§s§ ¦ ¦¦ . IIS: PI Wi« llilillllllllilll K ^^p '¦¦"'"¦¦'ai "IS? '¦"iiiMiiiiiii^/i .nl'lhVil^-; '¦ ¦ H^ i?tw ' : "rv?^y^i Si ¦Merlin^ rtHi&^EF MTtSOSSA. '^ttBl^'Jfrgi 1660 1910 YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Purchased from the income of the bequest of WILLIAM ROBERTSON COE Honorary M.A. 1949, for material in the field of American Studies. MRS. ELLA A. BIGELOW HISTORICAL REMINISCENCES OF THE EARLY TIMES IN MARLBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS, PROMINENT EVENTS FROM 1860 TO 1910, INCLUDING BRIEF ALLUSIONS TO MANY INDIVIDUALS AND AN ACCOUNT OF THE CELEBRATION OF THE TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INCORPORATION OF THE TOWN. BY ELLA. A. BIGELOW. MARLBOROUGH, MASS. : TIMES PUBLISHING COMPANY, PRINTERS. i 9 i o . IV. THE AUTHOR DEDICATES THIS BOOK TO THOSE WHOSE ANCESTORS CAME OVER IN EARLY SHIPS AND PLANTED THE STURDY OLD MARLBOROUGH TREE FROM WHICH INNUMERABLE BRANCHES MAY BE COUNTED NEAR AND FAR, EVEN TO GREAT DISTANCE. " Thunder our thanks to her — guns, hearts, and lips ! Cheer from the ranks to her, Shout from the banks to her — Mayflower ! Foremost and best of our ships." — John Boyle O'Reilly. Copyright, 1910, by City of Marlborough. PREFACE. HEN Dean Stanley came over here from England he was asked what he wanted to see, people or institutions or botany or buildings. And he answered : " History. — Show me History. Show me about the Revolution. Show me where the old Elm was, although I know it was blown down. Show me John Eliot's grave. " And when Marlborough's children and grandchildren, and great great great grandchildren would entertain their visitors from far away, let them "show history." Let them show where the old Homesteads were builded, even tho' the originals are now no more. Show them the graves of the early pioneers of this prominent frontier settlement, and the places where they lived and suffered and enjoyed. In offering this work, the author claims no originality other than that of selecting from preserved records and personal interviews with residents. Thanking each and every one who has aided her, Mayor J. J. Shaughnessy ; Ex-Mayor Henry Parsons ; and the Honorable Com mittees of 1909 and 1910 for their hearty endorsement ; Hon. S. H. Howe, who particularly aided her by his words of kindly encourage ment ; together with Representative Frank Pope of the Boston Globe ; Miss Sarah Cotting, Librarian; Messrs. P. B. Murphy, City Clerk; Walter S. Goss, G. A. R. veteran ; Thomas E. Campbell, ex-Chief Engineer Fire Department, and Capt. T. E. Jackson, for their inval uable assistance in her search for data, she now presents to the public the facts which she has gained in regard to our City, and of the old Homesteads, water colors of which were from time to time painted by the late Boston artist, Ellen M. Carpenter, and from which half-tones have been made. If a home, family, individual or interesting or valuable fact has been omitted, it is only from lack of knowledge and from no personal wish. Faithfully, Ella A. Bigelow. VI. ILLUSTRATIONS. Coat of Arms, .... Mr.s. Ella A. Bigelow, High Street and Town Hall, Old Marlborough, England, High Street and St. Peter's Church, Old Marlborough, England, Marlborough College, Old Marlborough, England, George's Lane, Old Marlborough, England, The Green, Old Marlborough, England, The Devil's Den, Old Marlborough, England, " Saturday Night," A Sleigh-ride from Sudbury to Marlborough, Burning of the First Church by the Indians, The Ward, or Bonney Hayden Homestead, The Asa Packard House, Rev. Asa Packard, Marlborough Public Library, Andrew Carnegie, The Deacon Phelps House, . Homestead of Winthrop Arnold, The Rev. Aaron Smith House, Old Williams' Tavern, Duke de la Rouchefoucauld, Historical Table, . Homestead of Ephraim Brigham, The Old Barnes Homestead, Homestead of Samuel, or Addington Brigham, Caleb Witherbee and the Loring Homesteads, The Old Homestead of the Bents and Stevens, The Lewis Ames Homestead, Lake Chauncy, Soldiers' Monument, G. A. R. Building, PAGE Cover Frontispiece XV. XV. xvi. xvi. x\ ii. xvii. 11 10 12 14 17 20 21 23 25272.s3032 34 353743 485053 VII. Marlborough High School, . The Old Academy, Universalist Church, Old Town Hall, . New City Hall, House of Major Henry Rice, Spinnet, or First Piano Used in Marlborough, House of the Loyalist, Henry Barnes, . Central Fire and Police .Station, No. 2 Engine House, The Village Street, Rev. S. F. Bucklin, Ve Old Country Choir, Union Congregational Church, The Grave of Captain Hutchinson, King Philip, Holy Trinity Church, Cotting Tavern in Ye Olden Time, Old View, Southeastern Part of Marlborough, Larkin, or Winslow Brigham House, . The Old Boyd, or Bennett House, City Hospital, House of Richard Farwell, or ex-Mayor John O'Connell, The Old Parmenter House, . House of Micah Sherman, or Winslow Barnes, The Harrington, or William Walker Homestead, Ollerton, or Baguley Hall, England, John Bigelow and Mary Warren Dancing at their Wed ding in Watertown, Homestead of the Indian Captive, House of Willard Morse, or Nevinson Stone, Newton, or Dadmun Homestead, Homestead of Mark and George Fay, House of William Gates, Home of Edward Holyoke, . Home of Captain William Holyoke, Home of Lieutenant Ephraim Barber, The Martin Howe Homestead, Reward of Merit, . The Felton Homestead, VIII. The Dunton House, Homestead of Captain Jacob Holyoke, Homestead of Gershom Rice, The Nathan Drury, or Henry Holyoke House, The Davis, or Israel Goulding Place, . The Samuel Goodnow, or Bartlett Homestead, First Rice Homestead in America, Homestead of Peter Rice, Home of Otis Russell, The Joshua, or Thomas Rice Homestead, Caleb Brigham Homestead, . Homestead of Jonas Brigham, Sligo, Ireland, The Samuel Howe Home, House of Deacon Isaac Hayden, House of Doctor John Baker, Home of Lambert, or Edward Bigelow, Interior View of Same, House of Deacon Stetson, The Old Chipman, or Hemenway House, Sawin Tavern, Colonial House of the Chipmans, General Burgoyne, Homestead of Captain Aaron Stevens, . Goodman Howe Homestead, John How and the Indians, . Fail-view Farm, The Farm of Thaddeus Howe, The Simeon Cunningham Homestead, . Homestead of Deacon Howe, The Major Jedediah Brigham Homestead, Home of William Stowe, or Barnard, . William Barnard, or Parmenter Home, The Daniel Williams Homestead, Peace Peters, or Elijah Dickinson, Homestead of Samuel Warren, Whitmore, or Theodore Temple Homestead, Homestead of Stephen Morse, Homestead of William Hagar, IX. The LIriah Eager, or Moses Barnes Llomestead, (now Sowerby) Joab Stowe, or Hitchcock Place, Home of Samuel Howe, Francis Weeks Farm, Homestead of Deacon Goodale, Supply Weeks Homestead, Elizabeth Howe, carried away by the Indians, Methodist Church . The Jabez Stowe or Welch Homestead, The Rufus Stowe Llomestead, The William Eager Homestead, The Ephraim Maynard Homestead (now Curtis) The Lewis Hapgood Homestead, The Jabez Huntington Homestead, The Old Arcade, . Father Hamilton, . Church of the Immaculate Conception, Prospect Street, New Parochial School, Pleasant Street in Ye Olden Days, The Clisbee House, Unitarian Church, Home of Lewis T. Frye, Stedman Wheeler House, The Old Stephen Howe Place, The House of Luke Wood, . Ithamer Brigham Homestead, The Moses Brigham Homestead, Crane Meadow Emerson Howe or Dana Bigelow, St. Mary's Church, Broad Street, St. Ann's Academy, Boys' College, Eber Howe Homestead William Allen Homestead, . Lieut. Ivory Bigelow Homestead, Gershom Bigelow Homestead, Esquire Levi Bigelow Homestead, The Charles Howe Farm, Baptist Church, Old Time Monument Square, X. Natural History Building, The Old Albee House, Benjamin Franklin, Otis Morse House, The State Armory, Martin or Abel Rice House, The Joseph Llowe Farm, The Tayntor Homestead, The Francis Gleason Homestead, Homestead of Solomon Barnes, Ex-Mayor S. Llerbert Howe, Ex-Mayor George A. Howe, Ex-Mayor John O'Connell, . Ex-Mayor William N. Davenport, Ex-Mayor Charles L. Bartlett, Ex-Mayor Eugene G. Hoitt, Ex-Mayor Edward J. Plunkett, Ex-Mayor Walter B. Morse, Ex-Mayor F. R. S. Mildon, Ex-Mayor Henry Parsons, Ex-Mayor Edward F. Brown, Mayor John J. Shaughnessy, City Solicitor James W McDonald, City Treasurer Charles F. Robinson, City Clerk Peter B. Murphy, Collector of Taxes William II. Osgood, City Auditor Charles S. Thomson, Superintendent of Streets Louis N. Richer, Superintendent of Water Works George A. Stacy, Executive Committee Marlborough Board of Trade, Chairmen of Committees — Marlborough's 250th Annivcrsar Celebration, Aldermen 1910, Common Councilmen 1910 . Chief Marshal Anniversary Parade Float, Landing of Columbus Float, Peace and Liberty Float, The Village Choir. . Float, Signing First Deed, Governor Eben S. Draper, PAGE 27* 279 2. Sl 2.S(i287 295298 301304 307 ooo3353 3 7 339341343345347 349 351 353 355 36(5 3(i« 369370371372373392 402-3 424 426-7 430 433 435 437 439 453 XI. Lieutenant-Governor Louis A. Frothingham, Miss Martha L. Ames (Poet), Miss Annie A. Howes (Odist), Hon. Charles S. Hamlin, Orator of the Day, Chief Marshal and Staff, Float, Ye Okie Fashioned Skule, Float, Daughters of the Revolution, Edward L. Bigelow, Chairman Public Library Committee Fac Simile of Anniversary Envelope, Float, Indian Village, PAGE 454 457 463 405470471 476 177 480 481 XII. CONTENTS. Old Marlborough, England, and Saturday Night Customs, Sudbury, and the " Red Horse Tavern," Account of Burning of First Church by the Indians, Letter from Rev. Cotton Mather to the People of Marl borough, .... The Old Ward Garrison and Bonney Hayden House, Stories about Rev. Asa Packard, Founding of Public Library, Gift of Andrew Carnegie to Marlborough, Bequest of Silas and Abraham Gates to Marlborough, Christian Science Society Story about Rev. Aaron Smith, Duke de la Rochefoucauld Visits Old Williams Tavern, Captain Ephraim Brigham's Bequest to Marlborough, Story of Jonathan, John and Mary Barnes, Wit of Caleb Witherbee, Petition of Elizabeth Bent, . Thomas Brigham and His Wealth, President Chauncy Gives Up His Farm, Dedication of Soldiers' Monument. Names of Soldiers, Post 43 G. A. R., chartered 1868; G. A. R. Relief Society Commanders of G. A. R., . High School Building Dedicated, High'School Principals, Evening School, . . ¦ . Building of the Old Academy, List of Pastors of Universalist Church, Account of Old Town Hall, Postmasters, .... Dedication of New City Hall, Story of Henry Barnes, the Loyalist, . Dedication of Central Fire and Police Station, PAGE 1 4 7 9 12 1417 2022 232631 32 3639 44 4950576062 64 65 67 69 70717375 81 XIII. Firemen in the Civil War, Chief Engineers of Fire Department, Some of Our Principal Fires, Death of Rev. Sylvester F. Bucklin at 200th Anniversary of Marlborough, Deacon John E. Curtis Comes to Town, Names of Old-time Pew Holders in Spring Hill Church, King Philip's War, Holy Trinity Parish, Old Tavern Days, Journalism in Marlborough, . An Early Shoe Shop, Incorporation of Marlborough Hospital Tribute to Thomas Corey, Romance of John O'Connell's Life, Maple Street Play-ground, John Bigelow, taken prisoner by the Indians, Generosity of Mark Fay, Origin of Gates Pond, . , Kindness to the Indians, . , Jonathan Brigham, called the Indian Warrior, The Story of Mary Goodnow, Edmund Rice marries Mercy Brigham, Order to Joshua Rice, Constable of Marlborougl Cotillion Parties of Olden Time, Description of Sligo, Ireland, Wit of Samuel Howe, Stories of Dr. John Baker, Lambert Bigelow Builds Historical House, Chipman's Corner, General Burgoyne Passes Through Marlborough, First White Inhabitant, Tribute to William B. Rice, Early Settlers, Interesting Story of the Goodales, Elizabeth Howe, Indian Captive, Pastors of Methodist Church, Location of Block-houses or Forts in Early Times List of Pastors of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Pew Holders in First West Church, XIV. PAGE List of Pastors of St. Mary's Church, . 264 List of Pastors of Baptist Church, 276 Early School Masters, 280 Tuition Certificate, Gates Academy, 285 Spanish- American War Notes, 287 Spanish-American Volunteers, 290 Bill of Sale for Negro Slaves, 299 Statistical : Civil War Notes, 311 Record of Soldiers and Sailors of Civil War 316 Tables Showing Polls, Valuation, and Tax . late, from 1860 to 1909, 328 Representatives to the General Court, 329 Senators from Marlborough Since 1860, 330 Treasurers of Marlborough, 331 Town Clerks of Marlborough, 331 Marlborough Becomes a City, 332 Brief Sketches of Lives of Ex-Mayors, 357 Sketches of Lives of Heads of City Departm ents, . 366 Topography, 375 Aged People, 1910, 376 Clubs and Organizations, 377 Events of Interest, 1676 to 1910, . 380 Industries of the City, 389 Board of Trade, 391 Banks of Marlborough, . 393 250 rn Anniversary . Inception, 397 Committees, . 398 Correspondence, 407 Extracts from Various Church Services, 412 Civic and Military Parade, 429 Afternoon Exercises on High School Comm. >n, . 447 Firemen's Exercises, 466 Sports, . . . . 472 Official Invitation, 478 Notes on the Celebration, 483 XV HIGH STREET AND TOWN HALL, OLD MARLBOROUGH, ENGLAND. HIGH STREET AND ST. PETER'S CHURCH, OLD MARLBOROUGH, ENGLAND. XVI ¦TV .._ ^-fffafclf r 'l| 1. m'-7.mm ¦¦' : air '¦= B"'li .jtll if IB 1 ^ 1 .'M-ifl [§P "^r'*1 MARLBOROUGH COLLEGE One of the Great Public Schools of England. GEORGE'S LANE. OLD MARLBOROUGH, ENGLAND. XVII. <* it A«4 1 3*1 * \l j&ii*.$ - •I BW~ m rwm iflr" ' P Mir THE GREEN, OLD MARLBOROUGH. THE DEVIL'S DEN, OLD MARLBOROUGH. CHAPTER I. They in old Marlborough across the seas cry : "¦ Where now lie the bones of the Wizard Merlin?" We in Marlborough this side of the water, cry: "Where now lie the bones of our forefathers, and where were their old Homesteads located?" In mutual honor to the two Marlboroughs, we begin our " Reminiscences " with the interesting Coat of Arms of old Marlborough, England, giving a few views of Merlinsburg, Marleberg or Marlborough, of which place we are namesake. The termination burg or borough had reference to earthen works of some kind either for fortification or sepulture, and the huge discovered tumulus, the nucleus of old Marlborough in England, was attributed to the entombment there of the Ambrosian Merlin, the scene of his wonderful labors. The Latin inscription appeals to the imagination as we return in retrospect to the land of our forefathers, and to the pretty town on the banks of the river Kennet in Wilts County, seventy-five miles from London. As time went on some more prosaically inclined thought the name formerly written Malberg or Malbridge to have been derived from the marl or chalk hills by which it was surrounded. But whatever conception, it was undeniably a town of former considerable notoriety. In the days of King William it possessed a strong castle, and in 1110 Henry I. held his court here. King John constituted the castle the chief depository for his will and important documents. In 1 265 King John ordered the constable of Marlborough castle to employ a subject to make cross-bows for stone projectiles, allowing said employe, his wife and son 6d per day. While King John was holding his court there, and in the civil wars during that period, the place was alternately held by the King and the Barons. The assizes were held there from the time of Henry III. to that of Charles I. and in the fifty-second year of Henry III. Parliament assembled there. The town was chartered by Elizabeth. In 1206 the Queen made a vi-.it to Marlborough and the King makes this entry in his cash account : " Credit the constable of Marlborough castle £10 which he laid out in the expense of the Queen. " In the quarrels with his Barons about the Great Charter, the stronghold at Marlborough was one of the Kings retreats. In the forests of Marlborough at this early age were hares, badgers, foxes and wild cats. Marlborough, Massachusetts, was incorporated May 31, 1660, (old style), not by an elaborate charter setting forth its boundaries, duties and liabilities, but by the laconic order: "The name of said plantation ' whipsufferage ' shall be called Marlborow." It was in this same year 1660 when our Marlborough was incorporated that the old town in England was being rebuilt. In 1653 the latter town was laid in ashes by fire caught in a tannery from over- dried bark. Two hundred and fifty houses were burnt, and at the same time experienced the affliction of the Great Civil War that begun near 1640 and continued to 1690. There is no doubt that we inherited the name of the English Marborough. At that time it was a popular name. A great General born 1650 was called subsequently the Duke of Marlborough; others called the Earl of Marlborough and Lady of Marlborough. The English called the fort they erected on the Island of Sumatra, Fort Marlborough. The English historians speak of "The transplantation of the name of Marlborough to a score of new sites in the Colonies. " Many of our Puritanical ideas and customs we're brought over from Marlborough as for instance, in Elizabeth's reign from the town laws is quoted: '¦'•Every Saturday night after a fair, every man shall sweep before his own door. " The picture below illustrates the custom, and Saturday night — " This night his weekly moil is at an end — collects his spades, his mattocks and his hoes" — was but the beginning of Sabbath day. IF EACH BEFORE HIS OWN DOOR SWKPT, THE VILLAGE WOULD BE CLEAN." 