Class. 
 Book. 
 
HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 J 
 
 "1 r 
 
 JL 
 
 COMPRISING THE PRESENT TOWNS OF 
 
 YARMOUTH AND DENNIS. 
 
 From the Settlement to tpie Division in 1794 
 
 WITH THE History of Both ^owns 
 
 TO THESE Times. 
 
 r> 
 
 BY CHARLES F. SWIFT. 
 
 YARMOUTH PORT: 
 Published by the Author, 
 
06GB 
 
 COPYRIGHT, 1SS4, 
 Ey C. F. swift &SON. 
 
Words of Introduction. 
 
 — * — Si 
 
 THE author of the follov/iiig- pages designs to present, in 
 a narrative form, the ascertained facts respecting Old 
 Yarmouth, from the early days of the settlement down to 
 the present time, more particularly elucidating that portion 
 of the history of the ancient township which is the least ac- 
 cessible and understood by the general public. Interwoven 
 into the narrative, will be presented pen-portraits of the 
 prominent men and women of the times in which they were 
 upon the stage of action, who have illustrated the character 
 and aspirations of the successive generations that have lived, 
 struggled and fulfilled their life-dest.iny here. 
 
 The student of the history of Yarmouth, at the outset of 
 his work, confronts the serious disadvantage of the absence 
 of public records for the first thirty-seven years of its exist- 
 ence as a town. In 1676, the house of the town clerk, with 
 all the town's books, was destroyed by fire, a calamity the 
 greatness of which must have been very imperfectly appre- 
 ciated, since no effort seems to have been made to rescue 
 from oblivion events connected v/ith the early years of the 
 
4 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 town or of its separate families. No contemporary writings 
 of much value, by any of its inhabitants, are extant, and the 
 writer of its annals is obliged to content himself with what 
 he can glean from the court records, incidental allusions to 
 be found in the histories of other towns, and the meagre 
 published writings of the period under review. Such is the 
 zeal with which antiquarian research has been pushed the 
 last twenty-five years, that it is probable that no documents 
 of value, illustrative of the history of the period, have escaped 
 detection ; and it is therefore believed to be time that such 
 authentic materials as are available should be collected and 
 embodied in a narrative form, for the information of this 
 generation and of posterity. Should future discoveries be 
 made, they cannot materially change the record here imper- 
 fectly sketched, and will only serve to add to and illustrate 
 already established facts. 
 
 The collection of the materials for this narrative has occu- 
 pied the attention of the writer, at intervals, for the last ten 
 years, and the amount of labor involved in arriving at a 
 conclusion, respecting even seemingly trivial facts, cannot 
 easil}^ be estimated by one who has had no experience in this 
 sort of work. The composition of the volume has been 
 snatched from hours devoted to other engrossing duties, but 
 has been rendered a pleasant task by a love of the subject, 
 and a sincere admiration for the men and women whose lives 
 and fortunes it has been his aim to delineate in the succeed- 
 ing pages. Without making any further claim, the author 
 knows that he has labored with zeal and dilligence to collect 
 together all the important facts bearing on the history of the 
 town, and with an honest effort, according to his best intel- 
 
INTRODUCTION. 5 
 
 ligencc, to render his pages reliable and just in their estimate 
 of men and events. 
 
 A few explanatory remarks may here be properly made. 
 In references to ancient transactions, the writer has omitted 
 double dates, except in quoting documents which he desires 
 to reproduce verbatim, and made the dates correspond to the 
 present computation of the calendar year. As is known to 
 all well-informed persons, after the calendar was corrected by 
 Pope Gregory XIII., in the year 1582, by changing the 
 commencement of the year from the 25th of March to the 
 1st of January, the new style, though adopted by all Catholic 
 countries, v/as not acquiesced in by England until 1752. But 
 some regard was paid to it, by affixing a double date to the 
 days of the year between the ist of January and the 25th of 
 March. The writer, however, has adopted the rule of 
 attaching to such days the year which began the ist of Jan- 
 uary preceding, as is the case at the present time. 
 
 It has been the aim of the author to preserve the flavor 
 and spirit of the old records and writings to which he is 
 indebted for his narrative of events, and while employing the 
 forms of expression of these writers, has not felt called upon 
 except in rare instances, to give the authorities upon which 
 he relies for his statements, and thus confusing the reader by 
 a bristling array of foot-notes. It will suffice, in general 
 terms, to say, that the colonial, town and precinct records 
 were the chief sources of information in composing this 
 work. In an especial manner, the writer acknowledges his 
 indebtedness to the publications of the late Mr. Amos Otis. 
 Without his indefatigable and intelligent labors, the work of 
 writing this history would have been doubly laborious. The 
 
6 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 works of Savage, Young, Palfrey, Dr. James Freeman and 
 Dr. Timothy Alden, Jr., are, of course, authorities with which 
 writers of history are obliged to keep up an intimate and 
 unceasing acquaintance. For the ecclesiastical history of 
 the town, the writer has relied upon the investigations of 
 Rev. John W. Dodge, which he has found very accurate, and 
 has generally quoted him on such matter.s. To Wm. P. Davis, 
 the intelligent and accommodating town clerk of Yarmouth, 
 the author expresses his deep sense of obligation, for favors 
 always and most willingly accorded. 
 
 The writer has observed that the foot-notes are frequently 
 the most interesting part of a book. He has, therefore, 
 endeavored to weave such incidents as are usually comprised 
 in the notes into the body of the work, in order that the 
 reader's attention may not be distracted from the narrative. 
 He trusts that, whatever this course will derogate from the 
 "dignity of history," will be made up, in adding to the 
 interest and attractiveness of the work. 
 
 The reader may observe, in the perusal of the following 
 pages, some discrepancies in the spelling of proper names, 
 more particularly in the early part of the book. In explana- 
 tion, it may be said, that this was due to the writers of the 
 pages quoted. In the writings of the time, and frequently in 
 the same document, there are glaring discrepancies of 
 orthography ; but the author has geiicrally followed the 
 spelling of the authors quoted, even though they were 
 not always consistent with antecedent or subsequent writ- 
 ings, or even with themselves. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Description of Old Yarmouth, 13 — 15 
 
 What comprised Old Yarmouth — Geographical Limits — Geology — Soil— Rivers and 
 Great Ponds — Hills — Harwich, Chatham and Brewster formerlj- a part of Yar- 
 mouth — English origin of the People — Post Offices, Churches, Population, Voters, 
 Schools. 
 
 chaptp:r ii. 
 
 Before the Settlement, 16 — 19 
 
 Mattacheese or Mattacheeset, Hockanom, Nobscusset, Ouivet and Sesuet — lyannough's 
 and Mashantampaine's Lands — How Mattacheeset Missed being the Landing Place of 
 the Pilgrims — Visit to lyannough — Capt. Hunt's Perfidy — Gov. Bradford at Matta- 
 cheese — Capt. Standish's Visit and Difficulty with the Natives — Slaughter of Watta- 
 wamat and Pecksuat and its Influence on the Cape Indians — Death of lyannough. 
 
 CHAPTER HI. 
 The Settlement, 20 — 26 
 
 Rev. Stephen Bachilor's attempt at Settlement — Stephen Hopkins permitted to pasture 
 Cattle at Mattacheese — Wheldenand Armstrong permitted to locate here — Permanent 
 and authorized settlement by Thacher, Howes and Crow and their associates — Division 
 of the Planting Lands — Mr. Andi-ew Hallet and his "Assumption" of Lands — Mr. 
 Callicut and his Grant — The First Deputies to the Colony Courts Court orders 
 respecting Yarmouth — The name of Yarmouth — First Settlers and their Localities — 
 The First Highway — Earliest experiences of the Settlers — First Church — Rev. 
 Marmaduke Matthews — First Meeting House — Fort Hill. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 Form of Civil Govp:rnment, Courts, etc, 27 — 32 
 
 Change in the Form of Government — The Laws — Towns in the Colony — The First 
 Local Court — General Court held in Yarmouth — Report of the Proceedings — 
 Eastern Boundary of the Town — Boundary Line between Yarmouth and Barn- 
 stable — Judicial Decisions. 
 
8 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Secular Affairs and Church Troubles. 33 - 39 
 
 Town Officers and Assessments — Freemen admitted — Apportionment — A Law 
 Case — Indian Hostilities Apprehended — List of Persons Capable of Bearing 
 Arms — List of Freemen — Charges of the Troops — Nauset a Town — Indians 
 Complained of by Mr. Sears • — Church Troubles — Mr. Matthews and Wm. Chase — 
 Chase, Starr, Nickerson and others complained of, as Jeerers and Scoffers — The 
 Hull Schism — Mr. Miller's Settlement — Church Council called— John Elliott, the 
 Apostle to the Indians, in Yarmouth — His Labors and Trials — Christianity Taught 
 Here, by a Shipwrecked French Crew. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Settlement of Land Titles. 40 - 43 
 
 The several Committees appointed to Divide the Lands — Capt. Standish in Yarmouth — 
 He acts in his usual decisive manner — Provisions for Future Difficulties. 
 
 CHAPTER Vn. 
 
 The P^ I RST Comers. 44-7' 
 
 Anthony Thacher — John Crow — Thomas Howes — Andrew Hallet — Andi-ew Hallet, 
 Jr. — Marmaduke Matthews — Edward Sturges — Edmund Hawes — Richard Sears 
 
 — Thomas Starr — William Chase — Samuel Rider — John Gorham — Robert Den- 
 nis — Wm. Nickerson — John Hall — James Matthews — Richard Taylors — William 
 Hedge — Francis Baker — Peter Worden, Sr. and Jr. — John and Joshua Barnes — 
 William and Robert Eldridge — John Joyce — Richard Berry — Philip Tabor — 
 Samuel Arnold — Thomas Boardman — Thomas Falland — William Palmer — Ga- 
 briel Whelden — Tliomas Payne — Rev. John Miller — Richard Hore — John Gray 
 
 — Nicholas Simpkins — Yelverton Crow. 
 
 CHAPTER VHP 
 
 Who AND What They Were. 72-82 
 
 Pasturage and Planting Lands sought for — Cattle Raising — Religious Freedom — 
 Toleration not professed, but practised — Theological Differences accounted for — 
 Pilgrim and Puritan Traits combined — Domestic and Every-day Life — Character 
 of their Amusements — Business Pursuits — Fisliing, Trading, Agriculture, Manu- 
 factures — Food and Beverages — First Dwellings — Style of Dress — The Settlers not 
 in Indigent Circumstances — Money, and Corn as Currency — The Professions, Legal 
 and Medical-- Not Seeking for Honor or Fame — Duty, tlieir Governing Motive. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 P'uRTHER Progress of the Town. 83 -96 
 
 Uneventful Annals — Eel River Bridge — Drift Whales — Military Consultations — Death 
 of Rev. John Lothrop of Barnstable — E.xpedition against the Dutch — Marriages 
 by Magistrates — Mashantampaigne summoned to Court — Janno's Complaints 
 against the Grantees — Freemen in 1656 — The Quakers — The People Admonished 
 to Support the Ministry — Drift Whales, again — Fatal Results of a Wrestling Match 
 
 — Warning out of Town — Mr. Thornton Connnences his Ministry — Consumption 
 
CONTENTS. 9 
 
 of Liquors — A Wild Lark — Disciplining Scoffers— Monomoyick to be "Within the 
 Liberties of Yarmouth " — Selectmen Appointed- — Punished for Disturbing meetings 
 and making Opprobrious Speeches of Mr. Thornton — Freemen in 1670 — Collect- 
 ing the Ministerial Rates — End of the Controversy with William Nickerson — Death 
 of Gov. Prence and Accession of Josias Winslow — Monomoyick and Satucket set 
 off to Eastham — Difficulties with Mashantampaigne — Yarmouth Acquittance to the 
 Grantees^- The Cape Indians Renew their Covenant with the English. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 Philip's War. 97-106 
 
 Premonitions of Trouble with the Indians realized — Massasoit, Alexander and Philip 
 
 Murder of a Renegade Indian — War, from Maine to Rhode Island — Extent of Loss 
 of Life and Property — The Cape Towns exempt from Hostilities — Capt. Gorham 
 and Company march for Mount Hope — Operations without Results — Letter from 
 Capt. Gorham to the Massachusetts Council — Second Expedition — Xarrao'ansett 
 Swamp Fight — Death of Capt. Gorham — Third Expedition under Capt. Thomas 
 Howes — Other Expeditions — Names and Pay-rolls of the Companies — Pecuniary 
 Burdens of the War — Friendship of the Cape Indians — Contributions of Christ. lus 
 in Ireland — Fraternal Spirit among the Towns — War Rate for 1676. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 From Philip's War to the Union with Massa- 
 chusetts. 107- 1 15 
 
 Deaths -Warning to Sawtucket People— Black-birds and Crows— Freemen in 1678 
 
 Pensions —Minister's Salary — Whales cast on Shore— Half- Way— Covenant — The 
 White Family — Indians — Repairing the Meeting-House — County of Barnstable Di- 
 vision of Sesuet—Wilham and Mary's War— The Whale Fishery, and Zachariah Pad- 
 dock — Sir Edmund Andros's Administration — Union of Plymouth with Massachusetts. 
 
 CHAPTER XH. 
 
 Under the Provincial Charter. ii6- 123 
 
 First Provincial Representatives — Mr. Thornton's Removal — Schools— " Seating" 
 Congregations — Deaths — Various Town M eeting votes — Whale Boat Fleets — Mr. 
 Cotton's death — Mr. Greenleaf's Settlement— Deaths of Mr. Basset and Mr. Miller 
 — Mr. Jaquesh the Schoolmaster. 
 
 CHAPTER XHI. 
 Division of the Common Lands. 124- 132 
 
 The Committee's Grants — Votes for Dividing the lands — Committees chosen — Tene- 
 ment, Personal and Property Rights — List of the Proprietors and their several pro- 
 portions — Third and Final Division — The Indian and other Reservations. 
 
lO CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 From the French Wars to the Revolution, 133 — 149 
 
 Proposed Legislation about Wolves — Death of Col. John Thacher — Romance of his Life 
 
 — The Thacher Cradle — Enlargement of the Meeting House — Provincial Loan — 
 A Marvellous Occurrence — Difficulties with Mr. Greenleaf — Eastern Emigration -- 
 Division of "Crocket" Neck — Expedition to Louisburg — Hard Times and the 
 French Wars — Rev. Messrs. Smith and Rawson — Church Enlargement — Mr. 
 Green's Settlement and Death — Rev. Timothy Alden's Settlement. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 The Revolutionary War, 150 — 166 
 
 The Patriotic Record of the Town — Unjust Aspersions — Action of the Committees of 
 Correspondence, Observation and Prevention — Obstruction of the Courts — Rally to 
 Dorchester Heights — Preparations and Precautions — The Lexington and Concord 
 Alarm — Votes by the Town and Parishes for raising Troops — Vote in favor of 
 Independence — Action of the Precincts — Wreck of the Frigate Somerset — Distress of 
 the People — Peace declared — Capt. Isaac Sears — Wreck of British war ship Cum- 
 berland — Education — Small Pox — Suit against Thomas Greenough — Shipwrecks 
 and other Casualties — Division of the Town, and Incorporation of Dennis. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 The Native Indians, 167 — 176 
 
 Their Numbers and Character Before the .Settlement — The Pestilence — Purchase of 
 Lands — Their Subjection to the English — Efforts to Christianize the Natives, by 
 Elliott and Others — Their Love for Spirituous Liquors — Statistics — Deacon Nau- 
 haught, and His Wonderful Encounter with a Snake — Whittier's Poem — The Closing 
 Scene. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 Division to the War of 1812 - 15, 177 — 185 
 
 Meeting House at South Sea — First Post Office — Small Pox — Business Statistics of 
 South Sea — Death of Hon. David Thacher — Academy asked for — Rev. Dr. Samuel 
 West — The Embargo — War Declared against Great Britain — Attitude of the Town 
 
 — Incidents and Events — Peace Proclaimed. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 From THE War of 1812-15 to the Southern 
 
 Rebellion, 186 — 201 
 
 Post-Office — Bridge across Bass River — Temperance Movement — Rev. Nath'l Cogswell's 
 Ordination — Death of Judge George Thacher — Burning of the County House — 
 Death of Rev. Timothy Alden — Alms House and Town House Built — Deaths of 
 Charles Hallet and Henry Thacher — Surplus Revenue — Death of Capt. Samuel 
 Taylor — Terrible Gale of 1841 — Cape Cod Association Celebrate Here — Death of 
 Hon. John Reed. 
 
CONTENTS. 1 1 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 War of the Rebellion to Our Own Times, 202 — 217 
 
 The Guns of Sumter — First War Meeting — Yarmouth's Opinions — Meetings of Voters 
 and Citizens — Money voted for Warlike Purposes — Other Local Events — Fire — 
 Ordination — Camp Meeting — Railroad Opened — New Church Edifice — The Pack- 
 ets and Stage Coaches — Deaths of Gen. Joseph Hamblin and Capt. Isaiah Crowell — 
 New Library Building — Deaths of Capt. John Eldridge, Capt. Allen H. Knowles, 
 Dr. Geo. Shove, and Others — Some Recent Events, Etc. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 The Mails, Telegraph and Telephone, 218 — 220 
 
 Early Transportation of Letters — First Post Office — Further Post Ofifice Facilities — 
 The Telegraph and Telephone. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 Education, 221 — 231 
 
 Common School System not of English Origin — Parental Education the Earliest System 
 — Action of the Colony Court — The Cape Cod Fisheries the Earliest Educational 
 Fund — Advanced School Established — Mutual Improvement and Lecture Funds — 
 Town Libraries, etc., — College Graduates. 
 
 Appendix, 232 — 238 
 
 Slavery — Missionary Work, by Yarmouth Captains — State, Coimty and District Officers 
 Deputies, Representatives, Selecrmen, Town Clerks and Treasurers. 
 
 Dennis since Separation. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 From Separation to War of the Rebellion, 240 — 259 
 
 The East Parish — Rev. Mr. Dennis — Organization of the New Town — Manufacture of 
 Salt — Rev. Nathan Stone — Bass River Bridge — The Commercial Distress — War 
 of 1812 — Great Temperance Revival — Cranberry Culture — Great Gale of 1841 — 
 Various Local Occurrences, etc. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 The Rebellion to our own Times, 260 — 272 
 
 Proceedings of the Town — Men and Money Voted — Expression of Public Sentiment — 
 Union of the School Districts — Tragedy on board brig Lubra — Deaths of Seth 
 Croweli, Prince S. Crowell, Luther Child, Nehemiah Crowell, M. S. Underwood, and 
 other Prominent Citizens — Recent Local Events. 
 
12 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Statistics of Population, etc., 273 — 278 
 
 Various Census Tables — Change of Business Enterprises — Emigrations from the Town 
 — Closing Reflections. 
 
 Appendix, 278 — 281 
 
 Education — State and District Offices — Representatives, Selectmen, Clerks and Treas- 
 urers. 
 
MAP 
 
 OF' 
 
 OLD\ARMOUTH 
 
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 nn>ms,H,»rM. 1^'M'n^l^lH-" iiS.mu»iRi<ltf 
 'ilJtkn Crarr T Cak Jrvr »« U itmut-l^Bakt, 
 fUur'^criiT^ a CtjJW.H^s^vRitkBMrrj 
 
OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 DESCRIPTION OF OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 What comprised Old Yarmouth — Geographical Limits — Geology — Soil— Rivers and 
 Great Ponds — Hills — Harwich, Chatham and Brewster formerly a part of Yar- 
 mouth — English origin of the People — Post Offices, Churches, Population, Voters, 
 Schools. 
 
 THE term Old Yarmouth is meant to describe the 
 whole of the territory of the ancient township now 
 comprised in the towns of Yarmouth and Dennis. The lat- 
 ter, though at first not so generally settled as the mother 
 town, has now become the more populous of the two ; but 
 the towns preserve a homogeneity of interests, pursuits and 
 characteristics, and a general harmony of action ; and for 
 these reasons, and because they were one until ninety 
 years ago, the story of their origin, progress and achieve- 
 ments, will be told together. 
 
 The original township lies about mid-way of the peninsula 
 of Cape Cod, and extends entirely across the Cape, from 
 Barnstable Bay to Vineyard Sound, between the parallels of 
 70° 7' and 70° 16' north latitude, and 41° 37' and 41° 5' 
 west longitude. It is nearly square in form, being on an 
 average about eight miles from north to south and from east 
 to west. The villages are on both sides, near the rivers 
 and borders of the sea. 
 
 The geological formation of the township is drift or allu- 
 vium ; consisting of sand and gravel, together with beds of 
 
14 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 peat, admirably adapted to cranberry culture. Many bould- 
 ers, deposited in the glacial period, according to the the- 
 ories of geologists, are confusedly scattered over the north- 
 ern shore. 
 
 The soil is generally thin and light, although some excel- 
 lent planting land, for gardens and orchards, is found on 
 the northerly side. Forests of moderate growth, particular- 
 ly of oak and pine, cover the middle regions. Large tracts 
 of salt meadows skirt the shores of the northerly portion. 
 
