In fine, he was an eloquent orator and a learned scholar. In 1802, Dr. Maxcy resigned the presidency of Brown University, and accepted that of Schenectady, N. Y., where he remained till the establishment of the new college in Columbia, S. C, in 1804, of which he was appointed the first president, and immedi- ately removed to that place, where he continued till the day of his death, June 4, 1820, at the age of fifty- two. He was appointed to the office of president the youngest, and presided the longest, in proportion to his years, of any person in this country. He was con- nected with some college, either as student or officer, nearly thirty-eight out of the fifty-two years of his life. " In 1801 he was honored with the degree of D.D. from Harvard University. ATTLEBOROUGH. 551 His wife was Susan Hopkins, a daughter of Com- modore Esick Hopkins, of Providence, by whom he had several daughters and four sons, all of whom have been liberally educated. He published a discourse on the death of President Manning, 1792; a sermon on the existence of God, demonstrated from the works of creation, 1795. His published sermons and addresses were numerous. A collection of his writings, in one volume, was published in 1844 by Rev. Dr. Romeo Elton, formerly professor in Brown University. A selection was republished in England. This is necessarily a brief and, I fear, an imperfect sketch. It requires an abler pen than mine to por- tray the amiable and brilliant character of Maxcy, and to do justice to his splendid talents as an orator. Those only who knew him in the meridian of life, and who have seen and felt the power of his elo- quence, can give an adequate description. His memory demands a tribute of filial affection from some one of his many distinguished pupils, who are so deeply indebted to his example and instructions for the eminence which they now enjoy in public life. Hon. Ebenezer Daggett, who died recently while a member of the Senate from Bristol district, affords the example of a life worthy of imitation by his fellow-citizens. He was the youngest son of Col. Daggett, whose life has been previously noticed, and was born April 16, 1763. Few men in this town have devoted so large a portion of their time to the public service. He held a commission of the peace for nearly thirty years, and honorably discharged its most important duties. He served the town at vari- ous times in the capacity of selectman, and town clerk upwards of twenty years. He represented the town several years in the General Court. A large part of the last thirty years of his life was occupied in some public employment. In various ways he rendered himself serviceable to his fellow-citizens. In the spring of 1831 he was elected a member of the Senate for this district. At the succeeding November elec- tion he was rechosen to the same office, and while in the discharge of the honorable and responsible duties of this station, he was called by the order of Provi- dence to close his life, at Boston, on the 4th of March, 1832, in the sixty-ninth year of his age. The following remarks on the character of the de- ceased are extracted from a funeral discourse deliv- ered at Attleborough, 22d April, 1832, by Rev. Mr. Ferguson : " Where is that venerated husband and father, that highly-esteemed and useful citizen, win. scarce four months ago stood bending under the bereavement of Providence, an unexpected yet quiet and submissive mourner 1 in the house of the Lord? Alas! he has gone down to the grave unto his son, mourning. The last opportunity which I enjoyed of conversing with our departed friend was on the eve of his leaving home to attend to his official duties in the Legislature as a member of the Senate. I mention this circumstance because it was then abun- dantly evident that those official honors which are generally sought as 1 For the sudden and violent death of a beloved son. the rewards of successful competition may come to be regarded as a burden rather than an honorable distinction. During our conversation he lamented that official duties obliged him at such a time to leave home, anil to mingle in scenes so foreign to the state of his mind. He regretted that the choice of the people had not fallen upon somo other candidate, and remarked that such scenes were better adapted to gratify those who were young and aspiring than the aged ami afflicted. It is known to you all that from that tour of duty he never returned. To an observer it must have been evident that to commune with his own heart, to mingle his sympathies with those of his family, and to prepare himself for his own great change would have been more congenial to his mind than the balls of legislation and the investigation of our political relations. In his ease, moreover, political employments had long ceased to be a novelty. He was emphatically a public man_ Twenty years of his life had been occupied in superintending the inter- ests of the town. Twice he was elected to the Senate, and perhaps no man among us has been more called upon to administer upon the es- tates of the deceased, and to act as the guardian of the orphan. The general character which he sustained through life was that of uni- formity, uprightness, and moderation. In the hottest strife of parties, although a public and a decided man, he never could be regarded as a partisan. He had been an actor, and in some respects a public character from the time of the Revolution, but through all the changes of the eventful times in which he lived, he continued to the last to stand forth before his fellow-citizens in the character of an honest, upright, and consistent man. "His last sickness commenced on the 23d of February. lie had the day before, in apparent health, attended the centennial celebration of the birth of Washington, and walked in procession with the other mem- bers of the Senate, but all beyond was his dying sickness. Early on the succeeding morning he was violently attacked with a fever, which ter- minated in death on the 4th of March. " I have felt it my duty, in view of bis public character, to enter into details which in other circumstances might have been inexpedient. In the relations of life, in his intercourse between man and man, in the maintenance of a character for uniformity, uprightness, and self-posses- sion, his works praise him, and he is with us for an example." There were many other worthy and useful citizens who deserve commemoration in this place, who, though dead, yet live in their works. But at this distance of time it is difficult to ascertain the pecu- liar traits of their character and the events of their lives. The retired but useful employments in which they were engaged, and the " even tenor of their lives" supply but few prominent incidents for the pen of the biographer. The sketches already given afford a respectable list of public men for a country town like this. A LIST OF THE GRADUATES AT BROWN UNIVERSITY FROM THIS TOWN. 1776. Preston Mann, A.M., son of Dr. Bezeliel Mann, physician ; settled in Newport, R. I. 1783. Othniel Tyler, A.M., son of John Tyler, lawyer, East Sudbury, Mass., now Wayland. 1787. John Milton Mann, son of Dr. Bezeliel Mann, physician ; settled in Hudson, N. Y., and was drowned in crossing the river of that name. 1787. Jonathan Maxcy, S.T.D., son of Levi Maxcy ; born Sept. 2, 1708 ; president of Providence College, Union, Schenectady, N. V., and Columbia College, S. C ; died at the latter place June 4, 1820, aged fifty-two. 1788. Jesse Blackinton, son of Peter Blackinton : resided in Ashtabula, county of Ashtabula, Ohio. 1788. William May, son of rOlishaMay; born Jan. 26, 1764; student of law ; died July 12, 1790, in the twenty-seventh year of his age. 1789. Paul Draper, A.M., son of Stephen Draper; born Sept. 19, 1767 ; entered on board an American man-of-war, and was never after heard of. 1790. Aaron Draper, son of Josiah Draper; born Nov. 29, 1764; never studied a learned profession ; settled in Providence, R. I., where he died. 552 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 1802. Gardner Daggett, A.M., son of Elijah Daggett; born Dec. 20, 1782 ; lawyer, Providence, R. I., where he died. 1802. Milton Maxcy, son of Levi Maxcy ; born Jan. 1, 1782; lawyer in Beaufort, S. C, where he died of the yellow fever in 1818. 1803. Jason Sprague, A.M., son of John Sprague; was for some time preceptor of the High School in Newport, R. I.; died in the United States army. 1804. Virgil Maxcy, son of Levi Maxcy; lawyer in Baltimore, Md.; late solicitor of the Treasury of the United States, Washington City. 1807. Lorenzo Bishop, son of Zephaniah Bishop; born Aug. 20, 1785; student of law ; died in Attleborough, May 26, 1809, aged twenty- three. 1809. Rev. Jacob Ide, A.M., son of Jacob Ide ; minister in Medway, Mass. 1809. Rev. William Tyler, A.M., son of Ebenezer Tyler; minister at Weymouth, and at South Hadley, Mass. 1811. Benjamin Cozzens, A.M., son of Benjamin Cozzens ; formerly lawyer at Pawtucket; resided at Providence, R. I. 1811. Hartford Sweet, A.M., son of Gideon Sweet; born Oct. 30, 1790; had not finished studying his profession ; died at the South in 18 — . 1817. Everett Bolkcom, son of Jacob Bolkcom ; born September, 1796 ; lawyer, Attleborough ; died Dec. 19, 1823, aged twenty-seven. 1821. Rev. James 0. Barney, son of Barney, of Providence, R. I.; minister at Seekonk Centre, Mass. 1821. Rev. Moses Thacher, A.M., son of Thacher; minister in North Wrentham, Mass. 1822. Rev. Preston Cummings, son of David Cummings; minister in Dighton, Mass. 1822. Rev. Henry H. F. Sweet, son of Henry Sweet ; born Nov. 1,1796; minister in Palmer, Mass. ; died Feb. 20, 1827, aged thirty. 1822. Rev. John Wilder. A.M., son of John Wilder; minister in Charl- ton, in Concord, Mass.; deceased. 1823. Rev. Benoni Allen, son of Allen ; preacher in Ohio. 1824. Ira Barrows, M.D., son of Barrows; physician, Pawtucket, Mass. 1825. Hermon Bourne, M.D., son of Andrew Bourne; physician, Boston, Mass. 1825. William S. Stanley, M.D., son of Thomas Stanley; physician in Mamaroneck, N. Y. ; removed to Philadelphia. 1825. Samuel T. Wilder, son of John Wilder; lawyer, Rochester, N. Y. ; deceased. 1826. Jason B. Blackinton, A.M., son of William Blackinton ; lawyer in Hulden, Mass., and in Ohio. 1826. John Daggett, A.M., son of Ebenezer Daggett; lawyer, Attle- borough. 1832. Rev. Solomon Carpenter Perry. 1837. John Shepard Ingraham. 1838. Rev. Ezekiel Gilman Robinson, D.D., LL.D., president of the uni- versity. 1844. Rev. Richards Cushmau. 1844. Isaac Diaper, M.D. 1847. James Fletcher Blackinton, teacher in Boston, Mass. 1849. Thomas Drew Robinson, lawyer. 1851. Rev. Brainard Wayland Barrows, D.D., trustee of the university. 1852. George Augustus Allen, teacher in Missouri. 1855. Charles Phelps, M.D., New York. 1857. William Albert White. 1858. Rev. Comfort Edwin Barrows. 1862. Rev. Josiah Nelson Cushing, D.D., a distinguished missionary in Burmah. 1861. Frank Herbert Carpenter. 1864. Henry Clarke Bowen. 1864. Seabury Warren Bowen, M.D. 1868. John Mayhew Daggett, lawyer. 1868. George Roswell Read, lawyer. 1870. Rev. Eugene Ellis Thomas. 1873. Alvin Grover Sauler, educated a lawyer ; not now in practice. 1876. David Emory Holman, M.D. 1876. Edward Otis Stanley. 1880. Richard Bartlett Esten. 1882. John Augustus Sanford. 1883. Ira Burrows. There are fifty-eight graduates from Brown Uni- versity alone, besides many at other colleges. Rev. J. N. Cushing, D.D., son of Alpheus Cushing, a native of this town and a graduate of Brown Uni- versity in 1802, was a member, and ordained here a foreign missionary to India, and continues in the ac- tive and successful duties of his mission. There have been graduates from this town at sev- eral of the other New England colleges. A full list of their names has not been obtained. Among them was John Barrows, who graduated 1766 at Harvard College ; was son of John Barrows. He married his wife in Cambridge, and settled as a schoolmaster in Dighton, Mass., where he died. At Yale College, in 1748, Naphtali Daggett, of whom a sketch has been already given. In 1762, Philip Daggett, brother of the last named ; was born Sept. 11, 1739; he settled and died in New Haven. Henry Daggett, who graduated at Yale College in 1771, son of Elder Elihu Daggett, was born April 9, 1741 ; settled at New Haven, where he was at first a merchant, subsequently police magistrate, alderman of the city, etc. He died Aug. 11, 1830. In 1783 graduated the Hon. David Daggett, LL.D., the present distinguished and learned chief justice of the Supreme Court of Connecticut. He was for- merly a senator of the United States, and has been for several years Professor of Law in Yale College, etc. In 1761 graduated Rev. Pelatiah Tingley, A.M., son of Timothy Tingley. He was a Baptist preacher, and was settled in Sanford, Me. About 1780 he be- came a seceder from the prevailing sect of Baptists, and was the first minister who united with Elder Benjamin Randall, the founder of the new sect, usually denominated Arminian or Free-Will Bap- tists, who rejected the leading doctrines of Cal- vinism. 1 Names of Several Former Physicians in Attle- borough. —Dr. Joseph Daggett, of Rehoboth ; Dr. Joseph Hewes, Dr. Abijah Everett, Dr. Bezeliel Mann, Dr. Richard Bowen, of Rehoboth ; Dr. Joseph Bacon, Dr. Comfort Fuller, son of Noah Fuller; Dr. Comfort Capron, surgeon in the Revo- lutionary war; Dr. Thomas Stanley, Dr. Phineas Savery. Miscellaneous, Topography, Statistics, etc.— This town was incorporated in 1694. It derived its name, without doubt, from the town of Attlebor- ough, in Norfolk County, England, whence probably some of our early inhabitants emigrated to America, and settled first at Hingham or Weymouth, thence removed to Rehoboth, and afterwards became pur- chasers and settlers of this town, and, in remem- brance of their native place, selected this name. This origin of the name is confirmed by the circum- stance that in the English town there is a river called Bungay, of about the same size as the one of the same name in this town. 1 See Benedict's Hist. Baptists, vol. ii. 410, where he is erroneously said to be a graduate of Rhode Island College. ATTLEBOROUGH. 553 At the time of the incorporation it contained up- wards of thirty families, which, if we assumed only six as the number in each family (which is probably too low for that period), would make 180 inhabitants. In 1790 the town contained 2166 inhabitants; in 1800, 2480 ; in 1810, 2716 ; in 1820, 3055; and at the last census, in 1830, 3215, exclusive of twelve fami- lies, containing about fifty persons, which, since 1820, have been set off to Wrentham by the establishment of a new boundary between the towns, or rather by restoring it to the ancient line. It has already ap- peared that there was for many years a dispute be- tween Massachusetts and Plymouth respecting the dividing line of the two colonies. It was a straight line from Bound Rock, in the middle of Accord Pond, on the line between the towns of Scituate and Cohasset, to a point on the Rhode Island bound- ary, " three English miles south of the southernmost part of Charles River." The commissioners in run- ning the line on one occasion found their course quite a distance south of the true line ; therefore, they marked a great white-oak-tree, called "the Angle Tree," and there changed the course farther north, and thus ran to the intended point. This was not a straight line, and it cut off a large quantity of land from the Old Colony. It is now of no practical con- sequence, but only a matter of historical curiosity. At this station a stone monument has since been erec- ted by authority of the Legislature, under the direc- tions of Attleborough and Wrentham, with the follow- ing inscription : On the north is written " Massachu- setts Colony ;" on the south, " Plymouth Colony." "This Monument by order of Government to per- petuate the place on which the late Station or Angle Tree formerly stood. Lemuel Rossick, Esq., was ap- pointed agent to cause this monument to be erected. By order of the General Court. " The selectmen of the towns of Wrentham and Attleborough were present, viz., Elisha May, Eben- ezer Tyler, and Caleb Richardson, Esqs., of Attle- borough ; and Samuel Fisher, John Whiting, Nathan Hawes, Nathan Comstock, and Nathaniel Ware, of Wrentham. From this stone the line is east twenty degrees and a half north to Accord Pond. " Done at Wrentham, Nov. 29, 1790, by Samuel Fisher & Son." The stone is fourteen feet in height and two feet in width, and of great weight. The whole area of the town, according to a survey ordered by the Legislature, is twenty-nine thousand acres; by valuation, twenty-six thousand. When Attleborough included Cumberland it must have contained sixty thousand acres. Number acres of woodland, 2158 ; fresh meadow, 1767; tillage lands, including orchards, 1205; pas- ture lands, 4703; unimproved and unimprovable 1 land, 12,740; covered with water, 360 acres. 1 This is a large estimate, doubtless more than truth will warrant. There is strictly but little land in this town which is absolutely unim- Rivers. — They are worthy of notice not so much for their size as for the valuable water privileges which they afford, and which are now occupied for manufacturing purposes. There are several streams of water in this town, the principal of which is the Ten-Mile River. It rises in the southerly part of Wrentham, on the farm of Mr. John Fuller, and running in a southerly course through this town and through Seekonk, empties into Seekonk Cove, an arm of the Narragansett. Its length in this town is thir- teen miles ; its whole length is about twenty-five miles. Its average width is two rods and a half. This stream is exceedingly important to the inter- ests of the town, for on this are our principal manu- facturing establishments. There is another stream of considerable size called the Seven-Mile River, which crosses the road near Newell's Tavern, and bearing a southerly direction unites with the Ten-Mile River a little above Kent's factory, near the line of Pawtucket. Its length is about ten miles. Another small stream, called Abbott's Run, 2 rises in the northeasterly part of Cumberland, and cross- ing the line several times between that town and this, falls into the Blackstone River just below the Valley Falls. The third or fourth in size is Bungay (or sometimes Bungee) River, which has its source in the northerly part of the town, near Mansfield line, a little below the Witch Pond, and after a journey of about five miles over an unusually level bed, falls into the Ten- Mile River nearly in the centre of the town, between the Farmers' and Mechanics' factories. Originating in a number of springs, it is an unfailing stream at all seasons of the year. This pond (as it is called) is an extensive quagmire, including about fifteen acres, only a small part of which is covered with water. It is rather singular in its appearance, and may be justly considered a curiosity. A hard bottom has never been discovered in any part of it. In some places it will at first bear the weight of a man, but if he stands for a time he will gradually sink till he is un- able to extricate himself. The topography of the town contains nothing pe- culiar, and it is therefore needless to. enlarge upon it, as is often done in the sketches of our towns. Suffice it to say that, in this respect, it is similar to most towns in this vicinity — that its surface presents the usual diversity of hills and vales, that its soil embraces much land that is poor and considerable that is good, and that its natural and agricultural products are the same as those of neighboring towns. provable for purposes of agriculture, for tillage or grazing. There is, however, a large quantity which is not actually under constant cultiva- tion ; but there is only asmall proportion of this which is not occasion- ally cultivated. 2 Said to have derived its name from one Abbott, a boy who was drowned there in the early settlement of the place. It is supposed by some that the Indian name of this stream was Wawepoonaeag, but this is doubtful conjecture. 554 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. In the winter and spring of 1816 this town was vis- ited by a strange and the most fatal sickness ever known in these parts. It extended to several other towns adjoining, but did not prove so fatal as here. It swept off in the short space of ninety days about one hundred inhabitants, a large proportion of them heads of families, and many of them the most useful and respectable citizens of the town. It was com- monly called the cold plague. It generally terminated in a few days. Very few who were attacked with it recovered. No disease of the same kind has ever been known here either before or since that period. No bills of mortality have been regularly kept till recently, and the average age of the inhabitants in any given period cannot be ascertained. There have been several instances of very long lives. Deacon Elkanah Wilmarth died at the age of ninety-nine years and seven months. Mary Freeman, relict of John Freeman, died March 4, 1762, aged about one hundred years. Widow Sarah Claflin, relict of Antipas Claflin, died in September, 1777, supposed to be one hundred years and six months old. Capt. Samuel Robinson lived to approach very near the age of one hundred. Zeph- aniah Robinson also reached a very advanced age. John Shepard (who was a native of Foxborough, where he lived till a few years before his death) died in this town on April 5, 1809, at the extreme age of one hundred and five years and twenty-nine days. He retained all his faculties of mind and body, ex- cept his eyesight, to the last, and was just able to walk, with a little assistance, till a few days before his death. 1 He lived over a hundred years on his native spot. He was a man of pious character, cheer- ful in disposition, jocose, witty, and of a quick under- standing. He was deprived of his eyesight on a sudden during the night, and was not himself aware of it until the next morning, when he sought in vain for the light of day. He could distinctly recollect events which had occurred a century before. He had one son and several daughters. Two of his daughters lived to upwards of eighty years, and an- other, Mrs. Mary Mann, wife of Jason Mann, of Wren- tham, who died in -1828, lived to the age of ninety- seven years. She retained all her faculties and usual cheerfulness and vivacity till the last fifteen years of her life. She abstained almost wholly from animal food, and never was in the habit of drinking tea or coffee, and wondered how people could relish either. Her most common food was milk. She adhered to the same fashion in dress during life. The original title to the North Purchase, as already stated, was derived from Alexander, the son of Mas- sasoit, and the elder brother of the celebrated Philip, sachem of Pockanoket. His original name was Moo- 1 It is of him that the well-known anecdote is told, that lie lived in two counties (Suffolk and Norfolk) and four different towns (Dorchester, Stoughton, Wrentham, Foxborough), and yet never moved during that time from the spot where he was born. anam, afterwards Wamsutta or Wamsitta, and finally Alexander Pockanoket, which last name was be- stowed upon him, and that of Philip upon his brother, by the Plymouth Court on occasion of the death of their father, Massasoit. It appears to have been a custom with the aborigines in this part of the coun- try, at least with their chiefs, to assume new names on the decease of any one of the family to which they belonged. This custom may perhaps be traced to some Eastern origin, as many of the Indian cere- monies have already been by historians. On a visit which these two sons made to Plymouth, June 10, 1660, during a session of the court which commenced June 6th, their English names, by which they were generally known to us, were bestowed upon them. A record of this ceremony is preserved on the Old Colony Book, which is here copied. This record clearly proves that Massasoit (concerning the time of whose death there has been much controversy) died a short time previous to June 10, 1660 : " June 10, 1660. At the earnest request of Wam- sitta, desiring that, in regard his father is lately de- ceased, and he being desirous, according to the custom of the natives, to change his name, that the court would confer an English name upon him, which accordingly they did, and therefore ordered that for the future he shall be called by the name of Alexander Pockano- ket; and desiring the same in behalf of his brother, they have named him Phillip." This is the origin of his modern name ; with the honor of being called after the great warriors of an- tiquity the two were greatly pleased. The colonists, during this friendly intercourse with the two sons of the faithful Massasoit, could not have anticipated that, in the course of a few years, the younger brother, upon whom they were then confer- ring the name of an ancient conqueror, and who pos- sessed all the natural talent and ambition of his great namesake, though not his power or good fortune, would soon become their most dangerous enemy and the terror of all New England. It appears that among some tribes of the natives the custom prevailed of changing their habitations as well as their names on the decease of a member of the family. I have learned from a reliable source the following instance : On a part of the farm of the late Ebenezer Daggett, previous to its occupation by the whites and for some years after, resided several families by the name of Read, who were said to be of a mixed race, Indian and negro, and who were al- ways observed to change the location of their huts on the death of any one of their number. This oc- curred several times within the observation of the early settlers. This custom they probably derived from their Indian descent. The survivors who lived till after the " East Bay road" was laid out, which passed near their dwell- ings, requested that, when they died, they might be ATTLEBOROUGH. 555 buried near that road, with their heads towards it, "so that they could hear the newes when the great post- stage passed." Their request was complied with, and they were buried a few rods from the route where the old road passed, with their heads iu that direction. The place where they were buried is still pointed out in a small valley, on elevated ground. The hillocks over their graves (four in number) were distinctly visible within the remembrance of the author. The postman's horn has never disturbed their slumbers, and the " newes" of the great post-stage, for which they longed, has never reached their ears. The plowshare of the husbandman has long since leveled the mounds that covered their graves. The postman's stage has long ago disappeared, and his horn has ceased its echoes over these hills and val- leys. The sleepers still wait for the coming of the " newes" from the changed scenes around them. The circumstance of the bestowment of these names upon these brothers is mentioned by ancient historians, but not the occasion of it, and without fixing any precise date. They have usually assigned a date several years earlier as the period of Massa- soit's death ; but modern biographers and historians have generally supposed it several years later than the true period. 1 In many of the ancient towns in the colonies there were occasionally found original and eccentric char- acters, who preferred the wilderness to the more cul- tivated parts of the country. Among the early in- habitants in this town was one Joseph Chaplin, who became a proprietor and a large landholder. He was of respectable descent. He came here from Rowley, Mass., and was a descendant from Rev. Hugh Chap- lin, who came over in 1638, and lived and died in that town. He was a man of peculiar tastes and habits, and eccentric in his conduct. He laid out a large quan- tity of land (in the whole about seven hundred acres), including the most of that large tract of land called the "Half- "Way Swamp," and his other lands were located on the " East Bay road" and vicinity. His mania seemed to be the acquisition of land, but he could cultivate only a small portion of his extensive possessions, and could derive no profits from the rest. He lived alone a hermit's life, abjuring all society, especially that of the female sex. The cause of this seclusion is not positively known, but tradition says it was the faithlessness of a young lady to whom he was attached in early life. Chaplin was not morose, but naturally benevolent and kind. He planted sev- 1 B. B. Thatcher, in his " Indian Biography," lately published, main- tains that Massasoit'e death must have occurred several years subse- quent tolC61. His words are, "Their father not being mentioned as having attended them at the observance of the ceremony (the confirma- tion of a treaty, etc.) has probably occasioned the suggestion of his death. It would be a sufficient explanation of his absence, however, that he was now an old man, ami that the distance of Sowams from Plymouth was more than forty miles. - ' (Vol. i. chap. vii. p. 141.) eral orchards, and raised a variety of fruits. He would permit the neighboring women to come and partake the abundant fruits of his orchards, but was always careful to retire out of sight on the occasion, and so remained till they were gone. He kept a large stock of cattle, built his own house, cooked his own food, and made his own clothes. His only companions were a number of large cats, who lived luxuriously on his abundant stores. His name is found on several committees relating to the public lands, of which he was a shareholder. He died about 1750 at an ad- vanced age. His property was divided among his heirs-at-law, two nephews and a niece. They sold his estate here, and none of them remained in town. In the most ancient burying-ground, laid out by Woodcock, and where the first interment was made the last of April, 1676, is the celebrated epitaph on Caesar. He was given by his mother, while he was an infant, to Lieut. Josiah Maxcy. When the latter died, Cresar came into the hands of Levi Maxcy. Being a waiter in the public-house so long kept on the site of the " Old Garrison," and which in those days was the resort of many travelers on that route, he was " known to all the region round." He was a member of the Baptist Church at North Attleborough. Tradition has preserved numerous anecdotes of him. He proved through a long life a remarkably honest and faithful servant in the family where he lived. He survived his first master, and after his own death, Jan. 15, 1780, was buried in the same yard. A decent stone was raised over his grave by his younger master, Levi Maxcy, in whose care he was left, with the fol- lowing inscription, which, in its graphic lines, will long preserve the memory of "Caesar, the faithful Ethiopian" : " Here lies the best of slaves, Now turning into dust; Cassar, the Ethiopian, craves A place among the just. His faithful soul has fled To realms of heavenly light, And by the blood that Jesus shed Is changed from Black to White. January 15 he quitted the stage, In the 77th year of his age. " 1780." Many of the people of this town have emigrated to other parts of the country. Nearly a hundred years ago a company of young men from our town, called the " Nine Partners," went into the wilderness of Pennsylvania, and purchased a tract of land in Sus- quehanna County; a number of families from this place soon followed, and thus they founded the town- ship of Harford, and the enterprise and the honorable career of their descendants have done no discredit to the town of their nativity. Various families at different periods removed to Vermont, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Western New York, and some ninety years ago many emigrated to 556 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. different towns in Maine, and laid the foundation for some of them. The first inhabitants of the town were a substantial and respectable class of persons. They were, like most of the settlers of the other towns in the Old Col- ony, emigrants from England, seldom any of them from Scotland and Wales. They were the right men and women to subdue and cultivate a new country, and plant the civilization of their native land in this wilderness ; to introduce here the institutions, polit- ical and religious, in which they had been educated at home. Many of the first planters had been pre- viously living in old Rehoboth. It would be inter- esting to dwell longer and more in detail on the ancient history of the town, to which I have devoted the most labor, and which is the most valuable to the present generation, and the most liable to perish unless rescued now, but that task must be left to another occasion, and avoid extending this article beyond the limits I had assigned myself. At the time our forefathers took possession of the North Purchase it was almost destitute of population, there being only a small plantation of Indians at Sinuichitaconet, near the north line of Attleborough Gore, now Cumberland. The first white population were mostly engaged in agriculture, with only the mechanic arts necessary among such a people. There being so much vacant territory within reach of all emigrants, the population of the town at first increased slowly, but since manufactures were introduced and their kindred arts, with the inventive genius of many of its citizens, it has increased rapidly with its valu- ation and amount of business. But few towns have a more interesting early history, or a more honorable list of useful, learned, and distinguished public men, biographical sketches of some of whom have been already given in this history. CHAPTER XLV. ATTLEBOROUGH.i— (Continued.) Schools — Industries — Societies, etc. Public Schools. — Among the early votes of the towns in Plymouth Colony we always find the record, "The meeting-house shall stand in the midst of the town." So it was in Rehoboth, whose inhabitants two hundred years ago were the lawful owners of Attleborough and Cumberland, and whose votes fur- nished all the schooling that the children enjoyed down to the incorporation of the town. Our ances- tors were determined to lay the foundations of a re- ligious commonwealth, and as often as they were with- out a pastor, so often they " voted and agreed to seek 1 By B. Porter, Jr. an able man for the work of the ministry, such an one as may be satisfactory to the generality." But our forefathers were no less earnest to found an intelligent commonwealth. Whenever lots were drawn for a division of land among the proprietors, the schoolmaster, as well as the pastor or teacher, had allotments assigned to him. Hardly did they fix upon the territory for their habitations ere they began to plant a college for the education of their sons. Rehoboth was not behind other towns in this respect, for we find one of her townsmen was instructed to write to the young gentleman at Dorchester " to sig- nify to him that it is the town's desire that he would be pleased to come up and teach a school." Not long after the townsmen acquainted the town that they had agreed with Mr. Edward Howard to teach school " at twenty pounds a year and his diet, besides what the court doth allow in that case." In the spring of 1699, Thomas Robinson kept a reading and writing school, it is inferred, for boys only, since in December following the selectmen agreed with Robert Dickson to keep school for six months, " he engaging to do his utmost endeavor to teach both sexes of boys and girls to read English and write and cast accounts. In con- sideration of such service the said selectmen, in the town's behalf, do engage to pay him thirteen pounds, one-half in silver money, and the other half in good merchantable board at the current and merchantable price." Ten years afterwards the course of study was en- larged, since we find the record that " the schoolmas- ter agreed to instruct in reading, writing, grammar, and arithmetic." All these votes were in accordance with the law of 1647, providing for the taxing of the people of the towns for the support of free public schools, to which every child might have access, — the first legislative act in the world affording free public instruction, through a general taxation of all the people, to the children of all the people. In 1744 it was made imperative on towns contain- ing one hundred families or more to support a teacher who, in addition to all the English branches, had a competent knowledge of the Greek and Latin lan- guages. This was the origin of the famous grammar school. Rehoboth complied with the law, and voted thirty pounds " for the upholding of a grammar school in town." Thus far the history of our public schools is inti- mately connected with the ancient town once em- bracing Attleborough in its limits. The first record in relation to schools after the incorporation of the town is March 20, 1716, as follows : " It was voted and agreed upon that Deacon Daggett should be school- master." In the same year it is also recorded, " At a town-meeting Lawfully warned the 17th of December, 1716, for to Consider and Resolve what they will do with Respect to the Hireing of A School-master and see whether they accept of Mr. Josiah Jacques as school-master on any of those terms Mr. Freeman ATTLEBOROUGH. 557 has agreed for him the said Jacques, it was voted to hire Mr. Jacques of Mr. Freeman for one year for a School-master, and to pay Mr. Freeman twenty pounds, in current money of this province, or propor- tionally for less time, if he should not stay so long.'' As the Mr. Freeman here referred to was David Free- man, who lived near the graveyard at South Attle- horough, it is evident that the school was kept in that section of the town. At this time, and for nearly one hundred years afterwards, the schools of Attleborough were kept, not in school-houses, but in the dwellings of the inhabitants. During the year 1717, Thomas Cathcart, of Mar- tha's Vineyard, served the town as schoolmaster for thirty pounds, for which he gave his receipt, closing with the emphatic words of the time, " I say received by me, Thomas Cathcart." At this time the popula- tion of Attleborough, including the Gore, as Cum- berland, R. I., was then termed, did not exceed five hundred, and only one school was kept. The records always speak of it as the school, and the teacher is invariably called the school-master. Dec. 5, 1818, it is recorded, " The meeting then held to consider what may be done respecting the school, to see where the town will place it ; whether by a committee that may then and there be chosen to manage that affair, or any other way that may be thought proper. The Town voted and agreed that ye school should be kept seven months in one quarter of ye Town at a time, and that Quarter shall have power to place the school as they shall think most proper and convenient." The town likewise chose a com- mittee of five men to divide the town into four quar- ters, — H. Peck, Ensigns Whipple and Read, John Lovell, and Samuel Day. This committee had power to order which quarter should begin, and which quarter next should have the school, till all have had their proportion, viz., seven months. There is no record that this committee ever re- ported, and it is probable that no considerable change was made in the method of public instruc- tion until the year 1737, when the town was divided into four districts, Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, and Southeast. It appears from the records of the orders on the treasurer that George Allen was the schoolmaster during the years 1724, '26, '28, and '32„ his compensation varying from thirty to fifty pounds. Besides, it is inferred that he was entitled to convey- ance to the scene of his labors, inasmuch as Mr. Eb- enezer Tiler was paid several times for "horse hire going to fetch ye schoolmaster." He had likewise "his diet," for the warrants for town-meetings in those days frequently called upon the town " to see if they will do anything towards boarding the school- master." What branches of study the youth pursued does not appear, but probably reading, writing, and casting accounts. Some years, notably in 1735-36, no school was kept, the record being, " In ye first place, it was put to vote to see whether the town will hire a schoolmaster, and the vote passed in the neg- ative." The teachers at this time, as far as known, were John Gratrax, Benjamin Ide, and John Rob- bins, Jr. The latter was evidently a prominent man in his generation, as he held the office of town clerk and selectman several years. The next advance in education in Attleboroug-h was in the spring of 1745. This was the year follow- ing the act of the Legislature authorizing the division of towns into school districts, and making it obliga- tory upon towns to provide a teacher for all English branches when the number of families equaled fifty, and adding Latin and Greek when the number of families reached one hundred. The record says, "At a town-meeting lawfully warned and held ye 14th day of January, 1745, voted to choose a committee to divide the town into five parts and the Gore to be one part. Voted also that the school be kept in two places, six months each in each part, during the next two years and six months." This committee made the di- vision and named the houses where the school should be kept. This was the first step towards the district system, though its inception was still in the future. By this plan the school " ambulated" from quarter to quarter, and when one quarter had had its six months' schooling, three months in each of the two places, it waited two years and six months before its turn came again to drink at the fount of knowledge. Besides this districting the town, another action occurred at the same time indicating that the cause of education received a new impetus from some source. The record says the warrant contained the following article : "To see if the town will vote any money to be expended in keeping women schools." That so important an innovation might have due consideration, the article was laid over to an ad- journed meeting, when it was " voted to raise thirty pounds old tenor money to encourage ye keeping of women schools." During several years the records contain but little in regard to the subject of schools. Some years ap- propriations for their support were not apparently made. The usual item for " diet" disappears. In 1771 the east part of the town was granted, for some unexplained reason, one week's additional schooling. But what women schools were taught, and with what success, we are left in the dark. With increasing population and enlarged areas of occupied territory, increased facilities for educational advantages were required. In November, 1771, the town voted to choose a committee "to divide the town into twelve parts, and appointed the places where the school shall be kept." This committee attended to the duty assigned them, and after careful consideration of the territory and the wants of the people they decided to divide the town into thirteen parts. They performed the work, and submitted a 558 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. report to that effect Oct. 14, 1771. In accordance with the committee's recommendation, the voters, then assembled, rescinded the vote to divide the town into twelve parts, and then agreed and voted to divide into thirteen parts, naming the houses wherein the schools should be kept. The schoolmasters of the time were men not un- known to fame. Prominent among them was Elisha May, who often held public office, both civic and military, during the Revolution, and was the friend of Washington. His name appears as schoolmaster as early as 1768. The term dollars appears in the town records for the first time in connection with the payment of his salary, but at the same time the amount received is stated in pounds, shillings, and pence. In 1769, Ephraim Starkweather kept the grammar school one year. He was a native of Rehoboth, where he did duty on the Committee of Correspond- ence in the early days of the Revolution. He served two years — 1775 and 1778 — as representative to the General Court, and was three years senator from that town. In 1776 the record is, " Voted to divide the school money, that each one may have his equal part. Voted that no person shall send out of his own quarter. Voted that any quarter that neglects to improve his money within the year shall lose it. Voted that each quarter shall draw one-thirteenth of the money raised for schooling." But what sum of money was raised for that purpose does not clearly appear. For ten years the division of the town into thirteen parts was accepted with but little dissent, then agitation commenced. The old thirteen districts lost prestige with the close of the Revolution, and in 1787 the town " voted to make twenty quarters." Be- fore this action was put into practice, and at the next town-meeting, it was " voted and agreed to let the quarters stand as they be, and the money shall be di- vided among the quarters according to the number of children in said town from four to sixteen years old." This is the first time that school money was appor- tioned according to the number of pupils in a dis- trict, —a method of division which obtained with some interruptions and various modifications until the abolition of the district system. The question of increasing the number of quarters, as they were persistently called, did not rest, and in 1789 the town was divided into twenty quarters. This arrangement continued until 1808, when the town chose a committee and "districted," according to a late law of the commonwealth, into eighteen districts. The " metes and bounds" are accurately entered in the records in the words and over the signatures of the committee. The records give no clue to the time when school- houses were erected, or of the erection of any pre- vious to 1804. The town then voted authority to the quarters to raise money to build houses, to select " a spot where to build," and " to act upon any other matter that may be deemed beneficial to said districts and not contrary to law." This authority seems to have been first employed by the Old Town district. The district at the falls soon after took steps to erect a house by a warrant over the signatures of the selectmen, and after 1808 most of the quarters received at different times simi- lar dispensations at the hands of the town fathers. The town annually elected prudential committees for the districts, who received and disbursed the school money, and previously to 1827 contracted uncondi- tionally with teachers. At this time committees were chosen by the town, sometimes one person from each district and at other times two persons, '" to view and inspect the schools." But their actions and reports have not been handed down to this generation. In 1804, for the first time, a committee was chosen to select and recommend a uniform list of text-books for all the schools. ' This committee consisted of Rev. John Wilder, Rev. Nathan Holman, Rev. James Read, Ebenezer Bacon, John Richardson, Jr., Dr. William Blanding, Joel Read, Elijah Ingraham, and Peter Thacher. This supervisory committee was re- elected, with some resignations and changes, two or three times. The appropriations for "tuition and schooling" after the Revolution for forty years were made per capita, the children from four to sixteen years of age being numbered usually the 1st of November. The sum voted and allowed increased from fifty-eight cents to each child in 1798 to seventy-five cents in 1801, and one dollar in 1807, at which sum it continued until 1820. The several districts received an amount of money determined by the number of scholars in the district, except in 1815, when one-half was divided equally among the eighteen districts and the other half distributed by the scholars. But how much money was raised or the number of weeks' schooling it furnished is not made evident by the town records. Since 1827 the history of the public schools is writ- ten in the reports of the several superintending com- mittees the town has annually elected. The details would fill several pages. The gradual increase of the appropriations for educational purposes from one dollar per scholar to eight dollars, the erection of school-houses, the interest or lack of interest in the cause, the increase of the number of scholars from six hundred to more than two thousand, are facts known to every citizen. The pertinacious adherence to the district system established in 1789, and contin- ued modified and perfected during seventy years, until, outliving its usefulness, it was abolished by the State at the commencement of the year 1883, and the early withdrawal of pupils from the grammar and even the intermediate schools, to the manifest injury of the child, are equally well known. The establishment of two high schools, one at At- tleborough and one at North Attleborough, in May, ATTLE BOROUGH. 559 1867, was the most marked advance in this period of the town's school history. These schools furnish all who wish and are qualified to enjoy their advantages thorough instruction in the higher branches of learn- ing, according to the laws of the commonwealth. During the fifteen years of their existence they have continued the even tenor of their way, not always with full ranks, but with steady beneficial influence. The East School has had during this time four prin- cipals —Calvin G.Hill, William Wilkins,A.F. Wood, and J. Osmond Tiffany, and is now in a prosperous condition. Its average membership has been about forty-five. The assistant teachers have been Mrs. C. G. Hill, Misses Tonks, Kelton, Sheffield, Hawes, and Helen W. Metcalf, the present efficient teacher. The North High School has had two principals, — Burrill Porter, Jr., from May, 1867, to July, 1879; and Henry M. Maxson, from 1879 to the present time. There have been six assistants, — Miss Lucy L. Holden, Mrs. Sarah Austin, Mary'I. Hinkley (now Mrs. E. A. Hall), Elizabeth K. Goss (now Mrs. Albert Dodge, of Minneapolis, Minn.), and Miss Agnes Peirce. Its average membership has been fifty pupils, and its graduates, numbering about one hundred and fifty, are among the best scholars in town. The appropriations for the support of schools have increased from eight thousand dollars in 1867 to twenty-four thousand in 1883. The State has abol- ished the school districts. The town erected two new high school buildings in 1881 and 1882 at a cost of thirty-one thousand dollars. The town has taken possession of the property of the former districts, which, exclusive of high school buildings, is valued at one hundred thousand dollars. A superintendent of public instruction has been chosen, and the schools are in a fair way to enter upon a new career of pros- perity. The present superintending committee are Samuel P. Lathrop, chairman; Charles E. Bliss, secretary; Henry Bice, George A. Adams, Rev. John White- hill, and Rev. George E. Osgood; Superintendent, Francis E. Burnett. In closing this monograph of the public schools of Attleborough, I would not forget to record that some of the old school districts have funds whose income is applied to prolonging and otherwise benefiting the schools. The school recently known as District No. 8 receives annually the interest of seven hundred dol- lars, devised nearly fifty years ago by a Mr. Richards. He was born in Marseilles, France, came to this coun- try, and settled in South Attleborough, where he kept a store for nearly a century. He was never married, and this property was given to the district, provided it should not be called for within six years by a nephew, supposed to be living in France. In senti- ment he was a deist. His will, dictated by himself, disavows a belief in the divinity of Christ and the Christian religion. He declared also a disbelief in Mahomet, and asserted a reliance in the only living and true God, to whom he commended his spirit. He was warmly attached to republican democracy, and of choleric temperament, and quite eccentric. The school in the Holmes neighborhood has the income of twelve hundred dollars. In 1843, Mr. Abiather Richardson died, conferring a legacy of eleven thousand dollars upon the ten dis- tricts in the East parish. His will requires real estate security for the invested fund, and provides for a trien- nial election of twelve trustees, in whom the manage- ment of the fund and the distribution of its income are vested. By careful management the legacy has been considerably increased, and its income materially pro- longs the schools. His gravestone bears the inscrip- tion, " His legacy to common schools is his best epi- taph and most enduring monument." Thus the record shows that true progress has been made along the years whose flight has brought us hither, and it may still continue to be made provided we observe the Baconian apothegm and " make haste slowly." "Pa/mam qui meruit ferat." Industries — The means and energies of the first settlers were devoted to clearing up their farms. In the wilderness which then covered the territory of Attleborough, our fathers had neither time nor need in their simple living to turn themselves to manufac- tures. Only the arts necessary to living and farming got a footing in town until near the close of the last century. At that time new industries commenced which have had an important influence upon the character and prosperity of the town. While the war of the Revolution was still in prog- ress, and its results not foreseen except in the faith of the patriots who carried it ou, the manufacture of jewelry was begun by a simple Frenchman in the year 1780. This pioneer in the business was known as " the foreigner," — perhaps he was the only alien in town at that early period, — and his name cannot now be ascertained. From this humble origin the manufacture of jew- elry has received yearly more and more attention, until now, in 1883, Attleborough is one of the chief places where this industry flourishes. Although a hundred years have passed since the commencement of making jewelry, yet as its most rapid strides have been made during the last twenty- five years, or more accurately during the last decade, antiquity, never at peace with growth, has not yet incrusted anything connected with it. Its success has been reached not by the aid of united capital under the corporate system, but by the organizing ability and most intelligent personal direction of in- dividual enterprise. The industry has grown by a process of evolution from the handicraft of the shop until it has become a rare combination of mechanism and manual skill and dexterity. Human ingenuity is taxed to its utmost to devise new lines of novelties 560 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. and new styles of staple goods, and the most cun- ningly-devised machinery is employed in their pro- duction. Hence the well-paid masters of this art have always displayed a marked intellectual activity, which exerts a beneficial influence upon the history of the town, a result which always accompanies well- remunerated labor and the better conditions of life. Progress has not always been made with equal step, but it has always brought large returns. Intelligent judges have estimated the value of the product during the year 1882 at nearly ten millions of dollars. Cer- tain it is that during the' past five years this industry has made an unusual stride. During this time the number of firms engaged in the manufacture of jew- elry in some of its numerous branches has doubled, and the value of the products has increased in still greater ratio. The goods produced find a ready market all over the country and across the Atlantic. Whatever the varying demands of the market may be, whether for solid gold work or for that class in which " all is gold that you see," they are here speedily met. H. F. Barrows & Co. is one of the oldest firm- names now engaged in the jewelry business in Attle- borough. Mr. H. F. Barrows, the senior member of the firm, began business in 1853 in the old shop south of the braid-mill, Attleborough Falls. The next year he associated with him James H. Sturdy, under the style of Barrows & Sturdy. They moved to the Rich- ards manufactory, North Attleborough, in 1856, and in 1857, Mr. Sturdy withdrew, and L. A. Barrows and E. S. Richards associated themselves with H. F. Bar- rows, under the name of H. F. Barrows & Co. The members now are H. F. Barrows and H. F. Barrows, Jr. For the last twenty-one years they have occupied their present factory on Broad Street. He was one of the first manufacturers of rolled-plate jewelry in this section of the town, and continues to make the finest goods of this class, of all varieties and patterns, which the market demands. They employ an average of one hundred and fifty hands, with a yearly pay- roll of seventy-five thousand dollars. New York office, 177 Broadway. F. G. Whitney & Co. began business in 1849, when F. G. Whitney and E. W. Davenport formed a partnership to manufacture jewelry in the building which now stands on East Street. In 1852 they built and used for a shop the building now occupied by John Stanley & Son for a carriage-shop. Mr. Whit- ney, after several changes in the firm, moved, July, 1856, to E. I. Richards & Co.'s factory, where he did a successful business, often employing from one to two hundred operatives. In 1876 he built the brick fac- tory on Chestnut Street, one hundred and fifty feet in length by thirty-five feet in width, and three stories in height, recently destroyed by fire, but now rebuilding. The old firm manufactured fancy brass-work, novel- ties, specialties, and fancy goods, which the market in its varying needs calls for. The same business is now conducted by his sons, George B. Whitney and Edwin F. Whitney, under the firm-name of F. G. Whitney & Co. They are manufacturing successfully a large line of goods for the domestic and foreign markets. The firm of Ira Richards & Co. will long be memorable in the history of the jewelry industry in Attleborough. In 1833, H. M. and E. Ira Richards formed a copartnership. In 1834, Ira Richards, then a member of the firm of Draper, Tiff't & Co., with- drew from that firm and entered into partnership with his son and cousin as Ira Richards & Co. The new firm began well. It invested two thousand dol- lars, ran twenty weeks, and cleared twenty thousand dollars. Then, Dec. 14, 1836, H. M. Richards with- drew, and George Morse and Virgil Draper were re- ceived as partners. In 1841 both of the last-named gentlemen in their turn withdrew, and Abiel Cod- ding, Jr., the skillful foreman of the factory, was admitted to one-third interest in the business. Ira Richards died in 1845, and Josiah D. Richards re- ceived a one-third interest in his father's place. E. Ira Richards, Abial Codding, Jr., and Josiah D. Rich- ards, with equal interests, under the firm-name of Ira Richards & Co., carried on business together with remarkable success for thirty years, until the firm ac- quired a national reputation. The number of their employes averaged for many years from two hundred to two hundred and twenty-five. The variety, quan- tity, and excellence of their goods has never been surpassed by any firm in town. F. B. Richards & Co. manufacture jewelry in the new factory building of E. Ira Richards, occupying the entire second floor. They make the first quality of rolled-gold plated goods, in bracelets, bangles, sets, and novelties, to meet the comprehensive demands of the trade. They employ one hundred and forty hands, with a yearly pay-roll of sixty-five thousand dollars. The firm-name in New York is E. Ira Richards & Co. They are the successors of the well-known firm of Ira Richards & Co., the members of the firm being E. Ira Richards, F. B. Richards, and E. Ira Richards, Jr. The firm of Stephen Richardson & Co. dates back to the year 1837, when Stephen Richardson and Abial Codding manufactured jewelry on the south side of Elm Street, near the Ten-Mile River. Here they employed ten hands. In 1840 went into the factory of Calvin Richards, near the present residence of Abial Codding. Here the number of workmen was doubled. Moved thence to the factory of Draper, Lifft & Co., near Barden's store. At this time David Capron, who had been in company with Mr. Rich- ardson, retired, and Samuel R. Miller was admitted as Richardson & Miller. At this time the goods were sold at Western hotels until Miller opened an office in Maiden Lane, New York, but in 1856 he withdrew from the firm. Stephen Richardson continued alone until 1859, when his son, Clarence H. Richardson, be- came his partner, and the office was removed to 177 Broadway, New York, where it remained twenty f I r-fe^ ATTLEBOROUGH. 561 years. The firm was now styled Sephen Richardson & Co. Their factory was owned by Stephen Richard- son, on East Street. The building was burned in August, 1870, and immediately rebuilt. Stephen Richardson died in 1877, and his son continues the business. During the last twenty years they have manufactured a large variety of goods, chains, and novelties, — gold, silver, copper, or brass, — anything the market calls for. They are the only firm that ever shipped goods to Japan, and were the first to open an export trade in jewelry with Europe. F. S. Draper was in company with Draper, Tifft & Co. six years before the war of the Rebellion, the other members of the firm being his father, Josiah Draper, John Lifft, and George Horr. George Horr died, and Joseph Bacon became a member of the linn, which was now styled Draper, Tifft & Bacon. In 1862, Mr. F. S. Draper sold his interest to the rest of the firm and entered the army. Returning from th,e war in 1865, in connection with F. S. Bailey and F. G. Pate, he organized the firm of Draper, Pate & Bailey, carrying on business first in E. Ira Richards' manufactory, and then in the stone building of the Whiting Manufacturing Company. In 1875, Mr. Pate withdrew, and two years later Mr. Draper bought out F. S. Bailey's interest, and continued the business. The original firm was located in Plain ville, and em- ployed one hundred and fifty hands in the manufac- ture of fine gold jewelry. Draper, Pate & Bailey increased from twenty-five to one hundred and twenty- five hands in two years, and did a most successful business. F. S. Draper now employs sixty-five hands, with an annual pay-roll of fifty-five thousand dollars, in the manufacture of plated charms and fire-gilt chains. Theron Ide Smith, son of Stephen and Mercy S. (Ide) Smith, was born in the south part of Attle- borough, April 9, 1836. Stephen Smith was born in Mansfield, Mass., in January, 1796. He married, first, Ruth Hodges, by whom he had one son, Stephen N. ; second, Mercy S., daughter of Nathaniel Ide, who married Hannah Daggett, daughter of Col. John Daggett, an officer in the American Revolution. Mercy was named after Mercy Shepard, wife of the aforesaid Col. John Dag- gett, and daughter of John Shepard " the ancient," who lived to the great age of one hundred and five. (Of this John Shepard, we extract from John Dag- gett's "Sketch of the History of Attleborough," 1834, the following: "John Shepard, who was a native of Foxborough, where he lived until a few years before his death, died in this town in 1809, aged one hun- dred and five years. He retained all his faculties of mind and body, except his eyesight, to the last, and was able to walk, with a little assistance, till a few days before his death. He lived over one hundred years on his native spot, and during this time lived in two counties and four different towns. He was a man of pious character, cheerful in disposition, jocose, 36 witty, and of a quick undertanding. He was deprived of his eyesight on a sudden during the night, and was not himself aware of it until the next morning, when he sought in vain for the light of day. He had one son and several daughters, two of whom lived to be over eighty years old, another, Mrs. Mary Mann, of Wrentham, died in 1828, aged ninety-seven.") Stephen Smith was a farmer, purchased the old Joel Read farm of eighty acres, in Attleborough, and resided there during life. He took quite an interest in town and county affairs. He was a Free-Soiler when but three or four in the town advocated those prin- ciples. He was strict in his religious belief, Calvinist Baptist, and a prudent, temperate, reserved man, of few words, honest in his dealings, and of sterling in- tegrity. From the small farm of six or seven hundred dollars his thrift accumulated a fine property, valued at his death at six thousand dollars. He had by his wife, Mercy, Ruth A. (deceased), Maria (deceased), Josephine (Mrs. William Gooding, deceased), Han- nah D. (married George Crawford, of Pawtucket, and died, leaving one son, Eugene A., who is now clerk for Mr. Smith), Eliza E. (married (1) John Shurtleff, (2) George F. Crowninshield, and died, leaving two children), and Theron Ide. Theron had the common school advantages of a farmer's boy, working on the farm until he was eigh- teen, when, feeling that there was a more congenial and profitable life for him than agriculture, he came to North Attleborough and entered the employ of Ira Richards & Co. as an apprentice to the jewelry trade. After remaining one year business became dull, and he only worked eight hours a day at six cents an hour. He then went to work for J. T. Bacon & Co., Plainville, " chasing" jewelry at one dollar per day, which price was soon voluntarily raised by his employers to one dollar and twenty-five cents. Re- maining here six months, by illness he was compelled to stop work for several months and entirely quit "chasing." His next employment was work at the bench for Barrows & Sturdy, where he remained until his marriage, May 16, 1856, to Emily C, daughter of Abiel and Chloe (Daggett) Codding. 1 She was born Feb. 4, 1839. In June he commenced work for Merritt & Draper, and stayed until he started in business for himself, June 1, 1859, with D. D. Codding, as Codding and Smith, in a small room on the lower floor of the same building now occupied by them. After one year they removed to Mansfield Centre, and con- tinued in a small way until 1861, when the war broke up the business and they gave up manufacturing. They could collect no money on goods sold, and left their tools idle, and in May, 1861, lost everything by the burning of the building containing them. Mr. Smith obtained employment from William Boyd, of Mansfield, making cap-boxes for the army, and con- 1 See biography of Abiel Codding. 562 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. tinued there until times began to improve, and, in the spring of 1862, he returned to North Attlebor- ough and resumed work with Merritt & Draper, jew- elry manufacturers, and took charge of the shop from July, 1862, to July, 1865, when he started busi- ness again for himself in North Attleborough, in jewelry manufacturing, with his old partner and C. H. Ames as partners, under the firm name of Cod- ding, Smith & Co., in S. Richardson's building. This firm lasted two years and made some money. Then Mr. Ames retired, and Mr. A. E. Codding came in as partner, firm-name continuing unchanged. They were now in good tide of business, employing fifty hands. In January, 1867, they removed their factory into Dennis Everett's building, and for three years con- tinued, doing a prosperous business there. They then moved into Mr. Richardson's new building, continued there three years, when Mr. Smith bought the interests of his partners, and for one year conducted it alone; then sold one-half interest to D. D. Codding, and formed the firm of T. I. Smith & Co., which still is in business. In July, 1880, they removed to their present com- modious quarters, and they have had a steadily in- creasing demand for their goods, and employ from ninety to one hundred and ten hands. Their special- ties are bracelets, pins, charms, etc. January, 1881, Henry H. Curtis, who had been salesman for three years, became a partner. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Smith is Eva C, born May 16, 1860. She married, Nov. 12, 1879, Henry H. Curtis. They have two children, — Fannie S. and Eva Blanche. Mr. Smith has always been in the ranks of intelli- gent and independent thinkers. He has ever been in accord with Republican principles, and voted for Lincoln. Steady and reliable in his business, pleasant and affable in his intercourse with others, unassuming and modest in his demeanor, Mr. Smith is considered one of Attleborough's solid citizens, and a man of unobtrusive worth. Young & Bennett commenced business in 1876, under the style of Young, Bennett & Co., the mem- bers of the firm being Charles P. Young, A. F. Ben- nett, and E. Sieger, of Pennsylvania. At the end of three years Sieger withdrew, and Young and Bennett have since conducted the business. Their place of business was in Whitney's manufactory until Dec. 28, 1882, when they were burnt out, and moved to Whiting's factory. They employ seventy-five hands, with a pay-roll of thirty-five thousand dollars per year, in the manufacture of fine rolled-gold plated chains. E. I. Franklin & Co. began the manufacture of jewelry in October, 1874, Elton I. Franklin, Hiram S. Lomes, and Clarence W. Fisher composing the firm. Their first place of business was in the factory of Stephen Richardson, on East Street; moved to F. S. Draper's shop, June, 1876. In June, 1878, occu- pied their present quarters in the factory of the Whit- ing Manufacturing Company. Franklin & Fisher purchased the interest of H. S. Lomes in 1881, and now manufacture gold front and plated ladies' goods. Number of hands employed, eighty, with an annual pay-roll of thirty-eight thousand dollars. Sandland, Capron & Co. started business in E. Ira Richards' back factory in 1876. They moved to the Union Power Company's building in 1881, where they give employment to seventy-five hands, in the manufacture of a general line of plated goods. " The E. A. Bliss Company," an incorporated stock company, manufacture chains and novelties in the Union Power building. The business was com- menced by E. A. Bliss and James E. Carpenter, in September, 1878, at Attleborough Falls. The present location was occupied Jan. 1, 1881. Incorporated July, 1882. This company employs seventy-five hands, with a pay-roll of forty thousand dollars. S. E. Fisher & Co., in the same factory, commenced manufacturing in Stephen Richardson's factory, the firm then being Demarest, Fisher & Co. In 1877 the firm dissolved and reorganized under its present name, Samuel E. Fisher, William W. Fisher, and Edwin D. Sturtevant being the partners. Moved to the Union Power Company's building in 1881. Spe- cialty, fine gold-plated ladies' goods — bracelets, pins, and drops. Number of hands employed, ninety, with an annual pay-roll of fifty-five thousand dollars. The history of the firm of R. Blackinton & Co. dates from 1863, when R. Blackinton, T. S. Mann, and Walter Ballou commenced business at Attlebor- ough Falls. In 1867, T. S. Mann retired from the firm, and in 1873 the business was moved to larger rooms in the manufactory of E. Ira Richards. They employ one hundred and forty hands in the manu- facture of all kinds of plated jewelry. They are now among our most successful manufacturers. Oscar M. Draper commenced business in 1862, under the style of O. M. Draper & Co., E. Ira Rich- ards being the company. The firm became O. M. Draper in 1868, and in 1876 occupied the whole of the first floor in E. Ira Richards' new manufactory. His specialty from the commencement of business has been fire-gilt and nickel chains. He was the first manufacturer of " swedged goods.'' His machinery is the most complete and ingenious used in the manufacture of this line of goods. He employs eighty hands, and goods of his manufacture find a ready sale. J. J. and J. M. Richards started business as E. S. Richards & Co., in 1864. The members of the firm were E. S. and J. M. Richards. E. S. Richards died in 1866, and J. J. Richards transferred his interest to his son. They are now located in Totten's shop on East Street, where they give employment to twenty- five hands in the manufacture of the best gold front goods. H. D. Merritt & Co., who are now located in the third story of E. Ira Richards' new manufactory, ATTLE BOROUGH. 563 commenced business as Merritt & Draper in 1855, the members of the firm being H. D. Merritt and J. B. Draper. In March, 1870, they moved to Mans- field, where Mr. Draper retired, and John Shepard- son entered the firm, which was then styled H. D. Merritt & Co. This firm returned to North Attle- borough in 1872, and went on doing an increasing business until Jan. 20, 1878, when Mr. Merritt died, and Mr. Shepardson associated with him C. H. Miller. The name of the firm remains the same. They employ fifty hands in the manufacture of silver and plated chain. Thomas Totten & Co. are now located in a factory of their own on East Street, North Attleborough, near the railroad station. This firm commenced bus- iness in 1879, in F. S. Draper's factory, on Broad Street. They moved to Stephen Richardson's factory on East Street, and were burned out in March, 1882. They manufactured rolled-gold plated chains, chain trimmings, and chain bracelets. The first two years they made plated flat chains, and are very successful manufacturers of that form of goods. They employ about sixty hands, with a yearly pay-roll of twenty- five thousand dollars. The history of the firm of F-. G. Pate & Co. dates from January, 1876, when George O. Cowell, Edric A. Hall, and Albert W. Pherson formed a copartner- ship for the manufacture of jewelry in the factory of the Whiting Manufacturing Company. In Febru- ary, 1876, Pherson retired, and F. G. Pate joined the firm under the style of Pate, Cowell & Hall. In July, 1877, E. A. Hall sold his interest to his part- ners, and the name of the firm became F. G. Pate & Co. In November, 1879, George O. Cowell withdrew, and Anthony H. Bliss and F. S. Gilbert became members of the firm, which occupied the first floor of the Union Power Company building January, 1881. This firm manufactures fire-gilt and nickel chain, and plated charms. They give employment to thirty hands, with an annual pay-roll of fourteen thousand five hundred dollars. Charles E. Smith manufactures a full line of fine solid gold jewelry, and is doing an extensive and profitable business. • Cheever, Rhodes & Co. employ thirty-five hands in the manufacture of rolled plated chain, with an annual pay-roll of sixteen thousand dollars. The firm started as F. S. Bailey & Co. in 1876. In 1878, J. G. Cheever entered the firm, and E. D. Rhodes became a partner in January, 1883. Daniel Crotty employs eight or ten hands in the manufacture of jewelry. Commenced business in electro-plating. Clark & Coombs manufacture rings of all grades from electro-plate to fire-gilt. The firm consists of Oren L. Coombs, William O. Clark, and W. Osmond Clark. They employ twelve hands, with a pay-roll of six thousand dollars a year. Demarest & Brady make a specialty of sets, drops, studs, and scarf-pins, and furnish employment for twenty hands. Firm is composed of George Dema- rest and Bernard Brady. Mr. Demarest commenced business in 1872, with nine associates, on the stock plan, in Witherell's factory, in Plainville. In 1874 sold his interest to his associates, and organized a second stock company, with five associates, as Dema- rest & Fisher, in the factory of Stephen Richardson. In 1877, Mr. Demarest having again sold out, started in his present location, the manufactory of the Whiting Manufacturing Company. He is the orig- inator of the stock plan, which others have success- fully followed. Barrows, Thompson & Short, manufacturers of plated chains, bracelets, and pins, employ sixty hands, with an annual pay-roll of forty thousand dol- lars. The firm was formed Jan. 1, 1883, by the union of the firms of E. E. Barrows & Co. and T. W. Short & Co. The former commenced business in 1875, and the latter in 1881. They are in E. Ira Richards' manufactory. John Etzensperger employs fifty-five hands in the manufacture of rolled plated chains and bracelets, with an annual pay-roll of thirty thousand dollars. Norteman, Hemple & Co. may be found, with a dozen hands, in the old clock factory, so-called, of the Whiting Manufacturing Company. They make chain, shawl-pins, and novelties. George W. Cheever & Co. manufacture fire-gilt and nickel chain. They employ twenty-five hands, with a yearly pay-roll of twelve thousand dollars. John C. Bonnett, electro-plater, carries on business where the old tannery formerly stood, near the Ten- Mile River, North Attleborough. Employs eight hands. W. G. Clarke & Co. commenced business in Mr. F. S. Draper's manufactory, March 1, 1881, the partners being W. G. Clarke and John F. Makinson. Their specialty is ladies' plated goods, — bracelets, drops, pins, and sets. They employ forty hands. T. G. Frothingham & Co. started in the same manu- factory in June, 1879, the firm being composed of T. G. Frothingham and William E. Smith. They em- ploy eighteen hands in the manufacture of studs, drops, and pins. In the village of Attleborough several large fac- tories have recently been built, and they are occupied by some of the largest and most successful manufac- turers in town. The first large building was built by the Steam-Power Company. In 1873, Hayward & Briggs erected a large and conveniently-arranged manufactory, in which they conduct a successful busi- ness. In 1872, A. Bushee & Co. built a factory on the Ten-Mile River, on County Street, where they manu- facture sleeve and collar-buttons. In 1875, E. A. Rob- inson, of West Attleborough, came from Providence to Attleborough, and has subsequently erected two large and complete jewelry manufactories. During the last three years J. M. Bates has erected two manufactories. 504 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Altogether, the people of this section of the town are well supplied with this class of buildings. Among the oldest manufacturers are C. E. Hay- ward, A. W. Sturdy, A. Bushee & Co., and Bliss & Dean. The firm of W. & L. Blackinton employs one hundred and fifty hands in the manufacture of plated chain, with a pay-roll of eight thousand dollars per month. Their annual production amounts to two hundred 'and fifty thousand dollars. Horton, Angell & Co. commenced business here in 1860, the members of the firm being Edwin J. Horton j Gideon M. Horton, and B. J. Angell. Jan. 1, 1881, Everett S. Horton was admitted to the firm in place of his brother, Edwin J. Horton, who was lost on Long Island Sound. They are the original manufac- turers of the separable sleeve-button. The average number of hands employed is one hundred, with an annual pay-roll of sixty thousand dollars. The firm of Sturdy Brothers & Co. commenced business in the spring of 1859, when C. H. and A. W. Sturdy formed a partnership in the steam-power building. In the fall of the same year they moved to Mansfield. Returned to Attleborough in 1862 ; and Albert W. Sturdy went into the army. Charles H. Sturdy retired from the firm in 1871, and E. G. Webster, of Brooklyn, N. Y., was admitted. They employ from thirty to seventy hands, with an annual pay-roll of forty thousand dollars. Their sales reach one hundred thousand dollars per year, consisting of a general variety of gold plate jewelry. Other large manufacturers here are Bates & Bacon, Bliss & Dean, Cummings & Wexel, Hayward & Witherell, Short, Nerney & Co., Smith, Crosby & Smith, Streeter Brothers, Watson & Newell, W. H. Wilmarth &.Co., and D. H. Smith. They manufacture in great variety a fine line of valuable goods. Bliss Brothers & Everett commenced business in 1873, C. E. Bliss, E. B. Bliss, and A. E. Everett com- posing the firm, in the steam-power building. They moved to Robinson's Factory in 1876, where they now make a general variety of ladies' and gents' gold- plated goods. They employ forty or fifty hands, with a pay-roll of thirty-five thousand dollars per year. B. S. Freeman commenced his career as a manufac- turer of jewelry in 1846 in a small shop adjacent to the homestead at Attleborough Falls. He then made a cheap class of finger-rings. His business steadily increased, and in 1849 he formed a copartnership with a younger brother, Joseph J. Freeman, under the name of Freeman Brothers, and moved in 1850 to the old shop near the Braid Mill. Here the firm began the manufacture of rolled plated goods, being among the first makers of such goods in Attleborough. They contiuued to make various lines of plated vest-chains and sets during the succeeding five years. About 1855 they took Virgil Richards into the firm, which now became Freeman Brothers & Co. Two years afterwards they bought the Robinsouville property, and moved there Jan. 1, 1858. At this time B. S. & J. J. Freeman bought the interest of Virgil Richards, and the firm again became Freeman Brothers. They very soon began the manufacture of curb-chain. J. J. Freeman first bought an imported curb-chain, ex- perimented with it, and constructed machinery and finally succeeded in making the first rolled plated curb- chain made in Attleborough. These goods were known as " Freeman's curb-chains," and had a wide and extensive sale. In the fall of 1861 the name of the firm was changed to Freeman & Co., and the line of goods manufactured adapted to the exigencies of the times, — war badges, military buttons, and brass chain for the soldiers. Oct. 6, 1879, J. J. Freeman died, and the style of the firm became B. S. Freeman & Co., Jan. 1, 1879, and so continues at the present time, the only change in the firm being the admission of B. S. Freeman, Jr., Jan. 1, 1882. About eighty- five hands are given employment in the manufacture of plated goods suited to the demands of the trade. In the success achieved by this firm no small share of the credit is due to the extraordinary mechanical skill and ingenuity of Joseph J. Freeman. He was a man of original ideas, an inventor by nature's patent, and several valuable patents and the pros- perity of the firm bear witness to his skill. Rolled stock plated chain has one of its largest manufacturers in R. F. Simmons & Co. The original firm consisted of R. F. Simmons and Albert Briggs, who started business at North Attleborough. The second year moved to Attleborough Falls, and took into partnership E. L. Hixon, and in the following year J. L. Sweet. In 1875 they occupied their pres- ent location in Freeman's Factory at Robinson ville. They employ one hundred and fifty to one hundred and seventy-five hands, with pay-roll of ninety thou- sand dollars per year. The firm of Mason, Draper & Co. commenced busi- ness in 1870, in the manufacture of ladies' goods, bracelets and sets. They give employment to seventy- five hands, all men. The members of the firm are M. H. Mason, C. T. Draper, and S. D. Mason. Davidson Brothers commenced manufacturing in Attleborough, in the Whiting Manufacturing Com- pany's Factory in 1870. In 1875 they moved to Rob- insonville, where they employ one hundred hands in the manufacture of vest and ladies' chain, — fire gilt, silver, and electro-plated. New York office, 44 Maiden Lane. The firm of Stanley Brothers dates its origin from May 1, 1871, when Stephen Stanley, Benjamin Stan- ley, and E. C. Knapp, formed a partnership to manu- facture rolled and stock-plated chain. July 1, 1875, E. C. Knapp withdrew. They commenced business in the old jewelry-shop near the Braid Mill, Attle- borough Falls, and still remain there. They employ fifty hands, and have a prosperous and steadily-in- creasing business. W. D. Fisher & Co., in the same factory, manufac- ture spring swivels and rings, rolled plate, and coin ATTLEBOROUGH. 565 silver. W. D. Fisher began manufacturing in 1879, and in 1881 associated with him his son, W. N. Fisher, and A. R. Mackreth. They employ forty hands, with a pay-roll of thirty thousand dollars. U. A. Hall started at the same time, and makes the same class of goods ; employs fourteen hands. Pay- roll, three thousand dollars a year. E. Whitney & Co. commenced business in 1871 — the members of the firm being Edwin Whitney and William A. Eead — in the same factory, but moved to Daggett's new building in 1882. They first made album- and Bihle-clasps, then novelties and chains ; now they are making pins, drops, and bracelets. Number of hands, forty; annual pay-roll, eighteen thousand dollars. J. F. Sturdy & Sons, Attleborough Falls, employ forty hands in the manufacture of curb-chain. The firm consists of J. F. Sturdy and three sons, H. K. Sturdy, F. M. Sturdy, and F. E. Sturdy. The senior member, J. F. Sturdy, and J. H. Sturdy, were the first men who made stock plate in this town. They dis- covered by experiment the plating process in Provi- dence, and, coming to Attleborough, introduced the manufacture of plated goods. The original name of the firm was Draper, Sturdy & Co., Sept. 7, 1849, its members being J. F. Sturdy, J. H. Sturdy, and Her- bert M. Draper. Sept. 6, 1850, J. H. Sturdy retired, and James A. Mason was admitted Sept. 16, 1851. After some changes, J. F. Sturdy, J. A. Perry, and F. Doll commenced the manufacture of curb-chain in 1861, under the name of J. F. Sturdy & Co. This firm dissolved in about a year, and J. F. Sturdy con- ducted the business alone until 1879, when his sons became partners, as at the preseut time. Other firms at Attleborough Falls are D. F. Briggs, who makes swivels and rings ; employs ten hands ; pay-roll, five thousand dollars annually; and Dag- gett & Clap, F. W. Hodges, agent. They make a specialty of bracelets, initial buttons, pins, and drops. Number of hands employed, forty, with an annual pay-roll of fifteen thousand dollars. V. H. Blackinton has carried on business at Robin- sonville since l s ">7. He bought the old school-house, turned it into a jewelry manufactory, and began a line of jet goods for ladies' wear. As the business in- creased additions were made to the shop until the building was hurned, Feb. 15, 1869. He imme- diately rebuilt, and continued the manufacture of jewelry and novelties, military goods, society em- blems, and jet goods. Employs an average of forty hands. Healy Brothers & Co. — the members of the firm being Healy brothers and E. L. Cheever — manufac- ture jewelers' supplies. They employ twenty hands. South. Attleborough. — The principal business at South Attleborough is the manufacture of leather. The business has been carried on here for many years. The present manufacturers are William H. Coupe & Co. This firm was organized as Coupe & Knowles, its members being William H. Coupe and F. W. H. Knowles. In a few months Mr. Coupe bought out his partner, and in 1866, Edwin Evans succeeded to his place. In 1869 the senior member of the firm purchased his partner's interest, and Edwin A. Bur- gess, son of Alexander Burgess, of Providence, R. I., became associated with Mr. Coupe. Under their management the industry has steadily grown in ex- tent and perfection until the goods of the firm have a high reputation. They were burned out in 1872, but immediately erected a new tannery, to which successive additions have been made until now it is one of the largest buildings in town. The works are supplied with first-class machinery, some of which bears Mr. Coupe's patent, and furnish employment to an average of fifty hands, with an annual pay-roll of thirty thou- sand dollars. The establishment uses yearly fifty thousand sides of leather. Their specialties are lace leather, picker leather, and belting manufactured from raw hides by a process patented by Mr. Coupe himself. The oldest manufacturers of jewelry at South Attle- borough are White & Shaw, who commenced business in 1852, and have continued without change for thirty- one years. They first manufactured brass jewelry. Their specialty now is jewelers' findings. Employ seven hands. George W. Sadler and Daniel O. Stanley formed a copartnership here in 1863 under the name of Sadler & Stanley. Stanley withdrew, and A. D. Sadler en- tered in 1867. Six years after A. D. Sadler died, and George W. Sadler & Co. succeeded. The firm makes gold-plated bracelets. Number of hands, fifteen. Another industry at South Attleborough is carried on by Orr Brothers. They first com menced business at Smithfield, R. I., but came to Attleborough in 1865. They employ twenty-five hands, with a pay-roll of ten thousand dollars yearly. Their business is dye- ing and bleaching yarns, threads, and braids. West Attleborough.— At West Attleborough, Rob- inson &Co. carry on the manufacture of jewelry in one of the oldest factories in town, the brick shop built by W. H. Robinson, in 1837. The firm at that time was Daggett & Robinson, the members being S. L. Dag- gett and W. H. Robinson. William Guild was ad- mitted in 1840, and in 1850 the firm took its present name, Robinson & Co. In 1868 the firm consisted of W. H. Robinson, Jr., D. H. Robinson, and E. A. Robinson. The latter retired in 1870, and \Y. H. Robinson withdrew in 1876. D. H. Robinson now conducts the business, employing fifteen hands. Buttons. — The first manufacturer of buttons in this town, if not in this part of the country, was Ed- ward Price, who came from Birmingham, England, in 1793, bringing with him machines for the manu- facture of metal buttons. He commenced their man- ufacture in a small shop near the residence of John T. Bates. In a short time he moved to Attleborough, 566 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. and in 1880 came to North Attleborough, where he carried on business successfully, living in the old " Guild House." He acquired considerable prop- erty, and tempted by the general prosperity, went into the manufacture of cotton in 1811, and was un- successful. At this time Col. Obed Robinson was manufac- turing carbon jewelry at Robinsonville, and he, in connection with Otis Robinson, employed Mr. Price, and commenced the manufacture of metal buttons in 1812. Thus Edward Price, Obed and Otis Robinson ran the first button manufactory in the United States. Glass buttons were made by their successors, Rich- ard Robinson, Virgil Blackinton, and Willard Rob- inson, in 1813, under the name of Richard Robinson & Co. This firm was followed by Robinson, Jones & Co., composed of Richard Robinson, Willard Robin- son, William H. Jones, and H. M. Draper. In 1826 they began to work on the gilt button. In 1827 they erected the brick factory at Robinsonville, and their business required its enlargement in 1828. In 1832 they built another factory and commenced the man- ufacture of all the varieties of buttons which the market demands, — the common button, the navy, the military, the fancy, and the sporting button, — all of which were acknowledged superior to any others in the market in the beauty, finish, and dura- bility of the work. They received silver medals and diplomas, and all the contested premiums offered by institutes in New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. The company brought the manufacture of this article to perfection, and the various improvements made in their machinery, under the direction of Mr. Willard Robinson, aided by the skill of their workmen, en- abled them to compete fully with all their domestic or foreign rivals. Cotton Manufacture. — At the close of the year 1809 the number of cotton-mills built in the United States was eighty-seven. Many more mills were in process of erection everywhere, and the prospect of industrial prosperity stimulated speculation, and the war of 1812 gave additional impulse to this branch of manufactures. It is believed that in the rapid exten- sion of this industry Attleborough did her part. The old Beaver Dam Factory, which stood on the race- way of Whiting's pond, was turned into a cotton- factory by Capt. Chester Bugbee in 1809, and he, in company with John Richardson, George Blackinton, David Shepard, Ebenezer Draper, Lemuel May, and Samuel Lifft, manufactured cotton goods, running twenty looms and five hundred spindles. Their business prospered until the panic of 1817, after which time it had a somewhat checkered experience. Lemuel May and Daniel Cobb soon bought the fac- tory, and continued the business ten years, until 1828. They were succeeded by Capt. Bugbee and William Haven. Their factory was consumed by fire in 1833. The Falls Factory, so called, was erected at this time, work being commenced in the autumn of 1809 by the Falls Manufacturing Company. In the win- ter of 1811 this factory was burned, but was immedi- ately rebuilt, seventy feet in length, thirty-four feet in width, and three stories high. The company em- ployed forty hands, consumed one hundred and fifty bales of cotton per year, and manufactured two hun- dred and fifty thousand yards of calico print cloths. An addition was made to the factory in 1831, a stone structure sixty-eight feet long, thirty-eight feet wide, and four stories high, and connected with the estab- lishment were a grist-mill, machine-shop, blacksmith- shop, and saw-mill. Work was carried on at this time by Jonathan and George Bliss. Up to 1814 the work of the cotton-factory in New England was confined to spinning yarn, which was woven upon hand-looms in the homes of the people. Such was the course pur- sued in this factory. This era witnessed the erection of the Mechanics' Factory, in 1811. Ingraham, Richardson & Co. was the first firm ; the second, Whitaker, Richardson & Co. ; third, the Mechanics' Manufacturing Company; then Samuel and Jesse Carpenter. Under their man- agement it had forty looms, one thousand and thirty- six spindles, and they employed forty hands and pro- duced two hundred and ninety thousand yards of calico prints per annum. In 1854 the present owners, Lewis S. Foster and John K. H. Nightingale, under the firm-name of Foster & Nightingale, purchased the property, the building being then eighty-four feet long, thirty-two feet wide, and three stories high. They have made extensive additions, and conducted the business very successfully. The mill now employs one hundred and fifty hands, runs seven thousand five hundred spindles and one hundred and sixty-five looms in the manufacture of print cloths and sheetings, consuming four hundred thousand pounds of cotton, and making two and a half million yards of cloth yearly. Super- intendent, Nehemiah Hicks. The Farmers' Factory, now occupied as a foundry, was established in 1813 by the Farmers' Manufac- turing Company. In 1834 the factory was owned and the business conducted by Jonathan and George Bliss, who employed twenty-three hands and manu- factured one hundred and thirty-five thousand yards of cloth. On the Seven-Mile River the City Factory was built at South Attleborough in 1813. It was burnt in 1826, but rebuilt immediately, forty feet long, thirty-four feet wide, three stories high. Daniel Reed & Co. carried on business here with twenty looms and seven hundred spindles, making ninety- five thousand yards of cloth each year. The Lanesville Mill was built in 1826, on Abbott's Run. In 1834 it was owned by Milton Barrows and others, and, like other mills of that day, was devoted to the manufacture of calico print cloths, ran two thousand spindles and fifty looms, and turned out four hundred thousand yards of cloth. Recently the ATTLEBOROUGH. 56V factory has been owned and occupied by John F. Adams, of Paw tucket, R. I. It was burned in 1880, but he has rebuilt it, and it is now in successful operation. The embargo of 1807-8 benefited manufacturers at the expense of commerce, and much of the capital and effort engaged in the latter were directed to in- dustrial channels. The effect of the embargo is evi- denced by the fact that prior to it there were but fifteen cotton-mills in the United States, running eight thousand spindles, while at the end of the year 1809 the number in operation was sixty-two, with thirty-two thousand spindles. Among the fifteen mills was the Dodgeville cotton manufactory, estab- lished in Attleborough in 1801 by Ebenezer Tyler, and running thirty looms in the manufacture of print cloths. During the period of the last war with England, and up to Feb. 10, 1815, manufacturers throughout the country continued to progress with unprecedented activity. Maj. Tyler pursued his business alone until the protection of the war was withdrawn. About the year 1815 he sold an interest in his business to Nehe- miah Dodge, who became a partner, with his son, John C. Dodge, as superintendent. Four years later, in 1819, Nehemiah Dodge purchased Tyler's interest and took in his son as a partner. The firm thus formed continued unchanged until 1840, when the son bought out the father and carried on business alone. He enlarged the factory and increased the number of looms to one hundred and thirty-six, but in June, 1854, his property was sold at auction. B. B. and R. Knight were the purchasers. In 1870, Stephen A. Knight was admitted, and the owners were in- corporated, with a nominal capital of one hundred thousand dollars, under the name of the Hebron Manufacturing Company, with factories at both He- bronville and Dodgeville. The first-named factory was during many years known as the Atherton Factory, and was established in 1812 on the Ten-Mile River, at a spot known as Chaffee's Mills, where in early times the saw-mill and grist-mill of the fathers stood. Here the Atherton Manufacturing Company, under the lead of Thomas Harkness and Thomas J. Stead, of Providence, yearly manufactured four hundred thousand yards of print cloths. Number of looms, forty-two; spindles, sixteen hundred. The Hebron Manufacturing Company does a large business both at Hebronville and Dodgeville. One of the most prominent manufacturers in town is Handel X. Daggett, and none have had a more varied experience. Indeed, he is the pioneer and founder of one branch of the textile arts in this country — the manufacture of domestic braids. The power-loom was introduced and applied to cotton fabrics about 1815. The braider came some years later, and is said to be the invention of a native of Attleborough named Thorpe. These braiders Mr. Daggett was using in 1848 in the production of shoe- lacings and stearine candle-wicking. Afterwards he braided covering for hoop-skirts. In 1861, after the Rebellion broke out, he furnished cavalry sabres and scabbards for the United States government. The sabres were made for him in Maine. The scabbards he manufactured in the steam-power building at Attleborough. He furnished about fif- teen thousand sabres. Up to the year 1861 no one had succeeded in produ- cing a domestic braid of good quality in America. The braids consumed in this country were imported from Germany and England, and American manufacturers could sell their wares only with the greatest difficulty. The war of the Rebellion cut off importations, and compelled the trade to seek American braids. At this time Mr. Daggett entered into an arrangement with John C. Morse, of New York, to manufacture domestic braids. The business was carried on first at Attleborough, then at the Farmers', and since 1865 in its present location, the Falls Factory, at Attleborough Falls. The value of the goods produced reached eight hundred thousand dollars yearly. In 1869, Mr. Morse retired, and Mr. Daggett formed a copartnership with Austin Dunham, of Hartford, Conn., and George S. Moulton, of New York, which lasted until 1873. Then he conducted the business alone until 1879, at which time the Gold Medal Braid Company was formed. The company, which is incorporated, consists of T. N. Ide and Q. A. Atwood, of New York, George A. Tarbell, of Boston, and H. N. Daggett and Harvey Clap, of Attleborough. Cap- ital, sixty-five thousand dollars. They employ an average of one hundred operatives, and manufacture yearly two hundred and fifty thousand dollars' worth of braids. Their worsted, cotton, and silk braids of the finest quality and all varieties have an extensive sale all over the country. They also do a large busi- ness in braided silk, linen, and cotton fish-lines, and make pure mohair goods from the best imported mo- hair. H. N. Daggett, Attleborough Falls, is treasurer and manager of the company. For several years silver-ware was manufactured at North Attleborough with great success. In 1866. Wil- liam D. Whiting organized the Whiting Manufactur- ing Company, as a corporation under the laws of New York, for the manufacture of standard silver-ware. Their manufactory was at North Attleborough, where for ten years they gave employment to one hundred and fifty hands in the production of the finest silver- ware. The company was incorporated with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, which was subse- quently increased to one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. Some years the value of their products amount to one million dollars. This com- pany now conducts its entire business at Broadway and Fourth Street, New York City. The first efforts of the jewelers of Attleborough to refine their sweepings was, like the commencement of the manufacture of jewelry itself, through the aid of 568 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. a Frenchman. This person used to travel through the town to Boston, and he was in the habit of stop- ping at North Attleborough to collect the material, which he always carried in a pocket-handkerchief. Later the clippings and sweepings were sent to New York for refining, until, in 1855, C. E. W. Sherman, who understood the jeweler's trade, formed a partner- ship with a Mr. Davis to carry on the refining busi- ness in North Attleborough. They built the shop now standing in the rear of the dwelling-house just across the river from F. G. Whitney's factory. Their business was immediately prosperous and remunera- tive. In two years Mr. Sherman bought out his part- ner and transferred his business to a new refinery on Elm Street. He was sole proprietor for twenty years, until, in September, 1875, he associated with him his son, W. W. Sherman, under the style of C. E. W. Sherman & Son. They have twice enlarged their accommodations, and they now get out from clippings and sweepings about one hundred thousand dollars' worth of gold annually. They are lineal descendants in the eighth and ninth generations from Miles Stan- dish, the first captain of Plymouth, and in industry, integrity, and square dealing they worthily represent their illustrious ancestor. Col. Willard Blakinton commenced the manufac- ture of power-loom shuttles at Attleborough in the fall of 1827, and continued it until his death. In the earlier years of the business he employed twelve hands and made twenty-five dozen shuttles per week, besides a large amount of shuttle-mountings which he supplied to other makers. During the first ten years of the industry the average yearly production of the establishment was about ten thousand dollars' worth of shuttles. But in that time the product secured an extensive sale throughout the United States. In 1842 the firm became W. Blakinton & Sons. The work, at first all done by hand, is now done by machines, and fifteen hands turn out two hundred shuttles per day. The shuttles were sold at first for twelve dollars a dozen. The price since the Rebellion has been four dollars and fifty cents a dozen. The first known instance of jewelry manufacture in Attleborough was by the Frenchman above men- tioned, who carried on the business at a brick forge wdiere the old shop stands on the premises of the late Jesse F. Richards. He also made brass butts. Later, but by a few years, was the manufacture of carbon jewelry at Robinsonville by Maj. Robinson. His shop, said to have been the first built in town ex- pressly for that purpose, is now, remodeled, the French- roof cottage directly opposite the residence of R. F. Simmons. Manning Richards, the father of H. M. Richards, commenced his business career about 1810, on the Cumberland road, but soon moved into North Attle- borough, and continued the manufacture with such success as to become the wealthiest man in town. In 182L the firm of Draper, Tifft &Co. began work, i the members being Josiah Draper, John Tifft, and Ira Richards. John Richardson, John Fuller, and William Black- inton. They made all kinds of cut nails, running two cutting-machines and three or four heading-tools. The business here ceased in 1709, two years after Jesse Reed, of Boston, took out his patent for a ma- chine for cutting and heading nails by one operation. The other locality was at the upper end of the Falls Pond. Here, too, gun-barrels were polished. Some of the persons interested in this work were Sylvester Everett. Jonas Richardson, James Richard- son, and Dr. Thomas Stanley. Bricks have been made in several places in town, but few towns with so large a population have so few brick buildings within their limits. Joseph Eldredge carried on their manufacture from 1860 to 1870, making two hundred thousand per annum. Paper boxes were first manufactured by Daniel Babcock in a shop below the Farmer's factory. The business is also carried on by his son, Cyrus S. Bab- cock, in the old high school building near the North Attleborough depot. Some time about the beginning ot the present cen- tury Roger Farnum had a distillery on the south side of Elm Street, between the large elm-tree and the Ten- Mile River. Neither history nor tradition has given the amount of business done. The building was blown down in the gale of 1815 and never rebuilt. Opposite, on the north side of Elm Street, was a tannery, the vats being in the low ground by the Ten- Mile River. At this period leather gloves and leather breeches were not an uncommon line of manufactured goods, but we are not aware that any of the leather tanned here was used for that purpose. Near by, on the east side of the river, David Whit- ing occupied the first shop built on the company's privileges. Here he turned hubs and wheels. Farther down Elm Street, but northwest of the railroad bridge, iron ore has been quarried within the memory of men now living. The ore was carted to an adjoining town and smelted. This industry soon ceased. Nails have been made in at least two localities in town. The first was at the old factory at Whiting's Pond, by a firm composed of George Blackinton. Other Facts. — Cigars are manufactured at Attle- borough Falls by Randall H. Peirce, and at North Attleborough by Martin McDonald. Combs were made in the State in the early part of the century. This industry, having its chief seat at Leominster and West Newbury, was represented in this town, Tifft & Whiting being the leading makers. Bliss & Dean is one of the leading firms of Attle- borough. The business now conducted by them was commenced in 1856, when A. M. Everett, G. A. Dean, R. Bliss, S. L. Morse, and E. S. Capron associated themselves for the manufacture of jewelry in the old car-shop, under the name of Everett, Dean & Co. ATTLEBOROUGH. 569 When this shop was burned, in 1858, they moved to the manufactory of Archibald Thompson. L. L. Morse and E. S. Capron sold out in 1858, and B. B. Day came into the firm in 1859. The firm-name was changed to Everett, Day & Co., and the place of busi- ness was established in its present location, "The Steam-Power Building." A. M. Everett sold his in- terest in July, 1867, and the firm was now Day, Bliss & Dean. B. B. Day withdrew in 1871, shortly before his decease, and the name of the firm became Bliss & Dean. The class of goods manufactured in the early days of the business was ladies' sets, bracelets, and sleeve-buttons. During the last fifteen years they have made a specialty of chains, lockets, and brace- lets, all rolled-gold plated goods. They employ eighty hands. Short, Nerney & Co. commenced business in the fall of 1876, in the manufactory of E. A. Robinson, near the depot. Moved in September, 1881, to the new manufactory of Joseph M. Bates. The members of the firm are M. B. Short, Philip Nerney, and J. J. Horton. They make a specialty of rolled gold gents' vest-chains. They employ eighty hands. J. H. Hodges entered upon the manufacture of jewelry in E. A. Robinson's shop in 1874. In July, 1877, P. M. Carpenter was admitted to partnership, under the style of Hodges & Carpenter. In 1881 the firm moved to the manufactory of J. M. Bates, where they now make a specialty of gold Masonic emblems. They give employment to forty hands. Hayward & Witherell employ twenty hands in the manufacture of collar-buttons and a variety of plated goods. This firm was organized Jan. 1, 1873, when Henry L. Hayward and Kelson Carpenter formed a copartnership. Mr. Carpenter sold his interest to Proctor E. Witherell, Oct. 21, 1879, and the present firm-name was adopted, with an increasing business. Nelson Carpenter, since withdrawing from the firm of Hayward & Carpenter, has carried on business alone, first in D. H. Smith's shop and afterwards in his present location, the manufactory of J. M. Bates. He successfully employs thirty-five hands in the manufacture of pins, ear-rings, and scarf-pins. W. H. Wilmarth commenced business in 1872, when W. H. & J. C. Wilmarth entered upon the manufacture of jewelry in Robinson's old shop, under the name of Wilmarth Brothers. In May, 1873, J. W. Luther became a member of the firm, which was then styled Luther & Wilmarth Brothers. Soon after Willard Wheeler was taken into partnership, and the business was couducted under the style of Luther, Wilmarth Brothers & Wheeler. J. C. Wilmarth, Luther, and Wheeler successively retired, and in 1876 the whole business came into the hands of W. H. Wilmarth. They first manufactured rolled plated chain, then brass and fire-gilt chain, afterwards but- tons, and the present specialty is sleeve-buttons and electro-plated chain. They employ one hundred and thirty-six hands. Harris & Fisher are carrying on business in Robin- son's Union Street shop. The firm commenced work in Robinson's old shop in 1880. In the same year J. K. Ryder entered the firm, which became Harris, Fisher & Ryder. Ryder soon retired, and the orig- inal name of the firm was resumed. They employ fifty-five hands in the manufacture of chains and lockets. Oct. 5, 1864, Dr. J. R. Bronson, who had previously bought the coffin-trimming business of Mr. Dilling- ham at North Attleborough, associated with him William D. Wilmarth, under the name of Bronson & Wilmarth. Continuing business there for a few months, the firm moved to the old shop on County Street, Attleborough. Dr. Bronson retired April 4, 1868, and Mr. Wilmarth continued alone until his death, March 6, 1872. The same business is now conducted by W. W. Wilmarth & Co., the members of the firm being William Howard Wilmarth and Louis J. Lamb. They manufacture coffin-trimmings and ornaments, employing an average of twenty-five hands. A Busbee & Co. commenced the manufacture of jewelry in 1868 in one of the old shops near the sta- tion of the Boston and Providence Railroad Com- pany, the firm then being Busbee & Bacon. The partners were A. Busbee and E. Bacon. In three years Charles H. Busbee joined the firm under the present style of A. Busbee & Co. They built and occupied their present shop in 1872. They manu- facture gilt and plated jewelry, their specialty being the original separable sleeve- and collar-buttons. They furnish employment to seventy hands, and do a large business. Smith, Crosby & Smith manufacture fine gold- front plated goods of all kinds. They employ fifty hands and fifteen engravers. Their business was established in 1872, the members of the firm being W. H. Smith, A. R, Crosby, and C. E. Smith. Streeter Brothers started the manufacture of jew- elry in the steam-power building in the fall of 1867. They moved to the manufactory of W. D. Wilmarth. They employ twenty-five hands in the manufacture of gilt jewelry, their specialty being chains. The firm of S. W. Gould & Co. commenced business in January, 1880, in Robinson's old shop, and moved to J.'M. Bates' Union Street shop Jan. 1, 1881. They employ sixty hands in the manufacture of rolled- gold plated goods for ladies' wear, — pins, drops, and sets. Cummings & Wexel started in 1871, as E. II. Cum- mings & Co., in Robinson's old shop. They first manufactured fine sets and buttons. Now they em- ploy seventy-five hands in the manufacture of sleeve- buttons and charms. The Attleborough Bank was chartered in 1836, and opened a banking-room at Attleborough. In 1858 it was removed to North Attleborough, where it is now located. The presidents of the institution, with their 570 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. dates of election, are N. W. San ford, May 9, 1836; Samuel Carpenter, Oct. 2, 1837; L. M. Wheaton, Oct. 4, 1852; E. Ira Richards, Feb. 11, 1856; and Daniel Evans, Jan. 27, 1875. The bank was organ- ized as a national bank in 1865, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars. The institution is very successfully managed. Daniel Evans, president; Edward R. Price, cashier. The First National Bank of Attleborough was organized in 1875. Capital, one hundred thousand dollars. The first president was Col. Willard Black- inton. The banking-rooms are in Sturdy's building, Attleborough, where the bank does a good business. President, Joseph M. Bates ; Cashier, Homer M. Daggett. D. H. Smith commenced the manufacture of jew- elry in 1865, in company with S. N. Carpenter, H. Capron, and S. Morse. Within a few years he bought the interest of his partners, and since 1869 has con- ducted the business alone. He now employs thirty- five hands in the manufacture of charms and brace- lets. R. B. Macdonald began the manufacture of swivels at his house on County Street, Attleborough, soon after the war, as Edward & John Macdonald. On the death of his father, R. B. Macdonald entered upon the manufacture of swivels at Attleborough, which business he continued until 1881. when he com- menced the manufacturing of gold-plated chain in the manufactory of J. M. Bates on Union Street. Number of hands employed, twenty-eight. Watson & Newell date the commencement of their business from 1873, when C. D. Cobb, S. W. Gould, F. A. Newell, C. L. Watson, and W. A. Battey formed a copartnership under the style of Cobb, Gould & Co. W. A. Battey retired in 1874, C. D. Cobb in 1879, and S. W. Gould in 1880, when the style of the firm be- came Watson & Newell. They manufacture a large line of gold-plated goods, — cuff, shawl, and lace pins, and collar- and sleeve-butions. They furnish employ- ment to one hundred hands. J. W. Luther & Co., lapidaries, employ ten hands in lapidary work in Robinson's manufactory. They have been engaged in the business fourteen years. Aside from Sunday-school libraries the town has the library of the Attleborough Library Association. This is a subscription library of fifteen hundred vol- umes, and was founded in 1864. The public library of the Union Improvement Dis- trict was established by subscription in 1869. In 1876, the subscribers gave their property, consisting of one thousand volumes of standard works, to the Union Improvement District, North Attleborough, and since that time the library has been supported by taxation, and is free to all residents in the village of North Attleborough. The number of volumes is about three thousand. Prudential Committee, Jo- seph G. Barden, Francis G. Pate, and B. Porter, Jr. Librarian, John Ward. In addition to these libraries the town enjoys the advantages of two excellent weekly papers, the Attle- borough Chronicle and the Attleborough Advocate. They with pen and pencil portray the busy life of Attle- borough and furnish memorials on which the future explorer may lean as he takes up and brings forward the chain of history. The former was established Feb. 2, 1872, by Walter Phillips. Before the close of the year E. K. Dunbar was admitted to partnership, and the firm became Phillips & Dunbar. They were succeeded by Dunbar & Quinn. Then E. K. Dunbar became the editor and proprietor. Eliot Hunt became a partner and owner, and eventually bought out E. K. Dunbar. The paper is now published by Eliot Hunt & Co. The Advocate is published by E. H. Sweet & Co., at Attleborough. Altogether Attleborough is a very busy place, where loafing finds it difficult to resist opportunities for work, and it has possibilities of progress unsurpassed by any town in the State. Social Organizations. — The social organizations of Attleborough are numerous. The oldest and the only one which dates back into the last century is Bristol Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. The lodge began its existence June 14, 1797, under a charter granted by the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to a membership residing in Attleborough, Mansfield, Norton, Pawtucket, Rehoboth, and Taunton. This charter bears the signature of the famous Revolu- tionary worthy, Paul Revere, Grand Master of the order at that time. Its speech is thus " of patriotism and courage, of civil and religious liberty, of free government," as often as the eye rests upon the an- cient charter. The lodge was established at Norton, where it held its meetings until Dec. 11, 1811, when it was removed to Attleborough. March 10, 1830, the Grand Lodge authorized it to assemble at North Attleborough. In 1833 the prosperity of Bristol Lodge waned, and its charter was returned to the Grand Lodge ; but upon the petition of old members the time-honored document was restored Sept. 14, 1859, since which time the lodge has steadily advanced in membership and influence. Its finely-appointed hall was appro- priately dedicated Feb. 9, 1876. The names of the Past Masters since the restora- tion of the charter are Willard Blackinton, Samuel S. Ginnode, Charles E. Smith, John B. Maintain, Thomas G. Sandland, Obed C. Turner, Francis S. Fairbanks, Samuel H. Bugbee, Arthur E. Codding, and James A. Codding. The present officers are : W. M., Theodore B. Hazzard; S. W., Walter E. Barden ; J. W., Elton I. Franklin ; Treas., George E. Hawes ; Sec, Rev. W. Henry Kling. Ezekiel Bates Lodge was organized at Attleborough by Master Masons from Bristol Lodge, Jan. 12, 1870, under a dispensation of the Grand Lodge of Massa- ATTLEBOROUGH. 571 chusetts. At the expiration of the dispensation the grand officers came to Attleborough, instituted the lodge, and installed its officers, Sept. 0, 1871. The growth of the lodge has been continuous and rapid, and it now numbers one hundred and thirteen mem- bers. Officers: W. M., William J. Thompson ; B.W., D. E. Makepeace; J. W., N. Justin Smith; Treas., Fred. G. Mason ; Sec, 0. P. Richardson, Jr. All the other ranks known to the craft have flour- ishing organizations in the Attleborough Council, Bristol Commandery of Knights Templar, and King Hiram Royal Arch Chapter. The Independent Order of Odd-Fellows com- menced their history here thirty-seven years ago, Aurora Lodge, No. 107, having been instituted Jan. 29 3 L846. The charter members were Abraham Hay- ward, Thaddeus Phelps, Alfred Barrows, Joseph D. Peirce, Lemuel Bishop, Daniel Evans, Benjamin F. Ham mar, and Samuel D. Forte. The first elective officers were Abraham Hay ward, N. G. ; Thaddeus Phelps, V. G. ; Albert Tifft, Treas.; and Daniel Evans, Sec. The first lodge-room was the second story of a school-house at West Attleborough. The second was Howard Hall, now completely remodeled, the home of Bristol Lodge, Washington Street, North Attleborough. The third and last is Odd-Fellows' building, which both in appearance and construction is one of the best structures in town, and a monument to the works of the order. Its cost was twenty thou- sand dollars. The lodge now numbers one hundred and fifty members. Officers: N. G., H. Eugene Coombs; V. G., William D. Wennell ; Permanent Sec, Am- brose Kurtz ; Treas., Thomas C. Sandland ; Sec, David Thompson. In process of time, with the growth of the town and increase of membership, there came a demand for a lodge of the order at Attleborough, and Orient Lodge, Xo. 165, was instituted Oct. 2, 1873, with nearly one hundred members, zealous followers of friendship, love, and truth. The lodge is making a creditable record in the charities of Odd-Fellowship. The officers are: N. G., Herbert A. Clark; V. G., Frank S. Sweet; Treas., Nehemiah Hicks; Perma- nent Sec, John Slater; Rec Sec, Charles W. Black- inton. The Patriarchal branch of the order was organ- ized in Attleborough, Aug. 5, 1840, when Howard Encampment, No. 19, commenced its somewhat checkered existence. Some time after, in the fluc- tuations of Odd-Fellowship, it weakened and died. The charter was restored and the encampment re- instituted Feb. 21, 1876, since which time it has en- joyed a healthy growth, and now numbers sixty members. Officers: C. P., John P. Bonnett; H. P., John Ward; S. W., David Thompson; F. S., G. Frank Jackson ; Treas., Francis G. Pate; S., Albert Totten. The Knights of Pythias have in Sumner Lodge, No. 62, an active lodge of sixty members. The lodge occupies a hall in Barrow's block, North Attleborough, where they have every advantage that such an or- ganization requires. The officers are: Chancellor Commander, Frank A. Bates; Vice-Chancellor, Frank W. Gardner; P., Thomas McAlpine; M. of E., Dex- ter E. Hawkins; M. of F., Obediah Lyon; K. of R. and S., Thomas J. Halliday ; M. at A., H. R. Packard. Among the more recently organized beneficial as- sociations are Washington Lodge, No. 1840, Knights of Honor; Magnolia Council, No. 121, and Massasoit Council, No. 270, American Legion of Honor; and Attleborough Council, No. 366, Royal Arcanum. All are of recent origin, but at a reasonable cost afford the best life insurance. Washington Lodge, No. 1840, Knights of Honor, was organized by the authority of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts with nineteen charter members. The officers are Thomas Schofield, Dictator; F. S. Fairbanks, Vice-Dictator; Gardner Warren, Assistant Dictator; J. J. Morse, Treasurer; L. H. Pherson, Financial Reporter; Rev. W. Henry Kling, Chap- lain ; George W. Cheever, Guide ; Henry C. Cowell, Guardian ; W. E. Barden, Sentinel. The present number of members, April, 1883, is twenty-seven. The Attleborough Council of the Royal Arcanum was instituted by officers of the Grand Council of Massachusetts Aug. 8, 1879, with twenty charter members. The council is in a highly prosperous condition, with a membership of fifty persons. By its laws each full rate member has an insurance of three thousand dollars; half-rate members, fifteen hundred dollars. The officers of the council are Regent, Charles E. Hay ward ; Vice-Regent, S. R. Briggs; Orator, Benjamin P. King; Past Regent, Charles O. Sweet; Chaplain, Warren Parker; Guide, William Nerney ; Secretary, Job B. Savery ; Treasurer, J. Shepard Richards ; Collector, Charles A. Witherell ; Warden, Charles H. Power; Sentinel, Henry B. Lin- nell. Magnolia Council of the American Legion of Honor was organized March 16, 1880, with thirty charter members. The present officers are : Commander, Wil- liam H. Blaney ; Vice-Commander, M. J. Angell ; Past Commander, Dr. George Mackie; Treasurer, Job B. Savery ; Collector, A. F. Thompson ; Chap- lain, M. F. Whitney ; Warden, E. A. Fuller; Sentry, George P. Williams. Massasoit Council, No. 270, of the same order, was instituted at North Attleborough, July 30, 1880, with nineteen charter members. Officers: Commander, Thomas R. Jones ; Vice-Commander, Obediah Lyon ; Orator, Charles T. Guild ; Past Commander, William H. Barnes; Secretary, A. R. Morse; Collector, H. M. Scribner; Treasurer, H. K. Sturdy; Chaplain, H. R. Kendall; Guide, F. W. Holmes; Warden, W. P. Whittemore; Sentry, Samuel B. Hamblin. The number of members has increased since its organiza- tion to thirty. 572 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Dionys Lodge, No. 317, is a similar association, composed of citizens of German descent. Officers : O. B., Charles Albert; U. B., Anton Braunwart ; Corresponding Secretary, Martin Klaus; Financial Secretary, Augustus Schubert; Treasurer, Robert Scholtze. The North Attleborough Board of Trade dates its existence from December 27, 1880. It numbers sixty members, among whom are many of the wealthy and influential business men of Attleborough Falls, North Attleborough, and Plainville. Its officers are: Presi- dent, Handel N. Daggett; Vice-Presidents, Henry F. Barrows, Samuel E. Fisher, and Edward R. Price ; Secretary, Fred. B. Byram ; Treasurer, Randolph Knapp. Turning away from these benevolent institutions of the enlightened nineteenth century, but pursuing our research on hospitable thoughts intent, we come to the Attleborough Farmers' and Mechanics' Associa- tion. This society was formed in 1869, near the close of the most eventful decade in our country's history. The association soon after purchased grounds and erected exhibition buildings at Attleborough Falls. The buildings and grounds are in excellent condition, and the track is one of the best in New England. The number of members is three hundred and fifty, comprising many of the leading citizens of Attlebor- ough and adjoining towns. The annual fairs of the association are looked forward to as the harvest festi- val of the year. The officers of the society are : Presi- dent, Charles E. Hay ward; Treasurer, John Thacher; Secretary, Frederick B. Byram. These extensive industries sustain two national banks and a savings-bank, and the institutions are successfully managed. The Attleborough Savings-Bank was incorporated by an act of the Legislature Feb. 2, 1860. In about a year from that time the corporators or- ganized by the choice of Ezekiel Bates as president and W. H. Robinson as vice-president. The corpo- ration became depositors and workmen, and men of business soon recognized the advantages of a secure place for the saving and investing of the unemployed receipts of their industry. The number and amount of the deposits have rapidly increased from the first year of its existence. The corporators are men of business sagacity, and under their careful manage- ment this savings-bank has often been pronounced one of the soundest in the State. Total deposits, $500,000. President, Abial Codding ; Secretary and Treasurer, Edward R. Price. An Ancient Building. — Attleborough owns one historic building, the Old Powder-House at West Attleborough. The building is circular in form, about twelve feet in diameter, and capped with a conical roof. It is built of brick, and the order of the selectmen for payment shows that six thousand were used in its construction. Its erection was authorized by a town-meeting held Sept. 20, 1768, when, in the language of the record, it was " Voted to build a house for Keeping the town stock of Ammunition in for the futer, and proseaded to chose a commety for that purpose, namely, Capt. John Stearns, Capt. Daniel Read, and Capt. Henry Sweate ware chosen a Commety for that purpos, and then the commety went and looked a place to set sd house and they said that they found a place in Jacob Newell's land which sd Newell said he would give the land to build the house upon." To confirm a promise then given, and to secure the rights of " ye People," Jacob Newell, who was at that time town treasurer, made the following entry in the town records in his own hand : " Where as ye Town of Attleborough have agreed to Bnld a Powder house and set sd house on ye High Hill eastardly from ye Meeting-House on my Land I give liberty to set sd House their, and also for my Heirs and assigns I agree ye People shall have Liberty to Pass to and from sd House to carry their Powder or any other anmiinition and bring of again ye same at any time or times so that they in Passing Regurly Not to Leve Down fence or any Enclosen thing to Do Damage as witness my baud — Jacob Newell. " Attleborough, Oct. ye 4th 1768." It is inferred that the committee above chosen had full powers, inasmuch as they proceeded to build the house in October and November, and settled their account in December. How much ammunition was stored in the edifice the records do not state. In 1775, Col. John Daggett supplied his command from its stores to capture the Tories in the Assonett expedition, and the quantity taken was replaced by a vote of the town the next year. It was a place of security for materials of war during the Revolution and the war of 1812. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. HERVEY M. RICHARDS. Hervey M. Richards was born on the 11th of July, 1812. His father, Manning Richards, owned and worked a small farm about two miles from the village of North Attleborough, and at the same time, having considerable knowledge of the business, augmented his income by the manufacture of jewelry, for which purpose he had erected a small shop on the farm. He subsequently removed to the village, and while keeping a small country store, continued in a small way the manufacture of jewelry, with others laying the foundation on which the town has since became the principal seat of this industry in New England. In 1S26, Manning Richards died, and, having met with reverses, left his family without means, and upon the son, then a lad of fourteen years, devolved the duty of supporting his widowed mother and his sisters. Cheerfully essaying the task he apprenticed himself to his uncle, Ira Richards, who soon after became a partner with Draper, Tifft & Co., with ■C. <,<- /^:/^ -V ATTLEBOROUGH. 573 whom he finished his trade at the age of eighteen years. Having learned the art of jewelry manufacture, and having during that period saved a little money, he entered into business for himself. Supplying in energy and industry what he lacked in capital, the prospects of his success and the ultimate enlarge- ment of his business were very promising, but disas- ter overtook him. His little shop was burned to the ground, and nothing remained for him* but to begin the struggle anew. He immediately entered into partnership with George Morse, a good mechanic, under the firm-name of Morse & Richards, and con- tinued the manufacture of jewelry. In this second venture he was more successful, realizing handsomely on the goods manufactured by the firm, a result largely due to his sagacity as a salesman. It was the custom in those days for manufacturers personally to carry the products of their labor and skill to the com- mercial centres of the country, and there find pur- chasers for them. This course Mr. Richards pursued with excellent success. Subsequently, Ira Richards, his son E. Ira, and H. M. Richards, formed a new firm under the firm-name of Ira Richards & Co. About 1837, H. M. Richards sold his interest and re- moved to Philadelphia, where he was at first very successful, but owing to unfortunate speculations he lost all his property. In 1843 he returned to North Attleborough, and, with the assistance of his uncle Ira, again entered into the business of jewelry manufacture with suc- cess. From that time until 1857, Mr. Richards did much to promote the growth and general prosperity of Attleborough. But in the latter year, having built the extensive stone factory at Attleborough Falls, now owned and occupied by H. N. Daggett, and holding a large amount of real estate on which he could not realize, he was obliged to succumb to the panic of that eventful year. After recovering in a measure from this misfortune, Mr. Richards, in 1863, removed his business to No. 7 Green Street, Boston, and receiving his son, E. H. Richards, into partnership, under the firm-name of H. M. Richards & Co., a large and prosperous busi- ness in the manufacture of jewelry and fancy metal- work has been established. In 1856-57, Mr. Richards was elected to the lower branch of the Legislature of Massachusetts, and in 1862-63 he was a member of the Senate. Mr. Richards has been twice married ; first to Juline, daughter of David Capron, June 3, 1833. They had no children of their own, but they kindly adopted Eugene H. Richards, a notice of whom appears in this work, and Marion Fell Richards, wife of Charles A. Gilchrist, a jeweler at 43 Haverhill Street, Boston. He was at one time in business with Mr. Richards. They have four children, — Ellen J., Carrie L., Juline C, and Grace M. Mr. Richards married for his second wife, November, 1857, .Mrs. Anjanett P. Balcom, daughter of Remember Carpenter, of Pawtucket. R. I. STEPHEN RICHARDSON. StepTien Richardson, son of Noah and Irene (Bacon) Richardson, was born in Attleborough, Mass., Nov. 10, 1815. The Richardson family, originally of Scandinavian origin, came from England to America among the settlers of Massachusetts and Plymouth colonies, and has been a numerous one in Attleborough. Several different families of this name settled here early. Four brothers — Stephen, John, William, and Seth, — were of this line, coming probably from Woburn, as we find the name Stephen and Daniel prominent for several successive generations in that town. From Stephen came Daniel, born March 1741-42. He mar- ried Sarah Read, and had three sons, — Daniel, Alfred, and Noah. Noah, father of the subject of our sketch, was born June 27, 1780. Noah was a farmer and nail- maker in fair circumstances, and lived on the east road from East Attleborough to North Attleborough, al- most immediately opposite the present residence of John T. Bates. This old home of his ancestors was his residence during life, and is still in possession of the family. He had children, — Sylvester, Alfred, Si- lena (married Charles P. Day), Stephen, Charles B., Eliza (married Angus McDonald) and Mary C. He died, aged fifty-five years. His wife survived him long, dying in 1864, aged eighty-four. Noah was an unpretentious, quiet citizen, liberal withal, and well liked. He was buried at Attleborough, but the re- mains of himself and wife were transferred to Mount Hope Cemetery. Stephen remained with his father until he was past fifteen, when he went to learn the jewelry trade with Calvin Richards, at North Attleborough, in the fac- tory located on the grounds adjoining the Calvin Richards homestead, now occupied by Abiel Codding. Here he remained acquiring a good practical knowl- edge of his trade for several years, when he formed a partnership with Abiel Codding to manufacture jew- elry. This was in 1836. They first occupied a small building on Elm Street, near Ten-Mile River, oppo- site the old Bark house, belonging to Samuel Dra- per; second, a small building adjoining the Preston Draper house, opposite the Wamsutta House. This firm was Richardson & Codding, and continued one year. In 1837, Mr. Richardson married Ann Janette F., daughter of Manning and Susan (Everett) Rich- ards. She was born in North Attleborough. The young couple resided with her mother, a widow, until some time after the birth of their oldest child, Clar- ence H., who was born Jan. 18, 1838. They then re- moved to a tenement owned by Dennis Everett, lo- cated on Washington Street, in the rear of Richard Everett's residence on Elm Street. Here Frank was born in 1841. After Mr. Codding's retirement from the firm, Mr. Richardson continued business alone. When C. Richard retired from business, he took his shop, and removed his residence at the same time. He associated with him in business David Capron, under 574 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. the firm-name of Stephen Richardson & Co. While here Edgar was born. Their business extending, after some time they moved their factory to the build- ing previously occupied by Draper & Tifft, on the site where now stands C. B. Thompson's store. Mr. Rich- ardson then changed his residence to a part of John Tifft's house. Here Janette Everett, his daughter, was born. She married Eugene K. Dunbar, son of Rev. Melzar Dunbar, of Machias, Me. Her husband was the founder of the Attleborough Chronicle, which he conducted successfully for some time. They now re- side in Boston. Stephen Richardson & Co. continued here in busi- ness until 1848 making goods, and, as was then the general custom, traveling around the county to dis- pose of them, sometimes selling and sometimes trading for other articles. They were fortunate. They made good work, were lucky in their designs, which were quite popular, and made money. On one " hit," a new style of ring, they made about ten thousand dol- lars. Their limited quarters becoming far too small, in 1848 Mr. Richardson erected a factory two stories high, forty by thirty feet, and moved thither the same year. This building necessitated the opening of a new street, which was called East Street. The same year he built the beautiful residence on the front of the same lot, which, altered in some respects, is" now the residence of his son Clarence. This was at that time the finest residence in the place. His family removed thither on its completion, and this was his home during life, and here was born his youngest son, Stephen, who died early. The partnership with Mr. Capron continued several years. They employed about forty hands, and did the largest business in their line, which soon compelled doubling the capacity of their factory. After Mr. Capron's retiring from the firm, Mr. Richardson continued alone, and with Samuel R. Miller, as Richardson & Miller, until 1856. Previous to this nearly all the representatives of manufacturing jewelers in New York City were ex- hibiting their goods in rooms in the Western Hotel, well remembered by those in the trade of those days. Mr. Richardson was among the first to make the new departure of a separate office and a constant supply of goods, and the firm opened an office at No. 21 Maiden Lane, corner Nassau, changing its location to 177 Broadway about 1857. In the first of his business career Mr. Richardson manufactured a variety of rino-s, pins, and chains. Afterwards a line of novel- ties was taken up, and this house was perhaps the very first to depart from the legitimate jewelry busi- ness and take up the making of novelties. Besides their own make of goods they handled the work of one factory at Attleborough Falls, two at South At- tleborough, one at Wrentham, and became one of the largest, if not the largest, importing house of French jewelry in America, employing a resident buyer in Paris. A Philadelphia office was also established. From 1856, Mr. Richardson continued alone, confining himself to domestic goods, and giving the importing business to others. July 1, 1859, Clarence became associated with his father, and they formed the firm of Stephen Richardson & Co., which soon employed one hundred and more hands in factory, besides many outside. While in the full tide of successful and re- munerative business, in August, 1870, their factory was totally destroyed by fire. This, until 1856, had been supplied with horse-power, then steam-power had been introduced. After the fire Mr. Richardson, with characteristic energy and promptitude, took rooms in the Whiting Manufacturing Company's building, and in ten days' time was at work in those quarters, and immediately began a new building on the site of the burned factory, to be three stories, main building with an L. The length of the main building was one hundred and fifty feet, width thirty- three feet, containing a twenty -five horse-power en- gine. This building was vigorously constructed, and they occupied it Feb. 1, 1871, with one hundred and thirty-five operatives. The business continued pros- perous. They established a large export trade in Cuba and European ports, and to this business all Mr. Richardson's active efforts were given until his death, March 1, 1877. His first wife died in July, 1862, and in 1868 he married Mrs. Sarah M. Richards, widow of Egbert S. Richards, who survives him. Mr. Richardson was a public-spirited citizen, and did much to build up the various worthy enter- prises of his town. He was a large owner of real estate ; opened up Fisher Street and built several buildings. He was one of the promoters and a director of the Gas Company ; also of the Branch Railroad ; was also stockholder and for many years director of the Wrentham Bank ; was a stockholder of the Northern Bank of Providence; and purchased the site, and, with his fellow-members of the North Attleborough Building Association, erected the Wam- sutta Block. We can give no better tribute to his char- acter than that contained in the following extract from an article written by H. N. Daggett, who knew him intimately for years as boy and man: "He received from his parents, who were in humble circumstances, no property, and was compelled to struggle during his minority for the support of himself and parents. He was schooled in all the trials of poverty and want in his youth, and arose, unaided, superior to both. He was truly and in every sense of the word a self-made man. His early educational advantages were limited in the extreme, compared with the advantages and facilities of the present day. Notwithstanding these deprivations he acquired, by contact with the world and self-culture, a good business education. He pos- sessed good natural abilities, a mind active and evenly balanced, a kind and generous disposition. At his majority he became anxious to rise in the world and improve the talents God had given him. With- out money or friends »to help* him, by dint of energy, perseverance, and honesty of purpose, he succeeded n t / -J/Sr/ ATTLEBOROUGH. 575 in attaining a fortune and a good name. He used his wealth for his own and others' good. He possessed one virtue which was pre-eminent, charity. He was truly benevolent and generous to a fault, and was a dispenser of charity all the days of his life. Many a poor plodder of earth will sadly miss his heneficence. He was unostentatious in his distributions to the poor and needy. Of these he kept no record on earth, but are they not recorded in the book of God's remem- brance ? His fellow-citizens, reposing confidence in his integrity and honesty, selected him for places of honor and trust. For nearly twenty years he was a director of a banking institution, and held many other offices. As a friend, he was constant and sin- cere ; as an adviser, he was conscientious and true ; as a neighbor, kind and obliging. . . . No business man has gone from earth leaving a purer record, a nobler work finished, a name more beloved, or a character more unblemished than he." After Mr. Richardson's death his son Clarence con- tinued the business under the same name. In April, 1882, the factory was again burned, and the business was removed to the Whiting Manufacturing Com- pany's building, where the business is continued prosperously, awaiting the erection of a new factory. WILLARD ROBINSON. Willard Robinson was born in Attleborough, Mass., June 15, 1799. He and his father, Obed Robinson, were for years identified with the pioneer manufac- turing of Attleborough, and a personal history of the family seems not inappropriate in this connection. Obed Robinson, one of the founders of the now extensive jewelry business of this town, was at first a blacksmith. On the outbreak of the American Rev- olution, however, he began the manufacture of gun- locks, under a sub-contract to furnish them for the Continental army. This did not prove remunerative, and at the close of the war he began to make kitchen clocks. He first established himself as a manufac- turer of jewelry at Attleborough in 1807, employing David Brown, a skilled workman in that art. From this he began to make gilt buttons, which business soon became very prosperous. His three sons, Otis, Richard, and Willard, learned of their father his trade, and Willard, the youngest, bringing to the business a natural aptitude for mechanics, entered his father's workshop, and manifested much skill and paid special attention to the manufacture of gilt buttons. In 1821 he started in this branch for him- self, and ultimately became very largely engaged in the button industry, and formed a partnership with his brother Richard, under the firm-name of R. & W. Robinson. Their operations were extended, and prosperity followed their earnest and skilled labors. Willard constructed new dies and introduced im- proved machinery, and having seen an "iris" button, he set to work to discover the method of producing it. In this he succeeded, and its manufacture was added to the features of the enterprise. Mr. Robin- son gave the name of " opal button" to his new product. Richard Robinson died in 1838, and Wil- lard Robinson continued the business under the old firm-name for the five succeeding years. In 1843 the fashion of gilt and brass buttons passed away, except for military clothing, black buttons becoming the style. This deprived Mr. Robinson for a while of a market, and he was forced to suspend operations. Before Mr. Robinson's failure, Mr. Hatch, a skilled mechanic in his service, had conceived the idea of a machine capable of doing all parts of the work on a trowsers-button, beginning with the tin in bulk and following step by step to completion, without alter- ation in the adjustment or automatic working. By the combined study and experiments of Mr. Hatch and Mr. Robinson, a machine was perfected and pat- ented. When the style of buttons changed, Mr. Robinson saw that this " Hatch pantaloon-button ma- chine" might come into profitable use, and, forming a partnership with Mr. Hatch, he entered into the manufacture of trowsers-buttons with it. During the civil war they filled many contracts with the United States government for these buttons, one great ad- vantage of which lies in the fact that they do not cut the threads by which they are attached to the gar- ment. On the death of Mr. Hatch, Mr. Robinson, purchasing his interest, conducted the business alone on a large scale until his death, Dec. 24, 1879. It is now carried on by his son Arthur. During his life Mr. Robinson received five medals from different ex- hibitions, testimonials of value to the merits of his goods. He married, Oct. 25, 1825, Rebecca W., daughter of Edward and Amy Richards, who was born at Attleborough, March 31, 1805. Their children were Ellen B. (married John C. Douglass, of Leavenworth, Kan. She died Nov. 8, 1880, leaving two children, Willard R. and Harriet R.), Jarvis W. (married J. Amelia Williams, of Pawtucket. She died Dec. 24. 1873, leaving four children, Gertrude A., Willard H., Edith J., and Ellen L.), Isabel E. (married Joseph Cushman, and has one child, Willard R.), Arthur B. (married Abby B. White, of Fall River, who died Oct. 2, 1867), Adelaide R. (married M. B. Mackrith. and has one child, Fannie). Mr. Robinson was not only a representative manu- facturer, he was more. He made his mark in every sphere with which he was connected. A public- spirited citizen, he did much to benefit and improve his town. The beautiful village of Robinsonville is largely indebted to him for its growth and prosperity, and had he been willing to sacrifice private interests for public positions, he could many times have occu- pied them, for he was often urged to accept them. A kind husband and father, it was in the home life that his nature blossomed in fullest perfection, al- though when he passed from life a large circle of 576 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. friends sincerely mourned his loss. In political creed Whig and Republican, he stood with earnestness by the Union and the cause of humanity, and never deviated from the support of law, order, and justice. His widow survives him, and, like her lamented hus- band, occupies a high place in the hearts of the com- munity. THE BLACKINTON FAMILY. William Blackinton, son of Col. Willard and Clar- issa (Sweet) Blackinton, was born June 10, 1822, in Attleborough, Mass., where for several generations his ancestors have been prominent and honored citi- zens. Pentecost Blackinton, the first of the name in At- tleborough, came from Marblehead about 1700. His wife's name was Mary. He had at least four children attaining maturity ,— Pentecost 2 , Mary, Benjamin, born in Marblehead, Hepzibeth, born in Attleborough in December, 1702. He had two acres of ground, cot- tage, and orchard on Nine-Mile River in 1711. He was a man of push and decision, and served his day and generation well, dying Sept, 24, 1715. Pentecost 2 married Rebecca Figgett, and had eight children,— Pentecost 3 , born 1716; Rebecca, born 1717; George, born 1720 ; Anne, born 1722 ; Mary, born 1724 ; John, born 1727; Othniel, born 1729; Peter, born 1731. The father of Deacon William Blackinton, grand- father of the present William Blackinton, was Peter. He was a farmer, and was possessed of prudence, thrift, and economy, and was a good citizen, law- abiding and God-fearing, and died at a good old age. William Blackinton, born Nov. 2, 1758, was a manu- facturer of guns during the Revolution, in which he also was a soldier, and wounded in battle of White Plains. After the war he became interested in cot- ton-mills with his son William, first at North Attle- borough, next at Falls village. He was a farmer also, with quite an estate in Wrentham, on which he always resided. He was known to every one as Dea- con Blackinton. He married, Nov. 29, 1781, Eliza- beth Babcock, of Westerly, or Hopkinton, R. I., born Jan. 29, 1764. Their children attaining maturity were William, born Sept. 20, 1782 ; Virgil, born May 12, 1796, married Hannah, daughter of Obed Robin- son, and was connected with Willard and Richard Robinson in manufacturing buttons; Jason, born Aug. 24, 1798, a graduate of Brown University, who, after receiving a legal education, passed most of his life as teacher in Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee; and Willard. Deacon Blackinton died of the terrible disease, the "plague," about 1816. He left his sons about three thousand dollars each, a handsome prop- erty for those days. Col. Willard Blackinton, born Oct. 26, 1800, after his father's sudden decease, remained with his brother William, a farmer, on the old homestead ; re- ceived the advantages of a common-school and aca- demic education ; had a mercantile taste, and early commenced business for himself as a merchant in general country trade at Attleborough. Continuing this a few years, he began in 1827 the manufacture of power-loom shuttles. This soon became an extensive business, filling, as it did, a long-felt want, and fur- nished goods to parties not only throughout New England but all the way west to Ohio, and south to Georgia and Alabama, He married, in 1821, Clarissa, daughter of Amos and Sally Sweet, of an old and honorable family of Attleborough. They had six children, — William and Willard (twins), Clarissa E. (married N. C. Luther, and lives in Attleborough), John, Charles A., Amos S. Mr. Blackinton was not merely a manufacturer, he was more. During fifty years of his life he was one '■ of Attleborouo-h's most active and honored citizens in almost every line of enterprise, business activity, and public service, and few of her sons have ever been more successful or so fully executed public trusts. In early life he took great interest in militia matters. Of active and vigorous temperament, large, and physi- cally well proportioned, with a resonant, full voice, he presented a fine appearance, and held the position | of adjutant and colonel of a regiment of troopers for years. The same qualities brought him into position I as moderator of town meetings, and chairman of I popular or political assemblages, and these places he was almost universally called on to fill. He held at various times every office in the gift of his fellow- townsmen, served with credit in both branches of the State Legislature, and never did malice breathe one word against his honor or integrity. In politics a Whig and Republican, he was ardent in support of his convictions, and probably no better evidence can be given of his personal popularity and the esteem in which he was held than to state the fact that when- ever there were doubts of the success of his party in \ an election he was the one to be given the nomina- tion, and never was he defeated. He was a valued member of the Masonic fraternity, was Master of Bristol Lodge in the dark days when the Morgan excitement spread anti-masonry like wild-fire across the country, causing an almost entire suspension of lodges; and when, after a long torpidity, his lodge was revived, he was again elected to the same position. ! In these days, when chicanery, malfeasance in office, embezzlements, breaches of trusts, and frauds are so prevalent, it is pleasant to write of such a man as he who kept himself free from any kind of stain on his integrity. Of great business capacity and pre-emi- nent ability, he was of a social nature, a perfect gen- tleman in his intercourse with others, a tender hus- band, a loving father, and none had a greater number or stronger friends than he. He was postmaster at Attleborough for years, re- ceiving his first appointment in 1835, and was uni- versally popular. He was cautious in adopting new ideas, weighed all matters in the balance of a fine judgment, and after forming an opinion was very de- WU^d t / ffl<04^0l' '/Tits ^ / ^K^/// ^^^>f/ /*y^tL. ATTLE BOROUGH. 577 cided, rarely rinding any reason to alter it. He was liberal to suffering, and in support of religious and charitable objects, and both he and his wife were worthy members of the Second Congregational Church. He was often requested to advise in busi- ness affairs, and was a valuable counselor, and always in the interests of peace. He was successful as a financier, was a director and one of the chief origi- nators of the old Attleborough Bank, and one of the promoters of the First National Bank of Attle- borough, of which he was at once elected director and president. He died suddenly of heart-disease while sitting in a meeting of the board of directors at the bank, and acting as president, Jan. 1, 1877. William Blackinton had an academic education, and early engaged with his father in shuttle manu- facturing, which was carried on for ten years as W. Blackinton & Sons, the sons being William, John, and Willard. (Charles afterwards bought an interest, and now (1882), as sole proprietor, conducts the busi- ness under the original firm-name.) About 1834, William struck out for himself, and went into cot- ton manufacturing, and for three years continued this at Attleborough and Pawtucket. This was not remunerative, and in 1857 he commenced to make jewelry at Attleborough. His business was small until 1869, when he took up the making of plated chains, and originated a new line of these goods, which speedily proved popular, and was in great demand, increasing his business rapidly. From this small beginning, under Mr. Blackinton's personal superintendence, it has grown to be one of the largest and most profitable businesses in the town, with an office at No. 11 Maiden Lane, New York City. The specialties are chains and lockets. It was con- ducted by Mr. Blackinton alone until 1873, when his oldest son, William S., became a partner, and the firm was changed to W. & S. Blackinton. In 1881 his son Lewis became a partner. His two other sons are also engaged in the shop. They employ about one hundred and sixty-five operatives, and do a busi- ness of nearly four hundred thousand dollars. This has been built by the careful attention of Mr. Black- inton, and he has shown great business ability and sagacity in bringing it to its present high standing as a firm. He has worked himself, always saw that his goods were the best of their kind, personally super- intended each department, was always prompt to meet every engagement, was truthful and honest, and won the esteem of all with whom he dealt. This is the key to his success, and shows that honesty, skill properly applied, and personal industry and business integrity will always deserve and win success. He has been a man of one work, has never had time nor inclination to drift into politics or speculation, and stands to-day one of the most liberal and public- spirited citizens of his native town. In home life he is a loving and kind husband and father, and his home shows the evidences of refinement and taste. 37 Mr. Blackinton married Rebecca C, daughter of Josiah and Rowena (Tingley) Allen. Her mother was a Cushman, of the family of that name so promi- nent in the annals of Plymouth. She was born Oct. 3, 1825. Their children are William Sumner, Charles F., Harry C, Louis A., and Ada R. Mr. Blackinton, true to his education, has never deviated from the political creed of his father, but has been a Whig and Republican through life. He has a polite address, a quick discernment of men and things, and stands high in the regards of the best element of society. He is now, with unimpaired faculties, in the mature prime of life, with many years of business life before him, and is of too active a nature to think of retiring and passing his time in idleness. Almost the only recreation he has taken was the trip to California, which he, in company with his family, enjoyed the past summer. GEORGE PRICE. George Price was born in North Attleborough, Nov. 14, 1806. He was the second son of Edward and Sarah (Daggett) Price. Edward Price was born in Birmingham, England, Nov. 19, 1776, came to America in 1794, and two years later married Sarah, daughter of Daniel and Margaret (Woodcock) Dag- gett. He was a skilled button manufacturer, and es- tablished at Robinsonville the first button factory in this country. He founded the business now carried on by D. Evans & Co., manufacturers of brass mili- tary buttons. He lived in different houses, but vari- ous circumstances point to the house that stood on the site of Wamsutta Block as the birthplace of his son George. He acquired a considerable property in real estate. The early death of his father made the boyhood of George Price a laborious one. From the night when his father was suddenly stricken down, and he ran out, jacket in hand, after a physician, his life was one of care, activity, and responsibility. One year in the common school constituted his educational advan- tages. He carried on the farm in his early years, and found time as well to work at brass-founding. He finally chose the jewelry business, which was then becoming a prominent industry, and served his apprenticeship with Draper, Tifft & Co. For a few years he carried on the manufacture of jewelry with Calvin Richards, under the firm-name of Richards & Price. In 1830 he built the shop which now stands opposite the homestead, a very large structure for those times, and the third jewelry factory erected in Attleborough. Here Mr. Price took as partner S. S. Daggett, and began the manufacture of fire-gilt jew- elry. He retired from the business in 1856, and de- voted himself to his farm, to which he had been add- ing acre after acre. From that time forth he was largely identified with town affairs. He did not hold a town office until he was fifty years 578 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. old. His career shows that twenty-five years after fifty is just as long as twenty-five years before, and that some men can employ both to equal advantage. In 1855 he was chairman of a committee appointed to consider the expediency of dividing the town. This committee reported the next spring in favor of such division, urging as a reason the fact that there were more than one thousand voters in town. Mr. Price could not see that the town was so populous as to be unwieldy, and the report did not receive his signature. From 1856 to 1860, Mr. Price served on the boards of selectmen, assessors, and overseers of the poor. From 1860 to 1863 he was town treasurer, to which office he was re-elected in 1869, and held until his death. During the winter of 1877-78, Mr. Price represented his district at the General Court. From its start Mr. Price was one of the most earnest members and workers in the Attleborough Farmers' and Mechanics' Association. He was the first presi- dent, which office he held until January, 1877. He was among the first to move in the direction of secur- ing a hall and grounds where to hold annual fairs, and labored untiringly to secure for the association the most of its present accommodations. As earnest, also, was he ever in his endeavors to rid the associa- tion of its indebtedness, and much of his time and means were devoted to its w r elfare. So far we have u-poken of George Price only in his business and public life, but, as is ever the case, that life is the most real and important of which the pub- lic sees but little, and can know but little, the life each man lives in his own family. In October, 1829, Mr. Price married Martha Galusha Grant, of Swan- sea, Mass., with whom he passed more than fifty years of happy wedded life. Their children were Martha S. (who married Rev. J. D. Pierce), George G., Sarah A. (Mrs. S. N. Newcomb), William M., Corisande (Mrs. George A. Brock, deceased), Mary G. (de- ceased), Edward R. (cashier of Attleborough National Bank), Caroline T. (Mrs. Roswell Blackinton), and Alice M. Such are the salient facts of Mr. Price's family history, but how much a husband's and father's love has done to weave about each life influences, principles and aspirations that have served to elevate, comfort and control, they who stand in the deepest shadow of bereavement can best say. If we were to select any traits of character for which Mr. Price was especially remarkable, it would be his activity, honesty, and fidelity to what he believed to be right. His mental activity was wonderful, and ceased only with his life. His honesty made him not less exacting with himself than with others. His ac- counts were always correct, his dealings always square. Crookedness in others he considered abso- lutely without excuse, and dishonesty of any kind he despised beyond measure. He was not hasty in his judgments, but a conclusion once reached by what seemed to him sufficient data was rarely abandoned. He was faithful to his convictions. This is illustrated by his adherence to the doctrines of the old Whig party ; he voted the Republican ticket as the least objectionable alternative, but at heart he was a loyal Whig to the last. In religion Mr. Price upheld the fundamental principles of Christianity, yet took ex- ception to the partitions of sect, and never accepted the dogmas of any particular denomination. He was a member of the Washington Rifle Com- pany, filling every grade from, and including, private to captain. . STEPHEN 0. STANLEY. Sylvan Stanley, who spent a long time in searching for the genealogy of the Stanley family, says the first American Stanley, Matthew, came from England to Martha's Vineyard, from whence some of his family went to the Connecticut Colony, and one branch to Topsfield, Mass. This last produced the immediate line of ancestry of Stephen O. Stanley. " Thomas, Nathaniel, Joseph, Samuel, Jacob, and John came from Topsfield, Mass. The last three were brothers, and settled near the Falls (Falls village, Attlebor- ough). Thomas and Samuel were here in 1707." Jacob came about 1717, married Elizabeth Guild, and had children, — Jacob, Benjamin, Elizabeth, Deb- orah, Jonathan, Eliza, Solomon, Abigail, Rebecca, and one other. Benjamin married Abigail Spear, and had three children, — Jesse, Stephen, and Abigail. Stephen Stanley was born in Attleborough, was a cabinet-maker, carrying on farming also, and was agent for the Attleborough Falls Manufacturing Company for many years. He married Martha, daughter of Jonathan Stanley and Martha Pond, and had three children, — Herman, Stephen 0., and Marietta. He was an energetic and successful man, and lived to be old. His wife survived him several years. Stephen Olney Stanley was born June 11, 1801, in Attleborough, in the house opposite No. 5 school- house, where his widow still (1883) resides. He was educated at common schools and academies, but early became clerk for his father in the company's store at Falls village, aud continued in that occupation for some years, working during the summer at farm labor. He commenced housekeeping in the house where he was born, his parents living in the same house, and resided there all his days. He married, Sept. 28, 1830, Betsey S., daughter of Artemas and Betsey (Daggett) Stanley. She was born Nov. 24, 1808. Her father was born 1795, and represented Attleborough in the State Legislature in 1841-42. His father, Jonathan Stanley, son of Jacob Stanley, was deacon of the First Congregational Church of Attleborough. Mr. Stanley and his father closed their connection with the company, and Mr. Stanley devoted himself to farming, taking charge of, and finally securing the ownership of, his father's farm, and for the greater part of his life was in this avocation. Farming in New England means plenty of hard work, which the tn-\ y^^Lc t . ,Jt 7' 7 7 / / '*&wf-& ATTLEBOROUGH. 579 sterile soil does not reward with much more than a bare subsistence, and this was the experience of Mr. Stanley. He was an honest, upright man, per- fect!}' " square" in all his dealings with mankind, and was said to be " too honest for his own good." He was an unassuming and useful member of so- ciety, reserved in demeanor, and enjoyed the esteem of all, and probably had not an enemy during his entire life. He attended divine service regularly, but was not a church member, as he did not consider himself good enough to belong. He died in 1875 or 1876. His children were Martha and Mary (twins), born Feb. 11, 1836 ; Stephen 0. (died young), Abby (deceased), Stephen, born June 11, 1842; and Ben- jamin, born June 3, 1848. Martha married Edward C. Knapp, lives in Attleborough, on the old home- stead, and lias six children ; Mary married Andrew J. Thomas, and died in 1863. Stephen lived at home until 1861, when he enlisted as musician in the Sev- enth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, and served fourteen months, when, with all other musicians, he was discharged. He returned to Attleborough, and after a few months' stay went to Taunton, then to Yonkers, N. Y., to work in an armory, next to Water- bury, Conn., where he learned the machinist's trade, and alter following that about four years, went into a large brass factory there as tool-maker, and stayed until 1871, when he returned to Attleborough, and with his brother Benjamin and E. C. Knapp started the jewelry manufactory of Stanley Brothers & Co., now conducted by and known as Stanley Brothers. This has been the title since the purchase by them of Mr. Knapp's interest in 1875. Benjamin has always lived near the old home. He married Ella Briggs, and has three children. Stephen married Sylvia A. Stanley, and has two children. They have a well-established and prosperous busi- ness, but, like all things of value, it has been of slow growth, and has required of both of them close and persevering labor for years, but their energy and in- dustry met with its appropriate reward, and they are doing well, with bright prospects for the future. SAMUEL P. FISHER. On the old records we find Joseph Fisher, in 1664, one of the commissioners appointed by Plymouth and Massachusetts colonies to run and establish a boundary line between the two. The noted angle line was the result of their labors, and the angle tree marked by them was long standing. It was .suc- ceeded in 1790 by a stone monument, which was erected to mark the boundary of Attleborough and Wrentham. Samuel Fisher was selectman of Wren- tham at this time, and the monument was built by Samuel Fisher & Son. Thus from early days the Fisher family has been a factor of civilization in this section. Richard 1 and Samuel Fisher, probably sons of Jo- seph, the commissioner, came to Wrentham from Salem about, or prior to, 1700. Richard died in 1748, leaving two children, Samuel 2 and Abigail. Samuel 2 , born in 1732, was astone-cutter by trade ; was a captain of militia in the Revolution, being called to the field while attending church with his company. He mar- ried Sibyl Farrington in 1764, and had five children, Samuel 3 , Darius, Schuyler, Betsey, and James. He died in 1816, aged eighty-four years. SamueP, born in 1768, became a stone-mason, and, like his father, was a diligent, hard-working man of honesty and thrift. He married, in 1789, Olive Ellis, daughter of Capt. Jabez Ellis, who was a brother soldier of Capt. Fisher in the Revolution. Both he and his wife died in December, 1815, of the terrible plague (spotted fever) which proved fatal to so many. They had nine children, Ellis, Susan (died young), Samuel P.*, Amanda (married Elijah Bacon), Sally (first wife of Hon. Elisha May), Olive (second wife of Hon. Elisha May), Schuyler, Lucy (married D. Hall), Caroline (married Albert Miller). Ellis, born 1791, married Hannah Williams, of Taunton, had four children ; Mary (married Edward Rhodes), Frances (married Joseph Sherman), George E., and Sarah M. (married (1) Egbert Richards, (2) Stephen Richard- son). His descendants are numerous in this vicinity. He was one of the pioneer jewelers and a valued citi- zen. Schuyler became a prominent manufacturer and citizen of Exeter, was a man of great ability, candidate for Lieutenant-Governor on the Democratic ticket, and filled numerous trustworthy positions. He is now living at Hopkinton, R. I., aged seventy- eight. Many of the facts of this sketch were given by him. Samuel P.* was born in Wrentham, Mass., Aug. 4, 1795. His education was derived from the limited advantages of the common school of those days, and learned the blacksmith's trade of Enoch Arnold, un- der the old system of apprenticeship ; and in 1818 moved to Attleborough and commenced a long and busy life as a blacksmith in a shop near Hatch's tavern. He married Charlotte, daughter of Othniel and Chloe Blackinton, in 1820. They had two children, Harriet (deceased) and Ann (died young). Harriet married Milton W. Blackinton and had three children ; Juline F. married E. B. Waldron, of Rondout, N. Y. ; Laura F. married C. M. Thompson, has one child, Hattie ; and Anna G. Mrs. Fisher died in 1832, and the next year Mr. Fisher married Susan G., daughter of George and Judith (Guild) Blackinton. They had five children, — Win. W., Carrie A. (Mrs. H. S. Somes), Samuel E., Charles E., and Mary E. (Mrs. T. E. Sloan). Mr. Fisher carried on blacksmithing until 1851, when he gave it up to attend to his farm and real estate business. His blacksmith-shop on Main Street, North Attleborough, was one of the old landmarks, and in stage-coach times was a common stopping- place, and the only place of the kind in this part of 580 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Attleborough. He was a man of strong convictions and fixed principles. It was hard to convince him that he was wrong, but when convinced he yielded at once. He was a pronounced and active temperance advocate, and consistent in his practice with his prin- ciples. He was a kind husband and father, and did for his children all that his means would allow. He inclined towards Universalism in religious belief, but never connected himself with any church. He was an old-line Whig, and a Republican from the first. He was an honest man, much respected by his ac- quaintances, and straightforward in everything. No one ever had difficulty in denning his position on any subject, or could accuse him of the least dissimu- lation or deceit. He died Jan. 6, 1863, aged sixty- seven. William W. 5 , oldest son of S. P. and Susan (Guild) Fisher, was born in Attleborough, July 19, 1834, had a common school education, early learned the jeweler's trade, and has worked at it ever since, with the exception of two years passed in working in Springfield Armory. He married, Dec. 22, 1859, Nettie, daughter of William B. Pilcher, of Norfolk, Va. She died in December, 1863. In 1870 he married Lizzie E., daughter of George Miller, of East Hamp- ton, L. I. They have two children, — Mattie L. and Susie M. He is a member of Hampden Lodge, F. and A. M., Springfield, Mass., and of Massachusetts Charitable Association. He is a member of the firm of S. E. Fisher & Co. Samuel E. Fisher 5 , second son of S. P. and Susan Fisher, was born at North Attleborough, Mass., Nov. 9, 1839, and educated at the common schools of his native town and Green Mountain Liberal Institute, South Woodstock, Vt. He was clerk in employ of T. A. Barden five years and until 1861. During the Rebel- lion he was employed by the United States govern- ment as clerk in quartermaster and commissary de- partments in Virginia and Texas. In 1869 went to New York City as clerk in the office of H. F. Barrows, and continued there until he commenced business on his own account in 1874. (This business, now S. E. Fisher & Co., manufacturing jewelers, was begun in July, 1874, with a capital of seven thousand five hun- dred dollars, as Demarest, Fisher & Co., which, in 1877, was succeeded by S. E. Fisher & Co., with S. E. Fisher, W. W. Fisher, and E. D. Sturdevant part- ners. The specialties made are fine ladies' sets, pins, drops, lockets, and bracelets. Their New York office is No. 2 Maiden Lane, and they employ from seventy- five to ninety hands. They are doing a successful and flourishing business.) S. E. Fisher married, in 1872, Georgie S., daughter of Henry Clark, of New Bedford. He is a member of Bristol Lodge, F. and A. M., North Attleborough, and King Hiram Chapter, of Attleborough. Charles Everett Fisher, third and youngest son of Samuel P. and Susan G. Fisher, was born in North At- tleborough, Mass., Jan. 7, 1842. Received a common i school education at his birthplace and at the Provi- dence Conference Seminary at East Greenwich, R. L, for about one year. Was employed in dry-goods house for about two years, and on the outbreak of the Rebel- lion enlisted in Company I, Seventh Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, serving the full period of enlist- ment in the Army of the Potomac. On discharge (in July, 1864) was employed in the War Depart- ment in various capacities until April, 1868, when he was appointed an internal revenue officer in Virginia. Resigned September, 1870, and went to Arizona, em- ployed by the War Department in the quartermaster's department. Left Arizona in 1874, and went to Wash- ington, D. C. (in same capacity), and remained in service until August, 1882. Resigned and went to Wyoming Territory, and engaged in cattle business, which is now his present occupation. Married, Nov. 7, 1876 (in Philadelphia), Mrs. Hattie F. Pierson, daughter of Dr. J. Q. A. and Catherine L. Tresize. Carrie A. Fisher, born July 2, 1836, married H. S. Somes, and has three children, — Fred. C, Nettie F., and Frank P. Mary E. Fisher, born Feb. 4, 1849, married T. E. Sloan, and has one child, — Estelle L. JOSEPH W. CAPRON. Joseph Willanl Capron, son of Otis and Hannah Capron, was born at Attleborough, Mass., Sept. 24, 1802. He belongs to one of the oldest families of the town, Banfield Capron, his first American ancestor, coming, a youth of fourteen, from England about 1675, and settling, after his first marriage, in Bar- rington, Mass., whence, after a residence of twenty years, he moved, with a large family of children, " away back into the woods," to what is now Attle- borough, where he purchased a large quantity of land, becoming a large land-owner. Here he resided until his death, Aug. 20, 1752, at ninety-two years. He had eleven children, — Banfield, Joseph, Edward, Walter, John, Jonathan, Betsey, Mary, Hannah, Margaret, Sarah. These all married and reared fam- ilies. He was married (1) to a Miss Callender, (2) to Elizabeth Blakinton, (3) to Mrs. Sarah Daggett, widow of Deacon John Daggett. Both of the last wives were Attleborough women. Capt. Joseph Capron was a farmer and a man of repute in Attleborough in his day. He was born Sept. 12, 1691 ; married (1) Judith Peck, (2) Bethiah Burt, (3) Mary French, who survived him. He died Oct. 14, 1776, in his eighty-sixth year. He had nine children, — Amey, Diedema, Judith, Joseph, Rhoda, Judith, Hezekiah, Ebenezer, Elijah. Joseph Capron, Jr., son of Capt. Joseph and Ju- dith Peck, was born in Attleborough, November, 1722, and died Aug. 1, 1784. He was twice married, (1) to Sarah Robeson, by whom he had seven chil- dren, — Ezra, Samuel 4 , Samuel 2 , John, Judith, Sarah, ^7? Wz^^v ATTLEBOROUGH. 581 Joseph; (2) to Sarah Foster, by whom he had eight children, — Asenath, Susannah, Otis, Tabitha, Sabra 1 , Sabra 3 , Esther, Milla (five of these died young). Otis Capron was born in Attleborough, April 17, 1767, and died March 3, 1845. He was a farmer and an honored and useful citizen, and served his day and generation well. He was honest, industrious, and simple in his habits, and unostentatious in his life. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, serving at Newport. He married (1) Rachel Sweet, who died Dec. 15, 1799, leaving three children, — Sally (Mrs. T. French), Nancy (Mrs. Lucius Daggett), Otis (died young) ; (2) Mrs. Hannah Bliss, widow of Jon- athan Bliss, whose maiden name was Kent. Their children were Joseph Willanl, Maria (deceased), Sa- bra A. (deceased), Hannah K., Rachel Cemantha. Joseph W. Capron, of whom we more particularly write, had the educational advantages of the common schools of Attleborough, supplemented by attendance at the preparatory department of Brown University. He was an apt student, paying particular attention to surveying, and when but seventeen years old began to teach school at sixteen dollars per month. As a teacher he was successful, but he soon was employed, even while a student, as a surveyor, and from 1818 to the present has every year done more or less in that capacity, and early won a valuable reputation for thoroughness and accuracy. He has made it his principal business through life. In 1827 he surveyed all the roads in Attleborough, Pawtucket, Seekonk, and Rehoboth, and in this work he was engaged about a year. The same year he was elected and qualified as town surveyor. In 1828 he was employed by the State of Massachusetts as assistant surveyor on the route of what is now the Boston and Providence Rail- road. He has ever been a Democrat, and unswerv- ingly has followed the teachings of the great apostles of that faith, Jefferson and Jackson, and has ever be- lieved that the perpetuity of the republic depended on a strict adherence to the principles enunciated by them, and has voted for every Democratic candidate for President since his first vote, which was cast for Jackson in 1823. His fellow-citizens have honored him not infrequently with important trusts. He has been justice of the peace (appointed) for over fifty years, was elected county commissioner three terms, selectman, overseer of the poor, and assessor several terms. He has been a careful and shrewd financier, and enjoys a handsome competency to supply the needs of life's last years. He has been president of the Attleborough Mutual Fire Insurance Company for years, was president of Loan and Fund Association of Attleborough, and is now the president of its suc- cessor, "The Loan and Savings Association of Attle- borough," and is treasurer of the Norfolk and Bristol Horse-Thief Detective Society, and president of the Gas-Light Union Company of Attleborough since its organization. He married, in 1824, Adeline Bliss, granddaughter of the reputable Dr. James Bliss. She died March 19, 1872. Their surviving children are Isabella A. (Mrs. Amos Ide) and Ellen Maria married (1) George E. Payson, (2) George W. Curren. He mar- ried, Oct. 14, 1872, Cynthia, daughter of Joseph and Betsey Blossom, of Fairhaven, Mass. Mr. Capron has ever possessed vigorous health, which has largely been promoted by his active life. He has never employed a physician for himself, and never has known a sick day. He will now, at eighty years, with his favorite instruments, go out, and, without apparent fatigue, do days' works that would appall much younger men. A short time since he walked from Pawtucket to his home in Attleborough, nearly nine miles, after eight p.m., and he says " could have walked back easily without resting." For over half a century Mr. Capron has been per- sonally identified with the public interests of his native town, and largely instrumental in its pros- perity, and, to-day with much of the vigor and elas- ticity of early manhood, is actively engaged in what- ever may tend to elevate or improve its business or its population. He enjoys the esteem of all the better elements of the community for his personal worth and business integrity and ability. LYMAN W. DEAN. In slightly tracing the biographies of most of the men of whom special notice has been taken in this department of our work, we have had occasion to note the fact that many eminent among them were much more indebted to their own unaided efforts than to adventitious circumstances, not of their own direction, for the high social and political distinction to which some of them have been called. We have also explained what, in our opinion, has been the influencing cause, namely, that the genius of republicanism creates the will to do homage to the aristocracy of mind alone, while the advantages of family or wealth are held as nothing if not blended with an intelligent virtue in the possessor. Mind makes its own elevation, commands its own recogni- tion and admiration, be its source from among the depths of poverty or cradled among the down of wealth and luxuriance. It is the glory and strength of this great republic. Its power is ratified by the people, whenever its object is seen to be good and properly directed, and the case of the gentleman whose name heads this article stands as a prominent evidence of a popular appreciation of a self-gleaned intelligence, honorable alike to the possessor and those who have recognized it. Ephraim Dean, grandfather to the subject of our sketch, removed from the town of Taunton in early life, and became one of the pioneer settlers of the district now known as Attleborough. The place where he pitched his tent in the then wilderness is now known by the name of Deanville, of which he became proprietor, as also of a large surrounding 582 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. tract of land, on which several very valuable water privileges were to be had. This patriarch married a lady (Martha Balcomb) worthy to be a helpmeet to a man of enterprise such as he proved himself, and bore him children, Asa, Ephraim, Patty, and Sarah. The sons long conducted a manufacturing business upon the estate alluded to, under the name of Ephraim and Asa Dean, the latter of whom was the father of Lyman Washington Dean. Asa Dean was born at Deanville in 1759, and died Dec. 25, 1815. He was twice married, first to Phebe Wilmarth, by w 7 hom he had six children, five of whom are living; second, to Chloe Bourn, daughter of Andrew Bourn, and had seven children, four of whom were living at his death. Asa Dean was a leading business man in his day, and a Democrat in politics. Lyman W. Dean was born on the 22d of February, 1805 (the birthday of the immortal Washington), con- sequently he was seventy-seven years of age last birth- day. When eleven years of age his father died, leav- ing him and three sisters, two younger than he, to the care of a surviving mother, who also had devolved on her the charge of a large and unproductive real estate. Mr. Dean remained on the farm, spending his time in rural pursuits until he was about seventeen years of age, when his mother gave up the care of the estate and removed to a factory in the vicinity, where two members of the family found employment. The only pride Mr. Dean was taught to possess was that which arose from the exercise of an honest industry, and he found full scope for its indulgence during eighteen months when he worked in the mill at the trade of a mule-spinner, which was then a more lucrative busi- ness than it is now. During that period, although not then of age, he was permitted to act for himself and to dispose of the fruits of his own industry. Every subsequent step he thenceforth took in life ex- hibited to him the disadvantage of very much neg- lected education he had received, and which neglect he attributed solely to himself and his unwillingness to profit by the privileges he had at one time within his power. Thus seeing his neglect, he set about regaining lost ground with a diligence characteristic of the future man. For one year he devoted himself to a varied course of study in the common school prima- rily, and latterly in the seminary at AVrentham. Such was his natural ability to study, aptitude to learn, and commendable diligence at his tasks, that on leaving the academy he had a recommendation from the prin- cipal to teach the English branches in the common schools. He taught school first in Rehoboth, where he conducted his duties much to the satisfaction of his constituents. In the spring of that year his mother returned to the farm, and he left his situation as in- structor to undertake its management. From that period up to 1835 he continued to labor at farming during the open seasons, and to teach in the winter months. In the intervals he taught school in Attle- borough, Taunton, Canton, and Dedham, where he was peculiarly happy in giving satisfaction to the parties interested. A more important duty, also, mean- time devolved upon him. He married Maryette In- graham, daughter of Ezra and Eloisa Richardson, April 8, 1833. She was born May 31, 1807, in Attle- borough. They had four children, — Henry L., born April 17, 1834, died July 3, 1857 ; he left one daugh- ter, Mary W., who died at sixteen ; Frank, born Dec. 29, 1837 ; Sebra, born Dec. 9, 1839, died Dec. 11, 1842 ; and Sebra Ingraham, born Nov. 4, 1849, died Nov. 24, 1849. The temperance cause found in Mr. Dean one of its most enthusiastic advocates, and in 1835 he was solicited by the proprietors of a temperance hotel in Attleborough to take charge of the establishment. This solicitation was founded on a thorough knowl- edge of the sterling character for integrity he pos- sessed, as well as on his reputation as an unwavering supporter of the temperance movement. He was in- duced to accept the offer made him, and entered upon his occupation in connection with the hotel, which he now owns and manages. It is but justice to Mrs. Dean's reputation to state here that her peculiar qualifications to manage the domestic details of a large establishment of the sort furnished a liberal share of the inducement prompting the proprietors to offer the charge of the hotel to Mr. Dean. Soon after entering on this business the post-office was placed under his charge in 1837, and this he con- tinued to hold for twenty-four years except a short interval. He was also appointed agent at the rail- road station, and held the same for thirteen years. A freak of fortune, as a friend of his designated it, ena- bled Mr. Dean to make a purchase of his hotel in 1837, which transaction involved a large sum of money, as the estate was then very valuable, and is much more so now. Up to 1850, Mr. Dean continued to fill his offices of host, station agent, and keeper of the post- office, from the latter of which he was removed, in opposition to the almost unanimous remonstrances of his fellow-townsmen, in the year mentioned. The situation was Avorth about three hundred dollars per annum. The station agency he resigned on account of the pressure of his other duties. The propriety of this step will be recognized when we state that, besides the above occupations, he kept a livery-stable in con- nection with his hotel establishment, ran the first line of stages eight miles from the railroad station (it takes a railroad to do the business to-day), and acted for fifteen years as a bank director. He received the appointment as a notary public, which appointment came unsolicited by him from the late Governor Briggs, and which he held for more than forty years. Receiving such an important privilege from a party opposed to Mr. Dean in political matters, must be considered highly complimentary to him as a citizen. With such a variety of offices, and the responsibili- */ /W M-c 0a./W2fc ATTLEBOROUGH. 583 ties they included, it is not wonderful that Mr. Dean refused to accept various local public offices offered him. So soon, however, as his leisure seemed to tol- erate the hope of accepting his public trusts, his friends nominated him a candidate for the Senate in 1848. The divided state of political parties at that period hardly held out even a remote hope of success, and disappointment was consequently not great on account of failure. In 1849 he again received the senatorial nomination, but was compelled to decline the honor. He was a third time nominated for the same office in 1850, shortly after having been removed from the post-office, and when public interest was ex- cited in his favor to a more than usual degree on that account, and was elected, and accepted the honorable position assigned him by the citizens of his native county. We have now to add a few words relative to his political character, as it is appreciated by all parties. One prevailing feature in the public conduct of Mr. Dean was strict, open-handed honesty of purpose. He was appreciated as a Democrat of the most liberal stamp, and was well known as not ashamed or afraid to utter his sentiments in behalf of his party tenets. His advocacy of the more important questions before the Senate while senator was on behalf of a Demo- cratic principle which he desired to ramify all his public acts. In expressing his views on any article of public policy he had peculiar facility in the choice of language, and a very happy mode of apply- ing it. His general knowledge of the details of public affairs enables him to speak often and always with acceptance. Some may argue more logically, and construct their theories on a more strictly mathe- matical basis, but few have the power of rendering their arguments more plain to the general compre- hension. He was sheriff of Bristol County under Governor Boutwell for the years 1851 and 1852 ; jus- tice of the peace more than thirty years ; collector of internal revenue three or four years, and collector of pensions and bounties till the present time. He voted for Abraham Lincoln for President of the United States in the fall of 1860, and has since acted and voted with the Republican party, though he still maintains the same general principles he always ad- vocated. He is one of those who holds that the Democratic party has left him, and he not the party. In 1871 he settled in the house where he now resides. He has made his money principally in real estate and stocks, and is now considered one of the wealthy men of Attleborough. Mr. and Mrs. Dean are members of the Congrega- tional Church, of which she has been a member for more than fifty years. The accompanying portrait represents him in the prime of life. LYMAN WHITE DAGGETT. The subject of this sketch, like most of the name in this town and in Connecticut, are descended from John Daggett, who came to Attleborough from Chil- mark about 1709 with a family of nine children, con- sisting of Mayhew, Ichabod, and others. Deacon Mayhew was the father of Elihu, who be- came a very respectable elder in the Baptist Church. He also held a commission as captain in the provin- cial militia, and with two of his sons, Mayhew and Ichabod, was engaged in the fight in 1758 of Col. Bradstreet, which resulted in the capture of Fort Frontenac, together " with nine armed vessels, sixty cannon, sixteen mortars, and a vast quantity of am- munition." The circumstance of the elder's partici- pation in this battle is given, as frequently related by his son Elihu, then a lad of some thirteen years. The two sons had been absent some time in the war, and no news had been received from them. The father said, in his anxiety, " If I hear nothing in a week I will go and find them." Nothing was heard. He shouldered his musket, reached the seat of war, found a battle raging, entered the action, and after the victory discovered his sons as participants with himself in its glory. From the elder sprang Adjt. Elihu Daggett, born Dec. 4, 1745, an industrious and upright citizen, for many years a faithful teacher of youth, long engaged in the culture of his estate, where, in 1796, he erected the dwelling-house lately so beautified and improved by its present occupant, H. N. Daggett, Esq. The adjutant was a minute-man in the Revolution, and as such started for the field at the alarm given from Bunker Hill. He died June 14, 1833. Capt. Elihu Daggett was the son of the above named, born Feb. 24, 1785. He pursued for years the culture of the soil as a means of his livelihood ; was a faithful husband and a tender parent. He was a de- voted member of the Masonic institution, walking in its light and rejoicing in its promises. Nov. 28, 1810, he married Miss Lucinda White, of Pembroke, Plym- outh Co., Mass., a lineal descendant of Peregrine White. Her father was Capt. William White, a faithful soldier of the Revolution, present at the surrender of Corn- wallis, and engaged in many battles during that fear- ful struggle. Capt. Elihu Daggett was exceedingly fond of mili- I tary exercises. Few employments afforded him more pleasure than trainings and the discipline of soldiers. In the war of 1812 and 1815 he commanded a com- pany for a brief period, stationed at Plymouth, Mass., and after the close of that strife, on his return home, ; was instrumental in the formation of the Washington Rifle Company, for some time under his command, distinguished as one of the finest and best-disciplined companies in the brigade. He died Jan. 25, 1871. Lyman White Daggett was the only son of Capt. Elihu, born July 28, 1812. He was educated in the schools of his own town, eagerly seeking the benefit ot 584 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. all within his reach, and finding, as such multitudes have before him, the fountains of knowledge ever open to all faithful seekers. After availing himself of all the advantages afforded at home for an education, he became a member of Phillips Classical Academy, at Andover, Mass., en- joyed its rich opportunities, faithfully improved the facilities there afforded the honest, struggling student, and left with the. respect, benediction, and warm rec- ommendation of its renowned principal, the late Os- good Johnson, Esq. For some eight years subsequent to this period Mr. Daggett was successfully engaged as a teacher in public and private schools, then he became pas- tor of the Universalist Church and parish in Hollis- ton, Mass., and June 8, 1842, married Miss Nancy G. Fuller, daughter of John and Nancy Fuller, a lead- ing and influential family of Wrentham, Mass. Mr. Fuller's mother was Mary Maxcy, a daughter of Jo- siah Maxcy, and a near relative of the distinguished Jonathan Maxcy, president of Brown University. Three children have been born to them, of whom only one remains, since two have been already called to the home above. Subsequently Mr. Daggett preached in Andover, Mass., and in Woodstock and Hartland, Vt. As a preacher, he was regarded clear and sound in the exposition of his subjects, apt and close in the appli- cation of truth to the hearer's heart. His faith was strong and unchanging in God, Christ, and immor- tality. In pastoral labors he was ever faithful, visit- ing his people to do them good, seeking their homes in periods of sadness, misfortune, and sickness, to per- form labors of love, to spend and be spent in their service. On the death of his mother, in 1848, he resigned his place at Hartland, Vt., removing to Mileton Falls., Mass., where he has since resided, engaged in the successful pursuit of agriculture. Like many others, Mr. Daggett has been to a mod- erate extent in public life, having filled the offices of selectman, overseer of the poor, assessor, and town clerk for several terms. He has also often been a member of the school committee. In 1851, 1852, and 1853 he represented the town in the Legislature. As a member of the Legislature, he was a friend and ad- vocate of prohibition, of the mechanics' lien law, of homestead exemption, of the secret ballot, in fine, of all enactments calculated to promote home rule, free votes, and honest counts. He has always been true to temperance, speaking on all suitable occasions in its advocacy, and living in the practice of total absti- nence from all intoxicants for more than fifty years past. It need hardly be added that Mr. Daggett voted for Mr. Sumner for United States senator with hearty pleasure, and contemplates his act with ever- increasing satisfaction. The subject of this sketch is now in the enjoyment of good health, pursuing his peaceful calling as a cul- tivator of the soil under his own vine and fig-tree, " having none to molest or make him afraid," while he awaits the summons of the Divine Spirit. W. D. WHITING. The earliest recorded mention of a member of the Whiting family is that of " William Whytyng," who was in the year 1333 taxed as a citizen of Boston, in England. John Whiting was mayor of that borough in 1600 and in 1608 ; he also held the office of vice-admiral of Lincolnshire in 1602. His son Samuel was a min- ister of the Established Church, but being unwilling to conform to all the usages of that church, and be- ing complained of therefor to the Bishop of Norwich, finally emigrated to the American colonies, and set- tled (1636) in Lynn, Mass. His posterity constitute one branch of the American family of Whitings. Nathaniel Whiting, of Dedham, Mass., emigrated from Boxford, Suffolk Co., England, in the year 1635. Most of those bearing the name of Whiting origi- nating in Wrentham, Hingham, Plymouth, etc., as well as all the Dedham stock in that line, have de- scended from this Nathaniel. He was undoubtedly related to Samuel, above men- tioned. He (Nathaniel) was one of the sixty-eight proprietors of land in the infant settlement of " Con- tentment," afterwards called Dedham, the land being described in the deed or grant of conveyance (1642) as " upland ground, fit for improvement with the plow." He was one of the first settlers of the town (1635). In 1641 a foot-path was laid out to the first " water- mill" that had been established in the precinct, and soon after the mill, and all lands, privileges, and appurtenances thereto belonging, were conveyed by deed to Nathaniel Whiting by Rev. John Allin and John Dwight. For more than two centuries grist- and saw-mills located on this same site have been owned and improved in propria persona by lineal descendants of the grantee. In Mann's "Annals of Dedham" repeated mention is made of members of the Whiting family. Isaac Whiting was town clerk at the beginning of the Revolutionary war. His term of service was con- tinued for six years. Others were selectmen, assessors, and overseers of the poor, and were continued in these responsible positions for many years. As a general thing, the family have been devoted to agricultural pursuits, and some of the finest tracts of lands in the town have been owned by them for many successive generations. Nov. 4, 1643, Nathaniel Whiting mar- ried Hannah Dwight. The Dwights were among the original settlers, and presumably of considerable note, from the fact that the stream connecting Charles River with Neponset had from the first been known as Dwight's Brook. The ancient church records say of Capt. Timothy Dwight that " he was a gentleman ATTLEBOROUGH. 585 truly serious and godly ; one of an excellent spirit, peaceful, generous, charitable, and a promoter of the true interests of the church and town." His son Timothy was a much-respected president of Yale College. Nathaniel Whiting and Hannah Dwight, of Ded- ham, were married Sept. 4, 1643. Samuel, son of Nathaniel and Hannah, was born Oct. 20, 1649. Samuel Whiting and Sarah Metcalf, both of Ded- ham, were married Sept. 23, 1676. David, first son of Samuel and Sarah, was born July 30, 1709. David 1 was married to Mary Fuller by Rev. Samuel Dexter, Dec. 4, 1732, all of Dedham. David, second sou of David 1 and Mary Fuller, was born Feb. 22, 1735. David 2 and Hannah Wallcott, daughter of Moses and Mary Wallcott, were married October, 1766, all of Attleborough. David, grandfather of William, died January, 1800. David 1 and Mary, his wife, came from Dedham to Attleborough, probably in 1733 or 1734; they bought a farm and woodland, which remained in the Whiting family until a few years ago. The children of David and Hannah Whiting were John, born Nov. 15, 1767; David 3 , born July 19, 1770 ; Hannah, born May 14, 1772 ; John, born March 13, 1773; Lemuel, born Dec. 12, 1776; Lewis, born Dec. 4, 1778 ; Alice, born Feb. 3, 1783. Alice died June 7, 1810. Lemuel and Nancy, daughter of Oliver and Polly (Daggett) Blackinton, were married July 2, 1811. Lemuel died Sept. 30, 1823 ; Nancy died October, 1868. The children of Capt. Lemuel and Nancy were Mary Ann, born May 7, 1812 ; William Dean, born Dec. 23, 1815 ; Levi Willard, born 1821. William Dean Whiting, son of Lemuel and Nancy (Blackinton) Whiting, was born in Attleborough, Mass., Dec. 23, 1815. His father was a farmer, was an industrious and hard-working man, who prided himself on the superiority of his cattle, of which he had very fine ones, mostly oxen, with which he did a large amount of moving buildings. He married Nancy Blackinton, of the honorable family of that name which has from 1700 been prominently con- nected with Attleborough. They had four children, — Mary A. B. (Mrs. Samuel Kent, of Seekonk, de- ceased), Nancy (died young), William D., and Levi Willard (deceased). He died when William was about seven years old, leaving his wife in limited circumstances to bring up her young family, which, like a true New England mother, she succeeded in doing. Young William was early compelled to rely on himself for support, and commenced a life of many years of successful labor when eight years of age by doing chores, riding horse, etc., for his uncle, Artemus Stanley, for his board. Here he stayed one year. When ten years old he engaged with Mr. Whittemore, a farmer, to work for his board, and remained with him two years. Returning then to his mother's home, he began to work by the day, as opportunity offered, for twenty-five cents a day until he was fourteen. He was then apprenticed to Draper & Tints, jewelry manufacturers, to learn their trade, and for six years he steadily applied himself to thor- oughly master it. Mr. TifTts, his uncle by marriage, pleased with his attention to their interests, took especial pains with him, and he became very profi- cient in all departments. After learning his trade Mr. Whiting remained with the firm one year as journeyman, then dull times came on and work was scarce, so he employed himself in chasing gilt buttons for R. & W. Robinson for a time; then for a short period was employed by Dra- per & Blackinton in chasing gilt jewelry. In or about 1837 he had acquired such a reputation for skill, steadiness, and reliability that he was offered, and ac- cepted, the position of foreman in the shop of H. M. Richards, at East Attleborough. Mr. Richards made enameled jewelry, imitations of French goods. Not long after this he removed his business and machinery to Philadelphia, Pa., and thither Mr. Whiting ac- compauied him, superintending the removal and set- ting up the works in the new location, and continuing as superintendent. He stayed two years in this ca- pacity with Mr. Richards and his successor, Mr. Gar- rett. He then began business for himself in a modest way, manufacturing jewelry, principally hearts and crosses. This was in probably the most depressed financial times this country ever saw, and there was almost nothing done, and that poorly remunerated, so in a few months he had come fully to the conclusion of removing to St. Louis and trying his fortunes in the great West. This he was not to do, however, for just then Albert C. TifTt, an old Attleborough ac- quaintance, made him a proposition to return to that town and join him as partner in the jewelry business there, Mr. John Tifft (of the old firm of Draper & Tifft) to be their financial backer. Up to this time, owing to the dullness 6f the times, the labor of Mr. Whiting had not given much substantial result; but the value of faithful working and systematic economy had been so strongly impressed upon his nature as to affect his whole subsequent life. This time was doubtless the pivotal period of his life. After careful thought and mature deliberation he gave up his con- templated Western trip, and accepted Mr. Tifft's pro- posal. In 1840 they formed the firm of Tifft & Whiting, manufacturing jewelers. Two aspiring, honest young men, "chock full of day's work," with a joint cash capital of five hundred dollars, they de- spised not the day of small beginnings, and laid the foundations of future success by industry and care. They began to make gold goods, — hearts, crosses, ladies' and gentlemen's finger-rings. Their shop was a small room in an old blacksmith-shop on the bank of 586 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Ten-Mile River, on the Boston and Brovidence turn- pike, in North Attleborough. Mr. Tifft wasamachinist, and knew nothing of practical work in jewelry, so Mr. Whiting had all the responsibility of the shop. They had two workmen,— Willard, brother of Mr. Whiting (who had previously learned his trade of him), and Peter Bishop, a former employe of his in Philadelphia. As a contrast to the present, we would say that all Mr. Whiting paid Mr. Bishop, a skilled workman, on first hiring him, was five dollars per week. Mr. John Tifft first sold their goods, but after a short time Mr. A. C. Tifft would go to New York as salesman, and on his return Mr. AVhiting would go to Boston and other markets in New England. They determined not to run in debt. All the monetary aid they received was from Mr. Tifft, as promised before they entered into business, and all he did was to get one note of one hundred and fifty dollars discounted at the Wrentham Bank, and this they paid out of their business when it matured. Their trade soon became too large for their small shop, and in eighteen months' time had assumed such proportions that they were forced to build a new building. This they were determined to build large enough to contain room for their work for all time, and they erected a two-story building twenty-five by forty, for which they paid eight hundred dollars. Into this they moved, and soon found they needed some power to supersede the slow process of hand labor and facilitate the manufacture of goods. By this time they were employing thirty to forty men and doing a good business. Previously to this the Beaver Dam Cotton-Mill and Factory of Draper & Tifft had burned, and in February, 1847, Tifft & Whiting purchased the site and water privilege, paying two thousand dollars for it. They at once put up a por- tion of the present Whiting Manufacturing Com- pany's building, making it of stone, ninety feet long, forty feet wide, and three stories high. Mr. Whiting gave this building his personal superintendence, and put in improved machines for polishing, rolling, etc., by power. They occupied it the same year, opening it with seventy-five operatives, which soon became one hundred and one hundred and fifty. Wishing a safe depository for their goods, they added forty feet more in length to their building, and in one corner constructed a strong stone safe eight feet by twelve and the height of the building, with doors in each story. Mr. Tifft, after some years' con- tinuance of the firm, was satisfied with the fortune he had amassed, and wishing to retire sold his interest to Mr. Whiting, Jan. 1, 1853, for which he was paid ninety thousand dollars in cash. The business was in the full tide of success, and was very profitable. It stood in the front rank of the business firms of the country, and with Sackett, Davis & Potter, of Providence, was the first jewelry manufactory to es- tablish an office in New York City. These firms took offices side by side. In his own name, and afterwards as W. D. Whiting & Co., Mr. Whiting continued to do a flourishing business for years, with offices in Philadelphia and Boston also. Soon after removing to the stone building he had added the manufacture of silver combs for ladies ; gradually other articles were added, until this branch became an immense business of itself, and resulted in what is now one of the largest houses in the country, the Whiting Manufacturing Company. This was organized as a stock company of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars capital, and afterwards the capital stock was increased to two hundred and fifty thousand dol- lars. Mr. Whiting was elected president, and the manufacture of silver entirely superseded the jewelry business, which was closed. The duties of his posi- tion kept Mr. Whiting busily employed, and he had but little leisure. After the burning of their works in 1875, the building was rebuilt as it now stands, two hundred and fifteen feet in length ; but they soon re- moved to New York City, whither Mr. Whiting re- moved also to give his personal attention to the fit- ting up of shops, removal and putting up of machin- ery, engine, and boiler, etc. Commencing Jan. 1, 1876, in February of the same year the new works were occupied and rapidly turning out work. After a residence of five years in New York, Mr. Whiting returned to North Attleborough. He married, Dec. 17, 1839, Rebecca Damon, daugh- ter of Pitt and Lucy (Damon) Butterfield, of Dedham, Mass., where she was born May 8, 1818. They had three children, — William Osborne (a beautiful child of brilliant promise, who met an untimely death by drowning at four years of age), Frank Mortimer, Josephine S., and Florence R. With the exception noted above, Mr. Whiting has all his life resided in his native town, and, known of all men, is universally esteemed for his sterling worth, honesty of dealing, integrity, modesty, and unosten- tation. He has stood on every round of Fortune's ladder, and in his old age, with all the wealth his faithful labor and business ability of years has brought him, can look back and proudly say that not one dollar has been acquired unjustly. He is one of the best types of a self-made man ; has started many " boys" on the same road he has trod, first, by taking them as apprentices; secondly, by his kind and fatherly advice, giving them more valuable aid than that of money; and to-day many of them hold a loyal friend- ship for the kind old friend whom they reverence almost as a father. Mr. Whiting is in accord with the highest elements of society, and is one of Attle- borough's most valued citizens. His success is the result of steady industry, careful economy, business thrift and enterprise reaching over a long period of years, coupled with a determination to give honest value to whatever he made. He has never had time to meddle either with politics or speculation, and has steadily refused all public positions, but is a Repub- lican in political belief. ^^^^>? & ATTLEBOROUGH. 587 Frank M. Whiting, born April 21, 1849, was edu- cated at Norwich Military University, at Northfield, Vt., and graduated in the class of 1868. He entered his father's shop, where he worked about a year, then he was called as assistant in the office, first in Attle- borough then in New York, and afterwards was trav- eling salesman for several years. He started in busi- ness in North Attleborough, in 1878, with two others, in the manufacture of jewelry, under the firm-name of Holbrook, Whiting & Albee. This firm continued two years, when his father bought the interests of Holbrook and Albee, and the firm became and still continues Frank M. Whiting & Co. Its specialties are small silver-wares, novelties, and jewelry. They employ about forty hands. While Frank attends to the traveling and selling, his father superintends the shop. Frank married, June 21, 1881, Florence L., daugh- ter of Edwin and Dorcas (Doane) Hancock, of Wrentham. They reside with his father in the beau- tiful home he built on the William Blackinton home- stead in North Attleborough, where he has lived since October, 1857. They have one daughter, Marion D., born Dec. 17, 1882. " ABIEL CODDING. Abie/ Codding, eldest son of Abiel and Cloe (Daggett) Codding, was born in the town of Rehoboth, Mass., Jan. 29, 1817, and at one year of age came with his parents to the eastern part of Attleborough. His paternal grandfather was James Codding, a native of Taunton, Bristol Co., Mass., whither his ancestors had come at an early day. James was a farmer by occu- pation. He was a true American, and fought for our independence in the Revolutionary war. He mar- ried Joanna Eddy, and had three children, viz. : David, Abigail, wife of Wheaton Barrows, and Abiel, father of the subject of our sketch. Both Mr. and Mrs. James Codding spent their last days with their son Abiel in Attleborough, Mass. They lived to be far advanced in years, and their children attained the remarkable age of nearly ninety years. Abiel Codding, youngest son of James, was born in Taunton, Mass., Oct. 27, 1792, and died in Attleborough, Oct. 3, 1881. His boyhood was spent at home on his father's farm till he was fourteen or fifteen years of age, when he came to Attleborough, and worked on a farm by the month for Seneca Sanford. He was very industrious and frugal, and strictly temperate in all his habits. He married Cloe, daughter of Elihu Daggett, and to them were born thirteen children, of whom eight grew to maturity, viz., Cloe (deceased), Abiel, Al- mira (deceased), Joanna (deceased), Mary Ann, David D., Harriet N., and Emily. Mr. Codding was a well- to-do farmer in Attleborough, where he lived for more than sixty-three years, leaving an example of in- dustry and sobrietv well worthv the imitation of the present generation. In politics he was a Democrat of the Jeffersonian school. He was a soldier of the war of 1812, and drew a pension for his services. His name will long be remembered as one of the most upright and honorable men in town. His wife, born Dec. 12, 1792, died March 22, 1855. Abiel Codding, the immediate subject of our sketch, was reared on the farm in East Attleborough till he was sixteen years of age. His advantages for an ed- ucation were such as the common schools of his town afforded. Being of a mechanical turn of mind, he early turned his attention to the jewelry business. Hence at sixteen we find him in the employ of H. M. Richards, one of the pioneers in the jewelry busi- ness of this town. He remained with him some three years, when he formed a copartnership with Stephen Richardson (deceased), under the firm-name of Richardson & Codding, and was thus employed a short time when they dissolved partnership, and Mr. Codding continued his trade as a journeyman, mak- ing valuable improvements in the different kinds of tools used in the jewelry business. In 1839 he went to Philadelphia to work for his old employer, H. M. Richards, but remained but a few months, when he returned to North Attleborough and entered the em- ploy of Ira Richards & Co. In 1842 he formed a copartnership with Ira Richards & Co., the firm re- taining the old and well-known title. This firm had a house in New York City, and was there known as Ira Richards & Co., but their interest in Attlebor- ough was known as Richards, Codding & Co. This firm manufactured all kinds of jewelry, besides " hooks and eyes." It grew from a very small begin- ning to be one of the largest, if not the largest, man- ufacturing interest in Attleborough, employing some two hundred and twenty-five hands some of the time, and their sales amounted to many thousands every year. Mr. Codding was naturally a mechanic, and by close application to his business he attained a degree of success acquired by few. He made valuable im- provements in manufacturing, and obtained several patents for new tools. About 1850 he built his pres- ent fine house in North Attleborough, where he has since resided. In politics he is a Democrat, but seldom takes a lively interest in political matters. He is a director of the First National Bank of North Attleborough, and president of the Savings-Bank of Attleborough ; also president of the North Attleborough Gas-Light Company. It will thus be seen that the people of his town repose confidence in him. He married Ann Maria, daughter of Calvin and Olive (Blackington) Richards, Oct. 28, 1841. She was born in Attleborough, Aug. 16, 1819. Of this union the following children have been born, viz.: Arthur E., Ella M. (deceased), James A., Edwin A., and Ellen L. (deceased). All the sons are in the jewelry busi- ness, under the firm-name of Codding Bros. 588 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. H. N. DAGGETT. The subject of this sketch was born in Attleborough, Jan. 27, 1821. His father, Hon. Ebenezer Daggett, was largely interested in the manufacture of cotton goods, was prominent in local affairs, and at the time of his death represented his district in the State Sen- ate. The son, after completing his education at Wrentham Academy, moved to Boston, where he served a short, unprofitable apprenticeship with a relative, after which he returned to Attleborough, formed a partnership with his brother, H. M. Dag- gett, and together they purchased the mills at the Falls and carried on the manufacture of print cloths for a number of years. This partnership terminated in 1856. About this time Mr. Daggett conceived the idea of making braid in this country, and started a few braiders at the Power Company's shop in Attle- borough. Requiring more room, he had moved into the mill at Farmer's, and was also occupying the shop atrDeantown. The braid business had never before been attempted on this side the Atlantic, but now the time seemed most opportune for it. The civil war seriously inter- fered with the importation of these goods, but the de- mand for them was constantly increasing. Mr. Dag- gett saw his golden opportunity and grasped it. He must have more room. He repurchased the mill property at Attleborough Falls, which he had sold to H. M. Richards in 1855, and filling it with the best of American braid machinery he commenced the work which has resulted so advantageously to both the individual and the public. On moving to Falls village, as it was called, Mr. Daggett's first business was to establish order. Pre- vious to his coming it was no uncommon thing for the rowdy element to take possession of streets, side- walks, stores, or public meetings, to the terror and ex- clusion of better people. Under his energetic treat- ment the roughs either left town or subsided into peaceful citizens. Through his influence a post-office was established, and with his aid a church was built, and other public improvements pushed to comple- tion. Up to 1868 a stage-coach was the only passenger conveyance between North and East Attleborough, and all freight for the former was hauled over the road in teams. In January of that year Mr. Dag- gett requested a few gentlemen to meet at his resi- dence, the purpose being to secure a railroad between the two villages. This was the origin of the Attle- borough Branch Railroad. Within one year from the time these gentlemen held the meeting the work was completed, and the cars were running over the road. In the mean time American braids had outgrown the prejudices of the consumer, and the demand for them had so increased as to require the mill to be run both day and night, employing, of course, two sets of hands, and the annual product had reached to up- wards of sixty thousand miles of braid. At this time Mr. Daggett had an arrangement with J. C. Morse, of Boston, under which the manufactured goods were sold by Mr. Morse on joint account, he supplying the yarn and Mr. Daggett furnishing labor and machinery. In 1869, Mr. Morse became seriously embarrassed, necessitating an abandonment of this arrangement. Mr. Daggett's fortune went down with the wreck, but he had an ample capital in his energy, courage, and determination. He at once formed a partnership with Austin Dunham, of Hartford, and George S. Moulton, of New York. This connection, a very happy and successful one, terminated in 1873, and thereafter until 1879, Mr. Daggett conducted the business alone, when, feeling the need of relief from the engrossing cares of business, he disposed of the stock and machinery to a company, in which he re- tains a large interest, and of which he is president and treasurer. Mr. Daggett has added largely to the value of his mill property, and improved the appearance of the village by building a number of tasty cottages and three large jewelry-shops, and one fine store. The shops get their power from the mill, which is equipped with a powerful steam-engine, although its main dependence is upon the water-power, which for ten months in the year is one of the best in the State. Mr. Daggett's home is one of the most attractive in the town, from without giving evidence of taste and refinement, and from within of healthful home and social influences. THE RICHARDS FAMILY.