39002018503509

OilZ3

_S1Q  \

YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

HISTORICAL

ANNALS OF DEDHAM,

FROM ITS SETTLEMENT IN 1635,

TO 1847.

BY HERMAN MANN.

DEDHAM, MASS.
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY HERMAN MANN.
1847.

7:fcH

i1

INTRODUCTION,

Dedham is one of the oldest towns in New Eng
land. The Indians of this neighborhood had been
nearly all carried off by the small pox in 1633. A
portion of the lands comprised within the original
limits of the town was purchased of the Indians for
a fair consideration, and deeded to the Colony by
Chikataubot, their Chief, about the year 1630. The
original deed being lost it was renewed in 1685, by
Josia^ Wampatuk, grandson of Chikataubot, which
latter deed is still in existence. The more southerly
portions were purchased of the celebrated King
Philip, chief of the Wampanoags, and due payment
made. The town derived its name from Dedham in
England, from which place some of its first settlers
emigrated in 1629.
In collecting materials for the Chronological de
partment of this work, the compiler has availed him
self of the facilities afforded by the Town Records,
which include also the records of the original Propri
etors, commencing with the first settlement and con
tinued in an unbroken series to the present day ;

iv INTRODUCTION.
Worthington's history, published in 1827; S. F. Ha
ven's address, delivered at the second centennial an
niversary in 1836, which gives a general view of the
political and social character of the inhabitants from
the earliest times ; and to Rev. Dr. Lamson's centen
nial discourses in 1838, which latter details more par
ticularly the occurrences connected with its ecclesias
tical history. These are works of great ability, and
evince much labor and patient research in the authors.
Other historical addresses delivered before the citi
zens and published from time to time, have essential
ly aided in elucidating the early history of the town,
and rendered a more detailed account of less impor
tance at this time, as it would be but a repetition of
what has already been given to the public. Numer
ous other authentic documents have been consulted,
and with the above named are the principal sources
from which is derived the matter contained in these
pages. In a portion of the original town records the dates
are entered according to the ancient mode of reckon
ing time, when March was accounted the first month
in the year. For the sake of uniformity in these pa
ges, all dates are made to correspond with the present
method. Should some of the events here recorded appear as
trivial at the present day, it must be remembered that
they are only comparatively so, and were considered
of some consequence at the time they occurred.
They serve as connecting links in the continuous
chain which unites one period of time with another,
and could not well be omitted here without weaken-

INTRODUCTION. V
ing that chain. A penetrating mind will readily dis
cover their use and accord to them their due influ
ence. Other occurrences that may be considered of
more consequence are necessarily but briefly alluded
to, as a more extended notice would be utterly incon
sistent in a work of this kind.
Ample materials are at hand to furnish an interest
ing volume of any desirable extent, in the records of
the first settlers of Dedham and their successors, and
also for tracing events which mark the different epochs
of time, and delineating the combined and individual
character of the actors. The hope is confidently
cherished that a work will yet be presented to the
public, by some one possessing the requisite talent
and sufificient leisure for the task, that will combine a
more complete history with a genealogical account of
the first setders, and portray with deserved eulogy
the energy and virtues so conspicuously displayed by
many of the founders and natives of the town, and
others who have come among us and become its ben
efactors. It may perhaps be thought by some that another
work in addition to those before enumerated, treating
of the same subject, and starting like our own from
the same point with them, ending also in a similar
manner, must needs be superfluous. But we opine
that it will be found something like a railroad, which,
although sometimes moving along side by side with
the old beaten track, sometimes crossing it, yet like
the railroad too it in the main traverses different fields,
opening new prospects to the view, and by pursuing
a straight forward course reaches its destination by a

vi INTRODUCTION.
way peculiarly its own, possessing the charm of nov-
ty at least to recommend it.
The leading object of the compiler has been to pre
sent to his fellow townsmen, and others who may
feel interested in the prosperity of Dedham, a work
which might serve to some extent as an index to the
history of the town, and supply a vacuum which ap
peared to exist, as well as to facilitate the labors of
some future historian. The locality of numerous pla
ces alluded to in the early records, before the con
struction of roads to any great extent in the town, ,
have in many instances become lost to the present
generation. These have been sought out and briefly
stated ; by which it will appear that although it looks
formidable on paper, the journey is but short from
" Wigwam pond," along the " Ridge hill," through
" Wigwam swamp," across the " country road" near
the "wolf pit," thence over "Ragged plain" to "Green
Lodge" or "Purgatory," and has often been travelled
and may be again with perfect safety.
In the following annals but little scope has been
given to fancy, or regard paid to traditionary legends,
unless accompanied by corroborating circumstances
which leave no doubt of their correctness. The de
sign being confined principally to the relation oi facts,
in as concise a manner as appeared consistent with a
full understanding of the subject, and to give the date
of their occurrence with as much minuteness as their
importance demanded.
In the multiplicity of papers among which informa
tion has been sought, some of them being much mu
tilated or defaced by age and difficult to decypher.

INTRODUCTION. Vll

it is very possible that some errors may have crept
in. But the reader may be assured that every pre
caution has been taken to guard against them. —
Where there has been any doubt of the facts intend
ed to be recorded, they have been either satisfactorily
ascertained or entirely omitted. These pages have
been extended to a number considerably beyond what
was at first intended, and it has been found more dif
ficult to comprise the subject matter within a limited
compass than it would have been to spread it over a
much larger volume.
The Statistical tables have been compiled with the
greatest care, from correct sources of information,
and particular attention has been paid in the arrange
ment of the whole, with a view of rendering the work
more useful to the public as a book for reference.
The list of natives of Dedham who have graduated
at colleges was furnished by Dr. D. P. Wight, one of
their number, who has spared no pains to have it cor
rect ; also, the complete lists of town clerks and se
lectmen since the incorporation of the town. Other
gentlemen have kindly assisted in facilitating this
work ; particularly is the writer indebted to Rev. Dr.
Lamson for his valuable assistance in examining and
correcting a portion of the proof sheets before publi
cation ; to all of whom the compiler would respectfiil-
ly tender his grateful acknowledgments.
Having now placed ourselves in the precise posi
tion in which the good man of Uz wished his adver
sary had placed himself, as we read in the oldest rec
ord extant, (see Job xxxi. 35,) we must trust the
magnanimity of critics to treat our humble production

viii INTRODUCTION.
with such leniency as tlie public good will justify them
in doing. The information here presented being lo
cal in its nature and confined to a limited territory,
is not calculated to interest a widely spread popula
tion, or be extensively circulated. Should it chance
to meet the approbation of those who are more im
mediately interested in its contents, it will fulfil our
highest expectations, and to them it is respectfully
offered. Dedham, May 20, 1847.

PART I.

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY

1635. The original founders of Dedham came here from
Watertown and Roxbury, and commenced the settlement this
year. A Covenant was entered into for the government of them
selves, and all those who were afterwards admitted into the set
tlement were required to subscribe thereto. The first recorded
birth is on the 21st of June this year, precisely six years and
four days from the morning when Winthrop and his associates
entered Boston harbor, " to find a place for sitting down." A
free grant for a plantation was allowed to the company of settlers
on the 2d of the 7th month, (September 12) by the general court,
then holding a session at Newtowne.
1636. In rebinding the town records in 1839, some of the
leaves in the first volume appear out of place. The first and
sixth leaves do not belong there. The second leaf contains the
petition for incorporation and the order of court thereon. The
third leaf has no date and it is not certain that it belongs there.
The two next leaves contain the Covenant, with one hundred and
twenty-four names attached. The Town Records commence on
the seventh leaf, as follows : " The 15th August, being the 6th
month, 1636, Assembled whose names are underwritten." This
assemblage consisted of eighteen persons, and is the first recorded
meeting of the inhabitants in this town. Preliminary meetings
of the settlers were probably holden in the towns from which
they came, where the requisite arrangements for the settlement
2

\-

10 CHKONOLOGICAI. HISTORV.
were agreed upon. Another meeting vvas held on the 29ih of
August, when the same number of persons were again assembled,
but not all of them the same individuals as before. The next
recorded meeting was held on the 6th of September following,
when nineteen persons assembled, all of whom signed the petition
to the general court, as did also three others after the meeting
was dissolved, being all who had at that time subscribed to the
Covenant. The second grant of lands by the general court, rati
fying the previous grant and extending its limits conformably to
the petition, bears date September 10, old style. The place had
heretofore been called " Contentment," but by this act of the gen
eral court the narae was changed to " Dedham," and the compa
ny of settlers first legally organized. The original limits com
prised the present towns of Dedham, Medfield, Walpole, Wrent
ham, Franklin, Bellingham, Needham, Dover, Natick, and a part
of Sherburne. All settlers, if married man, are allowed a home
lot of twelve acres each ; unraarried men, eight acres. All the
waters in town are declared free to all the inhabitants for fishing.
1637. The inhabitants consisted of about thirty families.
Measure? are taken for laying out and establishing highways.
In all divisions or grants of land, a reservation is carefully made
that the town shall have a right to lay out a way through any
man's lot, whenever the public good may require it ; full compen
sation for lands so taken to be made by a grant of some other
land in lieu thereof. All highways laid out are " to be well
marked and dooled, and the bounds severally recorded." Ab-
.sence.from town meeting punished by fine, one shilling for the
first half hour, and two shillings and six pence for the whole
meeting. The roll of townsmen to be called " half an hour after
the time of meeting is come." A foot bridge is built across
Charles river, at a place called the Key, near Dullard's landing
place. 1638. April, the present burial place in the first parish was
taken from the south end of the house lots of Nicholas Phillips
and Joseph Kingsbury, in exchange for other lands, and set apart
" for the use of a public burial place for the town forever." The
first church was gathered November 8, (corresponding to the

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORy. 11
ISth November, present style,) and Mr. John Allin appointed
Teacher; on the 24ih April following, he was ordained as Pastor.
Mr. Allin was born in England in 1596, he died August 26, 1671.
The first meeting-house is erected this year ; it was built upon
the site now occupied by Rev. Dr. Lamson's church. Another
location near this spot vvas originally intended for this house ;
but, as the record expresses it, " it is condescended for loving
satisfaction to some neighbors on the East side of the little River
thatthe meeting-house shall stand upon the end of Joseph Kings
bury's lot, notwithstanding the order made the last meeting."
It was determined that the size of the house should be "in length
thirty-six feet, and twenty in width, and between the top of the
sill and the eaves 12 feet, tbe same to be girded," and covered
with thatch. The worshippers were for several years called to
gether 00 the sabbath by beat of drum, for performing which ser
vice Ralph Day was, in 1646, allowed twenty shillings, to be
paid in cedar boards. The second meeting house was built in
1673, and furnished with a bell. The present meeting-house was
erected on the same spot in 1763. The Bible now used in the
pulpit, was presented to the parish in 1785, by Mrs. Catharine
Barnard, on condition that the reading of a portion of it should
forever hereafter, be made a part ofthe religious exercises of the
day, which had not hitherto been the custom.
1639. It is ordered, that every householder shall provide a
ladder for his house, under a penalty of five shillings. A Canal,
about three fourths of a mile in length, was made this year for
conducting a portion of the water frora Charles river to the source
of East Brook, which empties into Neponset river, by which
means a supply was obtained for several valuable mill sites.
Abraham Shaw having made some preparations for erecting a
corn mill in the town, leave is given him so to do, and eighty
acres of land are granted to hira and his associates for that pur
pose, provided the same be a water mill. Other facilities are of
fered for forwarding the work. A reservation is made in the
grant, that in case said Shaw should sell or otherwise alienate
this property, the town shall have the first refusal of it, " at such
a price as another man would really give for any such aliena-

12 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORIC
tion." Nathaniel Whiting and Ezra Morse soon after this time
became possessed of the principal mill seats in the town, and
they have been held by their descendants to the present day.
1641. The number of persons taxed is forty-two. In July, a
leading way to the water mill is laid out.
1643. Two hundred acres of land south of High-street were
made a common tillage field ; each proprietor's share was mark
ed out and set off to him by a committee chosen for that purpose.
Number of persons taxed is sixty-one.
1644. A Free School is established by the unanimous con
currence ofthe inhabitants, and 201. per annum and certain lands
appropriated until 1650, for its support. May 27, two acres of
land on the westerly end of the training ground is granted to the
military company and their successors forever ; the land to be
laid out by said company. November 8, a road from the training
ground to'Cart bridge just built across Charles river is established,
" three rods broad."
1645. Three hundred and seventy-five acres of wood land are
set off and apportioned among the proprietors.
1647. May 27, a parcel of land is given by Daniel Fisher for
a town Pound, he reserving to himself and heirs the right to cut
., the trees growing thereon. The number of freemen admitted in-
j to Dedham up to this time is fifty ; the number of non-freemen
(^ who have become inhabitants is nearly the same. The freemen
j only are permitted to take part in town affairs.
1648. The first school house erected near the meeting-house,
with a tower on the top to serve for a watch house. The school
master's salary until 1695 was 20Z. per annum, it was then
raised to 251. September 20, the land previously granted to the
military company is confirmed to thera, to be improved as a train
ing ground, and for no other purpose, without the consent of the
selectmen. To make any other disposition of the land requires
the joint consent of the military company and the officers thereof,
aod the selectmen.

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORV. 13
1649. Eleazer Lusher is deputed by the town to assist in lay
ing out the farm granted to Edward Alleyn, at a place near Bo-
gastow, now the town of Medfield. A grant for an additional
tract of land at that place for the purpose of forming a settlement
there having been made by the general court, active measures
are adopted for that object and the settlement is commenced.
This grant of the general court bears date " the 22d of the Sth
month," corresponding to the first day of November, new style.
1650. Henry Chickering and Nathan Aldis were chosen the
first deacons in this town. The Dedham church was the four
teenth organized in the Massachusetts colony. The deeds and
records relating to Medfield are transferred to the authorities of
that town. Three acres of land are granted to Thomas Ban
croft, to be laid out near the place called the Old Mill.
1652. Some preparations are made for building a second
bridge across Charles river, but the design is abandoned for the
present. 1653. A ditch or creek is dug from river to river, through
the Broad meadows, on the northwesterly side of Dedham Island.
1656. A general division of the common lands, including all
woods and waste lands, was made by the town among the propri
etors. This act is rendered necessary in order to ascertain what
proportion each proprietor shall be assessed, towards defraying
theTownrBTpefisesT TrT this division a lot was expressly resefve3~
for the use of the church.
1657. The town having declared " that the meeting-house
should be lathed upon the inside, and so daubed, and whited over
workmanlike," the inhabitants turned out in a body, and the thing
was done at once. The number of families in town is one
hundred and sixty-six.
1658. It is ordered, that the two thousand acres granted to
the Indians at Natick, shall be laid out at the westerly bounds of
the town, on the north side of Charles river.
1659. Eight shares out of^the £ssjjundred and twenty-two i
into which the Dedham common lands were divided in 1656, i

14 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY.
were awarded to the church, for the support of a "teaching chui'ch
officer in the town." The reraaining five hundred and fourteen
shares were apportioned among the proprietors, by the arbitrators
mutually chosen for that purpose by the town on the one part,
and ensign Henry Phillips on the other part,- the latter having
with a few others complained of some infringement of their rights
in the general division ofthe coramon lands. This award of the
arbitrators settled existing difficulties, and was acquiesced in by
all the parties. Nine persons were appointed to, define the limits
of the Indian town at Natick. These Indians were at this time
under the instruction of reverend John Eliot. It appearing to
the town that the 2000 acres granted to the Indians at that place
did not take in the saw mill already begun by them, a further
extension was made so as to include said mill and adjacent lands.
October 6, the inhabitants " being generally assembled after
training," to discuss the question ofthe lands about Natick exclu
sive of the grant to the Indians, it is decided that they shall be
, searched out and viewed, and what lands may be found fit to be
) divided shall be laid out to the inhabitants of the town, according
/ lo the rules of proportion formerly agreed upon. A saw mill is
erected in the southern part of the present town. A highway
from the town to the Cedar swamp, near the saw mill, is laid
out-. Robert Onion is allowed to have his highway work set off
from year to year, for his services in ringing the bell forenoons
and afternoons on the days appointed for working on the high
ways. 1660. A committee was deputed to treat with the natives that
claim right at Wolomonopog, (now the town of Wrentham,) and
clear that place from Indian title.
1661. A vote was passed, that sergeant Ellis and those who
are engaged in killing wolves shall be paid for their time while
so engaged, at the sarae rate as others are paid while eraployed
in town work.
1662. The Indian title to Wolomonopog vvas purchased of
king Philip, for the sum of 24Z. 10s. The tract purchased was
six miles square, ora quantity of iand equal to it.

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY. 15
1663. The town is presented for want of a school.
1664. A new corn mill is built this year by Ezra Morse
and Daniel Pond, a short distance above the one previously erect
ed on Mother Brook,. Eight thousand acres of land at Deer
field, (called Pocumptuck in the records,) is selected by the agents
of Dedham for a settlement, by perraission of the general court,
in lieu of the two thousand acres granted to the Natick Indians.
The number of houses in Dedham at this lime is ninety-five, all
small, situated near each other, in the vicinity of the spot now
occupied by the court house ; the greater part of them east from
that place and near Dwight's bridge. A row of houses stood on
the north side of High-street, as that road was then called which
leads from' the bridge over the Little river westwardly by the
court house. The greater number of these houses were worth
from three to four pounds each ; four only were valued at twenty
pounds. To the compactness of their situation and the vigilant
watchfulness of the inhabitants against surprise, may doubtless
be ascribed their escape from the attacks of the Indians, who soon
after this period laid waste so many of the more defenceless vil
lages of New England.
1665. January 12, a way from the meeting-house to the Burial
place, one rod broad, is laid out on the west side of the church
lot, " for the use of a Bear way.'' The selectmen are required to
" take care that the burial place raay be sufficiently cleared from
grass and well fenced in, and the aforesaid way also be cleared
frora grass, and all be done at the public charge." The persons
chosen this year as fence viewers, are instructed to see that the
order of the town requiring a ladder to be placed against each
dwelling house, is duly complied with.
1666. The number of legal voters in the town is eighty-three.
1667. Sheep were first introduced into the town.
1668. Regulations were adopted respecting the water flowing
through the Mill creek.
1669. August 3, there being a great scarcity of grass this
year, whereby the procuring of hay for wintering cattle is like to

16 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORV.
become difficult from the usual sources, measures are adopted by
the town to get a supply from the meadow lands not yet appro
priated at Wolomonopog and beyond, within the bounds of the
town. A letter is received from sagamore Philip of Mount Hope,
tendering sale of his rights in the lands in the town which lay
beyond Wolomonopog, and desiring 51. in advance on that ac
count, which is paid him accordingly. September 29, an assess
ment of 3«. Ad. is rnade upon the proprietors of every "cow com
mon," for the payment to Capt. Pynchon of 96Z. \Qs. for the
purchase ofthe Indian rights at Pocumptuck. November 15, the
town ordered seventeen pounds eight shillings to be assessed on
the common lands to complete the payment for lands purchased
of king Philip. A contract is made with Mr. Samuel Mann, to
keep the school one year for 20Z. to be paid in corn at the current
price. A foot way is laid out frora near the bridge over Little
river to the new corn mill on Mother Brook.
1670. January 11, Nathaniel Colburn represents to the town
that " a great part of the Mill creek being digged within his
land," for the purpose of supplying the corn mills wilh waler, he
is entitled to remuneration in some other land, which is granted
to him. An " artist" is eraployed to lay out the lots at Pocurap-
tuck araong the proprietors. A committee is also erapowered
to assist the artist in laying out the lots, and to " order the situa
tion of the town for the most convenience, as in their discretion
shall appear best ;" care being taken to lay out highways to the
best advantage, and to select a suitable place for " the meeting
house and church officers lot or lots." Not more than twenty cow
comraon rights are to be located together in one place. The In
dian church at Natick has two teachers and about fifty members.
1671. Apprehensions being entertained of trouble with the
Indians, it is ordered, that " the great gun now in town with the
carriage thereunto belonging, be set in repair fit for service." A
tomb, with a suitable inscription, and a " monuraent of stone and
lime raortar, and to be covered with timber," is ordered by the
town to be erected over the grave of the reverend John Allin,
their pastor, lately deceased.

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORV. 17
1672. The old meeting-house is taken down for the purpose
of erecting a new one on its site. The new house is furnished
with a bell. One Balch received ten shillings for one year's ser
vice in beating the drum on the sabbath to collect the congrega
tion. Every man who hitched his horse to the meeting-house
ladder, forfeited sixpence to Robert Onion. A leading way is
laid out from East-street to Nathaniel Whiting's mill.
1673. Wrentham. (including the present town of Franklin,)
is set off and incorporated as a town. In September, the se
lectmen of Dedham received orders from the general court to
put the town in a posture for war. Upon this, tbe soldiers
were frequently trained, a barrel of gunpowder and other ammu
nition procured, the people built a garrison, and set a watch.
The fear excited by the Indians was very great, and many fled
to Boston.
1674. Thomas Clap gives a bond to the town, pledging his
saw mill and all his rights and privileges therein, that Henry
Earle and Elizabeth Leonard, two visiters residing with his fam
ily, or either of them, shall not be " any trouble or damage to
the towu." The sum of eight shillings is allowed to Nathaniel
Heaton, for keeping the dogs out of the meeting house and shut
ting the door.
1675. Commenced the bloody Indian war known as King
Philip's war. The first actual outrage is related to have been
committed in Dedham. A raan was found in the woods, shot
through the body, and the murder traced directly to king Philip.
The first company engaged in the war, mustering twenty-one
men, was raised here early in the year and placed under the cora
mand of captain Prentice.
1676. On the 25th July, Pumham, sachem of Shaomet, (now
Warwick, R. I.) who had joined king Philip, and next to him
was the most dreaded of the Indian warriors, having sought ref
uge in Dedham woods, was attacked and slain and many of his
band made prisoners by a party of Dedham and Medfield people,
assisted by a few friendly Indians. The following notice of the
capture and death of this celebrated warrior is found in S. G.
3

IS CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY.
Drake's Book of the Indians : " 'He was one of the stoutest and
most valient sachems that belonged to the Narragansetts ; whose
courage and strength was so great that, after he had been mortally
wounded in the fight, so as himself could not stand, yet catching
hold of an Englishraan that by accident came near hira, he had
done him mischief, if he had not been presently rescued by one of
his fellows.' Pumham, with a few followers, had for some time
secreted themselves in Dedham woods, where they were fallen
upon by the English under captain Hunting, who killed fifteen
and took thirty-five without resistance. They found here con
siderable plunder ; ' besides kettles there was about half a bushel
of wampumpeag, [Indian money] which the enemy lost, and
twelve pounds of powder, which the captives say they had re
ceived from Albany but two days before.' " The death of king
Philip on the 12th August following, and the capture of Anna-
won the last of his chiefs eighteen days after, terminated this
destructive war. Dedham furnished thirty-five men against the
Indians this year. The number of persons taxed in the town is
ninety-five, — all from England with one exception, an Irish
man. 1677. In November, a great black boar, eight feet in length,
came into the town, and was shot at thirteen times before he
could be killed. Alraost the whole town was mustered before he
could be mastered. One acre of the training ground is granted
to Amos Fisher and his heirs forever, " according to a vote of
the trained company." Liberty was also granted this year to
Mr. Samuel Mann to iraprove one acre and an half of the east
end of the training ground, provided the trained company concur
therein. Sam. and Ben. Mills having taken two young Indians
to reside in their families, are required by the selectmen to give
bonds in the penal sum of 80Z. to secure the town from damage
by so doing ; they are also fined 5s. each for neglecting the order
of the town and entertaining these papooses without liberty. The
fines are satisfied to the town by a wolf, killed by Ben. Mills.
1678. Complaints-being made that many persons in the town,
" in time of publique worship on the sabbath dayes, and other
times, do not attend in the seats in the meeting house where the

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY. 19
comity chosen by the Towne have ordered them, but intrude into
seats appoynted to other persons, thereby causing disorder, to
the grife and ofl'ence of many and ill example to others" — the se
lectmen order that all such disorderly persons be duly notified of
the complaints against them, and required to attend the worship
of God in the seats assigned them by the commiltee, under a pen
alty of five shillings for each neglect, one third to the informer,
the other two thirds to the use of the town. The number of per
sons assessed this year to pay the ministers salary is one hundred
and six.
1680. Dr. William Avery made a donation to the town of
QOI. for the support of a Latin school. The Indian titles to the
lands in Natick, Needham, and Dedham Island, are extinguished
by the town paying to Williara Nehoiden, the sachem making a
claim, ten pounds in money, forty shillings in Indian corn, and
forty acres of land at the upper falls on Charles river, for a tract
of land seven miles long, from east to west, and five miles wide,
on the north side of Charles river ; and to Magus, another sa
chem, the sum of eight pounds, for his lands about Magus hill.
A new bridge is built over Charles river, at a place called the
Canoes, on the direct rout from the town to the great plain. Ez
ra Morse receives the bounty of 10s. each for five wolves killed ;
many wolves are destroyed this year by different persons.
1681. Inforraation being given to the selectmen, that John
Littlefield " being at his own hand runs up and down from place
to place, misspending his time, and by that means may not only
bring ruin to himself, but also charge and damage may come to
the town," he is sent for, and ordered to dwell with Thomas Al
dridge, until he can be provided vvith a master vvho will learn
him a trade.
1682. A vote was passed that no one ofthe inhabitants should
remove to a greater distance than two miles from the meeting
house, without special license. Ordered, " that all deeds of lands
to our town, from Indians or others, and also all arbitrations and
.awards between our town and other towns, and between our town
and particular persons, shall be called in and delivered to the se
lectmen, that they may be either transcribed into the Book of

20 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY.
Records, or otherwise preserved, that they may be known to af
ter generations." In pursuance of this order, several documents-
were brought in to the selectmen, and by them delivered to deacon
John Aldis, to be by him kept safely in a box. Among these
papers were seven deeds from Indians, four of which were con
cerning lands at Pocumptuck, one from king Philip, also a re
ceipt from him, one deed from Nehoiden, and one from Magus.
It being proposed to the Proprietors, whether they will choose a
coramittee to raanage their Proprietary, they decline so to do, but
declare their willingness to leave it in the hands of the selectmen
until they shall take further order thereon. The selectmen being
inforraed ihat several Indians were residing in the town, the
constable is directed to warn them to remove themselves to Punk-
apoag, Natick. or Womosset, according to law.
1683. Leave is granted to Nathaniel Whiting and James
Draper to erect a fulling mill below the corn mills on the streara
called Mother Brook, and facilities are allowed them by the town
for that object.
1684. January 30, " this day after lecture it was put to vote
of the freeraen and inhabitants whether they did desire the Gov
ernor and Company would defend their Charter and privileges so
far as they can ;" it passed unanimously in the affirmative. " It
being put to them if they were willing we should make a full
submission and entire resignation to his Majesty's pleasure as in
his declaration is intimated, it vvas by all voted in the negative."
1685. The Indian title to the lands in Medfield, and all lands
west of Neponset river claimed by the Neponset tribe, originally
purchased of Chikataubut their chief, was confirmed to the set
tlers by Josias Wampatuk his grandson, for the consideration of
four pounds ten shillings. In August, began a vacancy in the
ministry and continued until November, 1693, during which time
the town was in a " low and divided state." The town voted to
raise the causeway at the Little river to such a height that
carts may pass ordinarily without difficulty, notwithstanding the
water, and to do it on account of highway work.
16S6. The number of persons taxed in the town is one hun
dred and twenty-four.

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY. 21
1687. In February, the inhabitants being assembled in town
meeting, voted generally, that " if any appear to purchase the
Training Ground, and will give betwixt 30 and 40 pounds in
money, or not much less,'' it might be sold, " if the trayned cora
pany, the military officers, and the selectmen approve thereof."
1690. The Landing place in Dorchester, owned by the town
of Dedham, is ordered to be sold, to raise five pounds to pay Na
thaniel Richards ; it being due to him for money advanced to
pay Josias the Indian for a release of his claini to certain lands
within the bounds ofthe town.
1691. The town is indicted for not supporting a school.
1692. A year rendered memorable in the annals of New
England, from the sufferings occasioned by the delusions of pre
tended witchcraft. A portion of Essex county was the most af
fected by it, but it was not confined exclusively to that region.
There is reason to believe that the malady did not extend to this
place, as no mention is made of any Dedham people being brought
within its malign influence.
1694. Jonathan Fairbanks having complained to the town
that the way to his land at Low Plain, as first laid out, had be
come so "annoyed and stopped" as to be difficult to find, a com
mittee is appointed to stake it out anew, as near the original
bounds as can now be ascertained.
1695. Three hundred acres of land were granted by the Pro
prietors, for the support of schools in the town, to be managed by
Trustees, and called the School Farm. This tract to be located
in that portion of the common lands lying in the north part of the
town, (now Needham,) and the best of the lands there.
1696. In March, Rev. Mr. Belcher proposed to the town that
if they would make up his salary for the quarter comraencing
15th December last, he will take up with a free contribution for
the reraaining three quarters of the year, which proposition is ac
ceded to by the town.
1697. March meeting. Rev. Mr. Belcher being present, " de
clared his kind and thankful acceptance of what the town had

22 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY.
done for him the last year on account of his salary, in a way
of free contribution," and his willingness to rely on the same
method, instead ofa salary, the present year.
1698. In March, voted, that Rev. Mr. Belcher's salary be
60Z. in money, and to be supplied with wood. Each person to
enclose his portion ofthe salary in a paper and lo put it into the
box on the sabbath days, with his narae written on the paper, that
the deacon might keep an account thereof. All loose money put
into the box to be accounted as a free gift to the pastor.
1699. Thirty-four hundred acres ofthe undivided lands lying
near Sudbury and Watertown, now included within the bounds
of Sherburne, were apportioned araong the Proprietors in lots of
two hundred acres each. The bounty for killing wolves is in
creased to twenty shillings, for each full grown wolf, and an un
usual number are destroyed. In March, the School land is or
dered to be sold, and the money received for it to be iraproved
for the benefit of a school in Dedham. Forty acres of land near
Neponset river are granted to Ezra Morse, in satisfaction to him
" for letting fall his corn mill at Mother Brook," for the benefit of
the meadows and the other mills.
1700. The corn mill of Timothy Whiting having been de
stroyed by fire, the town granted to hira the loan of 25^. without
interest, of the money to be received from the sale of the School
Farm, to rebuild it. In September, " Sir Prentiss began to keep
the school, and is to receive 251. for the year and keeping his
horse wilh hay and grass." Twelve acres of land are granted
to John Metcalf, for encouragement lo him to set up his trade
as a tanner in this town. A highway is laid out, by desire of
Lieut. Gov. William Stoughton, from the country road near the
Wolf Pit, on the west side of Ridge hill southerly to Purgatory
swamp and Neponset river, two rods wide.
1701. Voted, to raise the sum of 40Z. to enlarge the meet
ing-house ; half to be paid in wheat, at 5s. per bushel, rye at 4s.
and corn at two shillings, and a days work at two shillings. A
number of Roxbury people living adjacent to Dedham, and us
ually attending public worship hero, offer to bear a proportionable

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORV. 23
share of the expense of enlarging and repairing the meeting
house, which offer is accepted by the town. The town by vote
declare that no act passed half an hour after sunset shall stand
good or be valid. A former vote of the town is revived, prohib
iting the owners of houses or lands from disposing of the same to
strangers, or to any person who is not an inhabitant or proprietor,
without the approbation of the town or the selectmen for the lime
being. Information is given to the selectmen, that " a leame
gearle is lately corae into our town whose name is Wodckins,
entertained at the house of Edward Cooke;" sergeant Kingsbu
ry is desired " to give notis to said leame gearle that she doe de
part forthwith out of this town, and also to give notis to said Ed
ward Cooke that he is disallowed to entertaine her in our said
town." Sirailar notices are frequent in the records. A highway
is established by the town, from Dedham Island over the great
causeway to the great plain, three rods wide.
1702. Liberty is granted to inhabitants to erect pews on the
lower floor of the meeting-house, at the sides where there are no
seats, under the direction of a coraraittee. Short pews were also
voted to be made by the pulpit stairs, where the boys shall be
seated. 1704. March 6, a general raeeting was held and the usual
town officers chosen. Doubts being entertained by some of the
legality of this meeting, on account of informality in the warrant,
another raeeting was held on the 13th, when it was voted that
the former election was illegal. The selectmen ordered another
town raeeting to be held on the 27th of the month, at which time
a new set of town ofiicers were chosen. Dissatisfaction still ex
isting araong the inhabitants, application is made to the court of
general sessions, which court annulled the proceedings at the two
former elections, and issued a warrant for a new election to be
made on the 17th of April following ; on which day a third set
of town officers were chosen, and the affairs of the town proceeded
on smoothly as before.
1705. Three acres of land are granted to Eleazer Clap, to be
laid out lo him at the Major's plain, adjoining his own land, in
exchange for one acre at the corner of his home lot, between the

24 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY.
highway and Neponset river, for a Burying place. August 31,
a receipt appears in the town records, over the signature of Rev.
Mr. Belcher, acknowledging the annual receiving in years past of
the 601. granted by the town for his salary, also from sundry in
dividuals of 40Z. additional, yearly, which it appears was prom
ised him at his settlement, making his salary 1001. per annum
in money, and wood to the value of 101. The receipt is in full
up to March 1, 1704. The ministerial tax this year is assessed
4apon one hundred and fifty-six persons. ^
1706. Nicholas Cook, and some other inhabitants of Dedham,
"living near to Mendon, upon consideration that they are new
beginners there, and summe of them very poore," are at thpir
own request exempted frora paying any portion of the public
charges for two years. May 13, it was put to the vole of the
town, whether they will forego the new bridge over Charles riv
er, and build a bridge at the place called the Old Mill — decided
in the negative. The Cart bridge over Charles river is rebuilt
¦this year, partly by highway work. , •
1709. The new bridge having been carried away by a flood,
measures are iraraediately taken for rebuilding it. A committee
is appointed to raake application to the county court, lo have a
portion of the expense of building some of the bridges on the
country road paid by the counly.
1711. Needham is set off from Dedham and incorporated as
a township. 1715. " Whereas, great complaint is made to the town of dis
orders in the meeting-house by boys in playing and other ways,
the town declare their raind is, that all the boys under fourteen
years of age shall sit in the alleys below, or in the hindmost seats
in the south gallery ; and the town have left it with the selectmen
lo depute meet persons to lake care of said boys." A way is laid
out from the way leading to the new bridge to the way leading to
Nathaniel Richards' farm ; also from said way to the road leading
to Westfield.
1716. The bounty allowed for killing wolves is repealed.

