S70:

( i r

A1 BRIEF

HISTORY
OF THE
TOWN OF
STONEHAM, MASS.,
FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT TO THE YEAR 1643:.
WITH
AN ACCOUNT OF THE MURDER OF JACOB GOULD, i
On the Evening of Nov. 25, 1S19. 'j

BY SILAS DEAN.

« /
mo

PUBLISHED BY. REQUEST.

STONEHAM:.
SENTINEL PRESS, H. C. GRA.Y, PRINTER.
1870.

A BRIEF

H ISTORY

TOWN OF
STONEHAM, MASS.,
FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT TO THE YEAR 1843:
WITH
AN ACCOUNT OF THE MURDER OF JACOB GOULD,
On the Evening of Nov. 2$, 1819.

BY SILAS DEAN.

PUBLISHED BY REQUEST.

STONEHAM:
SENTINEL PRESS, H. C. GRAY, PRINTER,
1870.

HISTORY, &c.

According to the best information that .can be obtained,
that tract of land included in what is now called Stoneham,
was first settled about the year 1645. In the year 1640, four
brothers by the name of Holden, came over to this country
from the county of Suffolk, in England. The fifth and young
est brother of the family remained in his native land. Three
of the names of those who came to this country were
Richard, Oliver, and Justinian. Oliver took up a perma
nent residence in the vicinity of what is now Charlestown
Square. ' Many of his descendants are still living 'in that
place.' Justinian not being able to procure land to' his liking,
finally removed to what is now the tttwn of "Westminster,
at the northern part of "Worcester County. He took posses
sion of that township, and lived there the remainder of his
days. After his decease, a monument was erected t,o perpet
uate his memory, and also stating the facts connected with
his settlement in that ; township'. His descendants Still re
main there, and are among the most wealthy and influential
members of society. The fourth brother (whose name is
not known) removed to the State of Connecticut, and noth
ing further is known with regard to him. It will be remem
bered that this town was at that time (and indeed till the
year of its incorporation, which was 1725), a part of Charles-
town. Richard it seems concluded to remove to the! north
erly part of the town. The house which it is said- he built
and lived in, stood from twenty-five to thirty rods southwest
from where the house of Nathan Bucknam now ; stand's, at
the southwest part of the town. From Richard Holden it
appears all (in this immediate vicinity) of that name de
scended. Richard Holden's first Child (whose name was
Samuel,) was born in the year 1649. Asa Holden, now living
in this town, is a descendant of Richard, of the fifth genera
tion, Asa Holden's grandfather being a 'grandson' of Rich
ard. I find an ancient stone in the burying yard with-'the
following inscription: "Here litis ye 'Body of Mrs/ Anna

Holden, wife of Samuel Holden, who departed this life June
18th, 1731, aged 72 years." This was evidently the wife of
Richard's first son. According to the date of her death, she
was born' in the year 1659. As I have before stated when
the four brothers came to this country, which reason was
that they might enjoy their religious sentiments unmolested,
that the youngest brother remained in his native land. I am
told that the Holden family were heirs to the estate of a rich
lord, who was a bachelor. After the decease of this rich
lord, the remaining brother took the property which they in
herited, and with his family removed to this country, in 1646.
He purchased alarge trjict of land and settled in the State
of Rhode Island. He made every effort possible, (as has
been since ascertained,) to find his brothers and give them
their several ipprtions, but all his efforts proved unavailing,
and all his hopes of enjoying his new home and religious
privilege, were soon blasted. In a few short months he sick
ened and died. All hopes of finding his brothers being given
up, the disconsolate widow, sold his estate, took all the prop
erty in fyer possession, (which no doubt was a very hand
some sum,) and returned back to old England. Mr. George
Piper, who lived in East "Woburn, a few . years since, (an
Englishman by birth,) stated that he was knowing to a large
sum of money being deposited in a certain place near Lon
don or Liverpool,, by the name of the Holden fund, which
gives, us reason to suppose that this was the very legacy left
to this family; but which, if not called for after a certain
length, of time, would be appropriated by government, as
they saw best.
• Some persons have supposed that the first person that
took up a residence in town, was a Scotchman named
Hay, but if the record kept by Asa Holden be correct,
which I cannot doubt j as he has; the date of births down
to himself, then it is certain that Holden was here pre
viously. Hay was the first at the centre of the town. The
circumstances of Hay's coming to this country were as fol
lows : He was bound put as an apprentice in the city of Ed
inburgh, Scotland, but being dissatisfied with his situation,
he resolved on leaving his master. He accordingly took pas
sage for, this country on board a vessel- bound for Salem. On
arriving. at Salem, being unable to; pay his passage, which
must have been considerable at. that time, the captain of the
i vessel sold or bound him out to a man in Lynnfield, to work
„till he should pay his passage, which was something like ays
or seven ye.ars. , Aft§r serving out his time he canqluded to

come into this vicinity and settle down. He commenced
his first labors.by clearing up the ground about what is now
called Cobble Hill. It is stated that he came over from
Lynnfield with his axe and gun, stopping for a few days only
at a time, and lodging in a building or hut which stood on or
near the spot where the house of Reuben Locke, Jr., now
stands. It appears that he stood somewhat in fear of the
Indians, although he purchased his land of them, at the rate
of two coppers per acre.
I shall now give an account of the ancient buildings,
together with some incidents Connected with the inhabitants
who dwelt in them. Richard Holden, it will be remembered,
located himself a short distance southwest from Nathan
Bucknam's. About twenty rods southwest from his house,
another house stood for several years occupied by a family
named Howe. About fifteen rods west from Nathan Buck
nam's, a house formerly stood owned 'by Samuel Holden.
In this house Asa Holden, now living, was born. It is but
a few years since this house was taken down. On the south
west side of Bear Hill, a house stood many years since
owned by a man named Spring. The land in that vicinity
still retains that name. A little further to the north or
northwest there stood a building, as a cellar hole at present
shows. "Who lived in it, or when it was inhabited is not
at present known. Still farther to the north a building stood
occupied by a man named Parker. This house was at length
removed to the southeast part of the town, was repaired,
and occupied by Thomas Vinton, during his lifetime. At
the present time occupied by Reuben waitt. About one
hundred rods northwest from Nathan Bucknam's, a house
stood many years ago, occupied by a man named Hadley,
who married one of Richard Holden's daughters. Anthony
Hadley, who died several years since, at an advanced age,
is said to have been a member of that family. It may be
well to state the circumstances connected with the settlement
of the first person by the name of Hadley in this town. A
man by the name of Gould, living at or near the place where
Thomas Gould now lives, on a certain morning during the
first settlement of the town, while at his barn at a very early
hour, a man approached him, stark naked, and told him he
came over to this country on board a war ship. The night pre
vious he had deserted from the ship, and being fearful that
his clothes might retard his escape, or the procuring of them
cause some alarm, he left the vessel in a state of nudity. He
also stated to Gould that if he would provide him with

8
clothes, and afford him means for keeping himself secreted
till after the vessel left Bpston, he would work for him a
sufficient length of time to satisfy him for. all the trouble he
might be at. The proposal was agreed to, and.by this means
Hadley took up his abode in this town,and from him all of
that name now living in town descended, ,
Richard Holden's , farm originally included the land owned
by Spring, Parker, Howe, and Hadley, before mentioned. It
took in the land of Jesse Dike; it also took in the Hill farm,
(the house standing. on said farm is at present occupied by
A. C. Butterfield "and Benjamin Wheeler^ and is owned by ,
"Warren Sweetser,) and the two farms of Messrs. Chamber
lain and Hackett, situated in "Woburn, ,
The House of Jesse Dike is said to have been built by a
man named Hadley. It was afterwards occupied by the
father of Capt. James Steele. A few rods northwest from
said Dike's house, there stood a building owned by a Mr.
Knight, a tailor by trade. Richard Holden's land is supposed
to have extended as far north as where the saw mill owned
by David H. Burnham now stands. On this water privilege
there formerly- stood a grist mill. I am told that a deserter
from some war vessel had secreted himself under the floor
of this mill. The British soldiers, who were sent to take
him entered this mill. It seems they, were pretty well satis
fied that he was there concealed. They walked the floor,
stamped, being enraged- no doubt, while he was protected
from their vengeance by only the thickness of the board or
plank of which the floor was made. He, however, providen
tially eluded their grasp. A house stood near the mill occu
pied for many years by a man named Gould. An old fire
place was dug up there a few years 'since while preparations
were making for the laying of a wall.
At the north of this, the Scotchman Hay'is said to have
been owner of' the lands. He probably owned as far north
as where the school-house in District No. 1 now stands. At
the north , of Scotchman Hay's, a man . named Gerry
owned the lands. The circumstances of his coming to this
country are as follows : He came over ;in a man-of-war, act
ing in , the capacity of a boatswain. At.Bostp.h he fell in
company with Hay, came out and surveyed the, land; being
pleased with the prospects of taking up his residence here,
he: returned to Boston,' got permission to return here and
live, with the pr'omise that if, ever, called for to go on an ex
pedition against the enemy.j (French) he, must gp. To this
Gerry consented. The house in which he lived stood a few