- Thomas Richards, the first of his name in New England, was born in Dorchester about 1590, and according to Rev. Abner Morse, who compiled a his- tory of the Richards family in 1861, was a man of standing in the mother-country and one of the prin- cipal men in the new. He was a merchant and dig- nified by the title of " Mr.," a high honor in colonial days. He was a lineal descendant in the seventh generation of James Richards, of either Somerset or Devon County, England, and hence a descendant of Sir Richard Richards, " Lord Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer and often President of the House of Lords," an inheritor of the Richards manor in Wales, and whose ancestors were spoken of, says Mr. Morse, as the " ancient possessors" in 1550. This old man- sion is still standing, and with it is connected an ex- tensive estate. Thomas Richards' children were John, " Worship- ful and Major/' who married a daughter of Governor Winthrop, and who was one of the most eminent men of his time in the colonies (Judge Richards died in 1694); Thomas, "Esq.," who died in 1648-50; Mary, who married Thomas Hinckley, Governor of Plym- outh ; Alice, who married Maj. William Bradford, Deputy Governor of Plymouth, and several others. J*n£ t^B^I ^^^^€ £~v ATTLEBOROUGH. 589 Edward Eichards, a nephew of Thomas, Sr., came to Dedham in 1635-36, when that place was colonized by the "principal planters" from Cambridge and Watertown. Mr. Morse says, " He was received as one of the proprietors of Dedham in 1636-37, then embracing the territory of nine present townships, and became the sixty-second signer of her social compact. On ye 17d. of ye 5 mo., 1640, he was re- ceived into ye church, giving good satisfaction," and his wife Susan was received 19 (11), 1644. With this church they walked blameless through life. In 1641 he took the freeman's oath, and in 1646 was chosen selectman, and by annual elections served nine years. Edward Richards began life with more means than most of the planters of Dedham, and left his descendants good estates. The proprietors having adopted the rule of dividing their lands generally according to estate, he drew an uncommon amount in no less than fourteen lots. In 1648 his county rate was above the average, and in 1651 his house was valued at eighteen pounds, when only twelve in Dedham were valued higher. He died in 1684. John Richards (2d) son of Edward, was born in 1641 and died in 1688. In 1667 he was received into the church in Dedham, and took the freeman's oath in 1670. In 1672 he married Mary Colburn, of Dedham, a daughter of Nathaniel and Priscilla Colburn. John Richards (3d), first-born of "the seven chil- dren of John (2d)," the Rev. Mr. Morse says, "mar- ried Judith Fairbanks, had the homestead of his father in Dedham." Of one of their sons, Mr. Morse says, "Joseph, Col., A.M., M.D., settled in Dedham and became her principal citizen. He married, Aug. 10, 1726, Mary Belcher. She was born July 23, 1701, died Jan. 19, 1746-47. She was the daugh- ter of Rev. Joseph and Abigail Belcher, a minister of Dedham. He married second, March 2, 1748-49, Elizabeth Dudley, daughter of William and Eliz- abeth Dudley, of Roxbury. She was born May 16, 1724, died Nov. 1, 1805. Joseph died in 1761. John Richards (4th generation), son of John Richards (3d), was born June 12, 1698, and married Abigail, daugh- ter of Robert and Elizabeth Avery. He had two sons — Edward and Nathan — who were the first of the name to settle in Attleborough. He had other sons and daughters. Edward Richards 5 , the first of the name in Attle- borough, was. born in Dedham in 1724, and married, in 1756, Mary, daughter of James and Hannah Fisher, of Dedham. From what we can learn of the family it appears that Edward Richards came from a race of gentle- men, who were so by race, education, and association. His sires in their several generations had been men of wealth and social position, receiving homage not only for their own worth but for their lineage also. He must have been known by reputation by the citi- zens of Attleborough before his advent among them, for he seems to have taken a foremost position among them immediately upon his arrival. During the Revolution he was especially prominent, and served his adopted town most faithfully in the many im- portant positions of trust he was called to. Sept. 12, 1774, Attleborough chose a committee to join with the committees of the other towns of Bristol County " to consult the safety and peace and prosperity thereof, as well as the whole government and conti- nent upon any emergency." Of the five chosen for this committee, Edward Richards was the first. To the convention held at Concord in October, 1779, Edward Richards, with Col. Stephen Richardson and Mr. Levi Maxcy, were chosen by Attleborough. And upon the committees of correspondence, and among the judges of the Superior and Inferior Court, created by the town during the war, Mr. Richards was either the first or among the first. His four sons, Edward, Calvin, etc., settled in At- tleborough, and from thence came the bee-hive race of Richards in North Bristol County. Calvin Rich- ards (sixth generation), son of Edward, seems to have been a quiet, peaceful citizen in the place where his race, before and after, made so much stir. But his progeny in the next and succeeding generations fully made up for their sire's lack. His son Manning, who was father of the Hon. H. M. Richards, of At- tleborough, was one of the earliest of the jewelry manufacturers, and in about 1815 employed what was then the great number of twenty operatives. Another son, Calvin, as well as Spencer, was asso- ciated with his brother Ira in various business en- terprises, notably of the Richards Manufacturing Company, which carried on to a large extent the manufacture of brass door-knobs and catches. Ira Richards 7 , the father of E. Ira and Josiah D. Rich- ards, was the son of Calvin, grandson of Edward, the first in Attleborough and the seventh generation in lineal descent from Edward Richards, who settled in Dedham in 1636 or 1637. Ira Richards was born in North Attleborough, and was fifty-three years old at his death. He was very reserved and stem, but so notably a just and honored man that matters of dispute among his neighbors, if unable to be settled peacefully, were invariably left to his decision. During an active life of many years of business as one of the old firm of Draper, Tifft & Co., Ira Rich- ards & Co., and in other business enterprises, his repu- tation for honor was so bright and shining that the saying " his word is as good as his bond" was univer- sally applied to him, and to this day this saying is brought up in association with his name. He was one of the original directors in the old Attleborough State Bank, and in all of his positions of trust and honor was never found wanting. Josiah D. Richards, whose steel portrait accom- panies this sketch, is the son of Ira and Fanny (Draper) Richards, and was born in Attleborough, Mass., July 7, 1827. 59U HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Just previous to his attaining his majority he as- sumed his father's interest in the firm of Ira Rich- ards & Co., in the manufacture of jewelry, and con- tinued until 1876, when he retired, since which time he has not been engaged in any active business. Politically, he is a Democrat. Mr. Richards takes an active interest in everything that pertains to the welfare of his native town. He is still in the prime of life, and is surrounded with all the comforts of a happy home. He married, Jan. 19, 1848, Harriet E., daughter of John Draper, a jeweler, of Attleborough. She was born in New York, Aug. 26, 1826. Their children were Ira and Clara D., who died Oct. 16, 1857. Ira Richards, son of J. D., was born in Attleborough, March 5, 1852, and was educated in the public schools of that town and in Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass. Immediately on leaving school he made a pleasure trip through California and the West. Jan. 1, 1877, went into partnership with Messrs. Sandland & Ca- pron, for the manufacture of jewelry in North Attle- borough, under the firm-name of Sandland, Capron & Co., which relation still continues. He is a Demo- crat, and member of Bristol Lodge, F. and A. M. He married, Jan. 2, 1879, Lydia R., daughter of William H. Reynard, of New Bedford. BURRILL PORTER, Jr. Burrill Porter, Jr., was born in Charlestown, N. H., Feb. 22, 1832. His paternal grandfather was Asahel Carpenter Porter, a farmer from Coventry, Conn., and his maternal grandfather was John Garfield, a lineal descendant of the Garfields who early settled in Spencer, Mass. He is a son of Burrill Porter and Susan Garfield Porter, and is the oldest of a family of nine children, all of whom reached the age of manhood, and eight of whom are now living indus- trious and useful lives. The subject of this sketch received his early educa- tion on his father's farm and in the public schools of Lano-don, N. H., and after pursuing preparatory studies in academies at Westminster and Saxton's River, Yt., entered Dartmouth College in March, 1853. From that institution he graduated in the class of 1856. After graduation he entered upon, and for twenty-three years pursued the profession of teaching. During this time he was principal of academies at Canaan, Alstead, and Swansea, N. H., teacher of public schools in Cleveland and Fostoria, Ohio, and principal of high schools in Braintree and Attleborough, Mass. He was the first principal of the North High School in Attleborough, and held that position twelve years and a half, during which time there were graduated from the school one hun- . dred and thirty students. Resigning in February, 1879, he was elected select- man and assessor, and appointed collector of taxes the same year, and was chosen overseer of the poor in 1880, which offices he now holds. He was elected representative for the First Bristol District, which includes the towns of Attleborough, Norton, and Mansfield, in the Legislature of Massachusetts, for the year 1881, when the public statutes were adopted. He served as a member of the first committee of the North Attleborough Library Association, and is now a member of the Prudential Committee of the Union Improvement District, which supports the library thus established as a free public library. He has been a member of the parish committee, and treasurer of the First Universalist Society of Attle- borough, and is now one of the building committee of the parish, which is erecting a new church and parsonage at a cost of nearly thirty-five thousand dollars. HENRY D. MERRITT. Henry D. Merritt was born in Hartland, Vt., Jan. 16, 1826, and died at his residence in North Attle- borough, Mass., Jan. 20, 1878. His advantages for an education were confined to the common schools of his native town in Vermont, yet by that same energy which was one of his distinguishing characteristics through life he acquired by reading and reflection a good practical education. At about eighteen years of age he left home to seek his fortune in Boston, where he learned the tailor's trade. After remaining in Boston some time he came to North Attleborough, Mass., and entered the employ of H. M. Richards as clerk. In this capacity he was industrious and faith- ful, proving to be one of the most successful salesmen in Mr. Richards' employ. About 1858 he commenced the manufacture of jewelry witli Mr. Joseph B. Draper, under the firm-name of Merritt & Draper, and con- tinued in business at North Attleborough a few years, when they transferred their business to Mansfield, Mass. Soon after Mr. Merritt retired, being suc- ceeded by John Shepardson, who became a partner of Mr. Merritt's, March, 1870, under the firm-name of H. D. Merritt & Co. In 1872 the business was transferred to North Attleborough. The firm did a successful business manufacturing plated and silver chains. They employed some fifty hands, and their sales amounted to many thousands every year. (See " Manufactures of North Attleborough.") Since Mr. Merritt's death the firm-name continues the same, and it employs from sixty to seventy-five hands. About 1876, Mr. Merritt bought a residence in North Attle- borough, and removed his family here. His exten- sive business often called him to New York, where he spent the larger portion of his time. In politics he was a Republican. Nov. 26, 1860, he married Marietta, daughter of Warren and Harriet Aldrich. Of this union two children have been born, viz., Clara R. and Henry D. As a business man, Mr. Merritt was very successful. He carried into every department a methodical mind, ^rrtfrrS SP^ €■■<£ Lea c( ATTLEBOROUGH. 591 untiring industry, and sterling honesty. In private life he was a man of quiet, unassuming maimers, un- exceptionable habits, and upright in his intercourse with others. II. C. READ. The first ancestor of this line was Brianus, a noted man of Lincolnshire, England, who, in 1139, was registered as " Brianus de Reed." He left two sons, who were respectively named Robert of Reed and Thomas of Reed-dale. This new Reed family occu- pied nearly the same locality for several centuries. From it descended William Rede, an eminent math- ematician, who in 1369 was made Bishop of Chiches- ter. William Read, born 1450, was a great-grandson of the bishop, and had this lineal descent : William, born 1490 ; William, born 1510 ; William, born 1545 ; William, born 1572. This last-named William had two sons, — William, born 1596, and John, born 1598. These brothers, with many others of standing and substance, became participants in the great Massa- chusetts Land Patent, of which Governor Winthrop (connected with the Reads by intermarriage) was the leader, and in 1630 came with Winthrop's expe- dition from near Boston, England, to the place which they named Boston also, and which is now the metrop- olis of New England. John resided a short time in Dorchester, Braintree, and Weymouth, and in 1643, with others, emigrated to Rehoboth,in the Plymouth Colony, to found a new settlement. He was third on the list of original proprietors, and was taxed on three hundred pounds, a very large estate for those days. He had been a freeman, and held important positions in the Massachusetts Colony, and was re- garded as a man of substance and responsibility. In Rehoboth he became at once a leading citizen. In 1654 he was appointed sheriff of Rehoboth, a very important position, which he held for several years. He was an active and influential member of the civil and religious society of the times, was much re- spected through life, enjoyed a green old age, and at eighty-seven years was called from earth, Sept. 7, 1685. His estate lay on the east side of what is now Seekonk Common. He has numerous descendants, who, as a body, are thrifty, law-abiding, and indus- trious, doing honor to their noble pioneer ancestor. The line of descent from John to H. C. Read is this : Daniel, born 1655; Daniel, born 1680; Daniel, born 1716 ; Levi, born 1762; Henry C. Henry Clifford Read, son of Levi and Nancy (Hunt) Read, was born May 8, 1810, in Attlebor- ough, Mass., on the place where he now (1882) re- sides. His father was a farmer, honest, industrious, and a supporter of all good causes. Unpretentious, he was content with the quiet and useful life of agri- culture, and from nature and its communion, with a heart in deep accord with nature's God, he drew in- spirations of health and happiness, and never cared to exchange his simple home; the centre of all his earthly affections, for the most gorgeous mansion in the rushing activities of the city. He was for sixty years deacon of the First Congregational Church of Attleborough, very prominent in church matters, and a liberal giver to all religious and other benefactions. He married Nancy, daughter of Joseph Hunt, of At- tleborough, and had eight children, — Rufus C, Clem- ent O., Esther, Charlotte A., Henry C, Cynthia M., Levi A., Nancy W. Henry is the sole survivor. Mr. Read died in 1853, having attained the remark- able age of ninety-one years, and left the record of an untarnished life of Christian activity and good works. Henry lived at home till he was twenty-three, re- ceived common school advantages, taught two terms of school when about twenty-one, became a farmer, and also a machinist, which trade he pursued for three years in Worcester and Providence. He mar- ried, during these years, Eunice D., daughter of Samuel Tylor, a prominent citizen of Attleborough. Their two children — Samuel T.,born 1836 ; and Eunice T., born 1840 — are both dead. Samuel was a young man of ability. He held commission as captain on Gen. Butler's staff at the commencement of the great Rebellion. At Gen. Butler's request he returned to Boston, raised a company, and going into the service, attained the rank of colonel. After the war he mar- ried Kate Schofield, of Natchez, Miss., settled in New Orleans, became an insurance collector, afterwards a lawyer, and died in 1880, leaving two children, — Katie and Mattie. Eunice married George Crawford. Her only surviving child, Lincoln, was adopted by an aunt, whose name (Hayward) he assumes. Two years after this marriage Mr. Read removed to Bond County, 111., and was a farmer there for ten years, w r hen he returned to the old home, where he has since resided. He married, Jan. 3, 1856, Mrs. Abbie H. Sherman, daughter of Shadrach and Nancy (Sim- mons) Davis, of New Bedford. Her children are one by her first husband, William H., and two by Mr. Read, — Henry C, born April 10, 1864, and Rufus C, born March 23, 1874. Mr. Read has been Whig and Republican in politi- cal belief; has as such been elected selectman and member of the Legislature (1875-76). He has been an honored and worthy citizen, stands high in the esteem of his townsmen, has discharged all trusts placed in his hands conscientiously and well, and is accounted a very liberal man, who never turns a deaf ear to suffering or to any enterprise for the betterment of humanity, or withholds pecuniary aid from any worthy object. Formerly an orthodox Congrega- tionalist, of later years he has found great solace in its spiritual philosophy, and, supported by this faith and the ministrations of a loving wife and children, he is passing down, with much of the vigor of early man- hood, contentedly towards the evening twilight of earth, in the rectitude of a life well spent, and " with 592 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. malice towards none," leaving the rich legacy of "a good name, which is rather to be chosen than great riches," to his descendants. He has a pleasant home, which has been in the family from his grandfather's days, comprising in all about two hundred acres of fertile land, and which bears the evidence of refined taste. It is worthy of special mention that neither Henry C. Read nor any of his father's family ever used tobacco in any form or liquor of any kind. Clement O. Read, formerly of Attleborough, died at Perth Amboy, N. J. Mr. Read was the son of Levi Read, who owned and lived upon the farm now owned by H. C. Read. Mr. C. O. Read was the pi- oneer in the screw business. He started in the busi- ness of manufacturing wood screws in this town, at the mill known as the Attleborough City Mill, with the machinery that he invented. His pecuniary means being limited, he associated Rhode Island capi- talists with him, and removed* his works to Provi- dence, at the corner of -Hewes and Charles Streets, where the American Screw Company's mills are now. The difficulty of putting a new article upon the mar- ket at a price within the reach of the consumer was an obstacle that the company could not overcome, and Mr. Read suffered the loss of what money he put into the business. But this enterprise has since grown, and the screws manufactured by the company that grew out of this effort of our worthy and inge- nious townsman have acquired a world-wide reputa- tion. After disposing of his interest in his Provi- dence business, Mr. Read removed to New Jersey, where he died at the age of seventy-nine years. He was a thorough mechanic, and during his long, exem- plary, and useful life was the author of a large num- ber of useful pieces of mechanism. He was a firm friend of temperance, a kind father, a true citizen and friend, and a man whose memory will be revered and loved by all who knew him. He had two brothers and two sisters, all of whom are now dead, except Mr. Henry C. Read, who resides at the old homestead es- tate. E. G. MAY. Hon. Elisha May, the first of the name in Attle- borough, was born in 1729, probably in Barrington, and settled in the west part of Attleborough. He was a distinguished citizen of the town, often em- ployed in public office. He was an active and use- ful member of both military and civil departments throughout the Revolution, and after that was chosen legislator or counselor without opposition till he would serve no longer. With the exception of one year, he held a seat in the Legislature for twenty- seven consecutive years, and chiefly in the Senate. For almost forty years he was chosen " moderator," and at one time was chosen Presidential elector. Of quick discernment of men and things, a sound mind, a retentive memory, an affability to win friends, an education considerably above ordinary, he was well qualified for public employment, and discharged all his duties with signal ability. Courteous in his man- ners, honorable and upright in his principles, in every relation of life, family, social, or public, he was al- ways the same true friend, loving companion, and faithful official. He died Nov. 15, 1811, aged nearly seventy-three. Of his eleven children, Tulhj, born May 24, 1787, was youngest. He was a quiet farmer, and, unlike his father, had no desire for official tur- moil and preferment. He had strong political pref- erences, being an old-fashioned Whig. He married Hannah Gay (born Oct. 6, 1791, died March 28, 1875), and had four children, — Cynthia (Mrs. Carlos Bar- rows), Elisha G., Henry F., and Catherine (deceased). He died June 19, 1872. Other sons or descendants of Elisha May became distinguished in public life. William, born Jan. 26, 1764, graduated at Brown University, 1788 ; a student-at-law ; died July 12, 1790, in the twenty-seventh year of his age. Jesse, another son, was bred a lawyer, and prac- ticed at Pawtucket, R. I. (then in Massachusetts), but died Feb. 24, 1815, aged thirty-six years. John, another son, removed to Maine, and settled in Winthrop. His son Seth became a lawyer, and was for many years a distinguished judge of the Superior Court of that State. Lemuel, another son, was a prominent man in town, held various town offices, was repeatedly a member of the Legislature and also of the Governor's Council. The second son of Lemuel is John Wilder May, graduated at the college in Burlington, Vt., settled as a lawyer in Boston, was for some time city attorney, and is now one of the judges of the Municipal Court of that city. He is the author of several popular law works. Elisha Gay May, born in Attleborough, Oct. 6, 1812, was reared a farmer, with only a country boy's school advantages for schooling. After becoming of age, he worked as a journeyman maker of buttons for three years, then returned to his father's farm, where he remained for a number of years. In the spring of 1854 he began the manufacturing of plated and gilt jewelry, as one of the firm of William H. Robinson & Co. In 1858 this firm was dissolved, and Mr. May retired to the pleasant home where he now resides, and which he purchased in 1851. Here he has been a farmer, and has demonstrated that to be a good farmer a tract of large acreage is not necessarily re- quired. He married, in October, 1839, Ann Janette, daughter of James and Sarah (Perry) Draper, born in Attleborough, Oct. 17, 1814. She comes of an old and reputable family of this section, which reaches back into the early days of " Merry England" for its European origin. Mr. May has been a trustworthy citizen, honored both by the trust and esteem of his townsmen, and maintains well the character for honesty and integrity 7 £t^/A*cx~ w m ATTLEBOROUGH. 593 held by his honored grandfather. For about forty years he has been justice of the peace. He has been selectman, assessor, overseer of the poor, etc. In pol- itics he is a Republican. He has been treasurer of Attleborough Fanners' and Mechanics' Association, and in all stations has won the commendations of his constituents. Kind-hearted and generous, Mr. and Mrs. May have been liberal supporters of church or- ganizations and benevolence, and the suffering and distressed have often been relieved by their unosten- tatious ministrations. They have a large place in the regards of a circle of numerous friends. C. E. W. SHERMAN. Charles Edwin Wallace Sherman was born in Plympton, Mass., Aug. 1, 1827. From the records of that town we take the following concerning his ances- tors : " William Sherman was son of Mr. Thomas Sherman, of Plymouth, Mass., and was born there June 10, 1798. Irene Shaw Staridish, his wife, was daughter of Mr. Jonathan Standish, by Irene Shaw, his wife, and was born in Middleborough, Mass., Oct. 6, 1800. This Jonathan Standish was son of Moses Standish, Jr., sixth in descent from Capt. Miles Stan- dish, of 'Mayflower' fame, and whose parents were Lieut. Moses and Rachel Standish. Lieut. Moses was son of Ebenezer and Hannah Standish, who were among the first settlers of Plympton. Ebenezer was son of Alexander and Sarah Standish. This Alex- ander was the son of the old Puritan warrior, one of the ' Mayflower' emigrants in 1620, and who settled in Duxbury." " Irene Standish, first wife of Jona- than Standish, was the daughter of Joshua Shaw, who was son of Samuel and Desire Shaw. Samuel was son of Lieut. Jonathan Shaw and his first wife, Mehetabel. He was son of Deacon Jonathan Shaw and his wife, Phebe. Deacon Jonathan was one of the first settlers of Plympton, and one of the first deacons of the church there. He and his descend- ants lived in that part of Plympton now called Carver." Thomas Sherman was born in Plymouth, was a hatter, married Priscilla Cottonwood, and died previous to 1850 in Brooklyn, N. Y. His son William, above spoken of, was a dyer by trade, and was also connected with the manufacture of woolen goods. He was married Jan. 5, 1823. His children were Irene Inez Standish, William Francis, Charles E. W. (born in Plympton), and Helen Maria (who was born in Dighton). He came to Dighton prior to 1830, lived later in Halifax, Mass., and died May 18, 1873, aged seventy-three. His wife died Dec. 5, 1863, aged sixty-three. Charles became a factory-boy at an early age in his father's employ, and worked at nearly all parts of woolen manufacturing from the wool in the fleece to the " finish." His health becoming poor, however, he was obliged to quit this business and seek some lighter employment. He secured a place, by the aid 38 of friends, in a jewelry manufactory in Attleborough, where he passed two years learning engraving. He came to Attleborough, where he has since resided, April 1, 1848, being then nearly twenty-one. He followed engraving six years, and in July, 1854, in connection with George K. Davis, formed the firm of George K. Davis & Co., gold and silver refiners, as- sayers, and smelters. This copartnership continued two years, when Mr. Sherman erected a shop and carried on business for himself until the fall of 1875, when his son William W. became a partner, and the firm became, as it now is, C. E. W. Sherman & Son. Mr. Sherman has been all his life a hard-working man, and by the results of his own industry enjoys a comfortable property. He is a social companion, a warm friend, and a useful member of society. MAJ. E. S. HORTON AND EDWIN J. HORTON. From the best information attainable we learn that about or prior to 1640, three Horton brothers came from England. One was John Horton (first genera- tion), who settled in Rehoboth, married Mehetabel Gamzey, and had five sons — John, Jothan, Nathaniel, Jonathan, and David — and three daughters. Jotham (second generation) married a Rounds, and had seven children, — Sara, Rhobe, James, Nathan, Barnett, Jothan, and Joseph. James and Barnett lived in Rehoboth, and served in the Revolution, James being a lieutenant. James (third generation) was born July 18, 1741, and died Aug. 10, 1833, in his ninety-third year. He was a very active man. He married Freelove Pierce, or Price, born Nov. 8, 1742, died Feb. 13, 1809. They had eleven children,— Jane, Nathan, Mercy, Lydia, Polly, Freelove, James, Crom- well, Rhobe, Jarvis, and Chloe,— all of whom lived to be old except Jane and Polly, who died young. Cromwell (fourth generation) was born Feb. 23, 1777, married, Sept. 20, 1801, Percy Martin, born Oct. 28, 1780, and died in February, 1861. They had seven children, — Ellis, Gideon M., Mary, Freelove, Belinda, James, and Sylvia. Gideon Martin Horton (fifth generation) was born in Rehoboth, May 4, 1804, and died in Attleborough, March 7, 1861. He mar- ried Mary Smith, Nov. 4, 1832. She was born April 3, 1811, and died Sept. 2, 1844. They had four chil- dren^ — Everett S., Edwin J., Gideon M., and Jane J. He married for his second wife Mrs. Julia Jackson, of Middleborough, Mass. He was an upright man and honest citizen, ever ready to aid and forward any good work. He kept a country store in Attlebor- ough for years. He was never possessed of much of this world's goods, but gave his children the wealth of good advice and the example of honest industry, coupled with true charity and Christian devotion, a legacy more precious than gold. Everett Southard Horton (sixth generation) was born in Attleborough, Mass., June 15, 1836. He had the advantages of the public schools until he was 594 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. sixteen, when he entered the store of his father as his assistant, and continued with him until his health failed him, and the business was relinquished to Everett, who continued it until the breaking out •of the great civil war. He married, June 12, 1861, Mary Ann, only daughter of Jesse R. and Mary Car- penter, of Attleborough. They had one child, Mary Edith, born June 22, 1862. In the spring of 1862 he disposed of his business, and with others recruited a company of nine months' men, which elected its officers Sept. 18, 1862. They were L. T. Starkey, captain ; F. S. Draper, first lieutenant ; E. S. Horton, second lieutenant. They were soon commissioned by Governor Andrew. Lieut. Horton took hold of military matters with the earnestness so characteristic of him, and soon became familiar with the drill and his official duties. The company went into camp at Buxford, Mass., and were mustered into United States service Sept. 23, 1862, and organized as Com- pany C, Forty-seventh Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. They were soon ordered to New York, and went into camp on Long Island. The regiment embarked Dec. 21, 1862, for New Orleans, which they reached Jan. 1, 1863. About this time the captain resigned, and Lieut. Horton, by a large majority of the votes of the company, was chosen to succeed him. They were assigned provost duty in and around New Orleans, and remained in service even after their term of enlistment had ex- pired. They left New Orleans for home via Missis- sippi River Aug. 5, 1863. At Cairo took cars for the East, and were enthusiastically met and feted at every stopping-place along the route. On arriving home the whole town gave the returning soldiers a grand ovation. But the war was not over ; more men were needed, and the Governor called for more troops. Mr. Horton's patriotic nature again responded, and in October he was commissioned second lieutenant, and made recruiting officer for the Fifty-eighth Mas- sachusetts Volunteers. He opened an office in Attle- borough, but was soon ordered into camp to take charge of recruits for the regiment. He was com- missioned captain, and mustered into service as commander of Company C, Fifty-eighth Massachu- setts Veteran Volunteers. They remained in camp at Redville until April 23, 1864, when they went at once to participate in the ever to be remembered battle of the Wilderness, reaching the field May 6th. They were in the long and bloody march from the Wilderness to Petersburg, where almost every hour was a battle, and well did Company C perform its duty. After the battle of Cold Harbor, Lieut.-Col. J. C. White, commanding regiment, recommended Capt. Horton for promotion, and he was mustered into ser- vice as major. The commander of the regiment was wounded in a charge June 3d, and until Sept. 30, 1864, the command devolved on Maj. Horton. On the last-mentioned day, while leading the regiment in action a few miles south of Petersburg, he was made a prisoner, and October 3d reached Richmond and Libbij. After being confined in succession at Libby, Salisbury, and Danville, he was selected as a " host- age" and sent to Libby, reaching there July 28, 1864. He remained in that terrible confinement until Feb. 22, 1865, when, with many others, he was paroled. We give the major's own language in speaking of the horrors of Libby : " Pen never can write the whole truth, and if it could be told, no one could believe that it was possible for men to survive it, or possible that any one in the nineteenth century could be guilty of such barbarities." We again quote the major's words as to his feelings when once more under Amer- ican colors : " I can never forget that day, never, never, NEVER. No one that has not experienced the same sensations can know aught of the peculiar emotions -and thoughts that came in throngs in see- ing and knowing that once more I was under the 'Star-Spangled Banner.' Under their influence I wrote this letter to my family from the deck of the flag-of-truce boat, where each of us was handed a sheet of paper and envelope. My family had not heard from me for five months, and the newspapers had reported me dead : ' On board God's flag-of-truce boat, James River, Feb. 22, 1865. Dear wife, — Out of the jaws of death, out of the gates of hell. Once more in the land of the living. Well. Love to all. Everett.' " He was granted a furlough of thirty days, was soon exchanged, and left Attleborough to rejoin his regiment in Virginia on the day that Petersburg was captured; was soon ordered to Washington, where they were on duty until mustered out of service. During his service Maj. Horton received seven com- missions, and was mustered into service on six of them. He was a gallant soldier, doing all his duty, and as an officer, while strict in discipline, he looked well after the comfort of his men, and was universally popular both with officers and soldiers. There is in his nature that which indicates the impetuosity, dash, and rapidity of execution of a successful cavalry offi- cer, with a coolness of judgment which prevents bold- ness from degenerating into rashness. Since the war Maj. Horton has been much interested in and active in maintaining the organization of the Grand Army of the Republic, of which there is a flourishing post at Attleborough. The major has been commander of the post several times, and now (1883) is commander of Bristol County Association of the Grand Army of the Republic. The people of Attleborough have always dealt boun- tifully with the Grand Army "boys," and especially so on Decoration-day. In politics Maj. Horton is a Republican. He is a commissioner of the Attleborough Water Supply Dis- trict Sinking Fund. He is a trustee of the Richard- son School Fund, and secretary of the same ; also director of Attleborough Savings and Loan Associa- tion. • .. s.. m 'sfop*?^^ iThy _ ATTLE BOROUGH. 595 His first wife died June 21, 1871, and Sept. 24, 1873, he married Eliza Dutton Freemont, of Ames- bury, Mass. They have had two children, — Gertie E., born May 29, 1876, and Addie D., who died an infant. Not long after returning home Maj. Horton entered the employ of Davids & Cornell, of Provi- dence, R. I., as manager of their establishment (the largest wholesale grocery-house in the State), and re- mained there until after the death of his brother Edwin, when he succeeded to his interest in the manufacturing house of Horton, Angell & Co., where he is now senior partner. The active nature of Maj. Horton is shown in his devotion to anything tending to build up the interests of his native town, and he is always one of the leaders in such matters. Socially he is one of the most pleasing of companions, a strong and a stanch friend, and a valuable citizen and suc- cessful business man. He has a host of friends. Edwin J. Horton was born in Attleborough, Nov. 10, 1837, and was drowned June 11, 1880, a victim of the fatal collision between the steamers "Stonington" and '" Narragansett," on which last vessel he was a passenger. Mr. Horton was the senior member, and can be termed the originator, of the firm of Horton, Angell & Co., which rose rapidly from a small manu- facturing business to be one of the largest in this town of large manufactories. He was an uncommon man in many ways, as a business man with wonder- ful fertility of resource and skill of execution, as a deeply conscientious and highly religious nature, and a man of unbounded charity. It seems almost unac- countable that just in the prime of life, when the activities of his being were accomplishing so much good, the chapter of his life should close so sadly and abruptly, leaving many to mourn his untimely death, but to the question "Why?" comes no answer. As a better sketch of the man than we can write we give the following, written by one who knew him well: With the exception of three years given to the ser- vice of his country, his life was spent in the town of his nativity. He received his education through the public schools, but possessing an active and inquiring intellect, and improving his exceptional opportuni- ties for study and observation, he became in reality a thoroughly informed man. Mr. Horton was blessed with an exuberant flow of animal spirits. His breezy and genial disposition, his love of and skill in quick-witted repartee, made him welcome in every business and social circle. He was quite marked for the generosity of his heart and life. While with all the strength of his strong nature he could and did re- buke wrong and wrong-doers, employing for that pur- pose the keenest of irony and the severest terms of denunciation, yet to the poor, the unfortunate, and the sorrowing he was the kindliest of advisers and the most generous of benefactors. No one ever sought him for counsel or aid and was turned away with stern rebuff. If within his power he would grant the desired boon. It may safely be recorded that no business man of Attleborough bestowed more of his material substance for the support of public in- stitutions and for the friendly succor of individuals than Mr. Horton. The Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation, of which he was president during the last year of his life, looked to him for the larger portion of the money needed for its support. The same lib- erality was manifested in his gifts to the church, the Grand Army of the Republic, and other organiza- tions of which he was a member. He was emphat- ically a " self-made" man. He arrived to a position of wealth and influence by dint of indomitable energy and perseverance in the short space of ten years. Few men have prospered so rapidly, and few men have shared their prosperity so freely and unstintedly with the community in which they lived. He was a prominent actor in municipal affairs. He was bold and outspoken upon every question which involved principle. No amount of criticism or opposition could deter him from a purpose to espouse what he considered to be the right. He served his townsmen as representative to the General Court in 1879-80. He was much beloved in the Grand Army of the Re- public, to the interests of which he was devotedly attached. On the Decoration-day immediately pre- ceding his death he expressed the desire that his commander might perforin burial rites over his re- mains. Little did he think that so soon his earthly career would be closed. He enlisted Aug. 17, 1862, as a member of Company H, Fortieth Regiment Mas- sachusetts Volunteers, and was discharged June 17, 1865. He was a member of Ezekiel Bates Lodge of F. and A. M., and was at his death the Noble Grand of Orient Lodge of Odd-Fellows. He joined the Second Congregational Church in 1867, and honored it with a true heart and pure life until called to the church triumphant. On May 8, 1862, Mr. Horton was married to Miss Addie Lee. In his home he was an affectionate hus- band and indulgent father. To make his residence attractive for wife and children he made generous expenditures of money and time. One of his chil- dren, a bright and promising boy, preceded him to the better world. Another, Raymond M., remains to comfort her for whom he cherished such fond de- votion. The funeral obsequies of Mr. Horton were observed in the Second Congregational Church, June 15, 1880. Rev. W. A. Spaulding, the pastor, and Rev. Francis N. Peloubet, a former pastor, paid fitting tribute to the character of the deceased, and Rev. Samuel Bell, a former pastor, offered a most tender petition for the bereaved family and community. More than eleven hundred people viewed the re- mains, which were then entombed in Woodlawn Cemetery with the usual rites of honor by the Grand Army. 59G HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. ALFRED PIERCE. Alfred Pierce is descended from the Pierce family, who were among the early settlers of Rehoboth, Mass. His grandfather, Barnard Pierce, was a resident of that town and a much-respected citizen. (In the his- torical part of this volume will be found references to the ancient Pierce family in Rehoboth.) Jeremiah, the father of Alfred, was born in Rehoboth, Aug. 29, 1786. By occupation he was a carpenter and farmer. He was a successful business man. honorable and upright, and a useful, much-loved citizen of the town. He married, Nov. 9, 1806, Candace Wheeler. She was born Sept. 30, 1789. They had eleven chil- dren, — five boys and six girls, — of whom ten are yet living. Mr. Pierce died* March 23, 1837. Mrs. Pierce died Oct. 18, 1882, having attained the remarkable age of ninety-three years and eighteen days. Alfred Pierce was born in Rehoboth, Mass., Dec. 31, 1821. He had only such opportunities for edu- cation as were afforded by the district schools of his town at that time, and at an early age he applied himself to learning the practical duties and require- ments of business, being apprenticed to learn the car- penter's trade when only fifteen years of age. At the age of nineteen he engaged in business for himself as a carpenter at Pawtucket, B. I., where he continued about four years. He then returned to Rehoboth, where he divided his time between farming and his trade for about two years more, when he removed to Attleborough and devoted himself to carpentering till 1851, when he yielded to the flattering induce- ments then held out for hardy, adventurous spirits by the newly-discovered gold fields of California. To that country he went, and after gratifying his curios- ity and trying his luck in the mines a year and a half on the Pacific slope, he embarked for Melbourne, Australia. Upon his arrival in that country lie engaged in mining, and met, as he had in Califor- nia, with very fair success. After remaining there some ten months he embarked on his return trip to his native land. At Aspinwall he stopped some weeks and worked at his trade of carpentering, when he then returned to Attleborough, Mass., where he has since resided, with the exception of about eigh- teen months which he spent in Illinois. When Mr. Pierce first commenced business in At- tleborough it was as a carpenter, but about 1869 he engaged in lumbering and coal-dealing, associating with himself Mr. A. B. Carpenter, under the firm- name of Pierce & Carpenter, which copartnership exists at the present time. They have been emi- nently successful, and the business has now assumed large proportions and is one of the solid concerns of that enterprising and thriving town. On Dec. 6, 1865, he married Martha B. Williams, daughter of Thomas and Polly (Bichardson) Williams, of Attle- borough. She was born July 23, 1837. They have, but one child, Marian W., born May 24, 1867. Mrs. Pierce is descended on the maternal side from an honorable and celebrated family (Bichardson). For extended account of ancestry, see " Genealogy of Bichardson Family." ISAAC ALGER. Isaac Alger is a lineal descendant of the seventh generation from Thomas Alger, and was born in At- tleborough, Mass., June 5, 1830. Thomas Alger, the first of the name in this country, was one of eight men bearing the name of Alger who settled in New England during the seventeenth century. The exact time of his arrival is not known, but it was some time previous to 1665, as at that date we find him at Taun- ton, Mass., near the Three-Mile Biver, a stream flow- ing through the eastern part of Taunton. On the 14th of November, 1665, he married Elizabeth Packard, a daughter of Samuel Packard, of Wymondham, England, who with his wife and child came to Amer- ica in 1638, in the ship " Diligent," settled in Hing- ham, then in Bridgewater, Mass., where he died about 1684. Thomas Alger settled towards the close of his life within the limits of Bridgewater, where it is sup- posed he died. He had at least two children, perhaps more, viz., Israel and Deliverance. Israel Alger was a farmer on the north side of the "Town Biver," in Bridgewater. He was a man of influence and wealth for those days. He married Patience, daughter of Nathaniel Hayward, and grand- daughter of Thomas Hayward, one of the original proprietors and first settlers of Bridgewater. Her uncle, Hon. Thomas Hayward, Jr., was a judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and one of the Gov- ernor's Assistants. She died before 1730. He died about 1726. His children were Israel, Joseph, Thomas, Nathaniel, and John. Joseph Alger, born Oct. 6, 1694 (Israel 2 , Thomas 1 ), was a farmer in Bridgewater, Mass., near or at " Flaggy Meadow Brook." He married Mary, daugh- ter of William Ames, in 1719. Their children were Mary, Joseph, Patience, Bethiah, John, Susanna, Na- than, and Edmund, born Sept. 16, 1739. Edmund Alger (Joseph 3 , Israel 2 , Thomas 1 ) was a farmer in West Bridgewater, was twice married, first to Ruth, daughter of Deacon Isaac Willis, in 1761. She died April 22, 1794, aged fifty-seven, and he mar- ried for his second wife Molly Thompson in 1796. She died Feb. 23, 1798, aged fifty-two, without issue. He died Nov. 21, 1817, aged seventy-eight. His chil- dren were Edmund, Isaac, Nathan, Ruth, and Willis. Isaac Alger (Edmund 1 , Joseph 3 , Israel 2 , Thomas 1 ) was born Aug. 10, 1764, in Bridgewater, Mass., and settled in Attleborough, Mass., about 1810 to 1815, on the farm now (1882) owned by his grandson, Isaac Alger. He married Susanna Johnson in 1788. She was born in 1772, and was the daughter of Joseph John- son, who married Bethiah Alger (Joseph 4 , Joseph 1 , 2^£^_. jZ^C^rt ^2^-^— ATTLEBOROUGH. 597 Israel 2 , Thomas 1 ). Isaac Alger died in 1842, leaving children,— Hannah, Susanna, Willard J., and Louisa, who died in the fifteenth year of her age WiUnnl .J. Alger (Isaac'. Edmund' 4 , Joseph 3 , Israel 2 , Thomas'), a farmer in Attleborough, Mass., married Lois Brown, of Foxborough, April 12, 1828. He died Sept. 26, 1855, and his widow is now (1882) living on the old Alger homestead in Attleborough with her son Isaac. She is a Methodist. Their children are Isaac, Ella, Eliza, born Sept. 26, 1832, married Joseph Gleason ; Nathan S., born May 14, 1835, married Olive J.Tripp; and Mary V., born July 11, 1839, died Feb. 13, 1858. Isaac Alger (Willard J. 6 , Isaac 5 , Edmund 4 , Joseph 3 , Israel 2 , Thomas 1 ) received a common school educa- tion. At fourteen he was obliged to leave school, no more to return to it. At eighteen he commenced taking charge of the farm, and how well he has suc- ceeded the following story will tell. He married Susan Matthewson, Jan. 7, 1857. Of this union three children have been born, viz., Susan, born Oct. 19, 1857, married Eugene F. Pearce, June 17, 1875 ; Isaac, born Jan. 8, 1868 ; and John Willis, born Aug. 17, 1870. In politics he was a Republican till 1878, when he became a Democrat, and has since affiliated with that party. Mr. and Mrs. Alger are members of the Congrega- tional Church of Attleborough. We quote the fol- lowing from the Attleborough Chronicle: For the past three-quarters of a century the premises now considered have been known as the Alger farm. A portion of the premises we should have said, for the present owner has trebled the original farm, which was purchased of Isaac Tiffany by Isaac Alger, grand- father to the present owner. The farm then contained one hundred acres, mostly devoted to woodland. Mr. Alger was a moderate farmer, who did not endeavor to make much more than a living for himself and family by his labors. At his death the premises passed into the hands of his son, Willard J., and through him, by will from the grandfather, to the present Isaac Alger. Under the management of W. J. Alger the farm was allowed to run down, the wood being cut and sold to pay indebtedness, while the till- age lands and pastures were annually robbed of their crop without receiving compensation for the same. Isaac had remained on the place after his grand- father's death, much against his inclination, at the earnest desire of his family. At the age of twenty- six years he found himself possessed of this farm of one hundred acres of positively bare land, on which there was, for those times, a heavy mortgage. There was not at the time vitality enough in the whole amount of broken land to produce six tons of poor hay. With this legacy, which was several hundred dollars worse than nothing, Mr. Isaac Alger commenced his career as a New England farmer. To-day his farm is among the very best to be seen in the town, and he himself is reckoned among our most prosperous and well-to-do citizens. Now the farm comprises three hundred acres, from a small portion of which he cuts an annual supply of fifty tons of hay. Of the three hundred acres the greater part is woodland. There are from thirty to forty acres in pasturage, forty acres in tillage, ten acres of cultivated cranberry land, and ten acres of natural cranberry meadow. The buildings on the place consist of the home house, — a roomy, comforta- ble cottage, — a large roomy barn, built with a view to having no waste space, the cranberry house, and five houses for rental. To run the farm Mr. Alger employs, beside his own boys, the oldest of whom is the salesman for the place, three men, hired by the month the year round, and extra help by the day as is required, two horses and two pair of oxen. Of the latter-named stock the pair we saw standing in the stalls would make most farmers envious. They are perfect mates, weighing about three thousand four hundred, and are better beef to-day than much that finds itself to our markets as first quality. To the stock named should be added from four to six cows. The milk from these is delivered to Mrs. Alger, who has the entire charge of it and all the money derived from this product of the place. Several families are sup- plied, the household is kept in butter, and what milk is left is eagerly taken up by the milkmen. But the leading crop and greatest source of revenue is the cranberry crop. When Mr. Alger took the farm he tried to persuade a younger brother to remain with him and go into raising cranberries, believing there was money in the proper cultivation of that berry. The brother declined, believing, on the con- trary, that it never could be made to pay. Mr. Alger commenced alone. Having limited means he began in a small way, " making" but a small piece of land each year. The process of " making" consists of re- moving from the natural meadow all the turf, and filling in to the depth of from four to six inches with gravel, in which the plants are set. This is all, but this done, and you may wait four or five years for any profit. The land thus " made" is made for years, and requires little labor beyond an occasional coating of sand, and little attention to keep it clear from grass or weeds. The land first made by Mr. Alger is in as good condition to-day as when it first came to bear- ing twenty years ago. In this manner, by degrees, Mr. Alger has reclaimed ten acres of natural meadow. The crop takes care of itself pretty much, and only during picking time is there any rush. Picking begins usually about September 10th, and lasts into October. The average yield for the past three years has been two thousand bushels. To pick these requires the help of about one hundred pickers. Pickers get fifty cents a bushel, and earn from one dollar to three dollars per day according to their activity. Mr. Alger had one young man em- ployed who picked five pecks of clear berries in fifty- 598 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. seven minutes by the watch. The berries are taken from the field to the dry-house, where they are spread and allowed to remain until they are brought to a uniform color, when they are ready for market. In preparing the fruit for shipment the greatest care is used in grading, and nothing is put upon the market that is not marked in the grade for which it is sold. Mr. Alger finds his market principally in Chicago, but ships to New York and Philadelphia. He sells all his fruit for cash delivered on the cars at Attle- borough, and has no trouble with freights. As with other fruit there are varieties, — the " Bell," the "Bugle," the " Cherry." The latter is the best selling of the three. But Mr. Alger has originated a variety which he terms the " Black Pond Seedling," which for his use he has found to be superior to either of the others. It is of good size, solid, and its keep- ing properties are par excellence. His Western market is later than the New York market, and this quality of the Black Pond makes it desirable for shipment to Chicago. Thus we have presented to our readers the work- ings of a farm run to make money, and that in twenty-five years has been brought from a barren tract of waste land to a farm of the most fertile acres. It is refreshing to hear a man talk with regard to New England farming in the manner Mr. Alger does. In answer to the question, " Does your farm, aside from the cranberry crop, pay?" Mr. Alger replied, " The one helps the other ; the farm supplies teams to work on the meadows, and the meadows furnish material to be put upon the farm. If you want to ask the question, ' Does farming pay?' I say, most as- suredly, yes ; just as good a profit as any other busi- ness with the same amount of capital and labor ex- pended. There is not a crop you can put into the ground but will pay a handsome profit, rightly man- aged," and he added with considerable earnestness, " especially in Attleborough. Attleborough is the best market in the United States." Not every farmer in and about Attleborough will indorse his occupation as enthusiastically as does Mr. Alger, and some may citicise him for so doing, but Mr. Alger knows whereof he affirms, and has demonstrated his statements to be correct, so far as they concern himself at least. CHARLES E. HAYWARD. On the main line of the Boston and Providence Railroad, at East Attleborough, is situated the jew- elry manufactory of Hayward & Briggs. Charles E. Hayward, senior member of this firm, was born at North Attleborough, Mass., Aug. 28, 1824, and was the son of Capt. Abraham Hayward, who was son of Abraham Hayward, who lived in Boston and was clerk of King's Chapel in that city, under which he lies buried. Capt. Abraham Hayward was captain of a privateer in the war of 1812. He knew no fear, and hated the British as only a strong, positive nature could do. He was thirty years a sea-captain. He married Mariette Daggett, and had seven children. Charles had a common school education, and at the age of seventeen was apprenticed to the firm of Tifft & Whiting, which was the first to commence the manufacture of gold jewelry in North Attleborough ; with them he continued five years. He worked after- wards as a journeyman for two or three years, then on his own account for two or three years more in North Attleborough, and in 1851 moved to East Attleborough, when, with others, he established the firm of Thompson, Hayward & Co. This firm soon acquired a good reputation and a profitable trade. This copartnership was dissolved in 1855, and Mr. Hayward formed a partnership with Mr. Briggs. under the firm-name of Hayward & Briggs. This firm has continued to the present time (1883). The inventive talents of Mr. Hayward have been active and suc- cessful in arranging patterns and designs for new and artistic sets of jewelry, while the factory has been supplied with ample and excellent machinery for the making of these articles. Mr. Hayward has not con- fined his capital or energies to the manufacture of jewelry at East Attleborough. About 1867, with three others, he founded the New York Watch Com- pany at Providence, R. I., which was afterwards re- moved to Springfield, Mass., where it is now estab- lished. Mr. Hayward married, June 14, 1854, Charlotte E., daughter of George and Eliza (Wakefield) Wheel- wright, of Boston. They have two children, — Florenei M., married Joseph L. Sweet, of Attleborough, and has one child, Harold E. ; and Walter E., a graduate of 1883 at Harvard University. EUGENE H. RICHARDS. Eugene H. Richards was born Nov. 17, 1843. He graduated from Tuft's College in July, 1862, and im- mediately enlisted as a private in Company H, For- tieth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. He was commissioned second lieutenant Aug. 15, 1862, and promoted to first lieutenant July 2, 1863. He took part in all the battles that his regiment did, served with credit to himself, and was honorably discharged in 1864. Upon his entirement from the army he immediately entered the employ of his father, who had removed his business to Boston in March, 1863. In 1870, Mr. Richards entered into partnership with his father un- der the firm-name of H. M. Richards & Co., manu- facturers of jewelry and novelties in metal, No. 7 Green Street, Boston. In 1880 he succeeded his father in the business, but still retains the old firm- name. He is doing a good business. He is a prom- inent and active member in Masonry, and has held and now holds important offices in both York and I ^ fl MP ^2^^yi^^^ NORTON. 599 Scottish Rites. He is a member of the Second (Uni- tarian) Church, Boston. Oct. 18, 1869, he married Frances A. Jordan, of Boston. They have no chil- dren. CHAPTER XLVI. NORTON. Geographical — Original Purchasers — Original Bounds — Petition for Pre- cinct — Incorporation of Town — The First Settlements — Extracts from Records — Early Settlers. The town of Norton lies in the northern part of the county, and is bounded as follows : On the north by Mansfield and Easton, on the east by Easton and Taunton, on the south by Taunton and Rehoboth, and on the west by Attleborough. Norton originally comprised, in addition to its present territory, the present towns of Mansfield and Easton. Easton and the greater part of Mansfield, with a portion of Norton, comprised what was known as the " North Purchase," which was purchased June 6, 1668, of Thomas Prence, Josias Winslow, Thomas Southworth, and Constant South worth ("the country's agents"), by Richard Williams, Walter Dean, George Macey, James Walker, Joseph Wilbor, William Har- vey, Thomas Leonard, John Turner, Henry Andrews, John Cob, George Hall, John Hall, Samuel Hall, James Leonard, Sr., Nathaniel Williams, Thomas Williams, Nicholas White, Sr., Nicholas White, Jr., Hezekiah Hore, Alice Dean, Israel Dean, Robert Crossman, Shadrack Wilbor, Thomas Caswell, John Macomber, John Smith, Edward Rew, John Parker, Samuel Paule, Thomas Lincoln, Sr., Thomas Harvey, Sr., Nathaniel Thayre, Thomas Lincoln, Jr., Peter Pits, Jonah Austin, Sr., John Richmond, Samuel Williams, Christopher Thrasher, Mrs. Jane Gilburt, George Wats6n, Samuel Smith, James Burt, Richard Burt, John Tisdell, Sr., John Tisdell, Jr., James Phillips, Edward Bobbot, John Hathway, Jonathan Brigs, Increase Robinson, John Brian t, Thomas Har- vey, Jr., and was called " Taunton North Purchase." 1 This tract was bounded as follows : " Begining on the north-west, att the bounds of the lands formerly sold by us unto the Town of Rehoboth, and to be bounded on the northerly syde by the Massachusetts line, untill it cometh to beare with the Western bounds of the Town of Bridgewater ; and soe from the said Massachusetts line by a south line home to the bounds of Taunton, and thence by a Westerly line untill it meets with the bounds of Rehoboth aforesaid : and so to follow the said bounds of Reho- both untill it comes unto the bounds first mentioned upon the Massachusetts line ; all the lands within this compas, excepting onely a small parcel granted unto John Bundey, and alsoe a grant made unto 1 " March 8, 1681-2. — By order of ye Court, Mr. George Shove his name was affixed to the sd. deed as a proprietor." Thomas Briggs, the son of Clement Briggs, together with the meddows, woods, waters, and other benefitts, privileges, emoluments, proffitts,and emunities thereto appertaining and belonging." Incorporation of the Town.— The first move to- wards the formation of a precinct was under date Nov. 27, 1707, as follows: " We whose names are underwritten, being part of the Inhabitants of Taunton old Town, and part of Taunton north purchase, being all very sensible of the great difficulty that we are under in liveing so re- mote from the publick worship of God, and great need of haveing it settled amongst us, that so our children and those under our care & charge, as well as ourselves, may injoy the nieens of grace, and in order theirto, we have this 27th day of novem., 1707, met together, and made choice of George Leonard and Nicholas White, whome we chuse as our agents to act in our behalf in makeing Request to the town to bound us out a presink for the maintainnence of a minister; and that, when we have procured a minister to dispence the word of God amongst [us,j we might be freed from paying to the minister & Schoolmaster at town, and we do also give our sd. agents full power to do any further act or acts, thing or things, that they shall see needfull to be dun for ye bounding of sd. precink, and procureing an able orthodox minister to be orderly Settled amongnst us, whether it be by petitioning to the General court to Settle the bounds of sd. precink, or by any other way or nieens what- soever; as witness our hands, the day and year above written, we further promise, that in case a minister be procurde as abovesd., that we will each of us pay our proportion by way of rate for his maintainance. witness our hands, George Leonard, Nicholas White, John Lane, Thomas Braman, sen., Thomas Stevens, Selvanis Gamble, John Briggs, John Hodges, Nathaniell Hodges, Samuell Hodges, Jabez Pratt, Thomas Bra- man, jun., William Hodges, Robert Tucker, Ephraim Grover, Mathew White, Seth Dorman,Ebenezei' Hall, John Caswell, jun., Benjamin Cas- well, John Wetherell, Ebenezer Edy, Samuel Brintnell, John Caswell, sen., Eliezer Fisher, Richard Briggs, William Wetherell, sen., Eliezer Edy, John Cob, Andrew Grover, Peter Aldrich, Israel Fisher, Thomas Grover, Nathaniel Fisher, Joseph Briggs, Benjamin Williams, Nathaniell Harvey, John Briggs, jun., Nicholas Smith, John Newlaud, William Cob, Benjamin Newland, John Skinner." Petition to the Town of Taunton. — "March ye 23d, 1708.— Whereas di- vers Inhabitants of Taunton north purchase, together with divers of the Inhabitants of Taunton old township, bordering on the north purchase, made choice of we, the subscribers, whome they chose as thare Agents to make request to the town to bound us out a precinct for the main- tenance of a minister; we, whose names are underwritten, do therefore, in the behalf of our friends and neighbours, humbly A earnestly desire the town seriously to consider of the vary difficult circumstances that we are under in liveing so remote from the publique worship of God, that great part of the year we cannot come to meeting; and that we can at no time of the year, without very great dificulty, bringing allmost any of our children to meeting: so that, if we continue long after this manner, the sowls of our children, and those under our care and charge, will be in danger of perishing for lack of knowledge, for it is Evident from sciiptre that faith comes by heering, and heering by the word preacht. Tho we are not insencable of our poverty, and great difficulty that we shall thereby meet with in carrying on such desire, yet, on the other hand, we have cans to be thankful! that our neighbours an- gener- ally very forward to promote so good a work ; and our povertye can be no Argument to have our precink Iesened, but rather Enlarged, wbare- fore we Earnestly desire and hope that the town will forward and in- corage so good a design, and giant thai tin- military line maybe the bounds of the precint, which is hurt's brook, and from the mouth of sd. brook to the bridge neer William wetherell, and from sd. bridge uorth- Estardly to the north-purchase line ; that so we may not have one line for the military, and another for the minister, anil, in hopes you will grant us this our request, we subscribe ourselves your humble pe- ti oners, "Geobge Leonabd. " John Wetherell. "Nicholas White." Not receiving the desired encouragement from the old town they petitioned the General Court as follows, under date Oct. 20, 1708: 600 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. " To his Excellency Joseph Dudley, Esquire, Capt.-Generall and Gover- nor-in-chief in and over her majestie's province of the Massachusetts bay in New England; And to the Honored councill and Representa- tives now convened in Generall court this 20 day of October, 1708: "The humble petition of Diverse of the Inhabitants of Taunton North purchase, and Diverse of the Inhabitants of Taunton old Town- ship bordering on said north purchase, humbly sheweth, that sd. Inhabi- tants being vary sensible of the great difficulty they are now under in liveing so remote from the publick worship of God, and the great tieed of having it settled amongst them, that so their children, and those under their care and charge, as well as themselves, may Injoy the meens of Grace, They made choice of us, the subscribers, to be their agents, to make known their desire to the town of Taunton to have a precinct bounded out to them for their maintenance of a minister to dispence the word of God among them; and also to petitiou the Gen- erall Court to settle the bounds of sd. precinct ; and also to procure an able orthodox minister to be orderly settled among them, as may appear by a writeing under their hands, dated November the 27th, 1707, and also on the 23d of march, 1708; by which writing they also promise to pay their proportion by way of rate for the maintenance of sd. minister provide as abovesd. In pursueauce of sd. power and trust committed to us, we have communicated this matter to the town of Taunton, at a town meeting; and although we have Great Incorragement that the most considerable Leading men will be and are for it, yet there is some few that do hesitate about the bounds That we desire for sd. precinct; so that hetherto nothing of that nature is finished, and seeing our young ones increase and grow up apace, and that the Lord hath in marcy (as we hope it is in marcy) so Inclined the hearts of our neigh- bours so earnestly to desire and seek after this thing, we therefore, the subscribers, as agents for and in the behalf of sd. Inhabitants, do hum- bly pray this Generell Court to grant this our humble petition, and the bounds of sd. precinct which we desire is, the line or bounds of the military company called the North-purchase company may be the bounds of the said precinct, which is a brook called hurt's brook, and from the mouth of sd. brook to wennaconnit bridge, and from sd. bridge northeasterd to the North-purchase line, but leaveing out of sd. precinct all the inhabitants in the North purchase that commonly go to Bridgewater meeting, who live on the Estardly side of the rhode that Leeadeth from winnacunnit to the bay,— for they in time hope to be a precinct with part of Bridge- water, which we shall not oppose, — but takeing into sd. precinct all be- longing to Taunton old Township within the bounds above mentioned, but, if all the North purchase ware Enexed to Taunton for the present, we think it woald be best for the manageing of public concerns; only that the lands within the bounds settled and agreed on between the pro- priators of Taunton North purchase and thair neighbours, on all parts, be confirmed to said proprietors, and the abovesaid precinct settled for the maintainance of the ministry in said precinct, and we farther pray that this honored court woald also apoint a committee to order where the meeting-house shoald be sett, all which, if this honoured court please to grant, your humble petitioners shall, as in duty they are bound, ever pray. "George Leonard, \ Agents for and in the behalf "Nicholas White, of said Inhabitants." The following action was taken by the General Court upon this petition : "22 0cto., 1708.— Read in Council; and Ordered, that the Selectmen of Taunton be served with a copy of this Peton., and heard thereupon before this Court upon the Second Tuesday of the next Session of ye sd. Court, if any thing they have to say why the prayer of the within Peti- tion should not be granted. " Isa. Addington, Secretary. "Sent down for concurrence." "In the House of Representatives, Oct. 25, 1708.— Read and Passed a concurrence, And that the Hearing be upon the Second Tuesday of the next Session of this Court. " Agreed : " Thomas Oliver, Speaker. "Consented to: "J. Dudley." May 25, 1709, the town answered to the General Court as follows : " To his Excellency Joseph Dudley, Esquire, Captain-Generall, Gov- ernor-in-chief in and over her majestie's Province of the Massachusetts bay, and the rest of the honorable Councill and Representatives Con- vened in Generall Court, May the 25, 1709, humbly Sheweth: "That whereas the Honoured Court sent to the Selectmen of Taunton to show their reasons (if any they have) why Taunton North purchase and South Purchase should not have their prayer granted, — " In answer whereunto we say that although it hath pleased God to Increase our numbers, — which we hope is in mere}', — yet must say that through the providence of God, a great many are so extream poor, and rates and taxes so high, that we find it hard and dificult to rub along, and the Generality of the North purchase are so poor that we ffear they will not be able to build a meeting-house and to maintain a minister." "The North purchase we think it better ffor them to be a Township than a precinct. " This is our last and finall answer uppou mature concideration. " Israel Thrasher, " John Spur, " Ezra Dean, " Selectmen." " We, whose names are underwritten, are of the same mind with those above, — "Thomas Leonard, Henry Hodges, Samuel Deane, Seth Williams, Jo- seph Williams." At the same time the " precinct committee" were urging their cause before the General Court. June 4, 1709, Taunton appeared at the General Court with a remonstrance against the prayer of the petitioners, signed by James Leonard, Philip King, Thomas Gilbert, Thomas Harvey, and Jonathan Pad- dleford. Finally, after various petitions and remon- strances, the precinct was formed Sept. 19, 1709. The following order in relation to the organization of the precinct as a town is under date March 17, 1710-11 : " The following Order passed by the Council and Assembly respectively upon the Petition of the North Precinct in Taunton, Praying to be made a Town, having the consent of Taunton therefor, viz., — "Ordered, That the North Precinct in Taunton be, and hereby is granted to be a Town, distinct from the Town of Taunton, by the name of Norton, and have and enjoy the Powers, Immunities, and Privileges by law granted to Townships, and that a bill be projected, and brought in at the next Session of this Court, fully to perfect the sd Grant. Pro- vided that the East End of the North Purchase shall have half the said Purchase as their Precinct when they are able to maintain a minister and this Court judge them so. " Consented to. " J. Dudley." Act of Incorporation. — The following is the act of incorporation : " An Act for raising a new Town by the name of Norton, within the County of Bristol : " Whereas, The tract of Laud commonly called and known by the name of the North Purchase, Lying situate within the Township of Taunton, in the county of Bristol, circumscribed within the Lines and Bounderies prescribed by a committee some time since appointed by the General Assembly, as follows, viz.: Beginning at the Line between the two late Colonies of the Massachusetts and Plymouth, in the line of the said North purchase and Attleborough ; from thence Running South- ward to Rehoboth North-East Corner; and from thence Eastward, on the North-purchase Line, to Taunton bounds; thence eastward to the Mouth of the Brook calld Burt's Brook, and extending from tho mouth of Burt's Brook to the Bridge over the Mill River, near Wm. Witherel's; and from thence North-eastward to the North-Purchase Line; and, from the North-purchase Line, the Road that leads from the said Bridge to- wards Boston to be the Bounds till it come to the Line betwixt the two Late Colonies aforesaid; which Line to be the bounds to Attleborough aforesaid was set off from Taunton by and with the consent of that Town, and by an order of the General Assembly, passed at their Session in March, 1710, made a distinct and separate Town from Tawnton, con- taining a sufficient quantity of Lands and a competent number of Inhabitants for that purpose, and named Norton ; the full perfecting of the said Grant being adjourned and refered to the present Courts. "In pursuance, therefore, of the afore-recited Order and Grant, and for the completing and perfecting of the same, Be it enacted by his Ex- NORTON. 601 cellency the Governor, Council, and Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That the aforesaid Tract of Land commonly called the North Purchase, circumscribed and bounded as above expressed, Be and is Granted to be a Township Dis- tinct and separate from Taunton; the Town tube named Norton, and the Inhabitants thereof to have, Use, Excercise, and enjoy all such Im- munities, Powers, and Privileges as other Towns within this Province have and do by Law excercise and enjoy, so that the said Inhabitants settle an aide, Learned, Orthodox .Minister in the said Town, and from time to time allow him a Comfortable support. "Provided Nevertheless, That the Inhabitants in the east end of the said North Purchase shall have one-half of the said Purchase as their Precinct, when they are able to maintain a minister, and this Court judge them so. "June 12th, 1711. " This Bill, having been read three several times in the House of Rep- resentatives, passed to be enacted. "John Burrill, Speaker. "Read three several times in Council, Concured, and passed to be enacted. " Isaac Addington, Sectry. " By his Excellency. "I consent to the enacting of this Bill. " J. Dudley." The First Settlements.— To William Wetherell is due the honor of having been the first settler within the bounds of the present town of Norton. He located in 1669 on the easterly side of Winnecon- net Pond. Rev. Mr. Clark, in his excellent " History of Norton," says, — " By an examination of the Proprietors' Records of the old town of Taunton (p. 50), I find that on the 29th of April, 1669, William Wetherell sold several parcels of land situated on and near Mill River (which is the stream that runs out of Winneconnet Pond), and included in this sale were ' five accres, more or less, which was granted to him by the town for a home-lotte.' And on the same day was laid out to him, in four lots, about sixty acres of land on the easterly and northerly side of the pond ; and the bounds of these lots can be pretty generally identi- fied at the present time. Hence we think, in the ab- sence of all testimony to the contrary, that in the spring of 1669, and on the east side of the pond, only a few rods from the meadow, was erected the first habitation in our town. " Tradition says that this William Wetherell, whose name will ever be a household word to the people of Norton, came from England in the capacity of a cabin-boy, with William Dunn, the master of the vessel, and one of the original proprietors of Taun- ton, who is said to have soon returned to England, leaving his cabin-boy in charge of his proprietary, with the understanding that if he (Dunn) did not return to claim it, the right should escheat to young Wetherell, and such was the result. Of the exact time Capt. Dunn arrived in America we have no re- liable account; it might have been just before the settlement of Taunton, and he might have brought over in his vessel many of the first settlers of the town, and as most of these were from the vicinity of Taunton, in England, it is possible that the birthplace of Wetherell was in that neighborhood. All this is, however, mere conjecture. The first reliable evidence we have of William Wetherell being in Taunton is in 1643, when his name appears on a list of males, between the ages of sixteen and sixty, subject to mil- itary duty. He was one of the inhabitants of Taun- ton who, on the 28th of December, 1659, had a divis- ion, of land made in the proportion of two acres on each shilling of the rate paid by the individual, two acres on each head in the family, and two acres to the lot. Mr. Wetherell's rate was seven shillings and ten pence, and there were five heads in his family (supposed to be himself, wife, and three children), and twenty-eight acres of land were assigned him. His wife's name was Dorothy . When they were married is uncertain, but it is supposed to have been about 1650, for, in 1672, William Wetherell and Wil- liam Wetherell, Jr. (supposed to be his son), were among the proprietors of the South Purchase of Taunton, including what is now Dighton and a por- tion of Berkley. " He was admitted a freeman at the Plymouth Court in June, 1658. June 6, 1664, William Weth- erell and three others, of Taunton, were fined ' twenty shillings for an abuse done to a saw-mill att Taunton belonging to James Walker and others, by coming in the night and breaking downe some parte of the said mill, and for takeing away sevuerall thinges from the same.' It is presumed that this difficulty grew out of the fact that the dam to this mill was so built as to prevent 'the alewiues from goeing vp' the river, and hence was not legally built, for on the same day that Wetherell and others were fined the owners of the mill were required, before ' the next season of the fishes goeing vp,' to make ' a free, full, and sufficient passage for the said fish.' " Just before the commencement of Philip's war in 1675, a list of the proprietors of Taunton was made, and on this list is the name of William Wetherell, who owned 'on his own rights and that which was Mr. Dunn's.' His name appears several times on the Grand Inquest between 1650 and 1690. He was a constable in Taunton for the years 1662 and 1676. In 1671 and 1685 he was a ' deputy' or representa- tive from Taunton to the Plymouth Colony Court. He was also a deputy at a special court held on the last day of October and first of November, 1676. In 1685 he was one of the selectmen. In 1671 he was one of a committee ' appointed in each town to see to the gathering in of the Minister's Maintainance,' etc. In 1679-80 he was one of the court's committee ' to bound the meddowes on Assonett Neck.' June 2, 1685, he was licensed 'to retaile cider, beeir, and strong liquors.' It is presumed, as he lived at this time on the road leading from Taunton to Boston, and known then and now as the ' Bay road,' that he kept a sort of 'ordinary' or victualing-house for trav- elers; and hence he no doubt kept the first public- house within the limits of Norton. May 25, 1680, he was appointed one of a committee of the town ' to revise the town orders, records of land,' etc. 602 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. "Thus it will be seen that he was a man of some consequence, and possessed a good reputation among the early settlers of Taunton. From an old deed now in possession of our townsman (descendant of the first settler), William D. Wetherell, given by John Weth- erell, son of William, to his son Jonathan, it appears that William Wetherell was an ' Eldest Sergeant in Capt. Gorrom's (Gorham's) Company in the great Narragansett-Swamp fttt,' which took place Dec. 19 (?), 1675, in the present town of South Kingston, R. L, and that a grant of land was made by the court to the soldiers who were wounded in that ever- memorable battle. From the Plymouth Colony Rec- ords, vol. vi. p. 119, it appears that ' Sergt. Witherly' and 'other Taunton men' came wounded to the house of Peleg Sanford, Dec. 24, 1675, and that he re- mained till Oct. 17, 1676. His wound must, there- fore, have been of a pretty severe character to have confined him almost a year before he was able to re- turn home. It was in consequence of his wounds re- received in the battle of Narragansett Swamp, we presume, that the court granted Mr. Wetherell ten pounds in 1685, and five pounds in 1686. " From all the facts that we can gather relating to Mr. Wetherell, he seems to have been a man blessed with a good share of worldly goods, holding two rights in the original purchase of Taunton (his own and Mr. Dunn's), one right in the South Purchase of Taunton, and, at the time of his death, half a right in the North Purchase. In the year 1690 he deeded most of his property to his children and grandchil- dren, and in his will, dated Aug. 15, 1691, and pro- bated November 18th of the same year, he makes some little legacies to his children, and confirms the deeds he had previously given of his lands. He mentions in his will his sons William, John, and Ephraim (who was dead at the date of the will), and his daughter, Dorothy Wood, who was the wife of William Wood (her second husband), to whom she was married April 1, 1686. Her first husband was Elias Irish, and they were married Aug. 26, 1674. He lived only about three years, for, in October, 1677, William Wetherell was appointed administrator of his estate." The next settler in the North Purchase was Thomas Brintnell, in 1685, in what is now Mansfield. " Dec. 6, 1695," says our excellent authority before quoted, "Thomas Leonard, Sr., and James Leonard, Sr., received a deed from the proprietors of the North Purchase of two hundred acres of land at Stony Brook, ' on the westward side of Coweesset River,' as an ' Incouragement' ' to set up and build a forge to make iron at said place,' and it was ' to be built and in some considerable forwardness' before Dec. 1, 1696, or the grant of land was to be null and void. I have in my possession the affidavits of two persons, taken in 1717, who declare that the iron-works or forge near the dwelling-house of Maj. George Leon- ard, deceased, was begun in 1695, and in some con- siderable forwardness in 1696. To these Leonards was also given the liberty to take their next division of one share in the North Purchase lands 'in the best of iron-oare that they can find.' They were also allowed the privilege of digging ore on any other man's land for the use and benefit of said works by ' paying the owner of such land one shilling a tun for every tun of iron-oare they shall dig.' George Leon- ard, the son of Thomas and the nephew of James Leonard, to whom this grant was made (probably as their agent), set up a forge or 'bloomery,' as it was called, at the place designated, which was nearly in front of the spot where the old Leonard mansion- house now stands ; and the establishment of this iron forge, together with the energy and business tact of young George Leonard, soon gave new life and vitality to this neighborhood. The lands in the vicinity were speedily taken up, the population rapidly increased, and everything seemed to prosper beyond the most ardent expectations of the proprietors of this move- ment." Documentary History. — The following vote in re- lation to wild-cats is under date of March 30, 1724: " Voted, that they would Pay out of the treasury of Norton five shil- lings a head to any Person or Persons that shall Bring any wildcat's head to the Jowne Clerk : and if the said clerk any ways scruples whether they ware cilled in the sd. towne or Present, that then they shall make oath that they ware before the towne Clerk ; and then the said clerk shall Give an order to the towne treasurer for sd. sum or sums, who shall Pay it accordingly. And there shall be a rate made upon the Poles and estates of sd. towne and Present to supply the treas- ury for that Purpose." Sept. 14, 1724, the town and East Precinct " voted to pay Benjamin Drake for killing one wild-cat, £00. 05s. Qd." He probably was of the East Precinct. " Marcb ye 1st, 1724-5.— Joseph Godfrey, John Caswell, and Eben- ezer White, Brought Each of them a wild-cat's Head to me, and I cut the Ears of from them ; and the towne of Norton was to pay five shill- ings a head for each of them. " Per me, Geokgk Leonard, Clerk." Oct. 6, 1725. — " Voted to Raise five shillings more in said Rate to pay to Thomas Skinner, Sen., for a wild-cat's head, which he ciled." March 28, 1726.— "Voted, that they would not Pay for Killing of wild- cats the year ensueing, nor for the wild-cats which have been Killed sence ye act about said cats was out." May 23, 1715, the town " voted to pay three half- pence a head for every flying blackbird or Jaw's head that shoald be kild in this town, and the heads brought to the selectmen, or John Smith or Eliezer fisher, between this time and next March." " Sept. the 19th, 1715, voted to pay — s. d. To Robert Tucker, for killing birds 02 09 To Benjamin Williams, for killing 19 birds 02 02 To Tho. Stephens, for killing 11 birds. 01 03 To John Hall, for killing six birds 00 09 To Ensign Wetherell, for killing 7 birds 00 10 To Simeon Wetherell, for killing 6 birds 00 09 To John Newland, Senior, for killing 10 birds 01 03 To Seth Babit, for killing four birds 00 06 To Benjamin Newland, for killing 5 birds 00 07 To John Hodges, for killing 20 birds 02 06 To Nicolas Smith, for killing four birds 00 06 To Lt. Brintnall, for killing 38 birds 04 09 To John Austin, for 3 birds 00 04." March 20, 1717, " Voted three ha'pence for black- birds' heads, and Jayes and Woodpeckers." NORTON. 603 March 19, 1718, by a vote of the town, "The act Revised Conserning the kiling of birds ;" and it is supposed that for several years a premium was thus paid for the destruction of these birds. In September, 1741, the town " voted to raise £40 for the Suport of the Scoole, and for the birds' and Squrils' heads, and the poor." We suppose this was for the support of " the poor," and not a bounty of- fered for cutting off their " heads." April 4, 1803, " Voted to give 25 cents for every old crow that should be killed in the town of Norton and carried to the Town Treasurer." First Settlers. — The following is a list of the first settlers of Norton, all of whom, with one exception, are known to have been here prior to or in 1711, con- densed from Rev. Mr. Clark's " History of Norton" : Peter Aldrich was one of the original members of the church. His wife was Experience , married before 1702, and they had three children. Deacon John Andrews might have been the son of Henry and Mary (Deane) Andrews, who were mar- ried Feb. 17, 1685-86, and was born about 1686. He is supposed to have been a grandson of Henry An- drews, one of the first settlers of Taunton. John Austin was the son of Jonah Austin, Jr., of Taunton, and was born 1st July, 1671. He lived at the east part of the town. When he died is unknown. Samuel Bayley lived at the east part of Mansfield. He married, Aug. 28, 1711, Elizabeth Caswell, and had eight or nine children. He died previous to March 5, 1754. Thomas Braman, Sr., might have been the son of Thomas, who with his Avife were at Taunton June, 1653. He died June 7, 1709; his widow died Sept. 18, 1714* Thomas Braman, Jr., is supposed to have been the s6n of Thomas, Sr., just mentioned, and to have been born about 1686. He was dead previous to May 1, 1725. Daniel Braman was the son of Thomas, Sr., and Hannah (Fisher) Braman, and was born Oct. 11, 1688. He lived at the place where his father settled. Deacon John Briggs was the son of Richard and Rebecca (Haskins) Briggs, of Taunton, and was born Feb. 26, 1669 (79?). He is presumed to have lived near the Centre, as he used to sweep the meeting- house, and was several times chosen " Clark of ye Market." Joseph Briggs (brother of Deacon John, last named) was born 15th June, 1674. Richard Briggs was the brother of Deacon John and Joseph, just mentioned, and was born 12th Jan- uary, 1679. Deacon John Briggs, Jr., is supposed to have been the son of William and Sarah (Maeomber) Briggs, of Taunton, and was born 19th March, 1680. Samuel Briggs was an early settler. He married, July 27, 1692, Mary Hall, and had several children. He died about 1705. Capt. Samuel Brintnell was the son of Thomas and Esther Brintnell (the first settlers of what is now Mansfield), and born Dec. 2 (?), 1665. He lived at the homestead of his father, and was a very influential man in the early history of the town, much em- ployed in public affairs as selectman and representa- tive to the General Court. Samuel Brintnell, Jr., was the son of Samuel, just mentioned, and was probably born about 1690, and lived near the old homestead. Sylvanus Cambell settled probably before 1700. John Caswell, Sr., was the son of Thomas Caswell, of Taunton, and was born July 1, 1656. He settled at the east part of what is now Mansfield. John Caswell, Jr., was the son of John, just named, and was born July 19, 1690. He settled at the east- erly part of Mansfield. Benjamin Caswell was probably the son of Thomas, and the grandson of Thomas, Sr., of Taunton, and was born Nov. 16, 1675. He probably lived some- where in the east part of Mansfield. James Caswell is supposed to have been the brother of Benjamin, and was born May 17, 1681. John Cobb might have been the son of John and Jane (Woodward) Cobb, of Taunton, and was born March 31, 1678. William Cobb was, perhaps, a brother of John. He lived in the easterly part of the town. Seth Dorman settled in the east part of what is now Mansfield. Joseph Dunham lived on Lockety Neck. Ebenezer Eddy was the son of John and Deliver- ance (Owin) Eddy, of Taunton, grandson of Samuel and Elizabeth Eddy, of Plymouth, great-grandson of Rev. William Eddy, a Non-conformist minister of Cranbrook, Kent Co., England, and was born 16th May, 1676 (?). He settled near Crane's Depot, Eleazer Eddy was a brother of Ebenezer, and was born 16th October, 1681. Joseph Elliot lived at the east part of Mansfield. Samuel Fisher was the son of Daniel and Hannah Fisher, of Taunton, and was born 3d December, 1669. Eleazer Fisher was the brother of Samuel, and was born 12th May, 1673. Israel Fisher was born 27th March, 1680, and is supposed to have settled near his brothers, Samuel and Eleazer. He was one of the original members of the church. Nathaniel Fisher was a brother of those just men- tioned, and was born 9th February, 1681. He proba- bly lived near Barrowsville. Thomas Grover was the son of Thomas and Sarah (Chadwick) Grover, of Maiden, and was born, accord- ing to records, March, 1668 (1669?). He settled near what is now West Mansfield. Andrew Grover, the brother of Thomas, was born October, 1673. Deacon Ephraim Grover, a brother of those previ- ously mentioned, was born about 1675. «04 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. John Hall is supposed to have been the son of Samuel Hall, of Taunton, and born 19th October, 1666. He lived in the Mansfield part of Norton, near to Cobbler's Corner, probably on the east side of Rum- ford River. Ebenezer Hall was the brother of John, born 19th of March, 1677. Nathaniel Harvey has left behind him but very few traces. His wife's name was Susannah. John Hodges was the son of John and Elizabeth (Macy) Hodges, of Taunton (grandson of William Hodges, who was at Taunton in 1643), and was born 5th of April, 1673. Nathaniel Hodges was the brother of John, and was born 2d of April, 1675. Samuel Hodges was a brother of the above, and was born 20th of May, 1678. William Hodges was also a brother of those just mentioned, and was born 6th of June, 1682. He set- tled near the common graveyard, just beyond Austin Messenger's. John Lane was the son of Andrew and Tryphena Lane, of Hingham, and grandson of William Lane, who came to Dorchester from England (?) in 1635- 36, and died about 1654. " Hon. George Leonard, the son of Judge Thomas and Mary (Watson) Leonard, of Taunton, grandson of James and Margaret Leonard, who came to Taun- ton in 1652, and great-grandson of Thomas Leonard, of Pontypool, Wales, was born 18th of April, 1671. This family of Leonards claimed descent from Len- nard Lord Dacre, one of the most distinguished fami- lies of the nobility of the United Kingdom, and de- scended in two lines from Edward III. through two of his sons, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and Thomas Plantaganet, Duke of Gloucester. There ap- pears to be some ground for this claim, from the fact that the arms of the Lennard and Leonard families were the same. Near the close of the last century the last Lord Dacre, bearing the name of Lennard, died, and it is supposed that the late Judge Leonard, who was a grandson of George, who first settled in Norton, could have claimed the title. At any rate, there was some consultation among the Leonards in this vicinity upon the propriety of claiming it; but I am told the matter ended by the judge saying that ' he preferred to be lord of acres in America rather that Lord Dacre in England.' 1 Whether descended from Lord Dacre or not, the subject of this sketch and his descendants lived very much in the style of the English nobility, being the owners of an immense tract of land, and surrounded by their tenantry. Probably no family in New England were lords of more acres than the Norton Leonards. The ances- tors of George Leonard were interested in the iron- works both in England and America, and, as we have 1 For more particulars of the Leonard family than are given here, see Genealogical Register, vol. v. p. 403 and onward. already stated, he acted as the agent of his father and Uncle James in setting up, in 1695, the first bloomery or iron-forge within the limits of our town. The house (built before 1700) in which George Leonard lived is still standing, and is said to have been the first framed house erected in town." Benjamin Newland, the son of Jeremiah and Kath- erine Newland, of Taunton, was born about 1670 (?). John Newland was a brother of Benjamin. Jabez Pratt was perhaps the son of Jonathan, of Plymouth, born Nov. 1, 1673. Ejdiraim Sheldon settled in the westerly part of Mansfield. Isaac Shepard was the son of Thomas and Hannah (Ensign) Shepard, and was born at Charlestown in April or May, 1682. Thomas Skinner, the son of Thomas and Mary (?) Skinner, and grandson of Thomas, who came from Chichester, England, about 1650, and settled in Mai- den, was born November, 1668. He settled in the westerly part of the North Purchase, now Mansfield, as early as 1695. John Skinner was a brother, or perhaps only half- brother, of Thomas, for Mary, the wife of Thomas Skinner, died at Maiden, April 9, 1671, and John was born April, 1673. He settled in the west part of the North Purchase about the time Thomas did. Nicholas Smith was the " step-child" of Farmer Smith, of Taunton, and was born 21st February, 1672. John Smith is supposed to have been the son of John and Jael (?) (Parker) Smith, of Taunton, and to have been born 6th December, 1680. Thomas Stephens was the son of Richard Stephens, of Taunton, and was born 3d February, 1674. He is supposed to have lived near the centre of the town. In 1712 he had land laid out to him on Lockety Neck, near the junction of Rumford and Wading Rivers. He was one of the first board of selectmen. Robert Tucker was here as early as 1698. William Wetherell was the son of the first settler of Norton, and was born about 1650 (?). He lived at the place where his father is supposed to have first "pitched" his habitation within the limits of Norton, near the outlet of Winneconnet Pond. William Wetherell, Jr., was the son of William last named, and grandson of the first settler. Jeremiah Wetherell was the son of William and Elizabeth (Newland) Wetherell, but when born is unknown. He lived at the east part of the town, and afterwards moved into Taunton. John Wetherell was the son of William, the first settler, and was born in 1664. John Wetherell, Jr., the son of John, already men- tioned, was born Oct. 8, 1688, and is said to have been the first child born within the limits of Norton. He lived at the east part of the town, upon the old home- stead. Deacon Nicholas White was the son of Nicholas and Ursilla (Macomber) White, of Taunton, and NORTON. 605 grandson of Nicholas, of Taunton, 1 and was born Feb. 3, 1675. He settled within the limits of Mansfield, close to the line between the old town of Taunton and the North Purchase. Matthew White was a brother of Deacon Nicholas, and was born Oct. 25, 1676. He lived not far distant from his brother, in Mansfield. Edward White lived at the east part of the town. Deacon Benjamin Williams was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Williams, of Taunton, grandson of Richard and Francis (Dighton) Williams, and was born 15th October, 1681. He settled, about the time of his marriage, at the northerly part of Mansfield. CHAPTER XLVII. NORTON.— ( Continued.) MILITARY HISTORY— THE HEROES OF FIVE WARS. The Old French War — The French and Indian War — War of the Revo- lution— War of 1812— War of the Rebellion, 1861-65. The Old French War. — "A company of soldiers for this war was raised in Norton and vicinity, with John Caswell as ensign ; and, there being no lieuten- ant, he was soon promoted to that office. Those from Norton were, — ■ Drummer, Thomas Brayman ; Philip Atherton, Jeremiah Cambell, Micajah Dorman, Abijah Fisher, John Fisher, Eleazer Fisher, John For- rist, Isaiah Forrist, Samuel Forrist, Thomas Grover, Zepheniah Lane, Ephraim Thayer. " Seven men were transferred from Maj. Hodges' to Nathaniel Williams' company. Three of these, viz., John Finny, John Finny, Jr., and Jonathan Lane, are supposed to have belonged to Norton. From this expedition Maj. Hodges never returned. One account says, ' He died in the early part of the war, when stationed on the lines between the present State of Maine and Canada.' Another account says " that, on his returning voyage (from Cape Breton) in a French vessel he died suddenly, and there was sus- picion that he was poisoned.' " He is represented ' as a man of a brave, chivalrous spirit.' " This war extended from 1756 to 1763. To assist in carrying it on, Norton furnished her full quota of officers and soldiers. In Capt. Nathaniel Perry's company, of Easton, on service in 1754, employed for the defense of the Eastern frontier, we find the follow- ing men belonging to Norton : "Jonathan Eddy, William Rogers, Levi Lane, Samuel Pratt, Elijah Smith, John Thayer, George W r etherell, Elisha Thayer, and Ephraim Briggs. 1 He is supposed to have been the same person, made a freeman in 1642, who married Susannah, daughter of Jonas and Frances Humphrey, and was at Dorchester in 1652. " In the autumn of 1755, in an expedition to Crown Point, were the following persons, either born, or re- siding at the time, in Norton: " Samuel Eddy, Eleazer Eddy, Nicholas White, Jr., Benjamin Bailey, Joseph Mitchell, Seth Gilbert, Ephraim Briggs, John Cobb, Daniel Tif- fany, Nathan Lawrence. ' The following were in the ' expedition against Crown Point:' "Capt. Joseph Hodges; Ensign, Gideon Basset; Sergeants, Oliver Eddy, John Thayer ; Corporals, George Braman, Obediah Eddy ; Thomas Winchel, John White, Martin Dassance, Joseph Tucker, Samuel Brir.t- nell, Josiah King, Joseph Brintnell, Jonathan Newland, Jotham Bas- set, Elkanah Wellman, Elisha Thayer, Isaac Day, David Coleson, John Holmes, John Martin, Thomas Nichols, David Smith, Jacob Grover, James Pearson. " The following also served in this war : "Clerk, John Basset; Nathaniel White, William Merry, Ebenezer Turner, Nicholas Smith. "Lieut. Nathan Hodges, Josiah Tucker, Thomas Ray, Joseph Wood- ard, Joseph Mitchell, Robert Craig, Job Tucker. "Philip White, George Wheaton, First Lieut. Ephraim Lane, Nathaniel Lane, Simeon Cobb, Abiel Lane. " From May 12, 1759, to Jan. 2, 1760, Capt. Nathan Hodges, of Norton, was out with a company of men from this town, whose names we here record : "Second Lieutenant, Elijah Hodges; Ensign, John King; Sergeants, Ephraim Hodges, Silas Cook, Israel Trow, Abiel Eddy; Corporals, Wil- liam Puffer, Hezekiah King; Privates, Elkanah Bishop, John Cook, Wil- liam Dean, Record Franklin, David Fisher, Joseph Hart, David Hodges, Abraham Martin, Benjamin Morey, Soloman Trow, Ebenezer Titus, Na- than Wood, Benjamin Willis, Josiah White, Nathaniel Wood, Henry White. " John Hall, of Norton, was out in Capt. Burt's company, of Milton. " In Capt. Job Williams' company, of Taunton, from Feb. 13 to Dec. 26, 1760, there were, belonging to Norton, — "Benjamin Briggs, Benjamin Cole, Jonas Caswell, Hezekiah Drake, Jacob Grover, Joseph Mitchell, Stephen Ranger, Isaac Tucker, Henry White. " In 1760 and 1761 there enlisted, for the total re- duction of Canada, from Norton, — "Isaac Tucker, Jacob Hoor, Joseph Mitchell, Daniel Wetherell, Wil- liam Dean, Jr., Henry White, Jr., Jonathan Caswell, Samuel Ranger, Obediah Brintnell, and Abiel Caswell.'' Revolutionary War.— The first reference to the war of the Revolution found in the old town records is under date Jan. 16, 1775, when it was " voted to adhear to the advise and Recommendations of the association of the Continental Congress." They also chose a committee "to see to the faithful performance of the Recommendations of the Continental Congress; only the said Committee, or the major part of them, [should] not expose any person but by order of said town." The Committee of Correspondence and In- spection consisted of John King, Benjamin Morey, William Smith. Isaac Smith, and Israel Trow. March 6th added to this committee James' Hodges, Noah Wiswall, Eleazer Walker, Elkanah Lane, Benjamin 606 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Pearson, David Lincoln, Isaac Hodges, and Eleazer Clap. It was then "Voted that the committee of Inspection be Directed to take particular notice of all persons that should sell any kind of provisions to any per- son or persons that they think is bying with a view to distress the In- habitants of this province." Thus far all had been preparation, though no actual hostilities had commenced, but the ever-mem- orable 19th of April came, when the streets of Lex- ington and Concord drank up the first blood of the Revolution. The alarm quickly spread through the country. It reached Norton some time during the day, and ere the morrow's sun had risen Capt. Silas Cobb and Capt. Seth Gilbert, each with a detach- ment of men, were on their march to join with others in repelling the invasion. All of Capt. Cobb's com- pany left home April 19th, and their term of service varied from four to ten days. It is proper that their names go down to posterity, and we therefore record them : John Allen, second lieutenant; Nathaniel Prior, sergeant ; Nathaniel Stone, corporal; John Hodges, corporal; Abner Tucker, drummer; Abiel Hodges, Tisdale Hodges, Isaac Haradon, Abiel Lincoln, Jonathan Franklin, Noah Woodward, Josiah Woodward, Joseph Hodges, Abijah Fisher, Phillip Hor, Josiah Hodges, Samuel Hodges, David Hodges, pri- vates. The term of service of Capt. Gilbert's men was from four to twelve days : George Makepeace, first lieutenant; Noah Wiswall, Seth Smith, Elea- zar Clap, William Makepeace, sergeants; David Clap, Jonathan Leonard (20), Samuel Hunt (27), corporals; privates, Isaac Smith, John Hall, Seth Smith, Jr., Jacob Shepard, Seth Shepard, Stephen Jennings, Noah Wiswall, Jr., Jacob Shaw, Antha. Newland (21), Eben Wetherell (21), William Copeland, Noah Clap (20), Stephen Briggs, Phineas Briggs, Levi Babbit, Nathaniel White, Elisha Cobb, Edw. Kingman, John Cook (21), Joseph Newcomb (21), John Crane, Jr. (22), Samuel Newcomb, 2d (27), Simeon Wetherell, 2d (26), William Clark (26), Solomon Wetherell, Timothy Briggs, 2d (z0), Jonathan Briggs, Elijah Briggs, Israel Trow, Seth Williams, Simeon Briggs, Elijah Danforth, Eleazar Walker, Samuel Copeland (20), Edw. Babbit, Reuben Tisdale (27), James Boldery, Jr. (27), John Austin (27), Abijah Lincoln (27), John Newcomb (27), Samuel Godfrey (27), Joel Briggs (27), Nathan Babbit, 2d (27), William Cobb, Jr. (26). May 8, 1775, the citizens " voted to bye teen guns and Bagonets for the use of said Town." At the ad- journment, May 22d, — "Voted to pay so many men as to make half the number of men in the Training-Lists, which are to be raised out of the Laram and Train- ing Lisls for miuit men ; and to be paid for the time they shall be neces- sarily Detained in service upon any Emergency, as much as the said town shall think proper." The following is the return of Capt. Silas Cobb's company, made Oct. 6, 1775. The men were enlisted for eight months : Officers. — Silas Cobb, captain; Isaac Smith, lieutenant ; Isaac Fisher, ensign. Sergeants.— Edmund Hodges, Nathaniel Lane, Jonathan Hodges, Nathaniel White. Corporals. — Jonathan Franklin, Richard Cobb, Stephen Jennings. Drum and Fife.— Abner Tucker, Jabez Briggs. Privates. — Joshua Atherton, Jacob Allen, John Austin, Stephen Briggs, Phineas Briggs, James Boldery, John Boldery, Isaac Basset, Benjamin Braman, Levi Babbit, Elisha Cobb, John Capron, Abiel (?) Derby, Abner Derby, Abijah Fisher, John Hodges, David Hodges, John Hodges (2d), Lanson (?) Hodges, Isaac Harridon, Stephen Kelly, Abiel Lincoln, Rufus Lincoln, Amos Martin, Joseph Pratt, Daniel Pratt, Joshua Pond, Oliver Smith, Abiathar Smith, Seth Smith, Nathan Shaw, Jacob Shaw, Abiathar Shaw, Abel Wetherel, Noah Wiswall. In the return of Capt. Masa Williams' company, of Easton, made Oct. 6, 1775, were the following men from Norton : Officers. — Samuel Lane, lieutenant; John Cook, ensign ; Samuel Cope- land, sergeant ; Benjamin Morey, corporal. Privates. — James Newcomb, James Cook, Abiel Knapp, Robert Hagin, Edward Kingman, Amos Tucker, Moses Downing, Jedediah Tucker, Zephaniah Newland, Isaac Morey, Daniel Morey, William Merry, John Newcomb, Acors Hewitt. Capt. Josiah King, of Norton, was also in the eight months' service in 1775. In his company were the following men from Norton : Thomas Bass, Josiah King, Comfort Eddy, Josiah Smith, Benjamin Tucker. There were also out in three different companies, in the eight months' service, the following persons from Norton : Peletiah Day, David Balcom, Jonathan Pidge, Israel Smith, Samuel Newcomb. Elijah Eddy, of this town, was in Peter Pitt's com- pany, of Dighton, three months and six days during this year, and Nathan Morey was chaplain of Timothy Walker's regiment. "Sept. 18, 1775, Voted to Eleazar Clap, which he paid for mending a gun for the town's use, £0. 3s. 6d.; also to the same, for carrying blankets to the army for said town's use, £0. 2s. / also to the same, for thirty-two days' service at the Provincial Con- gress, £4. 4s. 4'1.; also to Capt. William Homes, for one hundred days' attendance at said Congress, £12. 18s." In 1776 the Committee of Correspondence, Inspec- tion, etc., were William Homes, Andrew Hodges, David Lincoln, John Hall, Noah Woodward, Ele- azer Clap, and Israel Trow. During 1776 the following men were from Norton, in the Rhode Island service, in Capt. George Make- peace's company : Lieutenants. — Seth Smith, Ephraim Lane, Jr. Sergeants. — Daniel Knap, Daniel Dean, Hezekiah Willard, Abiel Eddy. Corporals. — Edward Darby, Timothy Briggs, Elisha Cobb, Abiel Lincoln. Fife. — Abiathar Shaw. Drum. — Jabez Briggs. ^ William Makepeace, John Briggs, John Patten, David Arnold, Eph- raim Eddy, Oliver Smith, Ezra Eddy, John Gilbert, Benjamin Blandin, Jeremiah Cambell, Phineas Briggs, Jacob Shaw, John Clark, John Hall, Seth Gilbert, Timothy Smith, Isaac Smith, John Cook, Samuel Lane, Amasa Williams. There also went from Norton to Rhode Island, in Capt. Isaac Hodges' company, — Nathaniel Wood, sergeant; Rufus Hodges, John Derry, William Car- penter, Joseph Newcomb, Job White. Capt. Isaac Hodges also had the command of a company in the Tiverton alarm. The names of his men (whether all from Norton is uncertain) were, — Lieut. Brian Hall ; Jonathan Hodges, Amos Martin, Elkanah Lin- coln, Benjamin Braman, John Wetherell, Josiah Braman, Sylvanus Braman, Thomas Braman, Silas Cobb, Abisha (?) Capron, Abraham NORTON. 607 Deny, Aliijali Fisher, James Hodge*, Jesse Hodges, Rufus Hodges, Na- tliaiiiel Hodges, Simeon Hodges, Philip Hore (?), Stephen Kelly, Samuel Lincoln, Josiah Willis, Timothy Wellman, Isaac Stone, William Stone, Daniel Phillips, Ichabod Perry, Benajah Tucker, Meletiali Washburn, Isaac Fisher. In a secret expedition from September 25th to Oc- tober 31st, Capt. Hodges was again on duty, with these men under his command, most of whom were from Norton : Nathaniel Prior, Elijah Danforth, Ebenezer Titus, Comfort Day, Abie] Eddy, James Fillebrown, John Clap, Samuel Fillebrowu, James Newcomb, William Leonard, William Stone, Daniel Phillips, Sylvester Cobb, Abijah Fisher, Joseph Braman, Elias Eddy, Amasa Lincoln, Joseph Andrews, Alexander Balcom, Peter Derry, John Derry, Eliab Derby, John Hodges, George Hodges, Stephen Kelly, John Wartm, Asa Newcomb, Elijah Eddy, Moses Fisher, George Briggs, Stephen Briggs, Abijah Lincoln, Abijah Wetherell, Simeon Briggs, Samuel Copeland, Josiah Vining, Solomon Wetherell, Nathaniel Wood, Ephraim Eddy, I Ezra Willis, Samuel Pratt, David Lovit, Abijah White, Amini Kimball, Daniel White, Asa Clap, Jonathan White, Jedediah Grover, Nathaniel Sweeting, Thomas Skinner, Zebulou Hodges, Nathaniel Hodges, Samuel White, Jonathan Lane, Benjamin Skinner, Joseph Titus, Stephen Pond, Isaac Skinner, Benjamin Blandin, William Axtell (?), Abisha Smith, Joshua Pond, Ichabod Willis, Beujamin Fuller, Levi Babbit, Ichabod Eddy, Jonathan Franklin, Silas Wellman, Royal White, Caleb Dunham, Nehemiah Leonard, Elisha Thayer, John Harden, Jesse Grover. Dec. 8, 1776, Capt. Israel Trow marched to Rhode Island at the head of the following men, all from Norton : Lieutenants. — David Clap, Edward Babbit. Sergeants. — Seth Williams, Samuel Hunt, Jacob Shepard, Benjamin Wild. Corporals. — David Lincoln, John Newcomb, Jonathan Briggs. JrYwafes.— David Austin, Simeon Briggs, Eleazer Clap, Noah Clap, Asa Copeland, Abijah Lincoln, Joseph Hunt, Rufus Lincoln, Samuel New- comb, Mase Shepard, Seth Tisdale, Reuben Tisdale, John Tisdale, Thomas Storey, Thomas Storey, Jr., Solomon Wetherell. Sept. 8, 1777, the town " voted to George Cobb for going to Milton for paper-cartridges 12s. ; the cost of paper, 18s. lOd. ; for a box to stow the cartridges in, 3s. ; for two days himself, and three days and a half of Seth Smith and Joshua Pond, to make cartridges, £4 2s. ; for thread for the cartridges, Is." Also " voted that the selectmen procure the town's proportion of arms allowed by the State, and that tney should have the money to purchase said arms with." Sept. 15, " voted that ten of the firearms sent to this town should be kept as a store for said town." In April and May of this year Capt. Israel Trow had the command of the following men in the Rhode Island service. Most of them were from Norton, but probably not all : Lieutenants. — Isaac White and Jonathan Pratt. Sergeants. — John White, Jacob Newland, Amos Martin, Thomas Eason. Corporals. — Samuel Filbbrown, Jesse Hodges, John White, Asa Williams. Drum. — Joel Briggs. Fife.— John White (3d). Asa Clap, Abijah Clap, Asa Copeland, Eleazer Eddy, -Nathan Finney, ThomaB Gibbs, Benjamin Hodges, Thomas Bass, Masa Bassett, Benjamin Cobb, Jr., Mason Cobb, Josiah Ciossinan, William Dunham, Elias Eddy, Levi Francis, David Grover, Philip Horr, Thomas Hewit, Zebulon Hodges, Bethuel Hack, Amasa Lincoln, Timothy Leonard, Nehemiah Leonard, Oliver Lincoln, Joel Martin, Benjamin Merrifield, Isaac Make- peace, Ebenezer Newcomb, Daniel Phillips (2d), Ebenezer Richardson, Nathan Richard, Abisha Smith, Asa Smith, Nathaniel Sweeting, Benja- min Skinner, Jonathan Smith, Joseph Titus, Amos Shepardson, Benja- min Trow, Stephen Thayer, Ichabod White, John White (2d), Job White, Isaac White, Samuel White, Royal White, Silas Williams, Jacob Wil- liams, John Thayer. In the summer of the same year Capt. Trow was again in service, with these men under his command, most of them from Norton, — Lieutenants.— Isaac White, Michael Sweet, Amos Martin, Amos Ide, Thomas Eason, Daniel Hewet, Joel Briggs, John White, Christopher French, Mason Cobb, Lemech Blandin, Thomas Bass, Isaac White, Noah Robinson, Masa Basset, David Balcom, Asa Clap, Abijah Clap, Asa Copeland, William Carpenter, David Cooper, Joseph Dagget, Eleazer Eddy, Nathan Finney, Thomas French, David Grover, Thomas Gibbs, Thomas Hewit, Thomas French, Jr., Zebulon Hodges, Isaac Jackson, Amasa Lincoln, Timothy Leonard, Oliver Lincoln, Joel Martin, Eben- ezer Newcomb, Henry Peck, Isaac Perry, Daniel Reed, Benjamin Rich- ardson, Abisha Smith, George Stanley, Gideon Stanley, Ebenezer Tyler, Abel Titus, Zelotes Tyler, Noah Tiffany, Benjamin Trow, Ichabod Wil- lis, Samuel White, Royal White, Jacob Williams, Job White, Jonathan Wilmarth, John White, Asa W illianis, Oliver Wellman, Asa Smith. Capt. George Makepeace had the command of a company in the Rhode Island service this year. In it were from Norton, — Hezekiah Willard, Daniel Knap, William Makepeace, Edward Darby, Timothy Briggs, Simeon Wetherell, George Cobb, John Briggs, Phineas Briggs, John Clark, Abner Tucker, Seth Smith. In December, Capt. Silas Cobb had the command of a company. In it were these men from Norton, — John Allen, second lieutenant; Nathaniel White, Amos Martin, Abiel Lincoln, Benjamin Hodges, Jabez Briggs, Daniel Hodges, Samuel Nor- ton, Elkauah Hall, George Harvey, Nathaniel Prior, Phillip Horr, Ed- mund Tucker, Josiah Smith, Masa Basset, Thomas Bass, John Hall 2d, Paul Cook, Joel Martin, Jonathan Smith, William Makepeace, Rufus Lincoln, William Carpenter, Joseph Harridon, John Hall, Timothy Well- man, Jonathan Clark, Thomas Hewit, Ephraim Knap, Snellum Babbit. In 1777 the persons whose names are here recorded enlisted into the army for three years. All did not, however, serve the full time of their enlistment. The figures attached to the names show the number of months the individual was in service. Benjamin Morey (36), William Merry (10), Csesar Makepeace (32), Ca;sar Morey (44), Jonathan Morey (5), Isaac Morey (10), Nathaniel Morey (36), Daniel Morey (15), Jedediah Tucker (33), Josiah Tucker (36), Jacob Allen (37), Jeremiah Cambell (36), Ezekiel Clap (3), John Capron (20), James Dorsey (?) (46), Francis Guil low, John Harridon (36), Josiah King (45), Josiah King (39). For 1778 the Committee of Correspondence, etc., were Jonathan Clap, David Arnold, Isaac Smith, John Hall, and Seth Gilbert. March 9, 1778, " voted that the selectmen should procure powder, flints, lead, and gun-locks of the board [of] war." May 11th, "voted that the officers of the several companies should raise the men sent for by the Gen- eral Court on the best terms they can ; and, if they cannot procure them for thirty pounds granted by said Court, that the town will pay the overplus." The officers were further directed " to hire the money to procure said men with, if thirty pounds will not." We give below the members of Capt. Israel Trow's company, drafted for three months' service in Rhode Island, commencing Jan. 1, 1778. Most of them are known to have belonged to this town : 608 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Lieutenants. — Ebenezer Brintnell, Ephraim Lane. Sergeants. — Jonathan Newcomb, William Bonney, William Wetherell, Jonathan Briggs. Corporals.— Theophilus Crossman, Joseph Spurr, Joel Briggs, William A r erry. Drum. — John Wetherell. Privates. — Masa Basset, Thomas Bass, Samuel Bailey, John Bates, Obadiah Brintnell, Jonathan Clark, Ebenezer Cane, Banfield Capron, Caleb Dunham, Abraham Berry, Peter Derry, John Dunbar, Ichabod Eddy, Ezra Eddy, John Field, Israel Fisher, Calvin Fillebrown, William Hodges, Zebulon Hodges, John Hall, Jr., William Lane, Ephraim Knap, Timothy Leonard, Paul Lincoln, Jonathan Meburen (?), Daniel Phillips, Ichabod Kandall, Solomon Skinner, Enoch Story, Asa Smith, William Story, Benajah Tucker, Jesse Tupper, Stephen Thayer, Benjamin Trow, Ichabod Willis, Permer (?) Wood, John White, Timothy Wellman, Josiah Willis, Ezra Willis, Levi Woodward, Abiathar Shaw, Seth Tiffany. The following men from Norton enlisted for one year, from Jan. 1, 1778, in Capt. Joseph Cole's com- pany, of Bridgewater : Seth Smith, Asa Newcomb, Elkanah Hall, Ichabod Eddy, Levi Wood- ward, John Cobb, John White, Timothy Skinner, Elias Eddy, Simeon Wetherell, John Gilbert, Masa Basset. In Capt. Isaac Hodges' company, engaged in Rhode Island service, we find these names. Most of them were from this town : David Keith, Isaac White, Lewis Sweeting, Nat. Freeman, Alexander Keith, James Newcomb, John White, Eliab Darby, Edmund Macomber, Abiel White, Joel Briggs, Thomas Grover, Alexander Balcom, Thomas Braman, Samuel Bailey, Obadiah Brintnell, Stephen Briggs, Benjamin Braman, Levi Babbit, Rufus Clap, Abijah Clap, Asa Clap, William Clark, William Dunham, James Fillebrown, Asa Fillebrown, Cornelius Gibbs, George Hodges, Elijah Hodges, Abial Leonard, Isaac Lincoln, Isaac Lathrop, John Newland, Nathaniel Prior, Seth Pitts, John Patten, Phillip Pratt, Jesse Randall, Benjamin Shaw, Joshua Stearns, Eliphalet Sweet- ing, Robert Skinner, Mase Shepard, Asa Smith, William Stone, James Stone, Benjamin Tiffany, Seth Tisdale, William Yerry, Peter Wellman, Royal White, Asa Wellman, Abijah Wetherell, Simeon While, Seth Williams, Benjamin Homes, Ebenezer Burt, Samuel Copeland, Stephen Cilley, Daniel Pratt. These men were drafted from Norton in 1778 for nine months' service : Thomas Jenkins, Peter Derry, David Hodges, Joshua Smith, Thomas Bass, Ephraim Knapp, London Morey (negro, rejected), William Axtell. Ephraim Lane was a lieutenant-colonel in Col. Thomas Carpenter's regiment, Rhode Island service, from July 24 to Sept. 9, 1778. He was also a lieu- tenant-colonel in Col. John Daggett's regiment in 1775, called out by the alarm at Lexington, 19th of April. For 1779 the Committee of Correspondence, etc., were William Cobb, William Homes, Esq., Daniel Dean, Noah Wiswall, Noah Woodward, Silas Cobb, and Eleazer Clap. June 22d, " Voted that the eight Continental men now called for for nine months, and the three men for the Lines at Rhode Island, be raised by way of a tax on the ratable polis and estates in sd. Norton ;" and a committee were appointed to raise "the above men." August 30th, "Voted to Silas Cobb two pounds, nineteen shillings. L. my., for keeping seven High- landers one night, and finding them all a breakfast." In the roll of Capt. Joseph Franklin's company, of Rehoboth, engaged in a four months' service in Rhode Island in the autumn of 1779, we find a few names of men from this town which we here record : Israel Fisher, Francis Guillow, Isaac Stone. For 1780 the Committee of Correspondence, etc., were William Cobb, William Homes, and Daniel Dean. October 9th, the town " voted to raise £1108 5*., in silver money, to pay the Bounty to the soldiers that were hired the summer past." Also " voted to Mr. Nathaniel Prior 210 pounds, old continental money, for going, himself and team, to Tiverton with the soldiers last August." The same day, "Voted to choose a person to purchase the beef called for (by a Resolve of Gen. Court) from this town ;" and Maj. Silas Cobb was chosen to make the purchase. October 16th, it was "voted to raise £1100, for to pay for the beef and trouble." December 25th, " Voted to raise such a sum of money as to enable the town to pay each soldier that shall enlist into the continental service for three years, or during the war, three hundred silver dollars each ; one hundred paid soon, one hundred paid in one year, and the other hundred in two years, with interest." In the alarm of August, 1780, Capt. Israel Trow marched to Rhode Island at the head of a company of men, whose names we here record, all of whom are supposed to have belonged to this town : Joseph Hodges, first lieutenant; Jacob Shepard, second lieutenant; Benjamin Wild, Elkanah Lincoln, David Lincoln, Jonathan Newland, James Newcomb, Joshua Pond, Rufus Hodges, Joseph Andrews, Syl- vanus Braman, Samuel (?) Blandin, George Briggs, Daniel Bassett, Jo- seph Burt, Elijah Briggs, David Balcom, Noah Clap, John Clap, Jere- miah Cambell, Theophilus Crossman, Paul Cook, Tisdale Hodges, George Hodges, Elijah Hodges, Joseph Howard, Abijah Lincoln, Levi Lincoln, Seth Pitts, Thomas Story, Asa Smith, Aiaunah Smith, Zebulon White, Joel White, Abijah Wetherell, David Wetherell, Josiah Welling- ton, Elkanah Wilmarth, Abiathar Macomber, Amos Martin, Nathan Perry, Elijah Danforth, Samuel Hunt, Seth Williams, Eleazer Walker, Jacob Shaw, Nathaniel Freeman, Noah Woodward, Jesse Hodges, Wil- liam Copeland, Samuel Copeland, Josiah Hodges, William Stone, Wil- liam Norton, Jonathan Hodges, Peletiah Day, Joseph Wellman, Ichabod Perry, William Wetherell, Ebenezer Wetherell, Elisha Capron, Daniel Phillips, James Davis, Nathan Dean, Nathaniel Wood, Silas Cobb, John King. Capt. Seth Smith commanded a company in the Rhode Island service this year, probably all Norton- ians, whose names were, — Ephraim Lane, lieutenant; Hezekiah Willard, William Makepeace, Nathan Cobb, Daniel Knapp, Isaac Hodges, Edward Darby, George Cobb, Benjamin Stanley, John Hodges, Jabez Briggs, David Arnold, Phineas Briggs, Thomas Braman, Benjamin Blandin, Joseph Matthews, John Briggs, Isaac Basset, Nathan Dean, Ephraim Eddy, Ezra Eddy, John Hall, Zephauiah Hodges, Abiel Lincoln, Oliver Leonard, Calvin Morey, William Stone, Nat. Stone, Seth Smith, Benajah Tucker, Benja- min Tiffany, William Verry, Simeon Wetherell, John Wetherell, David Woodward, Samuel Willis. Capt. John Allen was also absent six days with a company in Rhode Island service. We give the names of those from this town : Jacob Shepard, lieutenant; Isaac Hodges, Jonathan Briggs, Rufus Hodges, Nathan Dean, John Hodges, Joseph Andrews, John Arnold, David Balcom, Sylvanus Braman, Isaac Bassett, Benjamin Blandin, William Carpenter, Paul Cook, Noah Clap, Ephraim Eddy, Elijah Eddy, Tisdale Francis, Zephaniah Hodges, Joseph Howard, Oliver Leonard, NORTON. 609 Levi Lincoln, William Newcomb, Solomon Newcomb, Josiah Newcomb, Nat. Prior, Abisha Smith, Araunah Smith, Thomas Story, Samuel Ste- vens, John Tisdale, Jacob Tiffany, Elkanah 'Woodward, James White, James Wetherell, Simeon Wetherell. In Capt. Jabez Barney's company, of Swansea, at West Point, August, 1780, were the following men from this town. The first two served for the town of Mansfield, the remainder for Swansea : Isaac Morey, lieutenant; Levi Francis, Jr., John Cambell, John Prior, Brian Hall, Vincent Cambell, Benjamin Holmes, John Martin. In the six months' service, in 1780, I find the fol- lowing list of men from Norton, made up by the selectmen : Jedediah Tucker, Daniel Hodges, Ichabod Pitts, Jabez Newland, Isaac Stone, Vincent Cambell, Henry Howard, Samuel Willis, John Hill, Ben- jamin Holmes, Israel Smith, Daniel Hodges (2d), Daniel Burr, Jonathan Hodges, Benjamin Fuller. The following is a list of the men raised in Nor- ton, agreeably to a resolve of the General Court passed Dec. 2, 1780, the term of service three years : Samuel Sherman, Benjamin Fuller, Elisha Capron, Joshua Fuller, Timothy Tucker, Abiathar Macomber, Henry Hayward, Jacob Briggs, Samuel Eddy, Francis Guillow, Seymour Burr,Seth Capron, Benjamin Chotaey (?), Cuff Freeman, Jedediah Tucker, Ezra Hodges. Jan. 8, 1781, the town "voted so far to comply with the Resolve of the General Court Respecting Beef as to procure s a Beef or the money;" also voted to raise £204 3s., silver money, in addition to the £1108 5s. raised Oct. 9, 1780, to be devoted to the same purpose. The Committee of Correspondence, etc., for 1781, were Silas Cobb, Israel Trow, and Noah Wiswall. March 5th, " voted to give the men, called for to go to Rhode Island for forty days, four pounds and ten shillings per month, including whatever shall be given them from this commonwealth, or any other way from the publick." In the summer the General Court called upon the town to supply the army with six thousand seven hundred and sixty-eight pounds of beef, twenty-eight shirts, twenty-eight pairs of shoes and stockings, and fourteen blankets. July 16th, it was "voted to com- ply with the requisition of the General Court respect- ing beef, and one hundred and twenty pounds silver money was raised to pay for it, and Capt. Ephraim Burr was authorized to purchase it at four pence per pound," and it was ordered " that there be a clause inserted in the warrant for our fall meeting to raise a sum of money to pay for clothing." It was also "voted to give the men that shall go into the three months' service twenty silver dollars per month, and the town to receive their wages from this common- wealth, and that each man have five dollars advance pay." We find but few names of soldiers to record for the year 1781. In January of this year there were in the Continental army from Norton, enlisted in the years 1777-80, for three years or during the war, — 39 Josiah King, Ctesar Morey, Joseph Pratt, Lathrop Knapp, John Har- ridou, Josiah King, Anthony Morey, Jacob Allen, William Wellman. Military Companies. — Between the years 1781 and 1834 there were two infantry companies in Norton, one on the east and one on the west side of Rumford River. The captains of the east side company were as follows : Joseph Hodoes, July 1,1781; Ebenezer Titus, Aug. 4,1789; Zebulon White, Aug. 20,1792; William Morey, Sept. 25, 1797; Jonathan Hodges, March 26, 1798 ; Kufus Hodges, May 5, 1801 ; Seth Hodges, Dec. 3, 1804 ; Asa Arnold, March 23, 1807 ; Lemuel Arnold, Nov. 21, 1808 ; Sanforth Freeman, June 15. 1815; Alvin Perry, May 1, 1819; Ichabod Perry, Jr., June 26, 1821; Isaac Braman, May 30, 1822; Mason Stone, March 30, 182G; Almond Tucker, Oct. 25, 1828 ; Thomas Carpenter, May 14, 1832. The captains of the company east of Rumford River, from 1781 to 1834, were — David Clap, July 1, 1781 ; Reuben Tisdale, May 28, 1789 ; Isaac Make- peace, July 16, 1790 ; James Godfrey, Sept. 26, 1803 ; Lysander Make- peace, March 24, 1806; Asa Knowles, Feb. 15, 1808; Terry Crane, May 18, 1811 ; Jacob Shepherd, May 17, 1812; Laban Lincoln, Aug. 9, 1819; Thomas Copeland, June 6, 1820 ; Lyman Eddy, May 6, 1824 ; Daniel Briggs, Jr., Aug. 26, 1826; Henry Newcomb, April 30, 1830; George B. Crane, April 16, 1833. " In 1776 the Norton Artillery Company was organ- ized, and George Makepeace was commissioned as captain. This company remained in Norton (a por- tion of its officers and members belonging to other towns) till 1854, when its name was changed to Light Infantry, and the company was removed to Foxbor- ough. The two field-pieces in the possession of the company were returned to the State, and the gun- house, near the pound, was sold. At the time the name was changed and the company removed to Fox- borough it was the oldest military company in the State. The following are the names of its commanders (with the date of their commissions) who have be- longed to Norton. A few captains, whose residence was in other towns, we have omitted from this list" (Clark) : George Makepeace, Oct. 31,1776; Ephraim Lane, Jr., 1787; Daniel Knapp, March 26, 1790; Benjamin Blandin, Dec. 28, 1795; John Gilbert, May 7, 1799 ; Samuel Hunt, March 9, 1802 ; Thomas Danforth, 2d, Aug. 27,1804; Elisha Crossman, June 14, 1810; Isaac Lane, May 14, 1812 ; David Lane, Aug. 22, 1814 ; George Walker, May 20, 1817 ; Lemuel Perry, Sept. 22, 1821 ; Calvin Lane, March 31, 1824 ; George Lane, Feb. 5, 1827 ; Simeon Blandin, March 8, 1828; Ira Richardson, April 16, 1833; Earl Hodges, Sept. 24, 1836; Carlos Freeman, April 9, 1836; Don F. Lane, July 4, 1839; Benjamin S. Hall, April 24, 1841 ; Luen C. Leonard, May 13,1843; Carlos Freeman, May 24, 1844; Jacob T. Shepherd, Aug. 30, 1851 ; Benjamin M. Round, April 27, 1853. There was also for some years a hose company, a portion of whose members belonged to Norton, and the following Nortonians were captains of it : Tisdale Hodges, Dec. 16, 1793; Daniel Smith, May 24, 1810; Pliny Puffer, Aug. 22, 1823. The following comprise a list of those from this town who, since the Revolution, have risen above the post of captain, or held a commission of the same rank : Brijadier-General. — Silas Cobb, Aug. 2, 1792. Colonels.— Silas Cobb, May 26, 1 TsS ; Isaac Braman, Sept. 9, 1826 ; Mason Stone, Nov. 3, 1832. Lieutenant- Colonel. — Simeon Wheeler, Jan. 14, 1819. Majors.— Thomas Fobes.Sept. 26, 1794; Zebulon White, Aug. 1, 1803; 610 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Brian Hall, April 20, 1797; Isaac Braman, Oct. 1,1825; Earl Hodges, July 10, 1844.1 AdjutanU.— Isaac Morey, Oct. 2, 1788; Ephraim Raymond, June 14, 1791 ; George Palmer, Aug. 30, 1797 ; William Lane, May 7, 1799 ; Thomas W. T. Bicknell, Oct. 4, 1812 ; Ephraim A. Raymond, April 23, 1829 ; John B. Newcomb, March 30, 1833. The latter part of June, 1814, the Norton Artillery Company, Isaac Lane, captain, were called out to guard New Bedford. They were absent about twelve days. The following persons from Norton were called into service during the war of 1812 : Isaac Lane, David Lane, Lemuel Perry, Asa Danforth, Samuel Hunt, George Walker, Josiah Hodges, Allen Lane, Calvin Lane, Samuel Cope- land, Enos Dean, Ebenezer Burt, Thomas Sweet, George Wetherell, Eb- enezer M. Lincoln, Daniel Morey, Stillman Smith, Newton Sweet, Henry B. Dyer, Thomas Braman, Jr., Ezra Macomber, Moses Hunt, John Harris, Noah Cooper, Eliab Thompson, Samuel Hunt (2d), Joel Wilbur, Jonathan Knowles, Elijah White, John T. Whiting, Joseph Fuller, Simeon Dean, Allen Deny, Alfred French, Amherst Guild, Asa Patton, Spencer Morse, James Wiswall, Henry B. Hodges, Abijah Dean, John Gilbert, Stephen Hodges, Daniel Guillow, John Penno, Peleg West, Williams Keith, Sylvanus B. Braman, Andrews Braman, Perry Atherton, Sylves- ter Round, John Russell, Levi Bowen, Nathaniel Danforth, Ichabod Perry, Jr., Seabury Woodward, Horatio Field, Kingman Richmond, Reuben Wilbur, John Wild, Jr., Jesse Blandin, Elijah Eddy, Barnard Dean, Lyman Eddy, Solomon Lothrop, Jr., Benjamin Blandin, Jr., Jo- siah Wilbur, Abiather Knapp, Tisdale Lincoln, George Hodges, Jr., Charles Danforth, Leonard Hill, Jr., William Lane, Jr., Adoniram Hodges, Elisha Crossman, Nathan Dean, Jr., William Dean, Gulliver Dean, Albert W. Godfrey, Solomon Leonard, Jedediah Packard, Daniel Lane, Asaph White, Philip Andrews, William Sweet, Zelotes Wetherell, Lawrence Hunt, Oliver Hunt, George Lane, John Freeman, Jr., Zopher Skinner, David Godfrey, Alanson Cobb, Ephraim French, Augustus White. Military Record, 1861-65. 2 — The following men enlisted from Norton in the war of the Rebellion : William F. Adams, Sauford B. Austin, Alonzo P. Holmes, George C. Hunt, Isaac R. Burchard, Benjamin F. Sweet, William H. Lane, Shepard L. Field, George B. Stanley, Charles F. Carpenter, Barney Coyle, Ransom W. Town, Elisha H. Crosby, Daniel Crosby, George E. Hunt, William Bruce, Henry Burchard, Charles W. Hicks, James H. Wall, Joseph N. Drake, James Card, William T. Elliott, George M. Freeman, Edgar A. Freeman , Samuel G. Hicks, George W. Hamliu, Zelotus T. Hewit, Edwin A. Lane, James Ramsey, Jason L. White, Joseph H. Washburn, William D. Washburn, Jason White, Calvin White, John H. White, Emery E. Willis, Thomas B. Wetherell, Charles H. Wetherell, Loren B. Willis, Alexander D. Washburn, Albert A. Austin, Granville D. Austin, Edwin Barrows, Abbott H. Bland ing, WilliamS. Bolton, Derick W. Cobb, Robert Dixon, Charles D. Freeman, Darius B. Field, Alfred B. Hodges, David L. Hodges, Henry B. Ide, Artemas C. King, Jr., Theodore W. Keith, William A. Lane, Joseph Liucoln, Zacheus Macomber, Benjamin H. Rich- mond, Bernard L. Ripley, Charles W. Sprague, Charles T. Smith, Cyril S. Sweet, Lewis H. Sweet, George N. Tucker, Henry 0. Titus, Henry Sherman. CHAPTER XLVIII. NORTON.— ( Continued.) ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY— EDUCATIONAL. The Congregational (Unitarian) Church— The Trinitarian Congrega- tional Church— The Baptist Church— Wesleyan Methodist Church— The Methodist Episcopal Church — Roman Catholic Church— Wheaton Seminary. The Congregational (Unitarian) Church.— Coin- cident with the organization of the town was the organization of this church, and its first minister was Rev. Samuel Phillips, who, however, was not or- dained. He commenced preaching Jan. 1, 1710, and remained but a few months. As a portion of the old township of Taunton was incorporated into the North Precinct, and as many of the settlers of the said precinct were either pro- prietors or intimately connected with the proprietors of the old town, the latter naturally felt some interest in the prosperity of the precinct, and especially in the settlement and support of a minister. Hence divers of them made each a small contribution of land for whatever minister should be settled in the new parish. Here is the proof: " We, the subscribers for the Encouragement of a Learned, orthodox, pious minister to settle in the Sacred employ of the ministry in Taun- ton North precinct, Do hereby Give and Grant the severall quantities of land annexed to our names, hereunder written, unto the first minister who shall settle in said North precinct; Desiring of the proprietors of Taunton old Township that it may be layed out on the next Division of land in said Township, Either in one Entire tract or more, in such place or places where it may be most convenient and pleasing to the first minister that shall there settle, on any lands, as yet common or undi- vided, in that part of the old Township landi which now ffall to be within the line of the North precinct; and particularly on land, now common, which lyes near the place appointed by Authority for the meeting-house to be sett upon, on the north and south side of the way as shall be most convenient. l He did not accept the commission. - By Austin Messenger, Esq. No. of Acres. John Pool 12 Robert Godfrey 1 Joseph Hall 1 James Hall 1 Isaac Marrick 1 Increase Robinson 2 Phillip King 1 James Walker, Senior 2 Abram Jones 1 James Phillips 1 Shadrack Wilbore 1 Benjamin Wilbore 3 James Burt 1 Samuel Blake.... 2 Joseph Willis 2 Nicholas Stephens 1 Benjamin Hall 1 Samuel Knap 1 John Mason 1 Nathaniel Williams 1 James Tisdale 1 John Crossman 1 Thomas Willis ^ Ebenezer Robinson 1 Jo-eph Tisdale 2 Mr. Giles Gilbert 1 No. of Acres. 1% 1 1 1 1 1 1 Samuel Danforth Henry Hodges Thomas Uarvey, G. Senior Nicholas White John Andrews John Tisdale John Hodges Thomas Leonard 3 John Smith, G. Senior 4 James Leonard, Jun 1 Thomas Lincoln, G Senior... % John Macomber 1 Thomas Dean 1 Seth Williams 1 John Smith, Junior % Joseph Wilbore 1 John White 14. John Leonard Ezra Dean. Senior Jonathan Williams Willam Haskins William Wetherell, Sen... Edward Leonard John Richmond, Senior... Ens. Thomas Gilbert Joseph Williams " All these severall parcells of land mentioned in this paper is Granted to the first minister that shall settle in the work of the ministry in the north precinct, on both sides of the way that goeth from Nathaniel Hodges' to the meeting-house in said precinct, and on both sides of the way that leadeth from the meeting-house in said precinct to Samuel Hodges' house, and partly on the northerly side of said meeting-house, running up towards the land of Major Leonard, to be laid out as may be most convenient for the first minister that shall settle in said precinct, the whole sum granted is seventy-three acres and three-quarters, on the sixty-four-acre division. "Granted January the fifth, 1710,by the Committee for the sixty-four- acre division. "Attest: "Thomas Leonard, Clerk." Judge Thomas Leonard, one of the proprietors of the iron-works, and the father of George, who took so conspicuous a part in securing the grant of a pre- cinct, in his will, dated Jan. 29, 1711-12, and pro- bated Feb. 5, 1713-14, gave to the first minister that should be " orderly settled" in the western part of NORTON. 611 Taunton North Precinct, and continue there in the ministry seven years, twenty acres of land, and in case he continued fourteen years in the ministry, twenty acres more, hut if he did not remain fourteen years, then the second settled minister who should remain seven years was to have the last twenty acres. The departure of Mr. Phillips compelled the pre- cinct to look ahout for a new candidate. "December the 23d, 1710.— At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Taun- ton North Purchase, [('"'J'.] 21y, made choice of Mr. Joseph Avery to settle with them in the work of the ministree, and to be their minister, if lie see Cause to Exceept. "31y, they made choice of George Leonard and Nicholas White to go and acquaint Mr. Avery that they have chose him for their minister, and also to treet with him ahout his settleing with them in the work of the ministree. "4, the meeting was adjourned to the third day of January next." '■ Jan. 3d, 1710-11, they voted to Give Mr. Avery 15s. a sabath, for the time that he shall trantiently Preach among them, before they have come to any certin Bargaine with him; and also 15s. for ye Last Sab- ath." " feb. 2nd, 1710-11, ye comitee ware ordered to make their Proposals to Mr. Avery." A tax was levied upon the town to assist the min- uter in providing a habitation. The following were the persons taxed : George Leonard, Lt. Samuel Brintnell, Samuel Hodges, John Cob, Selvanis Cam- bell, Nathaniel fisher, Andrew Grovier, Ephreim Grovier, Thomas Grovier, John Hodges, Nathaniell hodges, Thomas Stevens, Eliezer Edye, Benjamin Newland, Robert Tucker, Nicolas White, John Skiner, John hall, Peter Aldrich, Joseph Briggs, Richard Briggs, Eliezer fisher, Israeli fisher, Benja- min Williams, John Wetherell, Sen., William Weth- arell, Sen., John Austin, Nicolas Smith, John Brigs, Jun., John Caswell, Sen., Benjamin Caswell, John Newland, Seth Dorman, Joseph Eliot, William Hodges, Mathew White, Isaac Sheapard, Samuell fisher, John Smith, John Lane, Ebenezr Edye, Dau- iell Braman, William Wetharell, Jun., William Cobb, Nathaniell Hervey, John Wetharell, Jun., Samuell Brintnell, Jun., Samuell Bayley, John Brigs, Sen., James Caswell, Edward White, Samuell Blake, Sen., Widow Smith, Benjamin Willis, Samuel Alline, Robert Woodward, Thomas Hervey, Sen., William Hervey, Jun., Morgan Cobb, Jonathan Lincoln, Jeremiah Newland, Hanah Deen, William pratt, Jonathan Williams, James Leonard, Jun., George Hodges. "This rate, being to pay Mr. Avery 32 pounds towards building his house, was made by us, the subscribers, this first day of January, 1711 -12. it contains 32. 8. 0., Besides 0. 16. 6. put iu for the constable, the eight shillings is for niakeiii the rate. "Geokge Leonard, "John Wktiif.rel, "Thojias Stephens, "Assessors." Those whose heads are not rated were, no doubt, non-residents. The house was, we presume, erected soon after the rate was made, though not entirely finished for some years. This house, thus early built for Mr. Avery, stood on the land already given to and laid out for the first minister. While preparations for building him a house are going on, no response to the call came from the min- ister, who is still preaching to the people. The town, "Sept. 17, 1712, voted to Mr. Avery, for his salary 45—0 — 0." This was five pounds more than the year previous, a further evidence that the town are anxious to hear a favorable answer to their invita- tion. Another year passes away, and still Mr. Avery gives no answer. He certainly was a very deliberate man. The town, however, "let patience have its per- fect work," and " Oct. 6, 1713, voted to Mr. Avery, for his salary for this year, 45 — — 0." Almost another entire year passed away before we find the following record : "On the 13th of September, 1714, Mr. Avery Gave his answer, which was Excepted by ye town ; and on that day thay voted to Mr. Joseph Avery his salary, 50—0—0." l " A church was gathered in Norton on the 28th of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fourteen." 2 The names of "those who covenanted as members" are there given. They are the same as those who signed the covenant October 4th ; " and," says the record, " on the same day, Oct. 28, 1714, was ordained Mr. Joseph Avery as pastor of the Church of Christ in Norton." He was the first minister in Norton. A town-meeting was held Aug. 4, 1719, and from the records of it we take the following extracts: "31y, According to the warrant for sd. meatingfor to Rayse monis for to finish the ministr's nous, accordingly Proseded to give twenty pounds by way of rate, & Sum by way of freewill ofring or Gift at sd. meeting. " 41y, Voted to give ye minister twenty pounds for the finishing of his hous, to be raised on ye inhabitanc by way of rate, nicolas Smith, and Benjamin Williams, and Ebenezer Eddy, having given already, are to be Excepted in sd. act; and John Briggs, gran. Sen., on his promis to Give Bricks, is Excepted also. "Nicolas Smith promised to Give Mr. Avery ten shilinds iu two months, in money or grain, at money-price. " Ebenezer Eddy has given 0—5 — already. " Benjamin Williams has given — 10 — already. "John briggs, Grand Sen., promis to give five shillius' worth of good wether brick at the kill at John Gilbard's at taunton. " Nathaniel fisher promis to give ten shillinds in two months in worck. " John Newland, Sen., promis to give ten shilinds,— five in money, & five in worck. "John Austen promis to give ten shilinds, — five in money & five in worck. " Thomas Skinner and his suns gives twenty shilinds,— ten in money & ten in worck. "Uriah Leonard gives five shilinds by promis. "John briggs, Sen., promis to give twenty shillinds in worck in two months. Jeremiah Newland promis to give three shilinds in two months. John Harvey promis to give twenty shilinds (ten in money & ten in worck) in two months. Joseph Hodges gave five shilinds money & two pare of Hocks & hinges, at six shilinds' price, in two months. John New- land, sen., or benianin Newland, promis to give five shilinds iu worck in two months. Jonathan Linkoln promis to lath the west Chamber. John Andrus promis to lath the East Chamber. John Hodges, sen, gives twenty shilinds in money Mr. avery oes said Hodges. Left. Nicolas White promis to give twenty shilinds money in two months." 1 From his settlement to 1720 his salary was £50 ; from 1721 to 1734 it was £60; in 1735 and 1736 it was £80; in 1737, £100; in 1738, £160. From 1739 to 1742 he had £120 ; then for three years he had £130. From 1746 to his dismission his salary was £140. 2 This was in old style. In the new style the date would be Nov. 8, 1714. 612 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. The first pastor of the church was Rev. Joseph Avery, who was ordained Oct. 28, 1714. and remained as pastor until 1748. He died here April 23, 1770. For some time after the dismissal of Mr. Avery the church had no settled pastor, but was supplied by the following: Jos. Roberts, Thomas Jones, Naphtali Daggett, Jonathan Dorby, Jos. Green, Jr., and Sam- uel Angier. In 1752 a call was extended to Rev. Joseph Palmer, which was accepted, and Nov. 10, 1752, the church "Voted, they would ordain Mr. Joseph Palmer as sune as they could conveniently. "31y, the church voted that the church-covenant should be red; and it was red: and they gave their assent to it by the sine of lifting the hand." Jan. 3, 1753, Mr. Palmer was ordained, and re- mained as pastor until his death, April 4, 1791. Oct. 12, 1792, the church voted to invite Rev. Pitt Clark. Jan. 7, 1793, it was "voted to give Mr. Pitt Clark one hundred and fifty pounds, as an encouragement to settle with us in the Gospel Ministry as a settlement." " Voted to give said Mr. Clark 80 pounds salary Pr. year, so long as he remains our minister and supplies the pulpit." As a further encouragement for him to settle with them, a subscription paper was drawn up April 1, 1793, and £79 8s. was pledged " in addition to the Encouragement" above mentioned, "provided he settle as the minister of sd. Parish." The names of the donors, with the sums given, are as follows : i, s. George Leonard 20 Daniel Dean 4 10 Joseph Hodges 1 10 Silas Cobb 1 10 Jonathan Leonard 1 10 Ebenezer Titus 1 10 Daniel Knap 1 Samuel Morey 3 Josiah Hodges 1 10 John Hall 4 10 William Cobb 1 Ephraim Lane 1 10 Noah Wiswall I 10 Seth Smith, Jr 2 Ephraim Raymond 3 Samuel Morey, Jr 1 10 Joshua Pond 1 Elijah Cobb 1 Elijah Danforth 12 Thomas Braman 2 William Lane G Elijah Lane 6 Asa Copeland 1 10 Laban Smith 6 Benjamin Pearson 6 Eleazer Clapp 1 10 Ephraim Lane, Jr 1 10 David Clapp 1 10 Daniel Parker 1 10 Isaac Basset 1 Isaac Stone 6 William Martin 6 Jonathan Briggs 6 Thomas Danforth 6 •Daniel Lane G Isaac Lane 6 George Palmer 12 Samuel Hunt 12 Stephen Jennings 3 Isaac Hodges, Jr 12 Abel Franklin 6 Samuel Copeland 1 4 John King 1 Brian Hall o 12 Michael Sweet 12 Laban Wheaton 1 Joseph Phillips 6 Isaac Braman 1 Iq Mr. Clark was ordained July 3, 1793, and continued as pastor until his death, Feb. 13, 1835. He was born in Medfield, Jan. 15, 1763. Until August, 1835, the following preached as supplies : A. Davis, D. C. Sanders, U. Whitman, Mr. Lakeman, and Mr. Eich- ardson. August 2d of this year, Rev. Asarelah M. Briggs commenced preaching as a candidate, and was ordained as pastor Jan. 27, 1836, and remained until Nov. 1, 1840. The next pastor was Rev. William P, Tilden, from April 21, 1841, to June 30, 1844. The pulpit was then supplied by Revs. William H. Fish, William C. Tenney, T. H. Dorr, and A. D. Jones until July 6, 1845, when Rev. Amory Gale, M.D., commenced supplying the pulpit and continued until Jan. 1, 1848. After Mr. Gale, Rev. John N. Ballows preached a short time, and Sept. 24, 1848, Rev. Fred- eric Hinckley was installed as pastor, and remained until Oct. 27, 1850. The parish committee were authorized, Dec. 30, 1850, to invite Mr. George A. Carnes to preach till the annual meeting in March, and he did so. From the 1st of April, 1851, to the middle of No- vember of the same year the following persons preached, probably not all of them as candidates : Charles Robinson, Francis B. Knapp, Benjamin Kent, George W. Lippitt, Charles Briggs, William W. Heb- bard, Herman Snow, F. A. Whitney, D. W. Stevens, and J. K. Waite. George Osgood supplied from Nov. 16, 1851, to Jan. 26, 1852. From that time to the middle of April, Josiah K. Waite, Warren Burton, Samuel F. Clark, Solon W. Bush, and Charles Briggs supplied the pulpit. Rev. George Faber Clark, after the society had heard some twenty candidates, more or less, com- menced preaching April 18, 1852. He remained four Sundays. Rev. N. Whitman, in accordance with a previous arrangement, preached the last three Sun- days of May. Mr. Clark returned on the 1st of June to fulfill an engagement of four weeks more. On the 26th of June, 1852, having preached here seven Sundays, the parish "voted unanimously to invite the Rev. George F. Clark to settle with said society as their teacher and pastor." He accepted the call, and was installed Aug. 11, 1852, and remained until Aug. 3, 1861. In addition to his duties as pastor he found time to indulge in other literary pursuits, and in 1859 he wrote an elaborate " History of Norton," which is an invaluable contribution to the historic literature of New England. He was also town clerk of Norton from 1858 to 1861. Rev. George Faber Clark was the twelfth child and eighth son of Jonas and Mary (Twitchel) Clark, of Dublin, N. H., and was born Feb. 24, 1817. He was the grandson of William and Sarah (Locke) Clark, of Townsend, Mass., great-grandson of William and Eunice (Taylor) Clark, of Townsend, and the great- great-grandson of Samuel Clark (whose wife was Re- becca Nichols?), who settled at Concord, Mass., about the year 1680, and who was probably born in London, and came to America with his father about 1660, when a small boy. The mother of Rev. G. F. Clark was the daughter of Abel Twitchel, of Dublin, N. H., who was the son of Joseph and Deborah (Fairbanks) Twitchel, of Sherborn, Mass., grandson of Joseph and Elizabeth (Holbrook) Twitchel, of Sherborn, great-grandson of Joseph and Lydia Twitchel, of Sherborn, great- great-grandson of Benjamin and Mary Twitchel, of Sherborn and Lancaster, and great-great-great-grand- son of Joseph Twitchel, who probably came from Dor- setshire, England, about 1633, and settled at Dorches- NORTON. 613 ter, Mass., and was admitted to the freeman's oath May 14, 1634. Jonas Clark, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a clothier by trade, and built the first clothier's shop or fulling-mill in Dublin, N. H. In the excellent and somewhat celebrated common schools of that town Rev. Mr. Clark was educated till his fifteenth year. He subsequently entered Phillips Exeter Academy, and later the Theological Depart- ment of Harvard, from which he graduated in 1846. The following have preached here since Mr. Clark : Rev. Daniel S. C. M. Potter, of West Bridgewater, from May 11, 1863, and closed July 1, 1869; Rev. Isaac Kelso, of Dighton, from Oct. 23, 1869, to winter of 1870 ; Rev. John B. Willard, of Still River, from March 28, 1870, to fall of 1871 ; Rev. J. E. Bruce, of Marion, fall, 1871, to March, 1872; candidates from March, 1872, to 1873; Rev. S. C. Beach, of Charles- town, pastor from March, 1873, to Jan. 1, 1876; Rev. J. M. Trask, of New Salem, preached from January to March, 1876; Rev. L. W. Manning, of Dighton, from September, 1876, to July 1, 1880 ; Rev. W. H. Reeby, of Dighton, from March, 1881, present pas- tor. The first church edifice was erected in 1710, and was occupied until 1753, when the second house of worship was erected, and dedicated January 3d of the same year. The rate bill for building the first house contains the following names : George Leonard, Samuell Brint- nell, Samuell Hodges, John Cob, John Smith, Sel- vanis Cambell, Nathaniell Fisher, Andrew Grovier, Ephreim Grovier, Thomas Grovier, Nathaniell Hodges, John Hodges, Thomas Stevens, Eliezer Edy, Ebenezer Edy, Benjamin Newland, Robert Tucker, Nicholas White, John Andrews, John Skiner, John Hall, Joseph Brigs, Richard Brigs, Eliezer Fisher, Israeli Fisher, Benjamin Williams, John Wetharell, William Wetharell, John Austin, Nicholas Smith, John Brigs, Jr., John Caswell, Benjamin Caswell, John Newland, Seth Dorman, Jeremiah Wetherell, Joseph Eliot, William Hodges, Mathew White, Ephreim Sheldon, Isaac Shapard, William Wetharell, Jr., John Brigs, Sr., Daniel Braman, John Lane, Peter Aldrich, Nathaniell Hervey. The following was voted concerning the second meeting-house: Nov. 28, 1753, the parish " Voted that the standing Comitte Shall take care of the meating-house, and keep it lokt; and also that theire be no chares seet in the alleys of sd. meating-house when the new seats are made Below." Dec. 11, 1780, it was " Voted to Sell so much of the floor in the meet- ing-house as to make Six pews Back of the men's and women's Body of Seats, and a roe of pews in the Back of the front galery.'' March 15, 1784, it was " Voted that one-third part of the front Galery be devoted for the wimen to set in, and be divided off." Jan. 5, 1789," Voted to sell the Ground for pews on the back-side of side-galarys, except about six or seven feet at the back-corner for ne- groes; and also the Ground whore the negroes' Seats now are." This house was occupied until Jan. 9, 1836, when the present church edifice was dedicated. The move- ment for the erection of the new church commenced in March, 1834, and September 27th same year it was "Moved and Voted, that this Parish build a new Meeting-house by the sale of the Pews and individual donation, & set it on the ground gratuitously offered by Mrs. Peddy Bo wen, according to her direction, near the front of this house; and said house shall be for the use of the Congregational Incorporated society of which the Rev. Pitt Clarke is the present Minister, or his successor in office. 28 for, 6 against." Mrs. Bowen gave the land and all the timber for the house, on condition that it should be cut and carried from her land according to her particular directions. The present house has been several times repaired. Deacons. — The deacons of the church have been as follows : Nicholas White, John Briggs, John Briggs (2d), Joseph Hodges, John Andrews, Benjamin Hodges, Benjamin Copeland, Samuel Dean, Benja- min Pearson, Seth Smith, Asa Copeland, Lysander Makepeace, Daniel Lane, Stillman Smith, Almond Tucker, A. D. Hunt. The Trinitarian Congregational Church. 1 — This church, comprising twenty-two members, eleven of whom withdrew from the original church in this place, was organized and orderly recognized by an ecclesias- tical council April 3, 1832. Their first and subsequent meetings for prayer and conference were held in the east front room of the dwelling and present residence of Mrs. Eliza B. Wheaton, and their Sabbath assemblies in a hall that stood near the spot where now is the store of Maynard Newcomb. For a time these services were conducted by clergymen from abroad, including members of the "Taunton and Vicinity Association," who each gave a Sabbath service, and others, and previous to the or- ganization of the church by Dr. Lyman Beecher, of Boston, Dr. Richard S. Storrs, of Braintree, and Rev. John West, of Taunton. As the weeks passed by they were much encour- aged. Considerable accessions were made to their number, and the Sabbath congregation steadily in- creased. They decided at once to secure as soon as possible a gospel minister who should live among them, and to build a meeting-house. The means to build were obtained by the self-sacri- ficing contributions of all of them, by the aid to some extent of friends from abroad, and especially by the generous and large gifts of the Hon. Laban Wheaton, and of his son, the Hon. Laban M. Wheaton, to whom and their families this church has ever been under obligations of gratitude for their liberal and oft-re- peated benefactions. The building lot, one of the finest locations in the village, was given, and a neat and comely meeting-house erected. This house was dedicated on the 1st day of January, 1834, Dr. R. S. Storrs, of Braintree, preaching the sermon from the text, " Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. And a man shall be as an hiding-place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the i By Rev. J. P. Lane. 614 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. shadow of a great rock in a weary land." (Isaiah xxxii. 1 and 2.) The prayer of dedication was offered by Rev. Erastus Maltby, of Taunton. That year the Wheaton Seminary was founded, and its interests have been from the first closely re- lated and identified with this church and congrega- tion. Two years later, in 1836, it became necessary to enlarge the meeting-house, and this was done by extending its length about one-third. This house, for the time in which it was built, was finished and furnished in a manner satisfactory to a cultivated taste, and as befitted the house of God. In the basement there was a large vestry for the Sabbath-school, and for prayer and conference meet- ings, and other rooms conveniently arranged for various social uses and occasions. Various improve- ments on the edifice itself and in its furnishings were made from time to time. A belfry and spire, after the fashion of the time, surmounting the roof at the west end, were built, and a fine-toned bell of a net weight of twelve hundred pounds, cast to order at the foundry of Holbrook & Son, East Medway, was sup- plied. Carpets, pew cushions, new and improved facilities for heating and other furnishings were ob- tained as they were needed or desired for greater comfort or convenience. In 1851, by donation or purchase, all the pews which were previously owned by individuals became the property of the church, to be held free to all or annually rented for the support of church services. An excellent organ from the manufactory of Simmons & Co., Boston, was obtained the same year and given to the church by Mrs. E. B. Wheaton. Ten sheds for the protection of horses and carriages were also erected the same year and given to the church by the Hon. Laban M. Wheaton, to be annually rented as the pews. In 1878 a neat and attractive chapel, formerly the gymnasium of Wheaton Seminary, was finished, ad- joining the church edifice, and on the day of its ded- ication, the 18th of September, was given to the church by Mrs. E. B. Wheaton. The sermon on this occasion was by Rev. H. K. Craig, of Falmouth, a former minister of the church, and the dedicatory prayer was by Rev. W. N. T. Dean, the acting min- ister. On the 4th of March, 1882, in a communication to the church, they were tenderly informed that it was in the heart of her who had so often bestowed liberal gifts for their benefit to make some changes and im- provements in the church and chapel edifices, and she asked permission to carry out the benevolent de- sire of her heart, with the counsel and advice of those whom she might choose. This request so modestly made comprehended much. Few knew the largeness of its meaning. It was of course gratefully and unan- imously granted. After consultation and consideration, a plan and specifications, drawn by Stephen C. Earle, architect, of Worcester, Mass., were adopted. Contracts were made, and the work completed. The renovated chapel was reopened and dedicated by special services on Sunday evening, Nov. 26, 1882; sermon by the pastor from the text, "At the gate which is called Beautiful." (Acts iii. 1-10.) The church was completed ready for occupancy and was dedicated on Sunday, Dec. 17, 1882, the other congregations in town, with their pas- tors, uniting in the service, and the pastor preaching from the text, " This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." (Genesis xxviii. 17.) Previous to the sermon the property was pre- sented to the church in the following communica- tion : " To the Trinitarian Congregational Church of Norton : "Dkar Christian Friends,— Having obtained your permission last March for making such changes as I should see fit in our church and chapel, and at a later time including the organ in this permit, after unlocked for delay, I am now permitted, through the divine blessing, to return to you the property remodeled, all of which I trust you will find sufficiently improved to compensate for the inconveniences to which you have been subjected. "These improvements with furnishings complete — together with out- side repairs in sheds and grounds, policies of insurance, and a deed of land sufficient for your wants — I give to you in the name of your dea- cons, Jesso H. Blandin and David R. Winter, and their successors in office, for your use and benefit forever. " In furnishing a tower clock (though given to you) I have had a special desire to gratify the citizens of Norton. "In the early progress of the work the architect asked if I should have a memorial window. I replied, ' No, for all I am doing is memo- rial work.' " Yet I do not claim this as a Memorial Church, for should I, there are timbers left in the church edifice and foundation-stones that might appropriately claim a loving remembrance for many others who helped build this house who long since passed away. "When the tower clock strikes out its clear, sweet strokes for the hours, I am pleasantly reminded that they fall on the bell presented by my lamented Mother Wheaton some forty six years ago. "In this gift I wish most devoutly to join you in offering it to the Lord, praying that through it He may be greatly honored. "Yours, in Christian love, "Eliza B. Wheaton. " Norton, Dec. 16, 1882." The day was one of the pleasantest; the audience was large, filling the house completely, and the ser- vices, in which all the ministers of the town partici- pated, were impressive and satisfactory. The church had been lengthened about ten feet at each end, and with its new tower and spire and its new roof is virtually a new building, the interior above the basement being entirely new. The chapel had been but slightly changed in itself, but was moved to a new location, so that its length, which was parallel with that of the church, is now at right angles to it, and an additional building had been made connecting the two. The principal entrances of the church are at the west end, two steps up from the ground, with a large step of cut granite at each entrance. Inside the vestibule easy flights of stairs, with a landing midway, lead to the main floor, which maintains its old position about five or six feet above the ground. In the vestibule there is also a flight of steps opposite each entrance leading to the basement, which, with the exception of new windows and gen- eral repairs, remains as it was, being devoted to the NORTON. 615 heating apparatus, etc., and rooms for social use on occasion. A stairway in the tower leads from the vestibule to the gallery over it, and other stairs lead on up to the clock-room and bell-deck. The old bell does service in the new tower, and in addition to its former duties now notes each passing hour in connec- tion with the four-dial Howard clock. The vestibule occupies the addition at the front end, and that at the east end is devoted to the platform. By means of these additions the entire floor as it was is given to the auditorium. At the north end of the platform is the organ, practically a new instrument, having been en- tirely rebuilt by E. L. Holbrook, of East Medway. It has a front of wood pipes on the side towards the congregation, and metal ones richly decorated with gold on the side towards the platform. On this side is placed the key-board, and directly adjacent the choir. At the south end of the platform the pastor's room occupies a space similar in dimensions and architectural treatment to that taken by the organ. The old slightly-arched ceiling has been superseded by the full semicircular new one. This carries the finished space up into the roof so as to expose the timber-work, which consists of three trusses, each of a tie-beam, which makes the diameter of the ceiling curve, and three other beams on radii of that curve. These trusses are finished with California red-wood, of which also are the pews and finish of the church generally, though cherry has been used for the pulpit, ministers' seats, and communion-table, the top of the latter being of St. Alban's red marble. The windows are of rolled cathedral glass in colors, and that above the platform is a specially rich design. The walls and ceilings throughout both the church and chapel are decorated in oil by Philip A. Butler, artist, of Boston. The decoration is rich in color, though the treatment is very simple and in excellent taste. The pews are fitted up with patent elastic cushions, covered with dark maroon damask, and made by Osterman & Son, of New York. The upholstery of the pulpit and ministers' seats has plush covering of a similar color. The building is heated by Magee furnaces in the basement, and is brilliantly lighted with gas, as is also the chapel, by means of a Walworth gas-ma- chine. The gas-fixtures are of dark bronze, and were made by Hollings & Co., of Boston. The chapel, always a pleasant room, is made more so by its new position, and particularly by the color given to the walls and ceiling. Between the church and chapel a new section is built, which contains a parlor or infant class-room, fifteen by twenty feet, con- necting by wide doors with the chapel ; a small vesti- bule on the east connects with the chapel and parlor, and a larger porch or vestibule with a western entrance. The latter also serves as a library-room, and is fur- nished with a handsome roller front book-case made by Smith & Co., Boston. From this room is an en- trance to the church and pastor's room, and a flight of stairs leads directly to the kitchen in the basement. New carpets, new hymn-books, etc., and a new silver- plated communion service of a rich design complete the equipment. The contractors and builders were Mead, Mason & Co., Boston, Mr. G. W. Myers, foreman. The work was under the care and general supervision of the architect, Mr. S. C. Earle, of Worcester, but back of it all the loving heart, patient spirit, painstaking and wise judgment of Mrs. Wheaton, who with a marvel- ous strength and devotion regarded and carried every detail of her generous undertaking. And all employed in the work were animated by a pride to do their best, and by an oft-expressed appreciation of the self-deny- ing spirit and noble beneficence of the Christian woman who was providing for the people she loved this costly benefit. The following is a list of the several ministers and pastors of this church, with the dates of their terms of service : Rev. Spencer F. Beard, 1832-35 ; Rev. Cyrus W. Allen, installed July 8, 1835, dismissed March 1, 1842 ; Rev. Homer Barrows, 1842-45 ; Rev. William Barrows, ordained Sept. 4, 1845, dismissed June 4, 1850 ; Rev. Franklin Holmes, ordained Sept. 15, 1852, dismissed Dec. 20, 1859 ; Rev. Samuel Beane, in- stalled Sept. 26, 1860, died May 8, 1865 ; Rev. Henry C. Fay, 1865-68 ; Rev. H. K. Craig, 1869-71 ; Rev. T. Atkinson, 1872-75 ; Rev. W. N. T. Dean, 187G-81 ; Rev. James P. Lane, installed Jan. 10, 1882. The original members were Nathan Perry, Leavit Bates, Hannah Bates, Lysauder Makepeace, Sarah Makepeace, John Patten, Nancy Patten, Phebe Pat- ten, Lydia Shepard, Elizabeth Briggs, Rhoda Lo- thrope, Jesse Blandin, Laban M. Wheaton, Eliza B. Wheaton, Josiah King, Clarissa King, Mason Stone, Abigail M. Stone, Harriet Patten, Polly Goodwin, Allen Tucker, Emma Field. The Baptist Church.— The old Baptist Church, the first in this town, was organized in 1761. The fol- lowing are extracts from the early records : " March ye 5, 1761.— Elder William Carpenter was baptised by im- mersion by Elder Backus, and at the same time Patience Cook was bap- tised by immersion." " March ye 18, 1761.— At a church meeting held in Norton after solemn prayer to God, [and] after some discourse on many points, the church by vote adjourned ye sd meeting till March ye 24." "March ye 24, 1761.— Ye Church met, and after opening ye meeting by solemn prayer to God, — "First, ye Church voted the Confession of Faith and Covenant of the Baptist Constitution. Then a number signed sd Covenant, viz., William Carpenter, John Finney, Peter Soulard, Gershom Cambell, Daniel Niles, Eben Jones, Jabez Briggs, Abigail Austin, Sarah Cambell, Patience Cook, Mary Jones, Mary Phillips. "2nd, The Church made fresh choice of William Carpenter to be the elder of this Church. "IS, The Church voted that the first of April should be the day for to set apart our Pastor to the work of the ministry in the Baptist Consti- tution, and to send to the Baptist Churches in Middleborough (viz.) Elder Backus and Elder Hinds." " April ye 1, 1761.— Mr. William Carpenter was set apart to the work of the ministry and Church, [and] settled in the gospel order in the Bap- tist Constitution, by Elders Backus and Hinds, Elders of the Baptist Churches in Middleboro', with their assistance from sd churches, by fasting and prayer and the laying-on of hands, giving his charge and 616 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. the right hand of fellowship. [The same day] Beuajah Smith, Mary Finney, Mary Poick (?), and Tabitha Briggs, signed the covenant." This church was really the continuation of the dis- senting church, or rather those who left the First Church during the ministry of Rev. Mr. Avery. The old church was dissolved Oct. 13, 1835, and on the same day the present church was organized, and the pastors have been as follows: Revs. Henry C. Coombs, Nathan Chapman, Samuel J. Carr, John Holbrook, John C. Bowen, William Read, H. C. Coombs, 1 S. A. Collins, 1 John J. Bronson, F. H. Mil- ler, Seth Ewer, Nathan Chapman, Washington L. Coburn, William A. A. Millerd, John Blaine, Isaac Smith, George Carpenter, J. H. Tilton, Charles F. Nicholson, William S. Walker. Wesleyan Methodist Church.— This church was organized May 3, 1850, with the following members: Rev. S. P. Snow, Maria J. Snow, Joseph Snow, Nancy Snow, David Cummings, Roxellana R. Cummings, Albert S. Tucker, Abigail Tucker, Jonathan J. Stanley, Polly Jones. The first pastor was Rev. S. P. Snow. Their house was dedicated May 8, 1854, with appropriate services, by Rev. J. W. Horton, of Taunton; Rev. William H. Brewster, of Lowell; Rev. G. Clark, of Attleborough ; and Rev. S. P. Snow, the pastor. Bev. Mr. Snow continued his labors as pastor until April, 1854, when Lewis P. Atwood, a licentiate, was engaged to labor with them one year. In April, 1855, Rev. John A. Gibson commenced his labors among them. He remained till April, 1858, and was succeeded by Rev. James Dixon, who re- mained from 1858-61 ; Rev. George Wallace, 1861 -64 ; Rev. R. H. Cobb, 1864-65 ; Rev. Lowell Parker, 1865-66; Rev. George W. Wallace, 1866-67; Rev. Guardiner Clark, 1867, six months ; Rev. John Braley, 1867, six months; Rev. Lowell Parker, from 1868-69; Rev. John Blanchard, Rev. Reuben Cook ; between 1869 and 1875 not steady preaching; Rev. Thomas Brown, 1875-76 ; Rev. A. R. Bradley, 1876-78 ; Rev. W. N. T. Dean, 1878-80; Rev. Byron Williams, 1880 -81 ; Rev. J. P. Lane, 1881-83. Methodist Episcopal Church. 2 — About the year 1874, Rev. E. D. Hall, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church in East Attleborough, began hold- ing meetings in the part of Norton around Lane's Station. These meetings were held in private houses, in the depot building, and in the first jewelry-shop, since destroyed by fire. A Sunday-school was organ- ized, and Brother Freeman Robbins, of Attleborough, acted as superintendent. The interest continued and increased. Rev. Mr. Gowan, successor to Mr. Hall, continued the work, and at length it was decided to build a house for the worship of God. This was con- sidered a great undertaking, but was finally accom- plished by the energy and self-sacrificing spirit of the people. It would be unfair to the smaller contribu- tors to give the names of the larger ones, for many Supply. By Rev. Frank S. Townsend. gave just as cheerfully from their small means as others did from their larger ones. Perhaps from the divine point of view they are equal. It is pleasant to find on the old subscription papers evidence that the giving was not circumscribed by denominational lines. The builder of the chapel was Mr. John Har- vey. Work was begun in November, 1875, and the house was dedicated to the worship of God in Febru- ary, 1876. The building is small and plain but neat, and dedicated free from debt. Several ministers were present. The sermon was preached by Rev. J. W. Willett. A collection was taken by Rev. E. D. Hall. At first those in this neighborhood who became mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church were recorded on the books of the Attleborough Church. At the session of the Providence (now New England South- ern) Conference in 1876, R. T. Stevenson, a student in the theological school of Boston University, was appointed to supply the work at Lane's Station. On June 10, 1876, a separate church organization was effected. On July 23, 1876, Rev. George W. Brewster, presiding elder of the district, held the first Quarterly Conference of the new church. Since then it has been a regular appointment of the Con- ference, though a small one. The small size of the church has rendered it unable to always secure the services of a resident pastor, and hence there have been more frequent changes of the pastoral relation than would have been produced by the system of Methodism alone. Most of the preachers have been students in the theological school at Boston. The following have held the relation of preacher in charge: R. T. Stevenson, Francis M. Kirgan, W. D. Gray, W. N. Groome. At the Conference session of 1881, M. F. Colburn, a graduate of the theological school and member of the Conference, was appointed as resident pastor. His health failing after a few months he retired, and George H. Trever, of the theological school, completed the year. At the Con- ference session of 1882, Frank S. Townsend, then a student in Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn., was appointed as resident pastor, and continued his labors through the year. At present the society 'consists of thirty-seven members and three probationers. An interesting Sunday-school, with an average attendance of forty, is maintained. The situation of the church, it being some distance from any other, brings into attendance and sympathy with it some Christians of other de- nominations who do not choose to unite as members. It is a power for good in its community, and the earn- est prayer of its members is that it may continue as a beacon-light of ever-increasing radiance. A Catholic Church was built in this town in 1865. The church has never had a settled pastor, but was in the Taunton parish nine years, and in the North Attleborough parish nine years, and was sup- plied with preaching from these parishes. Educational. — Not only did the pioneers of Nor- NORTON. 617 ton early interest themselves in religious matters, but the cause of education also early received their atten- tion. As early as April 28, 1719, "the town made chois of Thomas Skinner, Sen., to Be thare Seoolinas- ter, and to begin n at ye first day of June, 1719, and to eontinu one quar- ter, and his salary not to Excead two pounds for said quarter.'' In 1791, Patience Leach was the schoolmistress, at a salary of three shillings per week. Jonathan Hunt boarded the schoolmistress, and received three shil- lings per week. Abigail Morey taught in 1792. " May 13, 1720. — The town made choice of Jeremiah Bassett for to be Scoolmaster ; &, accordingly, lie have agreed & excepted of the same for one quarter of a year, after the Rate of thirty pounds Per year, — one- third money, the other two-thirds other pay. first beginning at the public meeting-house, the scool to be moving, If continued the other part of the year, the second quarter [to be] at that part of the town called Scottlin ; and the third quarter taking in Tiump's & White's and Skinner's naiborliood; and the fourth quarter at Winnaconick." This practice of " moving" the school, as it was termed, continued for several years, most probably till the town was redistricted. "Aug. 14, 1721. — At a towne-meeting Legally warned [for that pur- pose], chose Jeremiah Basset to be Schoolemaster to Keep Schoole in sd. towne one year next enceuing; and sd. Bassett is to have thirty Pounds in ye Produce of ye town, at the Price allready Sett." June 20, 1723, at a legal town-meeting, it was — "Voted that Simeon Wetherell shall be schoolmaster to keep school at his father's or his one house, to teech children to Keed, Right, and Cifer, for one quarter of a year next after the Last of august next; and the selectmen shall agree with sd. Wetherell for his service, and he is to be Paid in ye Produce of ye towne. Sd. Wetherell shall Keep School at but one of the Places all sd. quarter. And sd. Wetherel Excepted of his being Schoollmaster on sd. terms." In looking at the record, it would seem that in addition to teaching the children " to Reed, Right, and Cifer," the teacher might profitably have spent his " noonings," at least, in teaching the recorder of the above vote how to spell, yet, in charity to the town clerk, we should remember how exceedingly limited were the educational privileges of that day. "Jan. G, 1723 or 4, voted that the selectman shall Go forthwith and agree with Othnial Cambell, of Taunton, to Keep School in Norton for one quarter of a year now following, and ; if he cannot be had, then to Geet some other Sutable Persone to Keep School sd. quarter of a year." At a legal town-meeting, July 13, 1724, — "They voted that the scholl shall he Keept ye next quarter in that part of the towne which Goes by the name of Winecunet. "Sept. 14, 1724. — Voted to pay Mr. John Sumner, for Keeping School, £11—8—0. "Oct. 12, 1724. — They made choice of William Caswell to be our Schoolmaster, to Keep Scholl in the towne of Norton one year next En- seuing; and that he shall have thirty-four Pounds, in current money of sd. Province, for his wages to Keep scholl sd. year; and the sd. Towne of Norton to be at no inure cost Consarning his Being Borded sd. year. Provided, allso, that he shall move in Keeping Scholl as the Towne shall agree. And they made choice of Mr. John Hodges to go and agree with sd. William Caswell to Keep scholl in ye town. "Dec. 30, 1724.— 21y, They voted that the Schollmaster shall Keep Scholl, the first quarter of a year, at the house of Eliezer fisher; and the second quarter at the house of Left. Nicholas White; and the third quarter at Winecunit, or in that Part of the town ; and the Last quarter at the meetiug-House. " March 29, 1727.— Voted that Josiah Briggs shal bo schollmaster to Keep Scholl in Norton, . . . Provided he will Keep scholl for 201b. a year, and his dyett; and that he shall Keep Scholl, the first quarter, at ye middle of the towne ; anil the second quarter at Winecunett ; and the third quarter on the south side of ye way which is towards Elezer fisher's; and the fourth quarter at Left. White's, or theyrabouts. "Nov. 30, 1727. — Voted to pay John Briggs, ye eldist, for dyeting of the Schollmaster 14 weeks, at 6s. a week, 041b. — 04s. — Od. "Sept. 20, 1731. — Voted to Samuel Vesey, for Diating ye Scollemaster, 2—05—0. "Sept. 18, 1733. — Voated to Joseph Hodges, for hording the Scolle- master, Mr. Bacon, ye Mini of ill — 16—0. "It was voated to Joseph Hodges, for earring & fetching sd. colemas- ter, ye sum of — 14 — 0. "It was voated to Daniel] Braman, for Keeping the scollmaster fower weaks, at Eight shillind pur weake. It came to 01 — 12 — 0. "Voated to Samuel Clap, for treating with the collmaster, the sum of 00—03—00. " Aug. 31, 1736. — Voated that the Selectmen shuld hire a scoolemaster. " Sept. 28, 1736.— Voted to Mr. Samuel Clap, the 1, for to pay to Scoole- master Vesey, the sum of 5 — 1 — 0. " [Also] voated, that what is wanting for sculling for this present year, and for the pore, is to be dran out of the present tresury. " May 14, 1742 — Theyr was a voate called for to Know whether the Scoole shuld be Kept on the west sid of the teen-Mile River, in said Preesent; and it past in the affirmative* "November, 1742. — Voated to Capt. Hodges, for carying the Scoole- master to Cambridge, 01 — 05 — 0. "Nov. 27, 1751. — Voted that the Selectmen agree with Deacon John Briggs to Keep School, provided they can agree with him on Reasonable Conditions." He probably kept, for the next year the town voted him sixteen shillings " for hording himself when he kept school." "Dec. 30, 1751.— Voted to Ephraim Leonard, Esq., for Boarding ye schoolmaster 6}4 weeks, and feching him from Concord, £11 — 00 — 0, old Tenor; £1 — 9 — 4, Lawful money. "Nov. 21, 1755. — Voted to Capt. William Stone, for boarding of the Schoolmaster, Stephen Farow (Farrar?), £2—12—0." Mr. Farrar probably belonged to that part of Con- cord which is now Lincoln. The same day, — "Voted to Daniel Braman, for boarding Samuel Dean, Jun., School- master, £2—08." "This was probably," says Mr. Clark, "he who was afterwards the Rev. Dr. Deane, of Portland, Me." There is every reason to believe that most of the teachers heretofore mentioned belonged to Norton. After the close of the Revolution the town assumed a renewed interest in the schools, and from that time to the present Norton has kept abreast with the rapid strides made in educational matters throughout New England. Her public schools have ever been excel- lent, while Wheaton Academy has long ranked among the leading literary institutions in the State. Wheaton Female Seminary was founded in 1834 by Hon. Laban Wheaton, of Norton, in memory of his daughter. The endowment funds were increased by his son, Hon. Laban M. Wheaton, and since his death large additions have been made by his widow, Mrs. Eliza B. Wheaton. The grounds are spacious and attractive, with green lawns, fine shade-trees, and pleasant walks, while the quiet and secluded situation allows greater freedom than would be possible in a larger town. The seminary building is of fine archi- tectural proportions, and the boarding-houses, just beyond, are conveniently arranged to accommodate the entire school, having separate suites of rooms for teachers, pupils, steward and family, and servants, 618 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. with dining-hall, drawing-room, parlors, offices, etc., all finished and furnished in excellent taste to make the home pleasant and attractive to all. It is not a large school, and gives, therefore, oppor- tunity for familiar personal intercourse between teach- ers and pupils. It has a carefully-selected reference library of nearly four thousand volumes, one of the best-furnished laboratories in the country, ample philosophical apparatus, an observatory with a fine telescope, and choice cabinets of natural history. In- struction in all branches is thorough and systematic, and provision is made for lectures on scientific, his- torical, and literary subjects. The design of the school is to afford opportunities for an accurate and practical education ; it especially aims to base such education upon a hearty faith in the Bible and a conscientious Christian life. Its influ- ence for good is wide and permanent. CHAPTER XLIX. NORTON.— (Continued.) MANUFACTURING INTERESTS. In 1695 Thomas and James Leonard commenced the erection of an iron forge on Stony Brook, nearly in front of the old Leonard Mansion House, westerly of Wading River, which in a few years passed into the hands of Maj. George Leonard (son of Thomas), and by him, his son George, and grandson George, the business of smelting the ore and the manufacture of iron was carried on at this place till near the close of the last century. For many years a great amount of business was done here by the enterprising family whose name is so honorably and permanently associated with the early iron-works of this continent. The late Judge Leonard built a grist-mill, nearly on the site of the old forge, in 1805. It continued in operation till since the year 1825. George L. Barnes (a descendant of Maj. George Leonard), who, by the death of Mrs. Bowen, came into possession of the Leonard home- stead, erected in 1855, at great expense, a saw- and shingle-mill, etc., near the site of the old forge. He occupied the mill about a year, and since then till January, 1859, it stood idle, most of the machinery having been taken out. It subsequently passed into the hands of H. S. Freeman, and later came into the possession of C. D. and C. H. Lane, and is now owned by the Norton Steam Power Company. The Norton Steam Power Company, Charles D. Lane, president, was organized in 1871. The follow- ing year a factory, engine- and boiler-house, and rail- road depot were built at a cost of thirty-eight thousand dollars ; the company was incorporated Feb. 25, 1873 ; capital stock, thirty thousand dollars. The factory was first occupied Sept. 1, 1872, on the first floor by William A. Sturdy & Co., jewelers. In 1873 and 1874 Bodman & Hussey, plane manufacturers, occupied the third floor. It was burned Dec. 26, 1874, rebuilt in the spring and summer of 1875 at a cost of fourteen thousand dollars, and sold at public auction Feb. 28, 1879, to William A. Sturdy and C. S. and George L. Wetherell. It is at present owned by William A. Sturdy, and used by him for the manufacture of jewelry. There was a saw-mill on Mulberry Meadow Brook, a short distance above where Thomas Copeland now resides, as early as 1710, owned by James Leonard, Jr., and John (?) Austin, and might have been the first saw-mill erected in town. In 1746, and for some years subsequently, it was owned by Samuel Clapp, and afterwards by his son, Jonathan Clapp, but pre- vious to 1771 it passed into the hands of John Cook and Samuel Godfrey. About 1719 the mill was burned; it was then owned by James Godfrey, and Avas soon rebuilt by him. Its present owners are Benjamin and Moses Lincoln. As early as 1714 there was a " corn-mill," owned by George Leonard, on Wading River, at what is now Barrowsville. It had then probably stood several years, and no doubt was the first grist-mill erected in town. On the death of Mr. Leonard in 1716, he de- vised this privilege to his son Nathaniel, afterwards minister at Plymouth, and it remained in his posses- sion till his death in 1761. There was then a grist- mill and saw-mill, which were given to his son George. On the 12th of January, 1770, George Leonard deeded to Jonathan and John Amory a hundred and thirty- five acres of land, and " all the houses, mills, and other buildings thereon erected." He also deeded to them one-half of the potash-house and utensils stand- ing on the land belonging to John White. When this potash was built, or how long it remained, we have no information. In a little more than two months (or March 31, 1770) the Amorys sold the mills and land, and half of the potash standing thereon, to William Homes. June 13, 1783, he sold to Thomas Dawes, of Boston; and he (Homes) soon returned to Boston, from which he was probably driven, in 1770, on account of his hostility to the despotic acts of the British government. Dawes mortgaged these mills, etc., in 1788 to Josiah Waters and others, of Boston, who, Nov. 18, 1790, conveyed the property to Ephraim Raymond, a very energetic business man, who soon after erected an iron forge, and carried on that busi- ness for some years. In 1810, Mr. Raymond and his father-in-law, Josiah Dean, of Raynham, erected the cotton -factory. Mr. Raymond probably owned three-fourths of the estab- lishment. The firm was known as the " Norton Manu- facturing Company." March 10, 1821, Raymond bought of the executors of Mr. Dean one-fourth of the factory, and between the 6th of November, 1821, and the 26th of August, 1833, at four different times he sold portions of it to Samuel Crocker and Charles NORTON. 619 Richmond, amounting to seven-eighths of the whole establishment. Albert Barrows bought one-fourth of the factory Oct. 1, 1833, and owned it, with Crocker and Richmond, for several years. March 12, 1837, the "Norton Manufacturing Company," consisting of Crocker, Richmond, and Barrows, was incorporated by the General Court, with the privilege of holding- capital to the amount of fifty thousand dollars. After the failure of Crocker & Richmond the property was sold at auction. Feb. 3, 1844, the " Wheaton Manu- facturing Company," consisting of" Albert Barrows, Samuel B. King, and Laban M. Wheaton, their asso- ciates and successors," was incorporated by the Legis- lature for the purpose of making " cotton and woolen goods," and were authorized to hold personal and real estate to the amount of fifty thousand dollars. The company organized under the charter March 12, 1854. The Wheaton Manufacturing Company being un- successful in business sold to the Newbury Manufac- turing Company in 1865, who used it for manufac- turing cotton cloth until 1871, when they sold it to Lafayette Godfrey, who used it in the same until 1875, when he sold it to the Stafford Manufacturing Company of Fall River, who own it at the present time, and use it for manufacturing cotton yarn. Previous to 1745, Jonathan Hodges erected a mill on Goose Brook, a few rods below the bridge, and carried on the business of " fulling, dyeing, and dress- ing cloth." This was the first mill for that business erected in Norton. More than a hundred years ago a saw-mill was built by Deacon John Andrews on Burt's Brook. On the 30th of August, 1783, Nathan and Edward Babbit, of one party, and Amies Newcomb, of the other, entered into an agreement to build a dam for a grist-mill and fulling-mill, the Babbits to build each one-fourth of the dam, and one-half of the grist-mill, and Newcomb to build the other half of the dam and the whole of the fulling-mill, and the buildings were soon after erected on Canoe River, on opposite sides of the stream, a short distance from Easton line. On the 18th of November, 1794, Nathan Babbit being dead, his son Edward deeded to Levi Babbitt one- half of the grist-mill, the other half being then owned by Asa Newcomb. Previous to Jan. 5, 1795, the fulling-mill had passed into the hands of Asa Newcomb, who was a brother of Annes, and a saw- mill had been built, for on that day he (Asa) sold one-half of the fulling-mill and one-half of the dam to Thomas Danforth, reserving the water not needed for the grist-mill and fulling-mill for his (Newcomb's) saw-mill, which shows that the saw-mill was stand- ing at that time. In February, 1811, Danforth sold to Jonathan Smith, Simeon Presbery, Jr., Daniel Presbery, Stimson Austin, and Alanson Cobb, re- serving to himself three-eighths of a water privilege, and they built thereon a factory for making cotton yarn. This factory was owned by different individ- uals up to 1822, when Nathaniel Newcomb bought the whole of it, and made yarn for a time, then thread, and finally wadding and batting. In De- cember, 1831, the factory was burned, and Mr. New- comb rebuilt on the same spot in April, 1832. In 1812, James Beaumont, of Canton, received a patent on a certain kind of wadding. Mr. Newcomb bought of him the right and manufactured that wadding. The grist-mill went into disuse about 1814, the full- ing-mill about 1820. This mill is now leased by Maynard Newcomb, who built in 1881 a large addi- tion, introduced steam-power, and continues the man- ufacture of batting and wadding. Not far from 1790, William Carpenter built a mill for cutting nails on the westerly side of Rumford River. Ansel Keith and Jonathan Smith were among the first to commence the hat business here about 1808. George Gilbert commenced the manufacture of bon- nets, etc., about the same time. Soon after Thomas Danforth (2d) entered into the business, and carried it on quite extensively. Hiram H. Wetherell, either alone or with his brother Horace B., carried on the business from 1833 to 1844. Sept. 3, 1850, the Norton Straw Manufacturing Company, consisting of the Wheaton Manufacturing Company, L. M. Wheaton, Zeno Kelly, L. D. Anthony, and A. Barrows, was or- ganized, with a capital of seven thousand dollars, and made bonnets, hats, etc. Jan. 14, 1854, the company was dissolved, and the Norton Straw Company was formed, consisting of L. M. Wheaton, Zeno Kelly, and T. T. Rockwood, with a capital of fourteen thou- sand dollars. Nov. 12, 1855, another change took place, T. T. Rockwood, A. Dunham, and D. S. Har- don assuming the business under the name of the Nor- ton Manufacturing Company. Oct. 6, 1856, Dun- ham and Hardon retired from the film and C. M. Dean became a member, and in the spring of 1857 the com- pany stopped business. The first tannery in town is supposed to have been between the school-house in District No. 3 and Burt's Brook, and was, perhaps, built soon after the incorpo- ration of the town by John Andrews, who settled thereabouts. But the first tannery of which we have any authentic account was built about 1740, by Dea- con Benjamin Copeland, between the house of Thomas Copeland and Mulberry Meadow Brook. It continued in the Copeland family till it went to decay, about 1845. About 1758, David Arnold, who learned his trade of Deacon Copeland, set up a tannery on Burt's Brook, and did a large amount of business for many years. Before the Revolution a tannery was built near Rumford River, at the place where Mason Free- man lives, by a Mr. Basset. It was afterwards owned by George Walker. Within the present year (1858) Austin Messinger has commenced the manufacture of a very superior kind of friction matches. Talbot's wool-scouring mill is on the Rumford River, about a quarter of a mile north of the Trinitarian 620 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Congregational Church in the Centre village of Nor- ton. The water privilege was formerly owned by Eben- ezer Burt, who in 1744 deeded to William Stone forty and a half acres of land adjoining, and in 1766 to his son, Nathaniel Stone, all the rights and privileges in the stream reserved in the deed of 1744. This prop- erty remained in the Stone family many years, and the water privilege was utilized for an iron forge, a saw- and a grist-mill. Some time previous to 1812 the property came into the possession of Deacon Daniel Lane and sons, who that year rebuilt the saw-mill. In 1828 the Lanes as- sociated with themselves Messrs. Daniel Patten, Lem- uel Perry, John and David Arnold, and Simeon Derry, and built a cotton-factory known as the " Centre Mills." This was run for several years under the superintendence of Capt. Lemuel Perry, who built and occupied the dwelling now owned and occupied by Mr. G. H. Talbot, who has recently enlarged and thoroughly renovated it, introducing modern conven- iences. In 1846 the property passed into the hands of La- ban M. Wheaton, Esq., who continued the business of cotton manufacture until his death. In 1864 it was sold to Nathan Smith, who for a short time de- voted a part of it to the manufacture of cotton bat- ting. In 1867, Messrs. Story and Talbot hired the mill and introduced machinery for wool-scouring. After two or three years, the business prospering, they purchased the property and ran the mill exclu- sively for wool-scouring. Mr. Story's health failing, he soon retired from the business, and it has since been conducted by Mr. Talbot as sole proprietor. The original mill, built in 1828, was thirty by fifty- five feet, and three stories high. In 1875 it was en- larged by an additional building forty-five feet square, and again in 1881 by another thirty by seventy feet. Up to the time of this last enlargement the water- power was sufficient to run the mill. With this en- largement it became necessary to supplement this with steam-power, and double boilers with an engine of sixty horse- power were put in. The business is a good and steady one, and for the most part comes without solicitation. There are only three competing mills of the kind in the country, ex- cepting that a few large wool manufacturers scour their own wool instead of buying it all prepared. One at Waipole, one at North Chelmsford, in this State, and one at New Brunswick, N. J. The Diamond Match Company, consolidating all the match-factories in the United States excepting that of the Portland Star Match Company, was in- corporated under the laws of Connecticut in January, 1880, with a capital of two and a half millions of dollars. The business here was started in 1857 by Austin Messinger, Esq. At his cottage home he dipped and packed the match-cards, which were sawed elsewhere, and peddled them about the country. From this humble beginning the business grew until he had near his home a mill for sawing the lumber and mak- ing the match-cards, and improved facilities for dip- ping and packing them for the market. A partner- ship was formed with Andrew H. Sweet, Esq., who attended to the sales, having an office in Boston, while Mr. Messinger had charge of the manufactory. As the business prospered new buildings and machinery were added, and the force of hands increased. In the vicinity a thriving little village sprung up, fittingly called Messingerville after him whose enterprise and industry gave it being and life. The factory is about a mile west of the Centre village, on the main road to Lane's Station and Attle- borough. This is a representative establishment, and employs when business is brisk from thirty to forty hands. CHAPTER L. NORTON.— ( Continued.) MISCELLANEOUS. Physicians — College Graduates — Stocks and Whipping-Post — Gas-Worka — Runaway Wife — Witchcraft — Masonic — Post-Office — The Town Hall. Physicians. — Dr. Samuel Caswell was the first resident physician within the ancient limits of Nor- ton, and was born Oct. 6, 1695. Oct. 17, 1726, the town " voted to Pay to Doctr. Saml. Caswell, for doc- tering Goode Merry, — 15 — 0." He bought land in Norton in 1723, and was then called a " Practitioner of Physick." Probably about that time he established himself here as a physician and farmer. Dr. Nicholas White was the son of Deacon Nicholas and Experience White, and was born about 1705. He was a practicing physician for several years, and resided sometimes in the North and sometimes in the South Precinct of Norton. He married Sarah King, May 1, 1728, and they had six children. He died in the North Precinct, June 29, 1751. Dr. William Ware was the son of John and Me- hitable Ware, of Wrentham, and was born July 4, 1697. He was a " Practitioner of Physick" here for several years, and also kept a public-house from 1728 to 1740. Dr. John Wild, Jr., was the son of John and Abi- gail Wild, and was probably born in Braintree in 1727. He married, May 1, 1746, Anna Hodges, and had two or three children. Dr. Lewis Sweeting was undoubtedly the son of Lewis and Zibiah (Whiting) Sweeting, of Wrentham, who were married in 1721, and were afterwards of Rehoboth. He probably came to Norton soon after reaching his majority, and seems to have lived a part of the time within the present limits of the town, and a part of the time in Mansfield, in which town he was NORTON. 621 one of the Committee of Correspondence and Safety in 1776. He married, Nov. 21, 1744, Abiah Cobb, by whom he had ten children. Dr. George Wheaton was the son of Ephraim and Abigail Wheaton, of Swansea, grandson of Deacon Ephraim and Mary (Mason) Wheaton, of Swansea, great-grandson of Robert (who was in Rehoboth as early as 1643), and was born Aug. 18, 1728. He came to Norton and commenced practice as a physician previous to 1750. In 1758 he was surgeon's mate in an expedition for " the total Reduction of Canada." He was much employed in public life as selectman, assessor, representative to the General Court, justice of the peace, etc. Dr. Jonathan Pratt is supposed to have been the son of Jonathan and Abigail (Morse) Pratt, and was born Oct. 17, 1729. He lived in the Mansfield part of Norton, some distance to the southeast of Mans- field Centre. Dr. Gideon Tiffany was the son of James, Jr., and Elizabeth (Allen) Tiffany, of Attleborough, where he was born Sept. 19, 1737. His grandfather, James Tiffany, came from England. He married Mrs. Sarah Farrar, the widow of Rev. George Farrar, of Easton, Feb. 8, 1759. Dr. Adam Johnstone was a Scotchman by birth, and probably came to Norton about 1772. He mar- ried, Oct. 14, 1773, Sarah Hodges. She "died sud- denly, Oct. 29, 1781, in her thirty-first year." He is said to have been a surgeon in the Revolution. Dr. Daniel Parker was the son of Rev. Jonathan Parker, of Plympton, and was born about the year 1750. He was here as early as 1773. Feb. 17, 1794, he was commissioned a surgeon of the regiment to which the militia of this town belonged, which office he held for several years. Dr. Nathaniel Cook was the son of Paul and Jo- anna Cook, and was born May 29, 1752 ; he died Oct. 22, 1778. Dr. Timothy Smith was the son of Timothy and Hannah (Hall) Smith, grandson of Seth and Eliza- beth Smith, and was born Oct. 17, 1754. He married Anna Morey, Oct. 20, 1778, and had five children. He was a surgeon in the Revolutionary war, but never had a very extensive practice in town. He died Jan. 9, 17«.»4. Dr. Nathan Babbit was the son of Nathan, Jr., and Abigail (Cobb) Babbit, grandson of Nathan and Sarah, and great-grandson of Nathan, who, with his brother Edward, is supposed to have come from Eng- land and settled in Berkley. Dr. Babbit was born in Norton, March 6, 1755. In the year 1778 and the early part of 1779 he was surgeon's mate in the mil- itary hospital at Providence, R. I. June 24, 1779, he married Anna Newcomb, and located himself at the east part of the town. Dr. Samuel Morey was the son of Samuel and Mary (Hodges) Morey, grandson of George and Eliza- beth Morey, and was born June 4, 1757. He gradu- ated at Yale College in 1777. He soon after entered the Revolutionary army as surgeon. After the close of the war he was a practicing physician for many years in town. Dr. Lewis Leprilete was a Frenchman by birth, and was uaturalized by an act of the General Court, March 6, 1790. He probably came to this town about the close of the Revolutionary war. He was a dis- tinguished physician, and had quite a number of medical students while he resided in town. He re- mained here till about 1792. Dr. Leavit Bates was the son of Leavit and Eliza- beth (Pain) Bates, of Mansfield, and was born May 6, 1770. He came to this town and established him- self as a physician about 1796. He died Dec. 16, 1850. Dr. Guilford Hodges was the son of Tisdale and Naomi (Hodges) Hodges, and was born Jan. 25, 1778. He fitted for college, and was one year at Brown University. He studied medicine with Dr. Willard, of Uxbridge. He was a practicing phy- sician here in 1803. Dr. Asa M. Adams was the son of Asa and Martha (Metcalf) Adams, and is believed to have been born in Natick about 1795. He came to Norton about 1819, and commenced practice as a physician, and rode quite extensively for some years. Dr. Richard F. Sweet was the son of John and Eunice (Tucker) Sweet, and was born March 11,1801. In August, 1831, he settled in Norton, and had quite an extensive practice till his death, March 21, 1841. Dr. Ira Barrows was born at Attleborough in 1804, son of Ezra and grandson of Ichabod Barrows. He came to Norton in 1841, and was quite popular here and in this vicinity till 1851, when he removed to Providence, R. I. Dr. Benjamin M. Round was born in Rehoboth, Aug. 11, 1816, son of Benjamin and Devena (Harvey) Round. He came to Norton, Sept. 9, 1843, and is still in practice here. Dr. George H. Randall, son of Dr. M. R. and Eliza Randall, was here from June I, 1851, till April, 1854. Dr. George W. Wild was born in Norton on the 11th of October, 1854, and is the son of George and Elizabeth (Tucker) Wild. He received preliminary instruction from Rev. D. S. C. M. Potter, of Norton, and at Bristol Academy, in Taunton. From there he entered Boston University, whence he was graduated in the class of 1878 with the degree of Doctor of Med- icine. He located in Ipswich, Mass., staying there about a year, when he removed to Norton, where he is still in practice. College Graduates.— The following natives of Nor- ton were graduates of colleges : Rev. Nathaniel Leon- ard, Harvard, 1719; Rev. Samuel Veazie, Harvard, 1736 ; Hon. George Leonard, LL.D., Harvard, 1748 ; Rev. Abiel Leonard, D.D., Harvard, 1759; Rev. Samuel Dean, D.D., Harvard, 1760; Hon. Daniel Leonard, Harvard, 1760; Hon. Ephraim Briggs, 622 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Harvard, 1764; Hon. Daniel Newcomb, Harvard, 1768 ; Dr. Thomas Leonard, Harvard, 1769 ; Rev. George Wheaton, Harvard, 1769; Nathan Morey, Harvard, 1774; Hon. Laban Wheaton, Harvard, 1774; Isaac Hall, Harvard, 1775; Rev. James Briggs, Yale, 1775 ; Rev. George Morey, Harvard, 1776 ; Dr. Samuel Morey, Yale, 1777; Rev. John Crane, D.D., Jacob White, Harvard, 1780; Calvin Crane, Dart- mouth, 1785; Rev. Mase Shepard, Dartmouth, 1785; Dr. Oliver Tiffany, Dartmouth, 1786; Hon. George Tiffany, Dartmouth, 1786; Oliver Leonard, Esq., Brown, 1787'; Rev. John Briggs, Brown, 1788; Rev. Stephen Palmer, Harvard, 1789 ; Daniel Wheaton, Harvard, 1791; Rev. Isaac Braman, Harvard, 1794; Timothy Briggs, Brown, 1794; Daniel Gilbert, Har- vard, 1798 ; Rev. G. B. Perry, D.D., Union, 1804; Dr. Tisdale Hodges, Brown, 1804; Capt. Dauphin King, Burlington College, Vt., 1810; Dr. William Perry, Harvard, 1811 ; Hon. Nathaniel G. Babbitt, Middle- burgh College, Vt., 1811; Rev. Thomas Shepard, D.D., Brown, 1813; Earl Percy White, Brown, 1813; Benjamin Copeland, Brown, 1815; Hon. Laban M. Wheaton, Brown, 1817 ; Rev. Daniel Le Baron Goodwin, Brown, 1822; Hon. John J.Clarke, Har- vard, 1823; Rufus Hodges, Brown, 1823; Dr. Rich- ard F. Sweet, Brown, 1824; Rev. Bradford Goodwin, Brown, 1825; Rev. John D. Sweet, Brown, 1829; Rev. Joseph Hodges, Waterville College, Me., 1830; Rev. James B. Goodwin, 1833; George W. Make- peace, Dartmouth, 1836; Manlius S. Clarke, Har- vard, 1837 ; Dr. Edward H. Clarke, Harvard, 1841 ; Rev. Thomas S. Goodwin, Kenyon College, Ohio, 1845 ; Rev. George Esdras Allen, Brown, 1850 ; Ben- jamin Braman, Brown, 1854; Edwin Barrows, Yale, 1857 ; Henry W. Lincoln, Lloyd E. White, Tufts ; Robert E. Lane, Tufts ; William N. White, Brown ; and E. J. Conaty, Holy Cross. Stocks and Whipping-Post.—" In 1693 the Gen- eral Court enacted that ' Breakers of the Peace, Pro- phaners of the Sabbath, unlawful Gamesters, Drunk- ards, prophane Swearers or Cursers,' should be punished 'by setting m the Stocks, or putting into the Cage, not exceeding Three Hours, or by whipping not exceeding Ten Stripes.' Accordingly, in most towns, the stocks were set up, and the whipping-post erected in some conspicuous position, — generally near the meeting-house, or place of public gatherings. The stocks were made of two pieces of timber, from six to eight feet long, laid one upon the other, the bottom one resting upon the ground, with two grooves cut iu them, a foot or two apart, sufficiently large to admit a man's ankle. When wanted for use, the upper timber was removed. The offender was then made to sit down on the ground, and place each ankle in one of these grooves. -Then the upper timber was re- placed, and the two parts were firmly locked together ; and thus there was no escape till the time of sentence had expired. It is supposed Norton did not have this instrument of the law for some years after her incorporation. The first allusion to the matter on the town records is under the date of Nov. 1, 1723, when it was ' voted to pay Robert Tucker, for setting the Stocks up, 00*%.— 2s. — 0d.' These probably did not last more than ten years; for, Sept. 18, 1733, it was ' voted to Samuel Clap, for macking a pare of stocks, 00.— 15.— 0.' Sept. 11, 1769, ' Voted to Salvenus Bra- man, for mending the stocks, 0. — 2. — 0. — 0.' These stocks continued to be used in many towns for the punishment of minor crimes till the close of the last century. There are persons living in town who dis- tinctly recollect seeing the stocks on the Common, near where the old meeting-house stood. We know not whether the whipping-post was ever erected here or not; but we do know that offenders were sometimes sentenced to be whipped, as well as put into the stocks. The cage is not known to have been used here."— Clark's History. Ear Marks. — " Sept. 13, 1718. — Thomas Harvey his Ear-marck fur all his Creatures Is two slits In the Hinder-part of the Right Eyer." " May 29th, 1719. — Joseph Hodges his Eyer-marck for all his Oeaturs is a Holl threw The midel part of Each year, and a hind-gad in the hinder-part of the Right year." " Dec. 2nd, 1729. — Ephraeim Lane his Eyear-marck forall his Oeaturs is a Halpeney, Cut out of the fore-side of the Right Eyer." "1722. — Mr. Joseph Avery His ear-mark is a slit in the under side of the Right Eare." " May 23rd, 1738. — Thomas Shepard's Eyer-marck for all his creators Is a Crop of the top of the Left Eyer, aud a swallow's taile in the top of the Right Eyr." "Nov. 10th, 1747. — John Gilbert's Jnner, Eare-mark for all his Cre- tures is a swallow's Taile in ye top of the Right Eare, and a half-Penney in the under side of ye Left Eare." "May 6th, 1758. — Ebeuezer White's Ear-mark for all his Creatures is one hole through Each Ear." " April 2nd, 17GG— The Revend. Mr. Roland Green's Ear-mark for all his creatures Is a half-peny, cut out of the upper-side and under-side of the Right Ear, and the top of the same ear cut of, and a slit in the top of the left ear." Runaway' Wife. — In the Boston Neivs-Letter of March 1, 1750, is the following advertisement: " Feh. 15, 1749-50. — Whereas Rebecca Harris, the wife of me the Sub- scriber, livin at Norton, has unlawfully absented herself from me and my family, and carried off sundry Effects to a considerable value, and may endeavour to run me in Debt. — These are therefore, to caution all Persons whatsoever not to entertain, trust, or give Credit to her, the said Rebecca, upon my Account; for I will not pay any Debt contracted by her during her continuing to absent herself. — As witness my Hand, "Joseph Harris. "N.B. — If she will return to my Family, and behave as a virtuous wife ought to do, she shall be kindly received." Witchcraft.—" Norton," says Rev. Mr. Clark, " has not been exempt from believers in witches, wizards, ghosts, and goblins; and there are some yet living who hug these ideas to their bosoms. Tradition has handed down to us the important intelligence (we do not, however, vouch for its truth), that Maj. George Leonard — the first of the name in town— made a league with the devil in order to acquire great wealth ; and, as a return for the services rendered, Leonard promised to give his body to the Devil when he called for it. Accordingly, in 1716, while Mr. Leonard was sick with a fever, of which he died, the old imp came, claimed his body, and actually carried it off! As he left the premises with it, he made a tremendous jump, NORTON. 623 and landed on some rocks situated thirty or forty rods back of the house, where he came down with so much force as to make his foot-prints in the rock, which are to be seen at the present day ! At the funeral the corpse was not to be seen, of course; and the family gave out word that it was not proper to be seen ; but in reality there was nothing in the coffin but a log of wood, put in to hill all suspicion that the body was not there. " Theodora, or Dora Leonard, as she was generally called, was reputed a witch, and if we can believe the stories of some now living, ' cut some curious capers.' People would sometimes go to the barn and tie up the cattle, and before they could get away therefrom the cattle would be all unloosed by some mysterious agency. She lived some two miles from the Centre; and once, when up in town, it was need- ful that she should get some cloth that was left at home, and she went after it, but soon returned with it, not having had time to have gone a fourth part of the distance. One day some boys were out hunting squirrels near her residence, and they found a large one in the top of a tree, and fired almost numberless times at it but could not kill it. But as they were going home they encountered a strange cat, which was believed to have been Dora in disguise, who had prevented the charges fired at the squirrel from taking effect. She was supported by the town in her last days, and when she died (about 1785) there was such a terrible racket all about the house that no one dared to remain to witness her death. " Ann Cobb bad the reputation of dealing in the 'black art' and of being in league with the 'Old Scratch,' but I have not been informed of any specific mode in which she manifested her power. She was supported by the town some time previous to her death, which took place in 1798. " Naomi Burt was also accounted a member of the mysterious sisterhood of witches, and by her wonder- ful powers gave some trouble to those who fell under the ban of her displeasure. Oxen sometimes turned their yokes, and people lost wheels off their wagons when they passed her house, and the boys always held their breath and ran with all speed when they went by in the night. She hung herself July 4, 1808." Bristol Lodge, F. and A. M., was organized in Norton, June 14, Anno Lucis 5787, with the follow- ing charter members : Job Gilbert, George Gilbert, Ira Smith, -Joshua Pond, Samuel Morey, Jr., Timo- thy Briggs, Jr., Samuel Day, Seth Smith, Jr., Daniel Gilbert, Benjamin Billings. March 10, A..L. 5830, the lodge was removed to Attleborough. Post-Office. — A post-office was established in Norton in about 1817, with Earl P. White postmaster. His successors have been as follows: Laban M. Wheaton, Earl Hodges, Mrs. Harriet Hodges. The Town Hall. — The present town hall of Norton was the generous gift of the late Nathaniel Newcomb, through his daughter, Miss H. A. Newcomb. The origin of the structure and the circumstances of the presentation will behest explained by inserting the following letter from Miss Newcomb : " Norton, April 4, 1881. "Mb. G. B. Perry; Sir,— In conversation held with my father, the late Nathaniel Newcomb, the summer previous to his death, lie gave me the impression that ho planned to some time make the people of Norton a present, showing thereby his kindly feeling towards them. Among other things a town hall was mentioned. " He made no provision to that effect, but, thinking it would he pleas- ing to him, I now propose, in memory of him, to build a town hall that I think will be suited to the necessities of the people. "I send you tin- plans that you may lay the proposition before them and explain what I intend,— a plain, substantial building above the foundations, requiring that to be made ready for me, and I do not intend to furnish. " If they are pleased with the proposal I would like them to appoint some persons with whom I can confer regarding situation, foundation, etc , as it must be commenced as soon as practicable, that there may be no delay in building. "Please inform me as soon as possible of the decision of the town, that I may make my arrangements. " Yours, respectfullly, "Miss II. A. Newcomb.'' This letter was read to the people of Norton assem- bled in annual town-meeting on the same day it was written, and in acting upon it the town accepted the offer, passed a unanimous vote of thanks to Miss Newcomb, chose a committee to confer with her as she desired, and instructed the selectmen to purchase a site for the building at the proper time, and cause the foundation to be laid in accordance with the plans submitted. The structure is conspicuously located on an ample lot of ground directly opposite the old town-house. The plan was drawn by Messrs. C. Hammond & Son, of New Bedford, and in style is an adaptation of the Queen Anne pattern of architecture. It is a wooden structure, fifty by sixty-five feet on the ground, and contains a main hall forty by fifty feet, a front pro- jection, two stories in height, eighteen by thirty-seven feet, and a rear projection eight by thirty feet. It is a very plain building, resting on a neat granite foun- dation, and covering a cellar extending under the entire area. The following is an extract from the deed from Miss Newcomb : " In consideration of the attachment of my father, the late Nathaniel Newcomb, to his native town, and knowing that he desired to make some expression of his regard, 1 do hereby grant, transfer, and deliver to the town of Norton the superstructure of the town hall just erected in said Norton, hoping that it may meet with the approval of the people, and that they may hold him in kindly remembrance." The hall is an ornament to the town, and a monu- ment of the public spirit of Nathaniel Newcomb and of Miss Newcomb, the generous donor. 624 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTS, MASSACHUSETTS. CHAPTER LI. NORTON.— ( Continued.) CIVIL HISTORY— MILITARY HISTORY. Representatives— Selectmen— Town Clerks— Deputy Sheriffs— State Sen- ators—Councilors—Judges of Court of Common Pleas— Judges of Pro- bate— Judge of Sessions— Register of Probate— Members of Congress —Taxes— Population— Military Record. 1715. George Leonard, Esq. 1716. Voted not to send. 1717. . 1718. John Hodges, Sr. 1719. Nicholas White. 1720. Samuel Hodges. 1 1721. Capt. Samuel Brintnell. 1722. . 1723. John Hodges.^ 1724. Samuel Hodges. 1725. William Stone. 1726-27. George Leonard. 1728-31. Capt. Samuel Brintnell. 