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY. 25
1717. Highways are laid out this year fiora Sandy Valley
hill lo Dead swarap ; frora Rock meadows to lands of John and
Joseph Baker, near Dunkling's hole, across Cedar swamp brook ;
and from said way to the church land, in the west parish.
1718. In March, the selectmen agreed with Jarvis Pike to
take care of the boys in the meeting-house, and keep them in or
der three months for six shillings. The town ordain that any
person, who is an inhabitant or proprietor of land in the town,
who shall lease any house or land to a stranger not regularly ad
mitted to be an inhabitant of Dedham, and giving such security
as the selectmen may reasonably require — such person to forfeit
and pay twenty shillings for each month such stranger remains.
It is further ordained, that any person or persons belonging to
Dedham, who shall directly or indirectly keep, harbor, or in any
way entertain any person that the selectmen have warned to de
part out of the town, shall forfeit twenty shillings for every month
they shall so entertain or harbor such person.
1719. Bellingham is set off from Dedham and incorporated
as a township. In May, a bounty of six pence is voted for every
rattlesnake killed in the town ; the persons claiming this bounty
to bring in to the treasurer an inch and a half of the end of the
serpent's tail with the rattle. A highway from New bridge to
the road leading by Westfield is ordered to be laid out, where
land is left for the same.
1721. The rattlesnake bounty is repealed. Cart bridge is re
built this year. November 27, a petition is presented lo the se
lectmen, requesting them to call a town meeting for the purpose
of choosing Trustees to receive and dispose of the town's share
of the 50,000Z. of bills of credit, issued by order of the general
court ; the selectmen decline calling a meeting at present, " be
cause of the spreading of the sickness of the small pox, and be
cause of the fears of suffering further." Three Trustees were
subsequently chosen to receive the town's share of this loan, and
to let it out on interest to the inhabitants for four years, in sums
not exceeding 201: nor less than 51. to any individual.
1722. January, the small pox is still prevalent in the town,
and the inhabitants hold their meetings in a private house, for
4

26 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY.
fear of the contagion. The inhabitants living in the south part
of Dedham, petition to be set off as a separate precinct; a com
mittee is chosen to report on the subject. Five pounds are voted
to rebuild New bridge, provided Needham will rebuild the other
half. The Trustees who hold fhe school money are instructed to
let it out at six per cent, interest. The inhabitants living at
Clapboardtrees, present a petition to the town to have the meet
ing-house removed, for their better accommodation, or else to be
set off as a separate town or precinct — petition not granted.
1723. April 29, six of the citizens are deputed a committee to
proceed to Roxbury, for the purpose of bringing the body of rev
erend Joseph Belcher, who died there, into Dedham ; forty
pounds were subsequently voted by the lown to defray the ex
penses of his funeral. A small parcel of land is granted to Jean
Barnard, near Little river, for a place to burn lime. ¦ The stocks
belonging to the town having disappeared, sergeant William Bul
lard and Ephraim Wilson are desired by the selectmen to'loofc
them up, and when found to repair and set them in their^ place.
August 26, the boys continuing to be troublesome in the meet
ing-house, Jarvis Pike is again employed to keep them in sub
jection until next March meeting, for which service he is to re
ceive sixteen shillings. Mr. Samuel Dexter received a unani
mous call from the church and the town to become their pastor.
His reply, accepting the invitation, is dated at Mendon, Dec. 6.
1724. Walpole is set off from Dedham and incorporated as a
township. Mathew Barnard is fined 31. 6s. 8d. the money " to
go to the poor of the town, for his default in selling drink without
license." 1726. The school is kept as last year, part of the time at the
school house near the meeting house, and part of the year at the
house of John Richards in Clapboardtrees. The masters' salary
is forty pounds.
1727. In March, voted, that the money given to the town by
Robert Avery, lately deceased, be confided to the Trustees ofthe
school money. July 31, a town meeting was held to consider
the petition of the inhabitants of the southerly part of the town,

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY. 27
tt) be sel off as a distinct precinct ; the petition is rejected, and a
committee chosen to oppose the project al the next session of the
general court. A petition from the west part of the town to have
the meeting-house removed to a more central location, is also re
jected. 1728. Three Trustees are chosen to receive the town's share
of the 60,000Z. of bills of credit, recently granted by the general
court ; the same to be let out to the inhabitants in sums not ex
ceeding 201. nor less than 51, lo one individual.
1730. The second parish, including Clapboardtrees and a por
tion of Stoughton, is incorporated into a separate precinct.
1731. John Metcalf is chosen agent for the town, to confer
with other towns that may be inclined to petition the general
court to be set off from Suffolk as a separate county.
1732. Doctor Nathaniel Ames, the celebrated almanac ma
ker, removed to Dedham from Bridgewater. He published forty
almanacs in as many successive years. Dr. Ames died in 1764.
He was the father of the late Dr. Nathaniel Ames, and the late
Hon. Fisher Ames. The Trustees of the town's share of the
50,000Z. loan money are directed to collect and pay the same to
the Trustees of the school money, lo be by them iraproved for
the use of schools as the other school money is. The representa
tive to the general court is instructed to use his endeavors to have
Dedham and other towns set off from Suffolk and erected into a
separate counly. The three precincts, to wit, the first precinct —
the second precinct, including Tiot and Clapboardtrees — and the
third precinct, or Springfield — first taxed separately this year.
1733. Deceraber 19, a highway is laid out from the country
road, beginning at the former line between Dedham and Dorches
ter, and running by the house of Jeremiah Whiting at Green
Lodge, and the houses of James and Ebenezer Draper, towards
Dedham meeting-house.
1734. A bounty of twenty shillings is offered for each wild
cat killed in the town ; quite a number of these ferocious animals
are soon destroyed, and their haunts broken up by the hunters.

28 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY.
1735. A female was suspended by the church, for.the offence
of evil speaking, reviling, and reproachful language. A way is
laid out through Ragged plain to Green lodge, and another from
Sandy valley to the Clapboardtrees. A committee is chosen to
attempt the recovery of the School farm, sold by order of the
town in 1699. The representative to the general court is again
instructed to use his endeavors for a division of the county.
1736. The number of persons taxed in the town this year is
259 — in the first parish 129, second parish 78, third parish 52.
The Clapboardtree, or third parish, is set off from the second par
ish and becomes a distinct precinct.
1738. A part of Stoughton is annexed to Dedham, by a de
cree of the general court, and the Neponset river is made the di
viding line between the towns of Dedham and Stoughton. The
town of Stoughton was formerly a part of Dorchester, and the
boundary line between the latter town and Dedham ranged about
one mile west from Neponset river, and included a large portion
of the Fowl meadows now belonging to Dedham. Rev. Mr.
Dexter preached a century sermon this year, being the one hun
dredth anniversary since the gathering of the first church ; this
sermon was published.
1739. Timothy Whiting, Thomas Howe, and others, are set
off from Dorchester and annexed, with their estates, to the first
precinct in Dedham, agreeably to their petition.
1741. A piece of land, about three quarters of an acre, is laid
out on the right of Capt. Ebenezer Woodward and given by him
to the South Precinct, for the use of a Burying place forever.
1742. The mode of admitting merabers into the first church
was so far changed, that the candidate for admission might at his
own discretion make a public confession, or a more private one
before the minister.
1744. In March, a warrant was given to the constable to
" warn Joseph Wilson and Isaac Frizell and family, to depart out
of this town, for the selectmen do not allow them to continue in
the town as inhabitants." Every person coraing to reside in the

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY. 29
town was required to be reported to the selectmen. If upon dili
gent inquiry the selectmen had reason to fear any such person
might become a charge to the town, they were empowered to or
der such to depart within fourteen days, or to give security as
the law required. For many years, both before and after this
date, this power was often exercised. The number of persons
taxed in the first parish is 129, second 81, third 62, fourth or
Springfield parish 64.
1748. Deacon Nathaniel Kingsbury made a donation to the
town of one hundred pounds, old tenor, the yearly interest of
which to be appropriated for the benefit of the School. Mill
creek and Dwight's bridges rebuilt, by a grant of money from the
court of sessions.
1749. The number of the tribe at the Indian settlement at
Natick is 166.
1752. The new or Gregorian style of computing time was
adopted in England, and consequently in this country.
1756. Samuel Colburn by his last will gave his estate, con
sisting of one hundred and thirty-four acres of valuable land, for
the support of an Episcopal church in Dedham. A part of Ded
ham village is now built upon a portion of this estate. An annu
al income of about seven hundred dollars accrues to the church
from the lease of these lands. This income came near being
much less than it now is, as appears from the historical discourse
of Rev. Mr. Babcock, published in 1845, an appendix to which
contains the following anecdote : — " In 1791, the twenty-two acres
of land, lying all around us, were offered at public vendue, and a
Mr. William Palmer was the auctioneer. It was designed to
procure for them an hund red dollars per annum. Bul the gentle
man who had at heart the interest of the Church, perceiving
there was a combination among the bidders, not to go higher than
seventy-five dollars, but let one bid them off, and ' all share the
spoils,' entreated the auctioneer to 'pound on his barrell' (he
probably stood on one) till sundown — agreeing to take them him
self for fifteen years, at one hundred and thirty-five dollars, and
then give thera up in an improved condition. The man pounded

30 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY.
on his barrel, till sundown ; none bid above the seventy-five dol
lars, and the sale was adjourned (happily for us) sine die." By
Mr. Colburn's will, this estate was given to Ezekiel Kingsbury
and Sarauel Richards, in trust, for the benefit of the Church.
1760. A motion made at the May meeting, to see if the town
will apply to the general court for power to raise money by lotte
ry for repairing the Long Causeway, is negatived. A highway
is laid out across Pond plain, from the Medfield road, towards
Clapboardtree meeting-house.
1762. March 18, a committee was chosen to build a powder
house, "on a great rock on Aaron Fuller's land near Charles
river." The building was not completed until three years after
this period.
1763. John Fairbanks asks leave of the selectmen to "remove
his house six or eight feet southward, further on to the town's
land," so that he may be enabled lo repair the back part of said
house, which now laps on to captain Metcalfs land, and said
Metcalf forbids his going on to his land to repair the same ; — pe
tition granted. A highway is laid out this year from the old
country road to John Eaton's, over Ragged plain.
1764. March 5, a premium of one shilling, as heretofore, was
voted for each rattlesnake killed in the town the ensuing year.
This premium was paid to sundry persons for thirty rattlesnakes
killed this year. Carl bridge over Charles river is rebuilt.
1765. The town instructed their representative in the general
court, enjoining upon him the duty of resisting the stamp act, for
reasons fully sel forth ; the right of the town to give such instruc
tions is strongly maintained. Number of houses in the town 239,
families 309 ; total number of inhabitants 1919, classed as fol
lows — white people under 16 years 858, over 16 years 1015, ne
groes and mulattoes 36, Indians 6, French neutrals 4.
1766. December 1, at a meeting called for the purpose of
considering the subject of compensating the sufferers for^losses
sustained by the riots in Boston in August, 1765, a bill for which
was pending in the general court, the town voted, " that none

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY. 31
but the villains who perpetrated the same, and their accomplices,
are or ought to be accountable therefor ;" that " the sufferers
have no demand upon the Province in point of justice ;" and that
it would establish a dangerous precedent to grant the indemnity
as a matter of right. But their representative was instructed to
give his vole to make up the real losses, out of the public treasu
ry, as a testimony of their " unfeigned gratitude to those worthy
personages who generously and nobly patronized the British Col
onies, by proraoting the repeal of the Stamp Act, and by other
good offices, who we understand are desirous thai compensation
should be made." The Monumental Stone, now standing at the
corner of Court and High-streets, was raised and consecrated to
Liberty's friend. It was originally surmounted by a comely pil
lar, and a bust of William Pitt, as a testimony of gratitude for
his patriotic efforts in behaff of the Colonies. This Stone was
replaced by the citizens July 4, 1828. The Pound near the
house of Ephraim Colburn was rebuilt of stone. This Pound
was not accepted by the town until 1768, in consequence of some
difficulty respecting the sum to be paid for building it. The
building committee finally abated a few shillings of their first de
mand, after several hearings before the lown, and the difficulty
was settled. A donation of 61. 13s. id. for the support of schools,
was presented to the town by Samuel Dexter, to be added to a
like sum given by hira the last year. •
1767. November 16, the following votes were passed unani
mously : " Voted, that this town will in all prudent methods en
courage the use of such articles as may be produced or manufac
tured in the British American Colonies, particularly in this Prov
ince, and discourage the use of superfluities imported from
abroad — »nd will not purchase any articles of foreign produce or
manufacture, when the same articles may be got of the produce
or manufacture of the said Colonies."
" Voted, that this town will strictly adhere to the new Regu
lations respecting Funerals — that no gloves shall be used on such
occasions but such as are manufactured in this Province— that no
articles of mourning shall be purchased, except a weed and black
gloves for men, and a black bonnet without gauze on it, a black
handkerchief, ribband, fan and gloves for women."

32 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTOEY.
These votes having been put into a proper form for subscrip
tion, and a suitable introduction prefixed, they were signed by the
inhabitants of the town.
1768. May 18, Samuel Dexter, representative in the general
court, was instructed to use his endeavors to have an excise laid
on spiritous liquors. June 7, Mr. Dexter being " elected into
His Majesty's Council," the town voted not to choose a represen
tative to fill his place in the " great and general court," at its
present session. Septeraber 22, Richard Woodward and Nathan
iel Sumner were chosen delegates to the Convention then in ses
sion at Faneuil Hall, to consider the critical state of public af
fairs. 1770. March 5, the town resolved to do their utmost for the
encouragement of Domestic Manufactures ; they also voted that
they would use no foreign Tea, nor allow it to be used in their
families, " until such time as, the Duty being first taken off, this
Town shall by some future Vote grant an indulgence to drink
Tea to such as have not Virtue enough to leave off the Use of it
forever." At this time the inhabitants were nearly all agricul
turalists. 1772. The town resolved to unite with other lowns in pursa.
jng such measures as may tend to an effective redress of griev
ances, and the establishment of their charter rights and privi
leges. 1773. June 14, a committee chosen to consider the expedi
ency of erecting a house for the poor, reported in favor of build
ing a work-house, " in that part of the training ground lately im
proved by lieutenant Richards, deceased." This report was ac
cepted, and the house soon after erected, 32 feet long, 30 wide,
two stories high, wilh a cellar 11 feet by 30. Previous to this
time the poor of the town were quartered upon the inhabitants
on such terms as could be agreed upon.
1774. September 1, the resolves of the convention recently
held in Boston, not to supply the British troops with any articles,
except provisions, were unanimously approved by the town.

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY. 33
Five persons were chosen to attend a Convention to be held in
this lown on the 6th September, lo devise means " to prevent the
operation of the acts of Parliament lately passed, so destructive of
the rights, liberties, and privileges of this people." This conven
tion assembled at the house of Richard Woodward, and was com
posed of delegates from every town and district in the county of
Suffolk, of which Norfolk comprised a part. The first recorded
resolution to try the issue with Great Britain, if need be at the
point of the sword, was adopted by this convention, and raay be
found entered on the journal of the earliest Continental Congress.
Woodward's house was situated on High-street, opposite ihe
Monumental Stone, and was the birth place of Fisher Ame^,
Septeraber 29, all raonies now in the hands of collectors were
ordered to be withheld from tbe Province treasurer, until the de
termination ofthe Continental Congress was known. December
5, the town solemnly engaged to conform to all the resolves and
recoraraendations of the Congress, in opposition to their oppres
sors. The vote to refrain from the use of Tea was renewed, and
a large committee appointed to see that this engagement was not
violated ; if any one should be so devoid of patriotism, his name
was lo be posted up in the several parishes, and declared an en
emy to his country.
1775. January 2, Samuel Dexter and Abner Ellis were cho
sen delegates to the Provincial Congress lo be holden at Cam
bridge. A subscription is opened for " relieving ihe distressed
poor of the town of Boston, now cruelly suffering in the common
cause of America." March 6, the town voted to raise a compa
ny of sixty minute-men, to be drilled in the military art three
half days in each week, and be ready to act on the shortest notice
in case of alarm; they were enlisted for nine months. " Voted,
that the selectmen ofthe town, the committee of correspondence,
or the committee of inspection, one of each, or any three of either
of said bodies, be, and are hereby empowered to give the Certifi
cate which any teamster conveying to Boston such articles as are
prohibited lo be supplied to the Troops is required to produce,
and to deliver to one or more of the committee of correspondence
at Boston." April 19, the news of the battle raging at Lexing
ton reached Dedham about nine o'clock in the morning. Five
5

34

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY.

companies of infantry were soon mustered here, and an associa
tion of veterans who had done service against the French twenty
years before. As fast as men enough to form a platoon were
gathered, they hastened to the scene of action, leaving others to
follow in squads of half a dozen, as they happened to collect to
gether. Capt. Joseph Guild led the minute men ; Lieut. George
Gould, Capt. William Bullard, Lieut. William Ellis, and Capt.
Ebenezer Battle, commanded the other corapanies. Of those
vvho arrived in season to participhte in the action, one, Elias
Haven, was killed, and one, Israel Everett, wounded. May 29,
it was voted to raise one hundred and twenty additional minute
men in the different parishes, to stand ready lo march onan alarm
in defence of their country, and lo meet on Dedham Comraon at
one o'clock on the following Thursday, to choose their officers.
It was also voted to pay the raen who were called down and were
in the service on former alarms, and to make up the pay of those
called into actual service lo four shillings per day. Hon. Samuel
Dexter signified his willingness to give his trouble and expenses
in serving the lown all the Congress, for which liberality a vote
of thanks is passed. The great gun of king Philip's day is or
dered " lo be swung ;" a person is appointed to take charge of it
in the day time, and a guard detailed to protect it by night.
1776. May 27, the town unanimously resolved to support the
Continental Congress, should that body see fit to declare the In
dependence of the Colonies. July 12, seven pounds, in addition
to the bounty offered by government, was voted to each volunteer
who would enlist in the army; seventy men received this bounty.
Fifty-five soldiers were in actual service this year, from the first
parish only. Provision was made for the families ofthe soldiers
in distress. Population, about 1700 souls.
1777. February 10, twenty-four pounds, in addition lo what
Congress and the general court have offered, were granted to
each man who enlists for three years, or during the war ; forty-
nine soldiers received this bounty. October 8, nine hundred
pounds were granted lo pay the bounty to those who had enlist
ed. The second parish having raised their quota of men for the
Continental service, without the town's bounty or any part of it.

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY. 35
their proportion of the taxes assessed for paying this bounty, is
committed to the constable of that precinct to be disposed of as
the precinct shall see fit. A quantity of guns were purchased,
and ammunition procured and distributed through the town. A
committee is appointed to provide for the families of those sol
diers who have enlisted in the Continental service. Nuraerous
meetings were held by the lown, required by the unsettled state
of affairs.1778. In January, the articles of confederation of the colonies
were approved by the town. Ninety men from the first parish
alone were employed in the army.
1779. The town instructed their representative in the gen
eral court to vote for calling a State Convention, for the purpose
of forming a new State constitution. March 1, the town voted to
accept of a donation of one thousand dollars, made by Deacon
Samuel Damon, the same to be invested, and the interest lo be
applied to the relief , of the poor out of the Poor house, annually.
June 26, a committee is chosen from the different precincts, to
assist the mililia officers in hiring soldiers when called for by
government, and also to assist the treasurer in hiring raoney from
lime to lime for replenishing the town treasury. Complaint is
made that the apportionment recently laid upon the several towns
by ihe general court, is unequal, and bears particularly hard upon
this town ; a commiltee is chosen to take such measures for re
dress of grievances as they may deem expedient. July 29, Rev.
Jason Haven and Dr. John Sprague were chosen to represent
the town in a convention to be holden at Cambridge in Septem
ber, for the purpose of framing a new Constitution. Eight thou
sand pounds were assessed, towards defraying the expense of hir
ing soldiers for the public service.
1780. April 17, the commiltee for hiring soldiers for the pub
lic service, raake a report that sixty-six men have enlisted ;
whereupon the town vote to raise the sum of twelve thousand
pounds lo pay the expenses of the same. October 12, the sum
of thirty-six thousand pounds was ordered to be assessed, for the
purchase of beef for the array; also, eight thousand pounds to
pay for horses for the use of the army. Deceinber 25, another

>!(• L'llRONlll.lXiU'iM. KI.NTOUV.
rcqiii.siiioii hiiviiij>' boon mndo by llio ij'ciiorni coun, (or supplier
for the Continoutiil iinny, tlio town voted an n.ssc.ssniciU of .sixty-
livG thousand pounds for procuring hoof, in addition to previous
asscssnuuils. The ourroncy at lliis tinio was very much dopre-
cintod. A deduction of two shillings in tho pound vvnsmadi? to
tlioso who promptly paid thoir tnxos. Tho town giivc n unniii-
mous voto of 132, for mo!<t of ilio nrticlos ofthe Siiiio Consiilu-
tion. Some nrtiolo.s wero objcotod to, niul a coinmittoo choaen to
n'lHirt amendmcnt.s to tho olijooiionablG pnrts.
1781. Ill May, thu sum of two thousniul poundti, in lawful
money, or tho oxelmnge in Continental currency, was grantod lo
defray the expenses of liiriiig soldiers for tho iirmy. July ¦'), cnp-
taiii Dmiiol (<ay vvas chosen "u com rtiittoo to repair to Boston
tomorrow morning, to cull upon our reprcseiitutivo to romonstrulu
to tho gonsrol court that wo think that wo arc culled upon tn
raiso moro than our proportion of men to fill up tho Continentnl
army, and pray for relief." August 6, tho town having voted on
the 9th July, to reccivo of tho inhabitants ono dollar and sovon
eighths of a dollar in governmont bills of the now craissinn, in
stead of a hard dollar, for tho taxes assessed in May last, provided
the same wore paid [by tho first of August — iho collectors wero
directed ^to receive for said laxos nothing bul liurd money ; mid
in payment for former taxes, the collectors wore directed not to
receive any paper money, but to receive ono dollar in hurd raoney
for seventy-five.
1782. I'ovmits aic given lo sundry iioraonN to sell Bohoa und
other India Teas by retail for one year, thoy rendering i\n account
und paying the duties thereon, agreeable to an act of tho general
court, passed November 1, 1781.
1784. July J7, Dover, comprising the fourth or Springfield
parish, is sot elf from the lowti, and iiicorporutod into a separate
District. A committee is uppoinlod to settle accounts between
Dover and Dedham, Paul's bridge over Neponset river is re
built. (3 rout difiicuUies existed ut this timo in collocling taxes,
on account of the lluciualion of the currency.
17R,'), May 9, n plan was ndoptinl by the lown lor dosignuting
llie places for holding future meetings j whic'li wun, tlmt the (irdt

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY. 37
precinct have an equal number of meetings as the olher two pre
cincts, until it amounts to forty-six meetings ; and then the first
precinct to have one meeting in addition, on account of surplus
age of taxes. This plan to begin in March next.
17S6. May 29, it being in contemplation to divide the county
of Suffolk, with vvhich Norfolk is united, instructions are given
to Nathaniel Kingsbury, representative in the general court, lo
favor the project, for reasons fully given. Also, to oppose the
emission of a new paper currency ; but lo do what he can to en
courage Domestic manufactures, and prevent the introduction of
foreign luxuries. In October, the lown responded to a communi
cation frora the lovvn of Boston, relative to the discontents which
resulted in Shay's rebellion this year, promising the most stren
uous e.\ertions in support of government.
17S7. April 23, Aaron Fuller, town treasurer, received of
Daniel Gookins, a woman's riding saddle and a " pinch back
watch," value six pounds, in full for said Gookins' improving the
Work-house frora August 12, 1784, lo this day, at which tirae
Gookins quits said house. Deceraber 10, Rev. Thomas Thacher
and Fisher Ames, Esq. were chosen delegates lo the Convention
to be held in Boston, for the purpose of adopting the Constitution
or frame of government, for the United States. The lown voted
lo discontinue the road leading from Dedham Island over Vine
Rock bridge to Roxbury.
17SS. Hon. Fisher Ames is chosen to represent the town in
the State legislature, and is also chosen to represent the Suftblk
district in the first Congress. Norfolk was a part of this district.
Mr. Ames held his seat in Congress for eight years ; he died
July 4, 1808.
1789. May 11, a committee chosen to ascertain the town's
claim to the Mother Brook stream and land adjoining, formerly
granted to Nathaniel Whiting and James Draper, reported, that
Messrs. Joseph Whiting, jr. Paul, Moses, and Aaron Whiting,
have consented lo give the lown six pounds for an acquittance of
the town's claim to said stream, and advise a compliance with
these terms. This report was accepted, and the town treasurer

38 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY.
directed to give a quitclaim in behalf of the town, on receipt of
the money.
1790. October 4, il was voted, that the raanner of calling town
meetings for the future, be by posting up a copy of the warrant
in the several meeting-houses in the town. The warrant to be
issued by the selectmen and directed to such person as they shall
appoint, who is to make due return ofsuch warning, as the law
directs. The practice of notifying lown meetings heretofore had
been, by the selectmen's causing a copy of their warrant to be
posted up in each parish. December 24, a large number of fam
ilies and individuals, who had lately come lo abide in the town,
were warned by order of the selectmen to depart within fifteen
days, ihey not having obtained the town's consent to reside here.
The number of persons so vvarned to depart at this lime e.Kceeded
one hundred.
1791. May 9, a new bridge, ten feet wider than the old one,
is directed to be built over Mill creek.
1792. The small pox is prevalent in the lown ; a town meet
ing is called, and measures adopted for a general inoculation of
the inhabitants.
1793. June 20, the County of Norfolk was established, and
Dedham became the shire town. The method of admitting mem
bers in the first church was altered, under Rev. Mr. Haven's
ministry, requiring the candidate to be propounded to the con
gregation by the minister ; if no objection was made within four
teen days, he was admitted. The church covenant and creed
were altered at the same lime. Tate and Brady's version of
Psalms exchanged for those of Dr. Watts, in this church.
1794. The governraent having made a requisition for soIt
diers, the town offer a bounty of two dollars to such as may vol
unteer as minute-men, and to all who raay be called into actual
service, ten dollars per month, in addition to the Continental pay,
with ten dollars pay in advance. September 17, a map of the
town was ordered to be drawn. An offer having been made by
persons not residents of the town, to build one half of Vine Rock
bridge, a committee was chosen to build the other half; the bridge

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY. 39
to be built within two months. The legislature granted to the
rector, officers, wardens and vestry of the Episcopal church in
this lown, power to lease the land belonging Iff said church.
1796. The first newspaper established here ; il was called the
" Columbian Minerva." Leave was given to Calvin Whiting to
conduct water by pipes through the public roads in the first pre
cinct. , 1797. The Natick tribe of Indians is reduced to twenty in'
number. This tribe was the first of the Natives upon whom the
experiment of civilization was attempted with any success. It
partially succeeded through the efforts of reverend John Eliotj
who, in 1651, gathered them into a village at Natick, hence
their name. He translated the Bible into their own language,
taught them the doctrines of the christian religion, and instructed
them in the arts of civilization, in which they made great pro
gress. But the traits peculiar to the Indian character, their rov
ing disposition and natural indolence, caused them again to de
generate, and finally lo follow in the downward course raarked out
for their race. The tribe became wholly extinct previous to 1826.
1798. April meeting, il was voted to accept of the road leading
frora the main road to the house of Thaddeus Mason, provided
the town is at no expense for the land for said road or fencing
the sarae. This road leads from High-street, opposite the house
of Dr. J. Stimson, southerly towards Wigwam pond.
1799. The money granted for the support of schools to be
divided by the nuraber of scholars in each district, between the
ages of five and sixteen ; the time of taking the ages of children
this year to be on the 25th of December.
1800. February 22, a Eulogy was delivered before' the inhab
itants, by Rev. Thomas Thacher, and other appropriate services
had, " in commemoration of the illustrious George Washington,"
pursuant to a vote of the town of February 10.
1801. In January, a fire engine, purchased by the voluntary
subscription of individuals, vvas presented to the town for the use
of the inhabitants. This engine was located al the upper village