rods north from the house of Benjamin Gerry. He became
acquainted with a young lady in Boston, whom he married
and brought to this place. Gerry is said to have been a man
of great courage. The following incident will prove it to be
the fact. At that time this country was inhabited to a con
siderable extent by wolves. On a certain day, Gerry was out
either for labor or business. He called upon a family, living
upon or near where the Almshouse now stands; about dusk.
It was thought rather daffgerous for him to -return home;
however, having an axe with him, he proceeded homeward,
but before proceeding far, he came in contact with a number
of wolves. He braced himself against a large tree and
ptiched battle' with; his antagonists. The neighbors heard the
conflict, notwithstanding he was left to conquer or die. He
conquered, and returned home. In the morning he went
to the place where he fought, and there found' that he
had killed no less than four wolves, the fifth had walked oft',
leaving blood to show that he also had1 been wounded: The
bounty on wolves was at' that time about £4 each. Gerry
remained here for many years, but was called upon to fulfill
his engagements, made previously to settling here. He left
his wire and children, never to return; as it is said he fell
during an engagement with' aL foreign enemy. He had sev
eral sons. One settled in this town, another went to Har
vard, and another to MatMehead. Elbridge Gerry, formerly
governor of this State, and vice-president under Mr. Madi
son's administration; is said to have been a member of this
family. ¦"
The house now owned and occupied by Gapt. Rufus Rich
ardson, was built many years ago; and formerly owned by a
man named "Wiley; afterwards occupied by the' father of
Benjamin Gerry. The house owned ' by Elijah Richardson
was: formerly known as the Matthews place. It is thought
to have been built about seventy years since: An ancient
building formerly stood a few rods to the northeast of this;
and for 'a considerable length of time was supposed to be
haunted. A family lived- there at that time. Ai the season
of harvesting a quantity of pumpkins were carried into the
garret;, one everting while the father was absent, and the
mother with the children and other members of the family
sat by the fireside, a noise was heard; something appeared
to be coming down stairs/ It came -stamp, stamp,_down Ihe
garret stairs; it then came to the entry stairs, which led to
the lower door, and with increased force; came pound, pound,
into the' ehfty' below; There the hbise ceased. The af-

frighted family waited withgreat anxiety for the return of
the husband and father. 'When he returned the news was
communicated to him. He. repaired to the entry, when on
opening the door a, good lusty pumpkin was reposing on the
floor, whether the house was ever afterwards haunted, is
not known. The house of Oliver Richardson has also been
built for seventy or eighty years. A few rods to the north
east there formerly stood an ancient building occupied by
the father of Oliver Richardson. I am told he kept bachelor's
hall for many years. Something like seventy or eighty rods
northeast from this, a cellar hole shows that a building once
stood there; and still further to the north, on the norm side
of the road leading from the house of Caleb Wiley to Mr.
Leathe's, in Wojjurn, there stood an ancient building called
the old Farm House. For some length of time a negrc
named Simon Barjona, lived, in the house. He was a shoe
maker by trade, and Mr. Elijah Loathe, who was a neighbor
to him, sometimes employed him to make shoes for him. On
one occasion Mr. Leathe purchased a side of upper leather
and also a side of sole leather; he carried them to Simon,
requesting him to make him a pair of shoes. The shoes
were made to order. Mr. Leathe did not take home his
leather with him, but left it till he should want another pair
of shoes made. "When his family were again in want of more
shoes, he repaired to Simon, told him he wished for a pair,
stating, the size, <fcc. Simon immediately replied that he had
no bidder. No leather, says' Mr. Leathe, why, did I not
leave leather with you. Simon immediately replied, O yes,
massa Leathe, but rudder no hold out. The fact was he had
shod his children from time to time as they needed; to be
sure the Judder had held out pretty yfell for Simon, but it
fell short indeed as far as Mr. Leathe was concerned. Simon
had several children; I see the record of three baptized by
Rev. Mr. Carnes, second minister in this town-vjz,: Abigail,
Hannah, and Isaiah. His wife's name was Hannah. She
was frequently called old Hannah Qut. , Shejs said to have
been part Mulatto and part Indian blood. Simon was purely
negro, I believe; though it is stated that his wife said on a
certain occasion that he was nothing but a brown English
man. The house occupied by Caleb Wiley has beeu built for
many years. An ancient building formerly stood a short
distance to the northeast, occupied by a family said to haye
been murdered by the Indians. The inhabitants were
alarmed immediately after the murder, and repaired to the

house; being armed, they proceeded in search of the mur
derers; about one-third of a mile west from the house of
Caleb Wiley, they discovered an Indian near a rock; they
tired upon and killed him; they also found seven packs near
him, from which circumstance it is supposed that six more
were in company with him. An old building formerly stood
a few rods east of the house now owned and occupied by
Widow Mirandi Richardson. The year when it was built is
not known. An ancient building also stood on the spot
where the house of Ephraim Pierce now stands. In thjs
building the father of Mr. Pierce lived many years. The
mother of Mr. Pierce, it will be remembered, was formerly
the wife of Mr. Ashael Porter, of Woburn. On the morn
ing of the ever memorable 19th of April, 1775, he was de
sired by a neighbor, Josiah Richardson, to proceed with him
towards Lexington (about three o'clock, A. M.). Some
where on the way they discovered some British Regulars.
Porter and Richardson were also seen by the Regulars, and
were taken by them. Richardson requested permission to
return, and was told by the individual to go to another per
son, who would no doubt give him a release ; but in case the
second person he went to told him to run he was by the
first ordered not to run; being informed that if he did run
he would be shot. Richardson did as he was told to do; and
though he was told to run, he walked away, and was not in
jured. The reason why he was ordered to run was this:
that the guard might think him a deserter, and thereby, in
the discharge of their duty, shoot him. Mr. Porter not be*
ing apprised of their artifice in telling him to run, got per
mission in the same way of Richardson. Having liberty to
go, he sat out upon the run. On getting over a wall a short
distance off, he was fired upon and received his death wound.
His bones now lie in Lexington with the seven who fell on
that morning, while defending their rights as freemen.
The old building now owned by Elias P. Bryant, and oc
cupied by Phineas Green, was formerly owned by Nathan
Simonds. When it was built is not at present known. ' The
old building which stood something like sixty rods south
from Benjamin Gerry's, was occupied for many years by
David Gerry. It was burnt down about twelve years since.
On the top of Farm Hill, at the northwest corner of the
land now owned and improved by B. F. Richardson and B,
F. Tay, there stood a building many years ago, occupied by
a man named Grover Scollay. A rock near that place, is at
present called Scollay's rock; from the fact, it is said, of

10

Scollay's being in the habit of going out early in the morn
ing and sitting upon it, whether for the purpose of medita
tion or to view the surrounding scenery, I cannot tell.
The building which goes by the name of the Old Office,
has been standing for a great number of years. How it
received its present name is not known; but if the receiving
and drinking of rum within its walls, in by-gone days, could
give it this title, it has surely, with great propriety, been
conferred upon it. The house in which Capt. David Hay
kept tavern for many years, and also his successor, David H.
"Bnrnham, is one ot the oldest buildings in town. Capt. Hay
for many years had a negro servant named Daniel King-
stone. When slavery was abolished in this State, Kingstone
was set at liberty, with the rest; but unlike some of his south
ern brethern, who take their liberty without permission, he
chose to spend the remnant of his days with his old master.
The house now occupied by John "Wheeler, and owned by
Dea, Reuben Richardson, was built about the year 1776, by
Mr. Thomas Fosdick, of Charlestown. The house occupied
by the widow of the late Capt. Jonathan1 Hay, was built in
the year 1725. The bricks used in building .this house were
drawn over the eastern ridge of Farm Hill, as a road led that
way previous to the building of the turnpike, which was about
thirty-eight years since. In the house before spoken of the
old Scotchman, Hay, breathed his last. The building he lived
in previous' to this stood a few rods to the south. He died in
1748, being in the 91st year of his age.
During his life time he is said to have married no less than
Ave wives. At the last marriage ceremony, (which took
place after he was seventy yeaf s okl,) he is said to have dis
played his youthful buoyancy, by dancing on the occasion.
About a quarter of a mile east from the house of Widow
Hay, on the road leading to South Reading, a house once
stood, occupied by a man named Damon, who was a black
smith and shovel maker by trade. The house" occupied by
Walter Blaisdell, (known as the Hay Place,) has been built
about thirty-eight years. The building owned by the town,
and used as an almshouse, has been standing for a great
number of years; it was formerly owned by Mr. John
Cutler. Mrs. Cutler, who outlived her husband by several
years, bequeathed to the Church the sum of one hundred dol
lars, the interest only to be spent annually for the benefit of
the needy members of the church. The house of John Jen
kins, is an ancient building, and probably has stood for more
than a hundred years.