 Bass River, a stream affording sufficient water for naviga- 
 tion of small crafts for live miles from its mouth, on the 
 south shore, with the adjoining ponds, and Chase Garden 
 River, on the north side, form a convenient boundary line be- 
 tween the present towns of Yarmouth and Dennis for the 
 greater portion of the distance. There are numbers of 
 large ponds in this territory ; and a valuable fishery, owned 
 jointly by Yarmouth and Dennis, is maintained at Follen's 
 Pond, and in its tributary streams. 
 
 The surface of the town, on the northerly side, is uneven, 
 with several high hills. Scargo Hill, in the Dennis portion, 
 is the highest eminence in Barnstable County ; and from it, 
 a magnificent prospect, reaching from Minot's Ledge to Mar- 
 tha's Vineyard, and occasionally to Nantucket, is obtained. 
 German's Hill in Yarmouth, is another considerable emi- 
 nence. The southern portion of the town is more nearly lev- 
 el, with less variety of scenery than on the north side. 
 
 In its earlier years the town exercised a sort of shadowy 
 jurisdiction over a large portion of Brewster, Harwich and 
 Chatham, which, though not exactly claimed as a part of its 
 territory, were, in the language of the old records, described 
 as " within the liberties of Yarmouth. " 
 
 The people of the old township are of the purest English 
 origin, with but little admixture of foreign blood, many of 
 the traits of character, habits and quaint forms of speech of 
 the early settlers being retained by their descendants, par- 
 ticularly those who have preserved the primitive habits and 
 
DESCRIPTION OF OLD YARMOUTH. 15 
 
 pursuits, and have continued to occupy the old family locali- 
 ties. 
 
 The limits of the township contained, according to the 
 last census, 5463 inhabitants, and 1502 legal voters, has 10 
 post-offices, and 10 church organizations ; and in 1883 ex- 
 pended $11,150 for the support of common schools. It has 
 a creditable and patriotic record, which should be kept alive, 
 for the enlightenment and emulation of this and future 
 generations. 
 
. CHAPTER II. 
 BEFORE THE SETTLEMENT. 
 
 Mattacheese or Mattacheeset, Hockanom, Nobsciisset, Quivet and Sesuet — lyannough's 
 and Mashantampaine's Lands — How Mattacheeset Missed being the Landing Place of 
 the Pilgrims — Visit to lyannough — Capt. Hunt's Perfidy — Gov. Bradford at Matta- 
 cheese — Capt. Standish's Visit and Difficulty with the Natives — Slaughter of Watta- 
 wamat and Pecksuat and its Influence on the Cape Indians — Death of lyannough. 
 
 THE region in the vicinity of the habitations of the first 
 comers, was known by the lr\dia.r\ names of 3/ai^ac/i£'6'se, 
 Mattacheeset, Hockanovi and Nobsciisset. Mattacheese signified 
 old lands, or planting lands, and the terminal /, was 
 applied to places by the water, making MattacJieeset mean, 
 old lands by the borders of the water. This term, which 
 was a general designation, applied to other localities, and 
 which has led to some confusion in historical research, 
 described the region now the eastern part of Barnstable and 
 the western portion of Yarmouth. From near White's brook 
 to Dennis, was known as Hockanom ; beyond which, to 
 Brewster, the region was called Nobsciisset. Quivet and 
 Sesiiit were the names of tv/o necks of land in the north- 
 easterly part of the town. lyannough's land extended from 
 the easterly part of Barnstable and the westerly part of 
 Yarmouth, across the Cape to " South Sea. " From 
 lyannough's land to the Brewster line, Mashantampaine was 
 the sachem, the natives in his jurisdiction being designated 
 as N^obsciissets. The Paivkimnazvkiits occupied the vicinity 
 of South Yarmouth and South Dennis, on both sides of Bass 
 River. The boundaries of the Indian jurisdictions were very 
 imperfectly defined, owing to the migratory habits and 
 
BEFORE THE SETTLEMENT. 17 
 
 uncertain tenure of property of these sons of the soil. They 
 set up no huts and bounds, and it is extremely difficult to 
 define, except in a general way, the limits of the tribes in the 
 townships. 
 
 Some intercourse, previous to the settlement, had passed be- 
 tween the natives and the settlers of Plymouth. In " AIo7irfs 
 Relation'' of the explorations of a portion of the Mayflower's 
 crew, to find a place of settlement, we have a reference to the 
 fact that our harbor, with which the shallop's pilot had had 
 some previous familiarity, was passed v/ithout recognition, 
 owing to a severe snow-storm ; but for which circumstance, 
 it is v/ithin the bounds of probability that the settlement of 
 New England, with all its attendant consequences, might 
 have been within the limits of Mattacheese. 
 
 In June, 1621, a company from Plymouth visited this 
 harbor in search of a lost boy. The Indians came down to 
 the shore and invited them to land, and partake of the 
 hospitalities of their sachem, lyannough. The English, after 
 an exchange of hostages, accepted the invitation. The sa- 
 chem received themx with royal and courtly hospitality. They 
 found him "a man personable, gentle, courteous and fair- 
 conditioned, about twenty-six years of age, indeed not a 
 savage save in his attire. His entertainment was answerable 
 to his parts, and his cheer plentiful and various." lyannough, 
 with a party of his tribe, escorted the company to Nauset, 
 where the boy was found, and upon their return gave another 
 entertainment to his guests, and his followers took occasion, 
 before the departure of the visitors, to give in their friendly 
 adhesion to the English. 
 
 It was while at Mattacheesethat the English found an Indian 
 woman whom they judged to be not less than an hundred 
 years old, who made them acquainted with the visit to this 
 region of Capt. Hunt, the commander of one of the vessels of 
 Capt. Smith's fleet, in 16 14, the abduction of her son and 
 other Indians on board of their vessels, and the subsequent 
 selling of them into slavery, at Malaga, — a piece of perfidy 
 
1 8 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 which was the source of nearly all the subsequent troubles 
 with the Indians in these parts. The English assured her 
 and the other Indians, of their severe reprobation of this 
 perfidious conduct on the part of their predecessors, and of 
 their desire to cultivate amicable relations with their new 
 acquaintances. 
 
 In November, 1622, Gov. Bradford and a party embarked 
 in the Swan, belonging to Weston's company of Weymouth, 
 for Mattacheese, to procure food for the famishing colonists, 
 and the trip was extended to Nauset. They succeeded in 
 procuring a quantity of corn and beans. During their visit 
 here they experienced severe storms with high winds ; the 
 ship was much endangered and their shallop cast away. 
 The Governor caused the corn to be stacked, and bought 
 mats and sedge to cover it, and gave it in charge of the 
 Indians, who guarded it safely during the Governor's visit to 
 Plymouth, and until his return, by land. 
 
 In February, 1623, Capt. Standish and party embarked in a 
 shallop for Mattacheese, where the vessel was frozen into the 
 harbor the first night of their arrival. The Indians 
 " pretended their wonted love, and spared them a good 
 quantity of corn to confirm the same. Strangers also came 
 to this place, pretending only to see him and his company, 
 whom they never saw before that time, but intending to join 
 with the rest to kill them, as afterwards appeared." So runs 
 the record of Winslow, who continued: "But being forced 
 through extremity to lodge in their houses, which they much 
 pressed, God possessed the heart of the Captain with just 
 jealousy, giving strict command that as one part of the 
 company slept the rest should wake, declaring some things 
 to them which he understood whereof he could make no good 
 construction." Some of the Indians also stole some beads 
 from him, which, when he discovered the theft, although he 
 had but six men with him, he drew them all from the boat, 
 proceeded to the sachem's house, where most of the Indians 
 were, and made demand for the immediate restoration of the 
 
BEFORE THE SETTLEMENT. 19 
 
 stolen articles, threatening forcible proceedings unless the 
 demand was complied with. Hereupon the sachem took 
 measures to discover the aggressor, and caused him to return 
 the stolen articles to the shallop; then coming to the Captain, 
 desired him to search and see if the articles were not on board. 
 The Captain, however, " suspecting their knavery," sent a 
 man on board, who found the missing articles lying openly 
 upon the boat's cuddy. " Yet to appease his anger they 
 brought corn afresh, to trade, inasmuch as he loaded his 
 shallop and so departed. This accident so daunted their 
 courage as they durst not attempt anything against him." It 
 must occur to the reader of this narrative that there is much 
 reason to apprehend that the iiery Captain's suspicious and 
 choloric temper led him too readily to distrust and misjudge 
 the natives, especially in view of the repeated kindnesses 
 which they had heretofore bestowed upon the English. The 
 narrative further says, that "at this place the Indians ge: 
 abundance of bass, both summer and winter, for it now being 
 February, they abounded with them." 
 
 The slaughter of Wattawamat, Pecksuat and their 
 followers, by Capt. Standish and his company, a fev*^ weeks 
 afterwards, produced a great panic among all the Indians of 
 the Cape, as well as throughout the limits of the colony. 
 They forsook their dwellings, wandered about in bewilder- 
 ment and fear, and living in swamps and deserts contracted 
 diseases, of which many of them died. Among the number 
 was the hospitable, courtly and mild-mannered sachem 
 lyannough, whose sad fate was an ill requital of the 
 uniform kindness which he ever bestowed upon the English. 
 
 The intercourse with the natives, in this region, which was 
 temporarily suspended during these troubles, was afterwards 
 resumed, and much profitable traffic was carried on by the 
 colonists, while the granaries of the Cape Indians often 
 relieved the necessities of the sufferinc: Endish. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 THE SETTLEMENT. 
 
 Rev. Stephen Bachilor's attempt at Settlement — Stephen Hopkins permitted to pasture 
 Cattle at Mattacheese — Whelden and Armstrong permitted to locate here — Permanent 
 and authorized settlement by Thacher, Howes and Crow and their associates — Division 
 of the Planting Lands — Mr. Andrew Hallet and his "Assumption" of Lands — Mr. 
 Callicut and his Grant — The First Deputies to the Colony Court — Court orders 
 respecting Yarmouth — The name of Yarmouth — First Settlers and their Localities — 
 The First Highway — Eai'liest experiences of the Settlers — First Church — Rev. 
 Marmaduke Matthews — First Meeting House — Fort Hill. 
 
 T has been customary to refer to the abortive enterprise of 
 Rev. Stephen Bachilor, who came to Mattacheese in the 
 winter of 1637-8, as the first settlement of Yarmouth. The 
 region where he took up his abode during that rigorous 
 winter was for four or five years a part of Yarmouth ; but, by 
 the subsequent rectification of the boundaries, was, and now 
 is, included in the limits of Barnstable. Mr. Bachilor's 
 settlement was a failure, and probably had but little influence 
 upon the future of the present town of Yarmouth. 
 
 The earliest occupation of the town which is a matter of 
 record, was in August, 1638, when the colony court granted 
 leave to Stephen Hopkins " to erect a house at Mattacheese, 
 and cut hay to winter his cattle, provided it be not to with- 
 draw him from the town of Plymouth." In September of 
 the same year, permission was granted to Gabriel Whilden 
 and Gregory Armstrong to locate here, "with the consent 
 of the committees of the place," which seems to imply some 
 previous organization, at least, for a settlement. Hopkins 
 was one of the Mayflower's company. He afterwards con- 
 veyed his house to Andrew Hallet, Jr., and the locality of his 
 
THE SETTLEMENT. 2i 
 
 domicile is thus quite accurately defined. Tliis was tlie first 
 house in town built by an Englishman, the location of which is 
 known.' Whelden is still a Yarmouth name, but of Arm- 
 strong we have no further record. The early settlers of New 
 England were in the habit of often changing their localities, 
 and their final settlements, even after obtaining grants, were, 
 owing to this circumstance, a matter of great uncertainty. 
 
 The permanent and authorized settlement of the town 
 commenced early in 1639. The grantees of the court were, 
 Mr. Anthony Thacher, Mr. John Crow, Mr. Thomas Howes, 
 each of whom had taken the oath of allegiance the December 
 and January preceding, and had surveyed the lands, prepara- 
 tory to occupation. They, with John Coite, "to be inquired 
 of," Mr. Madrick Matthews, Philip Tabor, William Palmer, 
 Samuel Rider, Wm. Lumpkin and Thomas Hatch, were 
 proposed, 7th Jan. 1639, " ^o take up their freedom at Yar- 
 mouth." The same page records the following "persons 
 there excepted against : Old Worden, (dead,) Burnell, Wrio-ht, 
 Wat Deville." In March following, Mr. Nicholas Simpkins, 
 Hugh Tilley, Giles Hopkins and Joshua Barnes are mentioned 
 in the court records as of Yarmouth. 
 
 The court at this session ordered, in relation to Yarmouth, 
 that a committee be chosen to make an equal division of the 
 planting lands, " now to be divided at the first division there, 
 each man according to his estate and quality, and according 
 to their instructions ;" and Mr. Nicholas Simpkins, William 
 Palmer, Philip Tabor and Joshua Barnes were added to the 
 three grantees, for this purpose ; and that Joshua Pratt, of 
 Plymouth and Mr. John Vincent of Sandwich " shall view 
 the land there and make report to the Court." 
 
 The name of Mr. Andrew Hallet appears for the first time 
 in the court record for the March term, a committee being 
 raised to report whether "the proportions of the lands which 
 he hath assumed to himself shall be prejudicial to the whole, 
 
 ' The location of this house was in a field belonging to Capt. Charles Basset, about 75 
 yards north-westerly from the house of Mr. Joseph Hale. 
 
22 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 that then some just and equal order may be taken thereon 
 to prevent evil consequences to the whole plantation." Mr, 
 Hallet's lands were subsequently confirmed to him. He was 
 not, however, a resident here until the next year. 
 
 At the April term of the court, it was "ordered, that 
 whereas the lands at Mattacheese were granted to divers 
 persons who long since should have inhabited upon them, 
 the which they have not performed, and whereas the court is 
 informed that those persons to whom they were first granted 
 are not likely to inhabit them in their own persons, and lest 
 such as there are should receive unto them unworthy 
 persons, whereof the court hath lamentable experience, by 
 committing the disposal of the land in like case, the Court 
 doth order, that only such of them which at present are 
 there shall remain and make use of some lands for their 
 present necessity, but shall not divide any portions of lands 
 there either to themselves or any other persons than such as 
 were nominated at first, without special license or appoint- 
 ment of the government, that such inconveniences may be 
 prevented which in like cases have formerly happened." 
 This order is said to have reference to the grant made to 
 Mr. Callicut, of lands in Mattacheese, for at the May term 
 the Court had ordered, that if he did not come in his own 
 person to inhabit the land before the June term of the Court, 
 his grant should be void. 
 
 Thomas Payne and Philip Tabor were admitted as free- 
 men, in June following. William Chase was chosen Con- 
 stable, and Thomas Payne and Philip Tabor Deputies to the 
 Court, the first representative assembly in the colony, which 
 met the 4th of that month. William Clark took the oath of 
 allegiance and fidelity in September, and was sworn to 
 execute the office of Constable for the town. 
 
 The legislation by the colony court relative to the town, 
 the first year of its existence, enajDl||^ us to judge of its 
 social and material condition. It was forbidden for any one 
 dwelling here to purchase two house-lots or more and lay 
 
THE SETTLEMENT. 23 
 
 them together and maintain but one house upon them. 
 This was intended to make the settlements compact, as a 
 matter of safety and precaution. The lots were laid out in 
 furlongs, having various descriptive terms, like Rabbit 
 furlong, Lone Tree furlong, and others, suggested by 
 familiar objects. Yarmouth men were granted liberty to 
 " keep their swine unwringed," " they keeping them with a 
 herdsman until complaint be made of some hurt they have 
 done." It was ordered that "a pair of stocks and a pound be 
 erected, and that the Constable see it done, and have a war- 
 rant to distrain such as shall refuse to pay what shall be 
 assessed to the charge thereof." William Palmer was 
 authorized to exercise the inhabitants in the use of arms. 
 
 The first mention of the name of Yarmouth, as applied to 
 this township, is found in the court record of January, 1639, 
 in connection with the grant to Thacher, Howes and Crow, 
 From the fact that this name was selected, it has been 
 inferred that the settlers of this town came from Yarmouth, 
 in England. This may have been true of some individual, 
 but does not apply to the settlers as a body. They did not 
 come from any single locality. Some were Eastern County 
 men, some were from the Midland Counties, some from 
 Wales, and others from the South of England. Yarmouth, 
 the principal seaport on the eastern coast of England, was 
 the place of embarkation and debarkation between that 
 country and Holland, and was naturally associated in the 
 minds of the Pilgrims with their experiences in the mother 
 country. Hence, perhaps, the name. 
 
 The pioneers of the town were soon joined by others, and 
 before the close of 1640 not far from twenty-five families 
 were established here. The region around " Stony Cove," 
 now the " Mill Pond," was occupied by Andrew Hallet, Thom- 
 as Starr, William Chase, Gyles Hopkins, Robert Dennis and 
 Joshua Barnes. A .^ttle farther on, to the eastward, were 
 the lands of Nicholas Simpkins and Anthony Thacher. 
 Still farther east was the meeting-house and the lands of the 
 
24 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 Rev. Marmaduke Matthews and Edward Sturges. At Nob- 
 scLisset, Thomas Howes, William Lumpkin and John Crow 
 had settled. At the extreme easterly part of the town Peter 
 Warden, the elder and the younger, had established them- 
 selves, in spite of the opposition of some of their associates, 
 and here the former died the first year of the settlement. 
 Around Bass Pond, famous then, as now, for its valuable 
 fisheries, were the families of James Matthews, William 
 Nickerson, Thomas Falland and Samuel Rider. Francis 
 Baker built his house on the east side of Bass River, near 
 the Pond. Yelverton Crow settled at "South Sea," in the 
 vicinity of Hyannis Bay. Beside these, the names of Hugh 
 Tilley, Phillip Tabor, and William Palmer occur in the records, 
 as temporary or permanent residents. With the exception 
 of the few settlements near the meadows, cleared lands of 
 the Indians, the shores and water-courses, the town was a 
 dense forest, inhabited by savages and wild beasts. 
 
 The earliest highway in the settlement ran from Barnsta- 
 ble by nearly the same course as is travelled at the present 
 time, turning northerly to the eastward of Andrew Hallet's, 
 over the marsh near the shore to the estate of Anthony 
 Thacher, thence to the eastward, to the region of the meet- 
 ing-house and old cemetery, thence southerly to White's 
 brook, continuing on to Hockanom and Nobscusset, follow- 
 ing as near as practicable to the borders of the marshes and 
 shore. 
 
 There exists no contemporary record of the earlier 
 experiences of the settlers of this town. Their nearest 
 neighbors, from four to five miles away, were fortunate in 
 having, in their minister. Rev. John Lothrop, not only a 
 wise and devoted pastor, but also an historian who left on 
 record some account of their temporal as well as their spirit- 
 ual progress. If the Yarmouth settlers were equally 
 favored with their neighbors, they must have lived in the 
 enjoyment of good health and rude comfort. The old fields 
 at once yielded a crop of corn and vegetables. The coves 
 
THE SETTLEMENT. 2$ 
 
 and ponds swarmed with fowl and fish, the shores were 
 stocked with shell-fish, and the forests abounded with game. 
 With an unfailing supply of food, and abundance 'of fuel close 
 at hand, there could have been but little occasion for any 
 privation of the necessaries 'of life. That their lot was a 
 fortunate one for the times, is attested by the fact that their 
 mortality reports are small, and that the succeeding years 
 show a considerable accession to their numbers, of men of 
 substance and exemplary character. 
 
 It is safe to assume that the formation of the church was 
 nearly coeval with the settlement of the town, as in other 
 Puritan communities, but the loss of the records prevents 
 our arriving at a knowledge of the exact date of its organiza- 
 tion. Rev. Marmaduke Matthews, one of the first-comers, 
 was the first minister. The first meeting-house probably 
 stood on the southerly side of the old cemetery, on a little 
 eminence called "Fort Hill," from the fact that the place 
 was provided with some means of defence from attack. It 
 was a building of rude construction, measuring thirty by 
 forty feet, with about thirteen and a half feet posts, with a 
 thatched roof ; was unplastered and unglazed ; the windows 
 being of oiled paper. The frame is still in existence, in a 
 dwelling house in town.' Rev. Timothy Alden, Jr., writing 
 in 1797, states that within ten years the remains of the 
 *' fort " were visible. At this time the " hill " itself is onl}^ 
 such in name, the winds having reduced it to a level with 
 the surrounding region. 
 
 In this rude and uninviting spot the fathers and mothers 
 of the new settlement met together to perform their acts of 
 devotion. Hither came all the people, from the remote as 
 well as the contiguous parts of the town ; from Quivet, 
 Sesuet, Nobscusset, Hockanom, Bass Ponds, Stony Cove, 
 
 • This frame is in the house now occupied by Hannah Crowell, If the critical observer 
 ■will give the frame of the easterly portion of this house a careful inspection, he will per* 
 ceive that it was adapted to a different building. In company with the Hon. J. B. D. 
 Cogswell, the writer some years ago examined this frame, and found the measurements to 
 agree with the descriptions of the building. It is a most interesting relic of the olden time. 
 