40 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY.
in the first parish, and a company of twelve raen appointed to
take charge of the same. April 1, letters are advertised as re
maining in the post-office in this town for people in the towns of
Dedham, Medway, Bellingham, Medfield, Dover, Foxborough^
Walpole, Hopkinton, Sharon, Canton, Franklin, Kittery, Stough
ton, Sherburne, and Cohasset.
1802. A second fire engine, purchased by subscription of in-
dividuals, was presented to the lown, and a company of eighteen
men were attached lo the same. This engine was called the
Good-Intent, and located in Dedham village. Turnpike road
from Dedham to Boston commenced.
1806. October 20, the Union light infantry, commanded by
captain Jacob Clark, was presented with a standard by the citi
zens, through the hands of Hon. Fisher Ames. On the sarae
day, in addition to the light infantry, a troop of cavalry, under
captain Baker, and the three militia companies belonging to the
town, paraded for review and inspection, under major Ellis. A
highway is established from East-street, near Dwight's bridge,
to Mill village.
1807. April 6, a vote of thanks was passed to the gentleman ,
who, through the hands of Rev. Thomas Thacher, has from 1792
to the present time, made an annual donation to the town for
the relief of the sick and indigent ; the aggregate amount so re
ceived and distributed is $157,25. The donor was the honorable
Samuel Dexter of Mendon, formerly a resident in this lown, and
one of its liberal benefactors. Paul's bridge over Neponset river
rebuilt ; an agreeraent is entered into with the town of Milton for
supporting the sarae.
1808. May 2, rules and regulations for the Work-house adopt
ed. Deceraber 13, a meeting was held to see if the town will
offer any encouragement to the men called for by government •
it was voted, to make up the pay of each soldier to twelve dollars
a month from the time they are called into actual service and a
bounty of two dollars is granted to each volunteer. The first
cotton factory erected here by the Norfolk cotton manufacturing
company. The way frora Medfield road to Clapboardtrees meet-

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY. 41
ing-house was established as a public highway. Also, a highway
from Paul's bridge across Low plain to Mill village.
1809. September 4, measures are taken by the town for a
general inoculation of the inhabitants for the kine pock, as a
preventive of the small pox.
1811. An article being inserted in the warrant for March
meeting, to see if the town will direct their treasurer lo receive
of their collector a five dollar bill received by him for taxes,
which bill is now uncurrent, it was decided to receive said bill,
provided the collector would make oath ihat he received the same
for taxes, and the treasurer was directed to dispose of it to the
best advantage.
1812. May 4, a donation of $170, given to the town by the
last will of Hon. Sarauel Dexter, a native of Dedhara, as a fund,
the annual interest of which to be added to the incorae of their
olher school money for the support of Schools, was accepted, and
the treasurer directed to loan out said money and take such se
curity as the selectmen shall approve. In making this bequest,
Mr. Dexter suggests that certain suras formerly appropriated for
the same purpose, both principal and interest of which were ex
pended during the revolution in hiring soldiers, should be replaced
by the lown. A communication having been received from the
lown of Roxbury, relative to the reraoval of the shire town to that
place, Messrs. Jaraes Richardson, Erastus Worthington, and Na
thaniel Araes, were appointed a committee to oppose the project.
July 20, the town granted such additional suras to the militia
men who may be drafted into the public service, as will make
their monthly pay amount to fifteen dollars ; the selectmen were
directed lo furnish each detached soldier with ball cartridges, as
required by the commander-in-chief, if they cannot be obtained
frora the "public ordinances." Decided resolutions were adopted
to support the government in the existing war with Great Britain.
Soldiers for the army were here recruited and drilled.
1813. November 29, a question having arisen as to the le
gality of previous town raeetings, the selectmen were directed to
petition the legislature lo confirm the acts and doings of the town
6

42 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY.
at their several meetings, notwithstanding the omission of posting
up copies of the warrants for such meetings at the Episcopalian
and Baptist raeeting houses for public worship, as required by the
vote ofthe town, October 4, 1790.
181.5. March 6, an action having been brought by John S.
WiUiaras, Esq. against the selectmen, for rejecting his vote for a
raember of Congress in 1812, the amount of twenty dollars paid
by them in defending said action was refunded by vote of the
town. April 3, the light infantry company having been detached
for a lour of military duty al South Boston, the pay of each mem
ber was made up to sixteen dollars per month ; the extra dollar
being for wear and damage to iheir uniforra. In October, the
first division Massachusetts railitia, commanded by major general
Crane, mustered at Low plain in this lown, for review and in
spection. 1816. April 1, the selectmen were directed to collect all such
books, pamphlets, statutes, and ancient records, as belong to the
town, and provide a convenient place for their safe keeping, so
that they may be accessible lo the inhabitants. A highway is es
tablished from the old Hartford road lo Abner Ellis' saw mill,
in the west parish.
1817. An order of notice having been received from the gen
eral court, concerning ihe petition of Samuel H. Deane and oth
ers, for a separation of the town, by setling off the second and
third parishes as a distinct town, the lovvn refused their consent
to such separation, by a vote of 78 to 27, and instructed their
representative to oppose it in the general court. The school
money granted by the town this year lo be divided as follows : —
Each district to receive one half they pay for the use of schools,
the other half of the grant according lo the number of scholars.
The stone Jail erected.
1818. April 6, the number of persons in the Work-house is
twenty-six ; of whom one is aged 85 years, one 87 years, and
one, Moll Saunders, 96 years. The average expense of each
person in ?.aid_^house is $1,25 per week.

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY. 43
1819. Hon. Edward Dowse, of this town, was chosen repre
sentative to Congress from Norfolk district; he took his seal in
that body in Deceraber, and resigned it al the close of the session.
October 7, this evening the house of Lemuel Smith, on South
plain, was struck by lightning, and a son of George Hawkins in
stantly killed by the electric fluid ; two olher children in bed
with him were injured, but recovered.
1820. January 13, occurred " an affair of honor," between a
painter and a barber, who boarded together in the village ; it is
remarkable only from its ludicrous result. The painter consider
ing himself to have been most egregiously insulted by the barber,
was resolved to have satisfaction. A challenge lo mortal combat
followed, which was accepted by his opponent. The parties met
about sunset in a lane near by, eight paces were measured off by
the seconds, and the combatants look their stations. Al the word,
"fire," the painter's pistol was promptly discharged, which so ter
rified his antagonist that he fell in a swoon, and in falling dis
charged his pistol at randora. He was laken up and carried into
an adjoining shop. , The painter believing he had -killed his an
tagonist, gave one " long lingering look," and iraraediately fled.
Being favored by the darkness of twilight, he eluded the pursuit
of some friends who alraost instantly followed him wilh raoney lo
assist his e.=cape, but such was his speed he could not be overta
ken. The barber soon recovered from his fright, when it was
discovered that it was a mock battle, contrived by the seconds for
their own amusement, who had charged the pistols vvith powder
only. The month of January was remarkable for the severity of
the cold, which continued until the 6th of February ; there were
several heavy falls of snow during that time, but not a single
hour of snow-melting weather. February 22, the firing of the
cannon in Boston this morning, in honor of Washington's birth
day, occasioned such a jarring ofthe buildings here as to be sen
sibly felt by those within. August 21, the vote for revising the
Stale Constitution was yeas 136, nays 8; there are about four
hundred voters in the town. October 16, James Richardson,
John Endicott, and William EUis, were chosen delegates to the
convention for revising the State Constitution.

11 CHKO.NOLOGlCAL HISTORY.
1S21. The funds accruing from the lands granted in 1659,
for the support of a " teaching church officer" in the lown, were
confirmed lo the first church and society, under the pastoral
charge of Rev. Dr. Lamson, by the Supreme Judicial Court, after
a full investigation of the subject. The annual income derived
from these funds is about ten hundred dollars. Al the April
meeting, the road in Dedham village known as Centre-street, was
made a town way. This street is lined with buildings on both
sides, and had been used as a public highway for many years-
It is now established as such, thirty-three feet wide, on the south
erly side ofa straight line drawn from a stake in the ground four
feet from a button wood tree near the post-office, southwesterly
to an elm tree on Court-street, sixty-two rods. April 17, there
was a severe snow storm, accompanied by high winds from the.
northeast. There fell about eighteen inches of snow, being the
greatest quantity for the season that has been known for forty
years. An adjourned meeting of the State legislature vvas to
convene at Boston on the 18th April, bul the severity of the storm
on the preceding day had rendered the roads almost impassable,
and prevented "a sufficient number of the members of the House
from asserabling lo constitute a quorum for transacting business.
August 17, the United Slates' Cadets, from West Point, 230 in
number, under command of major Worth, visited this town on
their homeward march frora a military tour to Boston. Sep
tember 21, the body of Miss Deborah Newman, who had wan
dered from her boarding house two or three days previous in a
state of insanity, vvas found drowned in the Mill creek. Septem
ber 26, Soloraon Phipps of Charlestown, in a state of insanity put
a period to his existence by cutting his throat wilh a razor, at the
house of Mr. E. Trescolt.
1822. April 1, agents were appointed by the town, with in
structions to oppose -the establishraent of a road or roads over
Dedham Island, which subject is now pending before the court
of sessions. The Proprietor's Records, (so called) and the an
cient records of the lown, were transferred frora the care of Jo
seph JMetcalf and deposited with the town clerk. A Pound is es
tablished in the first parish. The lown is indicted for nol Iccop-
ing a grammar school. June 3, George, sou of cnptain Elisha

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY. 4-5
Mcintosh, about eight years of age, was accidentally drowned
while bathing in Charles river. Doctor Nathaniel Ames, brother
of Hon. Fisher Araes, died July 21, aged eighty-two years.
1823. An addition is made to the Work-house, for the better
comfort and safe keeping of the insane. April 13, Watts' hymns
exchanged for Sewall's collection, in the first parish raeeting
house. July 23, a sraart shock of an earthquake was felt here
at two rainutes before seven o'clock in the morning ; it was ac
companied by a low rumbling noise, and continued about thirty
seconds. It appeared lo corae from the southward and pass off
towards the north. August 25, the Boston "City Guards," pitch
ed their tents near Wigwam pond, on a lour of camp duty for a
few days. November 9, a man named William Babson, was
found dead in the woods near the upper village, adjacent to the
Hartford turnpike.
1824. A difficulty of long standing having existed between
the lown and the Dedham manufacturing corapany, respecting the
overflowing the road near the Mother Brook bridge, the subject
vvas finally subraitted to referees for adjustment ; who decided
that the company pay to the lown the sum of $224,93, including
the cost of reference, which award was accepted November 1.
August 23, arrival of the "Nation's Guest." General Lafayette
arrived hore at half past ten o'clock in the evening, and stopped
at Alden's hotel. The loud and repeated cheerings fi'om the as
serabled citizens, who had continued to collect through the day
in expectation of his arrival, — the salute ofthe artillery, the ring-
in" of bells, and the. brilliant illumination of the houses in the
villao-e — gave some faint evidence of the satisfaction experienced
by all on the arrival araong us of this distinguished Revolution
ary Chief — this friend of Araerica in her time of need, and of
Liberty throughout the world. He tarried here but one hour,
during which time hundreds of ladies and gentleraen had the
gratification of shaking hands with the General ; and had he
tarried until raorning, the time vvould have been too short to
gratify all who aspired to that honor. General Lafayette is a re
markably tall, majestic looking man, about sixty-eight years of
age, and was dressed in a plain citizens dress. He was accom-

46 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY.
panied by his son, and one or two other French gentlemen of his
household. At half past eleven he entered his carriage, and was
again greeted with the three times three cheers of the citizens,
and escorted by a cavalcade of about one hundred horsemen lo
the seat of Governor Eustis, in Roxbury, where he spent the
night. August 24, the town vvas nearly deserted by the inhabi
tants ; old and young hastened to Boston, to witness the recep
tion of the " Nation's Guest" in that city. A cavalcade of two
thousand mounted horsemen escorted the General from the seal
of Governor Eustis to the city line, where he was received by the
mayor and aldermen, and escorted through the city by the light
infantry companies of the metropolis, and accompanied by thou
sands of citizens on horses and in carriages, under the direction
of marshals, to the common. The children of the primary schools
were here arranged in lines, through which the General passed.
He was afterwards received at the State House by the State au
thorities, and partook of a public dinner at the Exchange. Every
street through which he passed was decorated with fiags and tri
umphal arches — every building was filled with the beauty and
taste of the city — every heart responded lo the joyous "vvelcobie,"
which greeted the war-worn veteran frora every quarter. Simi
lar manifestations of joy and gratitude were exhibited by the peo
ple in all parls of the Union which he visited. Such was the
reception awarded to the gallant Chief frora a foreign land, who
periled life and fortune in our behalf, and who, nearly half a cen
tury before, had borne so conspicuous a part in the great struggle
of this country for Independence.' Its sublirae effect will not be
lost upon the vvorld.
1825. March 7, the selectmen were directed to post comraon
tipplers. July 4, corner stone of the new court house laid with
much cereraony. September 5, the nuraber of votes in favor of
and against the establishment of the contemplated roads over
Dedh^f^sland, were ordered to be entered upon the records ; on
the ^esfion being put to the town, " Shall the roads as laid out
by the selectmen on and over Dedham Island be accepted ?" it
«vas decided in the negative, 161 to 156. October 31, agents
were again appointed by the lown to oppo.'se tbe granting of the
said roads, vvhich subject is still pending before the court of ses-

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY. 47
sions. August 26, the Quincy light infantry, coraraanded by
captain Brigham, visited this place on a tour of camp duty.
1826. April 3, the selectmen were directed to have such part
of their annual report as relates to the poor, printed and circulated
for the information of the lown. October 12, muster at Low
plain, of the troops comprising the first division Massachusetts
railitia, commanded by raajor general Crane. November 6, the
agents ofthe lown were instructed to oppose the establishment of
the Island road, so long as there shall be any attempt to impose
the burden of making it upon the lown.
1827. February 20, the ne<v Court House was dedicated by
an address from chief justice Parker. The court house is built
of hewn white granite, brought from a quarry eight mUes west
of it; Messrs. Damon and Bates master builders ; Solomon Wil
lard, architect — cost $30,000. Mr. Worthington in his history of
Dedhara, published this year, reraarks — " I have examined the
criminal docket in this county for twenty years past ; I do not
find that any person, an inhabitant of Dedham, has during that
lime been convicted of any crime in the supreme court, court of
sessions, or court of coraraon pleas." April 2, two thousand dol
lars were granted for repair of highways ; each tax payer to have
the privilege of working out his tax as heretofore, or, as an equiv
alent, to pay two thirds of the amount assessed in raoney.
1828. March 3, three-fourths of the highway tax to be paid in
money, instead of two-thirds, as last year. The Island road hav
ing been granted by the court of sessions, a new road to connect
with it, from Needham road, is ordered to be made. November
3, a town meeting is notified to be holden in the south parish, at
one o'clock in the afternoon — refused admittance to the meeting
house for transacting lown business — adjourned to meet at the
old court house in the first parish, at four o'clock in the afternoon
of same day. November 17, a special town meeting vvas held,
when it was voted to build a Town House.
1829. Town House erected; cost, including $118,90 for ser
vices of building committee, $2206,72. It is located in the first
parish.

iJ"' CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY.
IS3I). Population of the town 3057. A highway loading
1'roni Migh-sireot, opposite the Monumental Stone, across Charles
river to Dedham Island, was built ihis year.
18;]1. December 12, fifteen hundred dollars were granted for
the purchase of fire engines, and improveraent of tho fire dejiart-
raent, which sum to be apportioned in the several districts, ac
cording to Iheir taxes. Dedhara Institution for Savings incorpo
rated. At the May meeting, the volo for a proposed amendment
of the State Constitution, changing the commencement of the po
litical year from the last Wednesday in May to the first Wednes
day in January, was for the amendment 29, against it 135.
1832. The town divided into seven districts, and a surveyor
of highways appointed in each, for the purpose of keeping them
in repair. A Town Farm of sixty-three acres, situated in Ihe
west parish, was purchased of Jesse Warren the last year and is
appropriated for the poor; Abner Atherton is placed in charge of
the establishment. Cost of land and buildings about five thou
sand dollars.
1833. April 1, under a recenl act of the legislature, the town
voted to refund to engine-men, yearly, an araount equal to their
poll taxes, A branch Railroad, to connect with tho Boston and
Providence Railroad at Low plain, was built this year. The
road from High-street, opposite the Phoenix House, running
southwesterly in a bow line lo the Norfolk and Bristol turnpike,
was built and established this year as a lown way. Il is known
as Bow-street, and is laid out forty feet wide, except from High-
street to School-street, through lands of Mason Richards and
Jesse 'Wheaton, where it is laid out thirty-five feet in width. In
Noveraber, the vote for the proposed araendment of the Slate
Constitution in relation to the third article of the Bill of Rights,
were, in favor of araendraent 245, against 38.
1834. April 7, the selectmen having at a previous meeting
been empowered to sell the old Work-house, reported, " that not
being able at present to ascertain the manner the town came in
possession of the land where the old Poor-house now stands, they
therefore recomraend that il be let for the present."

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY. 49
1835. March 30, the new road in the first parish, leading
from Court-street past the burial ground westerly to High-street,
was established, and named " Village Avenue," by vote of the
town. November 9, the town ordered, that school children be
enumerated from four to sixteen years of age.
1836. " The Poor House, together with the land and appur
tenances thereto belonging," was sold to Reuben Richards for
$1050, and a deed executed lo that effect, by the selectmen.
September 21, the second centennial anniversary of the incorpo
ration of the town, was celebrated by appropriate services, and an
historical address was delivered before the citizens by Samuel F.
Haven, Esq. a descendant of reverend Jason Haven. This ad
dress was published by vote ofthe town. Centennial discourses
were delivered before the congregational societies in the second
and third parishes, this year, by their respective pastors. Town
expenses for the year ending March 7, exclusive of highway tax,
are $7081,06. Silk factory erected.
1837. There were manufactured in the lown this year, 7,135
pairs of boots, and 18,722 pairs of shoes, valued at $32,483 ; value
of silk goods manufactured, $10,000 ; of straw bonnets, $20,000 ;
value of chairs and cabinet ware manufactured, $21,250 ; of mar
ble paper and enamelled cards, $18,000. The town's share of
surplus revenue was received from government, and funded.
1838. The expenses of the town for the year ending March 4,
exclusive of highway tax, are $7965,80. By the auditors' report
on treasurer's accounts, it appears that the town is free from debt,
and is possessed of the following articles of property, viz : " nine
guns, with cartridge boxes and bayonet belts, 22 knapsacks, 14
dictionaries, 25 testaments, 30 small grararaars, 8 spelling books.
1 alias, 1 sel money scales and weights, 1 pair bullet moulds."
November 18, the second centennial anniversary of the gathering
of the first church in Dedhara. A history of said church vvas
delivered on the occasion, by Rev. Dr. Lamson, its pastor, which
history vvas subsequently published, by vote of the society. At
the April meeting, the limits of the several School Districts in
the town were defined, and entered upon the records.
7

' 50 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY.
1839. March 4, the road, sometimes called Common-street,
leading from Dwight's bridge westwardly past the great common,
on the south side,, to the Dover road, by vote of the town is here
after to be designated " High-street," the name originally given
to it by the first settlers. April 1, the selectmen were author
ized to appoint some suitable person to examine the ancient Rec
ords of the town, " and transcribe therefrom into a separate book,
every vote and order found therein, that may now or hereafter
operate to affect the Rights and Interest either of the town or in
dividuals ;" and they were also "to provide that the said Ancient
Records shall be rebound in a fit, decent and convenient manner."
James Richardson, Esq. was employed, and the work was ac
complished. 1840. April 6, a Pound is established in the South parish.
1841. August 9, rules and regulations for the government of
the Alms-house are established. Vine Rock bridge, over Charles
river, rebuilt of granite, wilh five arches ; Shubael Bills, builder ;
cost, $3000. This bridge was built wilh a portion of the town's
share of the surplus revenue received from government in 1837.
1843. A stone bridge is built over Charles river, near Powder
House rock, at or near the spot called the Key by the first settlers.
The bridge has four arches, and was built by Messrs, Greenwood
and Fuller ; cost $2181. A portion of the government surplus
revenue is invested in this bridge. The valuation and tax boek
for the current year, as raade out by the assessors, was print
ed for the use of the town. It contained the names of all res
idents and non-residents liable to pay taxes lo the town, with the
amount and kind of properly for which they were assessed.
1845. April 7, voted, that the owners of dogs running at
large in the town, pay two dollars into the town treasury, for a
license for each dog ; the treasurer is authorized to give a license
to such owner, on receipt of the money. This act having been
approved by the Court of Common Pleas, is established as a
By-law of the town. The sum to be paid for a license was sub
sequently reduced by the lown to one dollar. The number of
Polls taxed this year is 954.

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY. 51
1846. January 15, the new Episcopal church is consecrated ;
it is located on Court-street, and, with the furniture, cost about
$7000. A neal and substantial iron fence, frora the foundry of
Benjamin H. Tubbs of West Dedhara, is substituted for the
wooden one around the court house square ; cost of fence about
$1500. April 6, leave was granted by the lown to Abiathar
Richards, to build and occupy an icehouse at the Landing-place
on Charles river, near the house of John Bullard. The select
men were instructed to prosecute all violations of the license law
for regulating the sale of spiritous liquors, that may corae to their
knowledge. Two or three complaints only were made under
these instructions. Voted, that the warrants for notifying Town
meetings be published in the several newspapers printed in the
town, provided the same be done without expense to the lown.
In December, a Post-office is established at South Dedham.
The number of Dog licenses issued this year is ninety-six.
1847. March 24, the body of a man was found drowned in
Charles river, near Metcalfs landing, supposed to have lain in
the waler several months, name unknown. April 5, the annual
grant for support of schools was raised lo five thousand dollars.
The School money to be apportioned in the several districts as
follows : — one hundred dollars of the grant to each district ; the
remainder to be divided in the districts, one half by the amount
of taxes paid in each, and one half by the- number of scholars.
Twelve hundred dollars were granted for purchase of land and
erection of engine houses, one in the upper village in the first
parish, and one in the south parish.

EXTRACTS FROM THE RECORDS.

COVENANT OF THE FIRST SETTLERS.
1st. We whose names are hereunto subscribed do in the fear
and reverence of our Almighty God mutuaUy and generally prom
ise amongst ourselves and each lo other, to profess and practice
one truth according to thai most perfect rule the foundation there
of is everlasting life.
2d. That we shall by all means labor to keep off from us all
such as are contrary minded ; and receive only such unto us as
may probably be of one heart with us, as that we either know or
may be well and truly informed to walk in a peaceable conversa
tion with all meekness of spirit to the edification of each other in
the knowledge and faith of the Lord Jesus; and to the mutual
encouragement unto all temporal comforts in all things seeking
the good of each olher out of all which may be derived from
peace. 3d. That if at any time difference shall arise between parties
of our said Town, that then such party or parlies shall presently
refer all such difference unto some one, two or three others of our
said society to be fully accorded and determined without any
further delay, if it possibly may be.
4th. That every man that now, or at any time hereafter shall
have lots in our said Towri shall pay his share in all such rates
of raoney and charges as shall be imposed upon hira rateably in
proportion with other men : as also become freely subservient to
all such laws and constitutions as shall be necessarily had or
made now or at any tirae hereafter from this day forward, as
well for loving and comfortable society in our said Town, as also

EXTRACTS FROM THE RECORDS. 53
for the prosperous and thriving condition of our said feUowship ;
especially respecting the fear of God in which we desire to begin
and continue, whatsoever we shall by his loving favor take in
hand. Sth. And for the better manifestation of our true resolution
herein, every man so received to subscribe hereunto his name,
thereby obliging both hiraself and his successors after him for
ever as we have done.
[Note. There are one hundred and twenty-four names appended fo
this Covenant in the Records. There are no dates attached to the
names ; the signatures ofthe greater portion of them do not appear to be
in the hand writing of the several persons, and are probably copied from
the original.]

THE PETITION FOR INCORPORATION.
1. May it please this Honored Court lo ratify to your humble
petitioners your grant forraerly made of a plantation above the
falls, thai we may possess all that land, which is left out of all
former grants upon that side of Charles River, and upon the olher
side five miles square. To have and enjoy all those lands, mead
ows, woods and other grounds, together wilh all the waters and
other benefits whatsoever now being or that may be within the
compass of the aforesaid limits, to us with our associates and our
assigns forever.
2. To be freed from aU country charges for four years, and
military exercises lo be only in our own Town, except some ex
traordinary occasion require it.
3. That such distribution or allotment of lands, meadows,
woods, &c. within our said limits as are done and performed by
the grantees, their successors, or such as shaU be deputed there
unto, shall and may stand for good assurance unto the several
possessors thereof and their assigns forever.
4. That we may have countenance from this Honorable Court
for the well ordering of the manage of our society according lo
the best rules ; and to that purpose to assign linto us a Constable
that may regard peace and truth.

54 EXTRACTS FROM THE RECORDS.
5. To distinguish our lown by the name of Contentment, or
otherwise what you shall please.
6. And lastly, we intreat such other helps as your wisdom
shall know best in favor to grant unto us, for our well improving
of what we are thus intrusted wilh, all unto our particular but
especially unto the general good of this whole locate public in
succeeding tiraes.
Subscribed by all that have underwritten in Covenant at pres
ent. Edward Alleyn, Nicholas Phillips,
Abraham Shaw, John Gay,
Samuel Morse, Thomas Bartlett,
PhUemon Dalton, Francis Austin,
Ezekiel Hollaman, Johu Rogers,
John Kingsbury, Joseph Shaw,
John Coolidge, William Bearstowe,
Richard Everett, John Dwight,
John Hayward, Robert Feke,
Lambert Genere, Thomas Hastings^
Ralph Shepard, John Huggin.
[Note. These naraes are not attached to the copy of the Petition
found at the commencement of the first volume of the records, but are
entered on a subsequent page as being the persons (except the three last
named) who assembled on "the Sth ofthe 7th month, called September,
1636," and on that day subscribed their names to the above; "the copy
of which petition, (says the record,) is in the beginning of this Booke,
as also the Court order upon the same." It is also stated in the record
of same date, that after the meeting was dissolved, " Mr. Robert Feke
came and subscribed his name unto the said petition ; and Thomas Has
tings and John Huggin did the like at Boston ; so that all the names of
those which are admitted unto our Society are subscribed thereunto."
Another copy of this petition is entered upon page 384 of the 6th volume
of town records, but for what purpose does not appear. It is deemed
proper to remark here, that the name of Richard Everett is spelt in
different ways in the records, as "Evred," "Everard," and "Evrit;" it
is here printed aa it is now generally written by his descendants, among-
whom is Edward Everett, President of Harvard University, and late
Governor of Massachusetts ]

EXTRACTS FROM THE RECORDS. 55
GRANT OF THE GENERAL COURT.
" The tenth of the seventh month, 1636, the above Petition
was published in a full General Court, and granted as followeth
Viz: 1. That the plantation shall have three years immunity from
public charges.
2. That the town shall bear the name of Dedham.
3. All the rest of the petition fully granted by a general vote
freely and cheerfully withoXit any exception at all. Whereupon
this short order was drawn up and recorded by the Secretary,
Mr. Bradstreel.
Ordered, that the plantation to be settled above Charles River
shall have three years immunity from public charges as Concord
had, to be accounted from the first of May next, and the name of
the said plantation is lo be Dedhara.
To enjoy all that land on the Easterly and Southerly side of
Charles River not formerly granted unto any Town or particular
person, and also to have five miles square on the olher side of the
River. This draught or tract of our plantation being presented unto
the Court General after publishing our petition, it pleased the said
Court by a full consent to grant our said Town of Dedham to ex
tend every way according lo the sarae form therein delineated,
without any contraction at all made of or concerning the sarae,
being viewed by the whole Court."

DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES— USE OF FOREIGN
TEA FORBIDDEN.
March 5, 1770. " On a motion made and seconded, the Town
taking into serious consideration the great distress to which the
People are reduced, by means of the oppressive Revenue Acts,
and the Troops sent to enforce obedience to the same, and being
desirous of contributing all in their power to restore and preserve
their Liberties, according to the Laudable Example of many other
Towns in the Province, and being deeply sensible that the Patri
otic Resolutions of , the Merchants and Traders not to import

56 EXTRACTS FROM THE RECORDS.
goods and merchandize from Great Britain — ought to be seconded
by such as have usually been purchasers of such Goods and Mer
chandize, Came lo the following Voles :
Voted, nem. con. That the Town will do their utmost to en
courage the Produce and Manufacture of all such articles as
have formerly been imported frora Great Britain.
Voted, nem. con. That we will not directly or indirectly have
any coramerce or dealings with those few Traders, lists of whom
are posted up among us, who have had so little regard to the good
of their country as to oppose and counteract the noble exertions of
the Body of Merchants and Traders of the Province, and of the
whole Continent.
Voted, nem. con. That as the Duty on Tea furnishes so large
a sura towards the raaintainance and support of an almost innu
merable multitude who live upon the fruits of the honest Industry
of the Inhabitants, from the odious Commissioners of the Cus
toms down to the Dirty Informers that are employed by them,
therefore we will not make use of any foreign Tea, nor allow the
consumption ofit in our respective families, till such lime as, the
duty being first taken off, this town shall by some future Vote
grant an Indulgence lo such persons lo drink Tea as have not
Virtue enough to leave off the Use of it forever.
Voted, that Messrs. Sarauel Daraon, Richard Woodward, Geo.
Talbot, Eliphalet Baker and Dea. Ralph Day, be a Committee of
Observation, to see that the foregoing Votes be complied with."

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE THAT HIRED
SOLDIERS IN 1780,
March Meeting, 1780— •
The Committee chosen to hire men to go into the public ser
vice the last year for the Town, report their account in the fol
lowing manner, which is accepted and allowed by the Town, viz :
"Hired fifteen men to do duty in the Continental army
for nine monlhsj at 400^  £6750,00
ditto to seven men to do duty at Rhode Island . . 882,00

EXTRACTS FROM THE RECORDS.

57

Hired three raen to do duty al Rhode Island .... 108,00
ditto to 5 raen to do duly al Boston al 27^  135,00
ditto to 11 raenlo do duty at Castle Island at 18^. . . 180,00
ditto to 7 men to do duty at Boston at 181  126,00
ditlo to eighteen men lo do duty in the Continental
armyat246Z  .4428,00
£12609,00
Voted, to assess the Polls and Estates in the Town ihe sum of
Twelve thousand pounds to defray the charges of the Town for
the hire of soldiers into the public service the last and present
year."

COMPENSATION FOR HORSES, IN 1780.
October 12, 1780,— being the first Town Meeting under the
new Constitution. "Then took into consideration the granting of
money lo sundry persons who sold their horses lo the selectmen
for the use of the array, agreeable lo an order of Court. £. s.
772 10
350 00
900 00
600 00
1200 00
450 00
900 00
900 00
909 00
900 00
Granted Eight thousand pounds lo pay for ihe Horses pur
chased for the use of the army, to be assessed on the polls and
estates within the Town."

