Yale University Lihrary 39002002956978 1^ iftl 4*- ¦»4-<; -t^^ rvS,' *-^ J- . ¦*' "-„ ;!iliipil§g^lllll» ¦ /¦:::iiNjiiiteiiiiii^ i ^«Sf <;.' 5^3 'ft CfvXH mo ^_ fS&-^^ '•^ FOXBOROUCxH'S OFFICIAL CENTENNIAL RECORD, SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 1878. PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE. 1879. At a meeting of the Centennial Executive Committee, held August 15, 1878, the Committee on Publication reported "that the Official Eecord of Foxborough's Centennial Celebration, containing a full and complete record of the proceedings of the day, together with verbatim reports of each of the speeches, sentiments, responses, .etc., be compiled and published by the Clerk of this Committee." Report accepted and adopted. A true copy of record so far as it relates to the matter of publication. Attest : EOBT. W. CAEPENTBE, Clerk. Erkata. On page 70 (32d line), for " 1843" read " 1838." ^SSl^ lar BOSTON.^ .jiv- j'oncTnn f CONTENTS. Town's Records Report or Committee Favoring the Celebration . Eeport of Committee to the Town after the Celebration Treasurer's Report ...... Acceptance of the Report by the Town and action thereon Resolution in regard to the accident Programme op the day .... Marshal's Orders, Route of Procession, etc The Celebration ...... How the Programme was carried out Fatal Accident The Procession The Decorations .... Unabridged Report of the Literary Exercises The Prayer by Rev. Bernard Paine Address of Hon. Otis Cary Address by Mr. Fred. H. Williams Act of Incorporation The Centennial Hymn Historical Oration by Hon. E. P. Carpenter The Centennial Memorial. Address by Rev. Wm. H. Spencer . Hymn . . .... The Collation ...... Invocation by Eev. W. Harrison Alden, D.D After-Dinnek Exercises The Centennial Poem .... Sentiments and Responses .... Addresses of Governor Rice, Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, Hon. H W. Paine, John Winslow, Esq., C. W. Sumner, Esq., A. T Starkey, Esq., J. E. Pond, Jr., Esq., Rev. Bernard Paine, Rev William R. Tompkins, Hon. J. B. D. Cogswell, Ellis Ames, Esq., Joseph E. Bartlett, M.D 100-155 Greetings from Absentees ........ 155 Letters from Mrs. C. E. Page, Rev. Otis Cary, Jr., Rev. E. Y. Garette, Rev. Wm. Barnes, D. C. Winslow, Esq., Com. H. D. 55 1119 202021 232525 25 263234 34373842 46 477677828283 83 84 100 4 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Smith, George Copeland, Esq., Mr. Eldridge H. Packard, Mr. Henry Hodges, Rev. James H. Little, Mr. Wm. L. Penney, Rev. James Eastwood, John G. Jones, Esq., Mr. Frank O. Cole, Samuel S. Warren, Esq., Mr. Alexander Boyden, Mr. Aaron Hobart. 155-168 The Illumination and Close of the Festivities . . . 169 Newspaper Clippings ... ..... 170 Extracts from " Foxborough Times," Boston "Advertiser," "Her ald," "Journal," "Post," "Transcript," and "Traveller" . 170-174 Sunday Services . ........ 175 Synopsis of Religious Services and Temperance Meeting . . 175 The Museum 183 A description of the Exhibition, with names of many Contributors, by Mr. Amos J. Boyden, Secretary of Museum Committee . 183-194 Address to the Centennial op 1978, by Mr. Amos J. Boyden 195 APPENDIX .... 199 Mbmorial Record of the Patriotism of our Soldiers and Town. Address delivered before Post 91, G.A.R., May 31, 1877, by Hon. E. P. Carpenter ... . . 199-219 Eoll-Call of Foxborough's Soldiers, 1861to 1865 . 220 Patriots of 1776 . .... ... 229 Soldiers of 1812 .... . .229 Roll of Honor, 1861-1865 ... .230 Our Honored Dead . ... 233 Roster of the " Veterans of tl;e War " . . . 233 The Minute-men . . 234 Statistics . ... 237 Area, Population, and Valuation . . . 237 Delegates to Constitutional Conventions . 237 State Senators . . . . .... 237 Representatives to General Court, 1778 to 1878 . . . 237 Justices of the Peace ....... 238 Selectmen and Town Clerks during the Century . . . 239 Settled Ministers . ... . . 241 Changes in Boundary Lines . . . . 242 Index to and Description of Illustrations . . . 242-248 Fac-simile of Invitations . . 249-252 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. I. TOWN'S EECOEDS. The following appears on the Town Clerk's records of a Town Meeting held August 20, 1877 : — " Voted, That a committee of seven be chosen to take into consideration the celebration of the Centennial of Incorpo ration of the Town, and report at next annual meeting. Committee to be chosen by ballot, and E. P. Carpenter, W. T. Cook, Otis Cary, Joseph A. Kingsbury, James Capen, C. W. Hodges, and R. W. Carpenter, were chosen such committee." This committee, at the annual meeting held March 18, 1878, presented the following REPORT. At a Town Meeting hejd August 20, 1877, it was "Voted, That a committee of seven be chosen to take into consideration the celebration of the Centennial of the 6 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Incorporation of the Town, and report at the next Annual Meeting." Accepting the spirit, rather than the letter, of the above vote, the committee-elect have not only taken into considera tion the celebration of the Centennial, but have taken such action as it appeared requisite to present a report on which the town could act understandingly. It is the unanimous opinion and decision of the committee that the town should, in a creditable manner to itself, cele brate the One Hundredth Anniversary of its Incorporation, not only as a matter of local pride and interest, but to evince our appreciation and gratitude for the "goodly heritage " bequeathed to us by our ancestors, whose self- denial, courage, fortitude, and patriotism are worthy of our commemoration ; and their record should not be lost, but handed down by us to generations that may come after, that they, too, may better appreciate and perpetuate the blessings of a free government established at so great a sacrifice. This matter appeals not only to our ancestral pride, but to our present local pride and interest. Foxborough has no compiled history beyond the town records, which for the first twenty-five years are in a most dilapidated condition. A most favorable opportunity was lost when the town neglected to accept the recommendation of Congress, in dorsed by the Legislature of our own Commonwealth : "• That the people of the several States assemble in their several counties or towns, on the approaching Centennial Anniversary of our Independence ; and that they cause to have delivered on such day an historical sketch of said county or town from its formation, and that a copy of said sketch may be filed in print or manuscript in the clerk's office of said county, and an additipnal copy of said print or manuscript be filed in the office of the Librarian of Congress, to the intent that a complete record may be obtained of the FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 7 progress of our institutions during the first centennial of their" exiatence." Such a record could have then been obtained at a nominal cost, and the value of such an opportunity to make a public and official record of the town's history cannot be stated or estimated, for it never was presented before, and never can be again under the same circumstances ; but your committee have hopes that our centennial record may find a place with the more enterprising towns that accepted the recommenda tion to make their record in the history of the progress of our institutions. Our town has been unfortunate in its public record ; the Census of Massachusetts for 1875, under the head of " Manu factures and Related Occupations," gives this town the space of three lines only, — less than any town in the county, and less than any town in the State that makes any claims to manufacturing interests. This official record, which is made every ten years, specifies, under the head of Manufactures, only " packing-boxes " and "straw goods," without naming other interests or occupations; leaving the town, officially, for the next ten years, without a blacksmith, painter, paper- hanger, carriage manufacturer, wheelwright, tinman, soap manufacturer, grist-mill, shoe-maker, photographer, mason, printer, carpenter, harness-maker, and other varied and important interests. The importance of having a correct and official record can be understood and appreciated by all, for it is the history of our day and generation to those that follow us, and to those of our own day who may be interested in our welfare. As we have no reason to be ashamed of what has been done in the past, but accomplished much that we may well be proud of, a more appropriate or fitting time could not be selected to make our official record than the centennial anniversary of our town's incorporation. The social and family relations connected with such a cele- 8 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. bration appeal to past and pleasant associations that will be renewed as we welcome those who have gone out from among us, who will be happy to return and exchange greet ings and congratulations, and with us review the past, making a joyous day in life's journey that all will remember with pleasure as Foxborough's Centennial. To make the celebration a success every person in town should t.'ike an interest ; for all are directly interested, and the history of a town is the history of its citizens. Every town is what its citizens individually and collectively make it, and its record for enterprise, public spirit, industry, Ijatriotism, moral and religious element, makes up the char acter of its people. The town cannot afi'ord to forget the sacrifice made by its founders, or leave unwritten its past history, and all its citizens should be united in making its centennial one of commemorative historical and social interest, — a day not only for the renewal of old acquaintances and friendships, but a day of revival of public spirit and enterprise, that shall be a pledge for the future growth and prosperity of the town. The committee have assumed that, in a matter of such general interest, a large majority of the inhabitants will participate in the celebration ; and that there will be, of the five hundred or more former or native-born residents that have gone out from among us, with other invited guests, a large attendance, not less, perhaps, under favorable circum stances,, than two thousand people. A celebration that contemplates this number of people, or even fifteen hundred, makes it necessary to have the exercises of the day in a tent, having no hall or audience room that would accommodate even the smaller number. To provide for the entertainment of so large a number was a problem that, at first, was a serious obstacle in the minds of the committee ; but having decided on the picnic plan for FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 9 a collation, the general details of the celebration were readily and unanimously agreed upon. The committee at first considered that the 10th of June was the proper day to celebrate, it being the centennial anniversary of the date of the signing of the Act of Incor poration ; but, on consulting the town records, found that the tii-st Town Meeting was held June 29, 1778, and it being for many rcisons a day that would probably call out a larger number, and a day just as proper for our centennial anniver sary, the committee recommend the coming 29th day of June as the da}' for the celebration. That we can have a celebration without expense is not to be anticipated or expected ; but your committee are not un mindful that our centennial has come to us with hard times, and that any unnecessary expenditure for any purpose is not in keeping with public sentiment, and economy of expendi ture has been the study of the committee. A celebration that will be creditable to the town, according to careful estimates, will cost some seven hundred and fifty dollars, which would amount to about twenty-five cents for each in habitant, or one-twentieth of one per cent, of the assessed valuation, and about half the amount the town is authorized to appropriate under the law that was passed giving to towns authority to spend money in celebrating centennials. The principal items of expense will be for salute, use of tent, entertainment of invited guests, music, printing, tables in tent, ^nd a Memorial-Rock. The committee may be too sanguine in their expectations of the will and pleasure of the people in this matter ; but if the general expression of interest that has been manifested on the part of those that the committee have consulted with, in public and in private, are any true indication of public sentiment, we are led to believe that there is a union of feeling at the present time, and will be developed, that will make a page in the history of Foxborough that will be a 10 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. credit to the town, and that its citizens will never regret that they lived to see and participate in its centennial. ' E. P. CARPENTER, WM. T. COOK, OTIS CARY, JOSEPH A. KINGSBURY, JAMES CAPEN, C. W. HODGES, ROBERT W. CARPENTER. " Voted, That the report of the committee be accepted ; that the expenditures of the committee be limited to the sum recommended by themselves, and that the same com mittee be authorized to carry out their recommendations." " Voted, To appropriate seven hundred and fifty dollars toward celebrating the Centennial Anniversary of the Town's Incorporation. " At the adjourned meeting held March 23d, it was " Voted, That the report of the Committee on the Centennial Celebration be entered upon the Records of the Town." " Voted, That a sum not to exceed seven hundred and fifty dollars be appropriated toward defraying the expenses at tending the celebration of the Centennial Celebration of the Town." FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. \\ REPORT OF THE CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE TO THE TOWN, IN TOWN MEETING, SEPT. 14, A.D. 1878. A full and detailed report of the committee's doings would be a presentation of the records made by the clerk of the committee, who has performed the duties incumbent on the position in a most faithful and satisfactory manner ; and they should find a place, when fully completed, in the archives of the town, that all who are to come after us and did not wit ness or read the records in Foxborough's successful celebra tion, may find its history in the records thus preserved. Your committee, having been authorized to carry out the recommendations made at the annual meeting in March last, continued under the same organization, — E. P. Carpenter, Chairman, Robert W. Carpenter, Clerk, and elected as Treasurer, C. W. Hodges. Your committee held thirty- seven sessions, and their proceedings have ever been char acterized by hai-mony and unanimity ; and we are pleased to add that we have had the hearty cooperation of all the com mittees connected with the celebration ; and the citizens at large have seconded the plans and efforts of the committee to a degree which made it, what it should be, the TOWN'S Celebration. The committee made the following appointments as Officers of the Day, Chaplains, Orators, Reader, Poet and Poetess : — Chief Marshal, C. F. Howard ; President, Otis Cary ; Chap- ' 12 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. lains, Rev. Bernard Paine, at Opening Exercises ; Rev. Q. H. Shinn, at Memorial-Rock; Rev. William Plarrison Alden , D.D., at Invocation. Welcome Address by Fred H. Wil liams ; Centennial Hymn by Miss Hannah W. Payson ; Act of Incorporation read by Robert W. Carpenter; Oration by E. P. Carpenter ; Memorial-Rock Address by Rev. Wm. H. Spencer ; Original Hymn by Miss H. W. Payson ; Poet of the Day, Rev. John T. Pettee ; Toast Master, Rev. W- H. Spencer. They appointed committees to arrange details of the cele bration as follows : — Memorial-Rock. — James Capen, Ezra Pickens, and Pres ton A. White. Invitations. — Benjamin B. Shepard, Kate B. French, Sarah B. Doolittle, R. Walter S. Blackwell, Sarah T. Cary, Wm. D. Carpenter, and Ira B. Riclynond. Reception. — William Carpenter, Willard P. Turner, Junius B. Mo wry, Elisha White, Car mi Richmond, Virgil S. Pond, L. Bryant Wilber, Mrs. Wm. Carpenter, Mrs. Jane Kerr, Mrs. E. P. Carpenter, Linus E. Carpenter, Mrs. L. E. Carpenter, W. E. Horton, Isaac P. Carpenter, J. G. S. Hitchcock, Benjamin F. Boyden, 2d, Lemuel Dickerman, George C. Forrest, and Erastus Grover. Procession. — L. Porter Faught, Henry T. Comey, Daniel W. Folsom, Ezra Pickens, Abram J. Nichols, A. T. Starkey, Ernest S. Mann, Albert L. Pond, Frank I. Sherman, Charles Dunbar, James A. Morse, Albert J. Daniels, and Henry G. Warren. Salute. — Wm. H. Torrey, Edwin P. Jewett, and A. Frank Belcher. Illuminations. — Michael Ryan, Joseph Richards, L. E. Gray, Gardner A. Carpenter, George A. Fales, Joseph H. Alden, Wm. H. Falvey, Virgil C. Pond, George M. Fille- brown, Fred E. Butterworth, Geo. F. Williams, A. W. Gilson, Ezra C. Comey, Edward M. Phelps, and Herbert Inman, FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 13 Decoraiions. — Linus E. Carpente'r, Fred S. Lane, Wil lard W. Turner, George S. Walcott, James W. Brennan, Sylvester M. Cushman, and Wm. H. Falvey. Floral Decorations. — Mr. and Mrs. David Carpenter, Mr. and Mrs. A. Frank Belcher, Sylvester M. Cushman, Horace Carpenter, Mrs. Susan Fuller, Miss Minerva Torrey, Miss Augusta Shaw, Miss Frank Jewett, Miss Mary A. Dwight, Miss Lou Hitchcock, Miss M. Alice Phelps, Miss Sarah Shepard, Miss Lillie Bassett, Mrs. Abby Washburn, Richard S. Carpenter, and Warren A. Carpenter. Tents. — E. P. Carpenter. Seats and Tables. — Virgil S. Pond, Francis D. Williams, C. Warren Lane, Wm. Leonard, Thomas B. Bourne, Azel H. Drake, and Horace B. Hartshorn. Martial Music. — Wm. T. Cook, Charles F.Howard, and Wm. H. Young. Vocal Music. — Albert F. Pettee, George D. Hunt, and Miss Annie M. Johnson. Toasts. — Wm. H. Spencer, A. T. Starkey, J. E. Pond, Jr., and Edwin W. Clarke. Mu.'ieum. — Lewis Pond, Mrs. E. P. Carpenter, Mrs. L. E. Gray, Mrs. Jane Kerr, Amos J. Boyden, Mrs. John Garside, Ira G. Nichols, S. Irving Carpenter, Miss Lizzie Gray, and Wm. B. Crocker. Entertainment. — Eli Phelps, Edward O. Nichols, George A. Thayer, Wm. Hart, Ebenezer W. Allen, James W. Alden, Miss Martha Seaver, Mrs. O. C. Pettee, Mrs. P. A. White, Mrs. Lovisa S. Maddocks, Mrs. Albert F. Pettee. Mrs. David Morrill, Mrs. C. F. Howard, and Mrs. Walter H. Fisher. Religious Services. — CharlesN. Morse, Thomas B. Bourne, Elisha White, E. G. P. Guy, C. W. Lane, and Chester F. Morse. Howe Monument. — Otis Cary. The committee had been very guarded in their appropria- 14 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. tions, determined not to exceed the amount at their command, and felt assured that the town's appropriation, with the sums donated by individuals and received from Concert and Museum funds, would defray all expenses incurred by order of your committee ; and it was not until the twenty-second of the month that it became evident, beyond any contingency, except bad weather, that the provisions for the accom modation of the invited guests and people must be very largely extended ; and to meet this emergency the committee assumed the responsibility of increased expenditures, under the conviction that it would be far better for the committee to suffer the censure of the town than that the town should suffer the discredit with the public in its well-earned reputa^ tion of liberality and hospitality. Referring t o the report made by the committee at the An nual Town Meeting, and comparing the estimate then made of what might be the numbers that would attend the cele bration, and the former and native-born residents, with other invited guests, and the actual results, we find that we not only greatly under-estimated the numbers of former and native-bom residents, but the interest which was de veloped by our own citizens and the public at large. The Committee on Invitations, under instructions to invite as guests of the town the former and native residents, and names submitted by the committee as official and distinguished guests, issued, with postal cards inclosed, directed to " Cen tennial Invitation Committee," with words "Accept" and "Decline" on the back, the following form of invitation.^ The cards returned, and received up to the evening of the 28th, were, in all, eleven hundred and ninety-two accept ances, two hundred and ninety-seven declining, and quite a number of each came on the day of, and after, the celebra tion ; in all, more than fifteen hundred, and of this number there were less than one hundred official and distinguished 1 Fac-simile of invitation inserted at close of this volume. FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 15 guests. There were very many letters received with, or in addition to, the cards returned, expressing a deep interest in the celebration, and in the town's welfare ; and many pleasant and happy greetings were also found upon the cards ; and, what is most remarkable, the town has its representatives in nearly every State and Territory in the country, and quite a number in foreign lands. The invitations were issued at an early date, that an ap proximate estimate might be made of the number to be pro vided for; and it became evident to the committee, two weeks before the celebration, by the number of acceptances received, and the general interest manifested by our own citizens, and the great demand for tickets, that more ex tended provision for the invited guests and citizens than had been provided by the committee must be made to give any degree of satisfaction, and make it, what all seemed most desirous that it should be, a complete success. Provision for the entertainment of twenty-five hundred had been made, but the order for the "picnic-boxes" was increased seven hundred and fifty-seven, — the total number reported by Richmond & Co., of New Bedford, the caterers, that they had, or could provide at so short a notice. . One hundred and sixty-three boxes were also ordered filled upon the morning of the celebration. (The bill for the pic nic-boxes was seven hundred and fifty-one dollars and forty-one cents.) . . . The large tent and small mess- tent were furnished by R. M. Yale & Co., of Boston. The Boston & Providence Railroad transported the tents, and all other freight that came to the town, free of expense. As the large tent and the Good Samaritan tent, which were loaned free of charge, would not seat over twenty-five hun dred, it became necessary to provide another tent, and, with this tent, the necessary tables, seatings, crockery, etc., and Messrs. Yale & Co. were again applied to. (The total bill for tents was one hundred and eighty-two dollars.) The 16 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. crockery was hired at specified rates for use and breakage, and the bill for use was fifty-six dollars and ninety-six cents, and for breakage tweijty-one dollars and forty cents ; in all, seventy-eight dollars and thirty-six cents. In the matter of lumber for tables, seats, etc., your committee confess that their judgment was entirely at fault as to the loss which would be made on the sale of the lumber after its use, or that the public did not appreciate its value ; for fifty dollars was the amount estimated to cover the depreciation in value of the lumber used in the large tent ; but the amount used, on account of the increased order for tent-room, was more than double what was at first estimated, and the loss on the whole was two hundred and nineteen dollars and eighty-six cents. It was at first arranged that the tea and coffee should be made by our own people,' but the quantity i-equired was so large that it was deemed impracticable, and it was decided to intrust this matter to practical and experienced parties, and the charge for coffee and tea and making was seventy- two dollars and fifty cents, and for the concomitants, thirty- six dollars and forty-five cents. The extra loss on the increased amount of lumber and extra expenses of providing entertainment, aside from the picnic-boxes, of course, cannot be ascertained; but the in creased cost and losses sustained, that have been referred to, are quite sufficient to account for the expenditures in excess of funds at the hands of the committee. Fifty dollars was appropriated for decoration of town buildings and twenty-five dollars for decoration of the tent ; but the Committee on Decorations obtained quite a large subscription from citizens, paid all their bills, and returned to the committee three dollars and seventy cents. The com mittee who had in charge the Centennial Concert paid into the hands of the treasurer one hundred and sixty-eight dol lars and thirty cents, of which one hundred and twenty-five FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 17 dollars was paid to Foxboro' Brass Band, three dollars and fifty cents to members of the Continentf!,l Band, and thirty- six dollars and thirty cents for expenses of the concert. No appropriation was made to the Committee on Illumi nation ; but they obtained, by subscription, the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars, and all who witnessed the result of their labors have only words of commendation and praise. The treasurer's report, which is appended, shows the total receipts and expenditures, and the amount the committee has exceeded the appropriation made by the town, and amounts- received from different sources, to be seven hundred and seventeen dollars and ninety cents. To congratulate the town upon the very great success of' its Centennial Celebration is only to repeat what is acknowl edged by all who witnessed the day's proceedings ; our expectations were more than realized, our local pride and ambition fully satisfied, and a page written in the history of' Foxborough that the living witnesses will never forget, and the generations that are to come after us will read with interest. But all these pleasant considerations and historic interest would have counted as nothing if it could have been known that the salutation which ushered in our town's new-born century was to be the death-knell of John A. Davis, one of our fellow-citizens, for all would have proclaimed with one voice and heart, " Better, far better, that the history of our town's centennial day should never be written, but remain a blank forever, than that one life should be sacrificed in its celebration ! " The committee do not feel that they should be held responsible, in any measure, for the sad accident, for arrangements had been made with the State authorities to furnish guns, and men to man them, for firing the salutes, and it was not until after the organization of our veteran soldiers and sailors into a company to perform escort duty, 18 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. that the plan was changed, and then only by the request, through a committee, that they should command the salute, with the special pleadings that " their experience in battery service in the late war ought to be sufficient guarantee that they could fire a salute in the celebration of their own town's centennial." To deny their request was to them a reflection upon their record as soldiers, and, as an acknowledgment of their interest and commendable spirit to serve the town in its celebration, the committee, after consulting State authori ties, consented to delegate the charge of firing the salutes to the Veteran Volunteers. It would be most unjust, nay, cruel, to charge upon Davis or his comrades any blame for his untimely death ; for they shared together the risk in the discharge of their duty, and, under the circumstances, it was most providential that others were not injured or killed. It is not the province of this committee to instruct the town in its duty. The fact that John A. Davis was killed at his post of duty in the service of the town, leaving a widow and two children without the care and protection of a hus band and father, carries deeper conviction to the heart of every citizen of his responsibility and duty than any words of recommendation that might come from this committee. 'O' E. P. CARPENTER, WM. T. COOK, OTIS CARY, JOSEPH A. KINGSBURY, JAMES CAPEN, C. W. HODGES, ROBERT W. CARPENTER. FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 19 Synopsis of Treasurer's Report in Account with Centennial Fund. Dr. Amount of appropriation . Contributed by Oliver Carpenter " "A. Taylor Carpenter " " F. E. & David Hartshorn Proceeds of Centennial Concert " " Museum " " sale of collation tickets . " " sale of lumber, crockery.'etc. Received of Decoration Committee . " " B.C.F.&N.B.R.R. discount on bill, Cr. Expenses of Memorial-Rock " " repairing Howe Monument . Printing, postage, advertising, stationery, etc. Concert, bands, costumes, and band-stand ex penses ...... Ribbons for badges .... Decorating Town Hall and Common . Expenses of Rev. J. T. Pettee to and from Con necticut . . . . • Carriages ..... Cartridges, and freight on guns R. M. Yale & Co., on account of tfents and deco rations ..... Rent of Home School lot . Clearing lot, carting settees, labor on seats, tables, etc. ....••• $750 00 25 00 •20 00 10 00 168 30 55 77 387 00 116 70 3 70 10 00 $1,546 47 $19 25 10 45 106 03 274 00 2 25 50 00 10 00 80 00 111 47 100 00 15 00 72 64 20 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD^ S. P. Richmond & Co., on account of collation boxes $500 00 Tea, coffee, sugar, milk, ice, use and breakage of crockery ....... 187 31 V. S. Pond, on account of lumber bill . . 5 75 Cash on hand 2 32 Amount of outstanding bills Cash on hand . Deficiency $1,546 47 $720 2 22 32 $717 90 The report was accepted, and the Selectmen were author ized to draw on the Treasurer for funds to settle all bills due on account of the celebration. At a Town Meeting held on Saturday, September 28th, the following resolution was adopted : — "Whereas, a citizen of this town, John A. Davis, while acting at his post of duty, in the service of the town, on the morning of Foxborough's Centennial Day, lost his life, leaving a widow and two young children, be it " Resolved, That the citizens of the Town of Foxborough feel it incumbent upon them to provide for the widow and orphans by appropriating a sum of money in their behalf; and that a committee of three be chosen to petition the Legislature, in behalf of the town, for permission to make such appropriation." "Voted, That the Selectmen be that committee." II. PROGRAMME OF THE DAY. ORDER OF EXERCISES ADOPTED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, TUESDAY EVENING, JUNE 25, 1878. Salute of one hundred guns and ringing of bells at sunrise. Salute of seventeen guns on arrival of Governor. At 8 o'clock, A.M., procession forms, and moves at 9.30, or on arrival of Governor Rice and suite, over route of procession given in the Marshal's orders. ORDER OF EXERCISES IN THE TENTS. 1. Prayer, by Rev. Bernard Paine. 2. Address of Welcome, by Mr. Fred H. Williams. 3. Music, " Gloria," Mozart's 12th Mass, by the choirs. 4. Reading Act of Incorporation, by Rob't W. Carpenter, Esq. 5. Original Hymn, by the congregation. 6. Address, by Hon. E. P. Carpenter. 7. Music, "America,". by the choirs. The procession will then re-form and march to the Com mon, where the Memorial-Rock will be unveiled, according to the following programme : — Prayer, by Rev. Q. H. Shinn. Address, by Rev. W. H. Spencer. Music, original hymn, by the choirs. 22 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. COLLATION. All having tickets will then return, at 1.30, P.M., to the tent, where the collation will be spread. Immediately after dinner there will be — Selected music. Poem of the day, by Rev. J. T. Pettee. Toasts and responses, by Rev. W. H. Spencer, Toast Master. Music, etc. Reunion of families, old friends, and acquaintances. One gun at sunset. Grand illumination and promenade concert in the evening. BAND CONCERT PROGRAMME. 1. MilitaryMarch—" From East to West." J. C. Mullaly. 2. Selection; — " Le Barbier de Serille.'' Rossini. 3. Waltz — " Lily of the North." C. H. R. Marriot. 4. Selection — " Le Pre Aux Clercs." Herold. 5. Polka — Trombone. A. Boulcourt. (Performed by Mr. Chas. Graff.) 6. Overture — " Le Italiana in Algieri." Rossini. 7. Polka — " Young America." J.Levy. (Performed by Mr. H. C. Brown.) 8. Waltz — " Morgenblatte." Strauss. 9. Selection — "William Tell." Rossini. 10. March— " Spirit of 76." J. H. Woods. Cornet Soloist. — Mr. H. C. Brown. Leader and Conductor. — W. F. Freeman. The Town Hall will be open during the day for the recep tion of invited guests, as their head-quarters. A collection of most interesting and curious articles of olden and modern times comprise the Museum of Antiquities in Lower Town Hall. The Executive Committee will be designated by badges of purple ; head-quarters at Town Officers' Room. Reception Committee, blue badges ; head-quarters at Town Hall. FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 23 Committee on Procession, scarlet badges. Entertainment Committee, pink badges. Members of the press are invited to make their head quarters at ante-rooms of Town Hall. MARSHAL'S ORDERS. FORMATION AND ORDER OF PROCESSION. The Procession will form at 8 o'clock. First Division on Liberty street, the right resting on Central street, in the following order : — Platoon of Continentals mounted. Chief Marshal and Aids. W. H. Torrey and A. F. Belcher. Continental Band. Escort, consisting of Soldiers and Sailors, authorized by his Excellency the Governor and Commander in Chief to organize for the occasion as "Veterans of the War." Foxboro' Brass Band. Executive Committee, Town Officers. The President, Poet, and Orator of the day. His Excellency Governor Alexander H. Rice and Staff. Members of the Executive Council, Officers of the U. S. Army, County Officials and Town Officers from the neighboring towns. Invited Guests, former residents, and citizens generally. Second Division on South street, the right resting on Liberty street, in the following order : — 24 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Marshal, A. J. Nichols. Aids, B. B. Shepard, G. F. Williams. Middleboro' Brass Band. Engine Company, with Steamer "Foxboro'." Cocasset Engine Company, with Engine. Representatives of 1778, mounted. Soldiers and Sailors of 1812. School Committee, Members of the Public Schools. Third Division On Market street, the right resting on South street. Marshal, L. P. Faught. Aids, H. T. Comey, B. F. Browning, Ernest Mann, C. C. Sumner, 2d, George Fillebrown, Herbert C. Faught. Will consist of the representations of the Industries of the town. ' The Procession will move promptly at 9.30, or on the ar rival of the Governor and Staff. The route of the procession will be from Liberty street to Central; through Central, across South, to School; through School, Bird, Baker, Chestnut, Main, School, Central, to Wall; through Wall, Cocasset, Leonard, Central, to South; through South to Cocasset; through Cocasset to' Main, where the official guests will alight and review the procession, which, on passing Main street, will be dismissed. The re viewing party will then be escorted to the tent. All persons holding collation tickets, not in the procession, are requested to assemble on the Common, and, under the direction of Deputy Marshal W. H. Torrey, join the procession on its march to the tent. The owners and drivers of teams in the Trades Division are requested to call oh either of the Marshals, on or before Friday, the 28th inst., to learn their positions in line. C. F. HOWARD, Chief Marshal. III. THE CELEBRATION, The opening of the Second Century of Foxborough was to have been ushered in by a sunrise salute of one hundred guns and the ringing of church and factory bells ; but this was suspended, after a few discharges, because of the hap pening of a most deplorable accident which cast a gloom over the entire community. By the premature discharge of one of the saluting cannon, which was located near the depot of the B. , C. , F. &N.B. R.R. , one of the Veterans of the War, who was assisting in the salute, John Anthony Davis, a most excellent man and esteemed citizen, received injuries which caused instant insensibility and almost immediate death. At an early hour in the morning the streets were thronged with residents and visitors, and at 8 o'clock the formation of the procession was commenced, in accordance with the Marshal's orders, and at 9.30 the line was ready, and would have marched had the Governor and suite been present. These official guests left Boston at 8 o'clock, in a special car, under the immediate supervision of Superintendent A. A. Folsom, of the B. & P. R.R. and were met at Mansfield by Hon. E. P. Carpenter and Hon. Otis Cary, of the Executive Committee, and Messrs. William Carpenter and Virgil S. Pond, of the Reception Committee, and were joined by the Middleboro' Brass Band, which played "Hail to the Chief," and other selections, on the route to Foxborough. At Fox boro' depot the party entered barouches, and were escorted. 26 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. by the Foxboro' Brass Band and the Veterans, to the residence of Mr. William Carpenter, where they alighted and rested a few minutes before entering the procession. Their escort then conducted them to the head of the column, and at 10 o'clock THE PROCESSION Moved in the following order : — First Division. Platoon of Continental Cavalry. Chief Marshal, Maj. C. F. Howard. Aids, Capt. Wm. H. Torrey and Lieut. A. Frank Belcher. Continental Band, Alonzo H. Bond, Leader. Eight Pieces. Veterans of the War, commanded by Capt. Henry C. Lind- ley; 1st Lieutenant, James S. Carver; 2d Lieutenant, David Scott. Two Color-bearers and forty-four muskets. Foxboro' Brass Band, Wm. F. Freeman, Leader. Twenty-three Pieces. Pleasure barge " Wachusett," drawn by six plumed horses, containing Messrs. E. P. Carpenter, Wm. T. Cook, James Capen, Joseph A. Kingsbury, Charles W. Hodges, and R. W. Carpenter, of the Executive Committee ; N. F. Howard, of Board of Selectmen ; A. J. Daniels, of Board of Assessors ; Rev. J. T. Pettee, Poet of the Day ; Rev. W. H. Spencer, Memorial Orator ; J. E. Pond, Jr., and A. T. Starkey, of Toast Committee; Rev. W. H. Alden, D.D., Rev. Bernard Paine, and Rev. Q. H. Shinn, Chaplains ; David A. Part ridge, Esq., of House of Repre sentatives ; Fred H. Williams and Charles W. Sumner, Esqrs., Orators. FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 27 Barouches containing Official Guests, Reception Commit tee, etc., as follows : — His Excellency Alexander H. Rice, Adjutant-General Cun ningham, Colonel Hutchings, and Hon. Otis Cary. Councillors Harwood and Childs, Col. Tower and Mr. Wm. Carpenter. ' Councillors Hall and Baker, Col. Lyman and Mr. V- S. Pond. Col. Rice, Asst. Adj.-Gen. Kingsbury, Gen. Blackmar and Councillor Tweed. Hon. J. B. D. Coggswell, Pres. of the Senate ; Treasurer Charles Endicott. Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, Pres. N. E. Agricultural Society and Councillor Haynes. Eev. Mortimer Blake, of Taunton; Rev. Jacob Ide, Jr., of Mansfield, and Rev. Wm. R. Tompkins of Wrentham. Speaker John D. Long. Oliver Carpenter, Albert Alden, and Arthur Alden. Hon. F. D. Ely, of the Senate ; Henry W. Paine, Esq. ; Hon. Nathaniel F. Safford, County Commissioner; Erastus Worthington, Esq., Clerk of Courts; John H. Burdakin, Esq., Register of Deeds ; Jona than Cobb, Esq., Asst. Register of Pro bate; Ellis Ames, Esq., and many other distinguished guests and citizens, in carriages. Second Division. Deputy Marshal, Capt. A. J. Nichols. Aids, Benjamin B. Shepard and George F. Williams. Middleboro' Brass Band, J. M. Carter, Leader. Twenty Pieces. 28 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Foxboro' Steam Fire Engine Company, E. H. Baker, Foreman. Twenty men, with Steamer "Foxboro' 1." Continental Drum Corps, H. T. Davidson, Leader. Five Drums. Cocasset Engine Company, Charles H. Stratton, Foreman. Thirty men, with Fire Engine " Cocasset 1." Mounted Representatives of 1778, being three young men and three young ladies dressed in costumes made one hundred years ago. Veterans of the War of 1812, in carriages. Mr. Otis H. Martin, with banner inscribed, "I believe in cold water, O. H. Martin; saved in 1841." 1 Schools. Under direction of the School Committee, Hon. J. E. Carpenter, E. W. S. Blackwell, Esq., and Mr. S. Payson Hodges, three hundred and sixty children were in line, each carrying a miniature flag, and wearing a badge desig nating the school to which they belonged. They were pre ceded by a drummer-boy, and marched in the following order, each school having a beautiful silk banner with its name inscribed in golden letters : — Everett School, with motto, " Come to our Centennial, 1978." QuAKER-HiLL School, with motto, "Dare to do Eight." Paine School, motto, "Pains-taking has its Eeward." Pratt School, motto, "The Next Centennial will show Our Work." Center Grammar School, motto, "Hie transit Gloria Urbis." First Intermediate, motto, "No Idler Here." FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 29 Second Intermediate, "We are the Pioneers of the next Centennial." First Primary, " Give us Eoom, or we will Take it." Second Primary, "We are in our Infancy. So was Fox borough once ; " and " Wait for Us." Plimpton School, motto, " Onward and Upward." Cary School, motto, " No Steps Backward." Besides, there w^as carried by Miss Mabel Turner, of the Second In termediate School, a banner representing a school scene, which was first carried in a school procession fifty years ago by the grandmother of Miss Turner. Two .of the pupils of the Plimpton School, whose fourteenth year began upon this day, joined in carrying a banner inscribed, "We shall be 113 years old at the next Centennial." Third Division. Marshal, L. Porter Faught. Aids, Henry T. Comey, Bartlett F. Browning, Ernest S. Mann, Charles Calvin Sumner, George M. Fillebrown, and Herbert C. Faught. This Division consisted of representations of the various industries of the town, and was estimated to be more than one mile in length. At the head of the line appeared a Model of the First Meeting-house in Foxborough, followed by Farm wagon, filled with ancient and modern agricultural implements, among which was a plough 117 years old, belong ing to Warren S. Bacon, drawn by six yoke of oxen. "Exports of Foxborough, 1778," represented by a load of charcoal and a load of hogshead hoops, intended for the West India trade. "Imports of 1778," being teams filled with barrels of New England rum, hogsheads of molasses, and codfish. 30 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. I Silk banner inscribed, "Industries of the Union Straw Works," with figure of female bearing a sheaf of wheat. Foreign straw braid and hats, with the names of the coun tries from which they are imported displayed on the wagon. Followers of Betsey Baker preparing and braiding do mestic straw, showing the various processes through which the straw passes, and contained one of the old braiders of domestic straw, in the person of Miss Betsey Pettee. Manufacturers' wagons, including those of E. White, C. Eichmond, J. Castilo, C. C. Sumner, D. W. Folsom, G. A. Thayer, filled with braid, blocks, tickets, thread, etc., show ing the manner in which the straw is distributed among the sewers in the neighboring towns. Making and finishing straw goods by hand, as the busi ness was originally prosecuted. Making and finishing straw goods by machinery. On this wagon were four machines for sewing braid, two for binding hats, one for lining, and one for wiring hats, at which female operatives were at w^ork ; also a hydrauhc pressing machine and Fales' patent blocking machine. The machinery was driven by a belt attached to one of the wheels of the wagon. Load of straw good? in cases ready for shipment to the salesrooms of the Union and Bay State Manufacturing Com pany. Load of linen-board (a substitute for leather, used in the manufacture of boots and shoes), moulded into boot and shoe counters. Seven wagons, drawn by twenty-five horses, all blanketed and flagged alike, belonging to Virgil S. Pond, and repre senting his business from beginning to end, as follows : The first was a load of " saw logs in the rough," just as they come from the woods ; 2d, sawed lumber, shingles, boards, etc. ; 3d, steam saw-mill in operation, sawing box-boards, fitting and nailing bpxes, reels, etc. ; 4th, manufacturing paper boxes and crowns and printing tips for packing straw goods ; FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 31 5th and 6th, loads of boxes ready for market; 7th, load of refuse, kindling, etc. The men were at work upon the route filling a bona-fide order from O. M. Draper's jewelry house in Attleborough. One of the best representations was the wagon of John Garside, bearing a monster coffee-pot, with steam issuing from the spout. White & Grover, large blocks of granite, and cutters at work. Foxboro' Foundry and Machine Co. Crocker & Shepard, large, handsomely trimmed wagon, exhibiting their immense line of dry goods, and a separate wagon containing a beautifully arranged shoe department. B. F. Boyden, 2d, large four-horse wagon, loaded with a beautiful "trim-out" of goods in the same line. Wm. Igoe, blacksmith shop, with forge in "full blast." Jos. Taber, immense blacksmith shop, with two horses on board, and process of shoeing in operation, making horse shoes and working at other branches. "Foxboro' Times," prettily trimmed, with press in opera tion, printing programme of the day. A. C. Dean, boots and shoes. W. H. Young, fine carriages ; one team with carriage- building going on ; two others, loaded with carriages, sleighs, etc., exhibiting beautiful samples of completed work. E. W. S. Blackwell, printer, two heavy teams, containing case-rack, type, presses in operation, and load of A. N. Hoxie's soap, from manufactory of Mr. Blackwell, ready for the market. S. Blaisdell, stone-cutter. A. F. Belcher and N. S. Small, florists, each with car riages beautifully decked with plants and flowers. Milk-wagons of H. G. Warren, J. A. Comey, and Hersey & Warren.G. H. Stiff, painter. 