1732. George Leonard. 1733. Mr. Samuel Clapp. 1734. George Leonard. 1735. Capt. Ephraim Leonard. 1736. Ephraim Leonard. 1737. Capt. Joseph Hodges. 1738. Ephraim Leonard, Esq. 1739. Lieut. Benjamin Williams. 1740-42. George Leonard, Esq. 1743. Ephraim Leonard. 1744. Capt. Josiah Pratt. 1745-46. Capt. Samuel Caswell. 1747. Ephraim Leonard, Esq. 1748. Mr. Benjamin Cobb. 1749-50. Mr. Josiah White. 1751-52. Ephraim Leonard, Esq. 1753. Voted not to send/ 1 1754. Ephraim Leonard, Esq. 1755-63. Thomas Morey. . 1764-66. George Leonard, Jr., Esq. 1767. . REPRESENTATIVES. 1768-69. Dr. George Wheaton. 1770. George Leonard, Jr., Esq. 1771-73. Dr. George Wheaton. 1774. Thomas Morey, Esq. 1775. Mr. Nathan Hodges. 4 1776. Noah Woodward. 1777. Mr. Noah Woodward. Mr. Daniel Dean. 1778-79. Abraham White. 1780. Capt. Isaac Hodges. 1781. Abraham White. 1782. Capt. Isaac Hodges. 1783. Abraham White. 1784-85. Capt. Israel Trow. 1786-87. Seth Smith, Jr. 1788. Capt. John Crane. 1789-90. Lieut. Seth Smith, Jr. 1791. Voted not to send. 1792. Seth Smith, Jr., Esq. 1793. Voted not to send. 1794. Capt. David Clap. 1795-98. Seth Smith, Jr. 1799-1800. Capt. David Clap. 1801-2. Hon. George Leonard, Esq. 1803-8. Laban Wheaton. 1809. Maj. Brian Hall. 1810-11. John Hall. 1812-13. Brian Hall. Samuel Morey. 1814-15. Isaac Hodges. 1816-19. Voted not to send. 1820. George Walker. 1821. Ephraim Raymond. 1822-24. Voted not to send. i At a meeting for the choice of representative, May 13, 1720, " Capt. Brintinal had 28 Eight vots, being the megoletry of the vols, then the Selectmen ajurned the sd. meeating for the Space of two ours, A Sent one of the Selectmen, & another man with Him, to cap. Brintinal's for his answer; & Cap. Brintinal's wife Told the Inbasidars her husband was Gon to Coneticut (nameley,to Ashford), & she did not Expect him home tell the next tueseday ; & If he went farther, as he did Expect when he went from dome, not So soon. Sd. brintinal left a note Signeyfeying Bumthing: but, the selectmen not understanding what it ment, Then said meeating was called a Gain ; &, by the megoletry of the voters then present, Samuel Hodges was chosen, & warned In by the Constaben ; & sd. Hodges Excepted." - At a meeting for the purpose of choosing a representative, May 18, Samuel Brintnell, Nicholas White, and John Newland, Sr., were sever- ally chosen representatives, but " Refused to Sarve." Then " they called for a vote for another ; and thare was not one vote brought in for any other person." So the town was unrepresented. s May 14,1753, the selectmen were chosen agents to memorialize the General Court that the town might not be fined for neglecting to send a representative, on account of the great expense the South Precinct had incurred in building a meeting-house and settling a minister. The town was, however, fined twenty pounds, which was remitted by the General Court, May 31, 1754. * From 1770 to 1775, Norton and the district of Mansfield were united for the choice of a representative. In 1775 a petition was sent from Mausfield to the General Court for a new precept to choose representa- tives. They had leave to withdraw. In 1857 the State constitution was so amended as to choose representatives by districts instead of towns, as formerly ; and Norton and Mansfield were made District No. 2, of Bristol County, for that purpose. 1825. Laban Wheaton. 1826. Jacob Shepard. 1827. Laban M. Wheaton. 1828. Laban M. Wheaton. Lemuel Perry. 1829. Jacob Shepard. Lemuel Perry. 1830-31. Cromwell Leonard. 1832. Asa Arnold. 1833. Asa Arnold. Cromwell Leonard. 1834-36. Cromwell Leonard. John Crane. 1837. John Crane. 1838. Laban M. Wheaton. 1839. John Crane. 1840. John Crane. Hennary Newcomb. 1841-43. John Crane. 1844-45. Earl Hodges. 1846. Rodolphus H. Williams. 1847-48. No choice. 1849. Rodolphus H. Williams. 1850. No choice. 1851. Austin Messinger. 1852. Andrew B. Randall. 1853. Charles W. Hodges. 1854. Caleb S. Wetherell.^ 1855. Lysander 0. Makepeace. 1856. George B. Crane. 1857. Leonard Hodges. 1858. John Crane. 1859. Daniel S. Cobb. 1861. Annis A. Lincoln, Jr. 1863-65. Horatio Bates. 1868. Augustus Lane. 1869. William D. Wetherell. 1872. John R. Rogerson. 1873. Andrew H. Sweet. 1876. George R. Perry. 1879. William D. Wetherell. 1882. Austin Messinger. SELECTMEN. 1711.— George Leonard, John Wetherell, Thomas Stephens. 1712. — George Leonard (?), Samuel Brintnell, Nicholas White. 1713. — George Leonard (?), John Hodges, Thomas Stephens. 1714. — George Leonard (?), Nicholas White, John Hodges. 1715. — John Wetherell, John Briggs, John Skinner. 1716. — George Leonard, Nicholas White, John Hodges. 1717— John Hodges, John Wetherell, John Skinner. 1718.— John Hodges, Sr., John Wetherell, Sr., John Skinner. "East End," Thomas Randall, John Phillips. 1719. — John Wetherell. John Hodges, John Skinner. 1720. — John Hodges, John Wetherell, John Briggs, Grand Sr. "East End," John Phillips, Josiah Keith. 1721. — John Briggs, Grand Sr., Benjamin Williams, John Smith, Grand Sr. " East End," John Phillips, Edward Howard. 1722. — Nicholas White, Thomas Skinner, Benjamin Williams. 1723. — Lieut. Nicholas White, Thomas Skinner, Benjamin Williams. 1724. — Nicholas White, Samuel Hodges, Benjamin Williams. 1725. 6 — George Leonard, Samuel Hodges, Ephraim Grover. 1726.— Capt. Samuel Brintnell, John Briggs (2d), Richard Briggs. 1727. — George Leonard, Nicholas White, Elea/er Fisher. 1728. — George Leonard, Lieut. Nicholas White, Thomas Skinner, Sr. 1729. — George Leonard Esq., Lieut. Nicholas White, Ensign Joseph Hodges. 1730/ — Lieut. Nicholas White, Benjamin Williams, Joseph Hodges. 1731. — John Briggs (2d), Benjamin Williams, William Stone. 1732 — John Wetherell (1st), Benjamin Williams, Samuel Clap. 1733. — Ephraim Leonard, Joseph Hodges, Samuel Clap. 1734. — Ephraim Leonard, Joseph Hodges, Benjamin Williams, Mr. Sam- uel Clap, John Hodges. 1735. — Samuel Clap, William Stone, Benjamin Williams. 1736. — George Leonard, Esq., William Stone, Benjamin Williams. 1737. — Ephraim Leonard, Esq., John Hodges, Simeon Wetherell. 1738. — Col. George Leonard, Simeon Wetherell, Deacon Nicholas White. 1739. — John Hodges, John Gilbert, Josiah Pratt. 1740. — George Leonard, Esq., John Gilbert, Josiah Pratt. 1741. — George Leonard, Ephraim Leonard, Joseph Hodges, John Gilbert, Josiah Pratt. 1742. — George Leonard, John Hodges, John Gilbert. 1743. — George Leonard, Esq., Ephraim Leonard, Esq., William Dean. 1744. — Capt. Simeon Wetherell, Lieut. Josiah Pratt, Lieut. William Stone. 1745.— Capt. Simeon Wetherell, William Stone, Benjamin Williams, William Dean, John Andrews. 1746. — Capt. Simeon Wetherell, Capt. William Stone, Capt. William Dean. 1747. — Capt. Simeon Wetherell, William Dean, William Stone. '■> After serving three days he resigned his seat, and the town was unable to choose a successor. 6 At the annual meeting, March 1st, of this year, "Thayer was a vote caled for, for those that ware for three Selectmen to Go into the Wimin"s Gaiety, and those that ware for five Selectmen to Go into men's Galery ; and thare ware most in the Wimin's Galdry." NORTON. 625 174S. — Capt. William Stone, Capt. Simeon Wetherell, Capt. William Dean. 1749, — Capt. Simeon Wetherell, Capt. William Stone, Capt. William Dean. 1750.— Capt. William Stone, Capt. Simeon Wetherell, Capt. William Dean. 1751. — (leorge Leonard, Ephraim Leonard, Nathan llorlges. 1752. — George Leonard, Esq., Nathan Hodges, Joseph Elliot. 1753. — Hon. George Leonard, Esq., Ephraim Leonard, Esq., George Leonard, Jr. 1754. — lion. George Leonard, Esq., Ephraim Leonard, Esq., George Leonard, Jr., Esq. 1755. — Ephraim Leonard, Esq., Lieut. Thomas Morey, Thomas Shepard, Lieut. Benjamin I'ratt, Lieut. Benjamin Cobb. 1756. — Lieut. Thomas Morey, Lieut. Benjamin Cobb, Mr. Thomas Shep- ard, Mr. Isaac White, Mr. Nathan Williams. 1757. — Thomas Morey, Benjamin Cobb, Ebenezer Burt. 175S. — Lieut. Thomas Morey, Lieut. Benjamin Cobb, Mr. Ebenezer Burt. 1759. — Capt. Thomas Morey, Capt. Benjamin Cobb, Mr. Ebenezer Burt. 1760. — Capt. Thomas Morey, Capt. Benjamin Cobb, Lieut. Benjamin Pratt. 1761. — George Leonard, jun., Esq., Mr. Thomas Shepard, Mr. Isaac White. 1762. — George Leonard, jun., Esq., Capt. William Dean, Capt. Jonathan Eddy. 1763. — George Leonard, jun., Esq., Mr. Daniel Leonard, Mr. William Cobb, Ebenezer Burt (1st), Dr. George Wheaton. 17G4. — Lieut. William Cobb, Dr. George Wheaton, George Leonard, jun., Esq. 1765. — Mr. William Cobb, Dr. George Wheaton, Mr. Isaac Hodges. 1766. — Lieut. William Cobb, Dr. George Wheaton, Mr. Isaac Hodges. 1767. — Lieut. William Cobb, Dr. George Wheaton, Mr. Isaac Hodges. 176S. — Lieut. William Cobb, Dr. George Wheaton, Mr. Isaac Hodges. 1769. — Lieut. William Cobb, Dr. George Wheaton, Mr. Isaac Hodges. 1770. — George Leonard, jun., Esq., Dr. George Wheaton, Mr. Nathan Babbit. 1771. — Hon. George Leonard, jun., Esq., Mr. John Crane, Mr. Nathan Babbit. 1772. — Hon. George Leonard, jun., Esq., Mr. Nathan Babbit, Mr. John Crane. 1773.— Capt. William Homes, Capt. John Crane, Mr. Samuel Newcomb. 1774. — William Homes, Samuel Newcomb, Isaac Hodges. 1775. — Capt. William Homes, Mr. Isaac Hodges, Mr. Eleazar Clap. 1776. — William Homes, Mr. Isaac Hodges, Mr. Eleazar Clap. 1777. — William Homes, Mr. Daniel Dean, Mr. Eleazar Clap. 1778. — William Homes, Esq., Lieut. William Cobb, Mr. Daniel Dean. 1779. — Lieut. William Cobb, William Homes, Esq., Deacon Daniel Dean. 1780. — Lieut. William Cobb, William Homes, Esq., Deacon Daniel Dean. 1781. — William Homes, Esq., Lieut. William Cobb, Deacon Daniel Dean. 1782. — Capt. Seth Smith, Capt. Israel Trow, Deacon Daniel Dean. 1783. — Capt. Seth Smith, Capt. Israel Trow, Lieut. David Arnold. 17*4. — Capt. Israel Trow, Capt. Seth Smith, Lieut. David Arnold. 17S5. — Capt. Seth Smith, Capt. John Crane, Col. Silas Cobb. 1786. — (apt. John Crane, Capt. Isaac Hodges, Lieut. David Arnold. 1787. — Capt. John Crane, Capt. Isaac Hodges, Lieut. David Arnold. 1788. — Capt. John Crane, Lieut. David Arnold, Lieut. Jacob Shepard. 1789. — Capt. John Crane, Capt. Ephraim Lane, Lieut. Jacob Shepard. 179U. — I apt. John Crane, Capt. Ephraim Lane, Jacob Shepard. 1791. — Capt. John Crane, Capt. Ephraim Lane, jun , Lieut. Jacob Shep- ard. , 1792. — Capt. John Crane, Capt. Ephraim Lane, jun., Capt. David Clap. 1793. — Capt. Ephraim Lane, Capt. Israel Trow, Capt. David Clap. . 1794. — Capt. David Clap, Ephraim Lane, Capt. Tisdalo Hodges. 1795. — Capt. David Clap, Capt. Tisdale Hodges, Isaac Hodges, jun. 1796. — Deacon Daniel Dean, Tisdale Hodges. Isaac Hodges, jun. 1797. — Capt. Tisdale Hodges, Isaac Hodges, jun., Elisha Cobb. 1798. — Isaac Hodges, jun., Elisha Cobb, David Lincoln, jun. 1799. — Capt. Tisdale Hodges, Isaac Hodges, jun., Lieut. Elisha Cobb. 1800. — Isaac Hodges, Jr., Lieut. John Hall, Capt. Tisdale Hodges. 1801.— Isaac Hodges, Jr., Lieut. John Hall, William Burt. 1802.— William Burt, Lieut. John Hodges, Maj. Brian Hall. 1803. — William Burt, Samuel Sunt, Jonathan Hodges. 1804. — William Burt, Capt. Jonathan Hodges, Capt. Samuel Hunt. 1805. — Capt. Samuel Hunt, Capt. Jonathan Hodges, Maj. Brian Hall. 1806.— Capt. Jonathan Hodges, Laban Wheaton, Esq., Capt. Samuel Hunt. 40 1807.— Laban Wheaton, Esq., Capt. Samuel Hunt, Maj. Brian Hall. 1808.— Laban Wheaton, Brian Hall, Samuel Hunt. 1809. — Isaac Hodges, Maj. Brian Hall, Capt. Samuel Hunt. 1810. — Brian Hall, Isaac Hodges, Samuel Hunt. 1811. — Isaac Hodges, Samuel Hunt, Samuel Copeland. 1812. — Samuel Copeland, Isaac Hodges, Samuel Hunt. 1813. — Isaac Hodges, Samuel Copeland, Samuel Hunt. 1814. — Isaac Hodges, Seth Hodges, Jonathan Newland. 1815. — Isaac Hodges, Lysander Makepeace, Daniel Lane. 1816. — Isaac Hodges, Lysander Makepeace, Seth Hodges. 1817.— Isaac Hodges, Seth Hodges, Lysander Makepeace. 1818. — Seth Hodges, Lysander Makepeace, Daniel Lane. 1819. — Seth Hodges, Daniel Lane, Lemuel Arnold. 1820. — Daniel Lane, Seth Hodges, Lemuel Arnold. 1821. — Lemuel Arnold, Lemuel Berry, Jacob Shepard. 1822. — Lemuel Arnold, Lemuel Perry, Jacob Shepard. 1823. — Lemuel Perry, Jacob Shepard, Thomas Braman. 1824. — Lemuel Perry, Lemuel Arnold, Jacob Shepard. 1825. — Lemuel Perry, Jacob Shepard, Daniel Patten. 1826. — Lemuel Perry, Jacob Shepard, Daniel Patten. 1827. — Lemuel Perry, Daniel Patten, Oliver Hunt. 1828— Oliver Hunt, William Hodges, Calvin Lane. 1829. — Sylvester Newcomb, Cromwell Leonard, Jacob Shepard. 1830. — Sylvester Newcomb, Cromwell Leonard, Jacob Shepard. 1831. — Cromwell Leonard, Sylvester Newcomb, William Lane, Jr. 1332. — Cromwell Leonard, Sylvester Newcomb, William Lane, Jr 1833. — Cromwell Leonard, Sylvester Newcomb, William Lane, Jr. 1834. — Cromwell Leonard, Sylvester Newcomb, William Lane, Jr. 1835. — Cromwell Leonard, Simeon Blandin, Seth Hodges. 1836. — Seth Hodges, Cromwell Leonard, Simeon Blandin. 1837. — Cromwell Leonard, Simeon Blandin, Leonard Hodges, Jr. 1S38. — Leonard Hodges, Jr., Hennary Newcomb, Richard F. Sweet. 1839. — Henry Newcomb, Daniel Briggs, Leonard Hodges, Jr. 1840. — George C. Crane, Jacob Shepard, Earl Hodges. 1841. — George B. Crane, Jacob Shepard, Earl Hodges. 1842. — George B. Crane, Jacob Shepard, Earl Hodges. 1843. — George B. Crane, Jacob Shepard, Almond Tucker. 1844. — Almond Tucker, Rodolphus H. Williams, Hiram J. Hunt. 1845. — Hiram J. Hunt, Eddy Lincoln, Cyrus White. 1846. — George B. Crane, Almond Tucker, Cyrus White. 1S47. — Seth Sumner, Jr., George B. Crane, Almond Tucker. 1848. — George B. Crane, Seth Sumner, Jr., David Arnold. 1849. — George B. Crane, Seth Sumner, Jr., David Arnold. 1850. — George B. Crane, Seth Sumner, Jr , David Arnold. 1851.— Daniel S. Cobb, Eli Wood, Benjamin S. Hall. 1852.— Daniel S. Cobb, Eli Wood, Benjamin S. Hall. 1853. — Daniel S. Cobb, Charles II. Briggs, John B. Newcomb. 1854. — Earl C. White, Elkanah Wheeler, Augustus Lane. 1855. — Ebenezer Tinkham, Royal P. Hodges, Hiram H. Wetherell. 1856. — Augustus Lane, James 0. Messinger, James Allen. 1857. — Augustus Lane, James 0. Messinger, James Allen. 1858-59. — Augustus Lane, James 0. Messinger, James Allen. 1860. — Augustus Lane, James O. Messinger, William D. Wetherell. 1861-62. — Augustus Lane, William D. Wetherell, Horatio Bates. 1863. — William D. Wetherell, Horatio Bates, Benjamin E. Sweet. 1864-65.— William D. Wetherell, Horatio Bates, Charles Spragne, Jr. 1866.— William D. Wetherell, Horatio Bates, Henry Hunt. 1867. — Leonard Hodges, Augustus Lane, Alfred Barker. 1S68. — Leonard Hodges, Alfred Barker, John W. Wetherell. 1S69-70. — Leonard Hodges, Enoch Tibbetts, Moses Lincoln. 1871. — Leonard Hodges, Enoch Tibbetts, Andrew H. Sweet. 1872-73. — Andrew H. Sweet, John R. Rogerson, George H. Arnold. 1874. — John R. Rogerson, George R. Perry, Joseph Copeland. 1875. — George R. Perry, Joseph Copeland, George B. Crane. 1876-77. — George R. Perry, John R. Rogerson, Isaac T. Braman. 1878.— George R. Perry, Horatio Bates, O. E. Walker. 1879.— George R. Perry, 0. E. Walker, Alfred Barker. 1880. — George R. Perry, Alfred Barker, William E. Payson. 1881. — William A. Lane, Silas A. Stone, Oren E. Walker. 1882.— William A. Lane, Silas A. Stone, William D. Wetherell. TOWN CLERKS. John Briggs, 1711; George Leonard, 1712-16, 1721-30, 1743-50; John Hodges, 1716-20, 1733; John Hodges (1st), 1734-42; George Leon- ard, Jr., 1751 ; David Williams, 1752-72; John King, 1773-78; Capt. Silas Cobb, 1779-84; Seth Smith, Jr., 1785-93, 1795-98; Thomas Fobes, 1794; Joseph Hunt, 1799-1813; George Walker, 1814-20; 626 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Thomas Danforth (2d), 1821-27; John Crane, 1828-57; Rev. George F. Clark, 1858-60; Austin Messinger, 1861-83. Deputy Sheriffs. — Benjamin Williams was dep- uty sheriff in 1757. How long he held the office we know not. Ephraim Burr is believed to have been sheriff from some years previous to 1784 up to 1803 ; Isaac Morey, from 1791 to 1796 ; Thomas Fobes, from 1794 to 1796 ; William Verry, most of the time from 1800 to 1815; George Gilbert, from 1803 to 1805; Ebenezer Titus, from 1803 to 1808; Preston Hodges, from 1818 to 1821 ; Daniel Smith (2d), from 1822 to 1824; George Clapp, from 1822 to 1824; Daniel Morey, in 1825; Timothy Smith, from 1826 to 1834; Horace B. Wetherell, from 1835 to 1850 ; Austin Mes- singer, from 1851 to 1853, and again in 1856; Cyril S. Sweet was appointed in 1858 ; Artemas C. King and George H. Arnold, now in office. State Senators. — Hon. Abraham White was chosen senator in 1787, and again in 1788. He is be- lieved to have been the son of Thomas White, of Taunton, and tradition says he was descended from Peregrine White, the first English child born at Ply- mouth. He was a somewhat eccentric man, and could not read or write, but was possessed of much native talent, practical good sense, and sound judg- ment. He was much employed in public life, where energy and decision of character were needed. Nu- merous anecdotes are related of him, all of which illustrate his ready wit, keen satire, and ability to meet any emergency that arose. He lived at the easterly part of the town. He married first a daugh- ter of John Holmes, of Taunton, by whom he had a son, who, with his mother, died young. For second wife, Mr. White married Hannah, daughter of Ed- ward White, of Easton, and had by her eight chil- dren. He died Feb. 20, 1801, in his eighty-fifth year, so that he must have been born iu 1717. Hon. George Leonard was chosen senator in 1793, and served one year only. Hon. Seth Smith, Jr., was chosen senator in 1797, and held the office but one year. He was the son of Deacon Seth Smith by his first wife, Sarah Cobb (2d), and was born Oct. 1, 1756. He married, March 16, 1780, Rachel Newcomb, and had three children. He was much employed in public business, was town clerk many years, also representative to the General Court. He kept a store in the centre of the town a few years. He left Norton about 1799, and went to New York city. Hon. Cromwell Leonard was chosen senator for the year 1848, and rechosen for the year 1849. He is the son of Jonathan Leonard by his second wife, Rebecca Smith (2d), and was born Dec. 1, 1788. He is the grandson of Jacob and Mary (Wild) Leonard, and is descended from the Taunton Leonards, who came from Pontypool, Wales. Mr. Leonard married, June 15, 1815, Miss Belinda Copeland, of Mansfield. They had four children. She died Aug. 25, 1848. He married for second wife, June 20, 1849, Miss Harriet Morse, of East Cambridge, daughter of the late Dr. Caleb Morse, of Moultonborough, N. H. He served the town many years as moderator of town- meetings, selectman, assessor, representative to the General Court, and other positions of trust and re- spectability. Hon. John Crane was chosen senator for the year 1852. He is the son of Terry and Rebecca (Harvey) Crane, grandson of John and Rachel (Terry) Crane, and was born Jan. 11, 1799. He married, March 28, 1825, Miss Sally Harvey, of Taunton, and had two children. He held the office of town clerk and treas- urer for thirty successive years. When chosen for the thirtieth time in 1857 he declined a re-election. He has represented the town in the General Court, wholly or in part, ten years. Councilors. — Hon. George Leonard was a royal councilor twenty-five successive years, commencing his term of service in 1741 and closing in 1766. He was the son of Maj. George and Anna (Tisdale) Leon- ard, and was the first male child born in the westerly part of Norton. His advent into the world took place March 4, 1698. He was the second justice of the peace in town, was town clerk many years, and also otherwise much employed in public affairs as select- man, assessor, moderator of town-meetings, represen- tative to the General Court, etc. He was also much engaged in the military affairs of this neighborhood, having risen from a subordinate officer to the com- mand of the regiment, and is generally known as Col. George Leonard. He was appointed judge of the court of Common Pleas in 1725, and held the office till 1730. He was reappointed to the same office in 1733, and held it till 1740, when he was dis- missed for having been connected with the Land Bank scheme. He was again appointed to the bench in 1746, and continued in office till about the com- mencement of the Revolution. A portion of the time he was on the bench he was chief justice of the court. He was appointed judge of probate for Bris- tol County Feb. 16, 1747, and held the office about thirty-one years. Hon. George Leonard, Jr., was councilor from 1770 to 1775. He was the son of Col. Leonard just men- tioned. Hon. Laban M. Wheaton held the office of coun- cilor two years, viz., 1857 and 1858. (See " Collegi- ate History.") Judges of Court of Common Pleas. — Hon. George Leonard was appointed to this office Dec. 10, 1715, and was on the bench only a few months, when he died. Hon. George Leonard, son of the above, was judge most of the time from 1725 to 1775. Hon. Ephraim Leonard was appointed judge in 1747, and was in office till about the commencement of the Revolution. He was a brother of George Leon- ard, last named, and was born Jan. 16, 1705-6. He settled in the North Precinct of Norton. L^lr .=— LJ L e .-. r. . v NORTON. 627 Hon. George Leonard was appointed judge of the Court of Common Pleas July 1, 1785. In 1798 he was chief justice of the court, and was on the bench as late as 1804. Hon. Laban Wheaton was appointed chief justice of the Court of Common Pleas May 18, 1810, but did not hold the office long. Judges of Probate. — Hon. George Leonard was commissioned judge of probate Feb. 16, 1747, and held the office till his death in 1778. Hon. George Leonard, son of the above, was ap- pointed to this office June 7, 1784, and held it several years. Judge of Court of Sessions.— Hon. Laban Wheaton was appointed judge of this court May 25, 1819, but the following year the court was abolished. Register of Probate. — Hon. George Leonard, Jr., was commissioned register April 18, 1749, and held the office till 1783. Representatives in Congress. — Hon. George Leonard was chosen in 1788 a member of the First Congress of the United States. He failed of an elec- tion to the Second, but was a member of the Third and Fourth Congresses. Hon. Laban Wheaton was representative eight years, from March 4, 1809, to March 4, 1817. Taxes. — The following shows the tax levied upon the town from 1715 to 1800 : Years. Town Charges. Schools. Represen- tatives. High- ways. 1715 £2 £8 1716 g ... 1717 11 1718 9 6J4 1719 9 ... 6J^ 1720 20 £30 14 1721 14 30 15 1722 1723 9 14 1724 29 12 16 1725 12 341 10 1726 24 10 15 1727 31 20 1728 33 40 1729 31 20 19 1730 57 1731 20 25 20 1733 16 30 2 17:14 14 30 - 1735 22 302 1736 20 1737 37 37 1738 64 30 90 20 1740 70 20 1741 60 1742* 36 1743 1503 1744 1223 1745 80 3 40 1746 1703 1748 3003 174'.) 4003 1750 40-t 1751 27 1752 50 1753 30 1754 50 27 ... 1756 80 1757 100 1758 110 ... 1759 110 1760 11" 1761 Jio - Including £8^ of interest-money from hank. 2 Poor and schools. 3 Old tenor. 4 Lawful money. YearS - Charges. Sch0 ° 18 - 1762 £120 1763 70 1764 ; 70 1705 40 1766 120 1767 100 1768 130 1769 80 1770 60 1771 70 1772 loo 1773 80 1774 75 1775 90 1776 120 1777 180 1778 1400 1779 1180 1780 6000 1781 5005 1782 100 1783 300 60 1784 150 60 1785 250 60 1786 200 60 1787 150 60 1788 150 1789 180 40 1790 120 60 1791 195 1792 252 1793 300 1794 300 1795 300 1796 $1200 1797 1000 1798 800 1799 1000 1800 1200 Represen- tatives. High- ways. »£120 122 122 122 120 120 120 120 100 S1000 1200 1000 1000 1000 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. HON. LABAN WHEATON. Hon. Laban Wheaton was born in Norton (in a part of the town which is now in Mansfield), March 13, 1754. His parents were Dr. George and Elizabeth (Morey) Wheaton. Rev. George Wheaton (H. U., 1769), minister of the Congregational Church in Claremont, N. H., and Daniel Wheaton, Esq. (H. U., 1791), lawyer and first postmaster of Norton, for the towns of Norton, Easton, and Mansfield, were his brothers. He fitted for college at Wrentham Academy, entered Harvard University at the age of sixteen, and gradu- ated in 1774, at the age of twenty. After graduation he taught a grammar school in his native town, but soon relinquished teaching to study theology under the direction of Rev. Abiel Leonard, D.D., pastor of the Congregational Church in Woodstock, Conn. In May, 1775, Dr. Leonard was appointed chaplain in the army, where he received the special commenda- tion of Gens. Washington and Putnam for his great usefulness. In the summer following this appoint- ment of his teacher, Mr. Wheaton commenced to preach at Woodstock. After this he preached in Oxford, Walpole, Dedham, Portsmouth, N. H., and in Boston. He was invited to a pastorate in Framing- ham, at what was then deemed a very liberal sup- port, but on account of imperfect health he declined 5 Silver money. o This was the first rate for raising a highway tax that we find recorded. 628 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. to settle, though, with some interruptions, he sup- plied the pulpit at Framingham about four years. On account of failing health he was medically ad- vised to travel and to relinquish preaching. Feeling the necessity from limited means to have some busi- ness to meet the expense of traveling, he entered into partnership with a classmate who was engaged in mercantile pursuits at Watertown, and in the interest of the firm took goods to Canada, and exchanged them with the Indians for furs. His partner becom- ing involved in financial trouble at Watertown, he withdrew from the firm at the end of four years with renewed health, but with loss of all pecuniary gains, and a debt of five hundred dollars. At thirty-one years of age he entered the law-office of Squire Kent, of Watertown, to study law, paying board and tuition by writing and copying papers and documents for his teacher. He commenced the prac- tice of law at Milton, but in 1788 removed to his native town and established himself in his profession at the Centre village. With a very high order of in- tellectual strength, acute legal knowledge, and un- tiring application to the duties of his profession, he attained eminence at the bar, and had extensive practice in the courts of Worcester, Norfolk, Suffolk, Plymouth, and Bristol Counties. Seven years he was sent by his townsmen a representative in the State Legislature, and was frequently elected to other offices. Eight years he represented the district in which he lived in the United States Congress. In 1810 he was appointed chief justice of the Court of Common Pleas, in 1819 chief justice of the Court of Sessions, and he filled these offices with dignity and grace and to the honor of the bench. During his Congressional career, which was marked by fidelity to the interests of his constituents and the welfare of the nation, an incident of debate occurred which is worthy of permanent record. It was at that period when the slave power held almost absolute supremacy, and the topic of slavery was tabooed in Congress. On one occasion, in the progress of a speech on vital issues, Mr. Wheaton referred to this topic with pertinent remark. He was instantly interrupted by a dozen men springing to their feet with loud, rapid, and imperative cries of " Order !" One of them, catching the eye of the Speaker, fiercely renewed the demand, saying, " The gentleman from Massachusetts would excite the slaves to cut their masters' throats !" Mr. Wheaton, still keeping the floor, calmly replied, " And why, Mr. Speaker, shouldn't the slaves cut their masters' throats? We cut our masters' throats to secure our liberties, and why shouldn't they cut their masters' throats to gain their liberties? I put the question to the honorable gentleman who has so earn- estly called me to order. Will he have the goodness to answer it?" The boldness of this response and its apt home-thrust silenced his opponents, and he fin- ished his speech without further interruption. None would be slower than he to incite the slaves to blood, yet in this prompt retort he poised himself on the right and vindicated it with manly honor when the just and necessary freedom of debate was domineer- ingly and intolerantly called in question. In that re- tort he not only reasserted, by a question full-fraught with the spirit of liberty, the inborn and inalienable right of the enslaved man to rise to the dignity of a freeman, but he rebuked by a sarcasm and argument, against the edge and point of which there was neither shield nor hope, the tyranny that brought its whip from the plantation to the Congress of a free repub- lic. Mr. Wheaton's speeches were trenchant and solid. In a certain weight and momentum of thought they have seldom been surpassed. The doctrines of personal and political liberty have seldom found in the United States Congress a more powerful champion. In 1827, at the age of seventy-three, having acquired an ample fortune, he retired from the exacting duties of the legal profession to pass the decline of life in the care of his private affairs, in the comfort and peace of his home, and the circle of friends whom he loved. In 1794, at the age of forty, he was married to Fanny Morey, daughter of Samuel Morey, Esq., of Norton. With her he lived fifty-two years, she surviving him a few years. They had four children, but two of whom, a daughter and a son, lived to mature age. To these children he gave the most liberal and ample opportunity for a refining culture and thorough edu- cation. The daughter married Dr. Strong, of Boston, but not long after, in 1834, died childless, at the age of thirty-eight years. The death of this only daughter was a sore bereave- ment. While grieving for the loved one gone, it was suggested to him to establish a female seminary in the village of her early home, and thus contribute to make the daughters of others what she had been. The thought was in sweet harmony with his sorrow, and he gladly accepted it and immediately made ar- rangements to carry it into effect. Buildings were erected and put in charge of a board of trustees whom he wisely selected, who procured teachers and opened the school on the basis of making it first-class in every respect for a thorough education of young ladies, whose success and usefulness soon brought it to that rank which it has well sustained as among the best in New England. It was opened in 1835, and by the trustees very appropriately named " Wheaton Female Seminary," in a just recognition of him who had founded and endowed it with a portion of his prop- erty that would have been, had she lived, the inheri- tance of his beloved daughter. To this memorial work the father and mother gave their tenderest in- terest, and to the close of their lives watched its growth and prosperity with satisfaction, and cherished it in a devoted love. On the 23d of March, 1846, at the advanced age of ninety-two years and ten days, he died. With fitting memorial services his remains were tenderly laid in the family burying-ground beside those of his beloved daughter. &*$ i iy AJI Patchie NORTON. 629 HON. LABAN MITCHEL WHEATON. Hon. Labau M. Wheaton, son of Hon. Laban and Fanny (Morey) Wheaton, was born in Norton, Sept. 14, 1796. He pursued studies preparatory for college at Wrentham and Middleborough Academies, and immediately before entering college was for some time a pupil in the University Grammar School, Provi- dence, R. I., then under the tuition of Mr. Joel Hawes, who afterwards was a distinguished Congregational pastor in Hartford, Conn. He graduated at Brown University in 1817 at the age of twenty-one. After leaving the university he studied law, and entered upon the practice of his profession in his native town. In a few years the care of his father's large estate requiring his assistance, he gave his at- tention chiefly to this until his father's death in 1846, whose estate he inherited. He was married June 25, 1829, to Eliza B. Chapin, of Uxbridge. He was for many years postmaster of Norton, was several times elected representative in the State Leg- islature, served two terms as member of the Governor's Council, and was a trustee of the State Industrial School for girls at Lancaster. Though not an office- seeker nor ambitious of political honors, he was un- mistakably a Christian patriot, gratefully accepted the honors that were freely bestowed, and faithfully discharged the duties involved. Throughout his life he was the faithful son of his father in devoted at- tachment to the cause of freedom. He was warmly interested in the cause of education and of Christian institutions. He and his wife were in cordial sym- pathy with the father in the founding of Wheaton Female Seminary, and after his father's death were its liberal patrons, making large additions to the original endowment funds. He was retiring and unobtrusive, sensitively ab- horred ostentation, and accordingly preferred to dis- tribute his charities as privately as possible. In this, his chosen and habitual mode of doing good, he made many individuals and society in general greatly his debtors. Quiet in his tastes, with sympathies quick and strong, he was a very genial man. His character was marked by a peculiar spontaneity, tenderness, and constancy of humane feeling that made him prominently the young man's friend, ready to com- mend the worthy and to aid any who needed his assistance. A lover of Christ and His Church, he was a liberal supporter of the gospel at home and abroad, and was ever ready to contribute generously to the cause of Christian missions. After a brief but painful illness he died in Norton, Jan. 17, 1865, at the age of sixty-eight years, four months, and three days, greatly lamented. His last words were, " I am grounded in Christ." NATHANIEL NEWCOMB. Nathaniel Newcomb was born in Norton, Mass., April 12, 1797, and he was sixth in direct descent from Francis Newcomb, who was born probably in Hertfordshire, England, about 1605, and came to America in the ship "Planter" in 1635, accompanied by his wife, Rachel, then aged twenty, his daughter, Rachel, of two and a half years, and son, John, aged nine months, and, after residing in Boston three years, settled in Braintree (now Quincy, Norfolk Co., Mass.), where he died May 27, 1692, aged about eighty-seven. His gravestone says " aged one hundred years." Tra- dition says he came from Oxfordshire, England, and that he was of pure Saxon blood. He owned several tracts of land in Braintree. He had ten children. His son Peter, born in Braintree, was a "husband- man," and much in public office. By his wife Su- sannah, daughter of Richard and Sarah Cutting, of Watertown, he had nine children. His estate was inventoried at £740 Is. His son Jonathan (third gen- eration), also born in Braintree in 1685-86, was a " yeoman," and owned several pieces of land. He bought, Jan. 22, 1727, fifty-two acres of land in Norton for three hundred and sixty pounds, and removed thither in March, 1728. The same year he bought thirty-five acres more for two hundred and forty-five pounds, and in 1742 seventy acres for two hundred pounds. He served in the memorable expe- dition against Louisbourg, on Cape Breton, and died while in the service in 1745. By his wife, Deborah, he had eight children. She died in 1780, aged ninety- five. Joseph Newcomb (fourth generation), son of Jonathan, was born in Braintree, but removed to Norton with his parents when but twelve years old. He married Judith Pratt, of Mansfield, Oct. 3, 1745, and lived in Norton until his death, Oct. 2, 1778. He served in the old French war, first in 1749, in Z. Leonard's company, of Raynham ; in 1757 was in S. Witherell's company, of Norton. He had seven children. His will disposes of about six hundred and fifty acres of land, and his personal estate in- ventoried at £1286 6s. 8d. Josiah (fifth generation), his youngest child, was born in Norton, April 14, 1764, was a farmer and resided during his life in Norton. He was a soldier of the Continental army of the Revolution, enlisting July 27, 1780, in Capt. John Allen's company, of Carpenter's regiment. He mar- ried (first), in 1782-83, Rebecca, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (Tisdale) Godfrey, who was born in Easton, Sept. 27, 1765. She died Sept. 25, 1831; (second) in 1834, Charlotte Forest. He had four children, all by his first wife. Nathaniel Newcomb (sixth generation) enjoyed the advantages of common schools only in educa- tion, and when about seventeen entered the employ of his brother-in-law, Simeon Presbrey, in a cotton- mill in Stoughton, and was ever after identified and connected with cotton-manufactory. He married, April 17, 1823, Betsey, daughter of Gen. Thomas and Esther (Newland) Lincoln, of Taunton, where she was born Feb. 10, 1795. Their children were : (1) Betsey Thomas, who married William A. Hay- 630 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. ward, of Milford, Mass., and had one child, Harriot B. ; (2) Harriot A., who resides in Norton. Mr. Newcomb began business for himself in his native town as one of the earliest manufacturers, and was successfully engaged for a few years in the manufacture of cotton thread. He then bought of James Beaumont the patent-right to make wadding, and continued in the wadding and batting business till, having accumulated a handsome fortune by his untiring industry, rigid economy, and business ca- pacity, he retired from active connection with manu- facturing in 1860, and was at that time, and probably at the time of his death, the oldest cotton-thread manufacturer in America. He was a careful and cautious man, and the road to wealth to him was made by slow and steady accumulation, never by brilliant and fortunate speculation. He took no risk, and the result showed the wisdom of his course. He was often asked for advice, and was a safe counselor. During his life he used his money for business pur- poses, but often expressed a desire to leave at his death a token of remembrance to the town with which he had been so long identified, and his daughter car- ried his wish into execution by the erection of the town hall. Mr. Newcomb was a Democrat in politics, and by no means desired office. His wish was to be free from all official position. He was of strong and positive nature, and successful in nearly everything he undertook. April 17, 1873, Mr. and Mrs. Newcomb celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage, and enter- tained a large number of friends from various places near and remote. Their wedded life continued till the death of Mr. Newcomb, Nov. 18, 1876. Mrs. Newcomb died Aug. 16, 1878. The history of Nathaniel Newcomb is that of a self-reliant, earnest, and successful business man. His life was one of steady and active devotion to business, and his success was the natural result of his ability to readily comprehend any subject presented to him and courage to act in accordance with his con- victions. He was a cheerful and social gentleman, possessing sterling qualities of character, which en- titled him to the respect of all who knew him. He was an extensive owner of real estate, not only in his own town, but in other places. HON. CROMWELL LEONARD. It is a curious fact that, in certain families, a predi- lection or aptitude and inclination for a certain pro- fession or occupation seems to manifest itself through many generations, and among members of the family in widely remote parts of the world, and under perhaps diametrically opposite circumstances. The Leonards are noted throughout this country and Europe, and have been so for generations, for their connection with the iron interests. Although the particular member of the family of which we write chose a different field for his life's work, yet in tracing his ancestral history we find that he comes from a family who were prominently identified with iron business on both con- tinents. The Leonards have been a family of consid- erable prominence in England for many generations. They are descended, so several authorities inform us, from Leonard, Lord Dacre, of England, and through two lines from Edward III., viz. : through John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and Thomas Plantage- net, Duke of Gloucester. James and Henry, brothers, were the first who came to America. They were sons of Thomas Leonard, of Pontypool, County Monmouth Wales, which place is famous for its iron-works and mines. They were identified with the first three iron- works established in America, — at Braintree, Lynn, and Taunton. They finally settled at Taunton, and were the progenitors of the family of Leonards who have been more or less prominently identified with the history of Bristol County from that time to the present. The Leonards have almost invariably been men of great wealth and high position. Hon. George Leonard, of Norton, a descendant of the same family, owned the largest estate in Bristol County, if not in New England, and his timber lands were undoubtedly the most valuable in the State. The keel of the frig- ate " Constitution" was taken from his lands. It is said that he "lived in baronial style, surrounded by numerous tenantry." The famous Daniel Leonard, antagonist of John Adams in the questions of allegiance, and author of the famous "Massachusettensis" papers, and afterwards chief justice of Bermuda, was of this family. Hon. George Leonard and his father were judges of probate in Bristol County many years. It is worthy of note that the first genealogical account of any considerable extent printed in New England was Dr. Forbes' " Account of the Leonard Family." We have not been able to trace the direct unbroken line from James (1) Leonard to Cromwell, but that he is a de- scendant of James there can be no reasonable doubt, as it is known that the family to which he belonged descended from the Taunton Leonards. Hon. Cromwell Leonard was the son of Jona- than Leonard by his second wife, Rebecca Smith. He was born Dec. 1 , 1788. He was grandson of Jacob and Mary (Wild) Leonard. He married, June 15, 1815, Belinda Copeland, of Mansfield, by whom he had four children. He married for his second wife, June 20, 1849, Harriet Morse, of East Cambridge, daughter of Dr. Caleb Morse, of Moultonborough, N. H. She was born Oct. 19, 1810. Her mother was Anna (Ambrose) Morse. Her father, Dr. Morse, was one of the pioneer physicians of that part of New Hampshire, and was a man of remarkable mental and physical vigor. He lived to his eighty-third year, and continued in active practice until a few days prior to his death. Hon. Cromwell Leonard was one of the most prominent and most highly-esteemed men Norton has produced. He enjoyed in a very i 9. 7 / /Z< NORTON. 631 high degree the esteem and confidence of his fellow- townsmen. He served for many years as moderator of town-meetings, selectman, assessor, representative to General Court, etc. Like most of the Leonards he lived to a good old age, and probably no man who ever lived in the town was more sincerely mourned than he when the summons came " to join the innu- merable caravan." Mrs. Leonard now resides in West Somerville, Mass., near North Cambridge line. GEORGE BOWERS CRANE. Almost if not quite all the various families of the name Crane, Crayne, or Crain in New England are descended from the family of that name who came from England to America in the early days of the New Haven Colony, and were among the most active, enterprising, and intelligent of that hardy pioneer band who braved so many dangers and encountered and endured so many privations and hardships to win for themselves and their posterity a home in the New World. (For an account of some of the ances- tors of the Crane family, see biography of A. B. Crane in this volume.) A few generations ago the ancestors of George B. resided in Berkley. The first of the name of whom there is any record was Henry 1 ; he had a son John 2 , who had a son named Gersham 3 , who was a farmer in Berkley, and from frequent mention in records it is presumable he was a man of some note in his time. He had a son, Capt. John 4 , who became one of the leading men of his community, and a man much es- teemed for his integrity and sterling worth. He was by occupation a farmer and surveyor. He was select- man of his town and member of the Legislature. He married Rachel Terry, of Freetown, Mass., and was the first of his family to settle in Norton. He located about two miles southeast of the village of Norton, and built the house now occupied by his de- scendant, George B. He was a captain of militia, and a pioneer in all reform movements. His children were John, Rachel, George, Calvin, Hannah, and Terry. Both he and his wife were members of the Society of Friends. Capt. Terry* was brought up a farmer, married Rebecca Harvey, daughter of Henry Harvey, of Taunton, by whom he had one child, Hon. John Crane, who became senator from his county, and who was town clerk and treasurer in Norton thirty consecutive years, and then declined re-election. Capt. Terry's second wife was Matilda Macomber; by this marriage there was no issue. His third wife was Roby King, by whom he had Rebecca (died in infancy), Roby K. (married Leonard Hall, of Taunton, now deceased), Harriet T. (mar- ried Lemuel Arnold, of Norton, now deceased), Han- nah W. (married Andrew H. Hall, of Taunton, now deceased), George B., Nancy K. (married J. Warren Dean, of Taunton, now living a widow), Matilda M. (married James W. Hathaway, of Freetown, now deceased), Daniel (married Wealthy Hodges, of Nor- ton, is still living), Abigail W. (died at the age of seventeen), and Elizabeth L. (became upon her sister's decease the second wife of James W. Hathaway, of Freetown, and is still living). Capt. Terry was a quiet, unobtrusive man, choosing the private pastoral life of a farmer, and always sedu- ously avoiding everything savoring of publicity or distinction. The only office he would ever accept was in the militia, in which he ranked as captain. He was a Jeffersonian Democrat in politics, and in religious belief a Unitarian. He resided all his life on the home farm where he was born. George B., the fifth child and eldest son of Capt. Terry by third wife, was born in Norton, Bristol Co., Mass., Nov. 10, 1810. He was brought up a farmer's boy, and while he did not enjoy the advantages for a scholastic education, now so common among the better classes of New England people, yet he had whatever instruction the common schools of his town afforded, of which he made the most, and being early taught to labor, he laid the foundation, by abundant and healthful outdoor exercise, for a rugged constitution and well-developed physique, which, notwithstand- ing the more than ordinary amount of hard labor he has performed, he has maintained to his old age. As soon as he had arrived at proper age he taught school winters and farmed during summer months. This he continued about ten years. During the last forty years he has done a great deal of surveying in his own and all adjacent towns. In addition to farming, which has been the principal business of his life, he has also done considerable wood and lumber business. He married, Jan. 31, 1849, Martha Jones, of Rayn- ham, daughter of Samuel and Mary Jones. (For ancestral history of Jones family, see biography of Samuel Jones elsewhere in this volume.) They have had but one child, George Terry, born Jan. 20, 1852. He grew up to manhood at the home of his parents, married C. Amelia Woodward, daugh- ter of Josiah and Cassandana W. (Peck) Woodward, of Norton, Sept. 4, 1878. They have one child, Martha J., born April 7, 1881, a bright little sprite that gladdens the household. George T. early developed an inclination for work- ing in iron and a marked Ingenuity in that direction. As he grew older he cultivated this aptitude, and without having served an apprenticeship he became an expert blacksmith and carriage-builder, established a shop of that kind adjacent to his father's residence, and now resides with his parents, and follows black- smithing and carriage-building as his occupation. George B. Crane has been a member of the school committee in his town, selectman, and assessor ten years, justice of the peace since 1851, member of Legislature in 1856, and in 1853 was a member of the State Convention to revise the Constitution of Massa- chusetts. This convention numbered among its mem- 632 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. bers many of the brightest intellects of which the old Bay State could boast. Mr. Crane has always been a Democrat in politics. In religion a Unitarian. He has done a great deal of probate business and settled many estates. He is a remarkably well preserved man for one of his years, his step being as elastic and his carriage as erect as most young men. He is a man of sterling integrity, honest, earnest, and sincere. All his life he has been energetic, industrious, and progressive, always favor- ing whatever tended to the advancement and best interest of his community. He is a man of modesty and merit, and one of Norton's most useful and es- teemed citizens. LEWIS BILLINGS DEANE. The name Den or Dene, which was the original way of spelling what is now written Deane or Dean, made its appearance in England soon after the intro- duction of surnames. It was apparently derived from the Saxon word den or dene, meaning a valley, and being first given to estates of that character, soon passed to their possessors. The family is probably of Norman origin, as the first of the name of whom we have any account was Robert de Den, butler to Ed- ward the Confessor, and doubtless one of his " Nor- man favorites," as it is known he owned estates in Normandy. Later on the name is met with in Essex, Northamptonshire, Huntingdonshire, Oxfordshire, etc., many of them knights and nobles. After the abolition of feudalties by Henry VII., the terri- torial prefix " de" dropped into disuse. The letter a was introduced into the name Dene during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, and it became Deane. The Deanes of England have been a highly respectable and prominent family. Henry Dene, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Lord Chancellor under Henry VII. ; Sir Richard Deane, mayor of London in 1629; Maj.- Gen. Richard Deane, the regicide; and Sir Anthony Deane, comptroller of the navy, were of that fam- iiy. The Deanes have resided for centuries at and in the vicinity of Taunton, Somersetshire, England, and from that place came most of the early immigrants of that name to America. Stephen Deane was the first of the name to land in America. He came on the ship " Fortune," November, 1621. He built the first corn-mill in Plymouth Colony. John and Walter Deane, brothers, who came to America in 1637 from Taunton or immediate vicinity, in England, were the progenitors of most of the present extensive Deane family in Massachusetts. They settled at Taunton, Bristol Co., which place is said to derive its name from Taunton, England. "They took up their farms on the west bank of the river, about one mile from the present village of Taunton," and their descendants still occupy the ancient homestead. Hon. Silas Deane, of Connecticut, minister to France, 1776, and a de- scendant of same original family, was the one who enlisted the sympathies and finally the services of Lafayette in our struggle for independence. 1 The Deanes, wherever residing, have been noted for certain characteristics, among which may be men- tioned strong will-power, earnest purpose, untiring energy, and integrity of character. Lewis B. Deane, of whom we write, is the youngest of a family of nine children. John Deane, his father, was born June 4, 1774 ; died Jan. 7, 1841. Betsey (Smith) Deane, the mother, was born March 9, 1785, died March 18, 1832. Their children were John, born Feb. 29, 1811. He married a Whiting, of Dedham, was freight agent in Boston of N. B. and T. Railroad, but resided in Dedham. He died Sept. 4, 1864, leaving two children. Maria, born Oct. 27, 1813, married Henry Hunt, of Norton, died Dec. 22, 1871, leaving one child. Isaac, born March 28, 1815, died Sept. 3, 1860, unmarried. Elisa, born Dec. 23, 1816, married Parker Makepeace, of Norton ; has two chil- dren. Oliver, born June 11, 1818, married Eliza Hunt, of Norton ; resides in Canton, where he is en- gaged in coal and ice business and farming ; has one child. Calvin, born Feb. 27, 1821, married and re- sides in Canton ; runs an express from Canton to Boston. Cornelia, born Oct. 10, 1822, unmarried, re- sides with Parker Makepeace. Laprellott, born April 9, 1824, died Nov. 30, 1865, unmarried. Lewis Billings Deane was born Nov. 20, 1826. He knew but little of a mother's love or tender care, as he was but six years of age when his mother died. He was brought up on a farm, and after arriving at manhood continued to follow that occupation till 1853, when he went to Boston and engaged to drive a team for his brother John. After a time he took a partnership in the business, and finally, in company with his brother Laprellott, he purchased his brother John's interest, and from that time till Laprellott's death they conducted the business together. After his brother's death Mr. Deane took Ambrose Hardy, who was a book-keeper in the N. B. Railroad office, in partnership, and they engaged not only to haul, but to load the freights of that road in Boston. The business was prosperous and successful. In 1872, having dissolved partnership with Mr. Hardy, Thomas P. Frost became a partner in the business, and two years later Mr. Deane sold out to him his interest and returned to his home in Norton. He and his brother Laprellott had previously purchased the in- terest of the other heirs in the home farm, and upon the decease of Laprellott, Lewis B. inherited his share. The homestead consists of seventy-five acres of laud, with commodious dwelling and out- buildings. Mr. Deane has built a large and well- appointed barn, and is pleasantly situated in life. His home is in the suburbs of the pleasant little vil- 1 We are indebted to the researches of William R. Deane, of Boston, for much of the data above given. -? ^//Ut- - ~> cziy. ryf^Lo ($4 i--'! cL Y 7 / 'J**f/* " "'"^ SOMERSET. 651 ness till 1873, when he retired. From 1845 to 1855 he was engaged in the grocery business in Somerset, Mass. He became a member of the First Baptist Church in Somerset in the prime of life, and in 1838 he was ordained deacon, which position he continues still to hold. He has also been trustee of the same for a great many years. Politically, he is a Repub- lican. He married Clarissa, daughter of John Bowen, of Fall River, Jan. 1,1826. Their children are: (1) Sarah A., wife of William P. Hood, of Somerset; (2) Nathan S., postmaster in Somerset since 1860; (3) William B., died young; (4) Elijah G., a citizen of Fall River, and captain of a steamer on the Old Col- ony Line ; (5) Mary E., wife of John A. Chase, of Fairhaven ; (6) Amos N., lost at sea, March 20, 1867 ; (7) Joseph F., died young; (8) Joseph F. 2 , master of vessels, and one of Somerset's most respected citizens ; (9) Ellen M., died young; (10) William H. H., died young; (11) Jonathan B., died young; (12) Clarissa E., wife of James F. Gardiner, of Somerset ; (13) Corne- lius A., master of schooner " William P. Hood," and a highly-esteemed citizen of Somerset; and (14) Ke- ziah M., wife of Edward Mosher, of Fall River. Mrs. Davis was born in 1811. In cases of need she was always ready to assist, and having reared a large family herself she was peculiarly well qualified to care for the sick. She was one of the strongest temperance persons in the town, and much credit is due her for the position the town took on that question during her lifetime. She died March 27, 1871, in the sixty- first year of her age. She was a faithful wife and devoted mother, and the impress of her Christian character may be seen to-day, not only on her own children, but upon all those with whom she came in contact. JOB M. LEONARD. Job M. Leonard was born in Raynham, Bristol County, Mass., Sept. 1, 1824, and is a direct descend- ant of one of the Leonard families from Wales, who settled in Raynham in 1652. He was educated at the common schools, and worked on a farm until about sixteen years of age; then he entered a hardware-store in Taunton as clerk and re- mained until 1844, when he commenced business on his own account. In 1849 he established an office in Boston, which has continued to the present time. In 1850, Mr. Leonard organized the East Bridge- water Iron Company and continued with them about five years, when he disposed of his interest in that establishment and organized, in 1855, the Mount Hope Iron- Works at Somerset. He planned and built the two iron-works in that town for the manufacture of nails and plate iron. The old works were sold to the Parker Mills in 186S, and subsequently passed into the hands of the Old Colony Iron Company. The present works of the Mount Hope Company Mr. Leonard erected in 1872, and employs from two hun- dred to two hundred and fifty men. Upon the organ- ization of the company Albert Field was elected president, and remained as such until his death. Mr. Leonard has been treasurer of the company since its organization. His son, Mr. Henry B. Leonard, is now the agent and general manager of the new Mount Hope works. Mr. Leonard was married in 1848 to Caroline, daughter of the late Albert Field. The iron business seems to have been an heirloom in the Leonard family. From 1652, when the first iron-works on this continent were established in Rayn- ham by James and Henry Leonard and Ralph Rus- sell, to the present time descendants of the Leonards have been prominent and successful iron men both in this and other States. Not only were Mr. Leonard's father, Job Leonard, and his grandfather, Samuel, iron manufacturers, but his great-grandfather, Russell Leonard, was also engaged in the same industry, em- bracing, with Mr. Leonard and his son Henry B., five generations in direct descent who have been engaged in the iron industry. James and Henry Leonard and Ralph Russell es- tablished the first iron-works on this continent in 1652, in the town of Raynham, on Two-Mile River, so called, where they secured the privilege of cutting wood to make charcoal, and to dig and mine ore at Two-Mile Meadows or any other common property of S the town. This business continued in the possession I of the Leonards and their descendants for over one 1 hundred years. They were enlarged from time to time, and subsequently converted into a forge for making anchors. Henry and James Leonard, at- tracted by more abundant ores in New Jersey, re- moved there and established the first iron-works in that province. Mr. Leonard has been four times elected to the State Legislature, and has held various minor posi- tions of trust in the State, always discharging lii- duties with credit to himself and to the entire satis- faction of his constituents, and is justly regarded as one of the leading men of Southeastern Massachusetts. DARIUS BUFFINTON. Darius Buffinton was born in Swansea, Mass., May 29, 1829. His father was Moses Buffinton, who was born Jan. 25, 1799, on the island of Prudence, R. I., and was a son of Moses Buffinton, born 1768, who married Sarah Chace, and whose parents were Moses Buffinton and his wife, Isabel, daughter of Daniel and Sarah Baker. Moses Buffinton, the third of the name, was a farmer, and lived first in Prudence, R. I, and after- wards in Swansea, Mass. He was a birthright mem- ber of the society of Friends, and married Ruth Borden, who was born in Swansea, Jan. 25, 1795. They had five children — Abner (died young), Darius, Abner (deceased), Lois (Mrs. John P. Slade), and 652 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Susan 8. (deceased). Mr. Buffinton died Nov. 2, 1869. His wife survived him, dying Feb. 9, 1873. Darius was educated at common schools, and had a short tuition at the Friends' school at Providence, R. I. He became a farmer and resided with his father on the homestead, in Swansea, consisting of about, seventy acres, and remained there until his father's death. In 1870 he built his f>resent neat and attractive residence on the place of seventeen acres, which he purchased in Somerset, and removed thither the same year. He married, Jan. 15, 1861, Julia A., daughter of Frederick and Sarah (Pierce) Whitwell, who was born in Fall River, Mass., March 25, 1843. Their children were Julia E. (died an infant), Wil- liam S. (died young), and Henry W., an active and promising lad, drowned in his twelfth year while bathing. Mr. Buffinton has combined the avocation of market- gardener with that of farmer, and has sufficient prop- erty to enable him to gratify the correct taste so nicely shown in everything connected with his home. He is a stockholder in Fall River National and Union Banks of Fall River, and also in the Shove Mills. He is a Republican, and both he and his wife are members of the Friends' Society. He stands well in the esteem of the community and is a valuable citizen. CHAPTER LIU. SWANSEA. 1 Geographical — Incorporation of the Town — " Waunamoisett" — Docu- mentary History — Early Inhabitants — Division of Lands — King Phil- ip*s War — Original Grant — Capt. Thomas Williams' " Proposals" — Admission of Inhabitants — First Deputy Elected — John Allen — Town Officers of 1670 — Extracts from Early Records — Revolutionary War — Committee of Inspection — Various Votes concerning the Revolu- tionary Period — Election of 1780 — Pioneer Schools — First School- master — John Myles — 1702, Town Fined for not Having School. Swansea lies in the southwestern part of the county, and is bounded as follows: On the north by Seekonk, Rehoboth, and Dighton ; on the east by Dighton and Somerset; on the south by Somerset and Mount Hope Bay. A portion of this town was originally comprehended within the limits of ancient Rehoboth. It forms a part of the tract called by the Indians " Wanna- moisett," situated in this town and Barrington, R. I. This town was incorporated in 1677, and then in- cluded within its limits the present towns, Somerset, Barrington, and the greater part of Warren, R. I. The town derived its name from "Swan sea," in Wales, and was so spelled in the earliest records. In 1649, Obidiah Holmes and several others, having em- braced the Baptist sentiments, withdrew from Mr. Newman's church, and set up a separate meeting of 1 The editor acknowledges his indebtedness to Rev. J. W. Osborn for the larger portion of the following history of Swansea. their own. The attempt to break them up, and the persecutions they met with, only increased their numbers. In 1663 they were much strengthened by the arrival of Rev. John Myles and his church. In the same year Mr. Myles formed a Baptist Church in Rehoboth (the fourth in America). It was organized in the house of John Butterworth, and commenced with seven members. These and subsequent proceed- ings were considered such an evil by the rest of the inhabitants that an appeal was made to the Plymouth Court to interfere. Each member of this new church was fined five pounds, and prohibited from worship for a month. They were also advised to remove from Rehoboth to some place where they would not preju- dice any existing church. They accordingly moved to Wannamoisett. Capt. Thomas Willett, a magistrate, and a man of great ability and enterprise, having large possessions at Narragansett, near by, came and settled here. Hugh Cole and some others followed. Capt. Willett became subsequently the first English mayor of New York. He and Mr. Myles may be justly styled the fathers of the town. In 1670 it was ordered that the lands should be proportioned according to three ranks. Persons of the first rank were to receive three acres ; of the second, two acres ; of the third, one acre. In admit- ting inhabitants, the selectmen were to decide to which rank they should be apportioned. This sin- gular division existed nowhere else in New England. This town is memorable as the place where the first English blood was shed in " King Philip's War." 2 On Sunday, June 20, 1675, King Philip permitted his men to march into Swansea and annoy the English by killing their cattle, in hopes to pro- voke them to commence the attack, for it is said that a superstition prevailed among them that the side who shed the first blood should finally be conquered. The Indians were so insolent that an Englishman finally fired upon one of them, and wounded him. The Indians upon this commenced open war. As soon as the intelligence of this massacre reached Boston, a company of foot under Capt. Henchman, and a troop under Capt. Prentice, immediately marched for Mount Hope, and being joined by another company of one hundred and ten volunteers under Capt. Moseley, they all arrived at Swansea June 28th, where they joined the Plymouth forces, under Capt. Cudworth. Mr. Miles' house, being gar- risoned, was made their headquarters. About a dozen of the troop went immediately over the bridge, where they were fired upon out of the bushes, and one killed and one wounded. The English forces then pursued the enemy a mile or two, when the Indians took to the swamp, after having lost about a half-dozen of their number. The troop commenced their pursuit of the Indians next morning. They passed over 2 For Indian history, see Chapter II. SWANSEA. 653 Miles' Bridge and proceeded down the river till they came to the narrow of the neck, at a place called Keekamuit, or Kickamuit. Here they found the heads of eight Englishmen, that the Indians had murdered, stuck on poles ; these they buried. On their arrival at Mount Hope, they found that place deserted. Documentary History.— A true copy of the grant of this township of New Swansea, lying on record at the court of New Plymouth, 1G67 : "Whereas, Liberty hath been formerly granted by the Court of juris- diction of New Plymouth, unto Captain Thomas Willett and his neigh- bors of Wannamoisett, to become 'i township there if they should see good, ami that lately the said (.'apt. Willett and Mr. Myles, and others, their neighbors, have requested of the Court that they may be a town- ship there or near thereabout, and likewise to have granted unto them such parcells of land as might be accommodate thereunto not disposed of to other Townships; this Court have granted unto them all such lands that lyeth between the Salt water Bay and coming up Taunton River (viz.), all thr Land between the Salt water and river and the bounds of Taunton and Behoboth not prejudicing any man's particular Interest, and forasmuch as Kehoboth hath meadow lands within the line of Wan- namoisett, and Wannamoisett bath lands within the line of Behoboth, lying near the South line of Kehoboth — if the two townships cannot agree about them amongst themselves, the Court reserves it within their power to determine any such controversy. " 1607, March. The Court hath appointed Captaine Willett, Mr. Paiue, Senr., Mr. Brown, John Allen, and John Butterworth, to have the trust of admittance of Town Inhabitants into the said town, and to have the disposall of the Land therein, and ordering of other the affairs of said Town. The Court doe Allow and Approve that the Township Granted unto Capt. Willett and others, his neighbors, at Wannamoisett and parts adjacent, shall henceforth be called and known by the name of Swansea. "The Enterys above are a Copy taken out of the Court Records at Plymouth. Nath'l Clark. And above Entrys hereof by William Iu- graham, Town Clerk. " Whereas, Capt. Thomas Willett, shortly after the grant of this town- ship, made three following proposals unto those who were with him, by the Court at Plymouth, empowered for the admission of inhabitants, and of granting lots, viz.: "1. That no erroneous person be admitted into the township as an inhabitant or sojourner. " 2. That no man of any evill behaviour or contentious persons to be admitted. "3. That none may be admitted that may become a charge to the place. "The church here gathered and assembling did thereupon make the following address unto the said ('apt. Willett and his associates, the Trustees aforesaid. "We being engaged with you (according to our capacitj') in the car- rying mi of a township according to the grant given us by the honored Court, and desiring to lay such a foundation thereof as may effectually tend to God's glory, our future peace and comfort, and the real benefit of such as shall hereafter join with us herein, as also to prevent all fu- ture jealousies and causes of dissatisfaction or disturbance in so good a work, doe in relation to the three proposals made by our much honoured ('apt. Willett, humbly present to your serious consideration, before we •d further therein, that the said proposalls may be consented to and subscribed by all and every townman under the following explications: '1. That the first proposal relating to the non-admission of erroneous D8 may In- only understood under the explications following (viz.), of such as hold damnable heresies inconsistent with the faith of the Gospel, as to deny the Trinity or any person therein, 1 the Deity or sin- less Humanity of Christ, or the union of both natures in him, or his full satisfaction to the Divine justice by his active and passive obedience for all bis elect, or his resurrection, or ascension to heaven, intercession, or his second personable coming to judgment, or the resurrection of the dead, or to maintain any merit of works, consubstantiation, transub- 1 The Toleration Act passed by the British Parliament twenty-two years later, while relaxing the stringency of former laws against dis- senters, expressly denied toleration to such as rejected the doctrine of the Trinity .— J. W.O. stantiation, giving Divine adoration te any creature or any other anti- Christian doctrine, thereby directly opposing the priestly, prophetical or kingly office of Christ, or any part thereof; or secondly such as hold such opinions as are inconsistent with the well-being of the place, as to deny the magistrates power to punish evil-doers as well as to punish those that do well ; or to deny the first day of the week to be observed by Divine institution as the Lord's day or Christian Sabbath, or to deny the giving of honor to whom honor is due, or to offer those civil respects that are usually performed according to the laudable custom of our nation, each to other, as bowing the knee or body, etc., or else to deny the office, use, or authority of the ministry or comfortable maintenance to be due to them from such as partake of their teaching, or to speak reproachfully of any of the churches of Christ in this country, or of any such other churches as are of the same common faith with us and them. "2. That the second proposal!, That no man of any evill behaviour, or contentious persons be admitted. " We desire that it be also understood & Declared that this is not un- derstood of any holding any opinion different from others in any dis- putable pt. Yet in controversy among the Godly Learned, the beleefe thereof not essentially necessary to salvation, such pado-baptism, anti- pado-baptism, church discipline or the like. But that the minister or ministers of the Town may take their liberty to baptise Infants or grown persons as the Lord shall persuade their consciences, and so also the In- habitants of the town to take their liberty to bring their children to baptism or forbear. That the second proposall relating to nouerecep- tion of any of evill behaviour, such as contentious persons, &c, may be only understood of those truly so called, and not of those who are differ- ent in judgment in the particulars last-mentioned and may be therefore counted contentious by some, though they are in all fundamental^ of faith orthodox in . . . and excepting common Infirmities blameless in conversation. " That the proposall Relating to the non-admission of such as may be a charge to the Town be only understood so as that it may not hinder a godly man from comeing among us, whilst there is accommodation that satisfie him, if some Responsible Townsman will be bound to see the town harmless. "These humble tenders of our desires we hope you will without offence receive, excusing us therein, considering that God's glory, the future peace and wellbeing, not only of us and our posterity who shall settle here, but also of those severall good and peaceable-minded men, whom you allready know are liked, though with very inconsiderable outward accommodation to come among us are very much concerned therein. Our humble prayers both for ourselves & you is that God would be pleased to cause us to aim more & more at his glory and less to our earthly concernment that so we may improve the favors that hath been handed down to us by our honoured nursing fathers to the advancement of the glory of God, the interest of our Lord Jesus Christ, & to the common benefitt both of the Town & Colony, wherein he bath providentially disposed of us to serve our generation. Your Brethren to serve you in Christ. "Signed in behalf A in the name of the church meeting in Swansea by "John Myt.es, Pastor. "John Butterworth. " The foregoing proposalls being according to the desire of the church aforesaid, fully & absolutely condescended to, concluded & agreed upon by it between said Captain Willett, al his associates aforesaid, & -the church under the reservation & explications above written, & every of them, it was sometime after propounded at a meeting of s 1 ' town, law- fully warned on the two & twentieth day of the twelfth month, L669, that the said agreement might be by the whole town ratified A; con- firmed & settled as the foundation order, to which all that then wei 6 or afterward should be admitted inhabitants to receive lands from the town, should manifest their assent by subscription thereunto, whereupon the following order (the said Capt. Willett, al his associates aforesaid being present) was freely passed by the whole town nemine contradicenie. "At a town meeting lawfully warned, on the two & twentieth day of the twelfth month, commonly called February, in the year of our Lord 1669, it is ordered that all persons that are or shall be admitted inhabi- tants within this town, shall subscribe to the three proposalls above written, to the severall conditions & explanations therein expressed, before any lot of land be confirmed to them or any of them. " We, whose nanus an- hereunder written, do freely, upon our admis- sion to be inhabitants of this town of Swansea, assent to the above written agreement, made between the church now meeting here at 054 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Swansea & Capt. Thomas Willett & his associates, as the s* agreement is specified & declared in the three proposalls afore written, with the sev- eral conditions & explanations thereof concerning the present & future settlement of this town. In witness whereof we have hereunto sub- scribed." [Signed by fifty-five persons.] (1674. — John Harding Smith, refusing to sign the " fundamental agreement," was deprived of his land, and warned " to go out of the Town.") " At a Town-meeting Lawfully warned y e 19 th of May, 1670, John Myles, jun r ., is chosen Clerk for this present year. John Allen, senr., is chosen Deputy, Nath 1 . Chafy constable, Samuel Luther grandjury- man, Benj. Alby waywarden, for the ensuing year. " Mr. James Brown, Nicholas Tanner, and John Allen, sen 1 "., were chosen selectmen for ye ensuing year." " At a Town-meeting Lawfully warned on ye 11 th of May, 1671, Mr. James Brown was chosen Deputy, and Hugh Colegrandjuryman, and John Martin Con- stable. Nathaniel Peck, Joseph Carpenter, and Zech- ariah Eddy were chosen waywardens. Mr. James Brown, Hugh Cole, and Samuel Luther were chosen selectmen." " At a Town-meeting lawfully warned November ye 8 th , 1671, John Allen, Snr., Hugh Cole, Nicholas Tanner, & Nathan 1 Peck are chosen Raters for a Town Rate." "At a Town-meeting Lawfully warned on ye 21 May, 1672, Mr. Brown was chosen Daputy & Thomas Barnes constable. Thos. Lewis grandjuryman, Nath 1 . Chafy & Jonathan Bozworth, & Hezekiah Luther, surveyors of highways ; Mr. Brown, Thos. Luis were chosen selectmen." 1670. " It was ordered yt whatsoever inhabitant shall absent himself from any Town-meeting to which he shall at any time hereafter be Legally warned, he shall forfeit for every such absent four shillings." " It is ordered that all lotts & divisions of land that are or shall be granted to any particular person shall be proportioned to the threefold rank underwritten, so that where those of the first rank have three acres, those of the second rank shall have two, and those of the third rank shall have one." (Those admitted to the first rank are recorded as Mx. ; the others with no title. These were land- holders without rank.) 1671. "Those of ye first rank shall pay three pounds twelve shillings apiece, and those of the second rank shall pay two pWnds eight shillings apiece, and those of the third rank one pound four shillings apiece." Aug. 28, 1693. " The warrant from ye quarter ses- sion was read, requiring the Town to chuse a minister according to law; after sum Debate the meeting was adjourned for half an hour. The church by Lieut nt . Cole returned and replied thus : that they had a min- ister they apprehended was according to Law, viz., Elder Samuel Luther, and desired the vote of ye Town to see their assent and approbation, and after som debate ye meeting was adjourned for half an hour, and then againe after a considerable debate the Town-meeting was adjourned to ye 3d Tuesday in October, at 9 o'clock in the morning at the usual place of meeting." Oct. 17. "Chose Elder Samuel Luther minister for ye Town." " John Pain and John Cole, son of Hugh Cole, to look after & to prosecute any breache of ye acte made about Horses, the late act published both civil and military." 1711. Referring to a petition for the division of the town (that a Puritan minister could be supported by taxation) by inhabitants of the western part, "it passed in y e negative unanimously." " If any per- sons would supply y e selectmen with money for y e present management of s d affairs they should be re- imbursed." (£29 2s. were borrowed.) 1712. " Granted a fund or bank of £500, or as much more as there may be occasion of, to maintain and defend y e Town grant and foundation settlement." 1717. On a petition for a tax of "sixscore pounds" to support a Puritan minister, " after considerable fayer and loveing conference with s d petitioners, it was agreed and voted and concluded that the inhab- itants should enjoy conscience liberty according to the foundation settlement." The representative was paid £12 12s.; school- master, £17 10s.; assessors, £4. 1718. "Every householder shall kill 6 blackbirds or six squirrells, or one crow shall count for two squirrells or blackbirds ;" " or he shall forfeit 2 pence for as many as he comes short of six." In 1729, " voted 2d. to every one that kills a crow, blackbird, jaybird, or squirrell." In 1740 the premium was increased to fourpence. In 1741 the vote of 1708 was reaffirmed, with a proviso that for every one above the required number a premium of fourpence should be paid ; for killing a grown fox, five shillings; a young fox, two shillings, in 1736. 1715. Voted that John Devotion should "teach our youth to Read Inglish and Lattin, and write and sifer, as there may be ocation." (Capt. Joseph Mason, the Swansea representative, was the only member of the General Court who in 1732 voted in favor of fixing a salary for Governor Belcher, as required by the British government.) 1742. Voted that until the king decides whether to annex Swansea to Rhode Island the town ought to pay no tax to Massachusetts. 1749, Oct. 23. " It being a very rainy day, and but few men met, and considerable business to be done, it was tho't proper to adjourn s d meeting." " It was voted that town take all the tickets in the lottery granted by the Great and General Court for building the great bridge not sold by Feb. 26." 1759. "Voted to hire a house to put the French people in that were sent to our town." SWANSEA. 655 1764. Appointed Jeruthamul Bowers, Esq., to so- licit relief from the General Court for the "great suf- ferance in the smallpox." Appropriated ninety- pounds for care of patients. Three hundred pounds lent to the town hy the Province ; the money was loaned to individuals, and subsequently many of the poor borrowers received by vote of town the gift of their notes. This year and several years in succession commit- tees were chosen to prevent the killing of deer out of season. 1766. Voted the town treasurer five shillings for his services. Revolutionary War.— April 21, 1775, "Voted that 40 guns, 250 fibs, powder, 750 lbs lead, and 600 flints be provided. The committee of inspection shall pro- vide provisions and all other necessaries for the poor upon any special emergency. That 50 men be en- listed to be ready at a minute's warning, and pd. 3s. a week for exercising two half days a week, and 6 dolls, bounty if called out of town. The officers to have the same as Rehoboth pays their officers." ' That we keep a post to ride to Boston (and leave it to the selectmen how often) for the best intelligence that can be had there." May 22. Chose a committee of regulation and in- spection. "The Town will secure and defend the said committee and empower them to follow and ob- serve such directions as they shall receive from time to time from the Provincial Congress or Committee of Safety." Five shillings penalty was imposed for wasting a charge of powder, and the offender's ammunition was forfeited to the town. April, 1777. "Voted, in addition to what the Gen- eral Court pays, £20 to every soldier enlisted in the Continental service for three years or the war;" sub- sequently restricted to " those credited to the quota of the town." Later the town treasurer was allowed to pay what he chose to secure men for the quota, " and the town will make him complete satisfaction for his trouble therein." Chose a committee to provide for the families of " soldiers in the Continental service." Jan. 5, 1778. " Voted that inoculation shall not be set up in Swansea, by a unanimous vote." January 26th. " Voted that inoculation shall be set up in Swansea ;" also to provide a hospital. Voted to buy one hundred bushels corn for soldiers' families. Voted six pounds to the treasurer for his services.. June 1st. " The selectmen shall provide warlike stores for every man in the town and distribute the same at their discretion." June 23, 1778. " By unanimous vote promised : " 1. To turn out upon all alarms against the enemy. " 2. To throw aside all partyship for the future. " 3. To return humble and hearty thanks to Gen. Sullivan for his company and good institutions. 'Voted, August 31st, to provide soldiers with shirts, stockings, and shoes." November. " Requested Gen. Sullivan to provide a guard against the enemy on Rhode Island." May, 1779. " Voted that there be a guard on each of the necks for the safety of the good people of the town ; that each man have four dollars for each night's service on guard. Capt. Philip Slead to go to the Gen- eral Court at Boston to see whether the court would make any allowance to the town for those men which the town hired to goon the line. Chose the townclerk to draw up something for Capt. Philip Slead to carry to the council." 1779. " Voted twenty-two men to guard the shores, who shall have four dollars per night, or, if they choose, two dollars with rations and Continental wages. "Voted a committee to visit Gen. Gates to see if he will provide for the safety of the town. "The Committee of Safety to go to Concord to meet with the Committee of Correspondence in Con- gress on July 14, 1779. The selectmen shall send to Boston for fire-arms." January, 1780. "Voted four thousand pounds to buy blankets, according to the order of the court, and to pay necessary expenses." June, 1780. " Voted three hundred pounds Conti- nental money to all who enlist for six months." This was at the next meeting increased to four hun- dred pounds, then to seven hundred pounds, then to one thousand pounds. Then " one hundred and twenty silver dollars" were offered, " and the select- men have power to increase the sum if necessary." 1780. " For gate and posts for the pound and put- ting up same, one hundred dollars. " Voted eleven thousand seven hundred and sixty dollars for the purchase of horses to send to Taunton by order of the General Court. " Voted one hundred and forty dollars Continen- tal money to pay for an ax ; the selectmen to have fifty dollars a day in Continental money." 1783. " Petitioned General Court for a lottery to rebuild Myles' bridge." 1785. " Chose a committee to divide the school districts to accommodate the children." 1791. For representative to Congress, one hundred and seventy-seven votes were cast, of which Bishop had one hundred and seventy-one votes. 1804. Presidential election ; the electoral ticket headed by James Sullivan had one hundred and sixty-one, and that headed by David Cobb, four votes. Sept. 4, 1804. Election for State officers: John Hancock, Esq., for Governor, seventeen votes ; James Boardman, Esq., Lieutenant-Governor, seventeen votes; Thomas Durefey, Esq., councilor, seventeen votes ; Walter Spooner, Esq., councilor, eleven votes ; Ephraim Starkweather, Esq., councilor, seventeen votes; Nathaniel Leonard, Esq., councilor, six votes. 656 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Pioneer Schools.— Dec. 19, 1673. " It was voted and ordered, nemine eontradicente, that a school be forthwith set up in this town for the teaching of gram- mar, rhetoric, and arithmetic, and the tongues of Latin, Greek, and Hebrew; also to read English and to write, and that a salary of forty pounds per annum in current country pay, which passeth from man to man, be duly paid from time to time, and at all times hereafter, and that John Myles, the present pastor of the church here assembling be the schoolmaster." 1698. 1 — Jonathan Bosworth was employed as teacher at £18, one- fourth in money and the rest in provisions at money prices. 1702. Tbe town was fined £5 for not having a school, and employed John Devotion at £12 and diet, and £20 for keeping a horse. (Terms of school were kept in different parts of the town.) The next year his pay was £16 ; in 1709 he was employed for six years ; in 1715 for twenty years more. Miles' Bridge — Lottery. — One of the earliest bridges erected in this section of Bristol County was the one at this point. It is impossible at this late day to ascertain the exact date of the building of the first bridge at this point, but it was doubtless in the early part of the last century, for the Provincial stat- utes of 1736-37 refer to abridge called Miles' Bridge in a country road had theretofore been constructed and had fallen into decay, and the towns of Swansea and Barrington were ordered " to build a good and substantial cart bridge across the said river in the country road aforesaid where the said bridge did stand." The present iron bridge was built in 1878. It is seventy-five feet long, and rests on two abutments with wing walls. In 1749 an act was passed allowing the town of Swansea to raise funds by lottery for the rebuilding of this bridge, as follows : "The Pboyince of the Massachusetts Bay, " Dec. 11, 1749. •' An act to allow the toicn of Swansea, in the county of Bristol, to set up and carry on a lottenj for the rebuilding and keeping in repair Miles' Bridge in said town : " Whereas, By a law of this province made iu the sixth year of the reign of his late Majesty King George the First, entitled, ' An act to suppress lotteries;' and another law made in the sixth year of his pres- ent Majesty's reign, in addition to the aforesaid act, the setting up or carrying on lotteries are suppressed, unless allowed by act of Parliament or law of this province ; and " Whereas, The said town of Swansea have represented their inability of rebuilding and keeping in repair the great bridge and causeway in said town, called Miles' Bridge, by reason great part of said town is taken off to Rhode Island by the late settlement of the boundary line betwixt the two governments, and pray the allowance of setting up and carrying on a lottery in said town for that purpose,— " Be it therefore enacted by the Lieutenant- Governor, Council, and House of Representatives : "Sec. 1. That the said town of Swansea be and hereby is allowed and authorized to set up and carry on a lottery within said town for the use and purpose aforesaid, of the amount of twenty-five thousand pounds, old tenor, drawing out of such prize ten per cent., and said town be em- 1 From records of town condensed. powered to make rules for the regular and practicable proceeding in said affair, and to appoint times and places, and meet persons for managers therein, who shall be sworn to the faithful discharge of their trust. " And in order to prevent any bubble or cheats happening to the pur- chasers or drawers of the tickets, " Be it further enacted : " Sec. 2. That said Swansea shall be answerable to the purchasers or drawers of the tickets for any deficiency or misconduct of the managers, according to the true intent of lotteries." Deputies and Representatives from 1670 to 1884" have been as follows : 1670, John Allen; 1671-72, James Brown; 1674-75, Hugh Cole; 1677- 79, Samuel Luther; 1680, Hugh Cole; 1681-82, Obadiah Brown; 1683-86, Hugh Cole; 168S, Lieut. Timothy Brooks and William Howard; 1691, Capt. John Brown; 1692, "Representatives to a great and general court or assembly to be held at ye town-house in Boston," Capt. John Brown and Mr. Samuel Newman ; 1693, Eben- ezer Brenton; 1697, Ensign Joseph Kent; 169S-1705, Ephraim Peirce; 1706, Hezekiah Luther; 1707-8, Joseph Mason; 1709-10, Ephraim Pierce; 1711-12, John Thomas; 1716-18, John Rogers, Esq.; 1720, Joseph Mason, Jr., and William Salisbury; 1724, Capt. John Brown; 1726-27, Eph. Pierce; 1728, Hugh Cole; 1730-33, Jo- seph Mason, Jr.; 1736, Justice BrandfOrd, Esq.: 173S, Justis Ma- son; 1739, William Anthony; 1741, Mr. Ezek. Brown; 1743, Perez Brandford, Esq. ; 1744, " Voted not to have a Representative;" 1745, Ezek. Brown ; 1746, Mr. Caleb Luther ; 1747-50, Mr. Ezek. Brown ; 1751-52, William Slade; 1754, John Anthony ; 1756, William Slade; 1757-58, John Anthony; 1759-74, Jeruthamel Bowers; 1775, " Jer- uthamel Bowers and Philip Slead to represent the Town in the Pro- vincial Congress, and that these two persons have no more than the wages of one ;" 1777, Col. Andrew Cole and Mr. Philip Slead ; 1778, Col. Edward Anthony; 1779, Philip Slead and Israel Barney; "Is- rael Barney, delegate to the Convention at Concord in October;" " Capt. Philip Slead and Mr. John Mason, delegates to represent the town at Cambridge in forming a new constitution ;" 1780, 1783, Ju- rathamel Bowers, " John Richmond to go to Boston the first Wednes- day of June;" 1781-82, voted not to send a Representative ; 1784, Sim- eon Potter ; 1785-86, Christopher Mason; 1787, Christopher Mason and James Luther; 1789-18 3, Christopher Mason; 1806-7, Daniel Hale; 1809-10, Daniel Hale and Edward Mason; 1811-12, Daniel Hale and Benanuel Marvel; 1813-19, Daniel Hale; 1820, Dr. John Winslow; 1821-22, John Mason; 1823-25, Benanuel Marvel; 1S26, Benjamin Taylor; 1827, Daniel Halo and John Buffington. "Voted that D. Hale be instructed to attend the Legislature, and if in his opinion it is necessary for John Buffi ngton to attend, he must write or send to him, and he is instructed to attend if called for;" 1828, John Mason and John Buffington. May, 1829, " Voted to exonerate John Mason from paying into the Treasury tbe sum generally ex- pended in treating the inhabitants of the town at a choice of rep- resentatives, which he agreed to at his election in 1828." 1829, Luther Baker and Benajah Mason. " Voted, That the Reps be in- structed to oppose all RR. constructed at the expense of the State." 1830, L. Baker and B. Mason : 1831, John Earl and B. Mason ; 1832, Benanuel Marvel; 1833, B. Marvel and John Earl; 1834, James Cornell; 1835, .1. Cornell and Geur^e Austin; 1S36-37, George Mason; 1838-39, Artemas Stebbins; 1840, Jonathan It. Brown; 1841-42, Stephen Buffington; 1843, James Cornell; 1844-45, Philip M. Marvel; 1846-47, Jonathan Barney; 1848-49, Ezra P. Short; 1850, William T. Chase; 1851, Daniel Edson ; 1852, no choice; 1853, Horatio Peck; 1854, Allen Mason; 1855, Benjamin S. Earl; 1856, voted not to send a representative. Representatives from the district, residents of Swansea : 1859, Edward F. Gardner; 1862, W. H. Pearse ; 1865, Ezra P. Short; 1868, Rufus Slade; 1871, Joh Gardner; 1S74, Nathan M. Wood; 1878, James E. Estabrooks; 1882, James H. Mason ; 1883, Job M. Leonard. 2 Compiled by Rev. J. W. Osborn. SWANSEA. 657 CHAPTER LIV. SWANSEA.— (Continued.) PIONEER HISTORY— KING PHILIP'S WAR. The following chapter was contributed by Hon. George B. Loring, being an address delivered by him in this town in 1875, at the two hun- dredth anniversary of the massacre of the inhabitants during King Philip's war. " My Friends and Fellow-Citizens, — I have accepted your invitation to deliver this address on the occasion of the second centennial anniversary of the great tragic event in the history of your town with extreme reluctance and with many misgivings. I cannot expect to share with you all those hallowed memories which spring up in your minds and warm your hearts whose homes are on this spot, whose an- cestors repose beneath this sod, whose hearthstones are here, whose eyes have beheld the domestic scenes, and whose hearts have felt the joys and sorrows which make up the story you would most gladly hear to-day. To you who enjoy this spot as home, the church, this village-green, these farm-houses, every field and wooded hill, the highway and the by-path, the valley and the brook, all tell a tale of tender interest, to you who remember the events of childhood here, to you who to-day return from long wandering, to you who have remained and have brought this munici- pality on to an honorable era in its history, to you who turn aside to linger over the grave of a beloved pa- rent, and to you who still pause and drop a tear on that little mound where your child has lain so long, and from which through all the years that have passed since it left you its sweet voice has been heard, re- minding you of your duty in this world, and assuring you of the peace and joy of the world to come. To me, indeed, the domestic record of this town, the most sacred record to you, is, as it were, a sealed vol- ume, open only to my gaze as a member of the same human family with yourselves, and as one feeling that common sympathy which binds as with a silver cord all the sons of God into one great brotherhood. While, therefore, I cannot intrude upon the sacred- ness of your firesides, nor claim a seat in your do- mestic circle, nor expect to be admitted within the railing of your altar, I can call to your minds those events in the history of your town which have estab- lished its intimate relations with that interesting ex- periment of society and state which has been worked out on this continent during the last two hundred years. " In celebrating the two hundredth anniversary of a great historic incident in the history of a New England town, the peculiar and extraordinary nature of a civil organization of this kind should not be forgotten, especially by those who enjoy the high privileges which belong to it. To many nationalities and peoples a town means nothing more than a clus- ter of houses surrounded by a wall and fortified, or the realm of a constable, or the seat of a church. But 42 to us in New England the town was in the beginning, as it is now, the primary organization, sovereign in itself. ' The colonists had no sooner formed a settle- ment and erected their cabins in convenient prox- imity to each other than they organized themselves a town, an independent municipality, in which every citizen had a voice and a vote.' The first duty of this organization, in the minds of our fathers, was the es- tablishment of a church, and the erection of a meet- ing-house and a school-house received their earliest care and attention. It is remarkable and interesting: to see how in the little municipalities of New Eng- land all the rights of citizenship were cherished, and how silently and unostentatiously all the elements of a free State were fixed and developed. Starting away from the original colonies, they planted themselves in the wilderness, and assumed at once the duty of independent organizations. Their citizens in town- meeting assembled had the control of all matters re- lating to their civil and criminal jurisdiction. In the New England colonies the towns were combined in counties long after their establishment and repre- sentation as towns, so that the county here was a col- lection of towns rather than the town a sub-division of a county. This system of town organization is maintained throughout New England to the present day, constituting one of the most interesting features of the civil polity of this section of our country. Says Barry, in his ' History of Massachusetts,' ' Each (town) sustained a relation to the whole analogous to that which the States of our Union hold respec- tively to the central power or the Constitution of the United States.' Says Palfrey, in his 'History of New England,' ' With something of the same pro- priety with which the nation may be said to be a confederacy of republics called States, each New England State may be described as a confederacy of minor republics called towns.' Neither in New York, with its great landed properties, at first held and occupied by a kind of feudal tenure and after- ward with its counties, nor in the Western States, where the town survey carries with it no local politi- cal authority, nor in the South, where the county or- ganization is the one which governs local matters, can be found that form of self-government which gives the New England towns their individuality, and which has enabled them to enroll their names on the brightest pages of American history. How in the olden time they cherished the church and built the meeting-house ! How they fostered education and erected the school-house! How they selected their wisest and bravest men for the public councils ! How they resolved for freedom in open town-meeting! How they hurled defiance at the oppressor, and sprang up an army of defiant communities, each one feeling its responsibility and ready and anxious to assume it! Would you study the valor of your coun- try in its early days ? — go to the town records of New England. Would you learn where the leaders and 658 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. statesmen were taught their lesson of independence and nationality? — read the recorded resolves of the New England towns. " The origin and organization of these New Eng- land towns were by no means uniform. In some instances they were founded immediately on the landing of the colonists out of lands conferred upon them by their charter ; in other instances they were made up by grants of land to an offshoot from the parent colony, whose enterprise consisted in organiz- ing a new town ; in other instances grants of land made from time to time to individuals and corpora- tions for farms and other purposes, which grants were consolidated into townships. " The proprietors and settlers on the lands of Swan- sea, a name derived from the town of Swansea, in Wales, from whence came the Rev. John Miles, the first minister, in 1663, secured their title to the land here from the Plymouth Court, or by Indian deeds confirmed by grants from this court. For a long time this power was exercised by the Plymouth Colony, and it not only extended its possessions in the direc- tion of Mount Hope, whose lands were vastly more attractive than those lying towards Cape Cod, but they were in constant controversy with the colony of Massachusetts Bay with regard to the boundary line separating them along the towns of Hingham and Cohasset. The lands lying within the limits of Swan- sea, which then included Somerset and Barrington, were in this manner conveyed to Governor Bradford, Samuel Newman, Peregrine White, Josiah Winslow, Governor Prince, and others, and were by them held in joint-stock companies, and sold to those who de- sired to become actual settlers. It is the record of these sales, kept by the clerk of the court at Plym- outh, and constituting each proprietor's title to the lands which he sold and each settler's title to the lands which he occupied, that lies at the foundation of that system of land-holding known now as being peculiar to America, and as the commercial in contra- distinction to the feudal tenure, — a system in which our Pilgrim fathers were more than two centuries ahead of the times in which they lived. To this liberal system, through which has grown, up the division and sub-division of land in New England from the earliest period of its history, I always turn with pride, as I do with pride and gratitude to that provision made in every colony for endowing with landed possessions the institutions of religion and learning. But, in addition to this, to Swansea be- longs the curious distinction of having organized a division of lands based upon ranks and orders in society. The selection of a committee of five persons to classify society, and to indicate how much land the members of each class shall hold, with power also to elevate and to degrade according to their pleasure, is a novelty in popular institutions confined, I am happy to learn, to this town, and abolished, when its despotic and feudal characteristics became kn^wn and understood, with more promptness than it was adopted. Possessed, however, of lands in this manner, and un- doubtedly drawn together by a catholic and gentle religious sentiment, the Rev. Mr. Miles, Capt. Thomas Willett, James Brown, John Allen, and others, about the year 1667, organized a separate town corporation under the name of New Swansea. Mr. Miles was one of the pure-minded, earnest, liberal religious leaders of his day, — a man full of religious tolera- tion, based upon a firm and abiding religious faith. Thomas Willett was an energetic, brave, intelligent, and cultivated friend of the Pilgrims both in Eng- land and Holland, and was considered to be a fit successor of Miles Standish in the command of the Plymouth militia, — a man equal to any heroic occa- sion, any emergency calling for high moral and men- tal powers. John Brown stands by the side of Capt. Willett, his peer in all those qualities which ennoble and dignify mankind. He, too, was brave, intelli- gent, and pious, — a model of those great men upon whom has fallen from age to age the high duty of founding states and empires. It was these men, with their associates, who erected that first primitive church on New Meadow Neck, and provided liberally for the education of the children of the town, upon whom were to fall the obligations and services of Church and State, and in all these things they did their work well. In church the Rev. John Miles toiled on for more than twenty years, setting an ex- ample of fidelity, purity, charity, and honesty worthy of all imitation, and securing for his name such im- mortality on earth as grateful man can bestow. " From the simple and unostentatious institution of learning stepped forth Samuel Myles, a graduate of Harvard, and for forty years an able and be- loved rector of King's Chapel, Boston. With what thrift and economy were the meeting-house and the school-house of that day erected ! With what slender stipend were the laborers in those vineyards re- warded ! What the Rev. Mr. Miles received does not appear, but, among the schoolmasters, Mr. Bosworth got twenty pounds per annum for his services ; Mr. John Devotion, twelve pounds, agreeing also to pay for his diet, and to allow him twenty pounds for the keeping of his horse. "Of the motives and manners and customs of those who founded this town let me here say a word. They formed a part of that large body of dissenters who under various names came to New England and set- tled the colonies of Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay. They came, it is true, to enjoy religious free- dom, but they also sought a civil organization founded upon the right of every man to a voice in the govern- ment under which he lives. In the charter of all the towns granted by the General Court it was provided that the grantees were 'to procure and maintain an able orthodox minister amongst them,' and to build a meeting-house ' within three years.' This was their i motive. In all their customs they were obliged o SWANSEA. 659 exercise the utmost simplicity, and they voluntarily regulated their conduct by those formal rules which, in their day, constituted the Puritan's guide through the world. We are told, as an illustration of their character and manners, that by the laws of the colony in 1651 'dancing at weddings' was forbidden. In 1660. ' William Walker was imprisoned a month for courting a maid without the leave of her parents.' " In 1675, because ' there is manifest pride in ap- pearing in our streets,' the wearing of 'long hair or periwigs,' and also 'superstitious ribands,' used to tie up and decorate the hair, were forbidden under severe penalties. Men, too, were forbidden to ' keep Christmas,' because it was a 'popish custom.' In 1677 an act was passed to prevent ' the profaneness' of 'turning the back upon the public worship before it is finished and the blessing pronounced.' Towns were directed to erect ' a cage' near the meeting- house, and in this all offenders against the sanctity of the Sabbath were confined. At the same time children were directed to be placed in a particular part of the meeting-house, apart by themselves, and tithingmen were ordered to be chosen, whose duty it should be to take care of them. So strict were they in their observance of the Sabbath that John Ather- ton, a soldier of Col. Tyng's company, was fined by him ' forty shillings' for ' wetting a piece of an old hat to put into his shoes,' which chafed his feet upon the march, and those who neglected to attend meet- ing for three months were publicly whipped. Even in Harvard College students were whipped for grave offenses in the chapel, in presence of students and professors, and prayers were had before and after the infliction of the punishment. As the settlers of Swan- sea are described as being of ' sober and orderly con- versation,' we may suppose that these laws and cus- toms were in this town rigidly enforced. "Perhaps a word upon the subsistence and diet of your ancestors may interest you here. Palfrey tells us that 'in the early days of New England wheaten bread was not so common as it afterwards became, but its place was largely supplied by preparations of Indian corn. A mixture of two parts of the meal of this grain with one part of rye has continued until far into the present century to furnish the bread of the great body of the people. In the beginning there was but a sparing consumption of butcher's meat. The multiplication of flocks for their wool, and of herds for draught and for milk was an important care, and they generally bore a high money value. Game and fish to a considerable extent supplied the want of ani- mal food. Next to these, swine and poultry, fowls, ducks, geese, and turkeys were in common use earlier than other kinds of flesh meat. The New Englander of the present time, who, in whatever rank of life, would be at a loss without his tea or Coffee twice at least in every day, pities the hardships of his ances- tors, who almost universally for a century and a half made their morning and evening repast on boiled In- dian meal and milk, or on porridge, or broth made of peas or beans and flavored by being boiled with salted beef or pork. Beer, however, which was brewed in families, was accounted a necessary of life, and the orchards soon yielded a bountiful provision of cider. Wine and rum found a ready market as soon as they were brought from abroad, and tobacco and legislation had a long conflict, in which the latter at last gave way. " Population.— It is difficult to realize how feeble and few were the colonists at the time when this town was passing out of its confederation of farms into an organized corporation. There were then probably in New England from forty thousand to forty-five thou- sand English people. Of this number twenty-five thousand may have belonged to Massachusetts, ten thousand to Connecticut as newly constituted, five thousand to Plymouth, and three thousand to Ehode Island. They inhabited ninety towns, of which four were in Rhode Island, twelve in Plymouth, twenty- two in Connecticut, and the rest in Massachusetts. . . . Connecticut, according to the account sent home by the royal commissioners, had many scattering towns not worthy of their names, and a scholar to their minister in every town or village. In Rhode Island, they said, were the best English grass and most sheep, the ground very fruitful, ewes bringing ordinarily two lambs, corn yielding eighty for one, and in some places they had had corn twenty-six years together without manuring. In this province only they had not any places set apart for the wor- ship of God, there being so many sub-divided sects they could not agree to meet together in one place, but, according to their several judgments, they some- times associated in one house, sometimes in another. In Plymouth it was the practice to pursuade men, sometimes to compel them to be freemen, so far were they from hindering any. They had about twelve small towns, one saw-mill for boards, one bloomery for iron, neither good river nor good harbor nor any place of strength ; they were so poor they were unable to maintain scholars to their ministers, but were ne- cessitated to make use of a gifted brother in some places. The commodities of Massachusetts were fish, which was sent into France, Spain, and the Straits, pipe-staves, masts, fir-boards, some pitch and tar, pork, beef, horses, and corn, which they sent to Vir- ginia, Barbadoes, etc., and took tobacco and sugar for payment, which they often sent for England. There was good store of iron made in this province. In the Piscataqua towns were excellent masts gotten, . . . and upon the river were above twenty saw-mills, and there were great stores of pipe-staves made, and great store of good timber spoiled. In Maine there were but few towns, and those much scattered. They were rather farms than towns. In the Duke of York's province, beyond the Kennebec, there were three small plantations, the biggest of which had not above thirty houses in it, and these very mean ones too, 660 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. and spread over eight miles at least. Those people were, for the most part, fishermen, and never had any government among them ; most of them were such as had fled hither to avoid justice. " In Boston, the principal town of the country, the houses were generally wooden, the streets crooked, with little decency and no uniformity; and there neither months, days, seasons of the year, churches, nor inns were known by their English names. At Cambridge they had a wooden college, and in the yard a brick pile of two bayes for the Indians, where the commissioners saw but one. They said they had three more at school. It might be feared this college might afford as many schismatics to the church, and the corporation as many rebels to the king as for- merly they had done if not timely prevented. " As a part of the social and civil organization which I have described, the old town of Swansea is full of interest and significance ; but as the home of the Rev. John Myles, it is connected with some of the most important religious movements of a time made illustrious by its great protests, and by its heroic de- votion to freedom of conscience in matters of church and state. John Myles was a Baptist, born in a re- gion which had long afforded protection to the perse- cuted and oppressed, and which was the birthplace of Roger Williams and Oliver Cromwell. A leader of his denomination in Wales, he exercised great power among the churches there and in England; was among the first to suffer from the tyranny of Charles II. after the restoration, and also among the first to seek freedom to worship God on these shores. With Nicholas Tawner, Obediah Brown, John Thomas, and others, he came to America, bringing with him the doctrines of his church in Wales, a devoted heart, and a calm and undying courage. Taught by the experience of Obediah Holmes, who was excommunicated by the church in Salem in 1646, who was cruelly condemned by the court at Boston to suffer punishment with thirty lashes from a three-corded whip for preaching heresy to the brethren in Lynn, but who when complained of before the Plymouth Court was simply directed to 'refrain from practices disagreeable to the brethren,' taught, morever, by the similar experience of Roger Williams that the rights of conscience were not uni- versally respected even in New England, he betook himself to this region of liberality where we now sit, and founded here the second Baptist Church in America, the first having been gathered not long pre- vious at Rehoboth, in the house of John Butterworth. It was, however, from the church in Swansea that the first Holy Covenant emanated, a broad and liberal document, in which, with profound piety and the warmest Christian charity, it is declared that, " So we are ready to accept of, receive to, and hold com- munion with all such as by a judgment of charity we conceive to be fellow-members with us in our head, Christ Jesus, though differing from us in such controversial points as are not absolutely and essen- tially necessary to salvation." It is difficult to realize in this day the difficulties which surrounded such generous sentiments as these, and the bitter persecu- tion exercised towards their advocates when John Myles sought shelter within the narrow domain of the Plymouth Colony, and availed himself of the only liberal jurisdiction then on earth — the Plymouth Court — for the protection of himself and his followers. And we are filled with wonder and admiration at the powerful influence exercised through all the ages that have followed by this narrow Pilgrim empire of inde- pendent conscience, religious freedom, and human ele- vation and equality. The pages of history are crowded with records of national power and renown, and of personal heroism, genius, and greatness, but they all surrender now to the immortal force of that little col- ony which set the first example of self-government, and in an age of various and constant persecution laid down the law of personal freedom and right. What a noble instance of true devotion to the high- est principle it was when the followers of John Rob- inson, of Leyden, Calvinists all, opened their doors to the followers of Roger Williams and John Myles, and manifested their grand conception of the true meaning of religious toleration ! What a lesson they taught the world ! And how, as by the guidance of the Divine Father, who ' maketh His sun to rise on the evil and the good,' did they secure to themselves an eternal association with the radiant progress of civil and religious freedom ! When the Pilgrim at Plymouth gave the protection of his little colony to the Baptist driven from his home among the moun- tains of Wales, he took to his heart the pioneers of human progress and assertion, and became one in an immortal copartnership engaged in liberalizing and humanizing and elevating the church and the state; for of their associates in this great work, the friends of Roger Williams and John Myles, Sir Isaac New- ton says, ' The Baptists are the only body of Chris- tians that has not symbolized with the Church of Rome.' Of them Bancroft says, ' With greater con- sistency than Luther, they applied the doctrines of the Reformation to the social positions of life, and threatened an end to priestcraft and kingcraft, spirit- ual domination, titles, and vassalage. They were trodden under foot with most arrogant scorn, and their history is written in the blood of thousands of the German peasantry, but their principle, secure in their immortality, escaped with Roger Williams to Providence, and his colony is witness that naturally the paths of the Baptists are paths of freedom, pleas- antness, and peace.' Of them Mr. Locke has said, 'The Baptists were from the beginning the friends of liberty, just and true liberty, equal and impartial liberty.' Of them Dr. Williams says, 'To this body English liberty owes a debt it can never ac- knowledge. Among the Baptists Christian freedom found its earliest, its stanchest, its most consistent, SWANSEA. 661 and its most disinterested champions.' Of them Judge Story says, ' In the code of laws established by them in Rhode Island we read for the first time since Christianity ascended the throne of the Caesars the declaration that conscience should be free, and men -should not be punished for worshiping God in the way they were persuaded He requires.' Of them the world may now say that their spirit has become the spirit of Christianity, and in the light of freedom which poured from their humble abodes all denomi- nations, all forms of faith, all believers walk, sup- ported and bound together by one sublime sentiment that they are all ' heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.' " Casting our eyes now over the numerous colonies which two hundred years ago had been organized on this continent, and which were engaged in all the various enterprises for which colonies'are founded, we should naturally expect for this fair section of the Old Colony, founded as it was on the doctrine of ' peace on earth and good will to men,' an immunity from those conflicts with hostile savages which per- plexed and distressed and threatened to destroy many of their less humane and more worldly-minded neigh- bors. The lands which the colonists occupied here had been secured by fair and honest purchase, and, with the exception of the natural antagonism be- tween a stern and high-toned and self-sacrificing and self-respecting form of humanity and a wild and abo- riginal and selfish and cruel and self-indulgent and low-minded and hollow-hearted product of a society without principle or regulation or thought or high purpose, with the exception of antagonism like this between man in the image of his Maker and man in the image of a beast, the relations existing between the early settlers of this town and their savage pre- decessors were such as seemed to promise long-con- tinued and unbroken peace. But to the wild man of the woods, who carried his law in his quiver, and toma- hawked his enemy with impunity, and knew neither hearthstone nor altar, and drove his squaw from the servitude and social vulgarity and filth of a wigwam to the toil and heat and weariness of the cornfield, the just punishment of crime and a rebuke for a mis- demeanor were equivalent to a declaration of war and an attack. "And so when Sausaman, an Indian of the Massa- chusetts tribe, a disciple of Eliot, was murdered and his body concealed beneath the ice in a pond at Mid- dleborough, and his murderers brought to justice, Philip, of Mount Hope, considered it a sufficient reason for a rapid development of the murderous hostilities for which he had long been preparing. Loaded with broken promises, black with treachery and deceit, thirsting for the blood of those whose ad- vancing civilization he saw was developing all the arts of peace and the health and joy and strength of civilized society upon the lands from which his own debauched and war-stricken and plague-stricken tribes were gradually being exterminated, he struck that fearful blow which fell two hundred years ago upon this devoted town. It was on a day of fasting and humiliation and of prayer to Almighty God that He would avert the horrors of the impending war, the 24th of June, 1675, that the savage made his second attack on the town. The people here had been lulled into confidence and repose by a consciousness of their own honest intentions, and by daily familiar inter- course with the aboriginal occupants of the wigwams which crowned these hills and sought seclusion and protection in these valleys. The old men here had taught themselves to believe that their gray hairs were safe and respected, the young men had con- fidently applied their strength to a better service than the work of war, the mother had long since laid aside all fear for the safety of her child, the child had not yet learned that the red-skinned maiden was her natural foe when the mask fell from the face of the savage and his cruel and infernal designs became manifest. The doors of the little church had just closed, and the worshipers were returning to their homes, heavy with the thought of the danger which hung over them like a dark and threatening cloud, when the attack was made. We are told that one was killed and others were wounded ; two men were killed who were sent for a surgeon, and near Bourn's garrison six more were murdered, upon whose bodies the savages ' exercised more than brutish barbarities, beheading, dismembering, and mangling them and exposing them in the most inhuman manner, which gashed and ghastly objects struck a damp on all be- holders.' " The war became general throughout the Massachu- setts and Plymouth Colonies. Philip, subtile, vindic- tive, ambitious, and desperate, united all the tribes from the waters of the bay to the Connecticut River in what he called a desperate struggle for the land of his fathers. For a time the conflict was confined to the Plymouth Colony, and Middleborough, Taunton, and Dartmouth had suffered from attacks, but Philip's emissaries were everywhere. An attempt of the Eng- lish to treat with the Nipmunks resulted in a most bloody and disastrous fight at Brookfiekl. The In- dians in the valley of the Connecticut entered the field, and Hadley, Hatfield, and Deerfield, Long Meadow and Westfield, Springfield and Northamp- ton, all suffered severely. Even the ' Praying' Indians, who for a long time either aided the English or were neutral, began to join the warlike bands of Philip. The commissioners of the colonies found it necessary to issue a declaration of war, and agreed to raise a • thousand troops, of which Massachusetts was to raise five hundred and twenty-seven, Plymouth one hun- dred and fifty-eight, and Connecticut three hundred and fifteen. Plymouth promptly responded. Maj. Cudworth was chosen commander-in-chief. A com- mittee was appointed to take an account of the charges of the war, ' the salaries of the commanders and 662 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. common soldiers' were fixed, ' and during the time of danger it was ordered that every one should take his arms to meeting on the Lord's day until further notice, furnished with at least five charges of powder and shot, under penalty of 20s. for every default.' The 2d of December, 1675, was designated by the several courts as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer throughout the colonies, and on the 8th the Massa- chusetts troops under Maj. Appleton, the Plymouth forces under Maj. Bradford, and the Connecticut forces under Maj. Treat set forth to unite upon an attack upon the Narragansett country, the home and head- quarters of the hostile Indians. The hardships of that winter march through deep snows, the murderous fire of the savages from their fort, in assaulting which Johnson and Davenport, two of the bravest officers from Massachusetts, fell, the deadly conflict within the walls of the fortification, the fiendish warfare of the savages, their desperate struggles, their final rout, the destruction of their entire settlement, in which five hundred wigwams were burnt, and their corn, stores, and utensils were destroyed, and many of their men, women, and children perished miserably, form a picture of colonial trials and distresses from which we turn our eyes in horror, and whose shadows still fall darkly across this fair land. ' The war was now transferred to the interior. The winter campaign was trying beyond words to express, the Indians declaring that they would ' fight to the last man rather than become servants to the English,' and the colonies feeling that they were struggling for their very existence. Lancaster and Groton became battle-grounds, Marlborough was burned, the un- speakable horrors of Long Meadow were enacted, the slaughter at Sudbury filled the colonies with dismay, sorrow returned to the homes of the Pil- grims, Plymouth was attacked, and the remainder of the village of Middleborough was devoted to destruction ; the valley of the Connecticut was again ablaze, the stream ran blood, and before midsummer of 167G, after less than one year of war, Massachu- setts and Plymouth presented one sad and sicken- ing scene of the atrocities of savage warfare. It is difficult now to describe it. A people thinly scattered over the pleasant land, exposed, feeble, and few, are suddenly swept by wild and raging war. The sky was red with the flames of burning towns and hamlets, the forests rung with the shrieks of agonized women, the piteous appeals of children torn from their mothers' arms, the yells of triumphant savages, all commingling to tell those dark and dis- mal solitudes the fearful story of man's inhumanity to man. The tale of suffering is sad indeed. At least thirteen towns were wholly destroyed, more than six hundred stalwart and brave men of the colonists fell upon the battle-field, many of the sur- vivors were disabled by wounds received in the des- perate and bloody encounters, almost every family had a sufferer, more than six hundred buildings were consumed by fire, and the feeble and exhausted colonies, — poor indeed before the war, but poverty- stricken after it, — were left with a heavy and bur- densome war debt. When, on the 12th of August, 1676, Philip fell and the war ended, a land bowed down with grief, and hung everywhere with, the drapery of war, turned prayerfully to God, and en- tered once more upon its work of peace aud progress. " As we rehearse this story of suffering and valor, my friends, how our hearts are filled with respect for the high qualities which enabled the liberty-loving founders of this town to bear themselves with self- possession through such trying scenes. We muse upon a life like theirs, and we learn how heroes are made and sturdy and heroic people are born. The possession of those high moral and religious faculties which belonged to your ancestors seemed to be assur- ance enough that human rights would always find here warm and uncompromising defenders, and the highest doctrines of government and society would find able and fearless advocates; but from the events which fill with romantic interest the early pages of your history we may learn once more how in every crisis American nationality and American institutions would find here eager and ever-ready defenders. And so it has proved. The experience of the old Indian wars has not been in vain. Do you turn with amaze- ment to that little armed band gathered at midnight on the green at Lexington? Are you filled with wonder and admiration at the calm courage of the men of action at the bridge at Concord ? Do you look with breathless astonishment upon the self-pos- session displayed by the patriots at Bunker Hill before the imposing approach of the veteran troops of Eng- land? Remember, then, that the citizen-soldiery of Concord and Lexington and Bunker Hill were heirs of the blood and traditions of the great Indian cam- paigns, and that many a Revolutionary soldier learned his lessons at Louisburg and Quebec. The land was filled with men who had seen service, or whose sires and grandsires had told them of the adventures, ' the hair-breadth 'scapes' of those wild, wintry forest cam- paigns. Were they the rangers of the old French war ? "The half-tamed savage, borrowing from civiliza- tion nothing but its maddening vices and destructive weapons, was their sworn enemy. Huntsmen at once and soldiers, their supply of provisions on many of their excursions was the fortune of the chase and a draught from the mountain stream that froze as it trickled from the rocks. Instead of going into quar- ters when the forest put on its sere autumnal uniform of scarlet and gold, winter, Canadian winter, dreary midwinter, on frozen lakes, through ice-bound forests from which the famished deer, chased by the gaunt wolf, was fain to fly to the settlement, called the poor rangers to their field of duty. . . . Not only was the foe they sought armed with the tomahawk and the scalping-knife, but the tortures of the fagot aud the stake were in reserve for the prisoner who, for wounds SWANSEA. 663 or distance, or any other cause, could not readily be sold into an ignominious slavery among the Canadian French. . . . There could not have been less than twenty or thirty of the citizens of Lexington who had learned the art of war in some department or another of the military colonial service. They had tasted its horrors in the midnight surprise of the savage foe, and they had followed the banners of victory under the old provincial leaders, Gridley and Thomas, and Buggies and Frye, up to the ramparts of Quebec. No wonder they started again at the sound of the trumpet ; no wonder that men who had followed the mere summons of allegiance and loyalty to the shores of Lake Champlain and the banks of the St. Law- rence should obey the cry of instinct which called them to defend their homes. The blood which was not too precious to be shed on the Plains of Abraham in order to wrest a distant colony from the dominion of France might well be expected to flow like water in defense of all that is so dear to man. And so the sons of the old warriors of this town served their country well in the great war of independence. " But, my friends, while we turn with pride to the high and honorable record of this town in its early heroic days, and remember with pride the battle-fields of the Revolution, we are filled with the tenderest emotions as we rehearse the gallant deeds performed by our sons and brothers in defense of the flag during the trials and hardships of the great civil war. The events of this imposing chapter in our national his- tory have passed before our very eyes. We heard the gun Avhich was fired on Sumter; we knew the boys who fell at Baltimore ; we sat down with Grant before Yicksburg, and followed him in his weary and bloody march through the Wilderness; from our firesides went forth the men who swept through the valley with Sheridan, and traversed the victorious highway from Atlanta to the sea with Sherman, and ascended Lookout Mountain with Hooker, and sailed with Farragut and Winslow. The tears shed over the suf- ferings at Andersonville and Salisbury and the Libby are not yet dry. The widows are not gone ; the or- phans yet remain ; the wounded soldier still walks our streets. Around the memory of many who are gone, and around the lives of many who are still with us cluster all the glories of that conflict, all its vic- tories and defeats, all its joys and sorrows, all its gloomy morning hours, all the brilliant achievements for freedom which mark its close, and all the gentle associations which soften the savagery of war, and which especially belong to this great conflict for human right. History has immortalized the generous and self-sacrificing deed of Sir Philip Sidney, as he Btayed the hand which would moisten his own parched and dying lip until the agony of his expiring com- rade had been relieved. Shall not history also tell of him whose last words were, ' Write to mother, and tell her I behaved well ;' of him whose glazed eye was turned upon the picture of his child so far away, held there in his stiffening grasp; of him who, defiant of wounds, rushed on to battle still, and who fell at last with this message on his lips, ' Tell my father I was dressing my line when I was hit ;' of him who clasped to his heart in its last throb the written words of her whom he loved ; of him who rejoiced in death, and only asked that he might be buried in his native town ; of him who preferred death on the picket-line to a surrender ; of the thousands who, we are told, rose superior to the agony of the hospital and declared, as the holy light irradiated their pale faces, that they could die without regret in the great and good cause ! " Shall not all this be told of the heavenly voice uttered by Christian heroes bearing to the battle-field all the moral obligations, the kind affections, the pious sentiment, the intelligent devotion of free and edu- cated Christian heroes from their Christian homes? " I congratulate this town upon the part it per- formed in the great drama of this continent, perhaps of this age. It is the same story, I know, repeated so often in the thousands of towns throughout the North, but none the less admirable and instructive. " You who sit here have not forgotten the prompt and ready response from those men who enrolled themselves for active service almost before the sun which rose on the first day of the conflict had reached midheaven ; those who started forth without count- ing the cost, obedient to a proud sense of patriotic duty, unmindful of doubt and hesitation, and forget- ful of danger and death ; those men who first taught foreign and domestic foes that the Union had its de- fenders, and who saved the capital of our country until the great armies of the war could be brought into the field. " Year after year the call was made on you, and year after year the same response was given. A hundred and thirty-four of your men were enrolled in the army and navy. Large sums were expended in bounties to the soldiers, partly contributed by pri- vate liberality and partly drawn from the treasury of the town. Your charities were large. Individuals and associated effort was unremitting in smoothing the rugged pathway of the soldier, in providing for those whom he had left behind, and in alleviating his toil on the field and his sufferings in hospital and camp. From your firesides to every battle-field was stretched the silver cord of affection and solicitude, bringing home close to your hearts the great events of the war, and binding your familiar and household names to every far-off spot in our land which the war clothed with immortal renown, for your sons were on every field, your blood was spilled in almost every conflict. "The sacrifices which you made were great. Of those who went forth twenty laid down their lives in their country's service, defending her flag on many a hard-fought field, and filled by your public declara- tions with the loftiest principles. " Of this chapter of heroism what an impressive 664 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. beginning, what a radiant close ! Far back through the generations I see thern now, those earnest and manly sons of Puritan warriors and teachers, who had filled the pulpits and town-houses and armies of our land during a century of protest and trial and self- sacrifice and defiance, rising higher and higher in their indignant sense of duty as the fierce periods of our popular Declaration were launched forth upon an approving American mind. And can you not feel with them the hot blood of the early pioneers cours- ing through their veins as the ardent appeals went on? The memory of long and weary trials in the cause of civilization there in the wilderness, of the precepts of those old teachers who were gone, of the bloody seas through which they had been brought to their great assertions of the wrongs of the past, this, and their glowing understanding of the promise of the present hour and of the future, all inspired their minds with wisdom and their hearts with courage for the oc- casion. From their humble homes they had stepped forth, not to follow but to lead, not to listen alone but to speak, not only to be taught but to teach mankind to be true to the highest demands of a free and inde- pendent spirit. It was to the voice of the popular assemblies like these that our fathers of the Revolu- tion listened. It was the wisdom of such assemblies that guided their councils and gave the American people their greatness. It was this spirit that made Swansea heroic when the first shot was fired at Lex- ington, and true and patriotic when the first gun was aimed at Sumter. "And now, my fellow-citizens, this brief and im- perfect story of the piety and heroism of your town for two centuries is told. I have not explored the deepest recesses of your annals for marks of your eccentricity, or for those personal details which, while they amuse for the hour, make no appeal to those sentiments of pride and satisfaction which should fill the breast of every man who muses by the graves and studies the high qualities of his an- cestors. "I have not forgotten the errors here, the local controversies, the short-comings, the temporary irri- tations ; but I have passed them by, and have en- deavored so to deal with your history as to fill your minds with respect for your ancestors, and with a determination to transmit in more radiant form the blessed institutions which you have inherited to those whose duty it shall be to preserve them, and to cele- brate them at the next centennial anniversary of the tragic period in the history of this town." CHAPTER LV. SWANSEA.— ( Continued.) ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. The First Baptist Church — The Non-Sectarian Christian Church — Christ Church, Swansea Village — The Six-Principle Baptist Church — The Universalist Church. The First Baptist Church in Massachusetts was constituted at Rehoboth, Bristol County, in the year 1663, in the house of John Butterworth. The names of its constituent members were John Myles, pastor; James Brown, Nicholas Tanner, Joseph Carpenter, John Butterworth, Eldad Kingsley, and Benjamin Alby. As this is the first Baptist Church formed in this State, and as its origin was peculiar, had the events of its early history been preserved, it would have been a matter of unusual interest to the Baptists of the present time. Hitherto churches of this order had been kept out of every New England colony except Rhode Island. An attempt was made to form one in 1639 in the town of Weymouth, but it was defeated by the magistrates, and those concerned in it were scattered. After this no further effort seems to have been made for more than twenty years. The history of this church possesses more than a local and temporary interest, as it relates to the reli- gious and secular interests of all this region of country for a period of more than two centuries. Indeed, its history, with that of some of its pastors, connects it with some of the most important movements in the early annals of these colonies. Several of the con- tiguous towns, including Warren and Barrington, now in Rhode Island, and Somerset in this State, formed a part of Swansea, and the people were generally in- terested in the church, many of them as members, and most of them as adherents and coadjutors. Lib- eral measures were provided for the education of the young, and for the accommodation of all the people with the means of religious instruction and worship. Among the most active of the men thus employed was "Sir. Myles and Capt. Thomas Willett, the latter, who at a later period of life became the first English mayor of New York on its cession from the Dutch. Happy would it have been for the social, educational, and moral prosperity of the town of Swansea if the same principles could have been carried to their maturity which were so nobly acted on in the first period of its history. It will be seen that the church was, in a manner, the reorganization of an exiled church driven from Swansea, in Wales ; it will therefore be necessary to go to the history of that church. It is known that from the earliest times there were many friends of Christ in that country, who were greatly multiplied after the Reformation. A little more than two hun- dred years ago a number of men of great power were raised who preached with much success, and many SWANSEA. 665 people were turned to the Lord. Among these men was Rev. John Myles, the founder of this church. He began his ministry in South Wales about the year 1645, and was instrumental in raising a church in Swansea in 1649. This was the first year of the Pro- tectorate of Oliver Cromwell, under whose govern- ment the Dissenters were indulged with greater lib- erty than before, the result of which greatly tended to the prevalence of religion. This church was greatly prospered, so that in ten or twelve years between two and three hundred were added to it. Mr. Myles seems to have accepted a support from the government, and his place was registered as thus supported. After the death of Cromwell, Charles II. came into power, and the " Act of Uniformity" was passed in 1662, by which two thousand of the best ministers were ejected from their places because they refused to conform to the Church of England. Among these non-conformist ministers was Mr. Myles. This act, and afterwards the Conventicle Act and the Oxford Act, in effect, silenced these men. This was a time of terror, and it is said that eight thousand persons were imprisoned and reduced to want, and many to the grave. In this state of things Mr. Myles emigrated to this country ; whether he was accompanied by any members of the church besides Nicholas Tanner is uncertain. By whom and for what reason the records of that church were brought here, as also the circum- stances of his departure from Wales, and his arrival in this country, are matters to us unknown. The first knowledge we gain of him in this country is that he was in Rehoboth in 1663, when this church, now known as the " First Baptist Church in Swansea," was organized. As soon as the fact of its organization and that it was maintaining the institutions of Christianity be- came known, the orthodox churches of the colony solicited the court to interpose its influence against it. This movement was probably led on by the same per- sons who instigated proceedings against Holmes, Clark, and Crandal, by which they were imprisoned, scourged, and fined in 1651 for holding public wor- ship in the town of Lynn. The same sleepless vigi- lance which had followed them pursued this little church, and each of its members were fined five pounds for setting up a public meeting without the knowledge and approbation of the court, to the disturbance of the peace of the place. They were ordered to desist from their meetings for the space of a month, and ad- vised to remove their meeting to some other place where they might not prejudice any other church. Upon this order and advice Mr. Myles and his church removed from Rehoboth to New Meadow Neck, a place south of Rehoboth, which is now Barrington, R. I. Then it was not embraced in any town. They appear to have erected a house for worship soon after their removal beyond the bounds of Rehoboth. This house seems to have been about two and a half miles from the present house, west. In 1667 the Plymouth Court granted to this church, with others, a grant of a town to be called Swansea. The grant of this town, that the Baptists might have a resting-place, shows that the Plymouth Colony was much more tolerant than the Massachusetts Colony. We now find our fathers of this church, with their pastor, free from oppression. On the incorporation of the town the church entered into covenant with each other, as appears by the covenant itself on record. Whether they had a covenant before is not known ; neither have we any means of knowing whether the church increased, diminished, or remained stationary. In 1675 the Indian war commenced, under King Philip, of Mount Hope. This town and this church first felt the calamities of that war, which spread such devastation over much of New Epgland. Here it first began. While this church was engaged in public worship, the Indians were preparing to attack the people of this new and unprotected town on their re- turn home. They killed one and wounded others. '< Here its effects fell with great severity, as it is said ; one-half of Swansea was burned. The house of Mr. Myles was made into a garrison. As to the state and progress of the church, we have nothing to enlighten us. From the nature of the case all must have been gloomy. Mr. Myles preached much of three years in Boston, previous to 1679, and whether this church was supplied during his absence is doubtful. About this time the town voted to remove the meeting-house to the lower end of New Meadow Neck. It seems this idea was abandoned, and it was voted and ordered, Sept. 30, 1679, " that a meeting-house of forty feet in length and twenty-two in breadth and sixteen feet between joints be forthwith built." From the above and other records it appears the place of meeting was changed, and that the minister went there also. Feb. 3, 1683, Mr. Myles closed his labors on earth, having been in the ministry about thirty-eight years. His age and the place of his burial are unknown, but he left a character behind that will be honored as long as Palmer's River shall run. He was succeeded by Capt. Samuel Luther, who was ordained July 22, 1685, by Elders Emblen and Hull, of Boston. He was a ' man of character and talents, and discharged with J exemplary fidelity the duties of his office for nearly thirty-two years. He died Dec. 20, 1716, and was buried at Kickamuit. During his ministry, probably about 1700, the meeting-house was removed to near Myles' Bridge. Perhaps this might have had some connection with the separation of Barrington from Swansea, and its formation into a separate town. The church seems to have prospered to a considerable ex- tent during the whole of Elder Luther's ministry. We cannot say how large it was with certainty, prob- ably about two hundred, scattered in Rehoboth, Mid- dleborough, Bellingham, Haverhill, Taunton, and what is now Warren and Somerset. In 1704, Mr. Ephraim Wheaton became associate 666 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. with Elder Luther, and at his death sole pastor. In 1718 the church records seem to begin. Mr. Wheaton appears to have been a man who exerted a great and good influence on the church, and on others also. His ministry was eminently successful, and the church was highly prosperous. According to the records we have, about one hundred were added to the church. He died April 26, 1734, in the seventy-fifth year of his age, and was buried in Rehoboth. In 1733, April 18th, Mr. Samuel Maxwell was or- dained associate with Mr. Wheaton, and at his death became sole pastor. He continued till April 15, 1739, when he was dismissed. About fifty were added to the church during his ministry. For two or three years the church was without a pastor, after the dismissal of their former one, when the labors of Elder Benjamin Harrington was ob- tained, and he was installed pastor Aug. 15, 1742. He was dismissed May 3, 1750. In 1748, Mr. Jabez Wood, of Middleborough, a member of this church, was requested to supply the pulpit. Accordingly he supplied three years and a half, and was ordained pastor Sept. 5, 1751. At the time Mr. Wood was ordained the church was without deacons. Benjamin Cole died in 1748, and Jonathan Kingsley in 1750. These men served in this office from 1725 till they died in old age, having executed important trusts for the church in their day. The first notice we find of deacons in the records is that John Thomas, Nathaniel Luther, and Richard Harding were ordained deacons in 1718, that the two first named died in the discharge of their holy trust, but when they died we cannot say. To supply the deficiency of these necessary officers, Rob- ert Wheaton and Thomas Peck were chosen Aug. 6, 1752. Deacon Peck served about seven years till the time of his death, in 1770. He was a useful man. His place was supplied by Nicholas Thomas till 1771, when he was removed from his sphere of usefulness on earth to rest with God. At the death of Deacon Thomas, David Kingsley was elected clerk, and served forty-five years. In 1776 he was also chosen to the office of deacon, and served more than fifty years. He died Oct. 25, 1830, aged ninety-two. Thomas Kingsley was chosen deacon in 1771, and served till his death in 1809, aged eighty-three. The two Deacons Kingsley, David and Thomas, were men unusually free from fault, and good men, but not very efficient. Deacon Wheaton lived to a great age, and was highly esteemed. He was the son of Elder Wheaton, and died Nov. 22, 1780, aged ninety-two years. The interests of the body seemed to droop and de- cline for a length of time, when Elder Wood vacated his office in 1778 or 1779, the precise date not being on record. The state of the church was now de- pressed and low. The number of members when he left is not known, as no list of members had ever been kept, and the alterations, except by baptism, were not kept with accuracy. The whole country was now in perilous circumstances, being involved in the Revolutionary war. Those nearest the sea-shore suffered the most, and this people was not exempt. On the 25th of May, 1778, the Baptist meeting-house and parsonage in Warren were burned by British troops, and Mr. Thompson, the pastor, taken prisoner. In this afflicted, depressed, and scattered state, the church was unable to sustain public worship. It was proposed to return to the maternal bosom, till they might be able to return to Warren as before. This proposal was accepted, and the brethren in that manner joined this church. Mr. Thompson became the pastor, and settled with the people, Oct. 7, 1779. The settlement of a minister so deservedly emi- nent, and the accession of help from Warren, seemed to put new life into this body. The Lord evidently came with the new pastor, as he baptized one only three days after his election, and two more before the 1st of January, 1780. During that winter fol- lowing there was a great revival of religion, not only in this church but throughout the country. This has been called the year of the great revival. The num- ber baptized here was sixty-seven, in 1781 five more, making seventy-five since Mr. Thompson became pastor. About this time the remains of the Oak Swamp Church joined here in the same manner the Warren brethren had done. These accessions ren- dered this church large, and in some respects strong, though there is no means of knowing the exact number. There is probability that it was nearly or quite two hundred. In 1786 the Warren brethren went back, were re- organized, built a house of worship, and again had the institutions of the gospel at home. The num- ber who returned was twenty-eight. In 1789 the Lord was pleased to appear again to build up Zion, and fifty-four were baptized, which greatly encouraged the hearts of both pastor and people. This was a very interesting revival, and greatly added to the strength of the church. In 1801 the Lord again visited his people, and twenty-six were baptized. The last baptism in this place by Mr. Thompson occurred Sept. 5, 1802 ; with the year he closed his pastoral relation, after hav- ing served with ability, fidelity, and success, a little more than twenty-three years. During his ministry one hundred and seventy-six were baptized by him and added to the church. The first seven pastors occupied a term of one hundred and forty years, averaging twenty years to each. Perhaps this pe- riod of the existence of the church is by far the most important, not only for its general historical interest, but for the influence of the church upon all the surrounding community. Mr. Thompson was succeeded by Rev. William Northrup, probably in the spring of 1804. He con- tinued four years, and baptized twenty-nine and received eight others, in all thirty-seven. SWANSEA. 667 He was followed by Rev. William Barton, who preached two years but without success. He was dismissed at his own request in the spring of 1810. In 1811, Rev. Abner Lewis became a member and the pastor of this church, and preached here till April, 1819, when he was dismissed. He departed this life July 7, 1826, aged eighty-one, and is in- terred in the burial-ground connected with this house. After his dismissal the church was supplied by Elder Benjamin Taylor, a preacher of the Christian Connection, who continued for a part of two years, when he closed in the spring of 1821. The next minister was Rev. B. Pease, until 1823; Rev. Luther Baker, from 1824 to 1832; Jesse Briggs, two and a half years; O. J. Fisk, from Oct. 1, 1835, to April 1, 1836; Abiel Fisher, from 1836 to 1846; J. J. Thacher, 1846 to 1854; Silas Hall, 1854 to 1857; J. W. Horton, 1857 to 1864; Rev. A. W. Ash- ley settled as pastor July, 1864, closed his labors Oc- tober, 1867 ; Rev. J. A. Baskwell, settled May, 1868 ; closed his pastorate September, 1870; January, 1871, called Rev. C. Bray to the pastorate, he closed his labors May, 1874; the church was supplied by R. E. Barrows and others until April, 1876, when Rev. J. W. Horton was settled for the second time; he closed his labors about the 1st of January, 1882. The present pastor, Rev. G. W. Bixby, commenced his labors in February, 1882. Up to 1846 this church occupied, probably, the oldest church in this county, and the oldest Baptist house in America. Tradition says it was built the year after Elder Luther's death, — that is, in 1717, and in 1723 an order was passed by the church for raising money to complete the payment for building the meeting-house. It was forty-one and a half feet long and thirty-three feet wide, about twenty-two feet be- tween joints, un plastered, and open to the roof till 1802. It will thus be seen that this church, the first Baptist Church in Massachusetts and the fourth in America, has maintained its visibility over two hun- dred years. Four churches have been formed from this. The church is now in a low state, having been re- duced by deaths, removals, and exclusions, numbering now about fifty. Most of these are elderly persons, invalids, or on the retired list, unable to do much for the church or cause of Christ. The senior deacon, who for nuuiy years had been the leading spirit in the church, died Nov. 29, 1882, at the age of ninety-two. The Non-Sectarian Christian Church. 1 — Swansea was settled by men who believed in liberty of con- science. Probably it was the only town within the territorial jurisdiction of the Pilgrims, which recog- nized the right of free thought. While all desired freedom for themselves, nearly all in that age would "use the sword of the civil magistrate to open the i By Rev. J. W. Osborn. understandings of heretics, or cut them off from the State, that they might not infect the church or injure the public peace." John Myles, the first minister of the town, while exposed to persecution in his native land, had learned the lesson of tolerance. Not only did the town in its organic capacity concede freedom of religious opinion, but the church of which he was pastor, although composed of Baptists, admitted to communion all persons who (the original covenant declared), "by a judgment of charity, we conceive to be fellow-mem- bers with us in our head, Christ Jesus, although dif- fering from us in such controversial points as are not absolutely and essentially necessary to salvation." The successors of Mr. Myles were Calvinistic Baptists, and the church covenant was changed to harmonize with their views. That church (now under the pas- toral care of the Rev. Mr. Bixby) is the oldest con- gregation of the Baptist denomination in the State of Massachusetts. Perhaps the erection by the town of the " new meeting-house on the lower end of New Meadow Neck" (in what is now Barrington, R. I.), in 1680, may have been one reason why the inhabitants of the "easternmost part of the town upheld a religious meeting" at a more accessible place. Although ser- vices were maintained from " about the year 1680," there was no formal church organization until 1693. In the original record book (very plainly written and still in excellent condition) the church is styled simply a " Church of Christ in Swansea." No doc- trinal tests were made conditions of admission, but all Christians were recognized as possessing equal rights in the "household of faith." Perhaps there was then no other church in all the earth which received as members all Christians irrespective of divergent opinions concerning the various points of speculative theology. In 1725, nearly half a century after the " meeting" was established and a third of a century after the church was organized, it was decided to re- ceive members only by the " laying on of hands." The church was then ecclesiastically independent. From the year 1803 to 1819 it was represented by "messengers" in the "Yearly Meeting of the Six- Principle Baptists." After a connection of sixteen years with that body the church withdrew, declaring " the Lord Jesus Christ the great head of the Church to be their leader, and the Scriptures a rule to govern their faith" and practice by, and receive their princi- ples and doctrine from." This action was taken Feb. 10, 1820. The church thereby regained the freedom, says the record, " which it enjoyed under the pastoral care of Job and Russell Mason before it was consid- ered a branch of the yearly meeting." From that time to the present all persons giving satisfactory evidence of Christian character have been welcomed to the communion, and also to membership in the church. A few years ago the church united with the " Rhode Island and Massachusetts Christian Confer- 668 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. ence," but this relation does not restrict fellowship, as the Conference discards doctrinal tests in regard to subjects concerning which Christians differ in opinion. As there was for thirteen years a congregation without a church, so there was a religious service without a clergyman. The record book says, " We upheld a religious meeting partly by some improving their gifts among us and partly by helps from other places." In 1693, Thomas Barnes was ordained pas- tor. It has been represented that he was a man of some note in Plymouth Colony. He was one of the original proprietors of the town, although a very young man when the first settlement occurred. Ac- cording to the system of " ranking" adopted soon after the charter of Swansea was obtained, Mr. Barnes belonged to the "second class" of the landed aris- tocracy, as did also Samuel Luther, who succeeded John Myles as pastor of the Baptist Church. The Colonial Records afford incidental but positive proof that the " court" acknowledged the validity of his claim to be recognized as a clergyman, notwithstand- ing he was a "Separatist." The church record says, [ " Our beloved elder, Thomas Barnes, continued with us till June 8, 1706, and then it pleased God to re- move him by death." When he assumed the duties of pastor the church consisted of only seventeen members. There is no statement on record of the number received in the thirteen years of his ministry, but nine years after his decease the church had one hundred and twenty-nine members. Making due allowance for losses by death and from other causes, it will be perceived that the increase was remarkable. This growth affords evidence of the efficiency of both Mr. Barnes and his immediate successor. Among the former soldiers of Cromwell who came to this country at the time of the restoration of the Stuart family to the English throne was one Samson Mason. From him are descended most of the rather numerous families of that name now residing in this vicinity. Six of his sons were living in or near Swan- sea when the youngest was seventy years old. One of j the sons, Isaac, was the first deacon of this church ; another son, Joseph, succeeded Mr. Barnes as pastor; a third son of Samson Mason, Pelatiah, was the father of three ministers, — Job, Russell, and John, — two of them serving as pastors of this church, as also did their cousin Benjamin, son of Samson Mason, Jr., these prophets not being without honor in their own country and among their own kin. There is evidence that a considerable part of the increase in the numerical strength of the church, already mentioned, occurred in the early part of the ministry of Joseph Mason. It is assigned as a reason for the ordination of his colleague, John Pierce, in 1715, that it " had pleased God to increase our num- bers." The first meeting of the voters of the parish of which there is a record took place in 1719, the con- gregation concurring with the church in the election of Joseph Mason as pastor. He had long served in that capacity, and this action was taken to avoid legal difficulties. The town of Barrington had not long before been set off from Swansea that a Puritan minister might be supported therein by taxation, re- peated efforts, beginning about the time of the ordi- nation of Mr. Barnes, having failed to induce or compel the undivided township to conform to the custom which prevailed elsewhere throughout the colony. The inhabitants of the remaining portion of the town disliked both the exclusive spirit of Puri- tanism and the system of taxation for the support of religious institutions. When Mr. Mason was in due form pronounced the law ful pastor, he publicly declared himself satisfied with the voluntary contributions of the congregation for his subsistence, and expressly waived all claim to support by taxation, while recog- nizing the duty of all "to uphold and maintain ye ministry and worship of God in ye severall churches or congregations where they respectively belong or assemble," " and not in any other church or congre- gation." It was while Joseph Mason was pastor and John Pierce his assistant that the meeting-house was built (to be described in a subsequent paragraph), which for more than a century was occupied for pub- lic worship. Joseph Mason died in 1748, John Pierce in 1750, each attaining " the great age of about ninety years." They had " in January, 1737-38" (in January, 1738, "new style"), requested the church to provide them a colleague, and Job Mason, a nephew of the senior pastor, was selected. Four months after the choice was made, in May, 1738, he was ordained. A few months after the death of Joseph Mason the legal voters of the parish ratified the action of the church, and Job Mason declared that he was satisfied with such support as his hearers should " freely and will- ingly" afford him, "also denying any support by way of a tax," regarding the voluntary system "to be most agreeable to the mind of God, contained in the Scriptures." Favored with the ministry of this judicious pastor and able preacher, the church attained a great degree of prosperity. In later times many of the older members recalled the "days of Job Mason" as the "golden age" in the history of the church. "She sent forth her boughs unto J;he sea and branches unto the river." In 1753 thirty-three members residing in or near Rehoboth Avere dismissed at their own re- quest to constitute a church to meet in that town. Daniel Martin, a member of this church, was or- dained pastor. It is worthy of mention that the gentleman who now — one hundred and thirty years after — supplies so acceptably the pulpit of that parish is likewise a native of Swansea and a son of this church. In 1763 several members, with others from Rehoboth and some from Providence, R. I., emigrated to "Sackville, a township in the government of Nova Scotia" (now New Brunswick). Before removing to SWANSEA. 669 their new home the adventurers met at Swansea to be organized as a church, and Nathan Mason, of this place, a son of the second Samson Mason, was or- dained pastor. After a useful ministry of many years, Job Mason died at the age of fourscore, one month after the battle of Bunker Hill, July 17, 1775. Several of his descendants are members of the church at this time. Russell Mason was chosen colleague with his brother Job in 1752, and was pastor (and also much of the time clerk of the church) until his death in 1799, at the age of eighty-five years. The period of his ministry comprehended the stirring scenes of the Revolutionary war and all those important events connected with the transformation of the American colonies into a nation. Undoubtedly the church was somewhat depleted, perhaps depressed, in "the time that tried men's souls," and between July 17, 1775, and Dec. 28, 1780, there is not a single entry in the book of records ; but the record last referred to im- plies that public worship had been regularly main- tained. In 1788 members living in Dartmouth were organized " for religious worship," and John Mason (a brother of Job and Russell) was ordained pastor. He died in 1801, aged eighty-five years. The church speedily recovered much of its former strength, for within the year 1789 there were, it is recorded, " eighty-six persons baptized and added to the church." The widow of Russell Mason long sur- vived him, and (in accordance with a vote of the church after her husband's decease) continued to occupy the parsonage until her death. The oldest son of the first Samson Mason bore his name. He remaiued unmarried until about seventy- three years of age ; when he was eighty the youngest of his four children was born. Like Israel, he called the son of his old age Benjamin. Like his brother Nathan, already mentioned, Benjamin Mason became a minister. In 1784 he was ordained to assist his cousin Russell, and at his senior's death succeeded him. He died in 1813, at the age of eighty-three years. It will be noticed that the posterity of the sturdy soldier evinced by their longevity the posses- sion of some of the characteristics which gave to the adherents of the Protectorthe appellation of "Oliver's Ironsides." For more than a century the successive pastors bore his name, and the one who died youngest attained the age of eighty years. Increasing infirmities prevented Mr. Mason from preaching statedly for several years, although he fre- quently participated in the services when his colleague preached. An aged member of the church, recently deceased, could recall but one, and that the last oc- casion on which he addressed the people of his charge. The venerable man, after alluding to that feeling of loneliness which sometimes oppresses the aged pastor when he realizes the changes wrought by death, as he misses so many of the attendants on his early minis- try, and to his consciousness of the decay of his own powers, preached on " The Perpetuity of Faith, Hope, and Love" from the text, "Now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three." In 1801, Philip Slade (ordained as an evangelist fourteen years before) became assistant minister ; after : Mr. Mason's death he sustained the relation of pastor ; until the close of 1819. He had been unable, how- , ever, to perform all the duties of that position for i several years, even the Sunday service being fre- quently omitted. For some time the church obtained transient " supplies" for the pulpit. Afterward, with Mr. Slade's approbation, Benjamin Taylor, then pas- tor of the North Christian Church in New Bedford, was engaged to preach at a special service on Sunday afternoons, the pastor continuing the stated meeting in the morning. But the great congregations which j assembled to hear Mr. Taylor so contrasted with the I meagre attendance at the forenoon service that Mr. | Slade, who was not aware of the failure of his own J mental faculties, became much dissatisfied. Eventu- ally the church, by vote, decided to dissolve the pas- toral relation, as the " beloved elder is out of health both in body and mind." Although this action was taken with much una- nimity, at least two members, both deacons, sympa- thized so much with Mr. Slade that they withdrew from the church. Some others followed their exam- ple, but the strength of the parish was not sensibly impaired, for in less than a year afterwards there were two hundred and ninety-eight members con- nected with the church. Soon after the dismissal of Mr. Slade the church (with the concurrence of the congregation) made choice of Mr. Taylor as pastor. The position was a difficult one, and it was with some reluctance that he accepted the call. But his ministry was highly suc- cessful. He won the esteem of the entire commu- nity, and often officiated in the pulpits of the various denominations in the vicinity. He remained with the parish ten years, in which time one hundred and thirty-three persons were added to the church. In his youth Mr. Taylor made several voyages at sea. He always retained an interest in the welfare of seamen, and some time after leaving Swansea he established the Mariners' Bethel at Providence, R. I. Mr. Taylor was born at Beverly, Mass., in 1786, and died in Michigan in 1848. He had three brothers who were ministers, and a sister who was a minister's wife. Richard Davis became pastor in November, 1830, and discharged the duties of that office two years and six months. He died at Milwaukee, Wis., in 1868. A few years before his death, and a third of a cen- tury after the dissolution of his connection with the parish, the church sent a liberal sum of money to assist him in his old age. The church edifice now in use was built while Mr. Davis was pastor, although : it was not ready for occupancy until the beginning of the ministry of his successor. 670 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY", MASSACHUSETTS. Mr. Davis was succeeded by James J. Thatcher. His ordination as pastor was the first that had oc- curred since 1784. He remained with the church nearly eight years. His ministry here was very suc- cessful, as were his subsequent labors elsewhere. Mr. Thatcher was born in Staffordshire, England, in 1811, and died in the town of Rehoboth, Mass., in 1874. The later years of his ministry were spent with churches of the Baptist denomination, and at one time he was pastor of the Baptist Church in Swan- sea. In October, 1842, Isaiah Haley was ordained pas- tor. Although a worthy man, his ministry with this church continued only a few months. His death took place in 1869 in the State of Maine. The next pastor was Jonathan Thompson. He was born in Vermont in 1794, and entered the minis- try at an early age. In New York State, in the course of nine years, he organized several churches. After leaving New York he was pastor at Fall River two years, and at Boston two. From Boston he removed to Swansea, in the year 1843, to take the pastoral care of this church. At the end of five years he ac- cepted a call to Providence, where he remained until 1850, when he returned to this place, and supplied the pulpit to the close of the year 1851. He died in New York in 1866, at the age of seventy-two years. The Sunday-school was organized in the early part of Mr. Thompson's ministry, probably in the spring of 1844. In that year, and for the gratification of the members of the infant organization, who marched in procession from the church to the grove, each wear- ing a red ribbon as a badge, was instituted the " clam- bake," still recurring annually on the last Wednesday of August. Mr. Thompson's successors are all living, and it will suffice to mention their names, — H. P. Guilford, from 1848 to 1850; between 1851 and 1864, S. Fel- lows, B. F. Summerbell, S. K. Sweetman, and G. H. Allen ; from 1864 to the present time, J. W. Osborn. In former times this church was known as a mother of churches ; in later years a large proportion of its young members have made their homes in neighbor- ing cities, and in this way it has helped to increase the strength of many congregations. More than twenty of its members have been ministers, but of the number only one, the Rev. William Miller, is now living. The first deacon of the church, as has been stated, was Isaac Mason. Without recording the names of all who have served in that position, it may be men- tioned that within the present century five have borne the name of Buffinton, — three brothers, Gard- ner, John, and Stephen, Martin, a son of John, and Benjamin T., a son of Stephen. The last-mentioned father and son still survive, although Gardner, the older of the two brothers of Deacon Stephen Buffin- ton, began to officiate three-fourths of a century ago. It is of interest to notice in the early records how frequently occur the names of members which, though borne by remote descendants, still occupy a place on the list. The religious services on Sundays in the olden times consisted of a meeting for preaching at eleven o'clock, and a meeting for prayer and exhortation at four o'clock. The fashion of preaching but one sermon on Sunday, so common now but generally regarded as an innovation, has with occasional exceptions long prevailed in this church, perhaps from the time of the ordination of the first pastor. There is a tradition, on which the church records throw no light, that at first singing was excluded from the services. It is certain that there was opposition to the use of )iiusical notes at the time they were introduced by singers. When the " service of song in the house of the Lord" came to be regarded as an important part of public worship, it was scarcely possible to provide books for the congregation. From what was perhaps the only hymn-book in the parish the minister read a hymn ; he then passed the book to one of the deacons (those officials then occupying elevated seats near the pulpit), and he read a line or couplet; after that was sung he read as much more, and thus the alternate reading and singing continued to the end of the hymn. At one time there was dissatisfaction on the part of several members because the majority " would not approbate women's public speaking in the church by way of exhortation." The church censured those disaffected members, but subsequently the censure was by unanimous vote expressly revoked. As was the custom also in the Puritan meeting- houses in the former days, the sexes occupied oppo- site sides of the audience-room. The congregation early built or otherwise obtained a house of worship, for in 1719 a parish-meeting was held " in the meeting-house near William Wood's," and before the end of that year it was proposed to "make some addition to the meeting-house." This project was not carried into effect, but " soon after" a new house was built. In the Puritan Churches of New England there was (even within a time quite recent) a strong prejudice against kindling fires in a house of worship. But the builders of the meeting- house of 1720 did not share that superstition. Two platforms of brick were constructed, each surrounded by a row of bricks turned up edgewise (with no out- let for smoke or gas), and in cold weather charcoal fires were kept burning upon them. The house was built of oak and chestnut, and stood until the church edifice now used was occupied. In the "September gale" (1815) the roof was blown off. The building was square in form, and when the roof was replaced it was so turned that what had been the ends of the house became the sides. At one extremity of the audience-room there was a pulpit large and high, flanked by the " deacons' seats." These were not merely for ornament but use, for it is recorded that at a regular church-meeting for the transaction of SWANSEA. 671 business two brethren were chosen deacons, but as some members were absent, that action was sub- mitted to an adjourned meeting on the following Sunday, when unanimous approval was expressed ; the deacons-elect (although to be " ordained" on a subsequent occasion) " then took their seats." What better example can be found of a recognition of both the rights of voters and the dignity of office? At the rear end of the room and on both sides were gal- leries capacious enough to accommodate a large part of the congregation. The spacious and pleasant edifice now occupied was dedicated April 10, 1833. The noted Luther Baker preached. All the clergymen who participated in the services have passed away from this life. The house was entirely remodeled and somewhat enlarged in 1873. The land comprised in the churchyard of the former house was given " for the accommodation of a meeting-house," by Dr. William Wood and Capt. John Brown. The portion given by the latter is de- scribed in the deed as a triangular lot of one-half acre. An adjoining lot was given for a parsonage in 1772 by Deacon James Brown. The parsonage was bought for thirty pounds, and moved to the place where it stood until torn down in 1865. Previous to that purchase the church had received bequests from Edward Luther, Jonathan Slade, and Anna Monroe, and soon after one from Sybil Slade. Borrowers paid interest in some cases by "sweeping the meeting- house" and in "coals for the meeting-house." The depreciation of the currency was such that only " nine dollars and one-eleventh in silver" were realized from a debt of "fifty pounds, old tenor." One of the "communion cups of solid silver" was given by Katherine Tilley, and the other by Elizabeth Slade. In times more recent the church has been blessed with benefactors. Tamar Luther, Candace Bright- man, William Mason, Joseph G. Luther, Elizabeth Bosworth, the sisters Joanna, Lydia, and Hannah Mason, Mary Gardner, Phebe Kingsley, Samuel and Patience Gardner, and Betsy Bushee Pierce, by will or otherwise, have given money or pews, the income of which assists in defraying the current expenses of the parish. These generous persons are held in grateful recollection by those who enjoy the benefit of their considerate kindness. Possibly this is the oldest church in Massachusetts which never had legal connection with a town. A brief outline of events connected with its history has been given, but the real history of a church (and es- pecially of one including among its members so many generations, with modes of thought and life so diver- gent) can never be written. The effects of moral forces no man can chronicle, for no man can compre- hend. The Six-Principle Baptist Church— In 1820, after the termination of Elder Philip Slade's con- nection with the parish of which he had been pastor, he conducted services at the residence of Deacon El- lery Wood. His adherents were recognized by the Six-Principle Baptist Yearly Meeting as a church of that denomination. Deacon Wood bequeathed his homestead for the maintenance of worship, and for several years after his decease meetings were statedly held on Sundays in a room of the dwelling which became the residence of the pastor, Elder Comstock. Occasional services were held after the removal of Mr. Comstock for some time, but not in the few years past. The farm is held by a trustee for the benefit of the Six-Principle Baptist denomination. Christ Church, Swansea Village. 1 — Bishop East- burn, in his official report of 1846, says, "For the establishment of the church in this place we are in- debted, under God, to the zealous labors of the Rev. Amos D. McCoy, rector of the Church of the Ascen- sion, Fall River." The church record states that " Mr. McCoy offici- ated in this village on Sunday evenings and other occasions from the second Sunday in May, 1845, until November, 1847." At that time no regular religious services were held in the community, the " Union Meeting," which ded- icated its house of worship about 1830, having disin- tegrated. There were then but four communicants of the Protestant Episcopal Church resident in the town, and they were members of St. Mark's, Warren, R. I., and probably it was at the suggestion of the rector of that church (the Rev. George W. Hathaway) that services were first held in Swansea. The Sunday-school was organized and superin- tended by Dr. George W. Chevers (then a practicing physician in Fall River, and afterwards a successful clergyman of the church), "who with exemplary self- denial and untiring assiduity devoted himself to this labor of love. This gentleman, for the nine months previous to January, 1848, conducted lay-reading on Sunday mornings and afternoons. He also engaged in soliciting funds toward the erection of the church," and doubtless his labors went very far toward making the enterprise successful. Prominent among the first organizers of this parish were the Hon. John Mason, Capt. Preserved S. Gard- ner, John A. Wood, John E. Gray, Hon. George Austin, William Pearse, and Benjamin H. Chase. Of these only two (the last mentioned) were ever communicants. Capt. Gardner was formerly a Bap- tist. But they were all men of integrity, faithful supporters of the church, and regular attendants at its services. William Pearse, John A. Wood, and Capt. Gardner at their decease left to the parish five hundred dollars each as a permanent fund for the support of the church. Mr. William Pearse, though residing* three miles from the village, and perhaps more naturally con- i By Rev. Otis 0. Wright. 672 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. nected with St. Mark's, Warren, always made it a point of honor to support and attend with his family this less flourishing church; and this high principle of devotion, characteristic of that old church family, has continued to be exemplified in Mr. William H. Pearse and family, who came in time to take the place of his uncle. Mr. John A. Wood, though never a communicant, was devotedly attached to the services of the church, and for many years voluntarily assumed the care of the Lord's house without compensation, and was always particular that it should be comfortable and in order. And after his decease his son, Henry O. Wood, immediately succeeded him as a vestryman, and has long since served the parish as warden, treas- urer, and clerk with a faithfulness worthy of his father's example. Benjamin H. Chase, the only survivor, when about forty years of age, prepared for the ministry and work of the church, to which he was ordained by Bishop Eastburn in 1854, and at this present time (1883), after a term of nearly thirty years of active and suc- cessful labors, is the highly-esteemed rector of St. Paul's Church, Portsmouth, R. I., which he is serving for the fifteenth successive year. Mr. and Mrs. Chase did much toward establishing Christ Church, and are still, as they ever have been, deeply interested for its present and future usefulness. The loss of those first supporters has never been fully repaired by any new accessions to the parish. Christ Church, Swansea, was duly organized as a parish under the statute of this commonwealth on the 7th of January, 1846. The first vestry was com- posed as follows : William Pearse and John Mason, Esq., wardens ; John A. Wood, Joseph D. Nichols, Preserved S. Gardner, Benjamin H. Chase, and John E. Gray, vestrymen. The building committee were John E. Gray, John A. Wood, and William Pearse. The services of the church were held at first in the Union meeting-house. The church edifice was built largely by subscrip- tions outside of the community, and was consecrated the 2d day of December, 1847, at ten o'clock a.m., by the Rt. Rev. Manton Eastburn, of Massachusetts. There were present of the clergy the Rev. T. W. Snow, of Taunton ; James Henry Eames and John B. Richmond, of Providence; James Mulcahy, of Portsmouth ; Benjamin Watson, of Newport ; and George W. Hathaway, of Warren. The building is a neat wooden structure, of simple Romanesque architecture, finished to the roof inside, has about two hundred sittings, and cost about two thousand dollars. The bell cost one hundred and sixty-three dollars, and the handsome pipe-organ, which «was built to order in 1867, cost one thousand dollars. These were both obtained by contributions solicited at home and abroad. The font, of " Pictou stone," was presented by the ladies of St. Michael's Church, Bristol, R. I. "Five infants and two adults received baptism, and five persons were confirmed during the time Mr. McCoy officiated in this parish." The first rector was the Rev. John B. Richmond, of Providence, R. I., who served from Jan. 1, 1848, till the 1st of January, 1852. He was succeeded by the Rev. Benjamin Austin, who, at his request, was released from his engage- ment after the 1st of November of the same year. About the beginning of the year 1853 the Rev. William Withington, of Boston, took charge of the parish, and remained until the 1st of January, 1856. He was succeeded by the Rev. William B. Colburn, of whose term of service the records are not clear. The Rev. N. Watson Munroe was duly elected rec- tor March, 1859, and closed his official relations to the parish February, 1864. The church was then served by the Rev. A. F. Wylie, rector of the Church of the Ascension, Fall River, and by his assistant, the Rev. A. E. Tortat, until April, 1868, when the Rev. George Heaton, M.A., of Cambridge, England, became the resident minister, and remained until August, 1869, when he resigned. In June, 1871, the Rev. N. Watson Munroe re- sumed the care of the parish and remained rector ' until Easter Monday, 1877, when he resigned. The Rev. William T. Fitch, rector of the Ascen- sion, Fall River, soon assumed the charge and offici- ated most of the time until about the 1st of July, 1881, when the present rector, the Rev. Otis O. Wright, of Providence, R. I., began his labors. The valuation of the parish property, including fifteen hundred dollars' investments, is four thousand five hundred dollars. The membership of the church, which has always been small, at present numbers but fourteen, and the Sunday-school has twenty-six scholars. The population of the community, which would naturally be considered as the parish, is only about two hundred, nearly one-fourth of whom are con- nected with other Christian bodies, though most of them take more or less interest in the services of this church. As in most of the agricultural towns, many of the young people leave the- parish for vocations in other places, where they often become active and influential churchmen because of their early home training, so that, though the permanent growth of Christ Church has been both slow and small, the work of the parish has been vitally important both to the community and to the church at large. This parish has always received financial aid from the Diocesan Board of Missions, and for many years its various interests have been largely sustained by the liberality of Mr. Frank S. Stevens, well known as the principal business man of the place. 0*£* SWANSEA. 673 The church wardens at present are William H. Pearse and Henry O. Wood, and the vestrymen are F. S. Stevens, Dr. J. L. Wellington, T. C. Chace, Jonas Altham, and Jeremiah Gray. The Universalist Society of Swansea and Re- hoboth. — More than twenty years ago Mr. A. M. Rhodes began to preach on alternate Sundays in the former school-house known as Liberty Hall, at Swan- sea Factory. Subsequently Union Chapel was erected, in which Mr. Rhodes still officiates once in two weeks. The late James Eddy, Esq., a well-known and highly esteemed citizen of this town, was accustomed to con- tribute liberally for the support of this society, of which he was a steadfast member from its origin. Military Record, 1861-65.— The following en- listed to fill the quota of this town during the war of the Rebellion : Allen, Charles C. Allen, Theodore H. Ashton, Henry H. Alden, Joseph. Bos worth, Otis. Bos worth, Joseph F. Briggs, Edward. Boyd, Win. A. Barney, W. T. Barney. Charles. Buftintrton, S. L. Bufhngton, G. 0. Blanding, Frank. Brown, Wm. Beanboucher, Victor. Case, D. H. Chase, Reuben (2d). Chase, Reuben (3d). Chase, Christopher. Chase, F. R. Chase, C. D. Chase, Wni. P. Collins, Stephen. Calillian, Dennis. Corthell, James H. Cassell, Alexander. David, Joseph J. Dempsey, Joseph. Dilson, John. Eddy.C. H. Eagan, John. Follet, John J. Fo'let, Win. H. French, Wm. II. FouldB, Robert. Frank e, Joseph. Fitzpatrick, John. Graham, Isaac. Graham, Henry. Green, Wm. H. Gibbs, Horatio. Godsoe, George. Hamlin, Wm. Heath, Charles. Hunter, George. Horton, Horace. Handy, W. D. Holmes, W. H. Hart, F. B. Hatch, Grafton. Hopkins, William. Hodgdon, Charles. Hanley, Daniel. Knight, B. 43 Kingsley, Amos N. King, Wm. T. Kelley, James. Lawton, A. J. Lansing, John. Libby, Nelson. Lyon, J. A. Lepo, Andrew. Ludwig, Charles. Lufe, Francis. Locke, C. W. Miller, M. L. Maker, William H. McNeil, James. Mason, Wm. P. Martin, A. F. Miller, William H. Murray, Edward. Magrath, Lawrence. Munsher, E. Mowry, C. M. Moise, A. D. Nolan, Matthew. O'Chaloner, Henry. O'Donovan, Michael. O'Connor, Michael. Pierce, George R. Pierce, James M. Pierce, Ezra V. B. Peck, Joseph T. Peck, A. S. Peck, George E. Perkins, L. T. Petia, James. Piper, Joseph. Powers, J. P. Ray, D. S. Ray, T. S. Reekton, Thomas. Ramsey, Michael. Romeo, John. Reynolds, John. Ragan, James. Shove, Geo. A. Snow, C. H. Smith, Solomon. Smith, John. Smith, Andrew. Smith, Newton. Slade, Alfred L. Sherman, Edwin. Stevens, Peter. Sweeney, Michael. Seymour, James A. Tompkins, Daniel. Tompkins, James. Thurber, Jonathan. Tripp, John E. Thurber, James F. Tower, Lorenzo. Taylor, George A. Taylor, James. Thompson, William. Ueber, William. West, Edward G. Whittemore, George W. Wheaton, Joseph H. Wheeler, Joseph. Wood, Adoniram. Wheldon, Silas H. Wallow, Oliver R. Whitney, Franklin T. Welsh, Maurice. Weldou, Henry. Woodman, Edmund E. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. ABNER SLADE. Abner Slade, son of Benjamin and grandson of Joseph Slade, was born in Swansea Oct. 2, 1792, on the homestead of his father, within a short distance of which his long life of usefulness was passed. He was in the fifth generation from the first of the family who settled in Swansea, and the line of descent is (1) William, (2) Edward, (3) Joseph, (4) Benjamin, (5) Abner. (For ancestral history of the Slade family, see biography of William Slade, Somerset.) Mr. Slade was reared a farmer and tanner, and succeeded his father in business, and made tanning and currying his principal avocation during life. When he first began it, the custom was for the tanner to travel through the country on horseback and purchase hides, which, when tanned into leather, were sold, largely on credit, to the farmers and traveling shoe- makers of the period. From this primitive condition of the trade Mr. Slade built up a business of large proportions, which became very remunerative. He was one of the most industrious, systematic, and per- severing of men, and looked sharply after the minute details of every transaction. He was very successful, and this success may be attributed to his sterling in- tegrity, his good judgment, and his earnest and steady persistency. He retired, with a handsome competency as the reward of his application and energy, from active business about 1856, and the subsequent years of his life were devoted, in a business way, only to looking after his various investments. He never ac- cepted nor wished for office in town, nor had political aspirations. He was a director of Fall River National Bank many years, and was interested in the Old Colony Railroad, and to some extent in the Providence and Worcester Railroad. He was also stockholder in various corporations and manufactures in Fall River. He married, Sept. 30, 1829, Sarah, daughter of Asa and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Sherman, who was born Feb. 20, 1810. (Asa, son of Samson and Ruth Sher- man, of Portsmouth, R. I., was born Dec. 22, 1779, and died in Fall River, Mass., Dec. 29, 1863, aged eighty-four years. He was a lineal descendant of Philip Sherman, who in 1636, with seventeen others, purchased from the Indians the islands of Rhode Island, — Patience, Hope, and Conanicut. Elizabeth, his wife, daughter of Richard and Joanna Mitchell, 674 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. of Middletown, R. I., was born Oct. 17, 1782, and died in Fall River April 22, 1858, in his seventy-sixth year. They had ten children, of whom Mrs. Slade was third.) Mr. and Mrs. Slade began housekeeping in a house standing on the site of the present residence of Mrs. Slade, and for over half a century enjoyed as perfect felicity as can come from marriage of congenial spirits. Nothing ever cast a cloud over their home, and it was at the home circle where Mr. Slade sought rest and comfort after the toils of the day were over. They had no children, but they adopted a little girl of about two years, Sarah Bowers by name, to whom they gave the care of parents until her death in her twentieth year. They afterwards adopted Adeline F. Cole, when a girl of seven, and reared and edu- cated her. She has lovingly repaid the care and at- tention given her. She was born March 29. 1849, married Charles A. Chace, son of Obadiah and Esther (Freeman) Chace, of Warren, R. I. They have three children, Benjamin S., Arthur F., and Warren O. They reside with Mrs. Slade. Mr. Slade passed through the years of life to a hale old age, in which the powers of thought and consolations of religion held sway until the last, and died Dec. 2, 1879. At a special meeting of the board of directors of Fall River National Bank, held Dec. 4, 1879, the fol- lowing preamble and resolution was passed : "Whereas, It has pleased our Heavenly Father to remove by death our highly-respected associate, Abner Slade, at the ripe age of eighty- seven years, who has been identified with this bank as director for more than thirty-three years, giving to it his counsel and judgment. A man honored for his sterling integrity and Christian character; therefore, " Resolved, It is not as a mere formality that this board recognize the loss they have sustained, and in token of respect to his memory, and to manifest our sympathy with his family, this board will attend his funeral in a body." Mr. Slade was an earnest and unassuming member of the Society of Friends, and was held in the highest esteem by his brethren. The Friends' Review gave this just and well-deserved notice of him : " Abner Slade, an elder of Swansea Monthly Meeting of Friends, deceased, twelfth month, second, 1879, aged eighty-seven. He was truly a father in Israel. While we deeply feel our loss, and miss his sweet words of counsel, we can but rejoice when we think of his triumphal death, and remember how his coun- tenance beamed with joy when he told us he was going to his home in heaven." FRANK SHAW STEVENS. Frank Shaw Stevens was born in Rutland, Vt., Aug. 6, 1827. His father, Chauncey, married Lu- cinda Weeks and had four children, of whom Frank S. is the second. Chauncey Stevens was a stage-man, and the pro- prietor of a hotel, stages, and livery in Westfield, N. Y. He finally settled in Willoughby, Ohio, where he died in 1858, his wife having died in 1832, when they resided at Whitehall, N. Y. Frank S. received a common school education. After the death of his mother, when he was in his fifth year, he lived with his uncle and aunt, Nathan Cushman and wife, with whom he resided for two or three years, and then went with his father to Ogdens- burgh and Oswego, N. Y., remaining three or four years, then spending the balance of the time till he was thirteen with his uncle and aunt at Cleveland and Willoughby, Ohio. At the age of fifteen he en- tered the store of George T. Camp & Co., at West- field, N. Y., as clerk, and was engaged in that ca- pacity about four years. This ended his youthful experience in these pur- suits, for about this time the fame of the gold discov- eries in California had reached him, and he resolved to try his fortune in a new field. To one of his tem- perament the adventures of an overland journey to California presented unusual attractions. It was in the spring of 1849, when the waste of mountain, plain, and wilderness lying between the Mississippi and the Pacific Coast had been almost wholly unexplored, except by such bold hunters as Carson and Fremont. A few of the "Argonauts of '49," had sailed for the newly-discovered El Dorado via Cape Horn ; a shorter cut had been explored across the Isthmus of Panama, and a few had gone that way ; a few caravans, per- haps, had been fitted out to cross the " Great Ameri- can Desert" and the Rocky Mountains, but scarcely had a path been opened in the latter direction when Mr. Stevens and his company set out in the spring of 1849. Their destination was Sacramento, Cal., via the plains, going by water to Chicago, and by canal and river to St. Louis. They purchased their outfit in the latter city, and packing their goods in boats ascended the Missouri River to Omaha ; thence by teams they passed over the plains and the Rocky Mountains, ar- riving at Sacramento the last of August, 1849, having left Omaha early in May. Mr. Stevens worked a short time at mining, but did not like the business. He returned to Sacramento, and there he met one Durfee, who was induced to join him in purchasing four yoke of oxen and an outfit for the purpose of hauling goods and provi- sions to the mountains to supply travelers and miners. Their team and equipments cost them one thousand and fifty dollars. Yet it was a profitable investment; the enterprise was a success from the first, but after making three or four trips high water came on, and they were compelled to give it up. Then he em- barked in the restaurant business, and was successful. He owned and ran stages from Sacramento to Placer- ville and Jackson until 1854, at which time the Cali- fornia Stage Company was organized with a capital of one million dollars, composed of all the stage lines in the State. He was its first vice-president, and had charge of certain divisions of the road until 1866. In ft IT-tCi* rfa- 1/1/ a~zy-t L SWANSEA. 675 the fall of 1858 he came to Washington, D. C, to look after his interests of the company, and from that time till 1866 he made several trips back and forward. He continued in the livery business till 1858, and both in that and in "staging" he was quite successful. In 1858 he came to Swansea, and since 1866 has made it his principal home. Tn 1862 he became engaged with Sherman Paris and Marshall J. Allan, under the firm-name of Paris & Allan (now Paris, Allan & Co.), wholesale liquor dealers, 51 Broadway, New York. Since 1869 he has been connected with the firm of W. A. Gaines & Co., in the distilling business in Kentucky. Mr. Stevens is a director of the Mechanics', Granite, Stafford, Davol, Osborn, Slade, Laurel Lake, Bourne, and Globe Yarn-Mills, is president and director of the Merino Mills, and has been since the organiza- tion, also president of the Davol Mills, and was treas- urer for three years. He is a director of the Meta- comet Bank of Fall Eiver. In politics, his affiliations were with the Demo- cratic party till the commencement of the war of the Rebellion, since which he has been a Republican, but he has never been an aspirant for political honors. He has been twice married. First he married, in July, 1858, Julia A. B., widow of James E. Birch, and daughter of David Chace, of Swansea. She died in February, 1871 ; and he married for his second wife, in April, 1872, Elizabeth R., daughter of Joseph and Eliza Case, of Swansea. Mr. Stevens is an attendant and supporter of the Protestant Episcopal Church. His farm in Swansea is one of the finest in the vicinity of Fall River, and is well stocked with fine horses and cattle. XATIIAN MONTGOMERY WOOD. The first of the Wood family who came to America of whom there is any authentic record was William 1 Wood, who came from England, and after spending some time in the new colonies returned to England, and in 1634 published in London a book entitled " New England's Prospects." Very meagre records were kept in those clays, and it is not positive how many children this William Wood had, or what their names were, but after consulting all available authori- ties relative to early genealogical data, we feel justi- fied in stating as most probable that he had at least one son, John' 1 , who came to Plymouth Colony in the early days of that settlement, married and had two sons, John and Thomas*, who were great hunters, and possessed of that hardy adventurous spirit so charac- teristic of our early pioneers. In search of a country where game was plenty, they first came to Seaconnet or thereabouts, and soon after went to Swansea, where Thomas settled. John, so tradition says, went still farther west into Connecticut, which was then a wil- derness. Thomas Wood 3 was evidently a man of considerable consequence in his town. He was a surveyor, and divided and surveyed much land. He held in Swansea a large landed estate containing sev- eral hundred acres. Records indicate that he had two sons, Thomas and John*. This John had two sons, Noah and John. By his will he bequeathed the mill-place to his son John 5 , and to Noah he gave the landed property west of the mill-farm, consisting of three farms, one of which, the homestead, is still in possession of the family. Noah had four sons, — Nathaniel, Aaron, Levi, and Jona- than. He bequeathed the homestead farm and the one adjoining to his son Aaron, and to the others he gave farms in the immediate vicinity. Aaron, son of Noah, had children, — Nathan, Isaac, Levi, Aaron, Noah, Mason, Freelove, Sarah, Eliza- beth, Innocent, Mary, and Polly. In the distribution of his property he bequeathed the homestead to his son Aaron. This Aaron had seven sons, — Levi, John, Nathan, Benjamin, Ira, Hiram, and Pardon, and two daughters, Polly and Sarah. Upon his decease the homestead went to all the sons, and to his wife, Polly, the use of it during her life. She died March 12, 1883, in her ninety-ninth year. The homestead farm is now in possession of Nathan Wood, son of Aaron, and Benjamin N. Wood, grandson of Aaron Wood, and nephew of Nathan M. Wood. John 5 Wood, who inherited the mill place from his father John 4 , had four sons, — John, Isaac, Nathan, and Seth, and two daughters, — Bethiah and Penelope. Seth 6 , upon his father's decease, inherited the mill farm. He was a man of consequence in his day ; took much interest in public affairs, and during the war of the Revolution was commissioned directly from the State authorities as collector of taxes. He had three sons, — John, Seth, and Halle, the latter by a second wife. Col. Haile 7 inherited the ancestral acres. He was one of the leading men of Swansea, holding va- rious town offices and positions of trust and honor. He was an enterprising man, and one of the original founders of the Taunton Britannia Works, now known as Reed & Barton's Works. He resided in Taunton four years. He was colonel of militia, and took much pride and interest in military affairs. He was said to be the best horseman in the county. He was a man of fine physique, stood over six feet high, and weighed over two hundred pounds. He was a Whig and Re- publican in politics, and an ardent prohibitionist. He married Mary, daughter of Ebenezer Howard, of Woodstock, Conn., and had eleven children, — Haile N. (married Marian L. Chace, they have one son), Mary A. (deceased ; married E. Brayman, had six children, all of whom are dead), William (deceased; married Harriet Burbank, of Taunton, had three children), Seth (married Mary Carver, of Taunton, had four children), Elizabetli (married Nathan Wood, of Swan- sea, had two children), Adeline (deceased; married Benjamin B. Wood, of Swansea, had five children), (576 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Walter H. (married Amanda Gardner, has two chil- dren), Augusta (second wife of Benjamin Wood, they have one son), Laura (deceased; died unmarried), Nathan M., and Angeline (died in infancy). Col. Haile was born November, 1788, and died May 6, 1860. His wife was born March, 1785, and died Octo- ber, 1872. Nathan M. Wood was born in Swansea, Mass., Jan. 16, 1825. His education was obtained at the common schools of his native town. His father was a farmer and miller, and Nathan was brought up to the same business, and, with the exception of about one year passed in Maine, he has always resided at his home in Swansea, which has been in the family so many generations. Nov. 7, 1848, he married Abby M. Kingsley, second child and eldest daughter of Elisha and Mary (Mason) Kingsley, of Swansea. She was born April 10, 1828, and is descended on the maternal side from Samson Mason, who was an Eng- lishman, and an officer in the army of Oliver Crom- well until the latter was made lord protector of Eng- land. About 1650 he came to America, and was admitted an inhabitant of Rehoboth Dec. 9, 1657. His children were Samson, Noah, John, Samuel, Bethiah (who became the wife of John Wood), Sarah, Mary, James, Joseph, Isaac, Peletiah, Benjamin, and Thankful. Peletiah had three sons, all of whom were ministers. Job, Russell, and John, all of them re- sided within a mile of each other. They were black- smiths by occupation, and it is said used to " preach with their leather aprons on." They preached at a church occupying the site of the present Christian Church near Luther's Corners. Job Mason had a son Job, who occupied the ances- tral home, and who had a son named Gardner, who was a seaman, and was drowned at Providence, R. I., while his vessel lay at that port. His wife's maiden name was Susanna Vinnicum. He left a daughter, Mary G., who was the mother of Mrs. Nathan M. Wood. Nathan M. Wood is a Republican in politics, but liberal in his ideas in political as in all other matters. He has held various official positions, in- cluding nearly all the principal town offices, and some of them for more than twenty years. He was repre- sentative to the Legislature in 1875. He is a mem- ber of the Christian Church, and is also a member of Washington Lodge, No. 3, F. and A. M., and Webb Council, Warren, R. I.; Royal Arch Chapter, Fall River ; and Cavalry Commandery, Knights Templar, Providence, R. I. He has five children, — Nathan Howard, born Feb. 15, 1851, died in infancy ; Abby Isabel, born Nov. 16, 1854 (married Hiram E. Thurston, has one child, Louise, resides in Providence, R. I.) ; Mary R. P., born May 28, 1857 (married Nathan Slade, has one child, Mary A., resides in Somerset) ; Angeline II., born June 30, 1859 (married Franklin G. Arnold, and resides with her parents) ; and Eloise K., born Aug. 19, 1861, and they continue the business of the farm and mills. Mr. Wood is one of Swansea's most prominent and prosperous men, and, aside from his farming and mill- ing business, is largely interested in a manufacturng business in Fall River. MARCUS A. BROWX. Marcus Aurelius Brown, son of William and Free- love (Wood) Brown, was born in Swansea, Mass., Dec. 19, 1819, near what is now Cole's Station. He comes from an old New England family of conse- quence in the days of the first settlements. From .old records and historical documents we ascertain that John Brown, the first of this line of Browns, had acquaintance with the Pilgrims in Leyden, Hol- land, before the sailing of the " Mayflower" in 1620, in which vessel he probably was financially interested. He was originally from England, where he was born in 1574, but we cannot definitely trace the family in that country. The exact year of his coming to America is unknown, but in 1636 he was living in Duxbury, and in 1643 in Taunton. He was a man of importance in public affairs, and one of the leading men of Plymouth Colony. He was assistant for seventeen years from 1636, served as commissioner of the United Colonies for twelve years from 1644, and died in Swansea, near Rehoboth, where he had large estates. Savage gives the date of his death as April 10, 1662, and says that his will, made three days be- fore his death, provides for the children left to his care by his son John, and names his wife Dorothy and son James executors. This is doubtless the cor- rect date of his death, as his wife Dorothy died Jan. 27, 1673 or 1674, aged ninety. John Brown 2 , born 1636, died in Rehoboth in 1660. He married a daugh- ter of William Buckland, and had five children, — John?, Joseph, Nathaniel, Lydia, and Hannah, — whom he left, as above mentioned, to the care of his father. He was a strict Puritan and a devout man, standing high in community and colony affairs. John Broivn 3 was born about 1657 in Rehoboth, married Ann Den- nis, of Norwich, Conn., and had two children, — John' 1 and Samuel. He died in 1724. He was a man of positive nature, unflinching in the discharge of every- thing he deemed a duty. It is said of him that he was so enraged at his son (John) when he joined the Baptist Church that, supposing the latter's residence to be partially on his land, he was going to pull the part to which he laid claim away from the other, thus aiming to destroy the house, but a survey made to ascertain the fact showed that no portion of the house touched his land. Whether the tradition be true or false, it tells the character of the men of that perilous pioneer period. Athletic, strong-minded, and posi- tive in character, they were well fitted to develop civilization from the unpromising and savage sur- roundings, and to contend ably with its foes. Among W^>irieople of the town considerable vexation : " In compliance with a Warrant issued from Benja- min Russel, Esq., Directing William Almy to Notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Westport to meet Together at some suitable place in said Town to choose all such Town Officers as Towns are required to choose at their annual Town-meetings in the month of March or April annually, and a Committee to settle with the Towns of Dartmouth and New Bed- ford agreeable to a late act of the General Court, for incorporating said Town of Westport. " The inhabitants of said Town of Westport who were qualified by law to vote, being legally Notified and Warned by the said William Almy, assembled at the Dwelling house of William Gifford, in said Westport, on Monday the Twentieth day of August, 1787, at ten of the clock, a.m. "And proceeded agreeable to the directions of said warrant. " 1. William Almy was chosen Moderator of said meeting. " 2. Abner Brownell was chosen Town Clerk for the year ensuing, and was duly sworn by William Davis, Justice Pacis, to authorize him to officiate in said office. "3. William Almy, Richard Kirby, and Edward Borden were chosen Select Men for the year ensuing, and took and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance to authorize them to officiate in said office. Before me Abner Brownell, Town Clerk. " 4. Richard Kirby was chosen an Assessor for the year ensuing, and was duly sworn, to authorize him to officiate in said office. Before me, Abner Brownell, Town Clerk. " 5. Thomas Tripp, Stephen Cornell, and Pardon Brownell were chosen fence-viewers for the year en- suing, and were duly engaged to authorize them to officiate in said office. Before me, Abner Brownell, Town Clerk. " Abner Brownell was chosen Town Treasurer for the year ensuing, and was duly sworn to authorize him to officiate in said office. By William Davis, Justice Pacis. " 7. Stephen Davis Carpenter and Barjonas Devol were chosen Surveyors of lumber for the year ensuing, and were duly engaged to authorize them to officiate in said office. Before me, Abner Brownell, Town Clerk. " 8. Thomas Tripp and Stephen Cornell were chosen Field Drivers for the year ensuing. " 9. Nathaniel Kirby was chosen Pound-keeper for the year ensuing. " 10. Benjamin Brownell, Sen., was chosen Sealer of Weights and measures for the year ensuing. " 11. Benjamin Cory was chosen sealer of Leather for the year ensuing. " 12. Abner Brownell was chosen warden for the year ensuing. " 13. Caleb Earl and Edward Boomer were chosen Tithingmen for the year ensuing. " 14. Stephen Davis, Carpenter, and Barjonas De- voll were chosen measurers of wood for the year en- suing. "15. George Tripp (2d) and William Almy were chosen Hog Reeves for the year ensuing. " 16. Benjamin Davis, Innkeeper, Israel Bright- man, Jonathan Davis, Wanton Case, Jonathan Taber, Capt. Sylvanus White, George Lawton, Job Almy, Pardon Brownell, Samuel Willcox, Peleg Cornell, Junr., and Lemuel Milk were chosen Surveyors of Highways for the year ensuing. " 17. It was voted to have three men chosen for a committee to settle with Dartmouth and New Bedford agreeable to the Act of Incorporation of said Town of Westport. " 18. Stephen Peckham, Wesson Kirby, and Wil- liam Davis, Esq., were chosen said Committee. " 19. Lastly it was voted for this meeting to be ad- journed to Thursday Sept. 20, 1787, at one of the Clock p.m. to be holden at the dwelling house of Joseph Gifford, Inn-keeper." "In compliance with a Warrant Issued from the Selectmen of the Town of Westport, Requiring any or either of the Constables of said Town to notify and warn the inhabitants thereof to meet at the dwelling house of William Gifford in said Town on Thursday, Nov br 22, 1787, at ten of the clock a.m. for the pur- pose of choosing a Delegate, Agreeable to a late Re- solve of the General Court, to Represent this town in the Convention to be holden at the State House in Boston, the second Wednesday of January next, 1788, for the purpose of Assenting to, and Ratifying the Constitution of the United States, as proposed by the Federal Convention lately assembled at Philadelphia. "The inhabitants of said town of Westport who are qualified by law to vote for Representative, being 680 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. legally Notified and Warned by Benjamin Cory one of the Constables of this Town Assembled on Thurs- day Nov br 22, 1787, at the Dwelling House of Wil- liam Giffbrd at ten of the clock a.m. And proceeded agreeable to the directions of said warrant, — " 1. Job Almy was chosen Moderator for said meet- ing. " 2. William Almy was chosen a Delegate to Repre- sent this Town in Convention at the State House in Boston on the second Wednesday of January next, 1788, for the purpose aforesaid." "At a Town meeting held on Monday the 7th day of April, 1788. " 14. The Article was taken up Respecting the building of a Town House or not, and it passed in the Affirmative. Nextly it was Motioned to choose a Committee to look and enquire for the best accommo- dations for a place to set it and to make report thereof to the next Town Meeting. Also a vote was called how many the Committee should consist of, and it was voted to have three upon the committee. And William Almy, Wesson Kirby, & Edward Borden were Nominated to be of the Committee, and they were Chosen and were to make report of their doings to the next town meeting. " 15. The Article was taken up Respecting the Regulating of the Fishery and a vote was called whether the Town would Tolerate the inhabitants thereof to proceed in the method of Seining fish, or not, & it passed in the Affirmative. " Lastly the meeting was adjourned to the second Monday of May next following to meet at the same house at ten of the Clock a.m." "Agreeable to an adjournment of the meeting of the 7th of April last past that was adjourned to this day & house (viz.:) to the 2 nd Monday of May, 1788, at 10 O'Clock a.m. at the House of Joseph Giftbrd. "Voted to allow those accounts brought against this Town, viz. : To Mr. Stokes Potter, for keeping Job Potter from the 2d of July, 1787, to May 16, 1788, forty-five weeks and four days, at 5/ 6d. pr. week, twelve pounds, ten shillings, and Id. To Susa Dick, for keeping Hannah Simon (a Black Woman j from July 2, 1787, to November 1, 1787, Seventeen Weeks and an half, at 3/ pr Week, and from Novem- ber 1, 1787, to January 14, 1788, ten weeks and two days, at 6/ pr week, Total five pounds fourteen shil- lings and sixpence. To Abiel Macomber, for keep- ing Ann Worgin when Sick, from Jan. 28, 1788, four weeks, viz., one week at 12/, next at 9/ Do., at 5/, and Do. at 2/, Total £1 8/. To Edward Borden, for some provisions for the use of Ann Worgin, 6/. " To William Almy, for Funeral Cloths for Han- nah Simon, Jan., 1788, viz. : to 1 sheet, 7/ 6c/. ; one shift, 6/; one cap, 1/; one handkerchief, 1/ 6d. ; to Cash paid Saml. Fales, Esq., for a Warrant, &c, 1/ ; Total, 17/. "To Levy Sherman, for a Coffin for Hannah Simon, 8/. " The Sum total of the above Said Accts. is £21 4/ Id. " Voted that the Town Clerk Certify upon the Accts. allowed by the town when the allowance thereof is, and Record the same; and that the Town Treasurer be directed to issue to such possessors of accts. allowed, as shall apply for the same, a certifi- cate or certificates, in Lieu of such accts., which cer- tificates shall be received in payment by the Town Treasurer for any Town Tax not all payed in at the time of the date of the Certificate, equal to the same sum in Gold and Silver. "A further proceeding upon the article respecting the building of a Town House, and it was motioned that the committee, which was chosen for the pur- pose of enquiring for the best accommodations for a place to erect the Town House should be called upon to make a report. The Committee being called upon, reported that at Stephen Kirby's, Northwest corner of his Land adjoining the Road, was the best place ; and the town to receive of the said Stephen Kirby four rods of land each way, — that is, Sixteen Square Rods, upon the condition of his being exempted from paying his proportion of the expense of build- ing said Town house. "Voted that the Town house be erected at the place above mentioned on the said condition with Stephen Kirby. "Motioned that a Committee be chosen for the purpose of building said house, and George Lawton, Wesson Kirby, and William Hicks were chosen. " Voted that the Committee be impowered to con- duct as they think proper, in preparing Materials for said house, and in the method and order of erecting it, having regard to the manner of doing of it, so that the inhabitants of said town, in things they re- ceive of them, may be as justly proportioned, according to the circumstances of the Town, and apprized by the said committee in as near an equality as they can come at it; also voted that the committee be impow- ered, if in case the aforesaid quantity of land should not be enough for the use of said town for the pur- pose of a Town house Lot (in their opinion), that they purchase as much more as will be sufficient. "At a town-meeting held Aug. 2, 1788, acting on the following article of the warrant, viz.: 1st. To take into consideration the expediency of reconsider- ing the former vote of said Town respecting the place of building a Town House, and if thought proper by said town, to agree on a more suitable place for the above said purpose, or otherwise, for the town to act and do what shall be thought most proper respecting said building. "The matter respecting a place for building a Town-house was taken up and a vote was called whether the Town would reconsider a former vote (which was for erecting said house at the Northwest corner of Stephen Kirby's land) or not, and it passed in the affirmative. WESTPORT. 