26 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 South Sea, — the Hallets, Halls, Howeses, Searses, Crows, 
 Thachers and Sturgeses. Those who lived miles away, 
 came in storm as well as sunshine ; at first on foot, but as 
 animals increased, the better-conditioned came on horseback, 
 — "riding and tying, " as it was termed — the man in front, 
 with his musket, his good wife riding behind him. At the 
 end of a couple of miles, they dismounted, tied their horse, 
 walked on and gave place to those who had started ahead of 
 them ; and in turn they resumed the saddle while the others 
 walked. It would be pleasant to believe that all their 
 exertion was rewarded by strong and invigorating spiritual 
 food. But the discourses of Rev. Mr. Matthews appear to 
 have been rather scattering and loose in point of style, 
 and the poor old gentleman was charged with heresy, where 
 he was nothing more than obscure; not being himself very 
 well aware of the purport and tendency of his language. 
 Some of the brethren rebelled against the misapplication of 
 the King's English, and the pastor evidently lived a very 
 jaded and disagreeable existence, during his stormy and 
 ill-starred ministry. There seems really to have been no 
 heresy or looseness of belief intended, in the discourses of 
 Mr. Matthews ; only an inaccuracy of definitions and inexact 
 itude in the application of terms. In an age when vigorous 
 and direct Anglo-Saxon words were used to convey thoughts, 
 language vvhich was susceptible of a double interpretation 
 was not easily tolerated ; and this was the head and front of 
 Mr. Matthews's offendinsf. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 FORM OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT, COURTS, ETC. 
 
 Change in the Fomi cf Government — The Laws — Towns in the Colony — The First 
 Local Court — General Court held in Yarmouth — Report of the Proceedings — 
 Eastern Boundary of the Town — Boundary Line between Yarmouth and Barn- 
 stable — Judicial Decisions. 
 
 THE year in which Yarmouth became one of the towns 
 of Plymouth Colony, witnessed an important change 
 in its form of government. Hitherto the Governor and 
 Assistants, under the general name of " The Associates of 
 the Colony of Plymouth, " were the Legislature. " These, " 
 says Hutchinson, " were elected from the first rank. Even 
 after the appointment of Deputies, the Governor and Assist- 
 ants were the supreme judiciary power, sole in judging of 
 high offences, and to them lay appeals from inferior jurisdic- 
 tions, after lesser offences were made cognizable before 
 inferior courts in civil matters. " The laws were few and 
 were termed fundamental, but the court professed to be 
 governed by the common law of England. They had passed 
 statutes, concluded treaties with the Indians, and exercised 
 all acts of sovereignty without interference from the mother 
 country, and perhaps, because of their weakness and insig- 
 nificance, failed to attract the attention of the home govern- 
 ment. In 1638 the towns of the colony were authorized to 
 send deputies to Plymouth for legislation, "to join with the 
 bench to enact and make all such laws and ordinances as 
 shall be deemed good and wholesome for the whole ; provided 
 that the laws they do enact shall be propounded at one court 
 to be considered of until the next, and to then be confirmed 
 if they shall be approved of, except the case require present 
 
IS OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 confirmation. " But the bench retained the right tO' dismiss 
 these Deputies or Committees "if they were found insuffi- 
 cient or troublesome, " which is hardly consistent with the 
 ideal of a free representative government. Deputies were 
 sent in 1639 ^^ follows: Plymouth four, and two each from 
 Duxbury, Scituate, Sandwich, Cohannet (Taunton) Yarmouth 
 and Barnstable. 
 
 In the year 1641, an inferior tribunal was established for 
 the convenience of the three towns of Sandwich, Yarmouth 
 and Barnstable. Mr. Thomas Dimmock of Barnstable, Mr. 
 John Crowe of Yarmouth, joined with Mr. Edmund Freeman 
 of Sandwich, who was one of the Assistants of the Governor, 
 were appointed to hear and determine all causes and contro- 
 versies within the three townships, not exceeding xx shillings. 
 A special term of the colony court was held in this town 
 June 17, 1 64 1, the following being a full report of the 
 proceedings: 
 
 Neii) Plym. S. S. — At a court held at Yarmouth, the 17th 
 day of June, in the 17th year of the reign of our Sovereign 
 Lord, Charles, by the grace of God of England, Scotland, 
 France and Ireland, King, &c. before Edward Winslow, Miles 
 Standish, and Edmund Freeman, gentlemen, three of the 
 Assistants of the government aforesaid, by virtue of the order 
 of the General Court of the first of June last past, whereby 
 the said Winslow, Miles Standish, Edmund Freeman and 
 John Browne, or any two or three of them, were authorized 
 to set the bounds of Yarmouth and Barnstable, and to hear 
 and determine all causes and controversies amongst the 
 inhabitants of Yarmouth, Barnstable and Sandwich which 
 shall come before them, &c. 
 
 The differences betwixt Nicholas Sympkins and William 
 Chase, by consent of both parties are referred to the arbitra- 
 ment of Mr. Mayo and Mr. Thorn. Dimmack, and have entered 
 into an assumpsit of j[,^ to each other to abide their award, 
 and it's to be ended within a month next coming. 
 
 A warrant granted to distrain 12s. upon Emanuel White 
 
FORM OF CI VI L GO VERNMENT, CO UR TS, ETC. 29 
 
 for keeping cows, and upon Mr. Sympkins i6s., and Mr. 
 Howes i6s. if M'ris Fuller will not pay the said i6s. for 
 Howes. 
 
 It is ordered by the Court that Mr. Andrew Hellot shall 
 pay Massatumpaine one fadome of beads within two moons, 
 besides the nett he alledgeth the said Massatumpaine sold 
 him, for the deer that Mr. Hellot's son bought of him about 
 two years since. 
 
 It is ordered by the Court that Walter Devile shall pay to 
 Massatumpaine for mending of the hole in his kettle, which 
 the said Devile shot with his gun ; it's to be paid within one 
 moon next ensuing. 
 
 It is ordered by the Court that Nicholas Symkins save 
 harmless the corn of Emanuel White, Thorn. Falland, Roger 
 Ellis, and the rest that have planted within that fence which 
 they pay for the making of. 
 
 Whereas there was complaint made by William Chase, 
 that Nicholas Symkins had so set his fence that he hath 
 taken in some small part of the lands of the said William 
 Chase, which upon view appeared to be so — it is now order- 
 ed and concluded by the Court that notwithstanding the 
 fence shall stand as it is now set, and that Mr. Anthony 
 Thacher, for peace sake, will allow the said William Chase 
 as much land out of his own lands, of those lands which lie 
 next to the said Chase's lands, and the land so taken by 
 Nicholas Symkins aforesaid shall be his owne. And the 
 said Nicholas Symkins is to allov/ the said Chase a little 
 parcel of meadow lying next to the said Chase, from the end 
 of his fence by a straight line to a creek easterly, provided 
 that the said William Chase do fence in the same by March 
 next ensuing. 
 
 It is also ordered and concluded that the inhabitants of 
 the town of Yarmouth shall presently meet together and 
 make a rate for the defraying of all the public charges which 
 have been laid forth by any particular person or persons for 
 the good of the whole, save that in committee charges 
 
30 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 where William Chase, Thomas Howes and Joshua Barnes 
 were sent as committees for the town, these are to be exempt- 
 ed out of those rates, viz : Mr. Matthews, William Palmer, 
 Thomas Payne, Anthony Thacher, Thom. Falland, Emanuel 
 White and Thomas Starr ; but in all other rates to be rated 
 proportionably with the rest of the inhabitants ; and that by 
 virtue of this order it shall be lawful for the constable to dis- 
 train all such persons as shall refuse to pay the sums they are 
 rated unto. 
 
 It is ordered by the Court that the meadow appointed to 
 Mr. Hellot's farm shall be laid forth by the committees 
 according to his grant. 
 
 It is ordered also by the Court that the several propor- 
 tions of land allotted unto the inhabitants shall presently be 
 laid forth by the committees to the several persons to whom 
 they are so granted. 
 
 It is ordered by the Court that William Lumpkin and 
 Hugh Tilly shall pay to Gabriel Wheildon 15s. for his third 
 part of the skiff or boat (they were partners in,) and his 
 damage sustained in the want thereof to fetch fish to fish 
 his corn withal, and the boat or skiff to be theirs. 
 
 It is ordered by the Court that Mr. Thom. Starr shall have 
 two acres of land in some convenient place assigned him, for 
 one acre of his land given to the town to get clay upon. 
 
 It is ordered and concluded upon by the joint consent of 
 all the inhabitants of Yarmouth that Captain Standish shall 
 be joined to the committees of the said town of Yarmouth 
 for the disposing of lands there, and that not any lands here- 
 after be granted or laid forth without his consent, and that 
 all lands hereafter to be laid forth shall be assigned to every 
 person by lot, except those which are already granted and 
 assigned in particular, whereof sale and exchange have been 
 made. 
 
 THE BOUNDS OF YARMOUTH. 
 
 The bounds of Yarmouth on the easterly side are from the 
 town to a certain brook called by the Indians Shuckquam, 
 
FORM OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT, COURTS, ETC z\ 
 
 but by the English Boundbrooke, and all that neck of land 
 northward called by the Indians Atquiod, als. Aquiatt, with 
 all the uplands and marsh meadows which lye on the wester- 
 ly side, of the said brook to the townwards unto the mouth of 
 said brook. And from a marked tree at the path over the 
 said Bound brook by a straight line south and by east to the 
 South Sea, so it extend not in length above eight miles, 
 excepting and reserving unto Massatanpaine, the sachem, the 
 lands from Nobscusset pan, westerly from a marked tree 
 there unto another marked tree at a swamp extending west- 
 erly, and from thence to another marked tree northerly by a 
 straight line to the sea, and from the northerly end of the 
 said Nobscusset pan to the sea, by a line from the westerly 
 side of the said pan [pond.] 
 
 The bounds betwixt Yarmouth and Barnstable are as fol- 
 loweth, viz: That the river of Stony Cove shall be the bounds 
 from the sea as far as it runneth to the landwards, and from 
 thence, from the upward part thereof, to begin at the easter- 
 ly side of the lot of Andrew Hellot, at a known marked tree, 
 by the highway leading betwixt Barnstable and Yarmouth 
 aforesaid, and from the easterly side of the upward part of 
 the said lot to run upon the south- south-west point of the 
 compass to the South Sea, provided always that the meadow- 
 land that was alloted and appointed to the said Mr. Hellot's 
 farm be still reserved unto the said farm according to the 
 former intent and grant thereof. Excepting and reserving 
 unto Nepaiton and Twacommacus and their heirs and assigns, 
 if they shall dwell upon it, all that parcel of playne land bor- 
 dering to the seawards from a pond to a tree by the wood 
 side, marked by Mr. Winslow, Capt. Standish and Mr. Free- 
 man, and from thence easterly by the wood side to another 
 marked tree, and from thence northerly to the sea, provided 
 that if the said Nepaiton shall at any time sell the same he 
 shall sell it to the inhabitants of Barnstable before any other. ' 
 
 * We quote the Court records. There are great variations in the spelling of proper 
 names, in this and other writings of the time. 
 
32 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 This action of the court deprived Yarmouth of nearly a 
 mile of her territory, in breadth from east to west. The ju- 
 risdiction of the town had before extended to what has since 
 been known as " Indian Lane," in Barnstable. The com- 
 mittee " appointed to set forth the bounds between Matta- 
 cheese and Mattacheeset," probably found that there was as 
 little difference in the two, as there was in the name, and as 
 Stony Cove and the river running from it were natural 
 boundaries, adopted them as the starting line. 
 
 In September following the court ordered that "Mr. Ed^ 
 mund Freeman, one of the Assistants, shall at the next court 
 holden towards Yarmouth and Barnstable, inflict such pun- 
 ishment upon Mr. Crow's maid servant, for pilfering goods 
 in his house, as according to her fault shall be just and 
 equal." Thus the magistrate exercised the triple function 
 of legislator, judge and executive. 
 
 In the administration of the laws little partiality was 
 shown, and the code was so severe that it is not strange that 
 men of good character, but of implusive temperaments, should 
 have been found transgressing. Thus Mr. Nicholas Simp- 
 kins, a leading citizen, was arraigned for lending a pistol to 
 an Indian, which was remitted the same term; and John Gray 
 was imprisoned "for swearing. " The violation of the laws 
 of chastity, even in the least degree, was severely dealt with, 
 the punishment for such offences varying from a fine to 
 burning of letters in the face. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 SECULAR AFFAIRS AND CHURCH TROUBLES. 
 
 Town Officers and Assessments — Freemen admitted — Apportionment — A Law 
 Case — Indian Hostilities Appreliended — List of Persons Capable of Bearing 
 Arms — List of Freemen — Charges of the Troops — Nauset a Town — Indians 
 Complained of by Mt. Sears — Church Troubles — Mr. Matthews and Wm. Chase — 
 Chase, Starr, Nickerson and others complained of, as Jeerers and Scoffers — The 
 Hull Schism — Mr. Miller's Settlement — Church Council called — John Elliott, the 
 Apostle to the Indians, in Yarmouth — His Labors and Trials — Christianity Taught 
 Here, by a Shipwrecked French Crew. 
 
 THE records of the Colony Court contain further refer- 
 ences during the coming years, to the progress of the 
 settlement and growth of the town. 
 
 In 1641 Edward Sturgis was sworn as Constable ; John 
 Crow and Richard Hore were the Committee of the town ; 
 William Clark and Emanuel White, Surveyors of Highways ; 
 Joshua Barnes and William Nickerson were propounded as 
 Freemen. Francis Baker, cooper, was admitted to dwell in 
 Yarmouth, but not to have any of the lands assigned former- 
 ly to others, without their consent. The first general assess- 
 ment of the colony, of record, was made June of this year, 
 for the payment of the clerk and messenger of the Colony 
 Court. The sum was ;!^ 25, and the relative ability of the 
 several towns may be inferred from the apportionment. Of 
 this sum Plymouth was assessed ^C 5 ; Duxbury ;^ 3 : 10 ; 
 Scituate £4; Sandwich ;£ 3 ; Taunton £ 2 : 10 ; Barnstable 
 £2:10; Yarmouth ;^ 2 : 10 ; Rexhame (Marshfield) £ 2. 
 Mr. Marmaduke Matthews, Thomas Falland, Richard Hore 
 and William Newland were admitted as Freemen and sworn 
 Sept. 7. At the next court Francis Linceford complained 
 that Thomas Bray of Yarmouth had detained certain goods 
 
34 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 of said Linceford's in his hands, and the court ordered that 
 Mr. Thacher, Mr. Nicholas Simpkins and Richard Hore see 
 that said Bray deliver all the rest of the goods of said Lince- 
 ford which are in his hands, except one white rug, one bed and 
 bolster, sword, musket, bandiliers, four iron wedges, one 
 hogshead, one tub, one kettle and two iron rings, which were^ 
 made over to said Bray upon condition that he should pay 
 13 shillings to persons to whom he was indebted when he 
 went to the West Indies. This transaction shows the value 
 of money in those times. " Edward Morrell, late of Yar- 
 mouth, laborer, indicted for stealing certain corn, for [from.-*] 
 Robert Dennis there, is found guilty, but is run avv-ay." 
 
 In 1642 hostile designs were apprehended from the Indians, 
 and thirty men were raised by the colony to go upon an 
 expedition against them, two being required from Yarm.outh. 
 Mr. Anthony Thacher was a member of the Council of War. 
 The town was presented for v/ant of a pound. Emanuel 
 White was admitted as a freeman. 
 
 The apprehensions excited of danger from the Indians not 
 being allayed, stringent laws were passed in 1643 against 
 selling them arms, and regulations were made for establish- 
 ing military discipline. " Provision was made for Yarmouth 
 and Barnstable appointing a place for the defence of them- 
 selves, their wives and children, in case of sudden assault." 
 The following list of persons in town capable of bearing 
 arms, gives some data for estimating the number of inhabi- 
 tants of the town : 
 
 Anthony Berry, Sam'l Hallett, 
 
 Thomas Boreman, Richard Hoar, 
 
 Jas. Bursell, Thos. Howes, 
 
 Jno. Burstall, Tristram Hull, 
 
 Wm. Chase, Sr., ...John Joyce, 
 
 Wm. Chase, Jr., Wm. Lumpkin, 
 
 Dan'l Cole, * Jas. Matthews, 
 
 Job Cole, Mr. Mar. Matthews, 
 
 John Crowe, Wm. Nicorson, 
 
 Yelverton Crowe, Hugh Norman, 
 
SECULAR AFFAIRS AND CHURCH TROUBLES. 35 
 
 Rob't Davis, 
 Rob't Dennis, 
 John Derby, 
 Wm. Edge, [Hedge?] 
 Roger Else, 
 Tiiomas Falland, 
 Thomas Flawne, 
 Wm. Grause, 
 John Gray, 
 Benj. Hammon, 
 Andrew Hallet, Sr., 
 And., Hallet Jr., 
 Hugh Tilley, 
 William Twining, 
 Henry Whelden, 
 Sam'I Williams, 
 
 Wm. Norcutt, 
 Wm. Palmer, 
 Thos. Payne, 
 Wm. Pearse, 
 Rd. Pritchett, 
 Sam'I Ryder, 
 Richard Sears, 
 Thomas Starr, 
 Edward Sturgis, 
 Nicholas Sympkins, 
 Richard Taylor, 
 Richard Templar, 
 Anthony Thacher, 
 Nich's Wadibone, 
 Emanuel White, 
 Peter Worden. 
 
 Assuming that there were four women, children and aged 
 men to each person capable of bearing arms — not an extrav- 
 agant estimate — and we have a population of two hundred 
 and fifty, four years after the settlement. At the August 
 term of the court the towns of Yarmouth and Barnstable 
 were " given until the next court to mend their highways, or 
 be lined. " Mr. Anthony Thacher was licensed to draw wine 
 in Yarmouth. 
 
 The following list of the Freemen of the town of the same 
 date, shows that the theory that voting and fighting are coin- 
 cident duties, had not then obtained a recognition : 
 
 Thomas Payne, 
 
 Philip Tabor, 
 
 Mr. Anthony Thacher, 
 
 Mr. John Crowe, 
 
 Wm. Palmer, 
 
 Wm. Nicholson, 
 
 Mr. Marmaduke Matthews, 
 
 Thomas Falland, 
 In a record of 1645, of "soldiers sent out against the 
 Narragansetts, in the late expedition, " the following list 
 occurs : " From Yarmouth were William Northcoate, William 
 Twining, Teague Jones, Henry Whelden, William Chase, 
 fourteen days. " The latter was a drummer. All returned 
 
 Richard Hore, 
 Emanuel White, 
 James Matthews, 
 Richard Prichard, 
 Edmund Hawes, 
 Daniell Cole, 
 Job Cole, 
 Thomas Howes. 
 
36 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 Sept. 2, and were mustered out the next day. There was 
 delivered to each soldier on going forth, i lb. powder, 3 lbs. 
 bullets, I lb. tobacco. The charge to the colony for this 
 expedition was -[, 66 : 33. Of this sum the proportion of 
 Yarmouth was ^7:26. The soldiers saw but little service ; 
 they advanced as far as Rehoboth, when, peace being con- 
 cluded, they returned. 
 
 In 1646 Edward Sturgis was licensed "to keep an ordi- 
 nary and draw wine, provided Mr. Thacher draw out his." 
 Nauset, embracing the entire territory below Yarmouth, was 
 made a township, being the ninth in the Colony. The name 
 was changed to Eastham in 165 1. Mr. Prince and Mr. 
 Anthony Thacher were this year appointed by the court to 
 try the case of Nepoytan, Sachamus and Felix, Indians, 
 against whom complaints had been made by Mr. Richard 
 Sears, of Yarmouth. No report of their decision is extant. 
 
 CHURCH TROUBLES. 
 
 The settlement of the town had hardly commenced before 
 difficulties sprung up in the church. As early as Oct. 1639, 
 the court record says, "Edward Morrell being sworn, depos- 
 eth and saith, that -William Chase- -(at his return home from 
 the court, when Mr. Matthews and he were together) did 
 report that Mr. Matthews had nothing to say for himself, 
 and that he marvelled how any durst join with him in the 
 fast ; and further said that some being in presence with the 
 magistrate, did hold up his hand and cried, ' Fie ! for 
 shame! ' " Mr. Chase had been appointed Constable in June 
 preceding, and superseded in September, presumably for 
 opposition to Mr. Matthews. He was subsequently arraign- 
 ed for his language towards the minister, was censured by 
 the court, ordered to find sureties, and to depart the place in 
 six months. Dr. Thomas Starr and Mr. Andrew Hallet 
 became his sureties, but the sentence of the court was never 
 carried out. The next year after the trouble with Chase, 
 Thomas Starr, Hugh Tilley, Joshua Barnes and William 
 
SECULAR AFFAIRS AND CHURCH TROUBLES, n 
 
 Nickerson were complained of as "scoffers and jeerers at 
 religion and making disorders in the town-meeting," the plain 
 English of which was, that they were opposed to Mr. Mat- 
 thews ; and they were sent for, and called upon to answer to 
 the court, but were acquitted. The trouble did not end 
 here. Rev. Joseph Hull, who had exercised the office of 
 minister at Barnstable before Mr. Lothrop came to the place, 
 was invited to preach in Yarmouth, by those who were 
 dissatisfied with Mr. Matthews's ministry, with which invita- 
 tion he complied. Mr. Hull was thereupon excommunicated 
 by the Barnstable church, " for wilfully breaking his commun- 
 ion with us and joining himself with a company at Yarmouth 
 to be their pastor, contrary to the advice and counsel of our 
 church. " The court ordered that a warrant be issued to 
 some constable at Yarmouth to apprehend Mr. Hull, if he 
 should attempt to exercise the ministry or administer the 
 seals, and to bring him before the court ; but Mr. Hull 
 desisted, acknowledged his error, and was received again 
 into fellowship with the church. This did not, however, end 
 the troubles, for they continued to exist, under differing 
 phases, and with great bitterness of feeling, for many suc- 
 ceeding years. 
 