3 In 1657 Cromwell gave old Marlborough, England, a new charter. Among the Aldermen elected was William Barnes, a Marlborough, U. S. name. " This year William Penn preached in Marlborough and was mobbed. " And so might countless stories and facts be cited to prove the tie that bound Marlborough to Marlborough each side of the Great Ocean. AS LYMAN AND HIS SISTER JERUSHY HOWE, THE BELLE OF SUDBURY, CAME RIDING TO MARLBOROUGH FROM THE "RED HORSE TAVERN" " As ancient is this hostelry As any in the land may be.'' The above interesting picture illustrates an old time sleighride when the intercourse between our mother town, Sudbury, and her offspring, Marlborough, was even more frequent than today. As Howe's "Bla;k Horse" Tavern was frequented in Marlborough in early days, so was favorite the Red Horse Tavern of Ezekiel Howe, son of David How, the builder of said tavern. Ezekiel took this hostelry in Sudbury as early as 1746 when the soldiers and teams to and from the French war on the Lakes made this their halting place. When Colonel Ezekiel died in 1796, his son, Adam, kept the house for about forty years when it passed into the hands of his son, Lyman, who was the last Howe innkeeper. The Indians were always friendly to the Howes and this is probably the reason that the Inn survived the Indian wars ; for although the Howes were suspected of being staunch Tories, whatever their convictions, their policy was ever to conciliate all p irties, and thus happily was preserved this fine old place replete with interesting reminiscences to the lover and seeker of ancient landmarks. When the Puritans first landed in New England, they separated and established themselves in different settlements. The desire for possession of land becoming a passion, and on account of the decree of General Court that no one should remove to any other town without permission of magistrate or selectman of same town until peace was settled, several le.iding inhabitants of Sudbury — our mother town — petitioned General Court 1656 to make a town " eight miles distant" which petition being granted, formed the Marlborough Plantation. Prior to this, through the efforts of Mr. Eliot, land had been granted to the Indians who had named their Plantation " Ockoocangansett. " This included the hill back of the old Meeting House Common — the present High School grounds. Their Plantation Field consisting of 1 50 acres more or less cultivated, was near the old site of the Boston & Maine Railroad. The English Plantation was situated to the south and west of the Indian Plantation, and by subsequent grants nearly surrounded it. This Plantation before it was incorporated was known by the name of Whipsufferadge or Whipsuppenicke. In the laying out of Marlborough some have wondered why the higher points or locality was not chosen, but history tells us that meadow lands were at that time for the most part generally sought on account of the supply of grass for their cattle, and to this day are preserved the names of Flag Meadow, Fort Meadow, Stony Brook Meadow, Crane Meadow, Cedar Meadow, Stirrip Meadow and Cold Harbor Meadow. When the good folks .came over from Sudbury town to start a new home in Whipsufferadge or Marlboro, the first thing they did after laying out their homesteads and holding meetings to form some necessary laws was to build a place for general worship. Cotton Mather,at that time the acknowledged spiritual adviser, objected to calling this house a "church" and declared it must be a "Meeting House," and this was the name these buildings were given for many years. It was the law that the homesteads should cluster around in the meadow land not more than half a mile within each others reach, and that as an outlook, probably in case of clanger from the enemy, that the meeting house should be on an elevation. Our High School Common in earliest days was more elevated than at present and this location was chosen on which to build the place of meeting for lire " Lord's Day. " INDIANS BURNING FIRST CHURCH. It was in 1660 that a tax was imposed to pay Rev. William Brims- mead, then laboring with the early settlers of Marlborough as their minister, and to erect a house for him, which they did ; and completing, voted in 1062 to donate it to him and his heirs and assigns forever. This we imagine was in lieu of a regular salary, for during the Colonial period money was scarce. We read of Rev. Francis Higginson, an early clergyman, receiving a salary of 30 pounds a year, house and land, firewood and diet. Llis contract mentioned specifically that he should have the milk and one-half the calves of two cows. At the end of three years service he was to receive a grant of 1 00 acres of land and at the end of seven years a grant of 100 acres more. In 1636, Rev. Stephen Bachiler refused an offer of the town of Ipswich of a grant of 30 acres of meadow land and 60 acres of upland. Later he accepteil an offer of 300 acres of land from the town of Hampton, New Hampshire, and became pastor of the church there. Dr. John Pratt, who came to Salem in 1629, was to receive a salary of £20 a year and a house and 100 acres of land. Mr. Brimsmead's house was located near the late Mrs. Wright's residence, southwest of the High School. Having pro vided a house for their minister, they then erected on the hill where stands the High School building their house for public worship. It was a small, one-storied building with oil paper in the windows for light, and thatched with straw or kind of tall grass taken from the meadow, since called from that circum.stance Thatch meadow. People were called to meeting at that time by the beating of the drum. Then flocked the people two by two to the little old church. " Each man equipped on Sunday morn' With psalm book, shot and powder horn. " The time of preaching the sermon was about an hour in length, one in the morning and another in the afternoon after short intermission, and was measured by an hour glass placed upon the pulpit. Carriages were unknown and those who rode went horse back with pillion for wife or daughter who dismounted easily by aid of the horse block near the meeting house. No man ever went unarmed in those days, for the dreaded foe might ever come upon him. One cold March morning in 1676 while preaching his Sunday sermon in this little thatched-roof meeting house, Father Brims- mead was interrupted by the awful cry ¦ " The Indians ! The Indians are upon us ! " Confusion and fright ensued. All made for the neigh boring garrison (the old Ward house) where miraculously they escaped with a single exception. Brave Moses Newton, stopping to rescue an aged and infirm woman who was unable to move rapidly, brought her at last safely to the garrison, though with a ball in his arm, from the effects of which he never fully recovered. Secure in the garrison all were able to defend themselves, but their property, the parsonage, the meeting house, dwellings, cattle and fruit orchards were totally destroyed by the terrible foe. It is told that one of the tricks of the Indians, who so constantly kept the people in alarm was to hide Sundays in the swamp east of Fairmount, and from there, fire their guns in the direction of the church, which being erected upon their own planting field was no doubt an offense to them. This was the time when discouraged by their losses the inhabitants left Marlborough for a safer neighborhood, until some time in the early part of the following year the settlers returned and on the same location erected a new meeting house, which like the former, was thatched with straw. This building was left in an unfinished state and lasted but a little while. In 1689 a larger and more commodious house was erected near the site of the former building and lasted more than one hundred and twenty years. As years went on, the advisability of the separation of the church increased, resulting in the building of the two churches, one in the east and one in the west part of the town, each of which was opened for public worship on the same day, April 27, 1806. The following curious and historically valuable parchment letter written in 1702 to the people of Marlborough by the Rev. Cotton Mather is in the writer's possession. This was just after the death of Rev. Mr. Brimsmead (who had kept the people in peace) and during the contro versy over the settlement of Rev. John Emerson, a native of Ipswich. Letter from Rev. Cotton Mather to the People of Marlborough. Boston, 28 day in May 1702. Dear Brethren, It is, and it should be a principle of order in the churches of the Lord, that where a church labours under want of light or peace, the help of a Council should be called in, as an ordinance of our Lord Jesus Christ. This hath been the Belief and this the practices of the churches in the wilderness, and the Lord hath owned them in it. For the Division of Marlborough, we have great thoughts of Heart. We know not the particulars of your case, but this we know that you want both light and peace. There is extreme hazard lest your divisions produce the most lasting and fatal consequences, if they be not speedily cured. We perceive that a majority of vour holy Flock hath been strongly disposed into ve settling of one, in the Evangelical Ministry among you, who is very much discouraged by the differences that yet remain in the place, which we cannot wonder at. We perceive, that the dissenters are a party so considerable that it will be an uncomfortable way of proceeding for ye majority to strain upon them with the advan tages which our Law may give unto them to do so. What can you now do' ? Truly Brethren, the ministers met at Boston from several parts of the country, this day concurred That the church of Marlborough should he advised, to Agree in calling a council of churches, to Advise them what steps they shall take, to obtain a good settlement of the ministry among them, and Resolve that laying aside all Differences relating to any former motions among them, (about Mr. Morse or Mr. Emerson) they will with all Christian unanimity follow what shall thereupon be declared unto them, to be their duty in this weighty matter. And they directed me, the uuworthiest of their number, to signify so much unto you, in their Name ; which accordingly I now do. Humbly praying that the good spirit of the Lord may incline you to unite in the of your peace, and that the God of Love and peace may be with you. Thus I subscribe, Honored Brethren Yours in our common Lord Cotton Mather. To this was subscribed the following : Accordingly as the advice on the other side is Given and Directed to the Church and Brethren in Marlborough by the reverend Elders in Boston, May 28, 1702, so we who have subscribed and have so thankfully accepted of the same, and as God shall to follow the same as we aprehend it our Duty to Do for time to come, as hoping that it may be a command of God's Guiding of us aged ones in his way and in his time. John Maynard, Sr., John Woods, Sr., James Woods, Isaac Amsden, John Bellows, Moses Newton, Jonathan Johnson, James Snow, John Warren. Not far from our Soldiers' Monument stood, well remembered for many years, an old house which it is believed was one of the very oldest in our town. On this site William Ward, Sr., and his son William [ he was grandfather of Artemus Ward, the latter of whom at the opening of the Revolution in 1775 was appointed General and Commander-in-Chief of all the forces raised by the Colony and had command of the troops at Cambridge till superseded by Washington ] erected a house which tradition tells us was used as a fort or garrison during the days of the Indian warfare. It was to this place the people fled when the first church was burnt to the ground by the Indians. Mr. Ward was the first Deacon of the first religious society organized here. In 1675 the population of Marlborough was only about 225. Think what a meeting was that of the people at this time to adopt measures of defence. Twenty-five were present under the lead of Rev. Mr. Brims- mead and the company included among others, Deacon Ward, Solomon and Nathaniel Johnson, Abraham, Josiah and John Howe, Sen., the two John Woods, Sr. and Jr., Richard and Moses Newton, Thomas and Samuel Rice, Thomas and Richard Barnes, John Maynard, John Fay — names as familiar today in Marlborough as they were then. A portion of the old Ward house was destroyed by fire in early years and the loss was the immediate cause of Nahum Ward's removing to the newly granted land of Shrewsbury. The place passed into the hands of Joseph Ward who occupied it until it was again burnt. At time of the fire the house of Rev. Breck stood within 30 rods and came near igniting as some of the cinders lodged upon his roof. That same year the house was rebuilt, and as time went on was known as the "Bonney" Hayden house. Bonney was an old bachelor. His brother Zely lived with him and Betsey Whitcomb kept house for him many years. LTntil Mr. Packard left town the three always attended church, sitting in the long front gallery seat. Bonney would get himself up for church regardless of expense, wearing large ruffled shirt, and high-topped boots with tassels hanging in front. He had a large farm and much woodland in the east part of the town as well as in No Town— now known as Leominster. He never cared to waste any money on town or parish taxes when it could be avoided, and he used to move before the first of May with all his cattle up to his large tract of land in No Town where he could evade all taxes save those upon