681 " A vote was called whether said house should be erected at Stephen Kirby's, Southwest corner of his land, or at the Northwest corner of William Gifford's land, and it passed to have it erected at William Gifford's. "Voted that the Committee first chosen for build- ing said house, viz., Capt. William Hicks, Wesson Kirby, and George Lawton, be further impowered to proceed therein agreeable to the last vote for said house, and according to the former instruction. " At a town-meeting held at the house of Wesson Kirby, Sept, 6, 1788, " A vote was called whether the Town would re- consider the former vote passed for building a Town House at the Northwest corner of William Gifford's land or not, and it passed in the negative not to re- consider it, 53 voting for and 63 against reconsider- ing of it. " Voted that the Committee for building said Town House, viz., Capt. William Hicks, Wesson Kirby, and George Lawton, be further instructed to proceed in building said house, so far as to inclose it Conve- nient & Sufficient for holding the next Annual Town Meeting in March or April, 1789, if possible. " At a town-meeting held at the house of Wesson Kirby on Monday, Oct. 13, 1788, " Voted for the town to purchase two Eods each way of land of Ichabod Potter in the Southeast corner of his home farm, and give him Six Dollars for the same. " Voted to reconsider the former vote of said Town for building a Town House at the Northwest corner of William Gifford's, and to build it at said Southeast corner of Ichabod Potter's land. " Voted that the Committee chosen for building said house be directed to build it at this place, agree- able to the former instructions. " The town-house was accordingly built at the last- named place, and was so far completed that a town- meeting was held therein for the first time on the sixth day of April, 1789. This house is the one now in use by the town. The committee were paid for their service and attendance in building the house at the rate of 3/ per day each. The workmen were paid 4/ per day each. The timber and plank, which was mostly of oak, was purchased of twenty-five different persons, and ten other persons furnished shingles in quantities of from 250 to 519 shingles ; and the nails, which were made by hand, were furnished by seven different persons. The total expense of the house for materials and labor, so far as finished to May 13, 1789, was t:30 1/ 5 By Rev. B. F. Mosher. The next account of a pastor is in 1875, when Elder Elihu Grant commenced his work the second Sabbath in January, and resigned in March, 1879. Rev. B. F. Mosher, the present pastor, was chosen the same spring. The society has a fine church edifice, free from debt. The church accepts no creed but the Bible, and fel- lowships all who maintain a Christian character. There are on rolls one hundred and nineteen names, twenty-four of whom have died, eight have been dis- missed, one excommunicated, leaving seventy-six on the roil at present, many of whom are non-residents, having moved from the place. The edifice was erected before the church was organized; probably completed in 1857. There is no date of the dedication of the building, but probably it was dedicated on the same day of the organization. The Third Christian Church 2 of Westport was organized June 10, 1839, with the following mem- bers: Daniel Tripp, Abner Tripp, Gidean W. Tripp, Green Allin, Silva Tripp, Susanah Tripp, Pheby Potter, Pheby Allin, Susan T. Brownell, Christiany Allin, Cathrine Tripp, and Pheby Tripp. The fol- lowing is a list of pastors from its organization to the present time: Elder Callogue, Elder George Dyre, Elder Gideon W. Tripp, Elder Isrel Wood, Elder Orrin J. Weight, Elder Bardon M. Bacer. The church building was erected in 1842. The present officers are: Deacons, Henry Brighton and God fry Cormet; Clerk, Henry Brightman. Friends' Church, Central Village. 3 — The Friends' Meeting at Central village was set oft" from Dartmouth Meeting in the year 1766, under the name of Acoaxet Monthly Meeting,— this village at that time being the western part of Old Dartmouth, and called by the In- dian name of Acoaxet. Several years afterwards its name was changed to Westport Monthly Meeting. The present house was built in 1814 at a cost of eleven hundred and ninety-eight dollars. This was, however, a rebuild (but we have no record of when the house was built which was occupied previous to this). I wish I could give you a picture of it. It is with great pleasure I look back to my childhood days, and think of that large, commodious old meet- ing-house, with its bright, blazing fires in the large fireplaces, and its rows of venerable gray heads arranged along on the high seats. No paint or marks of decoration were seen upon its massive beams or walls, no stuffed cushions on its benches, or carpets covered its sanded floors, but the whole was a picture of neatness. In 1872 the old meeting- house was summoned to lay aside its quaint old garb and undergo another remodeling, which is the present house now occupied. The first members were Ichabod Eddy, Joshua Devol, Mercy Devol, Israel Wood, Philip Tripp, Margaret Tripp, Christian Brightman, Sarah White. - By Henry Brightman. 3 By Hannah R. Gilford. 6S6 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. List of ministers: Warren Gifford, Tabitha Gifford, Jeremiah Austin, William P. Macomber, Joseph Tripp, Rebekah Tripp, Annie Macomber, Mary E. Gifford. I cannot justly leave the history of this meeting without making particular mention of one of its members. I allude to Capt. Paul Cuff, whose name has been handed down from generation to generation as a man of great worth and noble character. He was born on Cuttyhunk, one of the Elizabeth Islands, in the year 1759. His father was a slave, his mother a native Indian by the name of Ruth Moses. He was tall and dignified in his appearance, his hair straight, and his complexion was not dark. A man of limited education, and, in traveling over the world as he did, sensibly realized what a loss he sustained by this privation. Several times during his voyages he took home with him poor boys from foreign ports to educate them. In two weeks he learned enough of navigation to command his own vessels, of which he built seven. At the age of sixteen he became a sailor, and made a whaling voyage to the Gulf of Mexico. His second voyage was to the West Indies, but on the third he was captured by a British ship during the Revolutionary war (in 1776), and held a prisoner three months at New York. He joined this meeting in the year 1808, and often appeared in the ministry with deep devo- tional feelings. In 1810 he received a certificate from the meeting to visit Africa; later he had one to go to Washing- ton ; still later, two others, one to visit Africa the second time. He had a strong attachment for the people of his own color. It was this same Capt. Cuff, with his brother John, who sent in a petition to the Legislature in the year 1778 which was the means of passing the law giving all free persons of color equal privileges with other citizens, also rendering them liable to taxation,— a day which ought to be gratefully remembered in connection with the name of Paul Curl' by all the colored people of Massachusetts. One more incident of this worthy man. On a cer- tain time he visited New Bedford, and stopped at a public-house with some friends, and was sitting in the travelers' room, warming himself by the fire. When the hour of dinner arrived the landlady en- tered the room and told Capt. Cuff she would set him a separate table. He politely thanked her, and then told her he had previously accepted an invitation to dine with Hon. William Rotch. He owned a farm in Westport of one hundred acres, about two miles south of Hix's Bridge ; also a store-house and wharf, where his vessels were built. He died at his home in 1817, and his remains lie buried in Friends' burying-ground at Central village. Pacific Union Congregational Church. 1 — In the 1 By J. L. Anthony. month of March, 1850, Rev. J. B. Parris was engaged to supply the pulpit of the Old House (so called), it being the first Christian Church in Westport of that denomination. Mr. Parris labored with them two years. His salary was small, and obtained by volun- tary subscription. At or near the close of his second year, as usual, a committee was chosen to solicit sub- scriptions for his salary the coming year. The day before his last Sabbath for the year a meeting of the church and society was held to hear the report of the committee. The committee reported they had been unable to obtain the amount for his salary. The moderator of the meeting (Dr. B. B. Sisson) suggested that he, Mr. Parris, be informed of their inability to continue his labors longer, and that a letter of recom- mendation be given him to other sister churches. A letter was written and presented to the meeting, and a vote passed that the clerk inform him of the doings of the meeting, and present to him the letter of rec- ommendation. The week following his last Sabbath at the Old House he was called upon by three gentlemen, two of whom a short time previous had returned from Cali- fornia, and neither of the three had been an attend- ant upon his ministry, but were highly pleased with his deportment as a minister of the gospel. They questioned him to know if he would continue his labors in the village and preach in Washingtonian Hall if they could obtain subscriptions to the amount of his salary, assuring him that no effort had been made to obtain it, and the people were anxious for him to continue with them. His answer to them was that if the people wished him to stay and preach in the hall he had no objection, and the amount raised on or be- fore Saturday. A subscription paper was started, and before Saturday night he was informed the amount had been obtained, and Sunday he commenced his labors in the hall, it being March, 1852, where most of the church members from the Christian Chuch and all the congregation followed him. Mr. Parris continued his labors in the hall till De- cember, 1855, when the Pacific Union Church build- ing was completed and dedicated, and he was invited by its proprietors to occupy its pulpit, which he did till March, 1858, when he informed his friends and congregation he should not be a candidate for the pulpit any longer, as his throat had troubled him much during the past year, and several Sabbaths was unable to preach. In the month of December, 1853, Zacheus Gifford, an attendant at the hall, after the close of the services one Sabbath-day, stated to P. W. Peckham, Stephen Howland, and C. A. Church, in my presence, that a short time previous he attended the rededication and sale of pews at the church at Hix's meeting-house, which had been repaired and pewed off and nicely fitted up, and that the sale of the pews amounted to more than the expense incurred, leaving a balance on hand, and that a new house was needed here, and he WESTPORT. 687 thought one could be built and paid for from the sale of pews. From that time the enterprise commenced to be agitated, and as the hall was uncomfortably crowded most of the time, it was concluded to call a meeting on the subject. The following is a copy of a call for the first meet- ing on the proprietors' records : " Notice. "All persons feeling interested in the cause of Christianity in this Village, are requested to meet at Washington Hall on Thursday, Feh. 2:?, 1854, at 2 o'clock p.m., to consult together upon the present state of the causi' ainl the best means for its promotion. " Westport, Feb'y 22d, 1854." The meeting was held and a vote passed that one of the means to promote the cause of Christianity in this village is to build a meeting-house. A com- mittee was chosen to draft and report resolutions at the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned to Wednesday, March 1, 1854. March 1, 1854, meeting held, and committee re- ported that a good degree, a healthy state of religious feeling and interest, and for the welfare of the cause of Christ these should be concentrated in some form of religious association, and offered the following res- olutions : " That in the opinion of the committee the cause of Christ would be best promoted by a speedy organization of a church. "2d, That the cause would be promoted by the formation of a society to co-operate with the church. And that it would be promoted by the erection of a building suitable for a place of worship. That it is expe- dient to refer the choice of the form of church organization to such as are willing and ready to become members of a church. And that such consult together and come to some decision, and report to the adjourn- ment of this meeting." It was voted that the committee, of which Rev. Mr. Parris was chairman, be instructed to give a general invitation to all persons desirous of becomiug mem- bers of the proposed church to meet at such time and place in said village of Westport, Head of the River, as said committee may designate. Said notice was given, and a meeting held at the house of Hon. N. C. Brownell, Esq., Saturday evening, March 4, 1854. Adjourned to meet at the house of Stephen Howland on Tuesday, March 9th, and from there to the house of Thomas Winslow. , Meeting called to order by Rev. J. B. Parris. C. A. Church chosen chairman ; Stephen Howland, secre- tary. Prayer offered by Rev. J. B. Parris. The arti- cles, confession of faith, and covenant of a Congre- gational Church was adopted. At this point of the proceedings Zacheus Gifford and Adam Gifford with- drew from the enterprise, they wanting the church to be of the same denomination as the old church, which had no creed. There were several meetings held during the year and the matter discussed, but no definite action taken to form a church, some taking the ground that it would be better to have a place to worship in before forming a church organization. A meeting of the citizens held in the hall March 8, 1854. Meeting called to order by the president, B. B. Sisson, Esq. The report of the doings of those wish- ing to join a church was presented by Mr. Howland, in the absence of Mr. Parris. Remarks were made by Mr. Sisson, Brownell, Church, and others. Voted that the report made by the committee of which Mr. Parris was chairman be placed on file. Voted that it is expedient to form a society to act in consort with a church to be formed upon the plan proposed in the report of said committee, or something similar. Voted to choose a committee of five to report where a lot can be obtained to erect a house of public wor- ship on and price of same, the size of the house and probable cost, and the mode of raising the funds. Ye meeting adjourned to Wednesday, March 22, 1854. Meeting held March 22d by adjournment. N. C. Brownell, Esq., chairman of committee appointed at the previous meeting, presented the report of com- mittee, — that a suitable and convenient lot, east of Adam Gifford's, about five rods front on the street, and extending back eight rods, may be had, as in- formed by Stephen Howland, for $ ; that the committee had examined several houses of worship, and are of opinion that a house suitable for the pres- ent and prospective wants of this village and vicinity should be about forty by fifty feet in size; that the probable cost, including furniture, would be from two thousand five hundred to three thousand dollars. In regard to raising funds for the object proposed, your committee recommend it be raised by subscrip- tion in shares of twenty-five dollars each, and they in- dulge the hope that the interest felt in religious obser- vances, the welfare of the rising generation, and morals of the community will insure a subscription commen- surate with the great object in view. Stephen How- land then presented in writing that he wished to give the association the lot reported on the following condi- tions, viz. : that the association erect a meeting-house, make and maintain an inclosure around said lot, that the meeting-house be on the plan now in contempla- tion, with a vestry to be on the floor above the ground, and that if any soil is to be removed from the lot that is not needed on it, that he should have the refusal to remove said soil in a reasonable time. Also at any time when said lot is not occupied for a meeting- house for a religious church or society, it shall then return back to said Howland or his heirs or assigns, provided that in case of fire or to rebuild a new house for the purpose of religious worship there should be time allowed to build. It was voted unanimously to accept the above proposal. A subscription paper was drawn up with certain conditions, and a committee chosen to obtain subscriptions. A clause in the subscription paper provides that at the first meeting after the subscriptions are obtained, such officers may be chosen and such action taken as the subscribers then present may deem necessary to accomplish the object intended. Also, at all meet- ings of subscribers eaclr*shall be entitled to one vote 688 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. for each share by him subscribed for. But no sub- scriber shall be entitled to more than ten votes. The committee having attended to their duty, at a meeting held in the hall on the 7th of April, 1854, reported one hundred and twenty shares had been subscribed for at twenty-five dollars per share, amount- ing to three thousand dollars. The said meeting chose P. W. Peckham, treasurer, and Stephen Howland, clerk. Voted to choose a committee of three to be called the building committee, and C. A. Church, J. L. Anthony, and Daniel H. Waite were chosen. September 21st, a meeting was held in hall, and the building committee made their first report. They re- ported they had advertised for proposals and visited many carpenters in New Bedford and Fall River, that but five carpenters have sent in their proposals, and these they deemed all too high in warranting them to make any contract this fall. Voted to accept their report, and the committee was instructed to continue their effort to make a con- tract to build the ensuing year. March 5, 1855, met according to notice in the hall at 6.30 P.M., B. B. Sisson, Esq., in the chair. Voted that the building committee are hereby in- structed to go on and contract for and build said meeting-house according to plans and specifications furnished by Cleveland & Eaton, and they be author- ized to raise what money may be necessary to accom- plish the object beyond the amount already subscribed by a lien on the house. On the 28th of March, Stephen Howland, the largest subscriber to the stock, died after a short sickness ; but before his death directed his two sons to carry out all his intentions in regard to the enterprise. Then fol- lows the certificate of the treasurer that the subscrib- ers had all paid in their subscriptions except Mr. Howland, which was paid by his executors. Then follows the certificate of Mr. Church, chair- man of the building committee, that in June, 1855, he had received of the treasurer twelve hundred dol- lars, and in the month of September the sum of eigh- teen hundred dollars, it being the whole amount sub- scribed. The office of clerk being vacant by the death of Mr. Howland, a meeting was called on the 16th day of November, 1855, and N. W. Winchester was chosen clerk. Voted that the stockholders have the privilege of turning in what amount each had paid into the treas- ury towards the payment of his pew or pews that he may purchase, and that if his purchase exceeds the amount already paid in, the balance shall be paid in cash to the treasurer. And voted that all votes in- consistent and conflicting with the above vote are hereby repealed. Voted that the stockholders offer the meeting- house to the public upon the following conditions: That upon the conclusion of the dedicatory services the pews be offered for sale, and all purchasers of pews shall come together and organize a society, each person having one vote, but in no case shall one pew be represented by more than one vote, and a majority shall govern, giving it such name as they shall think proper. And said society shall make such rules and regulations as they shall deem best for its future government. And shall call such a preacher as they shall determine. The meeting was then adjourned to meet that evening at six o'clock at the same place. The adjourned meeting came together, the chairman being absent, C. A. Church was called to the chair. Voted that a committee of five be chosen to ex- tend an invitation in behalf of the stockholders to such ministers of the gospel as said committee shall think proper to come and take part in the dedicatory services. And said committee shall also have the management and superintendence of said services. Voted that B. B. Sisson, P. W. Peckham, Stephen Tripp, J. T. Thompson, and N. W. Winchester, be that committee. Voted the com' on dedication carry the vote into effect respecting the offering the house to the public. Voted the building com* and the com* on dedication be a com' on the apprisal of the Pews in said house. Voted to adjourn to meet on Friday evening, Nov. 30th, at 6 o'clock. N. W. Winchester, Clerk. Then follows the following notice: " To the Public. "The undersigned, a com 1 in behalf of the stockholders of the Meet- ing-House lately erected at the Head of the River, Westport, would inform the public that Wednesday, the 5th of December, has In en ap- pointed for dedicating it to the worship of God, and it is expected Rev. Mr. Thurston, of Fall River, will preach the sermon on the occasion. Religious services will be continued until Friday noon, in which min- isters of different denominations have been invited to participate. A cordial invitation is hereby extended to all to attend the meetings; trusting that they will prove both interesting and profitable, and be at- tended with spiritual good. "On Friday afternoon, the 7th, the Pews will be offered for Sale upon the following liberal conditions: The purchasers or owners of Pews shall, as soon as practicable after the sale, meet together and proceed to organize a Society (each person having one voice, and a Majority of Voices to govern), giving it such name as they may deem proper, also to enact all needful rules and regulations for its future government and management; to choose such Committees and Officers as may be neces- sary, and to make such arrangements respecting a Pastor as in their judgment will best promote the welfare of all, and to transact such other business as may be thought expedient and proper. "The committee would now take the liberty to address a few remarks to the friends of religion, and of the public worship of God in this com- munity. " This House has been erected under peculiar circumstances, and dif- fering essentially from houses as usually erected for public worship. They almost without exception originate with an Organized Church and Society, and are of a fixed denominational character. " It is therefore known from the first what religious views govern them, and those who sympathize with those views readily associate to- gether. Not so with us. Seventeen persons in this community, differing in their religious views, but feeling that the morals and religious wants of this village and vicinity demanded a new house for public worship, and that that demand could only be supplied by laying aside minor differences of Opinion and acting together, adopted that course, believ- ing that a just and discriminating Christian sentiment would in the end sustain and justify their Action. The result of their united efforts is the edifice now about completed, the external appearance of which we think will add somewhat to our village, while its interior arrangements WESTPORT. G89 and completeness of finish will reflect no discredit on the liberality of the Stockholders. The funds for its erection have been contributed wholly by them ; DO pecuniary aid has been received or asked for from any denomination or from any other Source. The conditions on which it is offered to the public we believe to be just, open, and fair to all, and free from any reasonable objection. " The object and design of its erection are to subserve as far as possi- ble the moral and religious welfare of the Community, & we trust and beliove in the Providence of God that desirable end will be attained; but to accomplish this all friends of moral and religious improvement should come together in a spirit of true Christian liberality, all minor differences of opinion and jealousies must bo offered a willing sacrifice on the Altar of charity, concord, and kindly feelings. If this be done may not hope that God will own and bless our efforts and crown them with success; and that He will so direct and govern them by this spirit as will redound to the good of all and to His honor & Glory. "J. B. Parris, "B. B. SiSso.N, "P. W. Peck ham, "J. J. Thompson, " N. W. Winchester, "Stephen Tripp, " Committee. "Westport, Nov. 23,1855." At a meeting held Nov. 30, 1855, it was voted that all pews remaining in the hands of the original stock- holders unsold, and not leased by them, shall be ex- empt from taxation for incidental expenses attending public worship, and no pew shall be taxed for the support of the ministry. Voted that the house be appraised at four thou- sand dollars, and the pews be appraised to cover that amount. A committee of three was chosen to sell and convey the pews. Adjourned to Tuesday, Dec. 4, 1855, at 9 a.m., at the meeting-house. At this meeting it was voted that the stockholders reserve to themselves the privilege of inviting a preacher to officiate until a society is formed and a preacher called by it. Ad- journed to 3 p.m. Adjourned to Friday morning, December 7th. At eight and a half o'clock Friday morning the committee on appraisal presented their report, which was accepted by the meeting, as fol- lows : That the apprisals of the pews shall forever hereafter be the basis for taxation. Voted that the front seats, Nos. 19, 20, 43, 44, be forever free seats. Voted that the committee on ded- ication be a committee to invite a preacher to supply the pulpit until a society is formed and a preacher supplied by them. Voted to adjourn to meet in the evening at six and a half o'clock. Rev. Mr. Parris was invited from the hall to the new house by said committee. At the adjourned meeting held on Friday evening, voted that the committee on selling pews be author- ized to lease the unsold pews at the rate of eight per cent, on their appraised value and payment of taxes for incidental expenses, with a provision that should any one wish to purchase said pew, the lessee shall have the first privilege of purchase ; but if he does not wish to purchase, shall then peacefully surrender said pew, and have the privilege of leasing another. Voted that the sale of pews and the purchaser, their valuation, number, and premium paid for choice be recorded in the stockholders' records ; also each pew 44 shall bear its proportion of insurance, to be paid by its purchaser, one-third of purchase money to be paid on delivery of deed, and one-third in thirty days, and one-third, or balance, in sixty days there- after. The records show there were eighteen sold and sixteen leased out of the forty-two to sell or lease. Of those who were numbered among the stock- holders that purchased one or more pews six have died, three have moved away and sold their pews. Of those who leased pews, six have died, six have left town, and four remain. It was also voted at the meeting held Friday even- ing, December 7th, that the superintendent of the Sunday-school at Washington Hall transfer said school to this vestry. Adjourned to Saturday evening, December 15th. Voted to have the records revised and written up in consequence of the sudden death of our respected and lamented friend, Stephen Howland, a former clerk of this association. Adjourned to Tuesday evening, Dec. 18, 1855. Meeting held, B. B. Sisson in the chair. Clerk read the records of the last meet- ing. Voted that the committee appointed at the last meeting on revising the records be empowered to take such action as shall be necessary to organize the stockholders into a legal corporate body. Voted that the sum of two thousand dollars be assessed on the stockholders for the purpose of paying the out- standing debts against the house and preparing the lot; that the same be assessed and collected and paid into the treasury on or before the 15th day of January, 1856. Voted to adjourn to meet at Washington Hall, Dec. 26, 1855, at 6.30 p. m. Meeting held according to adjournment. The committee to organize the stock- holders as a corporate body report they are engaged in the business, and will report as soon as sufficient progress shall have been made to enable them to do so. Voted to adopt the book of records now present and in the hands of the clerk as the book in which to re- cord the doings of the stockholders, and this vote be entered at the commencement of the records. Voted that all meetings in the future be called by posting up notices in two public places three days at least before the time for holding said meetings. Voted that in the death or absence of the clerk the meeting shall be called by the treasurer. Voted that the building committee be authorized to draw on the treasurer for such sums as may be necessary to discharge the debts against said house and lot. Voted to meet at Washington Hall on the evening of December 26th, at six and a half o'clock. Dec. 26, 1855. Meeting called to order by the clerk ; chairman being absent, J. L. A. chosen pro tern. The chairman of committee appointed to revise and ex- amine the records as left by Mr. Howland, the former clerk, made their report, which was accepted. Voted to adjourn without day. N. W. Winchester, Clerk. 690 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. The next meeting was called by the clerk to meet in the vestry of the church, Monday evening, 20th, at eight o'clock ; first, to choose a moderator ; second, to hear the report of the committee on the organiza- tion of the proprietors ; third, to hear the report of the building committee. C. A. Church, chairman of the building committee, read the report : " The Com 1 report they had Erected a Meeting-house for the public Worship of God in the Village, Having from time to time made partial report as all were aware in the Work. Having as they believe Com- pleted the Work assigned or Confided to them, they are Now prepared to make a final report and settlement of the business assigned them. They presented to the Meeting the Accompanying bills of Expendi- tures and the receipts in the hand of Treasurer to show what became of their Money. It being so arranged as to show in detail the amount ex- pended in the Various departments, deeming it the most business like and probably the most satisfactory to the stockholders who have a right to know, where & for what, purpose their money has been expended. The Com 4 thought it desirable that all debts against the House should be paid with as much promptitude as possible. And they think they may Assert with Safety that rarely has a house of the Kind been erected where the debts against it have been more promptly paid. They also re- turn their thanks to the Stockholders for their liberality and promptness in furnishing them with the means for doing so. The Com' would also say in conclusion they have endeavored to discharge the duties Assigned them to the best of their ability and that all will agree they are attended with no little trouble and anxiety and responsibility, and that better and more competent persons from among our numbers, could have been chosen, we do not doubt ; but as we are of your own choosing the re- sponsibility you have to assume. We charge Nothing for our Services and if they are worthless, you pay Nothing for them. It they have been of any Value whatever it may be, You are welcome to them. And we hope that he who governs all things will own and bless the Edifice that we all have contributed to erect ; And make it instrumental in pro- moting his honor and Glory. We respectfully submit this report and accompanying Account and ask to be discharged from further Service. " Signed " C. A. Church, " J. L. Anthony, "Dan. H. Waite, " Committee." The bills of each person employed in preparing the lot for the foundation, stone-work, plans, carpenter's bill, masons, painters, furnace, upholstery, chairs, table, sofa, Bibles for vestry and auditorium, insurance for five years, dedication expenses, etc., amounted to $5092.50. The above account and report was accepted and ordered to be recorded. The following report was presented on organizing the stockholders into a legal body of proprietors as a corporate body : " The undersigned a Com' appointed to present some plan the said organization of the Stockholders as a Corporate body, report that they have examined the subject and consulted Council in the case, and they recommend the Stockholders to organize under the 43d chapter of the Revised Statutes. (Signed) "Isaac Howland, "P. W. Pf.ckham, " C. A. Church, " Committee. " Westport, July 28, 1856." Then follows a copy of a deed given by James B. Congdon and wife to owners of pews of the lot on which the house stands, said lot having previously been conveyed to him by the heirs of Mr. Howland, who were now stockholders in common. Said deed conveys to each stockholder the amount of his share, also naming each heir of Mr. Howland, the share of each belonging to their father, who was the largest shareholder (and his heirs being five). Then follows the petition to George H. Gifford, justice of the peace, representing that they with others are the proprietors and holders in common of certain real estate situated in Westport; that they are de- sirous of forming themselves into a corporation ac- cording to the statutes in such cases made and pro- vided. Wherefore they request that you, the said justice, issue your warrant calling a meeting of said proprietors to be held for the purpose of organizing themselves as a corporation under the provision of the law in such cases provided ; and to choose all necessary officers, and to determine the manner of calling all future meetings, and make arrangements for the sale or transfer of their property, and trans- act other business that may be necessary and proper. Dated July 28, 1856. Signed by C. A. Church, J. L. Antliony, and seven others. George H. Gifford, the justice, issued his warrant to the said holders in common, directing them to call a meeting of said proprietors to be held in the vestry of the new meeting-house at the Head of the Biver, in Westport, on Monday, the 25th day of August, in the year 1856, at seven and a half o'clock p.m., for the purposes aforesaid, by posting up a no- tice containing the substance of this warrant, signed by you, the said C. A. Church, in one or more public places in said Westport, fourteen days at least before said meeting, and also by publishing the same in a newspaper printed in said county of Bristol. Given under the hand and seal of said George H. Gifford, justice of the peace. Then follows the certificate of C. A. Church that he had complied with the order of the warrant. The meeting was held according to the warrant, J. L. Anthony, chosen moderator; N. W. Winchester, chosen clerk, and sworn by the mod- erator; P. W. Peckham, chosen treasurer; Isaac Howland, collector; C. A. Church, assessor ; J. L. A. I. Howland, J. T. Thompson, chosen a committee to sell or lease unsold pews, and make the necessary conveyances, and to have the general care of the house and lot. Voted that the pews now sold or leased by the stockholders be approved by this meeting. Voted that this corporation shall be known by the name of the proprietors of the Pacific Union Church. It was also voted that the clerk shall call all future meetings of the corporation by posting up one notice at the church and at one or more public places in the village seven days at least before the holding of the meeting, and in case of death or absence of clerk, meeting shall be called by treasurer. Voted that the clerk shall call a meeting at any time on application of three or more of the proprie- tors in writing, stating the object of said meeting, and at all other times when he shall deem it expedient. Voted that five shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business of this association. Voted WESTPORT. 691 that each share shall be entitled to one vote, and that no person be entitled to more than ten votes. Voted to reconsider the vote for treasurer, and that the col- lector, Isaac Howland, be the treasurer. Voted that the committee on sale of pews be directed to erect a suitable fence around the lot as soon as may be, in compliance with the stipulations in the deed of said lot. Voted to adjourn without clay. The next meet- ing of interest was held Friday, March 6, 1857, at which the treasurer presented his report for the past year, showing there had been received into the treas- ury the sum of $189.49 from taxes, leases, and rents for the incidental expenses, and he had sundry bills to the amount of $186.56, leaving a balance in the treasury of $2.93. It was proposed and voted that an individual account be opened in the records with the proprietors, and that each proprietor be furnished with a statement of his account. Voted to adjourn without day. N. W. Winchester, clerk. The next meeting was held by the proprietors on the 5th day of March, 1859, at three o'clock, p.m., under a call by the proprietors to the clerk. When the necessary officers and committees were chosen for the year. There was presented to the meeting from a committee of the Union Sewing Circle a statement that from means obtained from the fair held by them in December last, and from the aid of kind friends in and out of our village, they have been enabled to raise a sum sufficient to warrant them in contracting for a bell for the tower of the church and a clock for the vestry, and therefore ask of the corporation their acceptance of the same, and permission for them to place the bell and clock in their appropriate places in the church. Signed, Westport, March 5, 1859. Mary A. Church, Lucilla S. Borden. Voted that the proprietors of this church accept with gratitude and pleasure the above kind donation of a bell and clock from the ladies of the Westport Union Sewing Society, and earnestly hope, with the blessings of God, that the donation made and the edifice which may contain them be ever used to pro- mote His glory and the moral and religious welfare of this community ; and that a committee consisting of Capt. Charles Little and Isaac Howland be ap- pointed to accept said donation, and render any aid necessary in placing the bell and clock in their ap- propriate places. Voted that a copy of this vote be given to the com- mittee of the sewing society. The meeting was then adjourned to March 11, 1859, at three o'clock p.m. At the meeting held March 11, 1859, the committee appointed at the previous meeting reported that they had given the subject much thought, as regards the rights and duties of all the stockholders and the gen- eral interest of this community in which the church is located. They are of an opinion, as there is not much probability of selling the pews on hand at their present valuation and paying the indebtedness to the stockholders, that those stockholders to whom there is a balance due draw out the amount of said balance in pews and dispose of them as they shall deem best; and those of the stockholders who have purchased pews, the value of which exceeds their amount of stock, that they pay up their balance. This will close up with but little delay the whole matter of the stock- holders and the proprietorship, and the business can be transferred or merged into the society. This is very desirable, and your committee earnestly hope it may be accomplished. They are authorized to state that those stockholders to whom there is a balance due are ready to take out those balances in pews on reasonable and just conditions, and hope those in- debted will manifest an equal promptness in settling their balances. The next consideration, what in jus- tice should be done with those pews drawn out by the stockholding creditors, in regard to taxation for inci- dental expenses, when not used or wanted by them. Having purchased pews sufficient for themselves and families, the stockholders propose to surrender them, or such of them as they do not wish to retain, to the use of the proprietors for one year, for them to be leased at auction or otherwise, and the amount re- ceived be applied towards the payment of the inci- dental expenses of supporting public worship in the house, reserving the right of selling only should op- portunity offer. This certainly is a fair and liberal offer, and will have the effect to reduce materially the expenses on the single pew-owners of the stockholders. There are many, your committee think, in the community who are desirous of purchasing or leasing pews who cannot afford to pay the present valuation prices or lease at the present rates ; what the committee desire is a price within their reach. The stockholder own- ing pews can sell at any price he feels disposed to, and those surrendered to the proprietors can be leased at rates sufficiently low to bring them within the means of all who desire to rent. Free seats will be furnished to all unable to purchase, and that the rea- sonable wishes of all can be supplied. The great ob- ject should be to throw open as widely as possible the doors of the sanctuary of public worship, that the poor as well as the rich should equally partake of its blessings and privileges. Your committee feel it their duty, whether acting the part of committee or stock- holder, to do all they can to accomplish so desirable an end, and would therefore recommend the adoption of the following votes : The first, second, and part of third article in the vote recommended is to cover the ground in the re- port presented with the following items of additions, the reservation for a pew for the use of the minis- ter's family : That the money received from pews leased be appropriated towards the incidental ex- pense, and the balance shall be taxed on the pews remaining in the hands of stockholders, owned and retained by them, according to the established valua- tion of said pews ; and that no lease shall interfere <692 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. with right of any stockholder to sell his pew and give immediate possession, the lessee only paying for the time occupied, and that said pew sold or the owner thereof shall be liable to the same taxation as the pews owned and used by the stockholders or others. The vote also recommends that the committee on sale and lease of pews shall give public notice that they will lease pews at public auction on some day (they shall name) as soon as practicable for the term of one year as many pews (after making the above reserva- tion) as the community shall, by offers made, evince a desire to lease. The residue, if any, may be leased thereafter (if opportunity offers) on such terms and conditions as the committee shall judge best for the interest of all parties ; and that all pews, when not occupied by the lessee or owner, may be occupied by others, under the direction of the committee on sale and leasing of pews. Voted to adopt the report of the committee. Voted that the three votes recommended by the committee as recorded be adopted. A committee of three was then appointed to sell and lease the pews, as follows: C. A. Church, J. L. Anthony, and Isaac Howland, and that the said committee be authorized to make necessary conveyance to the stockholders and others of those pews already purchased or drawn out by them, also of those the stockholders may hereafter draw out ; also lease such pews as may be surrendered to the use of the proprietors, agreeable to the vote adopted in the report of said committee as above recorded, and that a stockholder be permitted to exchange his •pew if said committee deem it best; also arrange for the settlement of any balance due to the stockholders on pews drawn out, on such terms as they shall deem for the interest of parties. A recpiest from the pro- prietors to the clerk to call a meeting to be held in the vestry of the church on Monday, April 11th, at seven o'clock p.m., the third article was to ascertain if the proprietors will sell or convey the house and lot to the Pacific Union Society and close up the affairs of the corporation, and to appoint a committee with authority to make the necessary conveyance to accomplish that object, and to repeal -any former vote of the proprietors that may be inconsistent with the above. Meeting held ; being stormy and but few present, and it being desirous to have a full representation of the proprietors, voted to adjourn to Tuesday, April 12th, at three p.m. April 12, 1859. The proprietors met by adjournment, a full representation present. The committee on sale and lease of pews presented their report, which was accepted and adopted : "The undersigned appointed a Com 1 at a Meeting of the proprietors held on the 11th day of March, 1859, for the purpose of Conveying to individual proprietors such Pews as they shall see fit to draw out to- wards the ba 1 due them of stock in the Corporation, and to settle and close up its affairs in Order that the control and management of the House of Worship should be transferred to the Pacific Union Society. Eeport that they might proceed legally & Lawfully in the matter have taken legal advice, and that it is recommended that the proprietors of the Pacific Union Church shall convey said Church & Lot by deed to the Pacific Union Society, and that said Society shall make the division deeds of Pews to its members. And as the members of said Society are also proprietors in the Church & Owners of the larger portion of the same; and are desirous of drawing out their bal. due them in Pews, the division of Pews will be so arranged by the Society as to meet the views of those proprietors as well as if done by the Corporation. This course will give to the Society the same control of the House as is now pos- sessed by the proprietors which was one of the Objects necessary to be attained in referring the subject to your committee. "Your Com' concur in the above recommendation, and regard it as the proper course to pursue to bring about the wishes and intentions of the proprietors. But doubt whether you have conferred on them the power and Authority to make said conveyance, and would ask that you would confer upon them or others such necessary powers & Authority that the Object desired may be accomplished. (Signed) "C. A. Church, "J. A. Anthony, "Isaac Howland, " Committee." It was voted that C. A. Church, J. L. Anthony, Isaac Howland be a committee with authority and power to sell and convey to the Pacific Union Society in Westport the house of public worship and lot be- longing to the proprietors known as the Pacific Union Church, and to make all necessary conveyance of the same and to close up as soon as may be the affairs of the corporation. Voted that any vote heretofore passed by us in any way inconsistent with the preceding vote is hereby repealed. There were seventy-five votes cast in the affirmative and none in the negative. Voted to ad- journ to April 19, 1859. April 19th. A meeting held ; nothing of importance acted on. Voted to adjourn to April 26th. April 26th. A meeting held ; no important busi- ness done, and adjourned to meet at the house of P. W. Peckham, May 6, 1859, at 7.30 p.m. May 6, 1859. Meeting held and the committee re- ported they had leased of the unsold pews, according to the instructions given them, at auction and other- wise, twenty pews for the sum of fifty-six dollars and twenty-five cents. That they have also assigned pew No. 16 for the use of the minister's family, and seats for persons unable to hire, and five pews not leased, but the committee are of the opinion that every pew on hand will be leased or assigned to those wishing to attend public worship in the church. Though the pews have been leased for a comparatively small amount for the coming year, yet your committee are of the opinion that great spiritual blessings will follow the course which the proprietors have been pleased to pursue to enable all who desire to attend public worship in this house to procure a seat for what they please to give. And they doubt not that as the interest increases from a regular attendance upon the public worship of God, that in a pecuniary point of view we may with hope look forward for the blessing of Almighty God to attend the efforts and sacrifices made by the proprietors of this house for the moral and religious welfare of this place. Signed, in behalf of the committee, by J. L. Anthony. WESTPORT. 693 The committee chosen at a previous meeting re- ported that they had sold and conveyed said house and lot by the following deed, a copy of which is hereto annexed. And in order to close up the affairs of the corporation the undersigned committee have made an agreement intended to accomplish that result, with a committee duly authorized by the Pa- cific Union Society to purchase said house and lot, and to adjust and settle all matters in relation to said purchase. Said deed and agreement we present with this report and ask that they be ratified and entered in the book of records of the proprietors. Then fol- lows the deed and agreement on the part of the two committees as recorded in the proprietors' records. Then said deed and agreement was ratified and ap- proved, and the clerk directed to enter them in the records of the proprietors. Voted to adjourn without day. A meeting called according to notice, to be held on Friday evening, 3d month 9, 1866, was adjourned to April 3, 1866. Meeting held April 3, 1866, by ad- journment, and it appearing from the records that there has been a final distribution of the common property belonging to the proprietors, and that there are no debts owing from the proprietors and none due them, and that the business of the corporation is closed up, therefore voted that the book of records be deposited with the clerk of the Pacific Union Society, said society having been the sole purchasers of all the property formerly belonging to the proprietors. Voted to adjourn sine die. Attest : N. W. Winchester, Clerk. On the 9th of May, 1858, a notice was read from the pulpit by Rev. Isaac Dunham stating that it was thought necessary to have an organized church con- nected with this house of worship, and that all who were willing to unite in the formation of a church to meet in the vestry of the church building the next after- noon, May 10, 1858, at 3.30 o'clock, to consider upon the subject, and to take steps for its completion. The meeting was held, moderator chosen, as also a secretary. There were seventeen persons present. Remarks were made by J. L. Anthony setting forth the necessity of an organized church, and the desires of a number to connect themselves with it. By per- mission of the meeting the secretary read articles of faith, covenant, and standing rules of a Congrega- tional Church which, if satisfactory, would recom- mend for adoption, if thought best to have a Congrega- tional Church. As there were persons in the meeting that thought a church of the Christian or Methodist denomination would be preferable, it was concluded to take a vote and have the majority to decide the question. The vote stood : for the Christian, three ; for Methodist, two; for a Congregational, nine; and three not voting either way. It was voted to call a council for the organization of a church three weeks from that day. Meeting then adjourned sine die. On the 26th of May, 1858, letters missive were sent to the following-named churches to send pastors and delegates to meet on Monday, May 31, 1858, at ten o'clock, a.m., to advise and aid in forming a church on Congregational principles, and publicly to recog- nize the same, if in the judgment of the council it should be thought expedient so to do. Signed, J. L. Anthony, D. H. Kay. Pursuant to letters missive an ecclesiastical coun- cil met at the meeting-house in Westport, May 31, 1858, for the purpose of organizing a Congregational Church. Present, North Congregational Church, New Bed- ford, Rev. H. W. Parker, pastor; Brother T. R. Den- nison, delegate. Trinitarian Church, New Bedford, Rev. Wheelock Craig, pastor; Brother Robert Gibbs, delegate. Pacific Church, New Bedford, Rev. Tim- othy Stowe, pastor; Brother J. Freeman, delegate. Central Congregational Church, Fall River, Rev. Eli Thurston, D.D., pastor ; Brother Nathan Durfee, delegate. The council was organized by the choice of Rev. H. W. Parker, moderator; and Brother Nathan Durfee, scribe. Meeting opened by prayer by Rev. Mr. Craig. Rev. Mr. Dunham was invited to take a seat with the council. J. L. Anthony was called upon to give an account of the previous prospects of the society ; what means were at command to sustain the ministry provided a Congregational Church was organized. Mr. C. A. Church gave his views in regard to the control of the house, expressing his opinion that, provided a church was formed, most of the stock- holders would heartily co-operate. Rev. I. Dunham gave his opinion that the time had come for the or- ganization of a church. The articles of faith and form of covenant were presented and read, whereupon it was voted that the articles of faith and form of covenant, together with the name of the church, and their rules and regula- tions now presented, are satisfactory to the council. The following-named presented themselves, and were examined upon certificate or by profession of their faith, aud the examination proving satisfactory to the council, it was Voted to proceed to the organ- ization of the church : J. L. Anthony, Rev. J. B. Parris, Dr. B. R. Abbie, David H. Kay, Miss Caro- line Tallman, Mrs. Mary Howland, Elizabeth G. Howland, Mrs. Mary W. Anthony, Mrs. Mary J. Rowland, Mrs. Eliza A. Macomber, Miss Nancy A. Cornell. Order of exercise for the organization of the church : Reading of the minutes, by the scribe ; invocation and reading the Scriptures, by the Rev. J. B. Parris; in- troductory prayer, by Brother Dennison ; sermon, by Rev. Eli Thurston, — text was, " For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up," Psalm lxix. 9 ; reading con- fession of faith and covenant, by Rev. Timothy Stowe ; recognition of church and consecration prayer, by 694 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Rev. H. W. Parker; fellowship of church, Rev. Mr. Craig; concluding prayer, Rev. Mr. Dunham. The confession of faith, covenant, etc., in pamphlet form, is herein inclosed. A meeting of the church was held Aug. 21, 1858, at which a clerk and deacon was chosen. It was also voted that this church extend an invitation to the Rev. I., Dunham to serve them as pastor for the year commencing June 1, 1858. The articles of faith, covenant, and standing rules of the church were read for the information of those present desirous of join- ing this church. Voted that those persons present who wish to join the church be examined on their profession of faith. Mrs. Hannah Crocker, Mrs. Phebe Tripp, and Miss Lucilla Borden presented themselves, and were exam- ined by the committee, and the examination proving satisfactory, it was voted that they be propounded. Voted that the clerk inform the society that they had concurred with them in extending an invitation to the Rev. Isaac Dunham to become their pastor. Rev. Mr. Dunham accepted the invitation. Voted to adjourn for two weeks. At the meeting held on Sept. 4, 1858, Brother J. B. Parris was chosen treasurer, which office he has held to this day. On Sunday, September 5th, to which the last meet- ing was adjourned, the three persons previously pro- pounded were received into full membership. Nov. 7, 1858. Rev. I. Dunham and wife were re- ceived into the church by letter from Wesleyan Meth- odist Church in Duxbury, Mass. Jan. 1, 1860. Mrs. Alice T. Peckham was publicly received into membership of this church. June 5, 1861. Mrs. Lucy Adams was received into this church. June 30th. Eleven persons were received into the church. Dec. 29, 1861. Matilda Gifford was received into membership of this church. May 3, 1862. Capt. R. W. Crapo and wife were re- ceived into membership of this church. July 5, 1863. Four persons were received into mem- bership of this church. September 6th. Seven persons were received into membership. July 10, 1864. Mrs. H. Bosworth was received into membership by letter from Middle Street Christian Church, New Bedford. March, 1866. At the request of Sister Hannah Cobb to join the First Presbyterian Church in Oswego, N. Y., and Sister H. W. Bosworth to join the Middle Street Christian Church, New Bedford, it was voted that their request be granted, and letters given them. August 9th. The ordinance of baptism was admin- istered to the infant son of John H. and Rebecca A. Gifford, and infant daughter of Thomas and Georgie R. Cornell. May 13, 1866. Mrs. Nancy Pool was admitted a member by baptism and profession of faith. November 1st. H. C. Sawin was received by letter from Brookline, N. H., Church of Christ recommend- ing him to P. U. Church in Westport. Sept. 1, 1867. The ordinance of baptism was ad- ministered to Emma Cowen, and she was admitted to the fellowship of this church. The ordinance of baptism was administered to Thomas Ashly, infant son of John H. and Rebecca A. Gifford. January, 1868. Rev. Isaac Dunham, who had been the acting pastor of this church nearly ten years, de- clined to serve it longer, as he wished to go and build up a church at Whittenden, near Taunton. His year expiring April 1, 1868, he had provided a pastor for the church, if they should unite in calling him, by the name of Leonard, who came and preached { a sermon Feb. 19, 1868, and the call was given Feb- ruary 22d. For many other items of interest, they will be found in extracts from the society records. A council was called June 30, 1868, and Rev. H. P. Leonard was installed as pastor. Brother Leonard continued his pastorate till March 16, 1875, when, at his request, a council was called and dissolved his connection with this church. The pulpit was sup- plied to June 1, 1875, by Rev. H. P. Gilford, N. S. Moore, and Rev. N. S. Moore engaged for six months, or to Dec. 1, 1875, after which the pulpit was again supplied to Oct. 20, 1876, by Mr. Bonnell, Dyre, Gil- ford, D. D. Campbell, Pettee, Smith, Allen, Bacon, Prescott, Atwood, and Bristol. Oct. 20, 1876. The church and society invited Rev. F. L. Bristol as their acting pastor for one year, which was accepted. At the request of Brother H. P. Leonard and wife, the usual letters from this church to the Congrega- tional Church at East Taunton was sent him, and notice received July 3, 1877. Rev. F. L. Bristol gave notice that at the close of his year of labor with this church and society he should leave, and therefore should not be a candidate for acting pastor the next. The church was supplied thereafter till Jan. 1, 1878, by Mr. Bonnell, L. P. Atwood, Mr. Dodge, Mr. Tenney, Mr. Willams, and William P. Alcott. The committee then agreed with Rev. L. P. Atwood to supply the church and society for three months from Jan. 1 to April 1, 1878. He (Mr. Atwood) was en- gaged from year to year till April 1, 1883. He then declined to be a candidate to supply the 4 church and society longer. Sept. 27, 1880. At the request of Sister Ellen M. Leland to change her connection from this dear church of her childhood to the West Newton Baptist Church, the letter of recommendation 'and dismission was granted by vote of the church, and notice received. Mrs. Rebeccah A. Smith having signified to Rev. L. P. Atwood her desire' for baptism, and being re- ceived into this church ; a committee waited upon her at her house, she being sick and in feeble health, and upon examination of her experience and profession of faith, and it proving satisfactory in finding her in WESTPORT. 695 fellowship with the articles of faith of this church, and of her hope in the hlood of Christ which cleanseth from all sin, a vote of the church was taken on the report of the committee, which was unanimous to re- ceive her after the ordinance of haptism had been administered. Sabbath afternoon, July 2, 1882, Rev. Mr. Atwood and members of the church assembled at her home, and the ordinance of baptism by sprinkling was ad- ministered, and she admitted to this branch of Christ's visible church in usual form, after which the sacra- ment was administered. On the 31st of December, 1882, a letter was re- ceived from Brother Atwood stating that he respect- fully declined the candidacy to supply the pulpit after expiration of his present year of labor, ending the last Sabbath of March, 1883. Jan. 18, 1883. The letter of Rev. Mr. Atwood read. On motion of Brother Dr. J. B. Parris, it was voted that a letter of recommendation be given him to sister churches. The following preamble and resolution and letter were offered and voted, and a copy furnished Mr. Atwood: " Whereas, The Rev. Lewis P. Atwood, who has labored with this church and society for more than five years past, has declined to be a candidate for the pulpit the coming year, it is therefore "Resolved, That we deeply regret the severing of the Christian and brotherly ties that bound our hearts together, and this church doth cor- dially and cheerfully recommend Brother Atwood to the confidence and Christian fellowship of sister churches who may be in want of a pastor, he being an earnest, faithful, and devout minister in his Lord's vine- yard, and deeply interested in Sabbath-schools and its work, for which he is well adapted. " In behalf of the church, "J. L. Anthony, Clerk." Representatives. — The sentatives to the General present time : 1788. William Davis, Esq. 1789. Mr. William Almy. 1790. Voted not to send. 1791. Capt. Sylvester Brownell. 1792-99. William Almy. 1800. Voted not to send. 1801-3. Abner Brownell. 1804. William Almy. 1805. John Blosher. 1800-7. William Almy. 1808-9. Sylvester Brownell. Abner Brownell. 1810-12. Abner Brownell. Sylvester Brownell. Abner Gifford. 1 813. Abner Brownell. Abner li. Gifford. Is;i:ic Cory. ISM. Abner Brownell. Abner B. Gifford. John Anthony. 1815-16. Abner Brownell. Sj Ivester Brownell. Abner B. Gifford. 1817. Voted not to send. 1818-19. Sylvester Brownell. 1820. Voted not to send. 1821. Abner Brownell. 1822. Voted not to send. following is a list of repre- Court from 1788 to the 1823-24. None. 1825 Abner B. Gifford. Tillinghast Almy. Nathan C. Brownell. 1826. None. 1827. Tillinghast Almy. Nathan C. Brownell. 1828. Tillinghast Almy. Aimer B. Gifford. Nathan C. Brownell. 1829. None. 1830. Abner B. Gifford. Nathan C. Brownell. Anselm Bassett. 1831. Abner B. Gifford. James H. Handy. 1832-34. Abner B. Gifford. James H. Handy. Jonathan Davis. 1835. James H. Handy. Jonathan Davis. Christopher A. Church. 1836-:i7. Nathan C. Brownell. Jonathan Davis. Christopher A. Church. 1838. Nathan C. Brownell. Jonathan Davis. 1839. Nathan C. Brownell. Gamaliel Church. 1840. Gamaliel Church. John Avery Gifford. 1841. James H. Handy. 1842. John Avery Gifford. 1843. Gamaliel Church. 1845.1 Jonathan Davis. 1846-47. Perry Davis. 1848. Benjamin B. Sissou. 1850.2 George H. Gifford. 1851-52. Frederick Brownell. 1853-54. Isaac A. Anthony. 1855. Benjamin B. Sisson. 1856-57. Abiel Davis. 1858-59. Ezra P. Brownell. 1860. Perry Davis. 1861. Ezra P. Brownell. 1862. C. A. Church. 1863-65. Ezra P. Brownell. 1866. Andrew Hicks. 1867-68. Ezra P. Brownell. 1869. Isaac A. Anthony. 1870. Ezra P. Brownell. 1871. Stephen A. Brownell. 1872-73. Giles E. Brownell. 1874. Joseph C. Little. 1875-76. Benjamin Gifford. 1877. 3 George B. Reed, of Dart- mouth. 1878. Charles Fisher « and William P. Macomber. 1879. William P. Macomber. 1880-81. Henry A. Slocum, of Dartmouth. 1882-83. John W. Gifford. Town Clerks from 1787 to 1883.— The following is a list of town clerks from 1787 to the present time : 1787-88. Abner Brownell. 1790-91. Robert Earl. April 2, 1792, to May 14, 1792, Na- thaniel Kirby. May 14, 1792, to Nov. 28, 1807, William Almy. Nov. 28, 1807, to April, 1812, Wil- liam White (2d). 1812-18. Abner B. Gifford. 1818-45. Frederick Brownell. 1845-50. Peleg W. Peckham. 1850-56. George H. Gifford. 1856-62. Israel Allen. 1862-64. Isaac Howland. 1864-65. Israel Allen. 1865-74. Albert C. Kirby. 1874-78. John A. Macomber (2d). 1878-80. Robert A. Lawton . . 1880-83. John A. Macomber (2d). Military Record.— The names of the soldiers and Westport during the war of Averill, William. Abbott, Hiram P. Adams, C. F. Allen, Stephen H. Anthony, Nicholas B. Andrews, Thomas. Allen, Albert M. Allen, George E. Adison, William. Angien, John. Arthur, Joshua. Burt, Charles A. Borden, Peleg S. Bullock, Isaiah B. y Bowen, Daniel W. Bryant, George H. Broadhurt, Thomas R. Bannan, James. Breck, Elijah F. Broadbent, Samuel S. Baker, Abraham M. Borden, Isaac S. Brown, Samuel. Bradbury, Robert. Baker, Henry C. Brightman, John H. Bradley, George E. Brownell, Jirah F. Boswoith, Henry L. Brown, William. Burch, Edward. Babbit, Albert. Bean, Elisha B. following is a list of the sailors from the town of the Rebellion : Barton, Franklin A. Brightman, Alexander S. Borden, John S. Bogan, John. Chappell, Augustus G. Crowley, Patrick. Cary, Michael. Cordingly, Thomas R. Curran, James. Connick, Henry. Cornell, Stephen B. Cutler, Israel. Chappell, John. Devoll, George R. David, Solon. David, Charles. David, Edward. Dalton, Warren R. Devoll, Henry S. Demoranville, Stephen E. Dyer, Stephen K. Dillon, John. Dolon, Andrew. Dewire, William. Davis, James F. Dutcher, George 0. Dengan, Sfhion. Durfeo, James D. Dollard, Thomas. Dillingham, Edward H. Davis, Pardon E. Dean, John P. Davenport, Charles W. 1 In 1844 William G. Slade had the highest number of votes on each of four ballotings, and the polls closed at sunset, no choice. - In 1849, George H. Gifford had the highest number of votes on each of two ballotings, but no choice was made. 3 Dartmouth united with Westport and sent but one representative. * Charles Fisher's seat contested by William P. Macomber, who was admitted. 696 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Estes, Daniel B. Emerson, Joseph A. Easton, Josiah J. Earl, Andrew R. Eastlier, John. Evenson, Michael. Fay, Edward A. Fuller, John H. Forsyth, John. Fiske, Joseph. French, Alfred. Feeney, Patrick. Fegurade, John L. Fuller, Piescott H. Fair, William N. Fergueson, Waldermann. Fitzgerald, George. Fish, Samuel. Frazier, Peter. Gifford, George A. Gooding, Charles H. Greenhalgh, Joseph. Gammons, John G. Gifford, Abraham. Gifford, James B. Gammons, Lemuel T. Gifford, Eli. Grey, Sydney N. Gifford, Almenzo. Green, Dennis. Gallagher, Edward. Green, John C. Gahna, Joseph. Gree, James. Green, Dennis. Gagin, Edward. Graff, Frederick. Galpin, John L. Gleason, Daniel. Hedge, Lemuel M. Hedge, Mortimer. Hasty, Alvin A. Harrington, Daniel. Hoklin, Michael. Harrington, Timothy. Hekelsey, John. Holmes, John J. Howland, Albeit F. Hartley, James. Harrison, Edward. Hart, Philip W. Harrington, John. Hazzard, John H. Howard, William. Humphre3's, Richard. Howland, Robert' S. Ingraham, Frederick W. Jenks, George A. Jordan, John F. Jones, John. Jenney, Benjamin K. Jackson, William S. Jennings, Asa M. Johnson, William H. Kendall, John. Kearney, Rufus J. Keleyor, William. Kelley, Henry. Kelley, John. King, Stephen's. Kan use, Samuel T. Kelley, James. Kimball, James W. Kelley, Patrick. Kelly, Daniel W. Keeler, Andrew J. Keenan, John. Kerse, Patrick. Litchfield, James A. Leary, James. Lowden, Edward. Libby, Joshua. Lewis, Charles. Lewis, Edward H. Macomber, William R. McCarthy, John. Moido, J. A. Martin, Peter. Manchester, Edward F. Manchester, John. Munhall, John. Miller, George. McNaughter, Charles. McGowan. John. Manchester, Gilbert. Mayhew, Allen G. Mosher, Benjamin F. Morisey, John. Moore, Sidney. Macomber, Leonard W. Macomber,'David W. Macomber, Richmond. Mosher, Andrew J. Mosher, Willard B. Mead, Charles F. Marshall, Augustus L. Manley, Henry B. Miller, Louis. McCord, Were. McDonald, James D. McCullay, William. McCarty, Mortimer. McLane, Benjamin L. Pool, Edwin R. Pettey, James H. Pettey, Hiram S. Pagan, Jeremiah. Pickels, James. Pierce, George F. Potter, Charles F. Pettey, Daniel A. Platree, Henry. Pettey, Charles A. Pettey, Pardon Z. Page, Charles A. Peckham, Israel. Perry, William H. Perry, Orrin G. Palmer, Abner D. Reed, Pel eg P. Rowbotham, James. Riley, Henry. Reed, Charles W. Ryan, William. Russell, George W. G. Russell, John W. Sanford, John G. Sharon, Edward. Sanford, A. H., Jr. Sherburne, E. G. Stoddart, Sargent L. Short, Charles. Smith, Robert. Sowle, Robert F. Shaw, Charles. Sanford, Daniel M. Sanford, Barnabas B. Sowle, James H. Sutton, Benjamin 0. Snider, Asa. Sullivan, James. Scott, Charles E.' Scott, Thomas. Stephens, John A. Sisson, Luscomb F. Sanford, Alexander. Simmons, Abner. Tripp, Joseph H. Tripp, James A. Tripp, Christopher B. Tripp, Charles M. Tripp, Allen H. Tripp, Charles F. Tripp, Daniel H. Tripp, Robert L. Tripp, Ephraim T. Tripp, David R. Tripp, Augustus W. Tripp, Alden W. Tripp, William G. Tripp, Edwin. Tripp, Charles. Tripp, Almenza. Tripp, Theodore J. Tracey, William. Tracey, John. Tabreta, Robert. Wright, Sylvanus. Wei re, Stephen. Waite, Lshmael S. Wise, Whitlock. Wright, William H. Wilson, James. Williams, Edward. Wilbour, Philander. Wood, Horatio M. Welch, John. Wood, George P. Wolf, Herman. Wier, Frederick. Williams, Jesse L. Watson, William. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. ANDREW HICKS. Robert Hicks came from England in ship " For- tune" in 1621. His wife, Margaret Hicks, two sons, Samuel and Ephraim, and two daughters came in ship " Ann," August, 1623. He was in 1618 a leather- dresser in London. He died March 24, 1647. Samuel Hicks, eldest son of Robert, Plymouth, 1643, removed to Eastham ; there married Lydia, daughter of John Doane, Esq.; was a representative in 1649; removed later to Barnstable, where he was engaged in pro- moting the settlement of Dartmouth. He was among the thirty-six original purchasers of that town, who met at Plymouth, March 7, 1652, to divide their pur- chase. He owned one-thirty-fourth of the town, where he removed before 1670, as on May 20th of that year we find him recorded as one of the seven freemen of Dartmouth. His descendant, Jacob Hicks, who married Mary Earle, was a farmer in that part of Dartmouth now Westport. He had three children, — Gabriel, William, and Mary Durfee. Gabriel was a farmer and tanner, and owned about one hundred acres of land. He married Mary Manchester, and had eight children, — William, who married Susannah West; Joseph; Ben- jamin, married Mary Gibson; John, married Mary Congdon ; Thomas, married Hannah Sowle ; Comfort, married John Potter; Elizabeth, married Constant Sisson ; and Susan, married William Macomber. Joseph Hicks, born Feb. 22, 1722, was a farmer and tanner, and, like his father, was a valued citizen and of sound judgment. He married Elizabeth Waite, and reared a family of twelve children. They were Benjamin, married Eunice Briggs; Oliver, married Polly Earle ; Barney, married Sarah Cook ; Durfee, married Susannah Potter ; Thomas, married Eliza- beth Davis ; Comfort, married Philip Corey ; Mary, married Stephen Earle; Lucy, married Philip Taber; Priscilla, married Stephen Earle (second wife) ; Deb- V?/J?£ n er was signed by about two-thirds of the voting members of the church and society. Prior to this time the line of separation had never been so clearly drawn. There were articles of faith adopted and formerly used by the church in admitting members. This creed and covenant was similar to that of other evangelical churches, but had been lost or suppressed during Mr. Hull's ministry. These discords resulted in the formation of a Uni- tarian Society in 1828, comprising twenty-five of the church and a portion of the society. The new organ- ization, styled the Second Congregational Society, included some of the most respected and influential families in the town. They first worshiped in Capt. Reuben Hall's public hall, and at length built a church a little north of the first church, on land presented by Ellis Hall, Esq., and engaged Rev. Simeon Doggett, of Mendon, for their minister, who continued to preach while the organization was main- tained. The new society received few accessions, and at the end of a dozen years services were discontinued, and a portion of the congregation and their pastor atteuded public worship at the old church. Before the separation was accomplished various circumstances occurred tending to a division. Some wished to introduce the Unitarian hymn-book. The leader of the choir, Mr. Otis Washburn, conferred with Mr. Sanford upon the expediency of the change, who advised to leave the decision to the church. New books were, however, distributed among the choir without further consultation. On the following Sun- day, when the hymn was announced from Watts as usual, the choir remained silent. In the afternoon Mr. Wheeler Wilbur volunteered to lead the tune, and the choir followed in the accustomed hymn. Soon after, at a meeting of the church and society, a ma- jority determined to make no change in the hymn- book. Subsequently, difficulties arose concerning the funds of the first society, the trustees of which were Horatio Leonard, Maj. John Gilmore, and others, who were all among the seceders. They refused to pay over the income of the investment. Suit was brought, and the case conducted by Z. Eddy, of Middleborough, carried before the Supreme Court, where the decision was in favor of the first society, on the ground that the funds were originally given to it, and those who withdrew from the society could not lawfully carry any portion of the funds with them. The income then was ahout two hundred dollars, formerly it had 716 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. been more. Not long after Capt. Edward Leonard left to the society by his will a legacy of one thousand dollars and land worth eight hundred dollars. He also gave one thousand dollars to the Unitarian So- ciety in behalf of his brother Samuel, who intended to make the bequest had he executed a will. Rev. Simeon Doggett, pastor of the Unitarian Church, came from Mendon to Raynham soon after the formation of the church in 1828, and died in 1852. He was the first preceptor of Bristol Academy, a scholarly man of dignified habits, and highly re- spected for his worth. He married a daughter of Dr. Fobes, and lived at the Centre, in the house now oc- cupied by E. B. Dean. His will, on record at the probate office, commences thus: "Impressed with the words of the prophet Isaiah, who said to Hezekiah, ' Set thine house in order, for thou shalt die and not live.' " His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Charles Brigham, of Taunton. The Union Church at North Raynham 1 was or- ganized in 1875, the following being the original members : Willard M. Copeland, Mrs. W. M. Cope- land, Lafayette Dean, Mrs. Cassander Gilmore, Bar- num Hall, Edwin B. Hall, Mrs. Hiram E. Hall, Mr. and Mrs. J. Frank Hall, Mrs. Harriet E. Howard, Mrs. Julia A. Kelly, Mrs. James S. Leach, Mrs. S. Russell Lincoln, Rev. and Mrs. C. A. G. Thurston, Mrs. John D. Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. Ebenezer B. Towne, Mrs. Charles E. Wetherell, Mrs. Sarah E. Wilbur, Barnum Hall and E. B. Towne, deacons, "Willard M. Copeland, clerk and treasurer. This society was established in accordance with a liberal bequest of Martin Luther Hall, of Brookline, a native of North Raynham, son of the late Seth and Selina Hall. He was a Boston merchant, and died Feb. 19, 1875, at the age of seventy-three years, leav- ing in his will a bequest of fifteen thousand dollars to purchase the land and build a church for the " North Raynham Religious Society for Christian worship forever," the trustees being his brothers, Barnum Hall, John G. Hall (of Boston), and Cassander Gil- more, of North Raynham. A handsome and tasteful church edifice was erected in 1876, in compliance with bequest, by the trustees co-operating with Deacon E. B. Towne, and was dedicated in November of that centennial year. The two latter trustees have de- ceased since the church was completed. Rev. C. A. G. Thurston was called as first pastor. He subse- quently resigned, and since that time the society has had no settled minister, but regular services are held, and the Sunday-school with scholars is in a prosper- ous condition. Edwin B. Hall was the first superin- tendent. Baptist Church. 1 — The Baptist Society in Rayn- ham was organized in 1811. Meetings were held at the house of Asa King, and preaching services con- ducted by Rev. James Barnaby, Rev. Silas Hall, and l By Capt. J. W. D. Hall. - By Mr. J. M. Manning. others. In May, 1815, Rev. Ebenezer Briggs, pastor of the Fourth Baptist Church in Middleborough, com- menced preaching for the Raynham Society one- fourth of the time, and thus continued his labors for fifteen years. From 1830 until 1843 he preached one- half of the time. Previous to 1831 he baptized five or six of the Raynham people. These joined the Fourth Baptist Church in Middleborough. In 1831 he baptized twenty-two in Raynham. From this date until 1839 the Raynham people were known as a branch of the Fourth Baptist Church in Middle- borough. In 1832 the church edifice was erected at an ex- pense of about two thousand five hundred dollars. Asa King, Nathan Williams, Godfrey Robinson, Dorme- nio Hall, Turner E. King, and Job Robinson were the largest contributors to this object. After the com- pletion of the edifice the pews were sold and the money put on interest for the benefit of the society. Additions were afterwards made to this fund by Joseph Hall, Alvin Dean, and Bathsheba Caswell. The society now owns twenty-seven shares in the Bristol County Bank, and has three hundred dollars in the Taunton Saviugs-Bank. The income is annu- ally appropriated for the support of preaching. In 1834 a deep religious interest prevailed. Rev. D. M. Crane, a student of Pierce Academy, preached evenings and alternate Sundays for a year or more. In the summer of that year Elder Briggs baptized forty-seven persons in Raynham. From this date until 1843, Professor Briggs or students from Pierce Academy frequently occupied the pulpit on the alter- nate Sundays. The church was legally organized April 6, 1837. The following are the names of the constituent mem- bers, all of them being dismissed from the Fourth Baptist Church in Middleborough : Nathan Williams, Lucy Williams, Turner E. King, Charity Washburn, Rebecca King, Thankful King, Philip King, William P. King, Lucinda King, Samuel Shaw, Jr., Rachel Shaw, Mary Leonard, Serena T. Leonard, Hannah Robinson, Lucy Hall, Polly Allen, Mary Allen, Wil- liam King, Ardelia King, Job Robinson, Abiather Leonard, Alice Leonard, Morrill Robinson, Mary S. Robinson, Hannah Hall, Achsah Reed, Elvia Ann White, Philo Leonard, Serena K. Leonard, Soranus E. Leonard, Augustus L. Pratt, Vashti Pratt, Sidney Leonard, Hannah Leonard, Amasa Leonard, Dorme- nio Hall, Anna Hall, Enoch King, Elvira King, Silas King, Jr., Lucy King, Godfrey Robinson, Alanson Shaw, Elijah Dean, Hannah Dean, Martha S. Wil- liams, Abigail King, Mary Ann Hall, Phebe K. Hall, Eugenia Hall, Elizabeth Ann Waterman, Silas S. King, Philip K. Dean, Nancy Dean, William R. Rich- mond, Abigail Richmond, Bennet Perkins, William W. King, Fanny Hooper, Chloe Leach, Lerenda King, Bathsheba King, Julia K. Leonard, Keziah Leonard, Sarah Leonard, Phebe Leonard, Sarah Waterman, Susan Hall, Mary Eaton, Edward Gushee, RAYNHAM. 717 Fanny D. Gushee, Betsey B. Bump, Abigail Shaw, Caroline E. Shaw. Dec. 7, 1839, Godfrey Robinson was chosen clerk of the church, and filled that office nearly thirty-five years. At the same date William King was chosen for one of the deacons, and Sept. 12, 1840, Godfrey Rob- inson was chosen for the other. These two performed the duties of this office for many years, the former most of the time until Jan. 31, 1880, when the present deacons were chosen. Enoch King has served as deacon for several years. Elder Briggs baptized eleven in 1840. In 1842, Rev. A. W. Carr, a student from Pierce Academy, aided the pastor in an extensive revival. Fourteen were baptized in July of that year. Feb. 22, 1843, Rev. Ephraim Ward was ordained pastor of the church, and continued as such about three years. He was followed by Rev. Silas Hall for one year. ' From 1847 to 1855 the church had no pastor. Rev. Abijah S. Lion, Rev. Charles Randall, Rev. Richard Lentell, Rev. Ebenezer Briggs, Rev. Silas Hall, and others supplied the pulpit. In January, 1855, Rev. James Andem became pastor. During his pastorate five were baptized and the church was reorganized. Only those who signed the covenant anew, thus pledging themselves to at- tend the meetings of the church, were afterwards considered as members. In 1855 the present parsonage was erected, costing sixteen hundred dollars. This expense was borne by individual proprietors. It is now owned in part by proprietors and in part by the Baptist Society. In May, 1857, Rev. William Reed entered upon his duties as pastor. He baptized fifteen in 1858, and continued his pastoral labors until January, 1860. Rev. Thomas Atwood was the next pastor. Twenty- four were baptized by him in 1860. Rev. John Blain supplied the church with preaching for nearly a year, closing his labors in the spring of 1863. In the July following Rev. Lumin Kinney was chosen pastor, and remained as such over two years. In 1866, Rev. Asa Bronson occupied the pulpit from April until November. Rev. Ambler Edson was pastor from March, 1867, until January, 1870. He baptized fif- teen. During the summer of 1870 the meeting-house was thoroughly remodeled inside and provided with a furnace, at an expense of about two thousand dollars. Rev. Albert Colburn served the church as pastor from November, 1870, until May, 1873, and Rev. J. W. Lathrop from November, 1873, until November, 1875, baptizing six in 1874. In December, 1875, Rev. T. C. Tingley was unanimously chosen pastor. He baptized eleven in 1877. The church then numbered one hundred and four. In 1863, Amos Robinson was licensed by the church to preach the gospel, and in 1877, William K. Miller received from the church a similar license. Both have been preaching in Iowa. W. K. Miller served as church clerk for two years. Aug. 4, 1877, the present clerk was chosen. In 1840 the Raynham Church was received into the Old Colony Baptist Association, and remained con- nected with that Association until 1860, then it united with the Taunton Baptist Association. The present officers are Rev. T. C. Tingley, pastor; J. G. Robinson, O. T. Dean, deacons; J. M. Man- ning, clerk. Incorporation of the Town.— Raynham was set off from Taunton and incorporated as a separate town April 1, 1731. Among other things the act of incor- poration provided " that the inhabitants of said town do, within the space of three years from the publica- tion of this act, procure and settle a learned and or- thodox minister of good conversation, and make provision for his comfortable and honorable support, and likewise provide a schoolmaster to instruct their children to read and write." The council ordered Ebenezer Robinson, one of the principal inhabitants, to warn a meeting of the citi- zens to choose town officers. The warrant was issued under the authority and in the fourth year of the reign of His Majesty George II. At the first town-meeting Samuel Leonard, Jr., was chosen town clerk, and John Staples, Samuel Leonard, and Ebenezer Robinson selectmen. In 1732, John White was chosen clerk of the market. Elijah Dean and Thomas Baker were elected tith- ing-men. Selectmen, Town Clerks, and Representatives from 1731 to 1884 1 have been as follows : SELECTMEN. 1731. John Staples. 1795. Reuben Hall. Abraham Hathaway. Ebenezer Robinson. 1798. Shadrach Wilbur. 1802. Seth Dean. 1733. Joseph Jones. William Bvram. John White. 1804. Godfrey Robinson. Jacob Hall. 1806. Nehemiah Jones. 1744. Jonathan Shaw. Thomas Leonard. 1748. Josiah Edson. 1807. Barzillai King. 1751. Seth Leonard. Edward Leonard. Edmund Williams. 1813. Seth Washburn. 1754. Israel Washburn. 1814. Lloyd Shaw. Joseph Dean. 1820. Capt. Samuel Wilbur. 1756. Elijah -Leonard. 1826. Amos Hall. 1760 Ebenezer Britton. Sylvester Robinson. 1762. Benjamin King. 1824. Nathan Williams. 1775. Joshua Leonard. Silas King. Joseph Dean. 1S26. Sylvester Robinson. 1776. Jonathan Hall. 1831. Warren Lincoln. 1778. Gamaliel Leonard. 1832. Silas Shaw. Paul Leonard. 1833. Eli K. Washburn. 1781. Stephen Dean. 1836. Leonidas Dean. Josiah Dean. Enoch King. 1782. Andrew (Jilmore. 1841. Ziba Wilbur. Abiel Williams. John Tracy. Mason Shaw. Job Robinson. 1785. Col. Jonathan Shaw. 1842. Abisha Lincoln. Amos Hall. 1845. Jahasiah King, Thomas I>eau. 1846. Absalom Leonard. 1787. John Gilmore. 1847. Amos R. Hall. 1792. George Williams. 1848. Charles Robinson. 1 For continuation of Bepreseutatives see Appendix. 718 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 1S48. Henry H. Crane. Benjamin F. Dean. 1850. Nathaniel B. Hall. Philo Leonard. 1853. Alpheus Pratt. 1854. Martin White. 1855. Thomas F. Cushman. 1855. Abiathar Leonard. 1856. Kichard G. Robinson. 1858. John D. G. Williams. Henry H. Crane. Enoch Robinson. 1865. Thomas B. Johnson. 1868. Thomas S. Cushman. Many members of the board of selectmen served a number of years ; the date of election only is given. 1731. Samuel Leonard. 1749. Josiah Dean. 1764. Zephaniah Leonard. 1777. Mason Shaw. 1781. Robert Britton. 1785. Seth Washburn. 1805. Josiah Dean. 1806. Horatio Leonard. TOWN CLERKS. 1821. Abraham Hathaway. 1832. William Snow. 1846. Soranus Hall. 1857. Samuel Jones. 1S65. Dennis Rockwell. 1866. Samuel Jones. 1868. Arunah A. Leach. Representatives to the General Court. — " By reason of the smallness of the town" no repre- sentative was chosen for the first thirty years of its existence. Then each town paid its own representa- tive. In 1759, Zephaniah Leonard was chosen but declined to serve. The next year the town was fined for not choosing a representative, and Josiah Dean was delegated to petition the General Court to remit the fine. In 1768 and 1769, Zephaniah Leonard was chosen to represent the town, and received £7 7s. 6d. for the two years' service. This sum he gave to the public for the purpose of purchasing a lot for the proposed new meeting-house. Benjamin King was chosen in 1774, and also to act as delegate to the Provincial Congress which met at Salem in October of that year. In 1775 he was again chosen, and in 1777. Zephaniah Leonard. 1780. Israel Washburn. 17S2. Noah Hall. 1792. And the three following years, Josiah Dean. To the convention for rati- fying United States Consti- tution, Israel Washburn. 1795. Seth Washburn. 179S. George Williams. 1799. Josiah Dean. 1801. Abraham Hathaway. 1803. William A. Leonard. 1804. Israel Washburn. 1810. Josiah Dean. 1S13. John Gilmore. 1820. Delegates to Convention for revising Constitution, Rev. Silas Hall. 1821. Samuel Wilbur. 1822. Godfrey Robinson. 1825. Amos Hall. 1828. Samuel Wilbur. 1830. Godfrey Robinson. 1831. Ellis Hall. 1835. William Snow. 1837. Amos Hall. 1838. Enos L. Williams. Absalom Leonard. 1839. Amos Hall. 1841. Carmi Andrews. 1842. William King. 1843. Abisha Lincoln. 1850. Cassander Gilmore. 1852. Soramus Hall. 1853. Barzillai King. 1857. Rev. Robert Carver. 1858. John D. G. Williams. 1859. Hiram A. Pratt. 1860. Enoch Robinson. 1863. Henry H. Crane. 1805 Theodore Dean. 1869. Enoch King. ; ' In the north part of the town are a number of intelligent and thrifty families of African descent. Their ancestor was Tobey Gilmore, a servant of John Gilmore the 5th. He served in the Revolutionary army, was servant to Gen. Washington, his particular duty being the care of the general's tents. He saved his bounty, bought land, and founded a family. He died April 19, 1812 ; lies in the North Cemetery, under a blue headstone, and numerous descendants have preserved his name. One Boland, who became a Tory in the Revolution, formerly occupied the land confiscated and sold to Tobey. It subsequently ap- peared that Boland held only a life interest in the land, and the State repaid his heirs twenty thousand dollars about the year 1845, to indemnify them for the sale. " Cuff Leonard, a colored citizen of this town, who died in 1825, was eight years in the Revolutionary army, a part of the time in the ranks, and a part of the time as servant of Governor Brooks. Cuff was brought up in the family of Capt. Joshua Leonard, from whom he derived his surname. Tradition says he captured six Hessians-one night, when on picket guard, and brought them into camp. He was at the battle of Saratoga and surrender of Burgoyne. He received a pension, lived comfortably near the house of Mr. Macy Williams, and left a son Charles, famed for his amiability, intelligence, and debonair manners." For many years after the organization of the town few debts were incurred. Money was scant, and stren- uous efforts were made to avoid liabilities. In 1754 the town voted " that their treasurer receive the bar- iron due to the town on their half-share on the old iron-works, and that he dispose of a part of it to buy a funeral pall for the use of the town, and keep the remainder till further ordered." " It was put to vote to determine if the town would add three hundred pounds, old tenor, to Rev. Mr. Wales' salary, in order to raise it to four hundred pounds, one-third to be paid in bar-iron at nine pounds per hundredweight, the other two-thirds in provisions, — Indian corn at twenty shillings per bushel, rye thirty shillings, beef eighteen pence per pound, which sum, reduced to sterling money, is fifty- three pounds, six shillings, eight pence," and was voted in the affirmative. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. CHARLES ROBINSON. As the orthography indicates, the Robinson family originated in the Highlands of Scotland, where for many years they bore a prominent part in the stir- ring events of that country's history. Later they emigrated to the north of Ireland, and became lead- ing Protestants and earnest opposers of the Papal power. Gain Robinson, the first American ancestor, brought to this country with him recommendations from the leading Protestant churches and churchmen in Ire- land. He landed at Plymouth, lived a while at both Braintree and Pembroke, but finally settled in East Bridgewater. His wife was Margaret Watson, by whom he had several children, one of whom was a ^l^- ->- RAYNHAM. 719 sergeant in the French war, under Gen. Winslow, and died in Nova Scotia. Gain 1 died in East Bridge- water in 1763, aged eighty-one. His wife died in 1777, aged seventy-seven. Gain 1 , son of Gain 1 , was born in 1724. He married a Dyer. They had nine children. He died of small- pox in 1778. Gain 3 , son of Gain 4 , married a Gardner, by whom he reared a family, of whom Dyer* was one. He was born Feb. 28, 1765. He married Abigail, daughter of Abishai Stetson, 1787, and settled in South Bridge- water. Their children were Clara, born Nov. 19, 1787, died Oct. 12, 1859; Increase, born Dec. 25, 1789, died July 17, 1869; Dyer, born Oct. 15, 1792, died Feb. 15, 1873 ; Gad, born Nov. 13, 1795, died May 27, 1880; Jacob, born Oct. 24, 1798; Charles, born Oct. 15, 1800; Salome, born March 3, 1803; Nabby, born May 25, 1805; Enoch, born July 31, 1808. Dyer was by occupation a forgeman in iron-works, and his sons were brought up to the same business. Charles and Enoch early became practical iron-work- ers, and Charles, when a young man, was employed in the office of Lazell Perkins & Co. (now Bridge- water Iron Company). He was also at one time en- gaged, with an uncle of his, at Marshfield, Mass., trading, and when about twenty years old spent one winter in North Carolina on a trading expedition. About 1828 he came to East Taunton as agent for Horatio Leonard & Co., the then owners of what is now Old Colony Iron-Works. The position he filled was equivalent to general manager or supervisor of the entire works, which consisted in nail and tack manufacturing and rolling iron, together with a store for furnishing supplies to the operatives. Some years later the style of the firm was changed to Taunton Iron Company. In the stock of this company both Charles and Enoch Robinson became shareholders, and Charles still retained the general management. In 1842 the works suspended, or rather an assignment was made to trustees, in order to have the affairs of the concern looked into and settled up. This inves- tigation resulted in finding the business solvent and capable of paying all indebtedness. In 1843 the works were sold at auction, and bought in by a syn- dicate, of which Charles and Enoch Robinson were members. In 1844 it was reorganized and incor- porated as Old Colony Iron Company, and was offi- cered as follows: Samuel L. Crocker, president; Charles Robinson, as agent and secretary ; George A. Crocker, as treasurer ; and Enoch Robinson, as superintendent. About 1856, Charles was chosen treasurer. He held the position of secretary till 1866, when his son, Charles T., was chosen in his stead. He continued, however, as treasurer of the company to the time of his death. Upon the reor- ganization of the company in 1844 they greatly en- larged the sphere of their operations, and from that time to the present they have year by year added to their facilities and increased their production. In August, 1881, they met with a very considerable loss in the destruction by fire of their nail-factory and steam tack-plate mill. Instead of rebuilding the nail-factory, they purchased what was known as the Somerset Iron Company's works, located at Somerset, Mass. This mill is now a part of and conducted under the charter of the Old Colony Iron Company. The tack-plate mill was rebuilt, and that department pf the business is continued at East Taunton, as before. Prior to the fire they manufactured more nails than any other one concern in New England, their pro- duction having reached as high as one hundred and thirty thousand kegs in one year. They now make a specialty of shovels, and also do a large business in rolling all kinds of iron plates for the manufacture of tacks and for various other purposes. Mr. Robinson was at different periods stockholder and director in the Bridgewater Iron Company, Par- ker Mills, Weymouth Iron Company, Taunton Loco- motive Manufacturing Company, and Taunton Oil Cloth Company. He was a very successful business man, and continued in business up to the time of his death. He was a Whig and Republican in poli- tics ; was selectman in town many years, and was a member of the Unitarian Church at Taunton. He married Ann M. Keith, Nov. 24, 1825 ; she was the daughter of Zenith and Jane H. (Carey) Keith, of East Bridgewater. They had five children, — Charles T., Lucy Ann, Albert Jenks, Theodore (deceased), and Edgar. Mr. Robinson died Feb. 8, 1882, in the eighty-second year of his age, he having been born Oct. 15, 1800. Enoch Robinson was born July 31, 1808. He had even less opportunities for education than had most boys of that period, as he only attended school one three-months' session, but by applying himself dili- gently to study at home during his leisure hours he managed to obtain a very fair English education. At the age .of seventeen he went to East Bridge- water and worked eighteen months for his brother Jacob ; then to South Bridgewater, where he finished his trade, making forgings of all kinds for Lazell Perkins & Co. ; then in 1829 came to East Taunton. Like his brother Charles, he learned his trade as iron forger, making anchors, etc., as soon as old enough, and in 1829 he came to East Taunton and began work in the mills of which he is now superintendent. The development of this industry from its small beginning to its present large proportions has been largely due to the efficient management and superintendence of the Robinson brothers, and it stands to-day a monu- ment to their skill, enterprise, and ability. Mr. Rob- inson has devoted himself strictly to his business, and has sedulously avoided, so far as in his power, all offices. He has, however, been one of the selectmen of his town since 1848, and was a member of the State Legislature in 1860. He has been ever since its or- ganization one of the directors of the Old Colony 720 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY. MASSACHUSETTS. Iron Company, and is also director of the Bridgewater Iron- Works, the Weymouth Iron- Works, Parker Mills, the Taunton Locomotive- Works, and a shareholder in all of them ; also in the Taunton Oil Cloth Company. He is a Republican in politics. In 1834 he married Sophia V. Saunders, daughter of William Saunders, of Raynham, by whom he had six children, — Enoch (deceased), Amanda L., Henry H., Nahum S. (de- ceased), Caroline E., and Nahum S. 2 Mr. Robinson married", second, Nancy T. Jewett; no issue. His third and present wife is Julia (King), daughter of Daniel Hall, of Marion. They have one child, — Marie Dyer. Of the children above named, Nahum S. is located at Somerset, and is one of the proprietors of that branch of the business. Henry is with his father in Raynham, and is assistant superintendent of the works. Amanda is now Mrs. Charles L. Haskins, of East Raynham. Caroline E. is now residing with her father. Mr. Robinson is a hale, well-preserved man, and bids fair to live many years. TOWNE FAMILY. The name of Towne, Town, or Townes, as it is sometimes spelt, is one of not frequent occurrence. It may be found here and there, generally in com- munities of Anglo-Saxon derivation, and though sur- names began to be used in England about the time of the Norman Conquest, and from time to time for three or four centuries continued to be adopted till they came into general use, this does not seem to be one that met with much favor. The earliest existence of it known to the writer was a.d. 1274, when William de la Towne, of Abvely, a village in the county of Shrop- shire, England, about twenty miles southeast of Shrews- bury, the capital of the county, was at that time in the prosecution of a suit at law against one of the officers of the parish, and the following year was on a jury at Astley, in the same county. The next we hear from it is one hundred and thirty or forty years later, in the reign of Henry IV., when upon the win- dows of the church in Kennington, Kent County, im- paled with that of Ellis, of the same place, were the arms of a family by this name, being argent on a chevron, sable, three cross crossletts, ermine. Thomas at Towne, who at this time possessed much land about Cheving, and who bore the same coat of arms, married Benedicta, only daughter of John Brampton, alias Ditling, of Ditling Court, and thereby inherited a manor in Throwley, where he remained and erected a seat about one-fourth of a mile from the church, and named it Towne Place, soon after which he died, leaving his possessions to three daughters, coheiresses, of whom Eleanor married Richard Lewknor, of Chul- lock. Bennet, or Benedicta, married William Wattin, of Addington, and Elizabeth married William Sernes, of the same parish. His estate was divided about a.d. 1446, when Throwley was allotted to Eleanor, the wife of Richard Lewknor. From the manner of the division it is quite evident that he died without leaving de- scendants to transmit his name to posterity. The next reference to this name known to the writer is in the county of Lincoln, where it has existed for more than four centuries. In a.d. 1459, William Towne, D.D., was collated (became the clergyman of the parish) at Stow in Lindsey, in this county. In a.d. 1470 he was appointed almoner to King Henry VI. In old age he accepted an income from the parish, and died A.D. 149G. In 1470, John Towne, Professor of Divinity, succeeded Alexander Prowett, of Lincoln, as precentor (leader of the choir in the Cathedral), which place he resigned in 1473 for the prebend of Dunholme. John Towne, of Irby, county of Lincoln, made his will Nov. 18, 1540. To be buried in the church of St. Andrews, at Irby. Legacies to Anne, Thomas, and George Towne, his brother William, of Irby, being principal heir and executor. His will was proved June 1, 1541. John Towne, of Ludborough, county of Lincoln, executed his will under date of Jan. 24, 1637. Sons, Leonard, John, and William, and brother Richard Towne. Richard Towne, of Braceby, in the same county, married Ann, and had children as follows : Richard, who died 1617, leaving wife Alice, son Leonard, and daughter Helen, not twenty-one years of age ; Ed- ward, who had children in 1630; Elizabeth, who mar- ried Phillips ; Helen, who married Oxman ; Prudence, who married Walton ; Ann, who married Armstrong ; Ketherine, baptized Oct. 14, 1599; Mary, baptized April 15, 1601; William, bap- tized May 21, 1603, and Margery. The earliest we find the name in this country is in 1635, when Wil- liam Towne was an inhabitant of Cambridge. On the 18th of the month of April, 1637, he appeared before the General Court and took the oath required to become a freeman or voter. He was town clerk in 1639 ; purchased land in Cambridge of David Stone and Thomas Danforth in 1653, and in 1655 of Ed- mund Goffee ; was tythingman in 1680, and died April 30, 1685. aged eighty years. His wife Martha died January, 1674. His children were Mary and Peter. We come now to William Towne, the Anglo-Ameri- can progenitor of descendants who have settled in a majority of the States in the American Union. Of his birthplace or parentage we know nothing positive, though he may have come from the county of Lin- coln, in England, and may have been the son of Richard and Ann Towne, of Braceby. The earliest positive information we have relative to him is at Yarmouth, Norfolk County, a city of considerable maritime importance, situated on the east coast of England, one hundred and eight miles in a direct line, and one hundred and twenty miles by railroad north- east from London. William Towne and Joanna Blessing were married in the St. Nicholas Church, in Yarmouth, March 23, £ / y ,y c-? ,- 7 ., , RAYNHAM. 721 1620, and had their first six children baptized there. The next we hear of the family is at Salem, Essex Co., Mass. William Towne's residence was in that part of Salem known as the North Fields. He re- mained here till 1651, the year following the incor- poration of the town of Topsfield, where he purchased a tract of land in the latter place of William Paine, of Ipswich, containing about forty acres. In 1652 he sold his property in Salem to Henry Bullock ; in 1656 purchased additional land in Topsfield, and in 1663, "in consideration of mutual affection and contem- plated marriage of their son, Joseph Towne, with Phebe, the daughter of Thomas Perkins," he and his wife conveyed to their son Joseph two-thirds of their home wherein they did then dwell, with barn, out- buildings, yard, gardens, and orchards, lying, situated, and being in Topsfield, together with one-third of all his real estate. All these conveyances being made with the desire that this said son should have the first refusal of the remaining third when the same should be sold. He died about 1672. The six children bap- tized in Yarmouth, England, were Rebecca, John, Susanna, Edmund, Jacob, and Mary; Sarah and Joseph were born and baptized in Salem. Joseph Towne, youngest son of William and Joanna Towne, was born in 1639, and married Phebe, daughter of Deacon Thomas Perkins, of Topsfield. He accompanied his father in his removal from Salem to Topsfield, was made a freeman March 22, 1690, was a member of the church at the latter place, and died 1713, aged seventy-four years. Their children were Phebe, Joanna, Mary, Susanna, Joseph, Sarah, John, and Martha. Joseph Towne, son of Joseph and Phebe Perkins Towne, was born in Topsfield, March 22, 1673, and Nov. 9, 1699, married Margaret Case, of Salem. They were admitted to the church in 1709. He gave his estate to his son David in 1749. Children, Margaret, Joseph, Archilaus, Israel, Elisha, Bartholomew, Mary, David, Abigale, Phebe, Hannah, Martha, Sarah, and Joanna. [SRAEL Towne, son of Joseph, and third descendant of William, who came from England, was born in Topsfield, Mass., March 24, 1705, and May 23, 1729, married Grace Gardner, of Middleton, Mass. He was one of the early settlers of Narragansett, No. 3 (Amherst, N. H.), probably 1734. Capt. Israel Towne died in Amherst in the year. 1803, aged ninety- six years. Their children were Thomas, Archilaus, Israel, Moses, Gardner, Elisabeth, Susanna, Mary. Israel Towne, son of Israel Towne, and fourth de- scendant of William the first settler, was born in Topsfield, Mass., Nov. 16, 1736, and when very young came with his father to Amherst, N. H., where he remained till about 1782, when he went to Stoddard, N. H. He was an enterprising, active man, filled various town offices, being selectman in 1769 and 1773, and married Lydia Hopkins, of Milford, July 31, 1760. She was born April 27, 1737. Israel Towne, 4d. A contribution was made by divers Christians in Ireland, supposed to have been procured through the efforts of Rev. Nathaniel Mather, a Congregational minister at that time residing in Dublin, for the re- lief of such as were impoverished in the Indian war, of which Plymouth Colony's part was £124 10c/. Com- mittees were appointed in each town to distribute the fund. William Harvey, James Walker, and John 746 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Richmond were the committee for Taunton, whose share was ten pounds. In 1677 the conquered lands of Showamett and Assonet were ordered to be sold, and the proceeds divided among the towns to make up their disburse- ments in the war. In 1680 the Mount Hope lands were sold to John Walley, Esq., Col. Nathaniel Bye- field, Stephen Burton, Esq., and Nathaniel Oliver, of Boston, who immediately proceeded to establish a settlement there, which was incorporated the same year as the town of Bristol. The proceeds of these lands were applied to the same purpose. A commit- tee of twelve was appointed by the General Court to hear and determine all claims against the colony by individuals and the towns concerning the war. Taun- ton was represented on the committee by William Harvey. A warrant was sent by the court, June, 1678, to the constables of Taunton, requiring them to warn the town to come together to make a rate for the pay- ment of some charges incurred during the war with the Indians, viz. : for billeting Capt. Freeman and his men and horses, for billeting some men left in the town by Mr. Saberey, and some of the town soldiers after they were pressed, likewise to pay for beef that was disposed of when Capt. Freeman was there, either by Capt. Freeman or any of the selectmen, for the relief of some of the poor who were in extremity, and also to pay for carrying Jane Halloway to Plym- outh. " The court, having taken these things into consideration, doth see good reason to place the charge of these forementioned particulars on your town ; therefore fail not in any of the particulars." In March, 1679-80, the court ordered four pounds to be paid by the treasurer to William Hoskins, of Taunton, who was in the Narragansett fight, " in re- gard of his low condition, he having lost all he had in the late war, and being grown old and unable to labor." In July, 1681, Jarud Talbutt, of Taunton, petitioned the court in reference to moneys claimed to be due him, which was in the hands of William Harvey, James Walker, Sr., and William Wetherell, a com- mittee that had the ordering and disposing of the charges respecting the late war. The court ordered Mr. Browne and Mr. Smith, assistants, to call the committee to account of what they received and how it was disposed, and if they found their accounts not to be just to cause them to appear and answer at the next court. Mr. James Walker, of Taunton, was appointed one of the Council of War again in 1681. The court and the Council of War, with all their urgency and strictness in managing military affairs, could be lenient upon occasion. In October, 1684, it is recorded, "The Council of War see cause to free Samuel Hall, of Taunton, from training, he being hard of hearing, and having three sons of age and able to bear arms, whom he engageth they shall be ready, if life and health, to serve the country upon any such occasion, and Nicholas White, Jr., if Leif- tenant Macye and Ensigne Leonard, of Taunton, shall see cause." Upon the division of the colony into three coun- ties in 1685, a major was chosen for each county as follows : For Plymouth, Maj. Wm. Bradford ; for Bris- tol, Capt. John Walley ; for Barnstable, Capt. John Freeman. Capt. Walley was one of the principal proprietors and early settlers in the town of Bristol, which was incorporated in 1680, and was made the shire town of Bristol County. Soon after the accession of William and Mary to the throne of England in 1689, the war known as King William's war commenced between England and France. It extended to their American colonies. The Indians and French attacked the feeble and un- protected settlements upon the coast of Maine, and partially destroyed Dover, in New Hampshire. A party of three hundred French and Indians were sent by Governor Frontenac from Montreal to destroy Albany. Through deep snows in the month of Feb- ruary they made their way as far as Schenectady, which they attacked at midnight, burned the dwell- ings, and murdered more than sixty of the inhab- itants. The colonies were deeply alarmed. A general con- vention was held in Boston to consider measures of defense. Capt. Church was prevailed upon to take command of an expedition composed of English and Indians, and volunteers were called for. The mili- tary officers of each town were ordered to use their endeavors to encourage English and Indians to a voluntary going out in the expedition. The depu- ties and selectmen were also ordered, in such way as might seem to them most suitable, to use their interest with the inhabitants of the several towns to lend for the colonies' use so much money as they should be willing to, and not to be less than a certain propor- tion. The amount expected of Taunton was six pounds in money, four men, and four arms. Each soldier was to be "provided with a well-fixt gun, sword, or hatchet, a borne or cartouch-box, suitable ammunition, and a snapsack." If a sufficient num- ber failed to volunteer the deficiency was to be made up by press in the delinquent towns. Any person being pressed and refusing to go upon the service was to be fined four pounds, or otherwise to be com- mitted to prison by authority of the Town Council. A levy was made in October, 1689, upon the towns towards the charges of the war. The amount levied upon Taunton was sixty pounds. It was to be paid one-third in money, one- third in grain, — Indian corn at two shillings per bushel, rye two shillings and six- pence, barley two shillings, wheat four shillings,— the other third in beef at ten shillings per hundred and pork at two pence per pound. In December a committee was chosen for each county to settle the charges and disbursements of the TAUNTON. 747 war, and to adjust the accounts of all officers and soldiers engaged therein. The committee for Bristol County was composed of Mr. John Saffin, Capt. Thomas Leonard, and Mr. Joseph Church. In May following another call was made for sixty men , to he sent by water to Albany or elsewhere, to joiu with the forces of New York, Massachusetts, or Connecticut, etc., for the defense of said places, or other service of their majesties' against the common enemy. Taunton was to raise five men. In June the General Court resolved to raise two hundred men, one-quarter of them Indians, for the expedition to Canada. Bristol County was to furnish fifty-one men and eighteen arms, — Taunton fourteen men and four arms, a larger number than any other town in. the county. In November a rate of £1350 was laid upon the towns in the colony for the payment of soldiers' wages and for other charges, the amount to be paid by Taunton being £100 16s. 9d. This rate was doubled in December. Committees were appointed for the counties, and also a general committee for the whole colony, to receive and prepare the accounts of all per- sons to whom the colony was indebted, and to adjust the accounts of the soldiers. Capt. Thomas Leonard, of Taunton, was a member of the committee for Bris- tol County, and also of the committee for the whole colony. A controversy, causing much local excitement, arose in 1690 concerning the military company of Taunton. It had its origin in an order of the General Court, passed Dec. '25, 1689, which was as follows : "Ordered, that the town of Taunton have liberty to be two companies, and choose officers accordingly, provided they can agree to divide by the ground ; otherwise that they forthwith come to an orderly choice for a captain and other officers, if needed, and make a return of their choice to the major of the regiment that lie may, by the first opportunity, get them allowed and commissionated." In obedience to a warrant issued by Maj. Walley, under authority of the foregoing order, an election was held March 31, 1690, the result of which was communicated to the major by the following ( 'erlificale of Election. "We, the inhabitants and military company of Taunton, being re- quired, by a warrant from our honored Major Walley, to meet together tin' 31st day of March, 1690, either to divide by ground, .or to come to an orderly choice ; and, upon disagreement of the ancient inhabitants and the major part of the military company about division by the ground, we therefore proceeded to an orderly and legal choice of captain, lieu- tenant, and ensign, according to an act of the General Court, holden, in their majesties' names, at Plymouth, the 25th day of December, 1689; as followeth : — "First for captain : — "Thomas Leonard 88 votes. "George Macey 3 votes. "Secondly, for lieutenant: — "James Leonard, Jim 68 votes. '• Henry Hodges 3 votes. "John Hall, Sen 4 votes. "George Matey 1 vote. "Thirdly, tor ensign: — " Henry Hodges 70 votes. "John" Hall, Sen 1 vote. "James Leonard, Jun 1 vote. " And being desired by the ancient inhabitants of this town, and like- wise by the military company, to take an account of the votes and their orderly proceedings therein, and wo both being personally present, did take an account in reference to the votes above mentioned, that they were orderly and legal; and to make return hereof to our honored major on their behalf, which was also their desire; which the abovesaid is the return by us. " SlIADUACH WlI.HOEE, " Town Clerk of Taxinton. " Robert Grossman, Jot., " Clerk of the Military Company of Taunton. "Taunton, the 31st of March, 1690." April 2d, only two days after this election, the Council of War, at a meeting held at Plymouth, took action as follows : " In order to a present settlement of the militia of the town of Taunton, and for composing the uncom- fortable differences that have been and yet continue there, in respect to their chief military officers it is ordered by this Council, that Mr. George Macey is approved, allowed to be, and sustain, the office of a captain in said town, and such soldiers of said town as desire the same forthwith to list themselves under his command and be obedient to him as their captain. " Mr. Thomas Leonard is likewise approved of per this Council, and allowed to be and sustain the office of a captain in said town, and such soldiers as desire the same forthwith to list themselves under his com- mand and be obedient to him as their captain. " And every of the soldiers of said town or place are hereby ordered and required forthwith to list themselves under the command of one of said cap- tains; and being listed as aforesaid, the said company, with such of the aged inhabitants or others of said town, who by law are allowed to choose officers, are hereby allowed and have liberty to choose officers under their said captains in their respective compa- nies, and so to continue until the General Court or Council of War shall otherwise order, and that colors, drums, and halberts for each company be provided and paid for by all the ratable inhabitants of said town. " And the Council advise the said captains not to call both companies together for ordinary trainings on one day, but to appoint their days of training at distinct times or days." It is obvious from the cautionary advice given in the last sentence of the orders that there were two parties formed, and trouble was anticipated between them. These orders of the Council of War, so incon- sistent with the orders of the General Court, threat- ened to produce great disturbance, and called forth the following plain and spicy letter from the authori- ties of the town to the Governor : "Taunton, April 7, 1690. " To the Honorable Mr. Thomas Hinckley, Governor of their Majesties' Col- ony of New Plymouth : "HONORED Sir,— It is our great joy that God has continued you among us, hitherto to lie the stay and staff of church and state. We bless God, that has restored our judges as at the first, and our counselors as at the beginning ; our rulers from among ourselves, who have a pa- ternal affection to us, and wish our welfare, and to whom we may freely speak our thoughts without such danger as heretofore we stood in; yet 748 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. desire not to abuse such freedom to impudence, as some do, in uncivil and corrupt disrespect of authority. We are sensible that your honor lies under a great burden, on whom is the care of all the towns and churches among us. The Lord be your great reward and the renewer of your strength, that you may be enabled to grapple with and over- come this difference which the present tottering condition of our State does produce! Our design is not (we hope) to increase your burden of care, but rather to lighten it if we could. The Lord humble us for our present differences, and show us the cause of them, and give us wisdom to behave ourselves aright before Him! Our differences are most un- seasonable and unreasonable, but in time, we trust, the dust will be allayed. " Honored sir, although we, the subscribers, are such as did vote for Capt. Leonard, yet did it not for the promoting of difference, but acted our judgments and consciences in so doing, and are all of us of that principle, that, had the major vote fallen on the other person, we could have submitted to him, and hope can all of us sincerely say that in this manner we do and shall abhor division, and now are ready to join with your honor, and other loving fathers in government, for the healing this difference among us, and shall accept and promote all your whole- some counsel and advice to us for peace. Your honor hitherto has been misinformed concerning the distemper of our body politic, which till the physician doth truly know the poor patient can't expect a cure. The remedy last afforded for healing has not that effect among us, and not to lose our scope we have digested our thoughts with a few parts. "1. That the liberty granted to all to list under whom they pleased it will make such a division in the town as portends nothing but confu- sion and ruin. No man of either part, that has the face of honesty, will profess himself the promoter of it. Had the division been made by the ground, or some other orderly way, the difficulty had been less; but in this way there seems to be a core of distance and contention engen- dered in men's hearts. All the good men of the place (except a very few that may labor under some present discontent) do heartily pray it may be prevented, if it be God's will ; yea, otherwise, some threaten removing out of town. From hence will come continual opposites in town-meetings and all other affairs of a civil nature. We would hope it may produce none in the church, who are all of one mind (blessed be God) except three or four, and they will submit to order and the deter- mination of the Court. " 2. That hereby is increased upon us, in the most or greatest part, charges to procure new military instruments. The other party (though they falsely feign themselves so numerous) are some of them main- tained, in part, by the town; many others by parents and masters, be- ing yet under their care and tuition (though drawn away by seditious persons), and so will not bear the twentieth part of the charge. Tea, some hot persons begin to say, 'How can the Court force to pay such charges, if they can't make others vote, and submit to their own orders?' "3. The freemen among us begin to grumble that the order of a Gen- eral Court should be altered by a Council, and talk of petitioning to the General Court about it ; which we hope may be prevented. "4. The contempt of authority by one party seems to be too little dis- countenanced ; for whereas the Court ordered the people should vote, and come to a choice, they dismissed the company and dispersed them- selves as soon as they saw it promoted, and by such doings lose an in- terest in our hearts. Thereby they would have brought us, with them- selves, to incur the penalty of a fifty-pound fine for neglect of it. At this time, the leading men among them said they were not for division of the company, and owned it would be our ruin : yet at the sa[me time] their agents promote it, and readily accept of commissions ; which is nothing . . . if they can have their own wills, they care not if the whole be . . . of their petitioners, which they subscribe to their petitions, your honor . . . they have still in multiplication. Did you but know what pains they take ... as they call it, how much drink is spent in encour- aging weak friends, and the . . . their party must have their fill of cider in the morning before . . . you would account the whole matter, from the foundation, . . ." (Some of the words in the foregoing clause are obliterated in the original, as also the whole of the fifth and the begin- ning of the sixth.) "5. " 6. . . . not ratify it, for good reasons well known to themselves. But now the case is altered. Great changes have been in the world, and sad ones among us; and, among the rest, our former reverend pastor, Mr. Shove, is taken awi-iy from us : yet we trust his memory is precious to your honor. We suspect some friend in the court does us a displeas- ure in promoting petitions. But good men miss it. We can't but think of Eli's sin, though he was a good man. " 7. If the Honored Court had never proposed it to us to choose a captain, but taken the power of placing one over us into their own hands, though most would have grumbled at the loss of their liberty, yet, for our parts, we would have yielded, and persuade others to yield, to it; and had rather still that the court would put in whom they will, pro- vided we have but one suu in our firmament, for two will set the world on fire. " 8. The generality (we perceive) incline not to list themselves under either captain, provided it might not be construed contempt of the Council ; in sending which they will rather yield to, if there be no help for it. Many are persuading Capt. Leonard not to accept of a commis- sion on these terms, but rather to train in one company, though as a private soldier. Your honor by this time sees our sore. We have a great deal more to say, but shall not write it at present. Our honored Maj. Walley has been an eye-witness to our state (Your Honor but an ear-witness as yet), and it seems a reflection on our major that one or two sorry souls should have such credit before him ; but he is able to plead his own cause. We are far too bold and troublesome to your Honor, and crave your pardon. Shall finish all in a word or two. We humbly pro- pose that your Honor would take the pains to visit our town on some time appointed, when our Maj. Walley may be present also, and see how our state has been exceedingly misrepresented by such as may truly be called factious persons and turbulent spirits. We doubt not but your Honor may compose matters with a short visit. We shall be heartily engaged and obliged to pay you due service for it; and to make some alteration in under officers if your Honoradvise to it. To prevent differ- ence the people would yield, though our town doth not abound with men of great abilities, and we should be at some loss if those should be laid by whom we, acting with best judgment and discretion, have pitched upon. " We leave the clerk of the company to treat your Honor further, and with hearty prayers for your Honor's long life and happiness, begging yours for us, we rest your humble supplicants, "Walter Deane, "Nathan 11 Williams, " Deacons. "James Walker, Sr., " William Harvey, "John Richmond, " Of the Toivn Council. " Shadrach Wilbore, " Town Clerk. " Robert Grossman, Jr., " Clerk of the Military. "Peter Walker, "Samuel Hall, " Constables. "John Hathaway, Sr. "We sought not multitude of names to our petition, but offices or officers (not to boast), but that your Honor may know how far we are engaged in acting or to act for the town, and that many eyes are upon us to lead in this matter." The trouble assumed so much importance that on the 16th of April. Maj. Walley wrote to the Governor about it. As this correspondence gives a graphic picture of the times, so much of his letter as relates to Taunton affairs is also here given. The originals of these documents are found in the Governor Hinckley papers, now deposited in the Boston Public Library. They were published in the collections of the Massachusetts Historical So- ciety, fourth series, vol. v. : " Bristol, the 16th April, 1690. "Honored Sir, — I received yours of 16th instant, and do think that if you understood the motion of Boston (which might be some direc- tion) it would be proper you should write Leisler an answer. I under- stand they have sent up a considerable strength to Albany. For the management of the affairs of Taunton I am exceedingly troubled, and the late order of the Council of War will be of very bad consequence, and (if you will pardon me), I will say, contrary to the order of the General Court, which order is first to be observed. They had no liberty to be two companies, unless they could agree to divide by the ground, which they could not; and then, by order of the General Court, they TAUNTON. 749 were to proceed to choice, and were promised the major vote should be accepted. Now, contrary to order, to go about to please a minor part, less by far, both in weight and number; a pleasing of a party that a great many of them, I am afraid, will be angry with their minister ere long, and ready to oppose all that doth not please them. Had you at- tended order surely it had been the safest way. You have given sue h a precedent as never was in N. E., and other towns are a-pleading for the benefit of it ; ami we shall want not only two, but ten captains in a town, But, sir, though I write this to you, yet Intend it chiefly for the gentle- men that promoted the sending of two commissions. 1 have them yet both by me, and at present shall forbear sending either of them. To send Cap- tain Leonard, I had almost said, an illegal commission, I am not willing, and, if he be wise (if I should), he would not accept it. Macey's party, by virtue of the order of Council, are daily listing soldiers, and take all opportunities to wheedle in all the youngsters they can. The other party look upon proceedings not to be proper, and so lie still. They are grown to that pass, that I despair of any success of giving them a meet- ing; and there is nothing will tend to peace, but for some (Mr. Cotton, Ac.) that have an interest in Macey to persuade him, for the peace of the town, to lay down, which I believe he will hardly be persuaded to. I could enlarge, but I must forbear. My thoughts are to keep the com- missions, and acquaint them from yourself and others of the Council. I am advised so to do until further order, and, in the mean time, to re- quire him as lieutenant, and Mr. Leonard as ensign, by virtue of former order, and until further order to take care, with the rest of the Town Coun- cil, to meet and order watching, warding, and scouting as they judge needful. Swansey have had another choice : chose Brooks, captain ; James Cole, lieutenant ; and Robert Sanford, ensign, which have moved each according to the rules of discipline, and the choice, as things are circumstanced, most likely for peace. But Cole and his party are dis- contented; they are the least part and least considerable. But they will want Taunton liberty, if that may go for a precedent." In order, if possible, to terminate the whole diffi- culty, the General Court at their meeting May 20, 1690, passed the following : "Whereas, There have been and are several uncomfortable differences in the town of Taunton respecting their military company, especially relating to the officers thereof, and several ways have been propounded and tried for the r conciling and healing thereof, all which have proved ineffectual to accomplish the same, and there having been several choices of officers among them, against all of which there have been objections made as to the legality thereof, it is therefore ordered by this Court and the authority thereof that the soldiers and inhabitants of the town of Taunton meet on the 2 day of June next, at ten of the clock, the soldiers complete in their arms, and that they make a choice of military officers according to law, and that their choice be returned to the next General Court, and that the whole company be under the com- mand of Lieut. Macey as chief, and Ensign Leonard under the major in the mean time; and Mr. Smith and Major Walley, one or both, are de- sired to be there to see a fair choice. And this notwithstanding any former act of the General Court, or order of the Council of War." Nothing further of interest appears in the Plymouth Colony records touching the military affairs of Taun- ton. In 1691, Plymouth Colony was united with Massachusetts under the province charter. The mil- itary history of the town beyond this period will be treated by other hands. CHAPTEK LXI. TAUNTON. 1 — {Continue,!.) Among the earliest matters that received attention by the General Court, when new settlements began to be made beyond the limits of Plymouth, was that 1 By James Henry Dean. of regulating the receiving in of persons to such plantations or neighborhoods and the disposing of lands to them. A form of deputation or committee- ship was adopted for the government of such as in any of the new plantations might be intrusted with this duty. They were to receive in such persons as might be fit to live together in the fear of God and obedience to the king, in peace and love as becometh Christian people, and they were to dispose of such equal and fit portions of land unto them as the several estates, ranks, and qualities of such persons as the Almighty in His providence should send in among them should require. It seems that a committee for this purpose had been authorized in Taunton, for in June, 1641, the General Court passed the following : "Whereas, those seven first freemen, men of Taunton, that have un- dergone great travel and charges about the attending of the courts, laying out of lands, and other occasions for the town, it is thought meet by the government that therefore they have a proportion of land in some convenient place lying together assigned them, so that it exceed not the quantity of forty acres apiece, besides the other proportions of lands in other places as other of the inhabitants of the said town of Taunton have, when the said lands shall come to be divided hereafter." A reference is made to a previous book for their names, upon turning to which we find they were Wil- liam Pool, John Gilbert, Sr., Henry Andrews, John Strong, John Dean, Walter Dean, and Edward Case. These are the same mentioned in the list of 1637 as freemen of Cohannett, and who are again named as admitted and sworn in December, 1638. They were the only freemen in Taunton until 1641, when Wil- liam Parker and John Parker were admitted. The public offices were filled by them until that year. John Strong was appointed the first constable in 1638, and was appointed again in 1639. William Pool was appointed the chief military officer of the town, with the title of captain, in 1639, and seems to have retained the position for many years. William Pool, John Gilbert, and Henry Andrews were chosen the first deputies to the General Court in 1639, and in 1640 Edward Case and Walter Dean were the depu- ties, and John Dean was constable. As the number admitted to the privileges of freemen increased in the town, the public offices were shared among them. But these first seven, so long as they lived and re- mained here, were prominent in all town and public affairs, and for a large part of the time held some im- portant office. They gave character and direction to the young settlement, and to them, if to any more than to all the first purchasers, belongs the honorable title of fathers of the town. The rights and duties of freemen were so important, and so nearly affected the management of all town as well as the more public affairs of the colony, that it may not be out of place to give here the laws regu- lating their admission and prescribing those rights and duties. Church membership does not seem to have been made a condition of admission, as was the case in the Massachusetts Colony, although, as a mat- 750 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. ter of practice, it probably amounted to very nearly that. In 1656 it was ordered that " hereafter such as are admitted to be freemen, the deputies of such towns where such persons live shall propound them to the court, being such as have been also approved by the freemen in that town where such persons live ;" and in 1657 it was ordered that " upon satisfying tes- timony given from the freemen of their town by their deputies, such to be forthwith received without any further delay at the same court where such testimony is given." But in 1658 this rule seems to have been thought too.broad, and it was ordered that " all such as shall be admitted freemen shall stand one whole year propounded to the court, viz., to be propounded at one June court, and to stand so propounded until the June court following, and then to be admitted if the court shall not see cause to the contrary." By a law of 1674 lists of the freemen in each town were to be kept upon the town record, and no man's name was to be brought into the court to be pro- pounded unless he had had the approbation of the major part of the freemen at home, which was to be signified to the court under the town clerk's hand by the deputies. In 1652 it was enacted " that no Quaker rantor or any such corrupt person shall be admitted to be a freeman of this corporation. " That all such as are opposers of the good and wholesome laws of this Colony, or manifest opposers of the true worship of God, or such as re- fuse to do the Country service being called thereunto, shall not be ad- mitted freemen of this corporation, being duly convicted of all or any of these. "That if any that are freemen that are Quakers or manifest encour- agers of such and so judged by the court, or such as shall speak con- temptuously of the court and the laws thereof, and such as are judged by the court grossly scandalous, as liars, drunkards, swearers &,c. shall lose their freedom of this corporation." At first the whole body of freemen were required to be present at every court, and a fine of three shil- lings was imposed for absence. In 1646 it was required that the whole body of free- men should appear at the Election Court the first Tuesday in June annually, and that they should then present such deputies as had been chosen by their towns. In 1660 the fine for not appearing at the June court of election was ten shillings, unless a reasonable excuse could be shown. By a law of 1646 towns were fined forty shillings for not sending depu- ties, and deputies twenty shillings for not appearing, unless they had a reasonable excuse. In 1669 it was enacted that none should vote in town-meetings but freemen or freeholders of twenty pounds ratable estate and of good conversation, hav- ing taken the oath of fidelity ; and in 1678 it was further provided that a list of all that had taken the oath of fidelity should be kept by the town clerk of every town. As early as 1636 it was enacted " that an oath of allegiance to the King and fidelity to the Govern- ment and the several Colonies therein be taken of every person that shall live within or under the same ;" and in 1642 the admission of inhabitants was regu- lated by an enactment " that none shall come to in- habit without leave, and any intruding themselves without regard to such order, shall forthwith be warned to go out of the Colony, which if they shall not speedily do then every offender to pay five shil- lings a week for every week's continuance." But it was also provided " that every person living quietly in a place and not excepted against for three months shall be reputed an inhabitant." The oath of a freeman, as established in 1636, was as follows : " You shall be truly loyal to our sovereign Lord the King, his heirs and successors. You shall not do nor speak, devise or advise anything or things, act or acts directly or indirectly by land or water that shall or may tend to the destruction or overthrow of any of these plantations or townships of the Corpora- tion of New Plymouth ; neither shall you suffer the same to be spoken or done, but shall hinder, oppose, and discover the same to the Governor and Assistants of the said Colony for the time being or some one of them ; you shall faithfully submit unto such good and wholesome laws and ordinances, as either are or shall be made for the ordering and government of the same ; and shall endeavor to advance the good and growth of the several townships and plantations within the limits of this Corporation by all due means and courses; all which you promise and swear by the name of the great God of heaven and earth, simply, truly, and faithfully to perform as you hope for help from God, who is the God of truth and the punisher of falsehood." These stringent requirements, as also the obliga- tion of frequent attendance at the General Courts at Plymouth, and of accepting offices requiring much outlay of time, under penalty of a fine for non-ac- ceptance, tended to keep the number of freemen, as compared with the whole number of male in- habitants, relatively small. The oath of allegiance and fidelity was required of all male inhabitants of legal age, and such were allowed to vote in town affairs if they possessed the necessary property quali- fication. The latter qualification, considerable for those of small means, probably cut off many from participation in public affairs who possessed every other qualification. For convenience of arrangement it is proposed to give the history of the town during the colonial period as shown by the action of the General Court touching particular individuals as well as town affairs, and afterwards as it may be gathered from the proprietors' records and from other sources. The earliest recorded marriage is given as follows : " Richard Paul and Margery Turner, of Cohannett, were married the 8lh of November, 1638." The next two are " William Harvey and Joane Hucker, of Cohannett, married the second of April, 1639." TAUxNTON. 751 "Thomas Gilbert and Jane Rossiter, of Taunton, married the 23d of March, 1639" (1640 new style). Jane Rossiter was the daughter of Hugh Rossiter, one of the first purchasers. Paul, Harvey, and Gilbert were also among the first purchasers. At first all marriages seem to have been solemnized at Plymouth, before the Governor or some one of the magistrates. Afterwards persons were appointed in the different towns to perform the ceremony. In 1650, Mr. Wil- liam Parker was deputed by the court to marry per- sons in Taunton. In 1657 the court " deputed some special men in the towns of Taunton, Barnstable, and Rehoboth, in regard of their far distance of place from any magistrates, to administer marriage, and to administer an oath to give true testimony and infor- mation to the grand inquest, and likewise in His High- ness' name to issue forth warrants to subpoena in wit- nesses to give testimony to the court or grand inquest in such cases." Mr. William Parker was appointed for Taunton. In 1662, James Walker was authorized to admin- ister an oath as occasion should require, as also to marry persons, William Parker having died about that time. In 1684, Thomas Leonard received the same authority, which he continued to exercise for many years. In March, 1655, the court ordered that " Whereas sundry persons have died at Taunton, whose wills and the inventories of their estates have not been or- derly proved, in regard those whom it concerneth, being widows cannot conveniently travel to the court, Mr. Browne is deputed by the Court to require them to take oath to such wills and inventories at Taun- ton, that so they may be recorded according to order." This Mr. Browne was John Browne, whose name stands at the end of the list of purchasers. He had moved to Rehoboth before the above date, being one of the first settlers in that town. He was for many years one of the Governor's assistants, and held other prominent and responsible positions. Richard Paul was licensed to keep a victimling- house at Taunton in 1640. He was propounded to take up his freedom in 1647, and again in 1653, but there is no record that he was ever admitted. At the March court, 1641, "Mr. Francis Doughty, of Taunton, for selling a pound of gunpowder to the natives (contrary to the acts and orders of the court), which was confessed by himself, is fined 30 shillings." At the same court, " Edward Hall, servant to Francis Doughty, for swearing profanely, is sentenced to be set in the stocks, which was accordingly done." Among the presentments by the grand inquest was the following : " We present . . . the son of widow Hoble for swearing. Witness, William Evans, John Golope." The widow of William Hobell, one of the first purchasers, was probably referred to by " widow Hoble." At the June court, 1641, " the town of Taunton is granted the thirty shillings, the fine of Mr. Francis Doughty, upon condition that the townsmen of Taunton shall make all the swamps betwixt Plym- outh and Taunton passable for man and horse." The grant of this sum does not seem to have proved a sufficiently powerful inducement for the town to do the work, for at the court in October, 1647, the fol- lowing action was taken : " Whereas, the township of Taunton had a line of thirty shillings given unto them for and towards the amending of their' high- ways in certain swamps, the court understanding that they, having received the said fine, but not done the said work, doth order that the work be forthwith sufficiently done, or else that the money be repaid by them to the treasurer for the government's use by March court next. Mr. Browne undertook that the one of the two should be done." But even Mr. Browne's undertaking seemed to effect nothing, for two years after " the town of Taunton was presented for not mending the highways between Taunton and Plymouth, which they are ordered by the court to do, or to return the thirty shillings fine of Francis Doughty allowed them for that end." In March, 1649, again, " We present the way wardens or survey- ors of Taunton for neglecting to mend the high- ways." The surveyors were John Dean and Richard Stasy. It appears by an entry in the margin of the record that they were cleared. Whether the swamps between Taunton and Plymouth were made passable may be doubtful, but no further action in reference to Mr. Doughty's fine was taken. In March, 1645, " information was given unto the court by Mr. Browne, that John Gilbert, Jr., of Taunton, was vehemently suspected of felony for divers things, and obtaining leave to go for England, made over his estate in Taunton and elsewhere, amounting to the sum of forty pounds, or thereabouts, unto Nathaniel Sowther, for and on behalf of the government of New Plymouth, for saving this gov- ernment harmless concerning such things as might or may be objected against him for or concerning any matter or thing of such like nature, and for the an- swering of all such matters the next court, or else the next General Court after his return out of En<*- land, to answer in his own person, which is to be in two years next ensuing." At the June court follow- ing he was called, but neither he nor any for him made answer. At the same court, John Maycumber, of Taunton, was fined five pounds "for abusing the magistrates in concealing and misinforming the last Governor and Mr. Browne, and divers other of the assistants in the case of John Gilbert, Jr., whereby he is at large, and divers persons are deprived of re- ceiving their goods again, and the said Gilbert is gone into England." William Parker and Richard Williams became bound for his appearance at the next court. William Halloway complained to the court in June, 1646, that an old woman whom he brought out of England was chargeable to him, whereupon the 752 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. The reference to the men deputed by the town to order their special affairs shows that it was the prac- tice thus early to choose selectmen, although it was not until several years after that the law was passed requiring the towns to do so. At the court in March, 1654, the following action was taken : " Whereas, the wife of Mr. Thomas Gil- bert hath desired by her letter that her servant, who hath received some hurt, and is now in Mr. Street's family, that there he might remain until her husband return from England ; the court hath granted her re- quest, provided that Mr. Street be freely willing to give him entertainment, but if not these were to re- quire the constable of Taunton to see that the said servant be provided for in some convenient place, and that he return not unto his mistress until his cause be heard and further order taken in the same." court took it into consideration and requested him to deliver her to the town, or whom they should appoint to receive her, with her clothes and bedding and such things as she had, and the town was to take order for her maintenance. At the June court, 1649, Edward Bobbit, of Taun- ton, was presented for receiving pay for stolen "wam- pom," and Thomas Gilbert, constable of Taunton, was presented for letting go of one whom he knew to have stolen a quantity of " wampampege," and was sus- pected of other things. But their reputations were relieved from these stains by being cleared. At the October court following, John Hathaway, of Taunton, was presented for lending a gun to an Indian. He was cleared, with admonition to take heed for the future. William Shepherd, of Taunton, at the court in May, 1650, confessed himself guilty of a crime not so readily excused, that of purloining cer- tain goods from his mother-in-law. He was sentenced to return the goods and to be whipped at the post, the latter of which was forthwith performed. At the October court, 1648, James Walker, of Taunton, informed against William Hedggis, for that the said Hedggis, knowing of one that had traded shot unto the Indians, and refusing to de- clare who it was, by a summons sent unto him was required to appear at the next General Court ; ac- cordingly he did, and was cleared. At the court in June, 1651, the grand jurymen of Taunton were pre- sented for being absent. George Macey and William Hailstone were the delinquents. The following is interesting as showing the minute care exercised by the court regarding paupers and others falling into distress : June, 1653. "Whereas, complaint is made of Thomas Brayman, of Taunton, that by reason of a distracted condition in which he is, that both himself and wife are out of any employment which may conduce to their maintenance and subsistence, the Court have ordered that such of the town of Taunton who are deputed by the said town to order the especial affairs thereof, shall dispose of the said Brayman as they shall think meet for one in such condition, and that his wife be put forth to service, being young and fit for the same, and having no other way so likely to procure her maintenance." The matter was again referred to in March, 1658, as follows: "Concerning Joseph Gray, servant to Mrs. Gilbert, of Taunton, who was some time since frozen on his feet, and still is lame thereof. These are from the Court to the town of Taunton, to request them that whereas there is hopes that this spring he may be cured, if endeavors be used for that end, that they would please to take some course, either into the Bay or elsewhere, for his cure; and what expense they shall be at about the same, in regard that his said mistress is not in a capacity to defray the charge, in case her husband do come again into the country, and be found able, he shall satisfy the said charge; if not, the Court hopes it will not be unrewarded of God." In May following the court ordered that a speedy course be taken for his cure, and that the town should make a rate to defray the charge. Jonathan Briggs, servant of William Hailstone, of Taunton, complained to the court in June, 1654, that his master had not performed his covenants to him, — in that he did not learn him the trade of a tailor, and the court ordered that Hailstone should pay his ser- vant fifteen pounds in good and current pay with all convenient speed. In the record of the court in Oc- tober, 1655, appears the following : " Whereas an execution was issued out of the Court in March last against William Hailstone, of Tannton, in the behalf of Jonathan Briggs, of Taunton aforesaid ; and one cow and two steers were thereby seized by the marshal, being in the custody of the said Hailstone and known to be his cattle; and at the seizing and prizing of the same the said Hailstone did not at all make any intimation, nor any else, that any other person had any title to any of them, as the marshal testifieth ; but after they were delivered unto the said Briggs, Nicholas White, of Taunton hath petitioned the Court that the two steers were not Hail- stone's, but his by a former bargain, and paid for by him without any fraud, as he saith. The court hath taken the same into consideration and ordered that at Mr. Browue's return home he call the said White and Hailstone before him ; that if the said White do produce testimony upon oath that if the steer was bought and delivered for his use before the execution was served, then the steers to be returned to White, and Hailstone caused to make payment in other goods, else the steers to re- main as the goods of the said Briggs, his steers, to be disposed of by him to his best advantage. " William Bradford, "Timothy Hatherly, "John Alden." It is probable that the steers were found to belong to White, for at the next June court the constable of Taunton was ordered, in case Hailstone did not pay the judgment, to attach his goods in satisfaction thereof, and for want of goods to attach his person and keep him safely until the next court. This proved effectual, and the process was returned satis- fied with Briggs' receipt thereon as follows : " I, Jonathan Briggs, do most thankfully certify that I have received full satisfaction of William Hailstone of the sum of fifteen pounds," etc., " and hereunto I have set my hand June 21, 1656." The following September Briggs appeared at court, and for divers reasons and considerations made choice of Mr. Thomas Prence, of Eastham, to be his guardian until he was twenty-one. The court afterwards allowed to James Walker, for his pains and charges about the foregoing TAUNTON. 753 controversy the sum of twenty shillings, and the court conceived that Briggs ought to satisfy Walker further what was meet in the premises, at least to make it up to forty shillings. A complaint was made at the June court, 1657, against Robert Crossman, of Taunton, for wronging an apprentice of his, and the selectmen were ordered to take course about the same so that the said servant be heard in any just complaint, and relieved. But in case it could not be so settled, both master and ser- vant were ordered to appear at tbe court of assistants to be held at Plymouth the next August. At the March court, 1655, appears the following among the presentments of the grand inquest: "We present Robert Crossman for breaking open the pound by taking down a rail and taking out his calves, tending to breach of peace and disturbance of the neighbor- hood." March, 1657, we find it thus recorded, " Rob- ert Crossman, for attempting to strike George Macey with a fire brand, and for violently thrusting of him out of his house, coming in with his leave, fined five shillings." Another instance of violence between neighbors appears among the presentments at the June court, 1656: "We present Timothy Holway, of Taunton, for his evil carriage unto Peter Pitts, tending unto the breach of the peace ; that is to say, that if Peter Pitts did stir to drive the oxen which then he had in his possession going to work, that he, that is, the aforesaid Timothy, would strike Peter down, having a pitch-fork in his hand, although he should be pres- ently hanged for it." In the margin it is recorded, "since cleared with admonition." About this time the town commenced action to rid themselves of certain persons of ill repute and con- versation, who had come to inhabit among them. The first action taken was at the February court, 1656, and was as follows : "At this Court the constable of Taunton brought a certain Scote, a single man, and an Irish woman named Katheren Aimes, whom he had apprehended upon suspicion of committing adultery each with other; but the Court, having examined them, could not proceed to punish them for want of clearer evidence, but having intelligence that sundry in Taunton could give evidence in the case, who were not present, the Court committed the said man and woman to the custody of the mar- shal until the next Court, and summoned in the witnesses to appear at the said Court, viz., Alexander Aines, John Muckclay, Daniell Mac- keuey, Scotsmen, and a certain Irish woman named Elizabeth ; her other name none present do know."' At the next court in March the name of the " cer- tain Scote" appears as William Paule, and for bis unclean and filthy behavior with the wife of Alexan- der Aimes he was sentenced to be forthwith publicly whipped, and to pay the officers the charges of his imprisonment and punishment, which accordingly was performed. Katheren Aimes, for her participa- tion in the crime, and for the blasphemous words by her spoken, was sentenced to be forthwith publicly whipped at Plymouth, and afterwards at Taunton, on a public training-day, and to wear a Roman B cut out of red cloth, and sewed to her upper garment on 48 her right arm. And Alexander Aimes, for his leaving his family and exposing his wife to such temptations, and being as bad to her therein, was sentenced to sit in the stocks the time said Paule and Katheren Aimes are whipped, which was performed ; and he was further ordered to pay the charges of his wife's imprisonment and punishment, which, because he was very poor, he was to pay by twelve pence a week until it was all paid, and James Walker, of Taunton, was appointed to receive it in the country's behalf. At the court in October, 1657, the affairs of Taun- ton received a good deal of attention, as appears from the record following: "Whereas complaint is made to the Court by the inhabitants and townsmen of Taunton that sundry unworthy and defamed persons have thrust themselves into the said town to inhabit there, not having appro- bation of any two magistrates, according to an order of Court, and con- trary to the minds of divers of the inhabitants, to their grievance, the Court, having taken their condition into serious consideration, doth order, — "1. That no such person be entertained by any inhabitant of the town, on the penalty of forfeiting twenty shillings for every week that they shall entertain them without the approbation of the five selectmen appointed to order the public affairs of the town; and iu special that William Paule and his wife be forthwith expelled the town. "2. Likewise, it is ordered, that you give warning to your townsmen, that no person or persons of your town do sell, hire, or give house or land to any person, so as thereby to bring them in to be inhabitants amongst them, but such as have approbation of two of the magistrates at least, according to au ancieut order of Court, as they will answer their contempt in doing the contrary. " 3 and 4. For your third and fourth grievance, we conceive that if your constable and grandjurymen do their duties, there will be a full redress of such abuses. "5. Mr. William Parker, being deputed by the Court to administer an oath to give true testimony to the grand inquest, and likewise in his highness' name to issue forth warrants to subpcena in witnesses to give testimony to the Court or grand inquest iu such cases, that the Court order in the premises be improved as occasion shall require as a prepar- ative way to further justice. " Lastly, the Court doth order that the five selectmen of your town — viz., Capt, William Pole, George Hall, Mr. William Parker, Lieftenant James Wyatt, and John Dean — do forthwith, ou receipt hereof, require your constable to warn a town-meeting, that so these things may be published in your town." For the General Court held March 2, 1657-58, spe- cial warrants were issued to the constables of the towns, commanding them in the name of his high- ness, the Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland, especially to warn the grand jurymen to be in attendance; also to warn their townsmen to come to- gether, and to declare unto them that forasmuch as there were divers persons in several places that by word and act represent things of sad consequence to the government, they should make choice of some able and fit persons for deputies to attend the General Court, to whom the matters complained of might be more fully imparted. William Parker and James Walker were chosen deputies from Taunton. During the session the case of William Paule again received attention, as follows: "Whereas the Court conceiveth that his abiding there will be a continued occasion of division and contention amongst the in- habitants thereof, they do therefore order that, ac- cording to a former order sent thither, wherein he is 754 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. requested to depart, that accordingly he do so with all convenient speed." There is no sufficient reason for supposing this William Paule, " a Scote," to be the son of Richard Paul, one of the first purchasers. The •whole dealing of the court and the town with him shows that he was a new-comer who had thrust him- self in without the required approbation of two mag- istrates, and not a native-born citizen of the town. The sanctity of the Lord's day was vigorously guarded by the court. At the session in October, 1658, it is recorded: " Leiftenant James Wiatt to be sharply reproved for his writing a note about com- mon business on the Lord's day, at least in the even- ing somewhat too soon." At a previous court the grand jury presented " John Smith, of Taunton, for needless traveling upon the Lord's day from Taunton to Nunckatateesett and so back again." The court took care that wood and timber should not be taken and carried away by unauthorized per- sons, as the following order passed in June, 1661, will show : " It is ordered by the court that a special war- rant shall be directed to the constable of Taunton to attach the persons or estates of such as shall come up Taunton River to fetch away the timber or woods to convey it out of the government. . . . and that the like course be also taken with all such as shall come into the government and hire or buy lands of the In- dians without order." The following order in reference to distribution of lands was directed to the town of Taunton at March court, 1662-63 : "Upon the complaint of some of the inhabitants of Taunton, that some there have gone about to alter the ancient way of distribution of lands in that town formerly settled and long practiced, whereby, besides many other inconveniences that do arise thereby, some Indians that by the leave of the town had liberty to plant corn in the remote parts of the township are disturbed in the improvement of the said lands, to their great impoverishing, by such persons their taking up such great quantities of land, which is ill resented by us; we do therefore require them to desist from any such practice as that which we fear may create much trouble and inconveniency, until we have further inquired into the same." Difficulties arose early in 1664 concerning certain injuries done to the saw-mills at Taunton in the night time, and William Witherell and Gyles Gilbert were suspected of being concerned in those injuries. They were bound over in the sum of twenty pounds each, to be of good behavior towards the king and all his liege people, and especially to keep from libelling, and to appear at the next court. Hezekiah Hoar was surety for Witherell and George Watson for Gilbert. The reason for requiring the bonds is given in these words : " That whereas James Walker, being a part- ner in the saw-mills at Taunton, complained of great hurt done to the said saw-mill by some persons that came in the night in a felonious manner and stole away several things, and did great spoil, and left a libellous paper behind them ; and it being suspected," etc., bonds were required. At the next court in May, Joseph Gray and Samuel Linkorn, being summoned, appeared to answer for being partners in doing great hurt to the saw-mill at Taunton, and being examined in the premises owned that they were guilty therein. They were required to give bonds in twenty pounds each. George Watson was surety for Gray and Thomas Leonard for Linkorn. The saw-mill referred to was upon the Mill River, exactly where it i? not easy to tell ; Witherell lived near Winnecunnet Pond, and he and Gilbert owned woodland there and perhaps were interested in some other saw-mill, and so were jealous of Walker and his partners. It may have been by way of retaliation that at the same court complaint was made of James Walker as follows : "Whereas, at this Court, the above bounden Joseph Gray and Samuel Linkorn, together with George 'Watson, complained of great wrong, sus- tained not only by them, but by the whole town of Tauuton, by James Walker his neglecting, according to engagement, to leave a sufficient pas- sage for the herrings or alewives to go up in the river on which the saw mill standeth, the Court directed an order to the constable of Taunton to require him to signify unto the said James Walker that he speedily take course that a free passage be left for the going up of the alewives in the said river while yet some part of the season remains of their going up." At the June court a further order was made to the effect, " That betwixt this date and the next season of the fishes going up, they, the said owners of the mill, shall make or cause to be made a free, full, and sufficient passage for the going up of the said fish, or otherwise, upon the further complaint of the town, the court will take an effectual course that the same shall be clone." The iron-works received the attention of the court at the June session, 1665, after the following fashion : "TO THE CLARKE OF THE IRON-WORKS AT TAUNTON, GREETING: "These are to acquaint you that the Court requires you to signify unto the owners that are partners in the iron-works at Taunton, that whereas there is great complaint of bad iron made there, that the Court requires them to take course with the workmen that henceforth the iron that shall be made there be good and merchantable, that so the country be no more wronged on that behalf. " The Court's order per me, " Nath. Morton, Clarke." Iron was used as a medium of exchange and for the payment of debts and public rates to a consider- able extent, which will explain another order of court passed in 1677, as follows: " The constables of Taunton, now in being, are required by the Court, that when a parcel of iron shall be attached by them for the defraying the rate for the soldiers' wages, that they require Ensigne Thomas Leonard, or James Leonard, to draw it forth into merchantable bars." In July, 1667, the court allowed the sum of ten pounds towards the building of a bridge over Taun- ton River. The locality of the bridge was not indi- cated. The general training for that year was ap- pointed to be at Taunton on Wednesday in the second week of October. The following appears in the records of the court, June, 1669 : "In reference unto a gift pretended to be given by Philip, the sachem unto James Leonard, sen , the court have granted that in case he do produce a deed of gift from the said sachem for the said land, under his hand and seal, at the Court to be holden at Plymouth the first Tuesday in July next, that then he shall have fourscore or a hundred acres of it." TAUNTON. 755 In July the court refer to the matter again in nearly the same terms, granting his request " for a small neck of land," provided he can procure a deed from Philip, and that it prejudice no former grant. The manufacture of tar was an industry of consid- erable importance in the colony, and in 1670 the court took measures to prevent its indiscriminate sale to persons outside the jurisdiction, hy providing that for the term of two years it should be sold to such within the colony as would agree to give eight shil- lings in money for every small barrel, and twelve shillings for every great barrel. A number of men contracted to buy all the tar made in the colony at the above price, the same to be delivered at the water-side in each town in good merchantable casks, and the towns were divided among them. Edward Gray and William Clarke took for their share Ply- month and all the western towns of the colony, "John Cobb's, of Taunton, being the place of deliv- ery of what tar shall be made within the liberties thereof." The court charged and required all coopers to see that the casks they made were sufficiently good and tight, and the casks were not to be less than would contain sixteen gallons, beer measure. William Witherell and Samuel Smith were ap- pointed in 1671 a committee for Taunton, to see to the gathering in of the minister's maintenance, the same to be paid " satisfactorily and seasonably both for time and specie." At the same court, June, 1671, action was taken to prevent excessive drinking of liquors in ordinaries or taverns, showing that the regulation of such places was a troublesome problem then as it is now. The action of the court is worth quoting: "For the prevention of abuse by the excessive drinking of liquors in ordinaries, this court doth order, that every ordinary-keeper in this gov- ernment shall be hereby empowered and required that in case any per- son or persona do not attend order, but carry themselves uncivilly by being importunately desirous of drink when denied, and do not leave the house when required, such ordinary-keeper shall return their names to the next court, that so they may be prosecuted according to the nature of the offence, and in case any ordinary-keeper shall neglect so to do he shall be fined five shillings for every default. It is further ordered by this court, that some two or three men be appointed in every town of this jurisdiction to have the inspection of the ordinaries, or in any other places suspected, to take notice of such abuses as may arise in reference to the premises, or otherwise, and make report thereof to the court." Men were thereupon appointed for the purpose in each town, James Walker, Aaron Knapp, and John Dean being named for Taunton. " Speaking evil of dignities" was narrowly watched and summarily punished, as the following examples will show: June, 1671, "Nathaniel Woo Iward, for speaking abusive words against Mr. Shove, the pastor of the church of Taunton, was sentenced by the court to sit in the stocks during the pleasure of the court, which accordingly was performed." March, 1672, "Richard Godfrey, of Taunton, being presented for j speaking opprobriously of some in place in the town of Taunton, was sentenced by the court to sit in the stocks at Taunton on a training day, so as it exceed not two hours." If similar acts received a like pun- ishment now there would be a scarcity of lumber and a fearful multiplicity of courts. Frequent complaints were made to the court by the Indians of damage done to their corn by the horses and swine of the English, of which the court took commendable notice, punishing the owners of the animals by fines, and ordering them to make restitu- tion. In 1671 committees were appointed in the several towns to view the damage thus done. John Hathaway, Edward Babbitt, and James Phillips were the Taunton committee. A controversy of long standing between William Hailstone and James Walker was referred to the court in July, 1672, for final direction and settle- ment. The trouble arose concerning the suit of Jonathan Briggs against Hailstone, already men- tioned. Hailstone had petitioned the court for a re- view of that action, and his petition was granted, but he failed to prosecute his review, and Avas ac- cused of falsifying in several particulars in his peti- tion. The court had taken up these accusations, whether upon the complaint of Walker or not does not appear, but it seems Walker had made or repeated the accusations, and this was the occasion of the dif- ficulty between them. The matter had been referred to the arbitration of Mr. John Wiswall, Mr. Richard Callicott, and Capt. James Johnson, and their award was now brought to the attention of the court, who directed " that forasmuch as that it appears, upon ex- amination, that the said James Walker hath not per- formed the latter part of the said arbitration, viz., to repair the said Hailstone his reputation in the church . . . the court do therefore order that he shall pay, or cause to be paid, unto the said Hailstone the sum of five pounds, in either good, merchantable pork, or good bar iron, betwixt this date and the fifteenth day of October next, at price then current; and whereas the said James Walker did openly and unadvisedly, on a Lord's day, accuse the said William Hailstone of telling several palpable lies, and founded upon a lie, whereby the said Hailstone was much scandal- ized, this Court doth hereby advise the said James Walker publicly to acknowledge the wrong he hath done him, in the meeting, on the Lord's day, in the congregation ; and this our award and joint deter- mination to be a full and final issue of all such differ- ences and controversies as relate unto the premises." Ensign Leonard and John Tisdale, Sr., were ap- pointed by the court in October, 1672, as a committee for Taunton, to see to the execution of the orders of court prohibiting the transporting of planks, boards, bolts, or bark out of the government, the order bear- ing date June, 1672. October, 1674, " An order was directed from this Courfto require several persons who have come into the colony without the approbation of the governor and two magistrates, contrary to order, living at 756 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Taunton and down Taunton River, to depart the government betwixt this date and the 28th of Feb- ruary next, or to make their personal appearance at the Court of his majesty the first Tuesday in March next, to answer their neglect or contempt of the said order." October, 1678, again, " Whereas complaint is made by some of Taunton that one Samuel Chivericke is come into their town disorderly, and continueth there contrary to the mind of the townsmen, these are therefore to require the said Chivericke either speed- ily to procure their approbation to stay there, or otherwise forthwith to depart the said town." At the above court, James Walker, James Wilbore, and Encrease Robinson were appointed " to take no- tice of such 'liquors as are brought in disorderly into the town of Taunton, and to make seizure thereof according to order." Truly the seizure clauses in our present liquor laws can claim a respectable antiquity. Provision was made at this court in the following terms for the widow of Lieut. Wyatt, who was found dead in his field, July, 1664, as related in another place : " Whereas it doth appear to the Court, that Mistress Mary Wyatt, of Taunton, widow, is in great necessity and a very low condition, in want of main- tenance, notwithstanding the estate of her deceased husband came by her, these are to give liberty, and appoint and authorize Mr. James Walker, William Harvey, sen. and Walter Dean, or any two of them, to lease out some of the lands or meadows of the said Leiftenant Wyatt, and the pay or benefit arising thereby shall be improved for the relief of the said widow, Mary Wyatt." At the June court, 1680, notice was taken of a complaint made by the selectmen of Barnstable " that one Ephraim Phillips, an idle, extravagant man, and Marey, his pretended wife, are lately come into Barnstable without their consent, from Taunton, where they lately for some year or years have had their residence, and notwithstanding the selectmen warning them not there to abide, but to depart out of the said town, they have refused, or quickly returned again after their departure out of the said town, in- tending there to reside, whereby they are likely to be charged, and otherwise annoyed and damnified; and whereas the selectmen have, ac- cording to order of Court in that case provided, made their application to this Court for redress, these are therefore in his majesty's name to will and require you presently on receipt hereof, to attach the said Ephraim Phillips, and Marey, his wife, and them to carry or convey to the constable or selectmen of the town of Taunton, who are hereby in his said majesty's name required to receive them, and there suffer them to abide until the Court shall otherwise order." The oyster fishery was attended to in this wise at the July court : " This Court doth order, that all such as are not of our colony be hereby prohibited of fetching oysters from Taunton River with boats or any other vessels ; and in case any such shall persist on in so doing after warning given to the contrary, this Court doth order John Hathway, of Taunton, and do hereby empower him to make seizure of such boats and vessels for the colony's use." At the same court an order was sent to Philip Pointing, of Taunton, as follows : "These may certify unto you, Phillip Pointing, that you are«not to prohibit or obstruct John Hathway, of Taunton, in his egress and re- gress in the way from a farm that was formerly Mr. Street's, and from thence to the town of Taunton." John Hathway, above named, was in September following " sworn constable of the neighborhood or ward of the Fall River and places adjacent," and John Read, of Taunton, was ordered by the court to appear at the next court to take the oath of a grand juryman for the same precincts. A lengthy pauper case was begun in October, 1680, concerning the settlement of John Harmon, described as " a decrepit man who came from Taun- ton unto this Court, concerning whom debate hath been had before the Court by several of the town of Taunton, and several of the town of Plymouth, unto which place of the two he should belong," and the court ordered that he should remain at Plymouth until the next June court, one-half of the charge to be paid by Taunton to Plymouth, according to the engagement of John Bichmond, their agent, and the court would then make a final determination. Sub- sequently the sum fixed for each town to pay to one Robert Bawson for his support was three shillings a week. At the July court, 1682, the town of Dart- mouth was notified to send an agent to the court, with other towns where the said Harmon had of late been residing, that their allegations might be considered pro and con ; but it was made to appear that he had for a considerable time immediately before the war been in Dartmouth, whereby he seemed as probably to belong to that town as to any other, and the court therefore ordered Dartmouth to keep him until the October court. In July, 1683, the final order was made that Plymouth should maintain him until their year was expired, and then Taunton to take him for a year, and so they were to entertain him alternately a year at a time, until it should be found just and equal that some other town should bear a part therein. No more sharply contested suits are tried in our courts at the present time than those between towns as to the support of paupers. The method of dividing the responsibility, in doubtful cases, be- tween two or more towns, however, is no longer practiced. In 1683 the profits of the Cape fishery were divided among several towns for the benefit of the schools as follows : " To Barnstable scoole, twelve pound ; to Duxburrow scoole, eight pound ; to Behoboth scoole, five pound ; to Taunton scoole, three pound ; and two pound to Mr. Daniel Smith." Mr. Smith was of Be- hoboth, and was for many years one of the Governor's assistants, as also several times chosen one of the com- missioners of the United Colonies. At the court in July, 1685, Moses Knapp, of Taun- ton, appeared and gave bonds to appear at the October court, to make further answer unto such particulars as should be inquired of or laid to his charge con- cerning the death of Bichard Stephens, Jr., of Taun- ton. At the October court -this is the record : "Moses Knapp, of Taunton, being found guilty of the death of Rich- ard Stephens, by misadventure, by the grand jury of our sovereign lord the King for this colony, he, the said Knapp, owning the same and re- TAUNTON. 757 ferring himself to the Court, the Court, considering' it was casual, and he cleared hy the party before his death, and no relation appearing against him, do therefore admonish the said Knapp and dismiss him." It has been mentioned that Richard Paul was li- censed in 1640 to keep a victnaling-house at Taunton. That included the privilege of selling liquors under the strict regulations imposed by the law. In June, 1644, it is recorded, " William Parker is licensed to draw wine at Taunton." In August, 1663, " liberty is granted unto Thomas Leonard, of Taunton, sen'r, to sell strong liquors and wine in the said town betwixt this date and the Court to be holden at Plymouth in June next, and that he observe the orders of Court as are extant about selling liquors and wine, and that he keep good order in his house with them to whom he sells any." The follow- ing March the court, " understanding that James Leonard, of Taunton, having buried his wife, and in that respect not being so capable of keeping a publick house, there being also another ordinary in the town, do call in the said Leonard his license." In March, 1677, Edward Rew was granted a license to keep an ordinary at Taunton, and it was enjoined upon him "that he keep good orders in his house, that so no abuse be suffered by him on that account." July following, Nicholas White, of Taunton, was fined thirty pounds for selling liquor to the Indians several times contrary to law. In June, 1679, James Walker was licensed to keep an ordinary at Taunton, with the usual injunction to keep good order and suffer no damage to be done. Edward Rew had died the previous year leaving a widow, whom Walker had married, he having lost his wife about that time. In June, 1685, we find it recorded, " The court hath granted liberty to Sergt. William Witherell, of Taun- ton, to retail cider, beer, and strong liquors," and in October following " the court have granted liberty to Thomas Leonard and Shadrach Wilbore, both of Taunton, to sell strong liquors by the gallon, so that they are careful not to sell to such as will abuse the same." In the proprietors' records, under date of Dec. 13, 1669, "Thomas Harvey, of the ordinary," is spoken of. It is probable that others not mentioned in the records sought and obtained what seems to have been regarded as the valuable privilege of " keeping tavern" and selling liquor. The license-fee fixed for retailers in Taunton in 1669 was two pounds. The territory of the colony was infested with wolves in the early days to such an extent that vigorous measures were taken by the General Court and the towns for their extermination. As early as 1642 it was enacted by the court that all the towns within the government should make wolf-traps, a'nd bait them, and look to them daily under penalty of ten shillings for every trap that should be neglected. The number required to be made by the several towns was, for Plymouth, five; for Duxburrow, five ; for Scituate, four; for Sandwich, three; for Taunton, two; for Yarmouth, three ; for Barnstable, three ; for Mans- field, two. In 1665 two wolf-traps were required in each town under a penalty of five pounds for neglect therein. Bounties were offered for trapping and kill- ing wolves. Five bushels of corn for every wolf killed were at one time allowed, and to an Indian half a pound of powder and two pounds of shot. Afterwards a coat of trading cloth was given to every Indian killing a wolf, and fifteen shillings a head to the English. In the lay-out of lands by the pro- prietors the wolf-traps are often mentioned to fix a boundary or locality. A few names of such as claimed the bounties for killing wolves are given in the Colonial Records. It may interest our modern sportsmen to know who some of the ancient Taunton wolf-hunters were. In 1690 the account for Taunton was, — Henry Hodges, of Taunton, one; Joseph Leonard, of Taunton, killed by an Indian, one; Richard Steph- ens, of Taunton, one; Thomas Briggs, Sr., of Taun- ton, one. In 1691 the following was the list: Daniel Briggs, one; Thomas Briggs, one; Mr. Giles Gilbert, one; Thomas Briggs, Sr., one; Richard Stephens, four; Joseph White, two. No more important local office was created by the General Court than that of selectman. It is not quite certain when the first law relating to the office was passed. In 1658 it was enacted by the court that one or two of the selectmen whom the court should ap- point in each township, be empowered to administer an oath in all cases committed to them, and to grant executions for the collection of judgments, and that they should be under oath. In certain action taken by the court, in 1653, relating to Thomas Brayman, of Taunton, already referred to, "such of the town of Taunton who are deputed by the said town to order the especial affairs thereof" are mentioned. Again, in 1657, the five selectmen are referred to by name. It does not appear that any law was passed requiring the towns to choose selectmen until 1662. In vol. ii. of Plymouth Colony Records, which is a volume of laws, the date of this law is given as 1665. It is not until 1666 that lists of the selectmen for the several towns are given in the above-named records, but from that time forward they are given regularly. The first section of the law is as follows : "It is enacted by the court, that in every town in this jurisdiction there be three or five selectmen chosen by the townsmen out of the freemen, such as shall be approved by the court, for the better manag- ing of the affairs of the respective townships, and that the selectmen in every town or the major part of them, are hereby empowered to hear and determine all debts and differences arising between person and per- son within their respective townships not exceeding forty shillings; as also they are hereby empowered to hear and determine all differences arising betwixt any Indians and the English of their respective town- ships about damage done in corn by the cows, swine, or any other beasts belonging to the inhabitants of the said respective townships, and the determination of the abovesaid differences not being satisfied as was agreed, the party wronged to repair to some magistrate for a warrant to receive such award by distraint." 758 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. By another section they were authorized to issue summonses to persons complained of and to summon witnesses. It is not quite accurate to say that this law created the office of selectman. It was rather recognizing a very useful class of officers already existing in the towns, giving them the sanction of the general law and clothing them with broader and more compre- hensive powers. In 1647, " the seven men chosen by the inhabitants of Taunton aforesaid, to order the affairs of the town for that present year," execute a deed in behalf of the town to Henry Andrews. It is not to be supposed that this was the first year such officers were chosen. The inference is not easily re- sisted that it was the continuation of that useful body of prudential officers spoken of in an order of the General Court, given on a previous page, as " those seven first freemen, men of Taunton, that have under- gone great travel and charges about the attending of the courts, laying out of lands, and other occasions for the town." The adjoining town of Rehoboth, in 1644, the very first year of their organization as a town, made choice of nine men who were styled townsmen, for the de- ciding of controversies between party and party, the proposing of men's levies to be made and paid, and for the well ordering of the town affairs. In Blake's " Annals of Dorchester," under date of 1633, it is said, " This year the plantation began the practice of choosing men that we now call selectmen or towns- men. They chose twelve this year to order the affairs of the plantation." In the Massachusetts Colonial Records, under, date of 1647, selected townsmen are first spoken of. In all these references there can be no doubt that the same class of officers is intended. The creation of such a class of officers seems to have been the spontaneous act of those little democracies called towns. And nothing more strikingly shows the genius for self-government possessed by the early settlers of New England. At first, and' before they were recognized by the general law, their functions and duties were pruden- tial and administrative. Afterwards their powers and responsibilities were widely extended. The oath of office was as follows : " You shall, according to the measure of wisdom and discretion God hath given you, faithfully and impartially try all such cases be- tween party and . party brought before you, as also give summons respecting your trust according to order of the Court as a Selectman of the Town of for this present year. So help you God." Besides the holding of courts for small causes, they were to take notice of such in their townships as should neglect, through profaneness or slothfulness, to come to the public worship of God, and require an account of them ; to see that no single person be suf- fered to live by himself or in any family but such as they should approve of; to have a vigilant eye over their brethren and neighbors ; to see that parents and masters have their children and servants taught the common branches of education ; to give in the names of such as misspend their time; to bind out neglected children ; to take notice of all who come into the government without the approbation of the Governor or two assistants, and to make provision for the poor. To such important, responsible, and delicate duties were George Hall, Richard Williams, Walter Dean, James Walker, and William Harvey called, when, in 1666, they were approved by the General Court as se- lectmen of Taunton. The peculiar nature of these duties suggested the apt name long ago applied to these officers of " fathers of the town." The law that most nearly affected Taunton as a town was that passed in 1685, dividing the colony into three counties. This law is not to be found in the published volumes of Plymouth Colony Records. It was contained in a revised edition of the colony laws published in 1685, and may now be found in the " Compact Charter and Laws of the Colony of New Plymouth," published in 1836, under authority of a resolve of the Massachusetts Legislature. It is there said that there is no manuscript copy of it existing. Extracts from it are here given. The first section : "It is ordered by this Court and the Authority thereof; that there shall be in this Colony three Counties, and that in each County there shall be kept annually two County Courts; which Courts shall be kept by the Magistrates living in the several Counties or by any other Magis- trate that can attend the same, or by such as the General Court shall appoint from time to time, and to make a Court, there shall be present not less than three Magistrates or Associates, and in no case shall judg- ment be given without there be two consenting, or the major part of more than four Judges; and in the absence of the Governor or Deputy Governor, the eldest Magistrate shall be President of the Court; which Court shall have, and hereby have power to order the choice of Juries of Grand Inquest and trials in their several Counties, and to constitute Clerks and other needful Officers ; the County Treasurer to be appointed and allowed of by said Court annually." " It is Ordered, That each County Court shall have and hereby have power to Hear, Try and Determine according to Law all matters, Actions, Causes and Complaints, whether Civil or Criminal, in any Case not ex- tending to Life, Limb or Banishment, or matter of Divorce." The second clause of the third section : " It is further Ordered, That Bristol, Taunton, Rehoboth, Dartmouth, Swansey, Little Compton, Free Town, Sowammit, Pocasset, Punkatest, and all such Places, Towns and Villages as are or may be settled on said Lands shall be a County, Bristol the County Town, and the said County shall be called the County of Bristol; In which County shall be kept two County Courts annually at the County Town; one on the third Tuesday in May, and the other on the third Tuesday in November." Section thirteen : "That a Magistrate, or any Court shall have Power to determine all such matters of Equity in Cases or Actions that have been under their cognizance as cannot be relieved by the common Law, as the forfeiture of an Obligation, breach of Covenants without great Damage, or the like matters of apparent Equity." It was ordered by the General Court " that in the County of Bristol there be three Associates, or county magistrates — one at Taunton, one at Little Compton, and one at Dartmouth." Mr. George Macey, of Taunton, Mr. Joseph Church, of Little Compton, and Capt. Seth Pope, of Dartmouth, were chosen. TAUNTON. 759 The same number were to be chosen in each of the other counties. The manner in which the county of Bristol was constituted was very displeasing to Taunton, as is shown by the following vote : "Taunton ye 28 th of May 1689. The town of Taunton by vote elected Capt. Thomas Leonard and Nathaniel Williams Deputies for this Court, and order and improve them to act for ye good of ye Colony in geueral and for us in this town in particular, and to do their utmost endeavors to get this town free from under ye County of Bristol which the town always have been unwilling to submit unto, and do now unanimously resolve against it for these reasons; "1st We humbly judge that neither Court or Deputies had power to sell us or our privileges to Bristol no more than to sell us to the French without our knowledge or approbation of ye town ; " 2 d That ye County rates have' been made upon us with an excess above our due proportion, and more than we apprehend we should have been rated if under ye County of Plymouth ; upon these grounds we judge it behooves us to labor to return to Plymouth again where at first we were." Whatever endeavors were made by the deputies for the end desired proved of no avail. The next attempt made was to procure some of the courts to be held at Taunton. "This ll ,h day of May, 109:!, the town hath voted: Whereas we the inhabitants of Taunton judging it to be for ye public benefit of ye prov- ince that at least one of ye Superior Courts, if not some of ye Inferior Courts, be kept at Taunton, it being so much in ye centre of ye colony, and ye greatness of our number, compared with our neighbor towns, do order the selectmen to write a petition to ye next General Court to be held by ye Governor Council and Representatives, that we may have one or more of ye Courts held here in Taunton." Most faithfully did the selectmen perform the duty assigned them. The original petition is, fortunately, preserved in the State archives, and is well worth a place here. "Divers pleas of the selectmen of Taunton in the behalf of the Town to be presented to such as are willing to know the true grounds why the}' make claim to the enjoyment of Courts in their Town." The committee notice first Bristol's principal plea against it, viz.: "Some clause inserted in their deed from our former government that they should be the County town when the County came to be divided into counties. Thereupon they plead they bought the privilege with the soil." " Ans. They gave not the more price for the soil on account of that privilege and how can a man be said to buy a thing when nothing was to be paid for it." "2d. The General Court gave no instructions to Gov. Winslow and the other gentlemen employed in that affair to sell or promise that privilege to Bristol." "The promise of Gov. Winslow and a few more is not like the law of the Medes and Persians." " Having thus answered Bristol's grand argument it remains to show the equity and conveniency that Taunton do enjoy some if not all the Courts held in this County. ■ "1st. Taunton is the most ancient plantation in the County, and not man}' in the Province that were planted before it, and by reason of their antiquity Taunton has still looked upon it as their birthright to enjoy Courts among them. And some have observed that estates seldom thrive when the eldest son is deprived of his double portion. "2d. The inhabitants of Taunton being the first adventurers into such inland place were consequently exposed to many difficulties, as to go on foot to Plymouth or Dorchester to get corn ground into meal, and other hardships too many here to relate. Therefore hoped their hazards and hardships should have been rewarded with such privileges as to have Courts among them in their own Town. "3d. Were Bristol a populous city or a place of great trade by land or sea, so as to occasion most work for Courts, as was hoped at the first promising settlement, it were reason then that they should be con- Bidered ; but seeing it is not so, no reason that the other inhabitants of the County should be burthened to go such long stony journeys for the observance of formalities of law and order. In this case should be con- sidered rather what will be for the ease of the major part of the people and not for a handful, no reason the greater part of the people should ride through the centre of the County into the most remote nook in the circumference of it, as they do when they ride to Mount Hope Neck to Court. It would be greater ease to Freetown, Little Compton, and Dart- mouth to come to Court to Taunton than to Bristol, especially consider- ing an ungovernable river betwixt Bristol and them, so that they must pass over two ferries to get thither, and if a storm arise on the Court day morning must ride many miles to head said river before they can get to Bristol, and expect to pay a fine for not coming soon enough. "4th. It tends to the creating and maintaining good respect in the minds of the people towards their authority and judges when the,' are spectators of their wise and orderly administration, and puts a blast on those ill reports fomented against their authority, as it is in a manner lost when the most populous places are neglected and not made the theatre of their actions who are their rulers, but they ride into a corner to manage the great affairs of the County. Why should a candle be put under a bushel, and where should a physician be but where there is most need of his applications? "Most of the actions and lawsuits arising in any Town of this County (except in Bristol itself) are concerning the titles and bounds of lands, in which cases the most ancient inhabitants are best witnesses, having been present at the bounding of most lands, and whose memories are our best records, through the brokenness of ancient times. These ancient witnesses are too old to travel twenty miles to Court, and the presence of a grave ancient person orally attesting to what he knows and explain- ing his testimony, is of far more advantage to a case than some shat- tered evidence he sends from home in writing. "6th. Taunton is nearer to Boston than Bristol is by twenty miles at least, which will save so much riding through very bad way for the hon- ored judges of the Circuit in case the Superior Court be removed from Bristol to Taunton. " Upon these grounds our Town humbly desires that they may enjoy at least one or more of the quarter Sessions and one Superior Court. If they cannot obtain more they hope they shall not be put off with less. "Subscribed in behalf of town by James Leonard, Henry Leonard, Thomas Dean, Shadrach Wilbore, Peter Walker, Selectmen. " Taunton, May 29, 1693." But this request met with no better fate at the hands of the Legislature of the Massachusetts Prov- ince than the former one at the hands of the Plymouth Court. Taunton had to wait more than fifty years for the advent of a County Court. In 1746 the province Legislature passed an act pro- viding that " from and after the thirteenth day of November, 1746, the town of Taunton shall be and hereby is made and established the county or shire-town of the county of Bristol." Under this act the first County Court, being the Inferior Court of Common Pleas, was held at Taunton the second Tuesday of December, 1746, being the ninth day of the month. The magistrates present were Seth Wil- liams, George Leonard, and Stephen Paine. Timo- thy Fales was the clerk of the court. The rates imposed upon the several towns by the court for the payment of public charges affords a basis for judging of their comparative wealth and population. In 1677 the rate of Taunton was £16; that of Scituate, £30 10s. ; of Barnstable, £24 5s. ; of Sandwich, £22 16s.; of Plymouth, £19; of Yar- mouth and Marshfield, £18 10s. each. The rates of the other towns were less than that of Taunton, 760 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Swansea, the least, being £5. In 1689 the court passed the following, which is of interest as show- ing the value of various kinds of personal and real property : "October ye 2d, 1689. Ordered by the Court that the selectmen of each town take care forthwith to take a valuation of the estates of each town and village, according to the prices hereafter mentioned, viz. : £ s. d. Every ox, at 2 10 Every cow , 1 10 Every steer and heifer of three years old 1 10 Every two year old, at 1 00 Every yearling, at 15 Every horse and mare, at 2 00 Every two year old colt, at 1 00 Every yearling colt 10 Every swine of a year old and upwards 6 Sheep of a year old and upwards by ye score 5 00 ' Land in tillage, every acre 5 Meadow and English pasture, every acre 5 Vessels and trading estate, not more than half price. "Faculties and personal abilities at will and doom; the like where any neglect or refuse to give in a just account of their ratable estate." In 1690 a valuation was made as follows : " Ratable estate of the several towns accepted by the General Court for to proportion the rates for the past and this present year, 1690. "Bristol County. £. "Bristol 1049 Taunton 2689 Rehoboth 2117 Dartmouth 2200 Swansea 1500 Little ComptoD 2000 Freetown 249." It will be seen that the valuation of Taunton was larger than any other town in the county, and more than two and a half times larger than Bristol, which was made the shire-town. Bristol had been incor- porated only five years, Taunton forty-six years. It it no wonder that Taunton felt dissatisfied and wronged by the preference given to Bristol. But Bristol was purchased and settled by Boston gentle- men of considerable prominence, and attracted thither men of wealth and enterprise, who expected to make of it an important seaport. The influence of these men, with their promising expectations, doubtless secured the selection of Bristol for the shire-town. Thus far the records of Plymouth Colony have fur- nished important materials for this history. They have given a graphic picture not only of the public affairs of the towns but of the social and private life of the inhabitants. Those whose curiosity would seek further to disclose the faults and failings, the frailties even, of their ancestors, may find their curi- osity abundantly gratified in these quaint and out- spoken records. The attempt to restrain and remove by severe and degrading punishments evils of a social and private nature which the greater practical wisdom, or the looser principles of this age, would withdraw from the domain of legislation and the courts, shows how high was our fathers' standard of morality. The charter of the province of Massachusetts Bay passed the seals Oct. 7, 1691. The last General Court of Plymouth Colony of which there is any record was held July 7, 1691. The greater and more ambi- tious colony absorbed the less, and the distinctive history of Plymouth Colony was finished. From the old proprietors' records such extracts will be made as will best serve to illustrate the history and progress of the town. For many years there seem to have been no separate town records kept, but the two were combined and intermingled without reference to order or chronology. The larger part of the ancient town records were consumed in the disastrous fire of 1838, and there is no one now living who can tell how far back they extended as separate records. Orders concerning dividing of lands. "March 11,1642. Imprimis. Whereas there was a rate of two shil- lings for an acre laid upon the inhabitants' home grounds, for the pa3 - - ment of the purchase of the lands of the township to the Indians, and other persons being received since for inhabitants, were not rated there- unto. " It is therefore ordered that the said latter inhabitants, or others that shall hereafter be received for inhabitants, shall pay for their home lots that shall be granted unto them by the town, the said proportion of two shillings for an acre, and the said money to be kept for a public stock for such uses as shall be requisite for the use of the plantation." " Nov. 28, 165:5. At an orderly town-meeting warned by the constable it is acted and voted that there shall be a general division of land to every inch, and to whom right of division do belong. " 2d. It is agreed that the rule for dividing of land shall be by lots, head-', and estates, according to the last rate made, which was a rate of eight pounds made for public charges, to country charges upon every inhabitant by the raters that made that rate, ami in the division three acres to be laid toa head, and three acres to every shilling that is charged in that rate contained in this order, and three acres to the house or home lot, and those that are single men to be looked upon as two heads. This said agreement was changed, February 20th, to be one-half portion in tho division." " Feb. 20, 1653-54. It is voted and granted 'that such as possess the lands that those that removed from the plantation, or have been received since, shall have their division that doth belong to their lots only, their persons and estates being departed hence, which said division to a six- acre lot appertains two acres and a half and twenty-six pole. " It is agreed concerning other inhabitants that have not had divi- sions shall have (right) to future divisions in the lands yet undivided, provided they pay their twelve shillings apiece to public use, as former inhabitants have done, according to town agreement in that case. "The names of those inhabitants within the township of Taunton, who are to have their division of land now agreed upon, Dec. 28, 1659, whose proportion is to be according to the rate here following, together with the quantity of land, lots, and heads, at two acres to the head, two acres to the shilling, and two acres to the lot." -The Lots are Alike- The Rate. £ s. d. Msris Winnefred Gilbert 1 10 6 James Walker 15 7 John Tisdill 1 10 10 Richard Burt 18 2 James Burt 12 ... Francis Smith 1 7 4 Msrs Jane Gilbert 9 ... Francis Street 6 7 John Briant 6 9 Christopher Thrasher 5 2 John Hathaway 10 7 Jonah Austin, Sr 19 11 William Parker 15 3 James Phillips 13 4 Peter Pitts 1 ... 7 William Haylston 5 4 Aaron Knap., 7 9 Thomas Lincoln, Jr 14 8 Edward Babbit 10 8 James Wiatt 1 8 11 George Macev 18 3 William Withrell 7 10 William Harvey 14 ... Thomas Lincoln, Sr 2 .... 3 Capt. Poole 1 2 3 John Macomber 7 ... Edward Rew 7 ... Joseph Wilbore 14 7 Samuel Howard 4 4 Heads. Acres. 8 96 9 82 4 46 6 38 6 61 7 55 5 25 2 19 7 . 26 7 37 2 46 9 36 2 31 6 55 2 17 7 32 6 43 4 29 2 64 7 52 5 28 i 44 6 94 8 62 4 24 2 20 3 37 9 TAUNTON. 761 (/. Heads. Acres. 3 9 42 7 o 17 (i 3 33 8 7 33 2 30 :; 3 44 in 8 70 l 8 44 i f> 36 4 6 53 :i 7 SO G 10 ill 3 3 16^ 10 10 10 32 10 58 6 The Rate. £ s. Thomas Caswell 11 Widow Woody 5 Shadrach Wilbore 12 Robert Crossman 9 JohnCobl) 12 Henry Andrews 18 John Deane 1 8 Walter Deane 13 Hezekiah Hear 12 Anthony Slocum 19 George Hal] I 15 Richard Williams 1 13 Thomas Jones 4 Robert Thornton 3 William* Shepard 5 James Leonard 18 Nathaniel Woodward 2 Timothy Holloway "Jan. 5, 1G59. It was agreed by a free vote of the town that all orphans or fatherless children shall have their rights in all divisions of lands which are due unto them according to proportion." "Nov. 11, 1662. It was voted by the town that none but those that are real purchasers shall be rated to the rate which is to be made to defray the charge which the purchasers are liable to pay for the measuring or laying out of the town bounds." "Nov. 11, 1662. It was agreed by the purchasers of the town, and fully voted in a public town-meeting, that the charges of the laying-out of the town bounds shall be levied upon every purchase lot equally alike." " Dec. 9, 1662. It was voted by the town that the former act of divid- ing of lands by heads and estates shall be of no force for the future." The first meeting-house was built by Henry An- drews, at what date is not known, but in 1647 the town by their committee conveyed to him in pay- ment thereof the calf pasture granted to the town in 1646. A copy of the deed is here given : "Bradford Gov'r. " This indenture following ivas recorded by order from Ike Court : "This Indenture made the eleventh day of the second month in the year of our Lord 1647 between the inhabitants of Taunton in the colony of New Plymouth in New England of the one part; and Henry Andrews inhabitant of the said plantation of Taunton within the colony of New Plymouth in New England of the other part, witnesseth that whereas there was a certain parcel of land or neck of land appertaining unto the inhabitants of Taunton aforesaid called by the inhabitants their calves pasture, That this said parcel or neck of land, it lying and being bounded by the Great River from the laud of Richard Williams inhabitant of Taunton heading it the said neck at the upper bounds thereof, and the land of George Hall, inhabitant of Taunton heading it the lower bounds thereof or near unto it, This parcel or neck of land with its appurte- nances is granted and sold by the inhabitants of Taunton aforesaid unto him the aforesaid Henry Andrews and his heirs and execntorsor assigns, Tn have and to hold forever in lieu of a meeting house built by him the aforesaid Henry Andrews for the inhabitants of Taunton aforesaid for their full satisfaction for the said neck of land, and for his peaceable and firm enjoyment thereof by him the said Henry Andrews or his as- signs or any or every of them, it is further promised by the inhabitants aforesaid that all such manner of persons as have been heretofore inhabi- tants resident within this plantation of Taunton them or their heirs or assigns ever shall challenge or demand any part or portion in the afore- said neck of land, shall be either satisfied for their part of the charge bestowed thereon by the town in fencing, thereof to make it a satisfac- tion or else be satisfied in land in some other place. As also it is by these presents witnessed and promised by the inhabitants aforesaid, that this said parcel or neck of land shall not be rated by the town aforesaid : and for 'the better confirmation of this deed have the seven men chosen by the Inhabitants of Taunton aforesaid to order the affairs of the town for that present year, have set to their hands for the day and year first above written. "John Strong. "Oliver Pvrchis. " Walter Peanl-. "Richard Williams. " Edward Case." Further votes and orders of the town are as fol- lows: " Aug. 12, 1661. The five men to lay out on the neck of land on the great river next the land of Jonah Austin, a tract of the town's land for the landing of hay." "Dec. 9, 1662. Voted that all lands that are yet undivided belonging to the town shall for future time be divided by way of purchase. " Former act of dividing lands by heads and estates canceled." ■"March 22, 1002. It is voted and granted that such of our neighbors as are willing to build and erect a cart bridge at the neck of land shall have free liberty to build the said bridge at the neck of land, provided that the said bridge be of such a height as ordinary carriage of hay may pass under, or boats pass under when they lower their masts." "March 22, 1668. At a town-meeting it is voted and agreed upon by the town for the making a rate of six pounds for the building of a horse bridge over the Three-Mile River at the old place in the old roadway to Rehoboth." "Jan. 10, 1669. It is voted and agreed upon by the town, and these ten men following are chosen to draw a list of the purchasers or free in- habitants here in town as followeth : James Walker, William Harvey, Richard Williams, Walter Dean, Lieut. Macey, Ensign Leonard, Aron Knapp, John Hall, Joseph Wilbore, John Richmond. " 2d. That an exact list he taken of the names of all such inhabitants amongst us that have right in division of lands, that so these and none but these may vote about the disposing of lands ; and also that a list be taken of all the rest of the inhabitants, to the intent that we may know who are by Court order allowed to vote in town-meeting, and who not. "3d. And in the beginning of each town-meeting the list of all the free inhabitants or purchasers shall be called over, and if sixteen of them with the Clerk do appear at the time and place appointed, it shall be lawful for them to proceed to the enacting of such things as for which the town-meeting was appointed, but not to distribute our lands although it be due, except sixteen of the purchasers appear." "Jan. 8, 1674. It is voted and agreed by the town that the committee chosen formerly the 10th January, 1669, them or the major part of them shall have full power to draw up a list of the purchasers or proprietors of this town, and how lands shall be settled and confirmed to the pur- chasers or proprietors so that the town may be freed from future dam- age, and also no man barred of his just right, and whatsoever this com- mittee, or the major part of them, shall agree upon or do in or about the premises shall stand firm and good." Another committee composed of seven persons, five of whom were members of the first committee, was appointed Jan. 21, 1678, with very much the same powers and duties imposed upon the former one. They were, in addition, to rectify their supposed lost grants and town orders. The report* of both com- mittees were presented to the town and accepted on the same date, and seem to have been considered as constituting together* a complete body of orders for the guidance of the town. They are here given : " To our beloved' brethren and neighbors, the Inhabitants of the toivn of Taunton, in the government of New Plymouth : " The committee chosen by the said town for to ratify town orders and grants, and to bring them into a formal body so that they may stand in force, and also to determine how lands shall be recorded that they may be confirmed, both to ourselves and to our posterity. "The committee wisheth grace, mercy, and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ. "Amongst the many mercies that we enjoy hero in this wilderness this ought to be accounted none of the least that we enjoy such rulers chosen from amongst om selves (in the Commonwealth) and live under such Government, by means whereof, we as well as the rest of the towns in this Government, enjoy liberty and power to make such town orders from time to time as we shall find needful for the ordering and man- aging our prudential affairs and the maintaining the worship of God amongst us, Provided that no town order do infringe or he repugnant to any order of our Government, and considering that God is a God of order and not of confusion, anil that he hath in some measure put us into a capacity to observe and be guided by good and wholesome orders, it hath been looked upon as great pity and neglect that our town orders 762 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. have not before now been brought into a formal body, distinct from the records of our lands, which our town having well considered and chosen us to do such a needful work. Although we are sensible of our own weakness and of the many difficulties in the work, yet considering the great necessity that something of this nature ought to be done and that the records of our lands may not lie in a confused manner, we have through much difficulty revised, collected, and formed this following body of town orders, reduced into chapters, as may be seen in this book, let the reader take notice, that first after this epistle he hath our orders from the town inserted, and next after that some instructions for those that have lands to be recorded, and then the preface that is before the list of purchasers or proprietors, and then the said list, and nextly there followeth the several chapters of town orders. It hath been our en- deavor to compose and form the several orders in this book as they may most conduce to general utility and profit, yet several of these orders, intended for the present convenience, may probably be hereafter altered, and as need requireth other orders added, suitable to such alternate changes as is usual in affairs. Respecting town and commonwealth af- fairs, probably it may be that weakness may appear in what we here present to your view, for want of such able instruments as others are furnished withall ; however, our desires are that you will be pleased to accept of what we, according to the utmost of our powers, have done. Endeavouring to promote the general good of this place, and that you would seriously consider that if such a work as this is of so great im- portance to us at such a time as this is should be retarded and hindered, what would be the event thereof. Therefore, hoping there will be com- fortable concurrence and closure with us in this work considering we aim at the peace and tranquillity both of the present and rising genera- tions, we rest your friends and neighbors, "Walter Deane. < "James Walker. " Thomas Leonard. "John Richmond. " William Witherel." "At the Court of General Sessions of the Peace held at Bristol for the County of Bristol on the second Tuesday in October in the year 1702, Thomas Leonard and John Richmond, two of the committee whose names are set to the above written epistle, made oath in said court that the above written epistle and what said epistle doth refer the reader unto, and all contained in the first thirteen chapters in this book (which chapters do end in the twenty-sixth page) was all entered in this book by order of said committee before the twenty-fifth day of May in the year sixteen hundred and eighty (except something in the second chap- ter and something in the sixth chapter both which may plainly appear by their dates to have been entered since said twenty-fifth of May) and on said twenty-fifth of May sixteen hundred and eighty this above written epistle and that was entered before as above said, was read to the town in a public town-meeting in Taunton, and the town then de- clared by vote their acceptance of what said committee had done as above which is agreeable to the said town's vote which is entered in the third page in this book. " Sworn in Court October 14, 1702. "Attest John Cary, Cleric." "Jan. 21, 1678. A committee chosen are these men following : Wil- liam Harvey, Walter Deane, Samuel Smith, John Richmond, James Walker, Thomas Leonard, William Withrell. "Jan. 21, 1678. It is voted and agreed upon by the town that the committee of seven men above named, the town hath chosen them for the laying out what commons shall perpetually remain commons, both for pasture and wood, for the conveniency and supply of the whole town, the first clause of the vote respecting the commons is to be brought to the town and confirmed by the major part of them, and also to take the best care they can for the settling and confirming our lands one to another, both to ourselves and to our posterity. And also to see to the amending or rectifying of our supposed lost grants and town orders, and to bring them into a formal body to stand in force ; and this com- mittee have full power to procure what help is needful for the pursu- ing the work, if they see need, and what the committee shall do shall stand firm and good, and this work shall be finished to the best of their understanding, and brought to the town in a year's time after the date hereof." "Dec. 1, 1079. The town hath voted and agreed that whereas the town chose a committee. 