Granted to Mr. Ebenezer Shepard for his horse,
" to Ebenezer Battle, Esq. for ditto .
" to Dea. Isaac Bullard for
" Mr. Thomas Ockinton for
" Mr. Samuel Daraon for
" Mr. Joseph Swan for
" Mr. Nathan Ellis for
" Mr. John EUis for
" Mr. Oliver Morse for
" Mr. Ebenezer NeweU for

dittoditlo ditlo
ditto dittoditto
ditto
ditto

SUPPLIES FOR THE CONTINENTAL ARMY.
The following Items frora the Records wiU serve to show the
manner in which Supplies were collected for theArmy in 1781-2,
8

•'>8 EXTRACTS FROM THE RECORDS.
and give some idea of the value of the Continental Currency at
that period :
1781. £. s. d.
Dec. 24, Paid Eleazer Allen for eight shirts for the army ..480
" John Wight for five shirts for the army . . . 2 15 0
" John Jones, Esq. for three stockings for the army 0 18 0
" James Draper for a pair of stockings for the army 2 4 0
" Dea. Joseph Haven for 2 pr. stockings for do. 0 12 0
" Joseph Draper for a pair^of stockings for do. 0 6 9
" John Battle for four pair stockings and one dollar
in cash for the use of the army  2 8 0
" Israel Fairbanks for a shirt for the army . . 0 11 0
" Jeremiah Bacon for cash to purchase blankets 3 14
1782.
January 2 " Dea. Ichabod Gay for 12 1-2 days hiring soldiers 1 17 6
" Stephen Whiting in part for shoes for the army 6 0 0
" Capt. David Fales for a pair of stockings for do. 0 6 0
" widow Desire Eaton for 2 pair stockings do. 0 12 0
" Thomas Eaton for a pair of stbckings do. 0 6 0
" Dr. Ebenezer Riohards, a pair of stockings do. 0 6 0
" John Baker for two shirts do. 1 2 0
" William Richards for one pair stockings do. 0 6 0
" William Smith for one shirt do. 0 11 0
22 " Joseph Wight for two pair stockings do. 0 12 0
" Daniel Fisher for three pair stockings do. 0 18 0
" Moses Mason for eight shirts do. 4 4 0
Feb. 18 " Abiathar Richards for purchasing horses and bri
dles and shoeing horses for Continental service 15 0
" Capt. Daniel Fisher for time and expenses pur
chasing beef for the use of the army ... 5 2 0
" Timothy Allen for a pair of stockings do. 0 6 0
25 " John Hawes for sixteen pairs shoes do. 8 0 0
" Ebenezer Smith for sixteen pairs shoes do. 8 0 0
" Ebenezer Fisher 6 pair stockings & 5 shirts do. 4 6 0
" Mrs. Elizabeth Gay for a pair of stockings do. 0 6 0
" Joseph Dean for two shirts ; do. 1 0 0
" Benjamin Herring for three pair stockings do. 0 18 0
" Mary Gay for one pair stockings do. 0 6 0
" Stephen Whiting for shirts and stockings do. 4 6 0
" Col. Ebenezer Battle for 5 pair stockings do. 1 10 0
" widow Anna Fairbanks for 2 pair stockings do. 0 12 0
" Ebenezer Gay 2 pair stockings and 1 blanket do. 1 10 0
" Henry Jones for sixteen pair shoes do. 8 0 0
" Dea. WiUiam Avery for 8 blankets 8 shirts and 6
pair stockings for the army  13 0 0
" Capt. Ebenezer Battle 16 pair shoes for the army 8 0 0
" Maj. George Gould for 4 shirts, 8 blankets, 13 pr.
stockings, and procuring clothing for army 14 13 7
" Ebenezer Newell for 4 blankets, and trouble in
procuring clothing for the army .... 6 19 0
" Nathaniel Sumner, Esq. 7 blankets, 16 shirts, 16
pair stockings & Courts allowance for trouble 20 13 7
" Israel Everett 19 1-2 days service and expenses
in hiring soldiers  310
" Ichabod Gay 9 shirts and 7 blankets for army 10 16 0

EXTRACTS FROM THE RECORDS. 89
INSTRUCTIONS TO REPRESENTATIVE.
Among the Instructions of the Town to their representative in
the General Court, in May, 1786, are the following :
' The Order of Lawyers.
" We are not inattentive to ihe almost universally prevailing
complaints against the practice of the order of lawyers ; and
many of us too sensibly feel the effects of their unreasonable and
extravagant exactions ; we think their practices pernicious, and
their mode unconstitutional. You will therefore endeavor, that
such regulations Ife introduced into our Courts of Law and that
such restraints be laid on the order of lawyers, as that we may
have recourse to the Laws and find our security and not our ruin
in them. If upon a fair discussion and mature deliberation, such
a measure should appear impracticable, you are to endeavor that
the order of Lawyers "be totally abolished ; an alternative prefer
able to their continuing in their present mode."
Separation from Suffolk.
Araong the reasons for a division of the county and separation
from Boston, then contemplated, their Representative was di
rected lo urge —
"4th, Should Courts of Justice be erected in sorae country
town within the counly, we expect (al least for a while) that the
wheels of law and justice would move on without the clogs and
erabarrassments of a numerous train of lawyers. The scenes of
gaiety and amusements which are now prevalent at Boston we
expect would so allure them, as that we shonld be rid of their
perplexing officiousness." Economy in the Government.
"While we cheerfuUy promise a compliance with the requisi
tions of Congress, that they may punctually discharge those
debts in which our national faith and honor are engaged ; and
shall freely contribute our proportion towards the support of ne
cessary government ; we recommend to scrupulous investigation
our public expenditures ; to see that our monies are uniformly ap
plied to the uses for which they are ostensibly appropriated. And
that we maybe better enabled to furnish our monies for the above
purpose, we desire you would endeavor to reduce our public Tax-

6(3 extracts from the records.
es in the following ways, 1st, by reducing the wages and salaries
of publick officers, and 2dly, by lopping off unnecessary branches
in some department of Government. We shaU be protected by
the example of sister States from any imputation of parsimony
or undue frugality in reducing the Pay of publick officers. And
we are of opinion, that sums far less than are annuaUy expended
for Government would be adequate to all reasonable expenses of
its officers ; and enable them to maintain all that decent grandeur
that becoraes an Infant Republick greatly overborne wilh taxes.
Such a measure we apprehend would have this still further and
more salutary effect by inducing many respected and leading
characters to introduce economy whose example would have a
powerful infiuence on those who are passionately fond of fash
ions, and will ape the manners of the great at the expense not
only of the conveniences bul even ofthe necessaries of life."
Encouragement of Domestic Manufactures.
"Finally, you are lo endeavor that such Laws be enacted as
may lend to the encouragement of raising and manufacturing the
natural productions of this country, and you are to lay such re-
siriclions as raay prohibit the importation and use of foreign lux
uries, which have hitherto greatly impoverished, and if not reme
died, will involve our country in bankruptcy."
The Instructions from which the above extracts are taken were
signed, "JONATHAN METCALF, Moderator.
ISAAC BULLARD, Town Clerk.-"
[Note. At the date of the above Instructions, 1786, it will be re
membered that Norfolk had not been separated from Suffolk county. —
No courts having at that time been established here, the law business
was chiefly conducted in the metropolis. Whatever grounds of com
plaint might then have existed against the order of lawyers, as a class,
they cannot, it is believed, with truth be applicable to those who have
made Dedham their place of business since it became the shire town, in
1793 ; certainly not to the few gentlemen of that profession who are
now residents here.
Mr. Worthington, himself a lawyer, in his history of Dedham, (page
83) asserts that a universal antipathy prevailed in the country towns
generally from 1781 to 1826, against the members ofthe legal fraternity ;
and that, from a combination of circumstances, the county of Norfolk
during that period was particularly unfavorable to the profession of law.
However true this statement might have been, it is certain that the p;-ej-
udice which appears to have existed here to some extent in former days,
has long since given place to a more libera! feeling, and the utmost har
mony now prevails.]

PART II.

STATISTICAL HISTORY.

DEDHAM AS IT IS.
The township of Dedham contains by estimation 20,828 acres,
including ponds, roads, and waste grounds of every sort. The
number of inhabitants at the present time may be fairly estimated
at thirty-six hundred, and are to the territory in the proportion
of about one hundred and six to a square mile. A large portion
of the inhabitants are engaged in agricultural pursuits.
The town is divided into three parishes, which are again sub
divided into eleven school districts, with a school house in each.
The names of the several School Districts, as established in 1838,
are as follows :
No. 1. First Middle District. No. 6. North District, South Parish.
" 2. Second Middle " " 7. South " " "
" 3. Mill " " 8. North District, West Parish.
" 4. Low Plain " " 9. East " " "
" 5. East Street " " 10. Walpole Corner " "
No. 11. Westfield District.
Boundaries. Charles river on the north separates Dedham from
Needham ; Roxbury and Dorchester make its northeast and east
ern boundary; Neponset river divides it from Milton and Canton
on the southeast ; Sharon and Walpole adjoin on the south ;
Medfield and Dover on the west.
A Branch Railroad, buUt in 1833, connecting Dedham ViUage
with Boston, passes near some of the principal raanufactories.
The cars pass over it each way four times a day, occupying about

62 dedham as it is.
thirty-five minutes each trip. Its length is about two miles and
a quarter, and unites with the Boston and Providence railroad al
Low Plain. A charter was granted by the legislature in 1846,
for an exiension of the Dedham branch railroad to Walpole ; ac
tive measures are now being taken for its completion. It is con
templated to continue this railroad through to Woonsocket in
Rhode Island, and measures are now being adopted to effect this
object. Taxes. The amount of town and county taxes, (including
highway lax,) asses.^ed upon the inhabitants in 1846, was $12,045.
By a standing vote of the town, all persons who promptly pay
their laxes previous to the 20th day of November, each year, are
allowed a deduction of six per cent. This secures a full treasu
ry, and the financial credit ofthe town stands high.
A partial supply of water is brought into the village, through
aqueducts laid under ground, from a spring on Federal HiU a
distance of about one mile. Two reservoirs are kept filled with
water from this source, besides furnishing the inhabitants who
choose to purchase from the company who own it.
Dedham contains nine churches for public worship, embracing
nearly as many different religious denominations. There are
also two printing-offices, from one of which is issued a weekly
newspaper. In the professions, are eight officiating clergymen,
six practising physicians, and five lawyers.
Post Offices. A Post Office is eistablished in each of the three
parishes. Jereraiah Shuttleworth, Esq. the former postmaster of
Dedham, was appointed in 1793, during the administration of
Washington, and held the office during each succeding adminis
tration until February, 1833, when he resigned, being probably
at that lime the oldest postmaster in the United Slates. Dr. Eli
sha Thayer is the present postraaster at this place ; Col. Theo
dore Gay, at West Dedhara; Moses Guild, Esq. al South Ded
ham. There is no organized militia in the town at the present time.
The number of men enrolled and liable lo a draft, if caUed for,
in 1845, according lo the assessors' return as required by law.

DEDHAM AS IT IS. 63
was five hundred and one ; in 1846, the number was three hun
dred and forty. Previous to the abolishment of militia trainings
in 1840, Dedham mustered three standing companies of infantry,
one uniform volunteer company of infantry, and (wilh neigh
boring tonms) a company of cavalry.
During the revolutionary war, Dedham furnished one hundred
and six men for the regular Continental army, and a very consid
erable number performed lours of military service, for longer or
shorter periods, in this vicinity or on the frontiers of Rhode Isl
and, — a small remnant of whom slill survive. The annual ex
penditures of the town during the war for Independence, is esti
mated at eight thousand doUars in our present currency, which is
about equal to a tax of eighty thousand dollars at the present
time. The old town cannon alluded to in these pages, being the "great
gun" of King Philip's day, and which was "ordered to be swung"
in the revolutionary war, was bursted in fragments in firing a sa
lute on the fourth of March, 1845.
The Ancient Records of the town are blended together with the
"Proprietor's Records," and, including the modern, are contained
in twelve large folio volumes. Some of the oldest volumes being
somewhat decayed, the town in order lo preserve them from being
entirely lost, in 1839 employed the Hon. Jaraes Richardson to
revise and transcribe the most important parts, relative to the
rights and transfer of properly, into a separate book. The records
are deposited wilh the selectmen and carefully preserved.
The method adopted by the first settlers of the town for notify
ing lown meetings, by posting up the warrant in the porch of
the meeting house, that it might be read on the sabbath, is still
continued. The fine of two shillings and sixpence formerly im
posed for neglect in attending lown meeting, has long since been
abolished. In April, 1846, a vote was passed by the town, au
thorizing the selectmen to cause the warrants for town meetings
to be published in the newspapers printed in the town, provided
it be done without expense to the town.

64 dedham as it is.
Natural Divisions of Land.
Acres Woodland. Meadow. Pasture. Mowing & Tillage.
First Parish, . . 4344 1165 1816 1374
Second Parish, . 1127 656 1826 823
Third Parish, . . 1959 545 1244 692
Total, 7430 2366 4886 2896

Domestic Animals in May, 1844.
Horses. Cows. Oxen. Swine,
First Parish, ... 190 423 88 192
Second Parish, . . 70 296 64 93
Third Parish, ... 118 260 29 82

Total, 387 979 181 367
In May, 1845, the number of Horses in the Town was 398,
valued at $19,081. Of Neat Cattle, 1264, value $24,493. Of
Swine, 473, value $7095. Sheep 9, value J

Assessed Value of Real and Personal Estates, in May, 1845.
First Parish,  $1,393,690
Second Parish,  337,596
Third Parish,  388,462
Total, $2,119,748
Value of Ileal and Personal Estates, in May, 1846, as ascer
tained by the Assessors, under a new Valuation, ordered by the
Town to be taken at their annual meeting in March.
First Parish  $1,501,658
Second Parish  330,347
Third Parish,  385,960
Total, $2,217,965
A custom has prevailed in the first parish, since 1822, of forra
ing a social company frora year to year, for target practice, with
rifles. Their meeting is usually held on the Friday preceding
the day appointed by the State authorities for the annual Thanks
giving.

DEDHAM AS IT IS. 65
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT FOR 1847—8.
Elected March I, 1847.
Selectmen and Overseers of Poor — John Bullard, Martin Dra
per, Mason Richards. ^
Assessors~Wi\\\a.m Whiting, Joseph Day, Nathaniel Smith,
MerriU D. EUis, John Eaton.
Town Clerk — Jonathan H. Cobb.
Treasurer and CoUector — Austin Bryant.
Schaol Committee — Alvan Lamson. Samuel B. Babcock, Cal
vin Durfee, J. W. Parkhurst, Jonalhan H. Cobb.
Constables — Sanford Carroll, Dexter Baker, Addison Boyden.
Firewards.
Reuben S. Wilson, Joseph Day,
Oliver Capen, Eliphalet Stone,
WiUiam Whiting, John Morse,
Colburn Ellis, Benjarain F. Keyes,
Timothy Smiih, Nathaniel Colburn.

The Dedham Bank was est.ablished in 1814, and has a capital
of $150,000. Jeremy Stimson, President ; Lewis H. Kingsbury,
chosen Cashier in January, 1847, in place of Ebenezer Fisher, jr.
resigned, and since deceased.
Dedham Institution for Savings, incorporated March 15, 1831.
It has been in successful operation for sixteen years, and has now
a capital of $275,000. The number of depositors in April, 1847,
was about fourteen hundred and forty. The annual meeting is
held on the first Wednesday in May. Rev. Ebenezer Burgess,
President ; Rev. Alvan Lamson, Hon. John Endicott, Vice-Presi
dents. The Trustees are Martin Marsh, Rev. John White, Rev.
Samuel B. Babcock, Thoraas Barrows, James Richardson, Ezra
W. Taft, Ira Cleveland, Ezra W. Sampson. The Committee of
Investment are Enos Foord, Joseph Guild, John Bullard, Ezra
Wilkinson. Secretary and Treasurer, George EUis, 2d.
There are two Insurance offices. The Norfolk Mutual Fire
Irmcrance Company insure buUdings for seven years. This com-
9

66 DEDHAM AS IT IS.
pany has been in operation twenty-two years, and the cash funds
have accumulated so as to enable the company at this lime to pay
a loss of upwards of fifty-four thousand dollars without raaking
any assessment. The number of policies at risk, April 6, 1847,
was 5369 ; amount insured, $6,060,176. The annual meeting of
this company is held on the first Tuesday in April. The present
officers are Jaraes Richardson, President : Ira Cleveland, Secre
tary ; Martin Marsh, Treasurer.
The Dedham Mut-ual Fire Insurance Company was incorpora
ted in 1837, for insuring buildings and personal property. Their
policies run for one year. The annual meeting is held on the
first Wednesday in July. James Richardson, President, Ira
Cleveland, Secretary.
A handsorae brick edifice has just been erected near the court
house, for the accommodation of the Insurance offices, the Sav
ings Institution, Dedhara Bank, and other offices. A portion of
the baseraent story of this building is improved by Messrs. Pierce
and Dresser, for a market house.
An organized Society exists in the town, provided wilh ample
funds for the prompt pursuit and apprehension of horse thieves,
and the recovery of stolen horses. Its annual meeting is held on
the first Monday in January.
Another organized Society exists in the first parish, called the
Dedham Thief Delecting Society. Its object is the protection of
its membets from thieves and pilferers, and is provided wilh am
ple means for the pursuit and detection of offenders, and recovery
of stolen property.
The Quinobequin Lodge of Odd Fellows, have a large and
coraraodious hall in the vUlage, on Centre-street, where they
hold their regular meetings. They number at this time about
one hundred merabers.
The last of the Aborigines in Dedham, were Alexander Qua-
bish, and Sarah, his wife. Sarah died in 1774, at the house of
Mr. Joseph Wight, on or near Ragged plain, and was buried
in the old Indian burial-place, half a mUe from Mr. Wight's

DEDHAM AS IT IS. 67
house, at the foot of Wigwam hill — being the last person there
deposited. Alexander died at Natick, or Needham, in 1776.
Various Indian relics have from time to time been dug up from
the sand banks in the southerly part of Dedham village, about
one fourth of a mile northwest from Wigwam pond. A stone
pestle, used by the aborigines for grinding maize, excavated in
1836, is now in possession of H. Mann, preserved in its original
shape. Other Indian tools and ornaments, such as chisels, axes,
beads, &c. all of stone, found embedded on lands of deacon Martin
Marsh, reraain in his possession.
Corn Mills. Mr. Jaraes Farrington, on Dedham Island, has
in his possession one of the hand Corn Mills, brou'ght over from
the old country by the first settlers, and used for grinding corn
before the establishment of water mUls here. It is kept in a good
slate of preservation, and is still capable of performing service.
Another of these hand mills is preserved in the family of Mr. Jo
seph Onion. Ornamental Trees in the First Parish.
The Elms on each side of Court-street near the head of School
street, were transplanted in 1790.
Elms in the Upper VUlage, on the road leading from the pond
to the Needham road — in 1805.
The row of beautiful EIras on the west side of Eastern Ave
nue, below ihejPhoenix House to the terminus of the Mechanics'
buildings — in 1832.
Elms on Chesnut Avenue, from High-street lo ViUage Avenue
—in 1836.
Elms on the north side of the road in MiU Village, by the
Stone Factory— in 1838.
Elms on west side of Bow-street, to the bend from High-street,
in 1841 — from thence, southwesterly, in 1846.
American and English" Elms on the Great Coraraon — in 1842.
Forest trees on the north side of East-street — on the west side
of MiU Lane — in Mount Vernon-slreet— and in Park and Auburn
streets, running from East-street to Mt. Vernon-slreet — in 1846.
'Elms on the west side of the street leading from High-street
to the Cemetery — Elms side of the Episcopal church— and on the
west end of ViUage Avenue — in 1846,

68 DEDHAM AS IT IS.
Tow7i Expenses, for the year ending March 1, 1847, as made out
by the Selectmen.
For Poor in the Poor House,  $698 31
" Poor out of the Poor House, .... 226 53
" Patients in State Lunatic Hospital, . . 264 14
" Roads and Bridges  327 31
" Repair of Highways,  1995 59
" Abatement of Taxes  243 16
" Discount on Taxes,  621 22
" Support of Schools, . ,  3892 63
" Removing Snow,  575 37
" Fire Department,  985 24
" Incidental expenses,  97 23
" Town Officers  852 09
" County Tax,  765 24
$11,544 06
Large quantities of excellent Peat are yearly cut from the
meadows bordering on Charles river, and used for fuel. These
peat meadows cover an extent of several hundred acres north and
east of the viUage, and around Dedham Island. The Fowl mead
ows, adjoining Neponset river, also furnish an abundance of this
article. The Public Schools are in a flourishing condition. In the
annual report presented to the town, April 6, 1846, the School
Committee remark — " Dedham is not wanting in liberality in the
grant of money for the support of schools. In the comparative
amount granted for the education of each child between the ages
of four and sixteen, it stood in 1843-4, the eighth in the list of
towns in the Commonwealth, and in 1844-5, the ninth. It prob
ably occupies nearly the same position now." In May, 1846,
Dedham stood number twelve among the three hundred and nine
towns of Massachusetts. This apparent falling back in the list of
towns, for a year or two past, is not caused by any deficiency or
retrograde movement in our own schools, for they are continually
improving, but is owing to the laudable competition of other
towns to excel in the advancement of knowledge. A spirit is
apparent among the citizens at this lime, frora which it is fair to

DEDHAM AS IT IS, 69
infer that Dedham will not be long in regaining at least her
former position in the list of towns, as regards its schools, it
having this year raised the grant from 3750 to 5000 dollars. The
Prudential committees contract with the teachers. The whole
nuraber of school children in the town, according to the last re
turns, is 822. They are enumerated in the several Districts, as
follows :
Districts. Scholars. Districts. Scholars. Districts. Scholars.
No. 1. 218 No. 5. 42 No. 9. 53
" 2. 87 " 6. 99 " 10. 24
" 3. 110 " 7. 28 " 11. 15
" 4. 45 " 8. 101
The Sunday Schools, connected with the different religious so
cieties in the lown, are under the general superintendence of
the several clergymen. The teachers perform their labors gratu
itously, and the schools are usuaUy well attended.
The Ladies' Sewing Circfes, in the different parishes, are among
the most prominent and active societies for the reUef of suffering
humanity. Social meetings are frequently held, al slated peri
ods, where each member contributes according lo her ability lo
swell the funds devoted to charitable objects. Ever ready and
prompt to assist those of our species upon whom the hand of
misfortune presses heavily, the agents of these benevolent socie
ties require no second call upon them for aid ; while the silent
prayer ascends from many a grateful heart, whose urgent wants
are anticipated and relieved. The public and sabbath schools
also receive a new impetus from the lively interest exhibited by
the ladies of Dedham in their prosperity ; and it is lo their influ
ence and active exertions, that the town is greatly indebted for
the recent improveraents in the several cemeteries. These im
provements have served to dispel much of the gloom that formerly
overshadowed them, and contributed to render a visit to these
" cities of the dead" attractive rather than repulsive, to those of a
contemplative mind, whose friends and relatives are there repos
ing. Cemetery in the First Parish.
A portion of the grounds appropriated for a Burial Place in the
first parish, was taken from the south end of the homelots orig-

70 DEDHAM AS IT IS.
inally assigned to Nicholas PhiUips and Joseph Kingsbury, and
set apart, in 1638, " for the use of a public burial place for the
town forever." A' way leading from High-street by the meeting
house to the burial place was established in 1664, on the west
side of the church lot, one rod broad, and to be kept in repair at
the public charge.
In the winter of 1839-40, eleven hundred and twenty-five dol
lars were raised in the first parish, for improvements in their bu
rial ground — as foUows :
Ladies, by subscription and Fair, . . . $575
Gentlemen, by subscription  450
Ladies' Charitable Society, . , . . . 50
Private donations, .,  50
At a meeting of the citizens, a commiltee of three, one from
each Society in the parish, was chosen, viz : Martin Marsh for
Rev. Dr. Lamson's society, John Bullard for Rev. Dr. Burgess'
society, and Ira Cleveland for the Episcopal church, to superin
tend the expenditure of the funds.
The pubhc improvements were begun in the spring of 1840,
and since that lime four or five hundred trees and shrubs of vari
ous kinds, comprising more than fifty varieties, have been planted,
and are now mostly in vigorous growth ; some of which have at
tained considerable size. A new wall of faced' stone has been
erected in front, wilh two iron gates at the entrance ways, and a
carriage way 'and paths have been made. Upwards of thirty
monuments of marble, free stone and granite have been erected,
surrounded by suitable fences, at an expense of about five thou
sand dollars, by various individuals, in private lots, in different
parts of the ground.
For the commenceraent and completion of these improvements
the public are mainly indebted to Ira Cleveland, Esq.

Cemetery in the West Parish.
The Burial Ground in the third parish being an unseemly spot,
in the year 1843 measures were proposed and adopted for im
proving its appearance. The Ladies commenced, and appropria
ted about seven hundred dollars, the avails of two Fairs, to the
prosecution of the undertaking.

DEDHAM AS IT IS. 71
A piece of adjoining land, already covered by a natural growth
of forest trees, given by the owners and sorae other friends, was
added to the old enclosure. About four hundred dollars were
raised by subscription araong the gentlemen of the parish. The
amount of money, not far from eleven hundred dollars, having
been expended in erecting a handsorae and substantial iron fence,
in smoothing the surface of the earth, in setling out trees and
shrubs in the old ground, and in forming convenient paths, the
Cemetery has lost its forbidding aspect, wears a beautiful and
attractive appearance, and, thus adorned, gives evidence of the
good taste and of the enterprise of the inhabitants of the west
parish.

POWDER HOUSE.
The brief history of the pile of mason work that now stands so
conspicuously near the road, on Dedham Island, the origin and
use of which has excited no little curiosity, is this : In May,
1762, the town voted, " to have the powder house builded on a
great rock in Aaron Fuller's land, near Charles river," and cap
tain EUphalet Fales, Daniel Gay and Ebenezer Kingsbury were
chosen a coraraittee to buUd the house. At the raeeting in May,
1765, the above named commiltee not having complied with the
request of the town to build, two more persons were joined, viz.
deacon Nathaniel Kingsbury and captain David Fuller, and in
structed to have said house erected forthwith ; — the same " to be
eight feet square, on the outside, and six feet high under the
plates— the materials to be brick and lime mortar." It was done,
and for many years the building was used for the storage of am
munition.

THE DAMON DONATION.
In 1779, deacon Samuel Damon made a donation to the town
of one thousand dollars, on the following conditions : 1st, the
money to be loaned out, never to be expended, but to remain a
standing fund during time. 2d, the interest accruing therefrom,

72 DEDHAM AS IT IS.
to be expended annually among such of the inhabitants as may be
in lovv and indigent circumstances, but not to such as are at the
lime of distribution a charge to the town. 3d, the oldest deacon
of the first church to be the treasurer, to loan the money, keep the
securities, and collect the inlerest yearly. 4lh, the Town to
choose annually one good and faithful man in each parish to re
ceive from said treasurer and distribute as above, the share each
parish is to draw, which shall be in proportion to what each par
ish pays towards the state or town tax. This committee is to
furnish such poor famUies with a bible, if destitute of one, and to
report lo the town the manner which such interest money is dis
posed of. The conditions, of which the above are the substance,
are entered in full upon the town records, and the interest has
continued to be distributed to this time, according to the wish of
the donor.

Number of Dwelling Houses and Polls.
In May, 1845. In May, 1846.
Dwelling Houses. Polls. Dwelling Houses. PoUs.
First Parish, 327 591 342 635
Second Parish, 113 171 113 169
Third Parish, 124 192 127 199

Total, 564 954 582 1003

Progress of Population.
In 1765 the number of inhabitants was 1919
" " " " 1659
" 1973
•' 2172
" 2485
" " " " 3057
" " " " 3532
" " " 3290

In 1790 '

In

1800 '

In

1810 '

In

1820 '

In

1830 '

In

1837 •

In 1840 '

MANUFACTURES. 73
STATISTICS OF MANUFACTURES.
The foUowing Statistics of certain branches of Industry, as
they existed in the lown on the first of April, 1845, are gathered
from the return of the Assessors, raade agreeably to the direc
tions of the general court of March 21, 1845.
Number of Cotton MUls, 2, with 4400 spindles. Amount of
cotton consumed during the year ending April 1, 1845, 199,700
pounds. Yards of cotton cloth manufactured during said year,
971,500. Gross value of the sarae, $56,575.
One Spool Thread cotton factory, which spools 5000 pounds
of cotton.
Amount of capital invested in the manufacture of cotton, sixty-
one thousand two hundred doUars. Nuraber of males employed
in said business, 29, females 75.
Woollen MiUs, 3, with twelve sets of woollen machinery, con
suming during the year 305,000 pounds of wool. Yards of Cas-
simere manufactured, 135,000 ; value, $45,000. Vards of Sati
net, 165,000 ; value, $105,000.
Amount of capital invested, $75,000. Nuraber of males em
ployed, 80 ; females, 80.
SUk Manufactory, 1. Pounds of Sewing Silk manufactured,
7300. Value, $47,450. Capital invested, $10,000. Males em
ployed 6, females 34.
Furnace, for manufacturing Hollow Ware and Castings, 1.
Tons of hollow ware and other castings manufactured, 175. —
Capital invested, $4500. Hands employed, 12.
Manufactories of Shovels, Spades, Forks and Hoes, 2. Value
of manufactured articles, $3847. Hands employed 5.
Paper Manufactory, 1. Pounds of paper manufactured, 175,-
000. Value, $7000. Capital invested, $-5000. Hands em
ployed, 5.
Chair and Cabinet Manufactories, 8. Value of manufactured
articles, $51,671. Capital invested, $15,900'. Hands eraployed
in the same, 58.
Tin Ware and Sheet Iron manufactories, 2. Value of tin
ware manufactured, $500 ; of sheet iron, $2400. Capital invest
ed, $600. Number of hands employed, 3.
10

74

MANUFACTURES.

Establishments for the manufacture of Chaises, Coaches, Wag
gons, and other vehicles, 4. Value of articles manufactured dur
ing said year, $5700. Capital invested, $1400. Number of
hands employed, 9,
Tanneries, 2. The number of Hides tanned during said year,
121,000. Value of Leather tanned and curried, $48,450. Cap
ital invested, $17,000. Hands employed 15.
PazVs o/'£oais manufactured during the year, 1380; of Shoes,
37,445. Value of Boots and Shoes, $28,285. Males employed,
35, females, 24.
Value of Saddles and Harnesses manufactured daring the year
$825. Cigar manufactories, 2. Value of cigars manufactured, $5300.
Males employed, 6, females, 4.
Pocket Book and Rule Manufactory, 1. Value of articles man
ufactured, 2-3 pocket books, 1-3 rules, $13,000. Capital invest
ed in same, $4000. Males employed 5, females 4.
Establishment for Marble and Fancy Colored Papers, 1. Gross
value of marble and fancy colored papers, $10,000 ; of enamelled
and other business cards, $8000. Capital invested in said busi
ness, $7500. Males employed, 5, females, 10.
Turning MiU, 1. Gross value of turned work, in wood $8000,
in iron axletrees, $1200. Capital invested, $3000. Hands em
ployed, 9.
Hat and Cap Manufactory, coloring connected, 1. Value of
hats and caps manufactured, $425. Araount received for color
ing. $400.
GaUons of Sperm and other Oil consumed in the manufactur
ing establishments, 5005. Value of other articles of American
production, e.xcepling cotton, wool, and iron, consumed by said
manufacturing establishments, $7500. Value of all other articles
of foreign production, excepting as above, consumed by same
$11,600. Bushels Indian Corn produced during said year, 4845 ; value,
$3876. Bushels Rye, 575 ; value, ^517. Bushels Barley, 404 ;'
value, $202. Bushels Oats, 17; value $11. Bushels Potatoes'
27,586 ; value $8552.
Value of other Esculent Vegetables, $1392.