11
The house of the late Daniel Gould, Esq., has been built
tor many years; though from its external appearance, having
been many times repaired, one would suppose that it was not
of long standing. An old building formerly ' stood where
the house of Capt. Buck now stands, known as the Bryant
Place. Mr. William Bryant states that for three or four
generations back from his father, one or more of the family
were blacksmiths and shovel makers by trade.
Two Scotchmen formerly lived in that section of the town,
named Dunton, and Ingerson. DuntOn was a trumpeter,
and belonged to the troop company then in this vicinity. He.
is said to have adopted the practice on certain occasions,
(when the Indians were committing their depredations in
the neighborhood,) of putting his trumpet out at one of the
windows of his house and playing, in order to alarm them.
A house stood, during the first years of the settlement of the
town, on the spot where the house of the late Daniel Gould,
Esq., now stands. In this house one of his ancestors lived
by the same name, Daniel Gould. He held the office of cor
net in the troop company, amounting to about the same as
that of ensign m a militia company. On a certain morning,
wishing to call the members of the company together for
the purpose of going to capture and destroy some Indians,
if possible, he discharged the contents of a pistol into the
upper 'part of his house, a wad it is supposed set the building
on fire and reduced it to ashes. Several individuals at. that
period lived in the northeast section of the town, denomi
nated squatters. This name has particular reference to those
individuals who in the early history of this country were in
the habit of clearing up a small patch of ground where it
should convene them. Sometimes they would remain, pur
chase the land, and also buy several acres adjoining. But
they were generally under the necessity of ' soon leaving
their temporary abodes. In a southerly direction from the
house of Israel Newhall, there was formerly a tan yard,
some remains of which may be seen at the present day.
The house of Daniel Green, is one of the oldest buildings m
town. This was formerly called the Souther Place.
I find a record made by Rev. James Osgood, first minister
of this town, of a church meeting being held at the house of
Mr. Souther, Nov. 2d, 1731. The house now owned by
the Misses Newhall, was occupied by Rev. Mr. Osgood ; when
it was built I am unable to say. An ancient building for
merly stood a few rods east from the house of William A.
Rowe, and was taken down by him in the year 1812. Still

12
farther to the east, he states, a building once stood. This
part of the town was settled at an early period. Mr. Rowe
states that he found, but a few years since, a living spring of
water — with a tub in it; none of the inhabitants knew 3,nyr
thing with regard to it. The tub was abput four feet from
the surface "of the ground, and was found in ground pre
viously supposed to be destitute of springs.
An ancient building also stood where the house of Reuben
Locke now stands, which was taken down about the year
1820. This house and that of Mr. Jenkins were both built
in one year. About fifty rods north from Mr. Locke's a
house formerly stood, on what is now called Spring Hill.
The name of the man who lived there, is said to have, been
Kibby. An excellent spring of water on the north side of
the hill is called Kibby spring. The house of the late Capt.
Daniel Green was bmlt about sixty years since. An ancient
building is said to have stood a few rods farther to the east, in
which Elder Daniel Green lived the last part of his lifetime.
He was elected Elder of the church about the time of the
settlement of the Rev. Mr. Carnes, which took place in the
year 1746. Elder Green formerly lived in a building which
stood a short distance southwest from the house of Joseph
Vinton. This building or one standing not far from it, was
called the Wilson House, and was afterwards moved and
placed upon a cellar a few rods south or southeast from the
house of E. H. Stearns; it was taken down by Major Jesse
Green, something like thirty years since. The house, of
Joseph Vinton has been built about fifty-six years. The
building formerly standing on this sppt was destroyed by fire.
The house of Dr. Levi Gould has been built for several years.
The building first occupied by the Vintons, stood near this.
The house of John and William Green has been built about
forty years. Previous to the , building of this, an ancient
building stood about thirty rods to the northwest, used as a
garrison, at the time of the conquest between the first set
tlers and the Indians. The house occupied by the widow of
the late Johathan Green' is, supposed to, have been built
about the year 1700. Jonathan Green, who lived in this
house was one of the first settlers. When he first moved
into this house he used the east part of it for a stable. This
man, woman, child and horse, all lodged under the same roof.
Green was also a member of the troop company, and often
went to Groton and vicinity, as this was a, great place for the
destruction of the, Indians by the early settlers. The house.
now occupied by Widow Johnson bas stood for a great num-

18

ber of years. Also the house occupied by Mr. Holt. This
was formerly owned by Mr. Thomas Green, previous to that
by a Mr. Knight. In this house a negro named Cato died
many years ago. Cato was the son of Simon, a negro ser
vant of Dea. Green. I am told that for some years before
his death, he lived during the summer season in the first
school-house ever built in town, which stood something like
fifteen rods southeast from Jacob Gould's. The house of
Nathaniel Stevens was built many years since by a man
named John Wright, of Charlestown. A short distance
northeast from the house of said Gould a building formerly
stood, owned by a man named Phillips, who is said to have
been a man of uncommon courage. He was a member of
the troop company. While they were on an excursion at a
certain time for the purpose of destroying the Indians, some
where near Concord they came in contact with a company of
these sons of the forest, skulking in a rye field. Phillips en
tered the field with the others; he was cautioned to be on his
guard. He immediately answered in his usually decided
way, that he was not afraid of the black rogues. Scarcely
had the words escaped his lips, ere a musket was discharged.
Phillips received a fatal wound, sprung several feet from his
horse and expired. The last member of his family is said to
have died about twenty years since, in the town of Maiden.
The house of Samuel Brown is also a relic of antiquity. For
many years a tavern was kept there. The house of the late
Ebenezer Bucknam is one of the oldest dwellings standing ;
this was the place of rendezvous during the time of the Rev
olution. The house occupied by Dea. Jabez Lynde, and
James H. Gould, is also a very ancient building. It was, for
merly owned by a Scotchman named Maize. Maize, as I am
informed, came to this country (like many others who settled
here) on board a war ship. One night as the vessel lay at
anchor somewhere near Boston, Maize resolved to desert.
He accordingly bound his clothes to his back, leaped from
the vessel, and Swam ashore. He came out here and took
up his abode. Subsequent to Maize, an Irishman' named
Toler came in possession of the aforementioned house. He
kept a kind of tavern for some time, also selling goods of va
rious descriptions. • It is said that previous to Coming to this
country he had the plague; that he was taken in a very sud
den manner. One report is. that he dug his own grave and-
got into it, expecting soon to die, but that the ground had
the wonderful effieacy of removing the plague. Another
statement made is that the attending physician opened his

14
scull and inserted a small piece of silver, which produced a'
cure. One or more of the reports are no doubt true. It
has also been said that an individual, who. recovers from
this dreadful disease, will never again be subjected to any
disease, but that such persons will finally die of old age.
This was verified in the case of Toler, who lived to be about
ninety-four years old and at last died in his chair, apparently
as easily as, he would have gone to sleep. He had a slave
named Dinah, who waited upon him to the end of his days:
Toler used to teach school ui the school-house, which stood
north of the town pound, which was the second school-house
built in town. I am told that he was in the habit of send
ing some scholar to the tavern of James Hay, (which stood
where, the shoemaker's shop of Jacob Gould now stands,)
about eleven o'clock in the morning, to get a glass of grog
and carry it to the school room for him to drink. What
would the members of the Cold Water army say, in 1843, if
sent out by their teacher to procure a glass of grog for him?
Methinks they would, not only sing " away the bowl," but
with indignation would they sing* " away, away the teacher."
After the, death of Toler, Capt. Samuel Ingalls kept tavern
in that house for several years. . The; sign first stood a few
feet southwest from the house,,. The .sign I am told was
painted by an Indian named, Sol. Wamscott. A few rods to
the east from this a house stood many years ago occupied by
a family named Buck.
The house of James Hadley, I am told was built many
years ago by a man named Eben Knight. The house of John
Buckna,m I am told was built by a, man named Allen.' It
has been built for more than a hundred years. ,, An ancient
building formerly stood a . sliqrt distance south or southwest
from this, occupied also by a man named Allen. The house
of Thomas Gould is a very ancient, building. It was stand
ing in 1714. How many years previous to that is not known.
It is probable however, that it has stpod nearly one hundred
and fifty years, The house ^occupied by Timothy Sprague
has been built abput sixty, years. A short distance, south
west from this there stood a building, many years ago, known
as the Guard House. This was built by Timothy .Sprague,
that a family might live there and guard .the dam, by which he
flowed Spot Pond, as it had been several times taken away. , It
appears that several persons in town were opposed to having
Spot Pond meadows flowed; and consequently they had a
good deal of contention with l$r. Sprague at different times.
They frequently went tp law, but Sprague was . generally

15
successful in getting the case. At that period, a man by the
name of Jabez Allen lived in town. He is said to have been
ahorse thief, and ralso well skilled- in all kinds of roguery.
He was in the habit of going in a bpat to the dam, for the
purpose of taking said dam away. He also took his gun with
him. When any person appeared, to drive him from his labor,
he would get into his boat and sail to a small island near by.
On a certain occasion while at work taking away the dam,
Sprague approached him, with orders to desist. He quickly
got into his boat and sailed to the island. His gUn being
loaded with buck shot he discharged the contents of it at
Sprague. He was wounded in one or both of his legs. Allen
was prosecuted. What his punishment was at this time I
am not certain. Either at this time or for some other offence
he was sentenced to sit upon the gallows for several hours.
This being as agreeable to him as sitting in a parlor, he oc
cupied his time in making poetry. The following is a speci
men of it. Some call me Jaby Allen,
And others they call me Medes,
And here I sit upon the gallows,
For all ruy~evil deeds-.
O that I were the judge,
Now, in poor Jaby's case;
I'd have po)r Jaby out of jail.
And have old Tim Sprague m his place.
Old Cambridge is a mighty place
For learning and for knowledge,
For some they whip, and some they hang,
And some they send to College.
Allen at length became so bad to deal with that he was
finally sold on board a man of war. The captain of the ves
sel having heard of his evil deeds told him on a certain day
that he should like to see some of his iniquitous feats. Allen
with a good deal of apparent sobriety, told him that he was
not in the habit of practicing unlawful deeds. A short time
after, however, Allen got a handsaw and sawed all the oars
on board the vessel nearly in two, with the exception of one
pair. When a convenient ; oppprtunity presented itself he
took a small boat and the only pair of oars, (good for any
thing,) and started for the shore. The alarm was soon given
on board, that one had deserted. Orders were immediately
given to have the boats lowered, which was done. The boats
were manned. The oars on being used went crack, crack,
one after the other, till they were all used up. This being
done, they fired upon Allen a few times. This did no good.