21st January, 1678, of seven men, and they were to finish their work there appointed in a year's time after that date; now the town hath agreed that this committee, or the major part of them, shall have power to go forward with their work there appointed, and to finish it by the last'day of May next ensuing the date hereof." " Whereas, By the providence of God, in the year 1638, and the year 1639, it pleased God to bring the most part of us, the first purchasers of Taunton, over the great ocean into this wilderness from our dear and native land, and after some small time here we found this place, called by the natives of the land Cohanack, in the colony of New Plymouth, and of the court of said colony we obtained grants of tracts of land for a plantation or township, as by the records of said court it may and doth appear, and then we also made purchase and bought the said tracts of land for our money of the right proprietors and owners, the Indians' sachem or princes of that part of the country, as by deed under their hands it may appear, and in honor and love to our dear and native country we called this place Taunton, and owning it a great mercy of God to bring us to this place, and settling of us on lands of our own, bought with our money, in peace in the midst of the heathen, for a possession for ourselves, and for ourposterity alter us, do mutually agree and fully determine, as an undeniable order of this town, without any evasion whatsoever, that all lands that is or shall be granted to any per- son or persons, whether under the denomination of a purchaser or free inhabitant orderly received into this town, shall be to the grantees and their heirs and assigns forever, in a good perfect estate of inheritance in fee simple, and that all titles of our lands within this township, so to stand in and the tenure to the grantees, and so to descend to their survivors as aforesaid. " Whereas, It is the expectation of this town that we, the said com- mittee, should do something that our lands may be confirmed both to ourselves and to our posterity, the town having empowered us so to do, we do therefore agree and determine, in the behalf of the town, that all persons enjoying lands, either upland or swamp or meadow within this township, when they would record such land they shall bring a fair copy of all such lands, both upland, meadow, and swamp, unto the selectmen's meeting, mentioning in the copy the bounds or quantity, or both, of each parcel, and how they possess' it, whether by purchase from particular persons, or by gift or grant from the town, and if by grant from the town, that they mention upon what purchase right and what division, if it may be, mentioning also what they have sold, and to whom, and then if the selectmen, or the major part of them, do approve of the copy and set their hands thereunto, the town clerk shall record all such lands in the town book of records, overwriting the record thereof thus as followeth : "The records of the lands both uplands meadow lands and swampy lands of such a person, naming of him, both of what was granted him by the town, and what he bought of particular persons, and also what he hath sold, all and every parcel thereof, to be held to the graptee, his heirs, successors, and assigns forever, according to the tenor of our Charter or Patent." " The Preface to the list of Purchasers or Proprietors. " Whereas the General Court held at Plymouth, in July the 10th, 1669, made an act for quieting men's estates, avoiding suits in law, as may appear in the printed law-book, chap. 10, page 35; and whereas it is en- acted by the Court that all grants of lands shall be held to the grantees > their heirs, successors, and assigns forever, according to the most free tenor of East Greenwich, in the County of Kent, in the Realm of Eng- land, granted to us in our Charter or Patent, and our inheritances to de- fend according to the tenor thereof, as appears chap. 10th, page 34. "And whereas the Court formerly gave power to seven men, of the ancient inhabitants of this town, to receive inhabitants and to dispose of lands to them, for the better carrying on of the public affairs, and main- taining the worship of God amongst us, but several of those persons so received into this town, did afterwards leave and forsake the town, whereupon it was the practice of the town to divide lands (viz. such lands as such persons which left the town should have had, if they had not left the town nor alienated their rights) to such inhabitants as enjoy thp purchase lots (so called) of those that left the town, except the pur- chase-lot, and the purchase rights to divisions were separated, and then, in such a case the town did divide lands to those that did hold the pur- chase rights to divisions, but the town not having kept an exact list of those admitted to be purchasers, nor any exact record of their manner of settling lands upon persons, therefore for the preventing future trou- ble and inconveniences the town chose a committee, Jan. 10, 1699, to draw a list of the purchasers, or free inhabitants here in town ; the town likewise voted and agreed, Jan. 18, 1674, that the same committee shall have full power (or the major part of them) to draw up a list of the pur- chasers or proprietors of this town, and how lands shall be settled and confirmed to the purchasers or proprietors, so that the town may be freed from future damage, and also no man barred of his just right, and TAUNTON. 763 whatsoever this committee, or the major part of them, shall agree upon or do, in or about the premises, shall stand firm and good; we therefore whose names are underwritten, being the major part of said committee, do agree and conclude that lands shall be recorded unto, confirmed, and Bettled upon such persons, unto whom the town hath already granted or divided lands by virtue of their enjoying either purchase lots or pur- chase rights to divisions, whose names are on the list which we have drawn, notwithstanding it is not hereby intended to deprive any person (that removed hence) of his righls, but he shall have free liberty to de- mand and recover (according to the aforementioned law) his rights of any such person or persons to whom the town divided lands, by virtue of his possessing the purchase lot or purchase rights of any such ancient inhabitant, who was formerly accepted under the notion of a purchaser. • "James Walker. "John Richmond. " Thomas Leonard. " Joseph Wilbore. " John Hall. "Richard Williams. " Walter Deane." "This 25th of May, 1680. The town hath voted that they accept of what the committee hath done; by the committee is to be understood those that did this day present what they had caused to be entered on the Town book of Town Orders, concerning settling of our lands and town orders. " A list of the names of the present purchasers or proprietors of the Town of Taunton unto whom the town hath already granted or divided lands, by virtue of their enjoying either purchase lots or purchase rights to divisions of land, as followeth : " Richard Williams on his own rights, & on that which was Henry Uxley's, & on that which was Anthony Slocum's, and that which was John Gingil's. "John Hall and Samuel Hall on their two rights which were Joseph Wilson's and Benjamin Wilson's. "Joseph Hall on the rights that was his father's. "Captain William Poole's heirs on his rights. "Lieutenant George Macey on his own rights and on that which was Mr. Bishop's. " William Harvey on his own rights. "Edward Rew on the rights that was William Coy's. " Hezekiah Hoar on his own rights. " Walter Deane on his own rights. '" John Deane on his father's rights. "Henry Andrews on his father's rights. "Increase Robinson on the rights that was Thomas Cook's. " John Cobb on the rights that was John Smith's. " Mr. Thomas Farwell's heirs on his rights. "Shadrach Wilbore on the lights that was Edward Case's. "Thomas Caswell on the rights that was John Kingslow's. "James Leonard, Junior, on the rights that was Richard Paull's. "Joseph Wilbore on the rights that was Richard Smith's. "John Smith, Senior, on half the rights that was Mr. John Gilbert's. " James Phillips on the rights that ,was his father's. "John Richmond on the rights that was his father's & on the rights that was Mr. Francis Doubtyes (Doughty). " Jonah Austin, Senior, on the right that was William Holloway's. "Jonah Austin, Junior, on the half purchase rights of the widow Randil's. "William Witherell on his own rights, & that which was Mr. Dunn's. "John Bryant on the rights which was his father's and that which was William Scadding's. "Mary Streete on the rights that was her father's. "Joseph Willis on the rights that was Hugh Rossiter's. " Eleazer Gilbert on the rights of John Gilbert. " Thomas Gilbert on the rights that was his father's. "Malachi Holloway on the rights that was Richard Hart's. " Francis Smith on the rights that was Oliver Purchase's. "Samuel Smith on the rights that was Jacob Wilson's. "James Burt on his own rights. " Richard Burt on the rights that was his father's. "James Tisdil on the rights that was David Greenman's. "John Tisdil, senior, on his own rights. "John Tisdil, Junior, on the rights that was Mr. Drake's. "James Walker, senior, on his own rights, & on that which was Mr John Brown's, 4 on the rights that was John Luther's. " Mr. John Poole on the rights that was M'ris. Elizabeth Poole's. "James Wiat's heirs on his rights. "Thomas Harvey, Junior, on his father's rights. "To John Strong's rights we find several claimers. "Christopher Thrasher on his own rights. "William Shepard's heirs on his rights. "John Hathaway on the rights that was his father's. "Peter Pitts on the rights that was Richard Stasie'sand on the rights that was William Parker's. " Thomas Coggan's heirs on his rights. "John Macomber, Senior, on his own rights. "Israel Dean on the rights that was Clement Mayfield's. " Richard Stasio on the rights that was Edward Rew's. "John Hodges on the rights that was his father's. " William Evans his heirs on his rights. "Aaron Knap's heirs on his rights. " Henry Hodges on the rights that was John Gollup's. " Richard Godfree, senior, on half the purchase rights that was Thomas Joan's. "Thomas Lincoln, senior, on his own rights. "Thomas Lincoln, Junior, on his own rights. " George Watson on the rights that was Giles Gilbert's. " Giles Gilbert on the rights that was Joseph Gilbert's. " Robert Grossman on his own rights. "Robert Thornton on his own rights. "John Turner on his own rights. "James Leonard, senior, on his own rights. " Mr. John Paine on the rights that was Ralph Russell's. "Thomas Leonard on the rights that was Henry Leonard's & on half the purchase rights that was Thomas Jones'. " Edward Bobbitt on his own rights. "Samuel Holloway on his own rights. "Jonathan Briggs on the rights that was Benjamin Dunham's. " Nicholas White, senior, on the rights that was David Curwithies and on the rights that was Giles Slocum's. "John Parker's heirs on his rights. "Mr. George Shove on his own rights. "William Haylston on his own rights. "Mr. William Brenton on the rights that was Mr. Nicholas Street's. "These purchasers or proprietors, fore-mentioned, are hereby and by virtue hereof entitled and interested only unto the first purchase of the township of Taunton and not unto any later purchases. "This list was made and agreed upon and concluded and confirmed by us whose names are underwritten, being the major part of the com- mittee chosen by the town for that end. Dated May 14, 1675. "Richard Williams. " James Walker. " Walter Deane. "John Richmond. "John Hall. "Joseph Wilbore. " Thomas Leonard." In accordance with their instructions the committee drew up a body of rules and orders for the guidance of their affairs, the more important of which here follow : " Concerning the office of the selectmen, as they are chosen by the town to manage their affairs for the good of the whole, their orders are as followeth: " That the selectmen or the major part of them shall appoint town- meetings when they shall see a just occasion for it, and that the select- men shall manage the affairs of the meeting, and so that those occa- sions for which the Town-meeting is warned be first dispatched before any other matters be introduced. "2d. That none of the inhabitants of this town shall entertain any foreigner or stranger from abroad, except first they get the approbation of the selectmen, or the major part of them, upon the penalty of five shillings per week, to be levied on the estates of such as transgress this order, by a warrant to the constable from some oue of the selectmen; likewise none shall come to inhabit in this town contrary to the appro- bation of the selectmen, or the major part of them, on the penalty of five shillings a week, to be gathered as aforesaid. "3d. In reference to Town charges, the selectmen to take an account yearly of every one to whom the Town is indebted and present the ac- count to the Town, etc. 764 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. "4th. Two of the selectmen with the measurer to lay out lands, ex- cept when a committee is chosen for the purpose. "5th. The selectmen to seo that landmarks are kept up between neigh- bor and neighbor, according to the order of Court. " 6th. It is ordered that the selectmen shall give an account yearly to the town, both of the town stock and also of what lands they lay out. "7th. That the selectmen from time to time are empowered to take care of the poor, and to that end, if they shall see cause, to call a town- meeting to make a rate for the supply of such as are or shall be in ne- cessity. " 8th. Records of lands to be brought to them for their approval, and if they set their hands thereunto, then it shall be clear for such lands to pass to record." "Concerning the saw-mill on the Mill River, and concerning the fish. "Jan. 5, 1659. It is voted and agreed by the town that Henry Andrews and John Macomber shall have liberty to erect or set up a saw-mill on the Mill River, if it be not found hurtful to the grist-mill_, upon these terms following, that the inhabitants of the town shall have liberty to bring what timber they shall think meet, either pine, chestnut, or cedar, and what timber any of the inhabitants shall bring as above said they shall deliver the one-half of it again to him that brought it, sawing either to boards or planks as the inhabitants shall see cause. "And what other boards the inhabitants above said shall need for their own particular use the said Henry Andrews and John Macomber shall sell them at the rate of four shillings to a hundred ordinary town pay, and this above said mill to be in some forwardness within one year after the date hereof, or else this order to be of no effect." "Jan. 2, 1669. It was voted that the fish 6hall have a convenient pas- sage up and down the Mill River." " Concerning Landing-Places. " 1st. At the Neck of Land, so-called, from the bridge down the river to the little river, and up the little river to the land of John Macomber, and a parcel of land above the bridge, sometime called Mr. Street's landing-place. "2d. Also a lariding-place upon the great river at the foot of the hill, as goeth up to the pound, and from the land of Shadrach Wilbore up the said river to take in the spring on the upper side of the creek. "3d. A landing-place on the great river, flanking on the north side of John Richmond's land, and bounded on the west on the land formerly in the possession of Jonah Austin; the landing-place on Jonah Austin's land is eleven rods on the great river, facing on the said river in length from the highway, and two rods and a half in breadth from the brow of the hill at eighteen foot to a rod. And the said highway between Jonah Austin's land and John Richmond's land to the said landing-place is to be one rod and a half broad, as it is now fenced on both sides. "4th. A landing-place on the east side of the great river, southerly from the land some time in the possession of John Tisdell, and northerly from a hill called ' Fipes' (Apes?) hill as it is bounded and laid out. "5th. A landing-place on the west side of the great river, bounded southerly by the land of Nathaniel French, and northerly up the river by a creek." '• We whose names are under written have in the fore part of the year 1699, laid out a landing-place legally granted near the house of Nathan- iel French, containing near about one acre of land, it being bounded as followeth, beginning at Taunton Great River on the westerly side of a creek or a little run of water, and ranging on a line northerly upon the westerly side of said creek or run of water till it comes to a valley of low laud, and so ranging westerly till it comes to the land formerly granted to James Tisdale, now in the possession of said Nathaniel French, and from thence ranging on aline along by the house of said French till it conies to the above said Great River, and so up by said river till it comes to the above said westerly side of said creek, and likewise a high- way laid out northerly forty foot wide in every part of it till it comes to the country way that leadeth from Taunton to Bristol. " Henry Hodges. " Thomas Gilbert. " Thomas Harvey. " Selectmen." " Concerning Rates, Haters, and Constables. "1st. When order for the country rate is brought to the town yearly then the estate of the town is to be carefully taken by the raters, and that estate to bear the charges of the town for that year, and the Raters shall have fifteen shillings for gathering the Town's estate successively." " 18th Doc, 1671. It is voted and agreed upon by the town, whereas ,it proves difficult for the Raters to obtain a just account of men's lands, both improved and dormant, we do therefore agree and order that there shall be upon the town book a distinct catalogue of all the meadows and uplands of each person to which the Raters may have recourse, and therefore that each man do within two months after the date hereof bring in the account of their lands to the clerke. and that from time to time, as any shall alienate any parcel of lands, they shall inform the clerke, that so it may be entered in the aforesaid catalogue, upon the neglect whereof the seller thereof must expect to bear the rates of it himself. "2d. And if any man shall refuse or neglect to give a just account of his estate to the Raters when called for, nor repair within six days, to give it to the Raters, such person shall stand to the judgment of the RateiB. "3d. The valuation of lands and cattle as a valuation for the Raters. Improved land at 15s. per acre, ratable estale ; meadows and pasture land at 10s. per acre ; dormant land at 1 per acre; an ox at £3 an ox ; a cow at £2 5s. ; three year old cattle at £2 5s. a beast ; two year old cattle at £1 10s. a beast; one year old cattle at 15s. a beast; a sheep at 3s. a beast ; a horse or mare at £2 a piece that is above three year old > a two year old at £1 a horse or mare. " 4th. And every Rater shall have but 12s. a piece for making of a rate and paid out of every rate they make, and the 15s. for gathering of the town's estate, shall be paid out of the town rate. 15th July, 1574. It is voted and agreed upon by the town that such persons of the town as pay their country rate in money shall pay noth- ing for transportation, but such as pay in wheat, Indian corn, or barley or hay or butter or iron, shall pay so much in the same specie as will pay for the transportation. "5th. It is ordered for the future that all rates shall be recorded, both the sum that is to be levied of the town, and also the rates when made, before delivered to the constables, and the constables' account at the end of his year to be entered on record, that so it may appear what money is gathered and how it is disposed, and also the bill of the town's debts to be yearly entered on record. " 6th. And for the making of all rates there shall be three men chosen at least by the town, and if any or either of the raters orderly chosen shall neglect or refuse to make the rates seasonably, he or they shall pay a fine according to Court order, and the town shall choose again, and no excuse shall be accepted but sickness or lameness or bound a long journey out of town. "7th. That the constables shall have nothing for gathering the coun- try rates, but only to go rate free. "8th. They shall have nothing forgathering the minister's rates, but if any shall refuse or neglect to bring in the minister's rates to the place appointed by the constable, or to the minister's house, so that the con- stable is put upon it to distrain, then the constable shall distrain so much as will pay the principal and defray the transportation of it to the min- ister's house, besides the constable's fees, for gathering of town rates they shall have Is. per pound out of the same rate." " Concerning the paying of Deputies and Grand Jurymen. " 8th Nov., 1677. By order of the town and former practice, the Depu- ties and Grand jurymen shall be paid two shillings and sixpence a day for every day they are at Court ab^out the town's business, from the day they go from home until they return home again. "It is voted and agreed upon by the town that those men that are or shall be employed at Court about the town's business, shall have the one- half of their pay as money and the other half in country pay." " Concerning the Towne's stock of Ammunition. "22d April, 1678. It is voted and agreed upon by the town that the Commission Officers, with the council of war of this town, shall have the whole disposing of the town's stock of powder and lead, and when dis- posed of to give an account to the towu for what and to whom they have disposed it." " Concerning Swine. "Jan. 18, 1671. It is voted and agreed upon by the town that if any swine do break into men's grounds and do damage, that the owners of said swine shall pay the damage, provided the fence be sufficient by indifferent men." Rules were also made concerning the fencing of meadows, and in reference to commons for wood and timber. By a law enacted in 1646 every town was required to have a clerk, or some one appointed to keep a reg- TAUNTON. 765 ister of the day and year of the marriage, birth, and burial of every man, woman, and child in the town- ship. There is no record of any clerk in Taunton until the following: "Tlie Town Clerk chosen for this present year being this sixth of March, 1G64 or 5, is Shadrach Wilbore, and so to continue as long as he the said Clerk and the town shall agree. " And it is voted and agreed by the town this sixth of March. 1664/5, that the said Clerk shull have of the town twenty shillings by the year. " And it is voted and agreed by the town at a town meeting, that the said town to commit to the said Town Clerk to keen the Town Book and the Registry the day and year above written." The first return of births, deaths, and marriages to the Plymouth Court was made the year after the above appointment. Mr. Wilbore held the office for more than thirty years, and it is probable until his death early in 1699. The following vote appears in the proprietors' records : "Nov. 19, 1697. The town doth this day act and vote that the Town Clerk, Mr. Sbadrach Wilbore, shall deliver up to Capt. Thomas Leonard, Our Proprietors' Clerk, the book of the records of our lands, wherein also our lands not therein recorded, may be by our Proprietors' Clerk, not that we find any unfaithfulness in our said Town Clerk, but only that our Proprietors' Clerk may be advantaged to perform his trust, and that our land may still be recorded." Mr. Wilbore's handwriting was remarkable for its regularity and beauty. Those parts of the records kept by him are still in a fine state of preservation. In 1687, during the usurpation of Sir Edmund An- dros, he fell under his displeasure, was brought before his Council, and condemned to be imprisoned. The warrant for his imprisonment and his petition for release are here given, by which it appears that it was not for refusing to give up the town records that he was imprisoned, as has been commonly stated : "To the Sheriff of the County of Suffolk: '' Whereas Shadrach Wilbore, Town clerk of Taunton, hath lately in the name and with the consent of the said Town, written and published a certain scandalous, factious and seditious writing therein, very much reflecting upon and contemning the law, authority and government of this his Majesty's Territory and Dominion of New England. The which writing, upon his examination before his Excellency in Council, he hath confessed and owned. These are, therefore, in his Majesty's name, to require and command you to take into your custody, the body of the said Shadrach Wilbore, and him safely keep in his Majesty's jail, until he shall have answered for the said contempt and misdemeanor, and be from thence delivered by due course of his Majesty's Laws. Whereof fail not. And for so doing, this shall be your warrant. " Dated in Boston, the 30th day of August, 1687. " By order in Council.'' " The humble petition of Shadrach Wilbore, of Taunton, Town Clarke, To his Excellency, Sir Edmond Andrews, Knight Goveruor-in-Chief of his Majesty's Territory and dominion in New England. " Humbly shewetb that whereasyour poorpetitioner(but as a servant) did in the name, and with the consent of the Town of Taunton (as Towne Clarke), as by virtue of his office judged himself obliged to do, did write a letter to John Usher, Esq., the contents of said letter or writing proving very offensive to authority, for which your petitioner js very sorry that he should give any cause of offence to any, either by writing or any other way, for it was not any way intended by your pe- titioner either to offend your Excellency or the government his Majesty hath set over us, and therefore wherein your petitioner hath offended auy person he craveth their pardon, entreating your Excellency to im- pute the offensiveness of said writing to the ignorance, weakness, and un- skilfulness of your poor petitioner as to law matters, entreating your Ex- cellency to grant your poor petitioner a gracious pardon as to honorable Court's sentence against him here at Bristol and remit it, or what of it your Excellency shall think fit, beseeching your Excellency to consider what your poor petitioner hath already suffered both at Boston and also here at Bristol,— at Boston his imprisonment there and charges for a re- lease out of prison, and here at Bristol, it being five weeks since he was first committed to prison, entreating your Excellency to consider the in- ability of your poor petitioner and the time of the year (it being very cold for a poor prisoner), and also his low estate and a great family of children (not needful to say the Town of Taunton hath already an- swered the matter then in question), and for the future your petitioner hopes he shall be more careful what he writes. So craving your pardou for giving your Excellency the trouble of reading these lines, hoping for your Excellency's gracious Answer, shall rest your humble pe- titioner. " Shadrach Wilbore. "Bristol the 14th of November, 1687." If, as he intimates in his " humble petition," he wrote the offensive letter by authority of the town, or by direction of the selectmen, the town granted him tardy justice, for it was two years after his imprison- ment that the following vote was passed : "This 21 day of November, 1689, Itwasvoted and granted to Shadrach Wilbore, the town Clerk, one hundred acres of land joining to his land at Bareneed, or somewhere thereabout, in consideration of his imprison- ment and suffering, he paying whatmoney is due at that account, which is to say the five and forty shillings which we borrowed of William Wil- bore of Rhode Island." Perhaps, however, the town thought it more prudent to wait until the usurpation of Andros was at an end. On the same day a vote was passed in reference to another grist-mill as follows: " Nov. 21, 1689. Whereas there appears a great necessity of a good grist-mill' in this town more than we have already, and finding a con- venient place to set a mill on below the old mill, and in case the town please to grant the privilege of the stream to erect a mill on, then Rob- ert Crossman, Jr., will speedily build a good mill to serve the town to grind their corn. This above said was voted and granted to Robert Crossman, Jr., this 21st day of November, 1689." For several years previous to the above date the town seems to have been apprehensive as to the security of their title to their lands. There had been several controversies with adjoining towns in respect to boundary lines, and some of these controversies were not yet settled. A confirmatory deed was de- sired from Governor Bradford, and various votes had been passed and committees appointed to effect the desired end. Some of these votes are here given: ' " This 8th of January, 1683. The town hath by vote chosen John Hathaway, senior, and John Richmond to go abroad to procure evidence for the strengthening and further confirmation of our township." "This 6th of July, 16S5. The town hath voted and agreed to choose two men to send to the Court at Plymouth to do their best endeavor to procure the confirmation of our township as it is already drawn up by the selectmen and by some others. The men chosen is John Hathaway, senior, Thomas Leonard." The boundary line between Taunton and Middle- borough, which has been a bone of contention until within a very few years, and perhaps may become so again, was a subject of controversy in 1685 and earlier. "This 20th of October, 1685. The town hath by vote chosen Ensign Leonard, John Hathaway, and John Richmond to settle the bounds be- tween Middleboro' and us, from Assonet to Baiting Brook, and from Baiting Brook to Titicut River." May 18, 1686. A committee was chosen to see as to encroachments of Bridgewater within the bounds of 766 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Taunton. In October following action was taken in reference to the two miles claimed by Swansea men. The subject of the confirmatory deed is again taken up : " 21st May, 1G88. The proprietors made choice of the selectmen this day chosen, and John Hathaway, the commissioner, to be a committee to act in all matters that may relate to the confirmation of their lands, or defending their title thereto, and agree to defray the charges of the said committee, and Justice Macey and Justice Leonard to act with them." " At a town-meeting on the first day of July, 16S9. Those of the town that were at the meeting-house did by a full and free vote choose Wil- liam Harvey, John Richmond, Thomas Leonard, James Walker, senior, and John Grossman to be helpful to Shadrach Wilbore, the town clerk, in framing and drawing^a release and confirmation of our lands from Major Bradford, to take in all Taunton township and the North Pur- chase, according to deeds and grants." At a meeting on the 8th of July the town voted to give Maj. Bradford twenty pounds for his release and confirmation, and voted to make a rate of twenty-five pounds, the extra five pounds to defray charges. Lieut, Macey, James Walker, Sr., Mr. George Good- ing, William Harvey, and Thomas Leonard were a committee to proportion what each man should pay, including proprietors in the old township, the North and South Purchases, and Assonet Neck. Feb. 20, 1690-91. The town took action in reference to obtaining a charter for this colony, and expressed their readiness to pay their proportion of the cost at- tending the effort. But all efforts failed, and this year proved to be the last of the Plymouth govern- ment. Oct. 15, 1692. The selectmen were directed to bound all landing places and draw up the bounds in writing and deliver them to the town clerk for record. Other votes of interest were as follows : "This 11th of October, 1680. The town hath voted and granted to James Leonard, Jr., three acres of laud lying on the northeast side of his land, between the way to the Fowling pond and the said James Leonard's laud, on the condition that the said James Leonard shall close all the beams of the meeting-house sufficiently with iron bars, that is to say, all the beams that are now open." Dec. 11, 1685. The town granted to Abel Burt six acres of swamp, of which three acres were in lieu of three acres formerly granted to his father, "and the other three acres the town doth give to the said Abel Burt in way of gratification in the consideration of his loss in his bargain about plastering the meeting- house." "This 9th day of August, 1686. It is voted and agreed by the pur- chasers of this town to make a rate of two shillings to a purchase in money to pay for the defraying of the charges of the committee, as in reference of Titicut laud, to procure a deed of the Indians, viz., Josiah, Peter, and David." " This 10th day of May, 1687. The town hath by vote expressed their willingness to give Mr. Danforth a call to the ministry amongst us in this town." "Feb. 27,1687. It is voted and granted that Capt. Tipping shall have ten acres of land adjoining to his own laud formerly laid out to him at a place called Knmford, for his labor and charge to fetch up to our town Mr. Danforth." "Feb. 27, 1687. We whose hands are hereunder written do by these presents freely give for ourselves and our heirs, to Capt. Bartholomew Tipping, and to his heirs and assigns forever, severally and jointly the several sums of land as is underwritten in part of the pay for the house and land he hath sold to Mr. Samuel Danforth, now minister of our town of Taunton: Acres. "James Walker, Sr 10 Peter Walker 10 John Hall 5 Thomas Linkon, Sr 5 John Richmond 5 William Witherell, Sr 5 James Tisdale 5 Elkanah Bobit 2 Peter Pitts, Sr 5 Samuel Holloway 2 John Dean 15 Edward Bobit 5 Acres. John Macomber, Jr 5 William Paull 5 Robert Crossman, Jr 3 Joseph Leonard 4 Mary Street 6 Joseph Willis 5 Jonathan Briggs 4 Samuel Hall 4 John Smith, Jr 5 John Hathaway 10 John Bryant 10" A petition was presented to the General Court at Boston in May, 1697, for assistance in rebuilding and supporting a bridge at the southerly part of the town, formerly built by certain poor men, some of whom were dead and the others were unable to bear the expense of rebuilding, and setting forth that other towns were benefited by the bridge. The petition was signed by James Leonard and Thomas Williams. " Oct. 16, 1697. " In the House of Representatives. " Voted, That the bridge be supported according to former usage. " Penn Townsend, Speaker." This was the bridge at the Weir. In March, 1699, a petition was presented to the General Court by the selectmen, viz., Henry Hodges, Thomas Gilbert, Thomas Harvey, John White, Thomas Williams, setting forth the necessity of rebuilding the bridge and the justice of requiring certain other towns to contribute to the expense of building and supporting it. This petition met with better success. A com- mittee reported favorably and recommended that the bridge be built. It was ordered to be built at the expense of Taunton, Freetown, Tiverton, Little Conipton, and Dartmouth. Capt. Jared Talbut took the contract, and upon a report to the court of the cost, it was ordered Nov. 5, 1702, that one- half the expense should be paid by Taunton, and the other half by the other four towns proportion- ately. It does not come within the scope of the present sketch to give the general history of the town beyond this point. The reduction of its territory by the set- ting off of new towns will be briefly narrated, and some items of interest given connected with the se- lection of Taunton as the shire-town in the place of Bristol, and the establishment of courts here. For nearly forty years after the last purchase Taun- ton maintained the integrity of its large territory. Meantime inhabitants had increased in the North and South Purchases, and the time to ask for sep- arate town organizations, sure to come some time, at length arrived. The movement as to setting off the north part of the town began in the sending a petition to the Gov- ernor, Council, and House of Representatives by the inhabitants of the North Purchase and a part of the old township of. Taunton, praying to be set off as a precinct. This petition was dated Oct. 20, 1708, and was signed by George Leonard and Nicholas White, TAUNTON. 767 as agents of said inhabitants. It was read in Council Oct. 22, 1708, and ordered that the selectmen of Taunton be served with a copy and heard thereupon on the second Tuesday of the next session. A town- meeting was held to consider the matter, and a com- mittee was appointed to prepare a remonstrance against their being made a precinct, but favoring their being made a town, provided only the North Purchase was included. This remonstrance was dated June 4, 1709, and signed by James Leonard, Philip King, Thomas Gilbert, Thomas Harvey, and Jona- than Padelford, as committee. The following communication was also sent to the court : "To his Excellency Joseph Dudley, Esq., Captain-General and Gov- ernor-in-Chief in and over her Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts Bay, and the rest of the Honorable Council and Representatives con- vened in General Court May the 25th, 1709, humbly sheweth : "That whereas the Honored Court sent to the selectmen of Taunton to shew their reason (if any they had) why Taunton North Purchase and South Purchase should not have their prayer granted, for answer where- unto we say, That although it hath pleased God to increase our numbers, winch we hope is in mercy, yet must say that through the providence of God a great many are so extreme poor, and rates and taxes so high, that we find it hard and difficult to rub along; and the generality of the North Purchase are so poor that we fear they will not be able to build a meeting-house and to maintain a minister; and as for the South Pur- chase, we are very sensible that they will be exposed to great difficulty by reason of the (ireat River that runs through the middle of that de- sired precinct, which will be difficult to pass in the winter by reason that the ice is many times not strong enough to bear and too hard to break. Yet we say that if this Honored Court in their wisdom see it convenient, and our neighbors and friends see their way clear, we shall not oppose them ; so that the Courtorder it that webe no way concerned with any of their charges, but they hear it themselves. But as for the North Purchase, we think it better for them to be a township than a precinct. " This is our last and final answer upon mature consideration. " Israel Thrasher, "John Spur, "Ezra Dean, " Selectmen. " We whose names are underwritten are of the same mind with those above. Thomas Leonard, Henry Hodges, Samuel Deane, Seth Williams, Joseph Williams." "In Council, June 7, 1709. " I'pon the hearing of the several petitions of the Inhabitants f the North and South Purchases in Taunton, to be made separate precincts for the settling and support of the ministry in the respective places: "Resolved, That Nathaniel Thomas, Nathaniel Byfield, and James Warren, Esqrs., be a committee to repair to Taunton and view the sev- eral purchases, and upon consideration of all circumstances, to set off proper precincts to encourage the good ends desired by the petitioners, and to advise and direct to the most suitable places for the making of their meeting houses. And to make their report to the next session of this Court, Nathaniel Thomas, Esq., to appoint the time" Report of the above committee: "Taunton, Aug. 31, 1709. " Pursuant to an order of the Great and General Court, dated June the 8th, 1709, to us directed to repair to Taunton and. view the several tracts of land which the Inhabitants of the North and South Purchases in Taunton have petitioned to be made separate precincts, for the set- tling and support of the ministry in the said respective places. " And we, the subscribers, having viewed the said several tracts, and heard the allegations of the opposite parties thereto, upon considera- tion of all circumstances have set the bounds of the said several pre- cincts as followeth : "That is to say, That the bounds of the North Precinct (according to their petition) shall begin at the line between the two late Colonies of the Massachusetts and Plymouth, in the line of the bounds between Taunton North Purchase and Attlebury, and from thence southward to Rehoboth's northeast corner, and from thence eastward on the said Nortli Purchase line to Taunton bounds, and thence eastward to the mouth of the brook called Burt's Brook, leaving out Capt. Hodges' land at Burt's Brook, and extending from the mouth of Burt's Brook to the bridge made over the Mill River, near William Witherell's, and from thence northeastward to the North Purchase line, and from the North Purchase line, the road that leads from said bridge towards Boston, to be the bounds till it comes to the line between the said late Colonies, which line to be the bounds to Attlebury bounds aforesaid, and that the meeting-house for the said North Precinct shall be set on the northward side of the way that leads over Rumford River at Crossman's way, at the place where the way crosseth it that leads from John Hodges' to the Beech Island. "And the bounds of the Precinct of the Sonth Purchase aforesaid, shall (according to their petition) be the line between Taunton Town old bounds and the said South Purchase, and from the mouth of Three- Mile River to the maple-tree at Assonet River, at the head of Freetown land. And that the meeting-house for the said South Precinct shall be set on the west side of the way near Capt. Jared Talbutt's house, ac- cording as the petitioners have agreed. In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands. "Nathaniel Thomas. "N. Byfield. "James Warren." This report was accepted Sept. 19, 1709, with the proviso " that the east end of the North Purchase shall have half the said Purchase as their Precinct when they are able to maintain a minister, and this Court judge them so." The inhabitants of the North Precinct, through George Leonard, Esq., their agent, petitioned the court early in 1711, setting forth that they had erected a meeting-house which was in a considerable state of forwardness, and had called Mr. Joseph Avery to settle with them in the ministry, and praying to be made a distinct town, the town of Taunton having assented thereto. ' This petition was granted March 17, 1711, and the precinct was constituted a town by the name of Norton. The bounds included the whole of the North Purchase, together with a part of the north- westerly angle of the original purchase. There was a more heated controversy over setting off the South Precinct. The petition for this object was dated Oct. 11, 1708, and was signed by John Reed, Edward Paull, Ebenezer Briggs, Henry Pitts, Nathaniel Briggs, Nicholas Stephens, Samuel Talbut, Isaac Paull, Jared Talbut, Abram Hathaway John Paull, James Paull, Ebenezer Pitts, Abraham Blanch- ard, Benjamin Briggs, John Crane, Isaac Hathaway, Edward Shove, James Tisdale, Joseph Dean, Richard Hoskins, Samuel Waldron, Ephraim Hathaway, Thomas Jones, Hezekiah Hoar, Matthew Brioo-s Thomas Briggs, David Walker, Amos Briggs, Joseph Poole, Samuel Whitmarsh. This petition, like that of the North Precinct, was referred to the town, and was acted upon at the same time. The same committee was appointed to prepare a remonstrance, which they did. In the remonstrance they allude to a town-meeting held Feb. 22, 1708-9, to consider the petition, at which meeting Capt. Jared Talbut was desired to show the petition that the town might know what they were to act upon, and he re- 763 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. fused to let them see it, so that the selectmen who were appointed a committee to make answer could not do so, and therefore named another meeting to be held June 1, 1709, at which this committee were appointed. They also allude to a previous town- meeting held February 1st, when the " town met to- gether and the petitioners, but fell into such a heat of spirit by such a striving by the petitioners to break our town to pieces, the day was spent in confusion, and the meeting dismissed and nothing done." The report of the committee of the General Court, already given, included the South Purchase in their recommendation. The precinct as established in- cluded the southerly part of the present town of Berk- ley. In 1712 this precinct was incorporated .as a town under the name of Dighton, thought to have been given in honor of Frances Dighton, the wife of Rich- ard Williams. Encouraged doubtless by the success of the inhab- itants of the North and South Purchases in their pe- titions to be set off as precincts, and afterwards as towns, the northeasterly and westerly parts of the town made a similar attempt a few years later. A petition dated Dec. 4, 1727, of sundry of the north- easterly part of Taunton, was presented to the court, praying that all that part of the town that lieth on the northerly side of the Great River and on the easterly side of the Mill River may be made a pre- cinct, and if part of the town shall oppose the peti- tion, that they may have a committee to see and hear how things are circumstanced. This petition was signed by about sixty persons. Another petition, bearing date Dec. 11, 1727, of sundry of the inhabitants of the westerly part of Taunton was presented at the same court, praying that the court would grant them a precinct, bounded, beginning at Wenaconet Bridge, so called, on Mill River, near William Witherill's, and so down said river, bounded by the River easterly until it comes to Street's bridge, so called; then on a straight line to Three-Mile River, at the bridge near Peter Walker's house, which is the bounds between Taunton and Dighton ; then by Dighton bounds till it comes to Rehoboth ; then northward by Rehoboth to Norton ; then by Norton till it comes to said bridge. They also ask for a committee. This petition was signed by some seventy-five persons. These petitions called forth a strenuous remon- strance, dated Dec. 25, 1727, which begins as fol- lows : " We, the subscribers (aud many others), inhabitants of Taunton in the several parts thereof, humbly offer that we are greatly surprised to hear, that notwithstanding God's awful and striking providences, and especially that awful and threatening stroke in removing from us by death our aged, honored, and beloved pastor, the Rev. Mr. Samuel Ban- forth, some of our neighbors are making this dark and difficult hour an opportunity to carry on a very dangerous, unhappy design, going from house to house, persuading people to sign a petition or petitions to this Hon. Court to divide our aged town into precincts, which must needs tend to our utter confusion and ruin ; obstructing our building a new meeting-house, which our town has solemnly voted to do." This remonstrance was signed by one hundred and sixty-four persons. A paper containing the names of thirty-nine persons living in the easterly part of the town and of forty-eight living in the westerly part of the town, who were against partitioning the town into precints, was also presented to the court. The following record also appears among the State archives : "January 25, 1727-8. At a church meeting held at the house of Ephraim Hodges, present the Eev. Mr. Fisher of Dighton, it being pro- posed to the church there met, after some time spent in prayer to God, whether their present unsettled circumstauces did not call them to sol- emnize a day of prayer, and then the church proceeded to appoint a day, and the day fixed on was the 15 th day of February next ensuing; aud the church then voted that the congregation should be notified of it and asked to join with them in it. " A copy taken of your church book of record per me "Nath'l Fisher." A formal remonstrance was presented to the Gen- eral Court, Feb. 14, 1727-28, by Seth Williams, John King, John Mason, Benjamin Wilbore, and James Walker, Jr., selectmen of the town, stating therein that they had not time to call a regular town-meeting, and presenting very urgent reasons why the prayers of the two petitions should not be granted. Upon these petitions and remonstrances a commit- tee, consisting of Nathaniel Byfield, John dishing, Samuel Thaxter, Maj. Quincy, and Maj. Turner, was appointed to go to Taunton, hear the parties, and report thereon. It is no wonder that the town vigorously opposed these petitions, for the precincts prayed for included more than two-thirds of the territory of the town and two-thirds of the whole number of dwelling- houses. A map of the town, with all the dwelling- houses and the owners' names and the proposed boundaries of the precincts delineated thereon, was prepared by Morgan Cobb and presented to the court for their information. Upon this map it is stated that the number of dwelling-houses in the easterly precinct prayed for was eighty-four, in the westerly one hun- dred, and in the remaining part of the town ninety. The committee appointed by the court to hear the parties reported unfavorably thereon, and the petitions were dismissed. This ended the matter for a short time only, however. Sept. 18, 1730, another petition was presented to the court by inhabitants of the west- erly part of Taunton, praying to be made a separate parish, which, upon the report of a committee ap- pointed to consider the matter, was dismissed Feb. 19, 1730-31. In- the remonstance to the petitions of 1727, one reason urged against granting the petitions is that it would obstruct building a new meeting-house, which the town had solemnly voted to do. Copies of the records of two town-meetings in reference to the matter have fortunately been preserved in the State papers, and are here given : "At a legal Town meeting warned aud held at Taunton public meet- ing-house on the 21. day of November 1726: The moderator chosen for said meeting was Seth Williams Esq. > j s z H 12 8. ** 5 -0 3 . r - JO I "^ « > |G 1.2 ; H *0 2 & Si La* •^ %> ■■ V 1 "", „> ■'. ^' - i f, "' ■ p4*yna JZpi* / ■e ■ j ^-.'n..^-- 55-A.21* •% \^f^ti-A • 1 ■ rf».«5A-« v^*' 3 -*. 4/ "■ . : \ 'V // ».-■ ■ .• ...... a. . - ■ -■' TAUNTON. 769 "Whereas on the aforesaid day it was voted by the Town of Taunton that they will build a new meeting-house and to stand within three or four rods of the old meeting house. " 2 d Voted that the new meeting-house shall be fifty six footin length, forty six foot wide and twenty seven foot stud this to be the bigness and proportion of said house. "3 d Voted that Capt. John Andrews, Cant. Samuel 'Williams and Mr. Nathaniel Crossman be a committee to build and finish the new meet- ing-house now voted. "4 ,h Voted that the money agreed upon by said town to repair the old meeting-house or at least that part thereof not yet laid out, also what any particular person have obliged himself to pay in repairing our public meeting-house, that is now indebted to said town, be laid out in building of a new one now voted. "5 th Voted that the sum of three hundred pounds be raised on the rateable inhabitants of Taunton and that the assessors do forthwith make a rate on said inhabitants for the raising of said sum, and to be improved towards the building of the new meeting-house. " A true extract taken out of the abovesaid day's work. " Attest— " Benjamin Wilbore, Town Cleric." " At a legal Town meeting warned and held at Taunton public meet- ing-house on the 20. day of November 1727. "The moderator chosen for said meeting was Seth Williams Esq. " Voted that there be a rate or tax made upon poles and estates on the inhabitants of Taunton of the sum of fifty pounds for the support of the ministry. " A true extract taken out of the abovesaid day's work. " Attest— " Benjamin Wilbore, Town Clerk." A portion of the northeasterly part of the town was set off as a new town April 2, 1731, and received the name of Raynham. Its limits and boundaries were very different, however, from the proposed pre- cinct of 1727. The boundaries between the old and new towns were described as follows : " Bounded on the south by Taunton Great River, including all the land of Lieut. Ebenezer Robinson on the southeasterly or south side of said river, ex- cept that piece of land by his saw-mill near the fur- nace, which is in Middleborough precinct, thence down said river to the bounds between the lands of Thomas Dean and Nathaniel Williams, at the place called Shallow Water, thence in a straight line to the east end of Prospect Hill at the going over of the way, including within said new township all the land of Zephaniah Leonard and that which was formerly Capt. James Leonard's which joineth to and is on the west side of said line, and excluding the land of Nathaniel Williams joining to and on the east of said line, thence to run northerly by said way to the great cedar swamp at the going in of the great-island way, thence to cross said island and run straight to Easton line, at the nearest place." Rev. Dr. Fobes says the first meeting-house was built the year preceding the incorporation of the town, which then contained about thirty families. The territory of Berkley was set off and incorpor- ated as a separate town April 18, 1735. Since that date no new towns have been taken from ancient Taunton. Occasional unimportant changes in bound- ary lines between us and some of our neighbors have been made, and in 1879 an awkward jog at Myrick- ville was taken from Taunton and added to Berkley. Our present boundary lines are likely to be perma- 49 nfent, however awkward and irregular in shape the ter- ritory they encompass. The earliest matter receiving attention after Taun- ton was made the shire town of the county was the providing a county house and jail. The record is as follows : " At his Majesty's Court of General Sessions of the Peace, begun and held at Taunton within and for the County of Bristol on the second Tuesday of December, being the ninth day of the said month, a.d. 1746. "Justices present: Seth Williams, Thomas Terry, George Leonard, Timothy Fales, Samuel Willis, Thomas Bowen, Stephen Paine, Silvester Richmond, Jr., Ephraim Leonard.John Foster.Edward Hayward, Samuel Howland, Samuel Leonard, John Godfrey, Samuel White. " Timothy Fales, Esq., chosen Clerk of this Court and Sworn. " Ordered by the Court that the S. hool House in Taunton shall be for the present impressed for a Goal and that Samuel Leonard, John God- frey, and Samuel White, Esqrs., be a committee to see that 6aid School House be made as secure as may be for the safe custody of all persons that may be committed thereto with the utmost dispatch, and that Seth Williams the second shall take care to secure the two prisoners now in custody and all others that shall be committed in the mean time. " Ordered by the Court, that Seth Williams, George Leonard, Samuel Leonard, John Godfrey, and Samuel White, Esqrs., be a committee to look out a suitable place for the standing of a Goal and County house in the Town of Taunton, & know what the land for erecting said houses on may be purchased for and make report of their doings thereon at the adjournment of this Court." At the adjournment on the second Tuesday of Jan- uary, 1747, "The committee for looking out a suitable place for County house and Goal made their report as followeth to wit: We the subscribers appointed a committee as within mentioned to look out a suitable place for the standing of a Goal and County house in the Town of Taunton have pur- suant to the within orders looked out a suitable place as we apprehend which is towards the upper end of the old Training Field a little below where they used to dig gravel and is to be sixty foot square which place we look upon to be the most suitable for setting a County house upon provided the Town Proprietors' Committee give a legal conveyance thereof with a suitable and convenient way to pass to and from said place. And also that the most suitable place for setting a Goal and Goal house be on the land of Samuel White and Mr. Simeon Tisdale at a place near the spring (so called) adjoining to the way that leads from said Tisdale's to Mr. Grossman's grist-mill provided the said White and Tisdale give a legal conveyance thereof. " Seth Williams, "George Leonard, "Sam'l Leonard, "John Godfrey, "Samlel White, " Committee." Which report was approved of and accepted by the court. "Ordered by the Court that John Foster Silvester Richmond Jr. and John Godfrey Esqrs. be a committee to provide materials and build a County house and Goal and Goal keeper's house with suitable dispatch. The Goal to be thirty foot long and fourteen foot wide two story high and fourteen foot stud, to be studded with sawed .stuff of six inches thick to be framed close together with a chimney in the middle suitable for a Goal. The house for prison keeper to be seventeen foot wide and twenty three foot long two story high besides the entry between the Goal and dwelling house and to be fourteen foot stud with a suitable chimney and cellar." At an adjournment Jan. 28, 1747, Samuel White was appointed on the committee in place of Silvester Richmond, who was appointed sheriff. "January 28, 1746-7. Ordered by the Court that George Leonard, Ephraim Leonard, and John Foster, Esqrs., be a committee to receive deeds of conveyance from the committee of the Town of Taunton, and proprietors of said Town, of the lands mentioned in the committee's report (as on file) for the use of the County of Bristol." 770 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. The following appears in the records of the court in June, 1647 : " Upon the Court's receiving a subscription of many of the inhabitants of the Town of Taunton, amounting in the whole to the sum of nine hundred tweuty-two pounds, fifteen shillings, old tenor, from the sub- scribers' committee, for building a Court-house, ordered that the same shall be accepted, and that the committee appointed by this Court shall be joined with the aforesaid committee of the subscribers in building the Court-house as projected by the subscribers, and what further may be subscribed on the land given by the proprietors and inhabitants of the Town of Taunton, and as has been accepted by the Court of General Sessions of the Peace, holden at Taunton, by adjournment in January last." At the March court, 1748-49, Seth Williams, Esq., was desired and empowered to procure, at the charge of the county, proper window-curtains for five win- dows, and five cushions for the court-house. At the August court, 1749, it was ordered that eleven hundred pounds, old tenor, he paid to the committee for the "gaol," to enable them to com- plete and finish it. At the September term, 1750, the court ordered the committee for the jail to deliver to the sheriff, or to his order, the northwest room below and room above it, and the southwest room below and the room above it, and the southeast room above, with one-half of the cellar under the other part of the house, together with the yard fenced in for the prison yard, and that the southwest room below and above, with the south- east room above, are determined for, and shall be known to be his majesty's jail in Taunton, in and for the county of Bristol, and that the northwest room, below and above, with liberty of using the stairs, be for the use of the keeper of said jail, during the court's pleasure. At the December term it was ordered that the northeast room below and room above it, with the southeast room below, adjoining to the jail and under the same roof, be for the House of Correction for the county of Bristol, till the further order of the court. And it was further ordered that Jonathan Carver shall be the master of said House of Correc- tion till the further order of the court. It seems that the jail, being a wooden structure, was not so secure as was desirable. At the June term, 1753, George Leonard, Timothy Fales, and Samuel White, Esqs., were appointed a committee .by the court " to endeavor the more thorough strengthening and securing the Gaol, that, if possi- ble, prisoners may not be able to make their escape by reason of the insufficiency thereof." From the court records this insufficiency of the jail seems to have been a chronic source of trouble, and committees were from time to time appointed to cure the difficulty. In October, 1751, Kobert Luscomb was allowed eight shillings for finding candles, ringing the bell and sweeping the court-house, and Daniel Shaw and William Andrews in June following were allowed a like sum for labor and trouble in hanging the court- house bell. Timothy Fales was authorized at October term, 1752, to take possession of the county house as a |" court-house. This building also needed attention. At the Oetober term, 1753, it was ordered "that the Hon. Seth Williams, Esq., be desired and is empow- ered hereby to endeavor to secure the roof of the county house from leaking, by covering the heads of the posts with sheet-lead given for that purpose, or by any other way or means that may be effectual for the purpose aforesaid." At the March term, 1754, Seth Williams, George Leonard and Zephaniah Leonard, Esq., were ap- pointed a committee to finish the court-house in Taunton and arch the court-chamber overhead, fix the justices' seats on the north side of the chamber, and lath and plaster the same, and alter the stairs, if the committee shall think best. The old jail stood about where the Bristol County Bank building stands. It was long ago demolished. The court-house occupied very nearly the site of the present one, and was removed to make place for a more substantial structure. Here must end the general history of the town so far as the work of the present writer is concerned. In the chapters upon the ecclesiastical history, educa- tion, manufactures, the professions, etc., it is hoped a good idea of the progress of the town may be gained. CHAPTER LXII. TAUNTON. 1 — (Continued.) The Farms of Mr. Hooke and Mr. Street — Notices of early Settlers. Notices of Rev. William Hooke and Rev. Nicholas Street will be found in the account of ministers and churches. A notice of the large tract of land granted to them by the Plymouth Court may be of interest, and will properly find a place here. No record of the farms laid forth to Rev. Mr. Hooke and Rev. Mr. Street is to be found in the court records of Plymouth Colony, or in the Taunton proprietors' records. There are two deeds, however, recorded in the Plymouth Colony Records of Deeds which contain a description of those lands, and as it has never been published it is here given. The first deed containing the description was given by James Wyatt and George Macey, by power of attorney from Mr. Nicholas Street, to John Hathaway, Edward Babbitt, and Timothy Holloway, all of Taunton, con- veying the 400 acres granted by the court to Mr. Wil- liam Hooke and Mr. Street, and was dated day of ■ -, 1658. The deed was witnessed by William Poole, Walter Deane, and William Harvey. It is recorded in vol. iii., p. 189, of the above-named records. The second is a confirmatory deed given Feb. 9, 1 By James Henry Dean. TAUNTON. 771 1688-89, by William Bradford, son of Governor Brad- ford, reciting that his father and associates in the year 1638 granted to Mr. Nicholas Street and Mr. Hooke jointly, a tract of land for a farm of 400 acres of up- land, and about 30 acres of meadow. And at the going away of said Hooke from Taunton, he sold his part of said farm to Mr. Nicholas Street. And when the said Street went from Taunton he sold the farm and aforesaid land to John Hathaway and Edward Babbitt, and Timothy Holloway, all of Taunton. And in consideration of two pounds conveys to John Hathaway, Edward Babbitt, Samuel Holloway, and William Phillips, one of the heirs of the late deceased James Phillips, which said Samuel Hollo- way and James Phillips purchased Timothy Hollo- way's part of said lands, the lands aforesaid, " Bounded, lying on the east side of Taunton Great River, bounded on the south side in part by Assonet Neck, and in part by the line of Taunton, and on the north side by a black oak marked near a spring called the Iron Spring, one end butts in part upon the meadows of Capt. William Poole, Mrs. Jane Farwell, and William Hailstone, and in part by the Great River, running along by the river side as far as As- sonet Neck, and so running along by the side of said Neck until it comes to the head of a meadow called Smith's Cove to a marked tree by the side of said Neck, and from said tree to another white oak marked at the head of said cove, and from said white oak to run to Taunton River northerly, so that Taunton River and that line makes a square at the head of said Cove, and so to run by Taunton River to Assonet Way, and so to run upon a straight line a little above a pine tree now cut down, and so extends about three- quarters of a mile upon that line near John Rich- mond's field, and then turns the corner, and so run- neth down the plain along by a pine-tree fallen down, and from thence west and by north until it comes to said marked tree near the Iron Spring." Recorded in said records, vol. v. p. 459. This large tract of land came to be designated almost from the first as " The Farms." It is so referred to in ancient deeds and divisions of land. In 1670 a jury was appointed to lay out a way to " The Farms." It is situated in the present town of Berkley, and the name of " The Farms" clings to it to the present time. Elizabeth Poole, or, as she wrote her name, Pole, was one of the early settlers in Taunton, perhaps among the very earliest. There is record evidence that she was here early in 1638, for she was one of the appraisers of the estate of John Briant, of Taunton, who died April 28th of that year, and whose will was presented for probate to the Plymouth Court, June 4, 1638. She was born, according to an article pub- lished in Taunton, England, in 1879, by Eldwin Slo- per, Esq., Aug. 25, 1588, being the third daughter of Sir William Pole, of Shute, in the county of Devon, England. William Pole, one of the original pur- chasers, whose name stands first in the list of the freemen of Cohannet in 1637, was her brother. She and her brother, with many others of the first settlers of Taunton, settled first at Dorchester. In the entire absence of definite information upon the point, it is most reasonable to suppose that she came here with her brother, for she was unmarried, and at that time near fifty years old. In the grant of meadow lands made by the Plymouth Court to the inhabitants of Taunton in 1640 occurs this passage : " And the Court doth further order, that they will see Mr. Hooke, Mr. Streete, and Mrs. Poole shall have competent meadow and uplands for farms laid forth for them about May next, by Captain Standish and such others with him as shall be especially assigned thereunto." From this it is to be inferred that she was an intimate friend of the two ministers, and interested with them in plant- ing a church of Christ in the new settlement. From other sources we have abundant proof that she was an ardent Puritan of deep and earnest piety. The lands promised to her above were laid forth to her subsequently, as follows: " Those lands which by order of Court were by Miles Standish and John Browne assistants in the government of Plymouth, appointed to be laid out unto Mrs. Elizabeth Poole of Taunton, as followeth : May, 1639. " Imprimis. At her farm of Littleworth forty acres of meadow, being at the end next unto her house there, lying at that end between the south and the southwest and so northerly. "Item. Fifty acres of such upland which she will make choice of thereabouts. "Item. Fifty acres of upland lying near the Two Mile Brook, joining to the marsh on the south side thereof, as also half of the same marsh for quantity and quality. "Item. An hundred acres of upland lying on the other side of the Great River of Taunton. " Item. For her home lot XV acres to be next unto Mr. Hooke's house lot, as also to the mill six acres. " Item. That these lands be measured out in a convenient time, by the freemen or some of them, and by a man well experienced in the meas- uring of grounds. " Miles Standish. "John' Browne." Her Littleworth farm was in the extreme easterly part of the town, near the bounds of Middleborough, not far from Furnace Pond, so called. A stream or brook running from one of the ponds in that vicinity is still remembered as Littleworth Brook. The fifty acres near the Two-Mile Brook was near the Anchor Forge, in what is now Raynham. The one hundred acres on the other side of the Great River is not easily located at the present time. Her home lot, consisting in the whole of twenty-one acres, was on the south side of Main Street, extending westerly nearly to Winthrop Street, easterly to Mr. Hooke's house lot, near the east end of Main Street, and was bounded on the south by Mill River. She bought a small piece of ground of Mr. Hooke for a burial lot, which is thus described in the description of John Pool's lands, who was her nephew and devisee : " Item. A small piece of land, which his said aunt purchased of Mr. Hook for a burying place, joining to her said home lot on the east side of it by the road, and is bounded by a stake within the fence by the road, and from said stake to another stake towards 772 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. the river standing twenty yards from his orchard fence, just taking in a little thicket of apple-trees. This range is five yards distant from the eastward end of the tomb where Mrs. Pool lies buried." She built a house upon her home lot, and lived there until 1653, the year before her death, when she bought a lot with a house upon it of Robert Thorn- ton, to which she removed, and where she died May 21, 1654. By her will she gave the most of her real estate to her brother, William Pole, for his lifetime, and after his death to his eldest son, John Pole, whom she made executor. A few items from her will are here given : " I give unto the church of God at Taunton, for the furtherance of any special service thereof, one cow whichsoever the overseers shall like best to take for that end. " I give unto my kind and old friend, Sister Margery Paule, widow, one yearling heifer, if it he living at my decease, and appoint my over- seers to see it delivered unto her after my decease. "I appoint and make my cousin, John Pole, to be my sole Executor, to receive all and to pay debts and any engagements, and so commend him to the blessing of the Lord. " I appoint my kind friends, Richard Williams and Walter Dean, Dea- cons of the Church in Taunton, and Oliver Purchis, to be my overseers, to whom I commit my trust and care to see this, my last will, be ful- filled according, and as it is expressed in all the parts thereof, and herein I rest. " This signed by me, " Elizabeth Pole. "Witnessed by James Wiatt, Oliver Purchis, Richard Williams." The lot bought of Robert Thornton is thus alluded to: "Also the house wherein I now dwell, which I bought of Robert Thornton, and the lot thereunto appertaining, which I bought of him therewith." By the aid of the proprietors' records this lot can be readily located. In the description of William Har- vey's lands his home lot is thus described : Four acres of upland, more or less, granted to him for a house lot, butted and bounded as followeth : By the highway southward, the town commons northward, the land that was Lieut. George Macey's eastward, the land of Hezekiah Hoar westward; also about one acre bounded by the highway north, the Great River south, George Macey's land east, Hezekiah Hoar's land west. Sold of these lands first to the town for a common way two pole in breadth, the whole length of the first-mentioned four acres, on the westerly side of said lot. 2d. Sold to George Macey a small quan- tity of it at the southerly end of it next the highway. The remainder of these parcels was sold to Walter Deane, of Taunton, aforesaid. From subsequent deeds of these premises we know that the common way, two pole in breadth, on the westerly side of the first described lot, was called Hoar's lane, now known as Winter Street. Hezekiah Hoar owned the lot on the west side of the lane now owned and occupied by Mr. N. Bradford Dean. From the description of George Macey's lands: Imprimis, his home lot four acres, more or less, bounded by the lands of William Harvey on the westward side, and by the land of Capt. William Poole (formerly) on the eastward side, the highway on the southward end, and the commons on the northerly end. Also one acre, more or less, on the other side of the highway, bounded by the land of William Harvey on the west, Capt. Poole on the east, the Great River on the south, and the highway on the north. In 1686, Robert Thornton gave a confirmatory deed to John Pole, of Boston, whom he acknowledged as the right heir and successor of Elizabeth Pole, re- citing that in or about the year 1653 he sold said Elizabeth Pole one four-acre house lot, lying between the lands of William Pole on the east, and Walter Deane on the west, headed by the Great River on the south, and by the commons on the north, together with one house thereupon being; the deed, if any was given, being lost. The lot thus described was the home lot of George Macey, including the land on the south side of the highway and the small piece on the southerly end of William Harvey's lot next to the highway. This piece was on the easterly corner of Winter and Dean Streets, and joined Macey's original home lot on the east. How far the whole lot extended on Dean Street from the corner cannot be exactly determined, as measure- ments are not given, but probably somewhat beyond the middle of the lot owned by the heirs of the late Mrs. Fanny Dean. Capt. William Poole's lot was the next on the east, and extended to the brook which crosses Dean Street just east of the residence of the late Capt. Ezra T. Howland. Somewhere on the lot thus conveyed by Robert Thornton, and most proba- bly near its Winter Street boundary, stood the house in which Elizabeth Poole died. Her remains rested in her own tomb until 1771, when they were removed by John Borland, Esq., her next of kin, to the Plain burying-ground, and a large slab was laid upon the grave bearing an inscription written by Hon. Robert Treat Paine, who was for several years a resident of Taunton. This inscription is here given, — " Here rest the remains of Miss Elizabeth Pool, a native of Old England, of good Family, Frieuds, and Prospects, All which she left, in the Prime of her Life, to enjoy the Religion of her Conscience in this distant Wilderness; A great Proprietor in the Township of Taunton; A chief Promoter of its Settlement, and its Incorporation, 1639-40, About which time she Settled near this spot; And, having employed the opportunity of her Virgin state, in Piety, Liberality, and Sanctity of Manners, Died, May 21, a.d. 1654, aged LXV., To whose Memory this Monument is gratefully erected by her next of kin, John Borland, Esquire, a.d. 1771." Mr. Baylies, in his " History of Plymouth 'Colony," claims for Elizabeth Pool the great honor of being TAUNTON. 773 the foundress of Taunton, and the first purchaser of its territory from the Indians. " Dux fcemina facti" is the motto with which he honors her achievement. He claims for her the greater honor of being the first of the English who practically admitted the force of that moral obligation which requires the consent of the owner before property can be taken from his pos- session and appropriated to the use of another by paying a fair equivalent for her lands before occupa- tion. Resting upon the great reputation of Mr. Baylies as a conscientious and accurate historian, these claims have only recently been questioned. The Hon. Henry Williams, of Taunton, made a most thorough and ex- haustive examination into the historical basis for these claims in a very able paper read before the Old Colony Historical Society Jan. 12, 1880, in which the conclusion is reached that the evidence fails to support the claims. This paper was pub- lished in No. 2 of the collections of that society. There is no need to re-examine the question here. The present writer will only add that his investiga- tions have strengthened the conclusion that there is an entire lack of evidence to warrant the claims. Tbe propriety of honoring the alleged foundress of the town by some suitable memorial was suggested to the women of Taunton by the publication of Mr. Baylies' memoir, and through their efforts a comely marble monument was erected in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, then recently consecrated, for which Mr. Baylies is understood to have furnished the inscrip- tion, which is as follows : " The females of Taunton have erected this monument in memory of Elizabeth Pool, Foundress of the town of Taunton, in 1639, Born, before the settlement of America, In England, 1589. Died at Taunton May 21,1654." The halo of romance encircling her name as the virgin foundress and mother of our fair town may fade away in the light of better information ; but it will leave to her the substantial honor belonging to an intrepid Cbristian woman who cheerfully bore her part in the perils and privations of a new settle- ment undertaken for the love of religion in the fear of God. William Pool, whose name stands first on the list of freemen, was born in Shute, in Devon County, Eng- land, Dec. 4, 1593, according to tbe authority already cited in reference to kis sister, Elizabeth Pool. He settled first in Dorchester, but came to Taunton cer- tainly as early as 1637. In 1639 he is called Capt. Poole, and ordered to exercise the inhabitants of Cohannet in their arms. He was one of the depu- ties to the Plymouth Court in that year, the first year in which deputies were sent instead of the whole body of the freemen, and again in the years 1641-43. In 1646 he was chosen one of the Council of War, and again in 1658. In 1657 he is named as one of the selectmen. During all this time he was the prin- cipal military officer in town, and is always refe'rred to as Capt. Poole. Nov. 18, 1667, an inquest was held upon the body of his son, Timothy Poole, aged about twenty-five years, who was found drowned in a pond, whither he had gone to shoot some fowl. His home lot was on Dean Street next east of George Macey's, and extended to the brook crossing the street just beyond the residence of the late Capt. Howland. Late in life he returned to Dorchester, and died there. In Blake's " Annals of Dorchester," under date of 1674, is this notice, — "This year died Mr. William Pole, of whom ye records thus speak : ' Mr. William Pole, that sage, revered, pious man of God, departed this life Feb. 24, 1674.' He was clerk of ye writs and register of births, deaths, and marriages in Dorchester about ten years ; and after school-master in Dorchester." He composed an epitaph for himself, which was in- scribed upon his tombstone. His son, John Pool, married Elizabeth Brenton, the daughter of William Brenton. Esq., who was a prominent proprietor in the South Purchase, and afterwards removed to Bristol. John Pool became a merchant in Boston. In the easterly part of the town a large farm was laid out and received the name of the "Shute farm," doubt- less in memory of tbe town of Shute, in England, from whence the family came. A large plain in that part of the town was quite early called "Mrs. Pool's plain." The name still clings to it as " Pole Plain," taking the original form of the family name. John Gilbert, Sr., came from Dorchester, and was a freeman of Cohannet in 1637. Mr. Savage supposes he may have come from England in the "Mary and John" in 1630. He was one of the deputies to Plym- outh Court in 1639. At this time he was probably somewhat advanced in life, as his name is not in the list of 1643 of those between sixteen and sixty years of age subject to military duty. This may account for the fact that his name does not again appear in connection with any public office. There is an inter- esting deposition touching his early settlement in Taunton, recorded in the Registry of Deeds Book 2, page 32, which is worth transcribing : "The testimony of .loh n Richmond, aged about sixty-seven years. Testifieth and saith, the year 16:S9 I very well remember that then when we came first to Taunton, which was in 1639 as aforesaid. Then Mr. John Gilbert had a house at a meadow down on the westward side of Taunton Great River, and there wintered cattle for some years, and some years after did use to fetch hay from said meadow to the town, and afterward said Mr. Gilbert sold said meadow and those that bought aforesaid meadow did improve it many years. And it was known by the name of Mr. Gilbert's farm meadow; and when the proprietors of the South Purchase by their committee went to set bounds between said proprietors' lots and the meadows on the westward side of Taunton River, I, said John Richmond was one of said committee, and when came to the ahovesaid meadow formerly called Mr. Gilbert's farm mea- dow, then in the possession of John Smith, said committee ordered the 774 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. bounds of said meadow should be a rod from said meadow ou the up- land for the convenience of fencing, and further saith not." Sworn to Jan. 6, 1696-97, before Thomas Leonard, justice. John Hathaway, of the same age, made oath to the same statement, except only the time when they first came to Taunton, or when Mr. Gilbert first pos- sessed said meadow. John Richmond above named was the son of the first John Richmond. John Gilbert died between 1654 and 1657, leaving a will, recorded at Plymouth, in which he calls him- self " of Pondsbrooke, Taunton." He gave to his son Gyles his farm of one hundred acres, mentions sons Joseph, Thomas, John, daughter Mary Nor- cross, and wife Winifred. His farm was in the northerly part of the present town of Berkley, and can still be identified. The name Pondsbrooke was probably suggested by the fact that there is a pond with a brook flowing from it near by. It occurs oc- casionally in old descriptions of lands. His son John was suspected of felony in 1645, and was wanted at court ; but having obtained leave to go to England, made over his estate in Taunton and elsewhere to Nathaniel Sowther in behalf of the government, for answering such things as might be objected against him. He was to return from England in two years, but there is no record that he ever did return. Thomas Gilbert, the oldest son, married Jane Ros- siter, the daughter of Hugh Rossiter. He was ad- mitted a freeman in 1651. In 1648 and 1649 he was the constable of Taunton, and in 1652 one of the deputies to Plymouth. In 1653 certain complaints were made against him, but he had then gone to England, leaving his wife and children here. He never returned, but died there in 1676, and his wife was granted administration on his estate the follow- ing year. John Strong was the son of Richard Strong, of England, and came to this country in the " Mary and John" in 1630. He settled first in Dorchester, was a resident of Hingham in 1635, and from there came to Taunton, where he was a freeman in 1637. He was appointed the first constable in 1638, and was again appointed in 1639. He was a deputy in 1641, 1642, and 1643. He removed to Windsor, Conn., and in 1659 to Northampton, where he became the first ruling elder in the church, and died there in 1699, aged ninety-four. He had seventeen children. Caleb Strong, from 1800 to 1807 Governor of Massachusetts, was his descendant. His house lot in Taunton was on Dean Street, next west of John Dean's lot. Iu 1689 he gave to Walter Deane, who married his sister Ellinor, a power of attorney to dispose of his real estate in Taunton. Edward Case came from Watertown. He was one of the first freemen in 1637, and one of the deputies to Plymouth in 1640, and again in 1647-48 and 1649. In 1645 he was appointed on a committee composed of leading men from the several towns in the colony, and of which Mr. John Browne was also a member. to prepare and recommend new laws for the redress of present abuses and the preventing of such in the future. His lot was on Dean Street, and included probably the estates now owned by Mr. Le Baron B. Church and Mrs. Lovering, and extending still farther west. He sold his lands in Taunton to Samuel Wil- bore, of Boston, and removed, whither is unknown. Samuel Wilbore, according to Mr. Baylies, imbibed the views of Mrs. Hutchinson and became one of her followers. How long he resided in Taunton cannot be told exactly, but it could have been but a few years, for he died as early as 1657, leaving his house and lot in Taunton to his son Shadrach, for so many years the town clerk. Henry Andrews was one of the first freemen in 1637, and one of the deputies in 1639. He was a deputy at a special court held in September, 1642, and was again deputy in 1643, 1647, and 1649. In 1646 he was appointed on a committee, composed of one from each town, " to consider of a way for the de- fraying the charges of the magistrates' table, by way of excise upon wine and other things." He built the first meeting-house, for which he re- ceived in pay the calf pasture, as is stated elsewhere. He with John Macomber was allowed in 1659 to erect a saw-mill on Mill River, "if it be found not hurtful to the grist-mill." In his will, which is dated March 13, 1652, he calls himself a yeoman. He gives to his daughter, Mary Hedges (wife of William Hedges), a dwelling-house near his own in Taunton, and after her to his grandson, John Hedges; to his daughters, Sarah and Abigail, one hundred and thirty pounds in the hands of John Parker, shoe- maker, of Boston ; to his son Henry his house. His wife's name was Mary. His son Henry was killed by the Indians in 1676. His home lot is described as bounded by the lands of John Strong on the north, of James Wyatt on the south, faced by the Great River on the east end, and containing six acres, more or less; also six acres on the farther side of the Great River, lying opposite and facing the home lot. His descendants were large land-owners in the east part of the town. John Browne settled first in Plymouth, where his name appears in the list of freemen as having been admitted in 1635. The name of his brother, Peter Browne, is in the list of 1633. ' In the records of the Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, before the removal of the letters pat- ent and the government to America, under date of March 12, 1628, appears the following entry: "John Browne, gent, and Mr. Samuel Browne, of Roxwell, in Essex, take their passage in the Company ships for New England, . . . intending to plant there," etc. In 1629 they were appointed by the company in Eng- land assistants to Governor Endicott, and were highly recommended in letters to the Governor and Council ; Mr. John Browne being spoken of as " a man ex- perienced in the laws of our kingdom, and such an TAUNTON. 775 one as we are persuaded will worthily deserve your favor and furtherance." They fell into some differ- ences, however, with Governor Endicottand the min- isters, Mr. Skelton and Mr. Higginson, and were sent back to England. (See Records of Massachusetts, vol. i. pp. 34, 51-54, 387, 398, 407-9.) Was not this the John Browne afterwards of Plym- outh and Taunton ? Mr. Browne was chosen one of Governor Winslow's assistants in 1636, while living in Plymouth, and was annually re-elected until 1655. He was chosen one of the commissioners of the United Colonies on the part of Plymouth Colony in 1644, the year after the confederation was formed, and was continued in the office until 1655, a period of twelve years. This was an office of great importance and responsibility. Each colony in the confederation was represented by two commissioners only. His colleagues in the office dur- ing his term of service were Governor Winslow, one year; Timothy Hatherly, two years; Governor Brad- ford, three years ; Thomas Prence, five years. He was one of the Council of War in 1642, 1646, and 1653. In 1655 he was deputed by the court to take the proof of wills in Taunton. He was frequently appointed on important committees to settle difficul- ties between towns, to run boundary lines, and to act in various capacities for the interest of the colony. There were few men who were more constantly em- ployed in public affairs than he. It is not easy to determine just how long he was a resident of Taunton. In the list of those subject to military duty iu Taunton, in 1643, his name stands first. The names of his sons, John and James, also appear in the list, so that he was then here with his family. In March, 1647, the Plymouth Colonial Rec- ords speak of " Mr. John Browne, of Rehoboth, one of the assistants of this government." In 1645 he was the first named of seven men chosen to order the prudential affairs of that town. In the latter part of the same year he became the principal proprietor of Wannamoiset Neck, afterwards the town of Swansea. In 1655 he made a deed of his real estate in Taun- ton, containing the following description: "I, John Browne, out of my especial love and good-will, have heretofore given unto my cousin, John Tisdall, that dwelling-house which I bought of Goodman -, with some garden and a lot of land thereunto belonging, containing about three acres, be it more or less; and furthermore, I do declare that for divers good causes and considerations me hereunto moving, did bargain and sell that dwelling-house which once myself lived in at Taunton, with barn and outbuildings, and all the land thereunto belonging, with all such land as by any way appertaineth unto me, the said John Browne, unto my aforesaid cousin, John Tisdall, and my cousin, James Walker, his brother-in-law." In the list of 1675, James Walker appears as the owner of Mr. John Browne's rights. He died at Wannamoiset, April 10, 1662. Morton, in his " New England's Memorial," has the following notice of him, pp. 275-277 : "This year Mr. Jons Brown ended this life. In his younger years, travelling into the low countries, he became acquainted with and took guild liking to the reverend pastor of the church of Christ at Leyden, as also tu sundry of the brethren of that church, which ancient amity induced him (upon his coming over to Now England) to seat himself iu the juris- diction of New Plymouth, in which he was chosen a magistrate, in which place ho served God and the country several years. He was well accom- plished with abilities to both civil and religious concernments, and at- tained, through God's grace, unto a comfortable persuasion of the love and favor of God to him. He, falling sick of a fever, with much serenity and spiritual comfort, fell asleep in the Lord, and was honorably buried at Wannamoiset, near Rehoboth, in the spring of the year abovesaid." The description of his houses and lands in the deed cited does not indicate their locality. In the lay-out of lands in early times " Mr. Browne's Brook" is fre- quently named as a well-known landmark. From this and from the deeds of subsequent owners, it is probable the location of his lands was on the west- erly side of the Great River, between the Weir and Dighton line. John Bryant died April 28, 1638, while the plan- tation bore its Indian name, Cohannet. His will, which was nuncupative, or oral, was presented to the Plymouth Court, June 4, 1638, by Richard Paul and William Scadding, who testified that two days before his death they heard him declare this will. He gave all his goods and chattels to John, his son, except a platter and a bottle, which he gave to Richard Paul. And he desired Mr. John Gilbert to take the goods into his hands and manage to the best advan- tage for his son. The inventory was taken by Mrs. Elizabeth Poole, Mrs. Jane Poole, William Scadding, and Richard Paul. The amount was forty-three pounds three shillings and three pence. The property consisted of household goods and a stock of tools consisting of adzes, saws, etc., from which it is to be inferred that he was a wheelwright or a carpenter. There was no real estate. Nothing more is known of him. This is the first will on the records from Taun- ton. His son had not reached the age of sixteen in 1643, as his name does not appear in the military list of that year. But he was admitted a freeman in 1654, and was entitled to a division of lands in 1659. Hezekiah Hoar was the brother of Leonard Hoar, third president of Harvard College. He had other brothers,— Daniel, of Boston, John, of Scituate, ac- cording to Savage ; and Mr. Baylies says that Richard Hoar, whose name is on the military list of Yarmouth in 1643, was his brother. His house-lot was on the westerly corner of Winter Street, and adjoined Walter Deane's lot on the west. This street was anciently called Hoar's lane, taking its name undoubtedly from him. His name is on an early list of those that had taken the oath of fidelity in Cohannet, and in 1653 he was propounded as freeman. In 1655 his name again appears among those propounded, but there is no record of his admission. He was a constable of the town in 1657, 1663, and 1672. and one of the sur- veyors of the highways in 1651. He was appointed 776 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. an ensign in the expedition proposed in 1653 against the Dutch in New York. In 1693 he sold his house- lot to his sons, Edward and Hezekiah, and the same year they conveyed it to Ezra Deane, the son of Wal- ter Deane. The family seem to have become resi- dents in the South Purchase, afterwards Dighton. William Hailstone was made a freeman in 1644. He does not seem to have held any public office. He was a tailor by trade, and his difficulty with an ap- prentice as also his controversy with James Walker are elsewhere referred to. In 1666 the proprietors granted him two or three acres of land, provided that he should not sell it or give it away while he and his wife lived. This was in addition to the divisions of land belonging to him as a proprietor. In 1667 he sued the selectmen of the town in an action of the case for non-performance of a town order respecting land due to him. He obtained a verdict in his favor for the land with costs, but the defendants obtained a review, with what result does not appear. He was living in 1675. There is nothing in the records of births to show that he had any children. Divisions of land after his death were made upon his rights to persons of a different name, and it is probable that he left no descendants, and was the only one of the name here. John Gingell was among those of Cohannet who took the oath of fidelity. The name appears in va- rious forms as Gingell, Gungle, Gengill, and Gingen. He was in the list of 1643 as John Gingell, subject to military duty. But little is known of him as a resi- dent of Taunton. In 1646 the name appears in the list of freemen of Massachusetts as John Gingen. Mr. Savage thinks him to be the Taunton man, and says of him that he removed to Dorchester, thence after many years to Salem, that he made his will April 10, 1685, calling himself then seventy years old, names no family connections, and gives five pounds to the church of Dorchester, and the same sum to Mr. Lawson, the minister of Salem, if he continues there until a church be formed. The will was proved March 24, 1687. Richard Williams became the owner of his lands in Taunton, but probably received no deed. Several years after the death of Richard Williams, the following affidavit was taken and recorded in the Registry of Deeds, vol. ii. page 19: " The testimony of Mr. John Hath way and John Richmond, sen., both of Taunton, being of lawful age testifieth that whereas one John Gingell was in Taunton, in or about the year 1639 or in the year 1640, and about that time went from Taunton and was never since in said Taunton as we ever saw or heard of. And that Mr. Richard Williams late of Taun- ton deceased hath demanded and received lands upon the right of the said John Gingell for above fifty-six years, and further saith not. "In Taunton in Bristol County March the 27< h 1699, the above said John Hathway and John Richmond made oath to the above written evidence, Before me "Thomas Leonard, Justice." William Dunn appears as one of the original pur- chasers, but no mention is made of him afterwards, except in the divisions of lands, in which William Witherell claims upon his rights. Rev. Mr. Clark, in his "History of Norton," supposes that he was master of a vessel, and that Witherell came from Eng- land with him when quite young, and upon Dunn's departure he gave Witherell his share in the purchase. John Drake, on the authority of Mr. Savage, prob- ably came in the fleet with Winthrop to Dorchester or Boston, requested to be made a freeman in October, 1630, but was never admitted, removed to Taunton, and not long after to Windsor, Conn., and was there killed by a cart-wheel running over him, Aug. 17, 1659. John Tisdall, Jr., owned his rights in 1675. John Kingsley probably did not remain long in Taunton. Whither he went is uncertain. The name appears in the early Norton records, but whether of the same family is uncertain. Thomas Caswell be- came the owner of his rights. The Widow Randall is only known by that desig- nation. Whether she died in Taunton, or had a family, and from whence she came, it seems now fruitless to inquire. Jonah Austin, Jr., claimed on what was called " the half-purchase rights of the Widow Randill's." William Phillips was one of the older men of the settlement. In his will, dated April 16, 1654, he says he is threescore years and ten at the least. He gives his house to his wife Elizabeth and his son James, whom he makes executor, and provides that if his son die without issue, it might descend to the children of his son-in-law, James Walker. His son James was a freeman before. 1670, and in 1675 claims on his father's rights. Hugh Rossiter came from -Dorchester, where he had a grant of a small lot in 1635. His name ap- pears on the list of "those of Cohannett that have taken the oath of fidelity," but not on the military list of 1643. Mr. Baylies says he had then gone to Con- necticut or New Haven. His daughter Jane mar- ried Thomas Gilbert. Joseph Willis was the owner of his rights in 1675. Francis Street was not chosen to any office in the town so far as known. His name appears among those who had taken the oath of fidelity in 1657, and also in the earlier list of Cohannet. He was subject to military duty in 1643. He died in 1665, leaving a widow, Elizabeth, who married Thomas Lincoln, and a daughter Mary, who inherited her father's rights. It does not appear whether he was related to Rev. Nicholas Street. John Luther was among the first purchasers, but his name does not elsewhere appear. He probably removed from town or died early. He had a son Samuel, but whether any other family is not known. The following votes appear on the proprietors' records : "This 19th of October, 1672, Samuel Luther, ye son of John Luther, hath this day made a demand of his father's purchase rights of ye town. " This 25th of November, 1672, James Walker, Sr.'s answer in refer- ence to Samuel Luther's demand ye 19th of October, 1672, is that he, ye said James Walker, or his predecessors, hath enjoyed the said rights TAUNTON. 777 this thirty years, and hath paid all charges that was laid upon it. And therefore, ye said Samuel Luther hath no right here to that which was his father, John Luther's." John Smith, of Cohannet, was propounded as a freeman Sept. 3, 1639. In the military list of 1643 the name of Smith does not occur. In 1651, John Smith was admitted a freeman, but whether he was of Taunton is not certain. Mr. Savage says that he removed to Newtown, L. I., and his children dis- persed to Hempstead and Jamaica, on that island. In the list of 1675, John Cobb claims on the rights that were John Smith's. Richard Smith took the oath of allegiance and fidelity in December, 1638, and in September, 1639, he was proposed as a freeman. Mr. Savage thinks he may be the man who about that time went to Rhode Island, and some years after had a large trading- house on the Narragansett land. Joseph Wilbore claimed on his rights in 1675. The name was repre- sented later by Francis Smith, who was a constable in 1656 and 1664, and by Samuel Smith, who was a constable in 1663 and 1668, one of the selectmen in 1676 to 1679, and a deputy in that year. Later in the century there was a John Smith who was a large land-owner, and doubtless there were other branches of this family who cannot now be designated. Richard Burt died before Oct. 26, 164Z, for on that date his minor son, Richard Burt, made choice of his uncle, James Burt, as his guardian, and the court con- firmed his choice. His name does not appear in the list of 1643, so that he was probably over sixty at that time. Nothing more can be stated about him. His son Richard took the oath of fidelity as early as 1657, and was afterwards admitted a freeman. He made his will Sept. 7, 1685, in which he says he is fifty-six years old. He makes devises to his eldest son, Abel, to his other sons, Richard, Joseph, Ebenezer, and Ephraim, and to his daughters Mary and Abigail, and makes his wife, Charity, his executrix. His home lands were at the " Ware," and between the Ware and " the farms." His will was proved Oct. 29, 1685. James Burt, Sr., brother to Richard, Sr., although not an original proprietor, was here early, and is mentioned as having taken the oath of fidelity in 1657. His name is on the list of 1659 as being en- titled to divisions of land, and on that of 1675, claim- ing on his own rights. He was a surveyor of high- ways in 1645 and 1654. In his will, which was ex- hibited at court March 2, 1681, he gives to his eldest son, James, his dwelling-house and six acres of land lying between the brook called Mr. Brown's Brook, on the southwest side of the cartway going to Thomas Lincoln's house, called Thomas Lincoln's cartway, and a gore of land lying by the Three-Mile River be- low the lower falls, in a place called the Falls Plain. He gives to his son Thomas his share in the South Purchase and other lands. His home lands were on the westerly side of the Great River, and his descend- ants still own lands in that vicinity. Thomas Farwell was propounded as a freeman Sep- tember, 1639. He was on the military list of 1643. In the list of 1659, of those then living in town to whom divisions of land were due, his name does not appear. His heirs are mentioned in the list of 1675. The date of his death does not appear. His son, John Farwell, went, in his minority, to England, and in March, 1700, Mr. John Pool, merchant, of Boston, appeared as his attorney to claim the lands due to him in Taunton. In the description of his lands the following are mentioned : a parcel at Assonett Neck, an island in the Great River called Grassy Island, a piece on the eastward side of the river at Rocky Nook, half an acre on the eastward side of the river near a place known as the Needle's Eye, and a home lot in the town on the northwestward side of Taunton River bounded northeast by John Cobb's land, and south- east by land of Shadrach Wilbore, deceased. His widow became the third wife of Rev. George Shove, Dec. 8, 1686. Thomas Cooke, and his son, Thomas Cooke, Jr., were subject to military duty in 1643. Thomas Cooke, Sr., took the oath of fidelity, but was not admitted a freeman. It is thought they both removed to Ports- mouth, R. I., where the father was called captain. In 1659 he was a commissioner to run the west line of the colony. Increase Robinson became the owner of his rights in the township of Taunton. John Crossman probably died early, as his name does not appear on the list of 1643, 1659, or 1675. He left a son Robert, who was quite prominent as a mill- owner and in the business affairs of the town. John Richmond was one of the older men of the settlement. His name does not appear in the list of 1643, although he was probably not over sixty at that time. As he was in Rhode Island in 1655, it is likely he went thither before 1643. He took the oath of fidelity before 1640. He returned to Taunton again, and died there March 20, 1663-64. In his will he calls himself seventy years old. Leaves property to eldest son, John, to son-in-law, William Paule, and Mary his wife, and son-in-law, Edward Rew, and Sarah his wife. His son, John Richmond, is on a list of freemen made in 1683 ; was a constable in 1674 and 1685, one of the town council in 1676, and one of a committee to distribute the contributions of Chris- tians in Ireland to the sufferers in the Indian war in 1677. The family were large land-owners in the easterly part of the town, and gave to a village in that section the name of Richmondtown, which it still bears. Williajn Holloway became a freeman in 1644. His name is on the military list of 1643, but it does not appear in the list of those entitled to divisions of land in 1659. Mr. Savage says he removed to Boston about 1650. In the State archives, under date of May 7, 1662, may be found the answer of the General Court "to the petition of William Holloway, father to the late 778 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. John Holloway, that served the Governor as sergeant near two years." The court granted to the father, administrator of the estate of his said son, one hun- dred and fifty acres in some free place near to some plantation. The land was laid out in 1671. In 1687, Malachi Holloway, of Taunton, presented a petition to Governor Andros setting forth that a grant was made to his father, William Holloway, by the Gen- eral Court in 1662, of one hundred and fifty acres up- land and meadow lying beyond Wading River, near the Plymouth line, and praying that a new survey may be made and a patent for confirmation be granted to him. There can be little doubt that the William Holloway referred to was the one whose name appears on the list of original purchasers. Malachi Holloway, his son, seems to have been a large land-owner in Taunton. The name of Timothy Holloway appears in the list of 1643, and also in that of 1659. In the list of 1675, Malachi Holloway claims on Richard Hart's rights, and Samuel Holloway on his own rights. Whether these were all of one family and what their relationship was has not been ascertained. Richard Paull is said by Savage to have been hired as a soldier for the castle in 1636, as mentioned in " Winthrop," vol. ii. p. 366. His name is on the list of ancient purchasers. He took the oath of fidelity while the plantation was called Cohannet, and was there married to Margery Turner the 8th of Novem- ber, 1638, the first marriage in the settlement. He was propounded as a freeman in 1647, but never took the oath. In 1646 he is called a planter. In 1640 he was licensed as an innholder. In 1652 he was a surveyor of highways. In 1651 he was upon two juries of inquest, one upon John Slocum, the son of Anthony Slocum, and the other upon William Eng- land, servant to Joseph Wilbore. He died previous to May 17, 1654, when the will of Elizabeth Pool was ordered to be recorded. In that will, Margery Turner, the Cohannet maiden of 1638, is tenderly re- membered as "my kind and old friend sister Margery Paule, widow." He left two sons, William and Samuel. William married Mary, the daughter of John Richmond, and had a large family of children. He was an extensive land-owner, especially in the southerly and easterly part of the town. Samuel Paull, it is thought, removed to Dorchester. Joseph Wilson and Benjamin Wilson were prob- ably brothers. But little is known of them except the fact that they were among the first purchasers. The name of Benjamin Wilson appears in the mili- tary list of 1643, but neither of their names are found in the lists of freemen, or of those taking tl^e oath of fidelity, or among the officers of the town. In the lists of those having rights to lands in 1675, John Hall and Samuel Hall, sons of George Hall, claim on the rights which were Joseph Wilson's and Ben- jamin Wilson's. William Scadding's name appears in the list of those that had taken the oath of fidelity in Cohannet. There is no other record concerning him. John Bryant bought his rights in the Taunton purchase, but at what date is unknown. He probably owned land near the beautiful pond that bears his name and perpetuates his memory. Robert Hobell was dead before March, 1641, for at that date the grand jury presented "the son of Widow Hoble for swearing." There is no other mention of the name in the Plymouth records. His name appears but once in the proprietors' records, and that is in the list of original purchasers. No one appears to claim upon his rights. The name and the right seem alike to have faded out. William Coy was another of the first purchasers who seems to have gone from the settlement leaving none of his name or lineage behind. In 1675, Ed- ward Rew claimed on his rights. David Corwithy was proposed as a freeman Sep- tember, 1639, with several others from Cohannet, as the town was then called. His name appears as Mr. David Kerwythy. No other mention is made of him in the court records. In the list of 1675, Nicholas White, Sr., claims on his rights. From some allu- sions in the description of George Hall's lands it seems probable that Corwithy's home lot was on Dean Street, between that of Hall on the east, and Anthony Slocum on Uie west. Anthony Slocum was on the military list of 1643, and was admitted a freeman in 1657. He was a sur- veyor of highways in 1654 and 1662. Edward Slo- comb, who was a surveyor in 1647, may have been his son. Somewhere about 1664 he removed to Dart- mouth, with his family, of which town he was one of the early settlers. There is a letter of his written to William Harvey after he removed to Dartmouth, and recorded in the proprietors' records, vol. i. p. 14, which is of some local interest. Parts of it are here quoted : "An difference which I understand is unhappily Brother Harvey, the occasion of my writing to you at this time is a contest between Nicholas White and the owner of Capt. Poole's land (as I understand) Mr. Increase Robinson, to end which, if men will be governed or ruled by truth, and that which follows' is nothing but the truth, God Almighty is my witness. First sir, it being urged by one of the parties mentioned, that Mr. Poole and I have changed land. I do declare we never did change any, although we were soone about so to do. And secondly, to conclude all, our dividing line runs through a certain saw- pit without the head of my fence (that was) down within five or six foot of a little oak, on an unmanured (in my time) hill, (that is to say, the said oak is five or six foot within Capt. Pool's lot) thence straight down to the bridge, and four foot further towards Capt. Pool's, from where all down to the river the brook is the line or bounds between us, only at the mouth next the river, Capt. Poole hath a small inconsiderable piece of ground which the line alloweth him on that side I was seized on. "To the church of Christ in .Taunton and Mr. Shove and yourself in particular I desire to be recommended, whose prayers I doubt not I and mine are the better for, and whose welfare I also earnestly wish and pray for." The letter is without date, but a line was run be- tween the parties mentioned by the selectmen Oct. 22, 1681. The lot of Anthony Slocum was on Dean Street, where Mr. Joseph A. Hall now lives, and TAUNTON. 779 extended west to the brook which crosses the street between his estate and Capt. Howland's. William Parker was most probably the person re- ferred to by Thomas Lechford, who in giving an account of the church and ministers in Taunton says, "Master Hooke received ordination from the hands of one Master Bishop, a schoolmaster, and one Parker, a husbandman." He has the honorable prefix " Mr." attached to his name whenever men- tioned in the court records. He became a freeman in 1641, and the same year was appointed constable. He was constable again in 1642, 1643, and 1653, and a deputy in 1645 and 1658. In 1650 he was deputed by the General Court to marry persons in Taunton, and this authority was renewed in 1657. He died in 1661, leaving a will dated March 15, 1660, in which he calls himself sixty years old, names his wife, Alice, but no child, and gives a legacy to his nephew, James Phillips, who was the son of William' Phillips, making it probable that his sister was the wife of William Phillips. In 1675, Peter Pitts claimed on his rights. His widow in 1662 married the first Stephen Paine, of Rehoboth. After her marriage she is referred to as owning land in Taunton. John Parker is thought to have been the brother of William. In June, 1641, John Parker and John Bushop, of Taunton, were propounded to be admitted freemen at the next court. This John Bushop was doubtless the " Master Bishop, a schoolmaster," who assisted at the ordination of Rev. Mr. Hooke. There is no record that Bishop was ever admitted, but Parker was admitted in July, 1641. In 1642 he was a deputy to the Plymouth Court. There is no record of his holding any other office. He died Feb. 26, 1667-68, leaving a will in which he speaks of his house at Boston. He gives legacies to his wife, Sarah, to his wife's sister's son, Nathaniel Smith, to his brother, Mr. John Summers, minister; to Mary Parker and sister, Elizabeth Phillips ; to James Phillips, of Taun- ton ; to Cousin James Walker's children, and to the church at Taunton. In 1675 his heirs claim on his rights. Estate valued at four hundred and six pounds. - Francis Doughty was the minister mentioned by Thomas Lechford in Plain Dealing, as opposing the gathering of the church in Taunton. The whole passage is as follows: " Cohannet alias Taunton, is in Plymouth Patent. There is a church gathered of late, and some ten or twenty of the church, the rest excluded. Master Hooke, pastor, Master Streate, teacher. Master Hooke received ordination from the hands of one Master Bishop, a schoolmaster, and one Parker, an husbandman, and then Master Hooke joined in ordaining Master Streate. One Master Doughty, a minister, opposed the gathering of the Church there, alleging that, according to the Cove- nant of Abraham, all men's children that were of baptized parents, and so Abraham's children, ought to be baptized; and spake so in public, or to that effect, which was held a disturbance, and the minis- ters spake to the Magistrate to order him. The Mag- istrate commanded the Constable, who dragged Master Doughty out of the Assembly. He was forced to go away from thence, with his wife and children." He did not leave Taunton at once, however, for in March, 1641, the Plymouth Court fined " Mr. Francis Doughty, of Taunton, for selling a pound of gun- powder to the natives," thirty shillings. At the same court " Edward Hall, servant to Francis Doughty, for swearing profanely is censured to sit in the stocks, which was accordingly done." His name is not in the military list of 1643, whether because he was a minister or because he had then left town may be un- certain. There is a deposition concerning him in the proprietors' records which is as follows : "This writing being made the 4 June 1667. It is to testify concern- ing the sale of Mr. Doutie's land which he had in Taunton his whole right in the town of Taunton being twelve acres, that is to say six acres lying by the land of Mr. Holloway on the Mill River, and six acres over the Great River lying by the land of the aforesaid Mr. Holloway. James Burt sen. of Taunton being appointed by a letter of attorney to make sale of this land to one Richard Hide of Taunton for the sum of twelve pounds, which the aforesaid Richard Hide told me he had satisfied the aforesaid Mr. Doutie in a house, the which the aforesaid Hide had of his own at the Dutch plantation, which he said Mr. Doutie had of him, and that was Mr. Doutie's satisfaction for his land for ought that ever I understood ; and this land hath been quietly enjoyed by those that have possessed it ever since, being about eighteen or nineteen years agone. "That which is above written was testified upon oath June the 5, 1667 before me "James Walker." He is said by Rev. Dr. Dexter, in his edition of " Lechford," to have been with the Dutch at Man- hattan in 1641, from whom he and his associates pro- cured, in 1642, a patent for Mespath (since Newtown, L. I.), that he was fined and imprisoned by Kieft, threatened with this and that by Stuyvesant, obliged to quit Mespath for Flushing, and driven from Flush- ing to Virginia. George Hall was propounded as a freeman in 1643, and was admitted in 1645. His name is on the mili- tary list of 1643. He was a constable in 1645, and one of the selectmen in 1666 and until 1669. His home lot was on Dean- Street, where the venerable Ebenezer Hall, one of his descendants, now lives. He was a large land-owner, his rate in 1659 being the largest on the list except that of Thomas Lincoln, Sr. Upon the establishment of the iron manufacture by James Leonard and his associates, he became an owner, and was the first clerk of the company. His connection with this business is more fully given in the articles on manufactures. He died Oct. 30, 1669, aged about sixty-nine years, leaving a will, which was witnessed by Richard Williams and Walter Deane, in which he makes his wife, Mary, executrix, gives to the church in Taunton forty shillings to buy cups, and to his children,— John, Joseph, Samuel, Charity, Sarah, and Mary, — various^ amounts in lands and money. His descendants are numerous in Taunton and the towns in this vicinity. George Macey was made a freeman in 1654, having previously taken the oath of allegiance and fidelity. 780 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. He was on the military list of 1643. He was one of the surveyors of the highways in 1649 and 1655, a constable in 1650, a deputy from 1672 to 1677 inclu- sive, and again in 1686, and one of the selectmen from 1671 to 1686 inclusive. In 1665 he was ap- pointed lieutenant of the Taunton Company, and held the office through the Indian war. His connec- tion with the military affairs of the town is given in the chapter on that subject. His house-lot was on Dean Street, between Capt. Pool's on the east and William Harvey's on the west. He died Aug. 17, 1693. His will was dated June 20, 1693, and proved Sept. 5; 1693. In it he mentions his daughters, Eliza- beth Hodges, Sarah Blake, Mary Williams, Rebecca Williams, Deborah, and wife Susannah; also his grandchild, Samuel Hodges. He left no sons. William Harvey was probably quite a young man at the settlement of the town. He was married, April 2, 1639, to Joane Hucker, the second recorded marriage in Cohannet. He was admitted a freeman in 1656, but strangely his name is not on the military list of 1643. His first home lot was on the easterly corner of the present Winter Street, fronting on Dean Street, and a strip two rods wide was sold to the town for the townway, then called Hoar's Lane, since Winter Street. He was chosen constable in 1661, in 1662 one of the surveyors, and in 1664 a deputy to the General Court. From that time until 1690 there were but two or three years that he was not in office as a deputy or selectman, and often holding both offices the same year. No man in the town seems to have been more constantly trusted by his fellow- townsmen with the responsibilities of public office. He died in 1691, leaving a will, in which he mentions his sons Thomas, Jonathan, and Joseph, a deceased son, and Nathan Thare, Jr., who was the son probably of a deceased daughter. Richard Williams was born probably about 1606, for in his will, dated May 6, 1686, he calls himself about eighty. He was descended from a family of that name in Glamorganshire, in Wales. He married Frances Dighton, of Gloucestershire, England, sister of Catharine Dighton, who was married to Governor Thomas Dudley. It is supposed by some that he, with others of the first settlers, was here in 1636 or earlier, and established himself in his business of a tanner. His name is on the military list of 1643, but it was not until 1644 that he was admitted as a free- man. At a special court held in October, 1643, upon occasion of an insurrection of the Indians against the Dutch and English, he, with John Strong, were depu- ties from Taunton. He was a deputy again in 1645, and from that time until 1665 was deputy, thirteen years. In 1666 he was one of the selectmen, and from that time until 1677 served in that office, eleven years. After that year, owing doubtless to his great age, his name does not appear in connection with public office. He was evidently a man of large organizing power and great business capacity, and held a large landed estate. In 1675 he owned the right of Henry Uxley, Anthony Slocum, and John Gingille. He was for many years a deacon of the church. Mr. Baylies re- lates concerning him that " when blind and deaf from age, he was accustomed to attend public worship, say- ing, 'that although he could neither see nor hear, yet it was consoling to his feelings to know that he was present while the people of God were at their wor- ship.'" He died in 1692, leaving a will which was proved Oct. 10, 1693, in which is this clause, "To my son Nathaniel, to his heirs and assigns forever, I be- queath the land, house, and barn, which now he pos- sesseth, being part of the lots which I bought of Henry Uxley, in estimation half an acre more or less, with rights in future divisions belonging to said lots." His home lot was on Dean Street, and included the estate owned by the late Nathaniel Williams. He had the following children : John, Samuel, Nathaniel, Joseph, Thomas, Benjamin, Elizabeth, and Hannah. In a deed he calls Samuel a tailor. John Deane was the grandson of Walter Deane, of South Chard, a village in Somersetshire, about ten miles south of Taunton, in England, who died in 1591, and the son of William Deane of the same place, who died in 1634. He came from Dorchester to Taunton, and was one of the seven first freemen of Cohannett, already referred to. His wife's name was Alice. He was the constable of the town in 1640 and 1654, a surveyor of highways in 1640, and in 1657 one of the selectmen. His home lot was on Deane Street, between that of his brother Walter on the east, and that of John Strong on the west. It has remained in the family ever since, the house of the late Joseph Warren Deane, and the new house of Benjamin T. Kinnieut,t standing on the original lot. He died in 1660, leaving a will in which occurs this passage: " My will is that these my overseers, with the consent of my wife, shall in case there be no settled minister in Taunton, they shall have full power to sell either the whole or part of these my housings and lands, so as my children and posterity may remove elsewhere where they may enjoy God in His ordinances." He left the following children : John (born about 1639 ; according to tradition, the first white child born in Taunton), Thomas, Israel, Isaac. Nathaniel, and Elizabeth. His wife Alice survived him. He was one of the largest land-owners in town. Walter Deane was a younger brother of John, no- ticed above, and came with him to Taunton. He was a freeman at the same date with his brother. He married Ellinor Strong, a sister of John Strong, by whom he had three children, viz., Joseph, Ezra, and Benjamin. He was a tanner by trade, and his son Ezra succeeded to his business. In 1640 he was a deputy to the General Court. He was chosen one of the selectmen in 1666, and annually thereafter until 1686, a period of twenty-one years of continuous ser- vice, unless the year 1670 be excepted, for which year TAUNTON. 781 the Plymouth records mention only two selectmen for Taunton, but as the usual number was five, it is most likely there is an omission in the record. He was a deacon in the church, and besides filling the public offices already mentioned, he was frequently on com- mittees for apportioning lands, settling disputed boundaries, and matters of that nature, and appears to have taken a prominent part in all the additional purchases of territory. His home lot was on Deane Street between that of his brother John on the west and Hezekiah Hoar on the east. The " Old Alger House," so called, stands on his original lot. The date of his death is not certainly known. He and his wife Ellinor join in a deed to Isaac Dean, dated Nov. 25, 1693, and that is the latest date at which we know that he was living. It is probable that he died soon afterwards. No record of any settlement of his estate has been found. He seems to have con- veyed his real estate to his children before his death. Henry Uxley. whose name stands first on the list of purchasers, must have left the settlement very soon after coming, for his name appears nowhere else on any public record as being an inhabitant of Taunton. Neither can he be traced to any other settlement. He passed out of sight and out of knowledge utterly. Were it not that Richard AVilliams gives in his will to one of his sons, a house standing on a lot he bought of Henry Uxley, we might almost suspect he was a myth and never had any real existence. James Walker, although not one of the original purchasers, joined the settlement early, probably while in his minority. His name first appears in the list of 1643 as being subject to military duty. He was admitted a freeman in 1650. Rev. James B. R. Walker, in his history of the Walker family, ex- presses the belief that he was the youth of fifteen years, who, with his sister " Sarra," aged seventeen, embarked in London, April 15, 1635, in the " Eliza- beth" for this country. They were called servants to Mr. John Browne. He was doubtless their uncle, although in his deed to James Walker and John Tisdale, which has been given in another place, he calls Walker his cousin. Rev. Mr. Walker also be- lieves that the brother and sister were the children of the Widow Walker who settled in Rehoboth. James Walker married Elizabeth, the daughter of William Phillips, and his sister married John Tis- dale. He was constable of the town in 1652 and 1685. He was chosen a deputy in 1654, and served fourteen years in all in that capacity, the last year being 1679. He was one of the board of selectmen eight years, 1666 being the first and 1679 the last year of his service. He was also one of the Town Council in 1667 and 1676. In"1662 he was authorized to ad- minister oaths and to marry persons. In 1664 he was an excise officer, in 1671 an inspector of ordinaries, and in 1677 one of the committee appointed to dis- tribute the contributions of Irish Christians among the sufferers by the Indian war. It will be seen by this enumeration that he was an important man in the town. In other parts of this history this fact still further appears. For his second wife he married Sarah, the widow of Edward Rew, and daughter of John Richmond, Sr. He died Feb. 15, 1691, aged seventy-three years, and was buried in the Walker burying-ground, in the southerly part of the city, be- tween Somerset Avenue and the Great River. Five of the original purchasers outlived the Plym- outh government, viz., William Harvey, Richard Williams, Walter Deane, Hezekiah Hoar, and George Macey. The place of their graves no man knoweth unto this day. CHAPTER LXIII. TAUNTON. 1 - ( Continued.) Ancient Burying-Grounds and Inscriptions from Old Gravestones- List of Officers, 1G38-1691. The oldest burying-ground in the city is that at the Neck of Land. Here doubtless " the rude fore- fathers of the hamlet sleep," the graves of many of them now unmarked by any stone. There is no record of the laying out or of its boundaries. It is probable that at first it extended across the present street before the building of Neck of Land bridge and the opening of the road to it; and this may ac- count for the fact that the graves of those who first died cannot be found. The burying-grounds in Taun- ton and vicinity have been carefully explored, and the inscriptions on the stones faithfully copied by Deacon Edgar H. Reed, and by his kind permission some of the oldest among them will be here given, commencing with the above-named burying-ground: " Elizabeth Smith, aged 40, died Jan. 31, 1G87." "Damaris Smith, aged 21 years, died 29th of October, 1689." " Abigail Thayer, died the 20th of August, in the year 1G91, in the 52d year of her age." "Joseph Leonard, died the 18th of October, in the year 1692, in the 44th year of his age." " Here lies buried Capt. James Leonard, who died Nov. 1, 1726, in the 84th year of his age." "Here lies buried Mrs. Lydia Leonard, ye wife of Capt. James Leon- ard, who died July 4, 1705, in ye 47th year of her age." " Here lieth ye body of Major Thomas Leonard, Esq., aged 72 years, died Nov. 24, 1713." " Here lieth the body of Mary, the widow of Major Thomas Leonard, Esq., aged 81 years, died Dec. 1, 1723." " Here lieth the body of John Deane, aged 77, died in the year 1717, Feb. the 18th." " In memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Dean, died March ye 15th, 1749, aged 73." " Here lies the body of John Dean, died July ye 31, 1724, in the 50th year of his age." " In memory of Mrs. Hannah Dean, wife of Mr. John Dean, died July 15, 1748, in the 71st year of her age." " Here lies the body of Israel Dean, aged 74, died in the year 1719, July the 4th." "Erected in memory of Mr. Israel Dean, who died Nov. 29, 1794, in the 82d year of his age." 1 By James Henry Dean. 782 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. " In memory of Mrs. Sarah Dean, wife of Mr. Israel Dean, who died Sept. 3, 1773, in the 57th year of her age." " In memory of M. D. Joshua Dean, son of Mr. Israel Dean & Sarah his wife, died Sept. 15, 1761, in the 25th year of his age." "In memory of ye Hon. Seth Williams, Esq., who died May ye 13th, 1761, in ye 86th year of his age." " In memory of Mary, ye wife of ye Hon. Seth Williams, Esq., who died June 8, 1746, in ye 66th year of her age." " In memory of the Hon. Benjamin Williams, Esq., who died March 18, 1784, aged 64." " In memory of Mrs. Anna Williams, widow of the late Hon. Benjamin Williams, Esq., who died Jan. 12, 1793, aged 68." "In memory of Samuel Williams, Esq., who departed this life April ye 17, 1765, in the 86th year of his age, and of Mrs. Abigail Williams, his wife, who departed this life Feb. 23, 1779, in the 94th year of her age." " Here lies the body of Elder Henry Hodges, aged 65, died in year 1717, Sept. 30." " Here lieth the body of Charity Burt, the wife of Bichard Burt, aged 76, died in the year 1711, June the 3d." " Here lies the body of Grace Burt, the wife of Abel Burt, aged 43, died 17 (probably 1709), Sept. ye 19." " In memory of Lieut. Abel Burt. He died Nov. ye 16, 1766, in the 75th year of his age." Here lies the body of William Briggs, Cooper, aged 62, died Apl. 21, 1725. "John White, died Sept. 3, 1726, aged 77." "Here lies the body of Ephraim Burt, aged 31, died in the year 1704, Nov. ye 5." " Here lieth ye body of Richard Godfree. He died Aug. 14, 1725, aged 74 years." " Heare leys the body of Mary, the wife of Bichard Godfree, ye 1st; died Nov. ye 5, 1732, in ye 78th year of her age." " In memory of Mr. John Godfree, Esq. He died Nov. ye 4, a.d. 1758, aged 67 years and 4 days ; & Mrs. Joannah, his wife. She died March ye 9, 1765, aged 78 years, wanting 16 days." " Erected in memory of George Godfrey, Esq., who died June 30, 1793, in ye 73d year of his age." "Erected in memory of Mrs. Bethiah Godfrey, wife of George Godfrey, Esq., who died Jan'y ye 27, a.d. 1786, in ye 63d year of her age." " Here lies the body of Joseph Hall, aged 63, died in the year 1705, Apl. 17." " Here lies the body of Joseph Willis, aged 60, died in the year 1704-5, Jan. 31." " Here lies the body of John Richmond, aged 88, died in the year 1715, Octo. ye 7." "Here lies the body of Abigail Richmond, aged 86, and died Aug. 1, 1727." " Here lieth ye body of Sarah, ye wife of Edward Cobb, died Aug. 13, 1726, aged 66 years." " Here lieth the body of Insigne Thomas Gilbert, aged 82, died April ye 20, in ye year 1725." " Here lieth the body of Annah Gilbert, the wife of Ensign Thomas Gilbert, aged 71, died May ye 9th, in the year 1722." "Heare Lyeth ye Body of John Tisdale, aged 57 years, died Jan'y 26, 1728." " In memory of Mr. Abraham Dennis, who died July 2, 1782, in his 70th year." " In memory of Mrs. Sarah Dennis, wife of Mr. Abraham Dennis, who died April 8, 1794, in her 73d year." " In memory of Capt. Jonathan Ingell, who departed this life Feb. 8, 1802, in the 82d year of his age." "In memory of Mrs. Bethiah Ingell, wife of Capt. Jonathan Ingell, deceased Aug. 4, 1771, in the 44th year of her age." The Walker burying-ground, on Somerset Avenue near Dighton, contains the gravestone having the oldest legible inscription of any in town, marking the grave of Elizabeth, the wife of the first James Walker. This and other of the older ones are given below : " Here lies the body of Elizabeth Walker, the wife of James Walker, aged 59, died in the year 1678, Aug. the 14th." " Here lies the body of James Walker, aged 73, died in the year 1691, Feb. the 15th." " Here lieth ye body of James Walker, aged 72 years, and died June ye 22, 1718." " In memory of Bathsheba, wife of James Walker, died Feb. ye 24, 1738, in ye 85th year of her age." " In memory of Mr. Peter Walker, who deceased Jan'y ye 25, a.d. 1770, in ye 81st year of his age." "In memory of Sarah, ye wife of Mr. Peter Walker, who died Nov. ye 22, 1760, in ye 72d year of her age." " Here lies the body of Peter Walker, aged 60, died in the year 1711, April 4th." " Here lieth ye body of Hannah Walker, the wife of Peter Walker, aged 44 years, died Jan. 15, 1704." " Here lies the body of Joseph Atwood, aged 47, died in the year 169f, Feb. 12." "Here lieth the body of Esther Atwood, the wife of Joseph Atwood, aged 46 years, died in the year 1696, in April ye 8th." " Here lies the body of Nathaniel French, aged 73, died June the 14th, in the year 1711." "Here lieth the body of Mary, the wife of Nathaniel French, died May the 18, 1731, in the 73d year of her age." " In memory of Corneljus White, who died Apl. ye 18,1754, in ye 79th ; year of his age." "In memory of Mrs. Mehitabel White, wife of Mr. Cornelius White, who died Apl. ye 13, 1759, in ye 74th year of her age." " In memory of Mr. Edward Blake, who died July 25, a.d. 1759, in ye 70th year of his age." " In memory of Ann, widow of Mr. Edward Blake, who died Nov. ye 21, 1790, in ye 93d year of her age." " In memory of Mr. Thomas Baylies, who died Mch. 5, 1756, aged about 69 years." " In memory of Esther, ye wife of Thomas Baylies, who died May 7, 1754, in ye 67th year of her age." " In memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Baylies, wife of Mr. Nicholas Baylies, who died Feb. ye 8, 1791, in ye 75th year of her age. " The best of wives And the best of mothers." The Cooper burying-ground, half a mile south of the Weir, on Berkley Street. Some of the earlier in- scriptions : "Here lies ye body of Capt. Nathaniel Gilbert, who died Aug. 17,1765, in ye 83d year of his age." "In memory of Mrs. Hannah, widow of Capt. Nathaniel Gilbert, who died Jan'y ye 28th, 1772, in ye 82d year of her age." " O the frailty of man. "Sacred to the memory of Capt. Samuel Gilbert, who died Aug. 7, 1796, in the 73d year of his age." " In memory of Elizabeth, ye wife of James Cooper, died Jan. ye 5th, 1750, in ye 39th year of her age." " In memory of Mrs. Lydia, wife of Capt. James Cooper, who died June 11, 1793, aged 57 years." "In memory of Lieut. Israel Tisdale, who died Octo. ye 27, 1769, in ye 62d year of his age." " In memory of Mr. John Hart, who died May ye 20, 1757, in ye 30th year of his age." " In memory of Mrs. Hannah Hart, ye wife of Mr. James Hart. She died April ye 25th, 1776, in ye 45th year of her age." Burying-ground on Somerset Avenue near Sandy Hill : " In memory of Mr. James Ingel, who died Sept. 21, 1762, in ye 33d year of his age." " In memory of Mr. Abuer Harris, who died May ye 19, 1756, in ye 46th year of his age." " In memory of Doct. Micah Pratt, died Dec. ye 31st, a.d. 1758, in ye 67th year of his age." "In memory of Marey, ye wife of Doct. Micah Pratt, died April ye 26, a.d. 1762, in ye 80th year of her age." " Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Sarah, widow of Doct. Micah Pratt. She died Jan. 26, 1805, in the 83d year of her age." "In memory of Doct. Micah Pratt, died Octo. ye 5, a.d, 1765, in ye 44th year of his age." TAUNTON. 783 The old Episcopal Church burying-ground on the Providence Old Eoad, two miles west of the Green : " In memory of Ins" Nathaniel Burt, who died Nov. ye 12, 1765, in ye 74th year of his age. ' He was one of ye first erectors of ye Church of St. Thomas in Taunton. '" " In memory of Mis. Constance Burt, who died Nov. 24, 1777, in ye 82d year of her age. Widow of Mr. Nathaniel Burt." " In memory of Mr. Peter Walker, who died Aug. ye G, 1767, in the 58th year of his age." " In memory of Lieut. Samuel Andrews, who died Feb. ye 5th, 1799, in ye 71st year of li is age." " In memory of Mr. Thomas Burt, who died Jan. 3d, 1801, in ye 81st year of his age." " In memory of Capt. Richard Cohh, who died Nov. ye 8, 1772, in ye 56th year of his age." "In memory of Mr. Benjamin Crossman, who died May ye 24th, 1792, in ye 85th year of his age." " In memory of Mrs. Bethiah, wife of Mr. Benjamin Crossman, who died Aug. ye 26th 1786, in ye 67th year of her age." The Oakland Cemetery on Glebe Street: " In memory of Loved Tisdale, who died May 19, 1755, aged 47 years." "In memory of Abigail, ye wife of Loved Tisdale, died Octo. ye 31, 1748, in ye 36 year of her age." "In memory of Ebenezer Porter, aged 39 years & 3 months, died March 26, 17.41." " Here lies the body of Samuel Haskins, 2d, died Sept. 11, 1732, in the 53d year of his age." "In memory of Lieut. Henry Hodges, who died Sept. ye 18, 1755, in the 70th year of his age." " Here lies the body of William Briggs, 1st, died Jan. 3, 1728, in the 83d year of his age." " Here lies the body of Elizabeth, the wife of William Briggs, Cooper, died Nov. 27, 1729, in ye 59th year of her age." " Here lies the body of William Briggs, 2d, died Feb. 20, 1731, in the 54th year of his age." " Here lies the body of Mehitebell, the wife of William Briggs ye 2d, died Octo. ye 17, 1732, in the 62d year of her age." "In memory of Lieut. Nathaniel Briggs, who died Aug. 14, 1775, in the 75th year of his age." "In memory of Judath, ye wife of Nathaniel Briggs, who died Nov. 22, 1774, in the 77th year of her age." " In memory of Mr. Nathaniel Ogden, A.B., of Fairfield, New Jersey, Preacher of the Gospel, who died July 11, 1796, iE. 28. He had preached only seven Lord's days, when our high expectations of his future useful- ness were suddenly blasted. " ' When friends do part, or where their ashes fall, It matters not, to die in Christ is all.' " " In memory of Mary, wife of Nathaniel Shores, died Dec. 20, 1753, in the 74th year of her age." "In memory of Mr. David Stacy, who died Octo. 22, 1790, in the 76th year of his age." "In memory of Lucy, wife of David Stacy, died Aug 17, 1762, in the 35th year of her age." "In memory of Mrs. Jean Cobb, relict of Mr. John Cobb, deceased March ye 19, 1736, in ye 85th year of her age.'" " In memory of Ens n . Morgan Cobb, died Sept. 30, 1755, in the 82d year of his age." " In memory of Abigail, wife of Ens n . Morgan Cobb, died Jan. 30, 1765, in the 81st year of her age." " In memory of Mr. Thomas Burt, who died March ye 29,1774, in ye 85th year of his age." " In memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Burt, wife of Mr. Thomas Burt, died July ye 15th, a.d. 1772, in ye 70th year of her age." " In memory of Dea. Daniel Wilde, who died Aug. 11, 1792, in ye 74th year of his age." " Iu memory of Mrs. Sarah, wife of Mr. Daniel Wilde. She died Feb. 24, 1777, aged 42." " In memory of Mrs. Auna, widow of Deacon Daniel Wilde, who died Sept. 23, 1794, in the 64th year of her age." " In memory of Ensign Ebenezer Willis, who died May ye 30, 1790, in ye 68th year of his age." "In memory of Abigail, wife of William Briggs, who died Sept. 2, 1775, in the 71st year of her age." "In memory of John Reed, who was born March 29, 1752, and died Feb. 24, 1841, the son of John Reed, who was born in 1722,and died Dec. 1788. the son of William Reed, who died about 1734, the son of John Reed, who was born in 1648 or 1649, came to this town about 1680, and died in Dighton Jan. 13, 1720-1, probably the son of William Reade, who was an inhabitant of Weymouth in 1636." "In memory of Mrs. Mary, relict of John Reed, Esq., died Oct. 12. 1843, aged 91 years. From an old burying-ground, called the Walker burying-ground, in the west part of the town, the following are taken : "Col. Elnathan Walker, died June the 6th, a.d. 1775, in the 69th year of his age." "Bethiah Walker, the wife of Capt. Elnathan Walker, died May 11, A.i). 1759, in the 49th year of her age." " Eliakim Walker, died Feb. 21, a.d. 1785, in the 81st year of his age." "Mary, wife of Eliakim Walker, died Dec. a.d. 1785, in the 79th year of her age." The two following are from a burying-ground half a mile northeast of the almshouse: " In memory of Deacon Samuel Sumner, who departed this life July ye 26, a.d. 1671, in ye 64th year of his age. " ' Blessed are ye dead that die in ye Lord.' " " In memory of Rebecca Staples, died Jan. 7, 1809, aged 89 years.>3 months, and 4 days, widow of Mr. Seth Staples." From the burying-ground north of Prospect Hill : " In memory of Mrs Hepzibah, wife of Mr. Solomon Wetherell. She died April ye 1, 17S2, in ye 34th year of her age." " In memory of Mrs. Rhoda White, wife of Mr. Elijah White, who died July ye 17, a.d. 1787, in ye 46 year of her age." From the " Richmond Town" burying-ground : " Hear lies interred the remains of Deacon Edward Richmond, who departed this life Feb. 16, 1771, in ye 75th year of his age." " In memory of Mr. Edward Richmond, who died October 14, 1802, in his 79th year." " In memory of Mr. Eleazer Richmond, who died Feb. 27,1802, in his 66th year." "In memory of Mr. Isaac Richmond, who died Dec. ye 16, a.d. 1784, in ye 49th year of his age." " In memory of Mr. Simeon Richmond, son of Mr. Seth Richmond. He died Nov. 7, 1793, in ye 23d year of his age." From the Caswell Street burying-ground, East Taunton : " In memory of Mr. Samuel Wilbore, who died March 21, 1773, in ye year of his age." " In memory of Mrs. Damaris, wife of Mr. Samuel Wilbore, who died March 25, 1773, in ye 71st year of her age." " In memory of Mr. Samuel Wilbore, who died June 29, 1774, in ye 60th year of his age." " Here lies the body of James Washburn, died the 4th day of August, the 44th year of his age, 1741." "In memory of Ensign Jonathan King, who died March ye 15th, 1754, in the 42d year of his age." " Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Bethsheba, wife of Capt. Jonah King. She died Apl. 15, a.d. 1780, in ye 35th year of her age." • From the Pine Hill Cemetery in East Taunton : " In memory of Lieut. Israel Dean, who deceased March 23, 1760, in ye 76th year of his age." "In memory of Mrs. Ruth Dean, ye widow of Lieut. Israel Dean, who died April ye 18, 1769, in ye 80th year of her age." ■' Memento mortis. "In memory of Lieut. Noah Dean, who departed this life Aug. 24, a.d. 1794, in the 64th year of his age." " In memory of Capt. Ebenezer Dean. He died Jan. 30, 1774, in ye 72d year of his age." " Here lies the body of Mrs. Rachel Dean, the wife of Capt. Ebenezer Dean, who deceased Mch. 31, 1768, in ye 63d year of her age." 784 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. "In memory of Mrs. Prudence, wife-of Capt. Ebenezer Dean, who died March 10, 1787, in ye 55th year of her age." " In memory of Mrs. Sarah, wife of Col. George Williams. She died Nov. 26, a.d. 1797, in the 83d year of her age." " In memory of Capt. Ephraim Dean, who died in Gloucester June 23d, 1775, in the 75th year of his age." " In memory of Mrs. Mary Dean, the wife of Capt. Ephraim Dean, who died Octo. ye 8, 1766, in ye 67th year of her age." " In memory of Mrs. Martha Dean, the wife of Capt. Ephraim Dean, she died May ye 9, 1775, in the 72d year of her age." "In memory of Mrs. Abigail, widow of Geo. Godfrey, Esq., and form- erly wife of Mr. Philip Dean, she died Jany 23d, 1820, aged 84 years." "In memory of Mr. Abigail Macomber, who died Aug. 15, 1793, in ye 71st year of her age. This was the wife of Mr. John Macomber." "In memory of Lieut. Joshua Dean. He died June ye 10, 1772, in ye 45th year of his age." "In memory of Mrs. Abigail, wWw of Lreut. Joshua Dean, who died May ye 20, 1800, in ye 72d year of her age." " In memory of Lieut. Israel Dean, who died July 23, 1775, in ye 55th year of his age." " In memory of Mrs. Abiah Dean, wife of Mr. Israel Dean, who died Mch. ye 1, 17.">0, in ye 25th year of her age." "In memory of Mr. Joshua Deane, who died Aug. ye 27, 1773, in ye 58th year of his age." "In memory of Mrs. Until Macomber, the wife of Mr. James Macom- ber, who deceased Octo. ye 10, 1770, aged 42 years & 11 months." " In memory of Miss Silence Richmond, who died Sept. 18, 1790, in her 31st year." "Sacred to the memory of Deacon Benj. Deane, who departed this life Apl. 14, 1799, in the 74th year of his age." " In memory of Mr. Benjamin Deane who died Jan. 6, 1785, in ye 86th year of his age." "In memory of Mrs. Ziporah, wife of Mr. Benj. Dean, who died Sept. 27, 1778, in ye 75th year of her age." From the ancient burying-ground on Staples Street, in the easterly part of the town : "Eliphalet Williams, 1778 (footstone). In memory of Mr. Samuel Williams, who died Sept. ye 7, a.d. 1777, in ye 72d year of his age. "Waiting the resurrection of the just." " In memory of Mr. Abiel Haskius who died June 16, 1788, in ye 74th year of his age." "Sacred to the memory of Mr. Stephen Haskius who departed this life Dec. 20, 1799, in ye 59th year of his age." " In memory of Mrs. Phebe, wife of Mr. Stephen Haskins, who died May ye 29th, 1787, in ye 37th year of her age." "Sarah, daughter of Elijah & Sarah Macomber, and relict of Joseph Atwood, died Octo. 30, 1867, aged 104 years, 2 months and 13 days." " In memory of Mr. Jude Hoar, died Feb'y the 26th day, 1761." (No age.) "Samuel Hoarde, deceased, Feb. the 13th day, year 1746." (No age.) " Samuel Hoard, Jr., April 5th day, year 1736." (No age.) " Jacob Hoar, deceased, March 24th day, year 1736." (No age.) "Sarah Hoarde, deceased, Jan'y 13th day, year 1753." (No age.) " Jacob Hoar, died 1756." (No more.) " Elizabeth Hoard, died Feb. 2 day, 1766." (No more.) "In memory of Dea. William Hoard, who died April 25, 1795, aged 73 years, 3 mos., & 14 days." "In memory of Mrs. Sarah Hoar, died Nov. 15 day, 1774, aged 47 years, 11 mos., & 14 days." " Nehemiah Hoar, died 1765." (No more.) " Rebekah Hoar, deceased, July the 12 day, 1765." (No more.) " In memory of Dea. Nathaniel Macomber, who died Nov. 10, 1787, in ye 79th year of his age. ' Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."' "In memory of Priscilla, widow of Dea. Nathaniel Macomber. She died Oct. 30, 1793, in ye 84th year of her age." "In memory of Mr. John Macomber, who died Dec ye 14, 1747, in ye 67th year of his age." "In memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Macomber, wife of Mr. John Macom- ber, who died May ye 2, 1732, in the 47th year of her age." " In memory of Mrs. Esther South worth, wife of Capt. Ichabod South- worth. She died Feb., 1760, in ye 82d year of her age." " In memory of Nathaniel Staple, who deceased Feb. ye 26, 1769, in ye 84th year of his age." " In memory of Macy, ye wife of Nathaniel Staple, who deceased Sept. ye 8, 1757, in ye 68th year of her age." " In memory of Hannah Haskins, died Feb. 17, 1745." (All.) "In memory of Mrs. Christian, wife of Mr. Samuel Richmond, who died Feb. ye 7th, 1784, in ye 58th year of her age." " In memory of Mr. Samuel Richmond, who died March 10, 1790, in ye 70th year of his age." "Thankful Richmond, wife of Samuel Richmond, died Oct. the 20th, 1758, in the 37th year of her age." " Sacred to the memory of Lieut. Josiah Macomber, who departed this life Nov. 18, a.d. 1801, in ye 91st year of his age." "In memory of Mrs. Ruth, wife of Lieut. Josiah Macomber, died Sept. 19, 1791, in the 81st year of her age." " In memory of Mrs. Judith Macomber, wife of Mr. Elijah Macomber, who died Oct. ye 1st, 1745, in ye 23d year of her age." The Plain, or, as it is now mostly called, the North burying-ground, was given to the town by the pro- prietors in 1748, as the following votes show : " At a meeting of Proprietors, 20th June, 1748, Voted, To ye inhabitants of ye old township of Taun- ton, ten acres of land, etc., for a Burying-place where Samuel Danforth is buried. " 2d, Voted, That John Godfrey, Esq., Capt. James Leonard, and Capt. Morgan Cobb be a committee to lay it out." After the laying out of this ground most of the burials from the central portion of the to'wn were made there, and it has continued to be used until within a few years, when it became so crowded that. a large tract of land at Mayflower Hill was pur- chased and laid out as a public cemetery. The oldest inscription found in the North burying-ground is the following: "In memory of Hannah, ye wife of Capt'. James Leonard, who died Aug. ye 2, 1725, in ye 60th year of her age." Rev. Samuel Danforth died in 1727, and was there buried. The remains of Elizabeth Pool were re- moved there In 1771, as already narrated. Rev. Josiah Crocker and Rev. Chester Isham were buried there. The families of Leonard, Fales, Padelford, Crocker, and others who were distinguished in public affairs the latter part of the last and the early part of the present centuries rest there. As it is so near the centre of the town, and so well cared for by the public authorities, there is not the same need of copy- ing the inscriptions as in the case of the older and more distant burying-grounds, besides the graves are so numerous that it would be impracticable. A few only are selected, as follows : "Here lies ye body of Samuel Caswell, M.D., who died Aug. ye 13th, 1755, AE Tolis Sue 35. "In^eventeen Hundred aud Fifty-Five, Relentless Death Did us Deprive of a very Useful Life to Neighbor, Friend, to child and wife, He safely Did Administer As a Physician, Consulting more his patient's health Than all extorted gain. We that do love his memory Would like him live, y» when we die We may enjoy felicity." " Here lies ye body of Mrs. Elizabeth McKinstry, basely murthered, by a negro boy June ye 4, 1763, aged 28. " Watch, for ye know not the manner uorthe moment of your death." "Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Elizabeth, relict of the late Rev. Samuel Hopkins, D.D., of Newport, R. I., who died April 9, 1814, aged 75. TAUNTON. 785 " Her soul was charged with pleasing hope, Those hopes hy God were given, And though her body sleeps in dust, Her soul ascends to heaven." The last mentioned was the last wife of the cele- brated Rev. Dr. Hopkins, founder of the school of theology bearing his name. . In the list of burying-grounds thus far noticed those opened since 1800 are not included. They are as follows: The Westville burying-ground, the Mount Pleasant Cemetery, the cemetery at the Weir, in the rear of Plain Street, Mayflower Hill Ceme- tery, the Catholic cemeteries, and probably some others in private grounds. It is not proposed to notice them further. LIST OF OFFICERS— 1638-1691. 1638. — John Strong, constable. 1639. — William Pool, John Gilbert, Henry Andrews, deputies; John Strong, constable. 1640. — Edward Case, Walter Deane, deputies; John Deane, constable. 1641. — William Pool, John Strong, deputies; William Parker, constable. 1642. — John Strong, John Parker, deputies; William Parker, constable. 1643. — Henry Andrews, John Strong deputies; William Parker, con- stable. 1644. — William Pool, deputy ; James Wyatt, constable and surveyor. 1645. — William Parker, Richard Williams, deputies; George Hall, con- stable : James Burt, surveyor. 1646. — Richard Williams, deputy; Oliver Purchase, constable; James Wyatt, excise officer. 1647. — Henry Andrews, Edward Case, deputies; Oliver Purchase, con- stable; Edward Slocomb, Edward Rew, surveyors; James Wyatt, excise officer. 164S. — Richard Williams, Edward Case, deputies; Thomas Gilbert, con- stable ; John Deane, Richard Stacy, surveyors; James Wyatt, ex- cise officer. 1649. — Henry Andrews, Edward Case, deputies; Thomas Gilbert, con- stable; James Wyatt, George Macey, surveyors. 1650. — Richard Williams, Oliver Purchase, deputies; George Macey, consiable; Thomas Lincoln, Edward Case, survivors. 1651. — Oliver Purchase, Richard Williams, deputies; William Hodges, constable ; Hezekiah Hoar, John Gallop, surveyors. 1652. — Thomas Gilbert, James Wyatt, deputies; James Walker, consta- ble; Richard PauT, Clement May field, surveyors 1653. — James Wyatt, Richard Williams, deputies; William Parker, con- stable; John Cobb, William Phillips, surveyors. 1654. — Richard Williams, James Walker, deputies; John Deane, consta- ble ; Anthony Slocum, James Burt, surveyors. 1655. — James Wyatt, Richard Williams, deputies; John Tisdall, consta- ble ; George Macey, Francis Smith, surveyors. 1656. — James Wyatt, Richard Williams, deputies; Francis Smith, con- stable ; Henry Andrews, Robert Thornton, surveyors. .1657. — James Wyatt, Richard Williams, deputies; Hezekiah Hoar, con- stable; Richard Stacy, Jonas Austin, surveyors. 1658. — William Parker, James Walker, deputies; Peter Pitts, consta- ble; John Cobb, Richard Burt, surveyors. 1659. — Richard Williams, James Walker, deputies; John Tisdall, con- stable. 1660. — James Wyatt, James Walker, deputies ; Heury Andrews, con- stable. 1661. — James Wyatt, James Walker, deputies; William Harvey, con- stable. 1662. — James Wyatt, James Walker, deputies; William Witherell, con- stable ; Anthony Slocum, William Harvey, surveyors. 1663. — Janus Wyatt, deputy (one deputy was returned back); Hezekiah Hoar, constable ; James Leonard, Samuel Smith, surveyors. 1664. — William Harvey, Richard Williams, deputies ; Francis Smith, constable ; James Walker, Francis Smith, excise officers. 1665. — Richard Williams, William Harvey, deputies; Joseph Wilbore, constable. 1666.— George Hall, Richard Williams, Walter Deane, James, Walker, William Harvey, selectmen ; James Walker, William Harvey, dep. 50 "ties; John Hall, constable; John Cobb, Samuel Williams, sur- veyors. 1667.— George Hal], Walter Deane, James Walker, Richard Williams, William Harvey, selectmen ; William Harvey, James Walker, deputies; Richard Burt, constable. 1668.— George Hall, Richard Williams, Walter Deane, William Harvey, James Walker, selectmen ; James Walker, William Harvey, deputies ; Samuel Smith, constable; George Macey, Peter Pitts, surveyors. 1669.— George Hall, Walter Deane, William Harvey, James Walker, Richard Williams, selectmen ; William Harvey, James Walker, dep- uties; Israel Deane, constable; Edward Rew, James Leonard, Jr., survey ors. 1670.— William Harvey, James Walker, selectmen. (No other names given in the record ; probably an omission in the record.) William Harvey, James Walker, deputies; Nathaniel Williams, constable. (No surveyors named). 1671.— George Macey, Richard Williams, Walter Deane, James Walker, William Harvey, selectmen ; William Harvey, William Witherell, deputies; Joseph Wilbore, consiable; John Maycomber, Encrease Robinson, surveyors. 1672.— George Macey, Richard Williams, Walter Deane, John Tisdall, Sr., William Harvey, selectmen ; William Harvey, George Macey, deputies; Richard Stevens, Hezekiah Hoar, constables; James Walker, Thomas Leonard, surveyors. 1673. — Walter Deane, Richard Williams, George Macey, William Har- vey, John Tisdall, selectmen ; William Harvey, George Macey, dep- uties; Aaron Knapp, Sr., John Deane, constables; John Cobb, Jo- seph Wilbore, surveyors. 1674. — Walter Deane, George Macey, Richard Williams, William Harvey, John Tisdall, selectmen; George Macey, John Tisdall, deputies; John Richmond, Shadrach Wilbore, constables; Edward Rew, Israel Deane, surveyors. 1675. — Richard Williams, Walter Deane, William Harvey, George Macey, John Tisdall, Sr., selectmen; George Macey, William Harvey, depu- ties; James Tisdall, Thomas Deane, constables; John Turner, John Bryant, surveyors. 1676. — Richard Williams, Walter Deane, George Macey, William Harvey, Samuel Smith, selectmen; George Macey, William Harvey, depu- ties; John Hathaway, William Witherell. constables. 1677. — George Macey, William Harvey, Richard Williams, Walter Deane, Samuel Smith, selectmen; William Harvey, George Macey, depu- ties; Thomas Gilbert, Joseph Hall, constables; Thomas Lincoln, Isaac Deane, surveyors. 1678. — George Macey, William Harvey, Walter Deane, James Walker, Samuel Smith, selectmen ; James Walker, Samuel Smith, deputies ; Samuel Williams, Thomas Harvey, Sr., constables; James Tisdall, James Leonard, Jr., surveyors. 1679. — George Macey, William Harvey, Walter Deane, James Walker, Samuel Smith, selectmen; James Walker, Samuel Smith, deputies; Joseph Willis, Isaac Deane, constables; Robert Grossman, Thomas Gilbert, surveyors. 1680. — William Harvey, Walter Deane, George Macey, Thomas Leonard, selectmen; John Hathaway, Thomas Leonard, deputies; Gyles Gil- bert, Thomas Williams, constables; Joseph Hall, Joseph Wilbore, surveyors. 1081, — George Macey, William Harvey, Walter Deane, John Hathaway, Thomas Leonard, selectmen; Thomas Leonard, John Hathaway, deputies; Heury Hodges, Ezra Deane, constables; Thomas Harvey, Joseph Willis, surveyors. 1682. — George Matey, Thomas Leonard, William Harvey, Walter Deane, John Hathaway, selectmen; John Hathaway, Thomas Leonard, deputies ; John White, James Walker, Jr., constables; Robert Cross- man, Sr., Samuel Thrasher, surveyors. 1(383 — William Harvey, George Macey, John Hathaway, Thomas Leon- ard, Walter Deane, selectmen ; Thomas Leonard, John Hathaway, deputies ; Samuel Hall, Sr., John Smith, Jr., constables ; Gyles Gil- bert, John Lincoln, surveyors. 1684. — George Macey, Thomas Leonard, Walter Deane, John Hathaway, Sr., John Hall, selectmen ; Thomas Leonard, John Hathaway, depu- ties; Joseph Wilbore, John Hodges, constables. 1685. — Walter Deane, William Witherell, John Hall, Thomas Leonard, George Macey, selectmen ; Thomas Leonard, William Witherell, Sr., deputies; John Richmond, James Walker, Sr., constables; John Bryant, Joseph Tisdale, surveyors. 1686. — George Macey, Thomas Leonard, Walter Deane, William Harvey, John Hall, selectmen; George Macey, Thomas Leonard, deputies ; James Leonard, Joseph Tillden, constables. 786 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. During the usurpation of Andros the Plymouth government was suspended, and no record of officers is to be found during those years, 1687-88. The names of Henry Hodges and William Harvey as selectmen for both those years are ascertained from the proprietors' records ; the names of their associates do not appear. 1689.— Thomas Leonard, William Harvey, Henry Hodges, Nathaniel Williams, James Leonard, Jr., selectmen ; Thomas Leonard, Nathan- iel Williams, deputies; Thomas Leonard, John Hall, deputies at August court. 1690.— William Harvey, Thomas Leonard, Nathaniel Williams, Henry Hodges, James Leonard, Jr., selectmen ; Thomas Leonard, William Harvey, deputies. 1691.— Nathaniel Williams, Thomas Leonard, James Leonard, John Hall, Henry Hodges, selectmen ; John Hall, John Hathaway, depu- ties. LIST OF FREEMEN. William Poole, John Gilhert, Sr., Henry Andrews, John Strong, John Deane, Walter Deane, Edward Case, William Parker, 1637; John Parker, 1641; John Tisdall, 1643; William Hollo way, William Hailstone, Richard Williams, 1644; George Hall, 1645; Oliver Pur- chase, 1646; James Wyatt, 1648; James Walker, 1650; William Hodges, Thomas Gilbert, 1651 ; George Macey, John Bryant, 1654; William Harvey, 1656; Anthony Slocum, 1657; William Witherell, Peter Pitts, Thomas Lincoln, 1658. Additional from List of 1670. Jonas Austin, Edward Babbitt, John Bryant, Richard Burt, Jonathan Briggs, John Cobb, Israel Deane, Thomas Deane, John Hathaway, John nail, Aaron Knapp, Thomas Leonard, James Leonard, Jr., James Phillips, Samuel Phillips (1686), John Pole, Encrease Robin- son, George Shove, Francis Smith, Samuel Smith, John Tisdall, Jr., James Tisdall, Samuel Williams, Joseph Williams, Nathaniel Wil- liams. Additional from. List of 1683-84. John Crossman, Robert Grossman (1686), Ezra Deane, John Deane (2d), Joseph Deane, Samuel Danforth, Gyles Gilbert, Thomas Gilbert, John Hathaway, Jr., Samuel Hall, Sr., Thomas Harvey, Sr., Thomas Harvey, Jr., William Hall, Henry Hodges, Edward Richmond (1691), John Richmond, Nathaniel Shove, Uriah Leonard (1690), Richard Stevens, Israel Thrasher, Joseph Thrasher, Joseph Wil- bore, Shadrach Wilbore. Those who took the Oath of Fidelity only. James Bell, James Burt, Richard Burt, Sr., Thomas Brayman, John Briggs, Thomas Cooke, Thomas Caswell, Edward Cobb, John Cloy. Thomas Cilton, Robert Crossmau, William Earance, John Gungill, Hezekiah Hoar, Jabesh Hackett, Timothy Halloway, Thomas Joanes, James Lennett, Daniel Mokene, John Maycomber, Jeremiah New- land, Richard Paul, Edward Rew, John Richmond, Sr., Hughe Rocester, William Scadding, Nicholas Streete, Francis Streete, Rich- ard Smith, William Shepherd, Richard Stacye, Peter Stakenbury, Christopher Thrasher, John Turner, Thomas Willington, Nicholas White. CHAPTER LXIV. TAUNTON.— (Continued.) ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.i " The clergy," writes the Hon. F. Baylies, historian of Plymouth Colony, "the clergy were the principal instruments in keeping alive the spirit and enterprise of the English race in the wilds of America." The first ministers of New England were no mean men. They were highly educated, and their names are reg- istered among the foremost of that or any other age. i By Rev. S. Hopkins Emery. Taunton claims that her two ministers, in the be- ginning of its settlement, were inferior to none of them. They rank in ability, scholarly attainments, and commanding influence with Wilson and Cotton, of Boston, Higginson and Williams, of Salem, and the Mathers of Dorchester and Cambridge. It was in 1687, Rev. William Hooke was instru- mental in gathering a church in Taunton. Mr. Sav- age calls him " the spiritual guide of the settlement." He was its first pastor, having for an associate in the ministry, according to the custom of the times, another eminent man, Rev. Nicholas Street. The former was known as pastor, the latter as teacher. Their church, according to Thomas Lechford, in a pamphlet pub- lished in England in 1642, numbered " ten or twenty." We have no Taunton record giving the exact number or names of members. Mr. Hooke, a native of South- ampton, England, in 1601, at the early age of twenty- two, proceeded to the degree of Master of Arts in Trinity College, Oxford, " at which time," remarks Wood, " he was esteemed a close siudent and a relig- ious person." Having preached several years in the mother-coun- try, he was attracted to New England, and in both lands earned such a reputation that Cotton Mather could say of him, " He was a learned, holy, and hum- ble man." Dr. Trumbull also makes mention of him as a man ' : of great learning and piety, possessing excellent pulpit talents." One of his sermons, preached in Taunton, July 23, 1640, on a day ap- pointed by the churches for public humiliation in be- half of England in time of feared danger, was so well liked that it was printed in London in 1641, bearing the title of " New England's Tears for Old England's Fears." A second sermon, " preached upon a day of general humiliation in the churches of New England in the behalf of Old England and Ireland's sad condition, by William Hooke, minister of God's Word at Taun- ton, in New England," was printed in London in 1645. These sermons were " intrusted in the hands of a worthy member of the honorable House of Com- mons, who desired they might be printed for the pub- lic good." Such a publication was a rare testimonial from the House of Commons to the merit of the Taun-" ton preacher. The report of his sermons having reached New Haven, the church and people, who had listened to such a remarkable man as John Daven- port, call him to serve as Davenport's associate in the ministry, after serving the church in Taunton seven years. He had a successful ministry of twelve years in New Haven, when he returned to England, led thither by his interest in the Commonwealth, related as he was to the Protector, of whose family he became a member, acting as domestic chaplain. His wife, sister of Whalley, one of Cromwell's trusted friends, had preceded him. Rev. Nicholas Street, the colleague and successor of Mr. Hooke in the ministry of Taunton, was also TAUNTON. 787 his successor in the church of New Haven. This was on the " 26th of the 9th, 1659." On the removal of Mr. Davenport to Boston as Wilson's successor, Mr. Street became sole pastor of the church, so con- tinuing until his death, April 22, 1674. It is not quite certain who was Mr. Street's first wife. Mr. Baylies' statement that it was the sister of Elizabeth Pool lacks confirmation. We are sure, however, that his second wife was the widow of Governor Newman, and his descendants are numerous in Connecticut and elsewhere. The earliest Taunton ministers were not only eminent in their profession, but influential in all town affairs both in Taunton and New Haven. They were resorted to for counsel, and their words on all subjects were weighty. Their churches, of course, were of the prevailing New England order, and they, as dissenting ministers, were the recognized leaders of the people. The third Taunton minister was Rev. George Shove. Ordained in 1665, he remained sole pastor till his death in 1687. Little is known of his work as a minister, but he was largely interested in the secular as well as spiritual affairs of the town, and his name appears as one of the proprietors in the Taunton North Purchase, as also one of the six original pro- prietors of Assonet Neck in 1680. He was interested in schools, and is credited with the statement that in 1685 there were "eighty scholars on the list of Taun- ton school, some of whom had entered Latin." His own son Seth was one of these, a graduate of Cam- bridge, and the first minister of Danbury, Conn. Rev. Mr. Shove was thrice married, his first wife being the daughter of Rev. Samuel Newman, the renowned minister of Rehoboth. He had ten children, and his descendants are numerous in New England, many of them belonging to the Society of Friends. The fourth minister of Taunton was an eminent man, the Rev. Samuel Danforth, son of Rev. Samuel Danforth, the minister of Roxbury. His mother was the daughter of Rev. John Wilson, pastor of the First Church of Boston. He was graduated at Har- vard College in 1683, and married a daughter of Rev. James Allen, a colleague of Rev. John Davenport in Boston. " The town was extremely anxious to obtain Mr. Danforth," writes Mr. Baylies. Capt. Bartholo- mew Tipping, for his services in securing him, re- ceived ".ten acres of land adjoining his own." He afterwards sold Mr. Danforth his house and lot, which were not far from the bridge, on what is now Wash- ington Street, and which included the water privilege where the cotton-mill stands. Mr. Danforth, like his predecessor, receiving but a small salary, by economy and industry secured a considerable estate. He was a man of versatile talents, and could not only preach good sermons, but as occasion required counsel and instruct his parishioners in law and medicine. He was influential in all civil and religious matters, not only in his own town but in the colony. Hence we find him preaching "a sermon before His Excellency the Governour, the Honourable Council, and Repre- sentatives of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, on May 26, 1714, being the Anni- versary Day of the Election of Councellors of the said Province," and "published by their order." The ministry of Mr. Danforth extended from 1687, the year of his ordination, to his death in 1727, a period of forty years. " He was peculiarly fortunate," writes one familiar with the history of his time, " in retaining the attachment of his people. They were eager to settle him, and their interest in him con- tinued to the end." Mr. Danforth was interested in the Indians, visited them often, acquired their lan- guage, and prepared an Indian dictionary, a copy of which is in the library of the Massachusetts Histori- cal Society. Mr. Danforth, like his predecessors, in the beginning of his ministry preached to the scattered families of his flock, gathered in their own house of worship, where now stands the beautiful stone church of the First Parish, coming from what are now Norton, Dighton, Easton, Raynham, Berkley, Assonet Neck, and Mansfield. These separate townships sprung up for the most part during his ministry, and no wonder they felt the need of shortening the distance between their homes and the coveted sanctuary for themselves and those who should come after them. We have seen the correspondence between the mother-church and these several colonies, conducted in a Christian spirit, but revealing the extreme reluctance with which these colonies are sent out. It was a church, therefore, weakened by many re- movals which called the fifth minister of Taunton, Rev. Thomas Clapp. His ministry was shorter, ex- tending only from 1729 to 1738, less than ten years. Mr. Clapp was a native of Scituate, son of John Clapp, born in 1705, and a graduate of Harvard Col- lege in 1725. He was married to Mary, daughter of Judge George Leonard, of Norton, in 1731. He was cousin of the eminent President Clapp, of Yale Col- lege. On concluding his ministry in Taunton the office was laid aside, and returning to Scituate, his native place, he becarhe colonel of the militia, justice of the peace, for many years a representative of the town, and also judge of Plymouth Colony. The manuscript sermons of Mr. Clapp, which I have seen, show him to have been no mean preacher. He is de- scribed by a contemporary as "social in his temper, extremely fond of company, and very hospitable." His house in Taunton was pleasantly situated on the river near the head of Dean Street, now occupied by Col. Gordon. The sixth Taunton minister was Rev. Josiah Crocker, a man of excellent pulpit talent, and emi- nent as a preacher in his time. He was a son of Jo- siah and Desire Crocker, of Yarmouth. His grand- mother was a daughter of Governor Hinckley, and sister-in-law of Deputy Governor William Bradford, and through him related to Prince and the Mayhews. His mother was a daughter of Hon. John Thacher, 788 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. granddaughter of Hon. John Howland, and great- granddaughter of Hon. John Carver, the first Gover- nor of Plymouth Colony. Mr. Crocker graduated at Harvard College in 1738. When nineteen years of age was ordained in Taunton, May 19, 1742. His pastorate continued till Nov. 1, 1765, a period of more than three-and-twenty years. He continued to reside in Taunton, and was here buried in 1774. " Of all the preachers I ever heard," once remarked Deacon Eddy, of Bridgewater, who remembered his sermons, "none surpassed Mr. Crocker in his earnest yet tender, persuasive manner." Chief Justice Parsons made a similar remark, many years ago, to the Hon. Samuel Crocker, of Taunton. The Taunton minister was a great friend of •Whitefield and the Tennents. Mr. Whitefield preached in his pulpit, and Mr. Bay- lies is accountable for the remark, " Many were dis- pleased with him for this." The people in Taunton, as elsewhere, were divided concerning what were called " new measures." But Mr. Crocker entered into them most heartily, and would be called at the present time a revival preacher. He was often in- vited to preach in neighboring towns, and persons came from a long distance, even as far as Plymouth, to listen to his sermons. The story is told of a woman who quieted her baby, weary from the long march, by shouting " Crocker's ahead." Mr. Crocker was twice married, and had seven sons and two daughters. Josiah, the eldest son, settled in Taunton, and married a daughter of Hon. Zephaniah Leonard. Their children who reached adult age were Samuel and William Augustus, the former so long known in Taunton as the senior member of the manufacturing firm of Crocker & Richmond, the latter father of the Crocker Brothers, who have been identified with the copper-works and other large manufacturing interests of Taunton for so many years. After the dismission of Mr. Crocker in 1765, sev- eral ministers occupied the pulpit as candidates for settlement, but Rev. Caleb Barnum became the seventh pastor. He was a native of Danbury, Conn. His first pastorate was at Wrentham, Mass. He was installed in Taunton, Feb. 2, 1769. He is particularly remem- bered as the patriotic minister of Taunton, not only advocating the cause of American independence with his fervent appeals, but entering the Continental army as a chaplain and laying down his life in the service. He endured great hardships with exem- plary Christian fortitude, and when obliged by the condition of his health to leave for home, rested on the way at Pittsfield, where he died the 23d day of August, 1776, in the fortieth year of his age. Rev. Mr. Allen, of Pittsfield, who was with him in his last hours, dwells gratefully on his " serenity of mind," his " most exemplary patience and submission to the will of heaven." Being asked his present views in the approach of death of the goodness of the Amer- ican cause, for which he was sacrificing his life, his reply was the most memorable one, "I have no doubts concerning the justice and goodness of that cause, and had I a thousand lives they should all be willingly laid down in it." Mr. Barnum left a widow and seven children. Priscilla, who married a Vickery, was the mother of Charles R. Vickery, Esq., and Mrs. Paddock Dean, of Taunton ; Anna, who married a Child, was the mother of Mr. George Child, long a grocer in Taun- ton, and his sisters Mary and Jane Child. The successor of Mr. Barnum was Rev. Elias Jones, who came hither from Halifax, Nova Scotia. His ministry was very short, hardly a year. In- stalled in April, 1777, we find him leaving in 1778. " A young man of prepossessing manners and ad- dress and fine talents for the pulpit," he nevertheless " fell into such error," we are informed, as made the church willing to part with him. Nothing is known of him afterward. Rev. Ephraim Judson was the ninth minister of the parish, a man of marked ability and of wide influence. He was a native of Woodbury, Conn., a graduate of Yale College in 1763. His first settlement was in Norwich, Conn. His ministry in Taunton com- menced in 1780, where he continued ten years. His eccentricities are remarkable, many instances of which are remembered, but cannot here be re- corded. He was blunt, abrupt, fearless, uncompro- mising, made many friends and some enemies. The parish was divided at the close of his ministry in 1790. For a time he continued with a portion who removed their meeting to the west part of the town, but subsequently settled in Sheffield, Mass., where he continued in the ministry until his death, Feb. 23, 1813, at the age of seventy-five. Upon the stone which marks the place of his burial may be found the inscription, "A learned Divine, an acute logi- cian, and an evangelical preacher. He was mild, courteous, and hospitable. By his numerous friends he was deem'd a wise counsellor, an active peace- maker, and a sincere christian. What he was in truth the Great Day will disclose." The successor of Mr. Judson in the First Parish was Rev. John Foster, whose career was not alto- gether honorable to the holy office he held, whilst his abilities in certain directions were of a high order. But his ministry, which began in 1792, terminated in 1799, to the relief of the people. His successor was an altogether different style of a man, whose memory is very precious, even to the present time, Rev. John Pipon. He was a native of Boston, and was graduated at Cambridge College in 1792. In 1799 he came to Taunton as a candidate, and was ordained in January, 1800. President Kirk- land, then of Boston, preached the sermon. Hon. Francis Baylies, who loved him as a brother, writes thus affectionately of him : " Guile and envy had no place in his heart. The increasing thrift and comfort of his neighbors were to him a source of constant grat- TAUNTON. 789 ification. The happiness of others increased his own. He would have banished want and woe and suffering from the whole human race." Many instances are given of his disinterested charity. His name in all the region was a synonym for sympathy and good will to all. He never married. His parish was his family ; he was wedded to his flock. A beautiful tablet on the interior wall of the stone church of the First Parish expresses in its inscription the high ap- preciation of this minister by the parish : " In memory of Rev. John Pipon, for 21 years minister of this church. Born in Boston, ad. 1702. Ordained in Taunton, Jan. 15, 1S00. Died in Taunton, Jan. 7, 1821, set. 59. " In his intercourse with men, the most genial humor was joined with the most tender sympathy. His compassion was unbounded, and all li is substance was given to the needy. While many knew in him a well- trained and accurate scholar, all could see and admire the humility, charity, piety, and self-sacrifice of the faithful pastor. " To keep here his name in honor, friends who knew him have erected this tablet a.d. 1860." Mr. Pipon was succeeded by Rev. Luther Hamilton. Born in Conway in 1798, he was graduated at Wil- liams College hi 1817, ordained in Taunton in 1821, and resigned in 1832. His successor was Rev. An- drew Bigelow, CD., a native of Groton in 1795, a graduate of Cambridge in 1814, and a pastor in Taun- ton from 1833 to 1842. On leaving Taunton he officiated as minister at large in Boston. Dr. Bigelow was a scholarly man, and quite influential in his denomination. He published several sermons and addresses, as also a book of " Travels." Rev. Charles H. Brigham followed Dr. Bigelow in 18-14. Like Mr. Pipon, whose ministry he much ad- mired, he was a native of Boston, a graduate of Cam- bridge, and never married. He was also ardently devoted to his parish and parish work. His attach- ment to the people was reciprocated, as the tablet on the church wall opposite Mr. Pipon's in its inscrip tion shows : " In Memoriam. "Kev. Charles Henry Brigham, minister of this church a.d. 1844 to A.D. 18G6. Born in Boston, July 27, 1820. Ordained in Taunton, March 27, 1844. Died in Brooklyn, N. Y., Feb. 19, 1879. A scholar of varied learning, a citizen of wise public spirit, a preacher direct and sincere in speech, he rendered eminent service to letters, education, and religion, while by his sagacity, devotion, frankness, and sympathy he made his people his personal friends. " The zeal of his youth and the energy of his manhood were given to this society, and to honor his memory as a teacher and a man this tablet is placed here a.d. 1881." Mr. Brigham was succeeded by Rev. Fielder Israel, whose pastorate extended from Dec. 23, 1869, to July 21, 1872. He is now settled in Salem, Mass. The next minister was Rev. Eli Fay, who entered upon his work Feb. 26, 1873, and resigned to accept a pastorate in Sheffield, England, in October, 1876. The last pastor was Rev. Frederic Meakin, who commenced his labors in 1878, September 25th, and closed them in September, 1882, for a visit to Europe with his family, where he proposes remaining for some time for rest and study. The parish is at pres- ent without a pastor. The " Church Green," as it is called, is one of the most charming spots in the city. It is the spot se- lected by the first settlers of Taunton for a church site. On this hallowed ground they first began to worship, in a rude edifice, of course, in the begin- ning. When their meeting-house, as they called it> was begun or finished we know not, only this record remains, " In 1647 the calf pasture was sold to Henry Andrews for building the meeting-house." This answered the purpose till May 19, 1729. " This day we began to raise the meeting-house in Taunton," an extract from a paper in the handwriting of John, the father of Brig.-Gen. Godfrey. This was the second Taunton meeting-house, built by Samuel, the son of Richard Williams, with two galleries, accord- ing to the custom of the times. The third was built in 1789, by Mr. Demonds, of Scituate, was a large wooden structure, removed to Spring Street, to make room for the building of the present substantial stone edifice, and was still occupied for church purposes, first by theUniversalist Society, next by what is now the Winslow Church, and then by the Free-Will Baptist Church, until in 1867 it was bought and taken down by Mr. Francis Dean, to enlarge his homestead between Summer and Spring Streets. The Congregational Church in West Taunton — The division of sentiment in the First Parish at the close of Rev. Mr. Judson's ministry in 1790 led to a separation, all the church but three men and one woman leaving the parish, and worshiping apart first in Deacon Isaac Tubb's barn, and afterwards in a meeting-house built in the west part of the town be- yond the Episcopal glebe, and not far from the Oak- land burial-place. This place of worship continued till 1824, when the present meeting-house in West- ville was built in what was considered a more central location. Rev. Mr. Judson supplied the church for a time, followed by temporary supplies from Messrs. Preston, Wines, Farrington, and Ogdon. The last named died, and was buried in the churchyard, his stone bearing the following inscription : " In memory of Mr. Nath. Ogdon, A. B., of Fairfield, N. J., Preacher of the Gospel, who died July 11, 1796, aged 28. He had preached only seven Lord's Days when our high ex- pectations of his future usefulness were suddenly blasted." Rev. Samuel W. Colburn was the first settled min- ister, his ministry extending only from 1809 to the hitter part of 1812. On the 19th of April, 1815, Rev. A Ivan Cobb was ordained and installed his successor, whose pastorate was^a long and most useful one, ex- tending to the period of his death in 1861, April 2, nearly forty-six years. He was contemporary and in- timately associated with Rev. Orin Fowler, of Fall River ; Rev. Sylvester Holmes, of New Bedford ; Rev. Thomas Robbins, D.D., of Mattapoisett ; Rev. Con- stantine Blodgett, D.D., of Pawtucket; Rev. Thomas Shepard, D.D., of Bristol; Rev. Thomas Andros, of Berkley ; Rev. Philip Colby, of North Middlebor- 790 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. ough ; Rev. Erastus Maltby, of Taunton ; and Rev. Enoch Sanford, of Raynham, all of whom but the last have passed away, and most of whom were for many years members of the Taunton Association of Ministers. Mr. Cobb was considered the equal, if not superior of them all in theological learning and accurate Bib- lical scholarship. He had a theological school in his house in West Taunton, and many young men, of whom Eev. Mr. Richmond, his successor in the pas- toral office, was one, received their theological train- ing with him. The great influence of the man, not only in his parish but in other parts of the town and the adjoining country, well illustrated the power of a permanent ministry. Mr. Cobb wrote considerably for the press, and sev- eral of his sermons were printed. From a manuscript historical discourse I learn, "The first Sabbath-school in Bristol County was organized in connection with this church in 1816. Several seasons of unusual re- ligious interest have been enjoyed, — the first in 1815, when seventeen were received to the church. In 1820 there was a still larger accession of thirty. In 1825 the new meeting-house of the society was dedi- cated by a memorable season of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, when the whole parish was reached and nearly sixty brought into the church. Rev. A. Net- tleton was an honored instrument in doing great good at that time. In 1830-31, a fourth precious awaken- ing occurred ; as the fruit of it thirty-six professed religion, and united with the church. In 1838-39 there was a more limited season of refreshing ; twenty- six were added to the church. In 1840 there was a further addition of six." Mr. Cobb was twice married, (1) to Mary Ingraham, of Pawtucket, who died Sept. 13, 1846; (2) to Abiah F. H. Cobb, of Boston, who died March 15, 1875. His only son, Alvan Emmons, is dead, leaving two sons, Zenas and Charles, who live in Attleborough, and are engaged in the jewelry business. On the decease of Rev. Mr. Cobb, in 1861, Rev. Thomas T. Richmond, related through his mother to Rev. Mr. Tobey, long time preacher in Berkley, and who studied theology with Mr. Cobb, succeeded him in the gospel ministry. He was the choice of his predecessor as well as of the people, and the wisdom of their choice is proved by the permanency of the pastoral relation, which continues to the present time. Mr. Richmond's ministerial capacity had been tested in Dartmouth and Medfield, of this State, Newmar- ket, X. H., and other fields of Uibor, and 1882 com- pleted half a century since ordination vows were first assumed, making the West Taunton pastor the oldest in active service in the State. The first wife of Mr. Richmond was Relief, daughter of Mr. Jesse Smith, of Taunton. His present wife a niece of Mrs. Cobb and daughter of Mr. George J. Homer, an eminent merchant of Boston. The Trinitarian Congregational Church, Broad- way. — As the population in the central part of the town increased, and the few who attended the West- ville Church grew weary of the long distance, the proposition for another Congregational Church was favored, and accordingly organized Aug. 17, 1821, con- sisting of twenty-nine members, of whom twenty-five were women. They commenced public worship in the town hall, moved thence to the court-house, where they continued till the spring of 1833, when they took possession of their new meeting-house, standing nearly opposite the present City Hotel, and which was occupied as their place of worship for twenty years, when they removed to the costly stone church on Broadway. Their first pastor was Rev. Chester Isham. He was born in West Hartford, Conn., in 1798, was graduated at Yale College in 1820, and was a classmate and room-mate of Rev. Leonard Bacon, D.D., so long of New Haven. Mr. Isham's settlement in Taunton was Feb. 18, 1824, and he died in Boston, at the house of Dr. B. B. Wisner, of the Old South Church, April 25, 1825, the day after his return from a trip to Cuba, where he spent the winter, hoping to recover his health. Not only Taunton, but New Haven, Boston, and the country generally mourned the loss of a young minister of great promise. As the news reached Taunton, and the bells tolled, there was "great lamentation over him." His very dear friend, Dr. Bacon, preached the funeral sermon, and pre- pared the inscription on the stone which marks the place of his burial on " the Plain." Mr. Isham was succeeded by Rev. Erastus Maltby, who died Wednesday, March 28, 1883, a pastor emer- itus among the people of his first love. Mr. Maltby was born in Northford, Conn., graduated at Yale Col- lege in 1821, pursued his theological course at An- dover, was ordained and installed pastor Jan. 18, 1826. "The whole membership of the church at the time of his settlement," writes the compiler of the Manual of the church in 1881, " was seventy-one, and the congregation was very small. But they were, deter- mined, and wrought and sacrificed vigorously. Giv- ing up from this time all aid from the Home Mission- ary Society, by the divine blessing on the efforts of pastor and people the church grew and the meeting- house filled up. Seventy-four were added the first year, and the next year the house was enlarged to accommodate two hundred more than formerly. From that time progress was assured. Ten years after the installation of Mr. Maltby the house was uncomfortably full, and no pews could be obtained. At this time the question of colonizing came up, and in January, 1837, forty-four members were dis- missed and organized as the Spring Street Church. This was the beginning of the Winslow Church. In 1850, after a revival which added sixty-nine to the church, the house of worship again proved inade- quate, and the corner-stone of the present stone edi- TAUNTON. 791 fice was laid Aug. 19, 1851. The house was finished in the ensuing year, and dedicated Sept. 29, 1852." In 1853 and 1868 members were dismissed to aid in constituting churches in East Taunton and Whit- ten ton. " In 1870," continues the Manual from which we have already quoted, " after forty-five years of ser- vice with the one church of his ministry, Mr. Maltby resigned the active duties of his pastorate. During his long service he had received eight hundred and sixty members into the church, and baptized six hundred and eighty-six persons. By vote of the church the pastoral relation was not formally dis- solved, and he still remained pastor emeritus. " In 1871 the church extended a call to Mr. Stephen M. Newman, a member of the graduating class of Andover Seminary, and he was ordained October 17th. " In 1872 a parsonage was erected on School Street, and in 1877 some important alterations and improve- ments were made in the audience room of the house of worship. "Mr. Newman was dismissed in July, 1878, and removed to Ripon, Wis. " After an interval of nearly two years, Rev. Her- man P. De Forest, of Westborough, Mass., accepted the call of the church and society, and was installed April 11, 1880. "The whole number of admissions to the church during its history is one thousand and twenty-two." The memory of some of the earlier members of the church, who were chosen its deacons, is still very precious, — Jezaniah Sumner, William Reed, Joseph ' Wilbar, Richmond Walker, Francis Richmond, Ben- jamin C. Hatch. The Winslow Church. — The next church distinc- tively Congregational organized in Taunton was named, after the street where it worshiped, the Spring Street Church. Its membership of forty-four, with the exception of two from the West Taunton Church, came entirely from the Trinitarian Congre- gational Church, whose history has just been given. Its organization was in 1837, January 12th. S. Hop- kins Emery, who studied at Amherst and Andover, was ordained and installed its first pastor Nov. 23, 1837, continuing in that relation until called to Bedford, January, 1841. Rev. Lathrop Taylor, a graduate of Middlebury College in 1839, succeeded him May 16, 1843, and resigned in July, 1845. He has been many years a most successful minister of the gospel in Illi- nois. The first pastor of the church was recalled and reinstalled Jan. 6, 1847, remaining pastor until the latter part of 1855, when he left to take the pastorate of the First Congregational Church in Quincy, 111., where he remained fourteen years, preaching after- ward for limited periods in Chicago, Providence, Bridgeport, Conn., and North Middleborough, Mass. He was called to Taunton for the third time, and is now serving as secretary and superintendent of the Associated Charities of Taunton. The Spring Street Church on leaving its first place of worship in 1853, March 23d, lor its new sanctuary, dropped its first name, and, in memory of Governor Edward Winslow, who in 1621 journeyed through the place, became the Winslow Church. Rev. Mortimer Blake, then the minister of Mansfield, was called to this church in 1855, and has remained its pastor twenty-seven years, with the manifest approval of heaven upon his labors. Dr. Blake, born in Pittston, Me., but early removed to Franklin, Mass., graduated from Amherst College in 1835, and studied theology with Rev. E. Smalley, D.D., of Franklin, afterward of Worcester and Troy, N. Y. He was first installed in Mansfield Dec. 4, 1839, and over the Winslow Church Dec. 4, 1855. The membership, at first but forty-four, has since increased to four hundred and ninety-four, of whom more than half have died or removed, leaving now two hundred and ten members. The church build- ing was enlarged in 1872 to accommodate its growing congregation, and was repaired aud modernized within in 1882. It has been from the beginning a strong and united body, ready for every good word and work. There are names in its early history which should never be forgotten, — Roswell Ballard, John, William, and Hodges Reed, Philander W. Dean, and their wives, with others of precious memory. The present deacons of the church are Edgar H. Reed and An- drew S. Briggs. The Congregational Church 1 (Trinitarian), East Taunton. — This was the next church of this order in Taunton. Organized with thirteen members the 16th of June, 1853, it has been served by pastors as follows : Rev. N. Richardson, who commenced labor in a school-house in the month of April prior to the or- ganization. He continued with the church only one year, preaching in a chapel built by the Old Colony Iron Company. He was followed by Rev. James R. Cushing, who began his ministry May 7, 1854, and closed it in 1861. A church edifice was built and dedicated early in his ministry, which', with some alterations, is still in use. From 1861 to 1863 the pulpit was supplied, princi- pally by Rev. Mr. Harding, of Boston, without be- coming a resident pastor. Rev. G. G. Perkins commenced his ministry May 5, 1863, and closed it in May, 1866, removing to the West. Rev. Frederic A. Reed, a native of Taunton, after supplying the pulpit three months, became pastor Nov. 1, 1866, and so continued till June, 1876. lie was followed by Rev. H. P. Leonard, who began his ministry in September, 1876, and closed it Aug. 31, 1879. Rev. William H. Wolcott, the present pastor, entered upon his labors with the church Feb. 1, 1880. i For the facts in this notice I am indebted to Kev. W. H. Wolcott, present pastor. 792 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. The present membership of the church is seventy- six. In June, 1861, E. W. Cain and Cyrus Caswell were chosen deacons, Deacon Cain having served in that capacity from the beginning without formal appoint- ment. Deacon Caswell died Feb. 11, 1875. D. C. Wentworth was chosen to that office March 7, 1875. The Union Congregational (Trinitarian) Church 1 in Taunton was organized in the year 1868. For many years efforts had been made to sustain public worship in Whittenton and vicinity, the Baptist and Methodist denominations having occupied the ground at different times. At a meeting held Nov. 14, 1867, the Union Society of Whittenton was formed for the maintenance of public worship, and a constitution was adopted. At a meeting of this society held Dec. 25, 1867, it was voted to invite Rev. Isaac Dunham, of Westport, Mass., to preach the gospel here. Mr. Dunham accepted the invitation, and commenced his labors early the following year, and steps were at once taken towards the regular formation of a Church of Christ. At a meeting held March 16, 1868, at the house of Charles L. Lovering, Rev. Isaac Dunham, chairman, and C. L. Lovering, scribe, on motion of Barnes L. Burbank, it was voted to adopt a confession of faith and covenant which had been drawn up by the Rev. Mr. Dunham. The substance of this confession and covenant is the same as that usually adopted by churches of the same faith. It was then voted to send invitations to the Trinitarian Congregational, Winslow, and West (Taunton) Churches, to the church in Assonet, and to the Second Congregational Church in Dorchester, and also to the Rev. Henry B. Hooker, D.D., of Boston, to assemble in council here at some appointed date to give advice, and to take action, if expedient, in the matter of the formation of a church. It was also voted that a committee, consisting of Rev. I. Dunham, B. L. Burbank, and N. N. Gleason, be appointed to issue the letters missive, and to make other necessary arrangements for the' formation of a church. The council called by these letters missive was convened at Whittenton, Thursday, April 2, 1868, and consisted of the individual and the pastors and delegates of the churches already indicated. Rev. E. Maltby was chosen moderator of the council, and Rev. F. H. Boynton scribe. The usual steps being taken, the persons desirous to constitute a new church, twenty-four in number, bringing letters from other churches, were consti- tuted an Evangelical Christian Church. The fellowship of the churches was extended to this new church by Rev. M. Blake, D.D. Prayer was oifered by Rev. Dr. Hooker, and Rev. T. T. 1 The present pastor, Rev. E. N. Porneroy, has kindly furnished the history of this church. Richmond gave the charge. On the same day an evening service was held, and a sermon preached by Rev. E. Maltby. At a meeting of the church held April 17, 1868, B. L. Burbank was chosen deacon ; Rev. I. Dunham, clerk; and Messrs. Dunham, Burbank, and Lovering were chosen to prepare by-laws and make regulations for the government of the church, which by-laws and regulations were duly prepared and accepted. Rev. Isaac Dunham resigned his office as acting pastor of the church Jan. 6, 1873, and Rev. H. Morton Dexter was called to the pastorate, his ordination and installation taking place April 30, 1873. At the same time also the new and beautiful house of wor- ship, at the corner of Britannia and Rockland Streets, was dedicated with appropriate services. The affairs of the church, temporally and spirit- ually, have been prosperous from the first. At one time twenty-four persons were added, at another time twenty-five, and on another occasion forty-seven. This increase was almost wholly " on confession." Rev. Mr. Dexter resigned his office November 10th, and was dismissed by council Nov. 25, 1878. Rev. John W. Ballantine was ordained to the min- istry, and installed pastor of this church March 18, 1879, and was dismissed Nov. 8, 1881. Rev. Edward N. Porneroy was invited to serve the church as acting pastor for six months, commencing Jan. 1, 1882, at the expiration of which time he ac- cepted an invitation to the pastorate, and was in- stalled Oct. 18, 1882. William Holmes was elected deacon Nov. 26, 1873, and Elijah Tolman, Nov. 23, 1876. The clerks of the church have been Rev. Isaac Dunham, Rev. Morton Dexter, Rev. John W. Ballantine, and Frank L. Fish. Samuel W. Grimes has been the clerk of the society. Charles L. Lovering has been the superintendent of the Sunday-school. ' The whole number of names upon the church rolls is (Jan. 1, 1883) two hundred and thirty-seven. The actual membership is one hundred and eighty- five. The membership of the Sunday-school is two hundred and twenty-five. The number of families connected with the congregation is one hundred and fifty. We have alluded to the separate meetings set up in the new towns set off from Taunton in 1711, 1712, 1725, 1731, 1735, and 1736, but these were all of the Congregational order. Other forms of polity and faith found favor with the people in due time, and in different parts of Taunton other denominations of Christians became known. Some of these have dis- appeared and their history is all in the past. Early as 1720, Rev. Mr. Danforth, in a letter to Cotton Mather and other Boston ministers, alludes to a meet- ing distinct from his own " in a corner" of his parish. This was a meeting of a Society of Friends, which has not existed for many years. The Sandemanians TAUNTON. 793 had a meeting in 1785, of whom Mr. Daniel Brewer was a leading member. This has long ceased to exist. A Six-Principle Baptist Church was organized in 1789, holding their meetings first in North Rehoboth, and afterwards in West Taunton, to which Rev. Joseph us W. Horton preached a considerable length of time. But this church and their meetings have come to an end. So also in the present century the Christian Bap- tists built a church and worshiped many years on Trescott Street, but the organization no longer ex- ists, although their place of worship remains the property of Mr. O. S. Wilbur. The Free- Will Baptists for some years struggled to sustain a meeting in their new church at the corner of Weir Street and Somerset Avenue, but relin- quished the field to the Methodists. The St. Thomas' Protestant Episcopal Church. — Fortunately the foundation laid in about 1700 by Capt. Thomas Coram for a Protestant Episcopal Church was for many generations. Coram had a ship-yard in South Dighton. Things did not go to suit him in this new land, and he returned to the mother-country, founding in 1739 in the city of Lon- don a hospital " fpr the maintenance and education of exposed and deserted young children." Nor did he forget New England. Before he left it he " em- ployed Mr. Attorney-General Newton, of Boston, to prepare amply strong and in due form" a deed making over certain lands to the inhabitants of Taun- ton should they ever become " sufficiently civilized to want a Church of England built among them." That time came at length, and even in Coram's lifetime, and he forwarded to the church from England a library gathered from various sources, a portion of which is still preserved, including a "Book of Com- mon Prayer, given by the Right Honorable Arthur Onslow, Esq., Speaker of the Hon. House of Com- mons." The original church building of this parish was on the glebe, in Oakland, West Taunton. It is remem- bered to have been there till 1815, when it was blown down in the September gale of that year and never rebuilt. The sacred inclosure, where He the buried dead, marks the spot which should be held dear by the flourishing St. Thomas' Church, who now worship in a costly stone edifice elsewhere. The glebe was conveyed to the wardens of the church and their as- sociates by deed bearing date March 19, 1743. It was purchased by subscription " for the sole benefit and profit of the Rector, for the time being, of St. Thomas, standing near Three-Mile River, in Taun- ton." The subscribers to the glebe were twenty-six, to the amount of £528 10s. Thomas Cobb was the largest donor, his subscription amounting to £120. Rev. John Lyon was the " first resident minister." There were occasional supplies, of whom Rev. John Graves is mentioned. Mr. Lyon's first recorded bap- tism was in 1765, but he may have begun labor earlier. The people paid him his salary " to his good acceptance" we are told, an example of prompt- ness which was needed in those times. The record of this ministry as given by Rev. Mr. Bent, in a historical discourse, reads well, — " A most estimable man and exemplary minister of Christ." He was mindful of the good morals of the community, distributing copies of a tract, entitled " Admonition to the Drinkers of Spirituous Liquors." He left some time before the Revolution and went South, where he died. His successor was Rev. AVilliam W. Wheeler, whose first recorded baptism was in 1786. He preached in other towns as well as Taunton, — " an estimable man and an intelligent divine," but crippled in his ministry by political causes, and at length removed to Scituate, where he preached, and died in 1810. The St. Thomas Parish had no resident rector from 1798 to 1829, when Rev. John West, a na- tive of Boston and a graduate of Cambridge in 1813, commenced labor with good success. His successors have been Rev. Messrs. Henry Blackaller, Samuel Hazzard, Edmund Neville, N. T. Bent, Theodore W. Snow, Edward Anthon, Edmund Neville, once more, Thomas H. Vaill, Robert C. Rogers, and the present rector, Charles H. Learoyd, who entered upon his rectorship April 1, 1872. One member, and the last of the committee, ap- pointed in 1828 " to inquire into the expediency of establishing Episcopal worship in this town," has just passed away (Feb. 10, 1883), the Hon. Samuel L. Crocker. He and his brother William were largely instrumental in the reviving of the Epis- copal Church, which had slumbered since the pres- ent century came in, and it was through their influ- ence a church building was erected, at a cost of seven thousand five hundred dollars, and conse- crated in June, 1829. " Marcus Morton and Fran- cis Baylies were wardens of the parish," writes Rev. Mr. Learoyd in his " parochial history, embodied in a sermon preached the Sunday after Christmas, Dec. 28, 1879," and quoting from an earlier historical ser- mon by Rev. Mr. Bent, " then rector, delivered on Easter day, 1844." It was during Mr. Snow's rectorship that, at the suggestion of Mr. Edmund Baylies, who promised one thousand dollars, a rectory was built on Harri- son Street; also more than thirty thousand dollars were subscribed toward a new church, which was not completed, however, till March 3, 1859, when its consecration took place during the rectorship of Rev. Mr. Vaill. When Dr. Vaill was called to the office of a bishop elsewhere, he records as the result of his ministry of five years and nine months in Taunton, the baptism of one hundred and forty-six infants, thirty adults, and the confirmation of one hundred and seventeen. The number of communicants on the register were two hundred and seventy-five. In 1871, Christmas eve, a chapel and annex of the 794 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. church, which had been built at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars, was opened with appropriate ser- vices. In 1873, during the rectorship of Rev. Mr. Learoyd, the church, which had been renovated and decorated at an expense of eleven thousand five hun- dred dollars, was reopened, the bishop of the diocese, with many of the clergy, being present. The St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church — " As early as 1863," writes Rev. Mr. Learoyd, " church services began to be maintained at Hopewell by a lay reader, and a Sunday-school was gathered of about fifty. This movement resulted in the formation of the parish of St. John's, and in building the fine church it now occupies. The money for that pur- pose, about twenty-five thousand dollars, was contri- buted within this city with the exception of about three thousand dollars." For the following facts I am indebted to Mr. Henry M. Lovering: The parish was organized December, 1866. Rev. George D. Miles was elected first rector January, 1867. The corner-stone of the church was laid by Bishop Vaill Monday, Nov. 9, 1868, and it was consecrated June 19, 1873. Rev. Mr. Miles resigned July, 1873. Rev. Louis De Cormis was rector from July, 1873, to June, 1875. Rev. Edward H. True was rector from July, 1875, to Feb. 19, 1877. Rev. S. S. Spear was rector from July, 1877, to July, 1881 . Rev. Francis Mansfield, the pres- ent rector, commenced his labors April 2, 1882. The parish occupies a growing part of the city, and has great promise of usefulness. The Free-Will Baptist Church, North Taunton. — For the notice of this church I am largely indebted to the faithful researches of Rev. Mr. Tozer, the pres- ent pastor. There were a few Baptists in that part of Taunton as early as 1747, according to the statement of Backus in his history of that denomination. Mr. Jeremiah Bassett obtained permission from the church in the northeastern part of Rehoboth, to which Elder Rich- ard Round ministered, " to hold worship on the Lord's day in his own house." This house was situated about thirty rods east of the junction of Bay and Field Streets, on the latter street. Here, therefore, the first stated preaching of the gospel in North Taun- ton was established, and the few believers of the place were, as in primitive times, a " church in his house." This Mr. Bassett was a son of Joseph, the son of Wil- liam Bassett, who came over in the brig " Fortune" soon after the first landing of the pilgrims. Jeremiah had a son bearing the same name, who became influ- ential in the church and occasionally preached. The descendants are numerous in this region. The little company to whom Mr. Bassett ministered were so prospered that in 1767 they built a meeting- house on the corner of what are now Bay and Field Streets, which remained until 1837, when it was re- moved to the Weir, and became a warehouse, at pres- ent occupied by the Messrs. Church. In 1769, the proposition came from the Baptists of Norton, who had no meeting-house and had assembled in private houses for their meetings ever since they left Rev. Mr. Avery's church, as Separatists or New Lights, in 1747, to unite and form one society. The proposition pleased the Baptists of Taunton. Hence the union took place and they agreed in calling to the pastoral work, the care and oversight of the church, Rev. William Nelson, who married the daughter of Rev. Isaac Backus, pastor of a church in that part of Mid- dleborough called Titicut, who had often preached in Norton and Taunton, and was influential with the people. Mr. Nelson was one of three brothers, all preachers. He was a graduate of what is now Brown University, a man of good learning and excellent Christian character. He was ordained by council Nov. 12, 1772, his father-in-law, Mr. Backus, giving the charge, and Elder Ebenezer Hinds preaching the sermon. His pastorate continued more than thirteen years, and was much blessed. Discipline was faith- fully administered, and great care taken to preserve the purity of the church. Two deacons were chosen in Mr. Nelson's time, Ebenezer Burt and Joel Briggs, the last of whom afterward became pastor of a church in Braintree. The health of Rev. William Nelson failing in 1785, his brother Ebenezer was called to the pastorate, but he was not installed till 1790, when Elder Backus was again present with other ministers, and acted as moderator. This pastorate continued to March 10, 1795, and, like that of his brother, proved one of profit to the people. But for some years afterwards the church was in a low state and was without stated preaching. In 1805 two deacons were chosen, Timothy Briggs and Noah Clapp. About this time Rev. Zephaniah S. Crossman was among them, who, after preaching with a good deal of zeal and apparent success, drew oiF more than forty of the members to a separate meeting, which was con- tinued two years. And now again there was no stated preaching nor settled ministry for some years, but oc- casional supplies, among whom Rev. Silas Hall and Dr. Shubael Lovell are mentioned. It was through the last named, as acting pastor, the request of seven members was presented, in May, 1819, to be dismissed to form a part of a new church at the centre of Taun- ton. These were William Stall, Elias Parry, A.bia- thar Phillips, Mary Johnson, Rhoda Godfrey, Nancy Stall, Mary Hall. In 1822 an element which had been at work many years took an organized form, and was known as the Free-Will Baptists, occupying the meeting-house al- ternate Sabbaths with the Calvinist branch, which in 1835 removed to Norton and built a church, under the leadership of. Rev. Henry C. Coombs. The pastor of the portion which remained in Taunton was Rev. Reuben Allen, who was succeeded in 1832 by Rev. James F. Mowry, remaining six years. He was TAUNTON. 795 followed April 7, 1838, by Elder Folsoni, remaining till 1840. Then came Elder Thomas Brown in 1841, continuing till 184.3, highly esteemed by the people. Rev. T. H. Bachelder was his successor, remaining nine years, and was much beloved. He closed his labors in April, 1855. Rev. S. D. Church was the next pastor, remaining six years, and meeting with good success. He resigned in 1861, followed by Rev. George G. Hill, who remained till 1866. Rev. George W. Richardson was pastor from 1868 to 1873. Rev. J. N. Rich and Rev. George H. Chappell followed, the former for two, and the latter for one year. May 13, 1876, Rev. S. D. Church returned to the church, remaining till 1881, when the pastorate was assumed by Rev. R. H. Tozer, who still remains, and has fur- nished the writer with many of the preceding facts. The Calvinist Baptist Church, Winthrop Street. — This church at its organization, June 16, 1819, was called the "Second Baptist Church in Taunton," recognizing the existence of the earlier church in North Taunton, whose history has just been given. Seven of its original sixteen members came from that church. Previous to this time meet- ings had been held with the occasional help of min- isters from abroad, of whom Elders William Barton, William Bentley, Shubael Lovell are particularly mentioned. The lay brethren who encouraged their coming were William Stall, James Olney, Elias Parry, Thomas C. Brown, Abiathar Phillips, and Abiathar Hall. The meetings were held " iu private dwell- ings, school-houses, and sometimes in the town hall." They resulted in the calling of a council for the re- cognition of the church as above stated, of which Rev. Dr. Stephen Gano, of Providence, was modera- tor, and Rev. David Benedict, of Pawtucket, was scribe. The church leased and occupied Armory Hall for most of the time till their first house of wor- ship was built on High Street, near the corner of Weir Street, in 1824. " Prayer and conference meet- ings were maintained, and occasional preaching as ministering brethren came along." It was not till 1825 a stated supply was enjoyed, — the ministrations of Caleb Benson, a licensed preacher. The first pas- tor was Rev. Silas Hall. The date of his acceptance, Nov. 21, 1826. The date of his dismission, March 10, 1830. There was a net increase of eighteen during his ministry. There had been seasons of spiritual refreshing in 1822 and 1826. Rev. Benjamin C. Graf- ton, the second pastor, received his call June 7, 1831, and remained until May 26, 1834. Eleven members were added during his ministry, and the church re- moved from High Street to a new and " more com- modious edifice, sixty-five by forty-four feet, on Mar- ket, now Winthrop Street. This meeting-house was dedicated Oct. 10, 1832, and for the following thirty- three years was the Sabbath home of the church and congregation and the spiritual birthplace of many souls." The third pastor was Rev. William G. Trask. He was called to this office June 30, 1834, and ordained August 27th of the same year. "The settlement of this devoted young minister," remarks Rev. Andrew Pollard, D.D., in a "historical sketch" of the church from which 1 have already quoted, "opened a new era in the history of the church. His hearty conse- cration to his work, bis meek and gentle spirit, his sound discretion, and his earnest labors for the spir- itual welfare of his people won their love and confi- dence. And though his earthly labors were limited to the short period of two years, his influence was eminently favorable to religious prosperity, and his memory is still fragrant and blessed. There were added to the church under his ministry thirty-seven members." Rev. Henry Clark, the fourth pastor, was installed Dec. 29, 1836, and continued his official labors till June 30, 1839. During this pastorate forty-eight were added to the church. Rev. John F. Burbank, the fifth pastor, remained less than a year in 1841. The sixth pastor, Rev. James F. Wilcox, was in- stalled Dec. 21, 1842, continuing in that relation till Nov. 27, 1848, nearly six years. In 1845 the parson- age on Winthrop Street, nearly opposite the church, was provided, largely through the liberal contribu- tion of Mr. Albert Field, and in 1847 the meeting- house was enlarged and otherwise improved. The seventh pastor, Rev. Andrew Pollard, D.D., was installed Oct. 24, 1849. During the first year of his pastorate fifty-four were added to the membership. In 1858 there was a powerful work of grace, which greatly quickened and strengthened the church. More than one hundred were added to its number. The large increase in 1862 suggested the need of a new church building, which was begun that year, and was dedicated Oct. 10, 1865, just thirty-three years from the dedication of the old house. It was built of brick and freestone, in the early English style of architecture, one hundred and fifteen feet long by sixty-four wide, of fine proportions, beautiful finish, a credit to the denomination and an ornament to the city. In 1866, sixteen years after his settlement, Dr. Pollard reported two hundred and eighty-four addi- tions to the church as the fruit of his ministry, with a present membership of three hundred and sixteen. The deacons of his church were Ebenezer Staples, Edward Wilcox, Calvin Woodward, Anson J. Barker, Lemuel L. White. Dr. Pollard's was a long and useful pastorate of more than twenty-two years. His connection with the church and society closed Dec. 31, 1871. He re- signed to accept a call to the Fourth Street Baptist Church, South Boston, where he remained until he entered upon a secretaryship in denominational work, for which he was eminently fitted by his exact method and unusual executive ability, a position which he still fills. He was succeeded in Taunton by Rev. Joseph C. 796 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Wightman, the eighth pastor, April 1, 1873, a man of fine scholarship and eminent pulpit talents, who served the people faithfully and well until Aug. 6, 1882, when he was invited to relinquish the pastoral office for a public trust, that of preparing a new ver- sion of the Scriptures, for which, of all other men in the denomination, he was regarded best qualified. But other service awaited him. He had a call to go \ up higher. While his family were on their way to j Europe, and before he had entered on his work in | New York, the news reached Taunton that Rev. Mr. Wightman had breathed his last at Tiverton. It was a sorrowful assembly which filled the Winthrop Street Baptist Church, one summer day in August, 1882, when one minister after another bore testimony to the worth of the departed, and with " much lamen- tation devout men took him up and buried him." In December, 1882, the church and people with great unanimity called to the pastorate Rev. Joseph Kennard Wilson, of New London, Conn., who has entered on his work with great promise of success. The Tlniversalist Church, corner of Spring and High Streets. — Rev. Mr. Quinby, in a historical sermon in 1851, expresses the opinion that the way was prepared for such a church by the preaching of " the venerable Murray" some sixty years before, and Rev. John Foster, a minister in Taunton at the be- ginning of the century, is credited with those views. The religious society was incorporated, with Charles Foster and twenty-one others as subscribers, in Feb- ruary, 1825. Their first settled minister was Rev. John B. Dods, who remained with them from 1831 to 1835. He organized a church of thirty members in 1832. Dr. Alfred Baylies, a leading physician of Taunton, was a prominent member of the society, serving as its clerk. They worshiped in the old meet- ing-house of the town ; removed from the " Church Green" in 1831 to a spot on Spring Street. After the resignation of Mr. Dods, in 1835, preaching services were suspended until 1839, when the society was re- organized with many new members, and Rev. William Fishbough was called to the pastorate. Religious services were held in halls hired for the purpose, when in 1842 the parish built, on the corner of Spring and High Streets, a church which they occu- pied for nearly forty years. On the removal of Rev. Mr. Fishbough in 1844, Bev. W. B. S. Mellen entered on a brief pastorate. He was followed by Rev. George W. Quinby, of Saco, Me., who remained from Octo- ber, 1846, to November, 1851. He was called to Cin- cinnati, Ohio, but afterwards returned to his native State, and is conducting a denominational paper in Augusta, Me., influential in that part of New Eng- land. Bev. J. S. Brown was his successor in Taun- ton, who died in the pastoral office, abounding in labors which endeared him to the people. He was followed by Bev. Messrs. James E. Bruce, U. M. Fiske, and Charles Mellen, the last named, like his predecessor, Brown, dying in his Taunton pastorate, to the great grief of the church, and his grave is in Mount Fleasant Cemetery. He was followed by Bev. Messrs. Everett L. Conger and Bussell P. Ambler. It was during Mr. Ambler's ministry that the church edifice of 1842 was taken down and on the same spot a new building erected, attractive and pleasant. Mr. Ambler is now in Medford. with the church of which he was formerly pastor, and the Taunton people are united in Bev. Alpheus B. Hervey, who came hither from Troy, N. Y., in September, 1879. The First Methodist Episcopal Church, Taunton. — This church was organized in that part of Taunton called the Weir in 1830, and has been served in ac- cordance with the system of itinerancy by many min- isters. Their names, as I have learned them, are Bev. Messrs. S. W. Coggshall, E. B. Bradford, Lewis Bates, J. D. Butler, D. Webb, J. Parkinson, William Livesey, J. M. Worcester, Paul Townsend, S. C. Brown, George M. Carpenter, Sanford Benton, Henry Baylies, Charles Nason, J. T. Benton, N. P. Philbrook, J. D. King, Charles H. Titus, L. B. Bates, Charles Young, Angelo Canoll, E. McChesney, H. A. Cleveland, and C. W. Gallagher, the present incumbent. This church, for more than half a century, has lived and wrought a good work under the leadership of these twenty-four pastors and teachers in that part of the city called the Weir. Other denominations of Christians in their vicinity have co-operated with them in a friendly spirit, and a strong, vigorous church has been built up, one of the largest and most influential in the denomination. Its present office- bearers are William H. Merrill, Henry F. Cobb, Jacob Burt, Lemuel T. Talbot, Samuel Miller, George W. Barrows, Abel W. Parker, William N. Parker, Charles H. Lincoln, Luther B. West, William E. Walker, Zenas Knapp, Abram Simmons, Job C. Chace, Bich- ard L. Hewitt, John P. Crane. The Central Methodist Episcopal Church, Co- hannet Street, organized in 1853. Its ministers have been Bev. Messrs. William H. Stetson, C. H. Titus, A. C. Atwater, S. F. Upham, J. A. M. Chapman, J. Mather, J. Howson, E. H. Hatfield, F. Upham, J. W. Willett, H. D. Bobinson, A. Anderson, A. P. Palmer, 0. H. Fernald, J. E. Hawkins, and Edward Edson, the present incumbent. This church was demanded by communicants who could not visit the Weir, and finds in the dense popu- lation around it an important field for useful labor. Its present office-bearers are J. G. Luscomb, William Hutchinson, Ezra Hamlen, J. H. Codding, E. H. El- dridge, J. W. Thayer, Otis L. Baker, J. F. Park, A. S. Bound, James Hailley, G. H. Thayer, L. E. Dick- erman, G. H. Park, Thomas Lawrence, John Law- rence, George E. Dunbar, W. H. Waitt, F. H. Miett, Leonard Luce, S. O. Sherman. The Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, corner of "Weir Street and Somerset Avenue, organized in 1874. Its ministers have been Bev. Messrs.. William T. Worth, Samuel J. Carroll, and Edwin D. Hall, the TAUNTON. 