his Marlborough real estate. When he died, it is said, that thousands of dollars in gold and silver were found hidden in various nooks and crannies about the house. THE WARD OR BONNEY HAYDEN HOMESTEAD, ON THE NOW HAYDEN STREET. IO THE ASA PACKARD OR DENNIS WTTIIERBEE HOMESTEAD. This beautiful old homestead, and in its day the finest residence in Marlborough, was one of the most interesting specimens of ancient architecture found in New England. Within were large, sunny rooms, with carved wainscoating and friezes ; ample windows protected from wind or foe by solid inside blinds so delightfully arranged that they could slide at pleasure in or out of the walls; great hospitable halls; wide old stairways and wonderfully preserved and interesting old tiled fireplaces. This was the homestead built by Rev. Asa Packard, successor to Rev. Aaron Smith. Mr. Packard was ordained March 23, 1785, and this dav, as every ordination day, was an important event in Marlborough as in all New England towns. The people gathered from near and from far, and among them could always be counted the ministers from the various towns about, who considered this an opportunity to exchange greetings and experiences. There was always the ordination feast, and every good housewife took delight in displaying her rare accomplish ments in the culinary line. A liberal amount of cider and punch was given out, and free of charge, generous bowls of flip and toddy warmed many a body in honor of the ceremony, and at the expense only of the hospitable society. On this special March day there had been a most heavy snow storm, so deep that the tops of all fences were covered with 1 1 a frozen crust so hard that the people rode to the ordination across lots over the tops of stone walls and fences. Long years after, a household standard of comparison would be " The deepest snow we have had since Mr. Packard's snow storm. " Asa Packard had come from Bridgewater. In the Revolutionary War, he, at the age of 16, had enlisted as fifer. In an engagement near Haerlem Heights 1776, a companion who had made great boast of his bravery, seized the young musician's fife, and handing him his musket in exchange, fled to a place of safety. Surprised, but undaunted, young Packard thus armed, engaged in the conflict, but soon received a wound which nearly proved fatal. The ball entered his b:ick just above his hip, and though an attempt was made to extract it, so severe was the operation that the surgeon feared he would die in his hands and so was induced to desist. After a severe illness he left the army and returning home commenced his studies for college. But the ball remained in his back for life. It was at one of the quilting parties of Marlborough where the heart of many a fair maid beat a little faster and her cheeks grew a bit rosier at the entrance of the young unmarried minister that the wit of the young theologian was tested in a merrv circle of young men and women. " And so, Mr. Packard, you resigned your accomplishment in the musi cal line at Llaerlem Heights ? A most backward idea, '' smilingly said a young matron. "Ah," retorted the young bachelor, "though it may appear in bad taste and most cowardly, I bear in my body a weighty testimonial of my bravery. " To which an old soldier teasingly added, "I think from the position of the wound our hero must have been playing a retreat. " " Playing a retreat, '" said Mr. Packard, " I had a musket in my hand and was found skilful as a grenadier. " "I think, " rejoined the other, " our friend must have been skilled in the motion to the right about face, " and Mr. Packard joined merrily in the laugh. He was of sprightly talent and noted more, they say, for his readiness than for his profundity. He had great conversational powers and was remarkable for eccentricity. His sermons were practical rather than doctrinal, and more distinguished for happy descriptions of life and manner than for connected views of gospel truths, and the people were happy under his ministry for many, many years. About five- years after he was ordained, he married Miss Nancy Quincy, sister of the patriotic Josiah Quincy, Jr. Tradition tells us that Asa advertised for a wife which was answered by Nancy who proved a good investment, inasmuch as she was an able helpmate and led him a happy life until she died at 80 years of age. I 2 REV. ASA PACKARD. When Mr. Packard was settled in Marlborough it was on a magnifi cent salary of one hundred pounds and ' ' twenty cords of good marketable oak wood, cut and brought to the door annually so long as he remains our minister. " This was a smaller amount of wood than allowed in many places where the salary in money was less. But good fires must the parson always have, and as firewood was but little more than the cutting and hauling, it was seldom that the minister's woodshed was empty. Madame Packard knew well the toll to be paid each time a wood sledding arrived at the doors of the Parsonage, and many a delicious flip was furnished at these times by the fair hands of the good mistress of the manor. And this was not the only hospitable custom of the good minister's mate, for frequently a taste of her dinners did she send into her neighbors, and to the credit of Marlborough, many a donation would she receive for herself and the parson in return. Often there would be a quilting for the minister's family when the ladies of the town would turn the already made squares of patchwork into warm coverlets, and of many a spinning-bee could these walls tell when all would meet in the high rooms to spin and reel and card for their hostess. In those days most of the clergy wore white wigs. Rev. Mr, Whitney of Northborough always wore a very large one. Dr. Sumner of Shrewsbury, a large, tall man, wore a white wig, three-cornered hat.. knee-breeches, long stockings and shoe buckles of the accustomed style. He was settled for life as was the custom in those days, but Mr. Packard wore no wig, though he retained his knee breeches, buckles, etc. Dr. Edward F. Barnes said few could remember Asa Packard, but would recall him in calico gown, the skirts thrown over one arm, long stockings, light knee breeches and shoe buckles, slowly walking the streets. He took prominent part in planting the trees on Pleasant street. Said an aged man, years ago, " I assisted him myself on a warm April day to take up some trees below Mr. Huntington's farm on the South- borough road. We bore them upon our shoulders to the east of the church (E. L. Bigelow's present grounds) where we planted them, Mr. Packard's face wet with perspiration, though he was jovial to the last. " He was a favorite with the young people of whom he always took special notice, and was remembered as a warm hearted, social gentleman. Six children were born to Asa and Nancy Packard, among whom was Frederick Adolphus, who was elected President of Girard College, and Ruth who became wife of Rev. George Trask, the noted anti-tobacconist. For twenty years Mr. Packard remained pastor of the first and only parish church in Marlborough, and after the West Parish was incorporated he was installed there, and retained his pastoral relations eleven years longer when he removed to Lancaster where he resided until his death in his 85th year. His wife died the following year. When Mr. Packard removed from town, Mr. Caleb Witherbee bought the place from him, and when Sophia Rice, daughter of Eli and Lucy Brigham Rice, married Caleb's son, Dennis Witherbee, the young couple came here and for nearly fifty years this dear little old-school lady, refined, bright and intelligent, now 92 years of age, lived in this old colonial homestead until it was purchased and torn down to make room for the new City Library. Speaking of the great number of Brighams in Marlborough, Mrs. Dennis Witherbee once exclaimed: "My mother was a Brigham, two of my brothers married Brighams, father's only sister married a Brigham, mv oldest brother married a Brigham, my niece married a Brigham, my husband's mother was a Brigham, two of her sisters married Brighams, three of her sons married Brighams ; but my name was Rice. " She now resides with her daughter, Mrs. George M. Charlton (three children : Hoitt N., Mary E., Ralph W., who married Florence Gouchel.) H i -i=z ^ ±^±F= *-•- =&=£ I At 80 years of age and full of vivacity she danced a minuet in the old Bigelow home to the tinkling accompaniment of the ancient spinnet, and the late Sophronia Russell, daughter of Otis, joined her aunt in the old time steps of long, long ago. MARLBOROUGH PUBLIC LIBRARY. Early history tells us that a Social Library was instituted in Marl borough as early as 1792, and was maintained until its incorporation with the Free Library of the First Parish in 1828. The Social Library Association consisted of 60 members who paid $2.50 a share and made an annual contribution of 2^> cents each. The Marlborough Mechanics Institute was organized in December 1853. March 17, 1858, it was re organized, and an annual course of lectures was provided for. The establishment of a Library for the use of members was the object of the institute; and from the proceeds of a fair held in March 1859, and through the liberalty of individuals, the directors were able to purchase !5 about 450 volumes at an expense of $400.00. Several volumes and valuable maps were given, and a room for the use of members was opened in Union Block, November 11, 1859. At the annual town meet ing in 1870, it was voted to establish a Free Public Library, the Mechanics Institute agreeing to give its collection as a foundation. The town appropriated SI, 300. 00 and private contributions were also given for its establishment. It was first opened for the delivery of books January 18, 1871, with Miss Lizzie Wright as librarian and Miss Maria Wither bee, assistant. Miss Wright died October 10, 1882, and Miss Sarah E. Cotting, a faithful, efficient officer, was appointed librarian, and still holds the position, having two able assistants. The Library was at first open on two afternoons and two evenings each week ; the whole number of volumes then being 2,170, of which 1,100 were given by the Mechanics Institute, 206 by private individuals and 864 were purchased by the Trustees. It first occupied one room in the Town Hall building, with addition to this, a reading and periodical room, opened June 22, 1881. In June 1884 a former waiting room was fitted up for the use of students and Trustees, and in 1897 another small reading room was added. The Library is almost entirely dependent for current expenses upon the annual appropriation by the city and the dox tax. There are four funds : The " Senior Tuesday Club fund" of $50.00; the "Cyrus Felton fund" of $200.00, income of which is to be used in the purchase of genealogical records, etc. ; the "March 12th fund" of $500.00, given to the Library March 12, 1891, by Hannah E. Bigelow in memory of her father, and the late "Hannah E. Bigelow bequest" of $5,000.00. The first Secre tary of the Trustees was Nahum Witherbee, for many years Trial Justice before our Police Court was established, and from his first report in 1871 we quote the following: "The Board of Trustees met and organized immediately after their election, and proceeded with the arrangement of the opening of the Library. The Trustees of the Mechanics Institute immediately transferred to us their books which were generously donated by the institute, affording us a good beginning for a Library. The work of cataloguing the works occupied so much time that we were not able to open the Library for the delivery of books until January 18, 1871, at which time it was formally opened to the public. The Trustees had anticipated that by the establishment of a Public Library, there would be a demand for the books, and they have to report that the demand has exceeded their expectations. So crowded was the Library room on the days on which it was opened, it was deemed best to open it on two days and evenings of each week, and the librarian has found it necessary to i6 have an assistant at each time it is open. The whole number of names registered to February 28, 1871, is 915; number of books issued, 2627. The Trustees have purchased 846 volumes; donated by the institute 1,100 volumes, and by individuals 206 volumes ; whole number now belonging to the Library, 2,170 volumes, We are under special obligations to Edward L. Bigelow, Esq., President of our Board, who made the first donation of one hundred dollars for the establishment of a Public Library and has been constant in his efforts to promote its success, and generously donated 166 volumes of valuable standard works. In the selection of books, the Trustees have had the advice and counsel of persons of experience in conducting public libraries, and while endeavoring to meet the varied tastes of readers, they have aimed to avoid that which was of doubtful value, and to place in the Library works of a standard character. We have placed in the hands of the librarian a book in which persons are invited to register such books not in the Library, as they would' like to have added, and the Trustees will endeavor, so far as they can consist ently with the means placed in their hands, to obtain such books. " (Signed) Nahum Witherbee, Secretary. Librarians: Lizzie S. Wright, 1870. Died October 10, 1882. Sarah E. Cotting, 1882. Assistants: Maria Witherbee, 1870. Alice Aldrich, 1870. Jeannette L. Morse, 1882. Carrie Whitney, 1883. Anna Brigham, 1884. Charlotte D. Moore, 1885. Reading Room : Carroll A. Egan. J. J. Mitchell. John P. McGee. Trustees ( 1st Board) : Edward L. Bigelow-, term expired 1873 John O'Connell, " " 1873 Rev. S. T. Aldrich, " " 187:1 F. A. Howe, " " i,s72 Thomes Corey, " "¦ 1872 Bernard Brewin, " " 1872 Nahum Witherbee, " " 1871 Samuel Howe, •• »• 1871 Cornelius Flynn, '• '• 1871 r7 It was in 1901 that Hon. Walter B. Morse chose a committee to work with him in soliciting a possible gift from Andrew Carnegie for a new public library building. The result was the presentation of $30,000 from this fine old philanthropist, which sum was raised to $50,000 from the city and private donations ANDREW CARNEGIE. The architects for this building were Stearns and Peabody of Boston and J. E. Warren of our own city as builder. Fire ! Fire 1 Fire ! The worst fire ever known in Marlborough occurred on the night of December 25, 1902, when the large brick Town Hall was levelled containing the Public Library of 30.000 volumes, many of which were rare. This disastrous fire of Christmas night, when valuable records became a mass of black and smoky rubbish, saddened, but stimulated the community. Gifts were presented from various private libraries, and clubs, societies and citizens at large came to the rescue with donations of books and money, the result of which was hitherto one unheard. In six weeks' time after this large and prosperous library was completely wiped out, with no special resources except the donations of the public and hard work of the Library committee and librarians, preparations were com pleted to serve the public with books. When rooms were secured and opened to the public there were 2,000 volumes on the shelves not includ ing the reference books. Eleven hundred of these were contributed since the fire and the remainder were -in circulation at the time and so were saved. It was October 20, 1904 when our new Public Library building