16
*
Orders were then given to pour a broadside upon him; but
he had got so far that it did no good, and thus he effected his
escape. The house owned and occupied by the widow of the late
Daniel Bryant, and which was destroyed by fire a few years
since, was built in the year 1805.
The old Sprague house, so called, is the last building on
the old road to Medford. In this house lived Capt. Samuel
Sprague, who commanded the company in this town, during
the time of the Revolution.
The eastern section of the house owned by Joseph Hurd,
was built about fifty years since by Nathan Willey. The
western part of said house was put up by Luther Richard
son, Esq., in 1806. The building which goes by the name of
Hurd's old factory, was built in the year 1792. It was first
used as a snuff mill, afterwards enlarged and used for the
purpose of manufacturing satinets. The mill owned by
Oliver Wheeler, was built in 1812. It is used for grinding
cinnamon, ginger, and various medicinal articles. The house
near it was built about the same time. The house occupied
by Mr. Baldwin, was built in 1803. The mill near the house
is used for the purpose of turning various articles. On this
spot (or near to it,) a chocolate mill formerly stood. At the
northwest from Mr. Baldwin's, there stood a building many
years since occupied by a man named Anthony Hadley. A
few rods northeast from Mr. Baldwin's, a- house once stood
owned by EbenezerBucknam.
The house of Asa Holden has been built about one hun
dred years. A few rods north from this an Irishman with
his wife lived, many years since. He finally moved to the
northerly side of Doleful Pond (so called), cleared up about
a quarter of an acre of ground, and lived the remainder of
his days. He died in a very sudden and unexpected manner,
at quite an advanced age.
A house formerly stood a few rods southeast from the
school-house in District No. 4. This house was occupied by
a man named Hadley. The circumstances of his death were
as follows: He with his son had been to Medford On some
business; he did not return homewards till night. It was a
cold, stormy evening in the last of November, or the first of
December. On his return home, he stopped at Mr. David
Gould's, as he had his horse. After leaving Mr. Gould's, he
went towards home, it is supposed, (as a wallet which he car
ried with him was found near his house,) but instead of turn
ing in at a pair of bars which led to his house, he turned di-

17
rectly back, passed Mr. Gould's house, and was found dead
the next morning near the bars, where we now turn in to go
to Sandy Shore. 'And what is very remarkable, his son was
found dead the same day, in a clay pit in Medford.
Two ancient buildingsfor rnerly stood near where the house
of E. H. Stearns now stands. About half a mile northeast
from the house of said Stearns, an ancient building formerly
stood occupied by a family named IldWe. An old orchard
near where the house stood, still retains the name of Howe
orchard. About one-third of a mile west from this there
formerly stopd a house occupied by a family named Fensom.
It was afterwards occupied by a man named Daniel Connery,
who married one of the Fensom family. It Was for a long
time called Connery's den. What kind of beasts inhabited
there, is riot exactly known. One thing is pretty certain,
however, which is, that the lion, rum, was one of the most
ferocious among them.
I have how attempted to give an account of thoste buildingw
concerning Which there is no date with regard to the time ot
then erection. I have also given some incidents connected
with the inhabitants who lived in them.
This town was incorporated in the year 1725. The follow
ing is the Act of incorporation.
An Act for Dividing the Town of Charlestown, and Erect
ing a New Town there by the name of Stoneham.
WHEREAS the Northerly Part of the Town of Charles-
town, within the County of Middlesex is competently
filled with Inhabitants, Who labor under great Difficulties by
their Remoteness from the Place of Piiblick Worship, &e.
And have thereupon made their Application to the said
Town of Charlestown, and havfe likewise Addressed 'this
Court that they may be set off a distinct and Separate Town,
and be Vested with all the Powers arid Privileges of a Town,
and the Inhabitants of Charlestown by their Agents having
Consented to their being set off accordingly ; And a Commitee
of this Court having Viewed the Northerly Part of the Said
Town of Charlestown, and reported in favOr of the Petition
ers: Be it therefore Enacted by the Lieutenant Governour,
Council and Representatives, in General Court Assembled,
and by the' Authority of the' same, That the Northerly '•part
of the said Town of Charlestown: That is to say, All 'the
Lands lying on the East side of Woburn, the South side of
Reading, the West side of Maiden, and the North side Of the

18
Fifth Range of the First Division of Charlestown Wood-lots,
be and hereby is set off and constituted a separate Township
by the name of Stoneham. And that the bounds and limits of
the -said town of Stoneham be according to the Agreement
made .in November, One thousand seven hundred and twen
ty-dye, by and between the Committee or Agents for and in
behalf of ,the said Town^of Charlestown, andthe Petitioners
of the Northerly part thereof, wherein it was consented and
agreed, That the Five Ranges or Remaining Part of the said
tirst Division dp remain to the Town of Charlestown, agree
able to a former Grant to the Town made in the year 1657-8.
And that the Inhabitants of the Northerly half of Charles
town should have and .enjoy that Tract of Land lying in the
bounds aforesaid, commonly called and known by the Name
of Gould's Farm, now under Lease to Messieurs Thomas and
Daniel Gould, containing One hundred and ten Acres, or
thereabouts: Also one -half of all the Town's Meadow (and
Upland) lying on Spot Pond, both for Quantity and Qual
ity, containing Seventy-nine Acres (by Capt. Burnap's Plat)
as an Estate in Fee, with an equal Share in Spot Pond; the
said Lands or the value thereof to be improved for the Set
tling and maintaining an Orthodox Minister, to dispense the
Word and Ordinances among them: The Inhabitants of the
said northerly half of Charlestown being by virtue of the
said Agreement to be debarred from any Claims or Demands
of and to any Lands, Money, Rents, or Incomes of what
kind soever, which now are or shall belong to the Town of
Charlestown, as well those several Farms and Land lying
within the bounds abovesaid, as all other Estate or Income
either Real or Personal, and from all Demands for High
ways, that so the Town of Charlestown may quietly and
peaceably enjoy the same : And further is it to be understood,
That none of the Land contained in the two Ranges and
half belonging to the first Division, shall on any pretence
whatsoever be Assessed or Taxed by the said Town of Stone
ham, except those Lands that shall be put under Improve
ment, such as Mowing, Plowing, and Pasturing.
And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid,
That the Inhabitants of the, Northerly half of Charlestown,
.living within the bounds aforesaid, be and hereby are Vested
with the Powers, Privileges and Immunities that the Inhab
itants of any of the Towns of this Province by Law are or
ought to be Vested with: And that the Inhabitants of the
,.said Town of Stoneham do within the space of two Years
from the Publication of this Act, Erect, and Finish a suitable

19
House for the Public Worship of God, and as spon as may
be procure and settle a Learned, Orthodox Minister of good
Conversation,, and make provision for his comfortable and
honorable Support; and likewise provide a School Master to
Instruct their Youth in Writing and 'Reading; and that
thereupon they be discharged from any Payments for" the
Maintenance1 of the Ministry and Schpol in the Town of
Charlestown. , . .
Prpvided; That the Inhabitants of S'toneham, nevertheless
are to pay their respective proportion to two several
Assessments already made by the Assessors of Charlestown
for County and Town Charges; and. David Gould, one of the
present Constables Of Charlestown, is required to Collect and
Pay in such jar'ts and Proportions of CaCh of said Assess
ments, as are, committed to him by 'the' said Assessors of
Charlestown,'according to the Powers and Directions in the
Warrants duly made and delive'd; Anything in this Act to
the contrary notwithstanding.
This, town I am told took its name from a toWn Called
Stoneham in England. On Tuesday, March 22d, 1725, the'
committee from the town of Charlestown, met a committee
chosen by this town and set the bounds as follows. Begin
ning at Holden's line.
1st. A heap of stones, the west side of a little cedar. '
2d. A heap of stones.
3d. A large red oak.
4th. A small tall white oak with, a crotch.
5th. A tall walnut.
6th. A white oak with a crotch near the top.
7th.' A young white oak with a crotch about half way up,
on/the west side of a hill east from Spot Pond.
8th. A heap of stones near a small white oak, within
twelve rods of the east side of the pond.
9th, A tall walnut about twenty rods south rof the pond.
10th. A dead white oak stump, about twelve rodfe west of
the pond, with a heap of stones about it. ' ' ' ' '
11th. A red oak on the north side of a clift of fOCks. :
12th. A young walnut with a, heap of stbnete 'about
twelve rods easi; of Turkey Swamp.' ' :i ¦ '' " '
13th. A large ted oak about six ,f;bds, 'near Turkey
Swamp. ,' " " ', , J ' - '
14th. A heap of stones upon a flat rock about' twenty rods
west o£ Turkey Swamp.
. 15th. A pine tree on a rocky hill.