32 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. John Guiney, harness-maker. John Falvey, boot-making in operation. Foxboro' Steam Laundry, two teams. C. P. Grover, watches and jewelry. Charles Dunbar, extracts and medicines. J. Eundell, two teams, J. C. Mears and Davidson & Hartshorn, fish. E. H. White & Co., Boston, dry goods. C. L. Dunbar and G. Winslow, soap. C. C. Jones, paper boxes. Dr. H. H. Bowles, dentist. L. N. Lowe, meats, three wagons. William Castilo, ice. Boyden's Mill, grain and flour, three teams. Godfrey & Comey, groceries, two teams. T. G. Peirce, dry goods. C. F. Morse, coal. Eyan & Sumner, grain and groceries, three teams. A. H. Messenger, groceries and hardware, two teams. E. W. Allen, merchant tailor; shop in full operation. Butterworth's Clothing House, represented by team loaded with ready-made clothing, gents' furnishing goods, etc. Guy & Brosi, furniture, flour, tea, and coffee; two wagons. J. A. Kingsbury, groceries. F. D. Williams, coal, etc., and express business, two wagons, neatly placarded. C. W- Hodges, carpets and furniture, two well-gotten-up wagons. Guy & Bros., paper hangings. THE decorations on the route of the procession and vicinity were elaborate, and exhibited much thought and labor. The Town House was decorated with bunting and a beautiful equestrian picture of FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 33 Washington, while in front of the entrance were the dates " 1778 " and " 1878," surrounded by flags and bunting. The display inside was very tine, the flags of all nations being suspended, with various army badges and coat of arms of all the States. In a prominent position was the motto, " Our Honored Guests, Foxborough Centennial." The Soldiers' Memorial Hall and engine-houses were also handsomely draped with the national colors. The Common was hung with bright and gaudy paper lanterns, flags and streamers. The Masonic Building, Cocasset House, and all the public buildings, manufactories, and places of business were covered with bunting and mottoes. The decorations at the works of the Union and Bay State Manufacturing Co. were very fine. In front of the building was the large and characteristic motto, " We cover millions," and dates made of straw hats, " 1778 " and " 1878." In front of the gate a beautiful arch, with the word " Welcome " inscribed upon it. The boarding-houses of the corporation were also handsomely trimmed. Among the many other places particularly noticeable were the Lincoln Block, with dazzling star and the motto, " Welcome Veter ans ; " Samaritan Hall Building ; Union Building, with the mottoes, " One Country, one Constitution, and one Destiny," and "Liberty and Union, Now and Forever, One and In separable : " the Depot, with the inscription " Welcome ; " the stores of Guy & Bros., Eli Phelps, John Garside, the residences of Wm. T. Cook, E. P. Carpenter, Williams Leonard, C. W. Lane, Dr. L. Dickerman, Albert Fisher, J. E. Carpenter, Ezra Pickens, Henry T. Comey, Lewis Pond, J. E. Pond, Seth Sherman, Wm. Carpenter, V. S. Pond, \i. P. Faught, Wm. H. Young, John Garside, Wm. lo-oe, Batholomew Brennan, F. D. Williams, L. E. Carpen- ter, and many others too numerous to mention. Yale's mammoth tents, covering over twenty-two thousand square feet of ground, and the Samaritan Club's tent, cover- ino" two thousand four hundred feet more, which had been 34 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. erected on the "Home School lot," had flags flying from their mast-heads, and were prettily draped with bunting inside and out, thus giving them a gala-day appearance. The route of the procession was from Liberty street to Central ; through Central, across South, to School ; through School, Bird, Baker, Chestnut, Main, School, Central, to Wall; through Wall, Cocasset, Leonard, Central, to South; through South to Cocasset ; to Main, where the official guests reviewed the procession, which, on passing Main street, was dismissed. The reviewing party was then escorted to the tents, where accommodations had been provided for nearly thirty-five hundred people. Persons holding collation tickets, and who did not join in the procession, marched from the Common to the tent under direction of Deputy Marshal W. H. Torrey. THE Exercises at the Tents Were opened, after the assemblage had been called to order by the President of the day, by prayer By' THE Eev. Beknaed Paine. Our Heavenly Father I we adore Thee, as the Author and Preserver of all things . We praise Thee , for Thou art greater than all. Thou dost superintend alike the worlds of space and the affairs of men. Thine are all our ways. We rejoice and praise Thee that Thy care and providence cover the his tory of every town, that Thy sympathy and help are manifest in the whole current of human life. We rejoice and thank Thee for Thy signal goodness to this town, from its first settlement. We thank Thee -that Thou didst oversee its early organization. We rejoice to-day as we remember the good FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 35 men and the true that were in the very beginning of thino-s here. We thank Thee to-day, as we remember the Christian men, the men of high principle and men of integrity, who led the events of this toM-n ; that among its first institutions was the Christian Church. We thank Thee, O Lord, for all the good men, the men of faith, that were in these early days. We thank Thee, O God, out of fervent hearts that Thou didst send the ministry of reconciliation, the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that it was preached from year to year from the first unto the generations past of the century. We thank Thee, O Lord, for all the good that has come out of the Church of Christ here. We bless Thee also for the faithful labors of Thy servants who have already passed to their re ward, and for the great number who we trust to-day have ascended on high, and are casting their crowns before Thee. O Lord God, we gratefully remember also that Thou hast caused to be established a course of instruction for the children and youth. We thank Thee for schools, — for the common-school system, that is so congenial to our civil government and our nation. We thank Thee for all the in stitutions that have been developed in connection with the young and rising generation, and that the Sabbath school was established in this town, after half the century had passed away. We bless Thee, O Lord, to-day, also for the men of true reform to be remembered ; that even when the Washing- tonian movement came among our States, it also came and rested its ark over this people, and that from that time to the present there have been men to stand up for true reform and temperance. We thank Thee that now there is such an out- gushing of the temperance movement, and the temperance feeling in this place. We thank Thee, O Lord, also for the enterprise and business capacity that Thou didst give those who have lived in this town, in the past, who have enriched it, and have added to its prosperity. We rejoice to-day, O Lord, for all the outcome of this enterprise and this business 36 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. capacity which Thou has granted in Thy providence. We thank Thee also, O Lord, for loyal sons and daughters, for love of country. We bless Thee that we have the record of the noble deeds and the valor of those who went forth and sacrificed their lives for the country's safety and honor. Our Father, to-day, as now we gather on this centennial anniver sary we look to Thee for Thy special blessing. We thank Thee for this bright and clear morning ; for this beautiful air. And yet, O God, our hearts are still tender and sad for the accident of the early morning. Thou hast taken one away from life and friends and family. O God, be very near to that afflicted circle. Many hearts have been saddened to-day by this calamity. Wilt Thou send peace and comfort, O God ! And now. Father, we commend all here present unto Thee. Especially let Thy blessing rest upon the Governor of this State and all that are to-day in authority. May his life and health be very precious in Thy sight, and may still many years of usefulness and honor be granted unto him. We pray that Thou wilt now grant Thy blessing upon all those who are to take part in this service. Bless, we pray Thee , the President of the day. Bless, we humbly beseech of Thee, him who is to speak to us of the past ; and as we shall listen, oh, grant that rich blessings may come to us, and that we may be led to rejoice to-day, more than ever, in Thy good providence and grace. Our Father in Heaven, we also ask Thy blessing upon all the famihes in this town. We thank Thee that Thou hast been good to our fathers ; and that here there have been Christian homes and families. Let Thy blessing be upon the families gathered here. Eemember those who are scattered, — some who are far away in distant places, and are unable to be present ; yet Thou knowest them, and we commend them unto Thee and Thy care. Eemember Thine aged servant w^ho has passed her one hundredth birthday at her home in Boston, and is too feeble to be here to-day. We commend her to Thee, and pray that Thou wilt comfort her heart and send her sweet FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 37 memories of the past. Eemember all here present, O God, as Thou seest they require. Eelatives and friends of those who have been here and labored for the good of the people, — O God, be Thou with them, we pray Thee, and may our fathers' God be with their children even unto the end. O Lord God, we only wait before Thee now for Thy blessing. As we enter upon another century in the history of this town, we humbly beseech of Thee that all the growth of the past may be but anti cipatory of the future, that shall be still bright and glorious, and more and more progressive in every good thing ; fill us all with the truth of the Gospel ; and, finally, we ask it as Thy chiefest blessing, gather hs^with the fathers who served Thee faithfully on earth, among the redeemed in Thy heavenly kingdom ; and to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit we will give all the praise, evermore. Amen. Hon. Otis Cary, as President of the day, then introduced the literary exercises in the following words : — Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends and Fellow- Citizens, JVatives of Foxborough and their Descendants, and Former Residents of Foxborough : It gives us great pleasure to meet you here to-day on the " Old Homestead," near the spot where our fathers met just one hundred years ago to organize the town and choose the first Board of Selectmen. We meet to speak and hear of the vast changes and improvements that have been made, and to show some specimens of the present prosperity and enterprise of the town ; and we bid you a hearty welcome to our town and to the festivities of the day. We feel honored by the presence of His Excellency Gov ernor Eice, and other members of our State Government; also the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Eepresentatives, with many members of both branches of past and present legislatures, county and town officers ; with many other distinguished men of our own and other States, 38 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. who are with us to-day, and whose voices we expect to hear before we part. To one and all we extend our thanks for your attendance and a cordial welcome to this the one hun dredth anniversary of the organization of our town. But it is not my province to say more at this time. We believe in bringing our young men to the front, and thus to interest them early in public affairs. I therefore will introduce one of Fox borough's young sons, F. H. Williams, who will speak to you words of welcome, and make the formal address. [Ap plause.] Mr. Williams delivered the following , address of welcome. On this the one hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Foxborough, it is my pleasant duty, in behalf of the Committee of Arrangements, to extend to you all the hand of greeting and the voice of welcome. Foxborough has just arrived at the first centennial milestone of her career as a town. What a flood of recollections rushes before the mind ! What memories are awakened ! One hundred years ago our ancestors, inspired with a desire for the worship of God and better educational advantages, took the initial steps which secured to us this town, in which we now take so much pride. That hundred years now belongs to the past ; the men of that time are now dead, and in a hundred years this day will be but a single event in history. What, then, could be more fitting than that we should gather about our firesides, renew acquaintanceship, revive old associations, and reanimate our selves with the spirit which actuated our forefathers ? Accordingly we are right glad to see you, on this the natal day of Foxborough. We receive you all with open hands and warm hearts, and invite you to participate in the pleasures and festivities of this occasion. "Ye fathers, with hair bathed in molten silver ; ye mothers, with names dearer and holier than FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 39 any earthly name ; young men, with vigor crowned, and rnaidens 'fairer than the light,' — one and all, welcome, a thousand times welcome ! " We greet with pleasure His Excellency the Governor of this Commonwealth, the Council, and other officers who rep resent the majesty of the State. It is unnecessary to say that Foxborough always has stood, and so long as a breath of life remains, she always will stand, in the front rank of towns in response to every call of State or Country. And the heart of eveiy citizen of Foxborough responds with animation to that sentiment dear to every loyal son of the Old Bay State, " God Save the Cojnmonwealth of Massachusetts ! '" We gladly welcome the citizens of the neighboring towns, and trust that the spirit displayed and the scenes enacted to-day will serve to bind us closer in the support of our common country. We offer hearty salutations to the citizens of Walpole, Wrentham, Stoughton, and Stoughtonham, the towns of which we were once a part ; and while we con gratulate ourselves upon our noble origin, yet we feel that, as you think of the men who went forth from your borders and have built up a town rivalling in spirit and beauty her parent towns, — in short, the acknowledged "gem of the county," — you can but regard their going forth as an irreparable loss. Ye who have gone forth from your native town in the pur suit of wealth and renown, and who now return to your paternal hearth, welcome, thrice welcome, to this our home and yours ! Home ! What word in the language can arouse such feelings in the human breast ! What magic must that httle word contain for you who now revisit the scenes of your birth and childhood! May you — not as the prodigal, but rejoicing in the favors of a kind Providence, and with a pros perous fortune smiling upon all your undertakings — may you ever return to your home in Foxborough as to a "Perpetual feast of nectar'd sweets, Where no crude surfeit reigns ;" 40 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. and as you depart to your several callings and duties, may this ever be your song : Old Foxborough — " Where'er I roam, whatever realms to see, My heart, untravelled, fondly turns to thee." Those of you who have become citizens by the marriage rite, the calls of business or pleasure, we welcome with grateful hearts ; for we feel assured that you would certainly have chosen Foxborough for your birthplace if your wishes had been consulted, and we do not blame you for the un avoidable decrees of fate. To our absent friends, wherever located, of whom some one has said, though not " with us " they are yet " of us," we send cordial greeting. Many whom we would gladly welcome are standing upon ' ' That silent shore, Where billows never break nor tempests roar." Yet, if it is ever granted to the spirits of the departed to re visit the scenes of their former usefulness and activity, who can doubt but that the shades of all the noble sons of Fox borough are with us to-day as invisible auditors? God grant that their memory may ever be revered, and their example ever be present to the coming generations ! We point with pride, and welcome you to our churches, " whose spires point with silent finger to heaven," testifying that the motive which prompted our ancestors to found a new town has ever been present to the minds of their de scendants ; and that with our progress in civilization there has been a movement toward a corresponding improvement in morals and religion, which Southey says is necessary to save a people from ruin and destruction. We point to our Memorial Hall, commemorative of those who offered up their lives upon the altar of their country that we might live FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 41 in peace ; where you will also read, upon the " roll of honor," the names of those who have answered their country's call at every time of danger, and who, in defence of country, signified their willingness to take their places beside their brothers in glory. Fit resting-place for that library whose light is diffused through every class of society, and whose influence as a public educator cannot be told, — "a shrine where all the relics of the saints, full of true virtue, and that without delusion or imposture, are preserved and reposed." We point to our schools, manufactories, public buildings, and things innumerable, — evidences, as we believe, of our thrift, energy, wealth, refinement, and moral and intellec tual culture. Children of the public schools, we welcome you. To you the nation is looking with anxiety and interest ; for you, past and present generations have prepared this country as a heritage, and upon you must soon devolve the duties of citizenship, and of maintaining this government. See to it that you are well prepared for those duties. Fel low-citizens, I congratulate you in the possession of this town, upon the progress you have made in the last century, and upon the spirit of local pride and respect for the memory of your ancestors which has prompted you to the celebra tion of this day. But we should celebrate this day in vain were we to devote ourselves wholly to pleasure, and not remember that it should also be a time for sober thought and serious reflection. Throughout the length and breadth of this land there is an urgent demand for men, not mere pup pets, wafted about like feathers by every gust of wind ; but live, energetic men, endowed with a strong will, a cultivated intellect, and a strict regard for right. This demand appeals to us with ever-renewed emphasis ; for, as Napoleon said, " The man must make the times, and not the times the man." There can be no shirking. If we desert our duties, we shall be traitors to society and to country. The responsibilities are great, and should be well understood. Therefore it be- 42 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. hooves us to drink in the lessons of the hour, and so conduct ourselves that our flag may float far above all others as the embodiment of everything that pertains to a civilized and prosperous people. Let the progress of the past century be an earnest of what is to follow, increased an hundred-fold. Let us this day be stimulated to renewed activity and aroused to new endeavors in maintaining the institutions we have inherited, in fulfilling the sacred trusts which devolve upon us, in preserving the fair name and honor of old Fox borough, and thus add many bright jewels to her already brilliant diadem. Grand old Foxborough ! may you ever be the admiration of your sons and daughters ; may they never by word or deed bring a stain upon your fair escutcheon ; but rather may they so live and act as to be not only the pride of their native town, but an honor to the country whose flag floats over them ; may their names be inscribed on Fame's immortal roll as true men and women. As the mother of such children, your name will descend to poster ity, without the aid of letters, borne by tradition from generation to generation. The united choirs of all the churches then sangr " Gloria," from Mozart's 12th Mass, Mr. Albert F. Pettee, leader ; Miss Annie M. Johnson, organist. The organ was a powerful one, of rich tone, loaned to the town by the Smith Organ Co., of Boston. THE ACT OF INCOEPOEATION OF THE TOWN was then read by Eobert W. Carpenter, Esq., from an original volume of acts and laws, printed in 1778, as follows : — FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 43 In the Year of our LORD, 1778. Town of Foxborough. ACTS and LAWS, Pafsed by the Great and General Cotirt or Afsembly of the State of the Mafsachufetts-Bay, in Ne-w- England : Begun and lield at Bofton, in the County of Suffolk, on AVednefday the Twenty-feventh Day of May, Anno Domini, 1778. Chap. i. An Aft for incorporating certain Lands in the County of Suffolk, formerly belonging to the Town of Dorchef- ter, but now to the Towns of Wrentham, Walpole, Stoughton, and Stoughtonham with the Inhabitants liv ing thereon, into a Town, by the Name of Foxborough. Whereas a Number of Inhabita,nts belonging to the preamble. Towns of Wrentham, Walpole, Stoughton and Stough tonham, have refrefented to this Court the Inconven iences they labour under on account of their Diftance from the Places of Public Worship in the feveral Tovjns to ivhich they now belong, and have earneftly and repeatedly requefted that they may be incorporated into a Town : Be it therefore enacted by the Council and Houfe o/" part of the Re-brefentatives in General Court afsembled, and by the Towns of _ Wrentham, Authority of the fame, That fuch Part of the 1 owns ot waipoie, Wrentham, Walfole, Stoughton and Stoughtonham, as stoughton, I ., ¦ ^ T • Ti • ¦ ^andStough- are included ni the foUowmg Bounds, viz. Beginning at j^^j^^^;^, the County Line by Skull-meadow, fo called, and from corporated , thence proceeding in the Range Line that runs over Cow JJ?^^^_ ^^ Hill, until it comes to the Norton Road, and from thence the Name of fa traight Line to the Southeaft Corner of Benjamin ^^^f' Fairbank's Home Lot ; and from thence running North- weft and Northeafterly in the Line of faid Fairbank's Farm, until it comes to the Weft End of the Furnace Dam, excluding the Furnace Land, and Buildings to Stoughton ham ; and from thence a ftraight Line until it comes to the Bridge by Capt. Elkanah Billings's, and from thence 44 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. on the Road Southwardly, until it comes to the Line be tween Capt. Samuel Billings, and his Son ; thence on the Line between them to the Northweft Corner of Capt. Samuel Billings's Pafture ; thence the fame Courfe in the Line of Major Samuel Billings's Land, until it comes to Col. Royal's Farm, (excluding the Home Lot that was Capt. Elkanah Billings's, to remain to the Town of Stoughtonham, and the Home Lot of Nathan Clark, jun. to be included within the New Incorporation ;) from thence on the Linq of Col. Royal's Farm, until it comes to the Northeaft Corner ; thence on the Northwardly Line of faid Farm, until it comes to the Northweft Corner of it; from thence a ftrait Line to Dedham Rock, fo called, or Walpole Corner, to the Line of the Land of Thomas Mann ; thence with the Line of the Land of faid Thomas Mann, until it comes to a ftrait Line from the Crotchet Black Oak Stump, ftanding by the Road leading from Stoughton to Wrentham, which was Dorchefter's Old Line, to Attleborough Corner ; thence a ftrait Line to faid Attleborough Corner, where it meets with the County Line, (excluding and leaving Thomas Brastow, with his Buildings and Home Place, and alfo fo much of Thomas Mann's Land as now joins to his Home Place to remain and belong to the Town of Wrentham, and where it shall fo happen that this incorporating Line divides the Land of any Perfon living near the fame (fo far as it concerns the Inhabitants of Wrentham and Foxborough') faid Lands shall be held to be Taxed on that Side the Line that the Proprietor Dwells,) and from thence turning Eafterly and running on faid County Line, until it comes to the firft mentioned Bounds, be, and hereby is incorporated into a Town, by the Name of Foxborough, and invefted with all Powers, Privileges and Immunities that Towns in this State do or may enjoy. Certain per. And be it further enacted. That Eleazer Bobbins, remlin to Daniel Morfe, Elisha Morfe, Widow Mary Patten, the Town to David Patten, Widow Mary Boyden, Soloman Morfe, Towteiotg! ^'^^'^^ Atherton, Samuel Morfe, Jofiah Hodges, Ben jamin Hodges, John Everett, Eliphalet Hodges, Jofiah Blanchard, Ifaac Pratt, Jofeph Pratt, Jofeph Gilbert, FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 45 with their Estates, shall remain to the Towns to which they now belong ; and all fuch Perfons as are included in the aforefaid incorporating Line, which were formerly an nexed to the North Precindt in Norton, now Mansfield, to do Duty and receive Privilege, refpedling Divine Wor ship, shall ftill enjoy the fame, unlefs.any of them shall choofe to belong to, and join with the Inhabitants of Fox borough for that Purpofe which they shall have Liberty fo to do, provided they or any of them give in their Names to the Town Clerk of Foxborough, any Time within the Term of Eighteen Months from the pafsing this adl, in fuch Cafe fuch Perfon or Perfons shall not be held to pay Taxes to the Town of Mansfeld for the Support of a Minifter, but to the Town of Foxborough. And be it further enacted, That the Inhabitants of faid Town of Foxborough shall pay their Proportion of all State, County and Town Taxes already granted to be raifed in the feveral Towns refpectively to which they lately did belong, and be held to raife their Quota of Men for the Continental Service, and to pay their IJropoi^tion of the Charges of Reprefentatives for the Year paft in the feveral Towns aforefaid. Be it alfo enacted. That the Inhabitants living within the Bounds aforefaid, (who are not included in the above Exceptions) and who in the late Taxes in the feveral Towns aforefaid were rated one Half Part fo much for their Eftates and Faculties as for one single Poll, shall be taken and holden to be qualified, and be allowed to Vote in their Firft Meeting for the Choice of Officers, and fuch other Meetings as may be called in faid Townoi Foxborough, until a Valuation of Eftates shall be made by Afsefsors there. And be it further enacted. That Benjamin Guild, Efq ; Benjamin be, and he is hereby authorized and required to ifsue his riiii.stoi-\-^ IVw. \ in- JoshuJL Wnnd. f Capt (";ru. tStrattun. Job Slicrman. Dc-a. Sanuiel Baker. Jolin Coniey. r>ea. If^aac Pratt. Jacoli Leonard. Seth Doyden. K.i(diard Everett. Dea. ^pencfr riodire.'^. Epiiraim Sliepliard. j Joliri Sumner. ( I.)oa.. Ebenezer Foriitrit Amns Mnrse. \ William Taine. j Otis Paine. Awa and James Paine. Seth Kol-iinson. Francis Daniel.s. John Sumner. \ Xatlian Clark. I Tjewis Leonard. ^\saaudEliiah L'linip- ton. ^ Jarnli Pliephard. f Klia.s Xa.'^on. Abijali Pi'att. John Hewrs.* Swift Pa^'pion. E^q. \ John Ciirpenler. } Meh'tiah Kvereit.Esq. desM' Ilartsliorn. Seth PtObiris<.)n. \ Preston Sliepard. j Noah Hdhart. Kleazer INdibins. . \ Benjamin Pettee. ¦' ¦ / \mi>- Pnvden. 31. Zadok UoVe and Ji.h Withs. :^2. I)ea. Aamn Everett 3:i. t?eth Polunson (famil}' pew.) o4. Capt. OliverComev. (Dea. iXehemJah Car- y.-j. J penter. f Ezra Cai'penti-r. Of. \ WiUiam Clark. "*'¦ } Hezekiah Pettee. 37. H(m. Ebenezer War- r,o \ Majoi- Billin^f.-^. ¦^ ¦ 'I David Mnr.se. ^ Maj. Josrpli ShepariL oil. ? Metcalt Everett, and ' Francis -Iniie.s. ¦JO. ^^ illiam Knmru'V. ,, \ Dea Xattianiel Clark. } Etlirid^^e (.'lark. 1. Ezra Car|. enter. 2. John Cariienter. :;. I'ainc. 4. Stephen Hnyden. .'1. Holder Morse. Pi. "William Sumner. Pfn>. i^. Jesse Hartshorn 10. Beriah Mann. 11. Jairus !'. Muv^v 12. Roi:ei- Sumner. 13. Eli.as <.iuild. ¦n"s porch. ts and communism .1. Men's porrh. B. W C Pulpit, witli Deacon's table in (Vonl. />. I'he seats at 1> were replaced about they. isifi.by lour pews marked 2."), 26, *J7, and 2>- tlie list of pew owners. "No, 2;iwa.s finullv (uvii., I liv De:i. Stephen Rli ¦ first pew rerihivcd wlit-n the huihlin;f was taken FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 65 for the door to open and shut without injury to the children. The room was lighted by three windows, one on each of three sides, each containing twelve panes of small glass, 6x8 inches. There never was such an article as a desk for the teacher. Private kindness furnished a small table, with a single drawer, and a comfortless chair. A male teacher kept the winter school, and was expected to teach reading, writing, and arithmetic, with something of English grammar ; but the female teacher of the summer school was allowed to dispense with the latter of the " three E's." But she must understand how to knit and sew, for the accomplishments of young ladies in that age were the marking of linen, making thread lace, and embroidering muslin. All the people west of Foxborough Centre sent their chil dren to this school-house, which was always full. The children wore coarse homespun cloth, stout leather shoes, and yarn stockings, and the girls had striped shawls pinned beneath the chin. For, as has been said before, the Foxborough people at that early day were very poor, and money was ex ceedingly scarce. The women spun wool and flax, and wove cloth. When the good dame had a few yards of linen, or some spare sheets, she took them to the calico artisan, who stamped them with bright colors for dresses. Carriages were very rare in the country towns. In 175^5 a tax was imposed upon them, for the purpose of encouraging the linen manufacture. In 1757 there were six carriages in Stoughton ; but it may be doubted whether either of these was owned in that part of Stoughton Avhich was incorporated in Foxborough. Two women often rode on the back of one horse, which they caught, saddled, bridled, and mounted at the horse-block, without masculine assistance. The simplicity and rude fashion of living one hundred years ago gave to our fathers " An undergoing spirit to bear up Against whatever ensued." 66 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. The act of incorporation has been read, and it has doubt less been noticed that the motive recited by the Legislature for passing it is substantially as that passed fifty-two years before by the ancestors of some of them, for being set off from Dorchester to Wrentham : — "Whereas, a number of inhabitants belonging to the towns of Wrentham, Walpole, Stoughton, and Stoughtonham, have represented to this Court the inconveniences they labor under on accoimt of their distances from their places of publick worship in the towns to which they now belong, and have earnestly and repeatedly requested that they may be incorporated into a town, be it therefore," etc., etc. The controlling suggestion then was the inconvenience of the petitioners iu attending "publick worship." Probably some of them lived at least ten or twelve miles from the meeting-house, the stated services of which the law com pelled them to support, and which alone they had a right to attend, save by a courtesy, then rarely expected or extended ; for it must not be forgotten that until 1833 all tax-payers were compelled by law to support public worship iu the towns where they resided. In that town and no other did they pay, or could they pay, for preaching. There and nowhere else had they a right of property therein, or felt themselves at home. There was no shrinhage of creed to fill the pews. To transport the .large family of those days over such roads as then were, twenty or twenty-iive miles, to meeting and home again, was, indeed, a Sabbath day's journey. It was an intolerable grievance. It jwas so great a grievance in the Foxborough case that the earnest and re peated request must have been effectual long before probably, but for a reason about to be given. It appears.that as early as 1757 the royal policy was adopted of opposing the incor poration of new towns, beciuise thus the size of the House of Eepresentatives was increased, — a body that was generally hostile to the king's prerogative; and so, when absolute FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 67 necessity seemed to require a new organization, it was con ferred in the shape of a " district " instead of a township, without the right of representation, as in the case of Stoughtonham, in 1765, and Mansfield, iu 1770. Hence, if Massachusetts had remained a province, the Governor would have been reluctant to organize Foxborough as a district, and pretty certainly would not have assented to its incorporation as a town. Its people were uninflueiitial, poor, and patriotic. They were sudh " As dare to love their country and be poor." After the expulsion of the Eoyal Governor there was, of course, no longer any objection of a similar character to the incorporation of towns. But the years 1775-6 and 7 were busy and crowded years, full of labors and terrors, for both people and legislature, and in this way it probably happened that Foxborough was not made a town till 1778. It was not customary, certainly, to incorporate a town or district until it was clearly in a situation to provide " publick worship " for itself. In almost every such case its capacity to that end had been previously tested as a precinct or parish. Foxborough had not been a precinct, but it had a meeting-house, or an apology for one, supposed to have been erected as early as 1763; perhaps about the commencement of the effort for separate organization. Nehemiah Carpenter and Jeremy Hartshorn gave the land for a common, on which to build the church, and for a bury- insr-OTound. It was centrally located, but was covered with rocks, shrub- oaks and bushes, with a few sterling oaks, that should have been spared. The building was spncious enough, but the people were too poor to finish it. At the first town meeting 68 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. it was voted "to choose a committee of three persons to provide for the laying the floor and making the doors of the meeting-house, and to provide for the glazing so many of the windows as the committee shall see fit." It had been used for religious services without doors or windows, as a mere shelter from the storm. It was better than worshipping on the naked hills or under the shrub-oaks. It was many years before the ceiling or walls were plastered, or the most ambitious thought of painting it. It grew dark with exposure, and seen on the plain by the traveller, from north or south, it looked like a black cloud. " What house is that ? " asked a stranger. " It is the Lord's house," answered the citizen. "Ah, I thought it was the Lord's barn," retorted the irreverent stranger. All the town meetings were held in the meeting-house, as was customary ; indeed, everywhere the town was the parish, and immediately took upon itself (as indeed the law obliged it) the care and expense of providing for 'publick worship." The meeting-house was, for many years, the only public building in the town, and scarcely any town meeting occurred in which there was not something done about it. " Pew spots," i.e., flooring upon which to erect pews, were many times sold to obtain money for necessary repairs or improve ments, as (March 2, 179!)) "will purchase stuff enough to finish of y^ meeting-house." No committee on public buildings ever had more thought or care. Plans of improve ments were submitted ; pews were constructed in the gal leries ; a porch was built on one side, and long after on the other side. " The town voted to sell the two hinder seats on the floor at publick vendue." The town chose a committee to seat the singers in the meeting-house. Iu 1788 it was voted that "Serviors clear the bushes from around the meet ing-house, and allow the men the same price for their labor as they worked on the highway." Aaron Everett got six pence half-penny per square, in 1790, for mending the FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 69 windows. In the same year leave was granted to build horse- sheds ; and, long after, to erect a horse block " the fore side of the meeting-house, they defending the same ; " and so on, again and again. Clearly the town thought it owned the meeting-house ; and perhaps, legally, it did, as well as the land under it. But the town had not originally built the building, as it was erected before any town was incorporated. In 1821, Eev. Thomas Williams, being about to leave the society, offered it $500 (the amount of his original settle ment) if it would erect a new meeting-house. The offer was at once accepted by a bare majority. The work of tearing down the old building began the next morning by volunteers, amid wild excitement, and denunciation by some. Dec. 22, 1821, the Selectmen, by their warrant, warned the town to assemble at their meeting-house on Monday, the 4th day of January, 1822, "to see," among other things, "if the town will repair their meeting-house, or do or act anything relative to the premises." The record of this town meeting mournfully commences : "Pursuant to the foregoing warrant the town assembled on the spot where the meeting house stood. Voted, to direct their treasurer not to pros ecute any person or persons on account of the parish taking down their meeting-house." The town's " meeting-house " had disappeared, and they certainly never had any other. They were not permitted to use the new brick meeting-house, built in 1822, and taken down in 1855 or 1856, and for many years a place was hired for the transaction of the town's business. A hundred years ago the minister was the most important and influential person in a New England town. Foxborough was not fortunate. A strong pastor would have given stability to the people and been a natural leader, iu temporal as well as spiritual things. Eev. Mr. Britt supplied the pulpit, perhaps before as well as after the incorporation, and 70 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. for many years the town chose a committee to procure preachers. Several clergymen declined overtures for settle ment, apparently on account of a want of harmony in the proceedings. Eev. Mr. Kendall was ordained in 1786, with great unanimity, and dismissed with greater unanimity in 1800. Then the Eev. Daniel Loring was called by the cast ing vote of old John Shepard, when near one hundred years of age, and in two years dismissed, serious disaffection having meanwhile occurred. The only useful and successful man among the early ministers was Eev. Thomas Williams, before alluded to, who came from Providence to Foxborough. Church psalmody made the usual dissension in Foxborough, and the peace-loving Mr. Williams found it necessary to employ the diplomacy of a Talleyrand in introducing music to the choir. The first bass-viol was manufactured by Marcus Everett, as to the wood-work, aud finished by George Holbrook, a bejl- maker by trade, and a famous music teacher. It cost four dol lars, and was an excellent instrument. When it was brought into the choir the old Frenchman, Francis Dauiels, was horrified. In vain did some learned in Scriptures reason. There might be biblicaL authority for the harp, and even the viol, but certainly none for the bass-viol ; and the only com promise attainable was that he should quit the church when the profane performance began and return when it was over. The first intruding denomination was the Baptist, next the Universalist, aud lastly the Catholic. The first Baptist meeting-house was located near the entrance of the road to "Witch Woods," and the house now occupied by Ashael Dean was the parsonage. It was re moved early in May, 1843, to the site of the present town hall or house, and enlarged and otherwise improved. When their present church was built it was sold at auction, and was converted into a box manufactory, which was destroyed some two years since by fire. FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 71 The Catholics are now building their third house of wor ship, the others having been destroyed by fire. In the early part of the century the Foxborough Female Benevolent Society, afterwards the Ladies' Charitable Society, was established, and became the source of much good. Dues were paid either in money or straw braid. Want of time forbids us to dwell, as had been intended, upon the original bounds of Foxborough, as fixed in the incor porating act ; or to speak of the disputes which afterwards arose about them and their settlement, or of the changes which have been made by legislative enactment. The same reason prevents our dwelling upon the school districts and school-houses, with the gradual improvement in education. After some years George Stratton became owner of the iron foundry. He also kept a store at Foxborough Centre, and his son kept the tavern, once conducted by Benjamin Comey. From Stratton the foundry passed into the hands of General Leach, of Easton, and at his death to those of Martiu Torrey and Otis Cary. In the first years of its organization, being the last of the war, the town suffered severely from the State and conti nental charges and burdens. Papers in. the Massachusetts archives show that the town was more than once relieved from excessive aud disproportionate rates and quotas. Like other towns, it in vain attempted to regulate the "price of things," constantly rising with the depreciation of the cur rency. To show how great that depreciation was, we need only give one or two illustrations. In 1780, the town voted £4,068, or more than $20,000, for mending the highways and bridges, paying some $60 per day for labor. In 1776 it voted $1,100 for highways and bridges. In 1780 the State tax of Foxborough was £16,411, or more than $80,000. Sept. 4, 1780, the town voted to raise £21,000, or more than $100,000 ; but afterwards reduced the amount to 72 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. £16,000. Oct. 9, Voted to levy £15,000 to procure beef on a requisition for the army, and to defray other towu charges. But the following year there was an attempt to resume specie payments, for it was voted to raise " 100 Spanish milled dollars for highways." The truth is, the depreciation was such that a hundred paper dollars were worth about one dollar in specie. For three different years the town treasurer of Dorches ter paid out thousands more than he received, — so rapid was the downfall of currency. May 18, 1781, the town treasurer owed Foxborough £13,679. In 1782 the rate of Eleazer Fisher was remitted; rate £124 10s., silver rate £0 lis. 4d. It will not be attempted at this time to produce much from the town records. A futile attempt was made as early as 1782 to support preaching by voluntary contributions : " Voted, To have contributions every Sunday after divine ser vice is over, to pay ministers." The plan has often failed since. There was frequent legislation against crows and black birds. There was a town defaulter as early as 1785, and to settle the defalcation the town took a farm and traded the same for preaching. In 1794 the Selectmen were voted a committee to opeu a subscription for the relief of sufferers by fire iu the town of Boston. As will be observed, Fox borough early adopted many popular measures. In 1798 the town voted "to allow 66 cents for eight hours' work, and $1.33 for eight hours' work of a man and a team sufficient to carry a ton weight." This was an eight-hour law. April 6, 1801, Voted, To admit the use of instruments of music in public worship." In 1803 it was " Voted, Not to let the swine run at large," but the pigs had influence enough to procure a reconsideration of this vote, and ran at large sometime longer. In 1804, " Voted, That the Selectmen vendue Lemuel FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 73 White and wife, two of the town's poor, or support them the best way they can devise." May 5, 1804, " Voted, to purchase a hearse." The town had already bought "a grave cloth," and it was soon voted to build a "herse house," to be under the care of the Select men, and March 2, 1812, voted to paint the "herse house." Jan. 9, 1826, " Voted, That the Selectmen be instructed to remove Daniel Dassance, as soon as convenient, from the House of Correction, at Dedham, and build a cage and place it within his mother's house, and him the said Dassance therein, under the care of the Selectmen." Dassance was a poor, insane person, whom the town was treating according to the custom or necessity of the time, who was afterwards provided for iu the hospital at Wor cester. May 3, 1830, " Voted, That in our opinion the wearing oi mourning apparel ought to be discontinued." Jan. 7, 1833, " Voted, The town express their cordial approbation of the sentiments contained in President Jack son's Proclamation." Hard drinking was almost universal when Foxborough was incorporated. Rum raised a meeting-house or a barn, or built a bridge. Every employer furnished it ; every work man drank it. The only mechanical interest was the iron foundry. It was a densely-wooded region, and the great specie-raising industry was charcoal-making. It was said that " the only export was charcoal, but that the imports were threefold, molasses, codfish, and New Fngland rum,. Euin fell upon the best men in the town, and the town itself. Distress was universal. The straw manufacture, then in its infancy, somewhat mitigated suffering ; for by its aid the mother and little children, whom the husband and father had abandoned, were enabled often to keep the " wolf from the door." Eev. Mr. Williams, Melatiah Everett, Esq., and Stephen 74 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Ehodes, are entitled to great credit, not only because they clearly appreciated the necessity of reform, but had the courage to undertake it against discouragement and fierce opposition. The movement to suppress intemperance began in 1817, much earlier than in most cases, and was trium phant. Eum had conquered New England ; but the manli ness of her people overthrew the tyrant, as it is to be hoped it will yet again. Perhaps increasing prosperity had much to do, also, with the improved tone aud increased self-respect of the people of Foxborough. We have just alluded to the straw manufacture, of which it is now possible to speak only iu the briefest manner. The honor of being the first American manufacturer of straw bonnets is ascribed to Betsey Metcalf, of Providence, E.I., who imitated an imported Dunstable. She then was a girl of twelve years; but, as Mrs. Baker, she afterwards carried on the business, at first as a monopolist, but soon with com petitors. It is said that Eunice, daughter of Aaron Everett, made the first bonnet in Foxborough. Soon after, Sally Mann made one. The straw was at first cut with a pair of scissors. Straw bonnets soon became common in Foxborough aud Wrentham, where Amariah Hall, who kept store, took them, paying in goods. Cornelius Metcalf, coming to Foxborough, married Hepsebeth Sumner, and bought the place formerly occupied by the first minister, Mr. Kendall. Mrs. Metcalf had great skill in making the straw bonnets. She adopted several children, took apprentices and carried on the business in a small way. Metcalf Everett first made straw goods for the New York market. Elias Nason then kept a store, pay ing for straw goods partly cash and partly in other goods. Nehemiah Carpenter was afterwards associated with Nason in this business. Daniels Carpenter aud John Corey afterwards separately manufactured straw goods on a much larger scale, paying cash for labor. FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 75 John Corey, who owned this spot of ground and lived in yonder house, was lost in the burning of the steamer Lexing ton, on Long Island Sound, in the winter of 1840. Edson Carpenter and Milton, John E., and Henry H. Sum ner, sons of John Sumner, afterwards carried on stores, where straw braid and bonnets were received in payment for goods. The Sumner brothers, under the firm of J. E. Sumner & Co., also manufactured largely of straw goods, and sold imported stock to smaller manufacturers. Dr. Gardner Peck, formerly a successful physician in Fox borough, engaged in the manufacture. Thus gradually the business grew and developed, until, in 1844, Oliver, Warren, and E. P. Carpenter, as associates iii business, built what then was considered a marvel of a straw factory, or works. It was what is now the "Verandah House," used as a boarding-house. The business increased rapidly, and after several additions and alterations the first works were found altogether too limited, and in 1853 the Union Straw Works were established ; but the growth of the business made it necessary to enlarge its limits, which was done in 1856. The business increased from $75,000 in 1844, to nearly the amount of $2,000,000 in 1865. Foxborough has made, through its straw business, a name that in many foreign places is known better than the Citj' of Boston itself. Certainly to this business Foxborough is indebted for her modern prosperity. The day we celebrate is the Centennial Anniversary of the 29th of June, 1778, when the inhabitants of Foxborough first assembled in town meeting, in pursuance of the warrant issued by Benjamin Guild, a magistrate of Wrentham, at the request of Benjamin Pettee, Swift Payson, Nehemiah Car penter, Jacob Cook, Jacob Leonard, Amos Morse, and Samuel Baker. Josiah Pratt was moderator of the meeting ; Swift Payson, clerk ; Josiah Pratt, John Everett, Benjamin Pettee, Daniel Eobinson, and Joseph Shepard were chosen 76 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Selectmen ; Nehemiah Carpenter was chosen treasurer, and John Comee, constable. They " Voted to adjourn the meet ing for one hour and a half, then met " and chose five sur veyors of highways, three for a committee of correspondence, five assessors, two tythingmen, two fence viewers, two field drivers, one sealer of leather, two hog reeves, — a full com plement of town officers. The 29th of June, 1778, was a period of gloom and doubt in the revolutionary struggle. But our immediate ancestors were ready to 'play their part like men. In 1780 they said, in their petition to the General Court, " We are willing to sacrifice our all in the common cause, if it should be necessary." On this day, comparatively so bright and prosperous, may we, the descendants of those hardy sires, pledge our vows of devotion to the nation they created for us and our posterity. So, only, can they hail as a " smiling morn," the second Centennial of Foxborough I After the oration had been delivered, by invitation of Wm. T. Cook, Esq., Gov. Eice, Councillors Harwood, Haynes, Childs, and Tweed, Asst. Adj.-Gen. Kingsbury, Judge-Ad vocate Gen.^W. W. Blackmar, and Messrs. Tower, Hutch ings, Eice, and Lyman, of the Governor's staff, were taken in carriages and driven to High Lawn Stock Farm, the sum mer residence of Mr. Cook, situated about a mile north of the village, where they were handsomely entertained for a short time. At the close of the oration the choir sang "America," after which the procession re-formed and marched to the Common to assist in the unveiling and dedication of the Centennial Memorial. This Memorial Eock is a boulder of granite iu its natural state, weighing from four to five tons, and inscribed on a panel, "1778, Centennial Memorial, 1878." It is located FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 77 near the flag-staff and upon the site of the old meeting house. At this point, the vast multitude liaving assembled, prayer was offered by Eev. "Q. H. Shinn, and Eev. W. H. Spencer delivered the following MEMORIAL ADDRESS. We meet to day, my friends, for an object of no ordinary interest. Day by day our paths cross iu this beautiful Common, as we go to aud fro on errands of business or pleasure ; but to-day a common impulse brings ns hither, unlike any that ever impelled us before. Hitherto we have been unconsciously making our history ; to-day we pause to contemplate the record, and, in the midst of our Centennial celebration, to set up a Memorial. We lay claim to nothing new or original in the idea of a memorial rock. From the earliest times men have sought to perpetuate the memory of their deeds, and to mark off the events of their history, by raising monuments of some kind, from the rude cairn which Joshua erected in Gilgal, to commemorate the passage of the Jordan by the tribes of Israel, to the granite needle on yonder hill in Charlestown, which will remind future generations of the struggle for liberty, which gave renown to the name of Bunker Hill. In imitation, then, of a custom which is sanctioned by antiquity, and by more recent usage as well, we set up, to-day, a memorial rock to tell its story to the generations which shall come after us. But what story has it to tell ? When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, "What mean ye by this stone ? " what shall the answer be ? This question carries us back to the days of old. It revives the memories of a time long past, more than a hundred j^ears ago, when the &pot where we now stand was known as the Dark Swamp, 78 ~ FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. named from the dense shadows made by the oaks and pincg of the forest primeval ; when most of the land now occupied by this village was covered with shrub-oaks, and when, throughout the town, the sun only here and there looked down upon clearings, which showed the signs of man's improving toil ; when men were few and the land was stubborn. In the simple annals of those times we meet with one fact of prime significance : The- people that settled this region feared God, aud among their first necessities was the need of a suitable place for public worship. Hither, then, while they were yet a feeble band, they came, and, levelling with their axes the tall trees that grew on this spot, they built their rude temple to Jehovah. That ancient structure was not a model of church architecture. More like a big barn it looked than like a house of God. And yet we doubt not that its bare rafters echoed praises as sincere, and words of instruction as true, as the groined arches of cathedral or abbey ever did. Its shingled sides grew darker every year with weather-stains, but men's hopes grew brighter and clearer as they gave heed to the message of life, which was proclaimed from the lofty pulpit within. We know how large a place his religious thoughts and affections held in the mind of the New England settler. They were bound up with his instinct of freedom ; they shaped his politics. His first concern was for liberty; his next aim was to secure the blessings of religion ; and he considered these two objects as not only in harmony with each other, but as necessary to each other. The same build ing served for town-hall and meeting-house ; and thus the meeting-house represented the New England community in its intensest life and its noblest aspirations. If, then, we are to select a spot for a memorial, with an eye to fitness and real significance, we shall seek for that place which the people first hallowed by their approaches to God, where FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 79 they met as common subjects of a King whom all desired to reverence. It has. been found impossible to identify the exact locality of that ancient building, on account of the great changes that have taken place in the surface and the surroundings of this Common. But, from a comparison of the opinions of old men who saw it demolished fifty-six years ago last wiuter, it has been decided that the spot marked by this rock cannot be many feet from some portion of the old meeting-house, if, indeed, it does not mark the very spot where the pulpit stood. Here, then, we raise our memorial. It commemorates no battle-field, no thrilling exploit of pioneer colonist, but simply the peaceful beginnings of the life of a community rooted in Christianity. This is our first mile-stone. And as we look backward over a hundred years, and upward to Him who has brought us forward on our way, a well-remembered strain of an ancient Psalm of Life comes to mind, — "A thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday, when it is past, and as a watch in the night." . A word or two about this rock. It was brought from the locality known as High Eock, from the woods west of the old stone building in Happy Hollow. It lays no claim to beauty. It is designed to serve as the simplest possible memorial of an age of simple tastes and manners, and of our humble but solid beginnings. Aud if it shall remind any one of the old-time roughness of this Common, when it was encumbered with huge boulders, so much the better. As soon as the record of this day's proceedings shall be completed, they, with other papers, will be deposited under neath this memorial stone, there to repose until the men of 1978 shall bring them again to the light of day. Here, then, let this rock remain for a memorial of the growth of this town, and of the devolopment of its material resources. Here the seed of the village was planted. 