was dedicated. The cost of land and building was $50,000, to which Mr. Andrew Carnegie contributed $30,000; Lion. S. H. Howe and John A. Frye giving the land ; Mrs. Hannah Swift, Messrs. M. Burke and W. M. Warren each giving $1,000. A number of gifts have been received for the Library since the opening on October 20, 1904, including valuable letters and papers in connection with the history of Marlborough from the estate of Rev. Horatio Alger, for many years pastor of the Unitarian church, given by his daughter, Mrs. Augusta A. Cheney, of Natick, Mass. ; a map of Marlborough surveyed in 1827 from Mr. Winslow M. Warren ; photograph of old Witherbee house from W. W. Fairbanks ; one hundred and twenty-five dollars for beautifying the grounds of the Library from Mr. John P. Brown ; from Mr. Sylvester Bucklin, a medi cal chest imported by his grandfather ; a beautiful palm for the reference room from Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Frye ; old mission clock from Mr. Louis Ghiloni, and for a Christmas offering from the Newman Club, a fine large picture of the "Forum," Rome, and a copy of Guido Reni's " Aurora ; " one thousand large mounted photographs, mostly European, from Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Bigelow ; colonial manuscripts from Miss A. S. Hartshorn ; etching in Wood, " Wayside Inn, " Sudbury, Hon. S. N. Aldrich ; bust of Rev. P. A. McKenna, by Kitson, from the Father McKenna Literary Club ; two Roger groups from Mrs. S. II. Howe and Mrs. O. II. Stevens ; several framed pictures from Mr. E. L. Bigelow ; from Mrs. Charles F. Witherbee, framed portraits of Grant and Lincoln ; from the late Charles F. Morse, loan of picture, " Hager and Ishmael, " by DeCosta, 1567; George N. Cate, 1901, $5,000 available at the decease of his wife, Delia E. Cate ; the latter willed at her death several hundred valuable books ; seven volumes of Michelet's History of France and the French Revolution, printed in the French language, donated by Madame Michelet, the wife of the well known historian, the result of a *9 request made to her by Councilman George G. Gignac in behalf of the Library Committee of which he is a member ; from Milton Albee, crayon portrait of O. W. Albee; Mrs. Charles F. Llolyoke, portrait of Frederick Froebel ; Miss E. W. Witherbee, photograph of Levi Bigelow ; set of New England Historical and Genealogical Registers, by John H. Dexter, of Boston, a former resident and native of the town ; money donated to the Library, sent to Walter P. Frye, treasurer, to December 31, 1903, S038, the larger donors being Charles W. Curtis, John P. Brown, Colonial Club, Tuesday Club, Marlborough Grange, Semi-Colon Club, Holyoke & Russell and proceeds of concert by Marlborough High school. The present Board of Officers 1910 are : President, E. L. Bigelow", (40th consecutive year of service.) Librarian, Miss Sarah F. Cotting. Assistants, Miss Charlotte W. Moore and John P. McGee. Trustees, Edward L. Bigelow, William D. Burdett, John E. Savage, Rev. George S. Pine, Louis P. Howe, Walter P. Frye, Edward S. Murphy, Lawrence E. Kirby, George G. Gignac. Present system of checking was first issued 1897. Present number of volumes is 25,000. Quoting the records : " The election of Edward L. Bigelow as chairman of the Trustees (1903) makes the thirty-third consecutive time that this honor has been conferred upon him. Mr. Bigelow was the leading spirit in establishing the Library in 1870, and was the first and only chairman of the committee during its existence. In the years which have elapsed since the Library first opened, it has received more assistance from Mr. Bigelow than any other individual, and in the one great crisis in the life of the institution, that period following the burning of the City Hall, he was among the foremost in rallying to its support. To his energy and perseverance is largely due the success which attended the work of re-establishing the Library and making it possible to reopen it in so short a time. In the mind of E. L. Bigelow originated the new- library and he was the first to make a donation for this object, keeping this cherished plan working by much thought and labor through a series of years when the interest was not so great. " 20 THE HOMESTEAD OF STEPHEN PHELPS, WEST MAIN STREET. Here lived the one who was looked upon for quarter of a century as the father of the society in which he worshipped and a benefici ary of Marlborough. When the Rifle Company of Marlborough was organized, Deacon Phelps was its first captain, and as a military man he had no superior. The Unitarian Society was largely indebted to him, and his second wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Phelps, for unbounded generosity. In the sixty-two years of membership the Deacon had doubtless paid more money comparatively than any one man in the town ever paid to a parish treasurer. For many years he paid the largest town tax. He married for his first wife Martha Brigham of Southborough ; for his second wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Gates, widow of Abraham Gates, and for his third wife, Mrs. Harriet Witherbee, widow of Jabez Wither bee. Silas Gates, who kept the old Williams Tavern many years, and his son Abraham, had each made a bequest of $1,000, a considerable sum in early days, to an academy in Marlborough in honor of whom, when it was erected, it was named Gates Academy. When under popular sentiment the free High school took its place, Deacon and Mrs. Phelps, with united consent, liberally transferred to the Town the bequest with which the academy had been endowed, interest of which was appropriated to Marlborough's Lligh school. Mr. Phelps' house was erected after the Packard house was built, and it is an interesting fact that the four men who occupied these neighboring mansions, that is, Samuel 2 I Gibbon, William Arnold, Stephen R. Phelps and Dennis Witherbee each were married three times, so that these four neighbors had twelve wives, a coincident which cannot be matched in history of any four neighbors in Marlborough. THE ARNOLD HOMESTEAD, WEST MAIN STREET. On "the great road" at that time next house to the Gibbon house was the William Arnold homestead. William was the old-time, well respected blacksmith, and his shop stood near by where Winthrop street, named for his son Winthrop who carried on the old homestead and trade, has since been opened. There were in those days but three blacksmiths in the town — Mr. Peters at the east part near the now City Farm, and his brother who had a shop at Feltonville, close by the grist mill. In early days the blacksmith had to manufacture all of his horse and ox shoes, bolts, nuts, etc. From the 20th of September to the 20th of March, the smith as well as his journeymen and apprentices were expected to work evenings, and from daylight to nine o'clock in the evening made a long day. The rest of the year they worked from sunrise until dark. Mr. Arnold was a hard working man who became "well off." The Arnold blacksmith shop was always very attractive with its bright fires, 22 the sparks flying from the chimney and the sounds of busy life within. In the winter season when there were many oxen to be shod, every farmer was obliged to wait his turn and make appointment for days in advance. Mr. Arnold belonged to the West Church where he and his family were constant attendants. One day while listening to a sermon he was stricken with apoplexy from which he never recovered. William Arnold married in 1790 Polly Rice. At her death he married Relief Rice and at her death married Susanna Gates. His children were Wil- lard, Stephen, Polly, Caroline, Winthrop. The latter married first Sophia Barnes and second, Evalina Howe, daughter of Moses Howe, among wdiose children we find : Lucy, [m. Edmund S. Hallett of Sus sex, N. B. ; ch. , Annie L. m. Charles Ladd ; S. Gertrude m. Fred A. Este]. Eva, [m. the late Edward Carl Nelson of Karlsrona, Sweden; ch., Ethel m. Howard Brigham, son of Eugene and Annie Cotting Brig ham]. Jackson, [m. Lucy Barnes ; ch., William, Arnold, Fannie and LorenJ. Loren Arnold, before coming to Marlborough lived with his guardian, Peter Fay, of Southborough. Loren married Morgiana Saw yer. Their children were Cora, [m. Charles W. Curtis, son of Deacon John E. Curtis; ch., Roger A., Arnold S., John A., Charles W., Jr.] India, [m. Louis Howe, son of S. Herbert and Harriet Brigham Howe]. At death of his first wife, Loren married Clara Hastings. Members of the Christian Science Society lately purchased this fine site for their church which it is hoped will be erected in the near future. This Society was organized September 15, 1895, meeting first in the parlors of Mrs. P. R. Clough. Later, the G. A. R. Hall was obtained where they still meet for services Sunday and Wednesday evenings. The church was organized April 8th, IK'.IK, and the above place purchased August 23, 1899. 23 CHAPTER II. REV. AARON SMITH OR GIBBON HOMESTEAD, WEST MAIN STREET. This old landmark of Marlborough, it is believed, was erected by the town for Rev. Aaron Smith on his settlement here in 1740. For many years he resided here an honored and respected citizen. It was in his time in 1749 that a severe drought caused great distress in Marl borough, and a day of fasting and prayer, June 15, wdien Mr. Smith preached two sermons, copies of which are preserved. It was voted to pay him a salary of eighty pounds. At time of the Revolution he was suspected of Tory sentiments and one night two loaded guns were fired into his window after he had retired to rest. Not done, probably with intent to kill, but as a threat or warning by desperate individuals, who, actuated by the spirit of the times, gave vent to their detestation of any one who could possibly make harder the struggle of a feeble province almost without arms and ammunition of war against the then most pow erful nation of the earth. The bullets fired lodged in a beam and were extracted and preserved by Mr. Samuel Gibbon. Mr. Smith finally becoming less popular as a preacher, and on account of ill health and 24 impaired voice, resigned the ministry here and in 1778 removed to Way- land where he died three years later and was buried in the old Wayland cemetery. Before he was dismissed, he sold for sixty pounds his negro slave, Dill Oxford, who remained in the family of Joseph Howe until her death. In 1784, Mr. Samuel Gibbon came with his wife from Dedham and bought this old house, improving it in many ways. Lie was a trader, a prominent citizen and many years a Justice of the Peace. He also represented the Town in the Legislature. Samuel Gibbon had married for a second wife Elizabeth Perkins and at her death he married Abbie Cogswell. Seth Alden, Stephen Phelps and Lambert Bigelow were witnesses to his will, and among articles of interest to the antiquarian in the inventory of his estate were : a pew in the Second Parish Meeting House, $80.00; two pair brass candlesticks, $1.75; snuffers and tray, 50 cents; gun, knapsack, etc., $1.50; spinning wheel, 60 cents; warm ing pan, 20 cents; pair wrought andirons $1.50; one lot of books, $3.00. Samuel Gibbon willed the old homestead to his son who cared for his father to his death. The property eventually passed into the hands of William Gibbon's daughter, Mary, who married Frank Howe, son of Abraham, and in 1903, the place was purchased by Dr. Ralph E. Stevens who with his family resides in this, one of Marlborough's historical old homesteads. Dr. Ralph E. Stevens is son of Charles E. (whose father was Isaac E.,) and Albertina Honey Stevens. The doctor married Blanche B. Millard of North Adams. Their children are Ralph, Charles and Henry. Samuel Gibbon was a popular man in town, and his white head, bowed in later years from the effects of palsy, was well remembered by the old people who attended the West Church. Mr. Gibbon's pew there was about the centre in the broad aisle. Captain William Gates was the leader of the choir, and his pitch-pipe preparations for singing were interesting to hear. The three deacons — Moses Ames, Benjamin Rice and William Barnes-occupied prominent places in the church. They were all old men then. Caleb Brigham, grandfather of Rev. Levi Brigham, who wore knee buckles of Revolutionary date, always came to church on horseback. Abraham and Warren Brigham also came to church mounted in the same way. John Gott Brigham, who lived on the later Jabez Huntington place, always carried at "shoulder arms" a lon *^5r!i22fc"5rt^" " THE OLD BARNES HOMESTEAD. 33 "The geniuses of the present age may fancy they have struck out a new idea in introducing to us the modern shirt with whole front and open back; but Jonathan and John were practically acquainted with this thing a hundred years ago; for their doublets or jackets were so constructed that in summer they buttoned in front, but in winter, this buttoning was shifted to the back ground. No need and no acquaintance had they Avith the modern flannels. Though the hearts of the brothers were as one, yet they were never seen side by side. Invariably, in proceeding to their work in the fields, in ascend ing Jericho hill, a part of which they owned, the one was a rod or two ahead of the other. The young folks often visited them. Hollis Brigham, son of Captain William Brigham, Avas a great wag, unless some of his old friends greatly belie him. He with some of his female acquaint ances would call upon the old people and kindly relate to them the news, which in those non-newspaper days must have been to them rare and scanty indeed — 'of the harrycanes that had lately visited some of the neighboring towns; of the immense tides that had come into Boston, etc., ' his descriptions now and then interrupted by short, quiclc exclamations of John, 'well said, Mr. Brigham, well said!' and the more deliberate remarks of Jonathan, 'so I was thinkin, Mr. Brigham, but didn't know sartin till you spoke,' exclamations which leave us room to doubt a little whether the fun was altogether on one side, or the simplicity either. Then appeared upon the hearth the bright pewter dish filled with apples and walnuts by the hands of Aunt Mary, a finality to their visit, which the young people had con templated before they came." Richard Sr. 