 About the year 1647 Mr. John Miller became the minister 
 of the church in this town. The date of Mr. Matthews's 
 severance of his relations with this people is not known. 
 The record of the university at Oxford says, he " preached at 
 Yarmouth from 1639 till 1643, " and there is reason for the 
 belief that he remained here imtil about a year previous to 
 Mr. Miller's coming. Mr. Miller found a serious schism in 
 existence, growing out of the difificulties engendered during 
 Mr. Hull's abortive attempt to establish a rival society. 
 Accordingly, a council was called, consisting of the most dis- 
 tinguished ministers in the Plymouth colony, together with 
 the leading ministers of Massachusetts : John Wilson, of the 
 First church, Boston ; Thomas Shepard, Cambridge ; and 
 John Elliott, of Roxbury, called the apostle to the Indians. 
 
38 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 They came here, says Shepard, in the last part of the yeaf of 
 1647, "to hear and heal (if it were the will of Christ,) the 
 differetice and sad breaches which have been too long time 
 among them, wherein the Lord was very merciful to us and 
 them in binding them Up beyond our thoughts in a very short 
 time, in giving not only that bruised church but the whole 
 town also, a hopeful beginning of settled peace and future 
 quietness." The result however, was not entirely 
 satisfactory, for the fires of controversy, though smothered 
 awhile, were soon kindled anew. In 1657, Emanuel White, a 
 prominent citizen of the toWn, and Robert Allen, also of the 
 town, were at the court for "villifying the ministry of Mr. 
 Miller," atid at the next term, the enemies of the pastor had 
 him in turii cited "to answer for remarks in a sermon against 
 the gover'tlmeiit, *' aiid the next year the court instructed the 
 jury in reference to this matter, "to rnake due inquify to vin-- 
 dicate the government. " Traces of this discontent existed 
 Until the Incumbency of Mr. Miller's successor, and came 
 near preventing his settlement. 
 
 Mr. Elliott embraced the opportunity offered by his visit 
 here to commence his work of Christian propagandism among 
 the native inhabitants. He found a difficulty in the differ- 
 ence of dialect of the Indians here and those in the vicinity 
 of Boston. He, however, overcame the difficulty, and sue- 
 ceeded in making himself understood. He met with a great 
 deal of opposition from a sachem called by the English Jehu, 
 On account of his fierce ahd furious spirit. This intractable 
 savage promised to attend divine service and bring his men 
 with him, but instead of doing so sent them away, under 
 various pretexts. He himself went, though too late, to the 
 service, but pretended not to understand, although some of 
 the Indians asserted that he was shamming. The perplexity 
 and annoyance of the preachers from his behavior was very 
 great. Another sachem, however, was more tractable, and 
 lent a willing ear to their discourse. An aged Indian here 
 Communicated the information before given to the expedition 
 
SECULAR AFFAIRS AND CHURCH TROUBLES. 39 
 
 that visited Mattacheese in 1621, that the doctrines taught 
 by Elliott had been promulgated before the coming of the 
 Pilgrims, by the crew of a French ship wrecked on Cape Cod. 
 Of the results of Elliott's labors here we have no reliable n- 
 formation, which leads to the conclusion that they were not 
 fraught with any important consequences. 
 
CHAPtEk Vl. 
 SETTLEMENT OF LAND TITLES. 
 
 I'he several Committees appointed to Divide the Lands— Capt. Standish in Yavmoutii-^ 
 He acts in his usual decisive manner — Provisions for Future Difficulties. 
 
 THE year 1648 witnessed the termination of a bitter 
 controversy which had existed from the beginning of 
 the settlement, respecting the title to lands in this town. The 
 nature of the disagreement will be best understood by a 
 review of the previous action oi the court, and of the several 
 committees appointed by it, by the proprietors and by the 
 townsmen ; and in doing so it will be necessary to traverse 
 some of the ground already gone over. Anthony Thacher, 
 John Crow and Thomas Howes, to whom the lands in Matta^ 
 cheeset were granted, for themselves and their associates, were 
 appointed by the court the first land committee, and were 
 instructed "to make an equal division of the lands now to be 
 divided at the first division there, to each man according to 
 his estate and quality, according to their instructions." 
 
 To perform their diity satisfactorily was a inanifest impos-= 
 sibility. The Indiari fields or cleared uplands were not extent 
 sive, and for the committee to divide them "according to 
 their instructions " necessarily created jealousy atid dissatis^ 
 faction. The committee had to estimate each man's estate, 
 ills quality, or tile value of the service he had rendered of 
 probably would render to the colony. The first could easily 
 be done, blit the last was beyond the capacity of any set of 
 men to perform in a manner which would be generally acqui- 
 esced in. The inhabitants naturally complained to the court, 
 and March ist, 1639, ^^^^ court added to the committee, Mr, 
 
SETTLEMENT OE LAND TTTLES. 4* 
 
 Nicholas Simpkins, William Palmer, Philip Tabor and Joshua 
 fearnes, townsmen of Yarmouth. This action of the court 
 ■and the dissatisfaction of the townsmen, does not necessarily 
 imply censure upon the committee ; it simply shows that they 
 were intrusted with a responsibility vvhich, in its nature, was 
 not susceptible of being satisfactorily discharged. 
 
 In the record of the Court of March, 1640, it is set forth 
 that, "whereas, Mr. Thacher, Mr. Crow and Mf. Howes, the 
 Committee of Yarmouth, were complained of to have made 
 unequal divisions of lands there, whereupon the committees 
 have exhibited a very formal division of the said lands, unto 
 the court, which is well approved of, and the court doth 
 further order that the said committees shall receive no more 
 inhabitants Unto the said town except chey bring certificate 
 from the places whence they came, under sufficient men's 
 hands of said places, of their religious and honest carriage, 
 \vhich certificate shall first be allowed by the Governor and 
 Assistants before such jDcrsons be admitted there." 
 
 But this did not satisfy the townsmen, and at a court held 
 in Yarmouth, as has been before stated, on the 17th of June 
 1642, before Edward Winslow, Miles Standish and Edmund 
 Freeman, gentlemen, three of the Assistants of the govern- 
 ment, it was "ordered and concluded upon by the joint con- 
 sent of all the inhabitants of Yarmouth, that Capt. Standish 
 shall be joined to the Committees of said town, for the dispos- 
 ing of lands there, and that not any lands hereafter be granted 
 or laid forth without his consent, and that all lands hereafter 
 to be laid forth, shall be assigned to every person by lot, 
 except those which are already granted and assigned, in par- 
 ticular, whereof sale and exchange have been made." 
 
 The assignment by lot was a more equitable mode, espe- 
 cially among those having an equal claim, than grants by a 
 committee. But the difficulty concerning the first grants still 
 continued, and in 1648 Capt. Standish was authorized by the 
 court to " have the hearing and put an end to all differences 
 as do remain in the town of Yarmouth." On the 13th of 
 
42 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 May he heard and decided a great number, of cases. He 
 certainly evinced great boldness and decision, and went 
 to the root of the matter. Many parties were ejected from 
 lands claimed and occupied by them. Most of the former 
 grants of uplands and meadows were abrogated, and the lands 
 reverted to the possession of the town. Mr. Thacher, Mr. 
 Howes and Mr. Crow, "in consideration of their charges 
 about the discovering, purchase and other charges by them 
 disbursed about the same," claimed and took up more land 
 than the townsmen thought just. Mr. Thacher had taken up 
 1 30 acres of upland and 26 acres of meadow. He was allowed 
 no acres of upland and 26 acres of meadow. Mr. Howes 
 and Mr. Crow had taken up each 100 acres of upland and 20 
 acres of meadow. Each was allowed fourscore acres of 
 upland and 20 acres of meadow. 
 
 The adjudications and assignments of lands by Capt. 
 Standish, as spread out on the records of the court, are 
 made with great particularity, but are unintelligible to this 
 generation, and affected the titles of the following persons: 
 Thomas Payne, Mr. Hawes, Robert Dennis, Thomas Flawne, 
 Andrew Hallet, Mr. Gray, Mr. Howes, Mr. Crow, Mr. Thach- 
 er, Richard Templar, Goodman Clarke, Mr. Nickerson, John 
 Darby, Richard Hore. Incidental reference is made to 
 Goodman Chase, Peter Worden, Wm. Chase, Edward Stur- 
 ^■es, Gabriel Wheildin, Mr. Matthews, the late Thomas Hatch, 
 Mr. Lumkin, Goodman Pritchards, Thomas Burman, and Mr, 
 Simkins. Also "it is ordered by the court that Mr. Miller be 
 sufficiently accommodated." " Thus was settled all grievances 
 about the laying out of lands, from the beginning of the 
 plantation, to the 13th day of May, 1648." 
 
 Capt. Standish having satisfactorily executed his commis- 
 sion, on the 15th of May the following agreement was enter- 
 ed into to provide a remedy for any differences that might 
 thereafter arise: "It is agreed by Capt. Standish, Mr. Crow, 
 Mr. Thacher, and Mr. Howes, the committees of the Planta- 
 tion, of Yarmouth, and Richard Hore, Mr. Hawes, William 
 
SETTLEMENT OF LAND TITLES. 43 
 
 Nickerson, William Palmer, and Robert Dennis in the behalf 
 of the town, that Mr. Starre, William Nickerson and Robert 
 Dennis shall be joined to the committees for the present 
 year, and thenceafter by the town, they have their liberty to 
 choose other three committees aforesaid ; so that the commit- 
 tees shall not hereafter dispose of any lands, either uplands or 
 meadows, without the consent of those three or two of them ; 
 and if any difference arise between them which they cannot 
 compose themselves, that they repair to Capt. Standish for 
 directions," 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 THE FIRST COMERS. 
 
 Anthony Thacher — John Crow — Thomas Howes — Andrew Hallet — Andrew Hallet, 
 Jr. — Marmaduke Matthews — Edward Sturges — Edmund Hawes — Richard Sears 
 
 — Thomas Starr — William Chase — Samuel Rider — John Gorham — Robert Den- 
 nis — Wm. Nickerson — John Hall — James Matthews — Richard Taylors — William 
 Hedge — Francis Baker — Peter Worden, Sr. and Jr. — John and Joshua. Barnes — 
 William and Robert Eldridge — John Joyce — Richard Berry — Philip Tabor — 
 Samuel Arnold — Thomas Boardman — Thomas Falland — William Palmer — Ga- 
 briel Whelden — Thomas Payne - Rev. John Miller — Richard H ore — John Gray 
 
 — Yelverton Crow. 
 
 THE settlement of the town being accomplished, and the 
 differences growing out oftheoccupancy of the lands happi- 
 ly adjusted, so that each man's possession in the soil was defin- 
 ed beyond controversy, we pause awhile in the narrative, to 
 inquire what manner of men comprised the First Comers of 
 Yarmouth. The material for forming a correct estimate 
 of them in every particular is scant, and in some respects 
 unsatisfactory, and in most cases we must rest content with a 
 mere outline of their lives and antecedents on the other side 
 of the water, referring the inquirer to the facts disclosed in 
 succeeding pages for a fuller developement of their distin- 
 guishing qualities. The town was fortunate in the character 
 of the men who were in a controlling position at the period 
 of the settlement, and, in an especial manner, in that of the 
 the three Grantees, Anthony Thacher, John Crow and 
 Thomas Howes. 
 
 ANTHONY THACHER. 
 
 Mr. Anthony Thacher, it is believed, was born in Somer- 
 setshire County, England, about the year 1589. In 1610 he 
 
THE FIRST COMERS. 45 
 
 was in Leyden, with the English congregation, where he 
 remained about twenty years. In 1633 and 1634 he served 
 as curate, to his brother, Peter, who was rector of the 
 church of the parish of St. Edmunds, at Salisbury, County of 
 Wiltz. Though an ardent Separatist, he, for this short peri- 
 od, found it consistent to act in this capacity, for a congre- 
 gation of strong Puritan tendencies. April 6, 1635, he 
 sailed in the ship James, Wm. Cooper, master, from South- 
 ampton, for New England, with Thomas, son of his brother, 
 Peter, (who was afterwards the pastor of Old South church, 
 in Boston,) then a youth of fifteen, arriving in Newbury, in 
 Massachusetts, in June of that year. In the list of passen- 
 gers of this vessel, as it appears in the Admiralty office, he 
 is entered as "Anthony Thacher of Sarum, tailor." This 
 was done to elude the vigilance of the authorities, which 
 would beset the embarkation of one having ecclesiastical 
 orders. In August, 1635, Mr. Thacher, with his family, his 
 cousin, Rev. John Avery and family, and other connections, 
 sailed from Ipswich in a bark bound to Marblehead. A 
 great storm arose, the tide rising twenty feet. Their vessel 
 was driven upon a rock on an, island which now bears the 
 name of Thacher, and his four children were drowned, he 
 and his wife being the only ones saved of a company of 
 twenty-three. For a short time after the disaster he resided 
 at Marblehead, and "the court, in consideration of his losses, 
 granted him twenty-six pounds, thirteen shillings and fore- 
 pence." " Divers good people also ministered to his necessi- 
 ties." A curious record of the Essex County court, in 
 connection with Mr. Thacher, has recently come to light.' 
 The court was held the 4th month, 13th, 1639, John Win- 
 throp, senior, Governor ; John Endicott, Colonel ; John 
 Winthrop, junior. Lieutenant Colonel, and other magistrates 
 being present. "A complaint was brought in by Mr. 
 Anthony Thacher, against Jane James, for things taken forth 
 of his house which she had received." She was bouhd to 
 
 ' Hist. Col. of Essex Institute, Salem, vol. 7, p 191. 
 
46 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 good behavior for twelve months, her husband being her 
 surety, in the sum of three shillings, the boys [who commit- 
 ted the theft] "to be whipped by the governor of the family 
 where they had offended." This shows that Mr. Thacher, 
 though nominally of Yarmouth, had not removed his family 
 to his new home. He came to Yarmouth, early in 1639, 
 establishing his dwelling by the borders of the meadows in 
 the northwest part of the town, as one of the founders of a 
 new settlement. He was honored and trusted by his gener- 
 ation, for his piety and wisdom, and died in 1667, aged nearly 
 of forescore years. His descendants, some of whom dwell 
 on the ancestral acres, are numerous and respected, and have 
 for seven or eight generations exercised a wide influence in 
 the affairs of the town and State. His first wife died in 1634, 
 and for a second wife he married EHzabeth Jones, six v^eeks 
 previous to sailing for New England. His children who sur- 
 vived him were, John, born in Marblehead, March 7, 1639; 
 Judah, born in Yarmouth, who died Nov. 4, 1676; Bethia, 
 who married Jabez Howland, and removed to Rhode Island. 
 Mr. Thacher was for many years one of the Deputies to the 
 Colony Court, Land Committee and Town Clerk. He was 
 appointed one of the Council of War, during the apprehended 
 hostilities with the Narragansett Indians. The town, for his 
 services as Land Committee, granted him a lot of meadow, 
 containing some twenty acres, located to the southeast of 
 the present wharves, which was known by the name of "The 
 Reward." The liberality of the gift is not to be measured 
 by the present value of such property. A descendant in 
 Yarmouth still retains a scarlet broadcloth cradle coverlet, 
 said to have, been wrapped around one of the children who 
 perished in the shipwreck of 1635. Mr. Thacher was buried 
 near a pear-tree a short distance from his house, which 
 tradition says, was planted with his own hands, and which is 
 still standing, but the precise spot of sepulture cannot now 
 be identified. 
 
THE FIRST COMERS. 47 
 
 JOHN CROW. 
 
 Mr. John Crow was in Charlestown in 1635, and was ad- 
 mitted as an inhabitant there. The tradition respecting his 
 family is that it is of Welch origin. He came to this town 
 with Mr. Thacher and Mr. Howes, in 1639, ^"^^^ ^"^^ ^^ ^'''*^ 
 first Land Committee, and a Deputy to the Colony Court for 
 several terms. In 1640, in connection with Mr. Edmund 
 Freeman of Sandwich, one of the Assistants, and Mr. Thom- 
 as Dimmock of Barnstable, he was selected as a member of 
 a court to try cases involving not over twenty shillings, — the 
 first local judicial establishment in the County. He was a 
 Puritan of the strictest sect. He died January, 1673. His 
 house, which stood about an eighth of a mile north of the 
 meeting-house in Dennis, remained for nearly two centuries. 
 It was constructed of large pieces of timber for sills and 
 plates, with boarding each side filled in with small stones and 
 clay. This formed the walls of the house, which was plas- 
 tered with shell mortar, inside and out. From his sons, 
 John, Samuel and Thomas, and perhaps others, have sprung 
 a numerous and useful progeny. The name was sometimes 
 spelled Crowe, and began to be written Crowell in about the 
 third generation. 
 
 THOMAS HOWES. /i^>^'^ 
 
 Nothing is known of Mr. Howes before his coming to this 
 country, neither have we any knowledge in what part of 
 England he originated. He was in Salem in 1635, and in J 
 Yarmouth in 1639, ^s one of the original grantees of the 
 town, where, in connection with Mr. Thacher and Mr. 
 Crow, he commenced the settlement, establishing himself in 
 that part of the present town of Dennis, called " New Bos- 
 ton." He took the oath of allegiance in Jan. of that year. 
 He was one of the first committee to divide the planting 
 lands, at the first division, a Constable in 1644, and of the 
 Council of War in 1658. He was frequently one of the 
 Deputies to the Colony Court, but was evidently disinclined 
 
 ,y^ 
 
4S OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 to public service. The best men of those times avoided, as 
 far as possible, the holding of olifice. Early in the history of 
 the Colony it was enacted, that " if at any time any shall be 
 elected to the office of Governor and will not hold according 
 to the election, that then he be amerced in ;^20 sterling 
 fine." "That if any elected to the office of Assistant refuse 
 to hold according to election, that then he be amerced ;^io 
 fine." Mr. Howes was once fined for not attending Court, 
 but the fine was remitted, he presenting a valid excuse. He 
 died in 1665, shortly before his associate, Mr. Thacher. 
 That he was a man of much influence, great maturity of judg- 
 ment, and of considerable importance in the Colony, is suffi- 
 ciently attested. His sons were, Joseph, Thomas, (known 
 as " Captain") and Jeremiah, from whom have descended a 
 numerous progeny, embracing many persons of usefulness 
 and distinction in the community. 
 
 On the eastern declivity of a hill to the northeast of the 
 family seat of Thomas Howes, is the burial place of himself 
 and many of his descendants. In the enclosure is a granite 
 shaft, reared by the reverence of his posterity, bearing the 
 following inscription : 
 
 Thomas Howes 
 
 married Mary Burr ; 
 
 emigrated in 1637 from England, 
 
 and brought three sons, viz : 
 
 Thomas, Joseph, and Jeremiah, who was born 
 
 on the passage. 
 
 This monument erected in 1836. 
 
 Descendants living in Dennis, 345 ; in Chatham, 
 
 133 ; in other places, 396. 
 
 ANDREW HALLET. 
 
 Mr. Andrew Hallet, ancestor of the Yarmouth and Barn- 
 stable families of that name, came over about the year 1637, 
 and soon after took up his residence in Plymouth. He was 
 among the very earliest of the first-comers to Yarmouth, but 
 did not make this a permanent place of residence until 1641. 
 
THE FIRST COMERS. 49 
 
 Lichford, in his ''Plain DcaHj:g," styles him a school-master. 
 Mr. Hallet had an eye for good lands, and it was made a 
 matter of complaint against him to the court, that he had 
 " assumed to himself" some two hundred acres of the best 
 land in town, but his right to it was afterwards confirmed. 
 His farm, which was then in Yarmouth, is now comprised in 
 the north-westerly part of Yarmouth and the north-easterly 
 portion of Barnstable, and the boundary stone of the south- 
 easterly corner, marked F, is now a portion of the wall on 
 the southwestern side of Long Pond, the oldest known mon- 
 ument in town. Nov. 25, 1639, ^^ bought for £10 of Dr. 
 Thomas Starr, seventeen acres of land in two divisions and 
 twelve acres of meadow, with the frame of a house, " to be 
 made and set with a chimney, and to be thached, studded 
 and latched (daubing excepted) by William Chase," who had 
 agreed, for ;C^, with Dr. Starr, to do the work. This house-- 
 lot was in the north-west corner of Yarmouth, on the county 
 road. In 1641 Mr. Hallet mortgaged his farm to Wm. Paddy 
 and Wm. Hanbury to secure debts of £,$ 4s., and 29s., re- 
 spectively, as he was going to England and was unable to 
 pay them. This indicates that he was not a man of large es- 
 tate. After his return from England he lived in Yarmouth 
 three years, certainly, and probably until his death, which oc- 
 curred in 1648. Mr. Hallet was on several occasions a party 
 to suits in the courts^ and invariably on the losing side, a 
 circumstance which may indicate that he was invariably 
 wrong or that the courts were partial or prejudiced. The 
 general judgment will be that he was somewhat headstrong 
 and self-willed. That he was a man of liberal and benevo- 
 lent inclinations will seem evident from the following entry 
 on the court records : 
 
 " A^ew Plym. SS. At the General Court, etc., holden 
 the fifth day of March, in the 19th day of his said Majesty's 
 reign, of England, etc., before William Bradford, gent.. Gov- 
 ernor," etc., etc. 
 