80 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Around this centre the slow but solid growth went on. Forests vanished, and dwellings sprung up around this sacred spot ; and as the tide of prosperity swelled, it left its marks here. Eocks were dug out and the rough places were made smooth ; old trees were felled and the shrubs cleared away ; until to-day we look upon a scene that fitly answers to the happy changes that a century has wrought in the physical comfort and prosperity of the town. Let this rock remain as a memorial of the simple virtues which wrought the changes and improvements that we see. There was solid worth of character in the days of old. There- were straightforward honesty and unbending prin ciple. Men and women believed iu living on the fruits of their own industry, and within their means ; and, therefore, their growth and prosperity were as sufe as God's ordi nance of the seasons. Let this rock stand for a memorial of the sure and abid ing hopes that sustained the pious hearts of the generations past. For fifty-nine years this spot was holy ground. Hither, every Sabbath, from near aud far, through the woods and over the crooked roads, on foot and on horseback, single and double, in plain and rustic garb, came your grand- sires and grandmothers, to listen to the word of God ; aud here they heard of the only sure foundation of human hopes ; here they were told of a treasure that never faileth ; here they were taught to look for a better country. Well may we set up a stone for a memorial, as once of old the patriarch Jacob did, saying, " Surely, the Lord was in this place." We have referred to the changes that a century has wrought ; but who can forecast the changes that shall be witnessed during the hundred years to come ? What will remain a century hence of all that meets our eyes to-day ? What structures will look down upon this green sward? What kind of church edifices will hft their spires heavenward in the places where these now stand? What manner of Orthodox Congregational Church. Page 245. FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 81 people will gather to celebrate their bi-centennial? What will they think and say of us that day? It is vain for us to seek to lift the veil ; but it rests with us, in no small degree, to say whether that distant genera tion shall carry on worthily the work begun by the fathers in the Dark Swamp. It is for us to transmit to them the legacy, which we enjoy, of the hardy virtues, simple tastes, sound principles, and exalted faith of the fathers, leaving behind their faults and errors. Whether or not that noonday sun, a century hence, shall look down upon a free and united people, building on the foundations cemented by the blood and tears of a heroic ancestry, we know not ; but we know that much will depend upon how we build. Little can we imagine what shall be the great political issues a hundred years to come ; but the greater issues of life are ever the same, and our great-grandchildren will be dealing, as we are, with the mysteries of human existence and the great moral issues, which never change. We greet you, children of a distant future. Across the century we extend to you the hand of fellowship and con gratulation. Yours will be an enviable lot. Every day the earth is yielding up her treasures to the magical touch of science. Fresh discoveries and inventions are ever multiply ing the sources of enjoyment and of good on every hand. Purer morals and a sounder' philosophy, based on a better apprehension of the Divine Eevelation, will make life richer and nobler in your time. For we — " Doubt not through the ages one increasing purpose runs, And the thoughts of men are widened with the process of the suns." May it, indeed, be yours to witness the nearer glories of the day of universal peace on earth and good-will towards men. The choirs then joined in singing the following 82 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. HYMN. By Miss H. W. Payson. (TuDe : KuBsian National Air.) Pause we here in solemn gladness. Turning back the leaves of time, Listening to the fathers' voices, — Voices, like their deeds, sublime ! See we there the uncut forest ; See the stealthy savage creep ; See the smoke ! the rush of armies ! See the doomed aroused from sleep ! Look ! the fearless men have silenced Savage shout and British gun ! God has helped our valiant fathers ! Freedom's darkest work is done ! Praise Him in this open temple ! Praise Him in the homes He gave ! He oppression's arm hath broken, He alone our land can save. Those holding tickets then returned to the tents for their dinner. THE COLLATION was provided under the tents for about thirty-three hundred persons, — about one hundred more than the number given in the last census as the population of the town, — and is deserving of more than passing notice, on account of its novelty and excellence. Provision was made for each person by placing on the table iu front of them neat boxes of heavy Manilla paper, three inches deep, four inches wide, and six or eight inches long, each containing one Japanese napkin, four ounces pressed meat, ham, tongue, or corned beef, neatly enveloped in. tissue paper ; three French rolls, one large doughnut, one slice fruit cake, two slices plain FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 83 cake, two seed-cakes, two macaroons, one piece of meat-pie, and one piece of apple-pie ; for drink, there was furnished hot tea, hot and iced coffee and ice Tyater. The school children were provided with dinners, upon the same plan, in the Samaritan Tent, which had been pitched for their accommodation near the southerly end of the large tent. Eev. W- H. Alden, D.D., of Portsmouth, N.H., asked Divine blessing, as follows : — Our Heavenly Father, we recognize Thee as our Creator, Preserver, Benefactor, and Friend ; we recognize Thy hand in all the blessings that we enjoy, — social and intellectual, civil and religious. For the supreme blessings falling upon us through the century, we thank Thee. We thank Thee for this pleasant occasion which brings us around this -social board to renew the recollections of our earlier years ; culti vate that sympathy for each other which will leave us in a band of brotherhood, and encourage us in the pursuit of whatsoever things are lovely and of good report. And, now, be pleased to command Thy blessing to rest upon us as we surround these tables ladened with the bounties of Thy providence. Add to this blessing of Thj" providence the richer blessing of Thy grace, and grant that we, in enjoy ing aud participating in this entertainment in Thine earthly kingdom, may be prepared to enjoy and participate in the higher, richer, and more delightful entertainment in Thy heavenly kingdom. We ask it, for Christ's sake. Amen. THE AFTER-DINNER EXERCISES were opened by the Foxboro' Br^ass Baud, which played the " Finer d'Alsace Waltz," and were immediately followed 84 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. by the poet of the day, Eev. J. T. Pettee, of West Meriden, Conn., who delivered THE CENTENNIAL POEM. To Him who inspires the Psalmist's lay, A thousand years are but a day ; The centuries, gliding from His hand, Are smaller than the grains of sand Which form the ocean-bounding shore, To Him who lives for evermore. To mortal man how long appears The cycle of a Hundred years ; How slow the Centuries seem to move. As if by Heaven designed to prove That human life is but a span — That God is God, and man is man. All who behold its morning ray The flying century bears away ; Of all who see its evening close Not one on whom its morn arose ; A fragment 's all that man can claim Of any century for his name. 'Tis wisdom, then, with joy to crown The First Centennial of our town ; With booming guns to usher in What we shall ne'er behold again ; With speech and song and music sweet Go out the Century to meet — Salute the Second in His name, Whose love the First, and all, proclaim. A Hundred years ago to-day Our fathers fought in deadly fray ; Three years of freedom's war were gone, When they became a corp'rate town. The year of Seventeen Seventy-Eight Was pregnant with the nation's fate ; Events momentotis crowd its page ; A few our passing thoughts eugage. FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 85 ' The Frenchman, from his lofty throne, Our nation's Independence owned ; The mighty Pitt succumbed to years, The proudest of the British peers ; At first our friend, at last our foe, His dying speech was big with woe. The sun of Seventy-Eight looked down Upon the fight of many a town ; It saw the British army fly From Pliiladelphia's frowning sky ; And 'neath our suffering army's tread The snows of Valley Forge grow red ; And to the year we sadly sing Belongs the tale of Wyoming. One Hundred years this very morn, Our army waited, weary, worn With Monmouth's bitter, bloody fray. The coming of the eventful day, To join anew the doubtful fight. And prove the patriot yeoman's might ; But, under cover of the night, The British foe makes good his flight, Or else the Twenty-Ninth of June, Which saw the birth of this fair town, Had seen a battle which had stood The reddest on the rolls of blood. Our fathers, on that peaceful morn. When first they met our town to form. In thought and speech could they ignore The battle of the day before? Bless you, my hearers ; in that day The battle-field was far away, — • Three hundred miles ! a month before Its thrilling tidings reached their door ; No light'ning flashed it o'er the wires ; No steamer bore it iu its fires ; No stage-coach e'en — or mail-bag — no. We sing a Hundred Years Ago. When our good sires convened that morn, To mark the birth of Foxb'rough town. 86 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. If their discourse was on the war. It ran on battles fought before : On Bennington and Brandywine, On Trenton, Brooklyn, and the time When Warren fell on Bunker Hill ; 'Round these their mem'ries linger still ; Nor the bold fights forget so soon, Of Concord and of Lexington. Back to that day — that summer morn — The Twentj'-Ninth of leafy June, From hill and valley, farm and hill, From Crackrock, Shackstand, Quaker Hill, From Foxb'rough Furnace, Witches' Wood, From where the ancient school-house stood ; From High Rock and the Devil's Den, Through wood and cornfield, brake and fen. Fording where'er the Mumford gleams, Neponset or Cocasset steams, We meet the fathers, coming down To organize the new-made town. No coach or carriage in that day ; Our fathers walked their weary way. Or rode on horseback — bare at that. Unless their meal-bags served as seat. No silk hats glistened in the sun, But honest broad-rims round them run ; Or cocked hats, handsome then and now. Adorned our fathers' manly brow. No "boughten broadcloth" clothed our sires. But homespun, woven by their fires ; Wide flowing vests, and breeches tight. And buckles sparkling in the light ; The flowing wig, or braided cue, Exposed their noble heads to view, And nobler heads are seldom seen Than those then worn by Foxb'rough men. No Town Hall, with its bell-shaped dome. Received the voters from their home ; The Meeting House, its outer door, Ope'd to receive them, and no more ; FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 87 Its inner doors had not been made. Its oaken floor had not been laid, And window-glass, we learn, as yet. Within its sash had not been set, — The Meeting House, owned by the town, And built before the town was born, Which stood where now the Boulder lies. Presenting front to eastern skies. And porches to the north and south, To galleries leading ; for the youth. And for our townsmen, then too poor To build upon its oaken floor. Old oaken church of blackened wood ! I love the spot on which it stood : I love, by aid of ancient dame, To plan, and draw, and seat the same ; Its square box pews, the deacon's seat, The benches where the broad aisles meet; Its towering desk, and sounding-board To emphasize the sacred word. One sounding-board, on rod suspense. Increased the sound, if not the sense ; Anothered answered from the wall. And echoed to the preacher's call ; The last from earth, the first from heaven, Were we to wicked rhyming given ; So, viewing matters all around. The Foxb'rough Church was doubly sound. No organ thundered from the choir ; No fiddle ever trifled there ; A " big fid " once was borne a spell. But nameless brother did rebel ; Soon as the horse-hair scraped a string, Before the choir the psalm could sing. The good man left the portals wide, Yet all its music heard outside ; For, soon as fiddler dropped his bow. He sought again his godly pew. "How could he know," the people said, "Unless outside he heard it played? " And " Why have been a lesser sin To hear without than hear within? " 88 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. And here I love, on Sabbath morn, To see the gathering people come ; The children barefoot, shoes in hand. Until within its shade they stand ; The maidens, in red cloaks and hoods, The matrons riding 'hind their lords ; And here, in stately, square-box pews, To hear the word, or tell the news ; While, in the costume of those days, A Kendall or a Skelton prays ; Nor does it much his reverence move To know that powder's stored above : The church is safe from shock abrupt — It may blow down; it can't blow up. When this old church succumbs to years, What reverence for the law appears, — Which leaves the warrant of the town. But tears the ancient structure down ! Those, who the sacred pile would spare. Said to themselves, " They will not dare To tear a legal warrant down. Defiant of the State and Town ; " And so, without a moment lost. They nailed their warrant to the post. Behold our sires' respect for law ! Around that post they cut and saw — The timbers crash, the rafters fall — Destruction reigns from roof to wall ; And when Destruction's work is done, Behold the door-post stands alone ; The warrant, rescued, flaunts the skies. The church around in ruin lies. Outside the church we take a look, By bushes bounded and shrub-oak. What these odd looking things we see? This post? these stocks? a mystery! Let Lightfoot, Thrasher, such, explain : They both have felt the wholesome pain These mysteries give to thieves intent, On miser's mischief meanly bent : Thrasher was thrashed, and Lightfoot, he Of nimble foot no more could be. FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 89 Here they convened, on Monday morn, Upon that Twenty-ninth of June, And reverend lips did here call down God's richest blessing on the town. And prayed for those who, far away, Were fighting, on that burning day. Then chose they men affairs to guide ; Imposed a tax, funds to provide ; And, to their credit be it said. Among the very first they laid, Was one the Gospel to maintain, And finish off" their church so plain. Then Education claimed their care, Free as their own New England air ; Obedient to th' New England rule. Next to the Church the Common School. That rule observed has given renown To many a fair New England town ; That rule relaxed has brought disgrace On many a poor neglected place. To Foxb'rough's credit be it said Most cheerful is the school-tax paid, — A fact to which we largely owe All that this century can show. Nor need the stranger be surprised At that which meets his wondering eyes : At population, business, thrift. The wid'ning current, deep'ning drift, — All fiowing from that golden rule. The Church is first, and next the School. Upon the records of that year Honored ancestral names appear ; And most the names their pages give The same that still in Foxb'rough live ; And none to-day more worthy are Than lineal heirs of Carpenter ; And of these heirs no man we see, Who stands above Erastus P. May names like these our souls inspire To raise the ancestral standard higher, And may we never blush to own A name ancestral of this town. 90 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. " What's in a name? " Much, every way. When virtue leaves it every day, Exhaling fragrance every hour. Like perfume from the sweetest flower. Such was the name our fathers chose. To christen their fresh-opened rose — Of Charles James Fox ! than which, no name Shines brighter on the rolls of fame ; From first to last our steadfast friend. Loving, he loved us to the end. Pitt faltered in the trying hour ; Nay, pressed us with his dying power ; But Fox, unfaltering to the last, Maintained the die that had been cast ; Proclaimed America should be By right and independence free. Well did our sires to choose this name ; Well do their sons to love the same ; And, from that bright, encircling zone, Where patriots bend before the throne, Well may the soul of Fox look down — His monument is this fair town. But what a dull, prosaic town ! How bare of rascals and renown ! Your humble rhymer pardon craves That little Romance to him cleaves. The fault 's your own, you should have had More of the tragic and the bad ; A Revolutionary fight, — At least a skirijiish in the night : By Indians have been scalped or burned ; A duel or murder might have turned From prose to verse my humble rhymes. And lighted up my sombre lines. Had you but thought, you might produce Some first-rate rascals for my use ; A first-class scandal 'mong the ton Would let the inspiration on : This you refuse, and I plod on. As best I may, with steady town ; FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 91 With nothing better to infuse The inspiration in my muse Than steady growth, increasing wealth. Peace, plenty, joyfulness, and health; Improving streets, and smiling fields. And all the joy that culture yields ; Churches and schools and busy press. Banks, shops, and stores — Oh, what a mess. My lofty genius to inspire. And set a poet's soul on fire ! "But Witches' Woods, and Devil's Den, And haunted houses, may be seen." To this I humbly make reply, (And here all the proofs opposed defy) , In Witches' Woods I should get lost : The poet is afraid of ghosts ; And I'm not of that class of men Who take much stock in Devil's Den. But, pleasantry aside, my friends. Our state to-day makes all amends. Happy the nation, blessed the town, Whose peaceful hist'ry lacks renown : While poem and hist'ry are composed Of wrongs inflicted, rights abused. To that fair town may we belong. Which has no history and no song. In this and most New England towns, Some place, where verdant rural clowns Once dug for gold, here Foolish Hill, Is shown as their memorial still. But, if the truth must here be told, All of our fathers dug for gold ; They tilled the earth, and from its soil Derived the wages of their toil : They dug for iron, and many a bed Supplied for them its oxide red. North, South, and East, the furnace roared. Richer than gold its metal poured ; And thus we see in times of old How all our fathers dug for gold, 92 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. And, in the products of the earth, How all our industries had birth ; On solid base, it may be said. Our present industry is laid. But great the change, we now behold, Between the ways of digging gold : From iron to straw the step seems long. But soon is taken in my song. You know, kind friends, 'tis sometimes said, That Foxb'rough 's wholly run to braid. The taunt we hear, " All run to straw; There's but a single thing you do." To this, our answer to prepare. The fable note of .flisop's hare. The foolish hare, as fable goes, Taunted a lioness in her throes, Because at birth but one she bore. While she, vain puss, had half a score. The noble beast, with flashing eye, Thus to the hare made quick reply : " True, at the birth I bear but one, But that a lion ! " then be done With taunts and jeers of envious men, Because no other Works are seen : We'll never blush hut one to draw. While that one is The Union Straw. Perfect, complete, tlie Union stands, With all its busy heads and hands ; By process wondrous, sending forth, To East and West, and South and North, Hats in which kings might well appear. And queens themselves delight to wear. Hydraulic presses give them shape. Whether of Leghorn or of tape, While maiden hands their forms complete, Machine the bindings and the sweats ; Ambitious thus to send away Their fifteen thousand every day. While roaming through your " Southern Branch," I thought me in a cattle-ranch. FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 93 For there a process met my eye. At which the bellowing herd might cry As wanton outrage of their right, And show their horns and hoofs in fight. The " linen leather" met my view, And " heels " all formed to pattern true ; In view of which, I know you feel, You've got the whole " from head to heel." " Be candidate, and put it on. And set a head on headless Rome :" Thus Shakespeare saith ; but you instead Have put a hat on every head ; From block to block the hat has gone, The one of flesh, the other stone ; The only wonder is to know Where all the hats and bonnets go. " No watered stock," the townsmen say, And yet 'tis watered every day ; "No pressure from the bank or street," Tremendous pressure on the hats ; Water in every hat, that's plain, And yet no water on the brain ; " No cooked accounts," yet all well Cooked, For highest excellency booked ; And well supplied with volumes rare. Enough to make a student stare ; With men enough to man a State, And girls enough these men to mate, Cultured, refined, intelligent, On labor and on study bent ; The beautiful and true combined. In healthful body, vig'rous mind, Interpreters of Labor's law — All honor to the Union Straw I And honor to those earnest men, Writers and printers, who have been At pains and labor to prepare A paper for our weekly fare. . The printing press more powerful is, Than those hydraulic mysteries. Which give the shape to tape and straw, And lines of grace and beauty draw : 94 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. One to the hat, the other head, Gives form and beauty ; and the bread Is not more useful, that we eat. Than to the mind the printed sheet. Paper is power ; its good depends Upon that paper's aims and ends. Show me a paper where the news Is mingled with the stench of stews ; Where venom flows from hearts of men Blacker than ink upon their pen ; Which ne'er retracts, however plain The lie, but tells it o'er again : Which lies in prose and lies in verse, — ¦ That paper is a public curse. But show me one, where'er it be. Whose columns are from scandal free ; Which fills the plastic mind of youth With wisdom, knowledge, virtue, truth ; Which wisdom gleans from every clime And knowledge bears in every line ; Impartial treats both friend and foe. And grants to all the right to know ; Sticks to the truth, though heavens fall And equal justice metes to all ; Which never in the market stands, And asks for bids, or takes commands ; Which treats the rich man as the poor. Cajoles and flatters him no more ; Which lifts the drunkard from his fall, — That paper is a boon to all ; And, as I read its cleanly lines, I feel that such is " Foxboro' Times." And with the libraries circling round, And winter lectures, wise, profound ; Its churches, concerts, circles, schools. Its wise restraints and wholesome rules, — With all the good these blessings give, Foxb'rough 's the place for us to live. And if our cherished dust may lie Where Rock Hill cypress sweeps the sky ; If, in that loved, secluded spot i We rest, assured we are not forgot ; FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 9,') If there, our living friends, may come To visit us in our last home. We say, without a pain or sigh, Foxborough will be the place to die. The chosen name of our fair town Was always allied with reform : The town itself has always been The home of true reforming men. In the fierce Anti-slavery days It well deserved this meed of praise ; When first unfurled against the sky. That sacred banner floated high. No stojiter, truer hearts appear, Than those who rallied round it here. The followers of another Fox Stood like the adamantine rocks. Beat back oppression's threat'ning wave. And sheltered here the flying slave. When first the Temperance work began. And man, to save his brother man. Who stood on ruin's crumbling edge. Gave up his cup, and signed the pledge. Then Foxborough men, and women too, Showed what reforming hearts could do, And to this day they urge the strife, And yield it only with their life. No town your humble rhymer knows. Which more to woman's influence owes ; And now no town recurs to mind Where Women's Rights are more maintained, As well may be, for, as it stands. Its wealth was made by woman's hands ; And that great industry it owns, Which all its earlier, later crowns, Its origin to woman owes, As each authentic legend shows : And while that industry shall last, We'll hold her precious mem'ry fast, Nor e'er, without a blush of shame, Forget a Metcalf s honored name. 96 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. And in that slow and noiseless change, Which, like the climates in their range, Its impress leaves on every mind, The town of Fox is not behind. Such changes come o'er Church and State ; And they alone are truly great. Who own this change, themselves adapt. And in the Living Present act. Our fathers, honest, in their day Had their opinions and their way ; As much before their fathers then, As we now in advance of them. And could these sires return again. They would not bring in hand a chain To fetter thought, and shackle mind ; But largest freedom, unconfined Except by bounds of Light and Love, Like that which bounds the realms above And we, another century gone. Whose brighter light on us shall dawn, Shall count as follies of our youth Much that we hold in faith, as truth, And wonder at the century past. As they now wonder at the last. The body changes with Reform ; The spirit dies not, but moves on ; In other forms it meets our eyes — The reforming spirit never dies. While we the name of Fox revere, Of Charles or George, we ask not here Of either parent, we >vere born Disciples of the True Reform. Our native town, which saw its birth. When revolution shook the earth, A patriot town has ever proved. Most loyal to the cause it loved. When Revolution's bloody war Called patriot soldiers from afar. FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 97 Our fathers, leaving field and wood, Seized the old musket or the sword, With many a long and weary tramp, Reported at the nearest camp ; And through that long and bloody night Waited in hope the morning light Which on America should rise, Though storm and tempest swept the skies. And when, in Eighteen hundred twelve, They heard again the clarion bell. Our fathers sprung again to arms, Leaving their families and farms ; And when that fearful war was done. And they, our sires, came marching home. While Boston houses blaze with light, — A grateful and a glorious sight, — Then patriot bosoms burn with joy, And patriot songs all tongues employ : " The British navy's left our shore, And foreign foes invade no more." And when the flag on Sumter's walls Was made a target for rebel balls, Then Foxb'rough sprung again to arms — Forgot were business, stocks, and farms ; Her only thought that this fair land Was menaced by a rebel band. And when, at length, this war was done. And Johnny, indeed, came marching home, — Again the rockets light the sky ; Again the stunning guns reply ; And Foxb'rough bells aloud proclaim, And Foxb'rough streets make wild acclaim, And Foxb'rough bands take up the strain. And Foxb'rough youth the glad refrain, And all, with one accord proclaim, Our town a town of patriot men. Our Patriot Dead — Sweet be their rest, — "By all their country's wishes blest ; " Where'er they sleep, where'er they fell. The Muse of Hist'ry loves them well. 98 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. No useless marble marks their fall ; But yonder fair Memorial Hall — A Poem writ in lines of stone — Records their deeds of valor done ; Dead of the last and every war Alike enshrined and honored are. And while this beauteous fane shall stand. Defenders of their native land From Mem'ry's Hall shall ne'er depart. Enshrined within a nation's heart ; That nation's heart a hall shall be. In which they dwell eternally. And here, on each Memorial Day, Our floral offerings sweet we lay Upon the graves where heroes sleep, And thus our sacred promise keep, — Ne'er to forget them, should they fall ; But equal honors pay to all. Where'er entombed, where'er inscribed. Of those who for their country died. And those who died not, but returned To home and friends, have honor earned As large as that which crowns the brave. Who slumber in the soldier's grave ; Their risk the same, the same distress In field, in camp, in vile duress ; And, most of all, the patriot flame In dead and living burned the same ; Then to the living as the dead Be patriotic honors paid ; While to the dead we freely give, Some flowers reserve for those who live. When that stupendous pile was done, The temple of King Solomon, And Israel met, with rites sublime, To dedicate the sacred shrine. With upturned hands the monarch stood And thus invoked the Source of Good : " God of our fathers, hear our prayer. Make us, as them. Thy tender care ; With us, as them, vouchsafe to be. While in their steps we follow Thee." FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 99 Behold that sovereign pleading there. And, further, hear his earnest prayer : "0 Thou, whose love all heaiis inspires. Be Thou tvith us, as with our sires." What fitter prayer for us to pray. Who dedicate our shrine to-day, — The Temple of a Hundred Years, — ¦ To Him who rules the rolling spheres ; Whose power defends, whose love inspires : "Be Thou with us, as with our sires." Thou wast with them in other lands ; And when, dispersed in scattered bands, They tried the ocean's dangerous wave. Thou, too, didst sail, to guide and save. And when, at last, on Plymouth Rock, Fearing no more the ocean's shock, New dangers threatened on the land, Then didst Thou by our fathers stand, And through those long colonial years. Through sickness, hardships, dangers, fears, Thou ledst our fathers by the hand. And caused them in Thy strength to stand ; And when the Revolution's night Was lighted with the lurid light Of burning home and blazing fane. Our fathers' God was still the same. When Acton's minute-men went forth. To join the army of the North, 'Tis said, by the historian there. From every house ascended prayer. When Stoughton's sons were far away. Did Stoughton's sturdy patriots pray ; And prayers went up that very morn That our beloved town was born. Nor was it in vain our fathers prayed ; The tide of wasting war was stayed ; Upon a bright, eventful morn A nation unto God was born. And Independence, long maintained. Acknowledged, as it was proclaimed. 100 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Then be the sovereign's prayer your own. As you implore the eternal throne : "0 Thou, whose love all hearts inspires, Be Thou with us, as with our sires." When Israel, in the olden time. Mowed down the proud Philistines' line. Grateful, their fathers' God they praised. And high their Ebenezer raised, — A rock, unhewn by human hands, A massive boulder of the land. So we, in these Centennial days. Our grateful Ebenezer raise ; No sculptured shaft, or polished stone, Which tells of human art alone. But granite boulder, erst upthrown From earth's foundations ; madly borne By glacial currents, in their moods. And rounded by the glacial floods : Wafted by the Creator's hand And scattered broadcast o'er the land. Such is the stone we raise to-day ; And as we draw the veil away. Before our eyes two centuries stand. Joined by an adamantine band ; The century gone, and that begun ; The century dead, the century born. And as this new-born century runs. Measured by slow-revolving suns. Our children oft shall turn their eyes To where this massive boulder lies. And in its massive strength shall see A symbol of eternity. " Stone of our Help," rest thou secure, While sun and moon and stars endure ; God of our fathers, be our trust ; And when we turn at last to dust. Then to our faith and hope be given The countless centuries of heaven. The Poem concluded, the President said : The next thino- in order is for me to introduce the Toast-Master, Mr. FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 101 Spencer, who Avill announce the toasts. As we are short of time, we shall not expect long speeches. REMARKS OF THE TOAST-MASTER, REV. W. H. SPENCER. It is not for me, my friends, to detain you with one word of my own, as I have not the gift of Joshua, and cannot command the sun to stand still. I would gladly do so, for there are many whom we wish to hear speak. Of the whole number whom we have invited home tb-day, I believe eleven hundred and ninety-two have accepted our invitation, and we should be glad to hear from every one of them. There are also those who never have visited our town before, and whom eveiy one of you would be happy and are now long ing to hear. I will, therefore, immediately take myself out of the way after offering the following sentiment : — The Commojtvvealth of Massachusetts : Distinguished for her liber- 1>,lity, education, and progress, strong in the enterprise and integrity of her citizens ; her citizenship is the honorable inheritance of her sons. I have great pleasure in introducing to you one whom you have repeatedly chosen to speak aud act for Massachusetts, — — His Excellency Alexander H. Eice, our honored Gov ernor. ADDRESS OF GOVERNOR RICE. Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : — I am aware that I have but a very few moments in which to speak to you. I can do little more than say Hail and Farewell ! And yet I should be false to the promptings of my heart if I did not express to you the great pleasure and satisfaction which I derive in meeting so large and intelligent an assemblage of the sons and daughters of Massachusetts. I know very well where your thoughts are, becanse I know where mine are. We have been lifted far above, on the wings of the muse. 102 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. and while I was sailing along there, forgetful entirely that there was any terrestrial portion of this ball outside of the town of Foxborough, I find myself landed upon my feet to speak to you in ordinary prose. [Laughter.] If any of you can tell me how I can make the descent from that lofty height to terra firma in safety, I will sit down and listen to the recital. This is my first visit to Foxborough, and, of course, com ing here as a stranger, I have the natural curiosity of the stranger to see what sort of a town and what sort of people are here in Foxborough. I have seen what sort of a town it is. There are no very great natural advantages, but it is pretty, strong, substantial, prosperous, and hopeful. And the people — why, they look as if they might, every one of them, appear here one hundred years hence, to celebrate the second centennial of the town of Foxborough. [Applause.] I am very much indeed confirmed iu the opinion that most of you will be here, and I will tell you why. [Laughter.] You know that my visit is very brief, and, therefore, I have been obliged to rush from premise to conclusion. Our friend, your honored citizen, the Orator of the Day, Mr. Carpenter, — whom, if he had lived anywhere else but in Foxborough, I should have supposed from his silvery head to be past the middle period of life, — this gentleman, appar ently old, and yet so young, what did he do ? Why, he led up to me a blooming youth, with long hair, hardly as silvery as his own, and introduced him to me as his father, eighty- three years old. [Applause.] Weil, now, I am satisfied that Foxborough is a very extraordinary towu in one particular, and that is, that the older your men grow the younger they are. [Laughter and applause.] Then there is another fact. I listened with great interest and care to that methodical, statistical, and circumstantial oration, gathered with so much comprehensive care, stated so tersely, so closely, and so emphatically ; and one of the things that rested on my mind FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 103 impressively in the recital was, that it was a great many years after Foxborough was founded before they bought a hearse. [Laughter.] And then I observed that very soon after they bought the hearse, they apparently — although he did not say so — found no use for it out of doors, and they built a hearse-house to store it in. [Laughter. ] I am obliged to go. to Boston in a very few minutes ; but, if ever I have any anxiety about my personal security, or any apprehension of the sudden approach of death, I will surely take the fifst train to Foxborough. [Laughter and applause. ] Well, now, ladies aud gentlemen, I did not intend to talk to you in this strain. There was something that was lofty and noble in the sentiment which has been read, and if time permitted I would try to rise up to the sentiment which that toast contains. But you will pardon me if I only say that this town is a typical town of New England. The orator said something about wilderness, something about musical rocks and places of retirement, and even, it was whispered, something about the Devil's Den. Well, I am quite sure that if there be any such personage in these parts he is kept in his den, for there is no evidence of his being abroad here anywhere. But to come back — it was about the wilderness. Here are no great natural resources, no circumstances that seem particularly inviting to settlement. There seems to be uothiug which nature has dropped here which should support a great population, or that should build up a community, intelligent, virtuous, and prosiDcrous as this is. Now, in human affairs there are very few things that come by accident. We talk about Grod's providence, and we see it exhibited in the grandeur, and sublimity, and beauty of nature. But that providence works as well in human nature as it does in the world of physics ; and it is just because the intelligence and the virtue which he blesses and makes prosperous have thriven here, that you are enabled to support a community 104 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. of the character which I have looked upon to-day. We are, here in New England, dependent not upon great natural advantages. We have but very few of them. We are situated here somewhat towards the end and corner of the great American Union ; and the chal lenge to us here, — the challenge to our manhood and our womanhood, — is to see whether we have the ability to main tain a high type of civihzatiou, and to make a respectable living and a fair accumulation of fortune despite the disad vantages of nature. We should never have the population that we have here in Massachusetts if nature had been more bountiful to us. The problem is put before every young man, here in New England, Have you the energy and the pluck, have you the inteUigence and the virtue, to make something out of nothing? If you have, here is an oppor tunity for you to go to work. Evidently the challenge has been manfully accepted here, as in other places in our glori ous old Commonwealth, and the people of this town have shown that they are entirely equal to the task which they have undertaken. We depend upon the multiplication of our employments, here in New England, aud the opportunity for this employment is somewhat limited. We can never expect to make great headway in agriculture, we can never expect to do a great deal in transportation, — I mean in the world's transportation, — because we are off the great central hues of travel ; but if we make use of the ingenuity, the skill that comes out of our atmosphere, out of our soil, out of our inheritance, out of the principles that have been trans mitted to us, out of our schools and colleges and churches, we cannot fail, because they make the type of manhood that knows no such thing as failure. Consequently it is that here in this little State of Massachusetts — the most densely populated to the square mile of any part of the American continent — we have the highest degree of prosperity, a larger average division of wealth, a greater amount of physical FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 105 comfort, a higher measure of intelligence, a loftier standard of virtue, to which we aspire, whether we reach it or not. And Massachusetts stands out to-day, before her sister States, as an example of what men may do with limited opportunities, boundless courage, and the ingenuity to make the best use of what God and the times have given them. I congratulate you, my friends, on your part in this success, and in the renown which comes out of it ; and, whether I shall ever meet you again or not, I shall carry away the pleasanteSt impressions of the people of this town, and I shall leave with you my heartiest and sincerest wishes for your individual and general welfare and happiness. [Applause.] [At the suggestion of Mr. Carpenter, three cheers were given by the audience for Governor Eice.] Introducing Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, Mr. Spencer said : — Our next toast is not the one in regular order, but the gentleman who has been chosen to respond must leave us soon, and therefore I will call upon him now. The senti ment is as follows : — History and Agriculture : The first records the life of nations and of people : the second is the foundation of all prosperity, without which neither can live. All men must come to the farm for bread. I will call upon one whose special studies and whose four score and more years of experience well entitle him to respond to this sentiment, — Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, President of the New England Historic-Genealogical Society, the founder of the United States Agricultural Society, and for twenty years the President" of the Norfolk Agricultural Society. 106 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. ADDRESS OF HON. MARSHALL P. WILDER. Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: — I thank you for this recognition of my long connection with the great interests of History and Agriculture, both momentous in their importance as affecting the welfare of the human race ; the first recording the history of human life, and the second furnishing the means without which that life cannot exist. History exerts a divine influence on all the generations of mankind, raising' men to a higher and nobler character, and a truer and purer courage, faith, and fortitude. When I reflect on the history of our old New England, the principles and examples of our fathers, — principles which are fast rev olutionizing the nations of the Old World ; principles which I believe will ultimately regenerate the nations of the earth, — I feel more and more deeply impressed with the importance of transmitting these blessings to those who are to come after us. It is with this view, Mr. President, that I rejoice with you in the celebration of all such occasions as this. The commemoration of the history of your own town is no idle ceremony. It embraces a broad association of senti ment ; of sentiment that should have a place in every one who has a love of country, of kindred, or of home, awaken ing in us the holiest susceptibilities of our character, and the tenderest aftections of our soul. Who can revisit the place of his childhood, and recline under the old elm which had been his pride from childhood up, the old red school-house where he learned his A, B, C's, the village church where he was presented at the baptismal font, and the sacred places where lie the remains of the loved and lost, without experiencing emotions that no human language can describe ? But, sir, I know how short your time is, and I must not prolong this thought. Suffice it for me to say that History is the revelation of eternal wisdom, instructing us how to be happy aud immortal on earth. FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 107 Mr. President, yon have alluded to me in connection with the great interest of Agriculture, — that interest upon which depends the prosperity of all others. I am most happy, sir, to respond for that. You and I, sir, have seen great changes in it. We have seen great changes in the moral and physical world, but none greater than those which have been effected by science in the practice of agriculture. Why, some of us remember the time wheu we followed the old wooden plough, turning up its scanty furrow, supplanted now by the modern iron plough, which has given place to the majestic steam plough, movhig over the broad plain like a thing of life, turning up its numerous furrows at once, and leaving behind it a wake like that of a majestic vessel. "We have used sickle and scythe, slowly gathering up the precious crop. Now go with me to these Western fields. Look down that broad prairie and see those two hundred reaping and mowing machines taking down the precious grain at the rate of two hundred acres per hour. When your town was incorporated there was not an Agricultural or Horticultural Society on this continent ; now they are counted by hundreds, there being more than one thousand four hundred mentioned on the books of the Department at Washington. Some of us now living remem ber the time when the annual crop of cereals in our Avhole country was not one hundred millions of bushels. Now it is nearly a thousand millions of bushels. But I must not forget to pay my debt of gratitude to Foxborough; therefore I come a little nearer home, to that society which your good president aud the orator of the day have been steady and constant supporters of, during my presidency of twenty years, — I mean the Norfolk Agricul tural Society, — which in this town celebration should have a record on this occasion. It was that Society, Mr. Presi dent, as you know very well, from whence emanated the first movement for the establishment of the Mass. Board of 108 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Agriculture, now just having completed its twenty-fifth year of service with great honor to itself. The Norfolk Agricul tural Society was the first to purchase grounds and enclose them, and take fees for admission. It was the first — pardon me for saying it, but as you have alluded to me as being advanced in life I may never again have an opportunity to tell you — it was the first to move in the great Cause of agricultural education. When, thirty years ago, I had the honor to deliver an address on that subject, which was one of the first general efforts in behalf of that cause, — a cause which has culminated in the establishment of our own beloved Agricultural College, which has brought such renown to the State ; a college which only a few days ago graduated twenty as fine young men as I ever saw stand upon the plat form of any college. In the absence of His Excellency the Governor, I had the supreme honor and felicity of con ferring upon each one of those graduates the degree of Bachelor of Science. Let me record here, also, to the honor of that college and the glory of our State, that it has planted the first Agricultural College in the far-off island of Japan, and has installed a president and three professors who are graduates from it. But I shall tire your patience by repeating and speaking of the wonderful progress of science, education, and civili zation in our day, and therefore I will bring my remarks to a close. But, standing as we do here to-day on the threshold of the second century in the history of your town, let us remember to express our everlasting gratitude for the price less blessings which were inherited from our fathers ; and let us also leave for those who are to come after us a riffht hearty welcome to the principles, the patriotism, the virtue of the present generation. I believe that these principles to which I have referred, and which we have inherited from our fathers, will yet pervade the world. I believe that all this progress which we are seeing is but the faint glimmering FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 109 of that glorious day when peace, plenty, and prosperity shall pervade the whole earth, and when the principles of our New England fathers will bind, not only families of States, but nations, together in one great circle of life and love. But, Mr. President, as I think I shall find it very incon venient to be here at your next centennial celebration [Laughter] — I propose a sentiment which will include both this and that occasion. I give you, "The Town of Fox borough ; celebrated in the past for the intelligence, enter prise, and industry of her sons ; may she in the centuries to come be as renowned for the prosperity, patriotism, and valor of her people." [Applause.] Me. Spencer. — Thank you ; if we had received it before perhaps we might have used it in place of this. As it is, I will give you both, for the next toast is the regular one : — The Town of Foxeokough : Born one hundred years ago, during the glorious struggle for liberty, named for one who believed that free men should resist unjust taxation, grown to a hardy, healthy body, on a diet of straw ; may she never pine for the lack of some solid food. I will call upon one who has a right to speak in this town, by virtue of his descent from one of our earlier settlers, and who has an additional claim to a hearing from us by reason of his affinity with one of the first and noblest of those who shed their blood iu the cause of liberty, — Hon. Henry W- Paine, grand-nephew of Gen. Joseph Warren, who fell at Bunker Hill. ADDRESS OF HON. HENRY W. PAINE. My Friends, my Kinsmen: — It is most agreeable to my feelings that I am not treated as a stranger, but am received and recognized as one of the family. Though not a native of the town, the name of Foxborough was familiar to my ear before my infant tongue could lisp it. In this town my 110 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. father was born one hundred years ago next December. To this town my mother was brought by her parents ninety-nine years ago. Here they lived until they married and migrated to the, then, wilderness of Maine. From my earliest recol lection the names of the Foxborough families were house hold words in their far-away home on the shores of the Kennebec. In your cemeteries are the remains of my grand parents on either side, and of many tenderly-loved relatives. It would be strange, passing strange, if I did not feel a deep interest in all that pertains to this town, to its past, to its present, and to its future, . — the birthplace, the burial-place, and, permit me to say it from my heart, the present dwell ing-place, of many near aud dear to me, and my kinsmen. As I passed in review your cultivated fields, your jieace- ful and commodious dwellings, your charming aud beautiful village, I could not refrain from contrasting the present with the past. The town, as it now is, is the town as it must have been, and, according to the admirable oration of your orator to-day, was au hundred years ago. Born, as the town was, amid the throes of the country's agony, our fathers were then engaged in the great battle of freedom, aud with fearful odds. They were a people without a government; their scanty resources were nearly exhausted ; their antago nist was the most powerful nation on the face of the earth. The time of the birth of your town was indeed a period of intense anxiety and distress. But our fathers did not de spond ; they sustained, without repining, the vast burdens which a long-protracted war had imposed on them'. They believed their cause to be just ; they believed their demands to be reasonable ; and they proceeded to the end. They found, their confederated system defective, and they estab lished a more perfect union. They devised a form of gov ernment without precedent in the world's history. It is well for the people that call to mind the great virtues of their fathers to practise those virtues, and to emulate their exam- FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Ill pie, in order that they may transmit to those who are to come after them the grand inheritance they have received from those who have gone before them. But I cannot occupy your time