DEDHAM NEWSPAPERS. 75
Bushels of Fruit, various kinds, 10,362 ; value, 2853 dollars.
Gallons of Milk produced during the year, 179,689 ; value,
17,969 dollars.
Pounds of Butter, 13,130; value, 2100 doUars.
Pounds,of Cheese, 3373; value 203 dollars.
The machinery used in the manufacturing of several of the
above branches of industry, is moved by steam power.

DEDHAM NEWSPAPERS.
In my endeavors to give an authentic record of Dedham News
papers, from their first commenceraent, it is deemed proper lo
stale that I have nol been able to procure a copy of any one print
ed prior to December, 1797, when Mr. H. Mann became the pub
lisher. In a " Minerva" bearing date Deceraber 5, 1799, is the
following paragraph ; — "This number of the Columbian Minerva
corapletes two years since the present editor has become proprietor
of it." As the paper was published weekly, and the one contain
ing this extract was numbered 165, vol. 4, it is inferred that the
publication was commenced fourteen months before Mr. Mann
became the proprietor, and very probably by Nathaniel and Ben
jamin Heaton, of whom, as near as can be ascertained, he pur
chased the printing establishment. This probability is slill fur
ther strengthened by the following obituary notice, published in a
Minerva dated June 12, 1800 ;— " Died, at Wrentham, Mr. Ben
jamin Heaton, formerly one of the editors of the Minerva."
1796. ColumMan Minerva commenced in October. In De
cember, 1797, the printing establishment was purchased by Her
man Mann, senior, who then became the proprietor and editor of
the paper. It was discontinued September 4, 1804, when its ed
itor, in his valedictory address to the patrons of the paper, re
marks — " Few persons of the present day, are willing to labor,
either with hands or head, without compensation, and, generally,
what is called a handsome profit ;" and a^dds, " while I am ready,
and do, from my heart, lament my inabUities, as an editor, to
make it [the Minerva] of the utmost utility — I have to deplore
the want of encouragement to bring every latent spark of genius
into its best e-tercise." The last remark holds true of a majority
of its successors.

76 DEDHAM NEWSPAPERS.
1805. Norfolk Repository, commenced May 14, by Herman
Mann, senior, editor and proprietor. It was issued in a quarto
form of eight pages, and was continued to September 17, when
the " post-rider" suddenly disappearing with a large share of the
funds belonging to the establishment, its publication was " una
voidably suspended," and was not again resumed until March 25,
1806 ; from which time it was published in the quarto form until
its final discontinuance in 1811.
1813. Dedham Gazette commenced ; Jabez Chickering, pro
prietor ; Theron Metcalf, editor ; Abel D. Alleyne, printer. On
the first of January, 1819, the establishment was purchased by
H. Mann, jr. and WiUiara H. Mann, who published the paper
six months, when it was discontinued.
1820. Village Register, commenced June 9 ; printed by H.
Mann, jr. and brother, three months for Asa Gowen, proprietor.
September 15, Jonalhan H. Cobb became proprietor, who pub
lished it one year ; H. & W. H. Mann, printers. Its publication
was then continued a few months by Barnum Field. October 18,
1822, the Messrs. Manns became the proprietors, and the paper
was published by them until March 5, 1824, when it was printed
by the Manns for David L. Holbrook, one year. After which,
H. &. W. H. Mann became sole proprietors, and continued to
pubUsh the paper untU November, 1829, when it was discon
tinued. 1829. Norfolk County Republican commenced December 3d,
and continued one year only. It was printed by H. & W. H.
Mann, for John B. Derby, editor.
1830. Dedham Patriot commenced December 31, by Herman
Mann, jr. and published under the firm of H. & W. H. Mann.
The latter soon disposing of his share in the printing-office to
John B. Tolman, the paper was continued under the firm of
Mann & Tolman until August 26, 1831, when it came into the
possession of H. Mann, jr. and was pubUshed by him untU De
cember, 1835. On the first of January, 1836, S. C. & E. Mann
became the proprietors ; John S. Houghton editor and printer.
In October, same year, it was called the Dedham Patriot and

DEDHAM NEWSPAPERS. 77
Canton Gazette. In July, 1837, Houghton & Ewer became pro
prietors. In January 1838, Smith & Ewer were the proprietors ;
J. S. Houghton slill the editor. In October, 1838, S. C. & E,
Mann again became the proprietors and publishers. In January,
1840, the printing-office was removed lo Roxbury, and the paper
assuraed the title of Dedham Patriot and Roxbury Democrat ;
Warren B. Ewer editor and proprietor. In March, 1841, it
was called the Patriot and Democrat. In April following,
John S. March becarae the proprietor. In August, 1841, the
printing-office was again reraoved to Dedham, and the old narae
oi Dedham Patriot resumed ; W. B. Ewer editor, proprietor and
. printer. In June, 1842, the litle was changed to Norfolk County
American, and in November, same year, Jonathan B. Mann be
came the proprietor, with J. F. Moore as joint editor. The pres
ent editor and proprietor, Edward L. Keyes, came into possession
in May, 1844. In the spring of 1846, the printing establish
ment was once more removed to Roxbury, where its publication
is still continued.
1831. Independent Politician and Working Men's Advocate,
coraraenced January 1, by L. Powers, proprietor and printer ;
Joseph A. Wilder, editor. In the autumn of sarae year, Ebene
zer Fish became the proprietor. July 13, 1832, it assumed the
title of Norfolk Advertiser and Independent Politician. April 2,
1836, it was simply the Norfolk Advertiser. August 1, 1837,
Elbridge G. Robinson became the proprietor and publisher, until
its discontinuance, February 1, 1839, when the Norfolk Democrat
commenced from the same office ; E. G. Robinson proprietor and
printer ; SUas W. WUder editor to February, 1843 ; since which
time the paper has been continued by Mr. Robinson, editor and
proprietor.

OLD AND NEW STFLE OF COMPUTING TIME.
The exact solar year is found by astronomers to be 365 days,
6 hours, 48 minutes, 48 seconds. But in computing time, the
solar year is assumed to consist of 365 days, 6 hours, 49 min
utes. This computation, which was made and promulgated by

78 OLD AND NEW STYLE OF OOMrUTING TIME.
Pope Gregory XIII. in 1582, and thence called llic Gregorian
style, requires that an intercalation of one day in February should
be made every fourth yeor, for the recovery of tho odd hours;
and that the sixteen hundredth year of the Christian era, and ev
ery fourth century hereafter, should be a bissextile or leap year,
for tho recovery of tho odd minutes, lie also ordained, in order
to restore tho equinoxes which, according to the previous mode of
computing lime, had fallen back ten days since A. D. 326, that
ten days should be cut off after tho fourth day of October, so that
the fifth should be the fifteenth. The odd seconds would require
the intercalation of one day in about 7200 years.
This New Style of computing timo is now introduced in most
countries of Europe, but was not adopted in England, and con
sequently not in this country, until 1752, when by an act of Par
liament it was ordered, that eleven days should be stricken off
from the month of Septeniber in that year, and the third day of
that month be made ihe fourteenth.
The rule therefore to be observed in reducing old style to new,
appears to be, thai lo all dates subsequent to October 4, 1582,
and previous to tho introduction of the new style in this country,
ten days only should be added, except the year 1600, when eleven
days are required for that year only ; it being the bissextile or
leap year for the recovery of the odd minutes. Tho years 2000,
2400, 2800, will each require a day to be added for tho recovery
of the odd minutes up to those dates respectively, in tho same
way that a day is added every fourth year, for recovering the odd
hours, bat for those years only. The eleven daya stricken off
by the British Parliament included the additional one required for
the year 1600, and could only apply to the year 1752, when tha
Gregorian style was adopted. Every year divisible by 4, without
a remainder, is leap year.
In this book, all dates in the early records arc raade lo corres
pond with the present style of computing timo, according to the
above rule.

TOWN CLERKS — SELECT.-^IEN.

79

TOWN CLERKS.
The name of each individual is given the year in which he
was first elected ; and the number of years he was chosen is ad
ded, without noticing the particular years. Town Clerks and
Selectmen were elected for the first time May 17, 1639.

1639— Edward AUen 2
1641— Eleazer Lusher 23
1643— Michael Powell 4
1657 — Joshua Fisher 4
1661— Timothy Dwight 10
1681- Nathaniel Stearns 5
1687— Thoraas Battelle 2
1690— John Fuller 4
1694— WiUiam Avery 15
1709— Joseph Wight 13
1720— Jeremiah Fisher 6
1727— John Gay 2
1729— William Avery 1
1731— John Metcalf 16
1747— Eliphalet Pond 12

1755— Jonathan Metcalf 1
1759— William Avery 4
1764— Samuel Dexter 5
1769 — Isaac Whiting 6
1773— Joseph Guild 4
177S — Ebenezer Battelle 2
1780— Abner Ellis 1
1781— Ichabod Gay 2
1783— Nathaniel Kingsbury 1
17S1— Isaac BuUard 3
1787— Eliphalet Pond 25
1812— Josiah Daniell 3
1S15— Richard Ellis 29
1S24— John Bullard 1
1845— Jonalhan H. Cobb 3

SELECTMEN.

The sarae rule is adopted here as under the head of Town

Clerks, in reference to the time
years in office.
1639— Edward Allen 3 1
John Kingsbury 12
John Luson 2
Eleazer Lusher 29
John Dwight 16
Robert Hinsdale 3
John Bachelor 2
1640— Ralph Wheelock 1
John Hayward 9
1641— Samuel Morse 2
Thomas Wight 6
Nathan Aldis 3
Michael Metcalf 1
Francis Chickering- 15
1642 — Henry Chickering 6
1643— Peter Woodward 16

of election and the number of
1643— Michael PoweU 4
1644— William Bullard 2
Timothy Dwight 24
1645 — Joseph Kingsbury 2
Henrv Phillips 1
1646— Anthony Fisher 2
Edward Richards 9
1649— Joshua Fisher 21
16-50— Daniel Fisher 32
1651— Nathaniel Colburn 5
1654— John Gay 1
1658— John Hunting 15
Jonathan Fairbanks 1
1661— Richard Everett 1
John Bacon 4
Henrv Wight 10

80

SELECTMEN.

1661— Ralph Day 2
Daniel Pond 14
1663— Thomas FuUer 14
1664— William Avery S
1673— Richard Ellis 9
1675— John Aldis 12
John Farrington 2
1677— Thoraas Battelle 5
1678— Thomas Metcalf 10
1681— Nathaniel Stearns 5
1684— William Avery 22
1687— Peter Woodward 1
1688— Timothy Dwight 1
James Thorp 1
1690— John Fuller 5
Daniel Fisher 9
Ezra Morse 4
Joseph Wight 18
1692— Asahel Smith 3
Nathaniel Chickering 1
1693— Samuel GuUd 20
Eleazer Kingsbury 10
1694— Nathaniel BuUard 2
1697— Josiah Fisher 5
1698— Samuel Gay 1
Robert Avery 1
1699— Jonathan Metcalf 1
1702— Thomas Fuller 5
Joseph Fairbanks 3
1704— Nathaniel Gay 7
Amos Fisher 2
1705— John FuUer 2
Benjamin Colburn 2
1706— John Smith 3
1707— Timothy Whiting 8
1710— Robert Cook 1
1711— John Ellis 3
1712— Daniel Wight 2
1714— Joseph EUis 5
Michael Metcalf 7
1715— Comfort Starr 3
1716— Johi^ Metcalf 27
1717 — Nathaniel Kingsbury 2
William BuUard 8
1718— WUliam Avery 5
John Hunting 1

1719 — Jeremiah Fisher 6
Samuel Ware 1
Joseph Dean 2
1720— Jabez Pond 2
1721— John Gay 4
Joseph Smith 1
1722— Ebenezer Woodward 3
1724— John Everett 8
1727— Joseph Smith 2
1729— Eleazer EUis 1
1731— Nathaniel Chickering 5
John Fisher 2
Joseph Richards 5
1732— Ephraim Wilson 7
1736— Richard Everett 5
Jeremiah Fisher 6
Josiah Fisher 7
1739 — Jonathan Onion 3
Jonathan Whiting 2
1741— Joseph Wight 14
Nathaniel Battle 3
1742— Eleazer Fisher 2
Joseph EUis 2
1743— Eliphalet Pond 16
1744— William Everett 5
Richard Ellis 3
Joshua Ellis 3
1746 — James Draper 1
Lusher Gay 2
1747_Michael Bacon 1
1748— Hezekiah Allen 2
1749— Ezra Morse 4
Nathaniel Colburn 1
1750 — Benjamin Fairbanks 3
Nathaniel Wilson 3
1753_Nathaniel Sumner 19
Isaac Whiling 12
Joseph Chickering 2
1755_Jonalhan Metcalf 1
Stephen Badlam 4
Jonalhan Day 3
1756 — James Draper 2
1758— William Avery 13
Daniel Gay 3
Ralph Day 2
1759 — John Jones 3

SELECTMEN.

81

1760 — Ebenezer Everett 4
1762— David Fuller 2
Samuel Colburn 5
Daniel Chickering 4
1764 — Samuel Dexter 5
Ebenezer Newell 7
1767— Joseph Haven 5
1768— Joseph Guild 7
1769— Abijah Draper 5
1770— WUliam Whiting 3
1771— William Bullard 2
1773— Isaac Bullard 5
Nathaniel Kingsbury 5
Isaac Colburn 2
Nathaniel Battle , 1
1774 — Jonalhan Dean 1
1775 — Samuel Daraon 3
Ichabod Gay 4
1776— Isaac Whiting 2
George Gould 7
Eleazer Allen 1
1777 — Jereraiah Kingsbury 1
1778— Ebenezer Battelle 2
John EUis 13
Ichabod Ellis 1
1779— Ebenezer Smith 2
Ebenezer Battle 1
1780— Abner Ellis 1
Abiathar Richards 1
1783 — Lemuel Richards 1
1784 — Ebenezer Gay 1
1785 — Ebenezer Fisher 1
Benjamin Fairbanks 1
1786— Aaron FuUer 16
Joseph Gay 1
1787— Eliphalet Pond 16
Nathaniel Whiting 4
James Kingsbury 1
1788— Joseph Whiting 3
1791— Eliphalet Thorp 1
1792— George EUis 10
Calvin Whiting 14
1793— Jesse Gay 6

1793— Abel Richards 1
1794— Asa Fisher 1
Jonathan Rjchards 5
1795— Joseph Turner 1
Oliver Guild 4
1797 — Benjamin Fairbanks 1
1799— Abner Guild 4
Samuel H. Dean 10
1801— Isaac Colburn 2
1803— Moses Whiting 6
Abner Ellis 7
Ebenezer Suraner 1
1804— Joshua Whiting 9
1805 — Benjamin Colburn 1
1806— Seth Gay 2
1808— Richard Ellis 4
Josiah Daniell 7
1809 — Benjarain Fisher 1
1811— Williara Phipps 6
1813— Moses Gay 3
1815— Joseph Onion 2
Paul Ellis 1
1816— Joshua Fales 5
1817— Martin Marsh 12
Obed Baker 3
1819— Jesse Gay 3
WUiiara Ellis 2
1820— John Guild 6
1825— John Bullard 20
Lewis Rhoads 7
Jaraes Peltee 2
John Dean 8
1826 — Jereraiah Draper 1
1828— Colburn Ellis 14
1830— Ebenezer Fisher 1
1831— Wm. King Gay 1
1832— Jabez Sumner 9
George Ellis 2d- 14
1833— Timothy P. Whitney 1
EUis FuUer 7
1842— J. N. E. Mann 4
1843— Martin Draper 5
1846— Mason Richards ' 2

11

S2 ALLOTMENT OF LANDS.

^ALLOTMENT AND VALUE OF LANDS.
A survey having been raade of such lands near al hand as
were suitable for tillage, a dividend was made of them among the
proprietors, in 1643, by the seven men who were annually select
ed to have the general supervision of public affairs. In making
this division, the following general rules were observed :
" 1. The number of persons one considerable role in division,
yet not the only rule ; and it was considered, — 2, That servants
should be referred to men's estates and according to raen's estates.
3. According to men's rank, quality, deseriand usefulness, either
in church or coramonweallh. 4. That men of useful trades may
have material to improve the same, be encouraged, and have land
as near home as may be convenient; and that husbandmen that
have abilities to improve more than others be considered in this
division." These rules appear to have been observed so long as there
were any common lands remaining to be divided ; a portion be
ing always appropriated and set apart for the public use of the
town, the church, and the school.
In all divisions of woods and waste lands, each proprietor re
ceived a quantity proportioned lo the number of shares, or "cow
coramons," originally aUotted him. A general division of these
lands was agreed upon by the proprietors in 1659, by which
means it was that each became possessed of lots in different parts
of the town. Many of these estates still remain in possession of
the descendants of those to whom they were originally allotted.
During the first century of the settlement, the worth of these
lands in raoney was but of little account in coraparison with
tbeir present value in the market. A committee appointed by
the lovvn in 1650, to purchase some lands adjoining Dedham and
now included within its limits, then belonging to Ro.xbury peo
ple, were restricted from giving more than 60^. for one thousand
acres. Many of these acres would now be valued separately at
prices equal lo the reputed value of the whole at that time. As
the populalvon ofthe lovvn increased, they of course became more
and more in demand, and the ratio of valoe kept pace with it.

ALLOTMENT AND VALUE OF LANDS. 83
Since the construction of raUroads, the usual products of farms
are brought from a distance to compete with the produce of the
soil in this quarter. The tendency of this competition is, lo les
sen the worth of lands here, for farming purposes. But these
sarae railroads also tend to the increase of business in the neigh
boring cities, and to such an extent as to corapel the inhabitants
to seek locations for their dweUing houses in the surrounding
country. The healthy situation of Dedham, its beautiful scenery, with
its excellent schools, combined with the nuraerous elegant sites
for building spots in the vicinity of the terminus of the branch
railroad, offer great inducements for such to make this lown their
permanent residence. Of these advantages they will undoubted-
,ly continue lo avail ihemselves to an alraost unliraited extent, so
long as building spots can be obtained at reasonable prices. Any
extravagant price required for lands here, would inevitably drive
people lo seek other locations for the erection of their dwellings,
who would otherwise gladly locate theraselves in this pleasant
town. The proprietors of the soil loo, wUl doubdess in time turn their
attention more to the cultivation of greater varieties of early fruits,
and the raising of garden vegetables for the market, lo supply the
continually increasing deraand. A large portion of the soil here
is well adapted to this kind of produce. If righUy managed, it
can scarcely fail of proving a profitable source of revenue to the
landholders ; raore especially as these productions cannot so well
be brought in corapelition from abroad, as is the case with the
more staple and less perishable articles.
These natural deviations from the present established course of
agricultural pursuits, together with the further introduction of
manufactures and the mechanic arts into the lowp, wUl keep
lands here from falling below their present rates, and gradually
enhance their value.
The foUowing are the names of Proprietors, to whom the grant
of lands aUuded to in the commencement of this article vvas
made. They are copied from the town records, folio 1, page 81.
The date corresponds with the 16th of February, 1643, present
style.

84

ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS — CLAV GROUNDS.

" The 6th of the 12 month, 1642.
" Granted to those persons vvhose naraes are underwritten, of
upland ground fit for improvement with the plough, as follow
eth :" Original Proprietors of Lands.

John Kingsbury
John Hayward
John Bachelor
Michael Bacon
Thomas Alcocke
Robert Ware
Thomas Paine
Austin Kalem
John Ellis
John Eaton
Thomas Eames
Mr. Samuel Cook
William Bullard
John Bullard
John Gay
Anthony Fisher
Twaits Strickland
Thomas Wight
Henry Chickering
John Thurston
Elizabeth Fisher
Robert Gowen
Thomas Jordan

James Jordan
James Allin
John Newton
Edward AUeyn
Edward Colver
Robert Mason
John Allin, pastor
Joseph Kingsbury
Henry Brocke
Nathaniel Colburn
Henry Phillips
Nathan Aldis
Samuel Morse
John Morse
Joseph Morse
Richard Ellis
John Hunting, elder
John Roper
Henry Smith
Richard Barber
Lambert Genery
Thomas Leader"
Timothy Dwight

John Dwight
Nathaniel Whiting
Edward Kempe
Thoraas Bayer
Edward Richards
Francis Chickering
WiUiam Bearstow
George Bearstow
Jonalhan Fairbanks
John Fairbanks
Michael Powell
Michael Metcalf
Henry Wilson
John Frary
Eleazer Lusher
Peter Woodward
Richard Everett
John Guild
Ferdinando Adams
James Herring
Sarauel Bullen
Daniel Morse

CLAY GROUNDS.
The bricks used in building the houses of the first settlers of
Dedhara, were raade from the clay found in various places near
their dwellings. One of the principal clay pits vvas that on the
lot of Michaisl Metcalf on Dedhara Island, now included in the
farm of Thomas Motley, Esq. A brick kiln was worked at this
place at an early date. In May, 1643, the proprietors "Ordered,
that Thomas Paine and all that are enclosed by the fence on the
Island near the brick kiln shall dig a ditch from the creek al
ready ditched to the upland, to fence their corn and meadow ;
and if the town shall hereafter see cause to dig a creek to come
up with a boat from the river lo the brick kiln, the town shall

CLAY GROUNDS. 85
make the said parties that dig the ditch such satisfaction as shall
be considered by indifferent men, that the said ditch shall further
the digging of the creek." In 1661, Robert Ware wishing to ex
change a highway leading to the clay pits near this brick kiln,
Thomas Fuller and Thomas Paine are deputed to lay out the
new way, which is done accordingly. This way was kept open
until 1745, when it being represented that it might be closed
without detriraent to the town, perraission was granted for shut
ting it up, liberty being reserved for the inhabitants to pass and
repass, to carry away the clay that might be dug there.
In October, 1649, John Dwight and Lieut. Fisher are deputed
to bargain wilh Larabert Genery, for a small parcel of land in his
lot, where clay may be found for brick, and return answer lo the
selectmen ; who return answer that said Lambert hereby gives it
to the town. Ralph Day is allowed the free use of the clay for
making bricks, and is also aUowed to take what Wood he may
want for that purpose frora the coramon lands.
Another spot where' clay was dug in considerable quantities
was in East-street, on land allotted to George Bearstow, now be
longing to the heirs of Ebenezer Fairbanks, and near his late
residence. Leave was granted to the town by the proprietor, in
1647, to dig clay in this ground, as appears by the foUowing rec
ord ; — "January 5, George Bearstow granteth to the town that
part of his house lol that lyeth at the west end thereof, where
clay is accustomed lo be digged, viz. from the Little river or
creek al the end of his said lot, all the breadth thereof so far east
ward as clay is to be found, together with a sufficient space for a
passage from said parcel lo the creek, on the south side of said
lot, so long as clay is to be found in that place ; the town to
maintain a sufficient fence on the south side of said lot to the
Litlle river or creek aforesaid, so long as the inhabitants make
use of such way." Soon after, this property coraing into posses
sion of John Fairbanks, senior, some difficulty relating to this
fence arose between the new proprietor and the lown. The case
was finaUy left to the consideration of referees, mutuaUy chosen,
who, in 1678, decided that the town pay to Fairbanks 30s. in
money, and also allow him two smaU parcels of land adjacent,
containing about three and an half acres, in full satisfaction.

86 GRADUATES.
Clay is also found lo some extent on the Sprague farm at Low
Plain, on land of Leonard Fisher in the south parish, and olher
places in the town. This clay is now more valuable for the man
ufacturing of sheathing paper than bricks.

A CATALOGUE OF NATIVES OF DEDHAM,
Who have Graduated at Harvard Umversity.
[For the collecting and tracing out the names comprised under the
above title, and for their parentage and date of birth, the reader is in
debted to one of the number. The other points of their history, which
are annexed, are contributed by a friend.]
The year each person graduated is prefixed to his name. Those with
out a mark prefixed were of the First Parish, t West Parish, t South
Parish. § Foarth Parish, now Dover.
1675. DANIEL ALLIN, son of Rev. John and Margaret Allin, bom
August 5, 1656. Winthrop calls him (Ms. Hist, of Graduates) " a phy
sician in Boston." He seems from his Will, (Sufiblk Prob. Rec.) to
have died in December, 1692.
1687. JOSIAH DWIGHT, son of Timothy and Ann Dwight, born
February 8, 1670; first minister of Woodstock, Ct., from 1690 to 1726;
first minister of Dedham, West Parish, ordained Jnne 4, 1735, dismissed
May 10, 1743 ; returned to Woodstock ; died in 1748. He published in
1745 in Boston an "Essay on the outcry raised against regular singing,"
(the then modem fashion of singing the entire hymn consecutively)
also, a sermon originally preached at Framingham. Flynt Dwight (H.
U. 1724) was a son.
1693. JOHN WOODWARD, son of Peter and Mehitabell Wood
ward, born December 7, 1671 ; second minister of Norwich, Ct., or
dained in 1699 ; dismissed in 1716. He is asterized (that is, denoted as
dead) in the Catalogue of 1T4S.
1706. DANIEL BAKER, son of Johu and Abigail Baker, born
April 18, 1686 ; second minister of Sherburne, ordained in 1713 ; mar
ried Mary Elliott, widow, sister of Edmund Quincy (H. U. 1699) died
May 14, 1731. He published two sermons, 1726-28.
1706. NATHANIEL FISHER, son of Daniel and Mary Fisher, born
April 5, 1686 ; first minister of Dighton, ordained November 26, 1712, a
colleague was given him in 17T2; died in 1777.

GRADUATES. 87
1706. JOSEPH AVERY, son of William and Elizabeth Avery, born
April 9, 1687 ; first minister of Norton, ordained October 26, 1714 ; died
April 23, 1770.
1706. JOHN AVERY, brother of the above, born December 26,
1685 ; first miuister of Truro, for which he also served as physician, or
dained November, 1711 ; died April 25, 1754.
1714. EBENEZER GAY, son of Nathaniel and Lydia Gay, born
August 15, 1696 ; third minister of Hingham, ordained June 11, 1718 ;
married Jerusha, daughter of Samuel Bradford of Duxbury ; died March
18, 1787. His published sermons are eighteen in number, of which the
"Old Man's Calendar" is best known and has been more than once re
printed. 1721. JABEZ WIGHT, son of Joseph and Mary Wight, born July
12, 1701 ; ordained at East Norwich, (now Preston) Ct., October 27^
1726 ; married Ruth Swan of Stonington, Ct, ; died September 11, 1782.
1721. JOSEPH RICHARDS, son of John and Judith Richards,
born April 18, 1701 ; physician iu Dedham ; Justice of the Peace ; Rep
resentative ; Colonel of Militia ; died February 25, 1761.
1721. JOHN WIGHT, son of Daniel and Annah Wight, born April
22, 1699 ; first minister of New Marblehead, (now Windham) Me.; or
dained December 14, 1743 ; married Mary Pond of Dedham ; died May
8, 1753.
1726. DANIEL DWIGHT, son of Michael and Rachel Dwight,
born October 28, 1707; the Boston News Letter which notices his death
in Dedham speaks of him as "having fitted for the ministry and been an
occasional preacher, but had for years engaged in other business" died
July 4, 1747.
1726. JEREMIAH FISHER, son of Jeremiah and Deborah Fisher,
born September 23, 1704 ; farmer in Dedham ; married Elizabeth Cook
of Boston ; died July, 1752.
1737. t EBENEZER GAY, son of Lusher and Mary Gay, born
May 4, 1718 ; third minister of Suffield, Ct. ; ordained January 13, 1742 ;
married Mary, daughter of Judge Cushing of Scituate ; died March,
1796, He was succeeded by his son Ebenezer Gay (Y. C. 1787.) His
only publication was a sermon at the ordination of Bunker Gay at Hins
dale. 1756. GEORGE DAMAN, son of John and Elizabeth Daman, born
July 7,1736; fourth minister of Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard, ordained

OS GRADUATES.
in 1760 ; resigned in 1779 ; removed to Woodstock, Vt,, where he con
tinued to preach, but was not resettled ; died December, 1796.
1759. t SAMUEL KINGSBURY, son of Ebenezer and Abigail
Kingsbury, born December 17, 1736; fifth miuister of Edgartown, Mar
tha's Vineyard, ordained 1761 ; married Jedidah Sumner of Brookfield ;
died December 30, 1778.
1760. t BUNKER GAY, son of Lusher and Mary Gay, bom July
31, 1735 ; first minister of Hinsdale, N. H., ordained August 17, 1763;
resigned in 1801 ; married Abigail Prentiss of Cambridge ; remained in
Hinsdale ; died October 19, 1815. His Thanksgiving sermon, 1793, is
perhaps unique, a large portion of it being written in verse. He pub
lished also two other discourses. A manuscript letter of his still exists,
narrating the Indian assault on Hinsdale in 1755.
1761. NATHANIEL AMES, son of Dr. Nathaniel and Deborah
Ames, born October 9, 1741 ; physician in Dedham, where he was also
an active political partisan of the Jefierson school ; married Melitia
Shuttleworth of Dedham ; died July 21, 1822.
1763. t BENJAMIN BALCH, son of Rev. Thomas and Mary Balch,
born February 12, 1743 ; first minister of Mendon, South Society, or
dained September 14, 1768 ; resigned October 14, 1772 ; during the Rev
olutionary war was chaplain in the naval service ; installed third minis
ter at Barrington, N. H., August 25, 1784 ; died May 4, 1816.
1763. NATHANIEL FISHER, son of Jeremiah and Elizabeth
Fisher, born July 8, 1742; went to London in 1772 and was ordained as
Deacon by Bishop Lowth ; became Episcopal minister of Granville and
next of Shelburn, Novia Scotia; returning to Massachusetts in 1782,
was for a time put in durance as a British subject, but released on taking
the oath of fidelity to the State ; came the same year to Salem where
he was inducted as Rector of St. Peters ; married Silence Baker of Ded
ham ; died December 20, 1812. A small volume of his sermons was
published in 1818.
1764. SETH AMES, son of Dr. Nathaniel and Deborah Ames, born
February 14, 1742 ; physician in Amherst, N. H. ; returned to Dedham
with impaired health, the consequence, according to Farmer, of his
boundless indulgence in snuff; but other accounts say, from a pulmo
nary disease contracted while Surgeon to an American Regiment; died
January 1, 1778.
1766. t JOSHUA FISHER, sou of Nathaniel and Elizabeth Fisher,
born May 17, 1748; physician, first in Ipswich till 1780, where he was
one of their Revolutionary Committee of Correspondence, and next in