 "Whereas information is given to the Court that there is a 
 
50 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 cow or a heifer in calve given or disposed by Mr. Andrew 
 Hellot senr. of Yarmouth, for the benefit of the poor of the 
 said town of Yarmouth, which for the ordering thereof was 
 referred to the Court by the said Mr. Hellot by his letter 
 under his hand, and bearing the date the first day of March, 
 1643 : The Court doth therefore order that the said cow or 
 heifer in calve shall be on May day next delivered to Thomas 
 Payne of Yarmouth, who shall have her for three years next 
 ensuing and the milk and one half of the increase during that 
 time, and after the said three years are expired, the poor of 
 Yarmouth shall have her, and the increase to be disposed of 
 by the townsmen of Yarmouth from time to time to other 
 poor persons dwelling in the said town as they shall think fit, 
 and for such terme, reserving the benefit of the said stock 
 for the benefit of their poor, and not to be alienated to any 
 other use." 
 
 A person in our times who should present the poor a cow, 
 would not be considered remarkably liberal. But in those 
 days, when cattle were very valuable, v/hen a cow was worth 
 a good-sized farm, or equal in value to the wages of a laborer 
 for a whole year, the gift may be regarded as munificent. 
 Mr. Hallet was styled in the records "a gentleman," a term 
 which signified that the possessor was a man of rank, con- 
 nected with the gentry or wealthy class. His children were 
 Andrew, Jr., Samuel, Hannah, Josias, and Joseph, from the 
 former of whom are descended those of the name resident 
 here and in the neighboring towns. 
 
 ANDREW HALLET, JR. 
 
 On the 20th of March, 1636, there sailed from Way mouth, 
 " bound for New England," one Richard Wade of Simsterly, 
 cooper, and Andrew Hallet, " his servant," aged 28'. An- 
 drew Hallet, Jr., was subsequently in Lynn, from whence he 
 removed to Sandwich, in 1637, together with Richard Wade. 
 It is therefore evident that he did not come over with his 
 
 ' Hatton. 
 
THE FIRST COMERS, . 51 
 
 father, as was supposed, and his description, as " servant" to 
 Wade, judging by his resources and standing in the commu- 
 nity afterwards, was assumed for convenience, as the des- 
 criptions of their occupations were in many cases, by other 
 emigrants. He was an inhabitant of Sandwich in 1640, 
 when he sold his estate there to Daniel Wing, and removed 
 to Yarmouth. In 1642 he bought the dwelling-house and ten 
 acres of land of Giles Hopkins, the first house known to have 
 been built by a white man in town. He afterwards bought 
 eighteen acres of Nicholas Simpkins, on the east, and the 
 farm of Robert Dennis on the southwest, the deed of which 
 has been preserved in the Old Colony archives, in the hand- 
 writing of Mr. Anthony Thacher. By subsequent purchases 
 Mr. Hallet became the proprietor of some three hundred 
 acres of the best tillage and meadow land in town, owning 
 from Barnstable line to nearly a quarter of a mile easterly, on 
 both sides of the present Hallet street, which took its name 
 from his family. He had rights in the common lands equal 
 to nearly 500 acres more, and subsequently acquired lands in 
 Barnstable. He was not much in public employment, though 
 he served a number of times as Surveyor of Highways, Con- 
 stable, Grand Juror, and once on the Land Committee, at 
 the request of the Colony Court. He was a church member, 
 but sympathized with the Hull schism, at one time, and, at a 
 period when religious controversies ran high in the Yarmouth 
 society, attended, with members of his family, the meetings 
 of Mr. Lothrop in Barnstable. The second house occupied 
 by Mr. Hallet was built by him on a spot a little southeast- 
 erly of the Hopkins house, on the present mill road. Mr. 
 Hallet was a shrewd calculator and a good business man, and 
 before his death his taxes amounted to one-twentieth of the 
 entire assessment of the town. He died in 1684, at the age 
 of y6, and by his will, after providing for his wife, Annie, a 
 daughter of Mr. Anthony Besse of Sandwich, who survived 
 him, remembering his daughters and grand-children liberally, 
 and giving to his oldest son, Jonathan, the little Calves 
 
S2 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 Pasture, as token of his right of primogeniture, desired his 
 sons, Jonathan and John, to divide the residue peacefully 
 between them, with which request they failed to comply, but 
 were compelled to select Mr. Nathaniel Bacon of Barnstable 
 and Col. William Basset of Sandwich, to arbitrate upon the 
 matter, coming under £ 800 bonds each to the other to abide 
 the result of the awaid. The estate of Mr. Hallet was inven- 
 toried ;«{^r,i8o, 13s. gd.; £,go<^ being in real, and £, 271 13s. 
 9d. in personal property. His will being signed with a 
 mark has led to the conclusion that he could not write, but 
 in 1659 ^i'^ name was signed to the verdict of a coroner's 
 jury, and it is hardly to be credited that the son of a "school- 
 master," as his father was styled, should be destitute of so 
 common an accomplishment as writing. Much of his landed 
 estate is still held by meml^ers of his family. 
 
 MR. MARMADUKE MATTHEWS. 
 
 Rev. Marmaduke Matthews was born in Swansey, Glamon- 
 shire, Wales, in 1605, matriculated at All Souls College, 
 Oxford, Feb. 20, 1623, and came to New England in Sept., 
 1628. He is spoken of by Gov. Winthrop as a "goodly min- 
 ister," and is enumerated by Morton in the list of "those god- 
 ly and able gospel preachers with which the Lord was pleas- 
 ed to accomplish and adorn the colony." He was by some 
 regarded as able and devoted, but by all as lacking in discre- 
 tion. It is said that he lost at one time the approbation of 
 some able, understanding men, among both magistrates and 
 ministers, by "weak and unsafe" expressions in his teach- 
 ings. This was followed by a thorough scrutiny of his 
 preaching, by the General Court, which resulted in his being 
 admonished. "But," says Rev. Mr. Dodge, "no one can 
 read his petition for re-instatement, without the conviction 
 that whatever expressions he may have uttered, that might 
 not have appeared to his serious contemporaries, as becom- 
 ing the gravity of the clerical charcter, he was not wanting 
 in the essential qualities of a good minister." He fell upon 
 
THE FIRST COMERS. 53 
 
 troublous times. After a stormy ministry, Mr. Mat- 
 thews left this town for Hull, about 1645, and was 
 afterwards in Maiden, where he was cited to appear in Court, 
 for "uttering unsafe and unsound expressions," and fined 
 j[, 10, and the Maiden church was cited for settling him with- 
 out the approbation of the magistrates. When the marshal 
 endeavored to satisf}'- the judgment against Mr. Matthews he 
 "found nothing but his library." He afterwards returned 
 to England, and died in his native place in 1683. 
 
 EDWARD STURGES. 
 
 The family of Mr. Sturges is believed to have been a dis- 
 tinguished one in England, from whence Edward, of this 
 town, came somewhere about the year 1634, when he was in 
 Charlestown, and was in Yarmouth in 1641, in which year he 
 was a Constable. He also served four years as Deputy to 
 the Colony Court, and also on various committees of the 
 town. He kept an ordinary, at which large quantities of 
 liquors were sold, the accounts of which, officially published, 
 throw much light on the drinking habits of our ancestors. 
 His residence was not far from the old meeting-house. It 
 was said that he had more plate in his house than all the rest 
 of Yarmouth. He died in Sandwich, in 1695, leaving an 
 estate appraised at ;^963. For so prominent a family as his, 
 the account of Mr. Sturges's descendants is unusually obscure 
 and unsatisfactor3^ His sons, it is believed were, Thomas 
 and Samuel. Among his descendants are the late President 
 Ouincy of Harvard college, John Quincy Adams, and other 
 distinguished personages. The origin of this connection, 
 together with a glimpse of the social status of this family, as 
 well as of the usages of the times, was given by the late 
 Josiah Ouincy, in a speech delivered at a meeting of the 
 Cape Cod Association, held in Yarmouth, August 2, 1854. 
 Some of the speakers had remarked that they regretted not 
 to have descended from the fathers of Cape Cod. Mr. Quin- 
 cy said : " Neither am I ; but I am proud to say that I am — 
 
54 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 what is a great deal better — descended from the mothers of 
 Cape Cod. His honor the Chief Justice has raised a point of 
 law. I have a decision of the Supreme Court — not of Mass- 
 achusetts, but of the Province of Massachusetts Bay — given 
 a hundred and thirty years ago, which proves my right to be 
 here. It so happened that the gentleman who held the office 
 of Chief Justice was my great-great-grand-father. Whether 
 he was a judge of law I know not, but he was a judge of 
 ladies. Being Chief Justice he came down to this part of 
 the world, and having no criminal business to do he looked 
 after the young ladies. The result was, that when he got 
 home to Braintree — Ouincy that now is, — he called his son 
 Josiah to him and advised him to go straightway down to 
 Yarmouth, and to inquire for the house of one John Sturges, 
 and to make himself as agreeable as he could to Miss Han- 
 nah Sturges, v/ho was there. Well, my ancestor was like his 
 descendants, a very dutiful son, particularly when his father 
 told him to go and see the girls. So down he came to Yar- 
 mouth. Whether he succeeded in the object of his mission 
 or not, I will not say ; but — I have the honor of addressing 
 you at this time !" Letters which are still preserved, show 
 the intimacy which was preserved between the Sturges and 
 Quincy families for several generations. 
 
 EDMUND HAWES. 
 
 Edmund Hawes came passenger in ship James, of London, 
 which sailed from Southampton, England, about the sixth of 
 April, 1635. He was described as a " cutler," doubtless to 
 avoid being detained by the authorities, as other emigrants 
 were for similar reason. He was also set down as "late of 
 London." Mr. Hawes resided for some years at Duxbury 
 before he came to this town. In 1645 ^^ was an inhabitant 
 of Yarmouth and a Deputy to the Court. He was appointed 
 in 1672 chairman of the Land Committee, and for many years 
 was one of the board of Selectmen and Assessors. He held 
 the position of Town Clerk, succeeding to Anthony Thacher, 
 
THE FIRST COMERS. 55 
 
 at the time of his death. His lands were situated between 
 the lands of the Hallets and the Thachers, at the eastern 
 part of what is now called Hallet street, and the highway 
 running to the easterly side of Dennis Pond was long known 
 as "Hawes's Lane." He survived nearly all the first settlers 
 in Yarmouth. His death is recorded with great formality in 
 the old records : '* Mr. Edmund Hawes died upon the 9th 
 day of June, and was buried the tenth day of June one thous- 
 and six hundred and ninety and three, 1693." His age at 
 the time of his death is not given, but he must have been 
 about eighty years old. He was a man of education and good 
 parts, and was a leading character of the town and colony. 
 He had one son, John, who was also a man of influence and 
 high character, and from whom the families in Chatham and 
 other places in the County descended. None of his male 
 descendants of the name are now resident in Yarmouth. 
 
 THOMAS STARR. 
 
 Thomas Starr was from Ashford, Kent Co., England, from 
 whence he came, with his father. Comfort Starr, in 1634-5. 
 Both father and son were physicians. He had served in the 
 Pequot war, was in Duxbury in 1639, and the same year own- 
 ed the northeasterly house-lot in Yarmouth, which he sold, 
 with an unfurnished house, to Mr. Andrew Hallet, and tem- 
 porarily left here for Scituate. He subsequently returned and 
 had lands assigned him in this town by the court, in 1641 and 
 1645. He was one of the opposers of Rev. Mr. Matthews, 
 upheld the actempt of Mr. Hull to set up a religious society 
 here, and was fined by the Court, for being, in the language 
 of the record, a "scoffer and jeerer at religion." He was in 
 1648 one of the committee of the town on the division of the 
 lands, and remained here as late as 1650. This place afford- 
 ing too small a field for the practice of his profession, he 
 removed to Charlestown, where he died in 1658, being at the 
 time Clerk of the Writs. He was a man of education and 
 ability, but was more of a Cavalier than a Puritan, and figured 
 
56 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 as defendant in the colonial courts in several cases, which a 
 less rigorous state of society would not have regarded with 
 any great degree of severity. 
 
 NICHOLAS SIMPKINS. 
 
 Mr. Nicholas Simpkins was born in England in the year 
 1600. He was in Boston and the first captain of the castle, 
 in 1634, which position he filled for two years. He came to 
 Yarmouth in 1639, and was one of the Committee appointed 
 by the Court that year on the first division of the uplands. 
 In 1646 he sold his plantation at Yarmouth to Thomas 
 Boardman and removed to Scituate, and was again in Boston 
 in 1649, He was a draper and tailor by trade. Members of 
 the family have returned to this town within fifty years, and 
 one of them acquired a title to the estate in the region of 
 Simpkins's Creek, nearly two hundred years after it had 
 been sold by Nicholas Simpkins, without knowing at the time 
 that it had ever been held by one of the name. 
 
 WILLIAM CHASE. 
 
 William Chase came over in the fleet with Win thro p, 
 bringing with him his wife, Mary, and his son, William. He 
 took the Freeman's oath May 14, 1634, and was afterwards at 
 Roxbury and Scituate, in the first-named place his wife being 
 cured of a singular malady, described in a recently-published 
 and characteristic letter, by Dr. O. W. Holmes. He was one 
 of Mr. Bachilor's company, who spent the winter of 1638, at 
 Mattacheese, and the only one who remained after that un- 
 fortunate enterprise was abandoned. He fenced in a portion of 
 the lands in "Old Town," (as that part of Barnstable, then 
 Yarmouth, was called,) and claimed it, when the settlement 
 of the town was made. He mortgaged this land to Stephen 
 Hopkins in 1642, and disposed of it in 1648. He was appoint- 
 ed a Constable in 1639, serving but six months, being involv- 
 ed in difficulties growing out of his opposition to Mr. Mat- 
 thews. In 1640 he was censured by the Court, for his Ian- 
 
THE FIRST COMERS. 57 
 
 giiage against the minister, and ordered to depart the colony 
 in six months, but the order, for some reason, was not enforc- 
 ed. His name appeared again in the Court records, in a civil 
 case, connected with a difference with Mr. Nicholas Simpkins, 
 and he was presented by the Grand Jury in 1654, for driving 
 a yoke of oxen five miles on the Lord's day, during time of 
 service. In 1645, he enlisted as a drummer in the expedition 
 against the Narragansetts, and received 5 shillings extra pay. 
 He died in May, 1659. -^^ ^^^^ 2, carpenter by trade, and 
 his agreement to build a house for Dr. Thomas Starr for ;^5, 
 which was afterwards sold to Mr. Andrew Hallet, is preserv- 
 ed. Mr. Chase was not in accord with the body of the set- 
 tlers, being more latitudinarian in his notions than accorded 
 with the sentiment of the times. His numerous descendants 
 in this section of Massachusetts are derived from John, sec- 
 ond son of William, Jr., who came with him from England. 
 
 SAMUEL RIDER. 
 
 Among those who proposed to "take up their freedom 
 at Yarmouth," Jan. 7, 1639 was Samuel Rider. He was one 
 of the first comers, settling near Pollen's Pond. In October, 
 1643, he was appointed by the court one of a committee to 
 select a place to fortify for the general defence, in case the 
 townsmen could not agree upon a location. He was appoint- 
 ed Lieutenant of the militia, in 1653, and the same year was 
 appointed a Deputy to attend a military council to meet in 
 Plymouth; was cashiered in 1655 from his office of Lieu- 
 tenant, for alleged abusive language towards officers sent to 
 press men into the service, but was afterwards restored- 
 His offence was, according to Judge Mitchell, his leniency 
 towards the Quakers. Besides the offices already mentioned, 
 he was several times Surveyor of Highways and Assessor- 
 He died in 1679, aged 78 years. His son Zachary, said to be 
 the first white child born in Yarmouth, was killed, by the 
 discharge of a gun, at a training, in 1685. 
 
SS OLD YARMOUTH, 
 
 JOHN GORHAM. 
 
 John Gorham, son of Ralph, was born at Benefield, North- 
 amptonshire, Jan. 28, 162 1. His descent is traced to De 
 Gorran, of La Tanniere, near Gorram, in Maine, on the 
 borders of Brittany. Ralph, father of John, the ancestor of 
 the Cape Gorhams, was, with his family, as early as 1637, 
 In Plymouth, where land was granted him. In 1643, he 
 married Desire Howland, of that town, and in 1646 removed 
 to Marshfield, where he became a Freeman, in 1650. In 
 1652 he came to Yarmouth, and purchased the northwest 
 house lot, on the County road, adjoining the bounds of 
 Barnstable. Subsequently he purchased a part of the farm 
 of Andrew Hallet, adjoining his lot. He also owned the 
 grist-mill, known as Hallet's mill, and the landing place, or 
 wharf, near the same, but situated farther south than the 
 present mill. The dam built by the settlers only enclosed 
 the southern portion of the mill pond, then appropriately 
 called Stony Cove. Mr. Gorham's tannery was a short 
 distance south of the present mill, on the west side of the 
 pond, and northerly from the ancient mill. He was a Sur- 
 veyor of Highways for Yarmouth in 1654. In 1673 and 1674 
 he was one of the Selectmen of Barnstable, but in 1675 was 
 again a resident of the town and captain of the militia here. 
 In June of that year, Capt. Gorham and twenty-five men 
 from Yarmouth, "took up their first march for Mount Hope." 
 The theatre of war changing, the company marched into 
 Massachusetts, without results. In October he was appoint- 
 ed captain of the second company of Plymouth Colony forces, 
 was engaged in the sanguinary fight in the Swamp Fort, 
 Dec. 19, and died at Swansey, from fever contracted in con- 
 sequence of exposure during that campaign, Feb. 5, 1676, at 
 the age of 55 years. He left a family of eleven children, 
 from whom have descended the families in this and the 
 neighboring towns, viz : James, John, Thomas, Joseph, Jabez, 
 Sylvanus, Ebenezer, and four daughters. The Gorhams 
 have been prominent in public affairs in both Yarmouth and 
 
THE FIRST COMERS. 59 
 
 Barnstable, and have rendered valuable and important service. 
 
 RICHARD SEARS. 
 
 Mr. Richard Sears, who came over with the last of the 
 congregation from Leyden, landed at Plymouth May, 8, 1630. 
 The family was originally of Kent, the ancestor of the 
 American line being Adam Sayer, who died in 1846, possess- 
 ed of the manor of Hougham, near Rochester. The family 
 was distinguished, both by birth and achievements. Rich- 
 ard, sometimes called "the Pilgrim," was the son of John 
 Bouchier Sayer, who married Marie Lamoral, of the illustri- 
 ous Van Egmond family, of Amsterdam, and grandson of 
 the John Bouchier Sayer, whose father was deprived of his 
 ancestral rights on account of his constancy to his religious 
 views during the reign of Henry VHI., and fled to Holland. 
 Richard Sayer joined the Scrooby company at Leyden, and 
 upon the death of his father, in 1629, came into possession of 
 a large property, and subsequently accompanied the remnant 
 of the congregation to Plymouth. He had a grant of land at 
 Salem, in 1638, but did not stop there long, if at all. In 
 1643 he settled in Sesuit, now East Dennis. He was a con- 
 stable in 1660, Deputy to the Court in 1662, but seldom 
 accepted public employment. He died in 1676, aged ^6 
 years, after a life of great purity and devotion to religious 
 duty. His will and codicil were signed with a mark, which 
 has led some writers to state that he was a military officer, 
 and lost his arm by a gun-shot wound in battle with the 
 Indians, in 1650. There seems to be no foundation for such 
 a statement, in any reliable record of the times, and his so 
 writing was doubtless due to the infirmities of age, as fre- 
 quently occurred at that period. The accounts of the family 
 of Richard Sears state that he married Dorothy Thacher, a 
 sister of Anthony, a statement which has been questioned, 
 but which rests not only upon tradition, but also upon 
 expressions in his will, the testimony of John Thacher, and 
 the record in the family Bible left by Hon, Richard Sears of 
 
6o OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 Chatham, which had been kept for several generations. The 
 same authority has records of the names of the children of 
 Richard Sears, viz: Knyvet, born 1635; Paul, 1637; Silas, 
 1639; and Deborah. Burke's Vicissitudes of Fa7nilies, pwh- 
 lished in London, in 1863, confirms this record, and gives a 
 narrative of the Sayers, which has all the attractions of 
 romance. Knyvet, the elder son, made two trips to, and 
 spent much time in, England, in the endeavor to recover his 
 family estates, and he died there in 1686, at the residence of 
 a relative. His sons, Daniel and Richard, were adopted by 
 their uncle, Paul, and subsequently purchased an estate at 
 Monomoy (Chatham,) where they removed in 17 10. The 
 name in the old books is written Sayer ; he himself vv^rote it 
 Sares ; and his posterity commenced writing it Sears. The 
 family has been distinguished in various professional and 
 business walks. 
 