at this late hour when others are probably expect ing to address you. Among the virtues — conspicuous among the virtues — of our fathers was their industry. From w^hat I have seen of the people of Foxborough I am inclined to think that the habit of the town is not entirely eating, in the language of the seutimeiit, a straw diet ; but is largely to pay tribute to those habits of industry which they have in herited, and which they have had the good sense to cultivate in their own hearts, to labor wisely and intelligently. Without taking up any more of your time, which I proba- blymight have done, — for matters press upon my mind, — I close with saying, that not her sons only, but her grandsons, ardently desire a happy and prosperous future for the dear old town. [Applause.] Mr. Spencer. — I am just reminded to tell you that we are still going to have the best speeches, of those which are to follow; those which have gone before, of course, are. [Laughter.] Here is a snug little audience, little in com parison with what we have had ; but I think you will all be sorry if you don't stay. It is only five o'clock. A gentleman in the audience : "We'll stay all night." Mr. Spencer. — The next sentiment which I shall propose is : — Our Town's Centennial : A link between the past and the future, and an occasion for making a contribution to local history. May the years to come have a history as bright and fair as those whose flight we celebrate to-day. I shall call upon a gentleman to respond to this sentiment, of whose grandfather you have heard in the oration to-day. I meant to read this page as a sort of introduction, by which to introduce Mr. Winslow ; but the orator has taken the 112 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. words out of my mouth, and I will not repeat them. This grandfather was Dr. Shadrach Winslow ; some of you will remember him, perhaps. The gentleman whom I will intro duce to you has come all the way from New York to speak, as he says, for the bones of his grandfather. I introduce John AVinslow, Esq., of the New York Bar. ADDRESS OF JOHN WINSLOW, ESQ. Mr. President and Friends: — To take some part with you here to-day is a privilege and an honor. Town com memorations of centennials are useful both as a moral stimulus and as opening up the sources of history. There is not a joy known to humanity, or a sorrow, that has not in some form reached a Foxborough home, in the century that has passed. Whatever exalts the soul, or casts it down, has been known or felt at some Foxborough fire side. Looking at the century that has passed, in its rela tions to the body politic, we quickly see its salient points. Within its limits may be counted the achievement of National Independence ; the second war with Great Britain, wherein our right to a place among the nations was again vindicated. Then followed the mighty shock of civil war, wherein the integrity of the Union was preserved in blood and fire. These three epochs, and the great debates they stirred among men, were followed by a national sequence, and, as a crowning grace, the abolition of slavery in the United States. [Applause.] To-day we have a great nation, fearing no foreign foe. If it has cause for apprehension, it is rather from what is within than from what is without its boundaries. Centennial town commemorations add to our knowledge of local history, and deepen our attachments to the community and the place where we and our ancestors have lived. There is not a man, woman, or child living in Foxborough, who is not enriched Hlg-h Lawn Stock Farm. Paj^-e 240 Jud^¦c "Warren Ilnuse. PajJ-e 245. FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 113 by the celebration of to-day. Town histories are the sources of State and National history. As the rivulets swell the river, and the river pours into the sea, so these local histories contribute to that of the State, and that of the States to the history of the nation. The utility of the great libraries of Europe may be best seen when we consider that their vast numbers of volumes are not to be used or read seriatim, but rather as words in a lexicon, as occasion may require. So the numerous town histories of the country should be written with care and accuracy, because they are the words of the great lexicon of history, — the sources of all our history, — to be referred to and used as occasion ma}' require, and from which as data clear generalizations may be made. It is the privilege and duty of each of us, so far as we can, to contribute to local history something of incident, of rec ollection, or experience. It is said that he renders a public service who makes a blade of grass grow where none grew before ; so it may be said in historical matters, that he ren ders a public service who supplies a verified fact to local history. When I was a child and used to visit my good grandmother in East Foxborough, and enjoy her cakes, I remember how I got the impression that Foxborough took its name from the foxes that did burrow iu its fields and woods, and later, when au old uncle showed me where to find fox grapes (and pretty sour they were), how I began to think that possibly Foxborough might, after all, have been named after sour grapes. [Laughter.] And then later, when I learned that the town was named in honor of the eloquent Mr. Fox, who was our friend in the British Parlia ment, in the days when friends were not numerous there, my curiosity was aroused to know something more of Fox, and the period in which he lived and made his fame. So here to-day, I think, there may be children who have heard historical allusions new to them, and which will interest 114 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. them to" make further researches. It is said that history is philosophy teaching by example. It may be that Foxborough will send out to the world, from the rising generation, young men who shall be able to understand the teachings of history more comprehensively, because their taste in historical re search has been quickened by the studies and memories of this day. Thus, among the utilities of this celebration may be counted the fact, that it will inspire a spirit and love of historical study, and so bring a better knowledge of causes and effects that govern the affairs of men. I remember in the history of Foxborough that there seemed to have been two great agitations, which must have convulsed the town from centre to circumference. There was a mighty poem written some years ago, by Mr. Payne, father of the venerable and distinguished lawyer who has addressed you, describing, in a satirical way, an ecclesiastical feud that ex isted in this town when the Eeverend Mr. Somebody adopted a new dogma, or stuck to an old one. The poem refers to Dr. Shadrach Winslow as one of the theological bellieerents. We are told, by the learned orator of the day, of another con vulsion which came to startle the good people of this town, aud that was through the medium of New England rum. So I am inclined to think that Foxborough, at one time, had for its chief discussion New England theology and New England rum. [Laughter.] I am sorry to say that for a time the latter spirit got the better of the former, and your orator told you that it ruined many people of this town. But the good news comes that Foxborough is, at last, on the temperance side of the question. Now, I hold that it is the right and the privilege of every man, woman, and child here to con tribute, if he can, something of incident, recollection, or ex perience, to local history. . That is the way local history should be made and understood. I can understand, when these great matters were debated in Foxborough, there got to be a sort of vernacular or special tone. I have an excise certificate in FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 1]5 my possession, which I found among my grandfather's papers, which licenseSd my father's maternal grandfather, Eleazer Eob bins, to keep an inn in the town of Foxborough. I found among the papers, also, a vote of the Congregational Council, that met here, for some solemn purpose, in that inn. I have no doubt they had a very grave and sober time. [Laughter.] I can almost imagine that in that benighted period, when the use of the ardent spirit was too common, before one really felt equal to making a fine discrimination between what was Calvinism, and what was Calvinistic, and what was Calvinistical, and what was Hopkinsian, he had first to take a drink. [Laughter.] As an illustration of the vernacular that will appear in special localities, I remember an anecdote that occurred in New Bedford one day. You know they are a peculiar people there, and have a special calling: they go- whaling, or send others, and measure their oil cargoes by the barrel. There was one day an Irishman brought up in court on a charge of assaulting a colored man in the street in an outrageous and cruel manner. Patrick was indicted for it, and Michael was called as a witness. It turned out that Michael took a hand in the scrimmage, and helped Patrick against the poor colored man. The lawyer said, "Why, Michael, what did you take a hand in that for ; why did you interfere ? " — " Well," said he, " 1 saw the fight, and it was a great big nigger against Patrick, my friend." — " Well, Michael," said the lawyer, "a great big nigger, — how large a nigger was it ? " — " Well," said Michael, " I should think it was about a four-barrel nigger." [Laugh ter.] So towns in their history come to have their own traditions and their own vernacular. Now, I won't undertake to say anything more of what may have been the topics or style of conversation in the early days of Foxborough. I remember when I used to come here to see my good old grandmother, that I would not be here long before I would be invited to go a-huckleberrying ; so I 116 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. concluded that one of the chief crops and products of Fox borough in those days was huckleberries and milk. I ueed not say that I was deeply interested in the allu sion made by the orator of the day, in his very interesting, instructive, and able address, to Dr. Shadrach Winslow, my grandfather, who lived and also died in Foxborough. As I have already intimated that contributions to local his tory are in order, so let me make some further allusions to this distinguished man, both because of my personal interest in him, and because his life was so largely identified with Foxborough, and thus because a sketch of him becomes a contribution to local history. Dr. Winslow was born in Freetown, on the 17th day of December, in the year 1750, and died in Foxborough, on the 1st day of February, in the year 1817. He graduated from Yale College on the Uth day of September, 1771. His dijaloma is in my possession, and is much valued as a relic aud sure A'oucher of the past. The diploma is of the terse style of that day, in Latin, and is signed by Naphthali Daggett, Pres., and five socii. After graduation he became a physician, and married Elizabeth Eobbins, a daughter of Eleazer Eobbins, who was aii exten sive owner of land in Foxborough. When the war of the Eevolution began Dr. Winslow was deeply stirred. He entered into the contest warmly, and in August, 1776, aided in fitting up the privateer sloop-of- war "Joseph," and went with her on several voyages as surgeon. Thus is the history of Foxborough identified with the naval history of the Eevolution. [Applause.] That her sons were well represented in the army of the Eevolu tion appears from the oration of the day. Dr. Winslow was a lineal descendant of Edward Winslow, of Droitwitch, England, who died in 1631, aud who was the father of Governor Edward Winslow, who, with his brother John, came in the "Mayflower" in 1620. Dr. Winslow's American ancestor was Keuelm Winslow, a brother of the FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 117 governor and of John, and who came to Plymouth about 1630, probably in the "Mayflower" on her second voyage. Starting from Edward Winslow, of Droitwich, England, the lineal line runs thus: Kenelm (son of Edward), Kenelm, Josiah, James, Shadrach. Thus, Dr. Winslow was of the fifth generation iu the American line ; my father, Eleazer Eobbins Winslow, of the sixth ; and your friend, who now addresses you, of the seventh. There is an aged gentleman, Samuel S. Warren, Esq., from whose letter your orator, Mr. Carpenter, read to-day, now residing with a daughter in Wrentham, who knew Dr. Winslow well, and in response to a letter of mine has kindly furnished some interesting facts. As this is a day for con tributions to local history, I will read a portion of Mr. Warren's letter, which to me is of exceeding interest : — " John Winslow, Esq. : — "Dear Sir, — A day or two since I received a communi cation from you, asking for information in relation to your grandfather. Dr. Shadrach Winslow, who for many years resided in the town of Foxborough. "I will, dear sir, "so far as my limited knowledge will permit, respond to your inquiry. He was in person about six feet, firm and muscular iu structure, though ever after I knew him remarkably thin in flesh. In health he would be called a fine-looking man. As a man he was highly re spected for talents and attainments. No man, whether friend or foe, would attempt to call his integrity in question. " As a physician he was held in high repute by all capable of forming a just estimate of professional merit. He was iu high practice in Foxborough for many years, until his health became so feeble that he could not respond to professional calls without risk. He was evidently social in feelings, although at times taciturn and retiring. He was courteous and kind to his friends, and ever ready to serve them when 118 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. able. He had many friends. He never courted the rabble, and could not be induced to accept office. The quietude of domestic life appeared to be with him paramount over most other considerations. In politics he was thoroughly demo cratic ; in religion as thoroughly Calvinistic. He was a fine classical scholar, and an ardent lover of philosophical inves tigation. " The old people have told me that when young, probably soon after leaving college, he became ardently attached to a beautiful and amiable young lady by the name of Betsey Peck, to whom he was about to be married, when she was suddenly removed by death. This sad event was said, by relations of the doctor, to have produced a deep and lasting influence upon his sensibility. I can easily conceive that one of his sanguine temperament might be so affected. "He probably settled in Foxborough about 1784, and about that time married a daughter of Eleazer Eobbins. She was a most amiable woman, with whom he lived fur many years happily and affectionately. He used to practise in my father's family. In the month of May, 1790, a son of General Warren was making a visit at my father's, in Foxborough, when he was taken ill. The family, though not much alarmed about him, sent for Dr. Winslow. The doctor stepped into the room, came out, and told my parents that he could not live an hour. They could not be made to believe it, but in a very few minutes he breathed his last. He had no desire to make an ostentatious exhibition of his superior knowledge ; but when he did speak in public he was listened to by all, for his mind was luminous, his thoughts pertinent, and his arrangement logical. The doc tor and my father. Judge Warren, though opposite in politics and religion, were ever personal friends. " Dr. Winslow was a superior Latinist, and used to read to me, during my preparatory course, "Virgil, Horace, Cicero, etc. , with great facility. I think he kept his classics until FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 119 his death. I used, when a boy, to be much in the company of the doctor. I used to be at his mill frequently, where I often met him. He was to me one of the most interesting of the human family. I think he made several successful voyages before being captured. I do not recollect ever hearing him detail the circumstances of his capture. He was not long on board any prison-ship. Immediately after his liberation he commenced his tour upon the Continent. " I recollect hearing him speak of being in France, Spain, Portugal, and Turkey. He frequently spoke of the superior Latin scholars in Spain, who read, wrote, and spoke the language as familiarly as their own ; said he used to com municate with them in writing, as their pronunciation of Latin was so different from ours that it was impracticable to converse with them in that laiiffuaffe. He returned to America at the close of the war. I was, when a boy, famil iarly acquainted with the whole family. Jesse and myself were not far from the same age. We were sworn friends. He was a splendid youth." Let me add that Mr. Warren is eighty-five years of age, and connected with the General Warren family, of Bunker Hill fame. I feel and wish to express a deep sense of obli gation to him for his kindness in supplying these interesting facts. It is an irksome thing for many in the prime of life to write a letter. It is a very creditable thing for a gentle man eighty-five years old to write such a letter as I have from Mr. Warren, requiring accuracy of statement and careful memory. These facts make me better acquainted with the good doctor, and feel, in a sense, that I, too, have walked and talked with him as with one entitled to my affectionate respect. The remark that Mr. Warren makes in his letter, that " he was to me one of the most interesting of the human family," shows how deeply impressed he was by his strong character. 120 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Your esteemed venerable townsman, Capt. Daniels Carpenter, remembers him well, and says, "When a youth twelve years of age he was attended by him as a physician." As illustrative of how important historical facts are, sometimes lost or hidden away through want of care, let me tell you something of the sloop-of-war in which Dr. Wfnslow sailed as surgeon in the war of the Eevolution. For many years I have been inquiring in various direc tions the name of the sloop, but could find no one who knew. If any ever did know they had forgotten. I wished to know, that I might verify an important his torical fact, and make some examination of our naval regis ters in that connection. Last year through my importunities, my good uncle Joseph, the youngest and only surviving child of Dr. Winslow, was induced to examine some old papers in his possession that belonged to his father. Among these was found a will, made August 16, 1776, by Dr. Winslow, just prior to his first voyage. In that will, which I have here, the name of the sloop ap pears ; it was the "Joseph." I knew something of the " Joseph " who was captured and sent to Egypt, but wanted to know about this " Joseph " that was captured and sent to Egyptian darkness with my grandfather on board, a prisoner of war. So here was a most important fact brought to light touch ing the naval history of Foxborough. You may depend upon it that I will take good care that it is not again hidden in darkness. Let me read a few lines of this will : — "I, Shadrach Winslow, of Eheoboth, in the State of Mas sachusetts Bay, being sensible, although now in a comfortable state of health, that life is uncertain, and being bound on a cruise in the privateer sloop-of-war called the "Joseph," against the enemies of the United American States, and FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 121 knowing the many contingencies that in the Course of Divine Providence daily must and do await mankind in every age and station of life, and willing that those temporal goods, and such estate as God has blessed me with, should be so disposed of iu case I should not return, as would be most satisfactory to me ; Do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament, recommending myself through Christ, first of all, to that merciful being who gave mine and what I possess, and hoping through him to enjoy felicity hereafter," etc. Upon the suggestion of Commodore Preble, from whom I have received a letter on the subject, I examined a naval register found in the N. E. Historical and Genealogical Library, in Boston, of which Mr. Wilder is president, and found the record. Mr. Warren mentions Dr. Winslow's deep attachment to the beautiful Miss Betsey Peck, who died. The will referred to shows the name of the sloop-of-war was the " Joseph." Perhaps it is more than a coincidence that his oldest daugh ter was named "Betsey Peck," and his youngest son " Joseph." That very tender and thrilling memories of his life clustered about these names is apparent. The sources of early history rest largely on tradition. Whether Eomu- lus and Eemus, the traditional founders of Eome, ever lived we know not ; but we find that even contemporaneous his tory must be most carefully written, to avoid errors. For instance, I know, as a lawyer, there is no rule of English or American law better settled, or more respected, than that dying declarations, in cases of homicide, are received in evidence as if given under the sanction of an oath. The theory is, that one making a declaration in the face of death is likely to speak the truth, if of sound mind and memory. But, Sir James FitzJames, Q.C., in a recent edition of his learned work on the Law of Evidence, relates as a curious instance of the way in which the rules of evi- 122 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. dence vary in their effect, that a Punjab district (a district in India) officer lately told him that it had come to be com monly known in the Peshawur division that a dying declara tion as to the cause of the declarant's death is admitted in proof of the matter stated. The effect of this was, that whenever a man was mortally wounded, and found himself dying (a very common incident in that part of the world) , he took the opportunity of making a dying declaration, cal culated to pay off as many old scores of vengeance as possible. The supposed ground of the English rule is, that the solemn thoughts connected with approaching death are equivalent to the sanction of an oath. This is very far, indeed, from being the way in which a dying Punjabee looks at the subject. His reflection on such au occasion is, " This is my last chance of doing so and so, my old family enemy, a bad turn, and I will on no account miss it." Thus, it will be seen that the value of the ancient rule of evidence as a channel of history is largely dependent upon the progress of that civilization which proceeds from the Author of all truth. The Anglo-Saxon's standard is higher than the Punjabee's, and so better vindicates the supposed safety of the rule, as a means of verity. As a further illustration, I may cite the despairing excla mation of Sir Walter Ealeigh, on vainly trying to get at the rights of a squabble which he witnessed in a court-yard of- the tower in which he was imprisoned. Two conflicting, and, as he thought, untrue accounts of the brawl were given to him in his room. "Here am I," he cried, "employed in writing a History of the World, trying to give a just account of transactions, many of which occurred three thousand years ago, — when I cannot ascertain the truth of what hap pens under my window ! " So we are told by the Duke of Sully, that after the battle of Aumoule, Henry IV., being slightly wounded, conversed familiarly with some of his officers touching the perils of the FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 123 day, upon which, says the duke, "I observed as something very extraordinary, that amongst us all who were in the chamber, there were not two who agreed in the recital of the most particular circumstances of the action." Doubtless differences like these may be accounted for ; but the fact remains that critical care does not always exclude errors in historical narrative. It is natural, on an occasion like this, when so many people come together from this and surrounding towns, to revive and review historical recollections, that one should think of the great republic, of which we are a part, and of its destiny. Governor Eice, who has just addressed you, has spoken of the intelligence and virtue of the people of Massachusetts. Whatever opinions may be entertained, or prophecies made, concerning our national destiny, of one thing we are assured. If a gathering of such intelligent, thrifty, and moral people as I see before me, aud as may be found in any town in Massachusetts, could be had upon an occasion of this sort, in any town in the United States ; then, in such a condition of society it would not require the prophetic voice to trace, in the bright outlines of the future, the continued stability and glory of our free institutions. [Applause.] The Toast-Master. — I told you that eleven hundred and ninety-two of our fellow-citizens, former residents of Foxborough, had responded to the invitations sent out. They deserve some sentiment, and I suggest the following : — OUR PKODIOALS. ' ' Though they have wandered far from home, And mingled in life's busy rout, It 's long, indeed, that a child may roam ^ Ere it tire the lore of its mother out." We welcome them with open arms to the home they loved and left. to 124 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Among the many prodigals who, to-day, come rushing to the embrace of their fathers and parents there is a younger son, — a brother, who, having refreshed himself on our fatted calf, in his best robe, with a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet, will now, perhaps, have something to say about his diet of husks in Brockton, — Mr. Charles W. Sumner. ADDRESS OF CHARLES W. SUMNER, ESQ. Mr. Toast-Master: — At this stage of the proceedings I feel very much like certain members of Congress who are more anxious to be heard by their constituents than in Con gress, and who say : " Mr. Speaker, I have a speech aud I would like to print it; but the lateness of the. hour and the press of public business prevent its delivery." Now, it seems to me that I may say, honestly, at the beginning, that I am going to be brief, — very brief, — and that I may sit down before you know it. I think, inwiew of what the last speaker said, that I may safely say I shall be fully as brief as he. Upon these occasions it is always pleasant to hear from the invited guests, and always pleasant to hear from our own townspeople. These ceremonies we have had here to-day remind me of a story of a certain letter written by a good Baptist Church member, on the upper Muskingham ; she , wrote to one of her dearly beloved sisters, and said she : " This is very, very bad weather. We cannot go to church now, but we have had a minister here. We gave him ten pounds of butter and a ham, and you had just better believe we kept him praying while he stayed." [Laughter.] Cer tain it is that I am at a loss to understand the parable of the prodigal son. Ever since I was a boy iu Foxborough, and attended Sunday school here, I have heard one version, and only one version, of that parable. I have heard, first, of the inheritance besought of the father ; of the departure into FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 125 the far country ; of the wasting of the inheritance ; of the husks that were eaten, and of the repentance that followed it, and the search on the part of the prodigal after his father. Now, I do not believe this committee really believes in the repentance of its prodigals, or really believes that these eleven hundred and ninety-two prodigals have been lost and are now found — [Laughter] — because, for the first time in my life, the prodigal son has been invited home. Now, it is certain that there may be one excuse for that, and only one that I know of, and that is this : it is said we are welcomed with a mother's love. We know that whatever a mother does is always contrary to what we would expect in a paternal parent. We know that when, as boys and girls in our infancy, we were guilty of little sins, little mischiefs, it was the mother that we first confided iu ; we remember her as the most honored and revered part of our family. We know that her love is a love that never tires and never for gets ; we know that that is the love that follows the son, never loses sight of him, but goes iu search of him and brings the wanderer home. Foxborough, as a mother, has thus gathered into her open arms eleven hundred and ninety- two pix)digals. Certainly I never realized until to-day the immense extent of those arms, or the tremendous embrace they were capable of. [Laughter.] Certainly it is a peculiarity of Foxborough that the older she grows the younger she is, and that her embrace to-day is even stronger, larger, and more capacious than it was an hundred years ago. I am called upon to respond for all prodigals , — a young man, one who has not become acquainted with the career of many of those heads I see around me, whom Father Time has bleached white, and who I know have been long absent from their homes. But I have not yet learned that any descendant of Foxborough, or any prodigal of Foxborough, has in any manner or in any measure violated any of its virtuous traditions that gather around her citizens. They 126 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. have been in various fields ; they have mingled in govern ment, in art, in professions, in literature, as instructors, as ministers, — in every walk of life they have been heard from ; and to-day they return to the old homestead. Oh, how grand the day ! How it must stir the inmost depths of the souls of every one of us ! He who is not so moved is a prodigal indeed, unworthy of a country and undeserving of a home. As I rode through the town this morning in the procession ; as I went by many of the scenes of childhood and saw how much it had improved, how much it had grown ; when I asked myself the question, " How can all this business be carried on midst the apparent peace and quiet of Fox borough?" I confess I was somewhat surjDrised. I had not expected to see that long ' trade procession ; I did not believe it possible that within your limits so much business was done. As I went through these streets, as I visited your hall, as I went by Memorial Hall, as I looked down to the end of the street, near which is my home, as I gathered with others upon the Common, as I rode with the procession through the various streets of the town, I could not but think, how beautiful is Foxborough ; and proud I was to show her to my friends, and those who were accompanying me. Certain it is, we all know, that whatever home we may build for ourselves ; however elegant the palace, however much we may call to our aid art and science to beautify it ; we never, never, can make of the home of our after-life one such spot about which there shall be such hallowed and such sacred memories as those that cluster around the home of one's childhood and infancy. And, as I have witnessed all these things, and thought of Foxborough, I have been proud of one other thing, and that is, that this town, with the tra,- ditions which it has had , has also had within its limits one such public-spirited man as the orator of the day, Hon. E. P. Carpenter [Applause], — the man above all others to whose encouragement all this rare beauty, all this growth. FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 127 all this expansion, is due. As I live on in future years, and remember Foxborough, it must always be associated with his name. I ask, in conclusion, what monument can be more desired by man than to live forever in the affections of his fellow-countrymen, his fellow-citizens, and his descendants? Such, I believe, will be the vitality, the eternity, and the memory, that attaches to the name of E. P. Carpenter. [Applause. ] The To AST-Master. — There is one sentiment for which I know you have been looking, and now it shall come : — OuE Industkt, which has built up our prosperity ; the true work of magic by which straw and chip hare been transformed into gold. May our harvest of hats ever be sewed by skilful hands, and every year increase in size; may the wheels of our industry never be blocked or pressed in their onward progress ; may the sails of our good ship. Union and Bay State, be trimmed to catch each transporting gale, and our course ever be shaped toward success ; may the orders that are wired to her Captain Cook from all parts of the world be packed and shipped to accommodate customers. For a fitting response to this sentiment we must look to one to whom its mysteries are an open secret, aud who has the key to them all, — Mr. A. T. Starkei'. [Applause.] RESPONSE OF A. T. STARKEY, ESQ. Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen: — I have not the facility to speak which belongs to those who have preceded me. My words, like the courage of Bob Acres, ooze a great deal more freely from my finger-ends than from my tongue. I therefore beg leave to rely a little upon my manuscript. The country in which we live is so vast in extent, its in dustries are so varied in their character, and the population whose wants are to be supplied is so great, that it is not a source of wonder that the people of one section, and those identified with one business interest, should know but little 128 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. and think but little of the magnitude to which other interests have grown, or the number of people who derive their means of support from a source which, to them, seems trivial and of small account. A person identified with the great cotton, woollen, iron, and grain interests of the country, and familiar with the workings of either of these branches, -if he had never visited the straw section of New England, might think it an incred ulous tale if he were shown a bundle of rye straw, or a bunch of braid, and was told that a very large number of the people of that section gained their living by the working of such material, and might very naturally desire to be informed what was or could be made out of a material so simple and fragile ? Around us, as we gather here to-day, we have the best of evidence of the things that have been done and can be done out of straw. On yonder slope stands a Town House, the equal of that in any town of this size iu the State ; nearer us, a memorial building commemorating the deeds of the heroes of the past and present generations ; within it a Public Library of three thoiisand volumes, open to all our citizens free of expense ; in every section of the town good school-houses, affording ample accommodations for every child in the community ; all over the town a good system of roads, usually well kept ; and on every side five hundred homes, more or less pretentious, each and all of them, with scarcely an exception, embellished without and within with the accessories of comfort, ease, and taste, — and all these have been made out of straw. Land has been bought with it, houses have been built out of it, chil dren have been reared upon it ; our horses, cattle, dogs, cats and hens are fed by it, and even the birds which have their homes iu the beautiful trees which shade our streets and public squares, have learned to build their nests out of it ; it has fed aud clothed and sheltered every living thing within our borders. Residence of V. S. Pond. Page 246. Re d e IP. FauRht. Pa ge 2(0 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 129 Straw equipped your soldiers, in whose memory you built the quaint monumental pile which graces yonder corner. Straw furnished the means of support to the one hundred ladies who, on the nineteenth of April, 1861 , proffered their services to the State as nurses to make up garments for the soldiers, to prepare lint and bandages, or to do anything for the cause of their country which it was in their power to do, — an offer which Governor Andrew, iu his reply, character ized as one of the most earnest and sincere of the countless proffers of devotion to the old Commonwealth and the cause of our country which it had been his pleasure to receive. Straw has paid your ministers, your doctors, and your school teachers, your insurance and your tax-bills, and has made many a heart glad. I might extend the list of the benefits which straw has conferred upon our town indefinitely, but there is no need ; these are a few of the fruits which have grown out of the determination of a Yankee girl, only twelve years of age, to possess au article which her means forbade. Out of little Betsey Metcalf's brain has arisen a business which, in this town alone, has given employment to 3,291 men and women in a single year, producing 2,473,819 hats, caps, bonnets, and head-coverings of every description, valued at cost, at $1,493,986.40; the disbursements for labor in the town and vicinity being $399,676.15. The United States census for 1870 gives the number of straw establishments iu Massaciiusetts as 39, employing 11,341 hands, aud producing goods to the value of $4,b69,- 514 ; and in the United States as 75 establishments, employ ing 14,925 hands, and producing $7,282,086 worth of goods. To this extent has the straw business grown. The story of the rise and growth of the business here has been told you to-day. We owe our prosperity to the indomitable perseverance of little Betsey Metcalf, and the straw towns owe it to them- 130 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. selves and to justice to see that a monument of enduring bronze shall be erected to her memory, at no distant day, in some one of the towns her brains have benefited. We are told that " whoever shall make two blades of grass grow where only one was known before, deserves better of mankind and does more essential service to his country than the whole race of schemers who put their private ends above the public weal." If this be true, she who invents a business which gives employment to thousands, and builds happy homes where only the wildness of nature was known before, deserves a statue far more than he who leads thousands to death, for the sake of glory, or who uses the proud position his fellow- citizens have given him for his own selfish designs. Among the myriad industries which combine to render the hills and valleys of New England one vast workshop, and its population a busy, thriving, and intelligent people, there is none w'hich, from a more humble beginning, has grown to greater proportions, or which has carried comfort, ease, and even luxury, into more households in the section where it flourishes than this working of straw. The business here in Foxborough has had its successes and its reverses, as all other branches of trade have, in all other places. I have been familiar with the business of the town during nearly one half of the period since the various small shops which originally did the work were consolidated into the present establishment. I have known its joys and its trials. I have seen it in the hour of its greatest success aud iu its time of adversity. I have seen it perplexed to find help enough to do the work it was called upon to do, and I have seen it perplexed to find work enough for those whom it had called to its employ. I have seen it, in common with the general business of the country, mount to a prosperity which carried joy to many a heart and comfort to many a household ; and I have seen it. FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 131 with all other branches of trade, go down that decline which inevitably follows an era of inordinately expanded business ; and in all that time, and under all circumstances, I have ever seen that the management of the business, under the various firms which have successively had control of it, has ever been most upright and honorable ; and I have seen that, when the hour of adversity came, no employe has ever lost one dollar of his or her wages through their financial disasters, — the losses which have come have ever fallen upon those who had invested with the hope of gain. It has ever been the endeavor to procure the best class of help attainable, and to treat them in such a manner that they shall desire to return here, year after year; and this policy has had most complete success. The business feels the depression attendant upon all branches of trade fiiHy as severely as anj^ other, as its suc cesses are largely dependent upon the whims of Fashion. The time was when the old Union sat upon her gravel knoll, and from her throne of beauty ruled the world of Straw ; when she dictated style and price ; when a half- score of shapes sufficed to satisfy the demands of fashion all the year through, and when there was an outlet in the back country for the surplus of every season. Those golden days are fled, — two hundred shapes for ladies' wear, and a double score for men's, do not suffice to allay the constant cry for " something new." The great in crease of railroad facilities has brought the back country all to the front, and peopled every town and hamlet in the far West and South with a milliner, and she demands for her customers the very latest thing produced. Competitors have arisen from those who have gone out from the old hive, and have carried the knowledge which they there obtained to many a distant town and city, and to-day the old Union has to take her lot with the rest, instead of having the lion's share, as she did of old. 132 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. The progress of invention in this business has kept full pace with invention in the world generally. The machinery for the work and the method for doing it are changing con stantly ; the plans adapted to the business of one year will not answer for that of the next, so that a person who was familiar with the methods, the machinery, and the details of the business a few years ago, would be perplexed to follow the workings of it through all its windings, as at present organized and equipped. " New times demand new methods and new men. The world advances and full soon outgrows The ways our fathers thought were best ; And doubtless after us will wiser ways be planned By wiser men than we ; Made wiser by the steady growth of skill." Our fortunes are completely interwoven with the business which has built up the prosperity which we see around us ; all that the town is or has been is the result of its success ; its successes are our successes and its reverses are our mis fortunes, — it is our sole dependence. It is and has been ably managed, and our gratitude, honor, and esteem, are due to that baud of noble, honorable men who have carried the business up to the magnitude- which it has attained. They have risked their means to achieve its success ; they have devoted the best hours of their lives to its service ; they have given their most earnest thoughts to its welfare, and, when prosperous times shall come again, they will be able, with our hearty, cordial, earnest support and assistance, to con tinue to the business which a Balder invented ; which Carpen ters builded, enlarged, and strengthened ; which has had its treasury guarded by a faithful, much-loved Kerr; whose plans are thoroughly Cooked, and whose battles are well Faught, — that degree of prosperity which the past has known. FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 133 The Toast-Master. — Our honored Governor was pleased to refer to the longevity of the people of this town. It has been thought proper that some formal recognition of this fact should be made on this occasion, and a sentiment has been proposed : — To Our Octogenarians. " Honor and reverence, and the good repute That follows faithful service as its fruit. Be unto them, whom, living, we salute." It has been found that there are between thirty and forty residents of this town who have reached and passed the age of fourscore, so that at least one in every hundred of our population might respond to the sentiment which is proposed with a degree of strength which is not iu every case labor and sorrow. There is one, however, who has a still higher claim to be heard, who has just passed her one hundredth natal anniversary, — Mrs. Skelton, widow of the Eev. Thomas Skelton, who was settled in this place between 1807 and 1816. We were hoping that she might have graced this occasion with her presence ; but a letter from her daughter, Mrs. C. E. Page, which I will read, will explain her absence : — "Boston, June 24, 1878. " W. D. Carpenter, Esq. : — " Dear Sir, — As the Matron of the ' Home ' neglected to reply to the invitation of the ' Centennial Committee,' I have deemed it a courtesy due you to decline for my mother, Mrs. Skelton, the invitation sent her to be present at your coming Centennial celebration. She thanks you for the kind remembrance and honor con ferred, and would be most happy to avail herself of the pleas ure it would bestow ; but feels that the fatigue and excitement, when added to fivescore years and six months of age, might 134 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. be the means of shortening the life so many are desirous of preserving. Presuming you are the Mr. Wm. Carpenter whom I know and highly esteem, "Believe me, yours very truly and respectfully, "Mrs. C. E. Page." " God bless evermore the place of my nativity. " C. E. P." The Toast-Master. — The next sentiment in order is one to Our Honored Dead : Holy martyrs to independence and liberty ; may the dumb sentinel who keeps his silent watch on their memorial, yonder, re view us there with our increasing years, in the due course of nature. To this sentiment, in which every heart must fervently unite, response will now be made by our esteemed fellow- citizen, Mr. Joseph E. Pond, Jr. RESPONSE OP JOSEPH E. POND, Jr., Esq. It is well, on an occasion like this, to bear in grateful re membrance the memory of those heroic men who laid down their lives upon the altar of a country's sacrifice, for the purpose of maintaining and perpetuating the cause of inde pendence and human liberty. Without them and their noble compeers, without the privations which they endured, with out the sacrifices which they made in the holy cause of free dom, we to-day would not be enjoying those blessings which we are now commemorating. Their deeds have passed into history, and nought is left for us to do but give them the glorious meed of praise they have so nobly earned. Our triumphs are the result of their brave and heroic deeds, and so long as our country exists will the story of their labors and struggles be deeply engraved in the hearts of those who FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 135 are left to enjoy the blessings and privileges of independence, freedom, and liberty. The tablets in our Memorial Hall, over which stands the silent sentinel placed there by the hands of appreciating friends, will ever bring to our minds and memories the rec ollection of what we owe to them, and keep fresh aud green, in our heart of hearts, the fact that by their death a country lived. For those who fought, bled, aud died in the struggle for independence, all honor is due ; and we shall not be deemed as detracting from their noble deeds by giving them but a passing notice. But to those of a later day, — those who are more nearly related to our time, — those who gave up their lives for the establishment and preservation of humau free dom, we may be indulged for a moment in speaking more fully. On that dark day when our country was first divided against itself, and none could tell what the result would be, the spirit of the forefathers still lingered with the sous, and they left home and all that was dear to them with but a mo ment's notice. They were the first to land upon the soil of Virginia,^ and hold possession of the most important fortress in the Union. They participated in the first battle of that great struggle which has passed into history. Their record is one which ever will redound to the honor of the " Old Bay State," and will be prized among her richest historic treas ures. The war opened with a cannon-shot, and they showed themselves at the door. They have added new splendor to our revolutionary an nals, and these brave sons of ours, who were killed in the memorable battles of the Eebellion, have rendered doubly sacred the day when the green sward of Lexington Common was drenched with the blood of their fathers. To-day, then, let us give their deeds all honor, all praise ; 1 A Foxborough private of Co. F, 4th Reg't M.V.M., was the first volunteer who landed upon Virginian soil in response to President Liucoln's first call. 136 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. for to them is largely due the blessings and privileges which we are now enjoying. To history and our own hearts will be left the duty of keeping their memories alive. With their near and dear friends and relatives we to-day can sympathize, remembering that the roar of blank artillery which ushered in this auspicious morn was to them the echo of the death-knell of some father, son, or brother ; that the church-bells, which have just now rung out peals of rejoicing, not long ago were tolling the funeral chime of many who had been called to the home beyond the grave. " On fame's eternal camping-ground Their silent tents are spread ; While angels guard, with silent round, The bivouac of the dead." It may demand the lapse of silent years to soften the real ization of their loss ; but during the ages to come we shall brood over their memory ; into our hearts will breathe the inspirations of lofty and undying beauty, sublimity, and truth, in all the glowing forms of speech, of literature, and plastic art. By the traditions of the fireside, by the head stones in the church-yard, consecrated to those whose forms repose in far-off graves on the battle-ground where they so bravely fought, and so nobly fell, they will still live embalmed in the hearts of succeeding generations of parents and child ren. Their names, their service, their fate, their glory, will never be forgotten, for through and by them came the ful filment of the prophecy engraved on Independence Bell : — "Proclaim liberty throughout the land unto the inhabitants thereof." The Toast-Master. — The next toast is — The Early Ministers of Foxborough: Gratefully remembered for their faithful labors and their godly example. " They tried each heart, reproved each dull delay. Allured to brighter worlds and led the way." FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. • 137 You will be glad to hear, in reply, one who for five years carried on among us the work of these early ministers, with a faithfulness, ability, aud success which abide in our memories fresh and fragrant, — Eev. Bernard Paine. address of rev. BERNARD PAINE. Mr. President and Friends : — I am amazed at your patience and forbearance. Those who remain through these protracted services, and listen to all the addresses, should have their names enrolled and preserved in Memorial Hall for the next centennial. It is said that, somewhere among the hills of Western New York, there are two springs close together, either- one of which a cow could drink dry iu a summer's day ; yet the little stream which flows from one forms the current of the St. Lawrence ; while the other, flowing southward, swells into the Mississippi, and enters the Gulf of Mexico. The forces which act at the beginning are the most effective ; so the influence of the first ministers of Foxborough, in shaping the life and moral character of the town, cannot be easily estimated. It might seem fitting that some one more ad vanced in years should speak of those who sowed the first seeds of truth in Foxborough, and have gone to their reward ;^ yet I feel honored in being asked to say a few words in their behalf. For thirty-nine years, or more than a third of the century, there was but one church in Foxborough, and that of the Congregational order. The Baptist Church then began its existence. More than two-thirds of the century had passed before the Universalist Society was organized. The early ministers of the town, who have died, therefore, were mostly Congregational. Of later ministers, Eev. J. M. Merrick, who came to the 1 The sentiment was conveyed to the speaker, as referring only to those who have (lied, in distinction from those now living. 