GRADU.4TES. 89
Beverly; President of the Massachusetts Medical Society; married (1)
Abigail daughter of Daniel Staniford of Beverly (H. U. 1738) (2) Mrs.
Bridge of Lancaster ; died March 15, 1,633. By his bounty, a fund was
created in his native religious society and a Professorship of Natural
History, bearing his uame, founded in his Alma Mater.
1768. EBENEZER STARR, son of Jonathan and Sarah Starr, born
May 1, 1744; physician in Dunstable, Mass.; married Hannah, daugh
ter of Hon. Joseph Blanchard of Hinsdale ; died September 7, 1796.
1771. JOSEPH AVERY, son of William and Bethiah Avery, born
October 14,1751; second minister of Holden, ordained December 21,
1774 ; married Mary Allen of Boston ; died March 5, 1824. An' oration
of his, delivered at Holden, July 4, 1806, was published.
1771. t MOSES EVERETT, son of Ebenezer and Joanna Everett,
born July 15, 1750 ; ninth minister of Dorchester, ordained September
28, 1774; resigned from ill health January 14, 1793; Judge ofthe Court
of Common Pleas for Norfolk County ; married (1) Lucy, daughter of
Rev. Thomas Balch of Dedham, (2) Joanna Bird of Dorchester, (3)
Hannah, widow of Henry Gardner Esq., State Treasurer; died March
25, 1813. He published two single sermons, one being at the ordination
of his brother Oliver Everett, 1782. Moses, Ebenezer and Stevens Ev
erett (H. U. 1796, 1806, 1815) were his sons.
1774. FISHER AMES, son of Dr. Nathaniel and Deborah Ames,
born April 9, 1758. He began life as an Attorney at Law in his native
town, from which he was soon diverted to a wider and more congenial
sphere, and his name and fame, as an orator and statesman, have become
a part of American History. He was a Delegate to the State Conven
tion on adopting the Federal Constitution, 1788 ; first Representative in
Congress for Suffolk District ; President elect of Harvard University,
1804, which honor he declined. He married Frances, daughter of Hon.
John Worthington of Springfield, and died July 4, 1808. His speeches
and political and literary essays were collected into a volume, to which
his life, by the Rev. Dr. Kirkland, was prefixed in 1809. In the ceme
tery of his native village a beautiful monument of marble raarks the
spot where his remains are deposited.
1774. § JABEZ CHICKERING, son of Joseph and Rebecca Chick
ering, born November 4, 1753 ; second minister of Dedham, SouthPar-
ish, ordained July 3, 1776 ; married Hannah, daughter of Rev. Thomas
Balch, his predecessor; died March 12, 1812.
1775. EBENEZER BATTELLE, son of Ebenezer and Prudence
Battelle, born February 4, 1754; merchant in Boston; returned to Ded-
12

90 grad-(;ates.
ham; engaged, in merchandize; Colonel of militia; married Nancy Dn-
rant of Boston ; removed to Marietta, Ohio, with the pioneer company
of emigrants in 1788 ; settled at Newport ; died January 10, 1815.
1776. EBENEZER WIGHT, son of Ebenezer and Subiah Wight,
born September 24, 1750 ; second minister of Hollis Street Church,
Boston, ordained February 25, 1778 ; resigned from impaired health and
sight, September 7, 1788 ; returned to Dedham where for some years he
was teacher of an academy ; married (1) Sarah Brown of Waltham, (2)
Catharine Fuller of Dedham ; died September 25, 1821.
1776. PETER WOODWARD, son of Richard and Susanna Wood
ward, born December 14, 1753 ; removed with his father's family to New
Haven, Ct., Merchant; Deputy Sheriff; went to New York about 1800,
was employed in the Custom House there and became an active demo
cratic partisan. He is asterized in the Catalogue of Yale College for
1811. 1777. SAMUEL SHUTTLEWORTH, son of Samuel and Abigail
Shuttleworth, born November 1, 1751 ; ordained at Windsor, Vt., June
23, 1790 ; left the ministry after a few years and entered the profession
of law ; married Deborah Ames of Dedham ; died October, 1834.
1779. i OLIVER EVERETT, son of Ebenezer and Joanna Everett,
born June 11, 1752 ; fourth minister of the new South Church, Boston ;
ordained January 2, 1782 ; resigned from ill health. May 26, 1792 ;
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Norfolk County ; married
Lucy, daughter of Alexander S. Hill of Philadelphia ; died December
19, 1802. Alexander H. — Edward, late Governor of Massachusetts,
and John Everett (H. U. 1806, 1811, 1818) are his sons.
1780. t PHILIP DRAPER, son of Timothy and Hannah Draper,
born March 2, 1757; physician in Dedham, South Parish; married Me-
hitabel, daughter of Jeremiah Kingsbury of Dedham ; died March 21,
1817. 1783. 'I ICHABOD DRAPER, brother of the preceding, born Au
gust 24, 1755; first minister of Amherst, Mass., Second Church, or
dained January, 1785 ; resigned October, 1809 ; remained in Amherst ;
died December, 1827.
1789. SAMUEL HAVEN, son of Rev. Jason and Catharine Haven,
born April 5, 1771 ; entered the legal profession ; Register of Probate
for Norfolk County from 1793 to 1833 ; Chief Justice of the Court of
Common Pleas for Norfolk ; married Elizabeth, daughter of Bossenger
Foster, Esq., of Cambridge ; resident in Dedham from the first.

GRArUATE?. 91
1795. { CURTIS GUILD, son of Moses and Sarah GuUd, bora
May 9, 1774 ; died while student of medicine, June '^J, 1797.
1799. i JOSEPH CHICKERING, son of Rev. Jabei and Hannah
Chickerinz, bom April 30, 17r<1; seventh miuister of Wobnm, ordained
March 28, ISW ; dismissed April 11, 1:21 ; installed at PhiDipston, third
minister, Jolr 10, lS-2-2 : resigned from Ul health July 15, 1535 ; married
(1) Elizaheth White of Concord, (2) Sarah A. Holt of Andover ; died
January 27, 1544.
1SC4. t JABEZ CHICKERING, brother of the preceding, bora Au
gust 2?, 1752 : lawyer in Dedham; Cashier of Dedham Bank; manied
D. F., daughter of Abel Allyn of this town; lemoved to Munroe, Mich
igan, in 1:23 ; died October 20, 1526.
ISiB. i SAMUEL GAT, son of Jesse and Sarah Gay, bom March
16,1754; third minister of Hubbardston, crdained October 17, 1513,
dismissed &om his charge in 15^27 and was settled over an "Evangelical
Society" of seceders, including a majority of the church ; married Eliz
abeth, daaghter of Rev. Jabez Chickering of Dedham.
1503. i JEREMIAH DRAPER, son of Dr. Phillip and Mehitable
Draper, bom AprU 19, 17^9 -. fiuiner in Dedham; married Sabrina Wait
of Montreal ; died September 29, 1540.
1508. t MOSES DRAPER, brother ofthe above, bom January 5,
1791 ; lawyer in Boston but resides iu Dorchester.
1510. t GEORGE GAT, son of Willard and Sarah Gay, bom March
10, 1790 ; lawyer in Boston ; married Nancy, daaghter of Joseph Lover-
ing of that city; died November 9, 1543.
1513. JOHN WORTHINGTON AMES, son of Fisher and Frances
Ames, bom October 22, 1793; lawyer in Dedham; Representative;
President of Dedham Bank ; died, nnmarried, October 31, 1 533,
1515. DANFORTH PHIPPS WIGHT, son of Rev. Ebenezer and
Catharine Wight, born February 5, 1792 ; physician in Barnstable ; re
turned to Dedham in 15-12, and continues in the practice of medicine.
1516. GEORGE BAKER, son of Eliphalet and Anne Baker, bom
July 9, 1~'X : physician in Lancester ; nest druggist in Cambridgeport ;
has resumed his profession in Chelsea; married (1) Eliza D. Hastings of
Boston, (2) Emily Tidd of Medford.
1522. JEREMIAH FISHER AMES, sou of Fisher and Frances
Ames, bom October 9, 15'>2 ; physician iu Providence, R. I.: returned
to Dedham ; died, unmarried, January 23, 1529.
1522. : CURTIS GUILD, son of Moses and Abizail Gnld, bora
Seotember S, 1799; trader in Boston; married Chu'.oite L. Hodges of
that citv.

92 GRADUATES.
1822. JOHN HOLBROOK RICHARDS, son of Samuel and Mary
Richards, born February 23, 1804 ; physician in Boston ; engaged in
mercantile business in Paris, France, in 1833 ; returned home in 1839 ;
settled as a merchant in Chicago, Illinois ; died, unmarried, October 22,
1846. 1825. SETH AMES, son of Fisher and France? Ames, born April
19, 1805; lawyer in Lowell; Senator from Middlesex; married Mar
garet, daughter of Gamalipl Bradford, of Charlestown,
1837. JAMES RICHARDSON, son of James and Sarah Richard
son, born May 25, 1817 ; ordained in Southington, Ct., June 10, 1846.
1843. EDWARD STIMSON, son of Dr. Jeremy and Hopestill Stim
son, born October 29, 1823 ; physician in Boston.
1846. GEORGE MORRILL, son of Joseph and Nancy Morrill,
born September 7, 1825 ; student of law in Boston.
The Rev. Mr. Haven enrols (note to his occasional sermon, 1796)
Samuel Dexter (H. U. 1781) and Jonathan Fisher (H. U. 1792) among
the graduates of Dedham ; but in fact, the first was born in Boston and
the last in Holden. The nativity of Caleb Ellis, Joel Ellis, and Warren
Colburn (H. U. 1793, 1803, 1820) has, in some publications, been referred
to Dedham ; but they were born in Walpole.

The following Natives of Dedlmm have graduated at other
Colleges.
1797. Abijah Draper, son of Abijah and Alice Draper, born Sep
tember 22, 1775, graduated at Brown University ; married Lavinia Tyler
of Attleborough ; physician in Roxbury ; representative ; died March
26, 1836.
1821. t Oliver Everett, son of Ebenezer and Sally Everett, born
November 11, 1798 ; graduated at Brown University ; physician in Sher
burne ; married Maria Sanger of that town,
1822, George Howe, son of William and Mary Howe, born Novem
ber 6, 1802; graduated at Middlebury College ; Professor of Theology
in Dartmouth College ; Professor of Biblical Literature in the Theologi
cal Seminary, Columbia, South Carolina,
1826. Samuel Foster Haven, son of Samuel and Elizabeth Haven,
born May 28, 1806; graduated at Amherst College ; lawyer in Lowell ;
librarian of the American Antiquarian Society, Worcester; married
Lydia, daughter of Rev. Freeman Sears of Natick.

ANCIENT SCHOOL FUNDS. 93
1831. Francis William Bird, son of George and Martha Bird, born
October 22, 1809 ; graduated at Brown University ; married (1) TJebecca
Hillbrooke of Providence, (2) Abby F. Newell of iJoxbury ; manufac
turer in Walpole.
1832. Joshua Bates, son of Joshua and Anna Bates, born March
17, 1810 ; graduated at Middlebury College ; Professional Teacher in
Boston. 1833. George Tracy Metcalf, son of Theron and Julia Metcalf,
born August 17, 1810; graduated at Brown University; lawyer in Peo
ria, Illinois.
1833. John Codman Bates, son of Joshua and Anna Bates, born
November 5, 1812 ; graduated at Middlebury College ; lawyer in Mont
gomery, Alabama.
1835. Prentiss Bates, brother of the preceding, born May 16, 1814 ;
graduated at Middlebury College.
1836. t David Andrews, son of David and Susanna Andrews, born
September 15, 1807 ; graduated at Amherst College; ordained at Pep-
perell, Mass., January 29, 1840.
1837. William.Bates, son of Joshua and Anna Bates, born January
18,1816; graduated at Middlebury College; ordained at Northbridge,
Mass., November 5, 1845.

ANCIENT SCHOOL FUNDS.
That the inhabitants of Dedhara in forraer years had an earnest
desire that those who came after thera should receive the bene
fits of a good education, is abundantly evident upon the face of
the records. Grants of lands and donations of money, to be ap
propriated for the support ofa school or schools in this town, are
often recorded. That a large portion of the funds so appropriated
have, from sorae cause not fully explained, been diverted frora the
purpose intended by the original donors, I believe to be true ; but
whether they can now be sought out with any benefit lo the pres
ent generation, is rather problematical. The school funds which
had accuraulated previous to the Revolution, were probably swal
lowed up in those convulsive tiraes, when the greatest sacrifices
were endured and every available means put in requisition by
the inhabitants, in order to bring that glorious struggle lo a suc
cessful issue. These funds have nol since been replaced.

94 ANCIENT SCHOOL FUNDS.
A brief notice of sorae of these grants and donations, and the
doings of the town thereon, it is thought may nol be wholly unin
teresting at this time, as lending lo elucidate the intention of the
donors, and at the same time render to the inhabitants of this
town in forraer years that degree of credit for the interest they
manifested in the cause of education which is justly their due.
This last consideration is here offered as my apology, if any is
needed, for introducing the subject, without pretending to give a
full and perfect history.
In the infancy of the lown we find that a Free School was es
tablished, and 201. per annura, and the income of certain lands
were appropriated for a limited period for its support, by the
unanimous concurrence of the inhabitants.
Dr. WiUiara Avery made a donation oi 601. to the town, in
1680, to be appropriated for the benefit of a Latin school. En
sign FuUer, sergeant Pond, and sergeant Metcalf, with the rev
erend Elders and selectmen, were deputed lo receive and dispose
of the money so that it might be iraproved according to the wish
of the donor.
In the year 1695, three hundred acres of the best of the unap
propriated lands, situated in the north part of the town, now in
cluded within the bounds of Needhara, we-re granted by the Pro
prietors for the benefit of schools in Dedham, lo be called the
School Farm. Four years after, the town direct that this land be
sold, and the proceeds be improved for the benefit of a school in
Dedhara. In 1700, the sum of 25Z. of the school money is loan
ed withoul interest to Timothy Whiting, to assist him in rebuild
ing his corn mill which had been destroyed by fire. In 1703,
William Avery, Ll. Samuel Guild and Nathaniel Gay are cho
sen a committee to collect and iraprove the raoney accruing from
the sale of the school farra.
The committee erapowered to sell the School lands being de
sirous lo have sorae security from the town to save them harra
less for so doing, drew up a writing for that purpose, which they
presented in May, 1707, and requested it should be entered upon
the records. The lown consent that the aforesaid writing shall
be entered upon the records and stand for their security, when-

ANCIENT SCHOOL FUNDS. 95
ever the selling commiltee shall pay over the principal and inter
est to the Trustees appointed to receive and improve the same.
Near the close of the sixth volume of the town reeords, is en
tered an account of the School Money rendered by the Trustees
to the selectmen on the 6ih of June, 1721. The securities held
by thera from difl'erent individuals to whora the raoney was loan
ed, araounted to 98Z. 4s. and the interest then due to 7Z. is. 3d.
In 1722, the question being put lo the town whether the school
money shall be let out lo the inhabitants for 5 or 6 per cent, inter
est, il was decided in favor of 6 per cent. In the year following,
il was voted that such persons who have hired the school money
and given their bonds for sUver money, may pay it in to the feof
fees in trust in biUs of public credil. In 1732, the Trustees of
the town's share of the 50,000Z. of biUs of credit, issued by order
of the general court in 1721, are directed lo collect and pay over
the same to the Trustees of the school money, to be by them im
proved for the use of the school as the olher school raoney is.
The sum so transfered was 611. 17s. 5d. The Trustees who re
ceived this money were Jabez Pond, John Gay and John Metcalf.
A donation of money was made to the town by Eobert Avery
in 1726, which was confided to the care of the Trustees of the
school money for improvement. Neither the amount of this gift
nor its particular object is stated in the record.
In 1735, a commiltee was chosen to attempt by any lawful
means the recovery of the School Farm, sold by order of the town
in 1699; the seUing of which being now declared injurious lo the
town, and contrary to the true inlent of the original grantors.
This commiltee is instructed lo make a formal demand of the
land of the possessor, and to pay hira reasonable damages in case
he will relinquish his claim to the town without recourse to the
law ; and if he wiU not, then lo prosecute recovery of it in the
law, for which purpose the sum of 30Z. was granted. The result
of the doings of this committee does not appear in the town rec
ord. In 1748, deacon Nathaniel Kingsbury made a donation to the
town of one hundred pounds ; the yearly inlerest of which to be
appropriated for the benefit of the school.

96 ¦ THE OLD MILL.
In May, 1754, the lown voted, " that Michael Metcalf, town
treasurer, and his successors in said trust, be the Trustees to lake
care of the town's stock of school raoney, and that all bonds given
for said money be renewed, and that the several debtors bind
ihemselves, their heirs, &c. with one or more sufficient securities.
The bonds to run lo the town treasurer for the use of the town."
In 1766, the sum of 61. 13s. 4d. was presented lo the town by
Sarauel Dexter, Esq. to be added to a like sum given by hira the
previous year ; the interest of which to be applied to the support
of schools in the town. Mr. Dexter continued lo give a like sum
each year for several years subsequent to this, for the same pur
pose.

The Old Da-m, across Charles river, about three fourths of a
mile southwest from New Bridge, was built by Abraham Shaw
and his associates with the design of erecting a corn raill there,
previous to the discovery of the facilities afforded for that object
at East Brook. The latter place having been selected for the
erection ofthe first corn mill in 1639, the original design appears
to have been abandoned. That a mill of some kind was put in
operation here is rendered probable from the fact that this spot is
frequently alluded to in the early records as the Old MiU ; as in
1659, when "Lieut. Fisher and John Hayward are deputed to lay
out that land to Henry Wight, near the place called the Old MiU,
upon the north side of Charles river, according to that grant." In
1704, "it was put to the vote of the town whether they will forego
the Newbridge over Charles river, and build a bridge at the place
called the Old Mill — voted iri the negative." In 1714, leave was
granted to Eleazer Ellis and Nathaniel Chickering to fence in the
highway leading to the new foot bridge, they engaging to main
tain a gate across said way, which is to continue until ^he lown
see fit to alter it. Several pieces of timber in a good stale of
preservation have recently been excavated at this spot, supposed
to have been laid in constructing a flume to the mUl, more than
two hundred years ago.

SETTLEMENT AT BIEDFIELD. 97

SETTLEMENT AT MEDFIELD
In the year 1649, it was determined to coramence a settieraent
near Bogaslow, now the lown of Medfield. A petition of the in
habitants of Dedhara for the grant of a tract of land, "towards the
accommodation of a Town lo be erected and set up in or near that
place comraonly called Bogaslow," having been granted by the
general court, on the " 22d of the Sth month,'' corresponding to
the first day of November, a general meeting of the inhabitants
was held on the 24lh day of November, for the further considera-'
tion of the subjeci.
Al this meeting, there was " granted for the accoraraodation of
the viUiage so much land within the west end of the bounds of
Dedham, next Bogastovv, as is or may be contained within the
extent of three miles east and west, and four miles north and
south — the form and lines in laying out to be varied and altered
as in the judgment of such men as shall be deputed thereunto
shall seem for the most convenient accommodation both of Ded
ham and the said viUiage."
The question respecting the conditions upon which this grant
of lands was made, having been fully discussed, it was resolved
by vote, that " the said land is by some intended to be freely
given, and by others, in consideration of part of the raeadows, to
have such satisfaction for their right therein as in the division of
one hundred pounds divided by common rules of division lo those
of the inhabitants of Dedham thai reraove nol lo the villiage may
come to their share ; bul that part of the estate of them that re
move, that abides in the lown, shaU receive dividends as other
estates do."
A committee was chosen by the town to have the manageraent
of affairs al Medfield, " unlU there is such a company of men en
gaged in that plantation and associated together as the town of
Dedham sh-aU judge meet for that work and trust."
This coramittee immediately proceeded to the work of forraing
a corapany to occupy the new settlement. By virtue of the au
thority given them by the town of Dedhara, they adopt the fol
lowing regulations for the present government thereof:—
13

98 SETTLEMENT AT MEDFIELD.
" For as much as for the further promulgation of the Gospel
and the subduing of this part of the Earth, amongst the rest given
to tlie sons of Adam, and the enlargement of the bounds of the
habitations forraerly designed by God to some of his people in
this wilderness, it hath pleased the Lord lo move and direct as
well the much honored General Court as also the inhabitants of
the Town of Dedham, each of them in part lo grant such a tract
of land in that place called Bogaslow and the adjacent parts
thereabouts, as is adjudged a raeet place for the erecting and
settling a Town, we the persons whose names are here under
written being by the inhabitants of Dedham, elected, chosen, and
authorized, for the ordering and managing the said Town, or vil
liage, to be erected for the due settling thereof, as also for the
preventing of questions, mistakes, disorders and contentions that
might arise, do order, determine and resolve as foUoweth :
" 1st. That all persons whatsoever that shall receive lands by
grants frora the said Town now called Medfield, shall become
subject lo all such orders ih any part or points of Town govern
ment as are at present or hereafter bythe authorities of said town
shall be made and appointed for the ordering, regulating, or gov
ernment thereof, provided they be not repugnant to the orders, or
any order, of the General Court, from lime to time, and that ev
ery such grantee shall for the firmer engageraent of himself and
his successors, their use, subscribe his name to our Town Book,
or otherwise his grants raade lo hira shall hereby be made void
and of none effect.
" 2d. That if differences, questions, or contentions shall fall
out or arise, any raanner of ways in our society, or between any
parties therein, that they shall really endeavor lo resolve and issue
the sarae in the raost peaceable way and raanner, before il shall
corae lo any place of public judicature, except il be in our own
town " 3d. That we shall all of us in said town faithfully endeavor
that only such be received to our society and township, as we
may have sufficient satisfaction in ; that they are honest, peacea
ble, and free from scandal and erroneous opinions.
" 4th. That none of us, the inhabitants aforesaid, or our suc
cessors at any time hereafter for the space of seven years from

SETTLEMENT AT MEDFIELD.

99

00

the date hereof, upon any pretence whatsoever, without thereon-
sent of the selectmen for the time being first had and obtained,
shall alienate; assign, and set over for the space of one whole
year, any part or parcel of land formerly granted to him or them
by the Town, except it be to sorae forraerly accepted of by our
society ; always provided, that this shall in no sort hinder any
heir at common law.''
Signed by Henry Chickering,
Ralph Wheelock,
John Dwight,
Thomas Wight,
Peter Woodward,
Robert Hinsdale,
Eleazer Lusher,
Three only of this committee, viz. Messrs. Wheelock, Wight,
and Hinsdale, removed to Medfield.
The following are the naraes of the persons who subscribed to
form the Society for reriioving to Medfield :
Ralph Wheelock Joseph Daniels Benjarain Crane
Thoraas Wight John Wight Thoraas Mason
John Frary Robert Hinsdale Edward Adams
John Plimpton Benjamin Albee Alexander Lovell
Henry Sraith
Abrahara Harding
Thoraas Thurston
John Bullen
Joseph Morse
Henry Adaras
Williara Partridge
Joshua Fussell
John Bovvers
John Frary
Nicholas Rockelt
Of the above number, eighteen subscribed the paper by making
their marks ; from which fact it is fair to infer that they were not
all of them writing masters, but their particular occupation is
not staled.
On the " 25th of the 10th month, 1649," (January 4, 1650,
new style,) a raeeting of the aforesaid coraraittee was held, when
Eleazer Lusher was chosen to keep the Records of Medfield, un
til another person should be chosen for that purpose. Rules are
also adopted foran equitable division of lands among the seUlers.

John AUin
Timothy Dwight
Daniel Morse
Thoraas EUis
Samuel Bullen
Richard Wheeler
Joshua Pratt
John Ellis
Joseph Clark
George Barber
Francis Haramant

John Metcalf
Peter Adams
Joshua Fisher
Joseph Allen
John Partridge
John Warfield
Thomas Thurston jr.
Gershom Wheelock
Robert Mason-

100 settlement at wrentham.
On the llth of January, 1651, the lown of Dedhara formaUy
transferred all their right, power and privileges of town govern
ment that hath hitherto or yet is remaining with them in regard
lo Medfield, eilher by their trustees or agents, unto the selectmen
of Medfield.

SETTLEMENT AT WRI^NTHAM.
In the year 1660, lieutenant Fisher and sergeant Ellis were
deputed to treat wilh the Indians or sagamore who clairas right
to the lands al Wolomonopog, now the lown of Wrentham, to
buy them all out and clear the place from Indian litle ; and also
they were desired to search and view the place, and report lo the
town its fitness for a settlement there.
This committee having performed the service required of them,
make report, " that the place might be planted with meet inhabi
tants in due time ;" and recommended that a larger commiltee be
appointed to raake further surveys. In pursuance of this recom
mendation, three others, viz. Nathaniel Colburn, Anthony Fisher,
jr. and Eleazer Lusher, were added lo the first committee.
Al a general town meeting, March 27, 1661, after hearing the
report of this committee, the question being put, " whether or no
a plantation shall be set up at Wolomonopog," it was decided in
the affirmative. Six hundred acres of land at that place were
appropriated at this meeting, for the encouragement of settlers.
It was also "Voted, that there shall be a coraraittee chosen lo set
tle and determine such things as shall be mentioned and needful
in reference lo the Plantation before named : — First, They shall
determine by their power when men present ihemselves who are
meet for to go. 2d. They shall proportion to each man his pari
in the six hundred acres. 3d. They shall order the seating of
the plantation, as situation, highways, and a convenient place for
the meeting-house ; lot or lots for church officers, with such olher
things necessary as hereafter may be expressed." The men se
lected for this work were capiain Eleazer Lusher, lieut. Joshua
Fisher, ensign Daniel Fisher, and Peter Woodward, and they
were required lo attend to the work until others were chosen.

SETTLEMENT AT WRENTHAM. 101
In November, 1661, the bounds of the new settlement were def
initely fixed by the town, and ordered to be laid out by a com
mittee appointed for that purpose. The meadow lands found
within the prescribed limits, to be apportioned among those who
may become inhabitants. All other meadow "lands that may be
found within the original grant of the general court, to belong to
the inhabitants who shall yet remain in Dedham.
In January, 1662, the committee for clearing the Indian title to
lands about Wolomonopog, presented to the lown a writing un
der the hand and seal of sagamore Philip, showing "the purchase
of six mUes square, or the quantity thereof." Captain Willett,
of Seekonk, having assisted the committee in this business and
engaged in behalf of the town to pay the sagaraore the sum agreed
upon, a vote of thanks is tendered hira, and a request is raade
that he would continue his good offices and get a deed signed by
the said sagamore that may be authentic according to our laws.
A rate is also ordered to be made and collected for the payment
to captain Willett of the money so expended by him for the town.
The sum paid sagaraore Philip was 241. IQs.
A proposition was made to the town to yield up all their rights
at Wolomonopog, both in upland and raeadow, for the accorarao
dation of the plantation, provided it be to such persons as are fit
lo carry on such a work in church and coramonwealth, according
to the order forraerly agreed upon by the lovvn. The persons
entering the new plantation lo pay the lown of Dedhara one hun
dred and sixty pounds, in four years, 40Z. each year, the first
payment to be made in 1666, and to end in 1669 ; the plantation
to be entered upon within two and an half years. This proposi
tion vvas concurred in by the Proprietors.
Some difficulty occurring in the collection of the rates assessed
for the payment of the money advanced for the town by captain
Willett, the selectraen met with the committee chosen lo decide
upon the things relating to a settlement at Wolomonopog, to set
tle the matters pending between the town and those who propose
going to the plantation. This conference was held on the 27th
of February, 1662, but no satisfactory arrangement was raade at
that lime. A general meeting of the Proprietors took place on
the 2d of March following, when il was agreed that every propri-

1163 SETTLEMENT? AT V^^RENTHAIyt.
etor should draw his proportion of the six hundred acres accord
ing to the general rule of dividends, and that the said six hundred
acres should be laid out with as much convenience as may be
with reference to a plantation, and also be such lands as are suit
able for house lots. AU lands for highways, church officers lots,
burial place, training ground, and such as are necessary to be re
served for public use, within the seat of the town, lo be laid out
over and above the six hundred acres before mentioned.
Another meeting of the proprietors was held on the 23d of
March, 1662, to draw their lots al Wolomonopog, when il was
agreed that len acres should be added to the last sixiy acres upon
the plain, that they may be aUowed one acre lo every six acres
to such as fall by lot in that part of the plain, and the addition lo
be made on the north side of the plat. Anthony Fisher, jr. and
eight others who had made improvements there, were allowed to
select their proportions where they had raade such improvements,
instead of drawing their lots with the rest. A highway was sub
sequently confirraed, where it had already been laid out and
used, at the east end of the lots where these improvements had
been made.
In June, 1666, all persons are forbidden to mow any of the
grass growing on the coramon meadows al Wolomonopog, before
the beginning of September next, under a penalty often shillings
for every load of hay so cut, unless they shall obtain leave frora
the selectmen so to do.
In January, 1667, a survey of the raeadows yet lying in cora
mon was ordered to be made, preparatory to a division. Lieut.
Fisher was appointed for this service, and directed lo lay out the
lots in succession as they are dfawn.
There were yet several Indian farailies reraaining at Wolorao-
nopog, who continued to plant and improve the lands, after their
own fashion, as they had been accustomed lo do. The new
owners of the soil, considering their manner of proceeding as
extravagant and wasteful, make complaint to the selectmen, who
thereupon send a letter to the Indians, the contents of which are
raade known to them by Sarauel Fisher, forbidding them lo pro
ceed in wasting the wood and timber there. The Indians, in re-

MILL CREEK. 103
ply, declare their determination to continue to plant land there,
notwithstanding the orders of the selectmen.
A leller being received frora sagamore Philip in August, 1669,
tendering sale of his rights in the lands within the bounds of
Dedhara, beyond Woloraonopog, and desiring 51. in advance,
Nathaniel Payne of Rehobolh is requested to disburse that sum
to Philip, on the town's account.
On the 6th of April, 1670, a dividend of half an acre of the
comraon lands, fit for mowing, is ordered lo be made to each
cow common. Richard EUis, in behalf of himself and Isaac Gen
ery, gave notice to the lown clerk that there are " hopes of dis
covering a Copper Mine, they having made already sorae proof
thereof within the bounds of Woloraonopog in Dedhara, at a
place called Haynes' ground.
1673. Wrenthara, late Wolomonopog, is setoff from Dedhara,
and incorporated as a lown. Deceraber 4, the books and papers
relating to the new lown, are ordered to be delivered into the
hands of the coraraittee erapowered by the general court to order
the prudential affairs of Wrentham.

MILL CREEK.
In the year 1668, an explanation being required of the select
men, as to the precise meaning of the words in the grant to Ezra
Morse and Daniel Pond, the owners of the new mill just erected
by them on Mother Brook, in reference to the heighlh of water
in MiU Creek — "It was declared, that by an ordinary course of
waler it is lo be always understood lo be when the water in
Charles river is generally within the banks of the river." This
mill being set on the same stream, and above the old mill, and
the lown being desirous lo have both mills encouraged and kept
in motion, it is furtherdeclared, that " in time of drought or want
of water, the water shall in no such time be raised so high by the
occasion of the new mill, that the waler be thereby hindered of
its free course or passage out of Charles river lo the mill." The
proprietors of the old mill are al the same lime restricted from
raising the water in their pond so high as to prejudice the new
mill by the flowage of back water.