 Massive granite monuments, in the old burying-grounds in 
 Yarmouth and Chatham, erected by a descendant, mark the 
 place of burial of Richard Sears, and of his wife and his sons. 
 
 ROBERT DENNIS. 
 
 Robert Dennis was in Yarmouth in 1641. In 1642 he 
 was a surety for Wm. Nickerson, and is described as a car- 
 penter. In 1645 he was a member of the Grand Inquest. 
 In 1648, Capt. Standish assigned to him, in his division of 
 town lands, 33 acres in the West Field, which he had bought 
 of other parties, and he was appointed on the committee of 
 the town to dispose of the common lands. In 1650 he was 
 propounded as a Freeman ; in 1658 was one of the committee 
 to settle with the sachem Yanno ; in 1659 appointed to di- 
 vide the estate of Wm. Chase ; was afterwards excise officer, 
 committee on the part of the town for oil claimed by the col- 
 ony, and was a generally useful and trusted citizen. He 
 died in 1669, leaving one daughter, but probably no male 
 heirs. Dennis Pond, adjoining which he owned lands, is 
 named for him. 
 
THE FIRST COMERS. 6i 
 
 WILLIAM NICKERSON. 
 William Nickerson, weaver, aged 33^ from Norwich, Eng- 
 land, and his wife Ann, daughter of Nicholas Burty, aged 28, 
 and four children: Nicholas, Robert, Elizabeth and Ann, 
 embarked at Ipswich or Yarmouth, April 8, 1637, arrived at 
 Boston, and went to Watertown, presumedly to join his father- 
 in-law. Admitted a Freeman in 1638. He was in this town 
 as early as 164.1, and was fined for "disrespect for relio-ion," 
 which meant disrespect of Rev. Mr. Matthews. He had 
 children baptized in Barnstable, in 1646, by Mr. Lothrop, 
 which shows his Christian character, as recognized by that 
 excellent man. His difficulties with the authorities, growing 
 out of his efforts to acquire lands claimed by them, will be 
 found set forth in appropriate connection. He removed to 
 Chatham about 1672, and is said to have exercised the func- 
 tions of a religious teacher there for a number of years. His 
 descendants are numerous and respected, and are widely 
 scattered over the Cape towns and in the cities of the L^nion. 
 
 JOHN HALL. 
 
 John Hall came to Yarmouth about the year 1657, havino- 
 previously lived some ten years in Barnstable. The family 
 tradition is that he came from Wales. He settled near Nob- 
 scusset Pond, north of the meeting-house. He also owned 
 land near Coy's Pond, and rights of commonage. He was 
 Constable of the town of Barnstable, and Surveyor of High- 
 ways and a member of the Grand Inquest of the town of 
 Yarmouth. He was distinguished for his high moral worth 
 and integrity of character. He died in 1696, at a very 
 advanced age. He had nine sons, viz : Samuel, John, 
 Joseph, William, Benjamin, Elisha, Nathaniel, Gershom, and 
 one other. His descendants" are numerous and of high char- 
 acter, both in this community and throughout the country. 
 There were several John Halls in New England, who were 
 contemporaries, which circumstance has proved a source of 
 much confusion to writers of genealogy. 
 
62 OLD YARMOUTH, 
 
 JAMES MATTHEWS. 
 
 James Matthews was supposed by some writers to have 
 been a brother of the Rev. Marmaduke, but there is no evi- 
 dence of any relationship between the two. He was in 
 Charlestown in 1634, and probably removed to Yarmouth 
 with the first < omers, in 1639. There is very strong evi- 
 dence that the iamily was from Tewksbury, in Gloucester- 
 shire. Mr. Matthews settled near the westerly borders of 
 Follen's Pond. He was greatly trusted by his fellow-citizens,, 
 though apparently disinclined to public employments, as he 
 was once fined for not serving on the Grand Inquest. He 
 was, however, a Deputy in 1664, Selectman, Constable, 
 Grand Juryman, etc., several terms, at various periods. His 
 male children were, Samuel, Benjamin, and probably Thomas, 
 William and John. He died Jan. 29, 1685. The name has 
 been identified with the best interests of the town for sever- 
 al generations, and the family is numerous and widely scat- 
 tered, 
 
 RICHARD TAYLOR. 
 
 Two persons of this name in this town were nearly con- 
 temporaneous, and both had wives named Ruth. Richard 
 Taylor, a tailor by trade, was here and enrolled among those 
 able to bear arms, in 1643. In 1646 he had a difficulty with 
 Gabriel Whelden, who objected to his marriage with Whel- 
 den's daughter, Ruth ; but the Court took cognizance of the 
 matter, and he promised to give his consent to the marriage, 
 which afterwards took ]jlace. His wife was drowned in Dux- 
 bury, in 1673, and he died the following year. The Taylor 
 families of Chatham are descended from this Richard. 
 
 The Taylors of Yarmouth are descended from the Richard 
 Taylor, known as "Richard Rock," so called from the cir- 
 cumstance of building his house by the side of a great rock 
 on his estate. He married Ruth Burgess. Richard Taylor 
 was Constable in 1656 and 1668, Surveyor of Highways in 
 1657, Excise Officer in 1664 and on the Grand Jury in 1685. 
 
THE FIRST COMERS. ' 63 
 
 It is highly probable that some of the afore-named offices 
 were bestowed upon the first-named Richard. The sons of 
 this Richard were, Richard, born in 1652; Jashur, 1659; 
 and Elisha, in 1667, from whom the respectable family of 
 that name, in this town, descended. He died in 1703. 
 
 WILLIAM HEDGE. 
 
 William Hedge was a Freeman, at Lynn, in May, 1634; 
 removed to Sandwich, and from thence to Yarmouth, where 
 he was settled as early as 1643. He is favorably mentioned 
 by a soldier in the Pequot war, who served with him, as a 
 gentleman, of Northamptonshire, England. He was several 
 times Captain of the military company in this town, a mem- 
 ber of the Grand Inquest, and of the Council of War. 
 He appears to have been a man of substance and importance 
 in the community. He died in 1670, leaving five children, 
 Abraham, Elisha, William, John, and Lemuel. The family 
 is not numerous in Yarmouth, but is well represented in 
 Dennis. 
 
 FRANCIS BAKER. 
 
 Francis Baker was born in England in 161 r. In 1635, he 
 embarked in ship Planter, for New England, bringing a cer- 
 tificate signed by the minister in Great St. Albans, Hertford- 
 shire County, his last place of residence, that he had taken 
 the oath of allegiance and supremacy. He was described as 
 a "tailor," but he afterwards exercised the calling of cooper 
 and blacksmith. In 1641, he married Isabel Twining, of this 
 town, with whom he lived fifty-five years. The same year he 
 was admitted to dwell in Yarmouth, but "not to have any of 
 the lands assigned to others without their consent." For 
 that reason, probably, he had to take up his residence on the 
 eastern side of Bass River, near Follen's Pond, which was 
 not then occupied, where he died in 1696 aged 85 years — 
 the last of the first comers. He was not in full accord with 
 the Puritan notions of the time. He had, for sons, Nathaniel, 
 
64 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 John, Samuel, Daniel, William and Thomas, from whom are 
 derived a numerous posterity, of valuable citizens. 
 
 JOHN AND JOSHUA BARNES. 
 
 John Barnes was in Plymouth in 1632, and came to Yar- 
 mouth in 1639. He was not, however, much of a Puritan, 
 being several times fined for Sabbath-breaking and disorder- 
 ly conduct. He returned to Plymouth in 1641, and died 
 twenty-four years later, by reason of an injury received from 
 one of his cattle. 
 
 Joshua Barnes came to Plymouth in 1632, and was bound 
 to Mr, Payne for five years from his landing. He was in 
 Yarmouth in 1639, '^'^^ one of the first committee to divide 
 the planting lands. He was fined in 1642 for "scoffing at 
 religion and disturbing worship," which probably means that 
 he opposed the ministry of Mr. Matthews. He afterwards 
 left town, and seems to have been an inhabitant of East- 
 hampton, L. I., in 16^0. 
 
 PETER WORDEN, SR. AND JR. 
 
 The elder Worden was one of those "excepted to" by the 
 court, but was here early in 1639 and died that year, proba- 
 bly the lirst white man who died in town. He came from 
 Clayton, Lancaster Co., England, where he owned an estate. 
 Peter, Jr., sold twelve acres in the West Field to Robert 
 Dennis, before 1648. He was appointed on the Grand Jury 
 in 165 1, and was fined for not serving. He was an opposer 
 of the prevailing order of things, and fined for "creating dis- 
 turbance in the meeting-house on the Lord's day," which 
 consisted of speaking his mind audibly about theological mat- 
 ters. His lands were in the eastern portion of the town, 
 adjoining those of Richard Sears, on the western side. The 
 family is extinct in town. 
 
 WILLIAM AND ROBERT ELDRIDGE. 
 
 William Eldridge or Eidred, was in Yarmouth in 1647, 
 when he married Ann, daughter of William Lumpkin, and 
 
THE FIRST COMERS. 65 
 
 died November, 1679. He was a Constable in 1657, and 
 afterwards Surveyor of Highways, for two years. His 
 descendants subsequently became prominent and influential 
 in the affairs of the town, 
 
 Robert Eldridge married the daughter of Wm. Nickerson, 
 "the last week of October, 1649," and afterwards espoused 
 the controversies of his father-in-law, removing in 1665 to 
 Chatham, and was the progenitor of the Eldridges of that 
 town, 
 
 WILLIAM LUMPKIN. 
 
 Wm. Lumpkin was one of the first comers. He was chos- 
 en to the offices of Constable, Grand Juryman, Surveyor of 
 Highways, Deputy to the Colony Court, and was Foreman 
 of a Coroner's Jury, in 1667. It will thus be seen that he was 
 a man who was trusted and honored, but nevertheless came 
 under the discipline of the authorities. In March, 1667, he 
 and Peter Worden were fined los. each " for disturbance of 
 public worship." The disturbance consisted in sitting in a 
 corner of the meeting-house, and conversing in a low tone 
 during service. The name is extinct in Yarmouth, 
 
 HUGH TILLEY. 
 
 This person was in Salem in 1629, when he was a servant 
 to Sir Richard Saltonstall. He was in Yarmouth in 1639, 
 and witness to a will, and was enrolled to bear arms in 1643. 
 He died Jan. 1648. The name is sometimes written Hillier. 
 
 EMANUEL WHITE. 
 
 Emanuel White was in Watertown in 1636, and in Yar- 
 mouth in 1 64 1, when he was a Surveyor of Highways. He 
 was admitted as a Freeman the following year, and on that 
 and the succeeding years was Constable, and in 1646 a Grand 
 Juryman. He was involved in the ministerial quarrel of the 
 time, and in 1646, was fined by the court for villifying Rev. 
 John Miller, a short and summary process to which our fath- 
 
66 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 ers usually resorted, to silence opposition to the established 
 religious order of things. The Whites of this town are not 
 his descendants, but of Jonathan, who came here later. 
 
 JOHN JOYCE. 
 
 John Joyce removed from Lynn to Sandwich, in 1637, and 
 thence to Yarmouth, in 1643, being on the list of those able 
 to bear arms, in that year, of both towns. He was a man of 
 wealth, residing in the village of Hockanom. He died in 
 1666. The family name became extinct by the death of 
 Jeremiah, great-grandson of John, in 1755. 
 
 RICHARD PRITCHARD. 
 
 In 1643, the name of Richard Pritchard was on the list 
 of P'reemen of the town of Yarmouth. He removed to 
 Charlestown, and died, 1660. 
 
 DANIEL AND JOB COLE. 
 
 Daniel Cole was a Freeman of Yarmouth, in 1643, in which 
 year he removed to Eastham, where he died. 
 
 Job Cole was a P'reeman in 1643, but soon after left town. 
 
 RICHARD BERRY. 
 
 Richard Berry was of Barnstable in 1643, removed to Boston 
 in 1647, thence to Yarmouth, where he resided in 1649. He 
 lived near the mouth of Bass River, and came under the dis- 
 cipline of the authorities on several occasions. He had 
 eleven children, who were, as far as known, of exemplary 
 character, and his sons, John and Samuel, from whom those 
 of the name here have descended, were useful and esteemed 
 citizens. 
 
 PHILIP TABOR. 
 
 Philip Tabor was in Watertown in 1634, and was made 
 a P^reeman that year. In 1639 he proposed to take up 
 his freedom at Yarmouth. In March of that year he was of 
 
THE FIRST COMERS. 67 
 
 the committee to divide the planting lands, and Deputy in 
 1639. Soon after he went to the Vineyard, and after settling 
 in other places, finally removed to Tiverton, R. I. 
 
 WILLIAM CLARK. 
 
 William Clark was in Yarmouth in 1639, when he took the 
 oath of fidelity, and was sworn as Constable. He was Sur- 
 veyor of Highways in 1641 and also in 165 1. He was jorob- 
 ably unmarried, and died in 1668. By his noncupative will 
 he gave his little property to Joseph Benjamin. 
 
 GILES HOPKINS. 
 
 Giles Hopkins was the eldest son of Mr. Stephen Hopkins, 
 a Londoner, and came over with his father and mother in the 
 Mayflower. His father had a temporary residence in Yar- 
 mouth, where he came to pasture his herds, and he was here 
 and occupied the first house built in town. He married 
 Catharine Whelden, and soon after removed to Eastham 
 where he died in 1690. 
 
 THOMAS HATCH. 
 
 Thomas Hatch was one of the nine, who, Jan. 7, 1639, pro- 
 posed to take up their freedom in Yarmouth. In the March 
 following, he proposed to become a Freeman, but it is not a 
 matter of record that he took the required oath. In 1641 he 
 removed to Barnstable, where he died in 1661. 
 
 SAMUEL ARNOLD. 
 
 Samuel Arnold was in Sandwich in 1643, afterwards 
 removed to Yarmouth, where he lived as early as 1653, and 
 was Deputy in 1654 and 1656. Was ordained the third min- 
 ister of Marshfield in 1658, and died in that town in 1693, at 
 the age of 71. 
 
 THOMAS BOARDMAN. 
 
 Thomas Boardman, a carpenter, from London, was in Yar- 
 
68 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 mouth in 1643, having previously been in Plyraoutfi and 
 Sandwich. His first wife, Lucy, died in 1676, and he subse- 
 quently married Elizabeth, widow of Lieut, John Cole, and 
 daughter of Samuel Rider. He died Aug. 1689, very aged. 
 The family is extinct in town. 
 
 THOMAS FALLAND. 
 
 Thomas Falland was a Freeman in 1641, came to Yar- 
 mouth before 1643, and settled at the head of the Pond which 
 bears his name. He was a Deputy in 1643, and Surveyor of 
 Highways in 1655. He died in 1686. He was a man of 
 wealth and social distinction. The name is extinct in town. 
 At a later day the name was written Follan and Follen. 
 
 WILLIAM PALMER. 
 
 William Palmer was of Scituate, in 1633. He was in Yar- 
 mouth 1638, and was- appointed by the Court to exercise the 
 inhabitants in the use of arms ; was Lieutenant, and a Dep- 
 uty in 1642, 1643 and 1644. He was one of the purchasers 
 of Dartmouth, in 1652^ but removed to Newtown, L. I., 
 1656, and died before i66r, in high esteem. 
 
 GABRIEL WHELDEN. 
 
 Gabriel VVhelden, in Sept. 1638, was licensed to dwell in 
 Mattacheese, with the consent of the Committee of the place, 
 and to have lands here. He was Surveyor of Highways, 
 in 1642 and 1647. There have been many excellent citizens 
 of the name in Old Yarmouth. 
 
 THOMAS PAYNE. 
 
 Thomas Payne was in Yarmouth in 1629, and was Deputy 
 that year. He removed to Eastham, where he died, in that 
 part of the town now Truro, and from him sprung numer- 
 ous descendants, among them, Robert Treat Paine, a signer 
 of the Declaration of Independence, and John Howard 
 Payne, the author of " Sweet Home." 
 
THE FIRST COMERS. 69 
 
 REV. JOHN MILLER. 
 Mr. John Miller, the second minister of Yarmouth, was 
 educated at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where 
 he took his degree of A.B. in 1627^ He resided for a while 
 in Roxbury, where. he was an Elder in the church of the 
 Apostle Elliot. From 1639 to 1641 he was Clerk of the 
 town of Rowley, and assistant of the minister there. He 
 was selected to go on a mission to Virginia, but declined, on 
 account of inadequate health. He was also called to preach 
 in Woburn, but declined. He came to Yarmouth, probably 
 in the spring of 1647, to take charge of a society rent by dis^ 
 scnsions, and after calling in to his assistance three of the 
 leading ministers of Massachusetts Bay, the breach was 
 measurably healed, for a time. But the old discontents were 
 revived, and after a stormy ministry of fourteen years, Mr. 
 Miller left town about the year 1661, for Groton, where he 
 died as pastor of a new pioneer church, two years later. He 
 was a man of learning and zeal for the truth. He was 
 brought up in easy circumstances, and educated for the Eng- 
 lish Church, and was one of the seventy-seven mentioned by 
 Cotton Mather who vv^ere in the actual exercise of their min- 
 istry when they left England. Johnson thus extols him in 
 the following quaint verses :— - 
 
 " with courage bold Miller tliTo' seas did venter 
 To toyl it out in this great western waste. 
 Thy stature low one object high doth center, 
 Higher than heaven thy faith on Christ is plac't ; 
 Alarum thou with silver trumpet sound, 
 .•\nd tell the World Christ's armies are at hand. 
 Vv'ith scripture truth thou errots didst confound. 
 And overthrow all Anti^christian bands ; 
 It matters not for the world's high reputation, 
 The World must fall and Christ alone must stand, 
 Thy crown 's prepar'd in him, then keep thy station 
 Joy that Christ's kingdom is so near at hand." 
 
 He had three daughters and one son, John, born in Eng- 
 land, who married Margaret, daughter of Gov. Josiah Wins- 
 low, who also left three sons. Mr. Miller's family name is 
 extinct in the town, though for three or four generations his 
 
-JO OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 descendants were prominent and useful in our public affairs, 
 RICHARD HORE. 
 
 He was in Yarmouth as early as 1641, on which year and 
 1642 and 1650, he was a Deputy to the Colony Court. In 
 1658 he was one of the Committee respecting the division of 
 lands. None of the name are now resident in town. In 
 some of the writings of the period he is styled "Elder." 
 
 JOHN GRAY. 
 
 ^ Of John Gray very little is known. He was in Yarmouth 
 in 1643, and on the list of those able to bear arms. His chil- 
 dren were, Benjamin and William, and perhaps Mary. We 
 are not able to trace a connection between him and the pres- 
 ent family in this town bearing that name, 
 
 YELVERTON CROW, 
 
 It has sometimes been assumed, without sufficient evi- 
 dence, that Yelverton Crow was a brother of John, one of 
 the grantees of the town. He was one on the list of those 
 able to bear arms in 1643, was a Grand Juryman in 1656, 
 Deputy in 1663, 1666 and 1667, and Selectman the same 
 year. He died in 1683. He lived at "South Sea." He had 
 a son, Thomas. 
 
 Besides the foregoing "first men," we catch occasional 
 glimpses of others who were here in the early days of the 
 settlement, some as temporary residents, some as witnesses 
 to writings placed on record, others by controversies respect- 
 ing drift whales or wrecks, or perhaps by their arraignment 
 for an infraction of the rigorous laws of the Colony. This 
 was their only opportunity for a doubtful immortality. They 
 are mentioned but once ; their entrance and exit is recorded 
 in the same paragraph ; they come upon the stage, their shadowy 
 forms are revealed, and then dissolve into thin air. No 
 doubt these shores were frequented by others than the per- 
 manent settlers — by sailors, fishermen and roving traders — 
 
THE FIRST COMERS. 71 
 
 a drifting mass of humanity, good, bad or indifferent, which 
 is ever to be found about a newly-settled community. But 
 the men whose portraits have been so imperfectly sketched, 
 are they who gave form and life and vigor to the infant and 
 struggling towru 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 WHO AND WHAT THPIY WERE. 
 
 Pasturage and Planting Lands sought for — Cattle Raising— Religious Freedom — 
 Toleration not professed, but practised— Theological Differences accounted for — 
 Pilgrim and Puritan Traits combined— Domestic and Every-day Life — Character 
 of their Amusements — Business Pursuits — Fishing, Trading, Agriculture, Manu- 
 factures—Food and Beverages - First Dwellings — Style of Dress — The Settlers not 
 in Indigent Circumstances — Money, and Com as Currency — The Professions, Legal 
 and Medical — Not Seeking for Honor or Fame— Duty, their Governing Motive. 
 