138 • FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Universalist Society in 1867, from Walpole, deserves honor able mention. During his stay of two years he served the town as Superintendent of Schools, and represented it in the Legislature, — a man universally esteemed. Of the Baptist ministers who have died, Eev. Mr. Eipley was a sound preacher and faithful man. The first minister of that society was Eev. Warren Bird. Eeturning now to the early ministers of the town, Thomas seems to have been a favorite name, for, of the first four pastors, three had this for their Christian name. The old partiality for the name seemed to revive when the church took a Thomas for one of their deacons. Of the eleven pastors whom this church has had during the century, seven have died. The first ministers, however, lived to a great age. At one time, during Mr. Pierce's ministry, when about half of the century must have passed, I am told that all of the first five pastors were living. The first minister of the town was Eev. Thomas Kendall. His ministry lasted fourteen years. All accounts agree that he was a man of genuine goodness. As a preacher he was not theological, after the pattern of that day, but preferred rather to ramble than to follow a precise method. A critic said of one of his sermons, " He went from Genesis to Eevelation before he got through." There are persons, living in town, who remember hearing Mr. Kendall preach. One person, in particular, recollects distinctly his calling at the house, with Bible and hymn-book, — together with his reading and sing ing. He used to sing all the hj^mns in one tune. There is not much of interest to relate concerning the second and third pastors. Indeed the church did not seem to feel that just the right man had come until the advent of Thomas Williams. His ministry lasted only five years, but it was eminently successful. Under his lead the church declared its independence of the town, and managed its own affairs iu the true spirit of a Congregational church. FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 139 They built a new church-building, the " Old Brick," now, so-called ; and, in doing so, they made great sacrifices. He Avas a man of quick sensibility, as well as vigorous in tellect, and his preaching was with great feeling and power. But his mind gave way, probably from the overstraining of his mental faculties, and then he became eccentric. Many anecdotes are told of him. He had a penetrating look ; and I have been told that, once, when visiting Norton Female Seminary, during a season of revival, two words to a haughty young lady, accompanied by the gaze of his pierc ing black eyes, arrested her attention, and subdued her to Christ. Those who knew him best will recall how, at times, his eyes would kindle, with the penetration of his mind and the fire of his soul. Of him it could be said, as the poet Byron says of the Apollo Belvidere : — " In his eye And nostril, beautiful disdain, and might. And majesty, flash their full lightnings by, I)eveloping, in that one glance, the Deity." The corruscations of his mind would sometimes break forth in a form of wit, which would come down with withering irony upon those who, at the time, were objects of his dis pleasure. Once, at a convention of ministers, he became offended, and, as a brother who was opening a session with prayer, besought the Lord to smile upon the meeting. Father WiUiams broke forth derisively, "Smile! If the Lord should look down upon this convention he would laugh right out." Mr. Williams lived till he was ninety-seven years old, his life extending almost up to our centennial day ; yet he was one of the early ministers of Foxborough. So, also, was the 140 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Eev. Willard Pierce, his immediate successor in the pastoral office. Though his health was feeble, his ministry was the longest of all, extending fifteen years, — one year longer than that of the first minister, Eev. Thomas Kendall. He was a gifted scholar, and came within one of receiving the valedictory at college, which, it is said, he deserved. His sermons were clear and bracing as an October sky, and his influence strong and wholesome, especially upon the boys aud young men. He organized the first Sabbath school in towu. He afterward preached many years in -Abington. On a certain occasion Mr. Pierce preached before the Nor folk Conference, and at the close of his discourse Dr. Bur gess, of Dedham, said to Dr. Codman, of Dorchester, "It is of no use to talk about it ! We ministers around Boston can't preach like the country ministers. They go into their studies and stick to their sermons, while we are running about." It is proper to mention, in this connection, the pastorate ot Eev. N. S. Dickinson; for, although he was not among the early ministers, he was one of those who have passed away. For ten years his work was strong and successful. His preaching will compare with that of Mr. Williams and Mr. Pierce. Indeed it may be truly said that these three men ranked high among the sturdy champions of the truth, who were developed out of the theological controversies of the early part of this century. To some they might seem like those lofty trees sometimes met with in mountainous regions, bare of foliage, but rising high above the surrounding wil derness. Though destitute of ornament, they are clad with strength. Let the names of this triumvirate of the pulpit find an honorable place in the centennial records of the town. Were it not for trenching upon your patience, and the bounds set for my remarks, I would like to go further, and speak of Eev. Daniel J. Poor, who did good service as a FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 141 pastor, won many friends, and who died recently at the West. And also, in line with the sentiment which has called forth these remarks, I would like to call special attention to those works and influences of the early ministers, which, though out of our sight, have been working silently and mightily for good. We have their names, but their best works, — the steady influence of a good life, the " line upon line and pre cept upon precept," in the faithful exhibition of the gospel from week to week, — these are hid from our view by the interval of years. On a clear day, from one of the peaks of the Adirondacks, can be seen, far away on the northern horizon, a small sur face, white and glistening, — it is the river St. Lawrence. You can see neither source nor outlet. The eye is powerless to discern the waves, as they heave along the banks, or the impetuous flowing of the current. It sees only a gleam of light. So, as to-day we look back to the early ministers of Foxborough, though the current of their daily lives is, to a great extent, viewless, yet a gleam of light is reflected from their names, bright as from heaven's gate, and radiant as the Saviour's transfigured garment, because they had been bap tized from above to preach the everlasting gospel, and so their names shall be had in everlasting remembrance. The Toast-Master. — If you will have five minutes' more patience you shall be dismissed. The town of Fox borough derived its existence from four other towns ; namely, Wrentham, Walpole, Stoughton, Stoughtonham. Now, we wish to offer a sentiment to the honor of our immediate progenitor, but we find the situation a little embarrassing. I will venture, however, to offer the follow ing : — Our Mother Town : Though there are too many of her for an undi vided love, yet her children and grand-children to-day dutifully present to each of her, severally, their wish that she may live a thousand years. 142 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Eev. Mr. Wm. E. Tompkins, of Wrentham, has kindly consented to respond briefly for the company of her. ADDRESS OF REV. MR. TOMPKINS. Mr. Chairinan, Ladies and Gentlemen: — I find myself somewhat embarrassed, as you may very well understand, in replying to a sentiment of this kind. This mother of whom you have heard stands before you to-day ; but in what way a response can be made for a part of her, and not for the rest, I cannot very well understand. But I will do the best I can in two or three words, for you know the circumstances are such that I must not occupy your time now with any extended remarks. I am not a native of Wrentham, and I will not claim that I have the same feeling toward Wrentham and her bound aries that a native-born citizen might have. But I am an adopted son, and as such I do not see why I have not received the same favors at her hands, been treated as kindly, and made as much at home, as though I had never lived anywhere else. And now, when her name is brought before you, I think it would not be grateful in me to refuse to respond for her when invited to do so, and I have simply this duty to do to-night at this hour. I have to bring you the greeting of the good mother, and to say to you that she is in as good health as could be expected under the circum stances. She is, perhaps, not quite as vigorous as she was once ; but you know she is more than two hundred years old. Still she preserves, so far as I know, all her natural beauty, and you know she was always proud of that, and had reason to be. It is a little doubtful, whether in all this part of the Commonwealth, there is another township that has a larger degree of beauty than the old town of Wrentham, your mother. Her style of dress has slightly changed, in accord ance with the fashion. Years ago she wore ample skirts, or FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. _ 143 outskirts, perhaps you would call them, — very ample and very broad, in accordance with the fashion. [Laughter.] As her age advanced they have been cut in, curtailed per haps, you might say, on this side and that, until now they are of very moderate and modest dimensions, in accordance with the fashion. Wrentham, I say, is proud. She. always was proud, and she has been lately, I think, called proud and poor. I don't know about the poor, but she is proud. I think she is proud now of something she was not so proud of one hundred years ago. I remember a story of a Eomau matron ; I have almost forgotten the story, but I think I can give you the outlines of it. Once a friend of hers, of great wealth, ex hibited to her her costly jewels, which she thought were quite unsurpassed ; after having displayed them to the greatest advantage, she said to her in effect, " Why, I suppose you have costly jewels too," — designing, I fear, to triumph over her a little, as it is said ladies sometimes like to do,' — " and I should like to see them." Not to be beaten, this noble Eoman matron called her two sons, and, placing her hands upon their heads, said, "These are my jewels." Now, sir, Wrentham is not proud of her broad acres, for they are not so broad as they once were ; she is not proud of her great wealth, for she is not among the most wealthy towns ; she is not proud of her extensive manufactories, — she has some, but they are not of the largest ; but she is proud of her daughters, and Foxborough is one of them. [Applause. ] She says, — and I think with great truth, when she thinks of Frankliu, and Foxborough, and Norfolk — all with plenty of room to grow, sir [Laughter] — " These are my daughters ; who can do better?" And to-day, as you exhibit to us the evidence of your thrift, of your beauty, of your enterprise, Wrentham is proud of the exhibition, and she says, in a cer tain sense, "These are mine, and I glory in them." I will not take up your time, Mr. Chairman ; I only prom ised to respond as briefly as possible. There are other 144 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. things that I might say, but I will not enter upon them now. You have been pleased to say, "May she " — I don't know, but I suppose that means as many as there are of her, and that includes Wrentham — " may she live a thousand years." Yes, sir ; she means to, she intends to, live a thousand years. Perhaps, by and by, when she has rested a little, she may renew her youth and be as great and as prosperous as any of her children ; and when she is a thousand years old she will have her tenth centennial anniversary, and may you, sir, be there to see. [Applause.] The Toast-Master. — We had hoped to hear from Hon. J. B. D. Cogswell, President of the Senate of Massachu setts ; also from Hon. John D. Long, Speaker of the House of Eepresentatives; also from Mr. George A. Mardbn, of the Lowell " Courier" ; but they are all gone, and I have but one more sentiment to offer, and I understand that he who was to respond to it has gone also. After I have read the toast, which you will say ought to be read, the meeting will be passed into the hands of the President once more : — The Orator of the Day : The architect who planned, and one of the carpenters who built up, the business which has conduced to our prosperity. Let us hope that the structure which they have erected may never be suf fered to decay. The Hon. E. P. Carpenter would have the floor if he was here. The sentiments and responses which "were unavoidably omitted, because of lack of time, are here published. Cape Cod ; The strong right-arm of Massachusetts ; extended in beckon ing welcome to our friends, bent in menacing defense against our foes. Her sons have made their mark on the face of the whole world. Charles James Fox. FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 145 RESPONSE BY HON. J. B. D. COGSWELL. Mr. President : — I am happy to participate in the cele bration of the day, and much gratified at being introduced to respond to the sentiment which has just been read, so complimentary to my birthplace and home. But I must not permit myself to speak of Cape Cod : this occasion belongs to the men of Foxborough, — descendants of those who, nearly one hundred years ago, in petitioning the Gener?il Court, whilst declaring " We are but an infant," yet pro tested, "We are entirely willing to sacrifice our all in the cause, if it be necessary." The patriotism of the founders of Foxborough would be sufficiently attested by the name they adopted. As early as 1774, Charles James Fox espoused the cause of the Colonies, and defended their conduct. He opposed the Boston Port Bill. He endeavored to dissuade Great Britain from war with America. He predicted that men fighting for their liberties must be successful. He foresaw the great event of American Independence. In his devotion to our cause, his zeal had been so great as to call down upon himself the im placable resentment of George the Third, who wrote to Lord North, Feb. 15, 1774: "I am greatly incensed at the jsre- sumption of Charles Fox in forcing you to vote with him last night." The king once declared " that he had taken a positive determination not to admit Mr. Fox into his coun cils, even at the hazard of a civil war." But iu 1806, on the death of Mr. Pitt, the king was forced to recognize his great rival. But Mr. Fox was also a member of the Eockingham administration, in 1782 ; to which, says May, "King George submitted with a bad grace." Its first principle was the concession of Independence to America, which he had so long resisted. In 1778, the year of the incorporation of Foxborough, Mr. Fox proposed and advocated throwing open the galleries of the House of Commons to the public. 146 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL. RECORD. He early, and always strenuously, supported the abolition of the African slave-trade. Speaking on that subject in 1781, he said : "High and low, rich and poor, are equal in the sight of God." Mr. May, in his " Constitutional History of England,' records the following high eulogium of Fox as a statesman : — " The success of Mr. Fox was due to his natural genius, and to the great principles of liberty which he advocated. Familiar with the best classical models, he yet too often dis dained the studied art of the orator, and was negligent and unequal in his efforts. .But when his genius was aroused within him, he was matchless in demonstrative argument, in force, in wit, in animation and spontaneous eloquence. More than any orator of his time, he carried with him the feelings and convictions of his audience, and the spirit and reality of the man charm us scarcely less in his printed speeches. Wanting in discretion, he was frequently be trayed into intemperance of language and opinion ; but his generous ardor in the cause of liberty still appeals to our sympathies, and his brq^id constitutional principles are lessons of political wisdom." More fortunate than their neighbors of Mansfield, incor porated in 1770, who afterwards regretted that they had adopted the name of the great Tory law lord for their new town, and agitated a change, the people of Foxborough never have, and never can blush for the name they bear. I give you, in closing, the memory and fame of Charles James Fox. ADDRESS OF ELLIS AMES, ESQ. The proof is conclusive that the town of Foxborough was named from the Hon. Charles James Fox, a member of the English House of Commons, a popular idol, who led a for midable party in Parliament, and whom neither Burke nor Pitt, nor any other Englishman, could ever approach to an equality with, on account of his marvellous powers. FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 147 Before the adoption of the constitution of Massachusetts, on October 25, 1780, there were three periods of time when the names of towns were peculiarly different. It is well known to historians that nearly every town in England bears the same name that it did before the Norman conquest, in the year 1066. Our ancestors, before the second charter, upon incorporating a new town, named it after some English town ; and hence our towns created during the colonial charter have the genuine Saxon ring to them, such as Ipswich, Lynn, Gloucester, Salisbury, Wenham, Manchester, Chelms ford, Swanzey, Barnstable, Sandwich, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Lancaster, Worcester, Leicester, Shrewsbury, Leominster, Dorchester, Plymouth, Dartmouth, Weymouth, Wrentham, Dunstable, and the like. During the provincial period, from June 8, 1692, until June 17, 1774, it was regarded as the perquisite of the royal governors to give names to the newly incorporated towns. After a bill incorporating a new town had passed to be enacted, and had been sent down to the secretary's office to be engrossed on parchment, the engrossing clerks left a blank space for the name of the town to be filled in ; and we now see, on overhauling the old parchment tiles, that the governors of that period, when they signed, approving an act incorporating a town, filled in with their own hands the names for such towns, to suit their fancy. In thus naming *towns the royal governors complimented the English tory statesmen of their respective times, by such names as Hard- wick, Mansfield, Grafton, Eichmond, Lenox, Walpole, War wick, Shelburne, Pelham, and Halifax. But after a while, during the provinciar period, the royal governors began to think of immortalizing themselves, aud to name the newly incorporated towns after their predecessors in office, by such names as Phippsburg and Pownalborough ;, then in the province of the Massachusetts Bay, now in the State of Maine, Bellingham, Shutesbury, Bernardstown, Bel- 148 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. chertown, Shirley, Dudley ; and lastly Hutchinson, incor porated at the very last session of our General Court', in June, 1774, that a royal governor ever dared to meet a Massachusetts House of Eepresentatives. After the battle of Bunker Hill no Tory British statesman or royal governor was ever complimented by naming a town after him ; but the names of towns incorporated then were Hancock, Washington, Lee, Adams, Franklin, Warren, Montgomery, and Foxborough. At the May session, 1776, of our General Court fourteen towns that had been named from royal governors and British Tory statesmen, who had publicly expressed them selves hostile to the rights of America, sent in their petitions to have their names changed, declaring that they wished no longer to bear the odious names of persons hostile to the natural aud stipulated rights of America. Among those fourteen towns were your neighbors the inhabitants of the town of Mansfield, named in honor of Lord Mansfield, then the famous Chief Justice of England. But the most famous case was on the petition to the General Court of the town of Hutchinson, now Barre, upon which petition was enacted, at the May session, 1776, the act dis continuing the name of Hutchinson, aud calling the town ever after by the name of Barre. By way of preamble the act recited that " Whereas the Inhaliitants of the town of Hutchinson have, by their petition, represented to this Court?< that in June, 1774, when the said town was incorporated. General Gage, the then Governor, gave it the name of Hutchinson, in Honor to, and to perpetuate the name of Thomas Hutchinson, his immediate Predecessor in the Chair of Government, whom they justly style the well-known Enemy of the natural and stipulated rights of America, and that, at a town meeting notified for that purpose, they voted unanimously to petition, and accordingly have petitioned the General Court, that the name of the said town might be FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 149 altered, and that it might no longer bear the disgraceful name of Hutchinson ; "And whereas there is a moral fitness that traitors and parricides, especially such as have remarkably distinguished themselves in that odious character, aud have long labored to deprive their native country of its most valuable Eights and privileges, and to destroy every Constitutional Guard against the evils of an all inslaving Despotism, should bo kept up to Public View iu their true characters, to be execrated by Man kind ; aud that there should remain no other memorials of them than such as will transmit their Names with Infamy to Posterity ; "And whereas the said Thomas Hutchinson, contrary to every Obligation of Duty and Gratitude to this, his native country, has acted towards her the part of a traitor and parricide, aud by his having thus acted, it has become fit and just that every honorable Memorial of him should be obliterated and cease ; Therefore " Be it enacted by the Council and House of Eepresent atives of the State of Massachusetts-Bay in General Court assembled, and by the Authority of the same, That the Land lying in the County of Worcester, formerly called Eutland District, and in June, 1774, incorporated into a town by the name of Hutchinson, shall no longer bear that name, but henceforth shall be called and known by the name of Barre." Barre had been a colonel in the Briti.sh army, and upon' resigning his military station had been elected to the House of Commons, and made speeches in the House, with much power, justifying the Americans. Such was the pressure of business in our General Court during the political year 1776-77 that action upon the thir teen other petitious was postponed, and the matters thereof never after resumed. June 10, 1778, the day when Foxborough was incorpor-: ated, was a joyful day in America. The great British army. 150 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. under Burgoyne, intended to crush New England, as the soul of the rebellion, had surrendered on the 17th of October preceding, and the survivors were then quartered, as prisoners of war, in huts and tents on Bunker Hill and the adjoining hill, under guard; and France had acknowledged the inde pendence of the United States, and was at war with Great Britain. The assembling of Parliament had been unduly postponed, in order to afford the king au opportunity of congratulating the British Legislature on the suppression of the rebellion in America by the victories that should be obtained by the army under Burgoyne. Parliament met before the news of the capture of Burgoyne ; aud the king made his address to them on the 20th of November, 1777. Debates on the address ensued, when the Earl of Chatham, and other members of the House of Lords, arraigned the administration for their war with America ; but the adminis tration was sustained in that House by a vote of nearly four to one. On the day succeeding that vote the administration party in Parliament was humbled as never was a political party humbled before or since, by the arrival of the news of the utter defeat of the British army under Burgoyne, in several pitched battles, and the surrender of the entire force under his command as prisoners of war. On the 17th of February, 1778, Lord North brought into the House of Commons his conciliatory bills ; when Mr. Fox arraigned the administration for the war with America, when never was the inexpressible absurdity of the minis terial measures more apparent than at that moment. In the course of his speech Mr. Fox asked what punishment would be sufficient for those ministers who adjourned Parliament in order to make propositions of concession, and then neglected to do it until France had concluded a treaty with the inde pendent States of America, acknowledging them as such. Mr. Fox then first informed the House of Commons, and FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 151 through them the people of Great Britain, that, encouraged by the capture of Burgoyne, France had ten days before concluded a treaty with the Americans ; and he then declared, in the House of Commons, that the conciliatory bills offered by Lord North were as useless to the peace as they were humiliating to the dignity of Britain.' From the moment of the delivery of that speech by Mr. Fox, which operated upon the British people with great effect, no sane man doubted that Great Britain would be obliged to acknowledge the independence of America. Between the 17th of February, 1778, aud the assembling of our General Court, on the last Wednesday of May, 1778, Mr. Fox's speech had been circulated in America, and what other name could the General Court and this people then give to this town, incorporated June 10, 1778, than that which should do honor to the memory of the great Charles James Fox ? Who does not wish that the leffal voters of Foxborouffh at their first meeting could (as they might have done had it been in time of peace) have sent an address to the Hon. Charles James Fox, thanking him for his speech of the 17th Feb., 1778, in the House of "Commons, and informing him that they had perpetuated his memory to all time, by naming their new town in honor of him, and have received a reply from him, the greatest orator that ever spoke the English tongue ? Sentiment : The Sons and Daughters of Foxborough, who have gone abroad, but, ever loyal to their native home, have returned to celebrate with us her first Centennial Day. RESPONSE BY JOSEPH E. BARTLETT, M.D., BOSTON. Mr. President, Kindred and Friends: — We are pro foundly grateful to the committee, for their kind invitation to be present, and for the cordial welcome this morning. We thank them heartily, also, for this opportunity to partici pate in these novel and interesting services. 152 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. But who is able to marshal, in fit array, the multitudinous host of thoughts that come thronging to this vast assembly, struggling for permission to enter, and to be heard, during this brief, solemn, yet joyous hour ? We shall admit a very limited number only of such topics as seem to us most appropriate, and propose to hold com munion with them for a few moments. In reply, more especially to the toast just read, we remark that there is a sentiment, felt by every human being, — though too subtle to be fully expressed by words, — of attachment to certain particular locations. And the sons and daughters of Foxborough, who have gone abroad, need no second bid ding, at any time, in order to hasten with flying footsteps back in answer to your call ; for, wherever we may happen to live, whether in the country or in the city, in a cottage or in a palace, in the immediate neighborhood or in remoter parts of the land, or in lands beyond the sea, — the heart, like the needle to the pole, turns ever with affectionate long ings to the spot where our existence began ; where our childhood and youth were nurtured ; where those who gave us being happily still linger, or, in the sacred soil near by, their precious dust is safely garnered to its last repose, — and that is the spot forever associated in our memories with the word HOME. We return with a desire to express our lively sense of obli gation to the loyal sons and daughters of Foxborough who have clung to the old hearthstone, and have watched OA^er our venerable and beloved Alma Mater with such filial devotion and fostering care, that we find her fair as a maiden in her bloom , though clad in the queenly robes of matronly dignity and beauty, on this, her centennial day. We desire to return our hearty thanks to those M^ho con ceived the idea of this observance and celebration ; our ad miration for the inimitable taste and skill in the plan and in its execution ; for such an exhibition of industrial wealth as FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 153 the substantial basis of a triumphal pageant, upon which childhood gazes with inquiring wonder and is glad ; ingenuous youth suspends his sport to learn its meaning ; busy manhood forgets his toil, aud hoary age is conscious of a new rapture. Nor can we omit to acknowledge our debt to Foxborough's honored son, the orator of the day, who, with his reaper keen, has swept the field of recorded history, and gleaned from the annals of tradition, bringing us sheaves laden with facts and illustrations so comprehensive,- felicitous, and true. Many who hear me can trace their lineage directly to the Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth, or to those who established the colony of Massachusetts Bay. We are filled with wonder and admiration as we contemplate the marvellous variety of gifts and capabilities of that race of men and women. They had courage that dared to cross the ocean in a shallop. They subdued the forests and the wily foe concealed therein. Their system of government was adapted to the needs of the few or the many. It was sufficient for the family, the school district, the town, the county, the State, the union of States into a nation wider in its domains and more imperial in its power than Eome ever knew. Coming down to our more immediate ancestors, we find them possessed of the same characteristics, substantially, of those who first con quered and settled the land. We find them honorable, per severing, and successfuf tillers of the soil ; the patrons of edu cation and sound morals ; skilful in invention ; energetic pro moters of the mechanical and industrial arts ; distinguished in the various professions ; in the framing of constitutions ; in the halls of justice and of legislation ; in the sacred pulpit ; by deeds immortal, on the field of battle. Mr. President, what the sires won the sons have been able to protect. Since the birthday of this town, and since the establishment of our Independent Eepublican Form of 154 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Government, less than fivescore years ago, in the old world kings and kingdoms have been overthrown and trampled in the dust; on their ruins empires have arisen, and they, too, have been overturned. The old effete dynasties are crum bling from internal decay and the advancing hosts of a newer and better civilization. Happily for us the germ planted at Plymouth struck its roots deep into the earth, and, as with a grain of mustard seed, the tree sprung from that root has withstood the shock of every tempest, stretching its mighty arms until under its benign shadow an empire of forty million freemen sit in safety — and "its leaves are for the healing of the nations." It is true, that, now and then, parasitic vermin may nestle in its bi'anches, and, for a season, may mar the beauty of its foliage. Malign spirits, such as plotted rebellion in heaven itself, may have the audacity to strike at the very pillars of our Political temple! " The feeble sea-birds, blinded in the storms. Against the light-house dash their little forms. And the rude granite scatters for their pains Those small deposits that were meant for brains." Nevertheless, unrent, the great Arch of our ¦ Union, founded on constitutional liberty and law, still stands — " Like some tall cliif that lifts its awful form. Springs from the vale and midway leaves the storm. Though round its breast the rolling ctouds are spread. Eternal sunshine settles on itsjiead." But the hours of this summer day are fleeting, aud the precious moments that remain belong to others. We desire, in a word, to define our position in life's passing drama. The past is secure. We believe in the future. We walk both by faith and sight. We believe that the predicted ages of righteousness aud love will come. We believe there are conquests of peace, that deserve to be,. "not less renowned FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 155 than war." We acknowledge and proclaim our allegiance to the principles of Immanuel, the Prince of Peace, and when ever, in the providence of God, we may be called to stand, or to act, under that banner we pledge ourselves to labor, — " Till crowned with victory at His feet. We lay our armor down." In closing the services iu the tents, the President said : — We have now to thank you for your attendance here this day. V\e hoped to see a very large number here, and we certainly have been gratified in this respect. So far as we in Foxbor ough are concerned we have had a very pleasant time, and we hope our friends from abroad have enjoyed it. When the next hundred years come around, we hope you will be here to aid us in these ceremonies. With that we bid you farewell for the present time. GREETINGS FROM ABSENTEES. Of the hundreds of letters received in response to, and reluctantly decliniug the invitation to be present, we can give but few, although they all denoted fervent good-will toward the town and expressions of regret that they would be deprived of the pleasure of mingling with those who were so fortunate as to be able to accept. [From Eev. Otis Cart, Jr.] KoBK, Japan, July 13, 1878. To the Centennial Invitation Committee : — The invitation to attend the Centennial Exercises in Foxborough, June 29tb, was received 3•esterda3^ I regret that I cannot be pres ent at the celebration, but trust that the occasion will be one of great interest, nnd a means of quickening that local patriotism which every peison should feel toward his native or adopted town. 156 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Hold! what am I writing? The day is past; the celebration is over ; I am sadl3' behind the times. Well, what' better could be expected from one eight thousand miles away from enlightened Massachusetts, and whose latest newspapers from Boston and Foxborough bear date of June 7th? Though so far away from my native town, I can rejoice in its past prosperitj' and hope for its future. The history of Foxborough is not one to attract the notice of outside people ; but in a land where nearly every village finds a place in history as the scene of some bloody contest or deed of violence. I can understand how much better is that silent progress which may be unmarked bj' great events. Maj' the next century of Foxborough's history be one of con tinued growth; material, intellectual, moral, and spiritual. May all that was good in the men of past generations be copied b3' us. At the same time bearing in mind that we walk in the Hght of their experience and surrounded by greater advantages, let us remember the words of Wendell Phillips, "We are not so good as our forefathers unless we are better than they." If the present generation and those succeeding fill aright their allotted place, the progress of Foxborough will be proportionally greater in its second than it has been in its first century. Yours, truly, OTIS CARY, Jr. LaCrosse, Wis., June 12, 1878. Centennial Committee : — Dear Sirs, — Nothing but the great distance would lieep me from mingling with you on the centenary of the town which was the scene of my earliest ministerial labors. Very truly, E. Y. GARRETTE. Jacksonville, III., June 6, 1878. Centennial Invitation Committee, W. D. Carpenter, Sec'y: It would be a joy to me to be present and once more take my old friends by the hand ; but it may not be. May God be with FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 157 you, and smile upon your meeting. The sweetest reminiscences and nearest regards and greetings to one and all of the remnant of those I knew and loved in the years that are gone. WM. BARNES. Brooklyn, N.Y., June 25, 1878. I have retained this card until now, hoping that I might be able to attend a celebration (Centennial) of the town where my father was born, and where my grandfather. Doctor Shadrach Winslow, lived and died, and where my wife's father, Edwin Stearns, was born and passed his j'outh. I now think I shall be unable to attend. Respectfully j-ours, D. C. WINSLOW. U. S. Steamer Hartley. 1 San Francisco, Cal., June 19, 1878. j To the Executive Committee, Foxborough Centennial : — Gentlemen, — Your kind and flattering invitation extended to me, to attend the celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of Foxborough, has this Aaj been received, and I assure you nothing but the Imperative demands of duty, and the distance intervening between us, prevents my participating in your glorious Centennial. While I am forced to decline the honor accorded me, in spirit and sentiment I am with j'ou, and from the golden shores of the distant Occident, I, as an humble son of Foxborough, send 3-ou greeting. Glancing backward mentally through the space of one hundred j-ears, when the republic, founded by our forefathers, numbering less than two and a half millions, was struggling for those prin ciples for which they were willing to offer up their lives, and all their hearts held dear on the altar of libertj', — what strides have been made, what wonderful changes and improvements have marked the past centuiy. The republic which was born in poverty and obscuritj' is now the wonder of the civilized world, but its future growth and destiny no man may venture to foretell. Our native town, I am proud to say, has kept pace with the grand march of events, and, like the parable of the grain of mustard seed, the 158 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. little township of ancient days has not been allowed to die of neglect and obscurity on barren ground. Gentlemen, I came from a sea-going race, and my ancestors, one hundred j-ears ago, helped to sustain our fiag mast-head high before the haughty cross of St. George, and awoke the echoes of the English Channel with the thunder of their cannon. In the late war I followed the example handed down to me by tqj ancestors, and the memories of Port Royal, Roanoke Island, Charleston, and Fort Fisher will never be effaced from my memoiy. But I will not trespass longer on your time and patience, and to those wanderers who to-daj' return to the homes of their child hood, to take again their old places at the paternal fireside, may they, while enjoj'ing the hospitalitj' of our good old town, remember those wlio are absent, — some who have obej'ed the call of the Great Admiral, and ascended to an eternal anchorage aloft, wdiile others wander far from the loved ones, but with the spirit of patriotism and sentiment of love of home burning with an undj-ing flame in their hearts. With sincere congratulations, and an earnest wish for the con tinued prosperity and welfare of our native town, I remain, very truly and sincerly, your obedient servant, H. D. SMITH, 1st Lieut. Com'd'g U.S.R.M. Denver, Colo., June 5, 1878. Gentlemen : — It would afibrd me the greatest pleasure to be with J'OU on the 29th, but I cannot, conveniently, put in an appear ance on that day ; am in hopes, however, to visit my birthplace and see the wonderful changes that have taken place since my last visit, twelve years ago. I have seen much of the world, but am as proud of hailing from Foxborough as I would be from any portion of earth that I know of. I hope that all will have a good time and enjoy life intenselj-, as does Yours, trul^', GEO. COPELAND. FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 159 Austin, Minn., June 20. I regret to say I must decline your kind invitation. You may be assured of vay hearty sympiathj-. May the experience of the occasion exceed j'our most sanguine anticipations, and its record, however satisfactory', be far exceeded \>y a brighter future. Yours, etc., ELBRIDGE H. PACKARD. New York, June 22, 1878. Mr. W. D. Carpenter, Secretary Centennial Invitation Commit tee : — Dear Sir, — The invitation, through j-our committee, of the town of Foxborough, to be present at its centennial celebration, is at hand, for which please accejDt my thanks. Iveiy much regret that my engagements are such that it will be inconvenient for me to be present on the interesting occasion, as it would give me great pleasure to witness the memorial ceremonies, and, a]so, once more greet mj- old friends and acquaintances, yea, all who now or have resided there. Although absent from my native town for now some thirty years, 3'et I have not, and trust never shall so long as life lasts, cease to have the peace, happiness, and prosperity of its citizens near m}' heart. It has ever been a source of gratification to me that I was raised in a town whose record has been so honorable ; whose citizens have done so much for education, tem perance, moralit}-, and Christianitj', and, through all the trials that our country has passed, so patriotic. Trusting that its future, down through the ages to come, may be still more glorious, and again thanking you and the citizens of the town for their kind consideration, I am sincerely yours, HENRY HODGES. East Jaffrey, N.H., June 28, 1878. Dear Sir: — I regret to say that I shall be unable to be at Foxborough to-morrow to participate in its .centennial celebration. The little more than three years' residence which it was mj- privi- 160 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. lege to enjoj' in your town, gave me an interest in its welfare which will long be cherished with pleasure, and the prosperitj- of the town will ever be a source of pleasure to me. I wish you a successful and happy celebration of Foxborough's centennial. Yours trnl}', JAMES H. LITTLE, Pastor of the Universalist Church, Foxborough, from Sept., 1869, to Dec, 1873. To R. W. Carpenter, Esq., for the Executice Committee of Ar rangements. St. John, N.B., June 24, 1878. Dear Sir : — I take this opportunity to thank, through j-ou, the Centennial Committee for their cordial invitation to be present at the ceremonies and festivities of the 29th. I am sorrj- that circumstances will not permit of my being pres ent, and my only excuse for mj- seeming tardiness in answering the invitation is, that I have put it off until the last moment, hoping that I might be enabled to attend. You have my heartiest sympathies on this occasion, and, as one of Foxborough's sons, I shall claim the privilege of participating iu mind, if not in person, in the day's proceedings. It has always been mj- boast, since I left my native town, that it was the most beautiful in New England, and, to me, in the universe. Maj' she go on increasing in beauty and prosperity until her next natal day shall find her, as does this one, in the van, as regards progress and culture, and her sous fit representatives of those who will so glorionslj- commemorate the dajr of her nativity. And should circumstances forever keep me from the town, and from friends and associations that I love, my hope is, that my record in fife may be such that I can claim a last resting-place in that silent city where sleep our own beautiful and good, and which, before another centennial, will have opened wide its gates to most of the participants in this day's proceedings. And that their days may be many and prosperous, and an honor to themselves and their mother-town, is the heartfelt wish of her absent son, W. L. PENNEY. To W. D. Carpenter, Sec'y Centennial Invitation Committee. Tl I B C 1 The Prest-nt Baptist Church. Pa^e 2^7. FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 161 Brattleboro', Vt., June 3, 1878. Gentlemen : — I should be very glad to be with you at the Foxborough Centennial', the 29th inst., but it will hardly be possi ble for me. My acquaintance with Foxborough began twenty years ago, when I taught what was then a grammar school, on the west side of the Common ; this was in the winter of 1857-58. I was pastor of the First Universalist Society in Foxborough during the 3-ear 1873. It would be very agreeable to me to meet once more some, at least, of my old pupils and parishioners, and manj' others whom I came to know while a resident of j^^our town. I should like to rejoice with you on the day which completes the first one hundred J-ears in the life of Foxborough ; rejoice with j-ou that j-onr town has enjoj-ed uninterrupted material prosperity ; that her citizens have alwaj's shown a deep interest in education, moralitj', and religion ; that they evinced their patriotism in time of war, attested by the roll of honored dead, and the Librarj- Hall erected to their memory. These make Foxborough a bright star in that galaxy of towns which together compose the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, illustrious throughout the world. Hoping that the Centennial maj' be an occasion of joy to all who participate in it, and that the next hundred years may bring even more good to Foxborough than the hundred which have passed, I am Respectfully j'ours, JAS. EASTWOOD. To E. P. Carpenter, W. T. Cook, Otis Cary, and others, Ex. Com. Falmouth, June 27, 1878. Committee on Invitations, Wm. D. Carpenter, Sec. : — I regret that I cannot respond to j-our invitation bj- my presence at the celebration of our town's centennial birthday. Engagements prevent my attendance and deny me the happiness of greeting friends and acquaintances of early j-ears. Since the incorporation of Foxborough she has constantly advanced, at times with rapid strides, and though her soil was crusty, stony, and sterile, she now holds a respectable rank in 162 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. agricultural productions. The deficiencies of nature have been supplied, and excrescences removed bj-the skilful hand of industrj', perseverance, and toil. To me, Foxborough is a place ever dear ; there thickly cluster the remembrances of the past, and the associations of my child hood and j-outh. In conclusion, I would add that, after an absent residence of more than twenty j-ears, it would give me intense pleasure to be present at j-our celebration and witness the evidences of j-our intellectual, social, and moral advancement. Foxborough is yours, — she is mine; she is our birthright, and we will honor her forever. , JOHN G. JONES. Jersey City, N. J., June 18, 1878. To the Centennial Committee of Foxborough : — Gentlemen, — Your kind invitation to attend the one hundredth birthday of Foxborough is thankfullj' received ; but, to mj- extreme regret, I am obliged to decline. Although I was so unfortunate as not to have been born in Foxborough, I came from Wrentham, and that is the next thing to it ; and having taken my wife from your town, I feel that I am entitled to join you with my cordial wishes for the success of the town. When, in the course of travel, one Yankee meets another, he never stops to ask of towns or counties, but is satisfied to let the glorious old Commonwealth be a bond of fellowship and good feehng between each other, and certainly, gentlemen, a man can wish for nothing more than to hail from the State that gave birth to Franklin, Sam. Adams, and Gov. Andrew ; to owe alleigance to the Commonwealth that was represented in Washington by Web ster and by Sumner ; to feel that, if far away, he is descended from those glorious patriots that have twice saved their country from destruction. Massachusetts always leads the van. Like the famed plume of Henry of Navarre, her white flag is always found iu the midst of danger. May she continue to be the most radical State in the Union ; for her radicalism is always found, upon investigation, to be truth, and the only reason that the world terms her doctrines FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 163 radical is because Massachusetts is twenty-five years ahead of the rest. In conclusion, gentlemen, allow me to say that I earnestlj- hope the town of Foxborough maj- continue to prosper ; that her success in the future may be as glorious as her past has been sub stantial, until, as Massachusetts is known as the model State, Foxborough may become the model township. Respectfullj-, etc., FRANK O. COLE. The writer of the following letter was formerly a practic ing lawyer of this town and afterwards practiced in Maine, and still later in Mobile, Ala., and is a nephew of Gen. Joseph Warreu of Revolutionary fame. His father was Judge Ebenezer Warren, who died in Foxborough in 1824, aged seventy-five years. Wrentham, June 24, 1878. Messrs. E. P. Carpenter & al., Ex. Com., etc.: — I have received your kind invitation to participate in the ap proaching celebration at Foxborough. Please accept mj- cordial thanks for the notice. Every patriot must rejoice in the movement. It will induce subsequent generations to mark, in a similar manner, the successive centennial periods as they mingle with the vast ocean of j-ears revolved. Fourteen years and a few months would, if prefixed to mj- earthlj- pilgrimage, make mj' life commensurate with the corporate existence of Foxborough. Be assured, gentle men, that it- is with deep regret that I have to announce that my present condition must prevent me from participating in the joj-s and pleasures of the approaching celebration in person, but will be with j-ou in spirit, if mj- spirit before the day appointed should not be ordered to take another direction. Advanced as I am in years, it must be supposed that I may have a knowledge and remembrance of events and persons of which most of the present generation have no personal knowledge. I remember seeing tlie venerable man, John Sheppard, brought 164 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. into the church to listen to a sermon preached bj' the Rev. Daniel Loring, en the day he became one hundred j-ears of age. I saw him about two years afterwards in companj' with my father. They had previouslj- been neighbors for manj' years. The old gentleman alluded to the events and persons of former j-ears with deep inter est and earnestness approaching enthusiasm. Mj' father was sur prised to find him so intelligent and accurate in memorj-. The old gentleman was in fine spirits, and the interview appeared to afford high mutual enjojment. ........ They talked rapidlj- upon a great variety of subjects, — religion, politics, and old neighbors, etc., etc. I remember leaving the old gentleman with the impression that he was a devout lover of his God, an affectionate lover of his neighbor, and a dear lover of fun. After living in Foxborough a little more than a centurj-, or rather the territoiy which now constitutes Foxborough, he was moved to the town of Attleborough, and lived several years with his grand son, Ebenezer Daggett, Esq., till his death, which I think took place in 1809. Verj- earlj- in life he became the husband of his third wife. I believe that his descendants are not veiy numerous. William Paine, the first bj' the name of Paine who ever settled in Foxborough, was a native of Maiden, Mass. ; commenced resi dence in Foxborough before the commencement of the Revolution- arj' war ; was the father of seven sons and three daughters ; died in the summer of 1811, at the age of ninetj'-six years. He was a pattern of industry, fiugalitj-, and moralitj'. Three or four of his sons were in the Revolutionary armj'. Spencer Hodges, a native of Taunton, Mass., born 1745, com menced his residence iu Foxborough about 1770, where he lived till May, 1809, when he died. He was of infirm health at my ear liest recollection. He had been a man of untiring ipdustrj-, and had, probably, by excessive toil, impaired his health. He was noted for his good judgment, for the practice of every virtue, and exemp tion from error. He was a devout Christian, but tolerant. His walk was with God, his hopes and aspirations centred in Heaven, whither he attempted to direct men by precept and example. I cannot say that I ever knew any other individual who approached so near what God requires man should be. He died in Foxbo rough, aged sixty-four. FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 165 Seth Robinson was, from my earliest recollection, a near neigh bor of mj' father. He was a man of rare merit. His judgment and sound sense were highly respected by all who knew him. His words were few, but ever to the point. He lived to be nearly ninety J-ears of age. His course was marked for industv, frugality, hon esty, and the practice of manlj- virtues. He was, I think, a native of the Countj- of Bristol, born about 1745. Ephraim Sheppard, a nephew of John Sheppard, was born in Foxborough, where he lived and died. He was born in 1748 ; was a man of an original, independent mind ; was of great service to his fellow-townsmen as a most skilful farrier. He would labor for days over the sick horse or cow of a neighbor, when there was little or no prospect of receiving compensation. He was what all who knew him would call an excellent man. He did not, I think, live much beyond the age of seventy. Shadrach Winslow was a native of Freetown, born about 1750. He was a man of marked mind, and was probably the most scientific individual who ever resided in the town of Fox borough. After graduating at Yale and receiving the best medical education the country could afford, about 1778 he embarked as surgeon on board a privateer, made several trips successfullj-, but was at length taken prisoner and carried to England and confined in Dartmoor Prison for several months, where, by exposure, he sus tained injuries which greatly impaired his health, and from which he never recovered. His profound knowledge of his profession led him to despise quackerj- in all its forms, and to which he never descended. He became a citizen of Foxborough about the j'ear 1784, married a daughter of Eleazer Rohbins, Esq., then awealthj- and prominent citizen. Notwithstanding his talents and high attainments, he declined all participation in governmental affairs, not accepting even a town ofHce. He loved retirement ; books were his companions. He was, however, social and courteous to all his friends. I am not able to say when he died ; but he prob- ablj- did not much exceed seventy at the time of his death. He was one of the last men who would violate the rules of gentle- manlj' breeding. Thomas Shaw was noted for his remarkable ingenuitj' as a mechanic. He was a good carpenter, mason, wheelwright, black- 166 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. smith, and shoemaker. He was a man of unbounded popularity, inasmuch as he could do almost everj-thing, and was at all times the same kind, good-natured man. He lived to be a veiyold man. I think he was a native of Bristol County. Thomas Kendall was settled as a preacher of the gospel in Foxborough, about one hundred years ago. He was a graduate of Dartmouth (Hanover College) not far from 1760, was the first minister settled in the town. He had been, prior to his settle ment in Foxborough, a missionary to the several tribes of Indians in the State of New York. He was dismissed about 1800. All acknowledged him to be a good man. Daniel Loring was his immediate successor, settled in 1803, or about that time. There was much opposition to him, and he did not remain in Foxborough manj- j-ears. He was immediately succeeded by Thomas Skelton, who commenced his ministration in the autumn of 1808. He was a graduate of Harvard University, 1806 ; was a good scholar, and possessed more than ordinary talents. He was not popular in Foxborough, and did not continue in that town manj- years. He was born about 1780, and died 1838. Timothy Stevens, uncle to my father, was the first phj-sician who settled in Foxborough. He was a resident of that place for nearlj' thirty years. I recollect seeing an old Bible which formerly belonged to him (printed about 1690), which contained the follow ing record made by him: '¦'¦Dark Swamp, August, 1746. This daj' one of the most awful storms of thunder and lightning ever known vi.sited this place, during which a ball of thunder struck y" house and barn of Wm. Hewes. The house, by the good provi dence of God, was saved, but the barn, together with a sow and pigs, became a sacrifice to the devouring elements." Francis Daniels, a native of France, at the age of twentj--six settled in Foxborough, about 1750. He was possessed of most rare native endowments, and was a most excellent man. He was remarkably social in his habits, and was constantly giving utterance to wise thoughts in broken English. He lived to be an old man. Left one son and several daughters. His descendants are numer ous and well known in Foxborough. Mr. Ezra Carpenter, a most worthy citizen of Foxborough, married twice into the familv. FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 167 Be pleased, gentlemen, to accept severally mj- respectful regards, together with a hope that happiness and prosperitj- maj- long be with you. I remain, gentlemen, yours with sentiments of respect, SAMUEL S. WARREN. The following communication accompanied the cane pre sented to the town, as mentioned below : — To the Town of Foxborough : — This cane is a part of the mudsill of the furnace where was cast the first cannon in this countiy, and was owned by Uriah Ather ton. He cast cannon for the government, and other munitions of war, and received in paj-ment Continental paper. The furnace was located partlj- in Foxborough and partlj' in Stoughtonham (now called Sharon). The furnace was in operation before the Revolution of '76. It was a smelting furnace, and the owner was mj- gi'andfather on my mother's side. I now present this cane to the Town of Foxborough, as a memento of Uriah Atherton and his furnace, together with his patriotic services in the Revolution of 1775. By his grandson, Alexander Boyden, aged eighty-seven jears. East Foxbor ough, June 25th, 1878. A communication relating to the Boyden family has been handed us for jDiiblication in connection with centennial mat ters, as follows : — "In noticing the improvements which have been made within the last one hundred j-ears is a machine for splitting leather, in vented and patented bj- Seth Boj'den, 3d, Esq., who was born April 22, 1764; he had six sons, Seth, Alexander, Otis, Uriah A., Franklin, and WiUiam P. Five of these have been at some period of their lives engaged in the malleable cast-iron business ; Alexander having made the first piece of malleable iron ever made in this country, March 16, 1824. He then taught his brother Otis the art, who, two j-ears afterward, put up a furnace in Newark, N. J., for his brother Seth, and taught him the art. Alexander 168 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. subsequently taught his brothers Franklin and William. Another invention of Alexander, above named, was a machine for turning shoe-knife handles at the rate of forty per minute." Uriah A. Boyden was the donor of the Boyden Fund, and the one in whose honor Foxborough Public or Boyden Library was named. He now resides in Boston, at an advanced age. ""O^ Boston, April 19, 1878. It makes it seem like old times to receive a letter postmarked "West Foxborough," and brings quite a long train of faces and families to mind that we shall see no more this side of Jordan. I remember well when the Foxborough post-oflice kept at " Shack stand " was an important one ; there was none then at the Centre, nor at Mansfield, nor Norton. " Peter Junkett," Judge Warren's man, used to come for the mail for his master, who lived at the then very handsome house, which had a barn almost as handsome, about half way between Foxborough and Mansfield. Somewhere about 1814, a cross mail route was established from our ofHce, on the Turnpike, to Taunton, to pass through Foxborough Centre, Mans field, and Norton, and my father got the contract for carrjdng it, and I used to take it, once a week, on horseback. In the spring I used to tackle the old white horse into the wagon and go a little below Taunton and get the wagon full of herring right out of Taunton river, and divide them at small cost among our neighbors. To go that route now one would not easilj- realize that Foxborough Centre, Mansfield, and Norton had so recontlj- been dependent on " Honest Corner" for all their mail matter. But so it was, and I was the boj' that carried it. Everj-thing else — but " Honest Cor ner" — has grown since those days. Now the old tavern house is gone, and only two small dwellings have been put up. But look at the centre and see what a city has arisen where then it was all briers, shrub-oaks, and rocks ! Boston has grown equally fast, and looks no more, now, like what it was when I first saw it than Fox borough Centre does like what it was when I " tended store." AARON HOBART. FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 169 THE ILLUMINATION Of the Common and vicinity, of many private residences, and on several streets, was not the least interesting feature of the day, and many pronounced it the best. Foxborough Common was ablaze with lanterns and colored fire, which re flected from the flags and trees and gave most beautiful ef fects. Foxboro' Brass Band gave an excellent concert, car rying out the published programme, aud all combined, re minded the crowds who were present as spectators of fairy land, or a Parisian scene. About twenty- five hundred lan terns were lighted on the Common, under the management of B. T. Wells, of Boston. Mr. W. is the illuminator who has been engaged at Oak Blutfs several years past, and he states that never, to his knowledge, have so many lights been used in the same space, or to better advantage, than upon this occasion, and his belief is shared by many who have wit nessed the superb illuminations at Oak Bluffs. Many of the buildings fronting upon the Common were decorated and illuminated, more or less profusely, the resi dence of Mr. William Carpenter being probably the prettiest and best arranged. The residence of Mr. John Garside, at which Dr. H. A. Tucker was stopping, very nearly, if not quite, equalled it, and, in the judgment of many, excelled all others. The residences and grounds of E. P. Carpenter, L. P. Faught, V. S. Pond, F. E. Hartshorn, M. Eyan, F. D. Williams, Henry T: Comey, Lewis Pond, Ezra Pick ens, and others, were also aglow with bright and beautiful lights. The fountain and grounds at the Union Straw Works were also illuminated, and attracted crowds of ad miring spectators, who walked on Wall street, beneath a canopy or archway of lanterns, to and from the Straw Works. Th6 residence of Mr. Tyler Carpenter, on Wall street, was also brilliantly lighted. In fact nearly all our citizens in the 170 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. vicinity of the Common, in a manner more or less exten sively, decorated and illuminated, and it would be almost im possible to record the specialties of each. It is estimated that the number of persons present at one time during the day was ten thousand, and that from five to seven thousand witnessed the illumination in the evening. As midnight ap proached the throng diminished, lights gradually disappeared, aud soon all was peaceful, quiet, and at rest. NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS. The Foxboro' Times, which issued an edition of twenty-five hundred copies of the number containing its account of the celebration, commenced its report as follows: — The close of the first centuiy of the corporate existence of our beautiful town was most appropriatelj- and successfullj- ob served, after a long and laborious work of preparation, on Satur day and Sundaj- last. That the one hundredth birthdaj- of a town which has made the progress during that period that this has done should be joj-ously and thankfuUj- observed, with a certain degree of pride and self- commendation, is not to be wondered at. One hundred years ago the residents of Foxborough were but few in number, and thej- were of a poorer class, even of those povertj-- stricken times. Thej- had of town propertj-, one small church builduig, without doors, and with unglazed windows, used as a place of worship and for the storage of powder. Their principal industiy was the tilling of the soil ; j-et a few hoop-poles and considerable charcoal were produced and exchanged with the citizens of larger places for the few necessities of life which could not be produced from our own soil, such as new rum, molasses, and cod-fish. The number of inhabitants of this newly-organized town did not exceed four hundred and fiftj'. At the present time we have a population of nearly thirtj--two FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 171 hundred souls ; a town house that cost nearly $25,000, with a school-house addition worth as much more ; six other school- houses, valued at from $G00 to $2,000 each ; a $13,000 memorial hall, with an excellent public libraiy of nearly three thousand vol umes therein ; two commodious engine-houses ; fire-apparatus (with an able department to use it), which cost not less than 110,000, and which is w"oi'th, when it is considered the amount of propertj- it has saved to our citizens, a much larger sum. We have an ex cellent and nearlj- self-supporting town farm. Our church socie ties, four in number, have each a convenient church edifice. Our Common, at the Centre, is a prettily laid out green, with fence, walks, and shade-trees, second to none in the State. We have an assessed valuation of over one and a half millions of dollars ; an industrj- which tends to feultivate the taste of our citizens for that which is neat and tastj-, that stops not its refining influences at the portals of the manufactorj- where thej- are inculcated, but they are carried iuto the homes and everj--daj- life of our citizens, causing them to vie each with his neighbor in prettilj- arranging and keep ing his grounds and buildings, thus making our town, as a whole, so neat as to give it the title of " the Gem of Norfolk Countj-." We refer, of course, to the straw business, — an industry which has given emploj-ment in a single year to 3,291 persons, and paid for labor in this town and vicinity $399,676.15. It has produced 2,473,819 hats, caps, etc., in one j-ear, valued at cost at $1,493,- 986.40 ; and that we have other industries will not be doubted bj- those who witnessed the trade procession of Saturdaj-. Our citi zens are, on the whole, an intelligent, energetic, and generous people, well-to-do in this world's goods, and above the average communi ties in moralitj-. Our town is noted for its enterprise and liber- alitj', which caused people to expect from it a celebration of its centennial anniversarj- which should be second to none, and one which would be" an honor to the town and its citizens. . . The Boston Herald gave a very full report, in which it said : — Beautiful, indeed, was the sunlight this morning, as it shone upon the " Gem of Norfolk County," the enterprising and historic old town of Foxborough, which, attired in gala-day robes, com- 172 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. menced the preparations for her centennial. The town was fairlj' alive with strangers and visitors, and everj-thing was carried out according to the advertised programme. . . . The streets were denselj- crowded at an early hour, nearlj- seven thousand people being present. . . . The decorations were on a grand scale. . . Everj^ detail of the celebration was carried out success- fullJ^ . . . The decorations and illuminations in the evening proved a most fitting close to the day's festivities. The Common was hung with about twentj--five hundred lanterns, and manj- pub lic and private buildings were beautifully illuminated. In fact, the whole village was one blaze of colored liglit. The band concert was a great attraction. About ten thousand people attended the celebration. The Boston Journal spoke, in its editorial column, as fol lows : — Foxborough Centennial. — The town of Foxborough — the only one of that name in the world, it is said — celebrated its cen tennial Saturday, as will be seen by our full report of the proceed ings. It is not an old town for Massachusetts, nor is it a young one ; its origin dates from the middle period of our history and from the throes of the Revolution. It resulted from that division of the large old towns which has been so prolific in new ones, and which is still, though more slowly, going on. When petitioners could complain, as they did in the movement leading the way- to the organization of Foxborough, " that they lye thirty miles from the old meeting-house, and thirteen from the meeting-house at Pun capaug, so that they are under great disadvantages for attending public worship," it is no wonder that they called for a new town or ganization. Foxborough, it seems, began modestly with one hun dred and nine residents, and now she numbers over three thousand as busy, well-informed and well-to-do people as can be found any where in this Commonwealth. The social and business changes she has passed through in her century of existence are still more marked. The community was so poor at first that the people worshipped in a church without doors or windows. The mothers spun their own fiax and wove the family's clothes. The first exports were a load of charcoal and a FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 173 load of hogshead hoops, the imports consisting of New England rum, molasses, and codfish. It was not till 1804 that the town felt rich enough to buj- a hearse. Visit Foxborough to-day, and what a contrast! is to be found in the beautiful residences, the ample es tates, the immense manufactories sending their products through out the world, and the innumerable evidences of a thriving, intel ligent, moral, and contented population ! Trulj', the century has been well spent bj- the town of Foxborough, and its best rewards have been abundantlj- showered upon her in return. She enters upon her second centurj-, therefore, most auspiciouslj-. She can hardlj- witness such changes as she has experienced in the past, for all the conditions of life are now more settled. It can no longer happen that a citizen, like one of the town's former worthies, can be a resident of two counties and five different towns, while living in the same house all the time. Foxborough, like the rest of Massachusetts, has become an old community. Still, she is only in the beginning of her prosperitj- ; with her wonderful straw in dustrj-, and her other well-founded and thriftj- interests, and her intelligent, exemplary people, there is no reason whj- her second centennial should not be quite as creditable as her first. The Boston Post: — The occasion was one long to be remembered in the historj- of the town. Admirable order was maintained, and the programme was carried out to the letter, with promptness and comfort to all. The Boston Transcript : — The town of Foxborough, which has now reached the ripe age of one hundred j'ears, is to-day engaged in a fitting observance of its centennial anniversarj-, though nnhappilj- the unfortunate acci dent, an account of which is given in another column, has cast a gloom over the proceedings. Boston Traveller: — Foxborough has a history in itself, and one, too, of which its sons and daughters alwaj-s will be proud. The story is eveiy- where known, small as the old town is, and the deeds of its chil- 174 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. dren have never been such as would not cast credit upon the place of their nativitj-. Boston Advertiser: — Foxborough was one hundred j'ears old Saturday. Hence she took occasion to invite to her celebration of the anniversarj- all her children and friends, not onlj- to receive their congratulations, but to show them that the mother is more vigorous, active, and enter prising, more positive in promise of a good future, than manj' j-ears ago. Could the Englishman Charles James Fox have looked upon the Saturday's display, he would have been proud of his American municipal daughter. One hundred j-ears is a short life for a town, and certainly there was displaj-ed an enthusiasm which comes of devotion of towns-people, and ability to manifest it fittingly. . . The people of Foxborough, who have managed the occasion and attended the festivities, may be well pleased at the smoothness with which the exercises passed off. Onlj' one event — but that a se rious one — checked the cordial outfiow of good spirits and mutual congratulations. IV. SUNDAY SERVICES, The observance Avas continued on Sunday by a portion of the community, who assembled in large numbers, without distinction of creed, in the mammoth tent, where services were held in the morning, afternoon, and evening, with a meeting of the Temperance Reform Club, at 4, P.M. The services in the morning commenced with the singing of an anthem by the choir, followed by an invocation by Rev. W. Harrison Alden, D.D. ; the singing of an appropriate hymn, read by Rev. J. T. Pettee ; reading of the fortieth chapter of Isaiah, by Rev. B. Paine; prayer by Rev. Isaac Smith, D.'D. ; a hymn, after which followed a SERMON, BY EEV. Q. H. SHINN, pastor of the Universalist Church. The theme of the preacher was the "Process of God and progress of man," and his text was from Isaiah xl. 12. "Who hath meas ured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills iu a balance?" In narrowing their thoughts to a little rural town, they placed a great limitation on such a theme, but in noting the changes and improve ments of the century the theme was prolific enough. All our centennials come near together. The great centennial of two years ago was the centennial of all the States and 176 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. towns, and, standing in the presence of that wilderness of mystery and miracle, what minds could refrain from lauding high the genius of man, and the marvellous inventions wrought out by his thought and skill. The wondrous possi bilities of the human mind were at once overwhelming to every one that looked on them in eager contemplation. In our enthusiasm we are apt to ascribe our praise to the human intellect; and, in its proper sphere and action, its powers cannot be too highly extolled. We exalt man too high, only when we see no God behind human capacity and effort. There is a great religious idea which these wonderful exhibi tions of human wisdom and skill should awaken in every mind : that God is the author, the first cause, of all things. I rejoice that there are such men as Tyndall, and Darwin, and Huxley. There is a lower deep as well as an upper deep of knowledge, to be explored and fathomed, and I am glad there are men who have courage to a'dvance to the very edge of the mysterious abyss and climb down, that they may give the world information that otherwise it could never have. And if, searching downward, they do not find God and de clare to the world that the Universe is self-existent, — built itself, — there are other men who, climbing into the upper realms of creation, discover the evidences of wisdom and intelligent design, are overwhelmed by the majesty and goodness of the Being in whose presence they consciously stand, and they declare that there is a God. The belief in an Infinite Creator has been as extensive as the reason and instinct of man, and exists to-day notwithstanding the soph istries of materialism. The thought of the red man ran deeper than the swollen stream whose waters he traced back to the "Great Spirit." In the great surging sea; in the rolling lakes and dancing brooklets ; in the mountain stream, the swift cloud, and in innumerable chemical relations whose forces of magic power aud healing are evoked, — water in all these forms is witnessing to us the great Benevolence, who Roman Catholic Church. Pa^-e 247. Unistrbilisl Church P FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 177 alone could have ordained for it so many uses in this material world, witnessing to us design and a wise Designer. Our knowledge of the heavenly bodies stands as one of the loftiest witnesses of the process of God in the universe. He was so exact and careful in his work, that he laid his hand on every inch of space in the vast vault, and the whole heavens stretching in their endless chain. " Who comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure." Worlds are made of in visible atoms over which God has supervision as well as over the world, and, analyzing things downward, we discern the method of God. Everything we see, admire, and use, has been literally measured by the baud of God. Man did not have to create anything. God gave the raw material ; stored it in the earth, buried it in the sea, piled it up in the mountains and the hills. The process of God touches human life no less than it touches the clouds, the planets, the dust, and the hills. In the creation of man his purpose towers above all these. His part is to grow — progress. His into- „ rior life has correspondences iu the outer world, and its divine growths are stimulated when it comes in contact with it. But an atom is man, yet instinct with the life of God, this atom may become more, larger, greater, by throwing out its tendrils to the sun. His searching, exploring, inventing, are accompanied by a flux of happiness ; knowl edge brings with it enlargement of vision, joy, and bliss. ¦ Great discoveries flood the world with joys and large hopes. It was the telegraph and railroad a few years ago ; it is the telephone aud phonograph to-day. In God's purpose it would seem that the age of inventions is divided into epochs. When the world is ready for a new revelation God directs their thoughts in the direction of the truth to be revealed. It is a remarkable fact, that, whenever a great discovery or invention has been announced, it is soon found that many minds had been working at the same problem, even on op posite sides of the globe, as in the case of Wallace and Dar- 178 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. win. To-day there is a dispute as to whether Bell or Dol- bear invented the telephone. And others were working at it at the same time. Since it was revealed to the public, contributions have been made to it by Faraday, Page, Henry, Russ, Gray, and Edison. And the wonderful microphone, who invented that, — Edison, in the United States, or Hughes, in England? So an entire new field of science is opened, and the tide of brain and heart is flowing in. What wonders are hidden in the elements, what glories yet unre- vealed ! "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard." Every nation has contributed to the growth of man. We are a progressive people. Ours is a progressive religion. Idolatrous nations are where they were centuries ago, but Christianity adapts itself to every stage of growth. It has all the elements of permanence, satisfaction, and progress, and opens a new world to the soul, — one that will remain when all else fails and slips away. You have been a hundred years iu making a home. You have made a business that touches the race and improves the condition of your fellow-men, aud a spirit ual union begins to strike its roots and send out its blood. You have pulled' out the stones and stumps aud roots, put in loam, spread sward and shrubs aud flowers. What was once a stony knoll, your beautiful village crowns; and* about your homes are lawns, trees, flowers, — in them, books, paintings, and finer and sweeter souls. The Father must be pleased to see you build, out of rough nature, such a paradise. Sectarian barriers will melt away, as future years shall see us rise with the spirit of Jesus in our hearts, and when all hands are clasped to make men better and save the world. By soul-energy aud faith, by miracles wrought by the love that is in us, we may yet fulfil the words of our Lord, "And greater things than these" shall ye do." At the close of" the sermon the vast congregation joined in FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 179 singing a hymn to the tune of " Old Hundred," and was dis missed with a benediction. AFTERNOON SERVICE. Opening solo by Mrs. S. Josie Cobb. Hjrmn : — ' ' Oh, worship the King, all glorious above ; " read by Rev. J. T. Pettee. Reading of 90th Psalm and. Prayer by Rev. \V. H. Al den, D.D. Hymn : — " Through every age, eternal God; " read by Rev. B. Paiiie. SERMON BY REV. W. H. SPENCER. Subject: Limits of Change. Text: Psalm xc. 2, last clause. Mr. Spencer said, in commencing, that there was one fact that had been made prominent by this centennial season, which was, that a century has wrought changes, many aud great, in the life and circumstances of the people. It is a common subject, and yet does not entirely lose its novelty and interest. We are not yet tired of noticing and wonder ing at the diflference between the old ways of living and working and our own. This centennial anniversary has brought freshly to mind the great difference between the means of obtaining a living now and those of a hundred years ago ; also between the common comforts of life now and then. We see the diflference between rough comfort, log houses, home-raised food and home-made clothing, and the luxuries which are now deemed essential to the well-being of the poorest. We notice great changes in the methods of business, caused by increasing consumption and sharp com- 180 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. petition. Nothing is more marked than the change iu the kinds of industry to which young men and women turn for support. The farmers' sons of to-day are found in stores and counting-houses, or living on the railroad as runners of the great mercantile houses. The farmers' daughters no longer pride themselves on their proficiency in home industry, but seek situations as school-teachers and copyists, or engage in some ligfht kind of manufacture. The strength of muscle is superseded by the power of machinery. The former work of a year is done in a week. Such changes are, however, more apparent than real in their actual effect on our life. A man is no more noble because he can make a shoe by the help of machinery ten times as fast as his father did the same work by hand. The wonderful nineteenth century has not wrought such radical changes in the real life of man as is sometimes supposed. The ideas current among men in respect to social and political relations afford a study no less curious and sur prising than the history of inventions. We see the confi dence iu the decisions of the ballot-box rudely shaken, and many soberly asking whither universal suffrage is finally to lead us. Once the State tried to keep the Church in order; now the State iu all Christendom is coming to the point of recognizing no particular church. From religious persecu tion to toleration, aud from toleration to absolute liberty, in matters of religion — what sweeping changes these are! The relations of nations to each other are constantly chang ing. Christian missions and commerce are bringing racps of meu into closer relations. Glancing at some of the things that do not change, the preacher said, first of all, God does not change. His char acter is the same from age to age. His purposes are as changeless as his holiness. Another fact, that has never changed since Adam and Eve were expelled from Eden, is the hopeless depravity of the human race. The prevailino- tendencies of men are unchanged. By no skilful breeding FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 181 or culture of the human species has the old taint of sin been removed. It is the one awful fact that thoughtful men of every age have had to face, and which has baffled all the remedies which the best worldly wisdom could offer. The nature of sin has not changed since Abel lay dead at the feet of his wrathful brother. It has not lost a shade of its black ness through culture and the polish of manners. Man's con sciousness of sin iu himself is ever the same. The moral sense, however darkened by ignorance, remains, in some degree, a witness for God iu every soul. And with this con sciousness of wrong-doing and the dread of its consequences, there is the same questioning in regard to immortality, and the destiny of sinful man in the life to come. The old, old questions of the unsatisfied heart are ever the same, — "How should man be just with God ? " " What shall I do to be saved ? " But, iu the midst of all, the gospel of Jesus Christ remains the one way of life and salvation. That has never changed. The members of Christian communities, and the heathen, black, yellow, and red, receive pardon for their sins in exactly the eame way, gratuitously, through repentance and faith iu Jesus Christ. On the other hand, .the danger of losing the advantages of the gospel is the same to every one who hears it. It is just as unsafe now to slight the offer of salvation, or to postpone its acceptance, as it ever was. The Bible is one of the things that does not change. It re mains still the same stern reprover of sin, the same faithful message of life and guide to holiness. A comparison of the elements, changeable and unchange able, that enter into our life, suggests certain reflections. First, character is of far more consequence than the out ward conditions of life. It will do lu but little good, if we learn to cross the ocean in flying machines, if our hearts do not soar with nobler aspirations towards God. In vain do we leave behind us the- antiquated ways of living, if we never change our old thoughts aud ways towards God. 182 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Secondly, There is no promise of satisfaction in the ever- chanffiuff circumstances of life. No accumulation of the conveniences of life can of themselves make us happy. There is no more contentment with a gas-burner than with a tallow-dip. Finally, let us remember that we have far more concern with the conditions of eternal life and with our rela tions to au unseen world, than we have with the varying circumstances of this life. Closing Prayer, aud Hymn : — "Lord, dismiss us with thy blessing." Rev. Isaac Smith, D.D. Benediction by Rev. Isaac Smith, D.D. A collection, amounting to $80, was taken up for the family of John .-V. Davis, who was killed at one of the guns on Sat urday morning. The Reform Club held a meeting, commencing at four o'clock. Pres. O. C. Pettee presided, and the meeting was made very interesting by five-minute speeches by Messrs. L. C. Bliss, O. H. Martin, and L. G. Thompson, of Foxborough, Mr. T. Elliott, Rev. J. T. Pettee, and others, from abroad. In the evening a praise and conference meeting was held, conducted by Rev. Bernard Paine, formerly pastor of the Orthodox Church, but now of West Barnstable. The ser vices were very interesting, and consi.sted of addresses by visiting and home clergymen and others, interspersed with singing, a quartette c(msisting of Mr. Albert F. Pettee, Mr. Geo. A. Hunt, Mrs. S. Josie Cobb, and Miss Vesta Follett, giving several appropriate selections. With the close of this meeting the public observance of Foxborough's centennial was concluded. V. FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL MUSEUM. [Written by A. J. Boyden, the Secretary of the Museum Committee.] At an early stage in the preparation of our Centennial Celebration, it was seen that an appropriate supplement to the other and shorter exercises of that occasion would be a collection of relics of by-gone days, aud especially of such as had played a part in our town's early history. The Executive Committee accordingly appointed a Museum Com mittee, to collect and arrange such ancient and honorable relics as could be found in the towu, and such from adjoining towns as were connected with Foxborough's history ; and on Thursday morning, June 27, 1878, the Lower Town Hall, containing the Foxborough Centennial Museum, was opened to the public. The collection embraced more than one thousand articles, of curious form and workmanship, representing nearly all the appliances of home life in the country a century or more ago, with occasionally a " modern improvement " placed beside the more primitive form, showing in a small degree the progress of ideas since that time. At one side of the room were arranged the arms and equipments of some of the patriotic fathers of the town, many of which bore every evidence not only of having been "through the wars," but of having done good service. Of these military relics perhaps the most interesting was a 184 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL REOORD. genuine halberd, which has been for many generations au heirloom in the Morse family, and, for aught we know, may have played a part with some valiant soldier iu Cromwell's army. It was loaned by its present owner, Mr. Jairus J. Morse, and, with a spontoon loaned by Charles W. Hodges, Esq., fofmed the only weapons of this class in the Museum. Among the many Revolutionary relics, a complete list of which it would be impossible to give here, were two cartridge-boxes, one loaned by R. W. Carpenter, Esq. , the other, by Mr. S. Irving Carpenter. These boxes were carried in the Revolutionary War by brothers, Nehemiah and Ezra Carpenter, and bear the handiwork of their original owners in the name and date " 1777," stamped" upon them. Mr. Jason Morse exhibited his grandfather Timothy Morse's cartridge-box and powder-horn, and also his com mission as lieutenant, several iuteresting papers concerning camp duties, and a powder-horn carried by Joseph Elliot in the Revolution. Mr. James Giffbrd exhibited a musket carried by Lewis Giffbrd, and Geo. W. Doolittle, a Revolu tionary powder-horn. Mr. George Hartshorn Fisher, of Wrentham, contributed a sword carried by Jeremiah Hartshorn , a native and resident of Foxborough, when a soldier in the Continental army, and one of the donors of Foxborough Common when the land was given whereon to erect a meeting-house. Miss Nellie Hewins exhibited a sword carried in that war by her grand father. Mr. Adison Pratt Forrist, a silver-hilted sword, aud adjutant's commission of his grandfather, Abijah Pratt, who, one hundred years ago, was a resident of Robbins's corner, now called East Foxborough, and an aide-de-camp, to General Washington. Mr. I. Shepard Winslow, the captain's commission of his grandfather, Eleazer Robbius. Two cannon-balls were exhibited, one dug up on the Boy den Farm, the other on the Hodges Farm. They were evi- FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 185 dently cast at Stoughton furnace, and used iu testing the cannon manufactured there in the early days of the Revolution. Besides the military relics lent by Mr. Jason Morse, and alluded to above, the Museum also received from him house hold articles enough to have furnished an old-fashioned New England home. Iron and wood and pewter each played their part, and tobacco one hundred years old, spinning-wheels, frying-pans, toasters, trammels, mustard-pots, and pepper boxes vied with each other for a -share of attention, while one curious piece of furniture, one hundred and fifty years old, seemed to have doubled its capacity for work in the long rest to which it had been subjected, and readily trans formed itself, at the spectator's will, from a large, circular- topped table into a very capacious chair. Mrs. E. C. Baker exhibited the horns of a deer, killed more than one hundred years ago by her great-grandfather, Benjamin Guild, on the "Gilmore lot," near where the steam- mill now stands. Mr. Elbridge Barber exhibited a curious lock, more than one hundred aud fiftyyears old; Mrs. A. Barber, a tea-caddy, teapot, and creamer, brought from China more than a century ago, and Miss Sophronia Barber, a watch-case ; Mrs. Alpheus Bird, a book entitled The Doubting Christian, printed in 1743 ; Miss Anna W. Billings, a chair, probably one hundred and fifty years old, and an old-style bonnet ; Mr. J. Maynard Billings, the record-book of a military company in Fox borough, dating back to 1797. From the Boyden Homestead the Museum received, with other articles, several andirons and gourds, a foot-stove, books, old-style wooden butter-scales with stone weights, a primitive copper "drip " lamp, acartridge box and Continen tal hat." Also a collection of papers written by Seth Boyden , . an early settler in Foxborough, and one of the proprietors " of a Lot of Land, being the Forty-fifth Lot in the Twenty- 186 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. five Divisions of Land, so called, situate, lying and being late in the Township of Dorchester and now (1738) in the Township of Stoughton " (now Foxborough) . These papers dated back to 1737, and included warrants issued to call meetings of the proprietors, as well as the original drafts of his reports of the deliberations in these meetings, and were interesting as giving many facts concerning the early days of the Second Precinct of Stoughton, a portion of which is now in Foxborough. Mr. Alexander Boyden exhibited a garment spunand woven by his grandmother, several iuteresting letters and papers, and a number of household utensils, among which were a pestle and mortar bearing the date 1741 ; Mr. S. L. Boyden. a pair of money-scales used by his grandfather, Amos Boy den. A similar pair were exhibited by Mr. Jason Morse. Mrs. Mary A. Boyden, a wooden plate, one hundred years old, formerly owned by Amos Boyden, and her grandmother's gold beads, one hundred and fifty-two years old. Mrs. Fisher Hartshorn, two large oil portraits of her father and mother, Lieut, and Mrs. Ezra Carpenter. The chair in which Ezra Carpenter sat when this picture was painted was exhibited by his son, Mr. Daniels Carpenter. Mr. Tyler Carpenter contributed a picture of the old Peter Carpenter House, which in Revolutionary days was used as a tavern, and was the half-way house between Boston and Prov idence ; Mr. Francis Carpenter, nails left when Mr; Ezra Carpenter's house was built, in 1783; Mrs. R.W. "Carpenter, a birch band-box, one hundred years old. Mr. S. Irving Carpenter, a collection of old papers, re ceipts, and notes of hand, bearing the signatures of many of the fathers of the town. Mrs. Ezra Carpenter, an ancient tea-canister and round centre-table. Mrs. Edson Capen, an antique mustard-pot, cup and saucer, bowl and salt-cellar. Mrs. Tryphena Capen, a very ' FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 187 old eight-legged table, and a teapot, about two hundred years old. Mrs. James Capen, a chair, one hundred aud five years old, two old-style veils, and a very old tea-can, containing tea twenty-live years old. Hon. Otis Cary, a " History of the Church since the days of our Saviour to the present age," printed in 1634, a Bos ton Directory for the year 1796, and a silver brooch and sleeve-buttons. Mrs. Joseph Carroll, almanacs for the years 1732-1751, containing memoranda in ink, and the dates of many biiths, deaths, and marriages, and whenever any incident of interest or importance occurred. Mrs. Julius Carroll lent the Museum more than two score well-preserved relics, mostly household utensils, among which the most noticeable were a pair of well-polished and- irous, a shovel and tongs, a foot-stove and warming-pan, a pannier-basket, tin kitchen and churn, a decorated tumbler, more than one hundred years old, given to Mrs. Rachel Pratt for a wedding present ; a spinning-wheel, with flax and tow, and several old-style bonnets and bonnet-blocks. Mrs. Nancy Cleaveland exhibited a bonnet-block, ninety years old, and an umbrella, one hundred years old. Mrs. Susan Comey, a razor, more than a century old. Mrs. E. A. Cook, a small box, which has been handed down in the family for more than nine generations. Mrs. Lewis Daniels contributed a sword and sun-dial, brought from Normandy in the year 1748, and a pair of wooden shoes, formerly owned and worn by Francis Daniels. Mr. Lewis G. Daniels, a deed and plan of a piece of land which, in 1753, was in Stoughton, in 1759 in Wrentham, and which is now in Foxborough. •Mrs. Chloe Dauiels, a silver-plated platter, and embroid ered skirt, each more than one hundred years old, and a pewter platter, one hundred aud twenty-five years old. 188 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Mrs. James Daniels, a wine-glass, a century old or more. Mrs. Walter Davis, a button-mould, brought from France more than a century ago. Dr. L. Dickerman exhibited a religious book printed iu 1626. From Col John M. Everett the Museum received a sur veyor's compass, more than one hundred years old. It originally belonged to Dea. Aaron Everett, who was born in 1748, aud who used it in Wrentham, now Foxborough, when he was a young man. The compass descended from him to Meletiah Kverett, Esq., and finally to Col. John M. Everett, its present owner. Miss Fanny Everett exhibited a chair used by the first teacher in what was formerly School District No. 1, and also a chair, now one hundred aud sixty years old, which for merly belonged to General Lincoln. From the same source was received a majolica plate, two hundred aud twenty-five years old, and a tester, or canopy, for a high-posted bed stead. This canopy, more than one hundred and fifty years old, was exhibited on a bedstead more than one hundred years old, contributed by Mr. Erastus Pettee. An accom panying cradle, one hundred and eight years old, was loaned by Mr. J. B. Morse. Mrs. E. Copeland Fales exhibited silver spoons and a quaintly pictured bedquilt, one hundred years old, which attracted tnuch attention. Miss Elizabeth aud Miss Maria Fales, a cushion, formerly used for making lace, with samples of lace made on it by their grandmother, Mrs. Elizabeth Comey. Mrs. Comey learned to make the lace when she was sixteen years old, ninety-five years ago. Mr. John Ferguson exhibited a pitcher which was brought from White Haven, England, in 1720. Mr. Abner Fairbanks, two mahogany chairs, one hundred and twenty-five years old, which formerly belonged to Mrs. Fairbanks' grandmother. FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 189 A large platter, and small straw-covered box, or trunk, were exhibited by Mr. Adison P. Forrist, and are reputed to have come over in the " May Flower." They were inher ited from Mr. Forrist's grandfather, Capt. Eleazer Robbins. Mr. Marcus P. Forrist exhibited a copy of the " Acts and Laws of Massachusetts" for the years 169il to 1718. Miss Augusta Forrist exhibited a beautiful colored china set, formerly owned by her father, Mr. Calvin Forrist. This set was very much admired by all visitors at the Museum, who were doubly interested in it from the fact that, although bought in Boston, and brought to Foxborough the day pre ceding the great September gale of 1815, it is still entire, not one of its many pieces ever having been broken or lost. Mrs. Albert Fisher exhibited the Uncle Josh. Boyden gourd, and a picture wrought iu silk. Mrs. Susan C. Garside, a deed given, Dec. 31, 1787, by Mr. Ezra Carpenter to Mrs. Anna Carpenter, in which, for a consideration, the former sells the latter " the pew next the porch in the Galaway, at the east end of the Meeting House." Mrs. Garside also exhibited her grandmother's pocket-book, and one-sixth of a dollar in paper money, dated Feb. 17, 1776, and bearing the rather startling in junction, "Mind Your Business." Mrs. L. E. Gray exhibited au ancient salt-mortar, pewter platter, and wooden bowl. Miss S. H. Green, a picture wrought by Abigail Warren, in 1809, in memory of her grandmother, Mary Warren,, who died at Roxbury, in 1803. Also, a ring, more than one hundred years old, owned by Mrs. Anne Warren, of Foxborough, and a jilate resembling majolica, at least two hundred years old, owned by Mrs. Ezra Green. Dr. G. W. Harvey, two ancestral coats-of-arms, more than one hundred and fifty years old ; and a book of poems printed in 1791, and given to Samuel Welsh in the month of Feb ruary, 1800, by Mr. John Wilson, of London, as they were 190 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. riding together in a coach. Mr. N. B. Harvey, a base clarionette, formerly used in the old brick meeting-house, by Mr. Isaac TiflTany, and nearly one hundred years old. Mr. Benjamin Hodges, a pair of snow-shoes. Mrs. Irene Hodges, a book of sermons, printed 1647, and several an cient garments. Miss Emma B. Hodges, samples of lace, made by her great-grandmother, Mrs. Elizabeth Comey, alluded to above. Miss Martha L. Hodges, a beautiful colored handkerchief, spun and woven by her great-grand mother, Mrs. Juuia Leonard. Mr. D. Allen Hodges, an immense pewter platter, which has descended in the family for several generations, and an Indian arrow-head dug on his father's farm. To C. W. Hodges_, Esq., the Museum Committee were in debted for a large number of interesting relics, but especially for his enterprise in providing and setting up a weaving loom and the various implements used in the reduction of flax, and explaining their use. Mr. Hodges also exhibited an immense and aged wooden plough. Mr. Daniel Holt exhibited a dish, said to be over three hundred years old. Mrs. Willard Hewins, a pair of Indian moccasins. Mrs. Julia A. C. Holden, several very fine tortoise-shell combs, a pair of silver ear drops, some samples of fine needle-work and lace embroidery, and several Masonic aud Veteran Association medals given to her father, Mr. Joshua Holden. Dr. J. G. S. Hitchcock added very much to the success of the Museum by contributing a variety of beautiful and valuable relics, one of which was a day-book of his great- great-grandfather, Nathaniel Green. Mr. Green, a Boston merchant, opened accounts in this book in 1714. In 1722 his son. Major Jeremiah Green, became his partner and book keeper, and from that date the entries are in his handwrit ing, and throw much light on the business and methods of those days. Also an oil portrait of Major Jeremiah Green, FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 191 alluded to above, and a bill of lading, by which it appears that on July 24, 1754, four hogsheads of New England rum were " Shipped, by the Grace of God, in Good Order and well conditioned, by Jer. Green in and upon the good Schooner called the Dolphin," then " riding at anchor in the harbor of Boston, and by God's Grace bound for Phila- deljohia"; the same "to be delivered in the like Good Order and well conditioned at the aforesaid Port of Philadelphia (the Dangers of the Seas only excepted) unto Wm. Morton or to his assigns, he or they paying the Freight for the said Goods four Shillings per hhd. Philadelphia Curryancy with Primas^e and Average accustomed." A license given in 1781 by George III., King of England, to George Joy, ancestor of Dr. Hitchcock, allowing him to pass the blockade with six vessels of corn and provisions. The license bears at its headifig the sign manual of King George, and at its close that of William Henry, Duke of Portland, his Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Home Department. Dr. Hitchcock also exhibited a Proc lamation, issued by the Governor of Massachusetts in 1760, and an English gold watch, made before the reign of Charles II., more than two hundred and seventy-eight years ago. Mr. Charles Dixon exhibited an oil painting more than two hundred and five years old, and Miss Albina Hinckley a plate one hundred and fifty years old. Mr. Herbert W. Jewett, a very old Masonic pitcher, and Mrs. Hiram Jones, a carved oaken-chest more than two hun dred and fifty years old. Dea. Charles N. Morse, a copy of the ''Ulster County Ga zette," draped in mourning for the death of Washington, and a copy of the New England Covenant, dated 1723. Mr. Nelson Morse, a pair of spectacles, known to be over one hundred years old, and specimens of Continental money. Mrs. Bainbridge Mowry, two pieces of framed needle- 192 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. work, an ancient quilt, an embroidered mourning piece, table covers, slippers, and feathers. Relics of the first meeting-house built in Foxborough were not wanting, and Col. John M. Everett gave the circular top to the old pulpit window, and Geo. W. Glines the latch to one of the doors, which, since the destruction of the meeting house in 1822, had done good service on the door of a com house. Though destroyed more than fifty years ago, many people iu town remembered the old house of worship, and from their description, checked by each other and by records, several sketches of it were made by the Secretary of the Museum Committee, and finally one was obtained which seemed to give a correct idea of its form. For the informa tion necessary to complete this sketch, the secretary was chiefly indebted to Mrs. Leonora Winslow, Mrs. Edson Carpenter, Mrs. Fisher Hartshorn, Mrs. Esther Pettee, Mr. Daniels Carpenter, and Mr. Jason Morse. Among the relics in the Museum not yet alluded to was a funeral ring bearing the inscription "L. Henchman ob.