20
16th. A heap of stones , with a stake against a stone wall
upon Woburn line.
The trees are marked on the south side with C, and on the
north side with S. A true record of the bounds between
Charlestown and Stoneham. DANIEL GOULD, Town Clerk.
The town of Woburn was first settled in 1640. The bounds
between this town and Reading were of a more definite
character. Reading was ^ilso settled in 1640.
As certain lands were reserved by Charlestown in the act
of incorporation, it may be well to state, that the farms of
Caleb 'W,Uey, , widow Mirandi Richardson, and Ephraim
Pierce, were included in the reserved portions of land. The
town , of Charlestown relinquished their title to these lands
about forty year,s since.
The first public meeting held for business by this town was
on December 24th, 1725. Timothy Bolden, Sen., was chosen
moderator, and Daniel Gould was chosen Town Clerk. At
this meeting they voted to build a meeting house. For this
purpose they chose a committee to examine the meeting
house at Lynn End. The dimensions of the house were to
be 36 feet in length and 32 feet in with. They however
afterwards concluded to, have it 40 feet in length and 36 feet
in width, with 20 foot posts. The committee chosen to exam
ine the meeting house at Lynn End were Jonathan Green,
Daniel Gould, and Daniel Gould, Jr. The committee, to
prepare materials for building, consisted of Capt. John Vin
ton, Daniel Gould, Jr„ and Lieutenant Timothy Wright.
This committee were alsp instructed to procure tlie spdt of
land on which to set the meeting house ; also' a place to ' build
a Parsonage, and likewise provide a burying ground. The
first board of Selectmen, consisted of Capt. Benjamin Gerry,
Capt. John Vinton, Peter Hay, Timothy Bplden, and Lieuten
ant Timothy Wright. For many years five persons consti
tuted the board of Selectmen. I am told however, that
they served without any compensation. At a meeting held on
the 16th day of March, 1726, they voted to raise £f20 towards
defraying the expense of building the meeting-house. It is
said there was a good deal of contention . with regard to
the location of the house, some being very anxious tohave it
•stand on the plain somewhere near the house of Reuben Locke.
They however finally voted to have it stand between the
black oak tree and the red oak tree upon, the hill A'ear the
end. of the school-house. It was raised about the last

21
of November, 1720. The following are some of the items
of expense connected with the raising . of the meeting
house. Paid for five gallons of rum, £K, 00s., (id.
" " bread, 0, 12, 0.
" Capt. Gerry, for cider. 0, 15, 0.
The lime used in building was taken from the marble pit
now owned by Joseph HurS, situated at the southwest part of
the town. There are two pits open at the present time. ¦ The
western pit is said to have been open from time immemorial.
The former practice of removing the marble to make lime, was
that of making a fire in the pit, thereby rendering it more
susceptible of impression from the tools made use of for remo
ving it. Marble of an excellent quality might still be obtain
ed there were it not that the expense of .getting it out would
outweigh its value when ready for use. This pit lies north
from what is now called Bear Hill. This was formely called
Bears Hill, from the fact of its having been a noted place for
the residence of those animals. Gov. Winthrop states in his
history of Massachusetts, that he was travelling this way on
a eertain occasion, and stopped upon Bears Hill, to rest and
refresh himself with food. On examining for his provisions it
seems his servant forgot to put up anything but some cheese,
from which circumstance he called Bear Hill Cheese Rock.
He also gave to Spot Pond it's present name, from having so
many islands, rocks, &c, in it.
The town burying ground originally contained one^fourth
of an acre. It was afterwards enlarged to its present size,
which is about one acr'e. The land.to' enlarge it was pro
cured of Mr. James Hay.
At a general town meeting held Oct. 14, 1754, the following
votes were passed :
Voted, That the town will seat the negroes in Stoneham.
in Stoneham meeting-house.
. Voted, That the negro men in Stoneham shall set in, the
hind seat in the side gallery, in tlie west end of Stoneham
meeting-house, and the.negros' wives and other1 negro wo
men shall set in the hind seat in the, side gallery, in the east.
end of said meeting-house, and nowhere else in Said' meeting
house if there be convenient room in said seats,, except it be
on special occasions.

22
The old road leading to. Medford was built .about the year
1731, at leastj that branch of it passing near the house of
Joseph Hurd, a short distance east from Spot Pond. The
road passing through what is called the meeting-house
swamp, has also beeiLbuilt about one huudred years. A path
formerly led over what is now called the old flat logs, about
fifty rods south from the present causeway, leading through
said meeting-house swamp. In 1760 they voted to choose a
committee to meet with committees that might be chosen
by the towns of Reading and Woburu, for the purpose of
building a work-house for the benefit of said towns., What
the result of their meeting was I have not ascertained,
though the probability is, that they were not successful in
their proposed union. They also about this time voted to
raise the sum of .£66 18s. and 4d., for the purpose of repairing
the meeting-house. It was accordingly newly shingled, new
windows put in, &c.
It was customary at that time when children were taken
into a family to be brought Up, (or even to remain a few
months,) to give notice of the same to the Selectmen. The
following is a copy of the same: "Gentlemen, Selectmen, of
the town of Stoneham, these lines are to inform or notify you,
that I have this day taken into , my house one Catherine
Clentick to live with me for her work, she is; about twelve
years old. As to her circumstances, she has a father to take
care of her." Notices of this kind seem to have been given,
in order that the town might be apprized of the fact, that
they might possibly have accession to the list of paupers,
from "time to time, as the case might be. It was also cus
tomary when an individual came into town to live, to warn
them to leave in so many days. It seems a law of this kind
was framed so that each town might be on their guard, as
it respected paupers. ¦ ,
The following is a copy of a record of this kind: Stone
ham, £[ov. 20th, 1772., Ebenezer Richardson was warned out
of Stoheharh, and the place he cahie from was Boston. And
.thejpersons hereafter mentioned,Ebenezer Williams and his
wife Elizabeth and their son Ebenezer. : The place from
Whence they came last is Reading. It is 'understood that
if they were natives of Reading, 'it would belong to Read
ing to support them. If they were not natives of Reading,
and Reading neglected to warn them out, they would
still have them to maintain in case they became paupers.
But if Reading had warned them out, they would have ho
difficulty whatever with regard to the case.

23
At a meeting held on the first day of November, 1774, the
following patriotic resolves were passed. The preamble
reads thus:
We the inhabitants of the town of Stoneham being legally
assembled,. sincerely declare our strict attachment to the Con
stitution of our nation ; and our unfeignedloyalty to our Right
ful Lord and Sovereign King, GeOrge the Third ; ardently wish
ing that we niight ever live in the utmost harmony with Great
Britain. , Yet we are driven to the disagreeable necessity to
say; that having taken into serious consideration the preca
rious state of the liberties of North America, and more
especially the present distressed condition' of this insulted
Province, embarrassed as it is by several acts of the British
Parliamentary vending, as we apprehend to the entire subver
sion of our natural and charter rights; among which is the
act of blocking lip the harbor i of Boston ; therefore we do
solemnly covenant and engage with each other :
1st. That we will henceforth suspend all commercial in
tercourse with Great Britau until they shall afford us relief.
2d. That we will not buy, purchase, or consume any goods
or merchandize, which shall arrive in America from' Great
Britain, from and after the last day of September ensuing. .
These things we solemnly promise to observe, provided, no
better scheme shall be devised to answer the same end, by
the Congress, who are to meet at Philadelphia to consult the
general political interests of America.
The town held another meeting subsequent to the meeting
of Congress, when they voted to accept the doings of said
Congress in all respects.
I have before stated that the house of Dea. Ebenezer
Bucknam was the place of rendezvous, during the time of
the Revolution. I am told the town voted on a certain occa
sion that ho gun should be discharged in town, except
under the following rule: ,a Certain number were
chosen as minute men. The first person that received an
alarm was immediately With two or more individuals to repair
to the. common, front of the old meeting house. The dis-
. charge of the muskets in succession was considered as a gen
eral alarm, when the members of the company were immedi
ately to repair to the place of rendezvous. The company
in this town were called, out at the time of the battle of
Lexington. It will be remembered Samuel Sprague
was commander of the company. He however previous to
reaching Lexington told the members of the company, that