 What sought they thus afar? — [Mrs. Hemans. 
 
 MANY, besides the poet who made this query as to the 
 Plymouth Pilgrims, have often had the same question 
 suggested to them, as they have looked upon the by no 
 means fertile soil, with an absence of eligible harbors and 
 other commercial facilities, on the shores of this town. An- 
 swering the inquiry in a material sense, it may be remarked, 
 that the first comers were brought to this particular local- 
 ity by the extensive salt marshes that skirt our coasts, on the 
 Northern portion of the town, assuring them of abundant 
 feed for their flocks and herds. Cattle-raising, from 1630 to 
 1640, was the best business in the colonies, many of the set- 
 tlers taking cattle from England to propagate and rear, for a 
 share of the increase. A record of the sale of four two-year- 
 old steers and a bull, which were wintered in this town in 
 1639-40, places the price paid at ^£8^, an enormous sum, 
 considering the value of money at that time compared with 
 the present. 
 
 Another inducement, no doubt, was the large fields suita- 
 ble for tillage, which were found here, as is indicated by the 
 Indian names, MatacJieese or MatacJieeset, applied to the 
 
WHO AND WHAT THEY WERE. 73 
 
 region. The "West Fields," the Indian planting ground, 
 lying between the present street and Dennis Pond, also fur- 
 nished a considerable area of cleared land. These two advan- 
 tages were the controlling temporal motives that governed 
 their selection of this place for a settlement. 
 
 That the impelling cause which brought the great body of 
 them to seek these shores was their zeal for a religious idea, 
 which seemed to them of paramount importance, and trans- 
 cending all temporal advantages, is an undeniable fact, in 
 spite of modern cavil. But that they came to establish uni- 
 versal toleration, or "freedom to worship God," in any other 
 way than according to their own methods, is not true, nor is 
 it founded on any pretensions made by them. They came 
 here to seek religious liberty for themselves, not for others. 
 They made no professions of toleration for differing creeds ; 
 that is a claim since set up for them, and not by them. The 
 idea was as far in advance of them, as they were in advance 
 of their fellows. They doubtless might have remained in 
 England, if they could have been content to be passive 
 instead of active factors in the great theological controversies 
 of the day. But that did not suit the temper of their minds. 
 They were not so much fugitives from oppression as self-ex- 
 patriated exiles, seeking the realization of a great idea, by 
 founding on these shores a model Puritan community, in 
 which should be embodied principles which to them seemed 
 of sufficient importance to demand the sacrifice of comfort, 
 ease, and if need be, of life itself. The settlers of Plymouth 
 Colony, notably so those of this town, must be admitted to 
 have been greatly in advance of their times, in respect to 
 religious toleration. Under circumstances of great provoca- 
 tion, and the pressure of their powerful neighbors of Massa- 
 chusetts Colony, the magistrates of Plymouth temporarily 
 joined, in some degree, in the warfare against the Quakers; 
 but they speedily retraced their false steps and established a 
 more tolerant system, while other communities were adher- 
 ing to their severe and persecuting policy. And coming still 
 
74 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 nearer home, it is anticipating the verdict which this narra- 
 tive of the town's history will establish, to say, that no record 
 of oppression of Quakers or Anabaptists mars its record, and 
 that no dissenter within its limits was harmed in body or 
 estate, on account of religious belief, or want of such belief. 
 And while the fathers of the town made no vaunting procla- 
 mation of adhesion to the doctrine of religious toleration, 
 they practically conceded to differing creeds all that Christ- 
 ian charity and forbearance could demand. 
 
 The theological differences which prevailed in the early 
 years of the town, were the natural results of the circumstanc- 
 es under which it was settled. In this they differed from 
 their sister towns in this County. In Barnstable, the church 
 and society of Mr. Lothrop came in a body, with their or- 
 ganization complete ; they were a united band, inspired by 
 sentiments of mutual love and esteem. The settlers of 
 Sandwich were, in a large measure, from one church and 
 society. Those of Eastham, at a later day, were men who 
 had been together in the Plymouth church, and were united 
 by bonds of sympathy and belief and by labors in a common 
 cause. In Yarmouth, the circumstances were entirely differ- 
 ent. Not more than two of the settlers, so far as appears^ 
 had ever been connected together in business, social or relig- 
 ious concerns. They came from different parts of England 
 and Wales. Some of them were Independents, some Puri- 
 tans, a few were latitudinarian in doctrine and practice. 
 Among them were men of good education and good parts, 
 and all, of intellectual independence, and not disposed to 
 yield their opinions or take them on trust. Under the cir- 
 cumstances, harmony of opinion and conformity of belief 
 could not reasonably be expected, and their theological disa- 
 greements should occasion no surprise. 
 
 It would be most natural to expect, from the cordial rela- 
 tions which from the first were established and thencefor- 
 ward maintained between the settlers in this town and the 
 government of Plymouth, that the Pilgrim traits would pre- 
 
WHO AND WHAT THEY WERE. 75 
 
 dominate among them ; were it not equally true that most of 
 the settlers here first came to Massachusetts, and after re- 
 maining there a short time, for reasons of their own, left that 
 colony, and stopping in or near Plymouth, finally came 
 to this town. They were not exclusively of the Pilgrim or 
 of the Puritan types, but combined some of the best traits of 
 both, — the liberality and tolerance of the former, and the 
 extended knowledge of the world and deeper acquaintance 
 with men and affairs, which characterized the latter class. 
 Only four of the earlier settlers — Stephen Hopkins (if his 
 brief tenure here places him in that category,) his son Giles 
 
 — both of whom came over in the Mayflower — Mr. Richard\ 
 _Sea rs, and Mr. Anthony Thacher, both of whom spent some^ 
 
 years with the Leyden congregation — were in any respect 
 identified with the Pilgrims. The elder Hopkins, though 
 immortalized as one of the signers of the "Social Compact," 
 was a Londoner, and never very heartily co-operated with 
 the governing classes at Plymouth. It has been believed and 
 alleged that it was in consequence of the outgivings of Hop- 
 kins and one or two others of the Mayflower's company, 
 
 — who had not been of the Leyden congregation, — that up- 
 on going ashore they would feel at liberty to act on all mat- 
 ters without reference to the others, that the compact was 
 then and there insisted upon as a fundamental basis for their 
 future government.'/ Mr. Sears was among the last of the 
 Leyden congregation to embark for New England, came di- 
 rect to Plymouth, and not long after to this place. He was 
 of the best Pilgrim type ; mild, humane, and tolerant in a— 
 greater degree than most of the pioneers. Anthony Thach- 
 er was willing to forego the social advantages of a minister 
 of the established church, for freedom of conscience in the 
 rude wilds of the western wilderness. The others of the 
 settlers, though of dissimilar and varying origin, after the 
 first ferment of differing theological dogmas had subsided 
 and settled, seem to have coalesced, 'without much difficulty 
 
 ' IMagazine of American History, Vol. VIIL, p. 847-8. 
 
;6 OLD YARMOUIH. 
 
 with their companions in the work of compacting and devel- 
 oping the new community with a reasonable degree of har- 
 mony. 
 
 The habits, customs, and the domestic, every-day life of 
 our ancestors, have been delineated by former historians, 
 with a fidelity of outline and coloring which leaves nothing 
 to be added and does not call for repetition in these pages. 
 It may be assumed, at the outset, that the fathers and moth- 
 ers of the Cape differed but little in their personality from 
 the great body of English emigrants who settled in New 
 England during the first half of the seventeenth century. 
 The severe simplicity of their lives and household appoint- 
 ments, and the general austerity of their intercourse with 
 one another, call for no elucidation. Their domestic life, 
 however, was harmonious and kindly, the relations of parent 
 and child and of husband and wife being defined by settled 
 rules, and observed with rigorous exactitude. Violations of 
 the laws of chastity, sobriety and good order, which seldom 
 occurred, were punished with inexorable severity. 
 
 We have, unfortunately, but few and infrequent glimpses 
 of their social life, which afford us an insight into the softer 
 side of their nature, and admit us to a view of their recrea- 
 tions and amusements. These partook greatly of the rugged 
 and robust character of their every-day pursuits. Of them 
 it may be said, as Froissart said of their ancestors, " they 
 took their pleasure sadly, after their fashion." Military ex- 
 ercises, ball playing, running, and wrestling, were among the 
 chief amusements of the men. The latter was not unat- 
 tended with danger, and one case is on record, in which the 
 victorious champion in a hardly-contested wrestling match, 
 was tried for the murder of his antagonist, who was fatally 
 injured by the fall, but was cleared by a jury of his fellow- 
 citizens. General musters were occasions which called great 
 companies together. Weddings and family re-unions about 
 exhausted the social opportunities of the females. The chil- 
 
WHO AND WHAT THEY WERE. 77 
 
 dren, from one generation to another, did not forget the 
 sports of the fatherland, as such games as "hull-gull," "I espy," 
 (corrupted to " hy-spry,") and " thread-the-needle," which 
 were learned in the old country, continued among them, for 
 many generations, in perennial vigor. But the boys and 
 girls early developed into men and women, with the cares 
 of a busy and serious existence prematurely thrust upon 
 them. 
 
 The early business pursuits of the settlers, were, as has 
 been seen, agriculture, stock-raising and the fisheries. 
 Whales were cast upon the coast, and the citizens had many 
 a sharp controversy with the government, which claimed 
 these waifs of the sea as its rightful perquisite. Oil, fish, and 
 tar gathered from the forests, were exchanged with the trad- 
 ing vessels which visited the coast, for the goods of which 
 they stood most in need and did not produce themselves. 
 They subsequently embarked in trade on their own account, 
 gradually enlarging their field of enterprise. They trans- 
 ported their fish in their own vessels to Barbadoes and other 
 West India ports, exchanged them for molasses and spirits, 
 and not only supplied their own wants, but had a surplus to 
 trade in the Boston markets, for outfits and articles of home 
 consumption. They built vessels from the timber of their 
 own forests, which they manned by their own citizens, and 
 soon acquired skill and hardihood in seamanship. Their 
 progress in agriculture did not keep pace with their profi- 
 ciency in nautical pursuits. They soon began to exhaust the 
 resources of their light but facile soil, and denuded the hills 
 of their forest trees, so that, at the end of two centuries, both 
 skill and exertion are required to rehabilitate them. But the 
 farms produced good crops of Indian corn, rye, barley and 
 some wheat, and all sorts of vegetables except potatoes, 
 which came later into general use. Their orchards bore 
 apples, the Kentish cherry, peaches and pears, the latter of 
 which would be considered of an inferior quality in these days. 
 Some pear trees, which tradition says were planted by 
 
28 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 Anthony Thacher and Andrew Hallet, are still standing, and 
 they were certainly considered very old by the great-grand- 
 parents of the elderly people of the present generation. 
 
 Manufacturing never became a leading or important indus- 
 try of the citizens. A fulling-mill, the first in town, was 
 built on the western Swan Pond river, by Mr. Thomas Bax- 
 ter and Mr. Shubael Gorham, somewhere near the close of 
 the seventeenth century. The mothers of the town were 
 expert and skillful in the use of the loom, and made most of 
 the cloth of their households. At the close of the Revolu- 
 tionary war, they wove the sails of a vessel built at Hocka- 
 nom. Of salt making they were the pioneers, as will be set 
 forth in its appropriate place. 
 
 Of currency in the form of coined money they had a small 
 supply. A limited amount in English pieces was their only 
 monetary medium of exchange. In 1652, Capt. John Hull 
 of the Massachusetts Bay, ventured to exercise the high- 
 est act of sovereignty, and coined money in the name of the 
 colony. Many of these coins passed current here ; and occa- 
 sionally one of them is picked up in old fields or found in an- 
 cient drawers. But the best representative of value was in 
 the amount of corn stored away. To say that a man had 
 "corn in his cribs" was equivalent, in those days, to saying, 
 that he had money in bank, or stocks or bonds. A peck, or 
 half-bushel or a bushel of corn, was as welcome as silver to 
 the trader, or the tax-gatherer. It was sometimes found in- 
 convenient to those not in trade to transport such bulky 
 currency, and on occasions the town voted that the minister 
 should be paid "half in specie, and half in Indian corn, at 
 3s. per bushel, and rye the same." 
 
 Their tables were abundantly supplied with game, fish and 
 the products of their fields. Cattle soon became plenty. 
 Goats were kept for milk and bees for honey. Tea and cof- 
 fee were not at first in general use, but beer was regarded as 
 a prime necessity, each family brewing at regular intervals. 
 Public malt-houses were established to supply the demand 
 
WHO AND WHAT THEY WERE. 79 
 
 for this beverage. Spirits were consumed in considerable 
 quantities, the sale was licensed a.nd regulated by law, but 
 their excessive use was severely punished. 
 
 It was not a work requiring much time to construct the 
 first dwellings of our ancestors. Some of them put up sub- 
 stantial frame houses, as soon as their leisure and circum- 
 stances would permit ; but the first buildings were rudely 
 and cheaply constructed. That of Andrew Hallet, buiit in 
 1639, "^^i^l serve as a specimen of the earlier houses. It was 
 contracted to be built by William Chase, for Dr. Thomas 
 Starr, who sold it before its completion, to Mr. Hallet, and 
 agreed to deliver it, "thatched studded and latched, daubing 
 excepted," with twenty-nine acres of land, for £ 10. It 
 probably contained but one room on each floor, subsequently 
 "daubed" in the crevices with clay or mortar, with oiled 
 paper instead of glass for the windows. Our ancestors had 
 little time, had they the inclination, to expend great labor or 
 means upon architectural adornments, and their dwellings 
 were speedily and inexpensively constructed. In a few 
 years, when the fields were cleared and trade and the fisher- 
 ies brought them wealth and prosperity, houses of considera- 
 ble pretensions were built, some few of which have survived 
 the tooth of time, and remain as evidences of the standard of 
 taste which prevailed among the second generation of our 
 ancestors. 
 
 It need not, however, be inferred from the fact that the 
 first dwelling-houses of the settlers were small and unpreten- 
 tious, that they were necessarily an indigent and humble 
 class of people in point of worldly fortune. In respect to 
 some of them we know this would not be a correct estimate. 
 Anthony Thacher, Edmund Hawes and Richard Sears were 
 certainly men of education and social standing in England, 
 and Thomas Howes, John Crow, Edward Sturges, Andrew 
 Hallet, Nicholas Simpkins and others appear to have belong- 
 ed to the substantial middling class, either staunch yeomen or 
 educated gentlemen. They built such houses as their condi- 
 
8o OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 tion required of them as pioneers of a new country, whose first 
 care was to shelter their families while they were preparing 
 the soil, making roads and enclosing their plantations. The 
 next generation saw a great change in their style of living, as 
 well as in their habitations. They little affected the vanities 
 of life, as respects furniture and apparel ; yet we occasional- 
 ly get glimpses of them in their holiday dresses, which shows 
 that they sometimes put on their stylish clothing and arrayed 
 themiSelves in fine raiment. The wife of Andrew Hallet, Jr., 
 one of the first comers, who died in 1694, left wearing appar- 
 el valued at ^ 15, at a time when money was worth — con- 
 sidering its purchasing power — at least six or eight times its 
 present value, consisting of articles of woolen, linen, silk; 
 hose, shoes, hat; showing that on Sundays and holidays she 
 dressed in elegant style. To one of her daughters, she 
 bequeathed a satin gown — in another place described as of 
 "satinstow" — ^and a mohair petticoat. A male member of 
 the same family gave in his will one pair of gold sleeve-but- 
 tons, and a jack-coat with silver buttons on it. These things 
 do not strengthen the theory that the fathers and mothers of 
 the town were all people of small means and of straightened 
 financial condition. The hardships of their lot did not arise 
 from poverty. Mr. Winslow said, "they had emigrated, set- 
 tled and maintained the colony without cost to the mother 
 state. They were able enough to have lived in England, and 
 had removed to a wilderness to escape ecclesiastical persecu- 
 tion." Neither can we discern, in the care which they took 
 to bestow the titles of Mr., Sergeant, and Lieutenant, and to 
 seat church-goers according to their position and social con- 
 sideration, that they were insensible to the sentiments which 
 grow out of the usual distinctions of social life. 
 
 Of the learned professions they had no regular representa- 
 tives, save the clergy, for many years. One of the first 
 comers was a physician, but the practice of the settlement 
 did not warrant his continuance here. The clergy generally 
 possessed some degree of skill in medicine, and Mr. Thorn- 
 
\^H0 AND WHAT THEY WERE. 8i 
 
 ton, for many years, added the care of the body to that of the 
 soul. Lawyers were not tolerated in the colony, but convey- 
 ances, wills and other legal writings were executed by 
 Anthony Thacher, Edmund Hawes and John Miller, accord- 
 ing to the formulas of English practice. The common law 
 of England, modified by their situation here, and illuminated 
 by scripture teachings, was the sufficient guide in their civil 
 concerns. 
 
 Such were the men and women, such the daily life, and 
 such the objects and purposes of the first settlers of Yar- 
 mouth. It has been made evident that their aim was not to 
 found a great and powerful community, but to escape eccle- 
 siastical tyranny and live in independence of spiritual 
 restraints. The little care they took to preserve the record 
 of their lives and proceedings, shows that they had no pur- 
 pose to seek the favorable verdict of posterity or to secure 
 the applause of future ages. The noble verse of Bryant 
 doubtless expresses the utter absence of self-seeking which 
 governed their action in coming hither : 
 
 " They little thought how pure a light 
 
 With years should gather round that day; 
 How love should keep their memory bright, 
 How wide a realm their sons should sway." 
 
 The reverence and love, which for generations have 
 embalmed their memories, were hidden from their sight. 
 But in obeying the promptings of conscience and the voice of 
 duty, with deep humility of spirit, but with grand and heroic 
 faith and self-devotion, they founded a community, which for 
 seven or eight generations has been distinguished for virtue, 
 intelligence and the generous affections of its people. Thus 
 they builded greater than they knew. 
 
 " So nigh is grandeur to our dust, 
 So near is God to man ; 
 When duty whispers low, " Thou must," 
 The man replies, " I can." 
 
82 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 The limit of their own neighborhood is not the sole nor 
 the most important witness to their character and achieve- 
 ments. They have impressed their characteristics upon the 
 commercial centres of the country, and influenced the pro- 
 fessional and social life of many and remote communities. 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 FURTHER PROGRESS OF THE TOWN. 
 
 Uneventfid Annals — Eel River Bridge — Drift Whales — Military Consultations — Death 
 of Rev. John Lothrop of Barnstable — Expedition against the Dutch — Mamages 
 by Magistrates — Mashantampaigne summoned to Court — Janno's Complaints 
 against the Grantees — Freemen in 1656 — The Quakers — The People Admonished 
 to Support the Ministry — Drift Whales, again — Fatal Results of a Wrestling Match 
 — Warning out of Town — Mr. Thornton Commences his Ministry — Consumption 
 of Liquors — A Wild Lark — Disciplining Scoffers— Monomoyick to be "Within the 
 Liberties of Yarmouth" — Selectmen Appointed — Punished for Disturbing meetings 
 and making Opprobrious Speeches of Mr. Thornton — Freemen in 1670 — Collect- 
 ing the Ministerial Rates — End of the Controversy with William Nickerson — Death 
 of Gov. Prence and Accession of J osias Winslow — Monomoyick and Satucket set 
 off to Eastham — Difficulties with Mashantampaigne — Yarmouth Acquittance to the 
 Grantees — The Cape Indians Renew their Covenant with the English. 
 
 FROM the time of the division of the lands, and thencefor- 
 ward for a considerable period, the annals of the town 
 were uneventful and quiet, with the exception of the ministe- 
 rial troubles, which have already been adverted to, and which 
 found their way into the courts, and were obtruded, when 
 least called for, into the ordinary life of the people. 
 
 In March, 165 1, the court granted to Capt. Standish a par- 
 cel of forty or fifty acres of land " within the liberties of Yar- 
 mouth," as compensation for his services as a committee to 
 settle the titles of the public lands. 
 
 In 1652, Sandwich and Yarmouth were presented for not 
 building a bridge over Eel River, in Plymouth. The court 
 had previously ordered the Cape towns to contribute to the 
 cost of the building of this bridge, but the towns, believing 
 the work to be more especially a local convenience for the 
 people of Plymouth, resisted the order. But they were final- 
 ly obliged to succumb to the superior influence of Plymouth, 
 and pay a portion of the cost. 
 
84 OLD YARMOUTH, 
 
 "Mr. Howes" was appointed to "receive the oil of the 
 country," for this town, the government claiming a portion of 
 the products of all whales cast on shore within the colony, 
 William Hedge was presented for selling liquors to the 
 Indians ; but this did not prevent the court from apjDointing 
 him, the same year, to the important office of ensign-bearer 
 of the military company. 
 