- 17 Sep.- 1761 JEi. '2,1 ." This ring, which was presented to the clergyman who officiated at the funeral obsequies of a brother clergyman, was probably first owned by the Rev. Phillips Payson, of Walpole, from whom it descended to his son, the Rev. John Payson, then to his grandson. Dr. William Pay- son, formerly of Foxborough, and finally to Dr. Payson's daughter. Miss Hannah W. Payson, by whom it was con tributed. Another memento of the eighteenth century, which accom panied the ring, was a pocket-book, well w-orthy of mention, wrought by Miss Anna Perkins, of Lynnfield, bearing the name of her brother, William Perkins, and the date 1759. With these, and other articles of lesser consequence, were a few books, the oldest of which was a theological work, dated 1636, formerly owned by the Hon. Ebenezer Warren, of Foxborough ; also a volume of Dr. Watts' sermons, printed Samaritan Hall Building-. Page 247. Lincoln Building. Page 247. FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 193 at Boston, 1746, and a Greek and Latin Testament, dated 1741. These books were probably originally owned by Rev. Phillips Payson of Walpole. Mr. James A. Payson exhibited a punch-mug used in a hotel in Taunton more than eighty years ago. Mrs. Irene Perkins exhibited candle-snuffers, silk cocoons, and also some lace and bobbins made in 1763. Mr. Albert Plympton, a cane made by Zadok Howe. Mr. Willard Plympton, saddle-bags, and a box of flax and tow. Mr. Lewis Pond, Chairman of the MiiseUm Committee, exhibited many interesting articles, among which were a sheep-bell cast in England more than one hundred and fifty years ago, and a collection of native Indian relics, including knives, axes, arrow-heads, and ornaments. Mr. Pond also exhibited a very old coin, undoubtedly the oldest article in the Museum, for it purports ta have been coined during the reign of Constantius, son of Constantine the Great, more than fifteen hundred years ago. Mr. D. B. Robinson exhibited a very ancient pitcher, and other household utensils, and Mr. Frank I. Sherman a deed given in 1736. Mrs. Isaac Smith, a plate which came over in the May- Flower, and was once the property of her grandmother, Ruth ^^'hite, of Marshfield, a lineal descendant of Peregrine White. Mr. Chas. Clark Sumner exhibited a large wooden punch bowl, brought from England to this country, more than two hundred years ago, by the Billings family. Mrs. Mary Sumner Davenport exhibited a picture of her grandmother, Mrs. Hannah Nutting Sumner, who lived to be one hundred and three years old. This picture, or profile, was made when Mrs. Sumner was one hundred years old, and it was accompanied by her fan, and by samples of needle work made by her when she was one hundred and two years old. Mrs. Davenport also exhibited pewter ware, apparently 194 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. as perfect as when first made, which was formerly owned by her grandmother Boyden. Mr. Charles I. Read, a wooden-salter one hupdred aud sixty-seven years old, a needle-case one hundred and twenty- five years old, and a pin-ball one hundred .and ten years old, made by Mrs. Zadok Howe. Carmi Richmond, Esq., a long list of relics, among which the most noticeable were a looking-glass taken from a British vessel, in the English channel, by his grandfather when on a privateering cruise ; two mugs, — one made at the time of the election of President Jefferson, the other more than two hundred years old ; a leaf one hundred years old, lace one hundred and fifty years old, ear-rings and a spoon-mould one hundred years old, a Continental sixty-five-dollar bill, and a crape dress one hundred and fifty years old. Miss E. G. Ware, an oil portrait of her mother, painted seventy-six years ago, and a beautiful embroidered silk dress. Mr. H. G. Warren exhibited the old Warren crockery and a French gentleman's dress-sword. There was also a picture of the old Warreu homestead, painted by Mr. Geo. B. Sherman. Mr. Fred. H. Williams, a silver spoon more than one hun dred years old. Miss L. J. Winslow exhibited a salt-mortar one hundred and twenty-five years old, which formerly belonged to Capt. Eleazer Robbins, and the dental instruments of her o-rand- lather. Dr. Shadrach Winslow. These instruments were interesting as showing one of the methods of torture prac tised a century ago. The Museum was closed Saturday, July 6th, having been opeu to the public nine days, during which time, though a large proportion of the visitors held complimentary tickets of admission, more than fifty-five dollars were realized over Hud above expenses, and paid over to the Treasurer of the Executive Committee. VI. NINETEEN HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-EIGHT. WniTTEN BT Amos J. Botdeit. When all who attended the recent Centennial Celebration shall have passed away and their places be filled by another generation, — when another hundred years shall be accom plished and the inhabitants of Foxborough take measures to celebrate the two hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of their town, — then will the pages of her history and the annals of our country be studied, not only for the outlines of the past, not merely for dates and names and deeds, but for the motives which prompted to action, for the spirit which animates and has ever animated the loyal citizens of our town and country ; and to prove, that, of all the precious legacies of past generations of our republic to their succes sors, those which have conferred the most lasting benefits were not the results of accident, but of wise foresight and generous personal sacrifice. And the feeling that this will be the spirit of historical research in years to come, — that the question may arise, whether, in our desire to commemorate the past, we have given one glance into the future, or one thought to those who are to follow us, ^- leads us to extend to all who in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and seventy-eight shall meet at our town's Bi-centennial Celebration, to all who shall on the appointed day look with longing eyes toward this 196 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. place of their early childhood, most cordial, heartfelt greet ings. To the committees having charge of your celebration we extend the sympathy to which we know they will be justly entitled ; and, while we refer you to the report of our Executive Committee for a catalogue of the difficulties you may expect to meet, we would not fail to call your attention to the fact, that, when so beloved a mother as our good old town sends out the invitation to her sons and daughters to come back to the old home aud celebrate her birth, they return, not as straggling deserters, but joyfully and by thousands, to renew their allegiance to her, and to receive her forgiveness for past forgetfulness, her "Good-speed" for future enterprises. Joyfully we made this discovery, though at a late day ; and we impart it to you, trusting you will make it the guide in your preparations, and the main spring of your success. Standing at the entrance to a new century, though we look with deepest interest into its coming years, we realize that fancy only can draw for us a dim outline of their mysteries, while hope and fear complete the unreal picture with their lights and shades. But before you the history of these years will spread out as the page of an open book ; and by the light which shines from that page must our work and that of our predecessors be judged. As, therefore, you study the history of your country, as with unprejudiced mind you judge of the comparative merits of past acts of legislation or deeds of valor, remember that true principles are absolutely changeless; that they cannot be choked by violence or drowned by praise ; that they are unaffected by acts of legislation ; and that, although they may be wilfully neglected, or, in times of ignorance, may for a season be lost to sight, they will surely rise wherever and whenever a true man is found. The magnet which drew the Pilgrim Fathers to Plymouth FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 197 Rock was the resistless power of a strong, true principle. And that principle remained the same through all those early years in New England when even its avowed cham pions seem to have almost lost sight of it in the mists of bigotry and persecution. Our sires fought the battles of the Revolution for a principle. And that principle remains the same to-day, will ever remain the same, that it was one hundred years ago ; unaffected by the fact that its defenders fought in ragged coats and left their bloody footprints on the winter snows ; unaffected by the fact that their country re deemed its pledges by paying these brave men in a depreci ated currency worth but two and one-half cents on a dollar. We make no prophecies concerning the future of Fox borough ; they are unnecessary. We laud not too highly her past history or her present standing ; for of all these you will be better judges than we. But we know that her true worth and dignity in years to come, her real position among her honorable sister towns and in the State^ will depend, not on her acres of public Ixuildings or her miles of streets, not on the millions of dollars inv^estcd in her enterprises or the number of her inhabitants, but on the simple, vital question, whether those inhabitants be true and loyal men and women, — able to think for themselves, and willing to penetrate the dust and chaff of public opinion, and from the errors and successes of their predecessors, as well as the .good and evil which their own eyes see, to resur rect and promulgate the eternal principles of truth and jus tice. Should the lapse of another hundred years show that we or our fathers have, as a nation, failed to do this, let our failure be your guide. Have we in a measure succeeded, let that measure of success be for you a stepping-stone to a broader, higher success, which shall guarantee to every man, woman, and child in our beloved land, that life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness which alone can fulfil the spirit of the Consti- 198 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD.. tution. For this we live ; for this our fathers lived. And, that you may do your part in the accomplishment of this high aim, we leave to you the rights jgranted by a Constitu tion which embalms the noblest thoughts of all ages, and ask you to maintain the spirit of that Constitution by such a 'system of public-school instruction as shall teach all to appreciate the rights granted therein. We leave to you that precious heirloom, a share in the fortunes of a mighty nation, and appeal to you to so use that unit of power in the civil government that your voice can ever and consistently be raised against oppression, and for the equalization of the ojiportunities for true improve ment among all classes of men. And, finally, we leave to you our township. Are her fields and meadows fruitful and well watered, rejoice in the wealth thus afforded. Are they stony and unfruitful, rejoice ; for the toil which makes the wilderness to blossom as the rose, which converts the desert into a garden, and barren fields into garnered wheat, should also develop clear heads and willing hands, and that greatest of blessings to any nation, — true, honest men. VII. A MEMORIAL RECORD OF THE PATRIOTISM OF OUR SOLDIERS AND TOWN. An Address delivered in Town Hall, Foxeoeough, before Post 91, G.A.K., Mat 31, 1877, bt Hon. E. P. Carpenter. Another Decoration Day, with fitting services and cere monies, has passed — the flowers are still fresh upon the graves of our "heroic dead ; " the 30th day of May, 1877, is recorded as a day consecrated to the remembrance of those who fell in our late struggle, so glorious,. if unhappy. But we think of them without anguish, recalling their heroic ef forts and sacrifices, and the immortality they have earned. In the eloquent language of Gov. Andrew, " During the ages to come, the muse will brood over their memory. By the homely traditions of the fireside, by the headstones . in the. church-yard, consecrated to those whose forms repose far off in rude graves by the Rappahannock, or sleep beneath the sea, embalmed in the memories of succeeding generations of parents and children, the heroic dead will live on, in immor tal youth. By their names, their fate, their glory, they can not fail." Their former comrades can say of them, with the great poet : — " Trumpet and fife, swelling choral along, The triumph already sweeps, marching in song. Farewell, fallen brothers ! though this life be o'er, There's another in which we shall meet you once more." 200 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. I do not propose, on this occasion, to detain you with gen eral remarks upon the valor and services of our volunteers, or with thoughts suggested by Decoration Day. My inten tion is, rather, as briefly as may be possible, to set forth the military record of our soldiers and town. The territory of Foxborough was made up from parts of Wrentham, Walpole, Stoughton, and Stoughtonham (now Sharon). Wrentham was incorporated in 1673 ; Walpole, in 1724 ; Stoughton, in 1726 ; Sharon, in 1765 ; Foxborough, on the 10th of June, 1778. It was born, therefore, amid the throes of the Revolutionary period. Lexington, Bunker Hill, the siege and evacuation of Boston, were memorable deeds already quite passed by in the rapid rush of events. Washington had occupied and evacuated New York ; Long Island and Staten Island had been lost to the enemy, who had, moreover, taken the forts upon th6 Hudson river, and overrun the Jerseys, occupying Philadelphia. The fame which Washington won by the brilliant engagements at Trenton and Princeton had been somewhat dimmed by the indecisive or disastrous engagements at the Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth Court House ; but the failure of the Gates and Conway intrigue to displace him from the chief command demonstrated what a strong hold he already had upon the affections and respect of his countrymen. In the North the patriots had been more fortunate. At JBennington, on the 16th of August, 1777, the sturdy Stark had defeated the Hessian Colonels Baum and Breyman, in the glorious battle of Bennington, the centennial of which will soon be celebrated in unison by Vermont, New Hamp shire, and Massachusetts, which shared the dangers and glory of the fight. This victory reanimated the people of New England and New York, and prepared the way for the overthrow and sur render of the proud army of Burgoyne, Oct. 16, 1777. The finances of the United States were in a most de- FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 201 plorable condition. The liabilities contracted by Con gress amounted to $40,000,000 ; Massachusetts alone owed $5,000,000. The entire debt contracted for the war amounted to at least $65,000,000. • Continental money depreciated to at least six for one in New England, and eight for one in the South. At a later period the money wages, for one year, of Ezra Carpenter, here in Foxborough, upon the farm of Benjamin Pettee, now owned by Daniels Carpenter, was only sufficient to buy him a pair of cowhide shoes. Thus the financial status of the infant republic was well- nigh desperate. Yet fiiith and hope were strong. June 14, 1777, the flag of the stars and stripes had been adopted. Though harassed and depreciated, the immortal Washington was "Patient of toil, serene amidst alarms, Inflexible in faith, invincible in arms." In that year, too, Lafayette had brought his sword, his youthful enthusiasm, and his loyal devotion, to the American cause. January 30, 1778, France and the United States signed two treaties, — one of friendship and commerce, the other of defensive alliance ; and this alliance, embroiling England with France, eventually rescued our independence from the countless dangers that beset it. June 13, 1778, the British Commissioners — the Earl of Carlisle, Wm. Eden, and Gov. Johnstone — communicated to Congress proposals as a basis of peace, an extension of colonial trade ; no military force to be quartered in any colony with out the consent of its Assembly ; an arrangement for sustain ing the Continental bills of credit and their ultimate dis charge ; a representation of the colonies in the Parliament of Great Britain and of the British government in the colonial assemblies. In short. King George offered almost every thing short of total independence ; but Congress peremptorily 202 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. refused to treat, unless the independence of the States was first acknowledged, or the troops withdrawn. This was three days after the incorporation of our little town. Five days later, on the 18th of June, Philadelphia was evacuated by the British. Thus, amidst the mingled hopes and fears of Americans, Foxborough began its existence as a town. The inhabitants of the territory embraced in it had already evinced their willingness to share in all patriotic perils and sufferings. When enlistments were first called for, Lieut. Timothy Morse recruited twenty-four men in the crowded bar-room of the old tavern at Wrentham, for three years' service. My grand father, Ezra Carpenter, was at work in a ditch on the land now owned by his son, Daniels Carpenter, when the minute men were first summoned by the alarm, upon the news of the battle of Lexington. He dropped his tools, ran for his musket and knapsack, seized a parcel of bread and meat, bade good-by to his friends, and started to join his company at Wrentham ; but, failing to find it there, he continued his Inarch alone to Dedham, and there joining other comrades, they continued on and overtook the company at Roxbury. He was at the siege of Boston, and there, while doing guard duty, had a narrow'escape from a canuon-ball, that came so near to him that he lost a portion of his shirt from his back and was thrown headlong to the ground, and reported by the soldier on guard with him as having been killed. He lived to the age of eighty-nine, and the speaker has often listened with boyish enthusiasm to his stories of Revolutionary service, protracted for three years. He was, doubtless, a sol dier of Putnam's, at Long Island ; he certainly crossed the Delaware, under Washington, on the memorable Christmas eve of 1776, and on Christmas morning, at eight o'clock, rushed in with his comrades upon the surprised and sleepy Hessians, confused with the last night's debauch. They had thrown their fresh-baked bread into the " horse-pond ; " but it FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 203 was, nevertheless, rescued on the points of bayonets, and proved, after a shaving process, a savory morsel to the half- starved Americans This Foxborough soldier and his com rades, a number of whom lived aud died within my remem brance, but of whose particular history I have no knowledge, wintered in 1776-77 at Morristown, in comparative com fort; but in 1777-78, the distress in the winter quarters of Washington's army was terrible, and the old campaigners often dwelt upon its details. December 10, 1777, the army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. Eleven thousand soldiers were quartered in log huts, each containing fourteen men. For want of shoes, all the late marches had been marked with blood from wounded feet. For lack of blankets, many of the meu were compelled to sit up all night before the camp-fires. More than one quarter were unfit for duty, because barefoot aud otherwise naked. Provisions failed ; more than once there was famine in the camp. Such was the service aud sufl'ering of the Foxborough sol diers in the Revolution. As there were, of course, no records until after 1778i we are unable to find the responses the town would, if in existence, have made to the stirring appeals of James Otis, John Adams, Hancock, and Samuel Adams, ad dressed to the little rural municipalities ; but we find, in the very first warrant issued for a town meeting, dated June 12, 1778, "Article 5th : to see if the town will carry on the war by way of a rate, or act or do anything thereon they shall see fit ; " feeling and assuming, as it were, the whole responsi bility of carrying on the war. And it was this spirit that established our republic. As the grandson of a Revolution ary soldier, the speaker may be pardoned for expressing the gratification he has experienced in serving as your represen tative upon the Commission which has deposited the noble statue of Samuel Adams in the capitol at Washington, as the gift of Massachusetts to the nation and her tribute of admi ration to him, often called "the pilot of the Revolution." 204 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. It is said and claimed that Uriah Atherton, of Foxbor ough, cast at Sharon the first cannon of the Revolutionary War. The Revolutionary patriots of Foxborough bore the names of Boyden, Billings, Carpenter, Forrest, Hartshorn, Howe, Morse, Everett, Pettee, etc. ; in all, twenty-four in number. The same names reappear, in the war of 1812, among the thirty-eight men furnished by the town to tl^e light infautry company which reported at Roxbury, serving fifty six days in and about the forts of Boston Harbor. Daniel Everett was its captain ; Asa Plympton, lieutenant ; Amos Morse, ensign. Of the soldiers of 1812, four are still living, — Alexander Boyden, Francis Carpenter, Daniels Carpenter, and Lyman Comey, — Whose united ages are quite three hundred and thirty years. July 2, 1812, the town voted "to make up to the soldiers detached from the militia in Foxborough and inhabitants of Foxborough, with the government pay, twelve dollars per mouth for May, June, July, August, September, and Octo ber, and ten dollars for November, December, January, February, March, and April, If they are called into active service." Aug. 22, 1814, it was voted "to make up to the soldiers of the last detachment, aud all who may be detached in Foxborough previous to March next, eighteen dollars a month each, and each five dollars bounty." At a meeting Nov. 1, 1814, the .part of the vote about bounty was recon sidered. It may be worth while to note, that in 1815, at the close of the war, one hundred and fifty-two votes were thrown for governor; and, in the absence of statistics showing the number of inhabitants of the town at that time, we are led to infer that Foxborough had a larsre representation of soldiers in the war of 1812. Foxbor ough furnished one man to the Massachusetts regiment in the FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 205 Mexican War, whose name was Henry Hunnewell ; but, as it is well known, that war was not popular in this region. Time passed and brought us to the presidential election of 1860, and its immediate consequences, culminating in the fall of Fort Sumter. The deadening spirit of compromise and submission, which dominated in the large commercial cities in the winter of 1860 and 1861, had a palsying effect upon the patriotism of the country ; but, with the outrage to the flag, American manhood flamed forth. Fort Sumter fell on Saturday, April 13, 1861. On Monday, April 15, Col. A. B. Packard, of Quincj', commanding fhe Fourth Regiment Massachusetts Militia, received orders to appear at Boston, on the following morning, with his command. The adjutant, Henry Walker, of Quincy, sent them at once to the several companies, by special messenger, who reached the last company — Company G, of Taunton — in a driv ing storm of wind and rain, beating up Capt. Gordon at three, A.M., of the 16th qf April. Company F, of the Fourth, was known as the " Warren Light Guard of Foxborough." It was organized under the act of Jan. 22, 1776 ; and in 1861 was said to hold the oldest charter iu the State, granted upon petition, all similar having disbanded. In 1 854 it was changed from an artillery into a light infantry company. In 1857 its location was changed from Norton to Foxborough. Its name was, of course, iu memory of the martyr of Bunker Hill, whose brother. Judge Warren, resided in Foxborough in the house that his lineal descend ant, our worthy citizen, Henry G. Warren, now owns and occupies. The son of General Warren was buried in the old burying-ground ; but his remains were removed some years since. In April, 1861, David L. Shepard was its captain; Moses A. Richardson and Carlos A. Hart, its lieutenants, — all of Foxborough. Alvin E. Hall, of Foxborough, was sergeant- major of the regiment. 206 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Capt. Shepard received his orders at nine o'clock, P.M., and immediately notified officers and men to report at the armory at the Cocasset House, as early as possible on the following morning. The members of the company were scattered well over the town, and out of town ; but a hirge number reported equipped for duty at about ten o'clock. It was a solemn moment of parting. Excitement was in tense. "Esquire" Bird, — as he was known and called by all, and of whom it could be truly said, if it could be said of any man, "an honest man is the noblest work of God,"^ — inspired with patriotic zeal and fervor, made a most feeling and eloquent address to the soldiers who had been called to defend the honor of their country ; to which Capt. Shepard fittingly replied in behalf of the company. There were a number of our young men who volunteered to don the uniforms of members of the company, who had families, and to " fall in " and follow the fortunes of the company, and did so. The company were followed by a large num ber of friends and citizens to East Foxborough, where they took the train for Boston, and promptly reported at the State House. The same readiness was evinced throughout- the entire regiment. At Quincy, Adjutant Walker beat the drum for recruits. One man said, "I want to see my wife." — "No time for leave-taking," said the adjutant ; "fall in." — "Do you want an Irishman?" said one. — "Do you be lieve, in the old flag? If you do, fall in." So he fell in, and marched in his shirt-sleeves. The Fourth Regiment was prepared to march on the 16th ;. but no transportation could be furnished until the 17th, and it was quartered for the night iu Faneuil Hall. As it was, it left the State for the seat of war before any other regi ment. On Wednesday, the 17th, it left Faneuil Hall at three, P.M., and marched to the State House, where Gov. Andrew made one of his most inspiring addresses. He- said : "It gives me unspeakable pleasure to witness this FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 207 array from the good old Colony. You have come from the shores of the sounding sea, where lie the ashes of Pilgrims ; aud you are bound on a high and noble pilgrimage fo^ liberty, for the Union, and Constitution of your country, Soldiers of the old Bay State, sons of .sires who never dis graced their flag in civil life or on the tented field, I thauk you from the bottom of my heart for this noble response to the call of your State and your country. You cannot wait for words. I bid you God-speed and au affectionate fare well.'" Col. Packard modestly responded : " Your Excel lency, I am scarcely able to speak. All I can say is, we will endeavor to do our duty." Gov. Andrew replied : " I know you will endeavor ; and I know, colonel, you will succeed." The Fourth embarked at Fall River on the steamer " State of Maine," the same night, and arrived in New York in the afternoon of the next day. The boat was improperly ballasted, and her captain did not consider her safe to carry troops ; so that Col. Packard telegraphed to Gov. Andrew for instructions. He replied : " If the captain says he can carry your men, go on ; Massachusetts must be first on the ground." After a short delay, reballasting the steamer, she proceeded to Fortress Monroe ; about the safety of which much anxiety was felt, as it was insuffi ciently garrisoned aud dangerously situated. Gov. An drew's order, issued from the office of the Adjutant-General, April 17, 1861, directed "Col. Packard, of the Fourth Regiment Second Brigade, First Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia,- to proceed to Fortress Monroe, by steamer to be provided, to enter into the service of the United States as United States Militia ; and, on being joined by Col. Wardrop's regiment (Third Massachusetts Volun teer Militia), he will take command of them also." , The steamer left New York at night-fall, and was about thirty hours on the way. Capt. Shepard was ordered to take charge of the boat. Only two companies were allowed 208 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. to remain on deck. The rest were sent below under a guard ; the fear being that, if the men were allowed to rush to and fro, the inadequately ballasted steamer might capsize. Arriving at Fortress Monroe at an early hour on the morn ing of Saturday, the. 20th, and seeing no flag flying from it, "we spent," says an officer of the Fourth, "an hour of anxiety lying off and on, doubtful who held the fort. But at length the glorious^ banner of the stars and stripes was unfurled, and she landed her precious freight. We found some two hundred and fifty regulars, worn out with watch^ ing, who heartily welcomed us. The Fortress was almost defenceless. We spent the next month in guard and fatigue duty, mounting guns, and storing provisions." The uniforms became so threadbare that the men, many of them, were obliged to wear their overcoats on parade, to cover their new raglan style of pants. As the regiment was the first to leave Massachusetts, it was also the first to reach the actual seat of war, and the first mustered in the service of the United States. It was mustered into the service April 22. The Third aud Fourth Massachusetts saved Fortress Monroe, whose value to the Union cause was beyond all price ; for, had it fallen into the hands of the enemy, no one could estimate the cost in treasure and blood to have regained the same. May 27 the regiment went from the Fortress to Newport News, and fortified it. It was at this time, under a commission from the town, that the speaker visited Fortress Monroe as bearer of kind messages and remembrances from friends at home, and to provide for the needs and comfort of our soJdiers. Report ing to General Butler, who was then in command, I obtained a permit, and accompanied the general and staff to Newport News. The stern realities of war were still in the future, and when we landed, instead of finding the troops fortifying, or watching the enemy, who was said to be near at hand, be- Howe Monument. Pag;e 24S. Union Building. Page 2, FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 209 hind entrenchments, the scene was more like an old-fashioned muster-field, — a regular holiday show. One of our 'soldiers, and about the first one I saw, had embarked in the butchering business, and was skinning a pig, shot on "Uncle Sam's Farm." Another had gone into the horse and mule busi ness, and was ready to swap or trade on most favorable terms, as he had purchased cheap of a contraband, in the ab sence of his master. Another had made an investment in the wood and live-ie&ther business, and had borrowed a hand-cart to bring his goods or merchandise to camp, and was quite willing to throw in the meat of the poultry, and wood to cook with, if he could only have the feathers returned in good order for the filling of a bed. I had no occasion to complain of my rations during my visit, which will always be held in pleasant remembrance, for the hearty welcome re ceived. I don't know how I should have felt if I had been " armed and equipped as the law directs ; " for a musket is a good thing for courage when you don't know who is around ; but I confess I felt rather more secure and at ease within the walls of the Fortress. But this is a digression, for which I beg pardon, and will return to our record. Four companies as a battalion, united with some Vermont and New York troops, under Major Winthrop, participated in the unfortunate affair at Big Bethel, where plenty oi pluck was exhibited, but little or no capacity. Company F was not ordered, but volunteered to go into the fight, and did go, instead of Capt. Bumpus' company, of Braintree. It is said that history repeats itself; but history would make a great blunder to repeat the battle of Great Bethel, if we can believe. what is recorded of its generalship on our side. The Fourth was the only organization which marched into camp that night in regular order, at shoulder arms. The news of this battle created an intense excitement and feeling through the State, as the report first came that the Fourth Massachusetts was "all cut to pieces." 210 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. July 3, the Fourth, with the Third Massachusetts, were ordered to occupy Hampton, which they partially fortified. July 17 they left Hampton for Fortress Monroe, on their way home, having served their time of enlistment. The regi ment was mustered out July 22, at Long Island, Boston Bay. They received high praises for their service from Colonel Dimmock, the commandant of the Fortress, and from Gen. Butler, who said, in farewell, "You have done your duty well. You have all along been in the advance, at Fortress Monroe, at Newport News, at Hampton." I have dwelt with particularity upon its service as a three mouths' regiment, because of the stirring patriotism, promptness, and magnetic energy with which it was rendered at an awful crisis of our history. On its return to Foxborough, Company F, with full ranks, was warmly received ; an address of welcome was made by E. P. Carpenter. But the service of the Fourth Regiment did not end here ; when, in the early summer of 1862, Gen. Banks retreated down the valley of the Shenan doah, Gov. Andrew called for more troops (May 26), the FourthRegiment was again ordered out. Lieut. -Col. Walker, the late adjutant, read the order at Quincy, on his way to the railroad station. He drove through the country, and caused alarm-bells to be rung. In forty-eight hours the regi ment had eight hundred men in Boston. But they were not wanted, as the alarm had passed, and so they returned home. In July, 1862, came the call for 200,000 nine-months' men, Lieut.-Col. W^alker at once tendered the Fourth Regiment, the first offered, and, being accepted, went into camp at Lake- ville, in August. Company F did not lose its identity as a Foxborough company, though we find but a small number of the three-months' men upon the roll-call, as many of them had enlisted in other regiments, and the company was re cruited for the most part with new members. They went into camp with C.. F. Howard, as captain, and Moses A. FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 211 Richardson, of Foxborough, and Benj. H. Richmond, of Norton, lieutenants. The company were mustered into ser vice Sept. 23. Capt. Howard was commissioned major, and sworn or mustered in as such Dec. 16, which necessi tated the election of another captain. On the election of First Lieut. Wm. R. Black, of Company G, Taunton, as captain, Lieut. Moses A. Richardson resigned, and Benj. H. Richmond, of Norton, was elected first lieutenant, and Isaac H. Bonney, of Foxborough, second lieutenant. Fox borough is accredited with forty-seven men in this company. Dec. 25, 1862, the regiment left camp for New York, and thence went to New Orleans. It was in the first Port Hud son expedition, when the noble old Farragut ran by in the "Richmond," Col. Walker was put in command at Brashear City ; whence. May 28, 1863, the regiment was again Ordered to Port Hudson. June 14th, Capt. Bartlett, of Company K, led the storm ing party, and was killed on the very slope of the enemy's works, gallantly leading. Four officers of the Fourth were in the advance, of whom one was killed and two wounded. The regiment lost every fifth man. Ten Foxborough soldiers in Company F laid down their lives in patriotic devotion to their country. Their names are found enrolled with the " heroic dead " in yonder Memorial Hall, and will be held in grateful remembrance when your name and mine shall be forgotten. The regiment was mustered out Aug. 22, 1863, most of the men having been iu service eleven months. Gen. Emory said, " It was one of the best regiments in my whole division. It was well disciplined. It was remarkable for its camp, police, and sanitary discipline. I remember signalizing it before the whole division at Baton Rouge, on account of its extreme excellence in these respects." If you would learn more of the history of this regiment, call upon the living witnesses now before you, for their testimony would be the whole history of a Massachusetts regiment. 212 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. that rendered invaluable service to the country, and gained imperishable laurels for itself. Foxborough meu are found enrolled in Seventh Massachu setts, raised by that distinguished officer, Maj. -Gen. D. N. Couch, at Taunton. It was mustered into the service June 15, 1861 , and mustered out July 5, 1864. Upon its standard will be fimud a long list of battles in which it was engaged. Of this regiment, on the 5th of May, 1864, the first day of the Wilderness, Col. Briggs, of the Tenth, writes, "Men fell like leaves in autumn ; yet the regiment stood firm, never wavered, till, the ammunition being expended, it was promptly relieved by Lieut.-Col. Harlow and the Seventh Massachu setts. Would I could sound a note to his praise, than whom none is more worthy." Some Foxborough soldiers served in the "Immortal Sixth Regiment," when called to serve one hundred days. Eight companies of the Eighteenth Regiment were re cruited chiefly iu Norfolk, Plymouth, and Bristol Counties. Col. James Barnes, of Springfield, commanded it. It was mustered Aug. 27, 1861. Foxborough had a number of representative soldiers in this regiment, who have a good reiord, and two of Company I are registered with the "heroic dead." About forty men are credited to Foxborough upon the roster of the 23d Regiment, commanded by Col. Kurtz. Company K was recruited by Capt. Carlos A. Hart, in this town, and was known as the "Foxborough Company." It went into camp with the regiment at Lynnfield, in command of Capt. Hart, with John Littlefield and Benjamin F. Bar nard, lieutenants. The regiment left camp for Annapolis Nov. 11, 1861, and was mustered out at Readville July 12, 1865. It went with Gen.'Burnside to Roanoke Island. It fought its first battle Feb. 8, 1862, which lasted two days ; twenty-five hundred prisoners were captured in the two days' engagements. It was at Newbern, Goldsborough, FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 213 and in other engagements in North Carolina ; and at Drury's Bluff, Cold Harb6r, and the other terrific battles of Grant's campaign of 1864, in Virginia. Col. John W. Raymond, the last commander, says of this regiment : " In closing my nar rative of the regiment, I cannot refrain from speaking a few words in commendation of both men and officers during the time I had the honor to command them. Their excellent conduct while in camp or garrison, their courage and bravery under fire, their vigilance and fidelity at all times displayed, entitle them to the highest praise, and have won for them the approbation of all who have been in command over them. Rest assured that the Twenty-third Regiment, as an organization, never brought discredit upon their native State ; and I shall count it the highest honor of my life that I have been privileged to command it." Such words, coming from Col. Raymond, are commenda tions that every soldier of the regiment may well be proud of; aud its record needs no further endorsement to make it equal to the best. One Foxborough soldier perished in Company A of the Twenty-fourth Regiment, iu which a number enlisted, which fought from Roanoke Island to Petersburg. It was not mus tered out of service until Jan. 20, 1866. On the 27th Gov. Bullock received its colors, and said : "I welcome you home. But all have not returned : eight officers of the line and two hundred and ten enlisted men have fallen in battle, and by the casualties of war. It only remains that I should now transfer your colors to the great companionship in which they shall henceforth be preserved, and that, in behalf of a grateful people, I should greet and honor your return." We had representatives in. the Fifty-sixth Infantry, which left Massachusetts March 21, 1863, which emblazons heroic service upon its flag at Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, the Welden Railroad, and the pursuit of Lee. 214 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. . One of our honored dead was of the First Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, previously Fourteenth Infantry, which, after guarding the forts about Washington for two years, went into the field in 1864, and fought from Spottsylvania to Hatche's Run. Foxborough men fought also in the Ninth, Seventeenth, Twentieth, Twenty-sixth, Twenty- eighth, Twenty-ninth, Thirtieth, Thirty-second, Thirty- third, Thirty-fifth, Thirty-eighth, Fortieth, Forty-seventh, Fifty-third, Fifty-fourth, and Fifty-eighth Regiments of Massachusetts ; in her First, Second, Third, and Fourth Cavalry ; in the Third, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Sixteenth Massachusetts Batteries ; iu the First Heavy Artillery ; in the Eighteenth aud Twentieth Unattached ; in the First Rhode Island Artillery and Seventh Rhode Island Infantry ; and we had representatives in the Regular Army, Navy, and Veteran Reserve Corps. Having made up "Our Soldiers' Record," which must necessarily be imperfect in some respects for want of proper time to obtain the required data, we will now refer to the patriotism of the town, as shown by the acts of its citizens. , Almost immediately upon dismissing their fellow-citizens of Company F, Fourth Regiment, to the field of war, the citizens of Foxborough began to consider their duty as patriots, in a larger way. At a town meetuig held May 4, 1861, it was voted that the treasurer shall borrow $10,000 for a war fund, to be paid in five equal annual instalments, commencing Oct. 5, 1862. E. P. Carpenter, W. P. Shepard, Otis Cary, J. E. Car penter, and Elisha White were coustituted a committee to purchase clothing and supplies, for volunteers, and to meet the various wants of their families. It was also voted to appropriate $3,000 to procure rifles for the members of the rifle company, and E. P. Carpenter was designated as agent to obtain them. FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 215 The government refused to accept this company, and it was disbanded. June 1 5th it was voted to pay aid to the families of sol diers, in accordance with Chapter 222 of the laws of 1861. E. P. Carpenter, as chairman of the Relief Committee, made a report of his visit to Company F, at Fortress Monroe, Va. July 22, 1862, $100 each was voted as a bounty to 24 persons, who might volunteer under the recent call of President Lincoln ; and the bounty was afterwards raised to $125. Aug. 1 4th the towu passed the following vote : " Whereas the town of Foxborough is desirous of standing shoulder to shoulder with their fellow-citizens of other towns in filling up the second quota of 300,000 men ordered by the Presi dent of the United States to be drafted for service on or about the 1st of September next ; and whereas the citizens believe that our old Commonwealth will fill said quota by volunteers, without a draft becoming necessary ; and whereas tiine is of importance, and the towns are not fully aware of the sum the exigencies of the occasion will require, but have full confidence in the patriotism and judgment of the selectmen, — therefore. Resolved, That the selectmen proceed to take such measures as they may deem wise and expedient to enlist such numbers of men as may be required from this town by said draft ; and the town pledges to them that such sums of money shall be voted to them hereafter as may be necessary to carry out this vote." Sept. 20th a vote was passed, approving of the Select men's offer of a bounty of $150 for nine-months' men. It was voted, also, to pay $150 to each inhabitant of the town of Foxborough enlisting in Company F of the Fourth Militia Regiment for nine months' service, and to as many others as might be needed to fill the quota. There were two negative votes. The treasurer was authorized to bor- 216 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. row for the purpose a sum not exceeding $10,000 ; it was also voted to extend the same aid to the families of drafted men as to volunteers. March 26, 1864, it was voted to reimburse $3,900 fur nished by individuals to procure the town's quota of volun teers, under the calls of Oct. 17, 1863, and Feb. 1, 1864. There was one vote in the negative. June 18, 1864, it was voted that the treasurer have authority to borrow $2,875, to pay expenses incurred in filling the town's quota, under the call of March 14, 1864. Aug. 1, 1864, it was voted to raise a sum not exceeding $125 per man to fill the quota under the call of July 18, 1864, for 500,000 men. March 11, 1865, it was voted to appropriate a sum not exceeding $300 to make up a de ficiency in paying $125 each per man to fill the quota under the call of Dec. 1, 1864, for 300,000 men. Let us not, in this retrospect, forget the labors and untiring sym pathy of the women of Foxborough. In the war archives of the Commonwealth is a letter dated April 19, 1861, — the very day when the streets of Baltimore drank the patriotic blood of Massachusetts — addressed to Gov. Andrew by Miss Frances AVight (now Mrs. Coggswell), of Foxborough, signed by one hundred young ladies of this place, offering their services as nurses, or to make soldiers' garments, to prepare bandages and lint, — to do axiything for the cause in their power to do. Gov. Andrew replying, writes : " I ac cept it as one of the most earnest and sincere of the count less offers of devotion to our old Commonwealth, and to the cause of the country." He concludes by asking them to " help those who are left behind, and follow those who have gone before with your benedictions, your benefactions, and your prayers." The good work inaugurated by gentle and enthusiastic maidens was, with unabated zeal, carried forward by all our women to the end of the great war for the Union. In this connection we must not forget to mention those young FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL REOORD. 217 ladies who M^ent out from our midst to teach the freedmen, for they had battles to fight, which, if it did not cost them their lives, required sacrifices that proved both their patriot ism and philanthropy. In an address of this character it were nigh impossible to mention all who were meritorious ; but I cannot forbear alluding to those most worthy and patriotic citizens, and faithful and true friends of the soldier — WiUiam H. Thomas, Ezra Carpenter, Richard Carpenter, Edmund Carroll, and Robert Kerr — Avho have gone from among us; and, as we hallow the graves of our dead heroes, and erect monuments to their memories, let us not forget their faithful comrades in civil life who did valiant service for the cause for which they laid down their lives. In summing up " our record," I* find that 55 men were furnished in 1861 for three years, 24 for three years, and 45 for nine months, in 1862 ; in 1863-64, 60 for three yeai's, and 23 for one year — including officers aud men ; the whole number furnished was 276, being a sur plus of 13 over the quota. The whole number of different men was 178 ; equivalent to 100 men each day of the war. Of these there were two majors, four captains, eleven lieutenants, thirteen sergeants, and eleven corporals, mak ing 41 commissioned aud non-commissioned officers, and 137 privates ; — 21 of this number died in battle or of disease. The amount expended bj'^ the town for bounties and enlistment expenses was $21,742.48. The amount of private subscriptions for bounties to volunteers was $7,008.33; — $1,001.13 were spent for clothing and sup plies for the soldiers, being for Company F at Fortress Munroe. Large contributions of clothing and supplies were sent through the Foxborough Relief Association, and the Sanitary and Christian Commissions. Money contri butions in this behalf may be estimated at $500. The material interests of Foxborough declined slightly during the war. In 1860 our population was 2,879 ; in 1865 it 218 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. was 2,769. In 1860 our valuation was $1,287,735; iu 1865, $1,284,524. Never shall we forget the morning when the glorious news came that Gen. Lee's army had surrendered. It was a day of great rejoicing. The bells were rung ; the glorious Stars and Stripes were flung to the breeze, and saluted with cheers and tears, for men and women cried for joy, and thanked God for these glad tidings, that foretold peace and the re turn of those that had led us to victory. A processioji was formed, aud marched, with stirring music, through the prin cipal streets, and to the Town Hall, which was filled. Prayer, earnest and fervent, was offered by Deacon Hewins, aud ^ome speaking was "in order;" but there are times when there is more eloquence in silence than in the best of oratory, and this seemed to be the time and occasion. The war over, the town, in common with almost all its sis ter communities, began to consider its duty towards a fitting commemoration of the valor of its deceased soldiers, who went forth from it and fell in the service of their country. March 10, 1866, it was voted to refer the article in the war rant, in reference to a monument of the deceased soldiers, to a committee consisting of five, — E. P. Carpenter, Wm. Car penter, Otis Cary, Wm. H. Thomas, and George T. Ryder, — who made an extended report, March 6, 1867, which was ordered to be printed. The committee recommended the building of a Memorial Hall as the most fitting monument to the valor and patriotism of the dead, whilst it would be at the same time eminently useful to the living. March 16, 1867, it was voted that the committee be instructed to pro cure plans and estimates, in accordance with this report ; also, a plan for a monument, with estimates for cost of each, and to report on the same. There is, however, no question that the original report (to be found on the Town Records) sub stantially settled the question, and secured the building of the useful and substantial structure that adorns our village, — the FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 219 Memorial Hall. It was erected in 1868, at an expense of some $13,000, including town appropriations and subscrip tions, or gifts made by individuals. It was dedicated on Fri day, the 17th of June, with impressive ceremonies. Hon. Geo. B. Loring was the orator of the day, and made a most appropriate and eloquent address.