24
their numbers were so small that he thought it would be well
to separate and each one look out for himself. They accord
ingly separated into companies oi three or four, and scatter
ed themselves abroad. Edward Bucknam, Timothy Mat
thews, and James Willey went in company together. Some
where in the vicinity of Lexington they were discovered by
some British Regulars. A bullet passed between the left
ear and skull of Bucknam, also through the hats of both
Matthews and Willey. Thus did our fathers expose their
health and lives that we might enjoy the blessings of clvi
and religious liberty.
It will be remembered that while speaking of the several
buildings and their inhabitants, I spoke,,of a family by the
name of Conuery. After his decease^ in the year 1776, a part
or all of his family came upon the town. The following is the
copy of an indenture by which the Selectmen of the town
bound out Abigail Connery.
This Indenture Witnesseth, That, Samuel Sprague, Gentleman, and Timo
thy Taylor Daniel Gould Jun'r. Timothy Wright Jun'r. and Peter Hay Jun'r.
yeomen, all of the town of stoneham in the County of middlesex and prov
ince of the massachusetts Bay in .NewrEnglanjd and, Selectmen of Said town
So far forth as ourpower doth will or may Extend as Selectmen, by and with
the asseiit of two Justices of the Peace in said County Have (agreeable to the
trust by Law to us Committed) put and Bound and by these presents Do put
place and Bind Abigail Connery (Daughter1 of Daniel Connery Deceased) a
poor Garl Belonging to Said town Apprintice to Jonathan Green of the town
of Stoneham, aforesaid Gentleman, and his wife to Learn to Spin net and
Sow and with him the said Johnatban Green and his wife after the manner of
an apprentice to Serve from the Day of the Date hereof for and Dureing the
term of ten years Eleven months and twenty-seven Days (until she comes to
the age of Eighteen years) to be Compleat and Ended during- all which
Said' term the Said apprentice her said master aniTmistress faithfully shall
Serve their Secrets keep and Lawful Commands Gladly Every" where Obey
she shall Do no Damage to her Said master of mistress nor see it to be done
by bthers without Letting orGiveing notice thereof to her said master or
mistress She Shall not waiste her said masters or mistresses Goods nor
Lend them to any She shall not Commit fornillcation, nor contract -matri
mony within said term, at Cards dice or other unlawfull Game She shall
not play Whereby her said master or mistress may have Damage with their
Goods nor the Goods of others She shall not absent her Self bv Day or by
night from her said masters or mistresses Service, without their Leave nor
haunt ale bouses taverns or play houses but in all things behave herself as
a faithful apprentice ought to Do towards her said master and mistress
Dureing said term of ten years Eleven months and twenty seven days (un
til she comes to the age of Eighteen years) and 'the said Jonathan Green for
himself and his wife doth hereby Covenant and promise to teach and In
struct or cause to be taught and instructed in the art oi' traid of Spinning
netting and Sowing<common wQrk) by proper ways or means (if the said
apprentice be capable to Learn) finding unto said apprentice Good and
Sufficient meat Drink washing and Lodging both in SickhesB and helth
, Dui;eing said term . and at the Expiration thereof id Give unto the said ap
prentice two Suits of apparrel both wooling and Linning fitting for all
parts of her Body one of Said Suits, fitting and proper for Lords Days and
the other of Said Suits fitting and Suteable for common and working Days
Snteable for such an apprentice land alBd* (within Said term teach her the

said apprentice to Head In Testimony whereof the parties to these presents
have hereunto Interchangeably Set their hands, aud Seals the Sixth Day oi'
may in the Sixteenth year of his majesties'* Reign, annoque Domini one
thousttttd SeVen Hundred fend Seventv Six.
Signed Sailed aud Delivered ¦ f SAMUEL SPRAGUE
,. 4n presence, of lie ( TIMOTHY TAYLER
Dvviu Green TIMOTHY WRIGHT, Jun'v.
JONltHA^GljEEKJnn'r ' PETER HAY Jun'r
Middlesex : is: Way 6 : lWC— We the subscribers, two of the Justices o'
thePeace, Do alow of and consent to the binding out of the said Abigai:
Cunerv to the said Jonathan Gjeen,
(Signed) David Green, Thjid's Mason", Justices of Peace.
With many of the transactions of ovir grandfathers and
great grandfathers we are much amused.' On one occasion
they voted at a town meeting that it was not expedient to
make tfsC of a bass'viol during Singing' oh the Sabbath. The
reason for such an act was, that the 'bass viol1 was1 a species
of fiddle, and' as the fiddle Or Violin was made use of 'at
balls and parties it was therefore argued to be Wrong to 'use
the bass viol on the Sababth.
I proceed now to give an' account of the various buildings
which have been put up at different times, or rather to state
when ' they : Were put up. This statement includes' all the
buildings in town with the exception of those before men
tioned. The earliest date of the erection of a dwelling
house is that of the house occupied by Dea. David and Zach-
eoiis Gerry, which it is supposed was built in the year 1708,
as a brick having this date upon it was taken frotn a jamb
of one of the fireplaces about forty years since. In 1747 the
horise owned and occupied' by the Rev. John H. Stevens, was
built for the use of Rev. Mr. Carnes, 'second minister in this
town. In the year 1756, the house of Capt. John H. Wright,
and the old house torn down by 'Allen Howe, a few years
sinee, were both built. Both are said to have been raised in
one day. A large concour&e of people were present to wit-
ness't&e raising of the buildings. In 1781 one house was
built; in 1792, 1; in 1795, 1; in 1799, 1; in 1802, 1; in 1804,
I; in 1806, 2; in 1807, 2; in 1809, 2; in 1812,4; in 1813, 1 ;
in 1816, 4; in 1817, Mr. Robert Barnes built the house how
occupied by Richard R. Barries. His work at the commence
ment was nearly as laborious as that of • the first settlers ;
having to perform the hard labor of cutting and removing
treeSj'stumpsV&c. " He lived but a few years to enjby fhe
fruit of his labors. In 1819, 3houses were built. In 1820,1; in
1821, 3; in 1822, 2; ih 1823. 2!;'inlg25,<l: in 18^6,1; in 1827,
1- in 1828, 2; in 1829, 3-, iuf 18305 3; in 1831, 4; ih 1832, 2; in
1833, 2; in 1834, 4; in 1835, 2; in 1836, 10; in 1837, 5; in

26

1838, 5; in 1839, 3; in 1840, 7; in 1841,8; in 1842, 5; in 1843,
up to August 1st, but 1.
The number of dwelling-houses that have been built in
town since its settlement is about 200. At present the num
ber is 160. If I include several shops which have been fitted
up for dwelling-houses, it makes the number about 170.
Previous to building the Andover and Medford turnpike
for about 60 years, from 60 to 70 buildings were all that
stood in town, and the population varied but little if any
during that period of time.
There have been 11 school-houses built at different times.
The town house was built in 1826, and moved to where it
now stands in 1833.
The first meeting house, it will be remembered, was built
in 1726. I find no record of any dedication services,, though
no bt there were appropriate services when they firsl
assembled in it for pubiic worship. The meeting house which
was destroyed by fire on Sunday, Jan. 5th, 1840, was raised on
Wednesday and Thursday, the 29th and 30th days of June,
1803. It was completed and dedicated on the 14th day of
December following. The exercises on the occasion were as
follows: The Rev. Mr. Reynolds of Wilmington made the first
prayer. The Rev. Mr. Sanborn, of Reading, made the dedica
tory prayer; the Rev: Mr. Stevens, pastor, preached the ser
mon, from Haggai, 2d chap., 7th verse : "I will fill this house
with glory." The Sabbath previous to this, Mr. Stevens
preached a farewell sermon to the old meeting house, and
the day after the dedication of the new house, the people
assembled together and took it down; it having been the
place for the public worship of God, for 77 years. In 1840
two neat and commodious meeting houses were erected, viz:
one Congregational and one Universalist; both being com
pleted and dedicated the. same year. .
The Universalist meeting house was dedicated August
20th. The order of exercises was as follows: — Reading se
lect Scriptures by Rev. J. G. Adams, of Maiden; Intro
ductory Prayer, by Rev. J. C. Waldo, of Woburn; Dedica-
catory Prayer by Rev. Hosea Ballou,2a^ of Medford. Sermon
by Rev. Abel C. Thomas of Lowell; Address, to the Society,
by Rev. Thomas Whittemoiie,- of Cambridgeport. The
church connected with the Universalist' Society, at present
consists of 31 members. Present acting Pastor, Rev.
Woodbury M. Fernald. The Congregational meeting
house was dedicated Oct. 22d. A sermon was preached on
the occasion by the Rev. Edward Cleveland, acting pastor;