's son, Edward, lies buried in the old Common Bury ing Ground. He was assigned No. 17 of the 26 Garrisons, that being Lieut. William Garrison near the old tavern. He married widow Grace Rice of Westboro, daughter of John Newton. (She married for her third husband Daniel Ward). Their son, Col. Edward Barnes, who married Submit Forbush, took an active part in the Revolu tionary war, and was a leading man in Marlborough in all respects. He died 1803, and also lies buried in the old Common Burying Ground. Their son Edward married Lucy Brigham both of whom lie in the old Common Burying Place. Eight children were born to Edward and Lucy, among whom was Doctor Edward F. Barnes, born 1809, who was married in 1846 by Rev. Horatio Alger to Maria Elizabeth Brigham, daughter of Ashbel Brigham. Edward F. 34 Barnes sustained high rank as a scholar pursuing his studies in Harvard Medical College, and completing his course in Paris, 1846. Dr. Baker, the principal physician in Marlboro at that time, having died, he succeeded to a large portion of the latter 's extensive practice and grew to be not only highly respected and an influential citizen, but was appreciated as a kind hearted, honest friend and tender physician whose memory long remained cherished. He died in 1878. His widow still remains with us, a beautiful old lady of 88 years. [His sisters, Mrs. Jones and Miss Ruth Barnes died within a few years.] Of their seven children we yvill mention the beloved adopted daughter, Josephine, who died 1904, and Olive C, who married Charles L. Fay, — son of Mark Fay, — the children of whom are Henri etta, fm. Mr. Herbert Hudson, a prominent coal dealer of Marlboro, their son Lewis is a well known Pharmacist] and Mary Frances, who married Samuel P. Cannell of Everett. THE SAMUEL— BARNABAS— ADDINGTON BRIGHAM HOMESTEAD, BRIGHAM STREET. Addington M. Brigham, son of Barnabas and Mary [Fife] Brigham, was born in Marlboro, 1837, on this old Farm of Samuel Brigham, and married Mary Estabrook of Westminster Mass. 35 This Farm originally covered 175 acres and has ever been occupied by Brighams. It Avas first owned by Capt. Samuel 3d, then by Samuel's son George, who left it to Ashbael Samuel, who sold it to Doctor Daniel, who was followed by Barnabas and then by Addington. George, Ashbael Samuel, and Addington Brigham were all born here on this old homstead, which Avas a Garrison place and stands on Brigham street in the south part of the town three-quarters of a mile from Marlborough Junction. Addington Brigham has served the town as Road Commissioner and the city of Marlborough as member of the Common Council of which he has been president. He is charter member of Marlborough Grange and member of the G. A. R., enlisting in 1864 in Co. E, 5th Mass. Inf. His children are Abbie A., who married George Fred Nichols and lives on the homestead land of Thomas ; Ella, who married Wm. A. Porter ; Cora E. who died 1892 ; and William M. Brigham a graduate of Boston University, a promi nent lawyer who has served on positions of trust in Marlborough and was Representative to General Court from 21st Middlesex District, 1899-1907 inclusive. He married Florence R. Eyers of Northampton, England, ch. Ulysses A., Alfred E., and William Munroe, Jr. They as their father were all born here in the old home. THE LORING AND CALEB WITHERBEE HOMESTEAD, BY THE LAKE. 3 6 The Loring Homestead, setting back from the road in our picture, was one of Marlboro's old landmarks. John Loring was the son of Jonathan, who Avas the first of the name to settle in Marlboro, and died in 1782. His son John married in 1783, Mary Beaman, daughter of Noah and Lydia Howe Beaman, and was one of the leading men in town, representing Marlboro eight years in the General Court and holding the office of Justice of the Peace. Here in the above house he lived until his death. Benjamin Johnson bought the neighboring homestead, (at left in picture), from Caleb Witherbee and lived here until both houses were purchased and taken down for city purposes. Years before this, Caleb Witherbee coming to Marlboro from Southboro, where he had married Hepzibah Brigham, lived first on the north side of "Williams Pond" with Capt. Aaron Brigham and then moved to this house on the south side of the above Pond or Lake where he lived until Rev. Asa Packard left town. Cabel was at that time the only market man, bringing from all parts of this and the neighboring towns, calves, lambs, pork, butter, eggs, poultry and farmers' produce. Capt. Hastings who lived even as far off as Sterling used to bring his produce to Mr. W., who at time of old election week killed more calves than any other time of the year when he was known to have sent into Boston several loads of the above animals. To illustrate his sharpness as a trader they tell the story that he had agreed with a man in Boston to bring him some nice dressed pigs. On his way to the Boston market he fell in with a man in Cambridge who himself wanted to buy these same pigs, so taking the man's shekels he delivered the pigs and passed on to Bos ton, where he soon met his disappointed customer. Mr. W. was equal to the emergency and had his excuse ready. "Well sir, 'twas the Avrong time in the moon, sir, to kill your pigs, sir, they will shrink in the pot, sir. Next week will be the right time to kill them, sir." Mr. W. was very gentlemanly and polite and it is said that the use of the word "sir," the way he would use it, brought him a great many hun dreds of dollars. He used to say that when it rains porridge, you must have your bowl the right side up, and it is believed Caleb always kept his bowl "the right side up." When Rev. Asa Packard moved out of town, Mr. Witherbee bought and moved to that large house and so increased the purchase of land that he became a large farm owner; keeping over thirty fine cows there, besides oxen and horses. He was a member of the West church, where he and his family al- 37 ways attended, and was very prominent in town affairs, holding many town offices : selectman, overseer, etc. In those days it was the custom to allow the tax payers five percent discount on all town taxes paid previous to October 1. Mr. W. was one of the heaviest, if not the leading tax payer in town, and this five percent made quite a discount. The story goes that at one time when he came to pay his tax he Avas perfectly delighted at the percent returned, apparently thinking more of that than the 95 percent that the collector received. He would laugh and say, "the bigger the tax, sir, the more percent you get back, sir. ' ' When he died he left a large property to his seven chil dren, six sons and one daughter. Jabez, who carried on the Gates Tavern till his own death ; Brigham, who formerly kept the store at Jacob Fairbanks corner ; Nathan, the well known Trial Justice ; Den nis, who after his father carried on the homestead, and died there; John, who went into banking business in Boston; and Wallace, Avho was one of the supporters of the "Big Shop," after his brother-in- law, Samuel Boyd. -JL «IJ% Lb nf i ¦iL 1 x n. ' Jam ¦ '' 1 fi SI THE OLD PETER BENT HOMESTEAD, STEVENS' CORNER. Centuries ago in 1596, John Bent was born in Penton, Grafton, England. It seems a long time past, for old Queen Elizabeth, the daughter of Henry VIII., was then living. John grew to manhood, 3§ and when the rule of Charles I. became unbearable, and despotic taxa tion and the tyranny of religious Bigots, made the wildernesses of America seem the only asylum in which the sufferers could enjoy civil and spiritual freedom, John became filled with the pioneer spirit which he has handed doAvn to posterity, and made the willingness to brave the unknown quantity of the wilderness to make a home — the spirit of independence that is the foundation of the Republic. At this time John was forty-tAvo years old and his good wife Martha, had borne him five children, all of whom for many nights were sleeping the sleep of innocent childhood Avhile the parents were deep in con sultation Avith friend and neighbor and in prayer for guidance in this momentous time of their life. At last the final decision Avas made ; and little Peter, then nine years of age, entered into the excitement of the day of embarkation, when they all in 1638 set sail from Southampton for the land of freedom, in the ship Confidence, among whose pass engers at this same time Avere the ancestors of our poet, Whittier. Arriving at their destination in due time and finding their way to that part of Sudbury which was afterwards incorporated in 1639, Avith but 54 inhabitants, John settled down, and soon was made free man. That is, he became a member of the church of the Puritans, for the church was first in those days and only members were allowed to _vote — and was thereby allowed to take part in all town affairs. Prompted to find a home for his son Peter, as the latter grew to man hood, John joined the petitioners in 1656, for the grant of land which became Marlboro ; altho he himself remained in Sudbury, Avhere he and his wife were both buried some years later in the old cemetery. Now for distinction Ave will call his son, Peter Bent the First, and say that the grant of land being given to the Sudbury petitioners, Peter moved to the new plantation and became a busy, prosperous man and a large landholder. He built the old grist mill on Stony Brook, in the now town of Southboro, where one day a small band of Indians crept up and scalped and left for dead his son Zacheus ; and in 1661, he contracted to build a bridge across Sudbury River "for horse and man and laden carts to pass over." More than once he went to England — a great undertaking in those days, leaving his faithful wife Elizabeth, to guard the house and to protect their eight little children. He had located himself upon the lot just south of Williams Pond, about a mile from the present center of Marlboro and here his little family Avas growing up when suddenly the Indians, stirred up by the animosities of the Narragansett chief, King Philip, 39 swooped cIoavii upon the town that eventful Sunday morning while all Avere at church, applied the fire brand and Marlboro was no more. The neighboring garrison had afforded protection to their lives ; but their property was laid in ashes; their fences thrown down; their fruit trees hacked and peeled, and their cattle killed or maimed. The Bents then returned to Sudbury and two years later Peter died in England, where he had again gone on business; leaving behind him in America, his poor, sorrowing widow Elizabeth, whose pathetic petition to the Governor gives us a partial hint of her dire distress : Petition of Elizabeth. (The Mass. Archives, Vol. 69-P 229, contain the folloAving petition em bellished with many scrolls,) "To the Honoble Gov. and Council! sitting in Boston the 29th May, 1679: "The petition of Elizabeth Bent, relict, widdow of Peter Bent of Marlborough deceasd, Humbly sheweth that your Petitionrs Habita tion and almost all that shee had was consumed by the Indians in the Last Warr and her husband went for England and there dyed and Lost all that he carryed Avith him and Left your petitioner a very poore Widdow with seven children, and in the time of the Late Warr, Shee billeted severale Souldiers so Long as that her bill did Amount to six pounds and Capt. Hull gave her a Note to the Constable for the payment of the same who will pay her onely Thre pounds in money. So that she is an Extraordinary Looser thereby. Also she had Tavo Horses Imprest (viz) one from Watertowne and another from Charlestowne wh. were out many months and at Last dyed neArer be ing returned home to her againe, and being a poore Ignorant widdow She never Looked after any Tickett or pay for them to this day. Yor Poore petitionr therefore humbly Intreats the favror of yor honor to Impute this Neglect of Duty onely to her Ignorance and that the Law which doth exclude all persons from making further claims to debts due from the Country after the time therein Limited may nott debarr your Petitior from that wh. is justly due, so shall your Petitior and her poore fatherless ones Ever pray for yor honole Ct. Elizabeth Bent." Peter Bent the second, was born in Sudbury and was three years old when his father petitioned for the toAvnship of Marlborough and 4° nearly all his life had been spent in the latter place. As he grew to late manhood he married his second cousin — tradition says she was thirty years younger than her husband — Abigail, daughter of Richard Barnes. To them six children were born; and after the return to Marlborough, he had the old homestead re-built which the Indians had burned down (in olden times emigrants to a new town or coun try did not as now sell out, but retained their former places for a retreat) and later on, his son Peter the third, added still more to the old house, Avhich is standing today. This last mentioned Peter was the one about whom Marlborough knows the most. Here he Avas born — in 1707 — and here he spent the whole of his long, honorable life. Both he and his good wife Mary, died centuries ago and were laid aAvay in the old burial ground just back of the new High School Building. His large tombstone tells us today that he was a man justly esteemed for his integrity and usefulness, both in public and private life. He was a man of great public spirit and his townsmen elected him to the highest office in their power: Assessor, Selectman, Repre sentative to the General Court and member of three Provincial Con gresses — at the second of which, convening at Cambridge, 1775, he was appointed by John Hancock one of a committee of three to ex amine the returns of the several towns and report upon their stock of powder, etc. At the third, which assembled in Watertown, Gen eral Joseph Warren was presiding officer, and Peter, who was again representative of Marlboro, was on two or three committees. At one time Avhen he was re-elected representative, he was instructed to "pay no acknowledgement to any unconstitutional and new f angled Counsellors, etc." In the days of the French and Indian wars, 1757, he Avas in Captain Abraham Williams' Company of militia. In 1770, he Avas one of the six richest men in toAvn. The old Bent farm in his day extended for a mile and a half along the road to Northboro. In those clays the wealthier a man was, the greater amount of Avork was carried on in his household. Getting up early to five o'clock break fasts in the summer, and six o'clock in the winter, a long day was before each one to complete the tasks regularly set before them. Peter raised beef for the market and that meant much Avork for those days of soap making, barrels of salted pork and of beef corned to a nicety, the sausage links and candle dripping; for altho lamps were beginning to be used frequently in the beginning of the eighteenth century and altho Avax candles were often imported, the talloAV candles were mostly in vogue. Mary B. Claflin, in her "Brampton 41 Sketches," has an interesting account of the great housekeeping event of candle-making and states that in Berrytown (Marlboro) they pre ferred bayberry tallow to beeswax as necessary addition to give hard ness and consistency to the candles. Near the large old apple orchard was the spot where yearly the Indians used to come to camp. These annual visits were continued well into the nineteenth century and about a mile from the old homestead is their ancient burial place. Behind the old farmhouse, this interesting, long, rambling, old struc ture, built by successive generations, the oldest part dating back more than two centuries — on the slope toAvard the pond, stood until within a few years a gigantic, hollow chestnut tree, ten feet in dia meter. It would hold nineteen people, and was often used by the Indians in time past and also was a shelter and hiding place for the white man. By the little brook Avhich forms the outlet to the pond, half imbedded in the earth, covered with lichens and surrounded by brush, are two enormous old mill stones, which tradition says no doubt were those used by Peter Bent the First. This old homestead has been owned but by two families, the Bents, Avho came into posses sion of this farm by original grant, 1660, and the Stevens family, who inherited it when the Marlboro line of Bents became extinct. For Peter Third left Peter, who was the one to march to Cambridge at the Lexington alarm, April 19, 1775, in Captain Daniel Barnes' Company, and was in the same company during the siege of Boston, May to December, 1775 ; and who lived on the old Bent place, and at his death bequeathed all his lands