* On account of a shower, the services were held in the Congregational church. Enough has been said to show that our busy little com munity was not behind its sister towns in fervor of patriotism and self-sacrifice. As to our dead and lost, whose names our "roll of honor" bears, what matter where they fought or fell? They died all in the same great cause. "Howmany," cried our grand governor, — "how many of our noblest and bravest shall give their blood to the ransom of a subject race, the redemption of their country's peace, aud the final security of her honor and integrity ! " "How can fleeting words of human praise give the record of their glory ? Our eyes suffused with tears, and the blood retreat ing to the heart, stored with unwonted thrill, speak with the eloquence of Nature attired, but unexpressed — Hail, and fare well ! Each hero must sleep securely on the field where he fell, in a cause sacred to hberty, and to the rights of mankind." As for us who survive those whose glory and death we so proudly mourn, "Let us, the living, rather dedicate Ourselves to the unfinished work which they Thus far advanced so nobly on its way, And saved the perilled State. Let us upon this field, where they, the brave, Their last full measure of devotion gave, Highly resolve they have not died in vain ; That, under God, the nation's later birth Of freedom, and the people's gain Of their sovereignty shall never wane And perish from the circle of the earth I " *lt was published in the " Norfolk County Gazette," a copy of which may be found in Boyden Public Libraiy. 220 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. ROLL-CALL OF FOXBOROUGH'S SOLDIERS. 1861 TO 1865. Name. Date of Muster. Remarks. 4tli Begiment, Co. F. (Three months.) David L. Shepard, Cnp. April 22, 1861. July 22, 1861, Ex. of Service Moses A. Richardson, \st Lieu . April 22, " July 22, 1861, Carlos A. Hart, Id Lieut. April 22, 11 July 22, 1861, Wm. H. Torrey, Sergt. April 22, It July 22, 1861, John E. Shepard, " April 22, it July 22, 1861, John M. Welch, ¦• April 22, i( July 22, 1861, Edward E. Bird, " April 22, " July 22, 1861, Samuel D. Robinson, Corporal . April 22, It July 22, 1861, Lewis L. Bullard, " April 22, " July 22, 1861, Erank 0. Pierce, " April 22, " July 22, 1861, Lucius W. Allen. May 22, " July 22, 1861, Charles D. BacOn. May 6, tt July 22, 1861, James S. Bemis. April 22, " July 22, 1861, Isaac H. Bonney. April 22, " July 22, 1861, Samuel N. Bryant. April 22, " July 22, 1861, Hiram P. Buck. April 22, It July 22, I86I, James Carpenter. April 22, tt July 22, 1861, Gabriel P. Chamberlain. April 22, tt July 22, 1861, ' George H. Claflin. April 22, tt July 22, 1861, Henry A. Pales. April 22, " July 22, 1861, William H. Fales. April 22, •• July 22, 1861, George M. Fillebrown. April 22, it July 22, 1861, Albert E. Forrest. April 22, " July 22, 1861, Edward M. Freeman. April 22, tt July 22, I86I, Alonzo W. Puller. May 22, It July 22, 1861, •% Joseph Gotleib. April 22, tt July 22, 1861, Moses L. Green. April 22, tt July 22, 1861, Ephraim 0. Grover. April 22, tt July 22, 1861, Pascal 0. Grover. April 22, tt July 22, 1861, David T. Hartshorn. May 6, tt July 22, 1861, Edwin P. Jewett. April 22, tt July 22, 1861, Joseph H. Joplin. April 22, tt July 22, 1861, William H. Lyons. May 22, tt July 22, 1861, Ransom Matthews. May 22, tl July 22, 1861, William A. Morse. April 22, tt July 22, 1861, WiUiam H. Pierce. April 22, tt July 22, 1861, Charles H. Pond. AprU 22, it July 22, 1861, FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 221 Name. Date of Muster. Remarks. James L. Sherman. April 22, 1861, July 22, 1861, Ex. of Service. William H. Sweet. May 6, tl July 22, 1861, Charles A. Thompson. April 22, " July 22, 1861, " " WUlard W. Turner. April 22, (( July 22, 1861, " James White. May 22, (1 July 22, 1861, Nelson S. White. May 22, (1 July 22, 1861, " ¦ " Rufus S. White. May 22, (( July 22, 1861, " Lisoomb C. Winn. May 22, " July 22, 1861, " James A. Wyer. May 22, H July 22, 1861, " Sd Battalion, Co. D. (Three months.) George Draper. May 19, 1861. July 23, 1861, Discharged. 4tli Regiment. (Nine months.) Charles F. Howard, Major. Dec. 16, 1862. Aug. 28, 1863, Ex. of Service. 4tll Regiment, Co. F. (Nine months.) Charles P. Howard, Capt. Sept. 23, '* Dec. 6, 1862, Maj. Moses A. Richardson, \st Lieut :. Sept. 23, " Sept. 23, 1862, Resigned. Isaac H. Bonney, 2d Lieut. Dec. 27, (( Aug. 23, 1863, Died at Indianapolis. Joseph H. Joplin, \st Sergt. Sept. 23, " July U, 1863, Died on Railroad. LiscombC. Winn, Sergt. Sept. 23, " Aug. 28, 1863, Ex. of Service. Gabriel P. Chamberlain, Sergt. , Sept. 23, . James Donahue. Aug. 9, 1862. Patrick Slattely. Aug. 9, " 20th Regiment, Co. E. David Caine. July 22, 1861. Donald McGilvery. Aug. 9,1862. 30th Regiment, Co. I. Deo. 11, 1862, Killed at Fred'ksburg. Jan. 15, 1863, Discharged. Oct. 23, 1861, Died of Wounds. Sept. 17, 1862, Discharged. Owen Murphy. Aug. 9, 1862. Aug. 1, 1864, Ex. of Service. Timothy Clifford. Feb. 26, 1864. Feb. 28, 1864, Rejected. John Lynch. Aug. 9, 1862. George Proctor. Mar. 3, 1864. Mar. 5, 1864, Rejected. 23d Regiment, Co. K . Carlos A. Hart, Capt. Oct. 11, I86I. Oct. 13, 1861, Ex. of Service, John Littlefleld, 1st Lieut. Oct. 11, " May 4, , 1862, , Resigned. James L. Sherman, ** May 3, 1863. Oct. 13, 1864, Ex. of Service. Joshua B. Bowman, *' Oct. 11, 1864. June 25, 1865, It It Edward E. Bird, 2d " Nov. 3, 1862. May 23, 1864, Resigned. James L. Sherman, " Nov. 18, " May 3, 1863, 1st Lieut. Edward E. Bird, 1st Sergt. Sept. 28, 1861. Nov. 2, 1863, 2d " Lewis L. Bullard, " Sept. ,28, tt Sept. 30, , 1862, , Discharged. James A. Carpenter, " Dec. 3, 1863. June 25, 1865, Ex. of Service. Thomas G. Pierce, Sergt. Sept. 28, 1861. Aug. 1, 1862, Discharged. William H. Pierce, " Sept. 28, '* July 10, 1863, " Charles W. Stearns, " Sept. 28, tt Oct. 13, 1864, Ex. of Service. James A. Carpenter, Corp. Sept. 28, It Dec. 2, 1863, To Reenlist. Otis H. Horton, " Sept. 28, " Mar. 26, 1863, Discharged. James L. Sherman, " Sept. 28, It Aug. 20, 1862, Sergt.-Major. Hiram D. Skinner, " Sept. 28, " Oct. 13, 1864, Ex. of Service. Benj. P. Slater, " Sept. 28, tt Mar. 11, 1862, Discharged, Patrick Hanabury, Wagoner. Mar. 29, 1864. June 25, 1865, Ex. of Service. Ezekiel Ames. Sept. 28, 1861. July 11, 1862, Discharged. Benjamin F. Belcher. Sept.. 28, " Deo. 2, 1863, To Reenlist. Benjamin F. Belcher. Dec. 3, 1863. June 25, 1865, Ex. of Service. Levi Bennett. • Sept. 28, 1861 Deo. 2, 1863, To Reenlist. 224 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Name. Date of Muster. Remarks. Levi Bennett. Dec. 3, 1863. June 25, 1,865, Ex. of Service. Joseph Brigham. Sept. 28, 1861. June 25, 1862, Discharged, Hiram S. Buck. Sept. 28, tt Sept. 11, 1862, Thomas Carpenter. Sept. 28, 11 Oct. 13, 1864, Ex. of Service. Samuel C. Chestnut. Oct. 27, tl Feb. 21, 1863, Discharged. William H. Fales. Sept. 28, tt Mar. 26, 1863, David Flahaven. Sept. 28, " Deo. 2, 1863, To Reenlist. David Flahaven. Dec. 3, 1863. June 25, 1865, Ex. of Service. Joseph Gay. Aug. 25, 1864. June 25, 1865, " " Patrick Hanabury. Sept. 28, 1861. Mar. 28, 1864, To Reenlist. William D. Higgins. Sept. 28, " Oct. 13, 1864, Ex. of Service. Allen P. Lake. Oct. 30, " Oct. 13, 1864, John Mahoney. Sept. 28, " Oct. 13, 1864, " Oliver Prime. Sept. 28, It Mar. 13, 1863, Discharged. Edward Richardson. Sept. 28, " Oct. 13, 1864, Ex. of Service. " Hiram A. Snow. Dec. 3, 1863. May 16, 1864, Missing. Franklin E. Taylor. Sept. 28, 1861. Feb. 16, 1863, Discharged. Joshua Taylor. Sept. 2S, " Oct. 13, 1864, Ex. of Service. Charles A. Whipple. Oct. 12, " May 5, 1862, Died at Newburn. George W. Williams, Jr Sept. 28, " June 21, 1862, Discharged. Micajah B. Alley. Aug. 25, 1864. Oct. 27, 1864, Rejected. 24th Regiment, Co. A. John M. Welch, Sergt. Sept. 4, 186L Mar. 26, 1863, Discharged. Henry J. Barrows. Aug. 13, 1862. Oct. 16, 1862, Died at Newburn. Wm. R. Goldsmith. Aug. 13, " Dec. 4, 1864, Ex. of Service. Patrick Roche. Sept. 27, 1861. Mar. 12, 1864, Veteran Reserve C David Scott. Aug. 13, 1862. Dec. 4, 1864, Ex. of Service. John H. Sumner. Aug, 13, " Deo. 4, 1864, Wm. H. Torrey. Nov. 30, 1861. June 8, 1863, Ist Lieut. 24th Regiment, Co. Q. Joseph Jewett. Sept. 5, 1861. Sept. 5, , 1864, To Reenlist. 24th Regiment, Co. I. George P. Wallace, Corp. Jan. 2, 1864. Jan. 20, 1866, Ex. of Service. 20th Regiment. Isaac Smith, Jr., Ass't Surgeon. Deo. 2, 1862. Nov. V, 1864, " " 28th Regiment, Co. D. Andrew K. Grady, Wagoner. Dec. 13, I86I. Dec. 19, 1864, " " 28th Regiment, Co. a. Peter Leighton. Mar. 29, 1864. Aug. 16, 1864, Missing. Joseph Murray. Mar. 17, tt Sept. 13, 1864, Discharged. 20th Regiment, Co. F. Joseph Boyden, 1st Sergt. Jan. 2, 1864. July 29, 1865, Ex. of Service. Joseph Boyden. Deo. 31, 1861. Jan. 1, 1864, To Reenlist. 2«th Regiment, Co. a. Henry B. Titus, Sergt. Jan. 2, , 1864. June 28, 1865, Discharged. FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 225 Name. Date of Muster. 30th Regiment, Co. £. Theodore R. Skinner, Jlfiwician. Nov. 5, 1861. 32d Regiment, Co. Tt. George H. Claflin, Corp. Jan. 4, 1864. 33d Regiment, Co. C. Alfred L. Morse. Aug. 6, 1862. Ira C. Sayles. Aug. 6, " 35th Regiment, Co. C. Alonzo W. Fuller. Aug. 19, 1862. 38th Regiment, Co. I. James Nelson. Aug. 21, 1862. William Rich. Aug. 24, " 40th Regiment, Co. F. Edmond Burke. Sept. 3, 1862. 47tll Regiment, Co. C. (Nine months. Bernard E. Backer. Id Lieut. Feb. 2, 1863. Bernard E. Backer, Sergt. Sept. 23, " 54th Regiment, Co. F. Henry James. Dec. 18,1863. 55th Regiment, Co. F. Wm. H. Torrey, Capt. Feb. 7, 1864. Wm. H. Torrey, 1st Lieut. June 19, 1863. AVm. H. Torrey, 2rf " June 17, " Remarks. Feb. 12, 1864, To Reenlist. June 29, 1865, Ex. of Service. May 27, 1865, Order War Dept. Aug. 13, 1862, Deserted. Feb. 28, 1863, Discharged. June 30, 1865, Ex. of Service. June 30, 1865, " " Mar. 15, 1863, Veteran Reserve Corps. ) Sept. I, 1863, Ex. of Service. Feb. 2, 1862, 2d Lieut. Aug. 20, 1865, Ex. of Service. July 7, 1865, Resigned. Feb. 7, 1864, Captain. June 19, I8C3, 1st Lieut. 56th Regiment. Fred D. Forrest, Capt. 56th Regiment, Co. C. George Eaton. Mar. 10, 1864. 56th Regiment, Co. D. Jeremiah E. Earle, Sergt. Deo. 29, 1863. Leander Clapp, Corp. Deo. 29, " Patrick M.Driscoll. Deo. 29, " Daniel Mahoney. Dec. 29, " 56th Regiment, Co. XS. Otis Deane. Jan. 12, 1864. Comfort 0. Fisher. Jan. 12, " Edward E. Place. Jan. 12, " 56th Regiment, Co. F. George E. Bird. Jan. 12, 1864. Eliphalet S. Wilson. Jan. 12, •• 56th Regiment, Co. K. Edwin P. Jewett, 1st Sergt. Feb. 25, 1804. Liscomb C. Winn, " Feb. 25, " 58th Regiment, Co. G. Joseph Mcrritt. Mar. 26, 1861. Dec. 4, IS63. Commission Revoked. June 19, 1865, Order War Dept. July 12, 1865, Ex. of Service. May 6, 1864, Killed, A¥ilderness, Va. Jan., 1864, Deserted. Feb. 23, 1864, Died. June 15, 1865, Order Gen. Park. Deo. 30, 1864, Order Gen. Auger. June 30, 1805, Order War Dept. July 14, 1865, Order War Dept. July 12, 1865, tl It Sept. 1, 1804, Promotion. July 12, 1865, Ex. of Service. Oct. 1, 1864, Deserted. 226 ¦ FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Name. Date of Muster. Rem aria. 18th ITnattached Co. (One year.) Wm. P. Boyd, Sergt. Dec. 7, 1864. May 12, 1865, Ex. of Service Ethan A. Cobb, " Dec. 7, lit April 11, 1865, 2d Lieut. George A. Brock. Oec. 6 It May 12, 1865, Ex. of Service Herbert E. Cobb. Deo. 6, tt May 12, 1865, Willis S. Cook. Deo. 6, " May 12, 1865, Samuel H. Gooch. Deo. 6, '• May 12, 1865, Cephas P. Grover. Deo. 7, It May 12, 1865, " " Lewis P. Holmes. Dec. 7, It May 12, 1865, Theodore H. Hunniwell. Deo. 7, " May 12, 1865, " Thomas J. Kennedy. Dec. 6, (( May 12, 1865, Zeri B. Martis. Dec. 6, (( May 12, 1865, Cyrus B. Morse. Dec. 6, It May 12, 1865, " " Stiliman F. Willis. Dec. 7, " May 12, 1865, 20th Unattached Co. (One hundred days.) Jarius J. Morse, Corp. Aug. 11, 1864. Nov. 18, 1864, Ex. of Service. E. Irving Fisher. Aug. 11, " Nov. 18, 1864, Edward Matthews. Aug. 11, " Nov. 18, 1864, William A. Morse. Aug. 11, " Nov. 18, 1864, 12th Battery. Andrew W. Martin, Corp. Mar. 29, 1864. July 25, 1865, Ex. of Service. 13th Battery. Patrick Curtin, Corp. Jan. 27, 1863. July 28, 1865, Ex. of Service. Michael A. McCostello. Mar. 30, 1864. July 28, 1865, 14th Battery. Williams Leonard, Artificer. i'eb. 27, 1864. June 15, 1865, Ex. of Service. George Leonard. Feb. 27, tt June 15, 1865, 16th Battery. Wm. Billiard. July 28, 1864. Aug. 1, 1864, Deserted. Martin Shea. Mar. 11, It June 27, 1865, Ex. of Service. John Smith. July 28, It Aug. I, 1864, Deserted. 1st Cavalry. George M. Fillebrown, Id Lieut. Oct. 30, 1862. George M. Fillebrown, IstLieut. May 12, 1863. Ist Cavalry, Co. B. George M. Fillebrown, Com. Sj^t. Sept. 17, 1861. Herbert P. Dean. George, M. Washburn. 1st Cavalry, Co. H. Allen P. Belcher, l.«( Sergt. Horace E. Dupee, Com. Sergt.. Charles D. Bacon, Sergt. Newton W. Bacon. Charles H. Pond. 2d Cavalry, Co. D. Geo. H. Sanford. Sept. 14, 18 6 L Sept. 17, '¦ Sept. 23, 1861. Sept 25, " Dec. 4, " Oct. 19, " Sept. 19, " May 12, 1863, 1st Lieut. Jan. 25, 1864. Oct. 30, 1862, 2d Lieut. April 4, 1864, Promotion. Nov. 17, 1864, Ex. of Service. Transferred to Co, K, 4th Cavalry. Feb. 26, l?Gi. July 20, 1865, Ex. of Service. FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. r227 Name. Date of Muster. 8d Cavalry, Co. F. Lawrence Dwyer. Mar. 15, 1864. 3d Cavalry, Co. B. Patrick Kelcher. Feb. 27, 1864. 4th Cavalry. Allen P. Belcher, 1st Lieut. Feb. I, 1865. Allen P. Belcher, 2d Lieut. July 27, 1864. Allen F. Belcher, Com. Sergt. Jan. 1, 1864. 4th Cavaliy, Co. K. Allen F. Belcher, Ist Sergt. Sept. 23, I86I. Allen F. Belcher, ". Jan. 1, 1864. Horace E. Dupee, Com. Sergt. Apr. 21, 1864. Charles D Bacon, Sergt. Deo. 4, I86I. Horace E. Dupee, " .Sept. 25, " Newton W. Bacon. Oct. 19, tl Charles H. Pond. Sept. 19, It 4th Cavalry, Co. I,. Richard H. King, Blacksmith. Feb. 18, 1864. V. R. C. James R. Albion. Aug. 8, 1864. Myrom Ames. Aug. 15, tl Edward H. Bowker. Aug. 19, 11 John Devlin. Apr. 14, tt Francis J. Flanigan. Apr. 15, tt William Greenlough. Apr. 15, " David Haugh. Apr. 14, " Dwight N. Hill. Aug. 29, It Benj. P. Jones. Jan. 10, 1865. Samuel Keller. Apr. 14, 1864. John Kirchen. Apr. 14, 1864. August Einttle. May 11, August Krun. July 28, Alvah S. Langley. Aug. 13, Michael McCarthy. July 29, Donald McDonald. Apr. 14, George McDoner. Apr. 20, Michael McNamara. Apr. 14, Bernard Mullins. July 21, John Phillips. July 30, Wm. H. Pierce. Aug. 31, John Rooney. Apr. 20, James E. Smith. July 28, Leander G. Thompson., Aug. 29, Francis Traynor. Apr. 14, George Vandergrist. Aug. 13, Thomas H. Walters. July 28, John White. Aug. 13, Remarks. ' ', July 20, 1865, Ex. of Service. Deo. 15, 1865, Dishonorably Dis. Feb. 20, 1865, Resigned Brevet Capt. Feb. 1, 1865, 1st Lieut. July 27, 1864, 2d Lieut. Dec. 31, 1863, To Reenlist. June 6, 1864, Com. Sergt. Nov. 14, 1865, Ex. of Service. Dec. 3, 1864, " Apr. 20, 1864, To Reenlist. Oct. 16, 1864, Ex. of Service. Sept. 24, 1864, "' Nov. 14, 1864, " Nov. 14, 1865, Order of War Dept. Nov. 16, 1865, Order of War Dept. 228 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Name. Regnlar Army John Buohmuller. Robt. W. Graham. John Hogan. Frederick W. Kent. Joseph MoGinley. John Montague. Wesley H. Sherwood. Elijah Spencer. Robert Wallock. Henry Karch. William F. MoAUiston. Date of Muster. July 18, 1864. Mar. 30, " July 21, " July 18, " Apr. 8, " July 30, " Apr. II, " July 18, " Apr. 13, " July 30, " July 30, " Remarks. FOXBOROUGH SOLDIERS CREDITED TO QlflDTAS OF OTHER TOWNS. 7th Regiment, Co. H. George S. Cook. Charles D. Richardson. Wm. F. Frazer, Musician. 7th Regiment, Co. I. Wm. A. Richardson. 24th Regiment, Co. A. Nelson S. White. Juno 15, 1861. June 15, " June 15, " June 27, 1864, Ex of Service. Jan. 16, 1863, Disability. Sept. 1, 1863, V. R. C. June 15, 1861. Feb. 4, 1863, Died, Washington. Dec. 22, 1863, Promoted. — 1864, Order AVar Dept. Dec. 5, 1861. Deo. 29, 1863. 56th Regiment, Co. A Christopher Martyn. S6th Regiment, Co. F. George H. Hartshorn. Jan. 12, 1864. July 12, 1865, Close of War. 56th'Regiment, Co. G. Leander Clapp. Deo. 29, 1863. May 13, 1864, Killed in Battle, 56th Regiment, Co. H. George F. Hogle. Jan. 27, 1864. July 26, 1864, Disability. Isaac Skinner. Dec. 19, 1863. Deo. 19, 1863, Rejected. 1st Mass. Heavy Artillery. Uriah S. King. Mar. 20, 1802. Oct. 29. 1864, Died in Georgia. Oth jtlaine Regiment, Co. B. Wm. B. Grover. Oct. 20,1862. Sept. 12, 1863, Medical Cadet. 3d Regiment R.l. Heavy Artillery, Co. M. Charles Bcal, Corpora^, Jan. 1,1863. Aug. 30, 1863, Wounded. Charles Bcal. Mar. 17, 1862. Jan. 1, 1863, Promoted. 6th R. I. Battery. Wm. C. Winslow. Aug. 15, 1862. Feb. 20, 1865, Disability. liincoln Guards, 2d B. C. Regiment, Co. G. John E. Belcher. Jan. 13, 1862. Jan. 13, 1865, Ex. of Service. Joel A. Belcher. Jan. 13, " Jan. 13, 1865, '¦ " Joseph W. Belcher. Jan. 27, " Feb. 2, 1865, «' " FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 229 Name. Date of Muster. Remarks. 33d Regiment, V. S. Colored Troops. Nelson S. AVhite, Capt. Nov. 12, 1865. Jun. 31, 1866, Ex. of Service. Nelson S. White, 1st. Lieut. Oct. 7, " Nov. 12, 1S65, Promoted. Nelson S. White, 2d Lieut. Deo. 22, 1863. Oct. 7, " Promoted. SOLDIERS CREDITED TO FOXBOROUGH'S QUOTA, BUT SERVED IN REGI MENTS OTHER THAN M.'VSSACHUSETTS. Thomas Carr, James Cavaglin, Emery Eighart, Frederick Hill, Henry Cleveland. Isaac B. Boal. Charles McGinnls, AVilliam Quinn, Patrick Randolph, Henry WiUiams. U. S. NAVY. May 6, 1861. Mar. 24, 1863, Ex, of -Service. THE MEMORIAL TABLETS. At the right of the entrance to Memorial Hall is a marble tablet, with medallion of flint-lock musket, powder-horn, aud cartridge- box in relief, inscribed as follows : — PATRIOTS Seth Boyden, Samuel Billings, Jacob Billings, Ezra Carpenter, John Carpenter, Oliver Come}', Spencer Comej', John N. Everett, Ebenezer Forrest, Samuel Forrest, Elias Guild, Jabez Grover, OF 1776. Thomas Hartshorn, Zadoc Howe, Jesse Hartshorn, Jeremiah Hartshorn, Cornelius Morse, Timothy Morse, Oliver Pettee, Abijah Pratt, John Sumner, Wm. Sumner, Daniel Salley, Thomas Clapp. SOLDIERS OF 1812. Alexander Boj'dea,- Dudley Billings, Comfort Belcher, Bowdoin Brastow, Bela Bacon, Alpheus Bird, 230: FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. f)aniels Carpenter, Francis Carpenter, David Capen, Willard Childs, -, Peleg Durfee, David Davis, Daniel Everett, Chai'les Faxon, Jabez Fales, Freedom Guild, Fisher Hartshorn, John Hewes, Elkanah Hodges, Otis Hodges, Henry Hobart, David N. Hall, Timothy Morse, Asa Plimpton, Elijah Plimpton, Martin Pettee, Oliver Pettee, James Plimpton, James Paine, Stephen Rhoades, Jr., Lpring C. Shaw, E. Holmes Sherman, Eobert Shepard, Martin Torrej", Asa White, Amos White, James Wilber, Isaac Winslow. It is also known that Elisha Morse, a resident upon what is now Foxborough territoiy, served in the French and Indian War, in 1747. Capt. Josiah Pratt and Capt. Eleazer Robbins, after wards citizens of this town, commanded two of the nine com panies that left Stoughton, Api-il 19, 1775, upon the Lexington alarm. Uriah Atherton, Nehemiah Carpenter, Jr., aud Dominic Ddssance were also in the Continental arm}', either as militia or volunteers. Stephen Boyden and Asa Boyden were also soldiers of 1812 ; it is probable that still other names are omitted from the tablets in Memorial Hall. Upon the opposite side of the door-way is inscribed the — ROLL OF HONOR. 1861-1865. Maj. Charles F. Howard, Capt. David L. Shepard, " parlos A. Hart, " Wm. H. Torrey, " Nelson S. White, Lieut. Allen F. Belcher, '• James L. Sherman, " Christopher T. Haialey, Bernard E. Backer, " Moses A. Richardson, FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 231 Lieut. John Littlefield, George M. Fillebrown, Alvin E. Hall, Isaac H". Bonney, Edwin P. Jewett, Edward E. Bird, Sergt. Joseph H. Joplin, John F. Shepard, John M. Welch, Lewis L. Bullard, Wm. H. Pierce, Charles W. Stearns, Horace E. Dupee, Joshua B. Bowman, Andrew N. Grad}', Joseph Boj'den, Thomas G. Pierce, Gabriel P. Chamberlain, Liscomb C. Winn, Corp. Samuel D. Robinson, Frank O. Pierce, Otis H. Horton, James A. Carpenter, Wm. H. Fales, Benjamin P. Slater, George- H. Claflin, George S. Cook, Pascal C. Grover, Ephraim O. Grover, Charles B. Winn, Ezekial Ames, Joseph H. Alden,. Wm. M. Adams, Henry A. Alexander, Hiram S. Buck, Charles D. Bacon, Benj. F. Belcher, Levi Bennett, Joseph Brigham, • James S. Bemis, Samuel N. Bryant, Newton W. Bacon, Henry J. Barrows, John E. Belcher, Joel A. Belcher, Joseph W. Belcher, Charles Beal, Isaac B. Beal, Lewis W. Belcher, Charles L. Boj'den, George E. Bird, Wm. F. Boyd, Timothj' Brennan, Thomas S. Brigham, Samuel Chestnut, Thomas Carpenter, Henry Cleveland, James S. Carver, Edwin J. Carroll, Geo. S. Coppleston, Patrick Curtin, Leander Clapp, Gardner A. Carpenter, Curtis Childs, Edgar L. Comej', Joseph H. Dow, Wm. Daj', Edwin Dunbar, Otis Dean, John J. Dixon, Benj. L. Dixon, Herbert F. Dean, Jeremiah E. Earl, George Eaton, Amos L. P'uller, Alonzo W. Fuller, Albert E. Forrest, Edward M. Freeman, Wm. F. Frazer, Handel P. Fisher, 232 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. E. Irving Fisher, Anson Fisher, David Flavahan, Comfort O. Fisher, Joseph Gotlieb, Wm. C. Grover, Nathan M. Grover, Wm. R. Goldsmith, George H. Grover, Wm. B. Grover, Joseph Gaj', Cephas P. Grover, David T. Hartshorn, Patrick Hennebeny, Wm. D. Higgins, Moses E. Harding, Lewis Heckman, George H. Hartshorn, Henrj' James, Joseph Jewett, Benj. F. Jones, Uriah S. King, Richai'd H. King, Seth N. Kingsbury, Allen P. Lake, Charles Lyons, Bartlett P. Luce, Wm. H. Lvons, Williams Leonard, George Leonard, Alfred L. Morse, Stillman F. Morse, Ransom Matthews, John Mahoney, Wm. A. Morse, Joseph Myers, Owen Murphj', Elbridge F. Morse, Cj'rus B. Morse, Jairus J. Morse, Daniel Mahoney, George A. Mann, Zeri B. Martis, James Nelson, Charles H. Pond, Oliver Prime, James Prime, Charles A. Pettee, Edward E. Place, Edward Richardson, Wm. Rich, Charles B. Richardson, Patrick Roche, Wm. A. Richardson, Wm. H. Sweet, Hiram D. Skinner, Theodore R. Skinner, David Scott, John H. Sumner, Wm. A. Stevens, Leonard Smith, Charles D. Smith, David A. Swift, Henry C. Sumner, Payson F. Smith, Charles T. Sumner, Hiram A. Snow, Martin Shea, Joshua Taj'lor, Franklin E. Taylor, Charles A. Thompson, Willard W. Turner, Leander G. Thompson, Ezekiel J. Tolman, George S. Thompson, George M. Washburn, George W. Williams, Jr., Charles A. Whipple, James Wight, Charles Whipple, FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL REOORD. 233 Rufus S. White, Wm. Winslow, Ansel L. Willis, John Ware, Preston B. Whittemore, Stillman F. Willis, Wm. T. Wright, Isaac Smith, Jr., Asst. Surgeon. OUR HONORED DEAD. Names inscribed on marble tablet opposite entrance in Memo rial Hall, surmounted bj' medallion representing arms encircled by wreath. Date of Death. Aug. 23, 18G3. July 14, 18G3. May 31, 18G3. Nov. 22, ISGl. May 5, 18G2. Oct. 7, 18G2. Jan. 20, 1863. Feb. 4, 18G3. March G, 1863. March 10, 1863. May 2G, 1863. June 10, 1863. July 15, 1863. July 20, 1863. Aug. 13, 1863. Aug. 31, 1863. Feb. 23, 1863. May 13, 1864. Aug. 10, 1864. 1864. Oct. 29, 1864. Eegt. Co. 4th, F, 4th, F, 4th, F, 18th, I, 23d, K, 24th, A, 7th, H, 7th, I, 4th, F, 7th, H, 4th, F, 4th, F, 4th, F, 4th, F, 4th, F, 4th, F, 56th, K, 56th, G, 18th, I, 23d, K, Lieut. Isaac H. Bonnej', Sergt. Joseph H. Joplin, Sergt. Gab!'iel P. Chamberlain, Ezekiel J. Tolman, Charles A. Whipple, Heniy J. Barrows, Charles D. Richardson, William A. Richardson, William M. Adams, Stillman F. Morse, Elbridge F. Morse, William Daj', Charles L. Boj'den, Joseph Mj'ers, Henrj' C. Sumner, Edwin J. Carroll, Daniel Mahonej', Leander Clapp, Amos L. Fuller, Hiram A. Snow, 1st Heavy Art'lj') Uriah S. King, VETERANS OF THE WAR. ORGANIZED JUNE 17, 1878. Henry C. Lindley, Capt., James S. Carver, 1st Lieut., David Scott, 2d Lieut. , Thomas B. Bourne, Ord. Sergt., Joseph H. Dow, 2ci Sergt., Horace B. Hartshorn, Drummer, Henry A. Alexander, Cyrus B. Morse, 234 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Jabez B. Davidson, Seth Talbot, Wm. H. Kempton, Dennis Lovett, Elbridge Alexander, Royal J. Packard, L. Edgar Comey, Joseph H. Alden, Abijah M. Morse, Dennis F. McCarty, Thomas Brigham, John Ferguson, John Wright, Samuel C. Bourne, Leander G. Thompson, A. L. Bundy, Samuel C. Chestnut, Wm. T. Wright, Fred Whitnej-, Edwin P. Jewett, Timothj' Howe, Wm. R. Reed, Thomas Carpenter, Allison Cobb, Wm. Moorhouse, Sumner Wetherell, Harrison Doty, David Flahaven, James Blanchard, Patrick Curtin, J Charles A. Thompson, John Higgins, Charles D. Smith, Hanry C. Folsom, Ansel Willis, Caleb Josselj'n, V. F. Grover, Curtis Childs, Oliver Prime, John Jackson, Dexter Inman, John A. Davis. The following records are taken from a book in the posses sion of Mr. A. J. Boyden, upon the first page of which is written, " Militia Book for the use of the Company in Fox borough, 1790": — Agreeable to an act of Congress, the 9"" of May, 1794, A de- teachment of Eighty Thousand Men be raised, and this states pro- potion is 11885, oflcers included, and the 4th Rigaments pro- potion is 97, oflcers included,v and the foot Companj^ in Fox borough propotion is one Subbolton, one Serjent, and Sixteen Privates, which ware deteached and Returned the 8 day of July, in y= 1794, and Ware ordered to be acquipt and hold themselves in Readiness to march at a Minutes warning, if called for, and to serve three months after They arrive at the place of Rendezvous, if not sooner discharged. FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 235 Mens Names that were deteached and Returned : — Sergent, Asa Paine. Rank and File. Jacob Billings, Joseph Bradshaw, Samuel H. Everett, Lemuel AVight, Jun% Richard Everett, Asa Robinson, Zippa Swift, Elkonah Clark, Job Shearman, Jun% Cyrenius Pettee, John Shearman, Oliver Morse, Jason Belcher, Elias Guild, Philips Payson, John Sumner, Jun'. Agreeable to an Act of Congress, the 24 of June, j'" 1797, A de- teachment of Eighty Thousand men, to be Raised and Rurnd, Armed and Eq;uipt as the Law directs, and Hold themselves in Readj'ness to march at a minutes warning, if called for, and Serve the Term of three months after they arrive at the place of Rendez vous, unless sooner discharged. This states proportion of the above 80,000 is 11,836, including oflcers, the second brigade, flrst devisions, propotion is 348. The 4"' Rigament 2'' Brigades propotion is 89, oflcers included, and the foot Company in Foxborough propotion, Two Commitiond ofHcers, one serjent, fourteen privates. The names of the men that ware deteacht and Returnd, Oct. 12, y*^ 1797, and ware holden to stand in Readiness from that time for the Space of one year, and after that untill the Eand of the next sessions of Congress, and No longer. Serjent, Benjamin Comee. Privates. Francis Jones, Oliver Morse, Elisha Wilbur, Lemuel Paine, Obadiah Shearman, ^ John N. Miller, ! Asa Robinson. 236 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Rank and File. David Capen, Elias Guild, Joel IMorse, Jun', Asa Shaw, Asa White, Leonard White, James Dr.niels. N. B. — The time mentioned in the orders for the above named men to Hold themselves in Readyness is expired the 3 of Marcli, 1799, and they are discharged by order of the Commander-in-chief. Foxborough, May 3, y" 1799. The President of the United States, pursuant to an Act of- Con gress of the 10* of April, 1812, having required of the Commander- in-chief to take Efl'ectual Measures for having 10,000 of the Militia of Massachusetts, Detached & Duly Organized In companies, Battallions, Regiments, Brigades, and Divisions. And the Second Regiment, 2* Brigade, and 1 Div. Proportion is 45, officers In cluded, And the Company of foot, commanded by Capt. Metcalf Everett, has Detached 1 serg. and 6 Privates, it being her Propor tion of the above number. Mens Names that were Detached and Returned from Capt. M. Everett's Companj' : — Serg't, Oliver Capen. Privates. Isaiah Morse, Isaac Shepard. Jairus P. Morse, Spencer Leonard, John Morse, 2d, Oakes Copeland. Copy of A Detachment made from Capt. Metcalf Everett's Company, July 26th, 1814, viz. :— ' Samuel Peck, Samuel Peck, 1 t, • ^ Hartford Leonard, K"''"""- Copy of A Detachment made from Capt. Metcalf Everett's Company, Sept. 20th, 1814. Isaac Winslow, Alpheus Bird, \- Prii>ates. Wm. Vinson, >w, ] B, [¦ Priv FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. ^'i^'J STATISTICS. Area, according to survey by J. M. Everett, Esq., 1850, 12,806 acres. Population, 1790, 640; 1800, 779; 1810, 870; 1820, 1,004; 1830, 1,166; 1836, 1,416; 1840, 1,294; 1850, 1,978; 1855, 2,570; 1860,2,879; 1865, 2,778 ; 1870, 3,057 ; 1875, 3,168. Assessors' Eeport of 1878 shows : Valuation of real estate, $1,277,898; personal estate, $230,- 376 ; number of acres taxed, 10,059 ; number of polls taxed, 725 ; number of houses, 601 ; number of horses, 327 ; cows, 339 ; sheep, 11 ; rate of taxation, $12.50 per $1,000. The Union Straw Works' personal property, being owned by a corporation, is not included in the above. Total assessed valuation in 1877, $1,569,726. DELEGATES TO CONSTITUTIONAL CON VENTIONS. 1779, John Everett; 1820, Seth Boyden; 1853, Henry Hobart. Hon. Ebenezer Warren was delegate to the convention, 1788, that adopted the Federal Constitution. STATE SENATORS FROM FOXBOROUGH. Henry Hobart, 1852. James E. Carpenter, 1855, 1856. Otis Cary, 1863, 1864. Erastus P. Carpenter, 1872, 1873, 1874. REPRESENTATIVES TO GENERAL COURT FROM 1778 TO 1878. John Everett, 1779, 1780, 1781, 1784, 1785, 1792. Ebenezer Warren, 1783. Seth Boyden, 1809, 1810, 1811, 1826, 1827, 1829. Elias Nason, 1812. 238 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. John Sherman, 1823, 1824, 1828, 1839. Willard Pierce, 1830, 1840. Meletiah Everett, 1831. Henry Hobart, 1832, 1833, 1835, 1836. Joseph Kingsbury, 1834. Stephen Ehodes, 1837. Warren Bird, 1838, 1841. Silas Eipley, 1839. Nehemiah Carpenter, 1842. Francis Dane, 1843, 1844. John M. Everett, 1846. Martin Torrey, 1849, 1851. Alfred Hodges, 1850. James Stratton, 1853, 1854. John Littlefield, 1855, 1856, 1857. Daniels Carpenter, 1858. Otis Cary, 1860, 1861. Eobert W. Kerr, 1863, 1864. Ezra Carpenter, 1866. Frederick K. Ballon, 1867. John M. Merrick, 1869. J. E. Carpenter, 1870. Wm. H. Thomas, 1872. George T. Eyder, 1873. Wm. A. Thompson, 1875. Joseph A. Kingsbury, 1876. James F. Leonard, 1878. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. Warren Bird, E. Walter S. Blackwell, Seth Boyden, David Capen, James Capen, Erastus P. Carpenter, James E. Carpenter,^ .Eobert W. Carpenter, Edmund Carroll, Julius Carroll, Otis Cary, Edwin W. Clarke, Aaron Everett, John M. Everett, Melatiah Everett, ^ Alfred Fales, Thomas M. George, Freedom Guild, Edward D. Hewins, Henry Hobart, Noah Hobart, Alfred Hodges, Charles W. Hodges, Eobert W. Kerr, Joseph Kingsbury, James F. Leonard, John Littlefield, John Q. Lynch, Elias Nason, Swift Payson, ' Also Justices of the Quorum. FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 239 William Payson, Gardner M. Peck, Joseph E. Pond, Jr. Abijah Pratt, Carmi Eichmond, Frank I. Sherman, George Sherman, John Sherman, Isaac Smith, A. Thomas Starkey, William H. Thomas, Ebenezer Warren, Joseph Warren, Samuel S. Warren, Daniel B. Whittier. SELECTMEN FROM 4778 TO 1878. Josiah Pratt, 1778, 1779, 1781-85, 1794. John Everett, 1778, 1779, 1788, 1792, 1793, 1798, 1799. Benjamin Pettee, 1778, 1779. Daniel Eobinson, 1778. Joseph Shepard, 1778. Samuel Billings, 1779, 1786. Nathaniel Clark, 1779, 1782- 85, 1791, 1792. Nehemiah Carpenter, 1780, 1787. Swift Payson, 1780, 1781. Ebenezer Warren, 1780, 1786, 1789-93. Aaron Everett, 1781-85. Simon Pettee, 1786, 178i», 1790. Samuel Baker, 1787, 1788. Joshua Armsby, 1788. 'Joseph Hews, 1789, 1790, 1795-99. George Stratton, 1791-93, 1798-1808. Spencer Hodges, 1794-97. Abijah Pratt, 1794-99, 1801, 1819. William Sumner, 1799-1805. Seth Boyden, 1802, 1811, 1813, 1815, 1817, 1829. Joseph Kingsbury, 1806-08. Elias Nason, 1809-12. Jesse Hartshorn, 1810, 1811. Ethridge Clark, 1812, 1814. Stephen Sherman, 1812, 1830-33. Jacob Leonard, 1813, 181-1. Harvey Pettee, 1813, 1814. Peter Carpenter, 1814. Beriah Mann, 1815-19. John Sherman, 1815-28. Daniel Everett, 1818-28. Joseph Warren, 1820-22. Asa Plimpton, 1823-26. 240 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. David Capen, 1827-33. Silas Smith, 1829. Henry Hobart, 1830-32, 1834-40, 1842-45. Joseph Kingsbury, 1833-35. Alpheus Bird, 1834-36, 1841. Ezra Carpenter, 1836-40, 1853-59, 1862-66, 1871. Ephraim Grover, 1837-40. John M. Everett, 1841. George Sherman, 1841-45. Willard Plimpton, 1842-45. Freedom Guild, 1846-49, 1853-61. Oliver Carpenter, 1846, 1847. Martin Torrey, 1846, 1847. Otis Cary, 1848-52, 1867- 69, 1874, 1875. Job Sherman, 1848-52. Albert Fisher, 1850-52. James Stratton, 1853-57. James Capen, 1858-61, 1868, 1869, 1870. Jeremiah M. Shepard, 1860- 63. Elisha White, Jr., 1862-66. William H. Thomas, 18 64-6 6. Edmund Carroll, 1867, 1868. Charles W. Hodges, 18*^7. William H. Cobb, 1869. James F. Leonard, 1870, 1871, 1875-77. Eli Phelps, 1870-73. Henry G. Warren, 1872, 1873, 1876, 1877. Michael Eyan, 1872. Benjamin B. King, 1873. Alfred Hodges, 1874. James A. Comey, 1874, 1875. NewlandF. Howard,1876-78. Erastus P. Carpenter, 1878. Willard P. Turner, 1878. TOWN CLERKS. Swift Payson, 1778, 1779. Amariah Marsh, 1780-83. Nehemiah Carpenter, 1784, 1785. Abijah Pratt, 1786-88. Aaron Everett, 1789-1800. George Stratton, 1801-08. Beriah Mann, 1809, 1815-19. William Payson, 1810-14. Shubal Pratt, 1820-22. James Paine, 1823-31. Melatiah Everett, 1831. Otis Hodges, 1832, 1833. Warren Bird, 1834-47. Silas Eipley, 1848, 1849. Nathaniel T. Shepard, 1850- 54. James E. Carpenter,1855-60. William H.Thomas, 1861-72. James F. Leonard, 1872-77. William H. Torrey, 1878. Old Brick (Cong.) Church. Page 24;. FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 241 SETTLED MINISTERS. Congregatioualist. Thomas Kendal, Daniel Loring, Thomas Skelton, Thomas Williams, Willard Pierce, Daniel J. Poor, William Barnes, Edmund Y. Garrette, Noadiah S. Dickinson, Baptist.^ Warren Bird, Timothy C. Tingley, Silas Eipley, Edwin B. Bullard, Silas Eipley, Isaac Smith, Cyrus H. Carleton, \\'illiam H. Spencer, UniversaliBt. Charles W. Mellen, E. C. Eogers, W. G. Anderson, Holmes Slade, Lucius Holmes, Settled. Eesigned. 1786 1800 1804 1806 1807 1816 1816 1821 1824 1839 1840 1847 1847 1854 1854 1857 1858 1869 Settled- Resigned. 1822 1828 1831 1837 1837 ¦ 1841 1842 1843 1843 1854 1854 1867 1867 Died, 1868 1869 Settled. Resigned. 1843 1846 1846 1847 1847 1848 1848 1853 1853 1857 1 It has been stated that Rev. Shuhael Lovell, who preached to this church in 1187 and 1818, in a house standing near the locality of the present residence of Capt. D. L. Shepard, on South street, was settled here ; but this is an error, as he was at no time settled in Foxborough. The year of settlement of Rev. Warren Bird has been errone ously stated as 1819, but by the records of the Society, it is learned that he only supplied the pulpit until 1822, in which j-ear lie was settled. Eev. Mr. Carleton was the only settled minister who died during his ministry in Foxborough, during the first century of its corporate existence. 242 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. Universalist. Supplied. Kesigned. N. C. Hodgdon, 1858 1859 C. A. Bradley, 1860 1865 John M. Merrick, 1866 1869 James H. Little, 1869 1874 Allen P. Folsom, 1874 1876 W. W. Hay ward. 1876 1877 Q. H. Shinn, 1878 CHANGE IN BOUNDAEY LINES. Since the incorporation of the town the following changes in its boundary lines, etc., have been made, viz., June 20, 1793, County of Norfolk established, thus removing Fox borough from Sufi"olk County. February 3, 1819, boundary line between Wrentham and Foxborough established. Feb ruary 7,, 1831, part of Wrenthiim annexed to Foxborough. January 30, 1833, boundary line between Sharon and Fox borough estalbished. March 27, 1833, and March 28, 1834, part of Foxborough annexed to Walpole. February 28, 1850, part of Sharon annexed to Foxborough. AEEANGEMENT OF ILLUSTEATIONS Town House ..... Union Straw Works Old Carpenter House and Laundry . Old Meeting-house and plan of pews Orthodox church .... Memorial Hall .... Judge Warren House and W. T. Cook's farm-house Eesidences of V. S. Pond and L. P. Faught Portrait of Charles James Fox Baptist and First Baptist churches . Universalist and Catholic churches . Samaritan Building and Crocker & Shepard's Union Building and Howe Monument Old Brick church ..... Page. 17 33 49 65 8197 113 129 145161 177 193 209 241 FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 243 DESCEIPTION OF ILLUSTEATIONS. The Town House — the illustration of which fronts page 17 — was built in 1857, at an expense of $15,400, which amount includes the cost of the land. In 1874 an addition was built, for school purposes, at an expense of $26,244.31. The building is heated by steam from a boiler in the basement, and is lighted by gas. The basement contains the lock-up (three cells) ; cistern, containing 33,000 gallons of water, for use in case of fire ; the boiler-room, coal-bins, etc. The first floor of the main structure contains the Lower Town Hall, 36x54 feet, with ante-rooms, town officers' office (with ante-room), in which is situated the safe recently erected at an expense of $650, second primary school-room, public entrance to Town Hall, and ticket office. The second floor is occupied by the Towu Hall, 50X75 feet, with two ante-rooms, each 12X20 feet; it has a platform 15X26 feet, and gallery 17X45 feet. The hall and gallery seat 800*persons. The School-house Addition, so called, is occupied on the first floor by the first primary and second intermediate schools ; on the second floor by the grammar and first intermediate schools ; each of these schools occupies a room 35X24 feet, furnished with the most improved school furniture, and has commodious clothes- rooms, sink-rooms, and water-closets connected. On the second floor are also two dressing-rooms, each 14X15 feet, with water-closets, connected with the platform of the Town Hall. The upper floor is occupied by the high school, which has a room 50 feet square, with commodious clothes-rooms and water-closets. The number of pupils which can be seated in these six school-rooms is over three hundred. The Town House is situated on elevated ground, having a larse common in front of and between it and South street. Foxborough steam fire-engine house is situated a few rods 244 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. north-easterly of the addition, and can be seen in the illus tration. Cocasset engine-house is similarly situated, south easterly of the building. The Union Straw Works — the illustration of which fronts page 33 — stands on Wall street, and occupies, with machine- shop, foundry, gasometer, bleach-house and yards, stables, etc., about 210,000 feet of land. Opposite are the Veranda and Hamlet Houses, boarding-houses owned by the proprietors of the U.S.W. The expense of building these works, includ ing the addition built in 1856, exceeded $150,000. Connected with these works, and owned by the same Corporation — the Union and Bay State Manufacturing Co., — are the "West Branch," a large three-story building on Main street, for merly the manufactory of Foxboro' Jewelry Co., and the " South Branch," known as "Nason's Factory" when built in 1810, situated on Water street. These buildings are managed by Wm. T. Cook & Co. (W. T. Cook andL. Porter Faught), for the corporation. Eeference to the Union Straw Works is made on pages 30, 33, 75, 92, 93, 129-132, 169, 171. The Old Carpenter House — fronting page 49 — was the first building erected in the Centre. It stands on a leading way off" South street, and near the Town House. It was built in 1749-50 by Nehemiah Carpenter, who came to this place from Eehoboth. It afterwards served as an inn, and was know as the " Old Tavern," and the old settle in the big room, the bar, till, and many other of the original fixtures, still remain. It is now occupied as a dwelling-house. The Old Stone Factory, or Foxboro' Laundry, shown on the same page, is located in the section known as "New State," on Granite street, at the head of Cocasset pond. It was erected about 1825 by Simon Pettee, and was for many years used for the manufacture of cotton cloth. The prem ises are now occupied by Capt. Ezra Pickens for a steam laundry. The Old Meeting-house — shown opposite page 65— was FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 245 taken from the sketch made by Mr. Amos J. Boyden, and referred to on page 192. It was erected about 1763, and torn down between Dec. 31, 1821, and Jan. 4, 1822. See pages 69-70, 87 and 192. The Orthodox Congregational Church — opposite page 81 — was built in 1854, and stands at the head of Eock Hill street. The Old Brick Church — illustration opposite page 241 — was built in 1822 (dedicated in January, 1823) by the Congregational Society soon after the destruction of the first meeting-house, and was located quite near the site of the old structure, and about one hundred feet north-west of where Memorial Eock now rests. It was taken down in 1855. Memorial Hall — illustration fronting page 97 — was erected by the town in 1868, in the old burying-ground near the common, at a cost of $13,000. It is built of pebble stone with granite trimmings, with slated roof and dome on which is a large figure of a Union soldier with arms at rest. The interior is handsomely finished in oiled chestnut, the sides not occupied by the memorial tablets being fitted with cases containing the books of the Public Library. Over the entrance is a marble tablet inscribed, " Soldiers' Memorial. Erected by the Town, A.D. 1868," with bronze coat of arms of the United States at the right and of Massachusetts at the left; immediately above are three alcoves, draped with silk banners, in which it is proposed to place statues of Washing ton, Adams, and Andrew. At the right of the entrance is the marble tablet described on page 229, and, on the left, the tab let described on page 230 ; immediately opposite, and sur mounted by a large figure of the Goddess of Liberty in colored glass, is the tablet containing the names of "Our Honored Dead." Eeference to the Hall is made on pages 98, 135, 218, 219, and 229. The Warren House — illustration fronting page 113 — was one of the first houses of the modern style of architecture 246 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. built in Foxborough, and was considered a great novelty. It was the dwelling of Hon. Ebenezer Warren, brother of Gen. Joseph Warren, whose name is prominent in these pages, as was the Judge among his fellow-men in the early days of the town. The house is now occupied by Henry G. Warren, Esq., grandson of Judge Warren. High Lawn Stock Farm Buildings — illustrated on the same page — are upon the large farm now owned by Mr. Wm. T. Cook and occupied by him as a summer residence. The farm was originally known as the " Payson Farm," having been the residence of Swift Payson and of Phillips Payson. This farm comprises eighty-four acres. This view was taken from the trotting park recently completed by Mr. Cook. Among the valuable and noted horses owned here are "Herald'' and "Financier." Mr. Cook entertained His Excellency Governor Eice and others at this residence. Centennial Day. The Eesidences of Virgil S. Pond and L. Porter Faught (see page 129) are situated on Main and Central streets, respectively, and are typical of the modern resi dences of the village ; the taste and neatness exhibited in these is general, and has acquired for the town the title of " The Gem of Norfolk County." The portrait of Charles James Fox — fronting page 145 — was obtained from a steel-plate engraving on page 101, of the "Gallery of Portraits," Vol. 1. The First Baptist Church — shown fronting page 161 — was built in 1822, and cost $1,200; it was located on Elm street, near the present residence of Mr. Asahel Dean. It was about 36x40 feet, aud was the first house of worship in town in which a stove was introduced. It was moved in May, 1838, to the site now occupied by the Town House, where it was lengthened twelve feet and a vestry finished in the basement. In 1850 it was sold, and became a part of the steam mill of V. S. Pond, which was burned January FOXBOROUOH CENTENNIAL RECORD. 247 27, 1876. The illustration should have represented the building as being higher posted ; it appears lower than it really was. The Baptist Church edifice, now occupied by the society, is shown ou the same page, and stands on School street. It was built in 1850, at an expense of $4,200. Improve ments were made in 1856 and 1860, and it has recently been enlarged and improved to such an extent as to make it proper to rededicate the building, which was done, in the presence of a large congregation, January 22, 1879. The historical address by Eev. Mr. Spencer, on this occasion, gives more fully the history of this building. The Unfversalist Church — illustration fronting page 177 — was built in 1843, and is located at the head of Bird street, fronting the Common. It originally had a spire in addition to the belfry shown, but this Avas blown off in a severe gale. It has a finished vestry, ante-rooms, etc., in the basement. The Eoman Catholic Church — shown on the same page — is the third church which this denomination has built on the same site, at the head of Church street, and has been built but a few months. Their first church was built in 1859, and destroyed by fire March 1, 1862; their second church was built in 1873, and burned September 12, 1877. Samaritan Hall Building — illustration fronting page 193 — is located on School street, facing the Common, and was built by the Fifth School District for a school-house in 1847, and in 1876—7 was remodelled, enlarged, and improved by Samaritan Hall Company, by which it is owned. W. S. Blackwell's printing-office occupies the basement ; the first floor is occupied by G. H, Butterworth's clothing store, Mrs. W. H. Torrey's millinery rooms, and by a hair-dresser's rooms. The second floor, Samaritan Hall, seats between four and five hundred persons. Lincoln Block, or Crocker & Shepard's Building — 248 FOXBOROUGH CENTENNIAL RECORD. shown on the same page as above — was built for store purposes in 1847 by Edson Carpenter, and was for many years occupied as " a country store," straw factory, and tailor- shop. It is located on School street, fronting the Common, and is now occupied by Godfrey & Comey, grocers; by Crocker & Shepard, dealers in dry goods ; by Dr. H. H. Bowles, dentist ; and by cloak and dress-making rooms. The floor above is fitted as a small hall, known as Lincoln Hall. Union Building — illustration fronting page 209 — stands at head of Foxborough Common, at the corner of Main street; its size is 60X72 feet, and was built iu 1856-7, at an expense of about $13,000. The proprietors-are Charles W. and Joseph F. Hodges. It is occupied by A. H. Mes senger, grocer; Benjamin F. Boyden, 2d, dealer in dry goods; C. W. Hodges, carpets and furniture ; Edgar W. Allen, merchant tailor ; Miss M. B. Austin, milliner ; by dress-making rooms, rooms of Foxborough Dramatic Com pany, Hodges' furniture rooms, and by Union Hall. The building stands on the site formerly occupied by " Sumner's store," a building well known years ago. The Howe Monument — shown on same page — stands in rear of Memorial Hall. It is inscribed, " This monument was erected by Dr. N. Miller to the memory of his friend Mr. ZADOCK HOWE, who died 1819, £et. 77, and who fought under the Great Washington. To those who view, before you're gone, be pleased to put this cover on." The cover referred to is a cast-iron urn, surmounted by an acorn dated 1810, and there is set in the urn a slate tablet, in scribed, " The grave is waiting for your body, and Christ is waiting for your soul ; O may this be your cheerful study to be prepared when death doth call." This slab and urn having been broken, it was replaced by the Centennial Committee, the original acorn being retained. The granite capstone is inscribed, " Wrought by the deceased, 1810," and "Eepaired by his son, Z. Howe, M.D., 1841." The Town- of Foxborough cordially invites you to attend . ¦^,. and participate in the Celebration of its ¦ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY, -,6n Saturday, June 29th, 1878, ;•,;, TO -A-LIj, -WTEXiCOlS^B, <3-E.EETI2Sra-. ^ -' " ' "Y'- Committee who are chosen to waite on y^ goode people, friends and nabors, will awaite j" coming, at nine of the clock in the morning, at y^ greate Town Hall which is set on the hill, on y^ South Town Eode,'and if y^ go there and show this paper to y° Tithing Men," at y° greate doors, y^ will be wel comed as y* invited guests of y^ Towne." POXBOROUGH'S eENTiNlAL. ScLturfiay, June ^9th^ 1878. ORDER OF EXERCISES. Centennial Salute, One Hundred Gnils at Sunrise and Sunset. Procession formed at. Town Hall, at iS.SO A. M., to Bfove at 10 A.' DI. CNVEItlNG OF MEMORIAL ROCK. ' EXBBOISES AT THE TENT-V Prayer... ' :¦ Welcome Address. {.-.¦¦ . . Original Hymn.' Reading^ Act of Incorporation. -, ^ Music. ' ' Centennial Address. ]l(usic. Original Pdem. Music.'' Collation.; Toasts and Responses, interspersed withVocal and InstrumentalMnsic* Grand Reunion of Families, Old Friends and Aquaintances. Grand Illumination and Promenade .Conjsert on the Common^ in the evening. ; ON &U:NEyAy,: ' Appropriate Centennial Union Religious Services will be held: in the Tent. As it is very desirable to know as early as possible, the number of guests to be entertained, you will ¦ please report ^ your intentions at once, by returning enclosed card, with the name or names ( this invitation includes all members of families), written in full, under the words, ''ACCEPT"' or ''DECLINE:' The Committee trust that all will respond in person, but if not, a letter will be gratefully received, that all may have a record, in connection with this^ important and interesting occasion. ?-* — '¦ '—i EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. E. P. CARPENTER, WM. T. COOK, OTIS CARY, ,J. A. KINGSBURY, JAMES CAPEN, C. W. HODGES, R. W. CARPENTER. RAILROAD CONNECTIONS Will be made with early morning trains upon Boston ^nd Albany, Boston and Providence, New York and New England, and Boston, Clinton, Fitchburg and New Bedford Railroads, enabling visitors to arrive in season for the opening exercises. . - - Late afternoon trains will make close connections with above roads. YALE UNIVERSITY iTqno2 00291 ^J k ^' 0, •flfcl ¦¦^ .1 'J I !;:&' A *„ , ;"?'i«. ^i^m:r^:: fe'C-v - » » i "S :>* i. r'-^. 1 •• • . E. ".¦