27
dedicatory prayer by Rev. Mr. Emerson, of South Read
ing- The Rev. James Osgood was the first pastor of the church
and society in this town. He was ordained Sept. 10th, 1729.
The following ministers assisted in his ordination, viz: Rev.
Richard Brown, of the 1st church; Reading; Rev. Samuel
Fiske, of the 1st Church, Salem ; Rev. Hall Abbott, of Charles
town; Rev. Benj. Prescott, of the 3d church, Salem; Rev.
Joseph Emerson of Maiden; Rev. Daniel Putnam of the 2d
church, Reading. The church was organized a short time
previous to Mr. Osgood's ordination ; and consisted of 13
members, via: Ephraim Larrabee; Abraham Gould, Jacob
Howe, Edward Bucknam, Joseph Bryant, Jonathan Griffin,
David Gould, Daniel Gould, Jr., Samuel Sprague, Ebenezer
Knight, Ebenezer Parker^ Thomas Cutler, and David Gould.
Mr. Osgood died suddenly, March 2d, 1745. His wife af
terward married Capt. Ralph Hart, of Boston, but died in
this town, August 11th, 1801, being 83 years of age. She
is said to have been a very amiable and excellent person.
The second minister was Rev. Mr. John Carnes, of Boston,
who was settled, Dec. 17th, 1747. The order of exercises
was as follows : Rev. Mr. Elliot, of Boston, made the intro
ductory prayer; Rev. Mr. Prentice, of Charlestown, preach
ed the sermon; Rev. Mr. Emerson, of Maiden, gave the
charge; and Rev. Mr. Hobby, of Reading, gave the right,
hand ox fellowship.
It was customary in those days for the minister to read
the psalm' to be sung, as is the practice at the present time.
After reading the psalm it devolved on one of the deacons of
the church to deal it out to the singers, a line or two at a,
time. On one occasion, after the psalm had been read, the,
good deacon took the book and commenced dealing out the
hymn; it read as follows:
"Spikenard, saffron, calamus, and cinnamon also,
All incensed trees with aloes,
And all chief spices grow, Ac.
The deacon very goon found himself entangled among so
many spices, and the minister rose to help him along through
the first line. The deacon again rose, but again the minis
ter was under the necessity of rising to help him along.
When the deacon made the third trial he could not
get through with the line. The minister then arose and said
to him, "Deacon, you can't read." It should however be
borne in mind, that people at that time could not generally

28

read so well as at the present time. The advantages for
education were then small.
Mr.' Carnes was dismissed July 31st; 1767. •>
The Rev. John Searle was installed Jan. 17th, 1758. The
order of exercises was as follows: introductory prayer by
Rev. Mr. Parsons, of Newburyport; sermon by Rev. Mr.
Emerson, of Maiden; charge by Rev. Mr. Cook, of Cam
bridge; right hand of fellowship by Rev. Mr. Robie, oi'
Lynn; concluding prayer by Rev. Mr. Sherman, of Wo
burn. Mr. Searle was dismissed April 24th, 1776. •
Rev. John Cleavland was settled Oct. 19th, 1785., ¦ 'The
order of exercises was as follows: introductory prayer by
Rev. Mr. Bradford, of Rowley; Sermon by Rfcv. Mr.> Gleav-
land, father of the pastor elect; Charge by Rev. Mr. Hopkins.
of Salem; Right Hand of Fellowship' by Rev. Rr. Bresb, of
Topsfield. Mr. Cleavland was dismissed Oct. 23d, 1794.
Rev. John H. Stevens was settled Nov. 11th, 1795. ,The
order of exercises was as: follows: Introductory Prayer by
Rev. Mr. Spaulding of Salem ; Sermon iby Rev. Mr. Brad
ford, of Rowley; Consecrating Prayer by Rev. Mr. Litch
field, of Carlisle; Charge by R«v. Mr. Prentice, of South
Reading; Concluding Prayer by Rev. Mr. Aiken, of Dracut.
Mr, Stevens was dismissed Nov. 11th, 1827, 1 having been
minister in this town for 32 years,
Rev. Joseph Searle was settled May 1st, 1838. The order of
exercises was as follows: Introductory Prayer by Rev. Brown
Emerson, of Salem; Sermon by Rev. Dr. Fay, of Charles
town; Installing Prayer by Rev. Reuben Emerson, of South
Reading; Charge by Rev. Di\ Bepcher, of Boston; Address
to the church and people toy Rev. Samuel Green, of Boston:
Right Hand of Fellowship by Rev. Mr. Bennett, of Woburn :
Concluding Prayer by Rev. Mr. Warner, of Medford.
Mr. Searle was dismissed Jan. 2d, 1832. .
Rev. Jonas Colburn was settled: Aug. 1st, 1832. The or
der of exercises was as follows: Introductory Prayer, by
Rev. Mr, Warner,, of Medford; Sermon by -Rev. Mr. Emer
son, of South Reading; Charge by Revi ,Mr. Stevens, ,pf
Haverhill, formerly pastor of the chureh; Installing Prayer
by Rev. Mr. Reynolds of Wilmington; Right Hand of Fel
lowship by Rev, Mr. Bennett, of Wpburn;; Concluding. Pray
er by Rey. Mr. Reid, of Reading. .,-• , , ¦ , , , ,
Mr. Colburn was dismissed Feb. 27th,,1337.
The present i pastor, Rev. John Haven, was installed Feb-

29
24th, 1841. The order of exercises was as follows: Intro
ductory Prayer by Rev. H. S.Green of Lynnfield; Sermon
S Rev. H. Winslow, of Boston; Installing Prayer by Rev.
r. Emerson, of South Readjngj, Charge by Rev. B. Smith,
of Rye, N. H.; Right Hand of Fellowship by Rev. Mr. Ben
nett, of Woburn; Concluding Prayer bv Rev. Mr. Baker, of
Medfosd. ., - , ,
The church at present consists of 120 members.
The, fir^st, marriage attended by Rev. Mr. Osgood, ,was that
of John Tidd, of Woburn, to Abigail Gould, of Stoneham.
This was Nov. 26th, 1729.
In the year 1737, Jan. 11th, I find the .following marriage;
Sambo,of Stoneham, married to, Mercar, of Maiden., Thesame
year, Nov. 28th, Mingo, married to Moll, negro servants of
Peter Hay, Jr. ,
In 1743, one, hundred years ago, I find the following ; Oba-
diah How, negro servant of Mr. Souther, married to Priscil-
la Pomp, both of Stoneham.
According to the record kept by Mr. Osgood, he attended
44 marriage ceremonies, during his ministry,
,1 find no jcecordrt kept by either of the three succeeding
ministers, Carnes, Searle, or Cleaveland.
Aepording, to the record kept by Rev.iMr. Stevens, I . find
that during<his ministry he solemnized 175 marriages. Mr.
Stevens also recorded 448 births. -, .-, . ,
With regard to the deaths no definite, statement can be
mad£„., xjp to the time of Mr. Stevens's, settlement no regu
lar, record was. kept. In passing through the burying ground '
I find sonaetib^ng.like 90 graye stones erected previous to that
time; or the deaths >.o,ccurred previously. But as it was for
merly difficult and expensive to obtaip grave stones,; the
probability is that very few had stones ecected,
The following is a, record of tha deaths, as .kept by Rev.
Mr. Stevens: — In 1795 there were 5 deaths; ipfjl796, 4; in
1797, 9; in 1798,. 5 v ' i» WH, % >wWM,W\ /W1601, 8ji.in
18*12,6; in 1803,11; in 1804, 6; in 1805, 14; jn 1806, 4 \ in
1807, 8;,in 180.S, &; in 1809, 5; in 1810, 8; in 1811, 10; in, 1812,
3; in 1813, 11; in 1814, 6; in 1815, 8; in 1816, 8; in 1817, 16;
in 1818, 4; in{^19„6; j»,lg2fj, 5; inl821s4; in 1822, 5 j in
1823(iS; ip 1834,(11*. in 1825, ,,14,; in 1826, 1£; in 1827, 9. The
remaipiiMa account 4 fakQjiQxn the .rqeord <?f the, sextop:—
1^1828/16;, in 182.9,5; , in 1830, 5; in,1831, 16; in 1832. 14;
inl833, 16s inl834jl6; ip,1835,7; ifll836,,20.; in!837,;18;
in 1838, 7; in 183% 19* in 1840, 9; in 1841, ,14; in 1842, 10; in
1843, up to August^, 12. ...