in Marlboro, Westboro and Southboro to his sister's son, Daniel Stevens. [And here we must pay tribute to his unmarried brother, Jabez Bent, the last of the line of Bents in Marlboro, who at the Lexington alarm, Avas out six days in Captain William Brigham 's Company and at his death made a bequest of one hundred dollars to the West Parish (Unitarian) of Marlboro, the income to be used for an annual lecture for the improvement of the young. This Bent lecture being still given every year.] Daniel Stevens, Jr., was a man greatly respected. He represented the town in General Court many years and for over twenty years was Justice of the Peace. The following story, full of dramatic humor, has been told of him. He Avas a man of remarkable size, weighing some 300 pounds. On one occasion the sheriff sought him for some purpose at a time AAdien he Avas in the field. He asked the officer his business and the latter replied: "I have come for you." Whereupon the Avhole 300 pounds lay flat on the ground, and looking up in the officer's face, 42 dryly remarked: "Take me then." He felt great anxiety, it is said, lest there be not trees large enough for his coffin, for shrank from the idea of pieced boards for his last resting place, and kept the planks already sawn in his house. He married Eunice Robinson of Concord, and of the three children born, Isaac Temple Stevens, AAdio married Catherine Felton, took the Bent farm until his death, 1844, when it passed into the hands of one of his thirteen children, William Robin son Stevens, Avho has lived there for many years with an unmarried sister, Susanna, now deceased. William R. Stevens married Sarah Lamson. Their children are Stillman, who married Ruth NeAvton; Bertha A., Avho married Clifton Russell, and AAdiose children are Wil liam, Thelma and Clifton; Clarence, Avho married Jennie Macomber, their children are Gladys. Mildred, William, Cora and Clarence. All thirteen children of Isaac and Catherine Avere born here under the old roof. The late Mr. Levi Stevens, a courteous old gentleman, re membered well the Indians, Avho in his time camped doAvn on the old ancestral fields ; and he related to the Avriter many a story of the kind ness shown to the red people by his parents, his mother even taking in at one time a suffering red mother, as she gave birth to a little papoose, under the hospitable, old roof. And to him we are indebted for this story of the old Bent house centuries old and standing today. Levi married Mary E. Bishn, ch- Daniel, Waldo and Mary C. He mar ried for his second wife, Ellen A. Salisbury, and their children were Waldo L., who married Emma R. Wood (ch. Florence, Herbert and Ida) ; Oscar H. m. Charlotte A. Howe (ch. Herbert, Oscar, Louis) ; John S. m. Alice M. Dailey (ch. Irving, Vira) ; Geo., H. m. Florence Wilkins (eh. Marshall) ; Harriette H. m. Edwin F- Simpson (ch. Lin coin, Geo., Wm., Oscar). 43 CHAPTER III. '¦mwi ii ikjflwiBk, ^*i ,^t' vurLdP ¦^,: ~ ' T"*' ">wm. ^ Vj! 9R b k. ~jg|p JBi^ •Mr / dl ^¦ttlQ t«.j| ^j. , -/4'.1 i?j| £Xi*^^^ i ,'*? ^^ssW^B Kfer-K. '^^¦JaajjWMI^ji^ •w^**?""' " .¦ . ^iSSfeiy^r^ ^S' •¦' • -,-.•. ..^P^s^MM! . '/Wf ' - .••¦ - THE JOSEPH BRIGHAM OR LEWIS AMES HOMESTEAD, GLEN STREET. Many years ago over in the county of Cumberland in old England, there was a parish adjoining Scotland called Brigham. In the reign of Edward II. one heard about the " Barony at Brigham, " and the word is an object of interest to the antiquarian today, for one learns that after the Norman conquest it was assigned to Waldeof, Earl of Northcumberland, yvho built a stupendous castle which became the Baronial seat of his successors, the lords of Alerdale. Here as feudal kings they reigned for generations, maintaining in splendor a school and theatre of chivalry. This fortress was one of the strongest upon the island and is not yet in total ruins, and could the walls speak they might relate of royal embassies and visits, splendid tournaments, thrilling events and scenes of honor. As time went on, English nobility began to assume lower or sir names and noblemen took their names from their estates. At this time some successor of Waldeof assumed the name of Brigham. Thomas Brigham Avas 32 years of age when he embarked 1635 at London for New England in the ship Susan and Ellyn, Edward Payne, 44 master. Journeying to Watertown he became proprietor of a 14-acre lot on the strip which was taken from Watertown and in 1754 annexed to Cambridge. Thomas settled " hard by " and built his house in Cambridge on the lot of three and one-half acres which had been assigned to him. This Avas the very spot Avhich Governor Winthrop and assistants agreed was a "fit place for a fortified town " and the capitol of the colony. Here a number of chief men built their houses and the General Court held their first sessions. And here Thomas Brigham resided until 1648. He filled standing and responsible positions, became proprietor of immense herds of cattle and swine, and when the land was divided to settlers according to their estates, he purchased a new site and built at once on the spot where now is Somerville, about one-third of a mile south of Tufts College and east of the Cambridge poor house. Thomas Brigham's last place of yvorship must have been Medford, and in her ancient graveyard, according to Morse Genealogy, his ashes repose await ing a monument. He left an estate of considerable value and for his time, a spacious house, which consisted of a hall, parlor, kitchen and two chambers all completely furnished and stored with necessary provisions. The inventory of his estate Avas peculiar. In the settlement of other estates prior to that time it would be difficult to find one of more personal property, including so many articles of luxury. Silver spoons and other utensils of silver, "join chairs" and "join stools," cushions, pieces, damask cloth, liyrery, table, one flock and four feather beds are enumer ated ; and his Avardrobe, for the age was that of a Neyv England gentleman. He had twro bound servants, five horses, fourteen sheep and ten cattle. His inventory footed up £449, (four hundred 49 pounds). Thomas Brigham, as we have said in the Rice story married Mercy Hurd who bore him fiA'e children, and when he died he appointed her sole executrix of his last wall and testament. Among Thomas and Mercy Hurd's five children yvas Thomas Brigham, the 2d, who yvhen his mother married Goodman Edmund Rice of Marlborough continued, with his brothers and sisters, to live with his mother on his stepfather's estate. On attaining his majority, Thomas married Mary Rice (daughter of Henry) and bought from his stepfather, Edmund Rice, 21 acres of land in the southwestern part of the tOAvn on the site known as the Warren Brigham Farm on what we hoav call Glen street. Llere he built a log cabin. One day being called to Lancaster, he left his family to care for the home. " Breaking flax " yvas one of the many household duties of the time, and in an unguarded moment this combustible material took fire and the home was soon in flames. When 45 Thomas returned his little log hut yvas no more to be seen. But rather a fire from flax than from treacherous foe, and in 1706 up went on the same spot of land another home, a frame house, so well and safely built that it was one of the 26 chosen as garrisons by the 137 families in town at that time. The farm of Thomas Brigham 2d was the starting of that immense farm which he acquired from the Indian occupants, and finally included in his own right thousands of acres stretching for miles away to Chauncey pond. Surely an extensive landholder who " conferred estates with as much facility," quoting Miss Martha Ames, "as little Miss Flite was hoping to do when the suit in -Jarndyce and Jarndyce should be settled." Quoting again our friend, Miss Ames : "In one sense the life of Thomas Brigham 2d seems not far away from our own time. The road winding through the valley where his dwelling stood ; the fair and fertile fields which he cultivated ; the stately and beautiful trees on which no doubt he often gazed, have come down through generations of his descendants uniting the past with the present. We think of him as often passing this way to church or elsewhere, enjoying the distant scenery and the magnificent sunsets, even as do we now. Yet in reality we know very little of his life. There are many missing links in the chain of events which only imagination can supply. Living in those troublesome times when wars followed each other in quick succession, he must have been surrounded by elements of danger of which only the echo comes down to us. He is said to have been a large strong man of whom the Indians stood greatly in awe. It Avas his custom in war times when going to mill to have an escort of two dogs and two guns. Probably the guns if not the dogs accompanied him to church and to other places. " We imagine that the two dogs went also to divine worship as we knoAv that in early times it was the custom in cold weather for the favorite dog to be brought to meeting Avhere he could be a warmth to his master's feet. Indeed, those living stoves became such a fashion and oft times such a nuisance to the congregation at large, that dog AA'hippers were appointed and the owners of these pets were fined did they not see to it that they came not into the meeting house during the worship. One day Thomas was found sleeping in his chair. He was 76 years old when this great sleep came upon him. They laid him away in 1716, and his son Gershom took his father's house for an L to his own newly built two-story house. Gershom was a man well known in the annals of Marlborough. An impartial surveyor, an intrepid constable ; a selectman and one of the distinguished committee to seat the meeting ; and yvoe unto 46 the wide awake children of mischievous propensity, and even the parents Avho sometimes Avent nid nodding- before the hour glass, resting on the little stand by the preacher, could be turned, for Gershom Brigham, the tithingman, was a regular attendant and himself yvas never found napping. Gershom settled down happy and contented on the old home place, the so called Warren Brigham, and had five children by his good Avife Mehitable Warren (6th child of Joseph Warren of Medfield) among Avhom was Joseph Brigham who married Comfort Bigelow who proved indeed a comfort to Joseph as well as to John her father after the latter's release from captivity. (See John BigeloAV sketch). Joseph Brigham and Comfort Bigelow went housekeeping in the homestead sketched above, which he built, and which is iioav known as the Ames house. This is one of the most interesting old homesteads anywhere to be found. In one of the rooms one finds a grand old fire place so ample that one could climb up the immense chimney to the very roof itself. A hiding place surely for man or woman in the old historic days of thrilling events. Over the high mantel rests the gun and bayonet brought to America at the time of General Lafayette's landing, and rest ing near by is a halberd or javelin, and old sword, andirons, bellows, shovel and tongs, candle, snuffers and tray, a hanging tin candlestick and an ancient lantern through whose many openings the light found its way as best it could. Grouped around are chairs and tables of ancient pattern, and on the tables are old books and files of old almanacs, a circular willow basket with twelve small compartments for tumblers, and one larger for decanter. Here is a spinning wheel with its reel, a flax wheel, a tape loom, a quill wheel, slaies and temples used in weaving, a warm ing pan, a foot stOAe, an unique candlestand, ancestor as it were to the modern piano lamp ; a spirit case or wine chest containing bottle and glasses of fine workmanship brought from over the sea ; old grandfather's clock made by the celebrated Ephraim Barber, who lived about a mile east from this place on the shore of Lake Williams. But the most inter esting of all is the chair in Avhich Thomas Brigham died in 1717 at the age of 7fi years, for it tells story upon story of that time of the past. And as Ave look into the old mirror hanging near by, pictures of ye olden time come trooping before us ; and going to the open southern door, in olden time it was the front or guest entrance, yve look out and imagine great trees and forests, and the lurking Indian waiting for his prey, Avho with gun and dog near by, ploughs the rich fields or reaps and gathers in the wdieat. Joseph and Comfort had a large family from whom are descended 47 many well known families. Two of their children, Joseph aged 7 years and Comfort aged 5, died July 17, 1742, " on Satterday both of them, " as the old record pathetically reads. The names were repeated and the second Joseph or Joseph, Jr., inherited the home place. Mrs. Comfort Brigham died in her 48th year, and about two years after her death her husband married Mrs. Ruth Ward, Avidow of Elisha Ward of Westborough. She was the daughter of Edmund Rice of West- borough and sister of Silas and Timothy Rice yvho Avere carried away to Canada by the Indians in 1704. Another brother, Nahor Avas killed at the same time. This was several years before her birth. She yvas a lady, we learn, of much refinement and very pious. The flowers, which in their season she carried to church, Avere gathered on Saturday, never on the Sabbath. She died in her 74th year and her husband Joseph died five months later aged 80 years. Joseph, Jr., as Ave have said remained at the old home. In 1766 he married Lydia Barnes and had two daughters. When their first little girl came, no name was half sweet enough for her to be christened but that of her mother, and so Lydia she yvas called. As she grew to womanhood, she was taught the accomplish ments of the dairy and many a pat of butter could her plump little hands mould into shape, and many a rich brindle would come at her call. It Avas a fair summer day yvhen Lydia with milking pail came over from the meadow. She made a fair picture to young Moses Ames who had come up from the Farm district to see her father on business, and stopping to rest near the old stone wall he listened to her milkmaid song. " All fresh the level pasture lay And not a shadow mote be seene Save where three miles away The steeple towered from out the greene; And lo, the great bell far and wide Was heard in all the country-side That Saturday at even-tide. " Young Moses lost his heart, and being an enterprising young man, he also lost no time in gaining entrance to pretty Lydia's home and heart ; and not long after, they two were " called " in the old church " not quite three miles away. " Three children blessed this union, among whom Avas Nancy B., Avho married as she grew to womanhood Esquire Levi Bigelow, and Lewis who married first Nancy Childs, and after her death Mrs. Mehetable Forbush. Among the hitter's children yvas Doctor Joseph Stanford Ames, a grand man in every sense of the Avord; of finest, tenderest sentiment, yvho lived to hear both high and low, rich and poor call him yyith one yoice " our dear doctor ; " Robert Ames, the well 4§ known dancing master ; Stephen, and Martha, a refined, gifted and well read lady of 76 years yvho still remains in the above sketched Joseph Brigham homestead. In a letter yvritten by Miss Ames, she exclaims : " You are right in thinking Glen street valley is a beautiful place. One sees today the pond with its heavy border of maples in varying shades of green, yellow and red ; the brook yvinding leisurely through the close shaven meadows, the miniature cascade at the ' great gate ; ' the woods opposite the house, oaks, maples, birches, each with its own rich color, and the dark pines intermingled in just the right proportion ; the old mill hoary with its life of more than a century ; the other buildings in various stages of dilapida tion, all combine to form a picture never to be forgotten. No wonder the old homesteads are so pleasant. Our ancestors were not obliged to take up with Hobson's choice in the matter of location. ' The world was all before them where to choose ' and they wisely availed themselves of the opportunity. " && ¦ ¦; i ¦'-' : -:rr-,v- w * UL. ¦¦-— ¦ ~-~?