797 present incumbent. With active and efficient work this church has grown and prospered, recently paying off a large indebtedness, and with better promise of permanency than ever before. Its present office-bear- ers are Israel Allen, Asa N. Dyer, John L. Merigold, Edward F. Anthony, Joshua Parsons, H. M. H. Tay- lor, Jonathan J. Stanley, William H. Field, William H. Phillips, J. F. Montgomery, Peleg B. Hart, Addi- son Taylor, Samuel G. Hicks, Ira W. Maxham, Sam- uel T. Turpin, Henry L. Babbitt. Its brick church building was first occupied by a Free Baptist Church, which has ceased to exist as a separate organization. Its pastor, Rev. Mr. McKeown, served it faithfully for several years. The Advent Christian Church. — It is but recently this church has been organized (in 1880), and its only resident minister has been Rev. A. W. Sibley, who is now preaching elsewhere. Their Sabbath and week- day services are held in Cedar Street Chapel, and their supplies of preaching are from abroad. The Roman Catholic Church.— The parishes of this church in Taunton belong, as do some others in Massachusetts, to the diocese of Providence, of which the Right Rev. Thomas Francis Hendricken, D.D., is bishop. The first occasion of divine service according to the ritual of the Catholic Church of which we hear in Taunton was that at which the Rev. Father Woodley officiated in 1827. There was, however, no perma- nent pastor until some time in 1830, when the Rev. John Curry celebrated mass in a private house, and about fifteen heads of families, mostly of persons em- ployed in the Taunton Print- Works, assisted. After this service a subscription was begun looking towards the purchase of ground and the erection of a church. So well did the collections succeed that before the close of 1831 a lot near the intersection of Washington Street and Broadway, adequate for a church and burial-place, had been bought, and the old St. Mary's was erected thereon during the same winter. In about three years Father Curry found it necessary to en- large the church, and an addition was made which brought it out flush with the sidewalk. No subsequent event of special importance appears to have occurred in the parish until after the arrival of the Rev. Dr. Wilson in 1846, except the ever- recurring one of accessions from abroad, notably from Ireland, which, if appropriately termed the " Niobe of Nations" at home, it may with equal propriety be said has reason to moderate her grief in view of the good fortune which attends her children in other lands. "Sunny France" did not furnish her contin- gent of those who adhered to the ancient faith till later on, and then through the overflow of her more im- mediate colonization point, Lower Canada. The Por- tuguese and other nationalities have also from time to time found homes and employment here, as our grow- ing manufacturing enterprises demanded skilled labor from similar establishments in Europe. At the pres- ent time it may be observed that the Catholics of Taunton are creditably represented not only in the mechanical and manufacturing employments, but in mercantile and professional pursuits as well. During the intermediate period St. Mary's was sup- plied by the Rev. Fathers Wylie, Ryan, and O'Byrne. An auecdote has come down to us from Father Ryan's day which is worth preserving. During his pastorate some young men of the parish called on the late Dr. Fenwick, , Bishop of Boston, to which diocese St. Mary's then belonged, for the purpose of asking a change of pastors, on the score that although Father Ryan was a worthy priest he was not a pulpit orator. The bishop heard their request, and not seeing ade- quate reason for granting it, bade the young gentle- men return home and attend to their own spiritual duties like good boys. The wisdom of this decision was shown a few months later, when the bishop found a parish in greater need of such a shepherd, in the reluctance with which the people of St. Mary's parted with their spiritual director. In consideration of the increasing numerical strength of the parish, Dr. Wilson determined in 1849 on the erection of a brick church, having purchased the lot on the opposite side of Washington Street for that purpose; but the walls when built were deemed in- secure, and the materials were consequently used in the construction of the present St. Mary's, standing on the same site, the erection of which was begun about June, 1854, during the succeeding pastorate of the Rev. Daniel Hearne. Father Hearne devoted himself very zealously to the undertaking, but did not live to finish his pious work. After seeing the edifice inclosed he was finally laid to rest beside its front en- trance (his body having been temporarily deposited in Mayflower Hill Cemetery), deeply regretted by the people he had served. There was still much to be done, not only to com- plete the church — floors, altars, stained-glass win- dows, pews, etc. — but also to reduce a double debt arising out of the erection of two structures, all of which devolved on the succeeding pastor, the Rev. Thomas H. Shahan, who arrived some time in 1864. This legacy of debt and responsibility was resolutely met by the formation of a Church Debt Society, pledged to monthly contributions, and by holding a church fair, to which generous contributions were made by Christians of other names. 1 The church as it now stands, built of bluestone in the Gothic style of architecture, compares favorably with any similar edifice in New England. Although the immediate objects were accomplished, the parish was so weakened by the then general busi- ness depression that Father Shahan did not attempt to carry out a project which he had very much at heart, — the establishment of a parish school ; and i This last remark holds gooil with regard to a fair held for a similar purpose in the succeeding pastorate. 798 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. having been called to Boston in 1871, the Rev. Ed- ward J. Sheridan, the present pastor, was sent to fill the vacancy. A vigorous effort is now being made in the parish towards the attainment of the latter object, the school to be placed under the charge of one of the religious orders which have proved so effi- cient elsewhere, not only in imparting secular knowl- edge, but in so cultivating the moral and religious nature of their pupils as to exert a permanent influ- ence for good on their lives and conduct. During the pastorate of Father Hearae his mission, besides Taunton proper, included East Taunton, Mid- dleborough, Norton, Westville, North and South Dighton. During Father Shahan's, Middleborough and Norton were separated from the Taunton parish, and during Father Sheridan's, Weir Village, East Taunton, and Dighton have also been detached, the Rev. Hugh J. Smyth having v been appointed the first pastor, succeeded by the Rev. James K. Beaven, the present incumbent, and a school-house having been adapted to the purpose of a church for the con- gregation. Recently the Rev. James Roach has been performing mission duty among the French and other residents in Whittenton, with the ultimate intention of erecting a church, but at the present writing no territorial boundaries have been assigned him. Father Wilson was assisted by Father Elwards ; Father Hearne by Fathers McPhillips and J. Tracy; Father Shahan by Fathers Foley, F. A. Quinn, M. J. Burns, Hugh J. Smyth, Hugh Smith, and Bruton ; Father Sheridan by Fathers William D. Kelly, James Smith, Thomas Grace, William Hines, James A. Ward, James Fogarty, William Pyne, and Martin F. Kelly. The two last-named gentlemen are still connected with the parish. Father Beaven is at present assisted by the Rev. Michael F. Cassidy. During Father Hearne's pastorate the Young Cath- olics' Friend Society was formed ; during Father Shahan's, St. Mary's Benevolent Society, a Young Men's Lyceum, and a temperance society ; and during the present pastorate a Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was organized. The present Catholic population of Taunton is es- timated at six thousand souls. For the preceding full account of the Roman Catholic Church, I am in- debted to a kind friend in that communion. The Oakland Union and Arlington Street So- ciety and Sabbath-School.— Beside the regularly organized churches in the city, there are union meet- ings sustained, as at Oakland and Arlington Street Chapel. There was once a Six-Principle Baptist Church in that part of Taunton called Oakland, or- ganized in Rehoboth in 1789, but removed to Taun- ton on the death of Elder Round, in 1824, and wor- shiped in a school-house. In 1840, Rev. Josephus W. Horton became their minister, and a small meet- ing-house was built. Mr. Chesbrough, connected with the Oakland Mill, was instrumental also in building a small chapel where Episcopal services were held. Both these meetings in time were dis- continued, and in 1874 what was called the Oakland Union was organized, uniting most of the Christian elements, and sustaining with a good measure of suc- cess a Sabbath-school and a regular Sabbath preach- ing service by the different ministers of the city. The officers of the union the present year are, George T. Bullock, president; L. L. Short, vice-president; J. Gegenheimer, secretary; John Willis, treasurer; Jo- seph S. Tidd, Alfred Stall, Oliver H. Crossman, S. L. Reed, E. 0. Wilmarth, Lorenzo Bushee, Alfred Wil- marth, executive committee; Allen Burt, trustee for three years. The Arlington Street organization is on the same union principle. They sustain a Sabbath-school, but no preaching service on the Sabbath, only on Wednes- day evening. Their recently-elected board of offi- cers are, J. A. Matthews Wilbur, president; George H. Fairbanks, vice-president; George Chace, clerk; Edwin M. Hills, treasurer ; Frank G. Lindsey, col- lector; William Carsley, Edwin Leonard, William McKendrick, executive committee; Charles L. Lov- ering, Seth C. French, Dr. J. S. Andrews, Dr. N. M. Ransom, Jeremy B. Dennett, trustees. The chapel was built in the summer of 1876, and first occupied August 13th of that year. The officers of the Sabbath-school are, Edwin M. Hills, superintendent; Thomas W. Sherman, assist- ant superintendent ; Mrs. Emma Leonard, secretary; George H. Fairbanks, treasurer; George Williams, librarian; William Williams, assistant librarian-; Miss Clara Wilbur, organist ; Miss Gertrude Sher- man, assistant organist ; Mrs. A. F. Hersey, Mrs. H. C. Kennicutt, Miss Maria D. Hills, William Cars- ley, Edwin Leonard, executive committee of the school. The Taunton Union Mission and the Associated Charities — Cedar Street Chapel. — This mission, which included no church organization but repre- sented all the churches, was organized in March, 1861, and began to occupy its chapel, built by Mr. Joseph Dean, in 1867. It has been served by Rev. Messrs. Joshua A. Stetson, Reuben H. Cobb, George M. Hamlen, and S. Hopkins Emery. In 1881 the mission carried on its work under a new name, — The Associated Charities of Taunton, — and in January, 1883, it received a charter of incorporation from the commonwealth, with the following , list of officers: President, Samuel L. Crocker; 1 Vice-Presidents, Mortimer Blake, Joseph Dean ; Secretary and Super- intendent, S. Hopkins Emery ; Treasurer, Orville A. Barker ; Directors, Samuel L. Crocker, Henry G. Reed, A. King Williams, A. B. Harvey, George A. Washburn ; a board of managers consisting of the above-named and William C. Lovering, H. P. De i The Hon. Samuel L. Crocker having died Feb. 10, 1883, the directors, March 12th, unanimously elected as president Mr. Henry Goodwin Reed, of the firm of Reed & Barton, who, from the beginning, has been deeply interested in the work of the Mission and the Associated Charities. TAUNTON. 799 Forest, Jeremy B. Dennett, James H. Anthony, Charles H. Laroyd, A. J. Lawrence, Charles Foster, William H. Merrill, Job G. Luscomb, William H. Pleadwell, William H. Wolcott, Hezekiah L. Merrill, George F. Pratt, George C. Wilson, George M. Wood- ward, Frank I.. Fish, J. B. Briggs, Andrew S. Briggs, Frederick Farnsworth, Robert H. Tozer, Edward K. Emerson. Its aim and work, approved by all the churches, are well expressed in the " agreement" of the corpo- rators in these words, " To assist the needy, and raise them as far as practicable above the need of relief; to prevent street-begging, imposition, and the existence of a pauper caste ; to secure the united action of the different charities, and of all benevolent persons in one harmonious system of wise aid to the poor." CHAPTER LXV. TAUNTON.— {Continued.) The Educational Interests — Bristol Academy — Taunton Water-Works — Taunton Lunatic Hospital — The Old Colony Historical Society— Public Library — Bible Society — Good Templars — Humane Society — Early Physicians — Blount Pleasant Cemetery. The Educational Interests of Taunton. 1 — The first settlers of Taunton, as of other New England towns, erected not only the meeting-house, but the school-house. The two went everywhere together. If Messrs. Hooke and Street were the first ministers, the schoolmaster was here even before them, and his name was Bishop. Some have presumed to question whether there ever was such a man, or at least that we have any knowledge of him ; but I claim we know something, although we might wish it were more. Thomas Lechford, " of Clement Inne, in the county of Middlesex," was a visitor to this country, and on his return to England he published a pamphlet, in which, under date of Jan. 17, 1641, he relates con- cerning Taunton, " Master Hooke received ordination from the hands of one Master Bishop, a school-master, etc." Then, as now, the " school-master" was a per- son of considerable consequence in the community. This Bishop, with others, was deemed worthy to " lay hands" on " Master Hooke." Mr. Winsor, in his "History of Duxbury," p. 228, makes mention of" an ancient freeman of Taunton" bearing the name of " Mr. John Bushop," having that " honorable prefix." Mr. Baylies, in his " His- tory of the Plymouth Colony," Part II., p. 277, al- ludes to a " Mr. Boshop, interested in the first pur- chase of Taunton, whose ' rights' in 1675 were owned by Lieut. George Macey." And again, Mr. Baylies calls " Mr. Bishop," the schoolmaster, " one of the earliest proprietors and i By S. Hopkins Emery. settlers," although his name is not catalogued, as also the names of other proprietors appear not to have been. (Part II., p. 265.) The Bushop, Boshop, or Bishop above named, Mr. John Dean, of the New England Genealogical Society, in 1854 (see "Genealogical Register," April, 1854), considered one and the same man, and also the John Bishop, who afterward went to Stamford, Conn. Mr. Baylies was of the opinion "he went to New Haven," which was not far from Stamford. (Part II., pp. 265 and 282.) Mr. Savage, in his "Genealogical Dictionary of New England," vol. i. p. 185, asserts the John Bishop, of Stamford, " had been in Taunton as early as 1640," and thinks he was before that in Dorchester, as he seems to have known Richard Mather, writing a Latin epitaph on him, which maybe found in the "Magnolia," cap. xx. of III., p. 131, signing himself " J. Episcopius," which Savage calls a pun on his name. All this agrees very well with what we know of the "young man of promise," as the historian of Stamford (p. 119) calls the ministerial supply, whom the church of that place sought and found in this region about the time Bishop is supposed to have left. Trumbull, in his " History of Connecticut," vol. i. p. 299, gives an interesting account of it in these words : " The church sent two of their members to seek them a minister. They traveled on foot to the eastward of Boston, where they found Mr. John Bishop, who left England before he had finished his academical studies, and who had completed his education in this country. They engaged him to go with them to Stamford. He traveled with them on foot so great a distance. The people were united in him, and he labored with them in the ministry nearly fifty years." Rev. J. W. Alvord, in a historical address at Stam- ford (p. 17), gives the names of the " members of the church" who " traveled on foot to the eastward of Boston," — George Slason, Francis Bell. He also states, " Mr. Bishop carried his Bible under his arm through the wilderness to Stamford," which Bible, in 1841, was in the possession of Noah Bishop, one of his de- scendants. If one will look at a map of New Eng- land he will see that this journey " on foot through the wilderness" was from the extreme west of Connecticut to wellnigh the extreme east of Massachusetts, no small undertaking for even such resolute souls, and when you remember that their regular "wilderness" path from New Haven to Boston or Plymouth would lead through Taunton, you need not wonder, if find- ing John Bishop at the latter place and recommended by Hooke and Street, they were willing, footsore and weary, to stop short of either Boston or Plymouth, to accept of " the Taunton schoolmaster," a " young man of promise," who was also a student in theology with these eminent divines, "completing," as Trumbull tells us, "in this country the education" which had been begun in the motherland. "Eastward of Bos- ton" may sufficiently describe the place, although it be south as well as east. 800 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. We have dwelt thus long on this case to establish, if nothing more, the probability that the first Taun- ton schoolmaster was the first Stamford minister. The name of another schoolmaster of the town in the same century has just come to light in an old ac- count-book of Thomas Leonard, found in a box hid away in some part of a chimney in the house of a grandson, lately taken down in East Taunton, near the Forge. The schoolmaster as well as the minister of that early clay was paid at public expense, as a public benefactor and a public necessity, in the cur- rency of the time, — iron. Thomas Leonard kept the account with him in this book from 1683 to 1687. His name was James Green. It would be interesting if we could give other names, but the record is not at hand. We know the provision which our fathers made for the education of their children. The colonial laws were very strict on this subject, and made it certain every town should have not only a minister but a schoolmaster. The town was one school dis- trict, owned its school property, and controlled the schools through a superintending committee. This was the system of school management for more than two centuries. It was not till 1826 the district system was established dividing each town into smaller dis- tricts, which should own their school-houses and other school property, and through a prudential committee- man select and contract with the teacher, and attend to supplies for the school. There were still a town school committee, to examine and indorse the teach- ers and with a general supervision, but their author- ity, of course, was weakened and their guiding influ- ence less felt. There could not be that unity of action and wise method of administering the schools, with so many varying and sometimes conflicting parties to be consulted and provided for. Thus, in 1864, when the town became a city, the people were probably glad to return to the primitive municipal system of caring for the schools through one general committee, who subsequently appointed a superintendent to give all his time to the work. This superintendent, Dr. W. W. Waterman, has recently written and published an able paper on the duty of a commonwealth to educate its children, which shows him to be thoroughly acquainted with his business, and possessed of a suitable enthusiasm. His school report also in 1876 is stored with much historical matter, from which I gladly draw for my present use. His remarks on the classification of studies and the grading of the schools are to the point. Until eigh- teen years ago, the studies adjudged requisite to a common school education were all taught in each separate elementary school. Pupils began and ended their education in the same grade of school, except when they resorted to the classical or high school for more thorough instruction or further advancement; but whenever a school occupied two or more school- rooms, or was taught by more than one teacher, the sections into which such school was divided were ar- ranged with reference to the relative attainments of the pupils and an economical classification of instruc- tion. These sections, constituting progressive stages, were commonly known as lower and higher depart- ments, sometimes as primary and grammar depart- ments. With the large growth of population at the Centre, it was thought that the philosophical principle of division of labor and concentration of ability which had been applied with benefit to instruction in the larger schools might be embodied advantageously in a more comprehensive system of school as well as class gradation. Accordingly, in 1858, there was a consolidation of school districts contiguous to the Green, containing nearly one-half of the pupils in town. Next the schools were classified in grades. A graduated, consecutive course of study was systemati- cally arranged, and an appropriate part of the course was assigned to each grade. The classes of the higher or grammar grade occupied a portion of the large central building, the Cohannet Street school-house. A part of that building and the smaller school-houses were appropriated to the lower classes. The high school was permanently established in 1849, although previous to that time a similar school had been kept temporarily in different sections of the town. The present system of graduated classification and study • was instituted in 1862, and in 1871 the high school became a part of the system of school gradation, thus making three grades, known as primary, grammar, and high. The larger portion of the primary schools are in separate buildings, containing from one to six school-rooms each. Pupils are admitted at five years of age, and the course of instruction is designed for five years. The grammar schools have no age quali- fication, although ten or twelve years would be the usual age. The course of instruction comprises four steps, each requiring about one year. The primary and grammar courses together comprise the complete course of elementary instruction designed for all the pupils. The high school constitutes the third and last grade of- the system. The course of instruction com- prises four steps, each designed for one year. The studies are: English Language, including Grammar, Rhetoric, English Literature, Reading, Writing, Or- thography, Orthoepy, Composition, Declamation; Latin, French, Greek ; Algebra, Geometry, Trigo- nometry, Surveying, Elementary Mechanics, Prac- tical Problems in Arithmetic, Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Physiology, Physical Geography, Geology, Botany, Zoology, Astronomy; Intellectual Philosophy, Political Economy, and Constitution of the United States, General History, Ancient Geography, and History ; Free-Hand Drawing ; Vocal Music. Besides the foregoing, the system comprises also evening elementary schools and an evening drawing school. TAUNTON. 801 The good State of Massachusetts intends that its' citizens shall be educated, at least so as to read and write and master the common branches of education. Towards this end its legislation has tended, and every child between the ages of eight and fourteen must attend the free school provided at least twenty weeks of the year. This is considerably less than half the year, and it would seem, if their work was needed for the support of the family, thirty weeks should be enough for this purpose. So our legislators thought, and no employer of labor has the right to hire a child between these ages without a certificate of having at- tended school the year preceding such employment the specified time. This is called "compulsory edu- cation," and it is a credit to the commonwealth. The number of children in Taunton, according to the cen- sus of 1882, between the ages of eight and fourteen, was two thousand four hundred and forty-five. The number between those ages in the public schools for the school year ending Aug. 31. 1882, was 2387, show- ing that the law of the commonwealth is respected in the city of Taunton. The whole number of different pupils of every age in the public day schools for the same year was 4004, — 2112 males, 1892 females. The cost of the public schools for this year was $50,190.60. The number of teachers employed iu the twenty- nine school-houses proper for the public day schools is seventy-six, with occasional temporary help. For the evening elementary school and evening drawing school in rooms hired for the purpose eight teachers are employed. In the Cohannet Street school, which is the largest grammar school, with a primary de- partment, Mr. Clarence F. Boyden is employed as principal, at a salary of fourteen hundred dollars, with eleven assistants. At the Weir, Mr. Horatio D. Newton serves as principal, at a salary of twelve hundred dollars, with eight assistants. At Whit- tenton, Mr. Edward S. Hersey is principal; salary, eleven hundred dollars, with six assistants. The high school is in charge of Mr. Charles S. Moore ; salary, seventeen hundred dollars, with three assistants. The school is worthy of better school accommodations than are at present provided, but in the near future a high school building, which will be a credit to the city and a comfort to the scholars, is certain. The principals of the high school, running back from the present, have been as follows: John P. Svvinerton, Laban E. Warren, Charles P. Gorely, Silas D. Pres- brey, William E. Fuller, John Ruggles, William L. Gage, Ozias C. Pitkin, Justin Field, Frederic Crafts. The school could hardly be called a fixture, but rather a foot-ball under Messrs. Crafts and Field, for, as the writer well remembers, it was not only a mov- able institution, but much spoken against, as the records of the town-meetings from 1838 onward will show. Under the wise administration of Mr. Pitkin, however, from 1849 to LS54, who was an eminent ed- ucator, it grew in favor with the people, and they at length allowed it to locate and live. 51 No history of the educational interests of Taunton would be complete without the Bristol Academy, which had its beginning in the last century (in 1792). It is a pleasure to acknowledge my indebtedness for material to the careful research of my friend, Mr. Charles W. Hartshorn, a long time secretary of the board of trustees, from whose notes I am permitted to draw. The academy had its origin in an agree- ment to form the "Taunton School Society," to pay certain sums named, and to abide by some ten rules of agreement carefully set forth. There were four- teen subscribers to this agreement, men prominent in Taunton in the latter part of the last century, James Tisdale heading the list with a subscription of thirty pounds, and John Bowers closing it with a like sum, Samuel Leonard the same, and others less, in all amounting to seven hundred and ten pounds. On the 30th of June, 1792, on petition of David Cobb and others, Walter Spooner, William Baylies, David Cobb, Elisha May, James Williams, Apollos Leonard, Seth Padelford, Samuel Fales, Samuel Leon- ard, Simeon Tisdale, James Tisdale, Joseph Tisdale, and Jonathan Cobb were appointed trustees of Bristol Academy and incorporated under that name, " for the purpose of promoting piety, morality, and patriotism, and for the education of youth, etc." The first meet- ing of the trustees was held at Josiah Crocker's, Sept. 21, 1792. James Williams was chosen secretary ; Walter Spooner, president; David Cobb, vice-presi- dent; Seth Padelford, treasurer. A committee was chosen to " form a coad of bye-laws," and another to provide or point out a suitable piece of ground to build upon, and each trustee directed to exert him- self to obtain subscriptions. From this date there were a number of meetings and votes, showing the work to be in progress, until March 7, 1796, when a committee was appointed " to enquire and procure an Instructor," and another " to make enquiry respecting boarding scholars." The following action was also taken: "Whereas Bristol Academy was promoted and established principally by the exertions of David Cobb, Esq., a late trustee of said academy ; therefore voted unanimously that the thanks of the trustees of said academy be presented to the said David Cobb, Esq., for his great and friendly exertions in favor of said academy, and that he be informed by the secretary that the trustees do con- sider him entitled to the honor of being the patron and the founder of the same." At an adjournment of this meeting, April 6, 1796, " the trustees made choice of Mr. Simeon Doggett, Jr., for a preceptor." The first meeting of the trustees held at the acad- emy appears to have been July 4, 1796, when "Miss Sally Cady was chosen preceptress." The academy tvas formally opened July 18th, when an address was delivered by the preceptor, Mr. Doggett, which by request of the trustees was afterwards printed. No other mention is made of the opening in the records, 802 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. but it is otherwise learned that Deacon Jeremiah Sumner, of Taunton, composed his famous "Ode 011 Science" for that occasion. The building then dedi- cated stood nearer the northwest corner of the acad- emy lot than the present one, and fronting towards Summer Street. It answered a good educational pur- pose for more than half a century, when it was sold and removed to Broadway, just north of the Catholic Church, where it is still occupied as a tenement- house. At a meeting of the trustees, Feb. 1, 1849, a com- mittee appointed "to suggest improvements" speak of the academy building as " not so well adapted to its uses as it ought to be." Aug. 14, 1850, the pre- ceptor, in his report, urgently asks for a new build- ing, stating the number of pupils to be " one hundred and eleven." George A. Crocker was appointed com- mittee to procure subscriptions. Feb. 19, 1851, Mr. Crocker reported a list of subscriptions amounting to five thousand eight hundred and ninety-five dollars, a Tisdale again, this time Samuel T., standing at the head, with Mr. Crocker himself, for one thousand dol- lars each, and a committee was chosen to erect the new building. " 1852, August 25th, the board met at the new academy at 10 A.M. to witness the exercises of dedication. At 10.15 the exercises began. Rev. Mr. Maltby made a few introductory remarks. A hymn was sung by a select choir, led by William B. Crandell. Prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Maltby. The secretary, Rev. Mr. Bingham, read a short his- torical sketch of the institution. The ' Ode on Science,' written for the first dedication, was then sung. Next an address on classical education was delivered by Professor C. C. Felton, of Harvard University, and a hymn, written for the occasion by Mr. Hodges Reed, closed the performances." It is difficult to ascertain the number of pupils in the earlier years of the academy, as it was not gen- erally entered upon the records. At a special meeting of the trustees, Aug. 19, 1800, a committee was appointed "to inquire of Mr. Dog- gett the usual emolument of his office as preceptor." An old paper is found, in the handwriting of Mr. Doggett, which gives the number of pupils for four years, the amount received for tuition, etc. The average of pupils for the first year was 94 ; the second, 84; the third, 50; the fourth, 50. During the first year of Mr. Bellows' service as preceptor the number of pupils for the first term was 52; the second, 76; the third, 66; the fourth, 80. At the meeting of the trustees, Nov. 19, 1852, at the close of the first term in the new building, it is recorded "the whole number of names on the register of the fall term, 148." The preceptors of the academy from the beginning have been as follows : Simeon Doggett, Jr., from April 6, 1796, to April 17, 1813; Luther Bailey, from April 17, 1813, to Oct, 11, 1816; Otis Pierce, from Oct. 16, 1816, to April 1, 1818; John Brewer, from April 27, 1818, to July 10, 1818; John Hubbard Wilkins, from July 20, 1818, to Aug. 18, 1819 ; Otis Pierce, from Aug. 18, 1819, to May 23, 1821 ; John Goldsbury, from May 23> 1821, to April 8,1824; John Lee Watson, from May 13, 1824, to April 30, 1828 ; Frederick Crafts, from June 23, 1828, to June 7, 1837; John N. Bellows, from June 7, 1837, to Aug. 23, 1838 ; Mr. Leach {ad in- terim), from Sept. 6, 1S38, to Sept. 24, 1838; Nich- olas A. Clarke, from Sept. 24, 1838, to Aug. 17, 1842 ; John D. Sweet, from Dec. 1, 1842, to May 27, 1844 ; Mr. Walker (one term), from June 5, 1844, to — ; John N. Bellows, from Aug. 21, 1844, to Feb. 9, 1846; Samuel R. Townsend, from March 2, 1846, to May, 1849; Henry B. Wheelwright, from Sept. 1, 1849, to Dec. 20, 1854; John E. Sanford, from Jan. 10, 1855, to Aug. 3, 1855 ; Henry S. Nourse, from Aug. 29, 1855, to Aug. 7, 1857 ; Joseph A. Hale, from Aug. 24, 1857, to Feb. 15, 1859 ; William G. Gordon, from Feb. 15, 1859, to Feb. 3, 1864 ; Robert E. Babson, from Feb. 18, 1864, to March 22, 1864 ; James L. Perry, from March 22, 1864, to Feb. 10, 1865 ; Henry Leonard, from March 3, 1865, to July 2, 1869 ; William H. French, from Aug. 27, 1869, to — ; J. C. Bartlett, from July 1, 1870, to July 30, 1871 ; J. Russell Reed, from Oct. 13, 1871, to July 3, 1874; Arthur Driver, from Aug. 12, 1874, to July 11, 1877; J. C. Barlett, from July 18, 1877, to June 25, 1880 ; Frederic Farnsworth, -from July 2, 1880, the present preceptor, under whose management the academy is in a flourishing condi- tion. His assistants are George F. Chace, A.M., Miss Anna L. Bonney, Miss Julia A. Sampson, primary department. " The present year," writes Preceptor Farnsworth, "is the most successful in point of numbers and in- come from tuition for the past quarter of a century. Average number attending, about ninety-three; re- ceipts, about four thousand dollars. These figures include the primary department. About one-third of the pupils come from out of the city, representing some ten different towns. Nearly a quarter of the pupils are fitting for college. We expect to send six young men to college at the end of the present school year, besides several others who expect to take pre- liminary examination." It would be an interesting list of names, could we find it, of those who have been the educators of the children and young people of Taunton during the two centuries and a half nearly of its history. To say that the generations of men and women have been largely fashioned by these hundreds and per- haps thousands of school-teachers is not speaking extravagantly. Teaching has taken its rank as it should among the " learned" professions. Normal schools educate the educators. Republics are some- times charged with being " ungrateful," but faithful, life-long teachers are remembered with gratitude by their pupils of " long ago." I have heard the names of Taunton teachers spoken of with affection, and TAUNTON. 8, Benjamin S. Bosworth; G, William S. Baker ; 7, Joseph W. Hathaway; 8, John C. Mai d. mall. Councilmen, Frederick Mason, president: Ward 1, Charles R. Mason, James K. Perry, Daniel Carey; 2, George II. Rhodes, Everett D. Godfrey, Gamaliel Lane; 3, Laurens N. Francis, Michael J. Hoye, Benjamin Morris; 4, Frederick Mason, Josiah Kinnicutt, James V. Anthony ; ."'.Sam- uel W. Robinson, Winthrop A. Robinson, Philip Williams ; 6, Frank Paull, John C Chace, Bernard E. Kiel nan ; 7, Joseph S. Tidd, Heze- kiah L. Merrill, Eustus C. Bassett; 8, William F. Kennedy, John Field, John W. Lincoln. 1881. — Mayor, Charles F. Johnson. Aldermen, Waul 1, Martin J. Lin- coln; 2, Walter S. Spragne; '■'>, Michael J. Hoye; 4, James Y.An- thony; 5, Benjamin S. Bosworth; G, William S. Baker; 7, Joseph W. Hathaway; 8, Elijah Tolman. Councilmen, Frederick Mason, president: Ward 1, Charles R. Mason, James E. Perry, Daniel Carey; 2, George II. Rhodes, Charles A. Monroe, Gamaliel Lane; 3, Benjamin .Munis, George A. Congdon, Thomas E. McCormick; 4, James II. Dean, Frederick Mason, Timothy C. Baker; 5, Samuel W. Robinson, Horatio Godfrey, John Murphy; 6, (Jeorge W, Bar- rows, John A. McDonald, Charles F. liaker; 7, Joseph Dunbar, Arthur P.. Knapp, J. Mordecai Lincoln; S, William F. Kennedy, John W. Lincoln, Charles II. Lincoln. 1882.— Mayor, Charles K. .Johnson. Aldermen, Ward 1, Martin J. Lin- coln: 2, Walter S.Sprague; 3, Michael J. Hoye;4, Henry D.Atwood; 5, Benjamin S. Bosworth ; 8, A. Lyman Willard ; 7, Henry S. Culver ; 8, Samuel Lane. Councilmen, William F. Kennedy, president: Ward 1, Charles R. Mason, Daniel Carey, James II. Bosworth; 2, George II. Rhodes, Charles A. Munroe, Gamaliel Lane ; ::, Benjamin Morris, William Quillen, James F. Conefy ; 4, Charles Foster, Edgar R. Spragne, A. Gilbert Williams; 5, Samuel W. Robinson, Winthrop A. Robinson, Horatio Godfrey; (i, Charles F. Baker, George W. Barrows, Thomas C. Shirley; 7, Nathaniel J. Grossman, Henry A. Short, Otis A. Thayer ; 8, William F. Kennedy, John W. Lincoln, John O'Hearne. 1883. — Mayor, Horatio L. 'Cushman. Aldermen, Walter S. Spragne, chairman: Ward 1, Albert D. Davol ; 2, Waller S. Spragne; 3, Mi- chael J. Hoye; 4, Cornelius Wood; 5, Benjamin S. Bosworth; 6, George W. Barrows ; 7, Joseph S. Tidd; 8, Frank L. Fish. Council- men, George H. Rhodes, president : Ward 1, Daniel Carey, James H. Bosworth, William H. Wood ; 2, George H. Rhodes, Henry W. Colby, Owen Barker; 3, Benjamin Morris, James F. Conefy, George K. Noyes; 4, Charles Foster. Edgar R. Spragne, A. Gilbert Williams; 5, Samuel W. Robinson, Winthrop A. Robinson, Horatio Godfrey ; G, George E. Wilbur, William C. Bowen, Peter H. Corr ; 7, Otis A. Thayer, Nathaniel J. Crossman, Frank K. Chace ; 8, John 0'IIearne, Jr., Thomas B. Cottrell, Edwin M. Hills. I CITY MARSHALS. Robert Crossman (2d), Jan. 25, 1865, to Aug. 27, 1867 (deceased); Willis Potter, Sept, 4, 1867, to Jan. 1, 1S74 ; John A. Fay, Jan. 1, 1S74, to March 14, 1874; Orrin M. Ingalls, March 14, 1874, to Jan. 1. 1877 ; George F. Seaver, Jan. 1, 1877, to Aug. 1, 1879 ; Alfred B. Hodges, Aug. 1, 1870, now in service. POSTMASTERS OF TAUNTON. Appointed. Nicholas Tillinghast March 20, 1793. Samuel Hodges July 1, 1803. James Hodges 'an. 1, 1804. James L. Hodges Dec. 8, 1810. David C.Hodges Sept. 9, 182C. Joseph L. Lord Aug. 19, L829. Charles R. Vickery March 23, 1835. William Brewster 1 May 12, 1849. Abijah M. Ide, Jr Tuly 1, 1853. Joseph E.Wilbar 1 Dec. 18, 1861. Abijah M. Ide Fan. 15, 1866. Samuel 0. Dunbar' April JJ, 1869. EliasE. Fuller 1 March 26, 1873.« Councilors from Taunton.— The only members of the Executive Council from Taunton in forty years were Hon. Samuel L. Crocker (1850), under the admin- istration of Governor George N. Briggs, and Hon. Harrison Tweed, in 1876-78, under Governor Alex- ander H. Eice. Senators.— Gen. David Cobb was senator in 1801 to 1805, and president during four years. Chester I. Reed was senator from Taunton in 1862; he was attorney-general in 18G1 to 1807, and judge of the Superior Court from 1867 to 1870. John E. San- ford 3 was senator in 1864, A. M. Ide in 1865, Harri- son Tweed in 1868-69,' James Brown in 1873, Wil- liam C. Lovering in 1874-75, Ezra Davol in 1878-79, William Reed in 1882. i Now living in Taunton. 2 1883, now serving, a Mr. Sanford has since been Speaker of the House four years, from 1872 to 1876. 822 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. CHAPTER LXVII. TAUNTON. 1 — (Continued.) MANUFACTURING INTERESTS. Mill River Manufactories.— Whittenton. — The first industrial enterprises on Mill River at Whit- tenton were the saw-mill on the ea3t and the grist- mill on the west side, near the location of the present dam, and were chiefly owned by James Leonard. Mill River takes its rise from Winneconnet Pond, and the rivulets flowing into it in Norton and Easton. Before the numerous mills were erected thereon, which gave it the name over two hundred years ago, it was called "Canoe River," being forded by Indians in their canoes from mouth to source, some ten miles distant, who all along occupied its bank's through their hunting-grounds. About 1670, James Leonard, Sr., who introduced the manufacture of bar-iron in 1656, at the old forge or " bloomery" on Two-Mile River, in Taunton (now Raynham), with his sons and others, built a forge on the west bank of Mill River, near the grist-mill clam at Whittenton, 2 with its one hearth bellows, chimney, and other appurtenances for making iron. His sons, Joseph, Uriah, 3 and Benjamin, who had served in the first iron-works, worked the forge. James, Sr., died in 1691, leaving a portion of Whit- tenton works to Joseph, and another to Uriah, with the dwelling-house adjoining; Joseph to pay his mother- in-law, Margaret, widow of James 1 , four hundred of iron and twenty shillings, and Uriah to pay her six hundred of iron annually as long as she remained their father's widow. Benjamin received lands, including "meadows and mines," to supply the forge with ore; to James, Jr., he gave some land and his " half-share in the old iron-works," of which his eldest son, Thomas Leonard, had charge. Joseph died in 1692, leaving his widow, Benjamin, and Uriah in charge of Whit- tenton Iron-Works and Mills. Two years later, Mary (Joseph's widow), Benjamin, and Uriah, entered into " an agreement that the grist-mill be removed from the place where it now standeth on the east side of the forge, and set upon the west side below," upon land purchased of Rev. George Shove, that each proprietor " shall bear the expenses of removal and the building of a new house for the grist-mill ;" and furthermore, that " the said mill is not to hinder the improvement for making of iron," " the iron-works to have the improvement of the water" in the dry sea- son. They also " covenanted to build a new hearth," with appurtenances, on the east side of the forge, and 1 The editor acknowledges his indebtedness in the preparation of this chapter to Capt. J. W. D. Hall. We are also indebted to Capt. Hall for much valuable assistance on the county generally, which has greatly lessened our labor in the preparation of the work. 2 Whittington, in the more ancient records, a tradition that it was named after John Whittington, an emigrant from England. 3 Uriah, above referred to, was the one who, when a young man, worked in the old forge with his father, ran the gauntlet under fire of the Indians while returning horseback from the Centre one afternoon, escaping without a wound, as tradition says, but a wounded horse. Benjamin to be master workman; thus doubling the capacity of the forge for making bar-iron, which was an important factor in those early days of Taunton. Uriah sold his share of the works, in 1699, to his brother, Capt. James 2 , with the iron mine near the '•'eight-mile pond" (Winneconnet) and the ore in the same, for three hundred pounds ; also providing, as James became a partner, " that Joseph's widow shall have six hundred of iron annuallv during her life, while the works stand." They also purchased of John Pole, merchant of Boston, " 50 acres of mine meadow," formerly owned by Capt. William Pole, his father, " bounded on the west by Hoar's highway (Winter Street) for £50, and two tons of good mer- chantable bar-iron." Some years later, Widow Mary having married Joseph Willis, the brothers " cove- nanted that she have the improvement of her late hus- band's interest in the forge and mill, also 600 of iron, four barrels of cider, and twenty bushels of apples from the orchard, 4 annually for four years." She had two sons, Edward and William, employed about the works, and two daughters. Edward after- wards became an owner. The ancient forge and mills were conducted by Capt. James Leonard 2 , his sons, and other members of the family, to Jonathan and James of the fifth genera- tion, the latter a " refiner," for more than a hundred years after the foregoing incidents transpired in the early history of making charcoal iron by James Leon- ard 1 ; the crude ore for which being produced along the meadows of Watson's pond, "Scadding's moire," to the vicinity of Winneconnet Pond five miles dis- tant, the facts conclusively furnished by ancient deeds and records. In 1699 Nicholas Mowry, ancestor of many of the name, a large land-holder, was a share- owner in the forge, and in 1737, Capt. Thomas Cobb, "mariner," became an owner, increasing another " hearth" and furnishing New Jersey ore of a more profitable percentage than "Scadding's moire" to sup- ply the forge. In 1793 Capt. James Leonard 5 con- veyed his portion of the works, owned jointly with Abiather and Samuel, to his nephew Zadoc, who con- tinued the business to 1800. Jonathan, who died in 1797, conveyed the grist-mill to his son, Lee Leonard, who sold the mill privilege and fifty acres of land, in 1810, to Crocker, Bush,, and Richmond for four thou- sand dollars. This closed the Leonard interest in that site which had continued about one hundred and fifty consecutive years. Crocker, Bush, and Richmond, who had been in the employ of Samuel Leonard, Sr., as clerks and assist- ants in the iron business, conceived the plan of utili- zing Ae Mill River water-power at Whittenton to a better advantage than accrued from the ancient forge and grist-mill. In 1805 they built a nail-mill of one story above the bridge, where nails of various sizes 4 The "orchard" occupied the east side of the river (Warren Bur- bank's place), at Britanniaville, now largely covered with spacious build- ings of Reed & Barton's Works. TAUNTON. 823 were cut by crude machines compared with the pres- ent, and the heading was done by hand ; the nails being taken out in job lots by farmers for that pur- pose. It was a slow process, but soon after machines were invented for heading by a jerk of the foot and blow of a hammer. A few years later machines were made by Rogers and Odeon, which greatly improved the process of manufacture by cutting and heading the nail at one operation. Melvin Otis, of VVareham, invented a machine, improved by Jesse Reed, of Marshfield, in 1815, which made still further im- provements, superseding the former by gripping and spring nippers to complete the heading as well as pointing of nails. These machines are in use at the present day in all nail establishments. There was some controversy as to whom the merit of the patent belonged, but both have shared the honor and benefit. In 1807 the above firm added another story to the Whittenton Nail-Mill, and put in machinery for spin- ning cotton yarn. This was packed in skeins and taken out by farmers' families within a radius of one to fifteen miles, to be woven into cloth by the domes- tic hand- loom and shuttle generally in vogue in those days, which gave employment to hundreds of women at their looms. In November, 1811, the yarn and nail-mill was burned and the machines destroyed. The enterpris- ing proprietors immediately erected another factory on the same site, seventy by thirty, three stories, with mule-room attic. It was said that the timber growing two months before was converted into lumber for the factory ready for the machinery for spinning cotton yarn. It was then war embargo time, and cotton fabrics were in quick demand. A few years later some forty power-looms were added, of the Slater construction, recently imported by patterns from England, and this was the first mill in this region, it was said, which made good cloth by the power-looms. Barney Lincoln, now an octo- genarian of eighty-five, was an overseer in the spin- ning-room in 1818, and Elijah Caswell, since an in- genious tack mechanic, now in his seventy-fifth year, but then a lad of ten years, worked in that mill. Meanwhile another nail-mill had been built on the east bank of the dam, the site of the old saw-mill of a century before, a short distance above the present office of the Whittenton Mills Company. An avenue, with dwellings thereon, led up to the mill, where nails were made in 1821 by the modern machines super- seding the former slow process. Elisha Gilmore had charge of the mill and the previous one destroyed by fire for eighteen years. Albert Field, Warren Bur- bank, and others were employed, and made their first nails there by the modern process; the former has passed away, the latter is a veteran of seventy-eight. The nail business was relinquished over fifty yens ago, and the old buildings then occupied by that de- partment have been removed some distance to the rear, and are used for storage by the company. Whittenton Mills.— In 1824 the Whittenton Mills became incorporated with the property of the Taunton Manufacturing Company, but under the management of James K. Mills & Co., of Boston. In 1831-32 a new ■ stone mill was built a short distance east of the former, containing seventy looms for making finer g Is. This mill may now be seen segmented between the large brick structures more recently erected. The property remained under the control of the Taunton .Manufac- turing Company until May, 1835, when Mills & Co. severed their connection, and resumed proprietorship of the mills and appurtenances. In September, 1836, the late Willard Lovering, a practical manufacturer, was called to the agency of Whittenton Mills, and becoming joint proprietor, made many improvements in the manufacture of goods. In January, 1839, the older mill referred to was destroyed by fire. A building for mule-spinning now occupies the site and raceway of the old grist- mill and forge of two hundred years ago, and where stood the original nail- and yarn-mill of 1811, and subsequent cotton- factory built by Crocker, Bush & Richmond seventy years ago. The legitimate manufacturing business of the last proprietors had been successful and prosperous under Mr. Lovering's management; but James K. Mills & Co., of Boston, having embarked in larger enter- prises elsewhere, which proved unfortunate in the tidal wave of disaster of 1857, they yielded to the pressure and closed their business. In 1858, the estate having been settled, Mr. Lover- ing, associated with his sons, purchased the franchise, property, privilege, dwellings, and appurtenances of the Whittenton Mills Corporation, and under their management commenced a career of improvement and enlargement of unprecedented record in manu- facturing enterprise. A few years before the death of the senior proprietor, Willard Lovering, which occurred Dec. 15, 1875, his sons, Charles L., William C, and Henry Morton Lovering, succeeded to the proprietorship of Whittenton INI ills, which now in- cludes one of the largest and most capacious estab- lishments in New England. It includes some twenty substantial brick and stone buildings two to four stories, besides ten or twelve smaller ones, comprising four hundred thousand square feet, or nine acres of flooring. The model weaving shop occupies fifty-five thousand square feet, over an acre and a quarter of flooring, and contaius in one room, lighted by electric lamps, nearly one thousand looms, and over three hundred in the room beneath. The machinery in these large structures is moved by five Corliss engines aggregating twelve hundred horse-power, in addition to the water-wheels of two hundred and fifty horse-power, requiring in the establishment the consumption of about eight thousand tons of coal, and consuming about eight thousand hales of cotton annually in producing the great variety of textures of fabrics of innumerable 824 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. styles, — cottonades, ginghams, dress goods, fancy- tickings, shirtings, canton flannels, denims, etd, — providing employment for eleven hundred hands, a large portion of whom reside in the dwellings be- longing to the company, of which there are over a hundred, and two hundred tenements, comprising a large village of residences. The yard exclusively of their manufactories occupies an area of fifteen acres, and about eighty acres, conveniently laid out in avenues, is the area for the dwelling-houses and appurtenances, a vast change from the modest Whit- tenton Mills village of half a century ago. The Old Colony Railroad curves directly through the village a convenient distance from the manufactories, affording ample facilities for delivering coal, cotton, and other materials, and transporting thence the thousands of cases of goods annually which find a ready sale in all the markets of the country. Britanniaville. — The location of this prosperous village of industrial enterprise on Mill River, half a mile below Whittenton, was occupied a century and a half ago by a grist-mill, situated on the south of Britannia Street dam, and a saw-mill a few rods below, owned by Capt. James Leonard 3 and others. He conveyed his portion of the privilege and mills in 1776, for one hundred and sixty pounds, to John Adam, an enterprising merchant of Taunton, who built a dam, rolling- and slitting-mill, some distance below the above mills, by Danforth Street crossing. There was also a small saw-mill and fulling-mill above this bridge. The enterprise of Mr. Adam did not prove successful. In 1791 he disposed-of the slitting- mill, dwelling-house adjoining, privilege and appur- tenances (a portion of which he had previously pur- chased of Abiather and Samuel Leonard) for three hundred and thirty-seven pounds. The purchasers were Josiah Dean, of Raynharn, and Samuel Leonard, who continued the business several years. Deacon Lemuel Leonard had charge of the mill where Russia and Swedes iron, imported in bars, was rolled and slit into rods, from which wrought or hammered nails were made in scores of small shops, or smithies, in the surrounding towns many miles distant. Messrs. Dean and Leonard finally abandoned the iron-works as an unprofitable enterprise. Nothing now remains to indicate its existence but the foundation and dam, submerged by back water from the Hopewell Mills below, which may be seen at low water at said crossing. The grist- mill above referred to was attended a hundred years ago and over by Abram Lincoln, and being a devoutly religious man, with his band of friends held meetings in the mill, humblest of all places, except a stable, for worship. Mr. Lincoln removed to Tiverton, R. I., and died there. These mills were finally owned by Hora- tio and Gustavus Leonard, until they gave place to the extension of the buildings of the Britannia Works. A rolling- and slitting-mill was built about 1800 by Samuel Leonard, at the dam north of the street, and i Samuel and William A. Crocker, Sr., were copartners. It is a well-founded tradition that, as the former mill below had not been a lucrative investment, when the latter was completed Mr. Leonard remarked to a friend, " I hope well of this enterprise," thus origin- ating the historical name of " Hopewell" to the near locality. In this mill Messrs. Leonard & Crockers prosecuted a large business in rolling plates and slitting rods, which were packed in bundles and taken out to be hammered into nails by hundreds of farmers and mechanics, as before mentioned, who had their little shops in the surrounding towns. The rolling-mill of that day was of crude construction, — the rolls set in a massive wooden frame and gearing of wood, the fur- nace of huge dimensions, of sufficient capacity for a ton of iron and a cord of pine wood to a heat, re- quiring five men to run four heats per day; while the iron was heating the men bundled the rods of the previous heat ready for delivery to nail-makers. After the death of William A. Crocker, the junior partner, which occurred Sept. 20, 1805, and that of Samuel Leonard, the senior, in 1808, Crocker, Bush & Richmond were successors to that business. Capt. William Danforth, who formerly owned the State Hospital farm, had charge of the mill, and his son, Horatio L. Danforth, employed there lost an arm, (referred to in a notice of Mr. Danforth in the Bristol bar of Taunton). The plates and rods for the Whit- teuton Nail-Works were rolled and slit there; the mill was afterwards used by Crocker Brothers & Co. many years for rolling their copper and zinc plates, also for making copper shells, or calico rolls, a few years previous to the erection of their works at Weir village. The old slitting-mill was purchased by Ben- jamin Ingell, 3,nd converted into a furnace for the casting of small wares. After the death of the latter, the building was sold to Reed & Barton, who removed the last vestige of the old mill except the dam. Britannia Works. — The britannia and plating- works of Reed & Barton, which occupies the site and privilege of those ancient mills, is the oldest estab- lishment of the kind in the United States. The bri- tannia business was commenced in Taunton nearly sixty years ago by Isaac Babbitt, in a small shop rear of his watch-maker's store, now City Square, its loca- tion about midway of the present Union Block, where he experimented with block-tin and other metals. Being a very ingenious mechanic, Mr. Babbitt enter- tained the idea that many articles of britannia ware for domestic use could be manufactured in Taunton instead of importing them from Europe, and he ac- cordingly was successful in his experiments. He en- tered into copartnership with William W. Crossman, another practical mechanic, and leased a room and power of Roswell Ballard in his fulling-mill (formerly the elder James Sproat's snuff-mill), below the dam on Spring Street, and commenced the business in a small way. TAUNTON. 825 Babbitt & Crossman there produced, in 1824, the first britannia articles manufactured in the United States, inkstands, shaving-boxes, looking-glass frames, etc., furnishing stores with a stock of these useful American goods. The ware for tea-pots and other britannia articles was afterwards rolled in plates. Nathaniel Leonard, in his shop on Weir Street, over fifty years ago made the first set of rolls for that use. These rolls may now be seen in Reed & Barton's works, and there was first made the first wrought metal goods. Specimens of the Babbitt & Crossman manufacture may still be occasionally found in use. They received awards for their productions at several of the Bristol County exhibitions, and their success in competing with foreign manufactures in this small way. They soon required larger quarters for their business. A brick manufactory was built in 1827 for their use on School Street, and they removed from their more humble quarters. The location is now " Leo's build- ing," and was once occupied by William Mason, in making his first " ring speeder," and afterwards by Dixon, Atwood & Vickery, in developing their cruci- ble business. In 1828, William Allen West and Zephaniah A. Leonard associated with Mr. Cross- man, under the firm of Crossman, West & Leonard, Mr. Babbitt remaining as metallurgist. All these per- sons connected together in the early days of the bri- tannia business have passed away, Mr. Crossman, the last one, about a year ago. 1 In the above manufactory, Henry G. Reed and Charles E. Barton, about seventeen years of age, com- menced their apprenticeship in 1S28, in the room of which William W. Porter, the retired veteran bri- tannia worker, now in his eighty-sixth year, had charge as foreman. The company increased their business, manufacturing coffee- and tea-pots and many domestic articles, but perhaps owing to inex- perience in the combination of metals in the infancy of the business they were not fully successful in se- curing the market. To obtain a more economical power in rolling and finishing their goods, in 1830 the company erected a brick manufactory on the west side of Mill River, opposite Leonard & Crocker's slitting-mill (the oldest of the present cluster of buildings now comprising Reed & Barton's works, but much enlarged), and soon organized the "Taunton Britannia Manufactur- ing Company," and enlarged their business. After a few years of unsuccessful experimenting to compete in the great markets with the productions of skilled labor of foreign manufacturers, the company suspended business and disposed of their stock, leaving a por- 1 Isaac Babbitt, after retiring from the Britannia Works, was a number of years superintendent of Alger's foundry, at s..ntli Huston, ami pro- duced the first brass cannon cast in the United Stiles. He was Also In- renter of the well-known "Babbitt metal.'' A man ..f remarkably mechanical and ingenious mind. He died ■ , Is— , from over-activity of a prolific brain. He deserves more than this tribute as a testimonia from Tauntonians. tiou of their manufacturing tools in the custody of their former apprentices, Reed and Barton. These young men, uniting their industry, ability, and prac- tical experience in the business, with a small capital and an agent, hired a portion of the building and power in 1835. They labored patiently under the ineffective discouragements of their predecessors, but they experimented successfully. Associating with them, alter two years' trial, Gustavus Leonard, they purchased the buildings, implements, and privilege, enlarged their business, making a new departure, under the firm of Leonard, Reed A: Barton, employ- ing a dozen or more hands, still laboring themselves at the bench, Mr. Leonard as the outside business man. With Mr. H. G. Reed as metallurgist their wares gradually obtained a high reputation ; their efforts were no longer a doubtful experiment; their "metal had the right ring." Their wares were exhibited at the exhibition of the American Institute of New York in 1838. During that exhibition a prominent member, Charles H.Delavan, sent several pieces of the Reed & Barton ware, with the same number of English man- ufacture to Mr. Wakeman, the secretary of the insti- tute, accompanied by a note, saying, " I am satisfied that the Taunton ware will bear a favorable compar- ison with any in Europe for neatness and elegance of finish, and I beg leave to express my firm convic- .tion that if such specimens of American manufac- tures are properly encouraged it will lead in a few years to the entire independence of foreign nations for articles of necessity and use, and I trust the time has arrived when the experiment should be made." In a postscript Mr. Delavan compared the cost of each set of ware, — Taunton ware, coffee-pot, $2.65; sugar- and cream-pots, $2 40 ; tea-pot, $1.78 ; total, $6.83. English ware (similar patterns, no better quality), coffee-pot, $4.06; sugar- and cream-pots, $2.57; tea-pot, $2.53; total, $9.16, a savin- of $2.33 in favor of the Taunton set, which, he added, " every American ought to be proud of." A gold medal was awarded the latter, and the reputation of the Taunton ware established. That ware was exhibited and letter written forty-live years ago when the works were in their infancy. Since that time the company have in- vested half a million of dollars, made extensive im- provements from time to time in the manufacture, quality, and style of their goods, which have entirely superseded foreign wares in the leading markets of this country, and found their way in successful competition in many of the markets of the Old World. After the decease of Mr. Leonard in April, 1846, Henry II. Fish purchased his interest, and succeeded him in joint proprietorship in the firm-name of Reed & Barton. In 1859, George Brabrook, who had been intimately associated with the business transactions of the firm, was admitted as a joint partner. After 826 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. the death of Mr. Barton, Sept. 13, 1867, Messrs. Reed, Brabrook & Fish purchased the interest of their late associate, and became sole proprietors, still retaining the widely-known firm-name of Reed & Barton. After the decease of Mr. Fish, occurring Jan. 13, 1882, his sons, George H. and Frank L. Fish, succeeded to the management of their father's interest in the firm and business. We have in the foregoing sketched one of our lead- ing industries from its humble origin in that little workshop to Deacon Ballard's mill, more than half a century ago, thence to the room where Reed & Bar- ton first worked in metal, to their present manufac- tory of vast proportions, forming a cluster of sixteen spacious and substantial brick buildings, erected from year to year, as the exigencies of their in- creasing business required, from one to five hundred feet in length, three to four stories in height, also a dozen lesser appendage buildings, all comprising two hundred and sixty thousand square feet, or about six acres of flooring, and covering an area of territory within their yard of ten acres. Besides their supply of water-power, an engine of three hundred and an- other of one hundred horse-power moves the costly scientific machinery of that great hive of industry, thus furnishing employment of eight to nine hun- dred persons, including some of the most skilled artists in the metal line in the world, many having been upon the rolls twenty, some thirty, years, while Deacon Barnas L. Burbank, Luther Babbitt, N. Brad- ford Leonard, William W. Thayer, and their senior book-keeper, Alfred Brabrook (now a salesman), over forty years, and Nathan Lawrence, superintendent, J. A. B. Woodward, John C. Macdonald, Peleg Francis, v Charles H. White, Abel Palmer, and Edwin Reed, nearly that length of time, in their employ. Such has been the success of their experimental improve- ments in metals the past twenty years, since britan- nia ware was their chief production, that they now manufacture annually hundreds of thousands of dol- lars' worth of the richest patterns in nickel (or Ger- man) silver electro-plated, gold-lined ware of rare artis- tic designs, and manifold descriptions, to be found in any market of the world. A visit to the departments of this model establish- ment, and an inspection of the interesting processes of production of the many articles in use in every family residence or humble cottage in the land, will confirm all we have said of its merit as an ornament to the industrial achievements of our city and county. Hopewell Mills. — About a hundred years ago, a third of a mile below the old grist-mill dam (now Britanniaville), on Mill River, was another dam, and a small "cutting-mill," owned by Samuel Leonard, 1 where, a few years later, Joseph Burbank, with a few ancient machines and two or three men, cut nails, such as were headed by hand in those days of simple 1 "Squire Sam. Leonard" was his familiar title. He was largely en- gaged in iron-works and was a large real-estate owner eighty years ago. machinery. It was said to be the first nail-cutting mill in Taunton. The site had no special history ; there was a small waterfall and a rocky ravine. It was the site of the present Hopewell Mills and sur- rounding buildings. Charles Richmond, with his ir- resistible energy and enterprise, conceived the plan of building cotton-mills there, in his own emphatic words, "To make Hopewell shine with industry." He purchased the old cutting-mill dam and privi- lege, with surrounding land, ravine, and rocks, of the heirs of Samuel Leonard. Then he purchased the old Leonard & Dean slitting-mill, and saw-mill dam and privilege above, to enable him to make back flowage without damage, and then raised the dam ten feet. With the aid and experience of Silas Shepard and Samuel Crocker he erected a cotton-factory (stone and brick) one hundred feet in length, completing it the season of 1818. The basement was a machine-shop and nail-factory, and in the upper stories looms and cotton machinery. In 1821 another mill was built, near the dam, about the same size, both containing about one hundred and fifty looms. Some years later an addition was built, connecting the Mills, for a weave-shop. Silas Shepard had the superintendence, until he left for building his Oakland Mill in 1827, and was succeeded by Ezekiel B. Leonard and Elisha Copeland. Elias Strange had charge of the machine- and nail-shop before he removed to the brick mill. Horatio Leonard & Co. built a small rolling-mill at the west end of the dam, under the brow of the hill (now hospital farm), which was operated a few years, when the machinery was disposed of. This mill property was merged in the capital stock of the Taunton Manufacturing Company in 1823, and was managed in that interest until 1843, when, after a brief control by William A. F. Sproat, it came into the possession of Cyrus Lothrop in 1844, for about ten years thereafter. After the accidental death of Mr. Lothrop, May 21, 1854, the property, by will, passed into the hands of Charles Albro, who had been super- intendent nearly ten years previously. Mr. Albro has been the manufacturer of various cotton fabrics about twenty-eight years. In June, 1883, a new arrangement was made in the proprietorship of Hopewell Mills. A company was organized with Charles Albro a third, and Porte W. Hewins two-thirds interest in the property ; Enoch Hewins as superintendent. They have two hundred and twenty-five looms, employ about one hundred and fifty persons, and manufacture jeans, satteens, and shirtings. • Over sixty years have passed away since the in- domitable spirit and energy of Charles Richmond originated the enterprise of the Hopewell Mills, the Brick Mills, the Calico Printing- Works, and other lesser enterprises, which have made Taunton what it is in prosperity and wealth, furnished employment for thousands, built up hundreds of comfortable homes, and made many wealthy. But he had not the TAUNTON. 827 million reserved to carry through his great projects amid the reverses and misfortunes which beset many human undertakings, and his remains now rest with- out a tablet to indicate the spot where they were in- terred in the far-off land whither he went in 1849, hoping to repair his fortunes. Charles Richmond deserves a monument at home contributed from the wealth he was instrumental in building and making. Brick Mill. — This manufacturing location, on Mill River, is one of ancient origin, almost coeval with the settlement of Taunton. It was a portion of the prop- erty sold by Bartholomew Tipping, a merchant, to Rev. Samuel Dan forth soon after his settlement in 1688, as the fourth minister of Taunton, for his homestead. He died in 1727. He had a grist-mill at the dam, and a malt-house, which he gave in his will to his son Samuel, including the house he resided in and surrounding land. In 1760, Samuel Dan forth, Jr., sold to Thomas Cobb, of Attleborough, his " new dwelling-house, grist-mill, fulling-mill, dam, and appurtenances, with ponding and flowing, with the utensils of both mills and four acres of land, for four hundred and sixty- five pounds." Capt. Thomas Cobb was the father of Gen. David Cobb. He returned to Taunton in 1762, and was probably engaged in the iron business in At- tleborough with Thomas Leonard. He built a roll- ing- and slitting-mill at the Danforth dam, and fol- lowed the business until his death in 1779, leaving the mills and privilege to his son, Jonathan Cobb. He also engaged in the iron business, and died in 1801, leaving the iron-works and mills to his widow, who gave the property to her son, Jonathan B. Cobb. In 1803 the latter sold the mills and privilege to Sam- uel Fales, whose son, Sam. Cook Fales, carried on the iron business a few years. Job King occupied the old Danforth Fulling-Mill for cutting nails several years with the original machine. Crocker and Richmond, who were engaged in sev- eral large manufacturing enterprises, including Whit- tenton and Hopewell Mills, and the calico printing es- tablishment, purchased a large portion of the site of the Cobb Mills and privilege, and, after clearing away the old mills and appurtenances, erected in 1823 the Brick Mill for the manufacture of printing cloths for the new calico-works. This mill was for several years under the superintendence of Jesse Hartshorn, and the machine-shop in the basement was in charge of Elias Strange, now the senior mechanic in this vicin- ity. Arrangements were matured by Crocker and Rich- mond, in 1823, with Boston capitalists, to organize a large company, and the Brick Mill property was merged in that, called the Taunton Manufacturing Company, and remained so incorporated until 1834, when a division was made, and the Brick Mill reverted to Mr. Richmond and his associate. Mr. Crocker. They continued the business of manufacturing cotton goods and machinery until the memorable panic and reverses of 1837 compelled them, from severe losses, to suspend, with hundreds of other manufacturers. After a few years of trusteeship and liquidation of the large estate of Crocker and Richmond, the latter repurchased the brick mill property and resumed busi- ness. From 1837 to 1843, Robert S. Dean had charge of the manufacturing of cotton, and Leach and Keith the machinery department. After they retired, the business was in charge of Mr. Dean and Lovett Morse, a capitalist, for a few years. In 1845, Mr. Richmond built the new brick mill in rear of the old one for the manufacture of cotton, ging- hams, etc. Experiments were made with a new carpet loom, which, after a few years' trial, was transferred to Thompsonville, Conn., and proved a remunerative success. The old brick mill was burned in 1845, then in charge of his son Edward, with serious loss to Mr. Richmond, and rebuilt in 1846. Two years later the entire property passed out of Mr. Richmond's con- trol, and in 1849 he went to California, where he died December 19th of the same year. In 1848 a new company was organized, with Nahum Stetson, president, and R. S. Dean, agent and treas- urer, with a capital of $100,000, called the Dean Cot- ton and Machine Company, for the manufacture of cotton cloth and machinery. In 1876 a new company was organized, called the Taunton Cotton and Machine Company, with a capi- tal of $65,500; Nathan S. Williams, president ; F. B. Dean, managing agent and treasurer, which contin- ued several years. About four years ago another company was organized, called the Park Mill Com- pany, with the same officers, having control of the cotton manufacturing department only, the machine- shop still remaining under the former name. The new brick mill was leased a few years ago to L. A. Rounds, nail and tack manufacturer. The Old Green Mill. — The first manufactory of cotton goods in Taunton was called the Green Mill, located near the present bridge at the junction of Hill and Weir Streets, on Mill River. The old, or " Lower Slitting Mill," stood at the side of the river, owned by Simeon Tisdale and others, who in 1797 sold their in- terest in the premises to Samuel Fales (for many years clerk of the courts and judge) and Samuel Leo- nard. In 1806, Silas Shepard, cotton manufacturer from Wrentham, purchased of Samuel Fales his share in the old mill and privilege, and upon the site, as- sociated with Samuel Leonard and Samuel Crocker, erected the Green Mill. Jesse Hartshorn and Thomas Bicknell, then expert manufacturers, assisted Mr. Shepard in the mill, where for ten or twelve years cotton yarn was made, partially colored, and put out in families where they had the hand-looms for weav- ing into checks, ginghams, and tickings, which fur- nished hundreds of women, wives and daughter- of farmers and mechanics, employment, and this home- made cloth was durable for years' wear. During the war of 1812-15, and days of the embargo, there was 828 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. great demand for these domestic goods. A few years later, in 1818, an addition was built to the mill, and Capt. Shepard introduced a power-loom (a crude ma- chine compared with the "Scotch loom," so called), af- terwards in use, which was succeeded by a still greater inprovement in the modern, compact, iron framed loom, forty years ago or more in use. The manufac- turing business of this mill was not a profitable in- vestment, with the crude loom disadvantages, aside from the line of cotton yarn, and it was finally given up. In 1824 the Green Mill was converted into an appendage of the new Print- Works, where machines with copper cylinders were introduced and used many years for printing calicoes of choice qualities. Delaines were also printed in this old mill by the Taunton Manufacturing Company and its successor, the Bristol Print- Works. After the discontinuance of the latter works in 1844, the old mill was remod- eled into a bleachery and an appendage to the Taun- ton Paper Manufactory by William A. Crocker and others. This enterprise was discontinued after a few years' experiment for the lack of that indispensable agent in making good paper, pure spring water. The old Green Mill came into the possession and control of the late Samuel Crocker, and it was finally taken down and the brick removed or utilized for other purposes, leaving its tall chimney a standing landmark of unsuccessful enterprises. Dean Cotton-Mill.— In the easterly part of Taun- ton, on a stream called in ancient deeds " Littleworth Brook," which takes its rise from the springs in the vicinity of Elders' pond, in Lakeville, and runs through Barehole Neck, stood Cain's grist-mill over a century ago, owned partly by Joseph Dean, Sr., Caleb Turner, and Moses Cain, and had been a con- venience to the people in that vicinity many years. In 1784 the latter owner sold his share of the mill and privilege to Henry Strobridge, of Middleborough, for seventeen pounds and fifty-five shillings in sil- ver. A few years later, 1792, Mr. Strobridge conveyed the same portion to his grandson, Robert Dean, a merchant of Taunton, son of Joseph, Sr. In May, 1812, a joint-stock company was organized, consisting of Robert Dean, Jesse Hartshorn, Joseph Dean, Jr., William Strobridge, and Caleb Turner, with a capital of $16,000, to build a mill at Barehole Neck, for manufacturing cotton yarn, to be called the Dean Cotton-Mill. During that season the little mill — fifty feet in length, two stories — was built, with ac- commodating dwellings, store, etc., under the direction of Mr. Hartshorn, the manufacturing agent and treas- urer of the company. This was the third cotton-mill built in Taunton. William Read and Cyrus Caswell became stockholders. The capital was increased to $25,000. The yarn made there was taken out in packages by families in that region and woven into cloth by the domestic hand-loom, several of which were operated in the mill. Mr. Hartshorn retired in 1818; he was succeeded by Benjamin Lincoln a year or two, and then by Harvey Hartshorn, brother of the former agent, the latter introducing the old-fashioned power- looms. The senior proprietor, Robert Dean, died May 24, 1822. Robert S. Dean was the next agent for about eleven years, and the mill with its twenty power-looms made domestic goods. Charles R. Atwood and Charles H. Stephens followed in succession a few years in the agency of the Dean Mill, when it was closed as a cotton manufactory. James Sproat and Eleazer Richmond purchased the factory in 1838, and converted it into a circular saw- ing and box-board and stave mill. Mr. Richmond succeeding the former in business over forty years until his death, Oct. 10, 1876; some twelve years of the time Nathan S. Williams was associated with him, until he retired in 1851 to the mill below. Charles R. Richmond succeeded his father in the box and keg manufacturing business to the present time. The location has been familiarly called Barehole a hundred years or more, but the tradition name is a mystery. Littleworth Brook is a valuable stream, identified with the records of Littleworth farm, assigned by Capt. Miles Standish and John Brown, Plymouth commissioners, to Elizabeth Pool in 1640, and prob- ably received its name from her after some location near Shute, England, whence she emigrated. On the same stream below was Williams' mill (grandson of Richard 1 ), and below that Turner King's saw-mill, now operated by his sons, Earl King & Co. ; then Pool's dam, located where, tradition says, Elizabeth and her brother, William Pool, had a grist-mill over two hundred years ago. Littleworth stream thence passes down by King's Furnace, an old saw-mill near Robinson's bridge (which unites Raynham and Taun- ton), and is the third or fourth stream in size which flows into Taunton River in its serpentine course of some twenty miles to its confluence with Mill River. King's Furnace. — The oldest hollow-ware manu- factory in this county was King's Furnace, situated about a mile from the present village of East Taun- ton. It was built by a joint-stock company in 1723-24, under a unique agreement, abridged as follows: " Know all men by these presents, that it is agreed upon by John King, merchant, Ebenezer Robinson, yeoman, of Taunton, county of Bristol, in New Eng- land, Benjamin Hodges, carpenter, Elkanah Leonard (grandson of James 1 ), bloomer, of Middleboro', Sam- uel Tubbs, of Pembroke, founder, and William Tubbs, of Plympton, founder, all of the county of Plymouth, to build a furnace upon a stream commonly called Littleworth Brook, in the township of Taunton.". Together, also, " to build a good and sufficient dam across said stream, convenient for said furnace;" and further agreed " to build a coal-house thirty feet TAUNTON. 821) square upon the site of said brook, as convenient as it may be to set where the said furnace is built." Also agreed that "said Robinson, Hodges, Leonard, and Tubbs each to be owners of T ^th part, and said King owner of all the remaining part of said dam, furnace, and appurtenances;" and the said owners " bind themselves each to the other to build and complete y e said furnace, dam, and all accoutrements thereunto belonging with all convenient speed, each to bear his proportional part," according to the terms of ownership. It is also "concluded by the owners, that when the premises are built and fully completed, that each of said owners, and their heirs, executors, administrators and assigns to have the income and profit of said furnace proportionally to his and their interest and part thereof, the charge of stock, work- men's wages, repairing of said furnace or any of the accoutrements being first paid." Also "agreed that ye said John King, being y e owner of the land and y e said stream, doth for himself, heirs, executors, and administrators covenant, promise, and engage with y e rest of y e owners, their heirs, etc., that said furnace shall stand and remain for y e full term of twenty years, unless by mutual agreement to let it fall be- fore." The contract and covenant is signed and sealed by the above-named parties, "Feb. 25th, 1723, alias 24." When the furnace and appurtenances were com- pleted they commenced making hollowware from the size of a " jobie kettle to a ten pail cauldron or more." The ore for the use was dug in the vicinity of the furnace at " Mine brook," and along the bogs of Taunton River. It required several hundred bushels of charcoal and about two weeks' time to heat up the furnace and stack before melting the iron ; and when once started could not be conveniently stopped until the blast of live or six months was through, and dur- ing this time " the men knew no regular days, nights, or Sundays," all bunked alternately in a room in the furnace, the table was set and standing in the " cook house" day and night, and the cooks constantly on duty to serve the molders and men. The hollowware was sold in stores, peddled by teams throughout Bris- tol, Norfolk, and Plymouth Counties, and sent to Newport, Providence, and New York by sloops. In later years the furnace was run by Capt. Josiah King (grandfather of Col. Nathan King, of Middle- borough, from whom we have the original 'contract ), and Ebenezer Caswell, grandfather of the late Samuel, Alexis, Alvaris, and Benjamin Caswell. In 1816 the furnace was rebuilt by Washburn & King (Gen. Crom- well Washburn, one of the prominent citizens of Taunton half a century and more ago, and Col. Na- than King, of Middleborough, father of our inform- ant), who employed a force of molders, etc., aboul thirty men, doing a large business. Their ware was mostly consigned to Caswell & James, merchants of New York, the sloops at Weir village taking charge thence and returning with cargoes. of the New Jersey ore. While a portion of the ore for many later years was dug in the vicinity of East Taunton, in Free- town, along the meadows of Two-Mile River, and near the old anchor forge in Raynham, these combined, it is said, made the best metal ; James Leonard 7 sold and carted hundreds of loads of the " moine" from Ins farm, as did his ancestor, James 1 , in 1060-70, for the old forge from the same vicinity. Col. King died in 1828, and Gen. Washburn in 1839. The furnace descended to the heirs of the former, in whose interest the furnace was continued many years. It was re- tained in the King family over a hundred years, and the grist-mill and saw-mill about the same length of time ; the latter was burned a dozen years ago. It ceased to be a blast furnace some sixty years ago on account of the large consumption and increased price of charcoal, and was altered to a cupola. It was last conducted as an iron-works by Col. Nathan King several years. The furnace was afterwards closed and purchased by Eleazer and Benjamin Richmond, who converted it into a circular sawing, box-board, and stave-mill, and run by them until 1851, when Nathan S. Williams became half proprietor until 1864. He then purchased the remainder of the mill and prop- erty and has continued the business, employing from twenty to thirty hands, to the present time in manu- facturing the above articles. Taunton Manufacturing Company.— The Taun- ton Manufacturing Company was one of the large en- terprises on Mill River sixty years ago. It was organ- ized in January, 1823, with a capital of two hundred thousand dollars in real, and four hundred thousand dollars, in personal estate, and the incorporators were Samuel Crocker, Charles Richmond, Israel Thorndike, Edmund Dwight, John McLean, Harrison Gray Otis, William H. Eliot, William H. Prescott, Israel Thorn- dike, Jr., Samuel Henshaw, Harrison Gray Otis, Jr., with such other persons as may have associated, or may associate hereafter with them, "for the purpose of rolling copper and iron, and for the manufacturing # of cotton and wool, in Taunton." James K. Mills and Ezekiel B. Leonard were afterwards stockhold- ers. The stock was divided into six hundred shares. Samuel Crocker, Charles Richmond, and James W. Otis were chosen agents, and H. J. Otis, Jr., clerk, with a board of directors. Samuel Crocker was elected president and treasurer, and continued by re-election for ten years. William F. Otis, George West, Gilbert Walker, and H. B. Dearth served from time to time as clerks of the corporation and board of directors. The real and personal estate of the Taunton Manu- facturing Company comprised the Whittcnton cotton- mills, nail-works, dwelling-houses, privilege, and ap- purtenances, the Hopewell Mills property, dwellings, etc., the Brick Mill property, machine-shops, and dwellings, also the extensive Calico Printing Works, with all the land and appurtenances, covering a large area of land. During several years this company 830 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. made encouraging dividends,— the first year twelve per cent., the second fifteen, and the third year twenty per cent. In 1826 the directors voted to " make a fair experi- ment of the machines for manufacture of pins and wood-screws," and that it is expedient to discontinue the manufacture of nails, dispose of the tools, a*nd lease the mills. In 1827 it was voted to remunerate Charles Richmond one thousand dollars for his valu- able services in England in behalf of the printing company ; also that the business be conducted under the firm-name of Crocker, Richmond & Co.; also to procure a practical superintendent of the print-works in England ; to cancel the order for the " pin-machines as impracticable;" also to fill the rooms at Hopewell Mil Is (made vacant by the removal of the nail-machines to Whittenton and East Taunton) with cotton spindles and machinery. The Calico Printing Works were started in 1823, by Crocker and Richmond, under the auspices of this company, by an importation of several hundred skilled and other workmen, chiefly from the printing establishments of England and Scotland, — men of all nations. The buildings were chiefly of brick, and structures were added from time to time as the in- creasing business demanded during the ten years' progress, until an area of about three acres was cov- ered on Court and Weir Streets, employing a large number of persons in the process of block and ma- chine-printing. Several of the buildings of Court Street were afterwards occupied by the Bay State Screw-Works, and are now owned by Anthony & Cushman, in their nail and tack business. Although an auspicious commencement, this calico- printing department proved a dissatisfactory invest- ment. In 1833 the Taunton Manufacturing Company voted that it is expedient to bring the calico-printing business to a close as soon as practicable, and the directors were authorized to sell the water privilege, buildings, machinery, and land of the printing com- pany. In 1834, Charles Richmond retired from the Taun- ton Manufacturing Company, taking as his share the Brick Mill property, machine-shops, dwellings, land, and appurtenances. In 1835, James K. Mills & Co., who had been associated in the company about ten years, retired, purchasing the entire Whittenton Mills estate as their share. Meanwhile, a new company had been organized in 1833, under the name of the " Bristol Print Works," comprising Samuel Crocker, Harrison Gray Otis, Charles Richmond, Edmund Dvvight, James K. Mills, Gorham Brooks,- Samuel Eliot, Horatio Leonard, William A. Crocker, George A. Crocker, and Benja- min W. Chace as stockholders, which purchased the entire print works property of the Taunton Manu- facturing Company, for the purpose of manufactur- ing delaines and calicoes. Samuel Crocker was elected president ; H. B. Dearth, clerk ; and subse- quently Gilbert Walker was clerk. Charles Porter was clerk and treasurer several years. The superin- tendents were John H. Grimshaw, Caleb Duxbury, James and Matthew Monarch. The business did not prove prosperous under the competition of the low tariff with foreign manufacturers, and the business was brought to a close in 1845. The panic and financial crash of 1837, which pre- vailed in nearly all the manufacturing communities, brought disaster to the manufacturers of Taunton, and a large portion suspended, which was followed by a suspension for a while of the banks. In 1840 the entire property of the Taunton Manu- facturing Company had been -reduced, by exchanges and sales, to the franchise of the Hopewell Mills and appurtenances, and were owned by Harrison Gray Otis and others, of Boston, and were run a year or two in their interest. They disposed of the property to W. A. F. Sproat, who was elected clerk and treas- urer, and assumed the duties of agent and control of the mills for about a year, but under the pressure cf the prevailing panic and protracted disaster, he was compelled to surrender the property. In 1844, Cyrus Lothrop held a claim upon the mills and property, and at a meeting in the office of Samuel Breck, Amyntas Shaw and Parmenio C. Shaw, of Raynham, having become chief stockholders, the former was elected president and director, and the latter a direc- tor, and Samuel Breck clerk, when this last remnant of the "Taunton Manufacturing Company was legally transferred to Cyrus Lothrop, of Easton." Mason Machine Works. — In the year 1845, Wil- liam Mason, whose biography is published in this work, erected the first buildings upon the present site of these works. He had for ten years previously been engaged in building machinery in various localities in this town, — in the machine-shop on School Street, and the Brick Mill machine-shop. There were no shops to be had large enough to supply the demand for his machinery ; he had acquired a reputation, and obtained valuable patents upon his self-acting cotton mule, which he thought would bring him a large busi- ness ; thex-efore he determined to prepare for it. He enlisted capital from friends who were engaged in manufacturing cotton goods, planned and built what was then the largest works for the manufacture of machinery exclusively in this country, and was soon doing a large and profitable business, under the firm- name of William Mason & Co. This original plant was a most complete establish- ment for those times, and of such great size as to ex- cite both wonder and doubt. It did not seem probable to many men that there would be sufficient demand for machinery to insure success in so great an enter- prise. The buildings consisted of a foundry one hun- dred feet long, fifty feet wide, a smithy one hundred feet long, thirty feet wide, and a machine-shop three hundred and fifteen feet long, forty-five feet wide, three stories high. These buildings were all of brick, TAUNTON. 831 with slate roofs, substantial and handsome. They were equipped with the best tools, many of which were built from Mr. Mason's own designs in his shops. From 1845 there was not much change in the estab- lishment, except an additional machine-shop, one hundred feet long and fifty-six feet wide, until 1852, when preparations were made for building locomo- tives in addition to cotton machinery. Then the foundry and smithy were enlarged to about double their original size, and extensive new buildings were erected, consisting of boiler-shop, machine-shops, locomotive-erecting shop, pattern-house, etc., all of brick, with a new stationary engine to furnish the power built on the premises. The first locomotive was turned out in 1853, of en- tirely novel design, attracting much notice, and mark- ing an era in the history of the American locomotive. For some years Mr. Mason's new ideas and improve- ments were looked for with great interest and adopted by many builders. The result was that these works acquired as high a reputation for the excellence of their locomotives as they already had for their cotton machinery. All went well until the financial crisis of 1857, when, through the failure of the Boston partners, Mr. Mason was so much involved and embarrassed as to be compelled to suspend business for a few months and see his large fortune taken from him. In the early part of 1858 a settlement was made by which Mr. Mason was released and enabled to start the busi- ness again in his own name. In 1861, after the breaking out of the war, it was thought that all regular business would be dull ; therefore, to keep the works running, Mr. Mason ac- cepted a contract to furnish one hundred thousand Springfield rifled muskets for the United States Gov- ernment. This was an enormous undertaking, in- volving great labor and large outlays of money for tools and machines especially adapted to the work. The larger portion of these were designed and built by Mr. Mason, some of which were great improve- ments upon the machines in use at the United States armories, notably his rifling machines, of entirely new design. After making these costly preparations, a change in the head of the War Department brought about a new order of things. Government contracts were can- celed or cut down indiscriminately all over the coun- try, and, among others, Mr. Mason's was reduced from one hundred thousand to thirty thousand guns. This action was unjust and disastrous. No redress or relief could be obtained from the government. But the preparations to fufill the original contract had gone so far and the outlays of money were so great that ! there was no alternative but to submit to the reduc- tion and make the thirty thousand muskets. This was done amid much perplexity, with great wear and tear of mind and body, and involving large pecuniary losses. After the gun contract was disposed of the works were restored to their legitimate business of build- ing cotton machinery and locomotives, for which a great demand had sprung up. During the years succeeding the war the facilities of these shops and tools were tested to their utmost capacity, and found unequal to the demand. Consequently a radical change and great improvement was undertaken, the first step of which was the erection of a larger foun- dry. To do this, more land was purchased, one street closed up and a new one cut through, giving a lot of about ten and a half acres of land, standing by itself. The new foundry was begun early in 1873; prob- ably it would not have been attempted at that time could the approaching panic have been foreseen. The changes inaugurated then were too costly to be car- ried out during the years of depression which followed the crisis of 1873, and there did not seem to be any prospect of business enough to require them. But with the revival of 1879 and 1880 they were resumed, and are now nearly completed. In 1873 the business was incorporated under the name of Mason Machine Works. The first officers were William Mason, president; William EL Bent, treasurer; and Frederick Mason, agent, all of whom have continued in office until the present time. In 1879 a new branch of manufacture was added, viz., that of the Campbell printing-press. These presses had been built by the owners of the patents at their works in Brooklyn, N. Y., and had acquired a good name by their novel devices and superior qualities. But the facilities and reputation which the Mason Machine Works had for building ma- chinery offered such advantages that the owners of that press were induced to abandon the manufactur- ing of their presses themselves and to contract with the Mason Machine Works for the manufacture of them here. The business has increased rapidly, until now it is about double what it was at the time the contract was made. Over one thousand of these presses have been sent out from the works to all quarters of the world. Mason Machine Works has grown so gradually that there are but few persons not connected with it who are aware of its size. Their plant consists of ten and a half acres of land and a great number of buildings, comprising nine acres of floors. They can employ over a thousand hands; at present they have nearly nine hundred. Cotton-machinery is their largest business. They can turn out three hundred looms per month, with carding and spiuning ma- chinery to supply them. With their increased facil- ities they can build about one hundred locomotives per year. In printing presses they are at present building thirty-two per month, and expect to increase to thirty-six per month before another year. There is probably no other establishment in the country engaged in such a variety of machine manu- facturing on so large a scale. Yet every department 831' HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. is conducted independently and with a system of its own under special supervision and separate accounts. Its products have a reputation for superiority in design, workmanship, and materials wherever they are known. From its gates pour forth from day to day and year a procession of those mighty elements of civilization, — the locomotive, the loom, and the printing-press, the products of active brains and brawny arms, the persistent pioneers of civil and social improvement, carrying wealth, comfort, and knowledge to the mil- lions of our great people. William Mason died May 25, 1883, after a few days' illness. The Britannia Manufactory of Eldridge & Co. was established in 1848 by Eli Eldridge, who com- menced business in a small building on Britannia Street. An increase of his business soon after caused au addition to his building to be erected. A few years later his son, Eli H. Eldridge, having bought out the coffin-trimming business of Strange & Francis, moved the same into his father's build- ing. They continued their separate kinds of business until 1863, when they united their interests under the firm of Eldridge & Co. They continued until the death of Eli Eldridge, in September, 1875, when John H. Eldridge, son of E. H. Eldridge, became a member of the firm, con- tinuing the business in the same building until June, 1882, w-hen they removed to a new and spacious build- ing which they had built on Eldridge Street. The Williams Manufacturing Company is one of the more recent enterprises which has a promising future. H. A. Williams commenced business here in 1877, with a limited capital of a few thousand dollars, but with a fertile invention and a persevering energy. He manufactures a great variety of small steel tools, twist drills, etc., by a process of his own invention, and the business has proved successful. After a few changes of associate proprietors within a few years, a spacious building was erected in 1880, near the Weir junction, Old Colony Railroad; the machinery is moved by steam-power. In February last a new company was organized under the above title, with a capital of two hundred thousand dollars, to prosecute the increasing business. The officers are Edmund Grinnell, president; Samuel Ivers, clerk and treas- urer; Leander Plummer, Charles W. Clifford, and Jireh Swift, of New Bedford, and H. A. Williams, of Taunton, directors. Mr. Williams is the managing agent. The company are enlarging their#manufac- tory to three hundred and fifty feet in length to facilitate their increasing business. Oakland Mills. — Capt. Silas Shepard purchased a privilege in 1827 on Rum ford River, about three miles from the Centre, built a dam, and erected a stone factory one hundred and sixteen feet in length, completing it in 1828, and for several years made cotton yarn. In 1831 he put in about sixty looms for making cloth. He pursued the business several years, and finally changed his style of manufacture to cot- ton or canton flannels, which was the first mill that made this kind of goods in this vicinity. He asso- ciated his son-in-law, Lewis R. Chesbrough, with him, and they enlarged the mill under their management. Capt. Shepard died in December, 1864, and the mill was continued a few years by Mr. Chesbrough. In 1869, Amos F. Howard & Son purchased the Oak- land Mills of Mr. Chesbrough and heirs of Capt. Shepard, and afterwards made extensive improve- ments, adding new machinery and a new water-wheel, and in 1880 erected a new building one hundred and thirty-eight feet by sixty-eight feet, and another, forty-six feet by thirty-five feet, with new engine and machinery, doubling the capacity for manufacturing fabrics. Mr. Chesbrough died in April, 1878, in New Jersey. Mr. Howard died May 7, 1881, and his son and copartner, Bion B. Howard, who resided in Mill- bury, died in December of the same year. The Oak- land Mills have since been conducted by Joseph S. Tidcl, 1 son-in-law of the former (who is a large owner), in the interest of the heirs of Mr. Howard. The mill contains one hundred and twenty-four looms, and manufactures denims and tickings, about two million five hundred thousand yards a year. Oakland is a neat village. The~company owns a dozen or more of the dwelling-houses for residences of their work- men. Taunton Ancient Iron-Works. — The first iron- works established in the old colony was commenced in Taunton in 1656. A bloomery was established in Lynn in 1644, it is said, and another in Braintree in 1648, but iron ore being found deficient in both places to meet with the demand for consumption of the iron- works, the enterprises in each place were relinquished after a large expenditure. At each of these places James and Henry Leonard, who were skilled and ex- perienced iron workers from Pontypool, Wales, had been employed to inaugurate the business. Large quantities of ore having been discovered in numerous places in Taunton, and hearing favorably of those iron men, the citizens assembled in town-meeting Oct. 21, 1652 (according to " Baylies' Old Colony History"), and — " It was agreed and granted that James Leonard, Henry Leonard, and Ralph Russell, have full consent to come here from Braintree and put up a bloomery on Two Mile River." They accordingly accepted the invitation, and a company was organized, and a forge or bloomery was built on Two-Mile River, now Rayn- ham. It required a long time to prepare for the manufacture of iron. We have^a confirmatory record in an old ledger kept by Capt. Thomas Leonard, son of James 1 , who was clerk and manager in 1683 of the same works. The following is in his own hand : 1 A member of the present loaril of aldermen. TAUNTON. 833 "An accompt of who hath been clarke of Taunton Iron-Works ever since George Hall was first clarke, with some others joyned with him for a time, which began Anno 1656 : Also, what jiroduce the works hath made from year to year." The old iron-works were not commenced until 1656. George Hall was clerk and financial manager, with a year's exception (1663, James Walker), until the time of his death in October, 1669, and his eldest son, "John Hall, y e end of y e year;" the record adds, " John Turner, working y e forge," or foreman. The stockholders included the early settlers of Taun- ton, many wealthy men in Boston and other places, as follows: Deacon Richard Williams, John Deane, Henry Andrews, James Walker, Deacon Walter Dean, Thomas Burt, William Pole, Elizabeth Pole, Shad- rach Wilbore, Nicholas White, Richard Stephens, John Pole, Joseph Tisdale, John Turner, Hezekiah Hoar, Bartholomew Tipping, James Phillips, Joseph Staples, Town of Taunton, Deacon Henry Hodges, John Hall, Samuel Blake, Peter Walker, and others, a share each or more, among whom will be recognized the aucestors of many descendants in Taunton ; also Richard Thayer, of Boston, four shares; Richard Church, of Hingham, Gen. Leverett, of Boston, two shares; Peter Noyes, of Sudbury, Nathaniel Paine, and John Saffin, of Bristol, afterwards judges of pro- bate, Stephen Paine and John Cary, of Bristol, reg- isters of probate; John Baker, merchant of Dorches- ter, Samuel Topliff, the Dorchester Church, Bene- dict Arnold, merchant of Newport, son of the Gover- nor of Rhode Island, and many others were share- holders. At that time bar-iron was a " circulating medium," owing to the scarify of specie in the growing colony and town. Numerous pages of an ancient ledger, two hundred years old, show the transactions of bar-iron barter of those interested in the iron-works, and orders " for iron as money" were attached as vouchers to the accounts. Ministers' salaries, town, school, highway, and other rates were discounted by orders on the iron-works, as all these pages show. Capt. Leonard was a method- ical man in his transactions, hence the careful preser- vation of the orders. The following are a few of the orders, the first from Deacon Richard Williams, a few years previous to his death, with his own auto- graph : "Ensign Thomas Leonard, Please to pay Bartholomew Tipping, nine shillings and 3d. in iron as money. " from your friend, " Richard Williams. " Taunton ye 16, 1st, 1685-86." There are a number from Rev. George Shove, the third minister of Taunton. One is a barter, as fol- lows: "Ensign Leonard, — Pray deliver to Sam'l Pitts, one hundred of iron and charge it to the account of your friend " Geo. Shove. "Sept, 19, 1685." 53 Then follows: " Ensign Leonard, pray pay to Nath'l Coddington ye above bill now due me already. "Samuel Pitts. "Sept. 22, 16S5." The following is from Dorchester: "Capt. Thomas Leonard: Sir: these lines may inform you that the Selectmen of Dorchester would desire you to deliver all that iron to Philip Withington, which is due from the iron works to the ministry of Dorchester. " Samuel Capen, with the "Consent of the rest of the selectmen. " March 26th, 1705." Philip Withington acknowledges receipt of " 700 of iron, being the produce of the y e shares for y e years 1699 to 1703, five years." The fourth minister of Taunton, Rev. Samuel Danforth, also dealt largely in orders for iron. Here is one, dated March 11, 1703 : "Capt. Thomas Leonard. " 1 would pray you to pay to Elizabeth Gilbert (my late servant mayd) thirty shillings in iron at 18 shillings prC, to her or her order and place it to my account. " Your friend and ser vt , " Samuel Danforth." Nathaniel Smith bought an ox of Thomas Wil- liams, son of Richard, so he draws an order on Smith to pay his mother, widow of Richard, a portion of the amount, thus : " Nathaniel Smith this is to desire you to pay my Mother Williams 300 hundred of iron ; which is part of y e price of y e ox you bought of me. " Thomas Williams. " Taunton ys ye 16 of Oct°. 1693." Then follows Smith's order: "Capt. Thomas Leonard, I pray you be pleased to pay to Old Mother Williams 300 of iron, from "Nathaniel Smith." Another order from Rev. Samuel Danforth, "to credit William Briggs the sum of 2 shillings and 4rf. in iron, for his rate to the Weir bridge." We might fill a page, did space permit, with these unique orders drawn about two hundred years ago, in which bar-iron was the chief factor in the transac- tion of business in Taunton. Nicholas White was delegated year after year, from 1683 to 1693, to carry the iron due from the works to the Dorchester Soci- ety, to Madame Leverett, Madame Tyng, of Boston, and others, over thirty miles, then through the wilder- ness. The record says "in 1675 the (Indian) war began; many coals destroyed in the woods." " 1676, the works garrisoned, great rates." The Indians, how- ever, did not molest the forge. The clerks who suc- ceeded John Hall were Henry Andrews and Israel Dean. In 1683, Thomas Leonard became manager, continuing until his death, in 1713. He was suc- ceeded by Deacon Samuel Leonard, who managed the works until he died in 1745. In his will he gave Hasadiah Wales, his daughter, and wife of the first minister of Raynham, Rev. John Wales, £100 of bar- 834 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. iron and twenty acres of land, and his three other daughters similar amounts. Before his death he added a codicil, stating that they should " have £100 in money, old tenor, as good as merchantable bar- iron at £3 per C, or beef at 8d. per lb., or Indian corn at 9s. per bushel." He was the father of Deacon Elijah Leonard, 1 who built the house next east of the forge (purchased by Mr. Spinney a few years ago), where the old ledgers were found, which was destroyed by fire in 1881. It was for more than half a century the residence of Capt. Edward Leonard, of Raynham. The iron-works were conducted by the son of Deacon Samuel Leonard for many years. In 1771 the iron-works came into the possession of Hon. Josiah Dean, who converted them into a rolling and nail works, where copper bolts for ship-building were rolled and made. Mr. Dean died in 1818, when his son, Eliab B. Dean, succeeded to the business. In' 1825 Mr. Dean changed the works into an anchor forge, which were continued in that line of business by him and his successor and son, Theodore Dean, about forty years, when the works were abandoned. The privilege, which is a valuable one, alone remains of the ancient iron-works of Taunton of two hun- dred years ago, the oldest successful bar-iron manu- factory in the country. In addition to the manufacturing establishments of Taunton and its industries, which have been noticed at length, should be named the Taunton Stone Lining Company, corner of Somerset Avenue and Highland Street, in charge of the Messrs. Parker ; the Taun- ton Crucible Company, Capt. Wm. H. Phillips its president; the Taunton Iron-Works Company, with John R. Williams, Wm. H. Phillips, John H. Eddy, J. F. Montgomery, Lewis Williams, directors ; Taun- ton Tack Company, treasurer and agent, Thomas J. Lothrop ; Sparta Tack Company, rear of the Brick Mill, Washington Street, L. A. Rounds, proprietor; the new stove-works at the We;r, run by Charles F. Baker, George E. Wilbur, William E. Walker, and Albert H. Hathaway, who have just erected a large foundry two hundred feet long, and employ sixty hands ; the Williams Brick Company, on Williams Court, off Somerset Avenue, in charge of Alexander H. and George F. Williams ; the Taunton Brick Com- pany, on Winter Street, with a capital of $75,000 and Judge Bennett its president ; other brick manu- facturers are Abiel B. Staples, who employs a capital of 85000 and fifteen hands; John W. Hart & Co., capital $3000, employs fifteen hands ; Isaac H. How- land, has a capital of $1500, employs twelve hands ; Horatio Godfrey, capital $1200, employs twelve hands. While there are manifold new business enterprises in the hands of new and enterprising young men, some large and flourishing branches of business still exist which had their beginning many years ago, as 1 His son, Rev. Elijah, was the minister of Marshfield about thirty years, and his son, Rev. George, was successor of his father thirty years, and died in 1882. has been noticed by Rev. Mr. Emery in his " Histori- cal Sketches of the City," published a few years since, as Edgar H. Reed, in 1834, in crockery, to which have been added carpets ; S. O. Dunbar, about the same time, in drugs and medicines, ink and fluid magnesia; Salmon Washburn, in furniture and hard- ware ; Chas. F. Davenport and Nathaniel S. Mason, in the express business, to the former of whom Wil- liam R. Davenport succeeded, followed by J. S. Bas- sett and William L. Walker,* William Hutchinson, in the stove and tin business; H. W. and Le Baron B. Church, in wholesale flour and grain trade. All these have been in business more than forty years, and the following not far from thirty years : A. Briggs & Co., Paul & Co., in flour and grain ; Staples & Phillips, in coal, iron, andageneral shipping busi- ness ; N. H. Skinner & Co., the successors of Jabez Rounds, in dry goods, carpets, etc ; Foster & Bar- nard, in the business of tailors; Colby & Co., succes- sors of Samuel Colby, in ready-made clothing ; E. D. Tisdale & Son, in watches and jewelry ; H. C. Perry & Son, in hats, caps, and shoes; N. S. Hoard & Co., in furniture and crockery; Philander Williams, in groceries ; A. J. Barker, in drugs, medicines, books, etc. ; I. B. Briggs, in stoves and tinware ; White Brothers, in meats, vegetables, etc. ; William and John D. Reed, in groceries ; B. R. Holt & Son, in ready-made clothing; W. H. Gilmore, in curtains, pictures, etc. ; J. T. French, in paints and paper- hangings. Robert Dean, John W. Seabury, Charles Godfrey, James W. Crossman, Charles R. Atwood, Calvin Woodward, Abiathar Williams, Allen Pres- brey, F. S. Monroe, Lovett Morse, and John, Wil- liam, and Hodges Reed were well-known business men in the earlier half of the present century. The Phoenix Manufacturing Company com- menced business on School Street over forty years ago. The proprietors of what was then called the Crucible Company were Charles R. Vickery, Charles R. Atwood, and Joseph Dixon. To enlarge their business they removed to Weir village, and in 1851 were incorporated under the above name. Capital, $30,000. Charles R. Vickery was president, Charles R. Atwood agent and treasurer, and were annually chosen, though many changes were made in the directors. In 1877, Henry D. Atwood was chosen agent, and after the death of his father, C. R. Atwood, in December, 1877, he was elected clerk and treas- urer, which offices he holds at the present time. Mr. Vickery died Jan. 16, 1883. The directors are Arthur Pickering, Le Baron B. Church, H. D. At- wood, F. B. Dean. The Cohannet Mills are situated on the bank of Mill River, above the Brick Mills ; were incorporated in 1847; capital, $100,000. A mill for spinning cot- ton yarn was erected the following season, three hun- dred and thirty-three long by fifty, two stories. The officers were John E. Sanford, president ; E. B. Maltby, clerk; C. L. Lovering, treasurer, who re- TAUNTON. 835 signed in 1878, when E. B. Maltby was elected. In 1881 the capital was increased to $200,000, and a new mill (No. 2) was erected parallel with No. 1, three hun- dred and sixty-five feet long by seventy -two in width, three stories, also for spinning cotton yarn. The present directors are John E. Sanford, Saul Eddy, C. L. Lovering, E. B. Maltby, George M. Wood- ward. These mills do the largest business in that line in the county. Sproat's Mill, Weir Village.— The shingle and grist-mill of James Sproat was built in 1837. A box- board machine was added, and soon afterwards a machine for making nail-keg staves. The grist-mill was superseded by machinery for box-making and cutting nail-keg heads. James H. Sproat succeeded his father at the time of his death in September, 1857, and has conducted a large business in this line. There are in his employ several men whose positions are worthy of mention, viz.: Calvin C. Presbrey, forty-six years ; Frederick Hathaway, forty-four years ; P. B. Campbell and Levi P. Talbot, thirty- seven years ; Abraham Simmons, George Taber, and John McEnroe, thirty-six years, and several others about thirty years. Mr. Sproat continues the same business he has followed forty-six consecutive years, employing about thirty hands. Old Colony Iron Company. — Ln 1813, Stephen King obtained a grant to build a dam across Taunton River, on his farm, a short distance above the present Old Colony Iron-Works, and laid the foundation. Horatio Leonard & Co. (Crocker & Richmond) pur- chased Mr. King's right and removed the dam to its present location, and built a forge for making char- coal iron (in 182-) of scraps and pig-iron. Finally, coal being too expensive, a few years later (1827) they obtained the services of experienced workmen. James Mitchell and his brother, Englishmen, com- menced making iron with bituminous coal. Increase and Charles Robinson, having some experience, came from Bridgewater in 1828 and engaged in the iron business with the company. Their facilities for the manufacture of iron for nail-plates and shovels were enlarged. Enoch Robinson, who had also served at the various departments for producing iron, succeeded his brother Increase in 1829, who returned to Bridge- water and became superintendent of the iron-works. Samuel Caswell had charge of the machinery. The reverses of 1837-42 caused a suspension of the works for over a year. A new company was organized under the name of the Old Colony Iron Company in 1844, with a capital of two hundred and sixty thousand dollars. Samuel L. Crocker, president, Charles Robinson, treasurer, and they remained in office until the death of each, — the latter Feb. 8, 1882, the former Feb. 10, 1883. The works cover several acres for the manufacture of shovels and nails and nail-plates, making their own iron. The officers are Charles T. Robinson, clerk ; Oliver A. Washburn, agent and treasurer ; Enoch Robinson, Nahum Stetson, Charles T. Robinson, and O. A. Washburn, directors ; Enoch Robinson, general superintendent. The Taunton Locomotive Manufacturing- Com- pany, located near the central depot of the Old Col- ony Railroad, commenced business in 1846, and was incorporated in 1847 by Wm. A. Crocker, Willard W. Fairbanks, Win. Raymond Lee, and their associates, for manufacturing steam-engines, railroad cars, and machinery ; capital, fifty thousand dollars. Wm.. A. Crocker was chosen president; W. W. Fairbanks, agent and treasurer ; Charles R. Olney, clerk. In 1847, Harrison Tweed succeeded Mr. Olney as clerk. In 1854, W. W. Fairbanks succeeded Mr. Crocker as president. Robert S. Dean succeeded Mr. Fairbanks as treasurer in August, 1858, and resigned in December. Harrison Tweed was his successor as treasurer on Sept. 25, 1861, and became agent in place of Mr. Fairbanks, resigned, who also resigned as president Aug. 28, 1862, and Samuel L. Crocker was elected, serving twenty-one years, until his death, Feb. 10, 1883. The capital had been increased from time to time until 1864, when it was established at two hundred and eighteen thousand five hundred dollars. P. I. Perrin, who had been superintendent and de- signer of the company from its commencement, in 1846, to July, 1847, was elected agent and treasurer to succeed Mr. Tweed, and now fills the position, and E. D. Godfrey was elected clerk of the corporation. At the annual meeting May 23, 1883, Nahum Stet- son was elected president in place of Mr. Crocker de- ceased ; Everett D. Godfrey, clerk ; directors, Enoch Robinson, Harrison Tweed, P. I. Perrin, Nahum Stet- son ; also Robert I. Gamewell, of Providence, in place of Mr. Crocker. This was among the first companies established specially for manufacturing locomotives in the United States, and the first one was built in May, 1847. The company soon attained a high reputation for their locomotives, and the first one that found its way upon the great thoroughfares of the West was sent .from this establishment in May, 1852; shipped from Boston for New Orleans, thence to St. Louis in charge of Edward Peirs, engineer, who is still in the employ of the company. Their locomotives are now a pro- pelling power from Maine to California, in Canada, South America, and Mexico. The Taunton Tack Company was organized in 1850 by a few practical tack-makers, and others that joined them, with a capital of twenty thousand dol- lars ; shares at five hundred dollars. They located their works on Union Street, purchasing the build- ings from Stephen Rhodes & Sons. They chose directors : Daniel Reed, Jr., Joseph Dunbar, Robert Crossman (2d), Gideon Perkins, Jr.; and Charles Foster was chosen president, Robert Crossman (2d) secretary, and Gideon Perkins, Jr., agent and treas- urer. In 1855 the company became incorporated, 836 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. and Gideon Perkins, Daniel Reed, Philander W. Dean, James C. Brown, and Albert • Hunter were directors; Robert Crossinan, clerk; Daniel Reed, Jr., treasurer; and James Brown, president. From that time there was a change in the officers nearly every year, except agent and treasurer, which L. F. Dudley held several years, and George W. White, superinten- dent, who remained some ten years. The company were doing a fair business, and paid a dividend until 1857 of four and a half per cent. In 1866, Lorenzo Lincoln was elected president, and has held the office seventeen years. Thomas J. Lothrop was elected director in 1867 and agent and treasurer in 1868, and still remains treasurer and manager. In 1869 the company voted to erect a new manufactory on the land purchased of A. E. Swasey. In 1870 the company increased their capital to sixty thousand dollars, removed to their new manu- factory on Weir Street, and authorized the sale of their property on Union Street. The company then began to add to its machinery not only tack-nail machines but for the manufacture of rivets and bolts. In 1873 the capital stock was increased to one hun- dred and twenty thousand dollars. In 1874, George W. White resigned as superintendent. In July, 1878, the fire destroyed a large portion of the factory, in- cluding the machinery for stove-bolts, and that busi- ness was not resumed. The factory was soon rebuilt and new machines added, and now includes one hun- dred and seven tack- and shoe-nail machines and various other valuable machines required in the es- tablishment; also wire-drawing apparatus and ma- chinery for the rivet department. The establishment consumes about seven and a half tons of iron per day, and furnishes employment to one hundred and ten hands in the various departments. The company manufactures its own machines, and is adding wire nails to its specialties in business. It has a branch store in Chicago for Western trade. The officers are Lorenzo Lincoln, president ; Thomas J. Lothrop, treasurer and agent ; Joseph Philbrick, clerk ; H. B. Wheelwright, Thomas J. Lothrop, Lo- renzo Lincoln, Joseph Philbrick, Francis H. Wilbur, directors. Anthony & Cushman, manufacturers of all kinds of tacks, brads, and shoe-nails, commenced business, in 1864, in their works below Weir village with twenty- six machines. Their business increased largely, and in 1882 removed into their spacious manufactory, Court Street, formerly Bay State Screw Works, where they have nearly ninety machines running, employing about one hundred hands, cutting four tons of metal per day of various kinds. Capital, sixty thousand dollars. H. L. Cushman & Co. commenced the manufacture of tufting and shoe buttons in April, 1882. Capital, twenty-five thousand dollars. They employ twenty- five hands, and make nearly a million of buttons per day. They occupy a portion of Anthony & Cush- man's building, Court Street. Strange's Cylinder Saw and Machine Company, on Tremont Street. The senior partner, Elias Strange, is the oldest mechanic in this vicinity, having been at the business about sixty years as foreman and manager in several establishments. Several years since he directed his attention to the manufacture of machines for making staves, boxes, barrels, amateur steam-engines, etc., of which company Elias Strange is president, Emerson C. is secretary, and Elias W. Strange is treasurer. They employ about twenty hands. Taunton Copper Manufacturing Company. — In 1826, William A., Samuel L., and George A. Crocker associated together as Crocker Brothers, and commenced the manufacture of copper upon the Wading River, in Norton, a privilege which their father, William Allen Crocker, formerly owned, a small establishment previously occupied by Crocker & Richmond a few years for the same purpose. In 1831 the above-named William A., Samuel L., and George A. Crocker, with Daniel Brewer, Nathaniel Crandell, and such others as they may associate with them, were incorporated as the Taunton Copper Manufacturing Company, under the firm-name of Crocker Brothers & Co., with a capital of $200,000. The works were enlarged double their former size in Norton, and practical skilled workmen were obtained from England to produce the less costly article called yellow metal, and by chemical arrangements in the manufacture of copper and yellow metal they utilized the oxide of zinc for various mechanical purposes ; they also contracted for the manufacture of planchets for copper cents, which machines were worked by William Allen West many years, furnishing the United States government with fifty thousand dollars annually. In 1849 the company erected a large estab- lishment at Weir village for the manufacture and rolling of copper, yellow metal, and zinc, removing a portion of the machinery from Norton. The com- pany conducted a large and profitable business for many years, increasing their capital to $600,000, and again to $900,000, and paying large dividends. Wil- liam A. Crocker retired from the firm in 1854, and George A. Crocker died in February, 1864. Few other changes have taken place by deaths and resig- nations. A few years since, in consequence of busi- ness reverses and losses on stock, and the inability to pay dividends, the capital was decreased to §450,000. During, however, all the panics and reverses of 1837, 1857, and 1873, the company continued its large and costly business operations, regularly paying, without intermission, their employes, many of whom have been upon the rolls in their service thirty, forty, and fifty years. Within the past year (1882) Charles Rob- inson and Ward M. Parker, two of the oldest directors, died ; in January last Charles R. Vickery, another of the board, and president of company many years, TAUNTON. 837 and in February last, Samuel L. Crocker, the last surviving brother, director, treasurer, and manager of the company From its organization, over half a cen- tury, died. Now a reorganization is taking place in this old-established and wealthy corporation. E. H. Bennett, who was elected president to succeed Mr. Vickery, has resigned, and some new officers will be elected to fill the places of the former board. Timothy Gordon has been connected with the copper works over forty-five years as book-keeper, clerk, agent, and treasurer; also R. Henry Hall over thirty years, as superintendent and agent, which offices they now fill as members of the company. Leonard Co-operative Foundry. — In 1845, Deacon Lemuel Leonard built a small foundry a short dis- tance below Whittenton Mills for casting stoves and small ware. A few years later his son, Lemuel M. Leonard, was associated with him, and enlarged the furnace, continuing several years. The former died in 1868. The latter, to extend his business, built a large foundry on Wales Street and removed from Whittenton in 1865, and continued a large business until his death, in 1876. This was the origin of the Leonard Co-operative Foundry Company, organized in 1877; capital, twenty-five thousand dollars. The company has two foundries and a number of build- ings, covering an area of two acres, and do a large business. The officers are L. B. West, president ; W. H. Lindsey, treasurer; A. J. Holt, traveling agent; directors, Win. N. Parker, Charles R. Mason, L. B. West, Win. H. Lindsey, J. M. Pratt, A. W. Hewitt, Jr., J. B. Grigor, T. N. GofF, C. H. Briggs. The Eagle Cotton-Mill Company was incorporated in 1860 ; capital, sixty thousand dollars ; President, Theodore Dean ; F. B. Dean, clerk, treasurer, and agent; Directors, Joseph Dean, A. K. Williams, George B. Williams, F. B. Dean, Theodore Dean. Wanton Bouse, one of the directors and superinten- dents, died recently. The Taunton Oil-Cloth Company was incorporated in 1850, with a capital of $25,000 ; now has a capital of $55,000. The board of directors are John E. San- ford, Enoch Robinson, Thompson Newbury, Charles T. Robinson, J. J. Whitmarsh. The presidents have been Charles Robinson, Bay- lies Sanford, William R. Davenport, John E. Sanford ; Clerks, B. Sanford, John E. Sanford, J. J. Whit- marsh. James W. Crossman was agent many years. The present officers are : President, John E. Sanford ; Clerk, J. J. Whitmarsh ; Treasurer, Thompson New- bury, who has been treasurer from the organization of the company. They manufacture enameled and peb- bled oil cloths. Presbrey Stove-Lining Company, established in 1826 ; incorporated in 1866, with a capital of $28,000; manufacture fire-brick and stove-linings. The board of directors are Henry T. Root, B. C. Pierce, J. T. Maher, William A. Miller, D. A. Trefethen. Henry T. Root, president; B. C. Pierce, treasurer and agent. Their present buildings cover nearly two acres of ground, having been recently enlarged. Westville. — This pleasant village in the westerly section of Taunton was named for one of its enter- prising manufacturers, John West, over seventy years ago. Its location on Three-Mile River, prominently identified with the Baylies Iron Works a hundred and forty years ago, was, half a century previously, the site of the "Andrews' grist-mill" and Lincoln's saw- mill, the former owned by Capt. John Andrews, the latter by Rufus and Ichabod Lincoln ; in later years by Joseph Andrews, son of the above, and Isaac Lin- coln, grandfather of Deacon Lorenzo Lincoln, the respected veteran paper manufacturer, whose ances- tors resided near there. About 1788-39, Thomas Baylies, Jr., had a forge and iron-works on the south side of Three-Mile River, for making charcoal-iron from ore mined in the vicinity and from New Jersey. He died in July, 1756, at forty-one years of age, a few months after the death of his father. An interesting history is connected with the owners of the Baylies Iron Works. Thomas and Esther Sar- geant Baylies, 1 ancestors of all of that name in this vi- cinity, — Nicholas, Hodijah, Dr. William, Hon. Francis and William, Thomas Sargeant, Dr. Alfred Baylies, and others (of whom Mr. Shove, in his " Digh- ton History," gives special account), — came from Colebrook Dale, Shropshire, England, in 1737, with his sons, Thomas and Nicholas, all " iron masters." 2 On their arrival in Boston, Thomas, Sr., proceeded to West Attleborough "Gore" (now Cumberland, R. I.), to superintend an iron-works for a firm of Boston merchants. He resided in that town some fifteen years, and was probably associated with Capt. Thomas Leonard, of Raynham, in the same business the last portion of the time. Thomas, Jr., came to Taunton and Nicholas went to Uxbridge, both to superintend iron-works. Thomas, Sr., subsequently removed from Attleborough to Taunton, probably to assist his son at Baylies Iron- Works, where soon after, his wife Esther died, May 7, 1754, in her sixty-fifth year, and he died March 5, 1756, nearly two years later, in his* sixty-ninth year. They were buried, with sons, Thomas, Nicholas, and grandson, Thomas Sargeant, and others, in the " Bay- lies Cemetery," in Taunton, below Weir village. After the death of Thomas Baylies, Jr., above men- tioned, his brother Nicholas came from Uxbridge to administer upon the estate of Thomas, who was i They were Quakers, and on the day of their marriage, in Warwick- shire, England, 6th month 5th, 1706, which was a silent ceremony, a lock of hair was clipped from the head of the bride, Esther Sargeant, which has descended through lineal generations one hundred and sev- enty-six years, to a namesake, daughter of the late Dr. Alfred Baylies, of this city. It was in the possession of the late William Baylies some twenty years ago, and left by him with his former student, Ellis Ames, to be given as an heirloom to the namesake of Esther Sargeant, the maiden name of their ancestress. 2 We have the facts from a descendant, Mrs. Eliza B. Wheaton. 838 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. single. He relinquished his business at Uxbridge, j after residing there some twenty years, and removed j here. He resided in Taunton near Dighton line, and conducted the forge and anchor business exten- sively, making anchors and other heavy implements for vessels and farmers' use. He purchased the grist-mill of Capt. Joseph Andrews and the Lincoln saw-mill, and was for a while associated with Capt. Sylvester Richmond, of Dighton, for several years high sheriff. Nicholas Baylies was a prominent man. At the close of the last century he represented the town in the Legislature four years (1781-82, 1786-87), and, though by birth an Englishman, he was an able supporter of the American cause in the Revolution. He was the father of Dr. William, Thomas Sargeant, Maj. Hodijah Baylies, and other children, eight in all. He died July 6, 1807, in his eighty-ninth year. His youngest son, Hodijah, succeeded him in the iron-works, after closing an honorable career in the Revolution, having served as aid to Gen. Benjamin Lincoln (whose daughter he married), and for some time upon the staff of Washington. He enlarged the iron-works, and conducted a large business many years. During this time, among other large con- tracts, he made the anchor for the frigate "Constitu- tion," which was considered a great event in manu- facturing iron at the time. It required (as stated by his son, late Edmund Baylies) ten yoke of oxen to transport the anchor to tide-water, Dighton, thence to be taken on board "Old Ironsides," which became a terror to the English navy. During his connection with the iron-works he was appointed collector of the port of Dighton, the first under the Constitution. He continued in the iron business until 1810, when he received the appointment of judge of probate, which office he held twenty-four years. He disposed of the privilege and old mills to John West in 1809, who built the paper-mill on the opposite side of the river. Mr. West, who had been a merchant in Boston, was the first paper manufacturer in the Old Colony. In 1823-24, Mr. West, associated with Crocker & Richmond, built a cotton-mill on the site of the old iron-works, and the business was continued by Mr. West as agent of the cotton- and paper-mill until the ! time of his death, in December, 1827. The cotton-mill was then managed by Crocker & Richmond until the time of their suspension in 1837. The paper-mill was conducted by Richard Park, by Park, Lincoln & Park (Caleb M. Lincoln and Edwin Park, associates), until the death of Richard Park, senior member, in 1833. Etheridge Clarke had an interest in the property for several years then called the Westville Manufacturing Company. George and Jonathan Bliss purchased the property soon after the failure of Crocker & Richmond, continuing the manu- facture of cotton cloth for several years, and the paper-mill was conducted by Jonathan Bliss, Jr., & Co. They were succeeded by Alexander Hodges, who purchased the cotton- and paper-mill, when the latter was discontinued for lack of sufficient water- power. The machinery was sold to C. M. and L. Lincoln for their paper-mill at North Dighton. The whole property passed into the possession of Lovering Brothers, who converted the mill into a spinning- mill to supply the yarn for consumption at their Whittenton mills. The Most Ancient Mills in Taunton were Deacon Robert Crossman's grist-mill, below the dam at the Cohannet Street crossing, and stood in the bend of the street for a century or more. It was built soon after the settlement of Taunton in 1638-39. In 1659, " Henry Andrews and John Macomber were per- mitted to erect a saw-mill," just above, on the oppo- site side of the street, " if it was not hurtful to the grist-mill." These humble mills have gone into his- tory by Mr. Baylies' researches. A hundred years later, or more, a fulling-mill stood near the site of the saw-mill, which John Sturtevant occupied in 1812, and in which Deacon Roswell Ballard commenced the business before he converted Sproat's snuff-mill into a fulling-mill, near Street's bridge. Elizabeth Pool Mills, situate on the bank of Mill River, below Hopewell Mills, organized in June, 1877, capital $75,000. The main mill is two hundred and eighteen by seventy feet, another one hundred by forty, each two stories. Two additional since built, one, one hundred and nineteen by seventy, another one hundred and fifty-five by forty-eight, one story each ; manufacture cotton flannels of fine quality as a specialty. The officers are Ira F. Lawry, president; Albert E. Swasey, treasurer; Charles A. Lawry, clerk; Directors, William C. Lovering, I. F. Lawry, A. E. Swasey, H. M. Lovering, C. A. Lawry. Another Ancient Iron-Works stood nearly two hundred years ago near the site of the Dighton Fur- nace Company upon Three-Mile River, which divided the towns of Dighton and Taunton, two miles below Westville. Richard Stephens, one of the early set- tlers of Taunton, with his son and others, in 1702, had a forge for making iron and a grist-mill there. His sons, Nicholas and Josiah Stephens, and Nicholas, Jr., afterwards owned the forge and iron-works. In 1739, Bollan and Laughton, Boston merchants, having purchased a portion of the privilege, they "leased the falls, dam, land," etc., of said Stephens in 1740 to erect an iron-works and refinery thereon, Stephens reserving the right to run the grist-mill. In 1748, Bollan and Laughton conveyed the privilege and iron- works to Henry Laughton, Jr., nephew of the former, and the business was continued many years. Bollan and Laughton were wealthy merchants (Englishmen), and had purchased large tracts of land and farms in this vicinity. In' 1776 they proved to be "loyal- ists," or Tories. The property they had not conveyed away was confiscated and sold by the State commis- sioners, Capt. Israel Washburn, of Raynham, Judge Tobey, of Berkley, and Capt. Henry Hodges, of Taunton, including several farms and the large tracts TAUNTON. 839 of land, according to the records, in the adjoining towns they had purchased. This location, the last employed for manufacturing purposes on Three-Mile River, was owned by the sons and descendants of Richard Stephens, — the last one, Elijah H. Stephens (great-grandson of Richard), who formerly owned a portion of the forge, mills, and other adjacent property, but, as tradition says, was defrauded out of a large portion of it by Boston parties. The Dighton Cotton Manufacturing Company was incorporated in 1806, and built a cotton-mill, and afterwards went into the foundry and cotton-machine business. The machine-shop was afterwards leased to T. S. Dunlap in 1843, who converted it into a woolen-mill, occupying it a few years. He then re- moved to a new mill, a short distance below, built by the Dighton Manufacturing Company for them as a woolen-mill, which was destroyed by fire in 1848. After Mr. Dunlap's removal from the old machine- shop C. M. and L. Lincoln leased it for a paper-mill, which they fitted for the purpose. After the death of the senior partner, Caleb M. Lincoln, in 1836, the firm was changed to L. Lincoln & Co., and has re- mained so for twenty-seven years. Their mills were destroyed by fire in 1881. They soon rebuilt a fine brick establishment, much enlarged, and with im- proved machinery, for the manufacture of various kinds of paper, and are doing a prosperous busi- ness. William L. Hathaway, and others of the Dighton Furnace Company, who occupied the old furnace buildings in 1858, removed to the Taunton side of the river, built a large foundry and shop for the manufacture of iron tubing, called the Dighton Tube- Works, which were discontinued several years since. After the death of Mr. Hathaway, June 15, 1870, he was succeeded by George F. Gavitt as man- ager and treasurer many years. For the last twelve years James H. Codding, who succeeded Mr. Gavitt in the Dighton Furnace Company, has done a large business in the range and stove line of manufacture, the largest in the city, has extended the works, cov- ering an area of about three acres, has a capital of $75,000, and employs over a hundred hands. The Industries of Taunton, Products, etc. — In Taunton there are 152 manufacturing establishments of all kinds, employing 6160 persons. Capital in- vested, $4,324,134; stock used, $4,292,917; value of products, $7,663,656 ; annual wages paid, $2,090,690. We quote from last census report: The above includes one for making agricultural implements, capital, $1000; product, $1350. Of artisans' tools, 2; capital, $4000 ; product, $8000. Of boots and shoes, 7 ; cap- ital, $2350; wages paid, $4200; stock, $4325; product, .-$12,350. Of brick-makers, 6 establishments; capital, $98,000 ; stock, $11 ,500 ; wages paid per year, $21,800 ; product, $45,000. In building, 13 ; capital, $18,900 ; stock, $29,300; wages paid, $24,360; product, $70,950. Of burial-caskets, etc., 2; capital, $19,000; product, $17,000. Of buttons, 2 establishments; capital, $40,- 000 ; product, $75,000. In carpetings, 1 ; capital, $70,000 ; product, $166,800. Of carriages and wagons, 11; capital, $42,300; stock, $20,000; wages paid, $22,100; product, $61,250. Of clothing, 4; capital, $22,500; stock, $27,200; wages paid, $10,750; product, $44,600. Of cooking, lighting, and heating apparatus (stoves, etc.), 12; capital invested, $365,500; wages, $204,906; stock, $188,137; product, $517,500. In cotton goods, eight establishments; capital invested, $1,000,000; stock used, $995,200; wages, $391,195; product, $1,856,884. Crucibles, 2 ; capital, $60,000 ; product, $68,450. Of earthen and stoneware, 1; cap- ital, $10,000 ; product, $6500. Of food preparations, butchers, etc., 11; capital, $62,500; wages paid, $20,198 ; stock used, $296,900 ; product, $363,000. Of furniture, 2; capital, $900 ; product, $7200. Of leather, 5; capital, $5600 ; wages, $6250 ; stock, $4950; prod- uct, $11,800. Of lumber, 4; capital, $34,000; stock, $22,100 ; wages, $16,900 ; product, $50,500. Of ma- chines and machinery, 8; capital, $843,800; stock, $698,950; wages, $522,276; product, $1,309,700. In metals and metallic goods, 33 ; capital, $1,722,650 ; stock, $1,750,800; wages paid yearly, $755,493; prod- uct, $2,864,313. In models and patterns, 2 ; capital, $4500; product, $2900. Of stone, 3; capital, $5880; wages, $5942; stock, $3900; product, $14,598. Of wooden goods, 3; capital, $27,700; stock, $11,075; product, $23,900. Of liquors and beverages, 1 ; capital, st ioOO; product, $20,000. Blacksmiths, capital em- ployed, $13,000; annual product, $30,000. Commerce of Taunton.— The commercial interests of Taunton were comparatively small two hundred years ago, yet the coasting trade was inaugurated soon after the settlement of the enterprising pioneers, and their small shallops and sloops of ten to twenty tons were plying with cargoes of iron, brick, and other arti- cles to and from Providence, New York, and Newport, where a large trade was established. Sloops were built on the banks of Taunton River as far up as Tit- ticut by the Pratts and Holmeses, and at Richard Wil- liams' landing by Capt. Joseph Hall and others. At the commencement of the present century there was a small fleet engaged in the articles of commerce of Taunton. Iron, hollow-ware, and brick were then the chief articles of export. Capt. Job Smith, a large dealer in West India and dry goods, had a large store at Neck of Land, where Capt. Job Godfrey and others landed their cargoes ; the wharf may now be seen. Schooner " Raynham," built at the Dean Street land- ing, by Capt. Joseph Hall, for Hon. Josiah Dean, who then conducted the iron-works; the sloop "In- dustry," owned by Capt. Perez Hall and his father; sloop " Sally," Capt. Benjamin Copper, Josiah Dean, and Col. George Williams owners ; sloop " Ranger," Capt. William Presbrey, owned by Capt. Seth Presbrey, Samuel Leonard, and John Presbrey ; sloop " Peace and Plenty," Capt. Seth Presbrey ; sloop " Union," Capt. Sylvester Jones; sloop "Sally," Capt. Jacob 840 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Phillips; sloop "Hannah," Capt. David Vickery ; the owners of these were Samuel Leonard, Jonathan Ingell, James Hart, Capt. David Padelford, Col. Noah Hall, Capt. Abiathar Williams, Capt. Jonathan Ingell, and others, were employed in the coasting trade nearly a century ago. Sloop "Dove," owned by Eliphalet Williams, John West and others, for freighting grain from New York for their distillery at Weir village, was captured during the embargo of the war of 1812-14. A British seventy-four was lying off the Sound, under Commodore Harvey, to seize the Taunton sloops as they plied their trade, and the " Dove" with six or eight hundred bushels of corn attempted to run the gaunt- let up the Sound, but was seized about off New Lon- don, and the owners were required to pay a heavy ransom in specie to recover her. Many of the shal- lops were so small that they could slip into the inlets with twenty tons, and make their way by night unmo- lested. At the period we mention the aggregate tonnage of the Taunton fleet would not exceed four hundred tons. We now append the following list of vessels of the Taunton fleet of 1883, to show the increase of our commerce in a hundred years : Name. Master. Tons. Schooner Whistler John Keefe 90 " John Lozier S. L. Tisdale 100 " Emma D. M. White 100 " Samuel L. Crocker A. T. Deering 150 " Salmon Washburn A. Hathaway 150 " Salle W. Ponder E.F.Lincoln 170 " Sylvester Hale G. L. Coleman 180 " Robert S. Dean Lewis 0. Coleman, 185 " Sallie T. Chartre Thomas Spellman 200 " M. M. Merriman A. Simmons 250 " Abel W. Parker William H. Dean 350 " William F.Greene C. F. Heath 375 " Nathan H. Skinner J. W. Thrasher 450 " Theodore Dean Capt. Blake 500 " Wild Pigeon .'.E. H. Doane 500 ,; John E. San ford J. E. Berry 600 " Oliver Ames Capt. Handy 600 " William Mason Capt. Chace 650 " William D. Marvel D. Keefe 650 " Calvin P. Harris O.Benton 700 " Alfred Brabrook J. M.Phillips 800 " D. M. Anthony 800 " William R. Huston J.D.Crowley 900 " Bertha F. Walker J. Westgate 1000 " C. A. Briggs 0. G. Hammett 1100 " Mabel L. Phillips Samuel Berry 1200 " Hettie S. Williams J. H. Bray 1300 " Elliot B. Church William Conary 1800 " Charles N. Simmons H..L. Babbitt 1000 " B. L. Burt John Sent 1100 " Bertha Dean H. F.Tripp 1100 " Nathan Lawrence W.J.Harper L100 " Josie Burt Alexander Burt 1100 " Emma F. Angel 1 Aug. Tripp 1300 Barge Advance J. F. Phillips 550 " Pioneer James Cook 750 " Petersburg James F.Rogers 8U0 " Star of the East W. W. Paull 850 " Satanella Asa Hathaway 1000 " Transport J. S. Cummings 1000 " Berkley J. M. Rogers 500 " H. J. Devenny Thomas Crowley 900 " Island Belle H. A. Dean Steamer Empire State J. M. Philllips 1700 " Cora L. Staples George Cummings 150 " J. P. White Benjamin Cobb 75 " Theodore Brierly Asa Hathaway 35 " George A. Dean F. P. Staples 150 New schooners are being built for Capt. H. O. Ben- ton, and for Capt. Jonathan Thrasher, of nine hun- dred tons each. The above-named large class vessels are owned chiefly by Taunton parties in several joint companies, of which Capt. Jacob B. Phillips represents one, Capt. Samuel Walker another, William B„ Church another. The barges and steamers are mostly owned by Staples and Phillips, who also own largely in schooners. The investment in the above fleet is about one million dollars; the aggregate tonnage, thirty- five thousand tons, showing a great contrast with the tonnage and investment of a century ago. Within ten years there have been added to the Taunton fleet over twenty vessels averaging one thousand tons capacity. Of these, three schooners, " Hattie S. Wil- liams," " Eliot B. Church," and " William S. White," are four-masters ; the latter, a splendid craft, was run down and sunk some months ago, and the matter is in litigation. In addition, two more schooners of one thousand tons are now on the stocks. The larger schooners cannot be navigated up Taunton River, owing to the rocks and bars, and on their arrival at Somerset or Dighton their cargoes are relieved by cars or lighters. The owners are anticipating further appropriations from Congress for improving the channel to admit of a portion of the Taunton fleet. The large freighting business carried on by the above Taunton fleet, besides cargoes to and from all the large cities in New England and New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore, may be stated by hun- dreds of thousands of tons. Some 600,000 bushels of grain, 40,000 barrels of flour, 200,000 tons of coal, 100,000 tons of iron and other metals, 20,000 tons of sand, 10,000 tons of other merchandise, thousands of bales of cotton and feet of lumber besides are freighted here, while hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of manufactured copper, iron, ranges, stoves, and linings, nails, tacks, cotton fabrics, brick, locomotives, machinery, and other articles produced by Taunton industrial enterprises are conveyed away annually to the large markets. CHAPTER LXVIII. TAUNTON.— ( Continued.) CORPORATIONS, BANKS, SOCIETIES, ETC. Taunton Street Railway Company was organ- ized in 1871 ; capital, $-40,000. The company has over four miles of track ; points of travel, Whitten- ton to Weir village; employs 15 men; has 13 cars and 45 horses ; runs, averaging 85,500 miles, and car- ries 461,000 passengers a year; now pays a dividend of six per cent. It has proved a great accommoda- tion for business men, for women, and for hundreds of persons employed in industrial pursuits. The officers are William C. Lovering, president; H. M, Lovering, treasurer; Orville A. Barker, clerk; and George C. Morse, superintendent. Board of Directors, 1883 : Henry G. Reed, A. J. Barker, William C. Lov- ering, William H. Phillips, Henry M. Lovering, P.I. TAUNTON. 841 Perrin, H. W. Church, Charles Foster, N. H. Skin- ner, S. N. Staples. Taunton Gas-Light Company. — Organized March 1, 1853. Capital, $45,000. Directors, Gardner War- ren, Samuel L. Crocker, W. W. Fairbanks, Albert Field, H. B. Witherell, William Mason, Lovett Morse; Philip E. Hill, clerk. Dec. 1, 1853, capital increased to $60,000, and in 1872 to $80,000. Direc- tors, 1855, Willard Lovering, Lovett Morse, William Mason, H. B. Witherell, W. W. Fairbanks, William Meade, Jr., Albert Field ; Edwin Keith, clerk and treasurer. 1856, James H. Anthony, elected in place of Lovett Morse ; 1857, F. S. Monroe, in place of H. B. Witherell ; 1858, W. B. Crandell, in place of Willard Lovering; 1860, John E. San ford, in place of William B. Crandell ; 1862, Salmon Washburn, in place of W. W. Fairbanks ; 1869, George A. Field, in place of Albert Field ; 1879, William E. Fuller, in place of F. S. Monroe ; 1882, Z. Sherman and Ed- ward Mott, in place of William E. Fuller and George A. Field. W. W. Fairbanks, president from 1853 to 1855 ; Albert Field, from 1855 to 1869; John E. Sanford, from 1869 to the present time. William Meade, clerk from 1856 to 1869 ; Edwin Keith, from 1869 till death, 1882. Edwin Keith, agent and treasurer from 1855 till death, 1882; Henry B. Leach, agent, treas- urer, and clerk, 1882, at present time. The Taunton National Bank.— The Taunton Bank was incorporated June 23, 1812, with a capital of $100,000. There was a provision in the charter that "one-tenth part of the whole funds of said bank shall always be appropriated to loans to be made to citizens of this commonwealth, and wherein the di- rectors shall wholly or exclusively regard the agricul- tural and manufacturing interest ; which loans shall be made in sums not less than one hundred dollars, nor more than five hundred dollars, and upon the personal bond of the borrower with collateral security by mortgage of real estate to the satisfaction of the directors, for a term not less than one year, and on condition of paying the interest annually on such loan, subject to such forfeitures and rights of redemp- tion as by law provided in other cases." The first board of directors and corporators were as follows : Simeon Tisdale, Samuel Fales, Joseph Tisdale, Samuel Crocker, Eliphalet Williams, Job Godfrey, Jr., Marcus Morton, John West, James L. Hodges, Nicholas Tillinghast, John Presbrey, Jona- than Ingell. Samuel Fales was elected president, James L. Hodges, cashier. The next board of directors we can trace was elected in October, 1820, viz., Jonathan Ingell, Thomas Sar- geant Baylies, Samuel Crocker, John West, Job God- frey, Marcus Morton, Francis Baylies, Robert Dean, Silas Shepard, Galen Hicks. Jonathan Ingell, presi- dent, and James L. Hodges, cashier. The same board of directors were elected in 1821. Silas Shepard declined. In 1822 the board was re- elected except Robert Dean, who died May previous, and Laban Wheaton, of Norton, was elected to the vacancy. The records from 1822 to 1827 are missing. The banking capital has been increased several times from $100,000 to its present capital, $600,000. In 1865 the bank was reorganized as the Taunton Na- tional bank. Directors. — Directors elected in October, 1827. How long they had served prior to this election cannot be easily determined. John West, died in December, 1827 ; Job Godfrey, served until 1831 ; Marcus Mor- ton, served until 1835; Francis Baylies, served until 1830 ; William Reed, served until 1831 ; Daniel Brewer, served until 1837; Nathaniel Wheeler, served until 1830; Benjamin Ingell, served until 1833 ; Samuel Crocker, served until 1837 ; Abiathar Williams, December, 1827, until 1838 ; William Bay- lies (of Bridgewater), October, 1830, until 1831 ; D. G. W. Cobb" October, 1830, until 1832; John M. Williams, 1828 until 1830; Nathaniel Crandell, Oc- tober, 1830, until 1838 ; George A. Crocker, October, 1831, until 1838; Abizer Dean, October, 1831, died 1835; Anselm Bassett, October, 1832, until 1840; Thomas J. Coggeshall, 1 October, 1833, until 1838; James M. Williams, October, 1835, until 1838; Charles Babbitt, October, 1837, until 1838; Ellis Hall (of Raynham), October, 1837, until 1866; Enos W. Dean, October, 1837, until 1845; Samuel B.King, October, 1838, until 1840; Galen Hicks, October, 1838, until 1840; Stephen Rhodes, Jr., October, 1838, until 1851 ; Charles Robinson (of Raynham), October, 1838, until 1840; John Walker (of Digh- ton), October, 1838, until 1850; Abraham Gushee (of Raynham), October, 1840, until 1848; Edmund Bay- lies, October, 1840, until 1841; Matthew Briggs (2d) (of Dighton), October, 1840, until 1849; Simeon Wil- liams, October, 1840, until 1846 ; Lovett Morse, Octo- ber, 1841, until 1845, again October, 1849, to 1850, again 1851 to 1869; Elkanah Andrews, October, 1841, until 1845; Andrew H. Hall, October, 1843, until 1851; Charles R. Vickery, October, 1845, until May, 1849; Charles F. Davenport, October, 1845, died 1847; Allen Presbrey, October, 1846, died 1879; Thompson Newbury, October, 1847, until February, 1849 ; Na- thaniel Newcomb (of Norton), October, 1848, until 1850, again in 1851 to 1861 ; George M. Woodward, 1 February, 1849, until present time (senior director in office) ; Charles L. Babbitt, June, 1849, until 1861 ; James M. Williams, October, 1850, until 1851 ; Philip E. Hill (of Bridgewater), October, 1850, until 1877; William R. Davenport, October, 1850, died 1874; Thompson Newbrey, October, 1851, until 1861 ; Henry G. Reed, 1 October, 1851, until present time ; Samuel C. West, October, 1861, until 1863; John S. Brayton 1 (of Fall River), October, 1861, until 1863; Chester I. Reed, October, i863, until 1865 ; Henry W. Morse, 1 Octo- ber, 1863, until 1869; William Mason, 1 May, 1865, i Surviving members of the board of directors. 842 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. until present time; Harrison Tweed, 1 January, 1866, until present time ; Calvin Kingman, 1 January, 1866, died 1867 ; John E. San ford, 1 January, 1866, until present time; Thompson Newbury, 1 January, 1866, until present time ; George A. Field, 1 January, 1868, until 1879; C. J. H. Bassett, 1 January, 1869, until present time; Charles F. Johnson, 1 February, 1869, until present time; Frederic L. Ames 1 (of North Eastern), January, 1875, until present time; Nathan H. Skinner, 1 January, 1882, until present time ; Mar- cus M. Rhodes, 1 January, 1882, until present time. All of Taunton except towns indicated. Presidents, from 1812 to 1883.— Samuel Fales, 1812 -18 ; Jonathan Ingell, 1818-28 ; Samuel Crocker, 1828 -37 ; James M. Williams, August, 1837, to October, 1838 ; Samuel B. King, October, 1838, to March, 1840 ; Ellis Hall (of Raynham), March, 1840, to 1846; Ste- phen Rhodes, Jr., October, 1846, to 1851 ; Lovett Morse, October, 1851, to 1869; C. J. H. Bassett, Jan- uary, 1869, to present time. Cashiers, from 1812 to 1883. — James L. Hodges, from 1812 until 1827; Samuel B. King, 1827 until October, 1838 ; C. J. H. Bassett, October, 1838, until April, 1853; Charles 0. Vickery, April, 1853, died same year; C. J. H. Bassett, October, 1853, until January, 1869 ; George W. Andros, February, 1869, to the present time. Bristol County National Bank. — The Bristol County Bank was incorporated in 1832, commenced business in January, 1833 ; capital of $100,000 ; capi- tal increased in 1836 to $200,000 ; in 1853, to $250,000 ; in 1854, to $350,000 ; and in 1861 to $500,000. Organized as the Bristol County National Bank in 1865, being the first with a national charter in this city. The following is the list of directors, presidents, and cashiers from the organization of the bank to the present time (1883) : Charles Richmond, April, 1832, until 1837 ; Na- than Lazell, Jr., April, 1832, until 1835 ; William A. Crocker, April, 1832, until 1852; Peter H. Pierce, April, 1832, until 1836 ; Samuel L. Crocker, April, 1832, until 1846; Artemas Hale, April, 1832, until 1847, again from 1853 until 1863; Charles Babbitt, April, 1832, until 1833; Jesse B. Smith, April, 1832, until 1855; Sylvanus L. Mitchell, April, 1832, until 1836; Philander Washburn, 1833-47; Barney Dean, 1833-39; Horatio Pratt, 1833-40; Jesse Hartshorn, 1833-43; Nahum Stetson, 1835-38, 1839-53; Benja- min B. Howard, 1836-41, 1843-47 ; Oakes Ames, 1836 -38; Francis Williams, 1837-38; Willard Lovering, 1840-42; Robert S. Dean, 2 1841-43, 1849-51 ; Charles Porter, 1842-45 ; Henry Washburn, 1843-44 ; Horatio L. Danforth, 1844-48 ; James W. Crossman, 1845-50 ; Samuel B. King, 1846-48 ; W. W. Fairbanks, 1847- 56 ; Lovett Morse, 1848-49 ; F. S. Monroe', 1848-65 ; James M. Williams, 1848-49; H. M. Pool, 1848-51, 1 Surviving members of the board of directors. 1852-62 ; H. W. Church, 2 1849-83 ; Elisha T. Wilson, 1850-51; Theodore Dean, 2 1851-83; Edwin Keith, 1851-82 ; Cromwell Leonard, 1851-64 ; Salmon Wash- burn, 2 1855-76; Charles Foster, 2 1856-65, 1876-83; Oliver Ames, Sr., 1862-77; Albert Field, 1863-70; Laban M. Wheaton, 1864; James H. Anthony, 2 1865 -83; Sylvanus N. Staples, 2 1865-83; William La- tham, 2 1865-76; N. Bradford Dean, 2 1870-79 ; Josiah L. Bassett, 2 1876 ; William O. Snow, 2 1879-83 ; Oliver Ames, 2 1877-83; Joseph E. Wilbar, 2 1882-83. Presidents.— William A. Crocker, 1832-52 ; Nahum Stetson, 2 1852-53 ; Theodore Dean, 2 1853-83. Cashiers.— Golden Dearth, 1832-35; William Mueu- scher, 1835-57; William Brewster, 2 1857-69; A. C. Place, 2 1869-81 ; S. L. Cushman, 2 1881-83. The Machinists' Bank of Taunton was organ- ized in 1847 with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars ; increased in 1853 to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and in 1854 to two hundred thou- sand dollars. On the 4th of March, 1865, it was or- ganized as The Machinists' National Bank of Taunton. The officers have been as follows : Presidents. — William Mason, June 2, 1847, to Oct. 6, 1857 ; Marcus Morton, Oct. 6, 1857, to his death, Feb. 6, 1864; James P. Ellis, Feb. 11, 1864, to Oct. 4, 1864; Charles R. Vickery, Oct. 4, 1864, to his death, Jan. 12, 1883 ; Edward King, Jan. 12, 1883, at present. Cashiers. — Edward R. Anthony, June 23, 1847, to April 23, 1849 ; Charles R. Vickery, April 23, 1849, to Oct. 4, 1864 ; Benjamin Church Vickery, Oct. 4, 1864, to his death, Feb. 5, 1876 ; Edward King, Feb. 11, 1876, to Jan. 12, 1883; William C. Davenport, Jan. 12, 1883, at present. Directors.— H. W. Church, May, 1847, to Oct. 2, 1847; Jesse Hartshorn, May, 1847, to Oct. 8, 1850; 3 George B. Hood, May, 1847 ; 3 C. T. James, May, 1847 ; 3 Cyrus Lothrop (2d), May, 1847, to Oct. 2, 1847 ; Willard Lovering, May, 1847, to Oct. 6, 1857 ; 3 Na- thaniel Morton, May, 1847, to Oct, 7, 1856 ; 3 William Mason, May, 1847, to Oct. 6, 1857 ; Simeon Presbrey, May, 1847, to Oct. 5, 1852 ; 3 Horatio Pratt, May, 1847, to Oct. 5, 1858 ; 3 Isaac Pierce, May, 1847 ; 3 Samuel C. West, May, 1847, to Oct. 2, 1847 ; 3 Albert Barrows, Oct. 2, 1847 ; Artemas Briggs, Oct. 2, 1847, to his death, May 23, 1876 ; A. J. Barker, Oct. 2, 1847, to Jan. 13, 1880; Edmund H. Bennett, Oct. 5, 1858, at present; 3 Marcus Morton, Oct. 5, 1858, to his death, Feb. 6, 1864 ; 3 Horace Lewis, Oct. 5, 1858, to his death, May 4, 1876; Nathan Rand, Oct. 5, 1858, to Oct. 4, 1864; 3 Thomas R. Drake, Oct. 5, 1858, to his death, May 13, 1873 ; 3 George B. Atwood, Oct. 4, 1859, to his death, Aug. 4, 1874; James P. Ellis, Oct. 4, 1859, to his death, Jan. 12, 1875 ; 3 Charles R. Vick- 2 Indicates surviving officers, the senior, H. W. Church, having served thirty-four years; Theodore Dean, thirty-two years, and thirty as president; James H. Anthony and S. N. Staples, eighteen years each; Charles Foster, sixteen years; others from nine years to one year. 3 Deceased. TAUNTON. 843 ery, Oct. 4, 1864, to his death, Jan. 12, 1883 ; Cha'rles L. Lovering, Oct. 4, 1864, to Jan. 8, 1867 ; Samuel Colby, Jan. 8, 1867, to his death, Dec. 13, 1876 ; B. Church Vickery, Jan. 13, 1874, to his death, Feb. 5, 1876 ; Samuel L. Crocker, Jan. 9, 1877, to his death, Feb. 10, 1883. Present Directors. — Edmund H. Bennett, Oct. 5, 1858; Albert Alden, Jan. 9, 1877 ; Nathan Wilmarth, Jan. 9, 1877 ; Lemuel L. White, Jan. 9, 1877 ; Zaccheus Sherman, Jan. 13, 1880; Edward King, Jan. 12, 1883; Wm. H. Bent, Feb. 26, 1883. The Cohannet Bank was incorporated in 1829, and went into operation in May, 1831, with the following directors: John Mason Williams, Daniel Wilmarth, Jr., William Reed, Henry Washburn, William A. F. Sproat, William Hodges, James W. Crossman, Benja- min Ingell, Frederick Crafts. John M. Williams was president, and Hiram M. Barney cashier. The bank continued in operation until after the failures of 1837 -42, and was compelled to close business. James W. Crossman and William A. F. Sproat were afterwards presidents, and the latter was cashier after Mr. Barney resigned. Bristol County Savings-Bank was organized by an act of incorporation March 2, 1846. Presidents, Silas Shepard, May 9, 1846, to January, 1865; Joseph Wilbar, Jan. 2, 1865, to January, 1882; Joseph E. Wilbar, January, 1882, to present time. Vice-Presi- dents, Charles R. Vickery, Jan. 1, 1877, to January, 1883; William H. Fox, March 26, 1883, to present time. Treasurers, George B. Atwood, May 16, 1846, to January, 1872; Charles H. Atwood, Jan. 1, 1872, to January, 1881 ; Alfred C. Place, Jan. 24, 1881, to present time. Trustees, first board and incorporators, Joseph Wilbar, Stephen Rhodes, Jr., Horatio Gilbert, Hezekiah W. Church, 1 Horatio Pratt, Lovett Morse, Sydney Williams, Allen Presbrey, Charles R. Vickery, Charles F. Davenport, Samuel L. Crocker, George A. Crocker, William A. Crocker, Nathaniel Morton. Present board (1883), James H. Anthony, Timothy Gordon, Charles Foster, Anson J. Barker, Joseph E. Wilbar, E. Maltby Reed, R. Henry Hall, Zaccheus Sherman, Hezekiah W. Church, William H. Fox, Philander Williams, Thomas J. Lothrop, Silas D. Presbrey, Ezra Davol. Taunton Savings-Bank was organized in 1869, with the following members: Willard Lovering, Lovett Morse, Henry G. Reed, C. J. H. Bassett, A. K. Williams, Ezra Davol, R. S. Dean, F. B. Dean, H. C. Perry, N. S. Hoard, Edward Mott, Saul W. Eddy, P. I. Perrin. Presidents, Willard Lovering, from 1869 until his death (1875) ; John E. Sanford, his successor and still president; Vice-President, Charles L. Lovering; Treasurer, Henry R. Wood, from its organization to present time; Trustees (1883), George W. Andros, William H. Bent, L. B. Church, William E. Fuller, 1 All deceased but one. N. S. Hoard, E. T. Jackson, Charles L. Lovering, William F. Maeomber, Edward Mott, P. I. Perrin, O. S. Paige, Nonius Paige, E. H. Reed, Henry G. Reed, John E. Sanford, N. H. Skinner, S. N. Staples, D. A. Trefethen, George A.' Washburn, A. K. Williams, ' George M. Woodward. William H. Bartlett Post 3, G. A. R— Post 3 was organized Jan. 2, 1867, with the following charter members: Robert Crossman (2d), Orville A. Barker, B. F. Cunningham, Lowell Maxim, L. O. Barnard, 2 Alfred B. Hodges, Henry D. White, Alfred M. Wil- liams, E. W. Crossman, 2 Z. Sherman. The commanders in rotation have been Robert Crossman- (2d), Mason W. Burt, Edgar R. Sprague, Alfred M. Williams, Harrie A. Cushman, Abner Coleman, George E. Dean, Charles H. Orchard, Henry D. White, George H. Babbitt, Jr., 2 William Watts, David H. Cahoon, Alfred B. Hodges, Charles S. Anthony, T. C. Lucas, J. W. Brewer, the present incumbent. The object of the organization is to create a more fraternal feeling among those who fought side by side in the late rebellion, and help their disabled com- rades and their families who are left dependent upon them for support. The amount paid out for relief of members and their families since the Post was organized aggregates eleven thousand five hundred and seventy-six dol- lars. The number of members in good standing at the present time is one hundred and seventy. The number of members who have died since the Post was organized, thirty. Masonic. — Taunton Council of Select and Royal Masters. St. Mark's Royal Arch Chapter. King David's Lodge, instituted July, 1796. Alfred Baylies Lodge, instituted 1866. Ionic Lodge, instituted Dec. 18, 1867. Charles H. Titus Lodge. Southern Massachusetts Masonic Mutual Relief Association. President, Edward Mott ; Vice-Presi- dent, Z. Sherman ; Secretary, George F. Pratt ; Treas- urer, Alfred C. Place. Independent Order of Odd-Fellows. — King Philip Lodge, No. 44, instituted July 29, 1844. Naomi Encampment, No. 14, instituted March 30, 1846. Good Samaritan Lodge, No. 19, reinstituted Feb. 22, 1877. Daughters of Rebecca. Knights of Pythias.— John Hancock Lodge, No. 40, instituted June 1, 1870. Eclecticism and Eclectics in Taunton. — It may seem uncalled for to define the principles of eclecticism, for they have been before the public for three-fourths of a century, still many inquire how it 2 Deceased. 844 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. differs from other systems of medicine and what was the occasion of its existence. These questions we will briefly answer. Early in the present century there was a wide- spread dissatisfaction with the prevalent "heroic treatment" of disease. The medical practice of that day consisted largely in the free use of mercurials, drastic purgatives, blisters, almost indiscriminate venesection, and other measures calculated to depress the vital forces. In 1825, Samuel Thompson advanced the theory that stimulants and relaxants were the true agents for the expulsion of disease. Five years later, Dr. Wooster Beach published an elaborate work called the " American System of Medicine," sharply criticising the system of depletion and introducing many new remedies, mostly American plants. Copies of his work were presented to several sovereigns of Europe. He received in return medals struck in honor of Dr. Beach, and testimonials eulogistic of the reformed practice. In 1836, a college of reformed medicine was in- augurated in Ohio, and in 1845 a similar institution was chartered and built in Worcester, Mass. At a meeting of the trustees of this institution the name " eclectic" was chosen as appropriate to the new school of medicine. Dr. J. S. Andrews, now of Taunton, was then a member of this board. There are now in the United States six eclectic medical schools, twice as many State societies, a score of medical journals, and a literature embracing works on all the branches of medicine. In therapeutics especially eclecticism has added largely to the medi- cal knowledge of the world. One of the earliest standard-bearers of eclecticism in Taunton was Dr. S. P. Hubbard, who has a large and Avell-established practice. About 1860 Dr. Paul W. Allen entered upon an extensive and lucrative practice in this city. He gave it up to accept a pro- fessorship in New York College, and was succeeded by Dr. J. S. Andrews. Dr. Andrews was at one time president of the Massachusetts Eclectic Medical So- ciety, an association of physicians if less in numbers yet equal in intellectual acquirements and profes- sional standing to any in the country. CHAPTER LXIX. TAUNTON.— ( Continued.) Taunton in the War of tho Revolution— The War of 1812-15— Taunton Companies and Men in tho Rebellion. Taunton in the War of the Revolution.— It has always been known that one of the "signers of the Declaration of Independence" was a Taunton man, Robert Treat Paine ; but long before that " Declara- tion" Taunton had a record which is highly credit- able to her patriotism and valor, and more than one man was ready to sign that " Declaration" and stand to it. Fortunately, "the attic of Samuel Godfrey," grandson of Brig.-Gen. George Godfrey, was a safe repository of valuable papers, which came into pos- session of Mr. Edgar H. Reed, from which we are permitted to draw information concerning a por- tion of Taunton's share in the work of the Revolution. " At a meeting of the commissioned officers of the East division of the militia of Bristol County held in Norton, Nov. 9, 1774, George Godfrey of Taunton was chosen Colonel — George Williams, Lieutenant Colonel — Nathaniel Leonard, 1 st major, Zephaniah Keith, 2 d major. This Division contained the com- panies from Taunton, Raynham and Easton. The captains of the various companies were as follows: Taunton, Capt. Nathaniel Leonard, Capt. Simeon Williams, Capt. John Reed, Capt. Cornelius White, Capt. James Leonard, Capt. Israel Dean, 2 d , Capt. Ebenezer Dean." " On monday, ye 21 st day of Nov. 1774, the East Division of the third Regiment in ye county of Bris- tol, met at Taunton and drawed up in a Battalion in Capt. Thomas Cobb's shed Lot so called, by ye Adju- tant Major Abijah Hodges, in manner hereafter de- scribed, vis : Ye field officers came in on the right wing, vis, George Godfrey next to the Battalion and George Williams on ye right, N. Leonard on ye left and Z. Keith on ye right and so march d round s d Battalion until we came to ye centre — 3 of s d Field officers with their hats under ye arm and G. Godfrey, his hat on and paid his compliments to each cap- tain." The citizens of Taunton appointed an important committee, called " a Committee of Inspection and Correspondence," July 3, 1775, whose duty it was to promote the general safety, and that of Taunton in particular, and, fortunately, when the fire of 1838 consumed almost everything else in the town clerk's custody the records of this committee escaped. From these records we make liberal extracts. " At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town ot Taunton on Monday, July 3, 1775, said town made choice of George Godfrey, Esq., Capt. Henry Hodges, Lieut. Solomon Dean, Maj. Richard Godfrey, Capt. Simeon Williams, Insign Ichabod Leonard, James Williams, Jr., Lieut. Elisha Barney, Lieut. William Thayer, Lieut. Ebenezer Cobb, Mr. Elijah Lincoln, Lieut. Benjamin Dean, Jr., Dr. David Cobb, Mr. Nicholas Baylies, Mr. John Adam, Benjamin Wil- liams, Esq., Mr. Josiah Crocker, Col. George Wil- liams, Robert Luscomb, Esq., Lieut. Edward Blake, and Mr. John Keene as a committee of inspection and correspondence for said town, and any seven to make a quorum. "This committee met on Monday, July 10, 1775, and made choice of James Williams, Jr., for their clerk. Mr. Nicholas Baylies, Col. George Williams, and Capt. John Reed were chosen a committee to take into their care the effects and estate of Daniel Leonard, Esq., lying in Taunton, who has fled for TAUNTON. 845 protection to Boston, said committee to improve or let the same to the best advantage, and render a true account of the profits arising therefrom to this com- mittee, or any other committee of correspondence of this town that shall be chosen for that purpose. " Voted, that George Godfrey, Esq., Capt. Simeon Williams, and Col. George Williams be a committee to take into their custody the pork and grain now in the store of Dr: McKinstry, and send the same to the army as soon as may be, and take an account of the same and keep an account of the cost of transpor- tation." Daniel Leonard and Dr. McKinstry were such no- torious Tories that Taunton was not considered a safe place for them, and they took refuge in Boston. Thomas Gilbert was another, or, as Gen. George God- frey styles him, " the notorious Torie Gilbert." He considered it prudent to leave Taunton. The Committee of Inspection and Correspondence held frequent meetings, and had much business on hand. " March 18, 1776, the committee met and pro- ceeded as follows, viz. : " In committee, March 8, 1776, Nathaniel Bird, a shop-keeper in this town, being convicted for refusing paper currency in his payments, the committee re- solved to publish him to the world agreeable to the order of the Continental Congress, but said Bird soon after applied to the committee, desiring their par- don for his crime, and promising reformation for the future. They therefore have stopped all proceedings against him, and recommend him for the future to the good opinion of the Continental Congress on the signing the following paper." Which paper is given at length and embodied Nathaniel Bird's contrition for his offense and promise of amendment. The report that eight hundred British soldiers had marched from Boston on the night of April 18, 1775, by, order of Gen. Gage, under Maj. Pitcairn, to Con- cord, to destroy the military stores deposited there, and the firing upon a company of American soldiers at Lexington on their way, on the morning of the 19th, and killing eight men, spread rapidly over Mas- sachusetts by couriers (they had no telegraphs or tel- ephones in those days). It was the first blood shed in the Revolution, and it aroused the people to arm fully for their defense. The news arrived in Taunton on the evening of the 19th, and Capt. James Williams rallied a company and was on the march in a few hours, arriving at Roxbury on the morning of the 20th, and reported for duty. His lieutenant was Jo- siah King; Abial Macomber, ensign; John Shaw, John Hall, Abiathar Hathaway, and Daniel Briggs, sergeants; Eben Sumner, drummer; Eben Pitts, fifer. \ Privates Thomas Andrews, George Andrews, Jacob Burt, Richard Cobb, Richard Caswell, Job Caswell, John Caswell, Asahel Crossman, Job Dean, Nathan Dean, Ebenezer Dean, Micah Dean, Abijah Dean, Ebenezer Dean, Joseph Eliot, George Eliot, John Godfrey, Seth Godfrey, Peter Haskins, George King, Job King, Nathan King, Elijah Knapp, Atherton Knapp, Sylvester Lincoln, James Latham, Benjamin Leach, Jonathan Macomber, Edward Paul, Zachariah Padelford, James Padel ford, James Presbro, Ebenezer Robinson (2d), Josiah Robinson, Gideon Shaw, Jo- seph Shaw, Job Smith, Jr., James Shaw, Seth Staples, Eben Shelly, A. Shaw, Shadrach Wilbore, Richard Williams, Thomas Williams, Seth Williams, Na- thaniel Woodward, of Taunton ; Elijah Gushee, Joshua Hall, Hezekiah Hall, of Raynham ; and Daniel Lane, of Norton. They served twelve clays, and forty miles travel ; were allowed £1 3s. M. each ; captain, £2 10s. ; lieu- tenant, £1 16s. M. ; sergeants, £1 16s. ; total, £76 4s. Corp. Seth Staples and Jabez Carver, of Taunton, were in Capt. Samuel Tubbs' company, of Berkley. Another company was organized in Taunton for Col. Joseph Reed's regiment in 1775, the year preced- ing the " Declaration," as follows : Oliver Soper, captain; Simeon Cobb, lieutenant; Thomas Williams, ensign; Ephraim Crossman, George Woodward, John Richmond, Rufus Barney, sergeants ; Job Hoskins, William Williams, Jonathan Barney, corporals ; Joel Drake, fifer ; Simeon Crossman, drum- mer; Ephraim Briggs, Prince Caswell, Richard Cas- well, James Cobb, Simeon Cobb, James Coggeshall, Robert Davis, Gideon Dean, Asa Bliss, Ard Godfrey, Thomas Graves, Jacob Hoskins, Joel Harvey, Elk. Hodges, James Hodges, John Hodges, Samuel Hos- kins, Timothy Hoskins, Rufus Harney, Elijah Leon- ard, Sylvester Leonard, Nedebiah Lincoln, Benja- min Leonard, David Lincoln, Ichabod Macomber, Seth Pollard, Nathaniel Potter, Jacob Phillips, Jo- siah Reed, Seth Richmond, Benjamin Richmond, In- crease Robinson, Abel Stacy, John Smith, Israel Smith, George Tisdale, Benoni Tisdale, Zadoc Thrasher, Perez Thrasher, Thomas White, Isaac Washburn, Silas Willis, Benjamin Woodward, Na- thaniel Woodward, Seth Woodward, Jonathan Wil- liams, Nathan Wetherell, privates. Served April 24th, May 2d to August 1st; averaged £4 lis. 6d. ; total, £323 4s. Ad. An interesting paper, which may be called a re- sponse to the " Declaration of Independence," was recently discovered in the attic of the late Henry Hodges Fox, among the relics left by his ancestor, Capt. Henry Hodges, a prominent officer here a hun- dred years ago. It 'is called a "covenant," and evinces the spirit of '76 in Taunton, as follows: " We, the subscribers, do each of us severally for our- selves profess, testify, and declare, before God and the world, that we verily believe that the war, resistance, and opposition in which the United American Colo- nies are now engaged against the fleets and armies of Great Britain, is on the part of the said Colonies just and necessary. And we do hereby severally promise, covenant, and engage to, and with every person of this colony who has or shall subscribe this declaration or 846 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. another of the same tenor or words, that we will not during the said war, directly or indirectly, in any way, aid, abet, or assist any of the naval or land forces of the king of Great Britain, or any employ'd by him, or supply them with any kind of provisions, military or naval stores, or hold any correspondence with or communicate any intelligence to any of the officers, soldiers, or marines belonging to the said army or navy, or inlist or procure any others to in- list into the land or sea service of Great Britain, or take up or bear arms against this or either of the United Colonies, or undertake to pilot any of the ves- sels belonging to the said navy, or in any other way aid or assist them. But on the contrary, according to our best power and abilities, will defend by arms the United American Colonies and every part thereof against every hostile attempt of the fleets and armies in the service of Great Britain, or any of them, ac- cording to the requirements and directions of the laws of this colony that now are or may hereafter be provided for the regulation of the militia thereof." This document committed those who signed it in the "colony of Massachusetts Bay" to the Declaration of Independence, and to it are attached in their own handwriting the signatures of Taunton men, as fol- lows : John Godfrey, John Thayer, Henry Hodges, Jr., Abiathar Hodges, James Hodges, Jonathan Thayer, Stephen Haskins, Jr., Luther Haskins, John Holmes, Nathaniel Briggs, Abel Burt, Nedaliah Lin- coln, Aaron Pratt, Ben Washburn, Timothy Hodges, Nehemiah Haskins, Jr., William Haskins (3d), Sam- uel Haskins, James Woodward, Daniel Briggs, David Stacey, Seth Hodges, Silas Axtell, Thomas Hodges, Morgan Cobb, William Hodges, Samuel Torrey, Nathaniel Briggs (2d), Jacob Burt, Abraham Burt, John Hodges, Simeon Cobb, David Burt, Peter Has- kins, Isaac Burt, Isaac Burt, Jr., Ebenezer Cobb, Levi Harlow, James Codding, Aaron Knap, Gideon Hicks, Moses Knap, Edward Knap, Abiathar Knap, Ephraim Knap, James Tisdale, Daniel Short, Henry Briant, Nathaniel Dean, Abel Burt, Loren Tisdale, Benoni Tisdale, Simeon Cobb, Timothy Haskins, Pelatiah Estey, Samuel Hay ward, Jonathan Harvey, Stephen Haskins, Philip Mason, Samuel Stacey, Sam- uel Stacey (2d), Job Stacey, Job Stacey, Jr., George Woodward, John Briggs, Amos Stacey, James Har- vey, Ebenezer AVillis, John Willis, Levi Torrey, Na- than Dean, Isaiah Reed, Zephaniah Hodges, Jona- than Barney, Jacob Barney, Nehemiah Dean, Samuel Gardner, Benjamin Williams, James Leonard, Zeph- aniah Gary, Seth Pollard,- Joseph Harvey, Rufus Leonard, Oliver Dean, Enos Dean, George Reed, Jr., Frye Torrey, — eighty-seven names in all. Some names also appear to have been erased. Whether their courage failed them when came the tug of war or what was the reason we know not. Probably this was only one of several papers for signatures which has survived the wreck of time. Immediately after the action at Concord and Lex- ington, April 19, 1775, the men of Massachusetts were put under a thorough military organization. A bri- gade was formed in Bristol County, consisting of four regiments, and placed under the command of Brig.- Gen. George Godfrey, of Taunton. The Third Regi- ment of this brigade was raised mainly in Taunton and vicinity, under command of Col. George Wil- liams, of Taunton ; Lieut.-Col. Zephaniah Keith, of Easton ; 1st Maj. Abel Mitchell, of Easton; 2d Maj. James Williams, Jr., of Taunton; Adjt. William Seaver, of Taunton. The organization was perfected during March, 1776. On the 12th of September of that year the General Court, in compliance with a recommendation of the Continental Congress, had ordered one-fifth of the militia to be drafted, except in the remote counties and seaport towns, and when organized to be marched to New York. The command of the Massachusetts troops was given to Benjamin Lincoln, who had been appointed major- general May preceding, and in less than three weeks, October, 1776, Gen. Lincoln arrived in camp, West- chester County, with the Massachusetts troops, in which Taunton was represented. Adjt. Seaver was detached from Col. Williams' regiment in a short time, and assigned to the posi- tion of aide-de-camp upon the staff of Gen. Heath, whom he had known in Roxbury prior to the war. While on duty at Westchester County Maj. Seaver was present at the battles of White Plains and Chat- terton's Hill, Oct. 28, 1776. A diary kept by him a century ago has recently been published, giving in- teresting details of his camp-life. He was next transferred to Warren, R. I., as brigade inspector upon the staff of Brig.-Gen. Godfrey. He was pro- moted Aug. 3, 1779, brigade major. His reports on file at the State-House, Boston, show that service was performed by Taunton troops in Bristol County brigade in that vicinity. Returning from that expedition, Maj. Seaver was detailed for special duty in different localities, one of which was under Count De Rochambeau at New- port, in August, 1780. After the close of the Revolution, Maj. Seaver con- tinued his connection with the State military, and for nearly thirty years was brigade inspector of Bristol and Plymouth Counties, serving in that capacity under Brig.-Gen. Godfrey, from 1776 to 1781 ; Gen. James Williams, 1781 to 1792; Gen. Silas Cobb, 1792 to 1802 ; and Gen. Thomas Lincoln, from 1802 to 1815. He was the oldest son of William Seaver, of Dorchester, born May 8, 1748, at the homestead of his great-grandfather, Robert Seaver, of Roxbury, and resided in Dorchester till 1772, when he came to Taunton. Among the Godfrey papers referred to is the fol- lowing: "Aug. 8, 1776, a list of the soldiers under my command, enlisted by order of the Council to march to Dorchester Heights, from Col. Williams' regiment, in the county of Bristol. Edmund Rich- TAUiNTON. 847 mond, William Caswell, Joshua Staples, Asa Dean, Noah Dean, Philip Knap, William Hay ward, Zeb- ulon Field, Robert Pray, Landon Hood, Peletiah Eddy, Jr., Seth Gushee, Nathan Dean, Richard Wil- liams, Seth Richmond, John Dean, Ebenezer Dean, Samuel Hood, Samuel Wild, Jr., Samuel Dean, Jon- athan Wilbore, Amariah Richmond, Samuel Padel- ford, Atherton Knap, John Macomber, Daniel Keith, Jr., Abijah Haskins, Henry Horr, John Caswell, Jacob Willis, Bela Linkon, Samuel Codding (2d), and two more belonging to Taunton, 'Listed with Lieut. French. (Signed) per Joshua Wilbore, Captain." Gen. Godfrey's papers show that another call was made upon him by the Council, Nov. 29, 1776, for one-fourth part of his men, who were to march im- mediately to the town of Fairfield, Conn., to reinforce the Continental army at or near the State of New York, for the term of three months. The names of the drafted soldiers from Taunton are given. It appears from a memorandum-book kept by Gen. Godfrey that he and his whole brigade, on account of what he styles " the alarm at the State of Rhode Island," marched to Warren, Dec. 8, 1776, and were discharged the 31st of the same month. The Godfrey papers give a " return of the names of the men enlisted from Capt. Joshua Wilbore's Com- pany in Col. George Williams' Regiment, with the names of the colonel and captain enlisted under to the Continental service," dated Sept. 2, 1777. In the spring of 1778, Taunton contributed toward " raising troops to be sent to Fishkill, N. Y., to serve for the period of nine months." A company was enlisted into the service of the United States by Capt. Jacob Haskins, for Col. John Jacobs' regiment on duty in New York for one year from Jan. 1, 1778, as follows: Jacob Haskins, of Taunton, captain ; Lieutenants, Noah Pratt, Jacob French, Matthias McFornan, Jonathan Fletcher ; Sergeants, Aaron Turner, John Lawrence, Jesse Ellis, Peter Smith, Benjamin Fuller, Elijah Fuller; Corporals, Jonas Humphrey, Daniel Chickering, Parker Earle, Increase Pond, Samuel Cushing, Daniel Cook ; Pri- vates, John Smith, Christopher Smith, Asa Holbrook, Zach. Bimbo, Samuel Williams, Enoch Darling, Jere- miah Crocker, William Fuller, Joseph , Titus Metcalf, Joel Cleveland, Warrick Greene, Luther Bullard, Abraham Crowley, Isaac Dagget, William Horton, Lemuel Herrin, Silas Morse, William Seaver, 1 Ellis Whiting, Moses Daggett, Michael Clark, Benja- min , Ephraim Jackson, Samuel Hammond, Thaddeus Stowell, Oliver Guild, Isaac Brown, Na- thaniel Draper, Nathan Draper, John Dewee. Capt. Haskins raised another company after the above for Col. John Hathaway's regiment, to serve from the 13th of March to April 15, 1779, as follows: Jacob Haskins, of Taunton, captain ; Abiel Macom- 1 He was one of the guard detached for duty at the execution of Andre. ber, lieutenant; Sergeants, Seth Paull, Nathaniel Snell, Perez Drake, John McSouth, Joshua Staple; Corporals, Nathaniel Dean, Edward Dean, Philip Dean, Isaac Hall ; Abiel Hay ward, drummer; Eben- ezer Smith, fifer ; Privates, John Burt, Elijah Briggs, George Darby, Abraham Dean, Zebedee Hackett, Joseph Hall, Solomon McSouth, John Phillips, Abel Pain, David Padelford, Elijah Richmond, Elkanah Smith, Laban Smith, James Williams, Jr., Abiel Dean, Nathan Hall, Nehemiah Leonard, Elezer Wil- bur, Israel Jones, Zadoc Turner, Elisha Garey, Na- thaniel Hall, John Bolton, Peleg Osborn, James Gil- more, John Shaw, Lemuel Briggs. Sept. 6, 1778, the Council being informed New Bedford was threatened by the enemy's ships, Gen. Godfrey was called upon to go to its assistance. In the spring of 1779 a regiment of nine hundred men from the Bristol County brigade was sent to the assistance of Gen. Sullivan in the operations on Rhode Island. July 26, 1779, Brig.-Gen. Godfrey received the fol- lowing letter from Maj.-Gen. Gates: " Sir,— It being immediately necessary that there should be a train- ing of the militia of the county of Bristol that the exact state of their arms, ammunition, and accoutrements may be known, you will please to send each colonel one of the printed orders herewith transmitted to you. Upon the back thereof I request you will send such particular commands from yourself as you think requisite. When the reyiew is finished, I desire to be favored with your company at Providence with a report of each regiment. The bearer has my direction to attend you to carry this order to each colonel. His expenses I shall order to be paid. I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, "Horatio Gates, ^Major-General." July 4, 1781, John Hancock wrote from Boston to Brig.-Gen. Godfrey, as follows : "Sir,— Agreeable to the request of the General Court, I herewith send you their resolutions for detaching a number of men from your Brigade to reinforce the Continental army. You are hereby required to detach without loss of time the proportion of men set upon the several towns in the County of Bristol, with a suitable number of officers to command the companies and order their march to join the army at West Point or such place as His Excellency, Gen. Washington, shall di- rect. The absolute necessity of complying with this order immediately I need not urge, as it will tend to carry on the important operations of the present campaign, under Providence, with success. Your men are to be joined with the men raised in the Counties of Worcester and Barnstable, which will form a Regiment, and you will detach a Major for the same. " I am, Sir, Your very humble servant, "John Hancock." Taunton was one of the first towns in the State to pass resolutions cond'emnatory of the course of the British government towards the colonies, and there was no backwardness in furnishing men and material aid in carrying on and consummating the Revolu- tionary struggle. The War of 1812-15.— The following is a record of the companies from Taunton and vicinity per- forming sentinel coast-guard duty at New Bedford, Fairhaven, and Dartmouth during the war of 181i'- 15, copied from the late Gen. Benjamin Lincoln's rolls : 843 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. CAPT. GILES G. CHASE'S COMPANY, BERKLEY. Daniel Howlaud, Darius Harvey, Frederic Harvey, Joseph Hacket, Gil- bert Dean, Cornelius Dean, Dean Paul, Ethan Allen, Arnold Newton. CAPT. SILAS SHEPARD'S COMPANY OF TAUNTON. Nathan King, Samuel Gulliver, Oliver Soper, William Haskins, Zeph. Walker, Benjamin King, Ziba Wilbour, Lewis Wade, Solomon Austin, Gilbert Leonard, James H. Blake, Ed. Knapp (2d), Elisha Walker, George L. Hood, Ephraim Atwood, Palmer Austin, Royal Burt, Isaac Bixby, Benjamin Burlington, James Bulloch, Jr., Ed- mond Briggs, Jr., Charles Briggs, Alanson D. Briggs, David Bassett, Clothier Pierce. Peleg Coffin, George Caswell (2d), William Cross- man, William W. Crossman, James P. Crossman, Elijah B.Coleman, Lineas Dean, Azael Eliot, Edward B. Francis, Albert Godfrey, Rich- ard Hewit, Job Hathaway, Ebenezer Haskins, William P. Haskins, Leonard Hathaway, Nathaniel Haskins, David Harvey, Jr., Rufus Holmes, Job Knapp, Jonathan King, Samuel King, Alfred Leonard, Nedebiah Lincoln, Lewis Leonard, Eben. Leonard, Elijah Lincoln, A. Lincoln, Jr., Wm Lucas, B. Macomber, E. Mirick, E. McFarlane, Epos Pratt, Jr., William Park, James Padelford, Jr., William Reed, George H. Reed, Jonathan Reed. Amariah Reed, Beza Richmond, Daniel Staples, Allen Staples, Eliphalet Staples, Noah Staples, Libeus Shelley, Elkanah Thrasher, Sylvester Thayer, Abiather Thayer, Benjamin Williams, William Wilbour, Richmond Walker, Nath. Wetherell, Jr., Abiather White, Robert Woodward, Samuel Wood- ward, Samuel Gilbert, Alanson Burt, Benjamin Norcut, Jra Ma- comber, Danl'ortli Lincoln. 4 CAPT. JOSEPH REED'S COMPANY, OF TAUNTON. Edward Blake, Barney Pratt, George Richmond, William Stoddard, Jno. Curtis, Daniel Cresswell, Abiather Austin, Gilford Barrows, David Bradford, Darius Caswell, Allen Dean, Lewis Dean, Samuel Dunham, William Godfrey, Rufus Godfrey, Jr., Hervey Haskins, Jr., Seth H. Wilbour, Nathan King, Jr., Amaziah Reed, Seth Rider, Gideon Reed, Daniel Staples, Eliphalet Staples, Job Sockel, Eliphalet Willson, Weston Westcoat, Nathaniel Witherell, Nathaniel Whit- cum. CAPT. SETH STAPLES' COMPANY, OF TAUNTON. Benjamin Dean, Paul Staples, Rufus Crossman, Seth Hart, Lot Shelley, Elisha W. Tubbs, John Neal, William C. Hood, Elijah B. Coleman Abraham Caswell, Alfred Blake, Hathaway Briggs, Nathaniel Burt, Davis Baker, James Bullock, Arumah Burt, Lyman Barney, Inoreau Chace, Willard Clark, William Clark, Arnold Chace, A lick F. Dean, Abiather Field, John G. , Eben Haskins, William Head, James Hood, Barnabas Harvey, Lionel Harvey, Daniel Hack, William Hathaway, Job Hathaway, Jas. Howard, Elijah King, Jr., Ephraim King, Jr., Robert King, Nicholas H. Lincoln, Zadock Leonard, Solo- mon Leonard, Philip Mason, John Marvel, Otis Nicholls, Ebenezer Pratt, James Pain, Micab Paul, Nathan Paine, James Pratt, Asa Presbrey, Nathaniel Phillips, William Rudel, Charles Reed, George W. Reed, King Richmond, Lemuel Savory, David Stacy, John Seek- ell (2d), Antipa Taber, Noah Thrasher, Elk. Thrasher, Amos Wade, William Wilbour, Stephen Wilbour, Stillman Williams, William Williams, Benjamin Williams, Samuel White, Abijah White, Benja- min Seaver. CAPT. SAMUEL WILBUR'S COMPANY, RAYNHAM. AppolloB Eddy, Jr., Libeus Shelly, Wilbor Smith, Isaac White, Rayn- harn; Thomas W. T. Bicknell, Dightou; Capt. Giles G. Chace, Berk- ley ; Lieut. Enos Williams, Job Dean, William Gushee, Eliab Dean, Asa White, Briarius Hathaway, Andrew Bachus, Job W. Dean, Raynham; John Perkins, Berkley ; Chandler Dean, Raynham; Isaac Paul, Jr., Berkley; Ira Britain, Joseph Bent, Benjamin S. Boodry, Charles Frazer, Abner Holmes, Ebenezer Holmes, Isaac King, Jr., Joseph Place, Abiel Robinson, Lewis Snow, Ebenezer Snow, Joseph Reading, Joshua Wilbour, Elkanah Wilbour, Jarvis White, James Warren, John W. Whitmore, Raynham ; John Pitts, David Palmer, John Wright, Silas Peckham, Cromwell Hoard Henry Millard, Nathan Simmons, David Fish, Surrannus Philips, Ephraim Philips, David Philips, Dighton ; MiricSeer, Joseph French, Ebenezer Newell, Peter Briggs, Bonet Briggs, Luther Hathaway, Weston Westcoat, Robert Goff, Philip Caswell, Elisha Pierce, James French, Jr., Berkley ; John King, Jr., Raynham ; Gilbert Hoard, Digh- ton ; Ziba Wilbur, Joseph Bent, Raynham ; Bennet Briggs, Berkely ; John Bower, Dightou ; Howard Cummins, George A. French, Berk- ley ; James White, Otis Wilbur, Jarvis Hoard, Isaac King, Rayn- ham; Aaron Lewis, Isaiah Philips, David Philips, Dighton ; Eben- ezer Mirick, Berkley; Samuel Shaw, Jr., Raynham ; Stephen Swasey. Oliver Shaw, John Pierce, Jr., James Bosworth, Dighton. CAPT. SAMUEL WILBOR'S COMPANY, RAYNHAM. Joseph Hall, Daniel Wilbor, John D. Gilmore, Calvin Washburn, Ben- jamin D. Richmond, Cassina D. Shaw, Warren Lincoln, Daniel Dean, Simeon Robinson, John Robinson (2d), Thomas Simmons, Jr., Ambrose Lincoln, Jr., Isaac Hall, Benjamin L. Boodry, Jona- than Dean, Reuben L. Frazer, Godfrey Robinson, Jr., Enoch Wil- liams, Eli Williams, Philo Williams, Stephen Williams, Raynham ; John Philips, Samuel Dean, Joseph Dean, Benjamin Hathaway, Elkanah Hathaway, Samuel Newhall, Levi L. Crane, Abijah Bab- bit, Berkley; John B.Talbot, Edward Terry, Palemon Pidge, Aaron Chace, Jr., Surrannus Philips, Frederick Briggs, Jonathan Palmer, Dighton. CAPT. GILES G. CHACE'S COMPANY, BERKLEY. George Burt, Benjamin C. French, Venus Macomber, John Belton, Bar- zillai Crane, Berkley; Ebenezer Talbot, Dighton; Job Dean, Jr., Enos Williams, Raynham ; Benjamin Burt, Adoniram Crane, Berk- ley ; Darius Perry, Dighton; John King, Jr., Raynham; Daniel Burt, George Crane, Berkley; Matthew Briggs, Jr., Richard Jones, Dighton ; Capt. Jonathan Wilbor, Raynham. TAUNTON COMPANIES AND MEN IN THE REBELLION. Company G, Fourth Regiment M. V. M. (Taun- ton Light Guard). — This company was organized in 1855, and attached to the Fourth Regiment Massa- chusetts Volunteer Militia. Its first commander was Timothy Gordon, who continued from its organiza- tion until the close of the three months' campaign in Virginia. On the morning of April 16, 1861, the members were notified to report at their armory for immediate service in response to the call of President Lincoln for seventy-five thousand men, and on the same day left Taunton and arrived in Boston and rendezvoused in Faneuil Hall, awaiting with other companies of the Fourth Regiment further orders. On the 17th the regimental column was ordered to Fortress Monroe, Va., and departed that day via the Old Colony Rail- road and steamer " State of Maine" from Fall River for that post, where it arrived on the morning of April 20th, and at day dawn disembarked with the Taun- ton Light Guard on the right of the line, Capt. Gor- don being the senior officer, whereby this company acquired the honor of being the first from the North to enter Virginia in the war of the Rebellion. The company participated in the duties and for- tunes of the regiment, and on the 27th of May em- barked for Newport News, where earthworks were thrown up and an intrenched camp established. Here the company remained until June 9th, when a detachment, of which Company G was a part, marched toward " Big Bethel," and on the 10th occurred the engagement known as the " battle of Big Bethel." On the 2d of July the Fourth Regiment embarked for Hampton, where it remained until July 17th, when it departed for home at expiration of service, arriving at Boston on the 19th, and encamped at Long Island. It was mustered out July 22d. On the 24th it marched to Boston Common, and was dismissed, arriving in Taunton the same day. The people turned out en masse, and the company was ac- TAUNTON. 849 corded a hearty welcome home. On the 25th they were given a more formal reception. Forming in their armory, they marched to the Green, and were welcomed in an address by ex-Governor Marcus Morton, Hon. Samuel L. Crocker presiding. The company, with invited guests, then proceeded to Central Hall, where dinner was served and brief addresses were made by citizens and members in response to sentiments, and poems, by Hon. A. M. Ide, Messrs. Hodges Reed and B. F. Presbrey, were read. Company G subsequently se ( rved with the Fourth Massachusetts Regiment for nine months in Lou- isiana. It furnished for different organizations twenty-three commissioned officers, viz. : one lieu- tenant-colonel, two majors, nine captains, and eleven lieutenants. COMPANY G. Timothy Gordon, capt. ; must, in April 22,1801; must, out July 22,1861. Zacheus Sherman, 1st lieut. ; must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. Frederic A. Harrington. 2d lieut.; must, in April 22, 1861; must, out July 22, 1861. Mason W. Burt, 1st sergt. ; must, in April 22, 1861; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re-entered the service as captain of Co. C, 22d Regt. Mass. Vols.; pro. to major, and disch. with that rank; was afterwards breveted colonel. Charles H. Paull, sergt.; must, in April 22, 1861; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re-entered the service as captain of Co. G, 4th Mass. Regt. (nine months), and was discharged with that rank. William H. Bartlett, sergt.; must, in April 22, 1861; must, out July 22, 1861; re-entered the service as captain Co. K, 4th Mass. Regt. (nine months), and was killed at Port Hudson June 14, 1863. George A. AVashburn, sergt. ; must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re-entered the service as first lieutenant Co. C, 22d Mass. Regt., and was disch. with the rank of captain. Isaac Dean Paull, Corp.; must, in April 22, 1861; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re-entered the service as first lieutenant of Co. F, 39th Mass. Regt., and was killed May 8, 1864, at the Wilderness. Edward J. Vose, corp. ; must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861 ; was afterwards commissioned 1st lieut. 33d Mass. Regt. Vol. James Brown, corp.; must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re-entered the service as captain of Co. B,33d Regt. Mass. Vols., and was pro. to major of same regiment. Willard D. Tripp, corp.; must, in April 22, 1S61 ; must, out July 22, 1861'; re-entered the service as captain of Co. F, 29th Mass. Regt ; was pro. to lieutenant-colonel of same regiment. Wm. Mark Lord, musician; must, in May 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861 ; died at Haverhill, Mass., Feb. 3, 1879. Privates. Lloyd W. Austin, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. George W. Barnes, must, in April 22, 1861, and was appointed quarter- master-sergeant same day. Wm. R. Black, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re-en- tered the service as captain of Co. F, 4th Mass. Regt. (nine months). John C. Briggs, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 16, 1861 ; served as foreman of the government machine-shop at Fortress Monroe dur- ing his time as above, and remained for several years afterwards in that position. Wm. J. Briggs, must, in May 6, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re-entered the service as first lieutenant of Co. G, 4th Mass. Regt. (nine months). John H. Buck, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861; died at Taunton Sept. 16, 1863. John H. Church, must, in April 22, 1861; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re- entered the service as 1st lieut. of Co. K, 4th Mass. Regt. (nine months). John W. Clapp, must, in May 6, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. Isaac S. Clark, must, in April 22, 1861; must, out July 22, 1861. John R. Coleman, must, in April 22, 1861; must, out July 22, 1861. James M. Cusbman, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. 54 Gustavus L. Dean, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861; was afterwards commissioned. Perez L. Dunbar, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. Edward Eayres, must, in April 22, 1801 ; must, out July 22, 1861. Allen A. Fisher, must, in April 22, 1S61 ; must, out July 22, 1861. Henry Galligan, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re- entered the service in Co. C, 22d Mass. Regt., and died June 2, 1862., at New Bridge, Va. William C. Gent, must, in April 22, 1801 ; must, out July 22, 1861. Horace S. Gilmore, must, in April 22, 1861; must, out July 22,1861; re-entered the service, company and regiment not known to writer. Elijah D. Goddard, must, in April 22, 1861; must, out July 22, 1861; re-entered the service in Co. G, 4th Regt. Mass. (nine months) ; died at Taunton April 26, 1S82. Enos P. Hale, must, in April 22,1863; must, out July 22, 1863; re-en- tered the service as 2d lieut. Co. C, 22d Mass. Regt. ; pro. to 1st lieut., and died at Taunton June 1, 1868. William D. Hatch, must, in May 6, 1861; must, out July 22, 1861; re- entered the service as 1st sergt. Co. C, 22d Mass. Regt., and was pro. lieut. and capt. same regiment. Marshall D. Hathaway, must, in April 22, 1S01 ; must, out July 22, 1861. Adoniram J. Holt, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. Henry W. Horton, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. Edward Hunt, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1801. Thomas H. Husband, must, in May 0, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1801 ; re- entered the service as lieutenant Co. F, 29th Mass. Regt. ; died in Taunton Jan. 31, 1SS3. Charles H. Jones, must, in April 22, 1801; must, out July 22, 1801; re- entered the service as sergeant Co. C, 22d Mass. Regt., and pro. to first sergeant. Daniel S. Jones, must, in April 22, 1801 ; must, out July 22, 1861; after- wards held a commission, company and regiment unknown. Seril Knight, must, in May 0, 1801 ; must, out July 22, 1861. George A. Leonard, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. John L. Merigold, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861; re- entered the service in Co. G, 4th Mass. (9th Mass.). Peter McNeill, must, in April 22, 1861; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re-en- tered the service in a New York regiment, and died at David's Island Hospital. William H. H. Monroe, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22,1861 ; re-entered the service as lieutenant of Co. G, 4th Regt. Mass. Vols, (nine months). Abraham Naylor, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out Jnly 4, 1861 ; disch. for disabilitj', temporary insanity. Joseph O'Neill, must, in April 22, 1801 ; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re-en- tered the service as first sergeant Co. F. 29th Regt. Mass. Vols.; was pro. first lieutenant, and res. March 19, 1863; re-entered the service as captain of Co. D, 60th Mass. Regt. John B. Pizer, must, in April 22, 1861; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re-en- tered the service in the 29th Regt., and was pro. captain; died in Chicago Jan. 13, 1882. Robert J. Plant, must, in May 0, 1801; must, out July 22, 1801 ; re-en- tered the service as sergeant of Co. C, 22d Mass. Regt. Asa K. Reed, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. Cyrus B. Richardson, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. Frederick Richardson, must, in May 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861; re-entered the service in Co. C, 22d Regt. Mass. Vols. John Rock, must, in April 22, 1861; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re-entered the service as sergeant of Co. C, 22d Mass. Regt,; was pro. to first lieutenant and captain ; at exp. of service in the 22d Regt. he was commissioned in a New York regiment. Squire Sanford, must, iu April 22, 1801 ; must, out July 22, 1861. Benjamin F. Simmons, must, in May 6, 1801 ; must, out July 22, 1861. William W. Smith, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. Charles S. Thomas, must, in April 22, 1801 ; must, out July 22, 1801 ; re- entered the service in Co. F, 39th Mass. Regt., and served three years. Edgar S. Thayer, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861; re- entered the service in Co. F, 39th Mass. Regt., and afterwards pro. to captain U. S. colored troops. Thomas C. Vail, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must. out^July 22, 1861. Michael W. Valentine, must, in May 6, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1801; died at Taunton Aug. 25, 1878. Joseph Walker (2), must, in May 6, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re- entered the service in Co. G, 4th Regt. (9th Mass.) 850 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Frederick A. Washburn, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. J. Colby Weston, must, in April 22, 1862 ; must, out July 22, 1862. Thomas Whiteley, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. Simeon T. Wilbur, must, in April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861. Daniel F. Wood, must. In April 22, 1861 ; must, out July 22, 1861 ; re- entered the service as 1st lieutenant of Co. C, 4th Mass. Regt. (9th Mass.) David Wood, must, in April 22, 1861; must, out July 22, 1861; re-en- tered the service in Co. F, 39th Mass. Regt., and was discharged as first sergeant. COMPANIES G AND K (NINE MONTHS' MEN). Company G (Taunton Light Guard), Capt. Paull, and Company K, Capt. William H. Bartlett, went into camp (Joe Hooker) at Lakeville Sept. 15, 1862, and were mustered into the United States service on the 23d, in the Fourth Regiment, Col. Walker in command, for nine months' duty. The regiment left for New York September 27th, and on their arrival there embarked on board the ship "George Peabody" for New Orleans, as a portion of the " Banks expe- dition." One death occurred on their passage, Wil- liam B. Pratt, at Fortress Monroe, and another at the quarantine hospital on their arrival at New Orleans, viz., Oscar A. Harvey. After a passage of forty-seven days, the regiment disembarked at Carrollton, and left March 1st for Baton Rouge by steamer, on their arrival taking part in the demonstration against Port Hudson in aid of Commodore Farragut's exploit of passing the rebel batteries. Left April 3d, by steamer, for Algiers, thence (8th) to Brashear City, and on the 13th and 14th were in the battle at Bisland ; no cas- ualties. Returned to Brashear City, acting as a gar- rison for that place, which was of some importance as the base of supplies for Gen. Banks' army corps, then on a circuitous route for the investment of Port Hud- son. Company G was detailed for duty under the provost-marshal, and charged with preserving peace and good order, as about two thousand rebel prisoners were received and forwarded thence to New Orleans. Capt. Paull acted as deputy provost-marshal, with a portion of his company, at a station sixteen miles below on the line of the railroad, whose delicate duty it was to persuade the contrabands to remain on the plantations, instead of following the army, as they were inclined, that section of Louisiana being excepted in the Emancipation Proclamation ; at the same time the law of Congress made it a punishable offense for an officer to assist in the rendition of a slave to his master. On the 30th of May the regiment (with Companies G and K) left for Port Hudson, where they had a full share in the siege of that place. On the 14th of June followed the hand-grenade slaughter of the brave men under Capt. Bartlett, whose death has been duly noticed, in the attempt to take that fort. It was one of the deplorable mistakes of the Banks campaign, as a few days' time must have compelled a surrender of the rebels without the reckless loss of valuable lives, accomplishing nothing. Capt. Paull, the senior captain in the regiment, was frequently acting major commandant in the absence of the regimental officers on detached duty or from illness. The command of Company K devolved upon Lieut. John H. Church after the death of the lamented Capt. Bartlett. Lieut. Philander Williams was quar- termaster, after the promotion of Lieut. T. J. Lothrop to the brigade quarters. Companies G and K had the confidence of the officers of the regiment, as they were detailed to serve on all difficult and dangerous occasions during the campaign. The regiment re- turned home in August, and Companies G and K were received in Taunton with hearty demonstrations of " welcome home." COMPANY O, FOURTH REGIMENT, M. V. M. Charles H. Paull, capt. ; com. Sept. 6, 1862. William R. Black, 1st lieut.; pro. to capt. Co. F, Dec. 15, 1862. William J. Briggs,2d lieut.; pro. to 1st lieut. Dec. 20, 1862. William H. Monroe, 1st sergt. ; pro. to 2d lieut. Dec. 20, 1862. Lewis B. Hodges, 2d sergt.; pro. to 1st sergt. Dec. 20, 1862. George Murray, 3d sergt.; died July 15, 1881, in Taunton. Ansel Balcom, Jr., 4th sergt.; disch. at exp. of service. Henry A. Paull, 5th sergt. ; died June 8, 1871, in Taunton. James L. Tisdale, corp. ; died in service; pro. to sergt. Dec. 20, 1862. William L. Walker, corp. ; wounded at Port Hudson June 15, 1863. Lemuel C. Porter, corp. ; disch. at exp. of service. Laughlin Walsh, corp.; disch. at exp. of service. Thomas C. Brown, corp.; died in service Aug. 17, 1863. Jeremiah C. Turner, corp. ; disch. at exp. of service. Lorenzo O. Barnard, corp.; died March 4, 1875. James L. Presbrey, corp. ; pro. from private Dec. 20, 1862. Charles H. Briggs, Dighton, corp.; disch. at exp. of service. William H. Paine, musician; drowned April 7, 1867. Horatio Raymond, wagoner ; disch. for disability Jan. 14, 1863. Privates. William B. Allyn, disch. at exp. of service. Luther G. Ashley, disch. at exp. of service. Jerome B. Burt, died in service. Alden H. Blake, disch. at exp. of service. Francis T. Burns, died Feb. 7, 1881. Thomas C. Bliss, died May 18, 1863. James Butler, disch. at exp. of service. Hiram T. Cain, disch. at exp. of service. Isaac H. Carpenter, died Aug. 15, 1866. William B. Carpenter, disch. at exp. of service. William H. Case, disch. at exp. of service. Sylvester J. Clements, disch. at exp. of service. Benjamin O. Colwell, disch. at exp. of service. John Conaty, disch. at exp. of service. Daniel A. Congdon, died April 7, 1874. Levi K. Congdon, disch. at exp. of service. George A. Crane, disch. at exp. of service. John Cunningham, disch. at exp. of service. Charles W. Dean, disch. at exp. of service. Edward B. Durfee, disch. at exp. of service. Marcus M. Field, disch. at exp. of service. Charles H. Gibbs, dead. Elijah D. Goddard, died April 6, 1882. Seth W. Godfrey, disch. at exp. of service. James W. Gulliver, died in service April 3, 1863. Samuel M. Gushee, disch. at exp. of service; dead. George B. Harvey, disch. at exp. of service. Oscar A. Harvey, died in service Feb. 15, 1863. Laban Hodges, disch. at exp. of service. Patrick Hogan, disch. at exp. of service. Isaac H. Howland, disch. at exp. of service. Albert H. Hunter, died Feb. 25, 1864. Marcus E. Jones, disch. at exp. of service. Timothy J. Lincoln (Raynham), disch. at exp. of service. Timothy C. Lucas, disch. at exp. of service. Edward F. Macomber, disch. at exp. of service. George A. Macomber, disch. at exp. of service. TAUNTON. 