30

It will be perceived that 1836 was the most mortal of any
year, 20 be'ng removed by death.
I ought to have stated previously, that in the year 1813,
two Indians, of the Penobscot tribe, came into town and took
up their abode a few rods south from Mr. Hurd's old factory.
They employed themselves in making baskets. It seems
that, like most people of that time, they were in the habit of
drinking intoxicating liquors. It was stated that they in
sulted the workmen connected with Odiorne's nail factory in
Maiden. On a certain night some individuals approached
their hut and discharged several guns loaded with bu llets,
nails, &c. The Indians were both wounded.. The man died
and was interred in the burying-yard in this town. It was
supposed by many that his b . dy was taken for the purpose
of dissection. This was proved to be the fact, several years
after, when the grave was opened. The coffin remained, but
the body was gone. Another body was interred in the same
grave, which was also taken away.
It appears from the record kept of the deaths, that between
500 a- d 600 have, in the space of a few year.., gone down to
the grave. The probability is, that a number nearly or quite
equal to the present population of the town ow lie in the
burying-ground. The earliest date upon any grave-stone is
that of Lieut. Timothy Wright, who died in 1728.
The Scollays, the Southers, the Bucks, together with the
slaves formerly kept in town, Kingstone, Cato, Simon, Oba-
diah, and many others, have no grave-stones to show us
where they lie. I am told, however, that the negro servants
were buried on the east side of the yard. But as their bodies
have returned to their native dust, and as the coffins have
decayed, the sods which covered their graves have settled
down to their former level.
Thus I have attempted to give a brief history of this town,
though I am aware it is a very imperfect account, compared
with what it might have been, had it been attended to sev
eral ye»rs since. •
The following description may at present be jriven of this
town: This is a small town, rocky and uneven. It has some good
soil, and a considerable quantity of wood-land. It was in
corporated in 1725. The population in 1837 was 932; present
population about 1050. During the year ending April 1st,
1837, there were made in this town 380,100 pairs of shoes,
valued at $184,717 j employing more than half its inhabitants.
Spot Pond, a beautiful sheet of soft and pure water, lies in

:;i
this town, 8 miles north from Boston. It covers an area of
283 acres, and is 143 feet above high water mark at Boston.
There is also said to be a fall of 100 feet in the distance of
about 100 rods from the pond. For many years, many of the
inhabitants of the city of Boston have been anxious to take
the water from this pond to the city, by means of aqueducts.
They are about commencing operations to that effect.
In looking back to our ancestors and their descendants, we
find that four generations have followed the first settlers of
this town, in rapid succession, to the house appointed for all
the living. But,1 while the wheels, of time are rolling on, and
carrying generation after generation to the grave, the im
mortal part of man is in its infancy. The soul is destined to
survive the wreck of nature and the crush of worlds.
"Behold how soon the year is past and gone I
For time lite streams is ever rolling on;
The rose is fragrant, hut it lades in time,
The violet sweet, but quickly past the prime ;
White lilies nans their heads and soon decay,
And whiter snows in minutes melt away.
Such and so withering is our blooming youth.
To things immortal time can do no wrong,
And that which never is to die forever must be young."

Om Friday evening, Nov. 25th, 1819, one of the most bru
tal murders, anywhere on record, was committed in this
town. I refer to the murder of Jacob Gould. The following
account, published by Rev. J. W. Poland, a native of Stone
ham, I copy principally from the Farmers Monthly Visi
tor of March, 1843, printed at Concord, N. H.
THE STONEHAM MURDER.
Among the early settlers of Stoneham, Mass., there were
some by the name of Gould. The name has now become
quite common in that town, and in the adjoining town of
South Reading. There were two families of that name set
tled near to Spot pond, on the old road leading to Maiden
and Medford. One of the families, at the time in which the
murder took place, consisted of two brothers, who were bach
elors, a sister, who was a maiden lady, and a widow Winship,
hired help. The names of the brothers were Jacob and Da
vid- an-< the sister's name was Polly. Jacob was the oldest,
and owned the real estate; but the property of David and

32

Polly was chiefly in money. Sometimes they would let
money, where there' was good security, but generally pre
ferred' to keep it in specie. It was generally Understood
among the people that there was considerable specie in that
house, and many a thief, no doubt; had longed to get hold of
it. At length the time came for the hoarded gold and silver
to get into circulation.
A man by the name of Dalton, who had formerly resided
in Stoneham, was an inmate of the State prison at Charles
town, Mass., When the murder took place. It was ascer
tained afterwards, that this^Dalton informed some convicts,
Who were about graduating, of this store of money, and in
structed them how to get it. (At that time there were op
portunities for the convicts to converse with each other.)
The name of one of these was Daniels, who had formerly
been a shoe dealer in Boston. A few days before tliis mur
der, Daniels passed through that part of the town in which
the Goulds lived, on a tour of discovery. He made inquiries
of two boys, whom he met separately, relative, to thecbndi-
tion of the family; "whether they had money; had they
guns, or dogs, or were they pretty' courageous? " The boys'
answers probably satisfied him that there could be little
difficulty in the way of making an effort to get hold of the
money. The widow who lived with this family was knowing to
their having a considerable sum of money^ as she had heard
them talk about it, and by some was supposed to have'been
accessory to the robbery.
On the 25th of November, 1819, Jacob went up to town to
get some rum, as he, was intending to kill his hogs the next
day. Poor man1! he little thought of being butchered him
self. He had come home, and betweep eight and nine o'clock,
while he sat drinking some sling, in rushed three ruffians
with their faces, blacked, and with dirks in hand, and de
manded his money. Jacob attempted to defend himself With
his chahybut they ovCrpOwe'red him. He fell, being stabbed
in several places; and one Of the Wounds, which reached the
region of the heart,, proved moftal. David, through fright,
passed by an axe which stood near huh, and which had beec
newly ground, and while ih the' atit of taking up a billet of
wood, felt the prick of a' dagger. On turning rbuhd he re
ceived two wounds; one in his side, or abdomen, and one
against, his heart, but which was prevented from reaching it
by the dirk's passing throtigh the thick Part of his left arm
first. As no further re'sistarj£|ji was made, the robbers pro-

33
ceeded to bind the hands of David and Polly, which they
tied so tight as to cause the cords to cut into the flesh. The
fourth man stopd at the door to keep, watch, and to prevent
escape, and was supposed by some to have been a man who
formerly resided in town, by the name of Cilfton. After
their hands were secured, they were taken up stairs one at a
time to hand oyer their money. Jacob was carried, up first.
It s ems he at that time had but one $5 bill. This he had
reserved for Benjamin Lynde, of Maiden, who a short time
previous had his house destroyed by fire.
After Jacob was taken down stairs, David was led up: he
had about $200. Afterwards Roily was compelled to go and
gether money. She had $600, in six deerskin bags of $100
each, deposited in Jacob's chest.
In going up the stairs, the ligh,t wept ou1 in the dark lan
tern which they had with them, and in the scuffle to secure
their prisoner, Polly's hands were badly cut with a knife, as
well as one" of the fingers of a robber. This robber was evi
dently Daniels, who was ajfterwards detected, partly by means
of this, wound. After they had secured the money they
threw the poor creatures down cellar, and set a table against
the door. The widow walked down among the rest. They
then drank upon the rum, divided the money, and finally left,
telling them that they were going to a near neighbor's (Da
vid Gould's) to serve hem the same ; also stating that they
should leave one to guard them for the space of two hours,
when they could come up if they saw fit after that time. At
their request, they threw down* a feather bed for them to lie
upon. But Jacob's dying groans aroused the feelings of David,
and at about eleven o'clock he ventured to go up ; went to a
neighbor's and gave the alarm. Three men started out im
mediately with iheir guns, and went to the house with him.
The robbers had probably been gone two hours.
By daylight the whole town was aroused, and many were
in pursuit. Jacob died about three <• 'clock in the mo ning.
Though the most diligent search was made, nothing of the
robbers could be found. A reward of five hundred dollars
was offered by David Gould for the detection of the robbers,
and the Governor of the State added five hundred more.
This started out many in pursuit. It was not long before
Daniels (the man spoken of before) was taken up in New
port, Rhode Island. There were many suspicious things
about him, all the particulars of which are not now recol
lected. He had a cut on one of his fingers, which looked as

34

though it were done with a knife, but which he declared was
caused 'by.a sea-shell, while he was skipping it upon the water.
There was blood in his pocket-book, and on some money,
which he said came there by his putting in his finger after a
rag to wrap around it. He had also some gold pieces, re
sembling those which had been described by the Goulds, but
which he said he had taken in Boston,1 or somewhere else.
The suspicions were so strong against him, that he was
brought on to the jail at Lechmere Point, in Cambridge, and
committed for trial. The two boys with whom the conver
sation had been held previous to the murder, were carried to
the court-house and were required to go into a crowd oi
men, among whom was Daniels, and see if they could find
the man who had conversed with them. One went in and
immediately pointed out Daniels as the man. Daniels did
not seem to be moved by this boy's story. The boy was then
taken to' another room, and the other boy brought in. He
quickly walked up to Daniels and declared him to be the
man, at the same time telling him what he said to him at the
time mentioned. Daniels then turned pale, and began to
sweat profusely. He did not have his trial in full at that
time, and was again committed. Just before his trial was to
take place, he hurig himself in his cell, thereby confirming
his guilt, though he made no confession.
About this time a man by the name of Phillips was taken
up on suspicion of being concerned in this murder. He was
at a gambling house in West Boston, and had money in his
possession which answe~ed to the description given of that
lost in the robbery. Upon bis examination, though David
an Polly felt positive that the money was theirs,"yet they
did not dare to swear to it, and so he escaped. He left the
State prison about the time Daniels did, and was no doubt
an accomplice with him.
After this, another man was taken up at Portland, Me.,
but he was probably innocent. He was not retained.
It is now twenty-three years since this horrid transaction
took place, and nbthing further has been ascertained in rela
tion to the r bbers.
1 The family are now all dead. David died July 6th,. 1834:
being in the 71st year of his age. Polly died Nov. 21st,
1836, being in the 78th year of her age; and the widow WinT
ship died but a few years since at the almshouse in Medford.'
Possibly the murderers are all dead1.