~'jk isj£~ - ... - " .Tp* "f^S ' - »' 4 fi '% *\ >P! ~* THE GREAT POND, "NAGGAWOOMCON." "More than two hundred years have passed away" writes the author of that delightful little book, "The Hundredth Town," "since the Indian unmolested, roamed through the wilderness of Wabbequasset the land of the Nipmucks — The Whetstone Country. Nearly every trace of him has disappeared. Llis Okommakamesit and Whipsufferage we call Marlbo rough ; Hassanamisco, the place of small stones, is Grafton ; Wopanage, he crossing place, is Milford ; and Magunkook, the place of great trees, 49 is Hopkinton. Very few places retain their Indian names ; even the great pond, Naggawoomcon, was rechristened Chauncy." Lake Chauncy is a name so well known in Marlborough to the excur sionist that we add the above picture to our collection, not only for its at- tractivness but from the fact that from the time when it was given the above Indian name Marlborough claimed for many years the whole of that section of hers knoAvn by the name Chauncy including the "Pond." The origin of the present name has a tradition that a man by the name Chauncy was lost in early times in one of the swamps thereabout. The records however give the fact that President Chauncy — the first of the name in the Colony — owing to the smallness of his salary as head of Harvard College had several grants of land among which was the above "farme." The following year the Court confirming the former grant of the proprietors of Marlborough and "as it included the grant made to Mr. Chauncy it was provided that Marlborough should pay to said Chauncy all his charges for laying out his farm" giving in exchange the liberty for him to lay out the same in any lands not formerly granted by the Court. President Chauncy accordingly ' 'gave up his farm but left his name upon the place and so Chauncy Pond to this day marks the locality of his early grant, and the name yvill in all probability rest on the above lovely sheet of yvater as long as records of the early settlements are known. " The project of building a Soldiers' Monument to commemorate the most important event of the 18th century, and as a tribute to the heroic men who yvrought out the salvation of a nation at the sacrifice of their lives, was agitated here in 1867, and at a town meeting held January 4th, 1868, a committee, yvith Capt. William S. Frost, Commander of Post 43, as chairman, Rufus Howe, Charles F. Morse, David L. Brown, John Rock, John S. Fay, and Edward L. Bigelow, were chosen to procure plans and select a spot for a monument to be erected to the memory of our deceased soldiers. The committee reported a design and suggested the present spot for location. Five thousand dollars was appropriated by the town without a dissenting voice or vote. Later an additional appropriation of one thousand dollars was voted. 5° THE SOLDIERS' MONUMENT. -*— *- 3=£= "Just before the battle, mother, I am thinking now of you." The dedication occurred June 2, 1869. Decoration Day was estab lished the year previous, and that year May 29 falling on Saturday, the observance was postponed to June 2, yvhen the exercises of decoration 5i and dedication yvere combined, and were of the most impressive and im posing character. Four thousand people, including various organizations and invited guests gathered near the headquarters of the G. A. R., and a procession was formed under the direction of Capt. Charles F. Morse, the Chief Marshal of the day, with Capt. Henry Parsons, E. P. Dart, John Connealy and Walter S. Goss as Assistant Marshals, and Edmund C. Whitney and Ambrose M. Page acting as Aids to the Chief Marshal. The line was composed of four divisions, as follows : First Division, Under the direction of Capt. Henry Parsons, was made up as folloyvs : Chief Marshal. Aids. Co. I, 5th Massachusetts Regiment Volunteers ; 40 men. Disabled Soldiers and Sailors, and Invited Guests, in Carriages. Worcester Brass Band. Camp Lincoln, Post 43 of G. A. R. ; no men. Hudson Brass Band. Reno Encampment, Post 9, G. A. R. ; 40 men. Second Division, Under the direction of E. P. Dart. Hall & Quimby's Drum Corps. Torrent Engine Company, No. 1 ; 55 men. Brown's Brigade Band. Okommakamesit Engine Company, No. 2 ; 48 men. Union Hook and Ladder Company, No, 1 ; 44 men. Feltonville Division, S. of T., of Hudson; 25 members. Wakefield Division, S. of T., of Hudson; 25 members. Third Division, Under the direction of John Connealy. Westborough Brass Band. Father Matthew T. A. B. Society ; 80 members. Marlborough Library and Literary Association ; 45 members. Fourth Division, Under the direction of W. S. Goss. Gilmore's Band. Eureka Lodge of K. O. S. C. ; 225 men. The dedicatory exercises were held on the High School Common. Charles F. Morse was president of the day, and at the close of his open ing address a Funeral March was played in concert by Gilmore's, Brown's and the Worcester Brass Band, followed by excellent singing, "Vive 52 P America," by a large choir of children under the careful training of Edmund C. Whitney, Esq. Prayer was offered by Rev. S. T. Aldrich, chaplain of the clay, followed by singing, "America," by the large audi ence. William S. Frost, Esq., chairman of the building committee, then made a formal delivery of the monument, in the following eloquent address : "Doubtless you all remember the excitement that was created throughout the country by the announcement that Fort Sumter had been attacked by the rebel forces and its garrison forced to surrender. We yvere excited, not because it yvas entirely unexpected, for we had long watched the gathering clouds and listened to the muttering of the distant thunder, but with the hope and belief that something would occur to avert the storm and save us from the horrors of a civil war. We had so long looked upon that flag, the symbol of this government, as something so sacred that no one born beneath its folds and reared under its protec tion would dare raise his hand to tear it from its place and dishonor it. And yvhen it became a settled fact that a regularly organized force, backed by the power of certain states, had fired on that flag and forced its surrender, a spirit of indignation yvas aroused throughout the loyal North, and a determination to support the government at all hazards, avenge the insult, and punish the offenders. "Marlborough, in common with her sister towns, shared in this feeling. I hay^e no time, had I the disposition, to go into a lengthy review of the scenes of those days ; they are still fresh in the minds of all. But I propose to give a brief account of the manner in which this town fulfilled her obligations to the government, and we certainly have no reason to be ashamed of the record. The statistics which I shall give are taken from the town records, and embrace that portion of Hudson which, at that time formed a part of Marlborough, and include only those yvho enlisted on the quota of this town, exclusive of the large number that went from this and enlisted on the quota of other towns, of whom we have no means of obtaining reliable information. We find this town has credited to her 831 men furnished for the armies of the United States. Six full companies were organized and enlisted here, although partly composed of men from the neighboring towns. " The first men mustered into the United States service from this town, of whom yve have any record, are Charles Morse and Theodore Brigham. They enlisted in the 6th Massachusetts Infantry and served in that regiment during the first three months campaign. The first company was Company G, commanded by Captain John Carey, than whom no 53 nobler or braver died for his adopted country. This company formed a part of the 9th Massachusetts Infantry and was mustered into the United States service for three years June 11, 1861. The next yvere Companies F and I of the 13th Infantry. They had long waited impatiently for orders to report for duty, but were disappointed from day to day until many of their number, tired of delay, enlisted in other regiments having better prospects of active duty and their places had to be filled with new men. "At length they too received the long looked for orders and departed for Fort Independence where they yvere mustered into the United States service for three years July 16, 1861. The otherthree companies enlisted for shorter terms, one for nine months and the other two for 100 days each, all of them serving in the 5th Massachusetts Infantry. I find by the town records this town was represented in seventy different organiza tions of the army — regiments, batteries, cavalry, engineer corps, etc. Aside from the 9th and 13th Regiments, already mentioned, the 9th Battery and 57th and 59th Infantry had perhaps the largest number. " Of the 831 men, who in the pride and strength of their manhood marched to the defence of that flag, 91 sealed their devotion to country with their lives, some suddenly in the shock of battle, others by disease ; but all nobly, bravely. " The first to fall yvas John L. Spencer yvhile on duty near Harper's Ferry. The Company to which he belonged had his remains tenderly cared for and forwarded to this place, and well do I remember the solemnity of the funeral rites, for although he had no near relatives here, each one yvho had a friend in the army felt that the next blow might fall on him. This was the first lesson teaching us the realities of war. Before this we had seen but its show and glitter which now was turned to dust and ashes in our sight. A lesson, alas, too often repeated during the four years that followed, and one burned deeply into the memory of many of us. " Of the ninety-one whose names yve have placed on this monument more than one-half belonged to the 9th, 13th and 57th Regiments. In the 57th yve lost seven; in the 9th we lost nineteen, and in the 13th yve lost 21. While few families escaped the loss of some friend by the casualties of war, some yvere more deeply afflicted and called to mourn the loss of two or three in one family. Of these Mrs. Otis Russell lost two sons, Mr. James Clark two sons, Mrs. Ruth Goodnow three sons and Mr. Aaron Rice three sons. Mr. Rice and his four sons, the entire male portion of the family, enlisted and served in the army. The father 54 and one son only returned in safety ; the other three now sleep in honor able martyrs' graves. Why some are called to drink deep of the cup of affliction, yvhile others scarce taste the bitterness of its contents, is no doubt wisely kept from the knowledge of men. As the citizens of Marl borough were patriotic during the yvar, so in peace are they grateful. To show their gratitude for the sacrifices made by these men, and to keep in remembrance their names, this monument has been erected, not to honor men whose names are inscribed thereon — that yve cannot do ; they have honored us — but in memory of their deeds that can never die. Let us not think for a moment that yve have now paid the debt yve owe them, for that we can never do ; this is simply an acknowledgment of that debt, and as they have passed beyond the reach of human aid, and have gone, yve hope and trust to receive the reward of the faithful, let us not forget those they have left behind who looked up to them for protection and support, and on whom they depended as the staff on which to lean in years to come. And as yve strew flowers on the graves of our departed brave, let us not forget to smooth the pathway of the living who yvere near and dear to them and see to it that want looks not in at their doors. Let this town stand to them in the relation of husband and father, brother and son, and so long as there is a worthy representative of these men among you in need of assistance, let it be promptly rendered, not as charity, but as their just due. Do this and yve do but our duty ; neglect this and we may pile granite to heaven and it will be but vain and empty show. " We have met this da)- to dedicate this monument to the memory of our heroic dead. We have laid the foundation deep, we have built it of the most durable material. It is the best we can do. It may decay, the granite may crumble, time may destroy it, but the men whose names are there inscribed hay^e helped to erect a monument of noble deeds which time can never destroy, but as age rolls on age and generations come and go, it shall stand firm with no sign of decay, but ever groyv brighter and brighter, higher and higher. They have laid its foundation deep and lasting as the foundation of this government. Its area embraces a yvhole united country ; its capstone reaches beyond the ken of human vision. And as the sunlight of liberty plays about its summit and flashes from its sides, it shall serve as a beacon light guiding the down-trodden and oppressed of all nations to this land now made truly free by the noble deeds of these and such as these. Such is the monument they have erected to, their own memory. How dwarfed is this in comparison, but if it will serve to keep the nobler one in view, its best object will be accomplished. " [To the Committee and to the Selectmen.! 