104 political CHARACTER.
A piece of upland and meadow containing about one and an
half acre, adjoining on the north side of Mill creek, was granted
to Richard Ellis in 1669, in exchange for land taken frora his
house lot for the highway to the new mill ; the righl being re
served for the proprietors of either of the mills, or their succes
sors, or for the town, to enter upon said land adjoining the creek,
for the purpose of clearing or enlarging the same from lime to
tirae. Previous lo 1686, the waters of Charles river had occasionally
been lowered in this vicinity, by renioving obstructions in its
channel, so as partiaUy to drain the meadows and prevent dam
age by reason of the waters laying long upon thera. In the ex
trerae drought of this year, in order lo furnish the mills with wa
ter, the lown " see reason lo aUow that we may have a supply of
meal, that the river about forty rods below the mill channel's
raouth, be raised to its former height." The Mill creek was
cut from Charles river through the meadows to the source of the
stream called Mother Brook, in 1639.

POLITICAL CHARACTER.
Mr. Worthington in his history of Dedhara, page 81, says —
" From the first settlement of this town, the inhabitants have ex
hibited great stability of character. Those opinions and princi
ples which they have at first adopted, they have steadily support
ed and maintained. In a period of one hundred and ninety
years, I do not observe an instance of a rainority in any important
measure, so far increasing its nurabers as to produce a change in
the political character of the town. In colonial times, they were
ever opposed to royal partizans, of provincial governors they were
ever jealous, and when there was an organized opposition to
them, on that side. In the revolution, they were unwavering and
united. They approved of the constitution of the State and of the
United States. They have at all times approved of a republican
administration of them."
The same historian, on page 77, says — " When political par
ties arose in the United States, under the narae oi federalists and
republicans, a large majority of the inhabitants became attached

REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS. 105
to the latter party. This majority, generally, as three lo one, has
continued to the present time,"— 1827. The principal political
parties are now, in 1847, organized under the narae of democrats
and whigs ; the latter still retaining about the sarae relative raa
jority as the repuMicans of former times.

In the Appendix to the Centennial Address delivered in this
town September 21, 1836, by Samuel F. Haven, Esq. is a list of
one hundred and six names of soldiers frora Dedham vvho served
in the "Revoluiionary War of Independence," coraraunicated by
Hon. William Ellis. Since the publication of that address, Mr.
EUis' further researches into the Array RoUs and other military
records have enabled him to communicate to us the following ad
ditional names of citizens of Dedham, who were
SOLDIERS IN THE REVOLUTION, Viz :
Andrew Everett Hezekiah Battle
Samuel Wight , James Googins
Nathaniel Wight William Hewins
Jesse Ellis Ichabod Draper
David Andrews Andrew Hodges Tracy
Eleazer Everett Jason Fuller
Elijah Caswell Archibald McMullen
Seth Sampson Itharaore Farrington
WUiiara Starr Edward Bullard
Asa Payson Michael Malcorab
Peter Oliver John Bacon
Thomas While Eleazer Rhoads
Samuel Gould
The association of Veterans (alluded lo on page 34) that mus-
. tered here on the 19th of April, 1775, was composed of aged men,
many of whom had been in actual service in former years. In
the afternoon of that day this company paraded on the Little
Common, in front of the first parish meeting-house, from the
steps of which a prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Gorham of Rox
bury, when ihey imraediately followed their younger brethren
in arras who had preceded ihem to the scene of battle at Lexing
ton. The Veterans were led by Hezekiah Fuller and Nathaniel
Sumner, two of the oldest and most respected of the citizens.
14

106

EEPRESENTATIVES-,

REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GENERAL COURT.
[The names of Representatives previous to the year 1696 are not en
tered upon the Town records, except in 1694, when it is incidentally
mentioned that bills are given to Lt. Richard Ellis and Thomas Metcalf,
to receive 51. each, in part pay for services as Representative.]

1696
1697 1698169917001705
1712 1713
1714 171517161717
1718 1719
1720
17211722
1723 1724
1725 172617271728
1729 1730
1735 1741174217431744 1751 1752 1753

John Fuller
Thomas Metcalf
Asahel Smith
Josiah Fisher
to 1704, inclusive
Capt. Daniel Fisher
to 1711, inclusive
John Fuller
Capt. Daniel Fisher
(t (( u
Eleazer Kingsbury
John Fuller

Dea. Jonathan Metcalf
Capt. Sarauel Guild
Joseph Ellis, jr.

Thomas Puller
Lt. Joshua Fisher
it It tt
Joseph Ellis, senior
tt tt
Eleazer Ellis
to 1734, inclusive
Joseph Ellis
to 1740, inclusive
John Metcalf
Joseph EUis
Joseph Richards
Eichard Ellis-
to 1750, inclusive
Col. Joseph Richards
Dea. Joseph Ellis
Joseph Richards, Esq.

1754
1755"1756175717581759
1760 176117621763 17641769
177017711772 1773
1774
177517761777
177817791780-1781
1782178317841785 178617871788

Joseph Richards, Esq.
Voted not to send.
Dea; Nathaniel Sumner
It -#' It It
" Joseph Ellis
If tt It
Capt. Jonathan Metcalf
Eliphalet Pond, Esq.
Nathaniel Sumner, Esq,
Eliphalet Pond, Esq.
to 1768, inclusive
Samuel Dexter, Esq.
Nathaniel Sumner, Esq.
ft At tt
Abner EUis

Sarauel Dexter
Abner Ellis
Samuel Dexter
Abner EUis
Abner EUis
Jonathan Metcalf
Abner EUis
Jonalhan Metcalf
ft tl
Abner Ellis
Abner Ellis
Ebenezer Battle
Capt. Joseph Guild
It It If
Nathaniel Kingsbury
Nathaniel Kingsbury
Samuel Dexter
Nathaniel Kingsbury
It It
Fisher Ames
Nathaniel Kingsbury

REPRESENTATIVES. 107

1789 Joseph Guild

1823 WUliam EUis

1790 Joseph Guild

Col. Abner EUis

1791 Nathaniel Ames

Pliny Bingham

1792 Nathaniel Araes

1824 WiUiam Ellis

Nathaniel Kingsbury

Pliny Bingham

1793

Josiah S. Fisher

1794 Nathaniel Kingsbury

1825 Richard Ellis

Isaac Bullard

1826 " "

1795 to 1800, inclusive

1827 to 1829, inclusive

Isaac Bullard

Eichard Ellis

1801 Isaac Bullard

Horace Mann

Ebenezer Fisher

1830 Richard Ellis

1802 Ebenezer Fisher

Horace Mann

1803

John Endicott

1804 " "

1831 Theron Metcalf, (in May)

1805 Ebenezer Fisher

Eichard EUis ) j^ ^^^
Horace Mann )

John Endicott

1806 Ebenezer Fisher

1832 Theron Metcalf

John Endicott

John W. Ames

Isaac Bullard

1833 Theron Metcalf

1807 John Endicott

Richard Ellis

Isaac BuUard

John Morse

Samuel H. Deane

1834 John Endicott

1808 lo 1813, inclusive

John Morse

John Endicott

Daniel Covell

Samuel H. Deane

1835 William Ellis

Jonathan Richards

Daniel Marsh

1814 John Endicott

John Dean 3d

Erastus Worthington

1836 Joshua Fales

Col. Abner Ellis

John Morse

1815 Erastus Worthington

Daniel Covell

Samuel H. Deane

1837 Joshua Fales

Col. Abner Ellis

John Morse

1816 John Endicott

Daniel Covell

Abner Ellis

1838 Joshua Fales

WiUiam Ellis

1839

1817 Abner EUis

1840

WiUiam Ellis

1841 Merrill D. Ellis

Timothy Gay, jr.

1842 " •' "

1818 William EUis

1843 " " '•

1819

1844 Joseph Day

1820 "

1845 "

1821 Edward Dowse

1846 Edward L. Keyes

1822 John W. Ames

108 RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
The First Church in Dedham was gathered November 8,
1638, three years after the settlement of the town comraenced.
The first house for public worship was built the same year, on
the spot now occupied by the first parish meeting-house. The
second meeting-house was built on the same site in 1673. This
house stood untU 1763, when it was taken down to give place
for the present meeting-house, which was erected that year,
though the building has been much altered and enlarged since
that time. In 1659, the original Proprietors of the Township
appropriated certain portions of their coramon lands, for the sup
port of the ministry here ; this being the only church then exist
ing in the town. The annual income derived frora the proceeds
of these lands is now about one thousand dollars.
In 1818, a considerable portion of the members having seceded
from the parish and forraed a distinct society, among whom there
was said to be a majority of the old church members, but a mi
nority of the whole society, a controversy arose as to which
society the funds of the church belonged, lo the old or to the new
society. The question was finaUy referred for the decision of
the supreme court, which, after a fuU investigation, in 1821, con
firmed Ihem to this church and society, then under the pastoral
charge of Rev. Dr. Lamson. '
The outside clock on the meeting-house was presented to the
parish in 1820, by Hon. Edward Dowse ; the inside clock was
the gift of Messrs. John and Samuel Doggett ; the large and
beautiful chandelier was given by Ebenezer Fisher, jr., in 1845.
The organ now used in the church was substituted for a smaller
one in 1820.
John Allin, the first pastor of this church, was ordained April
24, 1639. WiUiam Adams, ordained December 3, 1673. Joseph
Belcher, November 29, 1693. Samuel Dexter, May 6, 1724.
Jason Haven, February 5, 1756. Joshua Bates, March 6, 1803.
Mr. Bates was disraissed February 20, 1818, to lake charge of
Middlebury coUege, in Vermont, of which Institution he had
been appointed President. Alvan Lamson, the present pastor of
this church and society, was ordained October 29, 1818.

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 109
The "New Meeting Home Society," in the first parish, was
originally composed of persons who separated from the first
church and society in 1818. A house for pubUc worship was
erected in 1819 ; it stands on the spot formerly occupied by the
dwelling-house of Rev. Jason Haven, which was taken down to
give place for the new building. The chapel adjoining the meet
ing-house was built and furnished by the pastor. The society
was incorporated in February, 1822, under the name of the "Pro
prietors of the new meeting-house in Dedhara." Ebenezer Bur
gess, D. D., the present pastor was ordained March 14, 1821. —
Mr. Burgess is absent al the present tirae, with his faraily, trav
elling in foreign countries.
The Congregational Society in the second parish, was organ
ized June 23, 1736, and consisted of fifteen raale merabers. —
Thomas Balch was ordained pastor, June 30, 1736. Jabez
Chickering, ordained July 3, 1776. WiUiara Cogswell, AprU
26, 1815. In June, 1829, Mr. Cogswell received the appoint
ment of general agent for the American Education Society, and
entered upon the duties of his office in August foUowing, though,
al the request of his people, he continued his pastoral relations
with them until the settlement of his successor. In January,
1832, Mr. Cogswell was appointed Secretary of the American
Education Society, which office he still sustains. On the 16th
December, 1829, Harrison G. Park was ordained pastor of this
society, and continued until September 23, 1835, when he was
dismissed, at his own request. Calvin Durfee, its present pastor,
was ordained March 2, 1836.
Before the separation took place between this and the! west
parish, it appears there were two meeting-houses erected, the lo
cation of neither of which gave general satisfaction. The com
mittee appointed by the general court in 1734, to settle existing
difficulties, re-united a portion of the people living in the north
part of the parish to the "old precinct," until they becarae a sep
arate precinct two years afterwards. This commiltee also re
commended to the south parish to remove the "centre meeting
house," (as that one was called which stood at the "four corners,"
half a mile southward from the present meeting-house in the

110 Mli'gious societies.
west parish,) lo the site a few rods west of the house then occu
pied by Rev. Mr. Balch, and afterwards by Rev. Mr. Chickering.
A new meeting-house vvas erected in 1769 ; this was taken down
in 1828, to give place to the present one, which was built the
same year, and dedicated on the 9th of October. This society
has a small fund for the support of the ministry, the coramunion
table, and for singing, contributed by different individuals.
The Congregational Church in the third parish was organized,
and Josiah Dwight installed as pastor, June 4, 1735. The num
ber of raale members at this lime was thirteen. Il was called the
second church, as the south parish had none connected with it at
that tirae. The present raeeting-house was completed in 1809,
and dedicated on the first of March, same year. The old meet
ing-house stood about twenty rods southward from the new one,
on land given by Mr. Joseph EUis.
In May, 1743, the connexion between the parish and Mr.
Dwight vvas dissolved, at his request. In November, same year^
Andrew Tyler was ordained pastor. Serious difficulties occur
ring in the society, originating from trifling causes, Mr. Tyler
was dismissed from his connexion with the parish, December 17,
1772. On the 7lh of June, 1780, Thomas Thacher, having re
ceived a unanimous call from the church and parish, was ordain
ed their pastor and religious teacher. Mr. Thacher died October
19, 1812, in the 56th year of his age, and 33d of his ministry.
Eev. John White, its present pastor, was ordained AprU 30,
1814. In a note appended to the centennial discourse of Rev. Mr.
White, published in 1836, it is stated that the funds belonging to
this society consist of between 5000 and 6000 doUars in money —
of which sura $100 was given by Miss Mary Gay ; 5|2000 were
raised by subscription, and $3000 was the bequest of Hon. Joshua
Fisher, who also presiented the parish with the bell now in use.
The baptisraal font was a gift of several individuals. The church
is indebted to Mrs. Margaret Dewing for a legacy of $100, which
was appropriated for the purchase of plate; to deacon John
Richards for a silver cup and two flagons ; to Miss Sarah Rich
ards and Miss Sarah Baker for two silver dishes, for the com
munion service. Miss Susanna Bredinno also presented the

RELIGIOUS societies. Ill
parish vvith $100, ihe income of which to be applied to the sup
port of a school in or near the meeting-house. By the will of
Rev. Thomas Thacher, the parish came in possession of his
farra, containing about twenty acres, and perscgial estate lo the
value of $365. There are also twenty-six acres of wood and
pasture land belonging to the parish.
The pews in the meeting-house are the property of the parish.
A custom of long standing still prevails of setting up the pews
annually at auction, and those who wish lo occupy them for the
ensuing year bid for their choice.
As it is meet that harmony should exist among a choir of
singers, lo the honor of the choir in this society be it said, that
during the ministry of the present pastor, thirty-three yeairs, and
for some time previous, there have been no feuds or discords lo
disturb its peace; and in the interval just specified, so punctual
has been the attendance, that only on one occasion, and that a
very stormy forenoon, have the regular services of the sabbath
been unaccompanied by singing from the regular choir.
Episcopal Society, known as "St. Paul's Church," in the first
parish. The first house for pubUc worship was erected by this
society in 1758. It was located on the spot now occupied by the
Colurabian House. In 1797, it was reraoved to the place known
as Franklin Square, where it stood until the auturan of 1845,
when it was taken down and its tirabers scattered abroad. The
present church was erected in 1845, near the site where stood the
first building. Its style is of the pure mediaeval gothic. The
tower is a copy in true proportions, of the celebrated St. Magda
len lower, Oxford, England. Edward Whiting, recently de
ceased, left a bequest of one thousand dollars towards the erection
of this church. The lands from which are derived the funds of
this society, were given by Mr. Samuel Colburn, in 1756. In
1794, the legislature granted to the rector, wardens and vestry of
this society a power to lease the lands belonging lo the church ;
the present annual income from which is about $700. A portion
of the Colburn Estate, about twenty-two acres, covers a part of
Dedham village, including the court house lot. WiUiam Clark
was appointed the first Rector of this church, in 1768. He was

112 religious societies.
a graduate of Harvard University. WUHam Montague becarne
Rector in 1791. Cheever Felch, Chaplain in the Navy, officia
ted from Easter, 1819, till nearly the beginning of 1821. Isaac
Boyle, ordained. November 22, 1821. Samuel B. Babcock, the
present Rector, has been connected wilh the society since the
year 1832.
Baptist Society, in the third parish. Meeting-house erected in
1810, dedicated November 10, same year. Eev. Williara Gara-
mel preached here and al Medfield alternately, until 1823. A
idistincl society was formed in 1824, lo be called "The First Bap
tist Society in Dedham." Samuel Adlam was ordained pastor
November 1, 1824. Jonathan Aldrich, January 3, 1828.—
Thoraas Driver, in May, 1830. T. G. Freeman, in the spring of
1839. Joseph B. Daraon, October 13, 1841. J. W. Parkhurst,
its present pastor, in October, 1843.
The Second Baptist Society have a .house for public worship at
Mill village.- This house was built in 1843, on a spot a few rods
eastward frora the place where it now stands ; il was removed lo
its present location in the fall of 1846, and is now furnished with
a tower and a bell. They have had regular preaching on the
sabbath since October last, but have no settled minister.
Methodist Episcopal Church, at Mill village, was organized in
1843 and consisted of 63 members. Their meeting-house was
built the same year, and dedicated October 12. Their preachers
are appointed by the Methodist Episcopal Conference, for limited
periods. H. P. HaU, appointed in 1844, preached one year. J.
L. Haniford in 1845, one year. WiUiam B. Stone, in 1846, one
year. Leonard P. Frost is now preacher in charge.
First Universalist Society, in the south parish, was organized
October 22, 1827. A house for public worship was erected in
1829, and dedicated January 14, 1830. The following record
was raade on the day of its erection : " The building this day
erected, June 18, 1829, by the Universalist Society in the second
parish in Dedham, is designed to be a Temple for the worship of
the One Livfng and True God, the Universal Parent of man
kind." Rev. Alfred V. Bassett was ordained as pastor of the

fire DEPARTMENT. 113
society, June 17, 1830; died Deceraber 26, 1831. R. S. Pope,
though not formally installed, continued in charge of the society
for three years from April, 1833. From that time there was no
settled minister untU Rev. Edwin Thorapson was ordained as
pastor, 28th October, 1841 ; resigned his charge in October, 1844.
Rev. C. H. Webster, the present pastor, was instaUed June 24,
1846.

FIRE DEPARTMENT.
At a special meeting of the town held in Deceraber, 1831, the
sum of fifteen hundred dollars was appropriated for the purchase
of fire engines and apparatus for extinguishing fires. This sum
to be divided and expended among the several school districts, in
proportion to the taxes paid by each. Any two or more districts
were aUowed to unite their proportion of funds for this purpose,
and to locate their engine in such place as they might agree upon ;
in case of disagreement, the location to be fixed upon by the se
lectmen. Any district or districts already possessing a fire en
gine might apply the money tq which they were entitled to the
repairing and improving their engine, and procuring fire appara
tus, wilh the approbation of the selectmen, provided they dedicate
their engine to the use of the town.
This appropriation of money had the effect of increasing the
number of fire engines in the town, from three, the then existing
number, to eleven. Some of these were small and nol of the most
powerful class, the sums drawn by the districts obliging thera to
study cheapness as well as utility. The engines were located in
different parts of the lown, and regular companies attached.
In several ofthe districts Uteral suras were raised by subscription
and added to their share of the town grant, by which raeans more
efficient apparatus for extinguishing fires was procured.
The foUowing brief history of the forraation of a few of these
corapanies raay be taken as samples of the whole.
Engines number 1 and 2, were originaUy purchased by pri
vate subscriptions. They were manned and kept in repair up to
1832, without expense lo the town. Engine No, 1, called the
15

114 fire department.
" Hero," was presented to the town for the use of the inhabitants
in January, 1801. It is located at the Upper ViUage in the first
parish. The names of the first company attached to this engine
are —
Eliphalet Baker, jr. EU Parsons Amasa Guild
David Dana Eeuben Newell Calvin Whiting
Elisha Crehore Reuben Richards Jesse Clap
James Noyes Eeuben Guild Paul Fisher
Engine No. 2, called the "Good-Intent," located in the Centre
Village, was presented for the use of the inhabitants of the town
in AprU, 1802. The foUowing members composed the first com
pany : —
John Guild Stephen Farrington Seth Sumner
William Bullard James Richardson George Gay
Thaddeus Mason Martin Marsh Abner Ellis
Herman Mann, sen. Edward Russell Francis Child
WiUiam Howe John Bullard, jr. Jesse Stowell
Nathaniel Guild Josiah Daniels Abner Atherton
Mill District. Engine No. 3, called the " Niagara," built by
Stephen Thayer of Roxbury, was purchased in 1832, for 700 00
Fire hook, bell and lamps, cost .... 38 25
District share of town grant,
Low Plain district added its share.
Balance raised in the district, .... $494 95
Paid for repairs, &c. to May, 1846, in addition to what
the town has paid,  $254 36
First Middle School District. Engine No. 4, called the "Wa
ter-Witch," was purchased of Wm. C. Hunneman of Roxbury,
March 9, 1832, for - - - « - - - $666 50
151 feet leading hose, cost .... 97 00
Hose-carriage, 4 buckets, torch, speaking trurapet, &c. 60 00

District share of town grant,
Added by subscription.

$203 30
40 00

$738 25
243 30

$390 87
376 62

$823 50
767 49

Balance paid by engine company, ... ^gg qJ

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 115
The first company attached to this suction engine was appro
bated March 10, 1832, and consisted of forty-two members. An
engine house was erected for the company by E. Fisher, jr. in
1832, and the free use of it given them for twelve years. The
present engine house, (a double one,) was built by the town in
1846, and the company held their first regular meeting there
August 3, same year.
Engine No. 11, the "Enterprise," located at Upper MiU village,
in the first parish, cost, in 1826, .... 400 00
24 buckets cost,  60 00
Engine house,  112 00
Repairs, &c. previous to 1832, .... 66 06
$638 06
This is one of the three engines existing in the town previous
to 1832, and was originally purchased by individual subscriptions.
In 1832, suction hose was added by the proprietor of the woollen
manufactories, who also had the engine refitted and put in com
plete order for service, without expense to the town.
In 1834, the sum of five hundred dollars was raised in the
Centre village, by subscription of the inhabitants, for the building
of two Eeservoirs, and supplying them with water from the aque
duct leading frora Federal HUl.
An association is organized in the Centre village, for removing
articles of furniture, &c. in case of fire. The annual meeting of
this company is holden on the first Monday in January. It con
sists of twenty'five merabers.
On the fourth of September, 1832, nine of the engine compa
nies met in the Centre village, by invitation of the firewards, for
a trial of the powers of their several engines. Again, on the
second centennial celebration of the incorporation of the town,
September 21, 1836, eight of the corapanies were present, with
their apparatus, and took a part.
The foUowing is a Statement of raonies paid from the Town
Treasury, from January 1, 1832, to May 3, 1846, for rent of en
gine houses, repair of fire engines, purchase of hose, &c. (ex
clusive of the before mentioned grant of fifteen hundred dollars,)

116

FIRE DEPAETMENT.

apportioned among the several companies, as near as can be as
certained from the town records, viz : —
Located in the First Parish.
Engine No. 1  $101 43
" 2  164 67
« 3  303 25
" 4  150 56
"5  41 28
"11  26 10 $787 29
Second Parish.
" 7  341 89
"10  421 88 $763 77
Third Parish.
" 6  51 23
" 8  453 83
" 9 .  173 09 $678 15
$2229 21
Paid for- hose, mostly attached to engines in first parish, 791 46
Total, $3020 67
The araount of monies paid to engine-men during the above
period is not included.
On the fourth of May, 1846, the Town voted to raise the sum
of twenty-five hundred dollars for the erection of engine houses,
and for placing the Fire Department in a more efficient state for
service. A special committee was also chosen, consisting of
George Ellis 2d, Samuel C. Mann, David A. »Baker, from the
first parish, Joseph Day, from the second parish, and Merrill D.
EUis from the third parish, to carry the object into eff'ect. Un
der the direction of this commiltee a double house has been
erected in the Centre village, for the accommodation of compa
nies 2 and 4, which cost, with suitable fixings, $889,52 ; for the
land on which it stands, $350. At MUl vUlage an engine house
built for company No. 3 — cost $561, land $50. A new engine
purchased of Hunneman & Co. for company No. 1, at the Upper
viUage — cost $631, from which deduct $111, received for the old
"Hero ;" — and $120 were expended for fire hooks, ladders, buck
ets, and carriage, attached to company No. 2.
On the ninth of November, 1846, the lown appropriated six
hundred doUars for the purchase of land and building an engine

FIRES IN DEDHAM. 117
house for company No. 8. At the March meeting, 1847, the sum
of $250 was granted to buUd an engine house for No. 6, and
$600 for a house for No. 7. AprU 5, 1847, the sum of six hun
dred dollars was appropriated for the purchase of land and build
ing an engine house for company No. 1, and a like sum for a
similar purpose for company No. 10. These expenditures to be
under the direction of the coramittee chosen in May, 1846.
The rooms of companies 2 and 4 have been liberally furnished
with needful furniture, by subscription of citizens in the Centre
village, since the erection of their new engine house.
A special act of the legislature was passed in 1838, to establish
a Fire Department in this lown, which was rejected at the April
meeting, same year, and again in November.
The whole number of members attached to the several engines
at the present time. May, 1847, is 300; They receive from the
town, each year, a sura equal to their poll lax.

FIRES IN DEDHAM SINCE 1820.
1820. January 1, the Poor House took fire, extinguished with
but Utile damage. January 29, Jabez Boyden's dwelling house
with most of its contents, in south parish.
1822. January 4, Eeuben Metcalfs dweUing house, just built
on Eagged Plain.
1825. November 12, dwelHng house at MiU viUage, occupied
by John Goulding.
1827. March 8, an unoccupied dweUing house in third par
ish, belonging to D. Draper. March 27, the raachine shop of
Messrs. Coney & Ames, al MUl village, loss $12,000. June 28,
the dye-house attached to Bussey's woollen manufactory was par
tially burnt. July 31, J. Gouiding's steam carpet manufactory-
loss $15,000.
1832. April 14, F. A. Taft's paper mill— loss $7000. June
21, a stable belonging to Abner Ellis, west parish— loss $1400.
October 30, Dedhara Hotel and stable burnt; an aged stranger,
and sixty valuable horses perished in the flaraes— whole loss of
-property estimated at $28,000.

118 FIRES IN DEDHAM.
1834. Jan. 7, the Phoenix Stable, and fifty-three horses burnt,
loss $10,000.
1837. Jan. 30, Car-house and contents at Eail-road depot.
1838. August 5, Jeremiah Draper's barn in South parish, to
gether with forty-two tons of hay.
1840. June 24, a grist miU and turning shop in South parish,
belonging lo Charles Guild.
1841. June 30, a dweUing-house in first parish, belonging to
George Alden, occupied by Corafort Weatherbee.
1842. January, Joseph Howe's shoeraaker's shop and con
tents, on East-street.
1845. March 11, the New England Silk Factory — loss
$40,000. March 28, Ashcrofl's calico printing wOrks — loss
$15,000. September 13, J. F. Whiltemore's store on Bow
street— loss $1200.
1846. July 12, Nathaniel Colburn's barn, together with 17
tons hay, a horse, and several swine, in west parish, destroyed
by lightning — loss $2000. July 17, paper miU at Mill village,
known as Taft's raiU, belonging lo Norfolk Manufacturing Co. —
loss $10,000 — being the third mill burnt on the same spot.
1847. January 23, the barn of Jeremiah F. Eichards, on
High-street, was set on fire and totally consumed, together with
ten lons of hay, a yoke of oxen, two horses, and three cows.
Loss $1000. Insured at Norfolk Mutual Office for $400. April
10, the Satinet factory al Mill viUage, owned by J. W. Edraonds
took fire from friction in the picker room, and was partially
burnt; insured in Boston. April 19, a dwelling-house near
Cart bridge, occupied by George W. Pickering and Mr. Baxter,
and owned by Francis Guild, was burnt to the ground — loss
$1000, insured $700. May 1, Temperance Hall, in the Centre
village, took fire frora the stove pipe ; its early discovery pre
vented an extensive conflagration. May 7, the shoe-maker's
shop of Mr. Pond, at Mill vUlage, was burnt, together with its
contents.

NAMES AND LOCALITIES. 119

NAMES AND LOCALITIES.
The foUowing brief description of most ofthe places spoken of
in these pages, will point out raore distinctly their several locali
ties. It raay also be otherways interesting frora the fact that long
before the establishraent of roads to any great extent in this set
tlement, different parts of the town were distinguished by sorae
local narae, on mention of vvhich its situation was at once under
stood among the inhabitants. The nuraerous viUages that now
dot ihe hiUs and plains, and the broad thorough-fares which have
taken the place of the obscure and serpentine " ways," as they
were originaUy "laid out" from house to house in the wilderness,
have lost many of these localities to the present generation.
Sorae of them however are still well known. A knowledge of
others that may have been lost or forgotten will at this day, it is
believed, greatly assist those who may hereafter have occasion
to search the records.
Cart Bridge, was built across Charles river in 1644, on the
road leading from the old " training ground" lo Dedham Island ;
which road was laid out " three rods broad," same year, through,
the planting lot of Michael Bacon. The bridge was the first one'
laid for the passage of teams or carts over the river in this town..
A foot bridge had previously been laid across the river, at a place
called the Key, about one fourth of a mile below this spot, near
the place where the stone arch bridge now stands at powder house
rock. At the rebuilding of Cart Bridge, just 120 years after it
was first buUt, it is recorded that " John Simpson is allowed 5s.
and 9d. for 6 quarts and one pint of Ehum, used at the raising of
said bridge ;" but for what purpose this article was used future
generations must be left to conjecture, as the records furnish no
further information.
Purchase Meadows, through the upper part of which the mill
creek was dug to the source of East brook, is a part of the tract
of land purchased or included in the compromise made with the
town of Eoxbury in 1650. In that year a coramittee consisting
of Francis Chickering, John Dwight, Lieut. Fisher, and Eleazer
Lusher, were chosen by the town to treat with the Roxbury peo-

120 NAMES AND LOCALITIES.
pie for certain lands adjoining Dedham. The precise bounds
between Eoxbury and Dedham were not fully settled until 1697,
when the selectmen of each town were empowered to define and
fix the boundary between the two towns. A way to these
meadows was laid out in 1685.
Great Plain, lies in East Needham. In the infancy of the
town it was for many years improved by the Dedham people as a
planting field, for the cultivation of wheat and' other grain. A
public highway to this plain, across Dedham Island, was directed
to be laid out in 1644. In 1646, the surveyor was directed to
take care of the sarae and keep it in repair from year to year.
This was done but in part. In 1701, the selectraen established a
road, three rods wide, from the great causeway to this plain, a
former coraraittee having failed to accomplish the work assigned
thera. The Great, or Long Causeway, is a narrow strip of land at the
westerly end of Dedham Island, adjoining the upper or south
westerly part of Broad meadows. A road was located in 1644,
leading frora Cart bridge over this causeway lo the great plain.
The causeway is about a fourth of a raile in length, and makes
the northern bank of Charles river at this point. The river here
turns suddenly to the southwest, and after forming the Island
comes again to the Broad meadows, half a raile northeast frora
this causeway. Until the year 1724, this is called in the records
the Great Causeway. In April of that year, a petition was pre
sented to the town for a way to be laid out lo the Planting Field
Plain, "from the highway on the Great Island leading to the
Long Causeway." In this quotation, the words "Great," and
"Long," are interlineations in the original ; but in the subsequent
records it continues to be alluded to as the "Long Causeway," by
which name it is now generally known. In 1760, a raotion was
made in town meeting, to petition the general court for the grant
of a Lottery, to raise money to repair the "Long Causeway" —
which raotion was negatived.
Westfield, was one of the open plats, formerly improved by the
first settlers as a planting field. It is in the westerly part of the
first parish. The name is stiU retained, as comprising one of the

NAMES AND LOCALITIES. 121
school districts of the town. A road from New Bridge leading
by Westfield, through land of Jeremiah Fisher, vvas established
in 1719 ; a way frora this road to the farm of Nathaniel Rich
ards was laid out by the town in 1715.
The old Country Road, leading southwesterly frora East-street,
through the easterly end of Ridge hill, was originally laid out
four rods wide. Like the .Cart bridge road, and sorae others in
the town, it has in the course of time very perceptibly shrunk in
some places from its ample dimensions as at first staked out.
High Street, commences al Dwight's bridge over Little river,
and leads in a westerly direction by the Little Common and the
old "training ground" to the road leading to Dover, in the upper
viUage. Many of the lots apportioned to the first settlers are
bounded on this street in the original grants. It has more re
cently been sometimes known as "Comraon-street." To prevent
mistakes hereafter, the lown, in March, 1839, restored the origi
nal narae, and ordered it to be entered upon the records.
Pocumptuck is the Indian narae for the present lown of Deer
field, in this Slate. Eight thousand acres of land were selected
at this place, in 1664, by permission of the general court, in ex
change for two thousand acres granted by the town for the Indian
seulement al Natick. The lown of Deerfield was originally laid
out and settled by Dedham people. The Indian tiUes lo the
lands at Pocumptuck were purchased for the sum of Ml. 10s.
which sum was assessed on the Dedham comraon rights, for the
payment thereof
Great Island, now known as Dedham Island, is situated in the
northerly part of the town. It is formed by the waters of
Charles river, which run from the western point of the Island at
the upper part of Broad raeadows, in a circuitous channel south
easterly towards the village, to Bullard's landing place ; thence
northerly to the lower part of Broad meadows, through which
there is a ditch or creek extending frora river to river. The
Island contains by estiraation about twelve hundred acres. One
of the three herd walks, as the feeding grounds for cattle were
called before the division of the common lands among the propri-
16

122 NAMES AND LOCALITIES.
etors, was upon this Island. Another of these herd wallis was
on East street, and the third on South plain. In 1659, these
herd walks contained 532 acres ; at that time the inhabitants had
feeding on them 477 cattle. The Proprietors also selected this
Island for building lots, and some of the first houses erected in
the town were located here.
Ware's Causeway, makes a small portion of the road leading
from Carl bridge across Dedhara Island to the great causeway.
A way from this road, commencing near the bridge and passing
by the houses of Capt. David Fuller and Thomas Smith, till it
comes again to the first raentioned road al Ware's causeway, was
established as a public highway in 1764. A gravel pit was re
served for the use of the town near this causeway.
Eidge HiU, is a remarkable range of elevated land, commenc
ing near the westerly part of Wigwam pond and running south
easterly through the entire length of Wigwam swamp, a distance
of about one mUe and a quarter, to the old "country road," which
it crosses a short distance north of the house of Hon. John Endi
cott. The height of this graveUy ridge is some fifteen to twenty
feet above the level of the adjacent swamp ; its width, from three
to six rods.
Wigwam Plain is nearly surrounded by Wigwam Swamp.
The Indians forraerly had a settlement here, and continued to
iwcupy the spot for raany years after the Europeans had settled
around them. Wigwam Pond adjoins this plain on the north
west. Pmid Plain, adjoins the Medfield road, in the west parish. A
way frora the road to the west side ofthe pond on this plain, was
established in 1717, for a Watering Place.
Lotv Plain covers a surface of several hundred acres in the
easterly part of the town. This plain is traversed by the Boston
and Providence, and Dedham Branch raUroads. It will doubt
less in ihe progress of time be occupied by a portion of those in
habitants of the metropolis, who are seeking a pleasant and con
venient location for their dwellings, in the immediate vicinity of
the city.