851 William E. Macomber, disch. at exp. of service. William F. Macomber, Jr., died in service July 20, 1863. Henry Martin, disch. at exp. of service. George R. Marshall, disch. at exp. of service. John L. Merrigold, disch. at exp. of service. George M. Nichols, disch. at exp. of service. William D. Packard, disch. at exp. of service. Lyman Palmer, disch. at exp. of service. George W. Peck, died July 17, 1865. Henry C. Phillips, died in service June 2, 1863. Andrew W. Pierce, disch. at exp. of service. Willis S. Potter, wounded at Port Hudson Juue 15, 1863. Enos A. Pratt, disch. at exp. of service. William B. Pratt, died in service Jan. 9, 1863. Edwin F. Presbrey, disch. at exp. of service. Josiah E. Presbrey, disch. at exp. of service. Albert F. Smith, died on steamer Aug. 12, 1863. Andrew J. Smith, disch. at exp. of service. William H. Stall, killed in service June 23,1863. Edwin S. Thayer, disch. at exp. of service. Josiah A. Til den, disch. at exp. of service. James A. Tinkham, disch. at exp. of service. Edward E. Tisdale, disch. at exp. of service. Franklin D. Tripp, disch. at exp. of service. George W&ldron, disch. at exp. of service. Daniel B. Walker, disch. at exp. of service. Edsell H. Walker, died in service May 11, 1863. Elnathan Walker (2d), disch. at exp. of service. Joseph Walker (2d), disch. for disability May 5, 1863. William Watts, disch. at exp. of service. Alexander White, disch. at exp. of service. Charles P. White, disch. at exp. of service. George E. Wilbur, disch. at exp. of service. Joseph W. Wilbur, disch. at exp. of service. Joseph H. Wilcox, disch. at exp. of service. George F. Williams, disch. at exp. of service. Lemuel A. Williams, disch. at exp. of service. Frederick A. Washburn, disch. at exp. of service. Henry P. Worsley, died on his way home Sept. 27, 1863, on steamer. COMPANY K, FOURTH REGIMENT INFANTRY M. V. M. William H. Bartlett, capt. ; killed June 14, 1863, at Port Hudson, La. John H. Church, 1st lieut. commandant; disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Philander Williams, 2d lieut.'; disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Simeon G. Blandin, lstsergt. ; disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28,1863. Caleb C. Collins, sergt. ; disch. at exp of service Aug. 28, 1863. Michael Murphy, color sergt.; disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Samuel H. Morse, sergt.; disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. George E. Payson, sergt. ; died April 4, 1863, at Baton Rouge, La. Edgar R. Sprague, Corp.; disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. William R. Morris, corp. ; disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Stephen Sweetser, Corp.; disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1S63. Tilson Fuller, Corp.; disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Ebenezer Bowman, Corp.; disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Williams Dean, Jr., corp. ; disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Nathan A. Simmons, corp.; disch. by President's proclamation. James A. Bracken, musician ; died at Taunton May 7, 1870. Allen K. Bassett, musician ; died April 6, 1879. Manning W. Fox, wagoner; died at Bridgewater Oct. 22, 1882. Privates. Haynes C. Aldrich, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Zepbauiah G. P. Andrews, died May 7, 1S63, at New Orleans, La. David I). Babbitt, disch. at exp of service Aug. 28, 1863. Charles H. Barrows, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Oren L. Bassett, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Nelson Billington, died at Tauutou. Reinhold Bubser, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1S63. Charles H. Burt, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. William Carr, died at Taunton. John Cassidy, died July 18, 1863, at Port Hudson, La. Charles H. Caswell, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Otis Caswell, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863; since died. Ezekiel W. Chamberlain, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Alvin R. Dean, died of wounds July 22,1863, at Port Hudson, La. Charles E. Deau, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. George E. Dean, wounded at Port Hudson, La.; disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Alexander Drape, died. William M. Eddy, died Aug. 8, 1863, on board steamer on Mississippi River. Reuben Ellis, disch. Nov. 21, 1S62, disability. George W. Field, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Lewis B. Field, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Michael Gaffney, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. James Galligan, died at Taunton Jan. 20, 1864. Thomas Gibbons, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. William J. Gilbert, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Oliver C. Guruey, died at Taunton Oct. 1, 1863. Charles H. Hamilton, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. George H. Handy, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. James B. Hathaway, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Charles H. Hewitt, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Thomas Larkin, wounded at Brasbear City, La. ; lost a leg; disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. John Maloy, died at Taunton. Edgar L. Morse, wounded at Port Hudson, La.; lost an arm; disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Gilbert M. O'Neil, wounded at Port Hudson, La.; died at Taunton June 16, 1871. Peter W. Packer, died at Taunton Jan. 8, 1874. Edwin Park, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Benjamin F. Paull, died Aug. 27, 1863, at Taunton, Mass. Henry C. Porter, died at home Sept. 8, 1863. William Quill an, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. John R. Reed, died at St. Mary's Hospital Sept. 14, 1S63. John Reynolds, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Edward P. Roach, died at Taunton. William II. Rothwell, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Hanson L. Smart, died Aug. 4, 1S63, at Port Hudson, La. George W. Standish, died of wounds June 29, 1863, at New Orleans, La. Charles E. Strange, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. William E. Tisdale, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Edwin R. Townsend, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 2S, 1863. Joseph F. Tripp, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Patrick Ward, died at Taunton. , Alfred M. Williams, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. William E. Wilcox, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. William Wood, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. William C. Wood, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. John G. Wright, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. John E. Young, died March 30, 1870. Raynham Volunteers of Company K. Alex. R. Cain, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863 ; died April 1, 1867. Francis R. Hall, killed June 14, 1863, at Port Hudson, La. Alden Whitman, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Sylvester S. Whitman, disch. at exp. of service Aug. 28, 1863. Killed in action, 1 officer, 2 privates; died of disease and wounds, 1 officer, 23 privates ; disch. at exp. of service, 2 commissioned officers, 10 non-commissioned, and 51 privates. Taunton Companies in the Seventh Regiment. — The following companies, C, D, and F, were in Col. Couch's regiment, which left Taunton in June, 1861, an account of which regiment is given elsewhere : COMPANY C, SEVENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY, M. V. Charles T. Robinson, capt. ; com. June 15, 1861 ; res. Nov. 12, 1861. Edgar Robinson, 1st lieut.; com. June 15,1861; pro. to capt. Aug. 1, 1861 ; res. Feb. 1863. William H. Gurney, pro. to capt.; disch. at exp. of service. William O'Neal, 2d lieut. ; com. June 15, 1861 ; res. Nov. 6, 1861. Albert A. Tilson, 1st lieut. ; killed at Fredericksburg.i Henry S. Benton, 1st sergt.; disch. to re-enl. Dec. 26, 1863; died of wounds July 10, 1864. William M. Dunham, 1st sergt. ; killed May 3, 1863, Salem Heights. Christopher C. Weston, 1st sergt. ; pro. to 2d lieut. June 18, 1862, to 1st lieut. 1862; to capt. May, 1863; disch. at exp. of service. 1 There were other first and second lieutenants, but not Taunton men. 852 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. George L. Dunham, 1st sergt. ; died on gunboat " Cincinnati" Feb. 6, 1863. Leonard Hathaway, sergt.; pro. to 2d lieut. July 23, 1S62; to 1st lieut., to capt. John Nichols, sergt.; missing. Levi K. Paine, sergt.; disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. Henry H. Robinson, sergt. ; disch. by order War Department July 4, 1861. Hiram Rogers, sergt. ; trans. June 14, 1864, to 37th Inf. Edward C. Staples, sergt. ; trans. June 14, 1864, to 37th Inf. DaDiel D. Andrews, corp.; disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. William C. Cahoon, corp. ; disch. Jan. 21, 1864, to re-enl. Alex. J. Dennis, corp. ; disch. for disability Aug. 27, 1862. Hiram R. Hazeltine, corp. ; disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. William E. Hathaway, corp ; trans. June 15, 1864, to 37th Inf. John L. Hamilton, corp. ; killed May 6, 1864, Wilderness. Salmon W. Perkins, corp. ; disch. for disability Sept. 4, 1862. John H. Pitts, corp. ; disch. to re-enl. Jan. 20, 1864; killed at Bethesda Church, Ya. David Ross, corp. ; disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. Charles Sckhean, Corp.; disch. by President's proclamation. Charles E. Staples, corp.; trans. June 24, 1864, to 37th Inf. Thomas Dolan, musician ; disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. George M. Mars, musician ; disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. Harrison A. Wade, musician ; disch. for disability Jan. 3, 1863. Roger C. Guthrie, wagoner ; disch. by President's proclamation. Privates. Wesley Adams, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. Charles E. Andrews, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. Isaac Ariel, trans, to 37th Inf. Roland W. Briggs, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. Alexander Burns, disch. by President's proclamation. Michael Carey, died Oct. 4, 1861, Brightwood. Lambert C. Caswell, disch. for disability Sept. 11, 1861. Michael D. Casey, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. Baylies R. Chace, disch. for disability Sept. 11, 1861. Joseph A. Chace, disch. by President's proclamation. Joseph H. Chace, disch. for disability June 8, 1862. George N. Cole, trans, to 37th Inf. Owen Conlin, disch. for disability Jan. 21, 1863. Patrick Coogan, disch. for disability May 5,1862. Daniel Corcoran, disch. by President's proclamation. William Corrigan, disch. by President's proclamation. Andrew Cronin, disch. for disability Feb. 2, 1863. Robert Cummings, disch. by President's proclamation. Henry J. Cushing, trans. May 7, 1864, to Vet. Res. Corps. John Q. A. Dean, trans. May 7, 1864, to Vet. Res. Corps. Samuel W. Drake, disch. for disability Aug. 8, 1862. Peter Dyer, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. John Eagan, disch. by President's proclamation. Warren Ellis, disch. by President's proclamation. Gustavus T. Fisher, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. James Foley, killed at Salem Heights May 3, 1863. John Fox, died of wounds May 19, 1864, at Fredericksburg, Va. George W. Fuller, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. Patrick Gilchrist, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. David Grinnell, disch. by President's proclamation. Michael Hand, disch. by President's proclamation. William Hauprick, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. John Hart, killed May 6, 1864, in the Wilderness. Henry E. Hathaway, disch. by President's proclamation. Patrick Hickey, disch. by President's proclamation. « James H. Hinds, disch. for disability Nov. 13, 1862. John B. Hinds, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. Patrick Holland, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. James Kelley, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. James Kelley, disch. for disability May 19, 1862. Morty Kelley, disch. by President's proclamation. John Leddy, trans. Dec. 15, 1863, to Vet. Res. Corps. Joseph Lee, disch. by President's proclamation. Michael Littleton, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. Elbridge Martin, disch. by President's proclamation. Frank Marshall, disch. by President's proclamation. Kinsley Martin, disch. by President's proclamation. Andrew McGuire, disch. for disability Dec. 25, 1862. Andrew McManus, disch. for disability May 29, 1863. John McMann, disch. for disability Sept, 22, 1S62. Theophilus H. Medbury. Dean Melville, disch. for disability April 30, 1862. Patrick Monaghan, disch. by President's proclamation. Robert Moore, disch. by President's proclamation. Ezra Morse, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. Patrick Murray, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. James Nixon, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. George O'Neil, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. Alpheus S. Orcutt, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. Henry Phillips, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. Isaac 0. Pierce, disch. for disability March 26, 1862. Cornelius Powers, disch. by President's proclamation. John Powers, disch. for disability Feb. 18, 1863. William Powers, disch. for disability Feb. 18, 1863. James E. Rawson, disch. by President's proclamation. Lewis T. Sanders, disch. for disability Oct. 22, 1862. James Scandlan, died at Newport News Sept. 7, 1S62. James E. Smith, died at Newport News. James Smith, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. Thomas J. Smith, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. Henry C. Talbot, disch. by President's proclamation. Thomas A. Tracy, disch. by President's proclamation. George A. Warren, killed May 5, 1864, in the Wilderness. Thomas A. Welch, disch. by President's proclamation. George Whittemore, disch. for disability Feb. 25, 1862. Silas C. Williams, disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. Company C was engaged in the same battles and skirmishes as others of the regiment. COMPANY D, SEVENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY, M. V. Joseph B. Leonard, capt.; com. June 15, 1861; pro. to major, Oct. 25, 1862; disch. at exp. of service, 1864. William B. Stall, 1st lieut.; com. June 15, 1861 ; pro. to capt, Nov. 13, 1861; res. Nov. 11, 1862. William M. Hale, 2d lieut.; com. June 15, 1861 ; pro. to 1st lieut. Nov. 8, 1861 ; to capt. July 23, 1863 ; resigned for disability ; recommis- sioned April 1,1864; transferred to 37th Inf.; wounded Aug. 21, 1864; disch. at exp. of service, Dec. 19, 1864. Bright Bisbee, capt.; com. June 11,1863; wounded Feb. 12, 1864; re- signed. Charles F. Lee, 1st lieut. ; com. May 8, 1863 ; disch. at exp. of service. Edward L. Langford, 2d lieut. ; com. Nov. 8, 1861 ; pro. to 1st lieut. Oct. 26, 1862; transferred. William M. Wade, 2d lieut.; com. May 8,1863; pro. to capt. June 11, 1863 ; disch. at exp. of service, May 5, 1864. John P. Staples, 1st sergt ; enl. June 15, 1861 ; disch. at exp. of service, 1864. George M. Hatch, sergt. ; enl. June 15, 1861 ; pro. to 1st sergt. 1862; 2d lieut, Feb. 2, 1863; disch. at exp. of service, June 27, 1S64. Charles A. Peyton, sergt.; enl. June 15, 1861; died Sept. 23, 1862, at Newport News, Va. James W. Gilmore, sergt. ; enl. June 15, 1861; disch. at exp. of service, June 15, 1864. William 0. Braman, corp.; enl. June 15, 1861; disch. at exp. of service. Abner J. Pierce, corp. ; enl. June 15,1861; pro. to 1st sergt.; disch. at exp. of service, 1864. James E. Seaver, corp. ; enl. June 15,1861; pro. to 1st sergt., 1862; to 2d lieut. Co. F, Nov. 22, 1862; to 1st lieut. Co. G, May 5,1863; wounded ; res. Nov. 6, 1863. Enoch Macomber, corp.; enl. June 15, 1861; trans. April 4, 1864, to navy. Enlisted in service June 15, 1861. Rollin H. Babbitt, sergt. ; disch. at exp. of service, 1864. Samuel 0. Blake, sergt. ; wounded at Wilderness, 1864; disch. at exp. of service, 1864. Ebenezer Cory, sergt.; disch. by President's proclamation. James Laug, sergt. ; disch. at exp. of service, 1864. James H. Macomber, sergt. ; disch. Dec. 26, 1863, to re-enl.; trans. April 8 to navy. James B. Allen, Corp.; died of wounds May, 1864. Matthew Bliss, corp. ; disch. for disability Jan. 5, 1864. James H. Luther, corp. ; disch. at exp. of service June, 1864. George G. Peck, corp.; trans., 1863, to Vet. Res. Corps. Benjamin F. Williams, corp. ; died of wounds at Wilderness, 1864. TAUNTON. 853 Charles L. Wilbur, Corp.; died of wounds at Fredericksburg, 1863. Edward W. Chamberlain, musician ; disch. for disability, 1861. John Neal, musician; disch. for disability, 1863. Everett N. Mason, wagoner; disch. at exp. of service, 1864. Lewis B. Barton, trans. Feb. 12, to U.S.A. William J. Barrows, disch. for disability, 1861. Henry H. Beach, died Jan. 22, 1864. Christopher C. Besse, trans. June 14, 1864, to 37th Inf. Cyrus B. Bidwell, disch. for disability, 1861. Andrew Bliss, disch. by President's proclamation. George W. Boston, died of wounds at Wilderness, 1864. George J. Briggs, disch. to re-enlist, 1864. Joel Briggs, trans, to 37th Inf., 1864. William C. Brown, trans, to 37th Inf. Mark W. Bubser, disch. bj' President's proclamation. Charles Burt, died at White House Landing, Va., 1862. William H. Carpenter, disch. at exp. of service, 1864. George E. Caswell, disch. for disability, 1863. Orville S. Chace, died at Camp Brightwood, 1862. Reuben Chace, trans, to 37th Inf., 1864. Henry H. Codding, clerk adj. -gen. staff; trans, to 37th Inf., 1864 ; disch. at exp. of service. James Conlin, died June 4, 1864. James Cornes, disch. by President's proclamation. William H. Craig, died at Hagerstown, Md., 1862. Nelson Dary, disch. for disability, 1862. Thomas Davis, died of wounds May, 1864. James A. Dean, disch. at exp. of service, 1864. James J. Dean, disch. for disability, 1862. John Dewsnap, died on government transport, 1862. Jeremiah Dorgan, died of wounds, 1864. John F. Eddy, disch. for disability, 1863. Jeremiah Eldredge, trans, to 37th Inf. June, 1864. Benjamin Farrell, died at Harrison's Landing, 1862. Edward Feneu, disch. by President's proclamation. Benjamin V. Frazier, disch. at exp. of service, 1864. Noel B. Fuller, disch. at exp. of service, 1864. Michael Galligan, disch. by President's proclamation. Augustus F. Gammons, disch. for disability, 1863. Edward Gammons, disch. by President's proclamation. Charles Gay, disch. for disability, 1861. James L. Gay, died at Newport News, 1862. Ralph Gibbs, disch. for disability, 1861. James Goodwin, killed at Wilderness, 1864. Alonzo M. Guild, disch. for disability, 1862. Nanian D. Hamilton, disch. for disability, 1862. Edward B. Hathaway, disch. by President's proclamation, 1865. Isaac F. Hathaway, trans, to 37th Inf., 1864. Royal Hathaway, died at Swansea, Mass., 1862. William Hathaway, disch. at exp. of service, 1S64. Richard L. Hewitt, trans, to Signal Corps; disch. at exp. of service. Eugene Hickey, disch. for disability, 1861. Horatio Hudson, died of wounds, 1864. George R. Ingells, disch. for disability, 1862. Alexander Irving, disch. at exp. of service, 1S64. Henry H. Jones, died at Washington, 1862. Horatio Leach, disch. for disability, 1862. George J. Lee, died at Fredericksburg, 1S63. Patrick Leddy, discharged by president's proclamation. Andrew Leonard, died at Newport News, 1862. John J. Lockwood, disch. by President's proclamation, 1S65. Jeremiah McCarthy, disch. for disability, 1862. John McLee, disch. at exp. of service, 1864. George L. McLean, disch. by President's proclamation, 1S65. James McMahon, disch. for disability, 1861. Patrick Milan, 1S63. Charles H. Mitchell, disch. by President's Proclamation, 1865. James D. Mitchell, died at Taunton, Mass., 1862. James Mulligan, disch. by President's proclamation, 1865. Philip Murphy, died at Andersonville, Ga., 1864. William Packer, died at Fredericksburg, Va., 1863. Albert M. Paull, disch. at exp. of service, 1864. Marcus R. Peck, disch. by President's proclamation, 1865. George N. Perry, disch. by President's proclamation, 1865. Charles B. Pierce, disch. at exp. of service, 1864. Phiueas M. Pratt, disch. for disability, 1861. Rufus Raymond, died from wounds, 1864. Levi S. Raymond, disch. for disability, 1864. Henry E. Reed, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, 1864. John Rothwell, disch. by President's proclamation. James Ryan, disch. by President's proclamation. Joseph E. Sanford, died of wounds at Washington, 1864. Frederick W. Shaw, disch. July, 1861. Charles H. Sherman, disch. at exp. of service, 1864. James L. Sherman, disch. for disability, 1861. James N. Simmons, disch. at exp, of service, 1864. Henry B. Smith, died at Taunton, 1862. John B. Smith, disch. by President's proclamation, 1S65. William N. Smith, disch. for disability, 1861. Barzillia F. Staples, disch. at exp. of service, 1864. John Telford, 1862. George R. Trafton, wounded ; trans, to 37th Inf., 1864. William E. Walker, trans, to 37th Inf., 1864. Thomas J. Whelan, disch. at exp. of service, 1864. Darius M. Wilbur, disch. by President's proclamation, 1865. Bildad Williams, disch. at exp. of service, 1864. Israel Williams, disch. at exp. of service, 1864. Isaac Wilson, disch. by President's proclamation, 1865. William Willey, disch. by President's proclamation, 1S65. COMPANY F, SEVENTH REGIMENT INFANTRY MASS. VOLS. Zeba F. Bliss, capt. ; com. June 15, 1861 1 wounded; acting major by brevet ; disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. James M. Lincoln, 1st lieut. ; com. June 15, 1861; res. Dec. 19, 1862. Wright Bisbee, 1st lieut.; com. Dec. 20,1862; wounded; pro. to capt.; res. Feb. 12, 1864. James R. Mathewson, 2d lieut.; com. July 15,1861; pro. to 1st lieut. Nov. 13, 1861 ; pro. to capt. Oct. 25, 1862; disch. at exp. of service June 27, 1864. James E. Seaver, 2d lieut.; com. Nov. 22, 1862 ; pro. to 1st lieut. May 5, 1863 ; wounded ; res. 1864. Charles B. Hathaway, 2d lieut.; com. May 6, 1863; disch. at exp. of ser- vice June 27, 1864. The following members were mustered into service June 15, 1861: Sergeants. 1. David 0. Bancroft, pro. to 2d lieut. Co. E June 19, 1863 ; and capt. Feb. 1863. 2. Charles T. Lee, pro. to 2d lieut. Co. K Jap. 10, 1863. 3. Charles B. Hathaway, pro. to 2d lieut. Co. F May 6, 1863. 4. John H. Walker, disch. Aug. 10, 1862, for disability. 5. Samuel A. Angier, trans. Feb. 15, 1864, to Vet. Res. Corps. Corporals. 1. Edward A. Pierce, wounded at Wilderness May 6, 1864 ; must, out July 5, 1864. 2. Charles F. Dean, pro. to sergt. ; killed at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863. 3. Webster Wardell, died Sept. 10, 1862, at David's Island, N. Y. 4. William H. Harmon, killed at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863. 5. Francis E. Davis, disch. Aug. 15, 1861. 6. Benjamin F. Cunningham, wounded at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863; disch. Aug. 10, 1863. 7. Lowell M. Maxham, wounded at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863, in color-guard ; disch. Aug. 18, 1863. 8. Theodore N. Aldrich, pro. to sergt.; must, out July 5, 1864. James E. Dickens, drummer; must, out July 5, 1864. Greenleaf Bassett, fifer; disch. Aug. 15, 1861, for disability. Henry D. Moulton, wagoner; must, out July 5, 1864. Privates. Levi Adshead, disch. by President's proclamation. William H. McAvoy, disch. Aug. 10, 1862, for disability. John W. Bartlett, must, out July 5, 1864. James M. Barton, must, out July 5, 1864. George B. Burt, pro. to Corp.; wounded at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863 ; must, out July 5, 1864. John Brown, killed at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863. John Buckley, died at Fortress Monroe, Va., Oct. 16, 1862. James Burns, wounded at Wilderness May 5,1864; re-enlisted; trans. to 37th Mass. June 14, 1864. James Boyle, disch. by President's proclamation. Wesley Bridges, wounded at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863 ; died May, 1863, at Potomac Creek, Va. 854 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Joseph W. Byram, pro. to 1st sergt.; must, out July 5, 1S64. Alexander Black, disch. March 20, 1862, for disability. Charles H. Corbett, died Aug. 5,1862. John C. Chace, must, out July 5, 1864. Joseph D. Calahan, pro. to corp. ; wounded at Fredericksburg, May 3, 1863; re-enlisted ; pro. to 2d lieut. 37th Mass. Vols., June 14, 1864. Jerome W. Coe, must, out July 5, 1864. James Cooper, must, out July 5, 1864. Jacob Chandler, disch. Dec. 28, 1863, for disability. Abraham H. Caswell, disch. Aug. 18, 1863, for disability. Harrie A. Cushman, pro. to sergt.; re-enlisted; pro. to 2d lieut. 37th Mass. Vols. Oct. 13, 1864 ; wounded at Sailor's Creek, 1864. Alvin Cook, wounded at Wilderness May 5, 1864 ; must, out July 5, 1864. Edward Conners, disch. by President's proclamation. David H. Dean, wounded at Fredericksburg May 3,1863; trans. Sept. 12, 1863, to Vet. Res. Corps; disch. July 1, 1864. Edwin E. Douglas, wounded at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863; must, out July 5, 1864. Barney S. Dean, disch. Aug. 10, 1861, for disability. William H. Estes, pro. to corp. ; must, out July 5, 1864. William L. Eddy, disch. Aug. 15,1861, for disability. Louis D. Eames, disch. July 20, 1862. Duncan S. Elliott, wounded May 3, 1863 ; trans to Vet. Res. Corps. ; disch. July 1, 1864. Joseph Elliott, pro. to sergt.; died of wounds received at Wilderness May 6, 1864. George W. Forkett, must, out July 5, 1864. Lucien F. Francis, disclv. July 20, 1862, for disability. Leonard A. Francis, disch. July 20, 1862, for disability ; died Nov. 6, 1862, at Philadelphia. Henry W. Francis, disch. for disability, Feb. 15, 1863. Albert Field, must, out July 5, 1864. William H. Foulds, disch. Aug. 15, 1863. Elijah A. Godfrey, disch. by President's proclamation. John F. Godfrey, disch. Nov. 26, 1862, for disability. Henry T. Gifford, disch. Aug. 26, 1862, for disability. Joseph G. Gregory, disch. Aug. 8, 1862, for disability. Joseph M. Gardner, wounded at Wilderness May 5, 1864 ; died in 1866. James Groves, died of wounds received at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863. Thomas Hunt, disch. by President's proclamation. Edward W. Hall, died Aug. 16, 1862. James Holden, wounded May 3, 1863 ; must, out July 5, 1S64. Albert Hoskins, disch. Aug. 15, 1861, for disability. James Hannan, disch. for disability. Frederic Hall, must, out July 5, 1864. John W. Hall, pro. to corp. ; must, out July 5, 1864. Joseph T. Hancock, must, out July 5, 1864. John Holt, disch. Feb. 15, 1863. John Howarth, pro. to sergt. ; wounded at Wilderness May 6, 1864. John F. Hathaway, disch. by President's proclamation. Charles A. Hardy, must, out July 5, 1864. Edward T. Knowles, must, out July 5, 1864. Charles F. Miller, must, out July 5, 1864. Thomas Mullen, disch. Dec. 1, 1863, for disability. Gideon E. Morton, killed at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863. James McCormick, killed at Wilderness May 6, 1864. Levi Osborne, disch. by President's proclamation. Charles L. Percival, wounded at Wilderness May 6, 1864. Evander Pray, wounded at Wilderness May 6, 1864 ; must, out July 5, 1864. Lloyd W. Pratt, killed at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863. William Park, pro. to corp. Dec. 1, 1863, on color-guard ; must, out July 5, 1864. George H. Park, disch. Jan. 16, 1863, for disability. Nathaniel Perry, must, out July 5, 1864. Charles B. Pain, must, out July 5, 1864. Charles H. Peck, must, out July 5, 1804. William Packer, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps; disch. July 1, 1864. Samuel W. Richmond, disch. Aug. 15, 1861, for disability. Hiram H. Stevens, wounded at Fredericksburg May 3, 1863 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Jan. 14, 1864; disch. July 1, 1864. William 0. Stowell, must, out July 5, 1864. George Studley, wounded at Fredericksburg May 3, 1S63; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Sept. 12, 1863; disch. July 1, 1864. John W. Stowell, re-enl.; trans, to 37th Mass. June 14, 1S64. William Shaw, disch. by President's proclamation. Luther Smith, died Nov. 28, 1862. Edward D. Seymour, disch. Nov. 16, 1861, for disability. William C. Smith, disch. Jan. 16, 1863, for disability; died 1863. Everett Shaw, must, out July 5, 1864. Henry Thrasher, disch. Nov. 16, 1861. Edwin H. Trickey, must, out July 5, 1864. Edwin S. Thayer, re-enl.; trans, to 37th Mass. June 14, 1864. Charles S. Wescott, pro. to corp. ; disch. Aug. 26, 1862, for disability. Seth Wordell, re-enl.; trans, to navy. Edward Williams, must, out July 5, 1864; died Jan. 15, 1880. John White, killed at Fair Oaks June 25, 1S62. Samuel K.Williams, wounded at Wilderness May 5, 1864; must, out July 5, 1864. Erastus T. Williams, disch. Nov. 16, 1861. James Ward, disch. by President's proclamation. Philo B. Wilbur, died March 18, 1862. William V. Whitcomb, died March 20, 1863. Everett Washburn, disch. by President's proclamation. One hundred and eleven mustered into service; thirty-four mustered out of service July 5, 1864. (Lieut. James E. Seaver rendered valuable aid in furnishing the rolls of this regiment.) The above companies were engaged in battles at Yorktown, Va., April 3, 1862; at Williamsburg, May 5th; at Fair Oaks, May 31st ; at Seven Pines, June 1st; again at Fair Oaks, June 25th; at Charles City Cross-Roads, June 20th; at Malvern Hill, July 1st; at Antietam, September 17th ; at Williamsport, Sep- tember 19th ; at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13 and 15, 1862; at Marye's Heights, Va., May 3, 1863; at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3d; at Eappahannock Sta- tion, November 7th ; at Chancellorsville and Fred- ericksburg, May 3, 1863 ; in Wilderness, May 5th and 6th ; at Spottsylvania, May 9, 1864 ; at North Anna River, Hanover Court-House, and Cold Harbor in May and June, 1864. These companies, with the regiment, under Col. Johns, returned home at the expiration of service, arriving in Taunton June 20, 1864, and on the Fourth of July were given a grand reception on the Agri- cultural Grounds, where they formed, drilled, and whence they departed three years before. Hon. Harrison Tweed presided, making an elo- quent speech of welcome to the veterans of twenty battles, followed by addresses by Hon. S. L. Crocker and by Maj. Brown, and a poem was read by Hon. A. M. Ide. COMPANY C, TWENTY-SECOND REGIMENT MASS. VOLS. This company was recruited in Taunton in the summer of 1861, and its officers and non-commis- sioned officers had seen service in Company G, Fourth Regiment, in the three months' campaign then just ended. It was named the " Gordon Guard," after Capt. Timothy Gordon, and was attached to the Twenty-second Massachusetts Regiment, Col. Henry Wilson, and served for three years in the Army of the Potomac. Hon. Henry Williams, Hon. S. L. Crocker, Capt. Timothy Gordon, Messrs. S. N. Staples and William H. Phillips, with many others, contrib- uted money and aided in other ways in raising this company, and it cost the town of Taunton nothing, neither bounty nor recruiting expenses. The roster includes only those men who resided in Taunton. TAUNTON. 855 Mason W. Burt, capt. ; must, in Oct. 1, 1861 ; pro. major Oct. 17, 1861 ; must, out as brevet colonel Oct. 17, 1864. George A. Washburn, 1st lieut. ; must, in Oct. 1, 1S61 ; pro. captain July 10, 1862; disch. for gunshot-wound Jan. 5, 1863. Enos P. Hale, 2d lieut.; must, in Oct. 1, 1861 ; pro. 1st lieutenant May 7, 1862; res. Sept. 25, 1862. William D. Hatch, 1st sergt. ; must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; pro. 2d lieutenant June 15, 1862 ; pro. 1st lieutenant Sept. 26, 1862 ; pro. captain Jan. 6, 1863; disch. Feb. 19, 1864 (resigned). Charles H. Jones, 1st sergt. ; must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864 ; discharged for expiration of service. Joseph Knott, 1st sergt.; must, in Sept. 2, 1861; disch. Sept. 24, 1863; 2d lieut. 56th Inf. James N. Black, sergt.; must, in April 1, 1864; disch. Oct. 26, 1864; trans, to 32d Inf. William H. Carpenter, sergt.; must, in Sept. 2, 1861; disch. June 5, 1863, disability. Levi L. Crane, sergt. ; must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 12, 1863 ; trans. to V. R. C. Thomas Lynch, sergt.; must, in Sept. 2, 1861; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, ex- piration of service. Robert J. Plant, sergt. ; must, in Sept. 2, 1861; disch. Dec. 1, 1862, for disability. John Rock, sergt.; must, in Sept. 2, 1861; 1st lieut. Jan. 6, 1863; capt. Nov. 15, 1863; disch. Oct. 17, 1864. Cornelius B. Chase, corp. ; must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of service. John J. Jones, corp.; must, in Sept. 25, 1861 ; disch. Aug. 28, 1862, for disability. Charles H. O'Neil, corp.; must, in Oct. 4, 1861; disch. Oct. 26, 1864; trans, to 32d Infantry. Daniel Rankin, corp.; must, in Sept. 19, 1861; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of service. Frederick L. Thayer, corp. ; must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 1, 1862, for disability. Edward L. Darling, musician ; must, in Sept. 2, 1861; disch. Sept. 16, 1862, for disability. Privates. Hartwell Atkins, must, in Oct. 4, 1861 ; died of wounds at Mechanics- ville, Va., June 28, 1862. James N. Black, must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. March 31, 1864. John Brady, must, in Oct. 4, 1861 ; disch. for disability. Bela F. Brown, must, in Aug. 8, 1862 ; died of wounds at Washington, D. C, May 17, 1864. John Brown, must, in Oct. 4, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of ser- vice. John W. Buchanan, must, in Oct. 4, 1861; disch. Oct. 4, 1864, at exp. of service. Philip F. Chase, must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of service. George Clark, must, in Aug. 29, 1863 ; disch. April 7, 1864. Charles T. Dale, must, in Oct. 4, 1861 ; died at Yorktown, Va., June 15, 1862. Andrew G. Dean, must, in Oct. 4, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 6, 1862, for disa- bility. Daniel N. Dean, must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of service. Zephaniah Dean, Jr., must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of service. Ezra L. Dickerman, must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Feb. 11, 1864, for dis- ability. John E. Foulds, must, in Sept. 19, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 22, 1862, for dis- ability. James 0. French, must, in Aug. 14, 1862; disch. Oct. 24, 1862, for dis- ability. Joseph Gaynor, must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of service. Johu Glynn, must, in Sept. 11,1861; disch. March 24, 1863. for dis- ability. Richard H. C. Godfrey, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of service. John Green, must, in Oct. 4, 1861 ; killed at Gaines' Mill, Va., June 27, 1862. Francis F. Hager, must, in Sept. 24, 1S61 ; disch. March 29, 1863, for dis- ability. Chandler M. Hall, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; disch. June 23, 1862, for dis- ability. Elisha B. Harridon, must, in Oct. 4, 1861; killed at Gaines' Mill, Va., June 27, 1862. Owen Hart, must, in Oct. 4, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of service. Preston B. Harvey, must, in Sept. 11, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of service. Thomas Hathaway, must, in Sept. 19, 1861; disch. Dec. 17, 1861, for dis- ability. John Haurehan, must, in Sept. 25,1861; disch. Jan. 24, 1863, for dis- ability. Thomas Heaver, must, in Sept. 12, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 8, 1862, for dis- ability. Joseph E. Hopkins, must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of service. Benjamin W. Howard, must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; died of wounds near Rich- mond, Va., July 9, 1862. Joseph A. Howard, must, in Oct. 4, 1861 ; disch. June 27, 1862 ; killed at Gaines' Mill, Va. Alman S. Johnson, must, in Sept. 2, 1861: disch. Aug. 18, 1863, for dis- ability. Daniel Lane, must, in Sept. 4, 1862; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of ser- vice. Patrick Leddy, must, in Sept. 12, 1861 ; disch. May 8, 1862, for disability. Charles G. Lincoln, must, in Sept. 2, 1861; died of wounds at Washing- ton, D. C, Dec. 24, 1862. Elmer C. Macomber, must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Feb. 3, 1863, for dis- ability. Thomas Mahar, must, in Sept. 28, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 18, 1863, for disability. William McBridge, must, in Aug. 31, 1863; disch. Oct. 16, 1863; disch. by President's proclamation. Matthew Meayer, must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 30, 1862, for dis- ability. Jacob W. Munsey, must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. April 16, 1862. David Murray, must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of service. Joseph H. Nichols, must, in Aug. 14, 1862; disch. Oct. 12, 1863, for dis- ability. William O'Neil, must, in Oct. 4, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 21, 1862, for disability. Edwin C. Perkins, must, in Sept. 20, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 19, 1864, at exp. of service. Thomas W. Phillips, must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864 ; trans, to 32d Inf. Abraham R. Pontin, must, in Aug. 22, 1862; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of service. James W. Rankin, must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of service. Stillman E. Raymond, must, in Sept. 20, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 14, 1862, for disability. John A. Read, must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of service. Samuel W. Richmond, must, in Sept. 2, 1861; died at Alexandria, Va., Jan. 8, 1863. Thomas Smith, must, in Sept. 14, 1861 ; disch. 1862, for disability. Alfred W. Stoddard, must, in Feb. 2, 1864; disch. Oct. 26, 1864; trans, to 32d Inf. Henry B. Walker, must, in Aug. 14, 1862; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of service. Henry E. Williams, must, in Oct. 4, 1861 ; died at New York Harbor, May 30, 1862. Virgil H. Wilde, must, in Sept. 2, 1864; disch. March 31, 1863, for dis- ability. This company was in the battles before Richmond, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellors ville, Gettys- burg, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Spottsylvania, Jericho Ford, Little River, Shady Grove Church, and other places. COMPANY F, THIRTY-NINTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLS. This company was mustered into the United States service in the Thirty-ninth Regiment, Col. P. S. Davis, at Camp Boxford, Aug. 27, 1862. Joseph J. Cooper, capt.; wounded Feb. 7, 1865, at Hatcher's Run, Va. ; brev.-maj. April 1, 1865 ; disch. June 2, 1865. Isaac D. Paull, 1st lieut. ; wounded and captured May 8, 1864, at Spott- sylvania, Va. ; died May 9, 1864. 856 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. John D. Reed, 2d lieut.; wounded Aug. 19, 1864, at Weldon Railroad, Petersburg, Va. ; pro. to 1st lieut. Oct. 8, 1863; tocapt. Sept. 6,1864; disch. June 2, 1865. Edgar S. Thayer, 1st sergt., Aug. 22, 1862; disch. Oct. 22, 1862, to ac- cept com. as capt. in 7th U. S. Col. Troops. David Wood, 2d sergt., Aug. 22, 1862; 1st sergt. Sept. 21, 1863; cap- tured Aug. 19, 1864, at Weldon Railroad ; disch. June 2, 1865; hon. com. of 2d lieut. June 7, 1865. George H. Babbitt, 3d sergt., Aug. 22, 1862; returned to ranks Feb. 3, 1863; disch. June 2, 1865; died Dec. 9, 1877. Lucius Crooker, 4th sergt., Aug. 22, 1862; sergt.-maj. Oct. 8, 1863; disch. Dec. 22, 1863, to accept commission as captain 77th U. S. Col. Troops; died in Washington, D. C, Feb. 19, 1882. William Doherty, 5th sergt, Aug. 22, 1862; captured Aug. 19, 1864, at Weldon Railroad; disch. June 2, 1865. Charles S. Thomas, 1st corp. ; Aug. 22, 1862 ; returned to ranks Jan. 1, 1863 ; disch. June 2, 1865. Otis Washburn, 2d corp., Aug. 22, 1862; sergt. March 2, 1S63; disch. Oct. 20, 1863; died Feb. 7, 1881. J. Percival Townsend, 3d corp., Aug. 22, 1862 ; returned to ranks May 5,1863; disch. June 2, 1865. Horace B. Horton, 4th corp., Aug. 22,1862; sergt. Nov. 1,1863 ; wounded and captured Aug. 19, 1864, at Weldon Railroad; disch. June 2, 1865. Solamon Washburn, Jr., 5th corp., Aug. 22,1862; sergt. Sept. 4, 1863; disch. May 19, 1865. George L. Knapp, 6th Corp., Aug. 22, 1862 ; disoh. June 3, 1864. Charles W. Brewster, 7th corp., Aug. 22, 1862; disch. March 31, 1864. Arthur H. Sproat, 8th corp., Aug. 22, 1862; returned to ranks; disch. May 18, 1865. Privates. George F. Adams, disch. June 2, 1865 ; died July 27, 1882. Charles B. Austin, captured May 10, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. ; disch. June 2, 1865. Orville A. Barker, Corp., Jan. 1, 1863; hosp. steward Oct. 13, 1863; 2d lieut. Dec. 10, 1863; 1st lieut. Oct. 24, 1864 ; adjt. Dec. 18,1864; capt. April 3, 1865 ; disch. June 2, 1865. Charles E. Babbitt, killed May 8, 1864, at Spottsylvania, "Va. Clark P. Borden, wounded May 8, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. ; disch. July 5, 1865. Frank S. Babbitt, trans, to Signal Corps Sept. 1, 1863 ; disch. June, 1865. George L. Barrows, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Marcli 15, 1865. Preserved Briggs, disch. June 2, 1865; died Aug. 20, 1872. Alfred Boardmau, trans to U. S. Navy April 1, 1864. Henry A. Burt, wounded May 10, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. ; disch. June 2, 1865. James Betagh, appointed corp. Jan. 1, 1864; wounded May 10, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. ; captured Aug. 19, 1864, at Weldon Railroad; disch. June 2, 1865. Charles H. Cole, disch. June 2, 1865. Joseph Delphin, Jr., disch. June 6, 1865. Erastus L. Dean, killed May 8, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. Anson J. Dean, appointed corp. March 1, 1865; wounded Juno 18, 1S64, at Petersburg, Va.; wounded March 31, 1865, at Hickanoc Creek, Va. ; disch. May 25, 1865. William E. Dean, captured Aug. 18, 1864 ; disch. June 6, 1865. Cyrus O. Elmes, wounded Aug. 19, 1864, at Weldon Railroad ; disch. May 26, 1865. George W. Gay, captured Aug. 18, 1864, at Weldon Railroad; disch. June 13, 1865. John G. Hewitt, disch. Jan. 13, 1863. Alfred B. Harris, trans, to Signal Corps Jan. 12,1864; died April 7, 1865. Eben A.Hall, appointed corp. Sept. 1, 1863; sergt. Feb. 1,1865; cap- tured Feb. 7, 1865, at Hatcher's Run ; disch. June 2, 1865. Isaac N. Holloway, wounded Aug. 18, 1864, at Weldon Railroad; disch. May 12, 1865 ; died April 11, 1876. Rufus W. Hall, captured May 8, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. ; recaptured May 26, 1864 ; disch. April 28, 1865. Benjamin J. Hall, appointed corp. May 8, 1864; captured Aug. 19, 1864, at Weldon Railroad ; died at Salisbury, N. C, while a Confederate prisoner, Dec. 11, 1864. Daniel Hall, trans, to Signal Corps Feb. 14,1863; sergt. Signal Corps Jan. 1, 1865; disch. July 5, 1865; previously in navy, May 27, 1861-62. James A. Hathaway, captured Aug. 19, 1864, at Weldon Railroad; died at Salisbury prison, N. C, Jan. 10, 1865. William F. Harvey, disch. Jan. 2, 1864; died. Jesse G. Jewett, appointed corp. ; disch. June 2, 1S64, and com. lieut. in U. S. Col. Troops. William B. Kelley, died at Bucks County Hospital, Pa., Aug. 30, 1864, from wounds received in action. William Kelly, disch. March 4, 1863; died. Edward King, disch. June 2, 1865. David Kane, taken prisoner Aug. 19, 1864; disch. July 24, 1865. William E. Leonard, disch. June 2, 1865. Henry F. Leonard, disch. June 2, 1865. Daniel Lincoln, died May 10, 1S64, at Laurel Hill, Va., from wounds re- ceived May 8, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. Jeremiah Leahy, disch. Dec. 3, 1864; died Dec. 6, 1875. Henry A. Lane, appointed corp. March 2, 1863; sergt. Jan. 1,1864; wounded June 19, 1864, at Petersburg, Va. ; disch. June 8, 1865 ; previously in navy, May 27, 1861-62. James A. Lawlor, captured Aug. 19, 1864; paroled and disch. from Gen- eral Hospital June 13, 1865 ; died Nov. 20, 1881. William W. Mason, appointed corporal Oct. 9, 1S62; disch. June 2, 1865. Archibald McClarence, disch. June 18,1863. Norman G. Makepeace, wounded May 5, 1864, at Wilderness, Va. ; disch. May 20. 1865. Charles E. Monroe, appointed hospital steward Feb. 17, 1863; hospital steward, U. S. A., Feb. 27, 1864 ; assistant surgeon, 174th Ohio Vols., 1865; disch. June, 1865; died May 21, 1880. Edward Mitchell, Jr., disch. Oct. 13, 1863. Nathan Mitchell, died Sept. 27, 1862, at Edward's Ferry, Md. Abraham Naylor, wounded Aug. 18, 1864, at Weldon Railroad; disch. June 2, 1865 ; previously in navy, 1861-62. William Nelson, captured May 8, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. ; recaptured May 26, 18(14 ; wounded Aug. 18, 1S64, at Weldon Railroad; disch. April 18, 1865 ; died Jan. 14, 1881. William L. Nichols, appointed corp. Dec. 1, 1864; wounded Feb. 7, 1865, at Hatcher's Run; disch. June 2, 1865. Charles A. Pierce, appointed Corp. ; disch. Oct. 22, 1864. States Packer, wounded May 8, 1864, at Spottsylvania; captured Aug. 19, 1864, at Weldon Railroad; died Jan. 4, 1865, in Salisbury prison, N. C. Thomas W. Paull, captured Aug. 19, 1864, at Weldon Railroad; disch. June 13, 1865. Dyer S. Paull, disch. Nov. 18, 1864. Charles E. Pearson, appointed corp. Nov. 1, 1863; disch. June 2, 1865. Ira B. Quimby, disch. Feb. 2, 1864, and com. lieut. in U. S. Col. Troops. William H. Reynolds, drummer; disch. May 12, 1865. James Riley, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Sept. 30, 1863. James Rockett, disch. March 4, 1863. Benjamin F. Staples, Jr., disch. June 2, 1865 ; died March 28, 1868. James Smith, captured Aug. 19, 1864, at Weldon Railroad; disch. May 12, 1S65. Fernando C. Skinner, wounded May 8, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. ; cap- tured Aug. 18, 1864. at Weldon Railroad; disch. June 2, 1865; drowned at sea. Benjamin F. Sherburne, disch. by President's proclamation. Edwin H. C. Smith, wounded May 10,1864, at Spottsylvania, Va.; cap- tured Aug. 19, 1864, at Weldon Railroad ; disch. June 6, 1865. John M Stall, wounded May 8, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. ; disch. Dec. 13, 1864; died April 14, 1882. Charles H. Snow, disch June 3, 1865 ; died March 6, 1869. George L. Titus, wounded May 8, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. ; captured Aug. 19, 1864, at Weldon Railroad ; disch. June 2, 1865. Henry F. Thayer, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Feb. 15, 1864. Terrence Teigh, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Sept. 25, 1863. Samuel L. Tisdale, trans, to United States Navy, April 1, 1S64. Charles Thomas, captured May 21, 1864, near Guinea Station, Va. ; died a prisoner. Herbert E. Tinkham, disch. June 2, 1865 ; died Nov. 25, 1877. George Turner, disch. March 4, 1863. Apollos P. Terry, captured Aug. 19, 1864, at Weldon Railroad; disch. June 13, 1865. George W. Taylor, disch. Feb. 1, 1864. Edward Whitters, disch. June 2, 1865. Albert R. White, disch. Dec. 10, 1862. Harold Walsh, clisch. by President's proclamation. Reuben B. P. Williams, died June 26, 1863, at Washington, D. C. George W. Wilson (2d), disch. Jan. 3, 1864; drowned Oct. 15, 1882. Charles E. Wheeler, wounded May 8,1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. ; disch. June 2, 1865. TAUNTON. 857 Andrew A. Westcott, appointed Corp., 1803 ; wounded and captured, May 8, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. ; died June 1, 1864, a prisoner in Rich- mond, Va. Jesse Wood, disch. Dec. 29, 1863. Roland P. Woodward, wounded May 5, 1864, at Wilderness, Va. ; disch. June 2, 1865. Edward M. Woodward, appointed Corp., Nov. 1, 1863; wounded May 10, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va. ; disch. June 2, 1865; died April 10, 1879. George T. Woodward, trans, to Signal Corps Aug. 12, 1863; died in Taunton, Sept. 17, 1865. Matthew Woodward, bugler, chief musician, Nov. 1, 1863 ; disch. June 2, 1865. Charles A. Barnes, recruited Dec. 28, 1863; died July 14, 1864. This company participated in the battles at Mine Run, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Spottsylvania, Tolo- potomy Creek, Bethesda Church, North Anna, Cold Harbor, White Oak Swamp, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Bellfield, Hatcher's Run, Gravelly Run, Five Forks, Lee's Surrender. VOLUNTEER RECRUITS AND DRAFTED MEN Who passed through the provost-marshal's office into the United States service from Taunton in 1864 and 1865.1 Lewis E. Harvey, 1st Cav. ; enl. Aug. 8,1864. Ira A. White, 1st Cav.; enl. Aug. 8, 1864. Oliver A. White, 23d Unattached Heavy Art.; enl. Aug. 23, 1864. Marcus W. Wheeler, 29th Unattached Heavy Art. ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864. John Foulds, 2d Batt. Light Art. ; enl. Sept. 2, 1864. George W. Sweet, 2d Batt. Light Art. ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864. Frank L. Thayer, 2d Batt. Light Art. ; enl. Sept. 2, 1864. Warren Woodward, 2d Batt. Light Art. ; enl. Sept. 2, 1864. Charles R. Dean, 2d Heavy Art. ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864. William H. Phillips, 29th Mass. Vols.; enl. Sept. 3, 1864. Enos L. Williams, 2d Batt. Light Art. ; enl. Sept. 5, 1864. John E. Gill, 2d Batt. Light Art.; enl. Sept. 5, 1864. George B. Harvey, 2d Batt. Light Art.; enl. Sept. 5, 1864. James L. Leonard, 2d Batt. Light Art. ; enl. Sept. 5, 1864. Elias P. Woodward, 2d Batt. Light Art. ; enl. Sept. 6, 1864. Benjamin F. Brown, 3d Heavy Art. ; enl. Sept. 26, 1864. Francis L. Carpenter, 2d Batt. Light Art.; enl. Dec. 1, 1864. Frank T. Burns, 18th Unattached Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 7, 1864. • William T. Boyd, 18th Unattached Mass. Vols.: enl. Dec. 7, 1864. Edwin E. Douglass, 18th Unattached Mass. Vols.; enl. Dec. 7, 1864. William L. Eddy, 18th Unattached Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 7, 1864. Charles F. Glynn, 18th Unattached Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 7, 1864. Sanford A. Morse, lSth Unattached Mass. Vols.: enl. Dec. 7, 1864. David McVay, 18th Unattached Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 7, 1864. William H. Paine, 18th Unattached Mass. A r ols. ; enl. Dec. 7, 1864. Hodijah L. Tisdale, 18th Unattached Mass. Vols. : enl. Dec. 7, 1864.' William C. Wood, 18th Unattached Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 7, 1864. Charles A. Boardman, Capt. Keith's Company, Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 8, 1864. Warren Gushee, Capt. Keith's Company, Mass. Vols.; enl. Dec. 14, 1864. Joseph McMahon, Capt. Keith's Company, Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 14, 1864. Francis H. Thayer, Capt. Keith's Company, Mass. Vols.; enl. Dec. 14, 1864. Charles Gavin, Capt. Keith's Company, Mass. Vols.; enl. Dec. 16, 1864. Timothy A. Welch, 13th Bat. Light Art.; enl. Dec. 20, 1864. Andrew G. Dean, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense ; enl. Dec. 29, 1864. Alfred A. Dean, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense ; enl. Dec. 29, 1864. William Dean, Jr., Bat. Cav. for frontier defense; enl. Dec. 29, 1864. Charles W. Dean, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense ; enl. Dec. 29, 1864. Otis B. Pierce, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense ; enl. Dec. 29, 1864. Edward B. Baldwin, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense; enl. Dec. 30, 1864. Albert L. Carpenter, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense ; enl. Dec. 30, 18G4. George W. Macker, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense ; enl. Dec. 30, 1864. Nathan 0. Walker, 62d Mass. Vols. ; enl. Jan. 23, 1865. / William L. Dean, 62d Mass. Vols.; enl. Jan. 24, 1865. Manlius B. Leonard, 62d Mass. Vols.; enl. Jan. 28, 1865. Frederick T. Nelson, 62d Mass. Vols. ; enl. Jan. 31, 1865. Theodore Eayes, Sheridan's Cavalry ; enl. Dec. 7, 1864; died in service at New Orleans. 1 No record sent of discharge, all three years or during the war. Lucien E. Francis, Cavalry frontier defense; enl. Dec. 29, 1864. John Keys, rep. recruit for Edmund Baylies ; enl. Aug. 1, 1864. Edward Hickey, 13th Light Art. rep. recruit for Mr. Ed. Baylies; enl. Aug. 6, 1864. George Studly, 2d Heavy Art.; enl. July 29, 1864. Charles S. Anthony, 2d Light Art.; enl. Sept. 2, 1864. Charles H. Hamilton, 2d Light Ait.; enl. Sept. 2, 1864. Jeremiah Sulivan, 61st Mass. Vols.; enl. Sept. 3, 1864. Lorin Feren, 2d Light Art. ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864. John Kirby, 2d Heavy Art.; enl. Sept. 3, 1864. Peleg B. Whitemore, 2d Light Art. ; enl. Sept. 2, 1864. George W. Peck, 2d Light Art. ; enl. Sept. 5, 1864. Willis S. Potter, 2d Light Ait. ; enl. Sept. 5, 1864. David Annis, 2d Light Art. ; enl. Sept. 6, 1864. Rufus F. White, 12th Heavy Art.; enl. Sept. 14, 1864. Thomas Morgan, 2d Heavy Art. ; enl. Sept. 21, 1864. George W. Fuller, 7th Light Art.; enl. Sept. 21, 1864. Charles E. Brown, 1st Mass. Cav. ; enl. Sept. 26, 1864. John C. Maynard, 10th Light Bat.; enl. Sept. 28, 1864. Henry Kean, 1st Mass. Cav. ; enl. Nov. 1, 1864. Oscar Rabethge, 19th Mass. Vols.; enl. Nov. 3, 18G4. Daniel I. McAskill, 1st Regt. Heavy Art.; enl. Nov. 11, 1864. Patrick H. Couche, 19th Mass. Vols. ; enl. Nov. 12, 1864. Moses Mercier, 10th Bat. Light Art. ; enl. Nov. 21, 1864. Levi K. Congdon, 18th Unattached Inf. ; enl. Dec. 7, 1864. Nelson R. Read, 18th Unattached Inf.; enl. Dec. 7, 1S64. Asa Safford, 18th Unattached Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 7, 1864. Patrick Murphy, 13th Bat. Light Art. ; enl. Dec. 26, 1864. Stillman D. Eddy, 12th Unattached Heavy Art.; enl. Aug. 29, 1864. George Austin, 2d Heavy Art. ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864. Alonso P. Sanford, 18th Unattached Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 7, 1864. William A. Wheeler, 18th Unattached Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 7, 1864. William C. Wood, 18th Unattached Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 7, 1S64. Weston Wordell, 18th Unattached Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 7, 1864; disch. Jan. 24, 1865. George A. Fiske, 61st Regt. Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 8, 1864. John Entsenberger, 19th Regt. Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 9, 1864. Henry T. Bond, Capt. Keith's Unattached Company Mass. Vols.; enl. Dec. 14, 1864. Andrew W. Delano, Capt. Keith's Unattached Company Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 14, 1864. Reuben F. Delano, Jr., Capt. Keith's Unattached Company Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 14, 1864. James O'Conners, Capt. Keith's Unattached Company Mass. Vols.; enl. Dec. 14, 1864. James D. W. Seymour, Capt. Keith's Unattached Company Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 14, 1864. Frank P. White, Capt. Keith's Unattached Company Mass. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 14, 1864. Joseph Garrity, Capt. Keith's Unattached Company Mass. Vols.; enl. Dec. 16, 1864. James E. Conley, 13th Bat. Light Art. ; enl. Dec. 19, 1864. Numan D. Hamilton, 13th Bat. Light Art.; enl. Dec. 19, 1864. John Hanrahan, 13th Bat. Light Art. ; enl. Dec. 19, 1864. Thomas Noris, 13th Bat. Light Art. ; enl. Dec. 19, 1864. Ansel L. Cain, 13th Bat. Light Art. ; enl. Dec. 20, 1864. Archibald McClarence, Jr., 13th Bat. Light Art. ; enl. Dec. 20, 1864. Bradford D. Albro, 13th Bat. Light Art. : enl. Dec. 21, 1864. Patrick Callahan, 13th Bat. Light Art.; enl. Dec. 22, 1864. Edward Gallagher, 13th Bat. Light Art.; enl. Dec. 22, 1864. Timothy O'Shey, 13th Bat. Light Art. ; enl. Dec. 22, 1864. Roger Hadfield, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense; enl. Dec. 27, 1864. Simeon F. Hall, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense ; enl. Dec. 29, 1864. Henry Holland, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense; enl. Dec. 29, 1864. Charles B. Hathaway, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense, enl. Dec. 29, 1864. Alpheus S. Orcutt, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense ; enl. Dec. 29, 1864. Edward Rock, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense ; enl. Dec. 29, 1864. Thomas L. Smith, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense ; enl. Dec. 29, 1864. Charles H. Goff, Bat. Cav. -for frontier defense; enl. Dec. 30, 1864. Edward C. Harvey, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense; enl. Dec. 30, 1864. William A. Morse, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense ; enl. Dec. 30, 1864. James A. Morse, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense ; enl. Dec. 30, 1864. ( (sborne E. Eaton, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense; enl. Dec. 31, 1864. Truman N.Goff, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense; enl. Dec. 31, 1864. John Lansdale, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense; enl. Dec. 31, 1864. James McGhay, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense; enl. Dec. 31, 1864. Thomas Riley, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense; enl. Dec. 31, 1864. 858 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. John R. Trafton, Bat. Cav. for frontier defense'; enl. Dec. 31, 1864. John Griffin, 27th Regt. Mass. Vol.; enl. Jan. 12, 1865. Elias Frawley, Co. B, 58th Regt. Mass. Vol. ; enl. Jan. 24, 1865. Samuel M. Gushee, 37th Regt. Mass. Vol. ; enl. Feb. 4, 1865. Timothy Dorgan. Co. C, 56th Regt. Mass. Vol.; enl. Feb. 24, 1865. John E. Spencer, 62d Regt. Mass. Vol.; enl. March 23, 1865. Thomas R. Gay, 62d Regt. Mass. Vol. ; enl. March 31, 1865. Charles Eldridge, 62d Regt. Mass. Vol. ; enl. April 1, 1865. James W. Rankin, 1st Army Corps ; enl. April 8, 1865. The following table exhibits the number of men furnished by Taunton as her quota under specific calls. It does not include those who enlisted out of the State, or to the credit of other towns. The cost was, — For bounties $182,193.00 For other expenses 14,526.23 Total cost $196,719.23 Of this sum there was contributed by citizens 62,383.00 Cost to the town $134,336.23 The close of the war found the (now) city of Taun- ton indebted in the sum of $112,000. $102,000 has been paid and $10,000 has become merged in the ex- isting municipal debt of the city. Total number recruited 1493 Navy, men assigned 159% Total number credited on quota 1652 Date of President's Call. April 16, 1861... May 3,1801 June 17, 1861... May 28, 18b2.... July 4, 1862 Aug. 4, 1862 July 1, 1863 Oct. 17, 1863 Feb. 1, 1864 March 14, 1864.. July 19, 1864.... Date of General Orders. No. of Men Furnished. Term of Service. April 17,1861 May 22, 1861 June 25,1861 May 29, 1862. ) July 7, 1862. J Aug. 21, 1862 Draft by Provost-Marshal, Capt. J. W. D. Hull... Bounty Paid. 67 272 154 170 166 80* 228 120 236t Three months. Three years Other Expenses. Total Expenses. Nine months. Three years! . 81,005.00 $2,885.65 $3,890 65 4,080.00 I 9,896.63 13,976.63 (These men cost the town nothing.) 49,200.00 1 500.00 16,600 00 f 66,300.00 All terms of service... 1493 26,505.00 84,803.00? 439.56 804.39 $182,193.00 $14,526.23 26,944.56 85,607.39 $196,719.23 * Of this number (80) 60 furnished substitutes, 15 paid commutation, 5 went. t These drafted men many of them were provided with substitutes by private subscription, included in the $26,505. | In addition to this number (236), 159% men, who had enlisted in the navy in the beginning of the war and never credited, were assigned to Taunton. I Of this sum, $35,878 was contributed by citizens. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. HON. SAMUEL L. CROCKER. Samuel Leonard Crocker was born in Taunton, Mass., on March 31, 1804. He is the second son of William Augustus Crocker, who was the second son of Josiah, the eldest son of Rev. Josiah Crocker, the sixth minister of Taunton, and successor of Hooke, Street, Shove, Danforth, and Clapp. The mother of Mr. Crocker was Sally, daughter of Capt. Jonathan Ingell, who, as a widow, was the first wife of Charles Richmond, the partner of Samuel Crocker, of the well-known business firm of Crocker & Richmond. The grandmother of Mr. Crocker, on his father's side, was Abigail, daughter of Hon. Zephaniah Leonard, judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and grandson of James Leonard, who was concerned in the early Taunton Iron- Works. At an early age the subject of this sketch was put to school with Rev. Edward Richmond, of Stough- ton, and Rev. Pitt Clark, of Norton, finishing his course of preparation for college in the Bristol Acad- emy at Taunton, when Mr. Simeon Daggett was prin- cipal. With his elder brother, William, he entered Brown University in 1818, under the presidency of Rev. Dr. Messer, and graduated in 1822, at the age of eighteen. Not caring to study a profession, and inheriting from their ancestry on both sides a business turn of mind, the sons, two years after their graduation, de- termined on starting copper-works at Norton'. This was in 1824, although their act of incorporation as the Taunton Copper Manufacturing Company was not obtained till 1826. A younger brother, George Augustus, was associated with them as a member of the firm. The business in Norton had a steady growth, which led to the enlargement of the works, creating a branch of them at the Weir in Taunton in 1845. Mr. Samuel L. Crocker has always been the active man- ager of this large business, which consists in smelt- ing and the manufacture of copper and yellow metal. These works are not only among the oldest, but the largest and most prosperous in the country, and their success is due in a great measure to the skill and careful oversight of Mr. Samuel L. Crocker. He associated himself with others in starting the Taunton Locomotive- Works, of which he is president, and the Old Colony Iron Company, of which he. has always been a director, and for many years president, and who have built up a large business in East Taun- ton, a rolling-mill and shops for the manufacture of shovels, nails, etc. The railroad interests of Taunton have not been overlooked by Mr. Crocker. He was interested in securing the Taunton Branch Railroad in 1835, the first connection by rail which Taunton had with Bos- /^&-i TAUNTON. 859 ton, Providence, and New York ; and the accommo- dations of the Old Colony Railroad, connecting Taun- ton with Fall River, New Bedford, Cape Cod, the South Shore, as well as with New York and Boston, were brought about very much through the wise man- agement of Mr. Crocker, one of its directors. In politics, Mr. Crocker was a member of the old Whig party, and as such served as a member of the Executive Council in 1849, during the administration of Governor George N. Briggs. In 1853 he was elected a representative to Congress, and served in that body from Dec. 5, 1853, to March 3, 1855. He was on several committees, and won a good reputation as a wise counselor and a faithful representative. In local municipal affairs he has always taken an active and leading part. He has been a director in both the Bristol County and the Machinists' Banks of Taun- ton, and for several years a trustee of the insane hos- pital at the same place. He is at present a trustee of Brown University, and of the General Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church, located in New York City. Although the direct descendant of an early Con- gregationalist minister, he early expressed a prefer- ence for the Protestant Episcopal Church, and he and his brother William erected about 1826 and virtually sustained for many years the first church of this order in Taunton. From the founding of the church to the present time he has acted in the capacity of either warden or vestryman, and has served as a delegate to the Diocesan Conventions at different times, and also has thrice been a member of the General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church. The beautiful stone edifice of St. Thomas parish, the finest-finished church building in Taunton, has been erected largely through Mr. Crocker's instrumentality. For sixty years Mr. Crocker has been an active and earnest advocate of temperance, and has delivered lectures on the subject to great acceptance in various localities. His influence has always been exerted in favor of this important reform, as well as in behalf of sound morals and practical religion. In 1854, Mr. Crocker retired from active politics, but was steadily engaged in business up to the time of his death. William and Samuel L. Crocker married sisters, granddaughters of the distinguished Isaiah Thomas, of Worcester, Mass., founder of the American Anti- quarian Society, and sisters of Judge Benjamin F. Thomas, of that city. The first wife of Mr. Samuel L. Crocker was Hannah Weld Thomas, whom he married June 15, 1825, and who died Nov. 22, 1827. His second wife was Caroline, sister of the first, whom he married April 13, 1830, and who departed this life Jan. 28, 1875. Their children are Mary Caroline, who married Gen. Darius N. Couch, commander dur- ing the late war of one of the grand divisions of the Army of the Potomac, and subsequently of the De- partment of the Susquehanna; Sally, wife of Ed- mund H. Bennett, for the past twenty-five years judge of probate and insolvency, and at present dean of the Boston University of Law; and Ellen Louisa and Samuel L. Crocker, Jr. The latter graduated at Brown University in 1856, was admitted to the Suffolk bar in 1859, and has resided for many years abroad. (Since the above was written Mr. Crocker has passed away. He died in Boston, Feb. 10, 1883.) WILLARD LOYERING. Among the representative men of Taunton, those who have largely advanced her material prosperity, and left an impress never to be obliterated, we must mention Willard Lovering. He was son of William and Mehitabel (Claflin) Lovering, and was born in Franklin, Mass., Nov. 18, 1801. His father was a farmer, and his early years were passed in farm-work, and, toward his majority, his winters in teaching. He began his long and active business career by serving an apprenticeship in the City Mills at Franklin, where he was employed for several years, rising step by step, until he had charge of the entire establishment. He took charge of the business of the Blackstone Canal corporation of Providence, R. I., in 1833, and re- mained in that position three years, retiring to take the agency of the Carrington Mills, at Woonsocket, R. I. Here he was for three years also. Then, in 1836, he removed to Taunton, and was manager of the Whittenton Mills, which position he occupied for over twenty years, until the failure of C. H. Mills & Co. in 1857. In 1858, associated with his sons, he pur- chased the Whittenton Mills, and successfully con- ducted it, much enlarging the works and business, until 1864, when failing health admonished him to retire, which he did, leaving the business to the suc- cessful management of his sons, the Lovering Broth- ers of the present extensive manufacturing establish- ment. Mr. Lovering represented Taunton in the State Legislatures of 1865-66, and was always interested in and consulted in all the important interests of Taun- ton during his entire residence here. He was twice married, first to Susan Loughead, adopted daughter of John Croade, of Warren, R. I. They had two chil- dren, — Charles and William. Second, Jan. 1, 1839, to Sarah C, daughter of Governor Marcus and Char- lotte (Hodges) Morton. They had two children, — Henry M. and Charlotte M. Mr. Lovering sustained a high rank as a manufacturer. A man of rare good judgment, executive ability, and systematic, practical business talent, he maintained a character of unblem- ished integrity through life, and died Dec. 15, 1875, sincerely mourned by an unusually large circle of friends of every rank in life. He was at one time president of the Taunton Branch Railroad, and at his death was president of the Taunton Savings- 860 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Bank. He was prominently connected with the Episcopal Church for nearly half a century, and in his latter years a devoted member of St. Thomas Church. JOSEPH WILBAR. Joseph Wilbar, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was born in Easton, Mass., Dec. 13, 1792, and died at his residence in Taunton, Mass., July 16, 1881. He was seventh in lineal descent from Samuel Wildbore, who with his wife, Ann, daughter of Thomas Bradford, of Dorchester, England, settled in Boston as early as 1633. The name is variously spelled (see sketch of Hon. Daniel Wilbur, Somerset, Mass.). Samuel Wildbore's second wife, Elizabeth, was admitted a member of the first church in Bos- ton Nov. 29, 1645. Mr. Wildbore was admitted a freeman of Boston in 1634 (Boston records). He settled in Taunton at an early day, and became one of its largest landholders. He had residences in Boston and Taunton. He with some associates built and put in operation an iron furnace in that part of Taunton now Raynham (see sketch of Theodore Dean). "He was, a man of wealth for the times, and evidently of very respectable standing in society, exerting a wide influence in each of the places where he dwelt." . He died Sept. 29, 1656. His children were Samuel, Jr., Joseph, William, Shadrach, and Sarah. After the death of their father the children by com- mon consent dropped the " d" in the first syllable and generally the " e" final, spelling the name " Wilbor." Shadrach Wilbor, son of Samuel Wildbore, settled in Taunton (afterwards Raynham), on lands received probably from his father. He was evidently a man of wealth and influence in his time. He held several important trusts, representing his town in the pro- vincial government, and served as town clerk for thirty-five successive years. For lifting his voice, however, in opposition to the evils, as he deemed them, in the government of Sir Edmund Andros, he was apprehended and imprisoned in Boston, Aug. 30, 1687, but it is not probable that he long remained there. He married Hannah -- — -, and had ten chil- dren, of whom Shadrach, Jr., born Dec. 5, 1672, was the third son and sixth child. He died in 1696 or 1697. Shadrach Wilbor, Jr., son of Shadrach, was born in Taunton (now Raynham), and was a farmer by occu- pation. It is not known whom he married. He had five sons, viz. : Shadrach, Meshach, Joseph, Jacob ) and Abijah. The first two sons settled in Taunton, but it is not certain where the other three settled. Meshach Wilbor, Sr., second son of Shadrach, Jr., was born in Taunton (now Raynham), married Eliz- abeth , who died Nov. 30, 1776, in the seventieth year of her age. They had six sons, the youngest of whom was George, a native of Raynham, as the town was now called. The date of Meshach's death is not known. Nothing is known of George Wilbor, or Wilbur, as he now spelled his name, except that he settled in Titient parish, Bridgewater, Mass., and was a farmer by oc- cupation. He had a son George, who settled in Eas- ton, Mass., and followed farming. This George Wil- bur was twice married, first to Betsey Packard, and had eleven children, of whom Joseph Wilbar, the sub- ject of our notice, was one. Mr. George Wilbur married for his second wife Widow Mary Francis, by whom he had two children. The name began to be spelled with an " a" instead of a " u," thus " Wilbar." Joseph Wilbar was of the sturdy New England yeomanry ; educated in the New England common schools of two generations ago, and starting out in life from thence to make his own way, he belonged to that great class which was so common fifty years since, but is fast passing into a traditional type as our civilization grows complex. In 1820 he married Elizabeth Capen, and two years later, at the age of thirty, came with her to Taunton. The following year his wife died, and in 1825 he was again married to Miss Huldah W. Briggs, who only survived her wedding-day a year and four months, leaving behind a daughter, Elizabeth W., wife of Lovett Morse (de- ceased). In August, 1827, he married Miss Fanny M. Lin- coln, who survives him after a wedded life of almost fifty-four years. Of this union there were four chil- dren ; three died in infancy, one only, Joseph E., present register of deeds, attaining maturity. During his earlier residence here his principal business was land surveying, by which he became familiar with the real estate of the town. He very soon became prominent in town affairs, and from about 1830 was on the board of selectmen, most of the time chairman, until he was appointed register of deeds in the spring of 1841. He was a leader, by the simple strength of his convictions, in the politics of the time, and his connection with the public interest increased constantly. He was a member of the Con- stitutional Convention in 1852, with Governor Morton and Hon. Henry Williams. He held the office of register of deeds for almost thirty-three years until the end of 1873. Familiar with the town affairs, with its real estate and its men, becoming widely known throughout the region, and as widely respected for his wisdom and sagacity, and trusted for his in- tegrity, he found business increasing to the limit of his ability, and had he not been very moderate in his charges he might have reaped a rich pecuniary har- vest. Probably no man has had so much to do with the settlement of estates and the adjustment of differ- ences of opinion, or been so often called upon to serve on boards of reference and counsel. From the beginning of the Bristol County Savings-Bank he was one of its pillars, his sagacity and knowledge of real , ^/l/^a^ jilt / uTic^y l<-^$ ^7 TAUNTON. 861 estate proving .of inestimable service. In 1865 he succeeded Capt. Silas Shepard as president, and re- tained the position during his life, his resignation a year or two before his death being refused, not as a mere matter of courtesy, but because of the worth of his name, even after his activity had ceased by reason of age and infirmity. He united with the Broadway Congregational Church in September, 1826, at the age of thirty-four, although for some years previous he had been a steady attendant upon its worship. He never was able to fix the date of his conversion. Religiously educated, always serious and conscientious, his religious life began like the light of dawn, and grew and bright- ened as the years went by. Possessed of strong feel- ing, he was yet not a man of superficial emotions ; he believed the truth, and quietly and decisively accepted it, opening all the windows of his soul Godward, and so the light that was in him grew and broadened ; but men never saw any flare of lamps or any flashing of lightning. In August, 1828, he was chosen deacon, which office he held for almost fifty-three years, though for the last few years relieved from its active duties. This term far exceeds that of any other deacon of that church. But his deaconate is measured by deeds, not years, long as it was. From the first he felt and accepted a heavy share of responsibility in the church. His post in the prayer-meeting was not vacated. Week by week and year by year the church knew where to find him Thursday night. All his life he taught in the Sabbath -school until eighty-seven years old, and the influence he has exerted on the young men whom he has taught goes on now that he has fallen asleep. For thirty years, until nearly eighty years old, he was treasurer of the society, and in that arduous and responsible position, if he expected others to do their duty, he spared himself least of all. Year after year, if a deficit occurred, he gathered a few on whom he could depend, stated the amount, and called upon them to make it up, his own subscription never lagging behind. So he walked in the light, as God is in the light, and they had fellowship together, until at last to us he was not, for God took him. Joseph E. Wilbar, the present register of deeds, is the only surviving son of Joseph and Fanny M. (Lin- coln) Wilbar, and was born in Taunton, July 9, 1832. The line of descent has been as follows : (1) Samuel Wilbore, (2) Shadrach Wilbor, Sr., (3) Shadrach Wilbor, Jr., (4) Meshach Wilbor, Sr., (5) George Wilbor, (6) George Wilbar, Jr., (7) Joseph Wilbar, and (8) Joseph E. Wilbar. Mr. Wilbar received his education at the local schools in his native town. At the age of seventeen he entered the office of register of deeds as clerk for his father for the Northern District of Bristol County. He served in that capacity till December, 1861, when he was appointed postmaster of Taunton, and served for more than four years. He then again entered the register of deeds' office, this time as clerk and assistant register of deeds, and continued in that relation till Jan. 1, 1874, when he was elected register of deeds to take his father's place. This position he has filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constit- uents till the present time (1883). He is Republican in politics, trustee of Bristol County Savings-Bank since 1874, and president since January, 1882. He is also a director in Bristol County National Bank. He married Emma, daughter of Albert and Harriet (Ide) Barrows, of Norton, Dec. 26, 1861. Of this union there are five children,— Albert E., Arthur L., Charles B., Helen M., and Louise R. Mrs. Wilbar was born in Norton, June 25, 1839. Her father was an agent for many years of Barrows' factory, at Barrowsville, in Norton. Her grandfather was named Carlos Barrows. Mr. and Mrs. Wilbar are members of the Broadway Congregational Church in Taunton. EDMUND BAYLIES. The Baylies family in this country come of Quaker stock in England, where Nicholas Baylies appears on June 5, 1706, as a witness to the marriage of his son Thomas, and is described as "of the parish of Aloe- Church, county of Worcester." Thomas married Esther Sargeant, daughter of Thomas Sargeant, of Ffullford-Heath, in the parish of Soby-Hull, county of Warwick. He carried on iron-works in England first at Colebrook-dale, and afterward at some place on the Thames. With his son Nicholas and daugh- ter Esther he came to Boston from London in June, 1737, then returned, and the year after brought over his wife and two daughters. He settled at Uxbridge, Mass., about 1738, and established iron-works there. His son Nicholas was interested in iron-works at Taunton, to which place he removed from Uxbridge, probably not earlier than 1745. He married Eliza- beth Parks, of Newton, Mass., in 1738, and by her had seven sons and one daughter. He was a noted patriot at the time of the Revolution, and died in 1807. Two of his sons, William and Hodijah, were educated at Harvard College. The former was dis- tinguished for eminent talent, both as a physician and for varied acquirements in other departments. The latter, born Sept. 17, 1756, was one of the same class at college as Rufus King and Judge Dawes, with whom, throughout their lives, he maintained a close and cordial friendship. On graduating from college in 1777, he obtained a commission as lieuten- ant of infantry, enlisted a company, and his first ser- vice after recruiting was on the Hudson, where he was attacked by a fever which nearly proved fatal. When Gen. Lincoln was appointed to the command of the Southern Department he selected Hodijah Baylies as one of his aides-de-camp, and in that ca- 862 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. pacity he participated in the unsuccessful attempt to storm Savannah. When Gen. Lincoln capitulated at Charleston, May 12, 1780, Maj. Baylies became a prisoner of war, and as soon as his exchange was ef- fected he rejoined the army, aud in 1782 became one of the aides-de-camp of Gen. Washington, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel by brevet. He was with the commander-in-chief at the surrender of Cornwal- lis at Yorktown, where Washington appointed Gen. Lincoln to receive the English general's sword. He remained in Washington's military family until the end of the war, after which he spent some time at Mount Vernon, and in 1784 returned to the North and married Elizabeth, daughter of Mary (Cushing) and Maj. -Gen. Lincoln. After a short residence at Hingham he removed to Taunton, where he owned iron-works which he su- perintended, making bar-iron and afterwards an- chors, and continuing this business until 1806. In 1785 he removed to Dighton, where he bought land, on which was a house which had been a hotel during the war, and which he remodeled. About that time he was appointed collector of the port of Dighton, and held this office for many years, resigning it in 1833. In 1810 he was appointed, by Governor Gore, judge of probate for the county of Bristol, and in 1814 he was elected by the General Court of Massa- chusetts a member of the Hartford Convention. In 1834, at the age of seventy-eight, and in the full vigor of his mental faculties, he resigned the office of judge of probate, and retired from all public employments. He died April 26, 1843, in the eighty -seventh year of his age. His wife died at Dighton in 1823. They had three sons and one daughter: William, who was a graduate of Harvard College and died early ; Ed- mund, the subject of this sketch ; Amelia, who mar- ried Dr. Alfred Wood, of Dighton, and died without issue in 1862 ; and Benjamin L., who died in 1869. William and Benjamin never married. Edmund Baylies was born at Hingham, Sept. 22, 1787, and attended school there, and later at Dighton, until he was sixteen years of age, when, having no taste for a classical education, he went to Boston, entering as apprentice the commercial house of Cunningham Brothers. His first successful adventure was in 1805, as supercargo, in charge of a vessel for Hamburg with a cargo of sugar and colonial products, which he sold at high prices just before the battle of Auster- litz and the closing of the European ports by Napo- leon. After this he made several voyages to Arch- angel, landing there goods which he undertook to have delivered in Paris, which he did in spite of Napoleon's police. He also took part of a contract for supplying flour to the English peninsular army under Wellington, and in carrying this out he went to Lisbon with a cargo of flour. He afterwards formed a partnership with Mr. Thomas B. Curtis, of Boston, for carrying on trade with Russia, and retired from business in 1836. In 1835 he purchased land at Taunton, from Dr. Alfred Williams, and built on it a stone house. Up to this time he had resided in Mount Vernon Street, Boston, but in 1838 he removed to Taunton, generally passing the winter in the city and the summer in the country until 1848, when he sold the house in Boston and remained permanently at Taunton, with the exception of occasional trips to Europe. In 1819 he married Elizabeth Ann, daugh- ter of Ruth (Larkin) and Phillips Payson, of Charles- town, Mass. Mrs. Baylies, was born in 1799, and died at Boston, Oct. 10, 1846. She was possessed of great personal beauty, and was universally beloved for her kindness of disposition, her amiable manners, and her unaffected piety. Three children were the issue of this marriage, — two daughters and one son. Elizabeth, the eldest, married Wickham Hoffman, of New York, a lawyer, and a son of Judge Murray Hoffman. At the breaking out of the civil war he entered the army, and occupied many positions of distinction, first, on the staff of Brig.-Gen. Thomas Williams, at Hatteras, then with Gen. Butler at New Orleans, and afterwards as assistant adjutant-general on the staff of Gen, Sherman, and of Maj. -Gen. Franklin. In 1865 he held the same position on the staff of Maj. -Gen. Canby, resigned in 1866, and in the same year was appointed Secretary of Legation at Paris, where he remained for nine years under Minis- ters Dix and E. B. Washburne, and through the siege and the commune. In 1875 he was transferred to London, in 1877 to St. Petersburg, and in February, 1883, was appointed minister to Denmark. The second daughter, Ruth, married Maturin Liv- ingston, of New York, a grandson of Gen. Morgan Lewis, of Revolutionary fame, and of Gertrude Liv- ingston, sister of Chancellor Livingston. The son, Edmund Lincoln, married Nathalie E., daughter of Cornelia (Prime) and Robert Ray, of New York, and died at Geneva, Switzerland, in 1869, while traveling for his health. His widow now re- sides on the homestead at Taunton. In early life Edmund Baylies belonged to the Or- thodox denomination, but after his marriage he be- came a member of the Episcopal Church, and was for many years a vestryman of St. Thomas' Church at Taunton, as well as one of those who gave most liberally towards the building of the present stone edifice. In politics he was an old-fashioned Whig, and when the war of the Rebellion broke out, he warmly supported the government ; was in favor of active measures against the South, and being too advanced in years to serve his country in the field procured an able-bodied substitute, whom he sent to the front as his representative. Of medium height and fine appearance, with clear blue eyes and a florid complexion, he strongly resem- bled the Duke of Wellington, for whom he has been mistaken in Europe. He retained his strikingly erect carriage until his death, in his ninety-first year. He was not more remarkable for his courtly manners TAUNTON. 863 than for his uprightness of character and invariable truthfulness. He was most liberal where his heart and his judgment approved, but as unostentatious in his charities as in his manner of life. He always re- gretted not having been forced to go to college, was a great reader, had a wonderful memory, and was a charming conversationalist. A man of rare judg- ment and business capacity. As a director of the Taunton National Bank, the Old Colony Iron Com- pany, the Taunton Copper Manufacturing Company, the Taunton Locomotive Manufacturing Company, and other corporations, he gave wise and prudent counsel. He was for many years a trustee of the Taunton Public Library, and was a member of the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati. His farm interested him deeply, and he was especially success- ful in setting out trees, many hundreds of which, by their vigorous growth and commanding size, bear witness to his skill. At the death of his brother Benjamin, in 1869, the family estate at Dighton re- verted to him, and he devoted himself to its improve- ment. He retained his faculties unimpaired until his death, which occurred at Taunton, May 16, 1878, after a short illness. His remains were interred in the family plot at Dighton, by the side of his wife, and near the other deceased members of his family. ALFRED BAYLIES, M.D. Alfred Baylies, son of Thomas and Bethia (Godfrey) Baylies, was born in Dighton, Mass., Sept. 16, 1787. He was brought up a farmer, and retained a warm love for rural life and horticulture all his days. He attended private schools and studied medicine with his uncle, the celebrated Dr. William Baylies, in his native town. In those days the young student visited the bedsides of the sick from the first, and experience and observation were instructors equal, if not supe- rior, to those furnished by the most munificently-en- dowed college at the present day. His studies finished, about 1813, he commenced the practice of medicine in Taunton, and from the first had marked success. He married Rebecca Dennis, daughter of James Sproat, Esq., of Taunton, Dec. 4, 1813. They had four children, — Alfred S., who became a physician ; married, December, 1844, Jane Ingell Richmond, and died in August, 1847, leaving two children, — Alfred Wood and William Sargent (deceased); Amelia F., married Samuel Southgate ; resides in Plymouth, and has two children ; Ann S. (Mrs. Charles R. Vickery) ; and Adaline S. Mrs. Baylies was born in 1789, and died July 24, 1843. Dr. Baylies married for his second wife Frances A., daughter of Abiathar and Nancy Dean Williams, Nov. 21, 1847. Their children are Maria W. and Esther S. He died July 2, 1873, in his eighty-sixth year. Dr. Baylies was one of the plain, unassuming gentlemen which we class as belonging to the old school. He was social, methodical, and systematic. By diligence and faithful though ardu- ous endeavors he acquired a large and lucrative prac- tice. The people had great confidence in him, and his presence in a sick room was a curative agent in itself. He despised all ostentation, and cared little for personal appearance. He was of positive and de- termined nature, and fixed in his ways. He possessed such sound judgment that he was generally right, and was very popular. He was active in all society mat- ters; was an ardent Freemason, and held in high honor by the craft. He was secretary of King David Lodge, F. and A. M., of Taunton for over thirty years, and during the dark days of the Morgan ex- citement was the guardian of the charter of the lodge. The brethren at Weir named their lodge " Alfred Baylies Lodge," in honor of his masonic virtues. He was very fond of pets, and never without some one of the lower animals on which to lavish attention. He was noted for his knowledge of horticulture, in the pursuit of which he built many greenhouses. He grew many and rare varieties of grapes, and manufactured a large amount of wine. He was a great reader, keeping himself fully abreast of the times. His reading was solid and substantial, largely professional, historical, and scientific. Of sterling honesty, he never made an appointment or a promise of any kind that was not rigidly and promptly kept. His word was as good as his bond, and neither was ever protested. He was an affectionate husband and a loving father, and he particularly enjoyed the hap- piness of the home circle, although he never mur- mured when called from it to face wintry storms for the relief of suffering. He gave his children advantages of good education, and was in favor of everything tending to improve, elevate, or instruct humanity. He was for years a trustee of Bristol Academy, and none did more hearty or valuable labor than he in the cause of higher education. He was Unitarian in religious belief, and Whig and Re- publican in politics. Although prized as a citizen and a social companion, his memory will be longer cherished as the" beloved physician," who for over half a century filled a place in Taunton and sur- rounding towns none other can ever fill. He was a man who, in all the walks of life, was of inflexible integrity. This was his pre-eminent characteristic. His object in all the varied demands of life was to ascertain his duty, and then to do it at whatever cost. No higher encomium on any man's memory could be written. Thus he honored his domestic relations, his professional position, his social and civic obligations, and exemplified the teachings and requirements of the church of his choice. HON. CHARLES RICE VICKERY. Hon. Charles Rice Vickery was born in Weir vil- lage, Taunton, Mass., Nov. 24, 1800, and died at his residence in this city, Jan. 16, 1883. He was a son of Capt. David and Priscilla (Barnum) Vickery. 864 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. His mother was the daughter of Caleb Barnum, the seventh minister of Taunton, who died in 1776, while on his way to join a regiment of Continentals as chap- lain, soon after the outbreak of the Revolution. Mr. Vickery was best known to the present gener- ation by his years of service as cashier and president of the Machinists' Bank, but prior to those duties he was an energetic merchant, and one of the best auc- tioneers that ever wielded a hammer in Bristol County. Mr. Vickery was also an old-fashioned Democrat, and for many years an active politician and leader of that party in this county. His service in State duties was as senator from this district in 1852. He was postmaster of Taunton for more than twenty years, and held many offices of trust. His geniality and pleasant manners made him a wide cir- cle of friends during his long life. He was twice married, first to Rebecca Church, and had four sons, — Charles O., John M., Benjamin C, and James E., — all of whom were born in Taun- ton, grew to maturity, and all died before their father. Mr. Vickery married for his second wife Ann S., daughter of Dr. Alfred Baylies, of Taunton, Nov. 30, 1858. She survives him. Mr. Vickery was for many years a prominent mem- ber of the First Congregational Society, and a mem- ber of the building committee of the present church. Mr. Vickery was a man of unblemished character, spotless integrity, sound and discriminating judg- ment, keen foresight, and conservative in all his views. He lived respected and died regretted. THEODORE DEAN. Theodore Dean is a lineal descendant in the seventh generation from John Deane, who came from Chard, England, in 1637, and settled in Taunton, then called Cohannet. The line of descent from John Deane ( for- merly spelled with an " e" final) to Theodore Dean is as follows : John 1 and Alice Deane had several chil- dren, the second son of whom was Thomas 1 , born 1642, died 1690. He married Katharine Stephens, who died in 1726. Their second son was Thomas*, born 1673, died Sept. 10, 1747. He married Mary Kingsley, of Milton. She died Feb. 1, 1749, aged seventy-four years. Their second son was Josiah*, born 1699, died March 23, 1778. He married, in 1737, Jane, daughter of Capt. Nehemiah Washburn, of Braintree. She was born in 1715, and died in 1790. They had children, the fourth son of whom was Hon. Josiah 5 , born March 6, 1748. He was member of Congress from 1807-9; died Oct. 14, 1818. He mar- ried Sarah Byram, who was born in 1750, and died Jan. 13, 1849, at the advanced age of ninety-nine years. They had eight children, the seventh of whom, Eliab Byram, born 1788, died Nov. 2, 1871. He mar- ried Charlotte Williams, of Taunton, and had twelve children, one of whom is Theodore. For a more com- i plete history of John'Deane, the ancestor, see "Pio- neer History of Taunton." Eliab Byram Dean 1 was a native of Raynham, was a manufacturer of iron in early life, but toward the close was a farmer. He was a Whig and Republican, but never an aspirant for political honors. For more than fifty years he was a deacon of the Congregational Church in Raynham, and his faithful wife was a mem- ber until her death. Theodore Dean was born in Raynham, Dec. 31, 1809. He received a common school and academic education at Bristol Academy, Taunton, Mass. At eighteen he commenced teaching, and taught four winters with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He was reared a farmer and manufac- turer of iron, and continued with his father until 1848, when he purchased his father's interest in the "old iron forge" at Raynham, and continued to conduct a successful business until 1873. This forge was the first in the Old Colony, and one of the first in America, those at Lynn and Braintree having been established at an earlier date. This forge or bloomery was established by Messrs. Henry and James Leonard and Ralph Russell as early as 1656. " The forge at Raynham was the great joint-stock company of that vicinity and period." These works were undoubtedly very profitable, and the records say that " my share" or " shares in the iron-works" were transmitted from father to son, or other heirs, for several generations. This old forge is now (1883) owned by Theodore Dean. It has been several times remodeled, and was in suc- cessful operation for more than two hundred years. Mr. Dean is also a descendant from the Leonards on his father's side and through his grandmother, Sarah Byram, daughter of the Rev. Eliab Byram. Mr. Dean removed to Taunton, Aug. 15, 1866, and has continued to reside here since. He is a Repub- lican in politics, and represented Raynham and Easton in the State Legislature in 1866, serving on the Committee of Banks and Banking. In 1851 he was chosen a director of Bristol County Bank, and, September, 1853, was chosen its president, and has served in that capacity till the present time. In 1865 the name of this bank was changed to " Bristol County National Bank." He is a director in various manufacturing interests both at home and abroad, and in all of his varied interests has been successful. Mr. Dean is one of Taunton's most respected and wealthy citizens. He is a man of energy and deci- sion of character, with strong convictions, which he does not lack the courage openly to avow, and in all matters of business and finance his rare judgment and sagacity are unquestioned. He married Lydia A. Lord in November, 1854. They have had three children: (1) Florence, born Nov. 13, 1856, married, Oct. 25, 1876, Charles D. Stickney, of Fall River, and has two children,— Harold D. and Adelaide L. ; (2) Charles Theodore, born March 1, 1860, and died Aug. 27, 1865; and (3) Bertha, born Sept. 15, 1866. /u - / - TAUNTON. 865 WILLIAM MASON. William Mason, the founder of the Mason Machine- Works at Taunton, Mass., belongs to that class of in- telligent and vigorous mechanics who, in spite of early disadvantages and by the force of native genius, leave their impress upon the age in which they live. New England has been especially fruitful in such men, and they in turn have rewarded her by making her the pride and glory of America. The following sketch of the life of Mr. Mason is taken mainly from " The History of American Manufactures," by J. Leander Bishop, A.M., M.D., and " Representatives of New England," by J. D. Van Slyck, published respectively in 1864 and 1879. William Mason was born at Mystic, Conn., in 1808, and was the son of a blacksmith and small farmer. His boyhood was passed in his father's shop and on the farm two-thirds of each year, and the remainder in the country school. When he was three years old the family removed to a small island at the mouth of the Mystic River. Here they remained for three years, and then removed to Stonington, where the father cultivated a small farm and worked at his trade as a blacksmith. William's mechanical aptitude early manifested itself. He fashioned his toys himself, using his father's jack-knife, and when eight years of age made jew's-harps, afterwards some skates and sleds. He also succeeded in making musical instru- ments of various kinds. At thirteen years of age he left home, and going to Canterbury, Windham Co., Conn., he entered the spinning-room of a small cotton -factory as an opera- tive. William worked at cotton-spinning for about four years, spending one year at Lisbon in a cotton- thread factory. While at Lisbon, one of the more complicated machines needed repairs, and it was found that young Mason alone could make them. This fact becoming known at East Haddam, where a mill for the manufacture of thread was about to be established, he was sent for to start the machines, though only fifteen years of age. While employed at cotton-spinning at "Canterbury he amused himself by making a " hurdy-gurdy." This instrument is still retained by Mr. Mason as a memento of his early me- chanical recreations. At seventeen he entered the machine-shop attached to the cotton-mill at Canterbury to learn the details of machine-work, and devoted himself to it three years, when he closed his apprenticeship and went to New Hartford, near Utica, N. Y. Here he obtained work in a machine-shop, but within a month the company failed and the shop was closed. The busi- ness, however, was soon started again, though on a more limited scale, and young Mason was re-engaged. After having been there about six months he returned to his old employer at Canterbury, and soon had finished and set up the first power loom used in this country for the manufacture of diaper linen. He also constructed an ingenious loom for weaving damask 55 table-cloths, the figures of the middle and borders being interwoven; but this machine, unfortunately, had a short career, as his employer soon failed. Mr. Mason, who had always possessed a taste for art, es- pecially for the art of painting, established himself for a short time as a portrait-painter. This, however, was not to be his life-work. In 1832 he received an order from John Hyde, of Mystic, for some diaper-looms. He had neither shop nor means to warrant his taking the contract, but ob- taining an advance on the job, he contracted for the necessary frames at a shop in Willimantic, with the privilege for himself and assistant of working there. Thus he realized a profit of about ten dollars a day. This was the turning-point of his. career, and he thenceforward devoted himself to the manufacture of machinery. The reputation gained by the fulfillment of this contract with Mr. Hyde was the means of securing for Mr. Mason an engagement with Asel Lanphear, who had a machine-shop in Killingly, Conn., and was at work on a new device for spinning, which has become well known as the ring and traveler, or ring- frame. It was the invention of John Thorp, of Prov- idence, R. I., by whom it was patented Dec. 31, 1828. This invention had been attempted several times before, but without success. Mr. Lanphear soon failed, and Mr. Mason took charge of the establish- ment on account of the creditors, receiving a per- centage on the business. In the ring-traveler, un- developed and unskillfully made as it was, he saw the germ of a most important improvement, and he at once constructed a machine for making it more per- fectly and of an improved form. He remodeled and perfected the "ring," and designed a new and taste- ful iron frame in place of the clumsy affair previously made. There was at first a limited demand, owing to the prejudice created by the failure of the old machine. The new device, however, soon acquired a reputation which it has retained to the present time. Having remained at Killingly two years, Mr. Mason entered the employ of Crocker & Richmond, then doing a large business in the manufacture of cotton machinery at Taunton, Mass. For the next twelve months he worked steadily on his ring-frames. In the financial crisis of 1837 Crocker & Richmond failed, and were largely indebted to Mr. Mason. Not discouraged, however, by this disaster, he at once devised a " speeder" or " roving-machine." Shortly afterwards the old machine-shop of Crocker & Rich- mond was started up again by Leach & Keith, and Mr. Mason was employed as foreman, with his pat- ented speeder as a specialty. The building of this machine soon gave way to the manufacture of the great invention of his life, the " self-acting mule." On this he experimented about two years, and re- ceived his patent Oct. 8, 1840. About the same time the machine known as the " Scotch mule" was intro- duced into this country, and a more formidable rival 866 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. appeared in 1841 in the "Sharp & Roberts mule," imported by Maj. Bradford Durfee, and patented in this country Oct. 11, 1841. The latter machine was in some respects superior to that of Mr. Mason, and he set himself to make an entirely new mule. In this he succeeded, receiving a patent, Oct. 3, 1846, for what is known among cotton manufacturers as Mason's self-acting mule. Just before completing this machine, in the winter of 1842, he was taken ill, and, to add to his trouble, Leach & Keith failed, owing him a large amount. On his recovery he determined to engage in busi- ness on his own account, and through the friendly assistance of James K. Mills & Co., of Boston, he be- came the principal owner and manager of the works. The prosperous times which succeeded the tariff of 1842, and the confidence of cotton and other manufac- turers in his mechanical abilities at once established a business which in a very few yearsenabled him to erect, after his own design, the noble buildings known as the Mason Machine-Works, the largest, it has been said, ever erected at one time for the manufacture of ma- chinery. The main shop was three hundred and fifteen feet long and three stories high, but addition after ad- dition has been made to accommodate a constantly in- creasing business until now the buildings cover an area of ten acres. His business for many years comprised the manufacture of cotton and woolen machinery, ma- chinists' tools, blowers, cupola furnaces, gearing and shafting, but the branch in which he was especially successful was the manufacture of cotton machinery. In this department he labored indefatigably to devise and introduce those various improvements which have contributed to increase the production, extend the consumption, and diminish the price of cotton fabrics. In 1852, having placed his business as a manufac- turer of cotton and woolen machinery and of the iron-work just named on a solid basis, he resolved on a new and additional enterprise. The first locomotive was brought into this country from England early in 1830 by Horatio Allen, of New York ; and the first American mechanic to engage successfully in their manufacture was Matthias W. Baldwin, of Philadel- phia, who built the first engine in 1832, and was fol- lowed by Thomas Rogers, of Paterson, N. J., in 1837. Both of these mechanics made important improve- ments in the details of their locomotives. These, however, were still built on the general plan and model of the English locomotives. Mr. Mason de- termined to contrive a new model, and in 1853 he brought out his first locomotive, which at once at- tracted attention for its beauty and taste, as well as for its workmanship. The general form, as well as numerous improvements in details presented by him, has since been adopted by locomotive-builders throughout the country. He had erected in 1852 ad- ditional buildings, and he now entered vigorously into this new field. One of the improvements introduced by Mr. Mason was the casting of truck-wheels for locomotives and tenders with hollow or tubular spokes and rims, in- stead of the plate or solid wheels then in use. This secured greater strength to the truck-wheels, and made them uniform with the driving-wheels of the locomotives. The first locomotives brought out by Mr. Mason in 1853 were furnished with these im- proved truck-wheels. In 1857 the Boston firm with which Mr. Mason was connected in business failed, and for a short time he was obliged to suspend payments. He, however, soon started again on his own account, and conducted the business alone until 1873, when an incorporated company was formed for the purpose of perpetuating the business in the hands of his heirs and successors. It has since been known as the Mason Machine- Works. In 1879 there was added to the other works the manufacture of the Campbell printing-press, for the accommodation of which the capacity of the shops has been greatly enlarged, and new machinery put in adapted to that branch. The works produce an average of one press a day, and employ in all depart- ments about a thousand hands. The officers of the company are William Mason, president; William H. Bent, treasurer; Frederick Mason, agent. (Since the above was written Mr. Mason has passed away. He died May 21, 1883.) HENRY G. REED. The family of Reed, spelled variously Reade, Rede, Reid, Read, and Reed, traces its lineage back to the Norman conquest. Among the names contained on the muster-roll of William the Conqueror in 1050 was John Rede, or John of Rede. (See biography of Henry C. Read, of Attleborough.) William Reade, supposed to be the son of William Reade and Lucy Henage, was born in 1605, and sailed from Gravesend, in the County of Kent, in the " As- surance de Lo" (Isaac Broomwell and George Persey, masters), in 1635. He settled in Weymouth, Mass., and was made freeman Sept. 2, 1635. He bought a house and land of Zachary Bicknell, for seven pounds, thirteen shillings, and four pence, in 1636. Mr. Reade was among the early settlers of Wey- mouth, it having been made a plantation May 8, 1635, and Rev. Mr. Hull and twenty-one families set- tled there. He was representative from Weymouth in 1636 and 1638. The Christian name of his wife, it is supposed, was Avise. Their children were William, Esther, Thomas, John, Mary, and Margaret. John 1 , son of William 1 , of Weymouth, was born in 1649, married Bethiah Frye. Their children were John, William, Thomas, George, Mary, Ruth, and Hannah. Mr. Reade was a house-carpenter, and appears to j ,< , / / ( TAUNTON. 867 have been a man of considerable property and an extensive dealer in land. The records describe about a dozen pieces of land bought by him in Taunton, and several parcels sold by him. He was quite a business man in Taunton, but removed from there to Digliton, where he died Jan. 13, 1720-21. His wife died Oct. 20, 1730. They were buried in Dighton, on Burying Hill, between Upper and Lower Four Corners. He was the ancestor of the Taunton Reeds. William 3 (John 2 , William 1 ), of Taunton, married Mary Richmond, June 8, 1721. Their children were John, William, Mary, and Abigail. He was a pious man. He died in 1734. The homestead is owned and occupied by one of his descendants at the present time (1883). His widow married Stephen Andrews, Nov. 6, 1738, a man of learning and piety, known by his neighbors as " St. Stephen," who lived to the age of nearly one hundred years. John* (William 3 , John 2 , William 1 ) was born in 1722. He was a blacksmith by trade, and a man of considerable business; was one of the Committee of Inspection and Correspondence in the Revolution, and was also a religious man. He was above the middle stature, and rather stern in his manners. He married, Dec. 30, 1746, Dorothy Pinneo. Their children were Ruth, Lois, John, Mary, Dorothy, Hannah, Zilpah, Enos, and Lydia. He married for his second wife, Jan. 9, 1771, Mrs. Hannah Austin. Their children were Nathan, Phebe, David and Jonathan, twins. Mr. Reed's first wife, Dorothy, was the daughter of James Pinneo, a French Huguenot, who had escaped from France during the persecutions of that pious and devoted band, and after having been secreted in dens and caves in France, he finally made his way to America and set- tled in Lebanon, Conn. The Rev. Bazaliel Pinneo, of Milford, Conn., is his great-grandson. Mr. Reed died December, 1788. John 5 (John 4 , William 3 , John 2 , William 1 ) was born March 29, 1752. He was above the middle stature, athletic, and uncommonly regular in his habits; was known in public life, having been select- man and representative several years. He was often chosen as arbitrator between parties, and was known as Esquire Reed. He was likewise distinguished for piety, and filled an important place in the society to which he belonged. He married Mary Godfrey, Nov. 21, 1775. Their children were John, born Aug. 11, 1776; William, born Oct. 6, 1778; Polly, born Aug. 31, 1782; Dolly, born May 31, 1785; Marshall, born Jan. 17, 1788; Hodges, born June 3, 1790; Sophia, born Sept. 2, 1792 ; Zilpah, born Dec. 22, 1796. Mr. Reed died Feb. 24, 1841, and his wife died Oct. 12, 1843. She was a woman of superior sense and prac- tical piety. John 6 "(John 5 , John 4 , William 3 , John 2 , William 1 ) was born Aug. 11, 1776. He was a merchant in Taunton more than fifty years. He married Rebecca Gooding, of Dighton, May 31, 1804. She was born Sept. 28, 1782. Their children were Mary Ann, born May 20, 1805 ; John, born June 17, 1808 ; Henry O., born July 23, 1810; Rebecca, born April 12, 1813; William A. (deceased), born Sept. 2, 1816; Sophia, born Nov. 9, 1818; Elizabeth G., born Sept, 4, 1822. Mr. Reed died Nov. 9, 1864; his wife died Jan. 31, 1872. Henry G. 7 (John 6 , John 5 , John 4 , William 3 , John 2 , William 1 ) was born July 23, 1810. He attended the public schools, and afterward the academy in Taun- ton. During school vacations he helped his father in his store. In his early life he made a collection of wood-working tools, and spent much of his leisure working with them, making useful articles for the family and neighbors, and miniature vessels and other toys for his mates. When eighteen years of age he entered the shop of Babbitt & Crossman as an ap- prentice, and continued with that firm and its succes- sors until he attained his majority in 1831. During his apprenticeship he had become the master of his trade, so that, continuing in the employ of the Taunton Britannia Manufacturing Company as a journeyman, working at first at the lathe and after- wards in various departments, he was in time intrusted with the oversight of the work of others, and was ap- pointed time-keeper and superintendent. These rela- tions he sustained when, in 1835, the firm was com- pelled to suspend operations, and the managing agent contracted with him and Mr. Barton to continue the business. He began the manufacture of britannia- ware, in connection with Charles E. Barton and Gus- tavus Leonard, in 1837, employing twelve hands. The business now is chiefly the manufacture of electro- plated silver-ware, and in times of ordinary prosperity eight hundred people are employed in the mills. There is no plate-ware which has a better reputation. The company is at present composed of Henry G. Reed, Henry H. Fish (deceased), and George Brabrook. Mr. Reed has been a director in the Taunton Bank twenty years, trustee in the Taunton Savings-Bank nine years, a director in the City Mission ten years, and president of the Reed Association five years. He is a very conscientious man, of generous sympathies, and a valuable citizen. He married for his first wife Clara, daughter of Isaac White, of Mansfield. She died Sept. 27, 1847. His second wife, Frances L., daughter of Jared Williams, of Dighton, died May 9, 1857. He married, Oct. 27, 1858, Delight R., daughter of Christopher Carpenter, of Rehoboth. His children are Clara I., Henry A. (deceased), Ida F. (deceased), Fannie L., and Henry Francis. THE BRABROOKS. Connected with the firm of Reed & Barton— the elder as a traveling agent, and the younger as a part- ner — are the two brothers, Alfred and George Bra- 868 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. brook. These gentlemen are now widely known as having been many years efficiently connected with the business, and having developed qualities which render their services of great value. Both entered the employ of the company young, and both have attained to large spheres of trust and responsibility in their respective departments. Of the ancestors of the family in this country little is known, except that they are believed to have emi- grated from Scotland. Joseph Brabrook and Thomas, his brother, were of Concord, Mass., in 1669. From Joseph have descended all who bear the name in America. The progenitors from Joseph 1 were Joseph 2 , Ben- jamin 3 , Benjamin*, and Joseph 5 . The last-mentioned was the father of Alfred and George Brabrook ; also of Joseph Adams Brabrook, of Lowell, Mass., of Rev. Benjamin F. Brabrook, a Baptist clergyman, who died June 9, 1853, at Davenport, Iowa, and of Sarah E. A. Brabrook, of Taunton, Mass. Their mother's maiden name was Sally Adams. Alfred Brabrook entered the service of Reed & Barton as early as 1837, and subsequently secured a place for his brother George. It is only justice to the former to say that he has been a most efficient and active worker for the interest and prosperity of the house for nearly fifty years,* and that his agency has contributed in no small degree to extend its business in the cities where he has traveled. Alfred married Martha Dorrence, and has two daughters living. George Brabrook, whose portrait appears on another page, was born at Acton, Mass., Nov. 9, 1828. He was brought up on his father's farm at Acton, and received his education at the common schools. He remained on the farm until he had attained his ma- jority, and in 1850 became an employe in the shipping- room of Reed & Barton, the firm with which he is at present connected. It would hardly be worth while to enter into details here of the different positions since filled by Mr. Brabrook. He has devoted him- self to business in whatever branch he has pursued with untiring diligence and energy, and it is not too much to say that his success and the honors which are accorded him, both by employes and associates, are commensurate with his exertions and with the in- telligence and genius which he has displayed in his work. After being in the employ of the house a short time, he traveled and sold goods as their agent. In 1859 he became a partner in the business, and so remains at the present time. Oct. 25, 1860, Mr. Brabrook was united in marriage to Eliza H. Knowles. She is a descendant on her mother's side of Rev. Samuel Danforth, the fourth minister of Taunton, and came to Taunton from her native city of Boston when quite young. They have two sons, — Carleton and George Hale. MAJ. HENRY HUDSON FISH. Maj. Henry Hudson Fish was the son of Isaac and Sarah Barker Fish, and was born in Providence, June 5, 1807. He first attended school in Provi- dence, and was then sent to the academy at Wren- tham, Mass., and then to the school of Rowland Greene, in Plainfield, Conn. On leaving school he entered the store of Frederic Carpenter, of Provi- dence, and after the death of Mr. Carpenter he be- came a clerk of Mr. Henry Barton. He then went to Boston, into the auction and commission store of Whitewell, Bond & Co., where he remained until 1827, when he went to Fall River, where he formed a copartnership with W. H. Hawkins in the dry- goods business, one of the earliest houses established there in that business. After several years of prosperous business he was elected treasurer of the Fall River Savings Institu- tion, and while holding this office was in 1836 elected cashier of the Fall River Bank. In this way he was connected with the business interests of the city for nearly forty years. In 1863 ill health compelled him to resign, after holding the last-named position twenty-seven years. After about two years' rest and travel, with im- proved health he went into active business with Reed & Barton, of Taunton, Mass., in Which concern he had been a partner for many years. From that time he resided in Boston and Taunton until October, 1881, when he went to Fall River, making his home there with one of his married daughters. He married Eliza A. Glasier, of Fall River, Feb- ruary, 1830, by whom he had seven children, five of whom are still living. Soon after becoming a citizen of Fall River, he was elected ensign in a rifle company there, and sub- sequently was elected major of the regiment. Hebe- came a member of the infantry Sept. 9, 1821. He was much interested in music, and was very in- strumental in forming the first military band and in introducing the first organ, and formed a society for the study and practice of church music. He was a Sabbath-school teacher over fifty years, and maintained to the last a warm interest in all philanthropic efforts, particularly the education of the freedmen and Indians. He died Jan. 13, 1882, and was buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Fall River. ABIEL B. STAPLES. A. B. Staples was born in Taunton, Mass., Jan. 19, 1819. He is the son of Ebenezer and Susannah (Booth) Staples. His grandfather and great-grand- father were also named Ebenezer. The ancestors for several generations have resided at or in the imme- diate vicinity of Taunton. His father was by occu- pation a brick-maker, and reared quite a numerous IMife- TAUNTON. 869 family. His children were Benjamin F., Susannah P., Ebenezer P. (deceased), Abiel B., Fanny M., Salome, Lydia M., Charity, John H., Henry B., Ann G., Edward W., and Silas L. ; all living except Eben- ezer, and all in Bristol County. Ebenezer, the father, was a deacon in the Baptist Church, and one of seven who founded the First Baptist Church in Taunton. The family for several generations have been Baptists. The only educational advantage enjoyed by A. B. Staples in bis youth was an attendance of about three months of each year at the common school of his town, the other nine months he worked in his father's brick-yard. In April of the year in which he attained his majority (1840) he started business for himself. He began in a small way making brick, and from that time to the present this has been his business. From year to year he added to his facility, and increased his capacity for manufacturing until he is now one of the largest brick manufacturers in the town. He is also quite a large contractor, and sells a great many brick for other parties, as the demand upon him fre- quently exceeds his capability for making. It is worthy of remark that Mr. Staples has never stopped his business on account of hard times or financial de- pression, and never discharged his men because his business was not at that particular time remunerative, but every season he has worked the season through. From the first it was his ambition to excel in the quality of his goods, and to this ambition may be attributed the very favorable reception his bricks meet with at the hands of all masons using them. Mr. Staples was for several years a member of the City Council of Taunton, but has never sought politi- cal office. He has chosen to devote himself earnestly and entirely to his business. He is a shareholder in two or three coasting vessels, is a charitable man so far as his means allow, and a liberal supporter of the church. He married April 20, 1842, Mercy J., daughter of Haven and Hannah Spooner, of Barre, Worcester Co., Mass. She was born Jan. 3, 1818. They have had four children, — Abiel W., died in infancy ; Mary J., now Mrs. Levanseller, of West Washington, Me., she has one child, Clinton W. ; Emma, died in infancy ; Hannah F., now Mrs. Anthony Hall, of Taunton; she has two children, Flora F. and Albert A. WILLIAM H. PHILLIPS. From the best data at hand we think that Capt. William H. Phillips is a lineal descendant from one William Phillips, who was one of the first purchasers in Taunton in 1637 or 1638. But little is known of him. In his will, dated April 16, 1654, he calls him- self threescore and ten years of age. He gives out his small estate to his wife Elizabeth and son James, who, if he dies without issue, then to his daughter Elizabeth, wife of James Walker. This James Phillips had children, however, but their names are not known to the writer. He prob- ably had a son William, and certainly a grandson William, who was a native of Martha's Vineyard. He married Lucy Holly, a native of Nantucket. Their children were John, grandfather of Capt. Wil- liam H., another son died young, and four daughters, who obtained maturity. John Phillips, son of William, was born in Taun- ton, Mass., March 20, 1781, and died in March, 1824. He married Deborah Phillips. She was born in Taunton, Dec. 11, 1781, and died Oct. 6, 1840. From the best information obtained the writer is of the opinion that this John Phillips was a cousin to the father of the well-known Wendell Phillips, and this corresponds to the tradition of the family. John Phillips was a brickmaker at one time at Daversport, but finally returned to Taunton in De- cember, 1812, where he carried on that business quite extensively, and was somewhat engaged in farming also. He was a very energetic man, a great worker, and called by his friends "working John." He was a soldier for a short time in the war of 1812. His children were William Stoddard ; Lucy A., wife of Benjamin Stevens, of Pawtucket, R. I. ; Robert, lost at sea when a young man ; James ; Sarah W. and Ann M. (twins) ; Sarah W., wife of Reuben Pratt ; and Ann M., married Eben Paull. Capt. William H. Phillips is also a great-grandson, on his mother's side, from Jacob Haskins, who was born June 20, 1736, and on the 6th of April, 1759, we find him an enrolled soldier in " His Majesty's ser- vice" against the French and Indians. They marched from Taunton on the 16th of April, 1759, to Boston, and then took ship on the 10th of May for Louisburg, arriving there on the 24th. He served with distinc- tion through that and all subsequent wars till his death, Jan. 4, 1819. The first of his ancestors that we know of was one William Haskins (or Hoskins, as the name was sometimes spelled). He was at Scituate, Mass., in 1634, afterwards at Plymouth. We know but little of him. His children were William, born Nov. 30, 1647 ; Samuel, Mary, Sarah, Benjamin E., and Eliza- beth. William (the second) was the one who settled in Taunton ; married, July 3, 1677, Sarah, daughter of Thomas Casewell, and had children, — Ann, Sarah, William, born June 30, 1681 ; and Henry, born May 13, 1683. Gen. Jacob Haskins, above mentioned, married Mercy , June 26, 1754. She died Feb. 17, 1839. Their children were Betsey, and Hannah, born Dec. 13, 1774, and died May 11, 1843. She married Enos Burt, born Sept. 3, 1760, and died April 4, 1822. Of their ten children, Hannah, born May 12, 1799, was the third child. She became the wife of William 870 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Stoddard Phillips, and mother of Capt. William H. Phillips; Hannah M. ; John M., whose portrait and biography are in this work ; James O. ; Enos B. ; Frances D., died in infancy ; Deborah F, ; Jacob, who died young ; and Mary E. William H. Phillips, the subject of this sketch, is a son of William Stoddard and Hannah (Burt) Phillips. On the paternal side he is the grandson of John Phillips, of Boston, who came to Taunton and married Deborah, a daughter of Capt. Jacob Phillips, a well-known and highly-respected citizen of Taun- ton, who carried on an extensive trade by means of coasting vessels with the neighboring seaport towns. John Phillips, the grandfather of William H., and also his father, William Stoddard Phillips, were manu- facturers of brick, and followed the coasting business, principally in vessels of their own. They were enter- prising and successful men, particularly the latter, who accumulated considerable property. William H. Phillips, on his mother's side, is de- scended from the Burts of Taunton. His maternal great-grandfather was Stephen Burt, born Jan. 26, 1722, and died August, 1760. His wife's name was Abigail. She survived him till March 15, 1791, when she died in the seventieth year of her age. Enos Burt, born Sept. 3, 1760, died April 4, 1822, and Hannah, his wife, born Dec. 13, 1774, died May 11, 1843, were the parents of Mr. Phillips' mother. The latter was Hannah Burt, born May 12, 1799, and died Dec. 13, 1872. William H. Phillips was born on an island in the Blackstone River, at or near Central Falls, R. I., March 29, 1825. When he was a child his parents returned to their native town (Taunton), and here William was brought up and attended the common schools till the age of fourteen. At this period he began to go to sea in coasting vessels owned by his father, trading at Providence, Fall River, New Bed- ford, and other neighboring seaboard towns. Wil- liam took charge of one of the vessels as captain before he had attained the age of eighteen. He con- tinued to go to sea until 1857, when, on account of the increase of his business, he left the water and as- sociated himself with Capt. S. N. Staples, of Taunton, under the firm-name of Staples & Phillips. They have since been engaged in the shipping and hand- ling of coal and iron, and in general commercial business. As a shipmaster, Capt. Phillips was eminently suc- cessful. Since his association with Capt. Staples the firm have carried on a large and increasing business, notwithstanding heavy losses in consequence of the monetary panic of 1873. They have, however, by their characteristic energy, surmounted their difficul- ties and met all their obligations. Few local firms are more prosperous than they are at the present time. Mr. Phillips has been a Republican in politics since the organization of the party in 1856. In the last municipal election he took strong ground in favor of prohibition, and with the friends of the temperance cause had the satisfaction of seeing their representative, Hon. H. L. Cushman, elected mayor of Taunton. He was an active worker in securing the charter for the city government of Taunton, and was a member of the first City Council. He and his partner have taken an active interest in all measures looking to the growth and prosperity of the city. Among other interests may be mentioned their ac- tivity in behalf of the horse railroad which runs through the heart of the city, connecting Weir vil- lage and Whittington. In religious faith and practice, Mr. Phillips is an earnest and devoted Methodist, and his zeal and lib- erality in behalf of the cause have been evinced in the enlargement of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Weir village, and the founding of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church at Taunton. He married Fanny W., daughter of Joshua and Sally (Richmond) Shaw, of North Middleborough, Mass., Jan. 17, 1848. She was born Oct. 13, 1823, in North Middleborough, Mass. Their children were Henry S., who died in infancy, and Isadore L., born Aug. 20, 1852. She married John F. Montgomery, of Taunton, Jan. 27, 1875. They have three chil- dren, viz.: Fanny W., Hugh, and Mary P. JOHN MARSHALL PHILLIPS. John Marshall Phillips, a younger brother of William H. Phillips, was born in Taunton, Mass., April 8, 1829. He was brought up partly on the farm and partly as a sailor on coasting vessels be- longing to his father, and began to go to sea at about twelve years of age. Up to this time he had been a regular attendant at the common schools ; but be- tween twelve and twenty his time was divided be- tween sailing in summer and going to school in winter. During this period of his seafaring life he developed much independence of character, and was a mate at seventeen and a captain at nineteen years of age. In 1849, at the age of twenty, he was among the first adventurers to California, making the voyage thither via Cape Horn in the brig "Triumph," com- manded by his uncle, Capt. Hiram Burt. It required two hundred and sixty days to make the voyage. His life of two years in the mines was comparatively uneventful, or at least partook of those character- istics of mining life which are now commonly under- stood and familiar to most readers. During his so- journ in Camp Saco, a Mexican town, an incident deserving of record occurred. Capt. Phillips ob- served that among the flags floating from the build- ings in the mountains there was no flag of the United States, to whom the country belonged, and he determined to raise the symbol of America in the town. There was no American flag to be found, Vn#?i "hie TAUNTON. 871 and no materials to make one of could be procured short of a distance of one hundred and seventy-five miles ; yet such was the ardor and patriotism of Capt. Phillips that these difficulties were not considered too great; the distance was traveled, the materials pro- cured at whatever cost, and in due time a " star-span- gled banner," made by his own hands, with the assist- ance of his partner, was flung to the Pacific breeze and floated proudly among the emblems of other nationalities. This was the first American flag ever raised in that town. Returning home, Capt. Phillips purchased a vessel and engaged in the coasting trade. This business he has since followed, with varying fortunes and inci- dents, till within a few years past. He has built several vessels of late years, among which may be mentioned the " Calvin P. Harris," launched at Bath, Me., in August, 1871, and the "Alfred Bra- brook," launched in October, 1873, from the same yard, — that of Goss, Sawyer & Packard, Bath, Me. He owns an interest in a number of vessels, and is part owner and master of the new excursion steamer " Empire State," plying in Boston and adjacent waters as a summer excursion boat. " The Hand-Book of Boston Harbor" speaks of this steamer thus : " One of the chief features of the summer pleasure of Boston is the immense three-decked steamer ' Em- pire State,' of seventeen hundred tons, with a length of three hundred and twenty feet, and eighty feet beam, and spacious and beautiful saloons, dining- rooms, promenade deck, and other luxuriant appur- tenances." Capt. Phillips is a self-made man, and is noted for his liberality, being free to bestow of his means upon charitable and worthy objects. He and his family are members of the Universaljst Church, of Taunton, Mass. He married, Jan. 15, 1854, Martha E. Morton, daughter of Isaac and Hannah Morton, of Gorham, Me. They have had five children, three sons and two daughters, the latter, viz., Agnes L. and Minerva R., are living ; two sons died in infancy, and M. Walter, the second son, died at the age of twenty-three, March 1, 1881. He had, three years previous to his death, been clerk of the steamer " Empire State." REV. MORTIMER BLAKE, D.D. 1 Rev. Mortimer Blake, D.D., was born in Pittston, Me., June 10, 1813, the son of Ira Blake, a native of Wrentham, and descendant of John Blake, of Sand- wich, who removed to Wrentham with the returning settlers after its destruction in King Philip's war. The mother of the subject of our sketch was Laura Mowry, descendant of Nathaniel Mowry, one of the first settlers of Providence, R. I. The parents met and married in Maine, where the father was teaching, 1 Prepared by S. Hopkins Emery. and returned thence to Franklin, Mass., when the son was about four years old, and there they spent the re- mainder of their days. The father was a bright, clear-headed man, given to books, and the mother a woman of keen, quick intellect, remarkable memory, fond of old ballads and poetry generally. Their son Mortimer had a strong passion for books, and devoured all the libraries within his reach. When about ten years old he fell in with a Latin grammar, and began study without any teacher. His grand- father Blake, a good deacon of the church, for the en- couragement of the lad, offered to pay the minister if he would hear him recite. A bargain was soon made with Rev. Mr. Smalley (afterward Dr. Smalley, of Worcester), and the boy mastered Virgil and Cicero, and was all ready to start out on Greek before the thought of college had entered his mind. When fifteen, a German Jew, by the name of Seixas, visited the place to form a class among the ministers of that region for the study of Hebrew. He occupied a part of Dr. Emmons' house. Young Blake was in- vited to join the class. He consented, not without fear and trembling among so many ministers. But Seixas was a fine teacher, and those lessons, taught by a new method, on written sheets, inhere to this day. All this time there was no college visible ahead. But the good grandfather had it in mind, and he, a man of faith and prayer, was hoping and expecting a min- ister might come of all this. And so when Abijah R. Baker (afterwards Rev. and D.D.) opened an acad- emy in Medway village, young Blake was sent there with the purpose of fitting for college, with the full consent of his parents and all concerned. He en- tered Amherst College in 1831, and graduated in 1835. It was in the winter of 1834 he became a de- cidedly Christian man, and thus answered the prayer of the godly grandfather, who had his education so much at heart. In his college course, which the writer well remembers, being only in the class before him, those rare qualities of mind and heart were de- veloped which have done so much for the ministry and the church. As is not uncommon with college students, the graduate of 1835 turned aside for a sea- son to teach. He had tried his hand at this in Hop- kins Academy, Hadley, for a term in his senior year. His many friends in Franklin urged him to open a school there. A stock company erected a large build- ing for the purpose, and in the course of three years nearly a thousand different scholars came under his instruction, many of them now well known in the pulpit and at the bar. Meanwhile he was studying theology with the pastor of the Franklin Church, Rev. E. Smalley, and he was approbated to preach by the Mendon Association, April 24, 1838. This same year (1838) he received and accepted a very urgent invitation from the trustees of the Hop- kins Academy, Hadley, who remembered his teaching qualities in 1835, to take charge of their institution. He served them only one year. He was beginning to 872 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. be hungry for the ministry, to which he had been set apart. His first pastorate was with the Congrega- tional Church in Mansfield, Mass., where he was or- dained and installed Dec. 4, 1839. The church was young and struggling, a missionary church, but dur- ing the sixteen years' pastorate of their minister was built up in knowledge and good doctrine, and well established in the sisterhood of churches. It was a trial to them when, in 1855, Dec. 4, Mr. Blake, having accepted a call to the Winslow Church, Taunton, was installed their pastor. But the removal was not to a distance, and no minister has a warmer greeting in the Mansfield pulpit than their pastor of 1839-55. The record of the long and most useful ministry of already eight-and-twenty years (with promised con- tinuance) in Taunton is not yet complete. Its finished history cannot be writtten. Enough is known of it, however, to warrant the assertion that not only has one church felt the quickening influence of such a protracted pastorate, but all the churches of every order, and the entire city as well as the adjoining towns, have been reached and blessed by it. The church conferences, the Sabbath-school conventions, the ministerial associations, the public gatherings of every name have become accustomed to the presence, and feel lost without the wise counsel and easy direc- tion of this one man. The young find in him a sym- pathizing, helpful friend in all their attempts to im- prove time and get knowledge. The Agassiz Club, organized by young students to promote the study of mineralogy and natural science, has no more active, whole-souled member than Dr. Blake. The Wheaton Female Seminary at Norton leans upon the president of its board of trustees more than any one else for sympathy and advice. The State societies of the Congregational order have appreciated the value of Dr. Blake's services, since for several years he was one of the executive committee of the Massachu- setts Home Missionary Society and of the Congrega- tional Board of Publication (its secretary at the time of the union of the latter with the Massachusetts Sabbath-School Society under the new name of the Congregational Publishing Society, and since that union one of the managers and now the secretary of the new society). Amherst College, his Alma Mater, honored herself as well as her son in conferring, in 1868, the honorary degree of D.D. upon this graduate of 1835. It was a just recognition of services ren- dered, of attainments made, and eminence reached by the Franklin boy of 1817. The publications of Dr. Blake have been, in 1844, a 16mo volume entitled "Gethsemane and Calvary," which has passed through several editions; in 1853 a 12mo, " Centurial History of the Mendon Associa- tion ;" in 1878 an 8vo, "History of the Town of Franklin," beside several pamphlet sermons and magazine publications. Dr. Blake has the reputa- tion of being a zealous and accurate historian, has long been a member of the New England Historical and Genealogical Society, and is one of the vice- presidents of the Old Colony Historical Society. He married, Feb. 21, 1837, Miss Harriet L., daughter of Joseph and Susan (Fisher) Daniels, of Franklin, Mass., a descendant of Joseph Daniels, of Medfield. They have four children, — (1) Evelyn Laura, married to Bradford F. Morse, of Franklin, and now engaged in the straw business in Taunton. They have two daughters, with their parents, church members. (2) Percy Mortimer, married to Miss Phebe Shef- field, of Lyme, Conn., who resides in Hyde Park, and is actively employed as sanitary and civil engineer in introducing pure water into cities and towns. They have three children. (3) Lucien Ira, a graduate of Amherst College in 1877, and of the Royal University of Berlin, Ger- many, where he has received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. He is about returning to the United States, and has already overtures from several literary institutions regarding a professorship. (4) Harriet Daniels, a graduate of the Wheaton Seminary, Norton, in 1878, and a teacher of private classes in natural science and literature. REV. SAMUEL HOPKINS EMERY.' Rev. Samuel Hopkins Emery was born in Boxford, Mass., Aug. 22, 1815, and is the fifth son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Welch) Emery, a descendant of John Emery, of Newbury, who came, with his brother An- thony, from Romsey, England, in 1635. His mother was daughter of Col. Joseph Welch, of Plaistow, N.H., a commander of New Hampshire troops in the Revo- lution, and a friend of Washington. He lived to be ninety-seven, and his daughter, Mrs. Emery, ninety- two. Mr. Emery's protonym was given from his mother's high regard for Rev. Dr. Samuel Hopkins, of Newport, R. I. The war of 1812 and a destructive fire in Newbury- port so crippled the Emery family that they removed to Boxford, and afterwards to North Andover. In 1824 the father was elected the steward of the Ando- ver Theological Seminary, an office which he held to universal satisfaction for twenty-five years. Young Emery entered Phillips Academy, and on the grad- uation of his brother Joshua from Amherst College, in 1831, he entered as sophomore in the same institu- tion. He graduated in 1834 with the second honors of his class of forty, and was immediately invited to a professorship in the State Institution for Deaf Mutes in New York City, which offer he declined and en- tered the Theological Seminary at Andover. In his last year he delivered the Master's oration at Am- herst, on taking the degree of A.M. On the Sabbath after his graduation at Andover, in 1837, he preached 1 Prepared by Rev. Mortimer Blake, D.D. tc-yyi.o>s 0/ 'Ot<. T( I C ( TAUNTON. 873 to a newly-formed church in Taunton, and was in- stalled its pastor on the 23d of November, 1837. It was a missionary church of few members, but they were earnest, and, under the zealous young pastor, flourished as the Spring Street Church until, after three years, he was induced to go to the church in Bedford, Mass. But love for his first church soon called him back to it, pastorless and struggling, and he was reinstalled on the 6th of January, 1847. Mr. Emery's persistent energy infused a new life, and the church moved its location, built a new and fine edifice, and changed its name to that of Winslow Church. In October, 1855, Bev. Mr. Emery received and finally accepted the pastorate of the First Congrega- tional Church in Quincy, 111. He remained there as pastor for fourteen years, acting meanwhile as regis- trar of the State Association of Churches for ten years, and during the war of the Bebellion serving as hos- pital chaplain in six hospitals in Quincy, but in 1869 his love for the old Bay State drew him back to the East. On his way he preached three months to the New England Church in Chicago, until their pastor- elect was ready to fill his office. After his return he preached two years in Bichmond Street Church, Providence, B. I., until the rearrangement of the Congregational Churches in that city was completed. While there he was called to a new church enterprise in North Bridgeport, Conn., which became firmly es- tablished during his three years' pastoral care. In May, 1874, Mr. Emery accepted a call to supply the church in North Middleborough, Mass., where he labored with marked acceptance until, in October, 1876, at the united solicitation of the churches in Taunton, he consented to take the superintendence of their Union City Mission, where he has since been fully occupied, the mission now bearing the name of the Associated Charities of Taunton, of which he is secretary and superintendent. It is a position for which he is eminently fitted by his warm- hearted sympathy, his devoted fidelity, and ever- ready helpfulness, and he has the highest confidence and respect of the community, and the love and bless- ing of the poor and troubled, to whom he is a never- failing helper and adviser. Bev. Mr. Emery married on the 7th of March, 1838, Miss Julia Beed, of Taunton, a graduate, and after- wards teacher, in the Ipswich Female Seminary. She is the daughter of Deacon William Beed, of this city, a descendant of one of its oldest families. In March last their large circle of friends unexpectedly celebrated with them by suitable rites their forty- fifth marriage anniversary with great delight. Mr. Emery has had four sons, of whom three still live, — Samuel Hopkins, Jr., married Mary, daughter of Bev. Dr. A. W. McClure, first of Maiden and af- terwards of Jersey City, N. J., and is now a lawyer in Boston, and a lecturer in the Concord School of Phi- losophy ; Francis Wolcott Reed, married Elizabeth, daughter of Theophilus Sproat, of Taunton. His health was injured by his long service in the Union army, and especially by his nine months' confinement in Andersonville prison, and he is seeking recovery by farming and wheat-raising in Dakota; Joseph Welch, married Effie Stillwell, of Hannibal, Mo., and still lives in Quincy, 111., where he is a member of the firm of Channon & Emery, stove manufacturers. Bev. Mr. Emery has been an industrious explorer of local history, and has published in two thick vol- umes a "History of the Ministry of Taunton," as also a " History of the Congregational Church of North Mid- dleborough," besides shorter articles of local interest too many to mention. He was one of the charter mem- bers of the Old Colony Historical Society, incorpo- rated the 4th of May, 1853, of which he was the first recording and corresponding secretary, a correspond- ing member of the Chicago Historical Society, and a resident member of the New England Historical and Genealogical Society, Boston. AMOS FREEMAN HOWARD. Amos Freeman Howard was born in Alfred, Me., Nov. 7, 1810. He was the son of Pomfret and Mehit- able (Scamman) Howard. Pomfret was probably a native of Dover, N. H. He settled in Maine when a young man, and there followed the hatter's trade. He married Feb. 20, 1791. The children were seven in number, — Sarah, Mehitable, Samuel S., Mary, Humphrey, Joseph B., and Amos F. Of these Mehit- able died at twenty-four; Samuel S. married and set- tled at New Orleans, where he died ; Mary married James Shaw, of Augusta, Me. ; Humphrey died young ; Joseph B. settled in New Orleans, where he died at the age of twenty-one; Sarah and Humphrey died young. Pomfret died May 27, 1826; the date of his birth is unknown. His wife, who was born Aug. 19, 1770, died Sept. 4, 1844. Her father, Dea- con Samuel Scamman, was a man of prominence, and the owner of large landed property, and from him are descended a large and intelligent family, which are scattered all over the country. He and his wife died at Saco, Me., where they had lived a long and useful life, and where their memory is still reverently cher- ished. Their daughter Mehitable was a most worthy lady, of sound judgment, strong will, and earnest piety. Her strength and purity of character was recognized by all who knew her. The educational advantages enjoyed by Amos F. in his youth were meagre indeed, but by the exercise of that indomitable courage and enterprise which never # deserted him through life he obtained through read- ing and reflection a fund of useful information and intelligence which in after-years placed him on a plane with the most intelligent men of the various communities in which he lived. When but a boy he learned type-setting, and at the age of fifteen went to Dover, N. H., and obtained employment in a print- ing-office. Here he remained only a short while, 874 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. however, as he was called home by the death of his father. He immediately entered the office of register of deeds as a copyist. In this office, and those of the clerks of the different courts, he employed himself till his twenty-second year, when, in copartnership with William G. Conant, he began merchandising at Alfred, under the firm-name of Conant & Howard. Here he continued some three years, when he went to Sanford, Me., as clerk for the Franklin Manufac- turing Company, which was located at Springvale. At this place he remained some ten years, but as the Franklin Manufacturing Company failed, the most of this time was spent in trade. In 1846 he went to Saco, Me., and engaged as overseer in the dyeing and finishing department with the York Manufacturing Company. He remained with this company some twelve years, when he removed to Manchester, N. H., where, however, he only remained a short while, then went to Biddeford, Me., where he became superin- tendent of the Pepperill Mills. One year later he came to Warren, Mass., as agent for the Warren Cotton Mills, in which capacity the next nine years of his life were spent. In the spring of 1869 he came to Taunton, and in partnership with his son, Bion B., he purchased the Oakland Cotton Mills, and here re- mained till the close of his life, May 7, 1881. On Nov. 7, 1833, Mr. Howard married Mercy, daughter of Capt. Joseph and Susan (Varrell) Lowe. She was born Nov. 30, 1808, at York, Me. Their children are Bion B. (deceased) ; Mary B., now Mrs. William W. Stevenson, of Greenville, N. H. ; Helen, now Mrs. Joseph S. Tidd, of Taunton, Mass. ; Susan L., MarciaA. (deceased), Charles A. (deceased), Marcia 2 (deceased). All of the children were born in Maine. In politics Mr. Howard was a Whig, afterwards Republican. He was selectman, justice of the peace, and held other minor offices, but avoided so far as he might con- sistently with his duty as a citizen all official place or distinction. He was a worthy member of the Union Congregational Church at Taunton, and was a deacon in Congregational Church at Warren, Mass. Mr. Howard was a man of sterling good qualities, but it was in the family circle his virtues shone brightest. His home was the dearest spot on earth to him, and it seemed to be the great object of his life to render all around him happy. Oakland Mills, of which Mr. Howard died pro- prietor, were first established by Silas Shepard more than half a century ago, and were known throughout the country as "Shepard's Factory," which name is still applied by many. It is situated on Three-Mile River, two and a half miles from Taunton Green. The principal business was the manufacture of cotton flannels. Upon the death of Mr. Shepard the mills became the property of L. R. Chesbrough, his son-in- law, and from him, in 1869, Mr. Howard and his son purchased the property. When they took charge of the mills they dropped the manufacture of cotton flannels and began making denims and tickings. They also began at once remodeling and improving, adding new machinery, substituting the latest improved looms, etc., for the more antiquated affairs then in use ; and by availing themselves of modern advantages were able to successfully compete with other enter- prising concerns. In 1880 they made such additions to their buildings and machinery as to increase their capacities about one-haTf. Upon the death of Amos T. Howard, his son, Bion B., succeeded to the manage- ment, but lived only a short while, dying in December of the same year (1881). He was possessed of excel- lent business capacity, as was evidenced by his eigh- teen years' successful career as agent for the Cordis Mills, Millbury, Mass. He was a man of high char- acter, and thoroughly upright and honorable in all business relations. A wife and two children, Bessie B. and Bion B., survive him. After his decease, Mr. J. S. Tidd bought out the interest of the heirs of Bion B. Howard, and assumed the management. The prop- erty is now owned by Mr. Tidd and the heirs of A. F. Howard jointly. They now furnish employment to about one hundred and thirty hands, run six thousand spindles, one hundred and forty-four looms, and manu- facture about ten thousand yards of cloth daily. The business under Mr. Tidd's management has been very successful indeed. They have the latest and best machinery, and keep apace with the times in every particular. Mr. Tidd was born in Warren, Worcester Co., Mass., Jan. 23, 1843. He is the son of Samuel and Maria E. Tidd, and was brought up on the farm, and at nineteen years of age he enlisted for one year in the United States army, Forty-third Massachusetts Infantry, was in a number of minor engagements in North Carolina, and was honorably discharged at expiration of service. He returned home and became an employe in the counting-room of A. F. Howard in Warren Cotton-Mills. He continued in the employ of same concern until 1873, when he accepted a place, again in the employ of Mr. Howard, at Oakland Mills, of which he is now general manager and treasurer. In December, 1867, he married Miss Helen, daughter of A. F. Howard. They have three children living, Joseph Howard, Winthrop L., and Marjorie, and one deceased, Lawrence A., died in infancy. Mr. Tidd has been a member of City Council of Taunton two years, and is now a member of the Board of Alder- men, representing Ward 7. A Republican in politics, and a member of the Union Congregational Church at Taunton. NATHAN HACK SKINNER. Nathan Hack Skinner was born in Troy, N. Y., Nov. 1, 1828, the fourth of a family of six sons and three daughters. His boyhood was spent at home, and his educational advantages were limited to the common school. He went to Fall River in 1846, and spent three years in the dry-goods trade. Removing .^■.L.v ~^^?/ Ena a . KyrbyJtfHl 9&*^/U t&^/zty TAUNTON. 875 to Taunton in 1849, he engaged in the employ of J. S. Rounds, becoming associated as partner in about three years, and, on the death of Mr. Rounds, in 1860, succeeded to the entire business. He is now conducting successfully the largest mer- cantile business in Southeastern Massachusetts. Not being an aspirant for political honors, he has never filled any public office, but has given faithful service in places of trust in mercantile, educational, and church affairs. He is a member of the First Congre- gational (Unitarian) Church, and is identified with the Republican party. His wife is Mrs. Lucy P. Skinner, by whom he has one daughter, Addie W. Josephus Skinner, father of Nathan H., was born in Mansfield, Mass., June 15, 1796. At the age of twenty-five he moved to Troy, N. Y., and remained three years. He spent the same length of time in Attleborough, Mass., and then removed to Norton, Mass., where he has since resided. He married Re- becca, daughter of Nathan and Olive (Crossman) Hack, born in Taunton, Aug. 10, 1802. Thomas Skinner, father of Josephus, was born in Mansfield, Aug. 17, 1751, living there until his decease in 1844, with the exception of the time spent in active service in the army of the Revolution. Occupation, farmer. THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE PRESBREY FAMILY AND LIFE OF SILAS DEAN" PRESBREY. Among the papers that came officially into the hands of the administrator of the estate of the late Capt. Seth Presbrey, of Taunton, was a document bearing across its back the following inscription : " To the generations of Presbreys in coming time I be- queath this genealogical document." This paper bears date Taunton, April, 1845, and the statements made therein are undoubtedly trustworthy. From it is condensed the history of the first three generations as given in this article. The name is generally spelled Presbrey, but some scholars claim that as there is no such spelling in books of heraldry it is erroneous and should be spelled Presbury, and there are those of the family who adopt the spelling, whether or not with justice it is difficult with our present light to say. William Presbrey, the great-grandfather of the writer of the " genealogical document" described above, was born in the city of London about the year 1690, and when ten years of age was impressed on board a man-of-war, where he remained until he was about twenty-one years of age. One summer, while the ship was lying in the harbor of Boston, he with others of the crew were permitted to go on shore, when he took occasion to stray away from his com- panions. Passing through what was afterwards called Roxbury, he pushed on through fields and woods, subsisting upon berries, and continued his traveling for four days, when he found himself in Taunton. He first stopped at the house of Mr. Na- thaniel Crossman, on what is now called Cohannet Street, at a point nearly opposite White's Music Hall, perhaps a little farther down the hill towards the river. Mr. Crossman was a farmer, miller, and shoe- maker, and hired the young stranger for a year or two as man-of-all-work. It is said that Presbrey rigged the first properly-equipped vessel on Taunton River, which was a sloop built at Benjamin King's landing in Raynham. He eventually bought land and built a house near " Spring Brook," where he lived, after taking for his wife one Hannah Smith, till he reached the ripe age of eighty-one years. They had two sons, William and Joseph, and one daughter, Hannah, who died a young woman. The older son, William, was a coaster and shoemaker, and lived in that part of Taunton known as the Weir. He married Mary White, and died at about the age of forty-five, leaving five sons and four daughters, as follows : William, Seth, John, Simeon, Levi, Lydia, Mary, Abigail, Betsey, " who all married and left families." William, a coaster and trader, married Lydia Pratt, and lived at the Weir, and died at the age of eighty- two, leaving children, grandchildren, and great-grand- children. Seth, coaster and trader, married Sarah Pratt; lived at the Weir, and died at the age of eighty-one, leaving children and grandchildren. John, having the same business as his brothers, was living in 1845, and was eighty-five years old. He mar- ried Prudence Pratt, and they became the parents of a large family. Simeon, a carpenter, lived in Norton ; married Abi- gail Newton, and died at the age of about seventy- five. They too had a large family. Levi was a land surveyor; married Lina Pratt; went to Canada to survey a tract of land, and was frozen to death, while traveling on horseback, in the winter of 1800. He was thirty years old, and left children. Lydia married Samuel Haskins; removed to Cayuga, and lived and died there, aged seventy-five, leaving a family. Mary married Francis Goward, and lived in Easton, and died aged about eighty. She too had a family. Betsey married Jail Hathaway, and lived in Free- town, now Troy, and died at about eighty, leaving children and grandchildren. Abigail married Abijah Leonard, and lived in Mans- field, and died at about eighty, leaving children and grandchildren. The other son of the original William, Joseph, was a carpenter ; lived at the Weir ; married Molly Baker, and died aged about seventy-five years, leaving two sons and four daughters, — Elisha, Joseph, Sarah, Patty, Mary, and Hannah. Elisha passed the earlier years of his life near the Weir ; was a carpenter ; married Wealthea Wilbar, and had several children; 876 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. he afterwards removed to Westmoreland, and there- after nothing is known of him. Joseph, a carpenter, went to Connecticut; married Patty Perkins ; removed to Lenox, Mass., and after- wards to Lanesborough, where he died at the age of seventy-eight, leaving one son and one daughter. Sarah married a Mr. Makepeace, and resided in Taunton ; had several children, and died at an ad- vanced age. Patty married Solomon Wilbar ; lived many years in Taunton, and afterwards removed to Troy, N. Y., where she died, in advanced years, the mother of sev- eral children. Alary married Timothy Leonard, and like her sister, removed to Troy, N. Y. Her after history is not given. Hannah lived in Troy with her sisters, and there married a Mr. Andrews. She had a large family, and was living in 1845. Seth, the second son of William and grandson of the first William, was born in Taunton, Sept. 17, 1752. He married Sarah Pratt, who was born Feb. 7, 1753. Seth died Dec. 15, 1833, aged eighty-one years, three months, and twenty-eight days. His widow died May 21, 1834, aged eighty-one years, three months, and fourteen days. Their children were seven, as follows : Seth, Jr., born Nov. 11, 1780, died April 8, 1862; Sarah, born Oct. 1, 1782, died Feb. 20, 1826; Barney, born June 28, 1785, died Feb. 12, 1835; Allen, born Jan. 19, 1788, died March 15, 1788; Allen, born May 27, 1790, died Dec. 6, 1879 ; Billings, born Jan. 14, 1793, died May 23, 1815 ; Samuel, born Sept. 8, 1796, died Oct. 6, 1834. Seth Presbrey, Jr., oldest son of Seth, married Mary Dean, Jan. 19, 1808. Mary, first born of James and Hannah Dean, was born in Taunton, Dec. 17, 1783. James, her father, was born Feb. 15, 1762, and was the fourth in descent from Walter Dean. To Seth, Jr., and Mary were born four children, as follows : Silas Dean Presbrey, born Dec. 3, 1808, lost at sea Nov. 23, 1837 ; Benjamin Franklin Presbrey, born Oct. 23, 1810, died Nov. 2, 1869; Billings Troop Presbrey, born Aug. 28, 1815, living; Harriet Ma- lancey Presbrey, born Oct. 23, 1823, married Isaac R. Hadwen Oct. 15, 1845. Billings Troop Presbrey, on Jan. 18, 1838, married Clarissa Burt Dean, daughter of Col. Israel Dean, of Taunton. Their issue has been but one child, Silas Dean Presbrey, who was born in Taunton, Oct. 19, 1838. He passed his boyhood days in Taunton, living in that part of the town known as the Weir. At- tended public school, when he was prepared for the Taunton High School. He was admitted to the high school in the spring of 1852, being then thirteen years of age. The high school was then held in the " Old Spring Street Church," and was in the charge of Ozias Pitkin, as principal, and Miss Mary Read and Miss Emiline Lathrop as assistants. In this school he was prepared for college, under the direction of the principal mentioned above and his successors, who were Mr. Ruggles, Mr. William L. Gage, and Mr. William E. Fuller, the last of whom was princi- pal only for the last six months of his pupilage, but had the important and not easy task of completing his preparation for college examination. In July, 1856, he was admitted to Harvard College " without conditions." The next four years were those of the ordinary college student, who enjoys his privileges, but feels a duty to help to bear the expense of such a course. In the winter of sophomore year, 1857-58, he taught school on High Street, in Taunton ; also during the winters of his junior and senior years he left his studies to teach as principal of the East Weir School, in Taunton. For the last two years of his college course, by his standing in his class, he became entitled to one of the State scholarships, which was granted him. During his college course he had the following honorary " parts" : Junior exhibition, May 3, 1859, a Latin version, from Tennyson, "The Lotos- Eaters" (translation into Latin hexameters) ; Se- nior exhibition, Oct. 18, 1859, a dissertation, " The Poetic and Scientific Love of Nature." His " part" at Commencement, July, 1860, was a disquisition, " Parliamentary Manners." He maintained a good rank in his class, notwithstanding the fact that the overwork required of one who " went out to teach" so depressed his vitality that he was obliged to lose six weeks of his senior year by reason of an attack of pneumonia. At his graduation he was chosen a member of the Phi Beta Kappa of Harvard. On his return to Taunton he immediately entered his name with the late Dr. Henry B. Hubbard as a student of medicine, and commenced the study of his chosen profession. In October of the same year he joined the class in the Harvard Medical School, and was thus well started in his new work. It so hap- pened that early in the following winter Mr. William E. Fuller, who, it will be remembered, was the teacher who had the completion of Presbrey's college prepara- tion, and who had since that time remained principal of the Taunton High School, resigned this position to study the law, his chosen profession. The position thus made vacant was offered to Presbrey, who, after some consultation with friends and advisers, and much disappointment at the interruption to his studies that it would cause, accepted the office of principal of the Taunton High School. The school was then large and prosperous, but was what might be called a " mixed school," having no regular curriculum of study. During his principalship the school was regularly graded, and a systematic order of study covering a four years' course adopted and put in successful opera- tion. He remained as principal of the school till June, 1863, when he resigned to return again to his studies. During the time of his teaching, while he had devoted his best thought and zeal to that work, he did not neglect to keep his interest in his chosen profession, and to devote to it all his spare time, so -rift. ^£&<7 TAUNTON. 877 that the time passed as teacher was not entirely lost to his professional studies. Oct. 19, 1863, he married Sarah Williams Briggs, second daughter of Artemas and Susan Shaw (Wil- liams) Briggs, and immediately again joined his class in the Harvard Medical School, and continued his studies till the time of his graduation in medicine in the spring of 1865. In the fall of 1864 he was ap- pointed by the Governor resident physician (under- graduate) at the Tewksbury State Almshouse, where he got the first real experience in the every-day work of his profession. Soon after his graduation he opened an office in Taunton, and was appointed the first "city physician," an office which he filled till Janu- ary, 1870. In 1865 he was admitted as a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and has held offi- ces in that society and in the Bristol North District Medical Society, of which he was president in 1869— 70. In May, 1868, he removed to his present resi- dence at the corner of Weir and Harrison Streets. In 1866 he was elected a member of the school com- mittee, which office he held till January, 1872, and after a respite of five years was again elected to the same office, and has been a member of the school committee since that time. During each year of his membership in the board he has been one of the standing committee on the high school, and this is the sixth year of his service as chairman of that committee. He was chairman of the board of school committee during the year 1868 ; and has been for five years a trustee of Bristol Academy. In July, 1877, he was appointed by the Governor one of the medical examiners of Bristol County, the appointment to last seven years. He was one of the founders and is now president of the Massachusetts Medico-Legal Society, founded in October, 1877. This society is composed of the medical examiners of the State, and holds its meetings every fourth month in Boston. Besides attending to a large and responsible prac- tice, he has found time to publish some articles in the medical journals. In the Boston Medical and Surgi- cal Journal, July 13, 1876, he published " Notes of a Successful Case of Extirpation of the Uterus and both Ovaries for Fibro-Cystic Disease" ; also in the same journal in August, 1882, and in the Transactions of the Massachusetts Medico-Legal Society will be found the address by the president on " What Con- stitutes a Medico-Legal Autopsy ?" In the spring of 1881 he was chosen one of the Board of Water Commissioners of Taunton, a position which he still occupies. Close application to his pro- fessional and many other duties made it necessary for him to take a vacation for rest and change in 1881. Accordingly he joined one of Mr. Tourjee's admirable excursion parties, and passed the summer in a de- lightful trip through England, Scotland, and portions of the continent, and, returning in September, again applied himself to his work. He has three daughters, — Clara Briggs, born Aug. 26, 1864; Florence Nathalie, born Aug. 20, 1869; Laura Edith, born Aug. 24, 1871. JOHN P. BROWN, M.D. John P. Brown, M.D., superintendent of Taunton Lunatic Hospital', was born in Raymond, N. H., Oct. 12, 1833. He was prepared for college at Andover, Mass., and at Hampton and Pembroke, N. H., and graduated at Dartmouth College in 1860. In 1865 he received his medical degree at Harvard College. Soon after his graduation he was appointed assistant physician at the asylum for the insane in Concord, N. H., where he remained until he was elected superintendent of the Taunton Lunatic Hospital in 1878. Dr. Brown has had large experience in his specialty of mental diseases and in the cure and treatment of the insane, having devoted eighteen years of his pro- fessional life to that work. He is emphatically a self-made man, having ac- quired his education and achieved his success in life by his own unaided exertions. He supported himself through his preparatory course and while in college by teaching school. As superintendent and physician of the insane, he has acquainted himself with the most advanced discoveries of science relating to the care and treatment of that class, and has acquired a high reputation in the special work to which his profes- sional life has been devoted. » Dr. Brown was married March 16, 1865, to Caroline A. Stevens, of Mount Vernon, N. H. They have one daughter, Gertrude Stevens. THOMAS JACKSON LOTHROP. Thomas Jackson Lothrop was born in Taunton, March 2, 1834. After a preparatory course in Bristol Academy, Taunton, he entered, in 1850, Harvard Col- lege. Immediately after graduation he sailed for Fayal, one of the Azores Islands, where he remained three years, being employed as tutor in the family of the vice-consul of the Azores. Returning home he began the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in Iowa in 1858. Soon after he returned to Taunton and was admitted to the Massachusetts bar. In 1859 he formed a law partnership with Hon. John Daggett, of Attleborough. In 1862 he was appointed quartermaster of the Fourth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, and served in Louisiana under Gen. Banks, being mus- tered out with the regiment in September, 1863. In politics he was a Republican from the organiza- tion of that party till 1876, when he became identified with the Prohibition party. In November of 1863 he was elected to the Legislature, and in 1864 was chosen county treasurer, which office he held nine years. He has held the position of agent and treasurer of the Taunton Tack Company since June, 1868, and has 878 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. been a member of the school committee of Taunton for eighteen years. He married, Aug. 24, 1858, Cath- arine Prescott Webster, of Cambridge. Children, — Harriet E., Arthur P., Olivia D., Cornelius R., and Thomas M. Cornelius W. Lothrop, father of Thomas J., born in Taunton, March 28, 1812, was for a time engaged in the straw business, and afterwards in farm- ing. He married, Feb. 20, 1831, Eleanor Lincoln, daughter of James and Hannah Smith, of Taunton. Mrs. Smith was a daughter of Joseph Wilbur, a direct descendant of Shadrach Wilbur, who, while holding the office of town clerk of Taunton, was imprisoned by Sir Edmund Andros for refusing to give up the records of the town. (See sketch of Joseph Wilbur.) Both Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius W. Lothrop took great inter- est in the cause of education, and were highly es- teemed. He was killed in a saw-mill in Raynham, Dec. 8, 1847. His father, Howell Lothrop, born in Norton, April 16, 1787, married Sally White, daughter of Timothy White, of Taunton, and resided on his farm in Taunton until his death, June 9, 1857. His father, Solomon, born in Easton, Feb. 9, 1761, married Me- hetable White, of Taunton, Sept. 18, 1782, and re- sided in Norton. Jonathan, father of Solomon, born in Easton, March 11, 1722, married Susanna Johnson, and resided in his native town. His father, Mark, lived in Easton, and married Hannah Alden, of Mid- dleborough, a great-granddaughter of John Alden, one of the passengers of the " Mayflower." His father was Samuel, and his grandfather Mark, who came from England, settled first in Salem, afterwards in Duxbury, and then in Bridgewater some time pre- vious to 1660. He was a brother of Rev. John Loth- rop, who settled in Barnstable, and was the eighteenth child of Thomas Lothrop, of Elton, in England. This Thomas was the son of John, of the parish of Lowthorpe, in the East Riding of York,- which gave name to the family. ELIJAH UTLEY JONES, M.D.i Elijah Utley Jones, M.D., was born in Augusta, Me., May 2, 1826, the eldest son of Ebenezer and Clara (Mandell) Jones. His father was a native of Charlton, his mother of Hardwick, both in Worcester County, Mass. His grandfather Mandell is remem- bered as a brave patriot in Revolutionary times. Elijah Utley was fitted for college when fourteen, but did not enter Waterville College (now Colby Uni- versity) till September, 1841. He was dependent on his own resources for support during his college course, and these were not sufficient to furnish him suitable food. He boarded himself. Poor diet and too much study left him an invalid when he was ready to leave college. After his graduation he per- severed notwithstanding his ill health, and taught } Prepared by S. Hopkins Emery. school, first in Uxbridge, Mass., in 1845, in Slaters- ville, R. I., in 1846, and in East Douglass, Mass., in 1847, where he remained a year, as principal of the academy, in exceeding poor health, with cough and symptoms of consumption upon him. Obliged to stop for a while, after a little rest he tried teaching again in North Brookfield in 1848. Once more driven from the school-room by failing health, he tried a life insurance agency, so as to have the open air, and the town of Dartmouth, so as to be near the salt water. But all expedients failed, and with little hope of living young Jones goes back to his father's house in Augusta to die. All the family were soon taken sick with a mild form of fever, but a severe typhoid took fast hold of the subject of this sketch. For a long time his life trembled in the balance. The old and the new disease appeared to be contending for the mastery. The new in conquering spent all its force. Of the old disease a chronic laryngitis was left, which decided the choice of a profession, medi- cine instead of the ministry, for which the father had always expressed a preference. The advice of Rev. Dr. Tappan, the pastor at Au- gusta, and Drs. Shepard and Pond, of the Bangor Theological Seminary, confirmed them in this de- cision. The study of medicine was commenced at once, even before full recovery, under the direction of Dr. William F. Jackson, of Gardiner, Me., to whose substantial and ever kind assistance young Jones was greatly indebted for the success of his student life. From his father's house in Augusta to the office in Gardiner was a distance of seven miles, which he walked morning and night. His health continued to improve, and his long walk grew shorter to him daily. During the winter of 1851-52 he acted as reporter in the Maine State Senate for the Augusta. Age. With the money thus earned he paid for two full courses of lectures at the Maine Medical School. In 1853 he went to Concord, N. H., as assistant to Dr. Alpheus Morrill, but early in the autumn of that year a favorable opening occurring at Dover, N. H., he settled there. In February, 1854, he went to Philadelphia, where he fully graduated at the Homoe- opathic Medical College of Pennsylvania. His prac- tice at Dover was all he could wish, but at the earnest solicitation of Dr. George Barrows, and by the advice of all his friends, the 1st of September, 1854, he re- moved to Taunton, Mass., where he has been in full practice the past twenty-nine years. September 26th of this same year he married Sarah S. Crofoot, daughter of Theodore Stone, of East Douglass, Mass., who still survives with one daughter, Kate Handell, married to Edward P. Washburn, of Taunton. A little later he transferred his church relation from Waterville, Me., where he professed religion in 1844, and with his wife united with the church under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Maltby. Of this church he has always been an active member in its Sabbath- school and general church work. For ^z*-€_ r A w ^^uyu\ iVlAA-A^$ TAUNTON. 879 several years he was on its "standing committee," and was its treasurer. Nine years ago, when a Con- gregational Club was organized in the city, he was chosen its first vice-president, which office he retained for five years, and then served as president two years, declining a re-election. In 1855 he joined the Homoeopathic Fraternity, a small society, which grew into the present large and prosperous Massachusetts Homoeopathic Medical So- ciety, of which Dr. Jones has been an active and influential member. For fifteen years he was on its board of management, for seven consecutive years was its secretary, and in 1876 was elected its presi- dent. He edited and published its first and third volumes of Transactions, the first covering a pe- riod of twenty years. His monograph in this first volume on the "Early History of Homoeopathy in Massachusetts," is especially valuable as a record of facts not obtainable elsewhere. Dr. Jones has been a constant contributor to the magazines and periodicals in his department of knowledge the last thirty years, being assistant editor for two years of the New England Gazette, still published in Boston. In 1854 he became a member of the American In- stitute of Homoeopathy, of which he is now an hon- ored " senior." He is also a member of the American Public Health Association. He has recently been nominated and confirmed as chairman of the city Board of Health. He is also treasurer of the Old Colony Historical Society. In 1879 he was appointed lecturer on sanitary science and malarial diseases in Boston University Medical School, a position which he still continues to fill with great acceptance. Professionally and socially, Dr. Jones is in the foremost ranks, and has hosts of friends. His wife is secretary of the Female Charitable Association, and one of the managers of the Old Ladies' Home. THE WILLIAMS FAMILY. None of the many important families of the ancient town of Taunton have been connected with its history for so long a period, and none have been more prom- inently identified with its business interests and pros- perity than the Williams family. Richard Williams may be considered as in some measure the father, although not the founder, of Taunton. He certainly was in the town before the purchase by. Miss Pool. Tradition says he was ac- companied by a brother, and came from Scituate. He might have come immediately from Scituate, but there is a strong probability that he was one of those who accompanied Governor Endicott to Salem, for his wife, Frances Dighton, was sister to Endicott's first wife. He might have gone from Salein to Scit- uate, and thence to Taunton. Richard was a Welsh- man, and was born as early as 1599. It is not im- probable that he was a relative of Roger Williams, and a tradition has always existed among his descend- ants that he was a blood relation of Oliver Cromwell-, whose family name was Williams, and changed to Cromwell for an estate. It is positively known that one of Oliver's ancestors was a Richard Williams. The Richard settling at Taunton was a man of no mean abilities. He was deputy to the General Court of Plymouth for Taunton in 1646, '48, '50, '51, and several subsequent years. He was first on the list of those who made the South Purchase (Dighton), and also of those who made the North Purchase, viz., Easton, Norton, Mansfield, and a part of Attlebor- ough. He outlived the Plymouth government, dying in 1692. He was a rigid Puritan. When blind and deaf from age he was accustomed to attend public worship, saying, " Although he could neither see nor hear, yet it was consoling to his feelings to know that he was present while the people of God were at their worship." He settled in Taunton in 1637, and the estate he then purchased is largely in possession of his descendants at this day. His children were John, Samuel, Joseph, Nathaniel, Thomas, Benjamin, Eliz- abeth, and Hannah. The children of Joseph were Richard, Joseph, Benjamin, Ebenezer, and Mehitable. Richard had children, — George, Richard, and Eben- ezer; George had children, — George, Ebenezer, Rich- ard, Phebe, Sarah, and Anna. This last-mentioned George was the father of Francis Williams, and the line of descent from the Richard who settled in Taun- ton is Richard 1 , Joseph 2 , Richard 3 , George 4 (a captain and colonel in American army in the Revolution), George 5 , Francis 6 . George Williams (fifth generation) was born in Taunton, Aug. 18, 1745, and died Feb. 25, 1814. He married Bathsheba King (born in Raynham, March 31, 1744, died in Taunton, May 26, 1839), Oct. 2, 1766. Their children were Sarah, George, Abiathar, Bath- sheba, Melancy, Francis, Narcissus, Enoch, and Samuel K., all born in Raynham, Mass. He was a man of hardy constitution, of force and energy, and was of repute and consequence. He was of fine per- sonal appearance, and during the Revolution was ad- jutant of a Continental regiment. After the war he labored diligently to improve his estate, and enjoyed a handsome property, which was largely the result of his thrift and industrious habits. Francis Williams, son of George 5 and Bathsheba (King) Williams, was born in Raynham, Mass., Oct. 13, 1779, and inherited one of the numerous farms of his father. He married a worthy daughter of an old family, Louisa, daughter of John Gilmore, of Rayn- ham, May 6, 1804. She was born Sept. 30, 1782. They had eleven children, as follows: Francis K. William H., Martin G., George A., Louisa, Elizabeth D., John R., Edwin, Catharine, Alexander H., and Ruth C. Mr. Williams carried on extensive farming operations, was a large manufacturer of brick, and this was his principal business for over half a centurv. He was a large and vigorous man, well proportioned, 880 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. and possessed of great vitality, with wonderful powers of endurance. He was social in his intercourse, pos- sessed strong intellect, and was of such an active temperament as never to have known an idle day. He was one of the first men in every public enterprise, and did more, perhaps, than any other man of Taun- ton in his day to develop the resources of the country, and gave employment to many in his numerous and widely-varied departments of industrial enterprise. He was connected prominently with the establish- ment of the Taunton Copper-Works and various manufactures in Wareham, Dighton, and Providence. He helped establish every bank founded in Taunton during his business life ; was quite extensively in- terested in whaling. He got out large quantities of oak and pine for ship-timber, and was very successful in all departments of his business. He was an old- liue Whig in politics, and held various positions of public trust, although not a politician, and preferred attending to the many details of his extensive, private business, and avoided public life as much as prac- ticable. He, however, represented Taunton in the Lower House of the Legislature, and was called upon to settle many estates. He was a great lover of equal and exact justice to all, and he enjoyed to a very high degree the confidence of the community for his strict integrity, unassuming ways, and strong, practical judgment. He was broad and liberal to all deserving causes, and a Unitarian in religious belief. He was in a great many respects a remarkable man, and his great industry, foresight, judgment, far-reaching sa- gacity, and constant attention to business resulted in great wealth. He died July 11, 1868. Francis K. Williams, eldest son of Francis and Louisa (Gilmore) Williams, was born Jan. 1, 1805. He was educated at the schools of Taunton, and from a very early period in life was accustomed to hard labor in brick-making, lumbering, and farming, remaining at his father's home until he was twenty-three, or rather making that his home, for when but eighteen he went on a trip to New York on a vessel partially owned by his father, under Capt. Francis D. Williams, plying between Taunton and New York, and that was followed by another trip to the same port, and that by others to New Bedford and other ports of coasting trade. In 1828 he took command of the " Hamil- ton," a coasting vessel, sailing between Taunton and New Bedford, of which he was master for four years. In 1833 he commanded the " Spy" in the coasting trade, and remained as its master for eight seasons, sailing out from New Bedford. He then purchased the farm where he now resides in his seventy-eighth year, and soon after made it his home. He has since been a farmer and brick manufacturer. This last business he carried on for fourteen years. He has been a Whig and Republican in politics ; never de- sired office, but has taken several minor public posi- tions as a duty. He has been a consistent and active member of the Sons of Temperance since the first organization of that society, and in the local society has held the highest offices and been trustee for many years. He married, April 17, 1836, Rhoda King, daughter of Thomas and Rhoda (King) Tisdale. She was born in Berkley, Mass., Oct. 4, 1805. Their chil- dren are Catharine (died young) ; Israel F., who died Sept. 4, 1864, in his twenty -sixth year (he was a grad- uate of Harvard University and Cambridge Law School, and at the time of his death was a settled minister of the Unitarian Church at Yonkers, N. Y. ; he was agent of the Sanitary Commission during the Rebellion, and while at City Point, Va., on the duties of that office, contracted the seeds of the disease from which he died) ; Samuel K. (served three years in Company F, Seventh Regiment Massachusetts Vol- unteers, in the great Rebellion, was a brave soldier, and resides now in Taunton, engaged in manufac- turing), Edward (died in infancy), Emily C, Seth E., and Charles H. (both of these are now farmers in Berkley). Thomas Tisdale was born in Berkley ; was twice married, first to Rhoda, daughter of Philip King, of Raynham. They had four children, — Julia A., Caro- line L. (died young), Rhoda K. (Mrs. F. K. Williams), and Israel (drowned, aged twelve years). Mrs. Tis- dale died in 1814, and Mr. Tisdale married, second, Mary Benton, by whom he had one child, Caroline M. Mr. Tisdale by occupation combined farming with brick-making, and in early life carried his own brick to market by water, commanding his own ves- sel. He died in 1850, aged seventy-five years. His father, Ephraim Tisdale, was a farmer in Taunton, on a part of the farm now owned by F. K. Williams and wife. The title comes down to Rhoda (Mrs. Wil- liams) direct from her great-grandfather (name not known), through her grandfather, Ephraim, and father, Thomas. Her great-grandfather was a large land-owner and a prominent and active man. Mr. Williams never was a witness in any court other than that of probate, never had a lawsuit with any one, and never had to secure a bondsman for any other purpose than the customary bonds of a sailing-mas- ter. He is a generous, warm-hearted man, and stands high in the regards of community, doing no discredit on the honored name he bears. He is Unitarian in sympathy and belief, and a supporter of that church organization. He is a stockholder of Taunton Na- tional Bank, Bristol County National Bank, and holds as an heirloom a few shares of Boston and Al- bany Railroad left him by his father. Mr. Williams has been for forty-four years a sufferer from rheuma- tism, which has greatly crippled him, but, with a great fund of cheerfulness, he is passing down to the twi- light of life with resignation, cheered in his declin- ing years by a loving wife and affectionate daughters. John Reed Williams, fifth son and seventh child of Francis and Louisa Williams, was born on the old Williams homestead in Taunton, Mass., June 18, 1817. He was brought up like his other brothers' ZZ77-r^r^£^ "? 'jy?^ St/sA^X uO, r/ej£UsC*^?V) ^ c ti^yC et'-r'r'i-ce. Zc- ^^ ^ ^7^s^ TAUNTON. 881 to work diligently and well at any labor coming to hand, and early was inured to labor. None of his father's household were allowed to eat the bread of idleness, but all were trained to know the necessity and value of the saying, "By the sweat of thy face shalt thou earn thy bread." These industrious habits were not only good acquirements in themselves, but they were preventives of all the various kinds of dis- sipation which have ruined so many reared in idle- ness. He received common school and academic education, teaching one term of school when twenty years old. The fall after he was of age he went to Savannah, Ga., and engaged in brick-making, and there made the brick from which Fort Pulaski, after- wards to become so historic, was constructed. He stayed there two winters, and returning home worked for his father until 1842, when, purchasing the place where he now resides, he moved thither in the spring of 1843. For two years he made red brick, and since then has been engaged in manufacturing fire-bricks and stove-linings. Commencing in a small way with only his own personal labor, he now employs about twenty men, and in 1882 the production of his works amounted to fourteen thousand dollars. He has re- ceived from them in some years twenty thousand dol- lars. He made many improvements on his land, now consisting of one hundred acres, and in 1857 com- pleted the commodious and beautiful residence in which he now lives. This is delightfully situated on a gentle eminence, and presents a charming view of the surrounding country in almost every direction, and from its retired situation is extremely desirable as a home. Mr. Williams is a director and president of Taunton Iron-Works, which offices he has held for several years ; he is stockholder in two banks, in copper-works, iron-works, etc., always choosing some manufacturing interest at home for investment. He is an active, wide-awake, and progressive man, public- spirited and generous in support of anything tending to build up his native town and city. Whig and Re- publican in politics, he has never been an aspirant for office. He is Unitarian in religion, and connected with the Congregational Unitarian Church of Taun- ton. He is member of King David Lodge of Free- masons at Taunton, and King Philip Lodge of Odd- Fellows. He married Sarah, daughter of Abner and Eleanor (Sanford) Pitts, of Taunton. Their children are Francis (died in infancy), Joseph S., Sarah E., E. Louisa, John G., and Sophia P. They all live with their parents, and form a pleasant and intelli- gent family group. Mr. Williams has a full appreci- ation of the value of mental culture and develop- ment, and has given his children good opportunities for education, which have not been neglected. Sarah and Louisa are successful and highly -appreciated teachers. Joseph is the manager and engineer in his father's works. John G. is traveling salesman for the business. Alexander Hamilton Williams, youngest son 56 of Francis and Louisa Williams, was born on the an- cestral home of his great ancestor, Richard, Dec. 26, 1823. He received the same lessons of thrift, in- dustry, aud economy as his elder brothers, and early worked at brick-making, farming, or lumbering, as occasion demanded. His education was derived from the common schools of his native town and its acade- mies. Being the youngest son, it devolved on him to succeed his father in his business operations when the active brain was tired with age and the worn frame succumbed to the weight of years, and during his last years his father lived with Alexander. Mr. Williams was about twenty-five years old when he assumed the management of his father's affairs, and under his energetic labors and youthful ambition they did not lose in magnitude! His has been an active life. Always outspoken and frank in expressing his views, he has labored with earnestness to carry them into practical results. He is a member of the Unita- rian Church, a member also of King David Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. Although not a politi- cian, and avoiding as much as possible official pre- ferment, he has held strong political opinions, and was a pronounced Whig and Republican. He has been called on to serve as counselor in the city gov- ernment of Taunton, is now director in Taunton Brick Company, and also stockholder in various cor- porations and institutions. Mr. Williams is the largest manufacturer of bricks (outside the Taunton Brick Company) in this section, so noted for its production of this building material, keeping himself the leader in this direction. He started the Taunton Brick Company in the summer of 1868, and organized the Williams Brick Company in 1872. This business has attained enormous pro- portions, and his son, Capt. George F. Williams, has been connected with him in this company since 1873. Their production of brick in 1882 was two million nine hundred thousand. In 1880, Mr. Williams con- tracted with the Conant Thread Company of Paw- tucket, R. I., to furnish them five million brick. This he filled, and also furnished them with quite a quantity beside which they needed to complete their work. This was, beyond question, the largest con- tract for brick ever taken. Mr. Williams is in possession of about ninety acres of the more than one hundred which consti- tuted the homestead farm of Richard Williams. This historic place is highly valued by him, and affords him a beautiful and comfortable home. It used to be in early times the principal fording-place of the people, and was noted for the shallowness of the river. Mr. Williams married, Jan. 16, 1851, Jane Knight King. She was daughter of Dr. Dan King and Cynthia Pride, his wife. She was born in Charles- town, R. I., June 4, 1826. Their children are: (1) George F., who is book-keeper, overseer, and general business manager of the Williams Brick Company. He was chosen captain of Company G, Taunton 882 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Light Guards, Massachusetts States Militia. He married Adella, daughter of Shubael Bliss, of Taun- ton, and has one daughter, Emma; (2) Cynthia P., born June 18, 1856, who resides with her parents. Mr. Williams is of fine personal appearance, tall and well proportioned, of light complexion, showing strong Saxon characteristics, and is social and genial by nature, and although careful in financial matters, is at the same time generous and hospitable. He enjoys the confidence and esteem of a large circle for his solid worth and many good qualities. A. K. WILLIAMS. Abiathar King Williams, the subject of this sketch, is descended from Richard Williams 1 , the first settler of Cohannet, now Taunton, Mass. This memorable pioneer was from Glamorganshire, Wales, and settled at Cohannet in 1637. Two years later he was one of the founders of Taunton. His wife, Frances Dighton, was from Somersetshire, England. Their third son, Joseph 2 , and wife Elizabeth, had a son Richard 3 , who had a son, Col. George Williams 4 , who resided at South Raynham, and was the father of Abiathar Williams 5 . The latter was born in Raynham, and married Naucy Dean. They had eleven children, of whom our subject was the seventh in the order of birth. (See history of the Williams family, Taunton.) Abiathar Williams was known as " Capt. Wil- liams." He ran a sloop from Taunton to New York from the time he was thirteen years of age till he was fifty-five. He was a successful and influential citi- zen, represented his town in the General Court, and held various local offices. He died in June, 1856, and his wife in 1858. A. K. Williams, son of Abiathar and Nancy (Dean) Williams, was born in Taunton, Mass., March 11, 1815. He received his education at the common schools, and at an academy in his native town. In 1828 his father began the lumber business in partner- ship with D. W. G. Cobb (firm of Williams & Co.), and in connection with this interest young A. K. was brought up, and in 1849 was received by his father as a partner in the firm, which then became A. Wil- liams & Son. It remained under this style till about 1853, at which time the firm-name was changed to A. K. Williams & Co., the company being George B. Williams, and so remained till A. K. Williams re- tired in 1877. Mr. Williams is reputed to be wealthy, and is a large stockholder in various manufacturing enter- prises, both at home and abroad. He married Sarah G. Andrews, daughter of Henry R. and Sarah Parker (Hill) Andrews, of Boston, Mass., Dec. 17, 1857. Their only son, Everett A., died at the age of seven years. SYLVANUS NELSON STAPLES. Sylvanus Nelson Staples, son of Sylvanus Staples, was born in Taunton, Mass., Aug. 2, 1811. His father was born in the same town Nov. 24, 1783, and married, Aug. 25, 1805, Sally, daughter of Capt. Jacob Phillips. She was born June 25, 1783, in Taunton, Mass. Of this union eleven children were born, viz., (1) Ase- nath (deceased), married Robert Abell ; (2) Sally A. (deceased), married Jabez Irish; (3) Rebecca A., married Albert Carpenter ; (4) Sylvanus N. ; (5) Eliza N., married Adam Reed; (6) Abiathar I. (deceased), married Esther Jones ; (7) Hopy T. (deceased), mar- ried George Edgar; (8) Tila Ann, married Nathan Maker; (9) Deborah (deceased), married Abel Reed; (10) Henry, died unmarried; and (11) John, who was drowned at the age of nine. Mr. Staples was a brick-maker by trade, and a Democrat in politics. Both Mr. and Mrs. Staples were members of the Baptist Church at Pawtucket, R. I., whither they had gone to live in 1830, and where their two youngest children were born. Mrs. Staples died Sept. 25, 1851, aged sixty-eight years and three months, and Mr. Staples died Feb. 24, 1852, aged sixty-eight years and three months also. Sylvanus Staples, father of Sylvanus, and grand- father of Sylvanus N., was a native of Taunton, mar- ried a Miss Peirce, and had four sons and two daugh- ters, of whom Sylvanus, father of Sylvanus N., was the eldest son. He was a farmer by occupation, and died at a ripe old age. Sylvanus Nelson Staples traces his maternal history back through Sally Phillips and Capt. Jacob Phillips, a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He was several times taken prisoner, and suc- ceeded in escaping twice at great peril of his life. He was master of vessels, and for many years was engaged in the coasting trade between Taunton, New York, Boston, and many Southern ports. He died at I seventy-six years of age. Sylvanus N. Staples received a common school education, working with his grandfather, Capt. Jacob Phillips, summers, and attending school winters. He commenced a seafaring life as a cabin-boy when not more than ten years of age, and gradually rose through the various grades till he became master of a sloop at the early age of eighteen. He continued in the coast- ing trade, visiting the West Indies and the Gulf of Mexico till he was twenty-eight. In the mean time he had several vessels built for his trade. In 1836 he com- menced dealing in wholesale and retail commission flour and grocery business with Francis D. Williams as partner, under the firm-title of F. D. Williams & Co. After a few years Mr. Staples purchased his partner's interest, and the business was carried on under the title of S. N. Staples & Co., Hiram Burt, a brother-in-law, being the company, though not actively engaged in the business, as he was constantly at sea. After several years Mr. Staples bought his partner's interest, and associated with him Messrs. James M. and Horatio Williams. They had places cy^fff^^ nZtsyw^O TAUNTON. 883 of business at this place (Weir, Mass.), S. N. Staples & Co. ; at New Bedford, James M. Williams & Co. ; and at Norfolk, Va., under the firm-name of Williams, Staples & Williams. Their business was extended to the West Indies and all along the Atlantic seaboard. Their West India enterprise did not prove altogether successful, and in 1850 the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Staples began life again at the bottom of the ladder, and by the friendly aid of his friends, built a vessel called the " William Mason," named after Wil- liam Mason, one of Taunton's most enterprising and wealthy citizens. Mr. Staples ran her a few years, was successful, and gave her to his brother, Abiathar, who ran her until she was sunk in a collision with the " Queen of the West," off Tortugas, in 1801. She was laden with a cargo of sugar, and was the last vessel that left Louisiana at the breaking out of the civil war. Mr. Staples began commercial business, dealing in iron, coal, lime, and the general freighting business with William H. Phillips in 1857, under firm-title of Staples & Phillips. They have been very successful in their business, selling three thousand tons of coal the first year, which has steadily increased, till now (1883) they sell more than one hundred and sixty thousand tons annually. The iron trade has increased also. They are also extensively engaged in the ship- ping trade, and are large owners in a great many ves- sels and steamers. Mr. Staples is also interested in various manufacturing enterprises, in all of which he has been successful. He is a director in the Bristol County National Bank, trustee of the Taunton Savings- Bank, president and director of the Dighton Furnace Company, director in Taunton Cracker Company, director in Taunton Iron-Works, and Walliston Foundry, near Boston, president and director of Globe Coal Company, Fall River, president and director of Forest Hill Garden, Fall River, director of Park Mills, Taunton, director of Taunton Cotton Machine Company, and president and director of Empire State Steamboat Company. In politics he is a Republican. He has held some local offices, but never aspired to official honors, pre- ferring to attend to his own business. He is a member of the Unitarian Church at Taun- ton, and one of its liberal supporters. He married, May 22, 1835, D. Adeline Hood, daughter of Nathaniel and Fanny Hood, of Taunton. They have children, viz., (1) Elizabeth A. (deceased), married Stephen A. Jenks, of Pawtucket; (2) Adeline N., married Lewis Williams; (3) Edwin S. (deceased), married Cora F. Cook ; (4) Herbert M., married Alice M. Presbrey ; (5) Harriet F. (deceased) ; (0) AdellL., resides at home. J. F. WHEELER. Jeremiah Fisher Wheeler, son of Russell and Mary D. Wheeler, was born in Rehoboth, Mass., Jan. 8, 1811. He comes of some of the best New England families of early colonial days, and was himself a good representative of this active, industrious, and enter- prising race. His father, Russell, was eighth child in the family of twelve children, and was son of Jer- emiah and Betsey Wheeler. He married Mary Da- vis, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Mason. She was oldest in a family of fifteen children. He was for many years a manufacturer of cotton with his brother Nathaniel, a noted manufacturer, in Digh- ton, and was of esteemed worth and a useful citizen. He had eight children, — Elizabeth Troop, Joseph Russell, Mary Davis, Ann Mason, Jeremiah F., Sub- mit Anthony, Augustus Mason, and William Mason. J. F. Wheeler studied civil engineering and me- chanics, and became a machinist. He went to New' Orleans as a civil engineer, and took charge of the construction of the canal leading to Lake Pontchar- train, where he employed over two hundred men. He afterwards established an iron foundry and machine- shop, in connection with others, and for nearly forty years devoted himself strictly and closely to his busi- ness. He was senior partner of the well-known house of Wheeler, Geddes & Co., which did an extensive business in the manufacture of st^am-engines, sugar- mills, and all kinds of machinery and iron-work at 208 Girod Street, New Orleans. He amassed a large prop- erty, and retired about 1859. He died Jan. 4, 1804, aged fifty-three years. He owned a large estate in New Orleans. He married, first, Martha Marshall, of Tennessee, who died in 1850, leaving one son, Albert W., who married Mary Manders, and died, leaving one son, also Albert. Dec. 12, 1853, Mr. Wheeler married Louisa, daughter of Ebenezer and Betsey (Crane) Hathaway. The Hathaway family of the entire sec- tion of New England traces its origin to Arthur and John Hathaway, who came to America in 1030, from one of the Welsh counties of England. Arthur set- tled in Plymouth, had a son, Arthur, who married Sarah, daughter of John Cooke, one of the large land-owners of Dartmouth, Nov. 20, 1652; lived first in Duxbury, then in Dartmouth, and died in 1712. He had sons, John, Thomas, Jonathan, and numerous daughters. John, his son, lived on the New Bedford side of the river, and had sixteen children. John Hathaway, the emigrant, in 1638 was a landholder in Taunton (now Berkley), where he died. HissonJb/m 2 had two wives and several children, among them John s . He settled in Freetown, had wife Christian and ten children. Isaac (fourth generation) married Sarah Makepeace, and had eight children. Nicholas (fifth generation), his second son (born 1722, died 1800), married Rebecca Myrick, and had numerous children, among them Stephen (sixth generation), who was born 1745, died 1819, married Hope Pierce, Feb. 12, 1767, and had twelve children. His son Ebenezer (seventh generation), born Aug. 21, 1779, married Betsey Crane, daughter of Ebenezer and Si- lence (Pitts), Sept. 22, 1805. She was "born March 15, 1786, and died June 7, 1853. Mr. Hathaway died 884 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. March 14, 1842. They had ten children, of whom Louisa (eighth generation) was seventh. She was born in Dighton, Mass., May 29, 1819. Mr. Wheeler's only surviving child by his second marriage is Eleanor B., who lives with her mother, and resembles in personal appearance her father. Mr. Wheeler was of erect and dignified bearing, fine-looking, commanding presence, and an aristo- cratic mien. He said few words, but no one ever misunderstood him, and under this reserve he car- ried a warm and kindly nature. He was one of the best types of " self-made" men, of acknowledged probity and integrity and sterling worth. He had a large circle of friends. Since June, 1864, Mrs. Wheeler has made her home in Taunton. She car- ries her years lightly, and is an agreeable social com- panion. PERLEY IDE PERRIN.* Perley Ide Perrin was born in Seekonk, Bristol Co., Mass., March 1, 1812. He is a lineal descend- ant in the seventh generation from John Perryn, who came from London in the ship " Safety," Aug. 10, 1635, and settled in Braintree or Weymouth, Mass. His wife's name was Ann. They had five children, of whom Mary, born in Braintree, Dec. 22, 1640, was probably the oldest. She is the only one whose birth is recorded in the Braintree records. The family soon after removed to Behoboth, Mass., where John Per- ryn was buried, Sept. 13, 1674, and his widow, Ann, March 11, 1688. The line of descent from John Perryn to the subject of this sketch is as follows: John 1 , John, Jr. 2 , Daniel 3 , Daniel, Jr. 4 , David*, John 6 , Parley Ide 7 . They have been farmers throughout their genera- tions. David 5 married Abigail, daughter of Thomas Cooper, of Attleborough, Mass., and had twelve chil- dren, of whom John, the father of our subject, was one. David died Feb. 15, 1825, aged eighty-five years, three months, and twenty-three days. His wife, Abigail, died Feb. 3, 1830, aged eighty-five years, three months, and twenty-five days. John 6 , son of David, was born Feb. 6, 1786 ; married Huldah, daughter of Capt. Jacob Ide, of Attleborough, Mass., and had two sons,— A.nson E. and Perley Ide. He married for his second wife Widow Hannah W. Bucklin, daughter of Ephraim Walker, of Seekonk, Mass. He was a Republican in politics and a mem- ber of the Congregational Church. He died at about seventy-eight years of age, July 1, 1864, and was buried in East Providence Cemetery. The subject of this sketch received a common school education, and has always been a thoughtful reader and a close observer. He is therefore well informed on all the current events and questions of the day. His mother died when he was about two years old, and he was cared for by his aunt, Sarah 1 Spelled variously, — Perryn, Perriu, Perain, Periu, Perram, Peren, and various other ways. Kent, and his grandmother, Perrin. At nineteen he left home for Pawtucket, R. 1., where he spent three years in learning the trade of a machinist, when he went to Bridgewater, Mass., and at the expiration of one year to Lowell, and thence to Newark, N. J. In Lowell he had worked at locomotive building, and this was also his occupation in Newark, where he was among the first employes of Seth Boyden. After sev- eral years he returned to Pawtucket, R. I., where he worked on the farm and in the shop until he went to Philadelphia and worked a while on stationary en- gines, returning again to Pawtucket, where he estab- lished a small shop in the spring of 1841. He, how- ever, conducted this business only about a year, when he was called to his native town to take care of his uncle David, a farmer and bachelor. After his uncle's death he married Eunice Kent, daughter of Seba and Abigail Kent, Oct. 10, 1843. She was*born in See- konk, May 27, 1812. Their children are Emily Frances, born July 28, 1-S44 ; Huldah Ide, born Dec. 16, 1846, married Everett D. Godfrey Oct. 7, 1868, and has two children, Edith I. and Chester S. Mr. Perrin remained on the farm some two years after his marriage, and then went to Providence, R. I., where he again embarked in the business of a machinist, remaining till June, 1846, at which time he removed to Taunton in the employ of the Taun- ton Locomotive Manufacturing Company as foreman and draughtsman. He next became general superin- tendent, and succeeded to the position of agent and treasurer in 1877. After a few years he became in- terested in the business, and is now one of the stock- holders of the company. For five years Mr. Perrin served efficiently as an alderman, in the City Council, and for six years was president of the board of direc- tors of the Taunton Water-Works. He is one of the trustees of the Taunton Savings-Bank, and a liberal supporter of the Baptist Church, of which he is a member. One of the strongest personal traits of Mr. Perrin is energy of character, and this is guided by good sense and sound judgment. Few men are more highly esteemed, and few enjoy more fully the com- forts of a happy home. ELI H. ELDRIDGE. Eii H. Eldridge, senior partner in the firm of El- dridge & Co., was born in Taunton, Mass., May 26, 1828. He is the son of Eli and Charlotte (Curtis) Eldridge, of Barnstable County, Mass., where the ancestors have for several generations resideil. Like most young men of his day in that part of the coun- try where he was brought up, Mr. Eldridge had but limited educational advantages. About three months of each year at the public school of his town (Har- wich) was the most he could hope for, and after his fifteenth year even that was denied him. His early boyhood was spent on the farm ; at about fourteen _ <$**UdS***L C*^ts*-iaJi__ TAUNTON. 885 years of age he sought and obtained employment in the britannia-works of Reed & Barton, at Taunton, as a general employe, learning the different branches of the trade. Here he continued till seventeen years old, when he went to Dorchester, Mass., and obtained employment with Roswell Gleason, in whose shop Eli Eldridge, Sr., was superintendent. Here he spent the next three years, when both he and his father re- turned to Taunton and began, in a small way, the manufacture of various small articles in britannia. In 1860 they began making a specialty of coffin- plates, which to the present time has been one of the leading features of their business. Upon the decease of Mr. Eldridge's father, in September. 1875, he took his son John H. into partnership with him. They operate under the firm-name of Eldridge & Co., and manufacture coffin-plates, hinges, lining-tacks, etc. They employ a number of hands, and their trade reaches all through the Eastern, Middle, and Western States to California. They have the latest improved machinery adapted for their particular kind of work, and are continually adding to and increasing their facilities. They do first-class work only. Mr. El- dridge married, May 2, 1850, Lydia A., daughter of John and Deborah Thrasher. They have two chil- dren living, one deceased, — John H., born Jan. 7, 1853; Alice B. (deceased) ; Albert S., born Nov.. 15, 1859. Both of the sons are married, and are con- nected with their father in the manufacturing busi- ness. Mr. Eldridge is a Republican in politics, and an ardent temperance man. men of Taunton to-day, and can and does perform a hard day's work with greater ease than many men much his junior in years. He is conservative and cautious, and is a thoroughly successful "self-made" man, enjoying the satisfactory results of his energy, economy, and thrift. In politics, like his father and grandfather, he is Democratic. He would never ac- cept office, other than highway surveyor. He married, first, Caroline, daughter of George and Hopy (Payne) Briggs, of Freetown. They had six children, — Charles F., who went into the military service during the last war in a Rhode Island regiment, and has never re- turned ; Andrew G. 1 (died young) ; Gustavus L., a soldier, also in the Rebellion, now a farmer in Rayn- ham. He went out as a private, served three and a half years, and when mustered out was a lieutenant. He received a wound in the foot from which he still suffers. Andreio G. 2 ; Alfred, now with his father, as- sisting in brick manufacturing and farming ; Ann Janette, married Henry Lincoln, and lives in Norton ; and Georgianna (died young). Mrs. Dean died March 19, 1872. In February, 1879, Mr. Dean married Mrs. Sarah A. Chase, widow of Robert Chase, and daugh- ter of David Perkins, of Freetown. She has one son, Algernon, by her first marriage. ELBRIDGE G. DEAN. Elbridge G. Dean, son of Abel 2 and Mehitable Dean, was born in Taunton, Mass., Dec. 9, 1811. His father was only son of Abel 1 Dean, a farmer and shoe- maker, and a worthy member of the Baptist Church, who was son of Ezra Dean. Thus for several gener- ations has this branch of the Dean family been among the reputable citizens of Taunton. Abel Dean 2 served as a private soldier in the Mexican war, and married Mehitable, daughter of Elkanah Dean, and was a carpenter by trade. Elbridge had limited com- mon school education. He was early taught to labor, and being of robust frame enjoyed it, and followed brickmaking until he was nineteen, when, in company with Joseph A. Hall, he began the manufacture of brick. This partnership continued two years. Mr. Dean then for thirteen consecutive years followed this laborious avocation, becoming practically familiar with every department, and shrinking from none even the heaviest labor. Since then he has coupled other departments of business which his shrewd practi- cality could see would be remunerative. He has been a farmer, conducted milk business, and dealt largely in real estate. He now owns numerous houses in Taunton, and several farms in different parts of the county. He is one of the money-making, practical SAMUEL 0. DUNBAR. Samuel O. Dunbar was born atTittecut, Mass., Aug. 9, 1800. He is the son of Samuel and Abigail (In- gall) Dunbar, and grandson of Samuel Dunbar. The ancestors were originally from Scotland. In the day of Mr. Dunbar's youth there were very limited opportunities afforded for obtaining an educa- tion. Owing to serious and protracted illness in his father's family, Mr. Dunbar was deprived of even the very limited advantages offered by the common schools, and his education, scholastic as well as busi- ness, was chiefly acquired outside the school-room. In 1818 he went to Boston and engaged as a salesman in a dry-goods store. He continued with this same employer until 1834, when he came to Taunton and embarked in the drug business, which he has con- tinued from that time to the present. At that time Taunton was comparatively a small place, and Mr. Dunbar's business was very small compared with what it afterwards became. By diligent and earnest application to his chosen pursuit he soon won his way to the confidence of the people, and while he was building up his fortune in the shape of a profitable business, he also built up a much more valuable and rare fortune in the esteem, good will, and good opin- ion of his fellow-townsmen. He is now the oldest druggist in Bristol County, and yet gives his personal attention and supervision to his business every day. He is a hale, hearty, well-preserved man for one of his great age, and in full possession of all his facul- ties. He has made it his rule through life to attend strictly to the business he had chosen, and to this 886 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. strict and prompt attention may be attributed bis success. He could never be persuaded to assume the duties of any official station, preferring to leave to others the high places in the land; his ambition has been to faithfully and worthily perform his duties as a private citizen. March 11, 1827, he married Eliza W. Taylor, of Boston. Mass. She is the daughter of Levi and Mary (Kitchen) Taylor, of that city. Their union was not blessed with any issue, yet they have reared and educated quite a considerable family. Upon the death of Mrs. Mary R.^Moore (Mrs. Dunbar's sister), in 1843, Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar assumed the care of her orphaned children, five in number, reared and edu- cated them, and has lived to see all but one of them pass away to the spirit land. Charles A., the only surviving one, grew to manhood, migrated to St. Paul, Minn., where he is now a successful lumber merchant. In politics, Mr. Dunbar has always been a Whig and Republican, stanch and true, and was an earnest supporter and grgat admirer of that great son of New England, Daniel Webster. In 1869 he was appointed postmaster of Taunton, which position he held the ensuing four years. Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar are in many respects a re- markable couple. They have passed over fifty-six years of life hand in hand together, and during all those long years the harmony of their union has not been marred by a dispute, disagreement, or harsh word. The united current of their lives has flowed peacefully and happily on, and now, as they near the great ocean of eternity, they can look confidently for- ward with the pleasing assurance that, if separated at all, it will be but briefly ; that in the great beyond that union of heart and spirit, so long and happily maintained here, shall there be but the more firmly established as the ages roll by. EDWIN KEITH. Edwin Keith was born in Bridgewater, Mass., Aug. 3, 1804. He is the son of Jonathan and Sarah (Leach) Keith. Being brought up on the farm, he had only such education as the schools of his town afforded. When eighteen years of age he came to Taunton and ap- prenticed himself to his uncle, James Leach, to learn the trade of machinist, and afterwards became a part- ner with him in business under the Arm-name of Leach & Keith. Upon the dissolution of this firm he en- gaged for some years in insurance business, and from 1855 to the time of his death he was superintendent, clerk, and treasurer of the Taunton Gas-Light Com- pany. He was selectman of Taunton four years, member of the Common Council, and a director of the Bristol County Bank, and always prominently identified with the business interests of his adopted town. His death, which occurred April 30, 1882, was sudden and unexpected. He was stricken with heart- disease, and died almost instantly. Although in his seventy-eighth year, yet he was in active business, and the news of his sudden decease produced a shock in the community where more than sixty years of his business life had been spent. Mr. Keith was noted and beloved for his genial temperament and amiable disposition. Though his life was a quiet, undemon- strative one, yet it was eminently a useful one. In the home circle it was said of him that his kindly nature carried always sunshine and peace, and with this sunny temperament was united incorruptible in- tegrity and moral worth. While he was temperate, moral, strictly virtuous, and rigidly correct in his own deportment, yet his kindly heart was always lenient in judgment of the erring, and his opinions of his fellow-men were tinged with the inborn charity of his nature. Edwin Keith was a man to whose moral worth all who knew him attest, and Taunton sustained a severe loss in his death. His judgment was considered sound, and his opinions were always sincerely given when called for, hence his counsel was much sought in business circles. He was a successful man, and one who rightfully earned success. His portrait, which accompanies this sketch, will recall to hun- dreds of his friends and acquaintances memories of kindly words and generous acts performed from a sense of duty, and with a delicacy characteristic of the man. He married, June 5, 1831, Betsey, daughter of Zebulon and Abigail (Leonard) Field, of Taunton, and granddaughter of Zebulon Field, Sr. She was born Jan. 18, 1807. They had but one child, a daugh- ter, Sarah E. Both Mrs. Keith and the daughter reside at the homestead in Taunton. JOHN W. D. HALL. John W. D. Hall was born in Raynham in 1807. After attending school he served at printing with a cousin, Barnum Field, in Providence; was publisher of the Literary /Subaltern of that city; resigned the command of the Providence Cadets in 1835, and re- moved to Taunton to engage in business ; an officer of the Cohannet Rifle Corps, and retiring from the command in 1841; editor of the Taunton 117;/'/ and Republican, and its publisher twenty years, retiring in 1861; associate editor of the Daily and Weekly Gazette, Republican papers, several years ; a member of the Massachusetts Legislature of 1863; United States provost-marshal of Second Massachusetts District, under President Lincoln, until the close of the war in 1865; resumed associate editorial duties on the Gazette, and was for several years its publisher ; com- piler of the Taunton and Raynham descendants of George and Mary Hall, and a contributor of indus- trial interests, etc., to the " History of Bristol County" in 1883. THE COURTS AND BAR OF BRISTOL COUNTY. 887 CHAPTER LXX. A SKETCH OF THE COURTS AND BAR OF BRISTOL COUNTY.! Ox the 12th day of January, a.d. 1680, King Charles II. granted unto the inhabitants of Plymouth Colony, in consideration of their loyalty and good conduct during King Philip's war, the territory of Mount Hope, containing about seven thousand acres. The grant was upon the condition that the Colony should yield and pay therefor seven beaver skins to be delivered at Windsor Castle every year on the feast of St. John the Baptist, or in default thereof fourteen marks to be paid into the royal exchequer. On the 14th day of September, of the same year, the colony sold this territory to John Walley, Nathaniel Oliver, Nathaniel Byfield, and Stephen Burton, of Boston, for the sum of eleven hundred pounds. Mr. Baylies, in his "History of Plymouth Colony," says the price was three hundred pounds, but according to the deed of purchase the former sum was the amount paid. By a vote of the General Court, passed on the 28th day of the same month, "three hundred pounds of the prise of Mount Hope" was ordered to be dis- tributed among the several towns of the colony. The original purchasers immediately formed a set- tlement on their lands, and on account of their inti- mate relations with Bristol, in England, gave it the name of Bristol. It soon became one of the most flourishing towns in the colony. In the year 1685 Plymouth Colony was divided into three counties, — Plymouth, Barnstable, and Bristol ; these names were given to the counties from their several shire towns. At the time of its incorporation Bristol County comprised not only its present area, but in addition the territory of the towns of Cum- berland, Barrington, Warren, Bristol, Tiverton, and Little Compton, now in the State of Rhode Island. From the records in the office of the clerk of courts, and from information from other sources, we are furnished with much that is interesting concern- ing the earlier judicial history of Bristol County. The records from 1685, the year in which the county was incorporated, to 1702, covering a period of nearly seventeen years, are wanting. The first record of the Court of Common Pleas is of that term which was holclen in Bristol commencing on the 13th day of October, 1702. In this record there are ref- erences made to the courts which were held at an earlier day. From this and other reasons it is evi- dent that the courts were in successful operation soon after the incorporation of the county. The courts consisted of the Superior Court of Ju- dicature, the Court of the General Sessions of the Peace, and the Inferior Court of Common Pleas. The Court of the General Sessions of the Peace had charge of the prudential affairs of the county and a 1 By Hon. John S. Brayton. general jurisdiction in all criminal matters, the pun- ishment of which did not extend to life, member, or banishment. As an illustration of the business which came before this court, a few of the orders passed and the sentences imposed are herewith presented. On the 14th of April, 1702, William Earle, of Swansea, being presented for profane swearing and summoned to appear to answer for the same, came and pleaded the province law, to wit, such offenses must be proved against the offender within thirty days after the offense is committed, was admonished therefore and dismissed. July 14, 1702. "Samuel Waldron, of Taunton, being presented for not attending public worship of God on the Lord's day, appeared upon summons and pleaded that he was of the way of the Church of Eng- land, but did not go to hear Mr. Danforth, but to other meetings as often as he could, was admonished for his neglect, and dismissed with paying costs taxed at two shillings." "Samuel Watfield, Keeper of the jail in Bristol, having served the year past in that office for the sum of five pounds, desires to have an order pass this Court to the County Treasurer for the receiving of the said sum ; it was passed acccordingly." April 13, 1703. "Ordered thatCapt. Samuel Gallup have and receive of the County Treasurer eight shil- lings for his trouble, expense, and pains in going to Swansey to fetch the order for the Thanksgiving, and notifying the people in Bristol thereof the day be- fore." Capt. Gallup was then sheriff of the county. April 13, 1713. " Frank Townsend being bound by the way of recognizance to appear at this Court upon complaint of his wife, who complains that he had left her, and had taken another woman to be his wife, and he being convicted thereof by his own confession, it is ordered that he be whipt twenty lashes on his bare back, well laid on, and to stand committed till sentence be performed." John Weaver, in court, "owning that he has been guilty of a breach of the Sabbath by husking corn on the Lord's day ; ordered to pay a fine of ten shil- lings as the law directs, and costs of Court." In the year 1745, John Briggs, Jr., of Berkley, petitioned the court that he might be licensed to keep a ferry at a place called the Needles, on Taunton Great River, and among other reasons stated " that it will be very convenient for those jurymen who come from the last side of the river to go to Court." In 1746, Col. Jerathmeel Bowers, of Swansea, was ordered into the king's service by Capt. Jonathan Slade. Col. Bowers, instead of joining the troops, ran over to Rhode Island. He was afterwards brought before Peres Bradford, Esq., and entered into a recog- nizance for his appearance at the Court of Sessions to answer for his conduct. After his arrest, and previous to the session of the court, Col. Bowers presented to Governor Shirley a document signed by Dr. Win- slow, of Freetown, which stated that Bowers had had 888 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. his collar-bone broken recently, and that it was not properly set, and that he was thereby disabled and rendered unfit for military duty. Governor Shirley thereupon issued a warrant exempting Bowers from military duty. Capt. Slade then caused the affidavits of several of the neighbors of Col. Bowers to be taken, who testified that " he is quick of foot and every way able to perform military duty." These were presented to the Governor, who issued a writ of super- sedeas, revoking his warrant of exemption and author- izes the court to proceed in the matter. Col. Bowers is brought before the court, is adjudged guilty, and " ordered to be imprisoned for six months or pay a fine of fifteen shillings, to be delivered to the town of Swansey for the purchasing arms, etc., as the law directs." Samuel Howland, Esq., of Bristol, was appointed king's attorney at each term from 1702 to 1746. This office is now known as that of district attorney. As early as 1740 a dispute had arisen between the colonies of Massachusetts and Rhode Island respect- ing the eastern boundary of Rhode Island. This dis- pute was made known to the King of England, who appointed commissioners to visit the spot and deter- mine where the boundary line should run. These com- missioners met, and, after due examination, decided that the line should be run so as to include the present town of Tiverton, Little Compton, Bristol, Warren, Barrington, and Cumberland in Rhode Island. From this decision Massachusetts appealed to the King in Council, who confirmed the decision of the commis- sioners, and in May, 1746, George II. in Council ordered that Rhode Island and Massachusetts should appoint commissioners to run the lines setting off the above- named towns to Rhode Island. Massachusetts was so dissatisfied that she sent no commissioners on her part, but commissioners appointed by the General Assembly of Rhode Island met and ran the line. The county seat having thus been set off to Rhode Island, " it was enacted by the Governor, Council, and House of Representatives, that from and after the 13th day of November, 1746, the town of Taunton shall be and hereby is made and established the county or shire-town of the County of Bristol instead of the town of Bristol, and that all the Courts for the County shall be held in said Taunton, and that all the records and papers of the Courts now in the town of Bristol shall be forthwith delivered to George Leonard, Esq., Mr. Thomas Foster, and Jonathan Shepard, Esq., or to the major part of them, who shall cause them im- mediately to be conveyed to the said town of Taunton, and there safely deposited under the care of the same persons as heretofore, or others, as the said committee shall judge best, who shall serve in their offices with full power, and shall give the same obligations and be under the like penalties as they or others had or were under heretofore, until this Court shall further order, or others shall be duly appointed in their steads." The same act required all persons living in Bristol who have in their custody any records belonging to the county to deliver the same to the said committee, and the act also authorized the sheriff of the county to remove all prisoners in his majesty's jail at Bristol to Taunton, and there put them under safe custody in some proper place until the county shall provide a jail. There is a tradition that the people in Bristol who had the custody of the court records refused to give them up, and that James Williams, of Taunton, was deputed to get them by stratagem. He is said to have succeeded in his efforts, brought the records to Taun- ten, and that he was rewarded for this act by being appointed county register, an office now called regis- ter of deeds, which office he, his son, and his grandson held successively for a period of ninety-five years. The Rev. George F. Clark, of Norton, in his re- searches among old papers for materials for a history of that town, found in a house occupied for many years by the Leonard family reapers giving an account of the removal of the court records. Although there is no signature to the documents, they are in the handwriting of Judge George Leonard, one of the persons named in the act authorizing the transfer of the records from Bristol to Taunton. In addition to the following document, which we copy verbatim, there is another paper, giving a sum- mary of their expenses. Each charges £5 for horse and horse hire; Leonard charges £9 for himself; Foster, £10 10s.; Shepard, £12; making the whole expense of removing the records, £53 4s. "An account of the charges of the Committee in going to Bristol, By order of the Great and General Court, and removing the Records from Bristol to Taunton, November, 1740. £ s. d. Cash pd. at mr. Robins ye Tavern, by Shepard 6 G Cash pd. at Bristol at potters ye Tavern by Foster 6 6 pd. at Do. at mr. tronp's by Col. Leonard 10 pd. at Child's ye Tavern at Swanzey by Col. Leonard .. 16 pd. at harden's in Do. by Sheppard 12 8 pd. at Capt. wheeler's in Rehoboth pd. at hill's in Do. by Sheppard 3 6 pd. at Brig's in Do. by Sheppard 18 8 pd. by Shepard 29s. by Foster 15 Given on ye Road by Capt. Sheppard 6 8") 15 2 By foster 6 6 )- 6 74 By Col. Leonard 2 ..] 3 7 1 13 6 li Nov. 18th, 1746, Delivered the Records of ye County, -viz. of Deeds, &c. to mr. Thomas Troop, the Late Registre of Deeds, at ye house of ye Honorable Seth Williams, Esqr. at Taunton, * have taken bonds with Surtys for his keeping ye books & his office also at Taunton till ye fur- ther order of ye General Court, or till a Registre be chosen, ye Same day Committed the Books of Record and papers belonging to ye Probate Register to Stephan paiue, Esqr., at the house of Samuel white. Esqr., and have taken Bonds with Surties for ye Safe keeping sd. Books & papers in sd. Town. "ye same day appointed mr. Nathaniel Fales Clerk of ye Inferior Court of Comon pleas & Court of General sessions of ye peace, who yus sworn to ye fathful dishard of sd. office & Committed ye Books & papers belonging to sd. Courts to ye sd. Nath'll Fales, at ye House of ye Hon- orable Seth Williams, Esqr., & have taken Bonds with Surtys for his Safe keeping sd. books in the Town of Taunton, &c, the same day appointed James Williams, Esqr., Treasurer for sd. County, who has Recod the papers &. all accounts, & was Sworn to ye faithful discharge of sd. office.'' The first session of the Court of Common Pleas held in Taunton was on the 9th day of December, A.D. 1747, the Hon. Seth Williams, George Leonard, and THE COURTS AND BAR OF BRISTOL COUNTY. 889 Stephen Paine presiding. The Court of Sessions, which consisted of all the justices of the peace, held its first session on the same day, the following justices being present: Seth Williams, Thomas Terry, George Leonard, Timothy Fales, Samuel Willis, Thomas Bowers, Stephen Paine, Ephraim Leonard, John Foster, Edward Hayward, Samuel Howland, Samuel Leonard, John Godfrey, Stephen White, Sylvester Richmond, Jr. Timothy Fales was appointed clerk of both courts and was duly sworn. The first object to be accomplished was to prepare and erect suitable buildings for county purposes. It was ordered by the court " that the school-house be made as secure as may be for the safe custody of all persons that may be committed thereto, with the ut- most dispatch, and that Seth Williams, the second, shall take care to secure the two prisoners now in custody, and all others that shall be committed in the mean time." It was also ordered " that Seth Williams, George Leonard, John Godfrey, and Samuel White, Esquires, be a committee to look out a suitable place for the standing of a gaol and county-house in the town of Taunton, and know what the land for erecting said house on may be purchased for, and make a report of their doings thereon at the adjournment of this court." At the Court of Sessions held on the second Tues- day of January, a.d. 1747, this committee made the following report: "We the subscribers, appointed a committee to look out a suitable place for the stand- ing of a gaol and county-house in the town of Taun- ton, have pursuant to the written orders looked out a suitable place as we apprehend, which is towards the upper end of the old training field, a little below where they used to dig graves, and is sixty foots square, which we look upon to be the most suitable for setting a county-house upon, provided the town's proprietors committee give a legal conveyance thereof with a suitable and convenient way to pass to and from said place; and also that the most suitable place for setting a gaol and gaol-house be on the land of Samuel White and Mr. Simeon Tisdale, at a place near the spring (so called), adjoining the way that leads from said Tisdale's to Mr. Crossman's grist-mill, provided the said White and Tisdale give a legal conveyance thereof." The site designated by this committee for the county house is the front yard of the present court- house, and for the gaol, upon the land now occupied by the Bristol County National Bank. At the same session of the court it was " ordered that John Foster, Sylvester Richmond, Jr., and John Godfrey, Esquires, be a committee to provide mate- rials, and build a County House and gaol, and gaol- keeper's house, with suitable despatch. The gaol to be thirty foot long and fourteen foot wide, two story high and fourteen foot stud, to be studded with sawed stuff of six inches thick, to be framed close together, with a chimney in the middle, suitable for a jail. The house for prison-keeper to be seventeen feet wide and twenty-three feet long, two story high, besides the entry between the gaol and dwelling house, and to be fourteen feet stud, with a suitable chimney and cellar." At an adjourned session of the court held on the twenty-eighth day of the same month, Samuel White, Esq., was appointed on the committee for building the jail instead of Sylvester Richmond, who was ap- pointed sheriff. Mr. Richmond lived in Dighton, and was the first sheriff appointed after the removal of the shire town to Taunton. On the 9th of June, 1774, the court received a sub- scription from the inhabitants of the town of Taunton amounting to £922.15 for building a court-house. The first county tax of four hundred pounds was ordered by the court on the 8th of September, 1747, to be levied on the inhabitants of the several towns. Soon after the assessment of the county tax in 1747 work was commenced on the first court-house erected in Taunton. The edifice stood directly in front of the present structure, and served the purpose for which it was built for nearly a quarter of a century. On the 17th of December, 1771, the court ordered " that a new court-house be built, to be forty-eight feet square and twenty-four feet post, and George Leonard, Jr., Benjamin Williams, Robert Treat Paine, and Daniel Leonard, Esquires, or either two of them, are appointed a committee to proceed and erect a court-house, and to dispose of the now stand- ing court-house by sale thereof or by taking it down and disposing of the timber." This committee was instructed " to make application to the selectmen of the town of Taunton to call a town-meeting to see whether the town will grant twenty feet more of the town's land back of the now court-house to the county to set the new house on." The town of Taunton in 1772 conveyed to the county the land de- sired, and thereupon the committee sold the old house, which was removed across the street and con- verted into a dwelling. This committee proceeded to erect the second court-house upon the site now oc- cupied by the present court-house. This house, like its predecessor, was built of wood. The lower story was appropriated to offices, and a flight of long broad stairs led from a platform in front of the court-room doors to the level of the street. In after-years it was pronounced to be too small and inconvenient to accommodate the growing business of the county, and it was sold and removed to the foot of Court Street, where it now stands, and is occupied by sev- eral tenants, and upon its site was erected the present brick edifice, a substantial structure. The first gaol which was built was used for that purpose till 1785, when it having become so insecure that a number of the prisoners escaped therefrom, the court directed a new jail to be built, and the legisla- ture authorized the assessing of a county tax of £1500 to meet the expenses. The second jail was S!)0 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. erected upon the same site as the first jail, and cost £621.7. It was built of wood and painted red, and is remembered by many persons now living. The stone jail on the corner of Court and Washington Streets was erected in 1821. The stone used in its construction were quarried in Fall River. The jail now used as such in Taunton was completed in 1873, and cost one hundred and sixty thousand dollars. We now pass over for a number of years the rec- ords of the courts, which are replete with interest and instruction, stopping only to give a description of the chief justices, as drawn by John Adams when on a professional visit to Taunton on the 8th day of June, 1762: "Went to Taunton Court, the land of Leonards, three judges of the Common Pleas of that name, each of whom has a son who was bred at col- lege. The Hon. George Leonard, the first justice, seems to me arbitrary. He committed two old gentle- men who were nearly eighty years old to the custody of an officer only for speaking loud, when they were both deaf and not conscious that they did speak. A check, a reproof, an admonition would have been enough." " He was unwilling that the sessions should adjourn for an hour to take the verdict of the jury in a trial upon a presentment for a riot, but would have that jury kept together all night, till the court should set again the next morning. No other court in the prov- ince, superior and inferior, would have thought of keeping the jury up. He broke in most abruptly upon Bob Paine: ' He did not think it was right to run out against the king's witnesses ; for his part he did not like to hear it three or four times over.' Thus the haughty tyrant rules the county." In March, 1773, a cause was tried wherein Nehe- miah Liscome, of Taunton, sued Jerathmeel Bowers, of Swansey, in a plea of trespass, " that whereas, on the 11th day of March last past, at Taunton, a certain discourse was had between the said Nehemiah and Jerathmeel concerning the election of the person who should be chosen to represent the town of Taunton at the next election," Bowers promised that if Lis- come was elected representative he would give him one hundred gallons of Jamaica rum, and if Lis- come was not elected he was to give Bowers fifty dol- lars. Liscome was elected and demanded the rum of Bowers, who refused to pay, and this suit was brought to recover the same or the value thereof in money. The jury returned a verdict for the defendant. Upon the breaking out of the Revolution the colo- nial courts were dissolved, and more than a year elapsed before the courts were reorganized. This want of courts of justice was in some places supplied by the establishment of local tribunals. As an illus- tration, at a town meeting held in Attleborough it was voted to have a Superior and Inferior Court in that town, and four men were chosen to serve as superior judges, and seven as judges of the Inferior Court. There was a large number of the inhabitants of the American Colonies who did not espouse the popular cause in the war of the Revolution, but adhered to the crown. They were called Loyalists or Tories. Some of these persons remained almost neutral, and looked upon the changing fortunes of their country with the coldness of a stoic, while others took up arms in support of the king, and endeavored by every artifice and stratagem to defeat the plans of the colo- nists. On the 12th day of March, 1776, a large num- ber of these persons with force and arms prevented the court from meetiug at the court-house in Taun- ton, and other quarters had to be provided in which to hold the session of the court. During the Revolutionary war the courts were busy in the examination of persons who were in any way disposed to favor the side of the mother-country. If any one was supposed to be an enemy, he was brought before a Committee of Correspondence and Safety which was in every town. The committee would send the suspected persons to the Court of Sessions, where they would be ordered to enter into a recognizance in the sum of two hundred pounds, not to join the enemy or render any assist- ance thereto. In 1777, Jerathmeel Bowers, of whom we have here- tofore spoken, and who was at this time one of the justices of the Court of Sessions, was convicted before the Committee of Correspondence and Safety, " for undervaluing the paper currency of the United States and refusing to take the same, and for saying that he had rather give one thousand dollars than to have any soldiers raised in Swansea. He was ordered to be committed to the gaol and there remain till he was discharged by the order of the State; at the next term of the Court of Sessions he was ordered to be discharged on his own recognizance. Col. Bowers was elected a representative from Swansea to the General Court in 1783. The select- men of Rehoboth and sundry inhabitants of Swansea petitioned that he might be excluded from a seat, on the ground that " he had not shown himself friendly in the late struggle with Great Britain," and also that he was disqualified by virtue of a resolve of a former General Court. This petition was referred to a com- mittee of the house which subsequently reported that " by a resolve of the General Court passed April 7, 1777, the said Jerathmeel Bowers was disqualified from holding any post of honor or profit in the com- monwealth, which resolve in the opinion of the com- mittee was still in force, and that Mr. Bowers was therefore disqualified from holding a seat." This re- port was accepted by the House and Bowers quitted his seat accordingly. In the year 1785, during the Shays rebellion, the courts in this county were again interrupted. A large number of persons armed with clubs and stones assembled at Taunton, intending to prevent the Court of Common Pleas from doing any business. At this THE COURTS AND BAR OF BRISTOL COUNTY. 891 time Gen. David Cobb, of Taunton, was one of the justices of the Court of Common Pleas. Geu. Cobb had been an aid to Gen. Washington, and was then major-general of militia of the Old Colony. During the riot Gen. Cobb made his way through an angry mob to the court-house, uttering the memorable words, " I will either sit as a judge or die as a gen- eral." This bold and determined attitude, of Gen. Cobb carried dismay and fear to the rioters, they im- diately dispersed, and the court proceeded with its business without further molestation. Gen. Cobb afterwards became the chief justice of the Court of Common Pleas in Maine. In the colonial days, and in the earlier days of the republic, Samuel White, Robert Treat Paine, Daniel Leonard, Seth Bradford, Nicholas Tillinghast, Daniel L. Barnes and others, who were residents of the county, with James Otis, Timothy Ruggles and other distinguished lawyers now residents, were members of the Bristol bar and practiced in the courts at Taunton. Samuel White was appointed king's attorney in 1747, and at every term of the court thereafter till his death in 1769. He was an eminent lawyer, and " famed for his accuracy in making writs." He was Speaker of the House of Representatives during the period of the stamp act, and as presiding officer of the House he signed the circular which called to- gether the first Congress that assembled in New York in 1765. Robert Treat Paine settled in Taunton in 1761, and continued to reside there for nineteen years. He was one of the ablest lawyers of his day, and his practice was probably not exceeded by that of any attorney in the State. In 1770, the prosecution of Capt. Pres- ton and others "for the Boston massacre was con- ducted by him with marked ability, and he won a wide reputation. As a signer of the Declaration of Independence he rendered his name immortal. In 1779 he was a member of the State Constitutional Convention, and one of the committee which pre- pared the draft of the Constitution. In 1780, upon the acceptance of the constitution, he was made the first attorney-general of the State, which office he re- tained for ten years, when he was appointed one of the justices of the Superior Court. He was a mem- ber of the court for fourteen years when he resigned. Upon the death of Samuel White the court ap- pointed Daniel Leonard king's attorney. Mr. John Adams, his contemporary, has given us a graphic de- scription of Mr. Leonard. Mr. Adams says, " He was a scholar, a lawyer, and an orator, according to the standard of those days. As a member of the House of Representatives, even down to the year 1770, he made the most ardent speeches in that House against Great Britain, and in favor of the colonies. His popularity became alarming. He married a daughter of Mr. Hammock, who had left a portion, as it was thought in that day. He wore a broad gold lace around the rim of his hat. He had made his cloak glitter with laces still broader. He had set up his chariot and constantly traveled in it from Taun- ton to Boston. Not another lawyer in the province, of whatever age, reputation, or station, presumed to ride in a coach or chariot." Robert Treat Paine and Daniel Leonard were col- leagues as representatives from Taunton, and on one occasion, as they were going to Boston together to at- tend to their legislative duties, when approaching the summer residence of Governor Hutchinson, in Milton, Mr. Leonard remarked to Mr. Paine that he was de- sirous of calling on the Governor, and requested Paine to accompany him. Paine declined the invitation and added, " If you stop I shall proceed to Boston with- out you." And there they parted company. Of what was said and done at this interview between Governor Hutchinson and Mr. Leonard history is silent, but from that hour Mr. Leonard ceased to support the American cause and became a bitter Tory. He commenced a se- ries of articles, which were published in the Massa- chusetts Gazette and Post-Boy. These articles attracted much attention, and were afterwards answered by John Adams. Mr. Leonard lived in the dwelling-house which ad- joins the court-house on the east. A mob attacked his house, and a musket-ball was fired through the window into a room in which Mr. Leonard was seri- ously ill. He fled to Boston, and in 1776 he accom- panied the British army to Halifax, and was prohib- ited from returning to the State, by the statute of 1778, under the penalty of death. He was appointed by the British government chief justice of the Bermuda Islands, and died in London in 1829, aged eighty-nine years. Samuel Fales, of Taunton, was the second clerk of the courts ; afterwards he became chief justice of the Court of Common Pleas ; he was subsequently an ex- ecutive councilor of the commonwealth. His eldest son, Nathaniel, succeeded him as clerk of the courts in 1804. James Sproat, Sr., followed Mr. Fales in the clerk's office. " Mr. Sproat was a man of ready wit. While at the bar Daniel L. Barnes, Esq., was at one time addressing the jury, he had occasion to quote the fol- lowing passage from Scripture, the address of Satan to the Lord, ' Skin for skin, yea all that a man hath will he give for his life,' adding, in his ignorance of authorities, ' saith our Saviour.' Sproat in an instant was on his feet, and turning to the court said, ' He may be Brother Barnes' Saviour, but he is not mine.' ' James Sproat, Jr., succeeded his venerable father, and performed the duties of clerk of the court till June, 1856, when he resigned, and his brother, Wil- liam A. F. Sproat, was appointed by the court. Mr. William A. F. Sproat continued as clerk till January, 1857, when the office, by an amendment to the constitution, became elective. John S. Brayton, of Fall River, who was elected at the November elec- 892 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. tion in 1856 clerk of the Courts, assumed the duties of that office on the first Wednesday of January, 1857. Mr. Bray ton was re-elected in the autumn of 1861, and resigned January 5, 1864. He was suc- ceeded by Simeon Borden, Esq., of Fall River, who has held the office by successive elections till the present time, and has proved himself to be an effi- cient, able, and accomplished officer. For eighty-two years all the courts of this county were held in Taunton. The Legislature of 1828 au- thorized the holding of one term of the Supreme Ju- dical Court and two terms of the Court of Common Pleas annually in New Bedford. In June, 1828, the first term of the Court of Common Pleas was held in New Bedford, in what was then the town hall, now the District Court room. The present court-house and other county buildings in New Bedford were subsequently erected. The last term of the Court of Common Pleas for Bristol County was holden in New Bedford, the term ending on the 27th day of June, 1859. Regular sessions of that court had been held either at Taunton or New Bedford, with the excep- tion of the interregnum heretofore alluded to, for one hundred and thirteen years. From the time of its organization to the year 1810, the Court of Common Pleas was strictly a County Court, its justices, three in number, being residents of the county. All the jus- tices were present at its sessions and participated in the business of the court. In 1810 the State was divided into circuits, the Southern circuit being com- posed of the counties of Norfolk, Plymouth, Barn- stable, Bristol, Dukes, and Nantucket. In 1821 the courts were again reorganized and the Court of Com- mon Pleas became a State Court, like the Supreme Judicial Court. On the 1st day of July, 1859, the Court of Common Pleas was abolished, and was suc- ceeded by the Superior Court. The Bristol bar, as we have seen, during the colo- nial era and the earlier days of the republic, had among its members distinguished men, who stamped their characters upon the times in which they lived, and who gave to the bar a reputation for ability, in- telligence, and statesmanship second to none in the commonwealth. The reputation thus early estab- lished has been maintained to this day. During the present century the Bristol bar has furnished to the several courts of the commonwealth judges, who as jurists have become noted for their broad, general knowledge of jurisprudence and for their sound judgment and legal acumen. Samuel S. Wilde, of Taunton, was an honored member of the Supreme Judicial Court for thirty-five years, the longest term of service of any judge in the State ; and for twenty years there sat by his side Marcus Morton, another member of this bar. These two jurists, with their associates, Shaw and Putinan, gave weight and character to the decisions of our Supreme Judicial Court, and its decisions have been adopted as the common law of our country and are quoted as authority in the courts of Westminster Hall. Judge Merrick, who was a justice of the Supreme Court for eleven years, commenced the practice of his profession in this county. He first settled in Swansea, and afterwards removed to Taunton. And now Marcus Morton, the junior of that name, born and bred in this county, fills with distinguished ability the seat upon that bench which has been graced by a Parsons and a Shaw. John Mason Williams, a native of New Bedford, an honored member of this bar, was upon the bench of the Court of Common Pleas twenty-four years, five years of which he was chief justice. Charles H. Warren, Harrison Gray Otis Colby each have won here enviable reputations, and, having acceptably filled the office of district attorney, were promoted to seats upon the same bench. The present chief justice of the Supreme Court, Lincoln Flagg Brigham, for six years discharged, with eminent ability the duties of prosecuting officer of this district, and was, upon the organization of the court, appointed one of its associate justices, and in 1869 commissioned chief justice. The late Ezra Wilkinson, of Dedham, upon his admission to the bar, settled in Seekonk, and afterwards removed to Assonet. He subsequently became a resident of Dedham, was for many years district attorney of his district, and when the Superior Court was established he was appointed a judge, and remained on the bench till his death, in 1882. Chester I. Reed, of Taunton, who was cut off by death in the midst of his usefulness, was taken from the office of attorney-general and placed upon the bench of the Superior Court. One of the present eminent judges of that court is the Hon. Robert Car- ter Pitman, who was in full practice at the Bristol bar when appointed to the bench. Besides the two attorney-generals of whom we have spoken in another connection, the Bristol bar has furnished that office with one who, by his marked ability and great forensic powers, has given even to the bar of Massachusetts a broader and more enviable reputation, the late Hon. John Henry Clifford, of New Bedford. George Marston, of New Bedford, was for eighteen years the prosecuting officer of the Southern District, and was then elected attorney-general of the common- wealth. He held that office for four years, and it is sufficient to say he maintained its high reputation for ability, learning, and character. The office of attorney-general was re-established in 1849, and it is a fact to be named with honest pride that for fifteen of the thirty-four years, which have since elapsed, the attorney-general has been a mem- ber of the Bristol bar. In the national councils this bar has been ably represented by William Baylies, for many years its acknowledged leader ; by his brother, Francis Baylies, HOMOEOPATHY IN BRISTOL COUNTY AND ITS PRACTITIONERS. 893 the author of the " History of Plymouth Colony," and who was at one time the United States minister to Brazil ; hy Lemuel Williams, of New Bedford, and Henry Williams, of Taunton ; by Laban Wheaton, of Norton ; and by Thomas Dawes Eliot, of New Bedford. Mr. Eliot was in Congress thirteen years, and has left his impress upon the legislation of his country. William Wallace Crapo, also of New Bedford, has just closed a successful career of eight years in Con- gress, and has made for himself a national reputation. Mr. George T. Davis, recently deceased, and Mr. Kasson, of Iowa, formerly belonged to this bar, and have each been members of Congress, Mr. Kasson from the State of his adoption, and Mr. Davis from one of the districts in this State. Two chief magistrates of the commonwealth, Gov- ernors Morton and Clifford, as has been previously stated, were members of this bar, and David Cobb, of Taunton, who was Lieutenant-Governor in 1809, was for a time a judge of the Court of Common Pleas. If we had the space and time we would speak more fully of Professor Theophilus Parsons, who practiced at Taunton ; of Timothy G. Coffin, who obtained the foremost rank in his profession as a nisi prius lawyer; of that able advocate, Nathaniel Morton ; of the two Hathaways, Elnathan B. and Joseph ; of the two Cushmans, Apollos and Hercules ; of the genial Stone, the judge of the Court of Insolvency ; of Charles J. Holmes, A. Bassett; of Messrs. Battelle, Williams, Lapham, Boomer, Pratt, Bacon, and others, who have sustained the honor and added lustre to the Bristol County bar. Governor Emory Washburn enunciated an axiom when he said " that a free people, for an impartial administration of justice, and the security of personal rights, depend upon the labors of an honorable, en- lightened, and independent bar." The bar of Bristol County is, to-day, what it has been in the past, hon- orable, enlightened, and independent. By the statute approved March 19, 1877, the justices of the Superior Court were authorized to adjourn any of the established terms of that court from Taunton and New Bedford to Fall River. The county com- missioners thereupon made arrangements to have the large and eligible hall in the Borden Block, in Fall River, which block had just been erected and fitted up for the accommodation of the Superior Court. This hall and the adjoining rooms are now used for that purpose, and in their appointments and con- venience are not surpassed by any court-house in the commonwealth. The first session of the Superior Court convened in Fall River was held in the afternoon of the 27th day of June, 1877, the Hon. P. Emory Aldrich presiding. The session of that day was devoted to the dedication of the hall. Addresses were made by several gentle- men of the bar, and were responded to by the pre- siding judge. We bring this article upon the history of the courts of Bristol County to a conclusion by quoting the closing portion of the historical address delivered on the occasion of the dedication of the hall in Fall River : " How fitting and proper it is that we should be here and for the purposes of this day. The land upon which this stately edifice stands was once the property of Col. Benjamin Church, the famous war- rior and conqueror of King Philip, and who during the administration of Governor Andros was one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas for this county. As we look out of these windows to-day we can behold the scene of his brilliant exploits, the place where by his strategy and prowess the blow was given which put an end to that bloodiest of bloody wars, and finally resulted in the downfall of a great Indian empire. " It was here that that Spartan band, under the lead of Col. Joseph Durfee, the son of Hon. Thomas Durfee, who was a judge of the Court of Common Pleas, on that ever memorable Sunday morning re- pulsed the British in their cowardly attack upon the then little hamlet. Upon this spot the first blood was shed by the English in this county in the Revo- lutionary war. Once a part of the broad acres of a judge, defended with heroic valor by the son of another judge, the present clerk of the courts and his kinsmen, the worthy children of an honored sire, have erected this edifice, whose halls we this day dedicate to justice and to truth." CHAPTER LXXI. HOMCEOPATHY IN BRISTOL COUNTY AND ITS PRAC- TITIONERS.* The very terms of living fifty years ago were so different from those of the present that comparison between them is impossible, mainly because of the multiplicity of the causes which have led to these changes, each having its due weight and influence. Hence this article can only indicate the rise, progress, and influence of one part of the therapeutic art. Fifty years ago ci vi lization, the civilization of merely living, was very different from what it is to-day. A large part of the life was not so completely shut out from the clear air of heaven. Wood was the common fuel, and the generous fireplaces formed ventilators which carried off through their roaring throats every form of impurity, not permitting it to linger long enough to attack the inhabitants. Hence the condi- tions of disease also were entirely different, for there is no more powerful disinfectant known than the oxygen of the atmosphere, when it can reach the 1 By E. U. Jones, M.D., Tauuton, Mass. 894 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. threatening nocua in sufficient quantity. The " filth" which now frightens us, and which truly seems the home of all disease, which is truly the ally of every known disease-producer, and which we are now fight- ing with all the energy of a known enemy, was not such a disease-cause with them, because of its quick diffusion and minimizing by the very ease with which oxygen got access to it. When, however, the wings of the wind bore the invading epidemic from other lands and other places, the people fell before it, as much from fright, perhaps, as from the disease itself. In the last visitation of cholera, truly fright killed as many as filth. The fright of the people was not so much dread of the disease itself, as a lack of confi- dence in the power to oppose it. Moreover, if I may use the phrase, there was at this time a great coarseness in the science of medicine, from which it was just beginning to emerge. This coarseness was most noticeable in the two branches of diagnosis and therapeutics. In the larger cities, and among those who had facilities of intercourse with other, and especially with foreign, physicians, this coarseness was fast giving away to physiological medicine, diagnosis was becoming far more accurate, diseases which had always been classed as one were being separated, and in proportion as delicacy and accuracy of diagnosis existed, so polypharmacy began to give way to a more scientific therapeutics, — that is to say, an effort was made by which the new obser- vations and facts in physiology should be thrown into a theoretical form, and on that theory a new thera- peutics be constructed. But for a long time the teach- ing remained the same, and the close of the remedial statement of every serious disease remained the same, — " mercury, in some of its forms, is our sheet-anchor in this disease." The light of schools and colleges was being rapidly diffused, but the physicians of a pre- ceding generation, then in active practice, could not see or comprehend this light. A physician of this class, whose death occurred a few years since, was ac- customed to maintain that the only proper treatment for phthisis was copious and repeated venesections. Under these circumstances homoeopathy was intro- duced to the notice of the profession and the people. Its remedies, so markedly diverse in form and ap- pearance from those in vogue, so minute as almost to claim the power of magic, and withal so effectual as to defy disproof, at once gave rise to serious questions in the minds of both the profession and the laity. These questions presented themselves as it regards the self-limitation of disease, the Heedlessness of the huge doses, the actual injuries inflicted by the action of remedies pushed to their pathological results, the value of diet in disease, and the removal of the causes of disease. In proportion as the refinements of phys- iological medicine had not reached the mass of the people and the profession, so did the wonderful re- finement of homoeopathy strike them the more forci- bly. The sufferers from the coarseness of the one flew with extreme hope to the subtilty of the other. The long-suffering infant world was the first to experience the benefit of the change, and the limitation put to their diseases and death was the most marked and wonderful. The power of the new therapeutics was shown still more decidedly in the cures of virulent diseases, and cholera, dysentery, the exanthematic and continued fevers, choreas, and all forms of neu- rotic diseases, convulsions, etc., owned its sway. The educated and intelligent classes were among the first to accept the new method, from the positive proofs with which it was accompanied, and they are its best patrons to-day. It was extremely unfortunate that homoeopathy was introduced as a new system of medicine, rather as a new system of therapeutics based upon the eluci- dation of a formerly well-known law, but perhaps the present great advance in the science of medicine could not otherwise have been attained. Perhaps, too, the true position of its guiding law could not have been shown so effectually, and could not have been so great a boon to humanity, nor be adopted so thoroughly as the one great law of therapeutics as it is at the present day, by any other means than by being thrown upon its own resources. The ridi- cule with which it was met, the attempted argument by which it was to be annihilated, and the ostracism meted out to its supporters and its professional ex- ponents accomplished more for its introduction into the true science of medicine than any other methods could possibly have done. Although a portion of the old rancor still holds, expressing itself in the ethical formularies of many societies, yet this article will not be ten years old when all that will have practically passed away, and the science of medicine will have bowed its head to homoeopathy in proud acknowledg- ment of the wonderful gain made in therapeutics by its aid. The men who in Bristol County championed this system were mostly physicians in the true and full sense of the word, who, in working for homoeopathy, were working for the ultimate advancement of medi- cal science. Hence, while their business and the necessarily close study occupied the greater part of their time, they still keptthemselves posted thoroughly in all the theories and advanced ideas of the dav. Homoeopathy was not taken by them simply as a theory of disease, but as the best practical method of prescribing for disease, and its law as the only one which seemed to have a perfectly practical and uni- versal bearing. Their principal labor was in the line of the development of this law ; for this they were willing to suffer ostracism, and for this and its re- wards were they anxious to labor. Safe in the fold of their own medical society, safer in the love and confidence of their patients, safest in the certainty of the results which were sure to follow their labors, they could well afford to wait the results of the truth of the law to which they had given their allegiance. HOM(EOPATHY IN BRISTOL COUNTY AND ITS PRACTITIONERS. 895 Later years have proved the justice of these claims, for pari passu with their presentation has been the acknowledgment of their rights, and homoeopathic physicians now stand in the eyes of the communities and the local governments on a level, at least, with the educated men of any school. The first of these physicians, in point of time, to settle in the county, was Dr. Manning B. Roche. He was a pupil of Dr. Constantine Hering, and was a graduate of the Allentown Academy. No one could be a pupil of Dr. Hering and not be thoroughly versed in all that pertains to the education of the physician, and Dr. Roche's education was complete, and especially so in the matter of the Materia Medica. He was a man of strong character, and well calculated to command the respect and attention of those with whom he came in contact. He settled in New Bed- ford in 1841, and though at first he met with little encouragement, he gradually acquired a foothold, and at length obtained a large practice. He retired on account of failing health in 1861, and died at River- side, N. J., July 5, 1862, aged seventy-three years. Dr. Roche met with but little active opposition to his practice, which may have been due to the liberal example of the late Dr. Lyman Bartlett, who, at the time of his death, had stood for a quarter of a century at the head of his school in this locality. He stead- fastly refused to be bound by the bigoted rules of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and always met ho- moeopathic physicians in consultation whenever re- quested so to do. At this same time, in the northwestern portion of the county, in the little town of Norton, Dr. Ira Barrows was practicing " after the straitest sect of allopathy." But in 1842 his attention was called to the new theory of therapeutics by his friend, Dr. P. P. Wells, now of Brooklyn, N. Y. But he was not a man to take things on any one's statement, and he accordingly obtained the " Organon" and Hull's Jahr, and commenced his experiments. The result of these experiments filled him with wonder, and he very soon gave in his adherence unreservedly to the new school. It has been a mistaken notion that all of those who practice homoeopathically must, of necessity, give in their whole adherence to all of the theories by which Hahnemann tried to account for the action of reme- dies ; but in every case individual opinion has been duly exercised, and the facts of the master taken without regard to the theories which he advanced. Hence the far larger part of the converts which were made to homoeopathy were those who had previously been firm adherents of the theory of the dominant school, and while putting their whole faith in the power of the therapeutic law, nevertheless did not feel themselves required to adopt all of the theory of disease presented by Hahnemann. Homoeopathy in Bristol County was represented by these same inde- pendent thinkers, and facts, not theories, were required for their guidance. In August of 1842 an epidemic dysentery spread very generally over the region around Norton, and | Dr. Barrows treated sixty-three, cases with the loss of but one,— a very wonderful showing for that disease and those times. The knowledge of his method of treat- ment spread very rapidly over the adjacent towns, and soon his circuit extended to at least twenty miles. He was the pioneer of homoeopathy in Taun- ton, Middleborough, Raynham, the Bridgewaters, Easton, Mansfield, Foxborough, Wrentham, Attlebor- ough, Seekonk, Rehoboth, Dighton, and Pawtucket. He met with a great deal of opposition from his pro- fessional brethren, and was finally, without a fair hear- ing and on a technical charge, expelled from the Mas- sachusetts Medical Society, the first martyr in this section of the country to the bigotry of medical intol- erance. This action of the society, and the fact that it was based technically, not really, on " gross immor- ality," was exceedingly galling to Dr. Barrows, and he never could afterwards speak of it with composure. It was a gross libel on the life of a man whose whole life was given to the relief of suffering humanity. He soon left Norton, and commenced practice in Provi- dence, which he held to the day of his death. He died Oct. 14, 1882, and his funeral, held in church, was attended by crowds of interested professional lay friends. He graduated at Brown University in 1824, and re- ceived his medical diploma from Harvard in 1827. It was not till 1845 that Fall River was settled by homoeopathy. In that year Dr. Isaac Fiske be- came interested in it, and the more that he studied the law and the more that he put it into practice the more did he love it, till finally he practiced under its aegis solely. At this time Fall River was a small manufacturing town, with its great possibilities not yet developed, and its population almost wholly made up of those who were connected with the mills. With this class homoeopathy was not popular, and Dr. Fiske met with much and unreasonable opposition in his new practice, both from his professional brethren and the people. But his own high scholarly attainments, his social power, and his love for his newly-found truth, enabled him to overcome all difficulties, and to establish himself in a good practice. Although the town of Taunton had weekly, and oftener if needed, the services of Dr. Ira Barrows, yet there was no settled homoeopathic physician here till the advent of Dr. George Barrows, in 1846. Dr. Bar- rows was a graduate of Amherst in 1840, and of Berk- shire Medical College in 1843, which he had entered as a sturdy allopath. But his attention had been drawn to homoeopathy by the increased success of his brother since his change of practice, and by the urgency of Dr. William Peck, of Cincinnati. While at Pittsfield he made the change, and openly avowed and practiced the new way, and it was perhaps then that the college first heard the truth so plainly uttered. 896 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Upon his graduation lie came to Taunton and began business. He met with a great deal of opposition, but it was not malignant, and his kindly ways, his gentlemanliness, and his quiet persistence in asking his opponents " to come and see," made him hosts of friends and compelled to be respected the practice of which he was almost the sole exponent. In difficult cases he had the experience of his brother to aid him, and the remembrance of him as a physician and a man stands high in this community to-day. He was always ready to welcome the young physi- cian, and to give him all the aid in his power, some- times to his own professional hurt, but homoeopathy was his enthusiasm, and to its advancement he was ready to sacrifice everything. He died Jan. 19, 1878, and those who regretted his loss filled the large church in which his funeral was held. Such were the men who were the actual pioneers of homoeopathy in Bristol County, men of thorough education, of good social standing, of high religious and moral sentiment, and those whom their profes- sional brethren could not ignore or relegate to the class of quack or charlatan. The homoeopathic literature of those days, to those who could not read German, was limited to the copy of Hull's "Jahr," and the " Symtomen Codex," — blessed be its memory, — and to sundry re- ports of cases which were scattered through the little periodical literature which was then printed. Hence most of the time of the homoaopathist was used in the endeavor to find, among the moderate number of the remedies then " proved," the simillimum of the disease under consideration. But little time was left for other study than that of the materia medica, for the disease in hand must be cured, all other things to the contrary notwithstanding, and it must be cured homoeo- pathically, or else the failure would be used as a long lever against the truth of the law, a thing which could not be endured by one of those sturdy pio- neers. In 1847, after Dr. Barrows had left Norton for Providence, Dr. Benjamin M. Rounds commenced practice in Norton, and has been its principal physi- cian to the present time. In 1850. Dr. G. M. Matthes made New Bedford his permanent residence. He received his degree from the united universities of Halle and Wittenberg in March, 1836, but continued his studies for two years longer in Vienna, Prague, and Berlin. He commenced prac- tice in the latter place in 1838, but in 1841 moved to his native place, Schwedt, Prussia. Notwithstanding he had all of the usual bitter prejudices against Hah- nemann, yet in 1845 his attention was compelled to his theories by the favorable results obtained by the neighboring owners of the large and costly herds of merinos, who had entirely discarded their profes- sional veterinary physicians and adopted the homoeo- pathic practice. He soon became a thorough stu- dent of the despised practice. In 1849 he came to this country, located for a short time in Boston, and became a member of the Massachusetts Medical So- ciety. He continues in New Bedford, a highly-es- teemed practitioner. In 1851, Charles Harris, M.D., came to Taunton, and remained for several years. He was a graduate of Berkshire Medical College in 1847. He had a good and successful practice, but was obliged to return to Wareham, where he had formerly practiced, on ac- count of ill health. He is now located at East Bridgewater, where he has many and lasting friends. In 1852, Henry B. Clarke, a graduate of the Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania, com- menced practice in New Bedford, and soon took the high rank which he has since maintained. The year 1854 was an eventful one to homoeopathy in Bristol County. In that year three young physi- cians, all supplemental graduates of the Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania, took up their resi- dence in three different cities of the county. They were educated to the full extent of the knowledge that could be furnished by the allopathic schools of the country, and yet deliberately chose to practice according to the despised law of the new school. In order to fit themselves for this work they took gradu- ation from the only homoeopathic school of eminence in the land. This school, while teaching the whole curriculum of the old school in self-defense, made the peculiar tenets of homoeopathy its prominent point. Its hospital enforced these points, and its daily clinic made evident the wonderful power of the attenuated doses. The proof could not be ignored, and, once accepted, the proof of daily practice made it only the stronger. These graduates accepted fully the proof thus offered, and the fact that during a practice of thirty years they have not swerved from it is proof that it has never failed them. In the spring of 1854, Dr. John L. Clarke com- menced practice in Fall River, and at once took a very high stand among the practitioners of the place. Owing to the peculiar construction of the population homoeopathy did not spread much among the general people, but was received by the intelligent portion, and its hold upon them has never been lost. There are in Fall River now six homoeopathic physicians, all of them in full practice, and all of them men who have come, not merely to try the situation, but who have come to stay, and no one of whose experience there has been less than five years. In 1872, Dr. Thomas A. Capen, a graduate of the Massachusetts Agricultural College and of the Hahne- mann Medical College of Philadelphia, commenced practice, and to-day remains a successful practitioner. In 1874, Dr. David W. Vanderburgh commenced practice in Fall River. Dr. Vanderburgh was grad- uated in the regular course in Ann Arbor in 1866. In August of 1862 he passed examination for medical cadet, United States Army, and served as such till MISCELLANEOUS. 897 April, 1863, when he was appointed assistant sur- geon, Tenth Regiment, Michigan Infantry, which post he held till he was mustered out, Aug. 1, 1865. After his graduation he was appointed acting assistant surgeon in the United States Army, serving with the Seventeenth United States Infantry. A year after he took up the study of homoeopathy. Dr. D. A. Babcock graduated from the New York Medical College in 1874, was in partnership with Dr. Clarke, of New Bedford, till 1878, when he succeeded to the practice of Dr. George Barrows, of Taunton. After the death of his uncle, Dr. J. L. Clarke, he re- moved to Fall River, where he has largely increased the practice and has made his permanent residence. Drs. Stowe, Finch, and Walker are also settled in the city, and are finding good practices. In 1854, Dr. Edward Sisson, a student with Dr. Roche, and a graduate both of the Berkshire Medical School and of the Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania, completed his studies, and commenced a very successful practice, which he still maintains. There are several other physicians in New Bedford who have recently settled there, who will do honor to the cause. Among them may be mentioned Helen M. Wright, M.D., a graduate of Boston University School of Medicine, 1881. In this same eventful year Dr. E. U. Jones came to Taunton, at the repeated and urgent request of Dr. Barrows, and for two years was his assistant befoi'e commencing practice on his own account. Previous to this Dr. Jones had been in a good prac- tice in Dover, N. H. It was in this summer that cholera was a dread visitant to the town, but the pages of homoeopathy stand with but one death re- corded upon them. The practice of Dr. Jones has been among the best and most intelligent of the citi- zens. He was for seven years secretary of the Mas- sachusetts Homoeopathic Medical Society, and, as an especial honor, was elected its centennial president in 1876. He is the chairman of the first board of health of the city of Taunton. He is also Lecturer on Sani- tary Science and Malarial Diseases in Boston Uni- versity Medical School. His experience of thirty years is not without its value to a large clientage at the present day. Joseph W. Hayward, M.D., was graduated from the Medical School of Maine in 1864, but was en- tered as medical cadet in the regular army in 1863 ; served in general hospitals till March, 1864; re- entered in June of the same year as assistant surgeon United States Volunteers. After passing the regular army board served in the field in front of Richmond until Nov. 25, 1865. He then came to New York, took lectures at Bellevue, and came to Taunton in March, 1866. He is at present Lecturer at Boston University School of Medicine, a member of the city school board, and in a large and successful practice. Dr. B. L. Dwinell is a graduate of Tuft's College, 1876, and of Boston University School of Medicine, 57 1878. Immediately after graduation he settled in Taunton, and is having a very successful practice. Dr. Fred. D. Tripp is a graduate of Boston Uni- versity School of Medicine, 1881 ; spent one year in the hospital at Ward's Island, and in March, 1883, became city physician. Dr. Caleb Swan, a grandson of Dr. Caleb Swan, of Easton, and son of Dr. James C. Swan, of Brockton, coming from a line of physicians, is recognized as one who will be prominent in the future history of medi- cine in the county. His grandfather was among the earliest of those who recognized the value of the new therapeutics, and, while not taking a decided stand upon the point, yet practiced it more and more till his death, and claimed himself as a homoeopath. His circuit extended over the whole county, and his judgment was much relied upon. CHAPTER LXXII. MISCELLANEOUS. The French Canadians in the County of Bristol. 1 — About one-sixteenth of the population of Massa- chusetts is composed of French Canadians. Of all the cities in the State, Fall River and Lowell have the largest French Canadian population. Although we lack certain data for an accurate determination of their numbers, yet a reliable estimate may be reached by reference to their church records, the opinions of their journalists, and the last Federal census. Relying upon these sources of information we may state that there are one hundred thousand French Canadians in Massachusetts, and from ten to twelve thousand both in Lowell and Fall River. Most of these immigrants have come here since the war. Like other aliens they come to better their condition, and while the majority of them come to work in our manufactories, yet they are followed by a relative number of professional men, physicians, clergymen, and lawyers, as well as educated mer- chants. The latter, especially, bring some capital with them, while the larger number of the others trust to whatever opportunity there may be here for persons able and willing to work. It is the opinion of those who are acquainted with this class of people that they are orderly, sociable, and intelligent, and that sooner or later their influ- ence will be felt in the society and politics of this State. The French Canadian is very much attached to his language. French is spoken in the family and in the church. It is not true, as some suppose, that the French Canadian speaks a patois unintelligible to a 1 Contributed by Hugo A. Dubuque. .-MS HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. person well versed in the French language. The curriculum of schools and colleges in Canada is based upon that of the lyceums and colleges of France, and any one familiar with the literary works produced by French Canadians is well aware that the French lan- guage has been preserved with remarkable vigor and purity by all the descendants of the Cartiers, Maison- j neuves, and Champlains. We shall have occasion later on to refer to Mr. Louis Frechette, the French Canadian poet-laureate, whose works were crowned by the French Academy (Paris, 1880). The first French family came to Fall River about the year 1859, but it was not until 1866-68 that the French from Canada came here in large numbers. We often hear that these people return to Canada after a few years' sojourn here. It may have been so before 1870, but since then the French population has increased rapidly in every city and county of the commonwealth. Let us now glance at the social and religious con- dition of this element. While some thirty or forty families attend Protestant churches, the remainder belong to the Catholic Church. The French Protestants meet for worship in the mission chapel on the corner of Pleasant and Sixth Streets. The first French Catholic Church (called Ste. Anne) was built in 1870, on Hunter Street, Rev. A. de Mon- taubricq, a native of France, being its first pastor. In 1867-68, Rev. A. J. Derbuel, another native of France, at present pastor of the French Church in West Boylston, Mass., was ministering to the wants of the French families then in Fall River. He was then one of the assistants in St. Mary's (Irish) parish. Another church (Notre Dame) has since been built on Bassett Street to accommodate the residents of the eastern portion of the city. Rev. P. J. B. Bedard has been its pastor from the first. There is a part of the city of Fall River called French village (Petit Canada, or Little Canada, as the French themselves name it), which includes all the houses of the American Linen Company, and is bounded on the east by Broadway and on the north and south by Division and Bay Streets. It received that appellation because the early French Canadian immigrants lived mostly in that vicinity. The French in Fall River have since 1870 organ- ized, and they maintain to this day, various national, benevolent, and literary societies. The most impor- tant of them, called the St. Jean Baptiste, was founded in 1874, as a national and mutual relief association ; it was reorganized in 1878, and is now in existence. It has taken the lead in the celebration of the 24th of June, the national holiday of the French Cana- dians, St. John the Baptist being their patron saint. An event of some importance to the French popula- tion of Fall River was the publication in the French language of a weekly paper called L'Echo du Canada (1873). It was owned and edited by Dr. Alfred Mig- nault and H. Beaugrand. The former practiced as a physician in Fall River for some nine or ten years, and died recently. The latter is the proprietor and manager of a large and successful daily, La Patrie, in Montreal (P. Q. Canada). Mr. Beaugrand was educated in a French Canadian college, and came to this country while young. He enlisted in the French army in Mexico, and after- wards settled in Fall River, and worked at the trade of a printer until he commenced the publication of L'Echo du Canada. He was very active, studious, and enterprising. He sold his paper to Mr. Archam- bault (a photographer, now in Montreal), who trans- ferred it to Mr. Remi Benoit, who in turn became its editor. This paper was succeeded by Le Protect ear Canadien, edited by contributors. Before that, in 1874, Mr. Benoit had successively edited Le Charivari, a comical paper, and L'Ouvrier Canadien, which was a. rival to L'Echo du Canada. While Mr. Beaugrand lived in Fall River he wrote a book entitled Jeanne La Films? (Jane the Spinner). It is an interesting novel. The heroine is an or- phan, who leaves Canada and comes to Fall River,* works in the mills, and has two lovers, one in Canada, the other in Fall River; the latter saves her life in the Granite Mill fire in 1874, but dies in consequence of injuries received in the performance of that self- sacrificing deed. Jeanne marries the former. The book contains a faithful description of the life and manners of the French natives of Canada at home and abroad. In September, 1873, the French Canadians had a large meeting to rejoice over the withdrawal of the last German troops from French territory, after the payment of the last installment of the war indemnity (September 5th). The French Canadian is a great lover of France, which he calls the mother-country. In 1876-77, Mr. H. Beaugrand published another weekly paper in Fall River, entitled La Repuhlique. In 1877, Le Cercle Montcalm, a literary society, was founded. In 1878, Mr. Louis Frechette, the poet- laureate of Canada, was invited to deliver a lecture in French, under the auspices of that society, in Concert Hall. Mr. Beaugrand composed L'Hijmne Montcalm for the occasion. Dr. Mignault adapted the words to music, and he was also the leader of the orchestra, called Le Septuor. Mr. Frechette, who formerly lived in Chicago, spoke on the future prospects of his com- patriots in their adopted country, and recited some of his poetry on Papineau (the French leader of the insurrection in 1837) and on the discovery of the Mississippi. In 1881, Mr. Frechette was again invited to deliver a lecture, in Waverly Hall, on Washington and the duties of citizenship. The audience was so large that many were unable to gain admission to the hall. In the same year the Club Frechette was founded, with the object of giving theatrical entertainments in the French language. It was incorporated in the Cercle Sataberry, which society has given a number of MISCELLANEOUS. 899 performances on the stage of the Academy of Music. Before that, however, the French clerks formed a society to further their own interests, under the name of La Societe des commis-marchands. It should be noticed that the principal business houses of the city are obliged to secure the services of French clerks to wait upon those customers who are unable to speak the English language. There are, however, French Canadian merchants engaged in almost every branch of trade in Fall River. In the professions, the French in Fall River are represented by two clergymen, one lawyer, nine physicians, and one veterinary surgeon. There are two convents attached to the French churches noticed above ; they are under the control of Catholic Sisters. An orphan asylum, which gives refuge to orphans of any creed or nationality, is con- nected with the convent Notre Dame on Mason Street. There is a parochial school for each congregation, and a commercial college taught by laymen on Bas- sett Street. The English and French languages are equally taught in the schools, the convents, and the college. A large percentage of French children, however, attend the public schools. In 1883 the college on Bassett Street, the convent of Notre Dame, and the orphanage connected with it were organized under the State laws as the Corpora- tion Notre' Dame. , P. J. B. Bedard, who was the promoter of these in- stitutions, has conveyed to the new corporation a large parcel of land and valuable buildings on the same in trust for religious, charitable, and educa- tional purposes. He intends to build a large hos- pital for the sick, the aged, and the infirm on the land of this corporation. A new organ of the French Canadian population of Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton, Le Castor, is published in the first named city. It was started in 1882, and is owned by H. Boisseau. It is edited in a very clever manner by a small circle of contrib- utors. The title, Le Castor, means " the beaver," which is one of the national emblems of the French Canadians. The term " beaver" was given by the English to the French in Canada as an injurious epithet. But the French, considering it a compliment to be called beavers on account of their industry, have always looked upon it as representing one of their national traits, and hence made it an emblem of their own. The other national emblem of the French Canadians is the maple-leaf. This represents the quality of the wood coming from the maple-tree, which compares in its durability with the enduring characteristics of the French Canadian nationality. In 1876, the centennial year, the French Canadians took a prominent part in the celebration of the Fourth of July. A fine allegorical car, over which floated the tri-color by the side of the stars and stripes, was filled with personages attired in the traditional garb of the early French settlers, discoverers, and Gov- ernors of Canada. But it was on June 24, 1878, that the most important demonstration of the French people took place. The local press pronounced the festivities and pro- cession on that day as most complete, and reflecting great credit upon the French people. On such occa- sions the French have orators who speak to the as- sembled multitude in their own tongue. And if Americans needed that any of their adopted citizens should teach them the true love of country and of republican institutions, they could learn a lesson from the spontaneous outbursts of impassioned elo- quence flowing from the lips of these descendants of Lafayette and Rochambeau. And while the French Canadian is thoroughly possessed of that never-dying sentiment which binds one to his native land, yet he finds in the American republic so much to the credit of his ancestors and such generous hospitality, that he always shares freely his amor patriee between the land of his birth and that of his adoption. The French Canadians are naturally conservative, yet quick to learn. In the mills they are well liked by the manufacturers, and during the last four or five years some have been placed in positions of trust. There are some twelve French Canadian overseers, and about one hundred assistant overseers (called second-hands), in the mills of Fall River. It must be remembered that the French immigrants have never engaged in the manufactures before coming to this country. Most of them have been born and brought up on farms. Some of these farmers sell their land in Canada to purchase lots and build homes in the manufacturing cities of New England. A great many are becoming owners of real estate in Fall River. Those who come when they are ten or twelve years old can learn the English language well. The older ones do not speak it so plainly, and many never can pronounce it at all. They are fond of their lan- guage, and even those who speak English as well as French always prefer the vernacular. After a sojourn of some few years among us they naturally appre- ciate our institutions and become interested in our politics. At various times some of their leaders have spoken to them of naturalization at meetings called for that purpose, but it was not until 1882 that a permanent society, called Le Club de Naturalisation (the Natural- ization Club), was formed for that special purpose. It has done effective work in a short time. It meets once a week over Concert Hall, on Pleasant Street. All the proceedings and speeches are in French. The members have debates on historical and literary subjects. The club has now over one hundred and fifty members, and the audiences average from two to four hundred every week. In 1875, Frank Cote was made a constable and 900 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. qualified to serve civil process. In 1881-82, Mr. Edward J. L' Herault succeeded him in that capacity. In 1880, Victor Geoffrion (a brother of the Hon. F. Geoffrion, one of the leaders of the liberals in the province of Quebec, a former member of the federal cabinet at Ottawa, and of C. A. Geoffrion, Esq., a lead- ing lawyer of Montreal, province of Quebec) was elected to the Common Council in the old Ward Four. Others have been candidates for various offices. In October, 1881, a French Canadian national con- vention was held in Music Hall, in Fall River. These conventions are composed of three delegates from every French congregation, society, or group, and meet annually in a place designated one year in ad- vance. The subjects of debate are the various questions affecting the social and material welfare of the French Canadians in the United States. Here again French is the official language. There are some five or six hundred French Cana- dian families in New Bedford. They have a church (Sacred Heart), whose first pastor was Rev. G. Pager, who died in 1882. He was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Provost. There are some ten or fifteen French fami- lies at Westport Factory, between Fall River and New Bedford. Within three or four years about one hundred and twenty-five French families have settled in Taunton. They have already purchased land to build a church, and have one physician, Dr. Desnoyers. Some of the most skillful workmen in a silver-plating and engrav- ing establishment are French Canadians. County Officers. — Judges of Probate. — Prior to the division of the county in 1746 the probate office and registry of deeds was held in Bristol, then the capital of the county, now in Rhode Island. The judges of probate were Nathaniel Byfield, 1686-93; John Saffin, 1693-1703 ; Nathaniel Byfield, 1703-10 ; Nathaniel Paine, 1710-15; Nathaniel Byfield, Jr., 1715-17; Nathaniel Paine, 1717-24; Nathaniel Pla- grove, 1724-44; Nathaniel Hubbard, 1744-47 ; x George Leonard, 1747-78; Benjamin Williams, 1778-83; George Leonard, Jr., 1783-90 ; Seth Padelford, 1790- 1810; Hodijah Baylies, 1810-34; Oliver Prescott, 1834-58; Edmund H. Bennett, 1858-83. Registers of Probate. — In Bristol : Stephen Burton, 1686-92; John Cary, 1692-1715; Ebenezer Brenton, 1715-17; John Cary, 1717-21; Stephen Paine, 1721-49. In Taunton : George Leonard, 1749-83; Dr. William Baylies, 1783-1812; Francis Baylies, 1812-21; David G. W. Cobb, 1821-33; Anselm Bassett, 1833-51; Henry Williams, 1851- 53; John Daggett, 1853-64; A. S. Cushman, 1864- 69 ; William E. Fuller, 1869-83. Registers of Deeds. — The office of registrar of deeds was in Bristol, the shire town of the county, from its organization in 1685 to 1746, when a division 1 Probate office in Taunton, 1747. was made setting off Bristol to Rhode Island. The registers were Stephen Burton, 1686-93 ; John Cary, 1693-1721 ; Samuel Howland, 1721-41 ; Thomas Throope, Jr., 1741-47 ; 2 James Williams, 1747-79; James Williams, Jr., 1779-1826; Alfred Williams, 1826-41; Joseph Wilbar, 1841-74; Joseph E. Wil- bar, 1874-83. Judge James Williams, Gen. James Williams, son, and Dr. Alfred Williams, grandson, held the office ninety-five years. Joseph Wilbar and Joseph E. Wilbar, son, have held the office forty-two years ; the latter is the present incumbent. Registers of deeds in New Bedford : Benjamin G. Congdon, Benjamin K. Sayer, Charles C. Sayer, George B. Richmond. Treasurers. — 1732, Samuel Howland ; 1744, Jo- seph Russell; 1746, James Williams; 1751, Robert Luscomb ; 1770, George Godfrey, Taunton ; 1783, Seth Padelford, Taunton; 1784, George Godfrey, Taunton ; 1794, Apollos Leonard, Taunton ; 1801, Samuel Crocker, Taunton ; 1826, James L. Hodges, Taunton; 1831, Horatio L. Danforth, Taunton; 1843, Foster Hooper, Fall River; 1846, Richard S. S. Andros, Taunton ; 1848, James P. Ellis, Taunton ; 1854, Samuel R. Townseud, Taunton ; 1856, George M. Woodward, Taunton ; 1865, Thomas J. Lothrop, Taunton; 1874, George F. Pratt, Taunton. Clerks of Courts. — 1702, Timothy Fales; 1746, Timothy Fales ; 1774, Samuel Fales, Taunton ; John Tucker, signed records of Supreme Judicial Court from October, 1797, to October, 1804; October, 1804, Nathaniel Fales, Taunton ; 1813, Nathaniel Fales, Taunton ; 1816, James Sproat, Taunton ; Oct. 17, 1822, James Sproat, son of the previous James, Taunton ; April, 1856, William A. F. Sproat, Taun- ton ; Jan. 7, 1857, John S. Brayton, Fall River; Jan. 5, 1864, Simeon Borden, Fall River. Sheriffs. — May 27, 1692, Nathaniel Payne; Dec. 22, 1692, to June 30, 1710, Samuel Gallop; Dec. 10, 1715, William Troop, Bristol ; March 31, 1718, Seth Williams, Taunton ; April 16, 1718, to June 22, 1733, Charles Church, Dighton ; Jan. 14, 1746, to Nov. 24, 1761, Sylvester Richmond, Dighton ; 1774, Zephaniah Leonard, Raynham ; 1809, Horatio Leonard, Rayn- ham; 1812, Noah Claflin, Attleborough ; 1813, Ho- ratio Leonard, Raynham ; 1845, Horatio L. Dan- forth, Taunton ; 1852, Lyman W. Dean, Attlebor- ough ; 1853, Robert Sherman, Pawtucket; 1855, George H. Babbitt, Taunton ; 1863, Chr. B. H. Fes- senden, New Bedford ; 1869, William S. Cobb, New Bedford ; 1878, Andrew R. Wright, Fall River. Attleborough. — Rev. Jacob Ide, a native of this town, was a descendant from Nicholas Ide, who came to this country previous to 1645, and settled in Re- hoboth, where he died. His son, Nicholas, Jr., came to Attleborough about 1696 and purchased lands here, and some of his descendants remain in town to this day. 2 Removed to Taunton, 1747. MISCELLANEOUS. 901 Jacob, the subject of this memoir, was the son of Jacob, and was born March 29, 1785, in the south part of the town, in what is popularly called the "Read and Ide neighborhood." His father was a farmer of the New England stamp, a man of good judgment and respectable character, and a worthy citizen. His father's ancestors had been farmers ever since the lauding in the country. He was robust in health in his younger days, and was employed on his father's farm, and was able to perform the hardest and most laborious work, and continued in this employment till he entered college. In early life he became anxious to obtain a liberal education to prepare him- self for the gospel ministry. His father had not the ready means of meeting the expenses of his education, or rendering him much assistance in his preparation for college. He resorted to many self-denials and laborious means to accomplish his purpose. He em- ployed every leisure moment in the intervals of farm work, and on evenings and rainy days, in the study of the languages. He traveled on foot five miles to make his recitations to Rev. Nathan Holman, who was then pastor of the second parish at East Attle- borough. He followed this course for a year, and this was his only means of preparation. At the end of this term he entered college. But in his case this was not so great a disadvantage as it would have been to many others. He studied his tasks thoroughly by patient and laborious work ; he aimed to be accurate in everything he undertook ; the midnight oil was no offense to him. His mind was clear and vigorous ; he was devoted to the duties of the moment and persevering in his labors. Hence he became in after-life a close student, a thorough scholar, and a deep thinker. He entered the college at Providence (which was only about eight miles from his father's house) in September, 1805, and graduated in 1809 with the highest honors of his class. By his severe intellectual labors for the four or five years of his life before leaving college, his health at that time had become much impaired, and his natu- rally strong constitution enfeebled. It was then con- sidered doubtful whether he would ever be able to sustain the duties of a pastoral life, but after a short vacation and leisure his health somewhat improved, aud he concluded to resume his studies. After spend- ing some time in the study of theology under the in- structions of Dr. Emmons, of Franklin, he entered the Andover Theological School, where he went through the regular course, and graduated there in 1812. He was installed over the church at West Medway Nov. 2, 1814, wdiere he finished his pastoral life, and died Jan. 5, 1880, at the age of ninety-four years and nine months. Previous to his settlement in Medway he had preached in several places, one of which was Portsmouth, N. H., where, though distrusting his own ability as a preacher and feeling discouraged himself, he attracted the favorable notice of Daniel Webster, then residing in that city, and who heard him several Sabbaths. He had lived a very studious life, filling his whole career with constant labor, even down to his latest years. The farm which he purchased when he settled in Medway afforded him abundance of healthful ex- ercise of the kind which his constitution needed, and which tended to prolong his life to so late a period. In 1864 the fiftieth anniversary of his settlement in Medway was celebrated, and he delivered a historical discourse on the occasion, in which he furnishes the experiences of his pastoral life, and which was his first and only one. On that occasion there was a large attendance of clergymen in the vicinity and from different parts of the State, and other friends of the pastor, who bestowed on him the honors he had justly won by the faithful labors of an active pastor for more than fifty years. Several original poems were written for the occasion, one by Hon. Charles Thurber, and another by Rev. William M. Thayer. There was a large congregation of people during the whole day and in the evening, and he received many tributes of respect and veneration from his own peo- ple and the distinguished friends from abroad. He remained the pastor of this people for more than sixty-five years, and to the day of his death. In some remarks which Dr. Park, of Andover, made on this anniversary, he condensed his whole character in a few lines : "Thus does the influence of a good man diffuse itself through the community, and a faithful preacher, even if he be an invalid, is a city set upon a hill, which cannot be concealed. Dr. Ide has been an in- valid throughout his entire ministerial life, but by his example in his parish, by his judicious and thought- ful sermons, by the essays and discourses which he has published, by the volumes which he has edited, by the young men whom he has educated for the ministry he has exerted an influence which has been felt, and will continue to be felt, in distant parts of our own land and on the other side of the sea." His funeral occurred on the 8th of January, 1880, and was attended by a large concourse of clergymen and others. A sermon was preached by Rev. John W. Harding, of Long Meadow, in which he truth- fully portrayed the character and services of the de- ceased, and his peculiar merits as a preacher and pastor. The discourse has been published. In 1827, Brown University bestowed on him the honorary degree of S.T.D. In 1815 he married Miss Mary Emmons, youngest daughter of Dr. Emmons, of Franklin. He left several children at his death. His oldest son, Rev. Jacob Ide, Jr., graduated at Amherst, and is now the genial and acceptable pastor of the church at Mansfield, Mass. His second son, Mexis , is now in the ministry, but has never accepted any pastoral charge. His daughter Mary was the wife of Rev. Charles Torrey, who perished 902 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. in prison at Baltimore, Md., under sentence for aiding the escape of slaves. He left two children. He was born in Scituate, son of Mr. Charles Torrey. During his life forty-one theological students at different times were educated for the ministry under his instructions. 1 His published discourses were numerous. In the number may be counted twelve funeral sermons, ten ordination sermons, twenty-two occasional sermons and addresses, and several articles in periodicals. Besides these, he edited and published the works of Dr. Emmons, of Franklin, in seven octavo volumes. ATTLEBOROUGH Spaulding H. Abbott. George R. Adams. Henry S. Adams. San ford B. Adams. Alden H. Albro. Asa Aldrich. Charles II. Aldrich. James H. Aldrich. Howard Alger. George Allen. Isaac Allen. James C. Allen. Leonard Altreith. John F. Ashley. Albert Atwood. Augustus Bailey. Robert H. Bailey. Varanus S. Bailey. Charles F. Baker. James Ballard. Christian Ballaup. Caleb W. Ballou. James A. Ballou. Perry A. Ballou. Stephen Ballou. John Barker. Samuel G. Bassett. Henry Bennett. Joseph Bigler. William W. Bishop. Henry A. Blackiuton. Julius S. Blake. William A. Blake. Joseph E. Blanding. Everett B. Bliss. Fred. D. Bliss. Harlan P. Bliss. Samuel P. Bliss. Abel R. Block. George E. Bowen. Thomas Bowen. James Boyle. William Bradford. Charles W. Bragg. Edwin C. Bragg. John Brayshaw. Alfred A. Briggs. Albert E. Briggs. Arthur Briggs. Charles H. Briggs. Edward S. Briggs. Albert F. Briggs. Charles Brig ham. George W. Brockett. Charles E. Brotherton. MILITARY RECORD." George Brown. John Brown. John S. Brown. John D. Bullock. Henry A. Burchard. Joseph H. Burlingame. George W. Burt. Frederic Cabbott. William F. Cady. Elijah F. Callard. Isaac Campbell. Frank E. Capron. Hugh Carney. William Carnes. Alden Carpenter. C. Francis Carpenter. Edward E. Carpenter. Joseph B. Carpenter. John Cassiday. Thomas Cassiday. Marshall J.Chaffee. William Chapman. Alvah R. Chace. Lurad H. Chadwick. George A. Christy. Albert F. Claflen. George H. Claflen. Charles E. Clapp. George W. Clark. James Clark. James F. Clark. Henry N. Cobb. Albert Coffin. Frank Cole. Frank W. Cole. Henry W. Cole. Loring Cole. William A. Cole. David Collar. John P. Couley. Francis Coulin. Francis Cooley. Hugh A. Conway. Thomas Corcoran. Alexander Corey. Adolph Coupe. George W. Cowden. William II . Cowden. Edwin L. Crandall. Oscar B. Cummings. John C. Cummings. George Cutting. Lucius P. Cutter. Nathan H. Darling. Orville L. Dary. J A list of their names may be found in Dr. Blake's "History of Mendon Association." s Furnished by B. Porter, Jr. Jeffrey R. Davis. James Day. James B. Day. Benjamin F. Davenport. Henry F. Davenport. Albert D. Dean. David S. Dean. Edward N. Dean. Charles F. Dean. Charles P. Drake. Charles B. Despardina. George Dollery. William P. Donnell. Francis Doran. John G. Doran. Peter Dowd. Michael Devier. James Divine. Adam Debus. Lowell A. Drake. Halsey W. Draper. George L. Draper. Theodore Draper. Francis S. Diaper. William E. Dunham. Henry G. Dunham. Joseph Edgar. William Elwin. Nathaniel Emerson. James Eunis. Benjamin E. Evans. Amos W. Farnsworth. Charles E. Farrar. Andrew Farroll. John Fay. Robert C. Fellows. S. A. Ferguson. Thomas Fiele3 r . James I. Field. Richard Field. William W. Fisher. Charles E. Fisher. Ezra A. Fisher. Joel A. Fisher. Tisdale E. Fisher. Benjamin F. Fisher. Ebenezer Fiske. Peter Flanagan. Lawrence Flanagan. Thomas Flanagan. George H. Follette. Franklin Foster. Avery Forbes. Michael Foy. Daniel K. Franklin. Herbert N. French. George W. French. Henry Frowley. Charles L. Fuller. Joseph Fuller. William F. Gardner. James Garen. Lemuel Gay. Samuel F. Gay. Jabes S. Gay. Sperry Gay. Isaac W. Giles. Joseph F. Gifford. George W. Giles. James Giles. Gilbert A. Goff. Samuel N. Goff. William H. Goff. Jacob Goetter. John H. Godfrey. Lewis Gonyen. Peter Gormley. Michael Gorman. Frederic Gottschalk. Charles Gourdier. Henry Graff. Henry Grefine. Peter P. Grefine. ' Charles C. Greene. John H. Greene. Charles Griffin. Henry C. Gross. John W. Gross. Henry A. Guild. Allen W. Guild. Edgar Guild. Charles E. Guild. Mortimer A. Guild. Ciiarles Hackett. Robert Hall. John N. Hall. Arthur C. Hall. Willard E. Hall. Alcott Hardon. George Harris. Robert E. Harris. Orrin W. Harris. J' dm Harris. William H. Harrison. George Hartshorn. Albert W. Hatton. William Hasslem. George S. Hatten. Henry L. Hayward. John Healey. William II. Hill. William Higgens. Henry M. Hodges. John Holbrook. David E. Holmes. Lloyd Hodges. Joseph G. HodgsoD. James I. Hood. Patrick Holland. Charles Hoyle. George W. Horton. Edwin J. Horton. George S. Horton. Everett S. Horton. James Hughes. George Hubbard. Joseph S. Hunt. George H. Ide. Welcome A. Irons. John Jack. Charles Jackson. George B. Jackson. Edward Jencks. Edward E. Jennings. John E. Jewett. George L. Jillson. Charles H. Johnson. Daniel L. Johnson. Isaac N. Johnson. Charles E. Johnson. Robert Jones. Dexter S. Jordon. Alvin A. Joslin. Leonard Joslin. Walter Katon. Alfred Y. Keats. James Keenau. William Keenan. Ensign E. Kelley. Patrick Kelley. James Kelley, Jr. Martin Kennedy. Roger Kennedy. Terrence Kennedy. MISCELLANEOUS. 903 William H. Kingsley. Edward C. Knapp. Ephraim W. Knapp. Otis H. Knapp. James B Knight. Herman Krahe. Bernard Louglilin. Robert Longhlin. James Lee. George A. Leddingham. Benjamin Lewis. Benjamin F. Lincoln. Horace E. Lincoln. Frank C. Luther. Ezra Lyon. Benjamin \V. Llufrio. Edward Nelson. Nicholas Nerney. Henry Nickerson. Dean Nickerson. Charles Niles. George H. Norton. William A. Nye. William A. Macdouald. John F. Makinson. James Mason. Henry Martin. Homer Metcalf. John Mitchell. David N. Mills. Leonidas Mock. Charles M. Morse. Frank. B. Mott. Edgar A. Morse. William Morrison. Royal W. Moulton. Earnest Myers. Barney Mullen. Thomas Murray. Matthew Murphy. Michael McGann. James McDonald. Thomas McKenna. Barney McTague. Joseph McNamee. William McKinley. Daniel O'Brien. William O'Conner. Alexander O'Donovan. Michael O'Regan. Thomas O'Neal. William O'Neal. Luther Olney. John Quinley. Charles Quinn. Michael Quiuu. John E. Page. Edward K. Paine. Edward D. Parmenter. Augustus Patt. Wisner Park. Henry W. Park. John D. Peacock. George 0. Peck. George R. Pearce. Horatio N. Perry. James A. Perry. Charles H. A. Percy. Lorenzo F. Pidge. Ellis Pierce. Joseph W. Pierce. Benjamin Pierce. •Lester A. Perkins. Eugene C. Pike. John H. Place. Allen L. Potter. Rhodes H. Profet. Christian Prozella. Frank E. Read. Elijah R. Read, Jr. Nathan H. Read. S. Tyler Read. Edmund Read. George R. Read. J. B. Reynolds. William Renilinger. Baylies B. Richards. Frank. A. Richards. Andrew J. Richards. Eugene H. Richards. Edwin C. Richardson. Edgar Richardson. William 0. Richardson. Thomas Rohn. James H. Roberts. George H. Robinson. William II. Rogers. Gershon R. Rounds. George W. Rollins. Charles E. Ryonson. Thomas G. Sandland. Job B. Savery. Abraham B. Savery. Charles Scuse. Edward Seavey. Charles Seidler. Edwin G. Shepardson. George W. Simmons. Philip Shields. James B. Sherman. Dennis Shanuon. James Short. John Slater. Willard E. Slade. Gideon C. Slade. John N. Smith. Frank. G. Smith. Daniel H. Smith. Charles Smith. William H. Smith. George- Smith. Eben S. Smith. William N. Smith. Granville S. Smith. William 0. Smith. Lewis Smidt. Charles W. Snell. Orinton L. Soles. John J. Solomon. James H. Springer. Albert Standish. Frank Stanley. Stephen Stanley. Artemus W. Stanley. Timothy A. Stanley. Milton Stanley, Jr. Amos C. Stanton. Frank W. Stanton. Samuel T. Starkey William Stone. John F. Streeter. Henry A. Streeter. William Streeter. Michael Sullivan. Thomas C. Sweet, William Swift. Eeben L. Sylvester. Edward E. Starkey. Seth Talbott. Ephraim Tappan. William S. Tappan. Abraham Tappan. William B.Thayer. Abiathar H. Thayer. John Thomas. Thomas Thompson. Samuel Thompson. James W. Thomas. Arthur W. Thornton. John Toban. Frank H. Tisdale. Charles F. Tirrell. James B. Tisdale. John Trainor. Almon H. Tucker. Roscoe L. Tucker. Chester L. Turner. William H. Wade. Martin Walch. Abijah T. Wales. Lewis Walker. Charles 0. Wallace. George F. Wallace. Elliot M. Wallace. Henderson Watson. Jacob Weis. Patrick Welch. Charles H. Weaver. Manfred H. Weaver. John A. Whaley. Robert E. Whipple. Prentiss M. Whiting. Henry M. White. Otis H. White. Silas Whitney, Jr. Horace M. Whitney. John G. White. Horatio G. Whittier. John F. Wilkinson. Edwin S. Williams. Erastus F. Williams. Charles F. Williams. Henry Williams. Rounseville Williams. George H. Willis. A. G. Wilson. Joseph Wilson. John 0. Wilmarth. George H. Wilmarth. John 0. Wilmarth. William Worger. James Winsor. Berkley. — Barnabass Crane (erroneously on the tombstone Bernice) was born in 1744, and was an only child, his mother a widow. He came to Berkley from Sandwich, Mass., when young. "Was married to Joanna Axtel, of New Jersey. He was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and lived to the age of eighty-six years. Died November, 1830. Joanna, his wife, was born March 20, 1746, and died May 5, 1846, aged one hundred years, one month, and fifteen days. They had six children, — Abiathar, Benjamin, Lurana, Jemima, Barnabass, and William. Benjamin Crane, the second son of Barnabass and Joanna Crane, was born Sept. 11, 1768. In his boy- hood he worked on a farm. He had no opportunity to obtain an education, excepting a few weeks in winter. After a few years he became a sailor-boy, and feeling the need of education to advance him in his calling he studied mathematics and navigation. He soon after became a sea-captain, and followed the coasting-trade until two or three years after his mar- riage, when he abandoned that pursuit and purchased a small farm three-quarters of a mile east of Berkley Common. On this rocky farm of about seventy acres he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. Alinda Crane died Sept. 3, 1854, in the seventy-sixth year of her age. Benjamin Crane died Oct. 10, 1855, in the eighty-eighth year of his age. They had ten children ; nine of them grew up,— Silas Axtel, Benja- min, Daniel, Abiel Briggs, Asahel Hathaway, Thomas Briggs, Caroline, Abiathar, and- Lucy. Although without the advantages of an education themselves, yet they somehow from the beginning stimulated all their children to unusual mental effort. The little farm-house was a house of books and study for their children. Benjamin Crane was an honest and just man, and entered heartily into all the plans of his children for their advancement. His wife, Alinda, during many years of her married life, had the cares of a large family with all the other labors of a New England farmer's wife, yet she retained through her 904 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. whole life a cheerful and wonderful elasticity of spirits. She was ever alive to the intellectual growth of her children, and very much of their success in life was due "to faithful training in moral and religious instruction. From the little one-story farm-house they sent forth their children. Silas A. Crane was born Oct. 21, 1799. In 1823 he graduated from Brown University, having fitted him- self for college and paying his way through by teach- ing. He was an excellent scholar, taking the second honors of his class, and for a time was tutor in the university. He became an Episcopal clergyman, re- ceived the degree of doctor of divinity, and for a few years was president of Kemper College, in St. Louis. The last thirty years of his life he was rector of St. Luke's Church, East Greenwich, R. I. He was a profound scholar, an earnest Christian, respected and venerated by his people and all who knew him. Among the bishops and clergy of the Episcopal Church there was no abler or wiser counselor. He died July 16, 1872. He married Mary Elizabeth Martin, of Providence, R. I. Benjamin Crane was born Sept. 13, 1804, and was educated at Brown University. He had an acute logical and analytical mind, with an aptness and clearness of explanation and demonstration that made him, for all who desired instruction, a most ad- mirable educator. He followed the profession of a teacher for many years, was a merchant for a time, and then retired to his farm. He was a devoted dis- ciple of his Master, and in active life and usefulness he passed away, Nov. 11, 1861. He married Sephro- nia Paull, of Berkley, Mass. Daniel Crane was born Oct. 6, 1806. He was edu- cated at Brown L T niversity and at Union College. Much of his life has been spent away from the ordi- nary intercourse of men and business. He has ac- quired a vast amount of information from books, has a good knowledge of Greek classics, is an excellent Latin scholar, and has read in the original many of the best Italian, Spanish, and French authors. In ancient and modern history, in the English classics, poets, and in Old English he is thoroughly versed. He has stored his retentive memory from childhood to old age with knowledge, and is now as guileless as a child, spending the remainder of his days with a relative in Akron, Ohio. He married Margaret Cam- eron, of Taunton, Mass. Asahel H. Crane was born April 15, 1811. He was engaged in teaching school for a number of years, then entered into mercantile business, and was in the Union army until its close. He married Jerusha G. Nichols, of Taunton, Mass., and after her death was married to Asenath Mitchell, of Bridgewater, Mass. He died June 10, 1880. Thomas B. Crane was born June 16, 1814. He began life as a clerk, subsequently going into busi- ness for himself. Several years he was in Nantucket under the firm of Pratt & Crane. He was associated with his brother Abiathar in mercantile business in Greencastle and Bainbridge, in Indiana, during which time he was in California for a year or two. A few years after he purchased a farm near Terre Haute, Ind., remaining there until his death, which oc- curred May 19, 1882. He married Maria D. Andros, of Berkley. After her death he married Emily Wood, of Middleborough, Mass. Caroline Crane was born Dec. 1, 1816. She was educated by her brother, the Rev. Silas A. Crane, D.D., and was married to the Hon. George P. Marsh in 1839. From 1842 to 1849 her husband was in Congress; from 1850 to 1854 United States minister at Constantinople. In 1861 he was appointed min- ister plenipotentiary to Italy, which office he held until his death, in July, 1882. Mrs. Marsh is now residing in Florence, Italy. She was peculiarly fitted to be the companion of this extraordinary man, one of the most eminent linguists and philolo- gists in our country. This intellectual and culti- vated woman, speaking several languages and con- versant with the literature of several others', has been much admired for her personal attractions, her great conversational powers, and accomplishments. Her many charities and efforts for the education and im- provement of the poorer classes in Italy have greatly endeared her to the people. Abiathar Crane was born April 24, 1819. After teaching school for a number of years, he, with his brother Thomas, went to Greencastle, Ind., engaging largely in mercantile business, subsequently entering into the lumber trade in Bainbridge, Ind., running two steam saw-mills. He also built a large flour-mill in Bainbridge at- a cost of about forty thousand dol- lars ; but in less than a year after it was in operation he was attacked with brain fever and lived but a few days, dying in the prime of life. As a business man he was widely and reputably known throughout the State. He died March 24, 1856. He married Caro- line, daughter of Levi L. Crane, of New Bedford, Mass. Lucy Crane was born April 3, 1822, and was edu- cated under the guidance of her sister, Mrs. George P. Marsh. She was married, in Constantinople, to Dr. Adolph Wislizenus, at the residence of the Hon. George P. Marsh, then United States minister to Tur- key. They now reside in St. Louis. Dr. Wislizenus is a cultivated gentleman, is well known as a naturalist and scholar, and is a careful and successful physician. Mrs. Wislizenus is an at- tractive and educated woman, and speaks fluently French and German. She has a good knowledge of music, and is an accomplished performer on the piano forte. Abiel B. Crane was born June 18, 1808. At the age of seventeen he was employed as clerk in New- berne, N. C, remaining there for three years with the exception of the summer months, which were spent at his father's. When twenty years of age he opened MISCELLANEOUS. 905 a store in Berkley. He was married to Emma T. Porter Sept. 21, 1829. She was the daughter of Tis- dale and Rebecca Porter, of Berkley. During the next few years he was in business in Newberne, N. C, Valley Falls, R. I., Assonet village, Mass., and Talla- hassee, Fla. In the fall of 1839 he entered into co- partnership with Caleb Bryant. They conducted a wholesale and retail store in Boston until a building had been fitted up for their business in Taunton. Mr. Crane continued doing business in Taunton under the firm of Bryant & Crane, or A. B. Crane, until the year 1850, when he was chosen to repre- sent the town of Berkley in the General Court to meet in Boston January, 1851. A part of the fol- lowing three or four years were spent in Indiana with his brother Abiathar. In October, 1855, he and his brother Benjamin opened a store at Weir village, Taunton, but subsequently he bought his brothers interest, and for a time his son Samuel was with him. In the fall of 1864 he was one of the two elected to rep- resent the district composed of Fairhaven, Acushnet, Freetown, and Berkley in the General Court of 1865. For a number of years he was in company with William Babbitt, in the manufacturing of juniper shingles in North Carolina. In 1873 he retired from business, having at that time a cataract on both eyes. Three years later his eyes were operated upon by Dr. Wil- liams, an eminent oculist of Boston, the operation being so far successful as to restore the sight of one eye. From his early life he had a taste for music, attending the singing-schools of those days, and ac- quiring some knowledge of vocal music. Since then his leisure time has been spent in the study of the science of music. He is well known as a composer of sacred psalmody. Mr. Crane is one of those rare men in this age whose integrity, honesty, and unselfishness are such that he decides in matters involving his personal in- terests with the same impartiality as between neigh- bors. Under the administration of President Jack- son he was postmaster of Berkley for a number of years. He was appointed by the Governor and Coun- cil a justice of the peace for the county of Bristol, in which capacity he served many years. As a friend to public improvements in the town he is distin- guished. He gave largely for the building of the Trinitarian Chapel, and was a' large contributor towards the building of the Methodist Episcopal Church, so much needed in this place. He has been one of the trustees and one of the board of stewards since the organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It is over fifty years since Mr. Crane and wife were first united to the church. They celebrated their golden wedding September, 1879, their children, grandchildren, and many other connections and friends were present to enjoy that festal day. They have had six children, — Emma Porter, Alex- ander Baxter, Samuel Newhall, Asahel Porter, Helen Harrison, and Rebecca Porter. Emma P. Crane was born July 20, 1830. She was educated by her uncle, the Rev. Silas A.Crane, D.D., of East Greenwich, R. I. She was a fine student, possessed of a thoughtful mind, and her perceptive and reflective faculties are of a high order. With a natural taste for music, she acquired a good knowl- edge of that science, and for twenty years or more has been the organist at the Trinitarian, now Meth- odist Episcopal Church, in Berkley, where she is prominent in her liberality and in her untiring efforts to sustain the church, and to carry forward the cause of Christ. She was married to Charles Bissett, July 4, 1854, a skillful mechanic of Taunton. Alexander B. Crane was born April 23, 1833. He graduated at Amherst College in 1854, studied and practiced law in Terre Haute, Ind., and was prose- cuting attorney of the county one term. In 1862 he entered the army as captain in the Eighty-fifth Indi- ana Infantry, became lieutenant-colonel, and then colonel of the regiment. The regiment was in the Army of the Cumberland until the fall of Atlanta. Then with Gen. Sherman on his march through Georgia and the Carolinas. He was captured in 1863, and was in Libby Prison several weeks ; partici- pated in the battles of the campaign in Tennessee and Georgia, leading to the capture of Atlanta and Savannah, then through South and North Carolina. During the war he was on detached service as pro- vost-marshal at Nicholasville, Ky., and afterwards at Nashville as a member of the board for the examina- tion of officers for the colored regiments. At the close of the war he married Miss Cornelia Mitchell, of New York City, July 12, 1865, and has since been engaged in the practice of law in the city of New York. Samuel N. Crane was born Oct. 6, 1835. He went to Indiana at fourteen years of age with his uncle, Abiathar Crane, and there pursued his studies, also assisting his uncle in business until his uncle's death. He then returned home and was in business with his father a few years. At the beginning of the war he was in Colorado, and there enlisted as a private in ' the First Colorado Regiment, was soon promoted to second lieutenant, and then to first lieutenant. He accompanied this regiment on its wonderful march- ing and fighting campaign through New Mexico. During the last year of the war he was on detached service, acting assistant quartermaster at Fort Zarah, Kan., and acting assistant commissary of subsistence. After the war closed he married Miss Clara Rhodes, of Mansfield, Mass., Sept. 6, 1865, and is now residing in the city of New York engaged in the management of real estate. Asahel P. Crane was born Feb. 18, 1838. He at- tended school at an academy, and prepared himself to fill the position of a clerk in his father's store at the age of seventeen. He was very active, industri- ous, and faithful, but was only in the business about one year, when he was taken sick, and lived about 906 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. four weeks. He died Oct. 29, 1856, in his nineteenth year. Helen H. Crane was horn Feb. 9, 1842. She has had rare opportunities for study and improvement from having been much of her life in the family of her uncle, the late Hon. George P. Marsh. For several years she was in Rome during Mr. Marsh's long resi- dence there as United States minister to Italy, re- ceiving the advantages of European travel and sur- rounded by all that Italy holds dear. She has given special attention to the study of modern languages, and has a vivid appreciation of music. Since 1878 she has spent much time in Providence, R. L, giving private instruction in the French language. Rebecca Porter Crane was born March, 14, 1844. She was educated at the female college then in Wor- cester, Mass., and at a select school for young ladies in Rochester, N. Y. She is possessed of a bright intellectual mind, and is remarkable for her social qualities. During her studies she gave some attention to music, and having a natural musical voice she became a fine singer. She was married, Nov. 15, 1870, to the Rev. Lucius R. Eastman, Jr., a Trinitarian Congregational clergy- man settled in Framingham, Mass. Fall River. — Post-Office. — A post-office was first established in this town Jan. 31, 1811, with Charles Pitman as postmaster. March 26, 1813, the office was removed to Steep Brook, and there was no office in what was then the village of Fall River until March 18, 1816, when the present office was estab- lished, and Abraham Bowen was appointed post- master, who held the office until his death, in April, 1824. He was succeeded by his son, James G. Bowen, who continued until July, 1831, when he was succeeded by Benjamin Anthony. Mr. Anthony held the office until within a few days of his decease, June, 1836. Caleb B. Vickery was soon after appointed, and continued until Dec. 31, 1849, when he was suc- ceeded by James Forde, who held the office until July 1, 1853. He was succeeded by James M. Morton, who held the office until Oct. 1, 1857. He was suc- ceeded by Ebenezer Slocum, who held the office until Dec. 18, 1861. He was succeeded by Edwin Shaw, who served until March 1, 1875. He was succeeded by Chester W. Greene, who served until April 15, 1881. William S. Greene is the present incumbent. Unitarian Church. 1 — Early in 1832 it was ascer- tained that a considerable number, and among them some of the most enterprising and wealthy men of the place, had become disaffected with the measures and services of the orthodox denominations, and would unite in forming a society for a more rational worship. Immediate measures were adopted for the incorporation and organization of such a society. Seventy-four persons signed an agreement, of which the following is an extract: i By J. M. Aldrich, M. D. "The undersigned, being desirous of securing to themselves the ines- timable privileges of religious fellowship, unfettered by arbitrary creeds and confessions of faith of human imposition, and to obtain for this community the high advantages and purifying influences of enlight- ened instruction in morals and religion, and of the intelligent and ra- tional worship of Almighty God, do associate ourselves for the purpose of forming a religious society, to be called the Unitarian Society of Fall River." The above extract is copied from a circular subse- quently issued, but our historian has been unable to find the official records of the society for the first few years of its existence. Of the seventy-four subscribers referred to it has been ascertained that the following names were among the number, although possibly some of them may not have united with the society until the following year: Nathaniel B. Borden, Pat- rick Wright, Peleg H. Earl, Joseph Rice, Horatio N. Gunn, Caleb B. Vickery, A. G. Shearman, Joseph S. Cook, Samuel S. Allen, Otis Lincoln, Ebenezer Luther, Lewis L. Arnold, James C. Anthony, Alvin Clark, Samuel S. Thaxter, Foster Hooper, Hezekiah Battelle, Joseph Gooding, Daniel Paine, Thomas J. Pickering, Thomas Tasker, Samuel Hathaway, Ezra Marvell, William Read, David A. Valentine, William H. Hawkins, Benjamin B. Sisson, W. W. Nye, Charles Pease, James Ford, Bradford Durfee, John Mason, John Lindsey, Daniel Goss, John Bowcock, I. S. Bliven, S. D. Cragin, Israel Brayton, Oliver S. Hawes, Joseph Nye, William T. Wood, Nathan Pratt, Thomas D. Chaloner, Phineas W. Leland, John Chatburn, James S. Warner, Moses Lawton, Willard Winter, Leander Borden, Holder Borden, Abel Borden, Jr., Richard H. Smith, John B. Winchester, Jesse Eddy, Edmund Davis, Walter C. Durfee, Davis A. Blake, Samuel West, Warren Carpenter, Hugh Gaul, Ben- jamin B. Sisson, William Munday, Israel Borden, Robert C. Brown, Abraham S. Newell, Gideon Hatch, Henry Lyon, Stephen Davol, Benjamin Sweet. These seventy-four subscribers were owners of property to more than double the amount of that which was possessed by members of either of the six other religious societies then in the village. Measures were soon taken to build a more elegant and commodious house for worship than was at that time in the town, which, after many delays, was ac- complished in the spring of 1835. During the three years intervening the society hired for a time the old Baptist meeting-house, which stood on the then di- viding line between Massachusetts and Rhode Island, just north of the head of Columbia Street, and sub- sequently the Presbyterian Church on Anawan Street, recently vacated, which occupied the site of the present school-house. No regular pastor was secured until 1834, when Rev. George W. Briggs, a recent Harvard graduate, was ordained, and began his labors on Anawan Street. The following year the new building was completed and formally dedicated. This handsome edifice was located on the southeast corner of Second and Borden Streets, and cost, with the organ, nearly MISCELLANEOUS. 907 twenty thousand dollars. Unfortunately for the wel- fare of the society, before the completion of the house two of the most interested and wealthy members died, and their property, amounting to several hundred thousand dollars, passed to those belonging to other denominations, several more had removed from the town, and quite a number, during a period of religious excitement, which appeared to be directed against the new sect particularly, finally returned to the orthodox fold, leaving the society financially in a crippled con- dition. Assistance, however, was obtained from other towns and cities, and money enough eventually raised to nearly pay off the debt. Mr. Briggs, who some years since received the honorable title of D.D., re- mained with the society until 1837. He was an able preacher and an excellent pastor, and his resignation was received with much sorrow and regret. Mr. Briggs was temporarily succeeded by Rev. Warren Burton, and in 1840, A. C. L. Arnold was installed. His services, however, not being acceptable, he re- mained but a short time, and was followed, in 1843, by John F. W. Ware. The other pastors were as follows : Samuel Longfellow, ordained Feb. 16, 1848 ; Josiah K. Waite, installed Sept. 15, 1852; William B. Smith, ordained in I860; Charles W. Buck, in 1864; Joshua Young, in 1869; Charles H. Tindell, in 1875; and Edward F. Hayward, in 1877. The latter sent in his resignation in December, 1882, to take effect the 1st of the following month, and at the time of this writing, May, 1883, no one has been called to fill the vacancy. In the early part of 1859 a proposition was made to remove the church edifice to some place north of the stream, in order better to accommodate a majority of the members who resided in that part of the city. This project met with decided opposition from mem- bers residing in the vicinity of the house, some of whom were the most liberal supporters of the so- ciety. After holding many meetings and much dis- cussion, it was voted, at a special meeting held for the purpose, Oct. 19, 1859, that the building be taken down, and removed to its present fine location on North Main Street, a proceeding which caused a loss to the society of at least one of its oldest and most 2>rominent members. This project was carried into effect the following year, and some changes made in its internal arrangement, making it a pleasant and commodious house of worship. The present officers of the society are : Moderator, William F. Hooper; Clerk, Samuel Hadfield ; Treas- urer, Edward S. Adams ; Standing Committee, Jo- seph Healey, James M. Aldrich, Nathaniel B. Bor- den. Fall River. — A free public library, where the people of both sexes, and all classes may have easy and constant access to a large and well-stored treas- ury of the world's lore in literature, science, and art, is the crowning glory of that system of public educa- tion which has been, from her earliest history, the pride of Massachusetts. The system of public in- struction in the common schools, excellent as it is, closes with the period of childhood. The great and important work of educating the people demands an agency which shall continue its operation after the school-days are over, and when the active duties of mature age have been reached. To meet this demand the system of public libraries was inaugurated, the first institution of the kind known to the world being established in Massachusetts in 1853. In 1860 an ordinance was passed by the city gov- ernment of Fall River for the establishment of a free public library, and an appropriation made for its maintenance. A library-room was provided in the City Hall building, and properly fitted for the pur- pose. The Fall River Athenaeum, established in 1835, transferred to the city its collection of some 2400 volumes ; other contributions were made by as- sociations and individuals, and the library was opened to the public May 1, 1861. During the first year the subscribers numbered 1248, to whom were delivered 30,252 volumes, at an average of nearly 100 volumes per day. The successful experience of each year since its organization has afforded conclusive evidence of the usefulness and stability of the institution. The num- ber of volumes rapidly increased, and the original space assigned to the library soon became too limited for its use, and various expedients were resorted to for temporary relief, but no adequate provision was made until the completion of the alterations of the City Hall building (1872-73), when the lower floor was arranged and fitted with every convenience for the purpose of a library and reading-room. The latter is one of the finest in the State, being light, pleasant, cheerful, and spacious, and easy of access to the public. The government of the library is vested in a board of trustees consisting of the mayor, ex officio, and six other citizens. The present librarian is Mr. W. R. Ballard. Raynham. — Clergymen in Raynham since Rev. Fisk : Rev. Asa Mann, from 1873 to 1875 ; Rev. Francis H. Boynton, from 1875 to 1879. Only sup- plies from Sabbath to Sabbath since. Representatives to General Court. — 1868, Enoch King; 1870, Gineason H. Lincoln; 1873, Thomas S. Cushman ; 1875, Joseph W. White ; 1878, Elmer Lincoln; 1880, William O. Snow. In 1869, 1871, 1872, 1874, 1876, 1877, 1879, 1881, 1882, representatives from Easton. Selectmen. — 1868, Enoch Robinson, Thomas P. Johnson, Thomas S. Cushman ; 1869-70, same board re-elected ; 1871, Thomas S. Cushman, Enoch Robin- son, Braddock Field; 1872-73, re-elected; 1874, El- mer Lincoln, Enoch Robinson, Samuel W. Robinson; 1875, 1876, 1877, 1878, and 1879, re-elected; 1880, William O. Snow, Enoch Robinson, Thomas P. John- son ; 1881, 1882, and 1883, re-elected. Town Clerks and Treasurers. — 1868-72, A. A. Leach; 1873-83, Joseph. W. White. 908 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Hon. Marcus Morton, LL.D., 1 the son of Na- thaniel and Mary (Carey) Morton, was born in Free- town, in the county of Bristol, Mass., the 19th of February, 1784. At an early age he gave marked in- dications of talent and love of learning, determining his father, a man of great respectability and worth, to give his son a liberal education. He was accord- ingly placed, at the age of fourteen years, under the instruction of Rev. Calvin Chad wick, of Rochester, an accomplished teacher, where he pursued his studies with such industry and success as to enter Brown University in the autumn of 1801, a year in advance. He graduated in 1804 with the second appointment in his class, having the reputation of a talented, bril- liant young man. He at once commenced the study of law with Judge Padelford, of Taunton, but supple- mented his studies with him in the Law School at Litchfield, Conn., then in charge of Judge Reeves, one of the most learned lawyers of his time. Here Mr. Morton was associated in study with John C. Calhoun and other men afterward of eminence, with whom he formed a lasting acquaintance. They ex- pressed an admiration for the abilities of the student from Taunton. On completing his course of study in Litchfield, Mr. Morton re-entered the office of Judge Padelford, and on being admitted to the bar showed such remarkable ability that Governor Sullivan offered him the ap- pointment of county attorney, which he honorably declined through his high respect and friendship for Judge Padelford, who then held the office. In 1811, however, he was appointed by Governor Gerry, when he accepted and held the office for six years. Some one who was familiar with his profes- sional career at that period has said of him : " With the skill and vigilance of the faithful prosecutor were always blended the kinder feelings and sympathies of the man. A love of conviction, irrespective of the guilt of the accused, never was his governing motive. He had no less pleasure in the acquittal of the inno- cent than in the conviction of the guilty." Mr. Mor- ton was offered the clerkship of the courts, which he declined on account of his large and lucrative prac- tice. In 1816 he was elected a member of Congress, which was considered complimentary to a Democrat, as the district gave large federal majorities to candi- dates for other offices. He was re-elected in 1818. On the question of the admission of Missouri as a slaveholding State, Mr. Morton took ground against slavery. In 1823 he was chosen a member of the Ex- ecutive Council, and in 1824 was elected Lieutenant- Governor on the same ticket with Governor Eastis, by whose death while in office Mr. Morton became chief-magistrate. In 1825 he was re-elected Lieu- tenant-Governor on the ticket with Governor Lin- coln, and in July, 1825, was appointed by Governor Lincoln a judge of the Supreme Court, and entered 1 By S. Hopkins Emery. on the duties of the office the 5th of that month. The distinguished ability with which he discharged his judicial duties for fifteen years gave him rank among the ablest judges our State has ever produced, — the associate and peer of Shaw, Story, and Wilde. His judgeship expired when he entered on his office as Governor of the commonwealth, in 1840. He was again Governor in 1843. He acted also as collector of Boston four years. A graduate of Brown Univer- sity, his Alma Mater honored herself and him by the honorary degree of LL.D. in 1826, which Harvard University repeated in 1840. Three sons of Governor Morton graduated with the highest honors at Brown University in 1838, 1840, 1843. His son, Marcus, is present chief justice of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts. Other notices of the family may be found in our account of the Bench and Bar of Bristol County in a preceding chapter. Charles Henry Warren was born at Plymouth, Mass., Sept. 29, 1798, of the old " Mayflower" stock, his father's ancestor being the Pilgrim Richard Warren, while his mother was a direct descendant of Governor Edward Winslow. Born before the close of the eigh- teenth century, as a youth he had full opportunity of meeting and conversing with many of the prominent men of the Revolution who gathered at the fireside of his grandparents, Gen. James Warren, of Plymouth, and his distinguished wife Mercy Otis Warren, whose lives were prolonged nearly to the time of his enter- ing college. On his mother's side the Winslows were of strong Tory convictions, and this blending of the Whig and Tory curiously reappeared in Charles' character, which developed in after-life a strong ten- dency to radicalism on many points tempered by a cautious conservatism on others. Graduating at Harvard College in 1817, he began the study of law in the office of Judge Thomas, at Plymouth, Mass., and completed his studies with Governor Levi Lincoln at Worcester. After leaving Governor Lincoln's office he entered into a law part- nership at New Bedford, Mass., with Lemuel Wil- liams, then and for many years afterwards an eminent member of the Bristol bar. Mr. Warren's success at the bar was very early assured, his acknowledged ability and brilliant forensic talent obtained for him a large practice and conspicuous position. In 1832 he was appointed district attorney for the counties of Bristol, Barnstable, Plymouth, Nantucket, and Dukes, and held that position until 1839, widely known for his skill in the trial of causes. He was chosen a member of the Massachusetts Senate for Bristol County, and was an active worker in political life as a member of the Whig party. His quick wit and readiness in debate gave him great popularity, and indicated for him early prominence in political life, but an appointment as judge of the Court of Com- mon Pleas, in 1839, led him to withdraw from public matters. This latter office he filled with distinction until 1844, when he resigned, and after resuming the MISCELLANEOUS. 909 practice of law for a short time in Boston, accepted, in 1846, the presidency of the Boston and Providence Railroad corporation, which he held until just before his death. In 1851 he again took part in public life as a member of the Massachusetts Senate, and in 1853 was president of that body. Quick- witted, thoroughly versed in Parliamentary law, and courteous in man- ner, his influence was most extensive in public life, but it was not to his taste, and he again withdrew, and devoted the remainder of his life, until 1867, to the interests of the railroad corporation, failing health compelling him then to resign, when he removed to his native town of Plymouth, and died there June 29, 1874. In social life Mr. Warren, perhaps, achieved his greatest success, for he possessed rare conversational powers, and attracted a most brilliant circle. At his home in New Bedford, and subsequently at Boston, were gathered all the great wits and eminent talkers in social, political, and literary life, and his numberless bon-mots and witty stories are still fondly remembered and quoted by surviving friends. His marked char- acteristics were a retentive memory, great logical skill, keen wit, and a quickness which enabled him to apply legal principles to cases on trial with overwhelming force, to which were added at the bar an intense de- votion to the interests of his client, and an upright and fearless administration of the law upon the bench. The Perry Family. — The following data con- cerning the ancestors of the Perry family was con- tributed by Charles Perry : Children of Anthony and Elizabeth Perry : Samuel, born Sept. 10, 1648; Elizabeth, born Oct. 25, 1650; Jasiel, born Oct. 18, 1652; Mary, born Dec. 9, 1654; Mehittable, born Sept. 23, 1657; Nathaniel, born Oct. 8, 1660. Samuel Perry married Mary Miller, Dec. 12, 1678. Children of Sam- uel and Mary Perry; Mehittable, born April 30, 1680; Jasiel, born May 6,1682; Mary, born Aug. 17, 1684 ; Elizabeth, born Jan. 7, 1686; Sam- uel, born Feb. 14, 1688; Rebecca, born Jan. 24, 1691 ; Sarah, born July 30, 1693. Jasiel Perry married Rebecca Wilmarth, Jan. 3, 1706. Children of Jasiel and Rebecca Perry: Mary, born April 19,1708; Daniel, born May 9, 1710 ; Mehittable, born April 2, 1713 ; Jasiel, born Aug. 15, 1715 ; Re- becca, born May 27, 1717; David, born Aug. 16, 1719; Ichabod, born April 3, 1722; Keziah, born Aug. 7, 17 — . Daniel Perry married Mary Walker March 9, 1737. Children of Dan- iel and Mary Perry: Daniel, born Jan. 15, 1739 ; Ezra, born May 22, 1741; Noah, born Oct. 3, 1743; Mary, born Aug. 5, 1745; Daniel, born April 3, 1748 ; Lydia, born April 30, 1750 ; Elijah, born Nov. 19, 1752 ; Samuel, born Sept. 18, 1756. Ezra Perry married Jemmima Titus. Children of Ezra and Jemmima Perry : Mary, born Aug. 22, 1763 ; Jemmima, born Nov. 29, 1764 ; Ezra, born Jan. 15, 1767; Abel, born May 20, 1770; Molly, born April 11, 1772; Esther, born Feb. 21, 1774; Lydia, born June 24, 1776; Olive, born Aug. 13, 1779 ; Elias, born May 18, 1781 ; Tirzah, born July 11, 1783. Ezra Perry, Jr., married Betsy Bliss, Dec. 10, 1786. Children of Ezra, Jr., and Betsy Perry : Ezra (3d), born April 3, 1788 ; Betsy, born June 26, 1790; Hezekiah, born Jan. 29, 1793; Sarah, born March 16, 1795 ; James, born June 15, 1798 ; Otis Thompson, born Oct. 22, 1800; Daniel Bliss, born Dec. 17, 1802; Mima, born Jan. 31, 1805 ; Otis, born Feb. 17, 1807 ; Nancy. Bliss, born Aug. 31, 1809 ; William, born Dec. 22, 1811. The Newspapers of Taunton. — The first news- paper that we have note of published in Taunton was a small weekly called the Saturday Miscellany, twelve by eighteen inches, edited and published by a coterie of ladies, commenced in August, 1813. The first number contained an "original letter" of the cele- brated Robert Treat Paine, just before his marriage, written in the eloquent, poetic, florid style, of which he had a reputation. The editors, in their solicitation to the public, say, " When we acknowledge ourselves a band of females, we at the same time declare that while it affords us innocent gratification, we sacrifice no domestic duty in thus opening a humble spring whence more capacious minds may at some future period derive a more noble stream." It was pub- lished at fifty cents a quarter. How long it was con- tinued we are not apprised. The next was a regular weekly paper called the Old Colony Reporter, pub- lished by Jacob Chapin, a young man of thirty, and member of the bar, and printed by Allen Danforth. Its size was twenty by twenty-four, and its second number contained the notes on the important amend- ments to the constitution of that year, the first votes in the election of Governor Brook, the re-election of Samuel Crocker as county treasurer almost unani- mously, and John M. Williams to the State Senate from Taunton. In a succeeding paper the population of Bristol County for 1820 is given as forty thousand nine hundred and eight inhabitants, including Taun- ton with four thousand five hundred and twenty, being then the largest town in the county, New Bedford having three thousand nine hundred and forty-seven, and Troy (now Fall River) with only one thousand five hundred and thirty-four, now nearly fifty thousand. In 1822, the second year, the paper was enlarged and the name changed to Columbian Reporter and Old Colony Journal. The third year, April, 1823, Allen Danforth retired as printer to commence a newspaper in Plymouth, called the Old Colony Memorial, whence he removed. He resided there fifty years, holding many responsible positions, and died May 28, 1872, in his seventy-sixth year. He was son of Asa and Deborah Danforth, a lineal descendant of Rev. Sam- uel Danforth, fourth minister of Taunton, in 1688. In 1823, Charles G. Greene, from Boston, started a paper called the Free Press, which was edited by Theophilus Parsons and Pliny Merrick, young law- yers, who had made Taunton their residence for a while, advocating the election of William H. Craw- ford for the Presidency, and Dr. William Eustis for Governor, and Marcus Morton for Lieutenant-Gov- ernor, who were elected. This paper continued about a year. The following year Governor Eustis died, and Lieutenant-Governor Morton was Governor, and Levi Lincoln was elected Governor, and appointed Governor Morton to the Supreme bench. He also appointed Pliny Merrick district attorney of Worces- ter County, and he returned to Worcester. Mr. Par- sons returned to Boston, and became a very eminent jurist. James Thurber and George Danforth commenced a weekly paper in 1827, called the Commonwealth Ad- 910 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. vacate, which espoused the cause of Masonry ; it con- tinued about three years, changing its name to the Advocate, and in 1834 was disposed of to Maj. George Leonard, who made it a Democratic paper called the Sun. Mr. Thurber retired and removed to Plymouth, succeeded Mr. Dan forth in the Memorial, publishing it some twenty years. The Sun with its patronage a few years later was turned over to Mr. Anthony, and uniting the two became a Democratic paper. There were in addition to the regular weekly news- papers the Star of Bethlehem, a religious paper, issued from the Reporter office in 1825, edited by Lorenzo T. Johnson ; a small paper called the Aurora, published in 1829 by H. A. Lowell, a young lawyer ; the Cabi- net, a little six by eight paper, by W. S. Tisdale, who worked in the Reporter office; the Village Fire-Fly, by Thomas Prince, a little paper issued from the Ad- vocate office in 1832. We return to the Reporter. George Danforth, brother of Allen, succeeded him as printer until April, 1825, when Samuel W. Mortimer, from Eng- land, became printer until 1827. C. A. Hack and Edward Anthony, who had been apprentices in the office, succeeded as printers from 1828 to 1829, when Mr. Hack retired, and Anthony became joint pub- lisher with Mr. Chapin until January, 1832. Mr. Anthony then retired to commence the publication of the Independent Gazette, with Henry Williams, a young lawyer and member of the bar, as editor. This was in the height of the anti-Masonic excitement, and the Gazette took strong ground on that side of the controversy, while the Reporter was a passive sup- porter of the Masonic cause. There are many who revert to that crusade of 1832-34 as a disturbing dream. There are now hundreds of the order to one at that time. Mr. Hack again became printer of the Reporter until October following, when Mr. Chapin assumed entire charge, with sundry assistants, until December, 1832, when, owing to declining health, he disposed of the Reporter to Franklin Dunbar, book- seller, uniting its subscription and interests with the Old Colony Whig, which he had commenced on the first of the above month, 1832. Mr. Chapin retired after his editorial career of nearly twelve years, which he had pursued with discretion and ability. His health still declining, he afterwards removed South to Augusta, Ga., to engage in the cot- ton business, but the fatal disease prevented, as he died, in the prime of life, Jan. 25, 1835, at the age of forty. The press spoke in high terms of him as an honored member and worthy citizen. Mr. Dunbar continued the weekly paper under the name of the Old Colony Whig and Columbian Re- porter until his death, in 1834, when it came into pos- session of his brother, Samuel O. Dumbar, and was published about a year by Hiram Martin. He made the first experiment of a daily paper in 1834, called the Daily Whig, which was continued a few weeks only. In December, 1834, the Whig and Reporter was disposed of to Israel Amsbury, Jr., and Seth Bradford, who were publishers until December, 1837, when Mr. Bradford retired, and Mr. Amsbury became publisher. During the great fire of 1838, which swept away sq many buildings on Main Street, the offices of the Gazette and Reporter were entirely destroyed, includ- ing the town records of nearly two hundred years; but the publishers soon obtained new type and presses and resumed their papers. Mr. Amsbury dropping a portion of the name, issued the Taunton Whig, which he continued until September, 1841, when J. W. D. Hall, who had aided him in the edi- torial department a few years, purchased the office, subsequently changing the name to American Whig, and in 1857 to American Republican, sustaining the same Republican cause for twenty years. In 1861 he disposed of his establishment to Messrs. Wilbar and Davol, uniting the paper with the Bristol County Telegram, which they had published a few years from 1858, and changed the name to Bristol County Re- publican, which has been retained over twenty years. Rev. E. Dawes subsequently became an owner and co-editor of the Republican, and continues to the pres- ent time. The paper is now in its sixty-second year. Ezra Davol is publisher and manager. The Republican is one of the leading weekly journals in the State, and justly merits its present prosperity. The Bristol County Democrat, the name assigned for the Weekly Gazette in 1837, after the anti-Masonic and Democratic parties had coalesced, was continued by Mr. Anthony, the original publisher, seventeen years, until 1849, when he disposed of the paper and office to A. M. Ide, Jr. Mr. Ide had the year previously (1848) commenced a new Democratic paper called the True Democrat, in advocacy of the election of Gen. Lewis Cass for the Presidency, and the pro-slavery cause as antagonistic to the free-soil movement, espoused by Governor Morton, Mr. Anthony, and a large portion of the Democrats of Massachusetts ; the movement divided the Democratic party, and defeated the election of Gen. Cass. On merging the two papers above men- tioned, Mr. Ide adopted the name of the Taunton Democrat for his weekly, continuing it until 1862. Mr. Ide received the appointment of postmaster under President Pierce in 1853, and held it for eight years. After disposing of his papers Mr. Anthony removed to New Bedford, in 1849, and commenced a new daily paper, the Standard, which proved a very successful change in his life, and a lucrative business. He con- tinued the daily and weekly Republican Standard, as- sociated with his sons, until his death, Jan. 23, 1877. He was also postmaster of New Bedford four years, member of the City Council and other organizations, The Taunton Daily Gazette was issued from the office of the Bristol County Democrat June 10, 1848, published by Mr. Anthony and edited by Amos Kil- tou, who had served his time in the above office. It MISCELLANEOUS. 911 was neutral in politics, and continued by Mr. An- thony until its disposal with the office to Mr. Ide, who edited and published it from the office of the Taunton Democrat, becoming a little biased to favor the Democratic cause as it grew in years. In 1862, J. W. D. Hall became associated with Mr. Ide in the publication of the above-named papers. The name of the weekly was changed to the Union Gazette and Democrat, both papers zealously advo- cating the Republican cause, State and national, hence- forth. Mr. Ide, in 1866, again received the appoint- ment of postmaster from President Johnson. In April, 1867, he disposed of the Daily and Weekly Gazette to J. W. D. Hall, and at the termination of his term of office retired to his paternal farm in Attleborough, where he died. He was a man of rare poetic gifts and ability, reflecting, conservative, courteous, and cautious in his intercourse with men. Mr. Hall continued the publication of the Daily and Weekly Gazette until 1872, when Reed Brothers (Wil- liam and Milton Reed, of Fall River) became editors and publishers, and continued until 1882, meanwhile changing the name of the weekly to Household Ga- zette. In 1882 William Reed, Jr., assumed control of the Gazette, and has continued as its editor and publisher to the present time. The Gazette is ably conducted, has a large circulation, and is one of the leading dailies in the commonwealth outside of the city of Boston. Besides the earlier mentioned papers there was pub- lished at the office of the Independent Gazette, in 1834, a semi-weekly paper called the Temperance Sentinel, edited by Rev. Samuel Presbrey, an able advocate of the cause, which was closed at the end of the year, soon after his death in 1835. The Working Men's Journal, a campaign paper, was issued at the same office in 1837. In 1840 the Harrison Eagle was published at the office of the Whig, edited by C. R. Atwood and J. W. D. Hall, which closed with the campaign after six months' service in the Republican cause, when Gen. Harrison carried nearly all the States. Another tem- perance paper, the Dew Drop, was published in 1843 by B. W. Williams, edited by himself and lady \ friends, which continued four or five years, and was i then merged in a Worcester paper. In 1844 a paper called the Beacon of Liberty, in advocacy of the anti- ; slavery party, was published by Hack & Bradbury, edited by Hodges Reed and other friends of the cause, continuing about two years. The Old Colony Republican, a weekly Whig paper, was also issued in 1846 from the office of Hack, King & Howard, edited by C. I. Reed, B. F. Presbrey, and others. Mr. Howard retiring, Hack & King con- tinued the paper about two years, closing in 1848, i after the election of Gen. Taylor to the Presidency. A small paper called the Temperance Advocate was also published about six months, edited by Rev. S. A. Collins, Jr., closing in January, 1850. We may have omitted some ephemeral papers in the above list, but unintentionally. Taunton.— A. Field & Sons' Nail- and Tack- Works are among the largest establishments of the kind in the United States. After the removal of the originators of the Britannia Works from Deacon Bal- lard's fulling-mill, which stood on the site of the pres- ent capacious tack and nail manufactory of the above company off Spring Street, Albert Field in 1827 hired a small room of his friend Ballard. With two machines, prepared by Elijah Caswell, his faithful and ingeni- ous mechanical assistant for fifty years, commenced his humble trade. He had previously, while at work at Hopewell Mills at five shillings a day, gained a little insight to the business of making brads and nails. From that humble beginning Mr. Field went on enlarging from year to year, extending his busi- ness and field of customers until the buildings are over one thousand feet in length, and the works and appurtenances cover an area of two acres. The com- pany manufacture two thousand five hundred kinds of tacks, nails, etc., consume about three thousand tons of nail-plates, some thirty tons of copper and steel plates, one hundred tons of zinc and yellow- metal stock, which are converted into thirty thou- sand or more kinds, or thirty millions of eyelets, tacks, and nails daily. William R. Potter, formerly of the firm of Bart- lett & Potter, which was dissolved by the death of Capt. Bartlett in 1864, has a brick mill on Porter Street for the manufacture of cotton yarn, which he has followed successfully about ten years. He has also a machine-shop and foundry ; capital, $10,000. M. M. Rhodes & Sons, manufacturers of shoe- buttons, have a spacious and convenient brick manu- factory on Porter Street, where they make buttons on an extensive scale. They commenced business in 1871, and employ a capital of thirty-three thousand five hundred dollars. , Taunton Fire Department. — The fire depart- ment of Taunton compares favorably with that of any other city in the State, and for promptness and effi- ciency cannot be excelled. The fire district was or- ganized before the city government existed. The chief engineers since its organization are as follows : The first being Samuel O. Dunbar, now an octoge- narian, serving three years, succeeded by Lovett Morse in 1847, one year; A. E. Swasey, 1848, one year; William Mason, from 1849 to 1855; Francis Tisdale, from 1855 to 1857 ; Abram Briggs, from 1857 to 1858 ; William Mason, from 1858 to 1861 ; Edward Mott, from 1801 to 1881, twenty years ; Abner Coleman, from 1881, at present serving. The department has four steamers, a hook-and-lad- der company, six hose-reels, two hand engines, and a competent force of men. They have the great aid and facility for extinguishing fires in nearly four hun- dred hydrants of our Taunton Water- Works. 912 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. The fire alarm telegraph has twenty signal boxes to give the alarm. Abner Coleman is superintendent. The Southern Massachusetts Telephone Company was organized in 1877. There are two hundred and ten subscribers, besides sixty telephones on private lines ; connections with Boston, Providence, New Bedford, Fall River, Brockton, and several other places. Abner Coleman is superintendent. The Agassiz Association is devoted to the study of the natural sciences, and made up largely of young persons connected with the academy and high school, although Rev. Dr. Blake and some other adults belong. Mrs. C. F. Hanscom is president. Miss Annie Dean, Miss Parthia Crocker, Frank Lothrop, Harrie White, Frank Dickerman, Fred Skinner, and Harry South- worth are prominent members. There are two co-operative saving fund and loan associations,— one is called the Mechanics', Elijah Tolman president, and Charles L. Lovering treas- urer ; the other, called the Taunton, Henry M. Lov- ering president, and Charles Foster treasurer, — in- stitutions which have encouraged and helped many to make for themselves pleasant homes. Among the industrial enterprises worthy of notice is that of George Williams & Sons, in the lumber and steam planing-mill line, the former successor to his father, Capt. Abiather Williams, one of the pioneers in the lumber business sixty years ago; they not only provide lumber for public uses, but build a number of buildings annually, for tenantry, of handsome architectural finish ; not cheap tenement houses ; employing a capital of $100,000 or more ; they have already over twenty dwellings. L. B. West & Co., also an enterprising firm in the manufacture of stoves and tinware, employ a capital of $10,000 in trade, and Mr. West is president of one of the large foundry companies. Brownell & Burt, a young enterprising firm in the manufacture of carriages, employ a capital of $10,000, and have a spacious manufactory on Washington Street. Peck & White also do a large business as builders of carriages, employing a capital of $25,000, and have a smithery in connection on Weir Street. The Bristol County Agricultural Society was organized at a meeting held at Atwood's Hotel, in Taunton, June 21, 1820, by a few friends gathered from various towns in the county. A constitution was adopted providing for a choice of officers, life membership, and other matters. Samuel Crocker, of Taunton, Otis Thompson, of Rehoboth, and Thomas Kinnicut, of Seekonk, were chosen a committee to transact the business in maturing the society, and an address was issued setting forth its objects. The annual meeting was held in October, but there not being a sufficient number to authorize a choice of officers, that was deferred to the next annual meeting in October, 1821. Hon. Samuel Crocker was elected president; Rev. Otis Thompson, Rev. Pitt Clark, of Norton, Nathaniel Morton, of Freetown, and Thomas Almy, of Dartmouth, vice-presidents ; Horatio Leon- ard, of Raynham, recording secretary ; James L. Hodges, of Taunton, corresponding secretary ; Peter Thatcher, treasurer. Hon. Francis Baylies, Samuel Crocker, and James L. Hodges were appointed to select agents to visit the several towns to solicit names and aid in behalf of the society. The term of life membership was established at five dollars. An urgent appeal was made to the farmers, manufac- turers, and artisans of Bristol County to aid in build- ing up the society. At a meeting in April, 1822, the soliciting commit- tee was enlarged to one in each town ; also a commit- tee to apply for an act of incorporation and make ar- rangements for an exhibition the ensuing fall. The annual meeting was held in October, 1822, but the requisite sum — one thousand dollars — not having been raised, the exhibition was postponed another year. An address was delivered by Rev. Otis Thompson, and the members partook of a dinner at Sturtevant's Hotel. The officers were re-elected with one excep- tion (Mr. Morton), and the soliciting committee re- ported that eight hundred dollars had been raised. In April, 1823, at a special meeting, it was an- nounced that a fund of one thousand dollars had been raised. It was then voted to hold a public ex- hibition the ensuing October, and a list of premiums was prepared for the coming festival. An act of incorporation was obtained of the Legis- lature for the Bristol County Agricultural Society in 1823, as follows : "Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Refiresentatives in General Court assembled, That Samuel Crocker, Alban Cobb, David G. W. Cobb, James L. Hodges, Luther Hamilton, Jesse Smith, Jr., Dan. Wilmarth (of Taunton), Pitt Clark (of Norton), Horatio Leonard (of Raynham), Peter Thacher (of Attleborough), Roland Howard (of Easton), Asahel Bliss (of Rehoboth), with such others as are now associated, or here- after may associate with them, and their successors, be and they are hereby made a corporation by the name of the Bristol County Agricul- tural Society, and for this purpose shall have the same powers and privileges and be subject to like duties and restrictions as other incorpo- rated agricultural societies in this commonwealth. And the said corpo- ration may lawfully hold and possess real estate not exceeding twenty thousand dollars, and personal estate the annual income from which shall not exceed five thousand dollars. Also to have power to sell, alien, and dispose of the same estate, real or personal, not using the same for trade or commerce." The act was amended in 1875 to hold one hundred thousand dollars' worth of property. ' The second section provided that Samuel Crocker, of Taunton, be authorized to notify and call the first meeting of said society for the purpose of organiza- tion, establishing rules, etc., which was done, and the first annual exhibition was held Oct. 21, 1823, with a success which augured well for its permanence. Thus, after three years' delay, perseverance, and energy of the fast friends of agricultural progress, manufac- turing enterprise, and mechanical arts, the Bristol County Agricultural Society was organized, the fifth in the State. In looking over the long list of names MISCELLANEOUS. 913 of the originators, officers, and incorporators of the society who fostered its interests in its infancy, fifty years ago, not one is now living. The society in its early years bore a strange con- trast with its present magnitude in receipts, expendi- tures, and emoluments. Its meetings were frequently held in sitting-rooms of members or anterooms of hotels. At the first annual exhibition, in 1823, the amount of premiums was $161, and total expenses $200. Its capital was $1100. Ten years afterwards, in 1838, the society still laboring in its infancy, the amount of premiums awarded, $260; expenses, including premiums, $335 ; its capital, $1600 ; and drawing the State bounty, $340 (this was reduced a few years later to $315) ; total amount of premiums awarded the first ten years was only $2600 ; aggregate received from the State, $2950. A decade later, in 1843 (with twenty years of struggling existence), the premiums had increased to only $283, its fund not largely increased, the State bounty being only $380. The expenses had increased in the same ratio, consequently its condition had not much improved by age. At this time there were no receipts from exhibi- tions, no trotting-course belonging to the society, although there might have been some swapping horses at its gatherings. The old town hall, or per- chance a school-house, in the various towns, was opened with a little array of counterpanes, bed-quilts, homespun webs of woolen and flaxen fabrics, and some choice exhibitions of needlework, presented by the industrious wives and daughters, to show what could be done in the homes of old Bristol. There were rivalries in those days in the manufacture and style of bonnets, as there ever will be. It was in the day of the celebrated Leghorn hat. Awards were made year after year of six and four dollars to ladies who were so expert with fingers and needle as to make a straw bonnet rival an imported Leghorn, and those straw hats were worn with more conscious pride than the ten-dollar Leghorn, then at such an enormous price that few could purchase. A few agricultural products, a tub or two of butter, a few cheeses, and a few pounds of honey, chiefly made up what was then termed an agricultural hall exhibition. No fee was asked to witness these contributions, all were invited to come and examine, and a modest award, or a com- plimentary "remark of excellence," was all the con- tributors anticipated. There were, outside of the hall, a dozen pens of cattle, " natives," horses, swine, and sheep, but nothing towards making a splendid poultry show like that of modern days. The ruling price was then twenty-five to fifty cents for the best fowls, now twenty-five to fifty dollars for a " choice pair of birds," and, with a fancy pedigree, sometimes of such perfection (Mr. Williams' birds, for instance) as to bring one hundred to one hundred and fifty dol- lars per trio. The price of a fine colt rarely exceeded 58 one hundred dollars, while at the present day the best bloods range from five hundred to five thousand dol- lars. The price of a good cow was then fifty dollars ; now the choice breeds — Durhams, Ayrshires, Dev- ons, and Jerseys — range from one hundred to five thousand dollars, not to refer to the fabulous prices of imported breeds with pedigrees traced back to Noah's ark. During the first ten years, with a single exception, the society held its exhibitions in Taunton. It after- wards became a portable institution. In 1834 it was held in Attleborough ; in 1835 in Mansfield. In 1837 it returned to Taunton in not a very prosperous con- dition. In 1838 it was again held in Mansfield; 1839 in Taunton ; 1840 in Attleborough. The State bounty was $314, and the expenses full up to the entire in- come. Serious considerations were entertained of relinquishing the charter, but the advice of firm friends and supporters who had a pride in sustaining the society prevailed, and for several years exhi- bitions were held in Taunton. In subsequent years it resumed its peregrinations, — to New Bedford in 1854-55, to Fall River in 1856-57, and each year re- turning with an increased membership but an ex- hausted treasury. The society, with no local habita- tion, had no special interests nor property to hold it together and make it thrive. Its fund was the small gratuity from the State and the occasional aid of memberships, having no convenient arrangements for exhibiting articles of mechanical ingenuity and manufacturing enterprise. The treasurer and other friends of the institution believed that it could be made prosperous, raised its fund by increasing its membership and by contribu- tions to $2500, producing a corresponding increase of State bounty. In 1853 the fund was increased to $3000, and State bounty at $600, where it has since remained as a permanent resource. In 1858 a vote was passed to locate permanently and take a position like kindred societies. In 1859-60 the present location was purchased for $5000, and spacious buildings erected, since which time, not- withstanding large outlays year after year for build- ings and additional purchases of territory have been demanded by its increasing exhibitors and patrons in the various departments, the society has grown and prospered, and now stands without a rival in extent of receipts and number of visitors, exceeding twelve thousand on the festival days. On its fiftieth anniversary exhibition its receipts exceeded $11,600, in 1874 about the same, and its net profits would have paid the entire expenses of the first ten or twelve years of its existence when a portable insti- tution. •At the annual exhibitions for twenty years past the income has been from seven to ten thousand dollars, exceeding the expenses, and many years a profit of one thousand to three thousand dollars. In 1874, Wil- liam Mason, then president, presented to the society a 914 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. band and judge's stand. In 1882 a grand stand was erected to hold and protect three thousand visitors from sun or rain. Its agricultural hall and stables are spacious and convenient. Its grounds and track are kept in improving order, raising annually more hay and grain than is consumed here. The water is of the best quality. Improvements are annually made for the benefit of visitors, and good order prevails on the grounds. The presidents of the society for sixty-two years have been Samuel* Crocker, 1821-28; Roland How- ard, 1828-33; Marcus Morton, 1833-38; John C. Dodge, 1838-39; Peter Thacher, 1839-42; James Blanding, 1842-44; Cromwell Leonard, 1844-47; Johnson Gardner, 1847-50; J. H. W. Page, 1850- 55; Nathan Durfee, 1855-60; John Daggett, 1860- 61; Theodore Dean, 1861-66; Oliver Ames, 1866- 68; William Mason, 1868-75; Theodore Dean, 1875-83. The treasurers have been as follows : Peter Thacher, 1821-27 ; James Sproat, 1827-29 ; Samuel L. Crocker, 1829-33 ; W. A. F. Sproat, 1833-42 ; Samuel A. Dean, 1842-59; Timothy Gordon, 1859-63; E. B. Towne, 1863-68; William Reed, 1868-70; William C. Lov- ering, 1870-72; Philander Williams, 1872-82; Wil- liam White, 1882-83. The secretaries have been as follows : Horatio Leonard, R. S., 1821-25; James L. Hodges, C. S., 1821-34; W. A. F. Sproat, R. S., 1825-33; Sidney Williams, R. S., 1833-35 ; George B. Atwood, R. S., 1835-38; S. A. Dean, R. S., 1842-50; George A. Crocker, C. S., 1834-38; T. Gorden, R. and C. S., 1850-52 ; Lemuel T. Talbot, R. and C. S., 1852-65 ; Charles Talbot, R. S., 1865-69; Ezra Davol, C. and R. S., 1867-72; James M. Cushman, C. and R. S.', 1872-75 ; Daniel L. Mitchell, 1875-83. Taunton Men in the Rebellion in Miscellaneous Companies. FIRST MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. Compa»y K. Patrick McGuire, must, in Aug. 12, 1862; died June 10, 1864, at Wash- ington, D. C. SECOND MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. Company I. Creigliton Hanscom, must, in Aug. 26, 1862; killed May 3, 1863, at Cliancellorsville, Va. SEVENTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. Company A. James Hannaford, must, in Aug. 27, 1861 ; discb. April 1, 1862, for dis- ability. Company B. Wm. H. Jackson, musician ; must, in June 15, 1861 ; discb. Aug. 11, 1862, by order of War Department. George C. Smith, musician ; must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch. Aug. 11, 1862 ; died at home Nov. 10, 1864. George Soule, musician ; must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch. June 18, 1862, for disability ; died. Horatio N. Wood, musician ; must, in June 15, 1861 ; died Aug. 7, 1862, at Fortress Monroe. John Lannagan, must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch. June 27, 1864, at exp. of Andrew York, must, in June 15, 1861 ; trans. Jan. 15, 1864, to Vet. lies. Corps. Abram Brakan, must, in Jan. 20, 1862 ; disch. Dec. 26, 1863, to re-enlist ; trans. June 14, 1864, to 37th Inf. John Cunningham, must, in Feb. 19, 1862; disch. Feb. 27, 1864, to re- enlist; trans. June 14, 1864, to 37th Inf. Phiueas D. Fletcher, must, in June 15,1862; disch. June 27, 1864, at exp. of service. Hartley Galligan, must, in June 15, 1862 ; died Oct. 21, 1862, at Taun- ton, Mass. Edward Mauley, must, in June 15, 1862; disch. June 27,1864, at exp. of service. Patrick Meaney, must, in June 15. 1862; disch. Dec. 26, 1863, to re-en- list ; trans. June 14, 1864, to 37th Inf. Joseph Rullerri, must, in June 15. 1862; trans. March 31, 1864, to Vet. Res. Corps. Company E. Daniel H. Cahoon, must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch. June 27, 1864, at exp. of service. Dennis Carey, must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch. by President's proclama- tion. Enos L. Williams, must, in Aug. 28, 1861 ; disch. June 14, 1862, for dis- ability. William E. Tisdale, must, in Aug. 27, 1861; disch. March 11, 1862, for disability. George Sager, musician ; must, in Feb. 19, 1864 ; trans. June 14, 1864, to 37th Mass. Regt. Company G. Michael Birmingham, must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch. June 27, 1864, at exp. of service. John B. Dean, must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch. June 27, 1864, at exp. of service. Thomas Heavers, must, in June 15, 1861; disch. Aug. 6, 1S61, for dis- ability. Oliver I. Horton, must, in Aug. 28, 1861 ; disch. by President's procla- mation. Otis D. Le Barron, must, in July 11, 1861 ; died Sept. 17, 1862, at Phila- delphia, Pa. Francis McKenny, must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch. June 27, 1864, at exp. of service. Terrence McMullin, must, in June 15, 1861; disch. June 27,1864, at exp. of service. Charles Quiun, must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch. by President's proclama- tion. Thomas Quinn, must in June 15, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 22, 1861, for dis- ability. Michael Rooney, must, in June 15, 1861; disch. by President's procla- mation. Daniel Ruby, must, in June 15, 1861; disch. by President's proclama- tion. Bryant Ryan, must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch. by President's proclama- tion. George R. Stanly, must, in July 1, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 22, 1862, for dis- ability. Wm. H. Staples, must, in July 11, 1861 ; disch. June 27, 1864, at exp. of service. Henry B. Woodward, must, in June 15, 1861 ; died June 14, 1862, at Baltimore, Md. Company H. Simeon S. Wood, must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch. June 27, 1864, at exp. of service. Wm. II. Atwood, must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch. Aug. 27, 1862, for dis- ability. John Downing, must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 24, 1862, for dis- ability. Michael Eagan, must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch. June 27, 1864, at exp. of service. Wm. Gray, must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch. June 27, 1864, at exp. of ser- vice. Barney McCourt, must, in June 15, 1861 ; disch. June 27, 1864, at exp. of service. Andrew McGee, must, in June 15, 1861 ; died Oct. 30, 1862, at Taunton, Mass. Patrick McGinnis, must in Aug. 26, 1862; disch. June 27, 1864, at exp. of service. MISCELLANEOUS. 915 James Palmer, must, in June 15, 1864; discli. June 27, 1864, at exp. of service. Charles Seagraves, must, in June 15, 1864; disch. June 27, 1864, at exp. of service. Dennis Slattery, must, in June 15, 1864; discli. June 25, 1864, for disa- bility. Philip Smith, must, in June 15,1864; disch. by President's proclama- tion. NINTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. Lewis Zuller, musician; must, in June 17, 1861; disch. Aug. 10, 1862, by order, of War Department ; absent, sick. Lawrence Archpool, Co. B ; must, in Aug. 20, 1863 ; killed May 8, 1864, at Wilderness, Va. Dennis Callahan, Co. G ; must, in Aug. 9, 1862; disch. Jan. 29, 1863, for disability. George Way, Co. I ; must, in Aug. 21, 1863 ; trans. June 10, 1864, to 32d Inf. Michael Birmingham, must, in Feb. 16, 1864 ; trans, to 32d Inf. ; disch. by President's proclamation. ELEVENTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. Company E. Michael Carmody, must, in July 19, 1803; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of service. John White, must, in Aug. 19, 1863; disch. May 25, 1865, for disability. Jonah Francis, must, in Aug. 14, 1863; disch. by President's proclama- tion. TWELFTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. Benjamin L. Howland, Co. C; must, in Oct. 16, 1863; trans. June 25, 1864, to 39th Inf. Patrick Donovan, Co. E ; must, in July 28, 1863 ; disch. July 8, 1864, at exp. of service. John Daly, Co. F; must, in Oct. 28, 1863; trans. April 20, 1864, to navy. John Pierce, Co. G; must, in Aug. 4, 1863; trans. April 13, 1864, to navy. Peter F. Scott, Co. G; must, in July 25, 1863; trans. June 25, 1864, to 39th Inf. Warren F. Dean, Co. I; must, in Sept. 23, 1863 ; died Dec. 27, 1863, at Richmond, Va. William Jones, Co. I; must, in Aug. 4, 1S63; trans. June 25, 1863, to 39th Inf. Billings T. Leonard, Co. I ; must, in Oct. 10, 1863; trans. March 1, 1864, to Vet. Res. Corps. Thomas Stuart, Co. I ; must, in Aug. 4, 1863; trans. June 25, 1864, to 39th Inf. THIRTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. George King, Co. B; must, in July 25, 1863; disch. by President's proc- lamation. Henry Cbace, Co. C; must, in July 25,1863; disch. Oct. 29, 1863, for disability. William Henderson, Co. C ; must, in July 25, 1863; disch. by President's proclamation. Thomas Sullivan (1st), Co. D; must, in July 24, 1863; trans. July 13, 1864, to 39th Inf. Edward Coleman, Co. E ; must, in July 25, 1863; trans. April 22, 1864, to navy. Thomas Cooper, Co. E ; must, in Aug. 3, 1863; trans. July 13, 1864, to 39th Inf. Charles Hayes, Co. E; must, in July 25, 1S63; disch. by President's proclamation. James King, Co. E; must, in July 23, 1863; trans. April 22, 1864, to navy. , Charles A. Williams, Co. E; must, in July 25, 1863; killed May 11, 1864. John Hanson, Co. F; must, in July 27, 1863; trans. April 22, 1864, to navy. James Martiens, Co. F; must, in July 2S, 1863; trans. April 22, 1864, to navy. Michael Murphy, Co. F; must, in July 28, 1863; trans. April 22, 1864, to navy. Henry O'Neil, Co. F; must, in July 23. 1863; disch. by President's proclamation. Perry Seymour, Co. F; must, in July 28, 1863; disch. by President's proclamation. George Waterman, Co. F ; must, in July 23, 1863 ; disch. by President's proclamation. George Forke, Co. G; must, in July 28, 1863; disch. by President's proclamation. Alfred Lapurve, Co. G ; must, in July 27, 1863 ; trans. July 13, 1864, to 39th Inf. Jake Winter, Co. H; must, in Aug. 5, 1863; disch. by President's proc- lamation. Augustus Morrison, Co. I; must, in July 28, 1863; trans. April 21, 1864, to navy. Thomas Murphy, Co. I; must, in Aug. 5, 1863 ; trans. July 14, 1864, to 39th Inf. Christian Patterson, must, in July 24, 1863; rejected; recruit unas- signed. FIFTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. Jacob Dockwiller, Co. C; must, in July 24, 1863 ; disch. by President's proclamation. John Grey, Co. D; must, in July 30, 1863; disch. April IS, 1864, for dis- ability. Edmond Krenn, Co. F; must, in July 30, 1863; disch. by President's proclamation. William Streidell, Co. I; must, in July 31, 1863; died Feb. 17, 1864, at Richmond, Va. SIXTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. Rufus M. Ashley, Co. A ; must, in July 24, 1863; trans. April 28, 1864, to navy. John White, Co. B ; must, in July 19, 1863 ; trans. July 11, 1864, to 11th Inf. Michael Carmody, Co. D ; must, in July 17, 1863 ; trans. July 11, 1864, to 11th Inf. SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. George Austin, Co. B; must, in Sept. 3, 1864; disch. June 30, 1865; drowned Feb. 17, 1874. Thomas Cain, Co. C ; must, in Feb. 25, 1864 ; discli. July 11, 1865, at exp. of service. James Cummings, Co. C; must, in Jan. 12, 1865; disch. July 11, 1865, at exp. of service. George Atwill, Co. D; must, in Sept. 5, 1864; disch. June 30, 1865, by order of War Department. John Kirby, Co. D ; must, in Sept. 3, 1864; disch. July 27, 1865, in Co. C. Thomas Morgan, Co. G; must, in Sept. 21, 1864; disch. July 11, 1865, at exp. of service. David T. Marston, Co. K; must, in Aug. 29, 1862; disch. Aug. 3, 1864, at exp. of service. John S. Smith, Co. K ; must, in Oct. 26, 1862 ; disch. Feb. 11, 1861, to re- enlist. EIGHTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. John Q. Chace, musician; must, in Aug. 24, 1801 ; disch. Aug. 11, 1862, by order of War Department. William T. Fields, musician; must, in Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Sept. 16, 1861, by order of War Department. Henry P. Baker, Co. A; must, in Aug. 26, 1S63 ; traus. May 1, 1864, to navy. Company B. James Ruby, 1st sergt.; must, in Aug. 24, 1861; disch. March 27, 1863, for disability. Thomas Smith, 1st sergt. ; must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at exp. of service. Theodore Eayrs, sergt.; must, in Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at exp. of service. Stephen Littleton, sergt. ; must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at exp. of service. Patrick Walsh, sergt.; must, in Aug. 24, 1861; disch. by President's proclamation. Edward Coyle, Corp.; must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at exp. of service. William Green, corp. ; must, in Aug. 24,1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at exp. of service. Patrick Galligau, must, in Aug. 24, 1861; died Sept. 18, 1864, at Ander- sonville, Ga. George D. Dean, musician ; must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at exp. of service. William Ball, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. by President's proclama- tion. Benjamin F. Boren, must, in Aug. 24, 1S61 ; killed Aug. 30, 1S62, at Bul[ Run, Va. 916 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. Dennis Brady, must, in Aug. 24, 1S63 ; killed Sept. 20, D363, at Shep- hardstown, Va. Jolm Brown, must, in Aug. 24, 1863; disch. by President's proclamation. Matthew Callahan, must, in Aug. 24, 1863 ; died Aug. 12, 1864, at Hani- son's Landing, Va. John Callery, must, in Aug. 24, 1863; disch. by President's proclama- tion. James Cannon, must, in Aug. 24, 1863; disch. May 28, 1864, for dis- ability. William Condon, must, in Aug. 24, 1863 ; trans. Dec. 15, 1863, to Vet. Res. Corps. Benjamin J. Coombs, must, in Aug. 24, 1863 ; returned Sept. 2, 1863, to 2d Maine Vols. Edward Corr, must, in Aug. 24, 1863; disch. Dec. 16, 1863, for disability. Timothy Daly, must, in Aug. 24, 1863 ; trans. March 7, 1864, to Vet. Res. Corps. John Dolan, must, in Aug. 24, 1863 ; disch. Dec. 26, 1865. Leonard L. Field, must, in July 29, 1862; disch. April 14, 1864, for dis- ability. Thomas Fitzpatrick, must, in Aug. 24, 1S61 ; disch. Nov. 16, 1863, by order of War Department. James Fitzpatrick, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 16, 1863, by order of War Department. Martin Flinn, must, in Aug. 24,1861 ; killed June 3, 1864, at Bethesda Church, Va. Henry Galligan, must, in Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at exp. of service ; absent, sick. Michael Gill, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; killed Aug. 30, 1862, at Bull Run, Va. James Gleason, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; trans. Sept. 6, 1863, to Vet. Res. Corps. Patrick Goff, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; trans. Nov. 13, 1863, to Vet. Res. Corps. John Griffin, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at exp. of ser- vice. James Griffin, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. by President's proclama- tion. Thomas H. Griffin, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at exp. of service. Michael Greese, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; died Sept. 7, 1862. Jonathan J. Geen, must, in Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Nov. 26, 1862, for dis- ability. John Harrington, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Feb. 22, 1862, for dis- ability. Dudley B. Hathaway, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 6, 1862, for dis- ability. John Hughes, must, in Aug. 24, 1861; disch. March 1, 1864, for dis- ability. Daniel Love, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 11, 1S62, for disability. dipt. George C. Rubi/a Company (B). Dennis Lynch, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. by President's proclama- tion. James McGowan, must, in Aug. 24, 1861; disch. by President's procla- mation. Peter McGuire, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at exp. of service. Patrick McGuire, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 18, 1862, for disa- bility; died June 16, 1864. John McKenny, must, in Jan. 4,1864; disch. Oct. 21, 1864; trans, to 32d Inf. James McKenny, must, in Aug. 24, 1S61 ; disch. Jan. 19, 1864, for disa- bility. Patrick McMullen, must, in Aug. 24, 1861; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at exp. of service. Patrick Meagher, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at exp. of service. James Murphy, must in Aug. 24, 1861; disch. by President's proclama- tion. Arthur O'Leary, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 12, 1862, for disabil- ity. Francis O'Rafferty, must, in Aug. 24, 1861; died March 19, 1864, at Washington, D. C. Michael Otis, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at exp. of ser- vice. Alexander Patterson, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 16, 1863, by order of War Department. Abisha S. Perry, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps. William H. Potter, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. by President's procla- mation. Madison L. Priest, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 20, 1863, for disa- bility. Francis Reilly, must, in Aug. 24,1861; disch. Jan. 30, 1864, for disabil- ity. Daniel Sales, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at exp. of ser- vice. Philip Smith, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; trans. April 28, 1864, to Vet. Res. Corps. John A. Smith, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. by President's proclama- tion. Andrew Stevens, must, in Aug. 24, 1861; disch. by President's proclama- tion. Joseph Thacker, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. by President's proclama- tion. Patrick Tierney, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; killed Aug. 30, 1862, at Bull Run, Va. Patrick Walsh, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; trans. April 6, 1864, to Vet. Res. Corps. Edmond Whalley, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. April 25, 1863, for dis- ability. John White, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps. John Wiggins, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Feb. 28, 1863, for disabil- ity- William H. Miller, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Feb. 28, 1863, for dis- ability. John Wood, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 30, 1862, for disability. George Wrinn, must, in Aug. 24, 1861; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps. Company F. Mortimer Sherman, must, in Jan. 2, 1864 ; disch. Sept. 20, 1864, at exp. of service, as supposed. Charles I. Bryant, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at exp. of service. Alexander R. Woodward, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. for disability. Company H. John F. Hogan, must, in Feb. 16, 1864; trans. Oct. 21, 1864, to 32d Inf. James S. Finch, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 2, 1864, at exp. of service. Joseph McMahan, Co. K ; must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; trans. Sept. 15, 1863, to Vet. Res. Corps. NINETEENTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. Philip Carey, Co. B ; must, in July 25, 1863 ; trans. Jan. 23, 1864, to 20th Inf. Andrew Cronan, Co. B; must, in Aug. 3, 1863; disch. Dec. 8, 1863. Patrick H. Couch, Co. C ; must, in Nov. 12, 1864 ; disch. June 30, 1865, at exp. of service. James Dunn, Co. D ; must, in Aug. 3, 1863; trans. Jan. 14, 1864, to 20th Inf.; died while prisoner. John Entrensbirger, Co. E ; must, in Dec. 8, 1864 ; disch. June 23, 1865, at exp. of service. Henry K. Martin, Co. E; must, in July 26, 1861; disch. April 24, 1863, for disability. Thomas Caine, must, in Feb. 25,1864; disch. March 1,1864; recruit un- assigned. John Harwood, must, in Jan. 11, 1864; disch. Jan. 19, 1864; recruit un- assigned. Patrick O'Niell, must, in July 31, 1863; disch. May 6, 1865; recruit un- assigned. George H. Smith, must, in July 25, 1863 ; trans, to 20th Inf. TWENTIETH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. Philip Carey, Co. A ; must, in July 25, 1863 ; disch. July 16, 1865, at exp. of service. Andrew Cronin, Co. B; must, in Aug. 1,1863; disch. Dec. 7, 1863, for disability. William C. Gaboon, Co. C ; must, in Jan. 21, 1864; disch. July 16,1865, at exp. of service. John Cunningham, Co. C; must, in Feb. 28, 1864; disch. July 16, 1865, at exp. of service. Jeremiah C. Eldridge, Co. C ; must, in Jan. 21, 1864 ; disch. July 16, 1865, at exp. of service. George Sager, Co. C ; must, in Feb. 19, 1864 ; disch. July 16, 1865, at exp. of service. MISCELLANEOUS. 917 Robert Sheehan, Co. C ; must, in Feb. 28, 1864 ; disch. July 16, 1865, at exp. of service. Joseph C. Dowel, Co. E; must, in March 10, 1S64; disch. July 16, 1865, at exp. of service. James H. Spencer, sergt., Co. F; must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; pro. to 1st lieut. Sept. 9, 1863; now in regular army. Edward W. Jenkins, Co. F; must, in Sept. 4, 1861; disch. Feb. 4, 1863, for disability. John Logue, sergt., Co. G ; must, in March 23, 1864 ; disch. July 16, 1865, at exp. of service. George \V. Pitts, Co. G; must, in July 30,1863; disch. by President's proclamation. John McGuire, Co. H ; must, in Aug. 7, 1863 ; disch. by President's proclamation. Samuel M. Gushee, Co. K; must, in Feb. 4, 1865; disch. July 16, 1865,at exp. of service. William E. Hathaway, Co. K; must, in Dec. 26, 1863 ; disch. July 16, 1865, at exp. of service. Charles H. Peck, Co. K ; must, in Dec. 16, 1863; disch. July 16, 1865, at exp. of service. Hiram Rogers, Co. K; must in Dec. 26, 1863; disch. July 27,1865, at exp. of service. Joseph E. Sanford, Co. K ; must, in Jan. 26, 1864 ; died June 16, 1864. Edward E. Staples, Co. K ; must, in Jan. 21, 1864; disch. July 16, 1864, at exp. of service. TWENTY-SECOND MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. John A.Wright, 1st sergt., Co. A; must, in Feb. 2, 1864; trans. Oct. 26, 1864, to 32d Inf. George B. Martis, sergt., Co. A; must, in Feb. 2, 1S64; trans. Oct. 26, 1864, to 32d Inf. Edward C. Young, Co. A; must, in Feb. 2, 1864; trans. Oct. 26, 1864, to 32d Inf. William D. Hatch, 1st sergt., Co. C; must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; pro. to 2d lieut. June 15, 1862. Charles H. Jones, 1st sergt., Co. C; must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1864, at exp. of service. Joseph Knott, 1st sergt., Co. C; must, iu Sept. 2, 1861 ; pro. to 2d lieut. 56th Inf. ; disch. Sept. 24, 1863. James N. Black, sergt,, Co. C; must, in April 1,1864; trans. Oct. 26,1864, to 32d Inf. William H. Carpenter, sergt., Co. C ; must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 5, 1863, for disability; died May 14, 1877. Levi L. Crane, sergt., Co. C; must, in Sept. 2, 1861; trans. Dec. 12, 1863, to Vet. Res. Corps. Thomas Lynch, sergt., Co. C; must, in Sept. 2, 1861; disch. Oct. 17,1864, at exp. of service. Robert I. Plant, must, in Sept. 2, 1861; disch. Dec. 1, 1862, for disa- bility. John Rack, Co. ; must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; pro. to 1st lieut.; disch. Jan. 6, 1863. TWENTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. James Matherson, sergt., Co. D; enl. Sept. 17,1861 ; re-eul. Jan. 4,1864; disch. Jan. 20, 1866, at exp. of service. Stephen Weeks, corp., Co. G; must, iu Jan. 3, 1865 ; disch. Jan. 3, 1866, at exp. of service. Frederick S. Cunnings, Co. D; must, in Jan. 4, 1S64; disch. Jan. 20, 1866, at exp. of service. Abiathar Dean, Co. G; must, in Oct. 11, 1861; disch. Oct. 12, 1864, at exp. of service. Charles F. Fales, Co. G; must, in May 20, 1862; disch. Jan. 3, 1864, to re-enlist. Henry S. Gilmore, Co. G ; must, in Sept. 12, 1861 ; disch. April 7, 1863, for disability. Jerry A. Beedle, Co. B; must, in May 8,1862; disch. Dec. 18, 1863, to re-enlist. William H. Lindsey, Co. B; must, in May 13,1862; disch. Dec. 19,1863, to re-enlist. George Monserill, Co. C; must, in Oct. 19, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 29, 1861, j for disability. Wilson D. Bowen, Co. D; must, in Sept. 25, 1861; disch. Jan. 1, 1864, to re-enlist; re-enl. Jan. 2, 1S64; disch. Jan. 20, 1866, at exp. of service. Thomas Walton, Co. F; must, in Oct. 30, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 30, 1864, at exp. of service. Frederick Heyward, sergt., Co. D ; enl. Sept. 17, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 4, 1864; disch. Jan. 20, 1866, at exp. of service. Charles Riley, Co. G; must, in Dec. 8, 1863 ; disch. Jan. 3, 1864, to re-en- list ; re-enl. Jan. 4, 1S64; disch. by President's proclamation. John Riley, Co. G; must, in Sept. 18, 1861; disch. Sept. 18, 1864, at exp. of service. John A. Welb, Co. G; must, in March 1,1864; disch. Jan. 20, 1S66, at exp. of service. James Williams, Co. ; must, in Dec. 1,1861 ; disch. Dec. 4, 1864, at exp. of service. Francis Allen, Co. H; must, in Jan. 4, 1864: disch. Jan. 20, 1866, at exp. of service. George Reed, Co. H ; must, in Nov. 1, 1864 ; disch. Jan. 20, 1866, at exp. of service. Peter Glancey, Co. K ; must, in Oct. 28, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 5, 1863, for dig- ability. TWENTY-SIXTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. James Clark, Co. G; must, in Sept. 15, 1861; disch. Jan. 1, 1864, to re- enlist; re-enl. Jan. 2, 1864; disch. Aug. 26, 1865, at exp. of service. TWENTY-EIGHTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. Jacob Brown, Co. A; must, in Aug. 10, 1863; disch. by President's proclamation. Aretus Hall, Co. A ; must, in Aug. 10, 1863 ; disch. June 30, 1865, at exp. of service. William Kelly, Co. A ; must, in March 9, 1864 ; killed May 5, 1864, at Wilderness, Va. John Smith, Co. B ; must, in March 9, 1864 ; missing since May 5, 1864. George Morris, Co. D; must, in March 10,1864; absent (wounded) since May 28,1864. Thomas Raney, Co. F; must, in March 7,1864; disch. by President's proclamation. James Murphy, corp., Co. I; must, in Dec. 13, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 19, 1S64, at exp. of service. Philip Rand, Co. I ; must, in Dec. 13, 1861 ; trans. July 1, 1863, to Vet. Res. Corps. James Keeler, unassigned recruit; must, in March 9, 1864 ; trans. Juno 11, 1864, to navy. TWENTY-NINTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. John Brown, Co. A ; must, in Aug. 25, 1864 ; disch. Feb. 11, 1865, for disability. Alexander Hughes, Co. C ; must, in Aug. 20, 1864 ; disch. by President's proclamation. Capt. Wittard Tripp's Company (F). George W. Childs, corp. ; must, in Dec. 11, 1861; disch. Dec. 22,1862, for disability. John Goodwin, corp. ; must, in Jan. 2, 1864; disch. July 29, 1865, at exp. of service. William H. Tyndall, corp. ; must, in Nov. 25, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 1, 1864, to re-enlist; re-enl. Jan. 2, 1864; disch. July 6, 1865, for disability. James Booth, musician ; must, in Jan. 2, 1864; disch. July 29, 1865, at exp. of service. Edward Belcher, must, in Dec. 9, 1S61 ; disch. Nov. 1, 1862, at exp. of service. Alexander Brickell, must, in Dec. 9, 1861 ; disch. Aug. 27, 1862, for dis- ability. William H. Burns, must, in Aug. 7, 1862 ; disch. March 29, 1864, to re- enlist. Hugh D. Conaty, must, in Nov. 7, 1861 ; died July 28, 1862. Joseph Davis, must, in Dec. 2, 1861 ; disch. April 4, 1863, for disability. James Dugan, must, in Dec. 5, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 23, 1862, for disability. Alonzo Garvin, must, in Nov. 7, 1861; disch. Jan. 1, 1864, to re-enlist; re-enl. Jan. 2, 1864; discti. July 29, 1865, at exp. of service. Benjamin T. Godfrey, must, in Dec. 11, 1861 ; died Sept. 7, 1862, at Phil- adelphia, Pa. Detlef Dothkoft, must, in Nov. 30, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 1.1864, to re-enlist. Joseph Hainer, must, in March 8,1862; died Sept. 9, 1862, at Mile Creek, Va. Owen McManus, must, in Dec. 7, 1861 ; disch. April 11, 1862, of old age. William H. Philips, must, iu Sept. 3, 1864; disch. May, 1865, at exp. of service. Lewis R. Pierce, must, in Nov. 7, 1861; disch. May 22, 1862, for disa- bility. John B. Piser, must, iu Feb. 27, 1862 ; com. sergt. March, 1862; died Jan. 13, 1882. Thomas S. Sherman, must, in Dec. 2, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 8, 1862, for disa- bility. 918 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. James Simmons, must, in Nov. 12, 1861 ; died Oct. 22, 1862, at Harwood Hospital, Washington, D. C. James W. Smith, must, in Nov. 30, 1861. Leander Tripp, must, in Nov. 2S. 1861 ; disch. Oct. 13, 1862, at exp. of service. Adolph Vrage, must, in July 23, 1864; disch. July 29, !865, at exp. of service. 0. A. White, must, in Nov. 25, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 23,1862, for disability. T. W. Writington, must, in Nov. 30, 1861 ; disch. by President's procla- mation. THIRTY-SECOND MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. William Duggan, Co. A; must, in Nov. 29,1864; died May 17, 1865. Alfred Lepire, Co. A; must, in July 27,1863; disch. June 29, 1865, at exp. of service. Thomas Waltham, Co. A ; must, in Sept. 12, 1864 ; disch. July 5, 1865, by order of War Dept. John Miller, Co. B ; must, in Nov. 12, 1864 ; disch. June 29, 1865, at exp. of service. Daniel Morris, Co. B; must, in Aug. 31, 1864; disch. May 26, 1865, by order of War Dept. Jacob Schwarts, Co. B; must, in July 28, 1863; disch. June 29, 1865, at exp. of service. Michael Birmingham, Co. C; must, in Feb. 16, 1864; disch. by Presi- dent's proclamation. William Jones, Co. C; must, in Aug. 4, 1863; disch. June 29, 1865, at exp. of service. Thomas Kennedy, Co. F; must, in Sept. 12, 1864; disch. June 29, 1865, at exp. of service. Benjamin L. Howland, Co. G; must, in Oct. 16, 1863; disch. June 27, 1865, by order of War Dept. John McKenny, Co. G; must, in Jan. 4, 1864; disch. June 29, 1865, at exp. of service; absent, sick. Henry Pope, Co. G ; must, in Jan. 5, 1864 ; disch. July S, 1865, by order of War Dept. Gilbert Reed, Co. G ; must, in Sept. 7, 1863 ; disch- June 29, 1865, at exp. of service. Francis Wheeler, Co. G; must, in Oct. 1, 1864; disch. by President's proclamation. Warren F. Dean, Co. H; must, in Sept. 23, 1863; died Dec. 27, 1863, at Richmond, Va. John Meigs, Co. H ; must, in Sept. 19, 1864 ; disch. June 9, 1865, by order of War Dept. George Way, Co. H ; must, in Aug. 21, 1863 ; disch. June 29, 1865, at exp. of service. Henry W. Whiting, Co. H; must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. June 29,1865, at exp. of service. Thomas Cooper, Co. I; must, in Aug. 3, 1863; disch. June 29, 1865, at exp. of service ; absent, sick. Charles G. W. H. Ellick, Co. I ; must, in Sept. 12, 1864; disch. by Presi- dent's proclamation. David Glines, Co. I ; must, in Jan. 2, 1864 ; disch. June 29, 1865, at exp- of service. Jacob Marts, Co. I; must, in July 27, 1863; disch. June 29, 1865, at exp. of service. John A. Wright, 1st sergt., Co. L ; must, in Feb. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 4, 1864; supernumerary. George Martis. sergt., Co. L ; must, in Feb. 1, 1864 ; disch. June 27, 1865, by order of War Dept. Charles O'Neil, Corp., Co. L ; must, in March 31, 1864 ; disch. June 29, 1865, at exp. of service. Edward C. Young, corp., Co. L; must, in Feb. 1, 1S64; disch. June 29, 1865, at exp. of service. James A. Black, Co. L ; must, in March 31, 1864 ; disch. June 29, 1865, at exp. of service. George Clark, Co. L; must, in Aug. 29, 1863; disch. June 29, 1865, at exp. of service. Alfred W. Stoddard, Co. L ; must, in Feb. 1, 1864; disch. June 29, 1865, at exp. of service. William H. Johnson, 1st sergt., Co. M; must, in Feb. 1, 1864; disch. June 29, 1865, at exp. of service. James M. Allen, sergt., Co. M ; must, in Feb. 1, 1864; disch. Nov. 1, 1864 ; supernumerary. Thomas B. Willie, sergt., Co. M ; must, in Feb. 1, 1864 ; disch. June 11, 1865, by order of War Dept. James Mitchell, Corp., Co. M; must, in Feb. 1, 1864; disch. June 29, 1865, at exp. of service. THIRTY-THIRD MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. Capl. James Browning's Company (B). Francis C. Lawton, 1st sergt.; must, in Aug. 5, 1862 ; pro. to 1st lieut. Sept. 13, 1864 ; died Aug. 2, 1879. Henry F. Eldridge, sergt. ; must, in Aug. 5, 1862 ; disch. June 11, 1865, at exp. of service. Noah H. Maxim, sergt.; must, in Aug. 5, 1862 ; disch. June 11, 1865, at exp. of service. Edgar G. Blandin, corp. ; must, in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. June 11, 1865, at exp. of service. Edward R. Hood, corp. ; must, in Aug. 5, 1862 ; disch. July 20, 1865, by order of War Dept. Albert E. Bishop, musician ; must, in Aug. 5, 1862 ; disch. June 11, 1865, at exp. of service. Henry E. Atwell, must in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. June 11, 1863, for dis- ability ; died Nov. 24, 1807. George B. Bramhall, must, in Aug. 5, 1S62 ; killed May 16, 1864, at Re- saca, Ga. Rollen N. Corlew, must, in Aug. 5, 1862 ; disch. June 11 , 1865, at exp. of service. Calvin C. Dean, must, in Aug. 5, 1862 ; trans to Vet. Res. Corps Sept. 1, 1863. Andrew Deering, must, in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. Dec. 6, 1862, for dis- ability. Abner S. Domty, must, in Aug. 5, 1862 ; disch. June 11, 1865, at exp. of service. John Foster, must, in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. by President's proclamation. James Gavan, must, in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. June 11, 1865, at exp. of service. James Gillespie, must, in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. June 11, 1865, at exp. of service. 0«ren Gill, must, in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. June 11, 1865, at exp. of service. Patrick Jones, must, in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. June 11, 1865, at exp. of service. Freeman W. King, must, in Aug. 5, 1862 ; disch. March 7, 1863, for dis- ability. Alonzo I). Laflin, must, in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. by President's proclama- tion. Jarvis D. Leonard, must, in Aug. 5, 1862 ; trans. Jan. 15, 1864, to Vet. Res. Corps. James W. Lockwood, must, in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. June 1, 1865, at exp, of service. John Lynch, must, in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. June 11, 1865, at exp. of ser- vice. George A. Monroe, must, in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. Jan. 18, 1863, for dis- ability. Jacob W. Munsey, must, in Aug. 5,1862; trans. Aug. 1,1863, to Vet. Res. Corps. Merton Nay lor, must, in Aug. 5,1862; disch. Aug. 14, 1863, for disa- bility. Thomas W. Nevins, Jr., must, in Aug. 5, 1S62 ; disch. June 11, 1865, at exp. of service. David Noonan, must, in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. June 11, 1865, at exp. of service. George F. Reed, must, in Aug. 6, 1862 ; disch. June 11, 1865, at exp. of service. Patrick Robertson, must, in Aug. 5,1862; disch. March 19, 1863, for disability. William Roth well, must, iu Aug. 5, 1862; disch. by President's procla- mation. George Smith, must, in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. June 11, 1S65, at exp. of service. Francis H. Thayer, must, in Aug. 5, 1862; disch. March 30, 1864, for disability. Alexander C. White, must, in Aug. 5, 1862; died Sept. 29,1862, at Alex- andria, Va. Company K. William H. Crocker, must, in Aug. 8, 1862; disch. June 11, 1865, at exp. of service. Michael Doyle, must, in Aug. 8, 1862 ; disch. July 2, 1865, by order of War Department. David B. Lincoln, must, in Aug. 8, 1862; disch. June 11, 1865, at exp. of service. Michael McAvoy, must, in Aug. 12, 1862 ; trans. June 1, 1865, to 2d Inf. George Brown, unassigned ; must, in Aug. 18, 1864; disch. by Presi- dent's proclamation. MISCELLANEOUS. 919 THIRTY-SEVENTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. William C. Cahoon, Co. A ; must, in Jan. 21, 1804 ; trans. Jan. 21, 1865, to 20th Inf. James Burns, Co. A ; must, in Feb. 19, 1864; disch. by President's proc- lamation. John Cunningham, Co. A; must, in Feb. 27, 1864 ; trans. June 21, 1865, to 20th Inf. Robert Sheehan, Co. B ; must, in Feb. 25, 1864; trans. June 19, 1864, to 20th Inf. Joseph D. Calehan, 1st sergt., Co. C; must, in Feb. 10, 1864; pro. to 2d lieut. Oct, 13, 1864. George Sager, musician, Co. D ; must, in Feb. 18, 1864; trans. June 21, 1865, to 2oth Inf. Harry A. Cushman, Co. E; must, in Dec. 26, 1863 ; pro. to 2d lieut. Oct. 13, 1864. William E. Hathaway, Co. H; must, in Jan. 20,1864; trans. June 21, 1865, to 20th Inf. Thomas Dolan, musician, Co. K; must, in Feb. 24, 1864; trans. June 21, 1865, to 20th Inf. Vnassigned Recru its. Henry S. Benton, 1st sergt., must, in Dec. 26, 1863 ; died of wounds July 10, 1864, at Alexandria, Va. Henry H. Codding, must, in Aug. 28, 1861 ; trans. June 21, 1865, to 20th Inf. Jeremiah C. Eldridge, must, in Jan. 20,1864; trans. June 21, 1865, to 20th Inf. THIRTY-EIGHTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. William Finn, Co. B ; must, in Feb. 11, 1864 ; disch. by President's proclamation. Eugene C. Wells, Co. F ; must, in Jan. 27, 1864; trans. Jnne 22, 1865, to 26 th Inf. THIRTY-NINTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. Jacob Schwarts, Co. A; must, in July 28, 1863; trans. June 2, 1865, to 32d Inf. Thomas Stuart, Co. B ; must, in Aug. 4, 1863; died. Thomas Murphy, Co. G; must, in Aug. 5, 1863; died Jan. 1, 1865, at . Salisbury, N. C. Jacob Marty, Co. II ; must, in July 27, 1863 ; trans. June 2, 1865, to 32d Inf. Thomas Sullivan (1st), Co. I ; must, in July 24, 1863 ; trans. June 2, 1865, to 32d Inf. FORTIETH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. Daniel Mickell, Co. A; must, in Aug. 23, 1862 ; killed July 30, 1SU4, at Petersburg, Va. Eugene Millerd, Co. F; must, in Sept. 3,1862; disch. Jan. 16, 1865, at exp. of service. Albro W. Aldrich, Co. H ; must, in Sept. 1, 1862 ; killed June 24, 1864, at Petersburg, Va. George H. Robinson, Co. H ; must, in Sept. 1, 1862 ; disch. June 16, 1865, at exp. of service. James H. Springer, Co. II; must, in Sept. 1, 1862; trans. Jan. 15, 1864, to Vet. Res. Corps. Stephen Weeks, Co. I; must, in Jan. 3, 1865; trans, to 24th Inf. FIFTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. Thomas Gilson, Co. A ; must, in Oct. 10, 1863 ; disch. Sept. 12, 1865, at exp. of service. FIFTY-SIXTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. Patrick Danohoe, Co. C ; must, in Dec. 28, 1863 ; disch. July 12, 1865, at exp. of service. Robert F. Noonhan, Co. C; must, in Dec. 28, 1863 ; disch. July 24, 1865, by order of War Dept. ; died in Omaha May 9, 1875, in 2d U. S. Cav. James Ward. Co. C; must, in Dec. 28, 1863; died of wounds June 22, 1864, at Anuapolis, Md. Charles B. Staples, Co. F; must, in March 1, 1864; disch. July 12, 1865, at exp. of service. Samuel Shepard, Co. I; must, in Feb. 4, 1864; killed June 27, 1864, at Petersburg, Va. Herbert V. Worcester, Co. I ; must, in Feb. 4, 1864; died Sept. 13, 1864, at Andersonville, Ga. John H. King, Co. K ; must, in Feb. 25, 1864 ; disch. by President's proc- lamation. FIFTY-SEVENTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. George E. Dearborn, musician, Co. G; must in March 4, 1S64; disch. July 30, 1865, at exp. of service. Isaac P. Trask, Co. I; must, in April 2, 1864; disch. July 30, 1865, at exp. of service. FIKTY-EIGHTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. Company B. Barillia F. Staples, must, in Feb. 8,1864; pro. to lieut. May 3, 1865. Brown D. Higging, sergt. ; must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of service; died July 21, 1865. Albert A. Harvey, corp.; must, in Feb. 8, 1864 ; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of service. Marcenah B. Wilcox, Corp.; must, in Feb. 8, 1864 ; disch. July 14, 1865 ; died in Raynham Sept. 9, 1865. John C. Harding, musician ; must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of service. John Batey, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; died at Salisbury, N. C. Feansant Beaureanby, must, in Feb. 8, 1S64; disch. by President's proc- lamation. Alphonso Bliss, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. April 18, 1865, for dis- ability. William Bores, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. May 19, 1865, by order of War Department. Nathaniel L. Breley, must, in March 26, 1864; disch. Feb. 20, 1865, for disability. Antoine Brouseau, must, in Feb. 8,1864; disch. by President's proclama- tion. John Burns, must, in Feb. 8, 1S64 ; disch. July 18, 1865, at exp. of ser- vice. Charles H. Caswell, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of service. William H. Caswell, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. Nov. 17, 1864, for dis- ability. George E. Caswell, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of service. John Cavanagh, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. by President's proclama- tion. George Couell, must, in March 26, 1864; disch. July 14,1865, at exp. of service. Andrew Cronan, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. May 18, 1865, by order of War Department. Edward W. Crossman, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. July 20, 1865, by order of War Department; died June 25, 1870. Capt. Robert Grossman's Company (B). Austin Cuniffee, must, in Feb. 8, 1S64 ; died Dec. 23, 1864, at Annapolis, Md. Hiram L. Danforth, must, in March 26,1864; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of service. William H. Dean, must, in March 26, 1864; died Jan. 24, 1865, at Salis- bury, N. C. John De Forrest, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of service. John Denny, must, in Feb. 8, 1864 ; disch. March 9, 1865, for disability. Patrick Dugan, must, in March 26, 1864 ; disch. July 25, 1865, by order of War Department. Mitchell Dumar, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. by President's proclama- tion. Arthur Durgin, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. by President's proclama- tion. Patrick I. Edgar, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; killed May 6, 1864, at Wilder- ness, Va. Eli Eldridge, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. July 20, 1865, by order of War Department. Peter Fagan, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; trans. Jan. 1, 1865, to Vet. Res. Corps. Richard Faux, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; died June 3, 1864, of wounds at Washington, D. C. James Francis, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of service. Lyman R. Francis, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. Jan. 18, 1865, for dis- ability. Thomas Gibbons, Jr., must, in Feb. S, 1864; disch. by President's proc- lamation. William I. Gilbert, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of service. 920 HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. David B. Hill, must, in Feb. 8, 1S64 ; disch. June 17, 1865, by order of War Department. Levi S. Howland, must, in Feb. S, 1864 ; killed June 3, 1864, at Cold Harbor, Va. Alfred Jeffery, must, in April 20, 1864; died Aug. 7, 1864, at Anderson- ville, Ga. Patrick P. Leddy, must, in Feb. S, 1864 ; died Aug. 22, 1864, at Salis- bury, N. C. John K. Lee, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. May 25, 1865, by order of War Department; died Aug. 4, 1871. Albert E. Leonard, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp.of service; died Jan. 15, 1876. Frank R. Marigold, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. May 18, 1865, by order of War Department. Alexander McKee, must, in Feb. 8, 1864 ; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of service. John McKinley, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of service. James H. McVay, must, in March 26, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of service. Gideon Mosher, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. Aug. 18, 1864, for disa- bility. Michael Murphy, must, in April 20, 1864 ; disch. by President's procla- mation. Henry Packer, must, in Feb. 8, 1864 ; died Dec. 28, 1864, at Salisbury, N. C. Jacob Packer, must, in Feb. 8, 1864 ; died June 5, 1864, at Cold Harbor, Va. Francoi3 Paneton, must, in Feb. 8, 1S64 ; disch. July 27, 1864, for disa- bility. Francis Parrent, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. May 23, 1865, by order of War Department. Stephen H. Pierce, must, in March 26, 1864 ; disch. Aug. 23, 1864, for disability. Patrick Quigley, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of service. Timothy Qninn, must, in Feb. 8, 1864 ; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of service. Edward P. Roach, must, in March 26, 1864 ; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of service. Alvin B. Rounds, must in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. May 18, 1865, by order of War Department. Richard L. Sherman, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; died March 28, 1865, at East Taunton. William A. Sherburner, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of service. George F. Shurtliff, must, in March 26, 1864; disch. June 22, 1865, by order of War Department. Charles W. Smith, must, in March 26, 1864 ; disch. May 18, 1865, by order of War Department. Asa W. Stedman, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; disch. June 15, 1865, by order of War Department. Joseph Stone, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; died May 6, 1865, at Washington, D.C. Charles W. B. Tucker, must, in Feb. 8, 1S64; disch. July 22,1865, by order of War Department. Henry D. White, must, in Feb. 8, 1S64 ; disch. July 20, 1S65, by order of War Department. David W. Bassett, Co. C ; must, in April 20, 1864 ; died June 13, 1864, of wounds at Arlington, Va. James F. McDonald, Co. D ; must, in April 2, 1864 ; died June 29, 1864. James Sherman, Co. D; must, in March 1, 1864 ; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of service. Edwin R. Burr, Co. C ; must, in March 1, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of service. Michael U'Niel, Co. E ; must, iu March 1, 1864 ; died Sept. 1, 1864, at Alexandria, Va. Thomas O'Niel, Co. E; must, in March 1, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of service. James Rocket, Co. E; must, in March 1, 1864; disch. June 20, 1865, by order of War Department. George P. Freeman, Co. F; must, in March 12, 1S04; died June 26, 1864, at Washington, D.C. George 11. Handy, Co. G ; must, in March 26, 1864; disch. by President's proclamation. Janice F. Mareden, Co. G ; must, iu March 20, 1864; disch. July 25, 1865, by order of War Department. Edward Rhodes, Co. G; must in March 26, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865. at exp. of service. Barney Trainor, Co. G; must, in March 26, 1864; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of service. John Westgate, Co. G ; must, in March 26, 1864 ; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of service. John Boyce, Co. H ; must, in April IS, 1864 ; disch. July 14, 1S65, at exp. of service. Thomas Ryan, Co. H ; must, in April 18, 1864 ; disch. July 14, 1865, at exp. of service. John Smythe, Co. H ; must, in April IS, 1864; disch. March 31, 1865, for disability. William Wise, Co. H; must, in April 18, 1864; disch. by President's proclamation. FIFTY-NINTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. Charles Lambert, Co. F ; must, iu Feb. 4, 1864 ; died Aug. 1, 1864, at New Haven, Conn. John Smith, Co. F; must, in Feb. 20, 1864; disch. by Presidents proc- lamation. George E. Dearborn, Co. G ; must, in March 4, 1864 ; trans. June 1, 1865, to 57th Infantry. Isaac P. Trask, Co. I; must, in April 2, 1864; trans. June 1,1865, to 57th Infantry. SIXTY-FIRST MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. Jeremiah Sullivan, principal musician, Co. D; must, iu Sept. 14, 1864; disch. March 1, 1865. Frederick H. Woodman, Co. D; must, in Sept. 5, 1864; disch. June 4, 1865, at exp. of service. George H. Fiske, Co. H; must, in Dec. 8, 1864; disch. July 16, 1865, at exp. of service. SIXTY-SECOND MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS. Company B. Nathaniel 0. Walker, corp. ; must, in March 23, 1865 ; disch. May 5, 1865, at exp. of service. Willard L. Dean, must, in March 24, 1865 ; disch. May 5, 1865, at exp. of service. Charles Eldridge, must, in April 1, 1865 ; disch. May 5, 1805, at exp. of service. Thomas K. Gay, must, in March 31, 1865 ; disch. May 5, 1865, at exp. of service. Manlius B. Leonard, must, in March 28, 1805; disch. May 5, 1865, at exp. of service. Frederick T. Nelson, must, in March 31, 1865 ; disch. May 6, 1S65, at exp. of service. John E. Spencer, must, in March 23, 1865 ; disch. May 5, 1S65, at exp. of service. Joseph W. Allen, Co. D ; must, in April 7, 1805 ; disch. May 5, 1865, at exp. of service. George F. Seaver, enl. April 16, 1861, in the 1st Marine Corps of Art., Rhode Island ; pro. to lieut. Bat. C, 3d Rhode Island Art., Feb. 11, 1863; disch. for disability, Oct. 28, 1863. New Bedford Fire Department. — The force of this department consists of one chief, four assist- ant engineers and clerk, twelve men permanently employed, and one hundred and thirty-two call mem- bers, twenty-two of whom are attached to No. 9 at the Head of the River, making a total of one hundred and fifty men. Onward Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 1. — House on Purchase Street, foot of Franklin Street. Engine built by Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, Man- chester, N. H. ; capacity, 500 gallons per minute ; weight of engine, as drawn to fires, 6950 pounds ; weight of hose-carriage, with 1050 feet of Boyd's cotton hose, 2850 pounds ; put into service Aug. 26, 1869. Company organized Jan. 1, 1870. Allen W. Tinkham, foreman; Henry J. O'Neal, first assistant; Harris N. Tinkham, second assistant ; Eben C. Milli- ken, clerk. MISCELLANEOUS. 921 Progress Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 2. — House corner Purchase Street and Mechanic's Lane. Engine built by the Silsby Manufacturing Company, Seneca Falls, N. Y. ; capacity, 600 gallons per minute; weight of engine, as drawn to fires, 6800 pounds ; weight of hose-carriage, with 1050 feet Boyd's cotton hose, 2850 pounds ; put in commission Sept. 4, 1879. Company organized Oct. 27, 1860. Charles S. Paisler, foreman ; John Downey, first assistant ; John H. Dollard, second assistant; James D. Allen, clerk. Cornelius Howland Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 4. — House corner Sixth and Bedford Streets. Engine built by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, Manchester, N. H. ; capacity, 600 gallons per minute; weight of engine, as drawn to fires, 8550 pounds ; weight of hose-carriage, with 1050 feet Boyd's cotton hose, 2850 pounds ; put into service Feb. 1, 1867. Company organized Feb. 1, 1867. Henry A. Gray, foreman ; Edgar S. Gilbert, first assistant; Benjamin F. Hinkley, second assistant; William A. Gibbs, clerk. Zachariah Hillman Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 5. — House corner of County and Hillman Streets. En- gine built by Messrs. Clapp & Jones, Hudson, N. Y. ; capacity, 500 gallons per minute ; weight of engine, as drawn to fires, 7250 pounds; weight of hose-carriage, with 1050 feet Boyd's cotton hose, 2850 pounds ; put into service Dec. 13, 1873. Company organized Dec. 13, 1873. Robert S. Lawton, foreman; William T. King, first assistant; Isaiah H. Wilcox, second assist- ant; O. Frank Bly, clerk. Frederick Macy Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 6. — House on Fourth Street, head of Potomska Street. Engine built by Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, Manchester, N. H.; capacity, 500 gallons per minute; weight of engine, as drawn to fires, 7100 pounds; weight of hose-carriage, with 1050 feet Boyd's cotton hose, 2850 pounds ; put into service Nov. 1, 1882. Company organized Oct. 31, 1882. George W. Parker, foreman ; Herbert B. Gardner, first assistant ; Felix Cavenagh, second assistant ; George S. Hoyt, clerk. Franklin Hose Company, No. 1. — House corner of Purchase Street and Mechanic's Lane. Carriage built by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, Manches- ter, N. H. ; weight of carriage and 900 feet vulcanized rubber hose, 2790 pounds ; put into service Jan. 1, 1872. Company organized Dec. 31, 1871. David W. Howland, foreman; Daniel H. Burns, first assistant; Thomas B. Rowe, second assistant ; James S. Hatha- way, clerk. Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1. — House corner Purchase Street and Mechanic's Lane. Car- riage built by Joseph T. Kyan, of Boston ; put into commission Aug. 4, 1877. Lysander W. Davis, fore- man ; Charles J. Johnson, first assistant; James Con- way, second assistant ; Charles E. Pierce, clerk. Hancock Engine Company, No. 9.— House located at Acushnet. Engine built by John Agnew, of Phila- delphia, in 1843. Engine removed to Acushnet Jan. 18, 1861, aud a company was organized to man her at that time. Company orgauized Dec. 14, 1878. John A. Russell, foreman ; George W. Bennett, first assist- ant; Israel Peckham, second assistant ; Allen Russell, Jr., clerk. New Bedford Francis T. Akin. Gilbert Allen. Gideon Allen, Jr. Edward H. Allen. Charles Almy. William B. Anthony. Charles A. Case. Samuel H. Cook. R. C. P. Coggeshall. John H. Denison. Henry C. Denison. Edwin Dews. Heman Ellis. Edward R. Gardner. H. A. Gifford, Jr. George R. Gray. Charles A. Gray. A. W. Hadley. Jonathan Handy. Charles M. Haskell. Charles B. Hillman. Ezra Holmes. John J. Howland. Charles M. Hussey. G. D. Kingman. Protecting Society. Charles S. Kelley. Thomas H. Knowles. Charles H. Lawton. Edmund F. Maxfield. George F. Parlow. Arthur E. Perry. Edward T. Pierce. William F. Potter. Charles W. Plummer. William F. Reed. Wm. A. Robinson, Jr. Morgan Rotch. Gardner T. San ford. R. W. Swift, William T. Swift. Leander H. Swift. Charles M. Taber. Henry J. Taylor. Joseph Tillinghast, Alfred G. Wilbor. William H. Willis. Alfred Wilson. Thomas G. Wing. Horace Wood. William O. Woodman. The present officers of the department are as fol- lows : Chief Engineer, Frederick Macy ; First Assist- ant Engineer, Michael F. Kennedy; Second Assist- ant Engineer, Loring T. Parlow ; Third Assistant Engineer, Pliny B. Sherman ; Fourth Assistant En- gineer, Augustus A. Wood ; Clerk of Board of En- gineers, Luther G. Hewins, Jr. EEEATA. Note byS. Hopkins Emery.— I have been unable to read the proof of the larger portion of the copy furnished for this book on account of distance from the press, which must serve as my apology for any errors which may be discovered. Page 23, line 31 from top, for " James Sproal" read "James Sproat." Page 24, second paragraph, should read, "Hon. Samuel Fales was a native of Bristol, R. I., born Sept. 15, 1750,— the sou of Nathaniel and Sarah Fales, — and a graduate of Harvard University in 1773," etc. Page 26, line 5 from bottom of first column, for " Francis Wood," read " Frances Wood." Page 32, " Charles Holmes" should read " Charles J. Holmes." Page 228, sixth line from bottom, "Thodijah" Baylies should be "Hodijah" Baylies. Page 229, eighteenth line from top, " Simmon's" should read " Sim- mons'." For "John C. Perry," in note, page 229, read "John P. Perry." Page 239, line 15 from bottom, for " Will" read " Hill." Page 242, line 8 from top, for " Wicks" read " Hicks." Page 243, line 25 from top, for " Andern" read " Anderm." Page 245, first line of poetry, for " whenever" read " wherever." . Page 252, ninth line from bottom, for " Price" read " Pierce." Page 256, nineteenth line from top, after "people" insert "would." Page 419, last sentence in first paragraph should read "a windmill for grinding grain was built, but did not prove a success." Page 423, third line from top, for "1785 or 1786" read "1775 or 1776." Page 428, twenty-second line from top, for "two years" read "four years." Same page, line 24, for " 1813" read " 1814." Page 435, line 15 from bottom, for " noonday" read " dog-day." Page 436, second line, for "Groves" read "Grovers"; line 15, for "presented their nays" read "mounted their nags"; line 27, for " James W. Cable" read " James W. Cobb." Page 437, line 22, for "admiring" read "admitting"; line 28, for "supply" read "overply"; line 53, for "Thomas Tillebrown" read "Fillebrown"; last line, for "Rev. Mr. White stayed but a few years" read "Rev. Mr. White was twenty -four years." Page 439, line 23, for " May B. Pratt" read " Mary B. Pratt" ; line 47, for "Givins" read "Grover"; line 48, for " Reilly" read " Bailey" ; line 49, for " Mahlon" read " Nahum." Page 440, line 14, for "Rayerson's" read " Rogerson's" ; line 23, for "Ames" read " Amos." Page 441, line 29, for " rule was favorably" read "vote was partly"; line 33, for " Michael" read "Micah"; last column, for "Tillebrown" read " Fillebrown" ; for " Beeley" read " Baley." Page 442, third line from bottom, for "no desire" read "so done"; line 26 from bottom, for " sose" read " sarse" ; sixth line from bottom, for " reverend" read " presented." Page 443,-line 23, for "thence" read "either"; line 29, for "Grove" read " Great." Page 444, line 20, for " Grove" read " Green" ; third line, for " Buzby" read " Bayley." Page 445, last line, for " buring field" read " training field." Page 448, line 13, for "Tasker" read "Foster." Page 450, line 17, for " Hellitt" read " Hallett" ; line 21, for " deeds" read " dates." Page 451, line 16 from bottom, for " Mansfield" read " Medfield." Page 452, line 10, for "valuable" read " available." Page 453, line 3, for "Cracken" read "Crocker"; line 3, second column, for " Rayman" read " Kingman" ; line 13, for " Mr. Benjamin Frank Shaw" read "Mr. Kingman and Frank Shaw"; line 28, for "W. O. Co- ferem" read " W. O. Capron." Page 454, line 14, for " Perryman" read " Kingman," and for "claim" read "dam"; line 20, for " Main Street" read "Union Street"; second column, line 15, for " F. M. Cabot" read "F. W. Cabot." Page 514, in fourth line of note at bottom of first column, it should read, "It was ordered by Plymouth Court to be within the jurisdiction of that town until it should be incorporated. 'July 5,1761, the town have ordered,' " etc. Page 516, line 32, for " progenitor" read "proprietor." Page 520, line 26, for " 1801" read "1701." Page 524, line 44, read "remains common, 1833, on Cuttings Plain, on the road from East Attleborough to Wrentham, but is now exhausted." Page 527, sixth line from bottom, for "1788" read "1688." Page 535, line 12 from bottom, for "served" read "survived." Page 538, line 9, for " Laree" read " Lane." Page 543, line 26, for "Dr. Hebert Man" read " Dr. Herbert Man." Page 546, line 15, for " Henry M. Richards" read " Hervey M. Richards." Page 549, line 41, after " a.d." read " 1792." Page 552, for " Rev. Solomon C. Perry" read " Salmon C. Perry' page, for " Alvin G. Sauler" read " Sadler." Page 553, " Lemuel Rossick" read " Rottick." Page 802, first line, for "Jeremiah" read "Je^aniah"; line 30, for " Bingham" read " Brigham." same 922 Page 892, second column, first line in fourth paragraph, should read "The present Chief Justice of the Superior Court" instead of " Supreme." ! 3 3 /' i - 6^: - ™ foc^Wfr** ITT $ &1 2? m* -SIM 4. #/*- 2 ' y** ■ ) DATE DUE Mnw ,. . NUV£ /■ - • l-r 1 DEC 1 5 5 000 ft^A/VJAJs ) ^;-7J^v * Printed m USA DATE DUE MflW c\ . NOV Z /■ • ,2 »tt?o. ^ It /-■' ' DEC 1 5 5 000 1\gSsf