55 "As I look down the vista of coming years and see the long line of those that shall come after you and stand in your places, some wise and some not so wise, let me say to you and through you to them, guard well your trust. Let no word or act of yours bring dishonor on these names or the cause for which they died. Guard well the spot made sacred to their memory. Let no unclean foot pollute its sod, nor vandal hand mar its beauty with impunity, but make this a place to which the fathers of generations yet to come shall love to take their boys, and yvhile they shall read these names, recount to them the noble deeds, the self-denials, the sacrifices made by these men to preserve the blessings they enjoy, and instill into their young hearts the same love of country which fired the hearts of the noble dead. Let this be the place from which in after years (should occasion require, which God grant it never may,) these youth, grown to man's estate, shall march to the defense of that flag and in support of those great principles of justice and equal rights to all for which these men laid down their lives, and baptized yvith their hearts' best blood. And as yve have decked this monument yvith the cross, anchor, and evergreen, emblems of faith, hope, and immortality, so let us have faith in God, who has brought us in safety through the conflict, and preserved us as a nation, hoping that the same watchful care which has been oyrer us in the past may be ever about us, until, having finished our work here, fought our fight, we may be gathered yvith our noble dead in that better life of immortality." Samuel N. Aldrich, Esq., Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, accepted this trust in behalf of the town in an able and eloquent address. He was followed by Hon. Henry Wilson and Hon. George B. Loring. On the four sides of the monument are engraved the names of those who fell in the Avar. Ahearn, Michael Andrews, Charles W. Atkinson, George A. Allis, Lucius Barnes, Joseph P. Bridgewater, Lt. Geo. N. Brigham, Aaron A. Boylan, Patrick Brown, Henry H. Brigham, Capt. Wm. F. Balcom, Myron L. Burns, Eugene Bond, Edwin E. Barnes, David Brigham, W. Francis Buckley, John Brigham, AVilliam Fife Crowell, Isaac B. Coolidge, Silas A. Clark, Patrick Connors, John Collins, John II. Clark, Michael Chase, Otis Carey, Capt. John Crowley. John Dailey, Robert Drummer, Matthew Doyle, Daniel,' Eaton, John, Jr. Exley, Edyvin AA'. Francis, John Finnerty, Battholomew Frye, John Fay, Elisha \V. Flynn. Peter Graves, Francis G. Greenache, Claude Gleason, J. Josiah Goodnow. Charles E. Goodnow, Theodore H. Goodnow, Andrew J. 56 Goocwin, Edyvin Ho«-o, Alfred W. How ¦, Elijah, 2d. Howe, Alfred G. Huntington, George D. Jenks. John B. Joel, Joseph Keating, William Keyes, Marshall Knight, William L. Keegin. Hugh Long, Cornelius Lothrop, AVashington I. McDermot, Patrick Mosher, Charles AA-. Murphy, Timothy Murnane, AVilliam McCarty, James Mundell, George H. Murray, Thomas Newcomb, George B. Nolan, Thomas Nutting, Albion Neyvton, Oseola A'. Nourse, George A. Oddy, Thomas I. Perkins, Charles E. Pettes, Thomas Pebbles, John P. Perry, Henry H. Phelps, Stephen H. Quinn, Patrick Rice, Sylvester H. Reagan, Daniel J. Rice, Rufus C. Russell, Benjamin F. Roberts, Thomas Russell, John M. Rice, Reuben B. Rice, Edwin G. Sheehan, James M. Spencer, John L. Smith, Granville H. Sheehan, James Stowe, George H. Stone, Charles Tobin, Cornelius Vose, Josiah H. Welch, Edyvin N. Wall, Bernard Whitcomb, Lt. Charles W Wood, Frank J. THE GRAND ARMY BUILDING. 57 II "Yes, we'll rail}- round the flag, boys.' Quoting President Roosevelt: "No other citizen deserves so well of the republic as the veterans, the survivors of those who saved the Union. They did the one deed which if left undone yvould have meant that all else in our history went for nothing. But for their steadfast prowess in the greatest crisis of our history all our annals would be meaningless and our great experiment in popular freedom, and self government a gloomy failure. Moreover they not only left us a united nation but they left us also a heritage, the memory of the mighty deeds by which the nation was kept united." As wrote Walter S. Goss in "History of the Seventh Mass. Vol. Infantry." "To-day there is no tie so strong as the fraternal feeling which binds soldiers to one another even though they may be strangers. It is a heartfelt sympathy, a mystic bond that recognizes a comrade yvho has been tried in the fiery furnace of a war for universal liberty and a com mon country. For this we fought, for this we suffered in foul prison pens, in hospitals, and on the fields of battle ; for this our comrades fell where shot and shell sung their last requiem." It was January 15, 1868 when Post 43. G. A. R. was chartered. The original members yvere Charles F. Morse , Henry Parsons, J. H. Howe, S. A. Howe, 2nd, A. M. Page, C. F. Witherbee, J. A. Belser, E. L. Pratt, H. Exley and E. C. Alden. The Post was organized January 25. The first commander yvas Charles F. Morse. The membership in creased in ten days to fifty. The meetings were held in the attic of Forest Hall Block which yvas erected by Horace H. Bigelow noyy of Worcester and which came into possession of Henry O. Russell in 1863 and the firm Russell & Alley occupied it as a shoe manufactory. The hall in the upper storv yvas at that time a popular resort for dances, concerts, lectures, etc. and in political times, Forest Hall yvas the scene of earnest discussions in which many noted statesmen of former years have taken part. Post 43 later leased the upper hall in Berry's Block until the removal to Town Hall yvhere they occupied rooms until the G. A. R. Building was erected in 1892. At first the name of "Lincoln Post" was adopted but finding the name had been chosen by the Charlestoyvn Post, and the lamented Gen. Rawlins having just died, the name "John A. Rawlins" was then .substituted. 5« There is no higher organization and one claiming the heartfelt sym pathy of the country at large, than the G. A. R. Relief Societies ; and tribute should ever be made to the noble women yvho, yvith aching hearts, bade their dear ones God speed in the emergency of our Civil War, and then yvaited, waited, day by day, for "news from the front." In those days of silent sorrow, AVhen the tears refused to fall, 'Twas the waiting time — the waiting time AVas the hardest time of all. The G. A. R. Relief Society connected with Post 43 was organized December 13, 1870, having then 45 members. Its list of officers chosen to serve till January, 1872, yvas as follows : President, Mrs. Charles F. Morse ; Vice-President, Mrs. Henry Parsons ; Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. John S. Fay; Managers, Mrs. William Barnes, Mrs. Albert Stacy, Mrs. Levi Taylor, Mrs. Elbridge Wilkins, Mrs. Justin Barker, Mrs. Parker Lawrence, Mrs. George H. Brigham, Mrs. Frank Bean. The Presidents for the succeeding years have been : Mrs. Charles F. Morse, 1S71. Mrs. William Baker, 1SS6-7-8-9-90. Mrs. AVilliam Barnes, 1S72-3. Mrs. Henry Parsons, 1891-2. Mrs. Ambrose M. Page, 1S74. Mrs. William S. Frost, 1893-4. Mrs. Henry Parsons, 1S75-6, Mrs. James M. Gleason, 1895-6. Mrs. William Barnes, 1S77-8. Mrs. Joseph W. Barnes, 1897. Mrs. Joseph W. Barnes, 1S79. Mrs. Mary E. Morse, 1898-9-1900-1-2. Mrs. William B. Campbell, 1SS0-1. Mrs. Etta Howe, 1903. Mrs. Henry Exley, 1SS2-3. Mrs. Addie Gleason, 1904-5. Mrs. Ransom D. Pratt, 18S4. Mrs. Frank Sawin, 1906-7-8. Mrs. Henry Parsons, 18S5. Mrs. Harriet Dodge, 1909. Thousands of dollars hayre been raised and expended by these ladies and their co-workers for the benefit of Post 43, and for charitable and patriotic donations. This is the first society of the kind ever organized in connection yvith G. A. R. Posts. It was deemed of so much import ance to Department Commander Underwood that he alluded to it in his address to the Department Convention, January 15, 1873, and advised all Posts to form similar societies. The Grand Army building pictured in this article was dedicated June 28, 1892. At 1 o'clock P. M. the members of the Post assembled at head quarters in City Hall. At 1.30 a line was formed in front of the Hall, invited guests yvere received and headed by the 6th Regt. Band the Depart ment Officers and a number of other distinguished visitors in carriages yvere escorted to the Posts new headquarters in the new building. A halt 59 was made in front of the hall, the American flag was raised on the flag staff at a signal from Commander Henry Parsons, the band saluting by playing the Star Spangled Banner. Meantime the Llall had been rapidly filling with guests and members of the Post. Meeting was called to order by Commander Llenry Parsons and the exercises commenced with music by a male quartet. John R. McCrillis chairman of the building committee formally turned the building over to the Post for dedication, Commander Parsons accepting the building in behalf of the Post. Charter yvas pro duced and hung and the alter uncovered and the flag placed upon it. In the absence of the regular chaplain (W. A. Springer in choir) Comrade F. C. Curtis, who yvas one of the Andersonville sufferers during the war, officiated, and stepping to the altar placed a neyv Bible upon it, reading- several appropriate passages from the Scripture. The bugle sounded the Assemblies and S. V. Commander Brigham arose and read a number of fitting passages from the Holy Book. Four comrades then marched in and stacked arms at the right of the altar. Hanging a haversack and canteen on the stack after the manner of the army, one of the four in army uniform taking position at "parade rest," beside it faced the com mander. The Junior Vice Commander arose and read several psalms, commencing with "They that go down to the ships at sea." Four comrades then marched in with an anchor and crossed swords and Royal Jack and placed them on the left of the altar and a naval veteran stood guard beside them. "I have before us" said the Commander "tAVO of the emblems of our order. There is another tie and that is" chaplain rises and repeats, "And the greatest of these is Charity." Two children, boy and girl, dressed in red, white, and blue joined the four comrades at rear of altar and formed a lovely picture. Singing and prayer preceded the calling up of Depart ment Commander James R. Churchill yvho formally dedicated the hall by virtue of his authority in behalf of the soldiers and sailors of the country. The oration yvas by comrade Alfred S. Roe of Worcester who deliyrered one of the finest addresses ever listened to in Marlborough. Speeches, inspection of the hall and a banquet followed. At 7.30 line was again formed headed by the 6th Regt. Band and proceeded to the Fitchburg station to await the train which brought the members of Reno Post 9 ; Commander Waterhouse of Hudson, 60 comrades. Comrades from Hudson, Clinton, Westboro, Northboro, Fayville, Ashland, Berlin numbering 174 were present. Again speeches, music and refeshments were in order and the meeting yvas closed by the audience singing America and giving three rousing cheers for Commander Parsons. The Building Committee consisted of : President, John R. McCril- 6o lis ; Vice-President, Francis C. Curtis ; Clerk, Edward R. Alley ; Treas urer, Charles F. Robinson. Directors were: John R. McCrillis, Edward R. Alley, Edward C. Marsh, Francis C. Curtis, Edwin L. Perry, James F. Barry, Walter S. Goss, Charles F. Robinson, Sidney A. Brigham, Frank Bean, George H. Brigham, Terrence McGuire and Hiram WT. Fay. :TS~H^«i^"— "~'=«-e--^»-l=*— ^#.-j^Sib=i|:| " John Brown's body lies mouldering in the grave- His soul goes marching on." Everyone may read the story of the John Brown Bell, told by James M. Gleason and Lysander P. Parker, and so interestingly revised by Past Commander William A. Springer in the little booklet published by direc tion of John A. Rawlins Post 43, in which it tells of the Company receiving orders to go to Harper's Ferry, and on arriving on historic ground and looking for souvenirs and finding that others had been there before them who had appropriated everything of value, they finally decided to take the bell from the old engine house where John Brown fought his last fight for the liberation of the slaves, and send it home to Marlborough. After receiving permission from the War Department to appropriate the bell, it yvas boxed and placed on a canal boat and finally landed at Williamsport Lock, where the regiment remained all winter. Being unable to ship their treasure to Marlborough, they bargained with Mrs. Snyder, yvho had baked the bread for the company, to care for the bell until called for, and they marched away, leaving it buried there for thirty years. Only nine of " the boys" yvere left of those yvho yvere interested in procuring this historic souvenir. In 1 Worcester Telegram ; and one whom Marlborough still claims, Representative to General Court from Leominster, Frank LI. Pope, reporter to Boston Globe, whose command of ideas and language is equalled by few. ¦ '"•* ¦ /"¦¦"*" ' ¦ fe MA \*$mk .ei«^-" THE LARKIN, OR AVINSLOAV BRIGHAM HOUSE. io7 This house stood until a year or so ago just to the left of the Corey- Estate. Here in 1817 Elizabeth Larkin was married one morning by the Rev. Sylvester F. Bucklin to Winslow Brigham (son of Capt. Daniel and Thankful Brigham) and as time went on returned to live with "Mother Larkin" who had built this house. From this old home stead their daughter Elizabeth Brigham now a lovable dear lady of 02 years of age, was married to Wallace Witherbee youngest son of Caleb Witherbee whose tyvo first years of married life were spent on the Wesson farm and from there ten years in "Father Caleb Witherbee's" mansion. The children of William Wallace and Elizabeth Brigham Witherbee are Ellen, Frank, Elizabeth, Frederick, Mary, Sarah, Anne, Herbert. When their two daughters moved to Fairmount, Winslow Brigham and his wife rented the old home and built the now Charles Morse house to which they moved and enjoyed life there for less than two weeks. At the town's political demonstration Nov. 1st, 1864 when general enthu siasm prevailed and noted speakers present, Mr. Brigham was standing on the sidcyyalk, and was knocked down by an unmanageable horse, and never spoke again. Soon the wife joined him in the other life. In the Larkin Home was married Anne Fisher Brigham to Samuel Boyd. The couple boarded first at the Thayer Llotel. Then began housekeeping on Bridge street, and then went to the Draper home just this side of George Morse, (Samuel and Anne's ch. Delia [m. Henry Aldrich] Anna [m. Samuel C. Darling] Florence, Lydda, Carrie, Henry, Fanny.) At Anne's death, Samuel married Mary Lawrence of Shrewsbury. Samuel Boyd yvas one of eleven children. The Boyds were an old fam ily in Marlborough. John Boyd the ancestor came to this country 16.'->(i. Wm., the grandfather of Samuel who served in the War of the Revolu tion came to Marlborough, yvhen he was 12 years of age, and was adopted by Mr. Stratton yvho owned the farm near So. Marlborough. Lie afterwards inherited the estate, and married into the Morse family. Of the children of Wm. Boyd, John, the father of Samuel is remembered and described as a " man of quick wit, a noted joker, a man of device and schemes, but with his large family was over burdened and became poor." Llis wife Sophia Phelps, daughter of Roger Phelps was an excellent woman, a faithful mother and of good family. Samuel Boyd yvas born on what yvas generally known as the Hillman Farm at Marlboro Junction, burnt some years ago. At that time a shoe maker's apprentice had to be able to make a boot or shoe entire, and Samuel at 14 was put to trade as currier with Col. Joe Davis of Northboro, brother of "lionet" John Davis who was at one time Governor of the State. io8 THE JOSIAH BENNETT HOUSE, MAPLE STREET. Samuel and his brother Joseph Boyd built for their parents the house called the Josiah Bennett place on the corner of Maple and Bridge streets. Here they went into business, and occupied a room 20x30 feet, employing about 25 hands. Thev remained here about tyvo years, and then moved to the upper part of the brick block used as a hotel by Sullivan Thayer on Main street, opposite the old Cotting tavern. Soon after, they moved to a small house at head of the common. The next move of Samuel yvas to build the Morse brick factory on Maple street, a monster and big adventure in those days. Nine years later and Samuel and Thomas Corey built the brick block (Central House) where they employed 300 hands. This lecbto the mammoth factory on Main street. The school education allowed to Samuel Boyd was a few weeks in winter, and one or tyvo terms at the Marlborough Academy with Mr. O. W. Albee. The business of manufacturing shoes for market was almost new in Marlborough, when he finished his apprenticeship at Northboro. Lynn, Milford and a few other towns had done pioneer work with promise and success. Col. Ephraim Howe had be