NAMES AND LOCALITIES. 123
The Broad Meadows adjoin Charles river on the north, and
^read out in a southwesterly direction to the great causeway.
A ditch or creek was dug from river to river through these raead
ows in 1655, apparently for the purpose of assisting to drain the
meadows lying nearer the viUage.
Metcalfs Island was originaUy granted to Michael Metcalf, for
three acres, more or less. It contains some seven or eight acres,
and adjoins Charles river, at the southerly part of Broad mead
ows. A gravel pit was reserved on this Island for the use of all
persons concerned, and also a passage through to the meadows
beyond. Powell's Island is also on the Broad meadows, about
one fourth of a mile below the first naraed. A causeway was di
rected lo be raade to this Island from the town's land in 1675, to
facilitate the getting of hay. Wilson's Island lies adjacent to the
last named.
Little River, is the name given to the stream that flows from
Wigwam pond, through the Little Meadows, to Charles river.
Divight's Bridge is built across this stream, at the junction of
High-street, Mill village and East-street roads.
Green Lodge, is a fertile tract of land, pleasantly situated in
the southeast part of the town, adjacent to Neponset river and
the railroad frora Boston to Providence. A nuraber of valuable
and productive farms are situated here.
Sandy VaUey, lies about midway between Dedham village and
the west parish meeting-house. Dead Swamp is a short distance
southward from this valley. High Eock and Fox HiU, in the
west parish, are prominent erainences, from which a view of the
cily and harbor of Boston may be obtained. Eock Meadows and
Dunkling's Hole, are situated in the northerly part of this parish.
Planting Field Plain, on Dedham Island, adjoins Charles river
on the west. A road across this Plain from the one leading to
the great causeway was established in 1724.
The Landing Place on the southwest bank of Charles river on
the Needhara road, opposite Metcalfs pond, was established by
the selectmen in 1717, — "about five rods in width in the narrow-

124 NAMES AND LOCALITIES.
est place, and eight or nine rods next the highway." k Land
ing Place was also laid out the same year, from the highway
leading by the house of Nathaniel Richards to the river.
The Great Common, or " Training Ground," as it is called in
the records, was appropriated by the Proprietors for the use of
the military company, in 1644. It is an open piece of ground,
containing now about two acres, of a triangular form, encompas
sed on two sides by public roads. It is crossed by another road
leading over Cart bridge.
The first grant of this land lo the raUitary corapany was soon
after confirmed, as appears by the foUowing record : — " 7ih mo.
10, 1648. Granted to the trained company of this town and to
the officers thereof and to their successors forever, the free use of
all that parcel of land commonly called the training ground, al
ways provided that the said trained company, and the officers
thereof, shall not at any time hereafter appropriate the said parcel
or any part thereof, or improve the same to any other use than to
the use of public exercise of the said company, without the con
sent of the selectmen of the lown for the time being first attained ;
neither shall it be in the liberty or power of the selectmen here
after at any time to dispose of the said parcel or any part thereof,
in any case, without the consent of the said trained company and
the officers thereof, first had and manifest.'' [Rec. fol. 1, page
111 ; Richardson's transcript, page 7.]
In 1677, one acre of the training ground was granted to Amos
Fisher and to his heirs forever, by consent ofthe parlies interest-
ed; and sergeant Daniel Pond was in like manner allowed to im
prove for that year one acre and an half of said ground, for which
he was to pay thirty shillings in merchantable corn, and also " to
lay down this land playne." Other persons were perraitted to
improve certain portions of this ground from time to time.
In the year 1687, the town being mueh in want of funds, it was
proposed to sell the training ground, provided any one would give
between 30 and 40 pounds in money for it, and provided also,
that the requisite consent of the military company was obtained.
Il does not appear that any person offered to purchase.
An alms-house was erected by the town about the year 177.3,
on the westerly part of the training ground, the consent of the

NAMES AND LOCALITIES. 125
parties interested being first obtained. In 1836, this building,
" together with the land and appurtenances thereto belonging,"
was sold by order of the town.
The elm trees which now cover this forraerly bleak and barren
spot, were transplanted in 1842, by the voluntary efforts of the
citizens. The Little Common, is the open space in front of the first par
ish meeting-house ; it is shaded by forest trees which were trans
planted at different periods.
East Street, has continued lo be known by this name since the
origin of the town. It is a continuation of High-street from
Dwight's bridge, on the east side of Little river. Some of the
first houses erected by the settlers were located on this street.
The original home lots, mostly of twelve acres each, were laid
out on the north side of the street, " abutting upon the Little
meadows towards the west," and extending back to the waste or
unappropriated lands ; each lot having a " highway four rods
wide running through the westerly end of the same." An an
cient oak tree yet stands in front of the deacon Avery house, on
this street. It is much older than the town, and measures sixteen
feet in circuraference near the bottora of the trunk. Its top has
been much twisted and torn by the storms of centuries, but the
tree is still cherished as a proud specimen of the stately growth
of its old companions of the forest. Seventy dollars were off'ered
for it, lo be used for limber in building the frigate Constitution,
but rejected by the owner. Several new and tasteful dwelling
houses have recently been erected on this street, and others are
in progress.
Charles River, which makes the northern boundary of the
town, in this part of its course varies from five to seven or eight
rods in width, and flows with a very gentle current. It received
its name from the emigrants who left England for this country
with Governor Winthrop in 1629 ; they landed on a peninsula
at the head of Massachusetts Bay, opposite which was another,
with a river flowing between them and emptying into the bay,
which in honor of Charles I. they named Charles river. The
peninsula on which they landed they named Charlestown, and the

128 NAMES AND LOCALITIES.
opposite one Boston, after a lown in England frora which some
of the principal persons composing this corapany emigrated.
Among these emigrants were included many of the first Settlers
of Dedham. We have the authority of Dr. Morse, (in his Geog
raphy and Gazetteer,) for staling that the Indian narae of this
river is Quinobequin.
Purgatory Swamp, is the name handed down to us from the
first setders, of an extensive tract of woods and low lands in the
southeasterly part of the town, between Ridge hill and Neponset
river. The Fowl meadows adjoin and stretch away lo the south
ward of this swarap. Purgatory Hole, is a small pool of mud
and water at the easterly end of this swamp, near the bridge
leading over Neponset river to Canton.
Wigwam Swamp, is situated between Purgatory swamp and
Dedhara village. These two swaraps are described by historians
as having formerly been " dismal places, and the resort of wUd
beasts." Here then it was that the wolves and wild cats in former
tiraes congregated and held their revels, much to the annoyance
of the early settlers of the town, and particularly detrimental to
the young cattle that fed in the herd walks near by. In order to
break up their den in Wigwam swarap, which latter was so near
the viUage that " the wolf howl was heard frora it," the inhabi
tants, for a lime, in addition to the bounties offered for destroying
these animals made it a condition of every grant of land, that the
grantee should clear away the wood standing on a certain qaan-
tity of land in this swamp.
South Plain borders on the edge of the swamp southward of
Ridge hill, and is traversed by a road leading by the houses of
Nathaniel Sraith and John Green. A road from this Plain to
East-street was laid out in 1687.
The Foiol Meadows adjoin Neponset river, in the southerly
part of the town. The superior quality of the grass on these
raeadows for the last one hundred and fifty years, is attributed to
seed brought from a distance by the wild fowl, that in former
times frequented these meadows during the spring freshets in
large nurabers.

NAM-ES AND LOCALITIES, 127
Mother Brook, also called East Brook in the records, had its
source originaUy about three fourths of a mile southeast from
Charles river. It flows in an easterly direcdon and unites with
Neponset river. Several valuable mills are situated on this
stream, for the benefit of which a creek or canal was cut from
Charles river through Purchase meadow lo its source, in 1639.
This Canal is probably the first one ever made in this country,
and it is now known as MUl Creek. It is about three fourths of
a mile in length.
Village Avenue, was so named by the lown al the time of its
establishment as a public highway in 1835, on motion*of Sarauel
Swett, Esq. through a portion of whose lands it passes. It leads
frora High-street in the upper village southeasterly by the ceme
tery to Court-street, and is one of the very few streets which have
received a " local habitation and a name,'' by order of the lown.
Chesnut Avenue leads from High-street southwesterly 628 feet to
Village Avenue, 38 feet wide. Eastern Avenue runs from High-
street northeasterly by,the Phcenix House and Mechanic buUdings,.
across the Litde meadows, to the old post road leading lo Boston.
The Clapboardtrees, is the narae now generally used to desig
nate the third, or west parish, and is so used in the act of incor
poration. It was originaUy applied only to the wood lots on the
eminence where the congregational meeting-house now stands,
and the lands iraraediately adjoining on the north and east. Tbe
name was derived from the circumstance that on these lots for
merly grew a certain species of limber trees, which being easily
converted into boards were aUowed to be used by the Inhabitants
for the covering of buildings, by special perrait of the town au
thorities, in the early days of the settlement.
Wolf Fits are oflen spoken of in the early records, and were
situated in various parts of the lown. The settlement was for
many years infested by wolves, which induced a bounty of ten
shUlings to be off'ered for each one kUled within the town. The
bounty was increased to twenty shillings in 1699, when an un-
nsualnumber were destroyed by the hunters ; but these trouble
some animals were not entirely extirpated until a long period af
ter that date.

128 NAMES AND LOCALITIES.
The Key, a place so named by the first setders, where, in 1637,
a foot bridge was built across Charles river to Dedham Island, at
or near the spot now occupied by a stone bridge at powder house
rock. One of the first roads laid out by the original proprietors
coraraenced at this place, crossing High-street near the Monu-
raental Stone, and leading southerly towards Wigwam pond.
For many years the persons annually appointed as fence viewers
for that portion of the settlement called the Town, coraprising all
the home lots, had this Key road which divided the village plain
nearly in the centre for a part of their district limits ; the part
which la]^upon the upper side being called the west end of the
town, that on the lower side' the east end of the town. In addidon
to the dudes devolving upon the office of fence viewers, which in
those days was an iraportant trust, they were required to see that
the order of the town concerning ladders being placed against the
houses, on each side of this division line, was duly complied wilh.
The acre of land sold by Joseph Kingsbury to the town for the
meeting-house lot, " abutted upon High-street towards the north,
and upon the highway leading frora the Key to the Pond towards
the east." Why raay not the substantial stone arch bridge at
this spot be naraed the Key Bridge ?
Ragged Plain. The place now known by this name lies on
the road leading southerly frora East-street, by the house of Capt.
Jesse Farrington lo the Purgatory meadows and Canton. Anoth
er place spoken ofin the records as the " Eagged Playne." is sit
uated southwesterly from the great coramon, in the vicinity of the
upper viUage. The house lots of John Allin, Anthony Fisher,
Thomas Dwight, and others, located there, are described in the
original grants as having " the highway leading towards the
Eagged Playne running through the sarae." Liberty was grant
ed to Eichard Wheeler, in 1660, to have his share of the five
hundred acre dividend " laid out to him upon the Eagged Plain,
near the pond, and on the south side of that pond, at the east end
of the ridge."
Federal HUl, is a beautiful eminence rising from the meadows
at the southerly part of the village, commanding an extensive
view of the village plain and the scenery beyond.

NAMES AND LOCALITIES. 129
The Causeway, across the meadows at Dwight's bridge, does
not appear to have been distinguished by any local name, other
than The Causeway. It was a work of much labor, on account
of its length and the depth of mud where it is built, and was not
completed undl within a recent period. In the early days of the
settlement, a plank bridge extended the whole length of this
causeway, for the convenience of foot passengers. In 1666, ser
geant EUis is required to repair the foot bridge at this causeway
with " planks and rayles from end to end, and to clear away a
tree fallen in the way betwixt south plain and south raeadow —
and all in sadsfaclion for his defect in his highway work." In
1677, liberty is granted by the town to deacon Aldis, " to set his
fence down into the highway at the gravel pit at the end of the
causeway, provided he maintains two pair of bars for the town's
use to fetch gravel for the town's use, under the direcdon of Na
thaniel Colburn and sergeant ElHs." Colburn lived adjacent to
the causeway on the west side of Litde river, and Ellis on the
east side. The gravel pit is now covered by the buildings al the
railroad depot. In 1685, the town voted " to raise the causeway
at the Little river to such a height as that carls may pass ordina
rily without difficulty notwithstanding the water," and to do it
on account of 'highway work.
The Canoes, a place so named, on the Needham road, where a
passage or ferry across Charles river was formerly made with
boats or canoes, before the building of the New Bridge on the
spot. It was a more convenient and direct way from the town to
the wheat fields on the great plain than the road across Dedham
Island. The Elder's Causeway, is built across the meadows on the old
post road leading from Court-street to Federal hill. The Elder's
La-ne, as I infer, is a branch of the Key road ; leaving the latter
opposite the head of School-street, and leading southwesterly
over this causeway. In 1682, the surveyors district limits were
defined as follows : " Nathaniel Colburn and sergeant Eichard
EUis are appointed fence viewers for the east end of the town to
the Elder's Lane and so down to the river — for the west end of
the town, to the aforesaid Lane, John Gay, sen. and Th. BatUe."
17

130 NAMES AND LOCALITIES.
Wolomonopog, is a tract of land purchased of king Philip, sa
chem of Mount Hope, in 1662. The tract purchased was six
miles square, or a quantity of land equal to it, for which the sum
of 24Z. 10s. was paid. It now comprises the town of Wrentham.
Bogastmo, is a tract of meadow and swamp, situated in the
present town of Medway, in the easterly part, adjoining Medfield.
The Great Cedar Swamp and Stop River are within the limits of
Walpole. Pegan HUl and Noanette's Brook, in Natick.
The Old Saw MiU, frequendy spoken of in the records of the
first century of the settieraent, stood where the baUing mUl of Ca
leb Ellis now stands, not far from the house of Eichard and Wil
lard Ellis, in the third parish.
New Bridge, was built across Charles river on the Needham
road in 1680, by sergeant Wight and Samuel Mills, who had pe
titioned the town for liberty to erect a bridge at this place, " where
a passage is usually raade over said river with canoes," which was
granted them. A highway was laid out sarae year from the lown
to the bridge, and from the bridge to the great plain in 1684.
The first named was established in the year 1700, two rods wide
from the bridge through land of Ephraim Wilson, and from thence
to the lown three rods wide. Three acres of land were granted
by the town to Ephraim Wilson in 1699, in full satisfaction for
this highway through his lands, and for liberty to lake gravel to
mend the way at the bridge. In the spring of 1709, the bridge
vvas carried away by a flood, but soon rebuilt.
Bullard's Landing Place, is at the bend in Charles river, on
its southerly bank, between Dedham Island and the village. The
original way to this landing place, as I infer from the records,
was from the road leading from the Key to Wigwam pond.
Some trouble exisdng at an early dale in regard to this way, the
subject was referred to the decision of five men, mutually chosen
by the town, and Joshua Fisher, Joseph Kingsbury and Lambert
Genery, through whose lands the way is laid out. In 1646 this
committee decide, " that the highway lying between Joseph
Kingsbury and Joshua Fisher, leading down to the landing place
shall lie as it did before, and as it was at first laid out by Mr. Ed-

CASUAL REMARKS. 131
ward Alleyn and Abraham Shaw." Joshua Fisher is lo set up
and maintain five rods offence as il vvas before, wilh fencing stuff
which Joseph Kingsbury is to prepare and deliver on the spot
where it is to be used, viz. " at the upper end of said highway ;"
and Lambert Genery fifteen rods in like manner, adjoining Fish
ers. In 1705. this way was abandoned and the present one estab
lished 'oy the selectraen, " from the High-street by the raeedng-
house, between land of Eev. Mr. Joseph Belcher and Lieutenant
John Baker, as they abut upon each other in part, and land of
said Baker and WiUiam Bullard in part, crossing through the
southwest corner of Bullard's orchard lUl it comes to the side of
the hill at the landing place." Said BuUard to raake and main
tain said way, " good and passable for loaden carts," forever.
A part of Kingsbury's twelve acre home lot from which the acre
for the meeting-house lot was taken, lay upon the north side of
High-street, and abutted in part " upon the way leading towards
the landing place towards the south." In 1846, the town grant
ed leave to Abiathar Eichards to build and occupy an ice-house
at this latiding place.

CASUAL REMARKS.
The founders of Dedham were a choice few among the nuraber
of those who fled from a religious persecudon in their nadve
land, and sought in this western cUme a place of refuge where
they could worship their God in a manner most congenial to their
feelings. Here indeed they might hope to enjoy all the benefits
of religious freedom. No forms of religion had been established,
no rites observed but the idolatrous worship of the untutored na
tive Indian. Il remained for themselves to be among the first in
this western wilderness to erect altars to the living God.
Upwards of two centuries have elapsed since this place was
first inhabited by civiUzed man. The aborigines who were found
in possession of the country could never be brought to assimilate
their customs and habits with the European strangers. The rap
id and condnued encroachments of the settlers upon their corn
fields and hundng grounds, obliged these sons of the forest to re
tire deeper into the wilderness, and graduaUy give place to their

132 CASUAL REMARKS.
" pale-faced" superiors. As civUization advanced, they were
compelled sdll further lo retreat, and a descendant of their race is
now rarely seen among us.
A large pordon of those who first came here were men who
had been well educated in the old country, and some of them
were noted in the annals of literature in the European world.
Looking forward to the benefit of posterity, they unitedly and
early turned their attendon to providing the means of instruction
for their descendants. They done what they could for this ob
ject. If the second and third generations were any way deficient
in this respect, the cause may be readily found in the peculiarity
of their circumstances, and the necessity which then existed in
the wilderness for more physical exertions in procuring the means
of sustaining life, and fighdng the Indians.
The bold pioneers who first broke the soil in this region might
have been more or less dnctured with the intolerant spirit that
characterized the age and forced them into exile, for perfection is
not the lot of humanity. It would have been a miracle indeed
had the first settlers of this lown entirely escaped the influence of
the bigoted and boisterous times in which they lived. Eeligious
controversies and quarrels were the order of the day, as well in
the new country as the old. But the examples of fortitude, per
severance, of foresight, and of confiding trust in an overruling
Providence exhibited by them, demand our admiration and grati
tude. We, their descendants, who now enjoy the fruits of their
labors, would do well to imitate their virtues, and lake as good
heed that the cause of education, of civil and reHgious liberty, .do
not retrogade in our hands.
In process of dme things began to assume a new aspect. The
difference between an unenlightened and a civilized slate of soci
ety becarae more disdncdy visible. The rude wigwams of the
natives gave place to more convenient dwellings, with the school
house and the church rising in their midst. The dense forest,
into which the rays of the sun could scarcely penetrate, was made
to bow before the axe of the sturdy yeoman. Large tracts of
land were cleared and fitted for cultivation, while the forms of
society were also changed and improved.

CASUAL REMARKS. 133
Could the first settlers of Dedham who now repose in yonder
grave-yard arise from their resting place and view the scenery
around thera, how changed would every object appear to their
bewildered vison ! The first prominent object that might attract
attendon peradventure would be the towering steeple, rising from
the identical spot where the first meedng-house, rudely built with
logs and covered with thatch, was erected by them more than two
hundred years ago, and in which they were wont to assemble on
the sabbath for the public worship of the universal Father.
No coat of paint adorned their humble temple ; no windows of
glass admitted the light to guide them in their devodons ; no
noles from the deep-toned org?in mingled with their voices in the
loud swelling anthem of praise ; no cushioned seals, no carpelted
floor or artificial warmth invited thera to the place for bodily com
fort and recreation. The pealing bell sent not forth its summon
ing notes for them. No worldly pride, or fondness for ostenta
tious display, impelled the first settlers of this lown to congregate
in the teraple devoted to the service of the great Jehovah. Their
devotion was the homage of the heart alone. The deep-felt, in
ward feeling of dependance on a superintending Providence for
preservation and support, was sufficient to induce them to brave
the wintry winds and numerous inconveniences, and assemble on
this consecrated spot to unite in the worship of their God in the
manner their consciences dictated.
Other objects would appear as strange to them as the rising
spire. The Plain, on which they had pitched their tents, now
covered with stalely dweUings; the fruitful garden spots and
broad streets that have taken the place of the gigandc forest trees
and winding " herd walks," would present but litde to remind
them of the familiar scenes peculiar lo the spot two hundred years
ago ! The very grounds set apart by the early setders in 1638,
" for the use of a public burial place for the town forever," would
scarcely now be recognized by them, so much have they too par
taken of the general change.
But the change to them would be no greater than it would be
to the present generadon, could we but go back to the draes of
the setders, and realize the privations and hardships which they
endured and surmounted. They were a hardy and a conscien-

134

INDEX.

tious race ; and, if we have not actually degenerated, it raay well
be a quesdon with aU of us, whether we should be as able and
as willing to undergo fatigue and sufferings equal to theirs, for
religion's sake, or for the sake of any thing that presented no
prospect of raaking us richer in worldly goods ?
A century hence, and what further change will have taken
place here ! The andquarian and the scholar will search for the
records and the works of our dmes, to transmit them to future
generations ! May they be found rich in such things as may re
dound to the glory of God, and worthy of his enlightened crea
tures.

INDEX,

Animals, domestic .... 64
Aqueducts  39,62
Ancient oak  125
Ancient records 19, 42, 44, 50, 63
Alfair of honor ..... 43
Ames, Dr. Nathaniel ... 27
Allotment 'of lands .... 82
Aborigines, last of ... . 66
Ancient school funds ... 93
" deeds  19
Boundaries  61
Burial grounds . 69, 70,23,28
Bow street  48
Broad meadows  123
Bogaslow  130
Bullard's landing place . . 130
Bellingham incorporated . . 25
Bridge, at powder house rock 50
Branch Railroad  61
College Graduates .... 86
Corn mills  , 67
Casual remarks  131
Covenant of first settlers . . 52
Continental army, supplies for 57
do. soldiers . . 56, 63, 105
Centennial anniversary, town 49
" " church 49
Canal to East brook ... 11
Centre street  44
Cart bridge  119

Country road  121
Charles river  125
Clapboardtree lots .... 127
Canoes, the  129
Clay grounds  84
Court house .... .47
Cadets, visit of ... . 44
City Guards  45
Chesnut Avenue .... 127
Cemetery, first parish ... 69
" third parish - . 70
Cannon, old  63
Copper Mine  103
Dedham, as it is .... . 61
" bank  65
" island  121
" newspapers ... 75
Donations, Sam'l Dexters 31, 40, 41
" Samuel Damons . 71
" Dr. Wm. Averys 19
" Nath'l Kingsbury 29
Division of the town ... 42
" of school money 39, 42, 51
Dogs licensed  50
Dead swamp  123
Dwight's bridge  123
Dover district  36
Domestic Manufactures . 55, 60
" Animals .... 64
Detecting Societies . . 66

INDEX.

135

Page.
Dunkling's hole .... 123
Estates, real and personal . . 64
Episcopal church lands . . 29
Extracts from town records 52
Encouragement of doraestic
manufactures .... 55
Economy in the government 59
Earthquake  45
East brook  127
East street  125
Elder's causeway .... 129
" lane  129
Eastern Avenue  127
¦Expenditures, revolutionary 63
Expenses, town  68
Fire Department  113
Fires since 1820  117
Fox Hill  123
Fowl meadows  126
Federal Hill  128
Funeral regulations .... 31
Free contributions .... 21
Grant of general court . . 55
Great plain  120
Great causeway  120
Great Island  121
Green lodge  123
Great common . . . . . 124
Graduates  86
Great Cedar Swamp . . . 130
Houses, number of . 15, 30, 72
Horses, for Continental army 57
High street  121
High rock . . . ^ . . 123
Highway tax  47
Indian relics .  67
Insurance companies ... 65
" building .... 66
Instructions to representative 30, 31, 32, 59
Indian titles, extinguished 14,
16, 19, 20, 101, and 103
Introduction  3
Incorporation, petition for 53
" grant of court 55
Island road . . . 44, 46, 57
Inhabitants, number of . 30
Key road  128
Key bridge  50, 128
Land, natural divisions of . 64
" number acres ... 64
Lawyers . . 59
Lafayette . • . 45
Locality of places . . 119
Long causeway .... 120

rcles

Landing place
Low plain . .
Little river . .
" meadows
" common
Ladies' Sewing Ci:
Light Infantry . ; .
Manufactures, statistics of
Municipal Government
Minute men . .
Manufactures . . .
Metcalfs Island . .
Medfield, settlement of
Militia, number of
" muster . .
Mother brook ...
Mill creekl . . .
Monumental stone
Newspapers, account of
Natick Indians . .
Names of places . .
New bridge . . .
Needham incorporated
Nation's Guest . .
Noanette's brook . .
Old dam ....
" saw mill . . .
Original proprietors .
Original limits of town
Organized societies
Old and new style .
Ornamental trees
Political character .
Population, progress of
Polls, number of . .
Petition for Incorporation
Powder House . .
Post offices ....
Poor House built . .
do. sold . .
Pocumptuck . . .
Pumham slain
Purchase meadow
Pond plain . . .
Powell's Island . .
Planting field plain
Purgatory swamp
" hole . .
Parishes, incorporated
Philip's war
PeatPublic Schools
Pegan hill . . .
Quinobequin ....
Quincy Light Infantry

Page. 123 122123123125 69
40, 42
49,73• 65 33
31, 55, 60
• 123
• 97
• 62
40,42
37, 127
103, 127
• 31
• 75
14,39
. 119

. 130
. 24
. 45
. 130
. 96
. 130
. 84
. 10
. 66
. 77
. 67
. 104
. 72
50, 72
. 53
71
40, 51, 62
. 32
. 49
. 121 17
119
. 122
. 123
. 123
. 126
. 126
27, 28
17
68
68
. 130
66, 126
. 47

136

INDEX.

Page.
Railroad, branch .... 61
Representatives, list of . . . 106
" instructions
to  30, 31, 32, 59
Religious Societies .... 108
Rattlesnake bounty . . . 25, 30
Ridge hill  122
Bagged plain  128
Revolutionary taxes .... 63
" soldiers 56, 63, 105
Records transcribed ... 50
" ancient ..... 63
Rock meadows . . . • . 123
School money, division of 39, 42, 51
" districts, names of . 61
" children . . . .49,69
" free established . . 12
« public  68
" Sunday  69
" funds  41, 93
Style, old and new .... 77
Soldiers, continental 56, 63, 105
Separation from Suffolk 38, 59
Sabbath breakers  18
Second parish incorporated . 27
Snow storm  44
South plain  126
Sandy Valley  123
Shire town  38
Savings Institution ... 65
Selectmen  79
Sewing circles  69
Stop river  130
Town Expenses . . .49, 68
" meetings, manner of no
tifying . . . 38,51,63
'f meetings, where holden 37

Pag^
Town meeting  47
" meetings, illegal . 23, 41
" house, cost of . . . 47
" farm  48
" property .... 49
" pounds . . 12, 31, 44, 50
" separation of ... . 42
Training ground .... 31, 124
The causeway  129
Time, manner of computing 77
Target shooting  64
Taxes, how collected ... 62
" revolutionary ... 63
Thief detecting societies . . 66
Tea, use of forbidden . . 33, 55
" permits to sell .... 36
Third parish incorporated . 28
Towu Clerks  79
" records  50
Trees, ornamental .... 67
Village Avenue  127
Value of lands  82
Vine rock bridge .... 50
Veteran Association . . ¦ 105
Wild cat bounty  27
Westfield  120
Ware's Causeway .... 122
Wigwam plain  122
Wilson's Island  123
Wigwam swamp  126
Wolf pits  127
" bounty  22
Wolomonopog .... 130
Wrentham, settlement of . . 100
Witchcraft  21
Walpole incorporated . . 26
Work House . . 32,42,48,49

YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

3 9002 01850 3509