 In 1653 the towns were directed to send deputies to meet 
 the magistrates for consultation upon military affairs, in con- 
 nection with the differences between Holland and the moth- 
 er country. Sergeant Rider and John Gorham were sent by 
 this town. In the conference that ensued, the May follow- 
 ing, the colony voted to raise 60 men; of these, Yarmouth 
 was to furnish six. The neighboring town of Barnstable 
 sustained a great loss in the death of their pastor. Rev. John 
 Lothrop. This devoted minister was endowed with great 
 wisdom in secular matters, as well as with spiritual gifts of a 
 high order, and some of the Yarmouth people, when theolog- 
 ical controversies ran high, attended his meetings. Francis 
 Baker was presented by the court for "selling wines with- 
 out a license," and Josiah Hallet and Thomas Gage of this 
 town, for sailing their vessel from Sandwich to Boston on 
 the Lord's day. 
 
 The next vear, 1654, the council of war issued warrants for 
 raising 50 men to go on an expedition against the Dutch at 
 Manhatten, 4 of whom were assigned as the proportion of 
 Yarmouth. A second call for a like number was also honor- 
 ed. 
 
 In 1655, Mr. Anthony Thacher was appointed to join per- 
 sons in marriage. Marriage was regarded by our fathers, for 
 a considerable period, as a civil contract. At what time this 
 ceremony was assumed by the clergy, does not appear. Six 
 wolves were killed in town by the Indians, and bounty was 
 claimed therefor. Three men were raised to join a troop 
 of horse. 
 
FURTHER PROGRESS OF THE TOWN. 85 
 
 In 1656, William Nickerson of this town, "for buying lands 
 of the Indians, and for selling them a boat, was disfranchised. 
 This was the beginning of a series of difficulties with the 
 authorities, in which Mr. Nickerson was involved, and which 
 were a fruitful source of controversy and bad feeling for 
 many succeeding years. 
 
 Massantampaigne, the Indian sagamore, was brought 
 before the court on a charge of having stolen a gun, on which 
 he was cleared, the court being of the opinion "that the gun 
 was his." He was also accused of having a chest full of 
 tools stolen from the English, and proudly "delivered up his 
 keys to Mr. Prince, so that he may search his chest." The 
 complaint of John Darby against him, that "his dogs did him 
 wrong among his cattle, and did much hurt one of them," 
 was ordered to be inquired into. We hear no more of this 
 matter. These proceedings are interesting as showing that 
 the Indians, only sixteen years after the settlement, were 
 completely under subjection to the colonial laws. 
 
 Janno, an Indian sachem, having complained that lands 
 belonging to him in Yarmouth vv-hich were purchased by Mr. 
 Thacher and Mr. Howes had not been paid for, Mr. John 
 Alden and Lieutenant Southworth were appointed to settle 
 the controversy. The result is embodied in the following 
 documents : 
 
 " A writing appointed to be recorded : 
 WHiereas there hath been some unhappy differences between 
 the town of Yarmouth and their committees, concerning 
 some lands which they apprehended were formerly purchased 
 of Janno, but through some neglect of theirs in not paying of 
 the Indian for the said lands, have been of late denied by 
 him to be sold, and the possessors molested; Mr. John Alden 
 and Capt. Josias Winslow being ordered by the court to hear, 
 and if it might be, determine such differences as were either 
 between the English before mentioned or between the com- 
 mittees and the Indians, the town of Yarmouth having made 
 choice of Mr. Edmund Hawes, Robert Dennis, Ed. Sturges, 
 
86 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 and Thomas Boardman, and empowered them to manage 
 and issue their aforesaid differences, there being propositions 
 made on both sides tending to a composure, yet they not ful- 
 ly closing their propositions, but referring it, by mutual 
 agreement, to the abovesaid Mr. John Alden and Capt. 
 Josias Winslow as umpires, to determine between them about 
 the premises : We the abovesaid John Alden and Josias 
 Winslow do determine as followeth, viz: That the charge of 
 the purchase, as now agreed upon between us and Jano, shall 
 be equally borne between the said committees and the town ; 
 and further, that the other six pounds, which is charges that 
 the town have been at about this business, shall be four 
 pounds of it borne by the town, and by Mr. Anthony Thatch- 
 er and Mr. Howes, twenty shillings apiece, and of this latter 
 six pounds, old Mr. Crow to be excused ; and that this be a 
 final end of all differences about the premises. 
 
 May 14th, 1668. John Alden, 
 
 Josias Winslow." 
 
 Another document is as follows : "May, Anno Dom., 1658. 
 Witnesseth these presents, that Janno hath, the day and 
 year above written, for and in consideration of six coats, six 
 pairs of small breeches, ten hoes, ten hatchets, two brass 
 kettles, the one of six spans, and the other of seven, of Joan- 
 no's aforesaid spans, and one iron kettle of six spans, to be 
 paid to him, Joanno, or his assignees, the one half moiety, by 
 the first of August next ensuing the date hereof, and the 
 other half moiety by the middle of May, which shall be in the 
 year of our Lord, 1659, bargained, sold, and confirmed unto 
 Mr. John Alden and Josias Winslow, in the behalf of the 
 townsmen of Yarmouth, all that tract and tracts of land, 
 both uplands and meadows, lying and being between the 
 Bass Pond River and a river called by an Indian name Tam- 
 ahappasouakou, by the English the Fresh River, and so 
 along that river to the great swamp at the head thereof, and 
 from the westermost end of the said swamp on a straight line 
 through the land into Stoney Cove River, with all the profits. 
 
FURTHER PROGRESS OF THE TOWN. 87 
 
 perquisites, and appurtenances thereunto or to any part or 
 parcel thereof in any wise belonging, to have and to hold the 
 said tracts of land to the town of Yarmouth forever, and de- 
 fend and save harmless from time to time the said townsmen 
 of Yarmouth, and every of them, of and fron: all titles, 
 claims, and molestations which shall be made by any Indian 
 or Indians to the said tract of land, or any part or parcel of 
 the same, at any time hereafter. In testimony whereof the 
 said Joanno hereunto hath set his mark. 
 
 "The mark X of the said Joanno. 
 " In presence of 
 Thomas Dexter, 
 
 The mark of [ — ] Josias, an Indian, 
 The mark of Nick ;^, an Indian." 
 A list of Freemen of this town taken about this year, com- 
 prises the following names : 
 
 Mr. Anthony Thacher, Samuel Arnold, 
 
 James Matthews, Thos. Falland, 
 
 Mr. John Crow, Richard Sears, 
 
 Mr. Edmund Hawes, Richard Hoar, 
 
 Mr. Thos. Howes, Mr. Yelverton Crow, 
 
 Edward Sturges, Emanuel White, 
 
 Mr. John Miller, Joseph Howes. 
 
 This year, the troubles occasioned by the appearance of 
 the Quakers, led the court to enlarge the power of one 
 George Barlow, who for seven years had exercised the office 
 of Marshal for Sandwich, to extend over Barnstable and Yar- 
 mouth. There seems to have been little or no occasion for 
 this step, so far as this town is concerned. The incidental 
 information which we gather from the court records, in which 
 parties were arraigned for speaking disrespectfully of the 
 clergy, or " villifying the ministry," as the language of the 
 times expressed it, has reference, it is believed, to the war- 
 fare which was waged against this people, and the disappro- 
 bation which was sometimes expressed relative to the harsh 
 measures which were taken to suppress them. But so far as 
 
88 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 this town is concerned, it does not appear that any proceed- 
 ings were instituted against this sect. 
 
 An agreement was made in 1658 by four men chosen 
 jointly by both towns, viz: Mr. Thomas Prince, Richard 
 Chadwell, Richard Higgins and Richard Bourne, that the 
 boundary between Barnstable and Yarmouth, " extending 
 into the sea shall be, from the middle of the mouth of Stoney 
 Cove creek, to run due north into the sea." 
 
 In 1659 the court mentions approvingly that sundry inhab- 
 itants of this town were ready to discharge their duty, 
 according to their ability, for the encouragement and support 
 of the ministry, but condemned those who were not so dis- 
 posed. They therefore ordered the constable to summon 
 both church and town to meet and ascertain what each man 
 will engage to do towards making up ^40 or ^50 yearly 
 for the purpose. In default of which, four men were to be 
 appointed to do this work, and if the citizens did not appoint 
 them, Mr. Anthony Thacher, Mr. Thomas Boardman, Rich- 
 ard Sears and Andrew Hallet were designated, with power 
 to enforce payment by the delinquents. This order shows 
 so great a feeling of indifference to their religious duties on 
 the part of the citizens, that it is not strange that Mr. Mil- 
 ler's ministry was terminated, soon after, either in the 
 following year, or not long subsequently. 
 
 The rights of parties finding drift whales on the Cape 
 were for some time a matter of controversy, and in 1661, a 
 proposition was sent to the Cape towns, which, after some 
 delay several of them finally complied with. By this agree- 
 ment it was provided that for every whale that should be 
 secured two barrels of oil should be delivered at Boston, at 
 the place designated by the Treasurer of the Plymouth Colo- 
 ny, free of charge to the government. This agreement was 
 signed by Anthony Thacher, Robert Dennis, Thomas Board- 
 man, and Richard Taylor, in behalf of the town of Yar- 
 mouth. 
 
 The fatal results of a wrestling match, which appears to 
 
FURTHER PROGRESS OF THE TOWN. 89 
 
 have been one of the sports to which our ancestors were 
 addicted, is thus noted : John Hawes of Yarmouth was 
 indicted for giving Joseph Rogers of Eastham "a most dead- 
 ly fall in Dec. 1660, whereof and whereupon he did most 
 vehemently complain, and about forty-eight hours after died." 
 The Grand Jury found a true bill, and he was tried before a 
 jury, of which Mr. Josias Winslow was foreman, who brought 
 in a verdict of not guilty. 
 
 Richard Child, by order of the court was required to 
 desist from building a cottage at Yarmouth. This matter 
 of " warning out of town " undesirable settlers, has the 
 appearance of unreasonable exclusiveness, in a new country 
 where land was abundant, but it was in accordance with 
 sound public policy and implied no disrespect to the charac- 
 ter of the person thus dealt with. If Richard Child had 
 been permitted to build without protest, he would have been 
 entitled to a personal right in the common lands, a tenement 
 right, and if unfortunate in his business affairs, his family 
 would have a large claim for support by the town. Men 
 who subsequently proved good citizens were thus warned, 
 and the custom seems to have been no more than a proper 
 precaution on the part of the authorities. Mr. Thomas 
 Paine was authorized to purchase lands at Setucket for his 
 mill. 
 
 It is probable that the ministerial labors of the third pastor 
 of the church. Rev. Thomas Thornton, commenced about 
 the year 1663, though his installation into the pastoral office 
 did not occur until 1667. After the withdrawal of Mr. Mil- 
 ler and before the establishment here of Mr. Thornton, Rev. 
 Thomas Walley, who afterwards settled in Barnstable, 
 resided in town and owned lands, and was connected with 
 the church. 'Tn a communication presented to the Govern- 
 or and Assistants by fifteen members of this church, in April 
 of that year, it appears that an effort was made to discourage 
 Mr, Thornton from taking office here. Certain " jalain 
 words " had been spoken against a sermon of his upon the 
 
90 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 second of Romans, which the brethren reir?>.rded in the lisht 
 of slander, and they are at pains to say that they do not know 
 of anything in that sermon or any other dehvered by him 
 that was not in accordance with truth ; intimating at the 
 same time that such calumniators of the ministry should 
 be discountenanced, particularly in such times of declension."' 
 
 An inventory of the spirituous liquors brought into town 
 June and July 1662, shows that six different persons brought 
 here one hundred and twelve gallons. As a sequel, it is 
 recorded that Teague Jones, for being "overtaken with drink, 
 having formerly been a transgressor in that kind, was fined 
 fifty shillings." 
 
 The agents of Yarmouth appeared at court, " to debate 
 and have determined a difference about whales." 
 
 An invoice of liquors brought into town during the year 
 1663, will give some idea of the extent of the drinking habits 
 of the times : 
 
 " A Note of the particulars of the Liquors that have been 
 brought into the town of Yarmouth, since May 1663, and 
 envoiced. 
 
 Item, Mr. Hedge a quarter cask of liquors. 
 
 Item, Samuel Sturgis 10 gallons. 
 
 Item, Edward Sturgis, Sr. 10 gallons. 
 
 Item, Edward Sturgis, Jr. 10 gallons. 
 
 Item, Elisha Hedge, 10 gallons. 
 
 Item, Mr. Hedge, 10 gallons and 5 cases. 
 
 Item, Mr. Thacher, 3 cases. 
 
 Mr. Hedge, Edw. Sturgis, Sr. and Sam'l Sturgis, 17 gallons. 
 
 Nathaniel Covell, 10 gallons. 
 
 Teague Jones, 10 gallons envoiced, and one case forfeit 
 to the country. 
 
 Richard Michell, 10 gallons. 
 
 Anthony Thacher, 
 Robert Dennis." 
 
 ' The original of this vahiable document is in possession of H. C. Thacher, Esq., to 
 whose courtesy we are indebted for the copies herewith bound in this book. 
 

 
 
 o^ vk^a ^U«r e>C-l)tfrcxr^-*^'{^ fflo^ //^'J ^"^"^^ ''^ • •^f t^ -.MA^JKj \^<r^i>-Wr- 
 
 
 
FURTHER PROGRESS OF THE TOWN. 91 
 
 Messrs. Thacher and Dennis were also inspectors of 
 anchors, lead, powder and shot, as well as liquors. At the 
 next term of the court, it was voted that, "in regard of much 
 abuse of liquors in the town of Yarmouth, this court doth 
 call in any license formerly given to Edward Sturgis, Sr., 
 and do require that he forbear to draw wines or liquors for 
 the future, without further orders from the court." 
 
 Early in the same year a party of residents of this town 
 indulged in an escapade quite in conflict with the customs of 
 the times, and their names subsequently appeared in the 
 court records, which inform posterity that "Josias Hallet and 
 Thomas Starr of Yarmouth went to the house of John 
 Doane, Jr., at Eastham, and finding no one at home, behaved 
 themselves uncivilly therein, ransacking the house for 
 liquors, and drinking thereof, and writing and setting up in 
 the house a libellous and scandalous paper of verses and 
 leaving them there. Elisha Hedge and Samuel Sturgis were 
 also deemed guilty, in some degree, though not so deeply as 
 the former." The two first were ordered to find sureties, for 
 their good behavior until the next court and pay each a fine 
 of fifty shillings ; the two latter to find sureties and pav each 
 a fine of thirty shillings. 
 
 Liquor legislation was a disturbing element here as it has 
 been ever since. The court this year fined Edward Sturgis 
 for bringing liquor into town without giving seasonable 
 notice to those appointed to invoice it, and in the subsequent 
 year Elisha Hedge, for breaking bulk before giving notice 
 v/hat liquors he had brought into town, was adjudged to have 
 forfeited 16 gallons thereof. 
 
 In 1644 John Marchant was appointed and approved by 
 the court to be ensign bearer of the military company of 
 Yarmouth. It was also ordered that the general training- 
 shall be in Yarmouth this year. The court enacted that cor- 
 poral punishment should be inflicted upon any who deny the 
 scriptures — which may have scaled their lips if it did not 
 restrain their thoughts ; also that no minister should leave 
 
92 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 his charge without referring the matter to the magistrates, 
 who were empowered to compel congregations to support the 
 preaching of the gospel. 
 
 In 1665, in consequence of the controversy between the 
 court and William Nickerson, it was ordered "that Manna- 
 moit be within the liberties of Yarmouth, as Bound Brook 
 and Stoney Brook are, until otherwise ordered." Also 
 appointed Mr. Hinckley, Richard Bourne, and Nathaniel 
 Bacon "to purchase some land of the Indians in behalf of 
 the town of Yarmouth." 
 
 In 1666, Mr. Anthony Thacher, Mr. Edmund Hawes, 
 James Matthews, John Miller and Joseph Howes were 
 approved by the court as Selectmen for Yarmouth. This is 
 the first mention of these officers in this town, although the 
 law providing for their appointment was passed in 1662. 
 They were required to be chosen by the townsmen from the 
 freemen ; were to hear cases of not over forty shillings ; to 
 observe those who reside in the colony without leave ; 
 those who do not attend public worship ; to provide for the 
 poor ; to encourage education ; to hear and determine all 
 differences between the English and the Indians, in their 
 respective townships, about damage done to cornfields, by 
 cows, swine or other beasts. By a subsequent statute, they 
 were empowered to summon witnesses, and to determine 
 controversies, according to legal evidence. They were, also, 
 in a restricted sense, a court of justice. Their appointment 
 was subject to the approval of the court. 
 
 In 1667, Wm. Lumpkin and Peter Worden were fined los 
 each, for "disturbance in Yarmouth meeting-house," which 
 consisted of talking together during service. John Miller 
 was licensed to keep an ordinary. Nicholas Nickerson, for 
 making opprobrious speeches against Rev. Thomas Thorn- 
 ton, saying of a certain sermon, that " half of it was lies," 
 was obliged to retract and express regret, though it is doubt- 
 ful if he felt it. 
 
 In 1669, sundry persons were fined 5s each, "for smoking 
 
FURTHER PROGRESS OF THE TOWN. 93 
 
 tobacco at the end of Yarmouth meeting-house, during the 
 Lord's day, in the time of exercise." 
 
 List of the freemen of the town. May 29, 1670 : 
 
 Mr. John Crow, Yelverton Crow, 
 
 Thomas Falland, Joseph Howes, 
 
 Ema.nuel White, John Thacher, 
 
 James Matthews, Henry Vincent, 
 
 Mr. Edmund Hawes, Samuel Sturgis, 
 
 Mr. John Vincent, Judah Thacher, 
 
 Jeremiah Howes, Thomas Howes, 
 
 John Miller, John Hawes, 
 
 Edward Sturgis, Senr. Kenelme Winslow, 
 
 Richard Sears. 
 In 1670, the court passed an important order, in relation 
 to the support of the ministry. Heretofore the ministers 
 were required to collect their ov.ai salaries, which, for obvious 
 reasons, was a very unpleasant matter to them. It was now 
 directed that two persons be chosen in each township, unless 
 the towns made the proper provisions, to take care of gather- 
 ing the minister's salary, and if need be, to distrain upon the 
 estates of those delinquent. And every plantation was 
 required to support a settled minister, in default of which, 
 the court was to interpose to enforce the payment. This, 
 and subsequent orders, indicates a tendency among a portion 
 of the population to evade and neglect their religious duties. 
 A love of acquisition, particularly of lands, had also been 
 developed, which occasioned much solicitude among the 
 more spiritually-minded. 
 
 In 1 67 1 three persons of Yarmouth were fined 30s. each 
 "for sailing from Yarmouth to Boston on the Lord's day," 
 and three others were summoned to appear to answer a like 
 accusation. One person was fined for "svv^earing." 
 
 The year 1672 witnessed a settlement of the controversy 
 with William Nickerson, growing out of his attempt to pur- 
 chase lands at Mannamoit. This controversy was of long 
 standing. In 1656 he was disfranchised, "for buying lands 
 of the Indians." The next year he petitioned the court 
 
94 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 that his lands at Mannamoit be confirmed to him, and it was 
 ordered that " the lands be viewed, and that he have a com- 
 petency allowed him, and the rest to be resigned to the gov- 
 ernment." In 1659 he was "allowed his lands." In 1665 
 he and his sons and son-in-law petitioned for liberty to settle 
 a township at Mannamoit. In 1665, being charged with 
 "illegally purchasing lands of the Indians," he submitted him- 
 self to the clemency of the court, and was allowed one hun- 
 dred acres near his house. The rest of the land at Manna- 
 moit was granted to Mr. Thomas Hinckley, Mr. John Free- 
 man, Mr. Wm. Sargeant, Mr. Anthony Thacher, Nathaniel 
 Bacon, Edmund Hawes, Thomas Howes, Sr., and Lieut. 
 Joseph Rogers, in equal proportions, said William Nickerson 
 to have an equal proportion with them in the meadow lands. 
 It was ordered that all said lands appertain to and shall be 
 within the liberties of the township of Yarmouth. The pen- 
 alty of ;^5 for every acre illegally purchased of the Indians 
 by the said Nickerson was remitted. Other persons having 
 purchased lands in Mannamoit without a grant from the court, 
 conflicting with the rights of the aforesaid parties, a compro- 
 mise was effected in 1672, Mr. Nickerson agreeing to pay 
 them a valuable consideration; and a conveyance was made 
 to him by the general court, confirming his claim, in the face 
 of former controversies ; and the settlement of Mannamoit 
 proceeded, without further impediment. During the pro- 
 gress of this controversy much bitterness of feeling was 
 engendered. In 1667 Mr. Nickerson was called to answer 
 for words spoken against the preaching. The previous year, 
 he and his sons were arraigned for scandalously reproaching 
 the court, in a letter to the Governor of New York, and put 
 under bonds of ^^oo. In 1667 he and his sons were set in 
 the stocks for resisting the constable in the performance of 
 his duty; and refusing to find sureties for his good behavior, 
 he was committed to prison and remained three days, at the 
 end of which he relented, and found the required sureties. 
 Nothing except matters of dogma excited so much feeling in 
 
FURTHER PROGRESS OF THE TOWN. 95 
 
 those days as the acquisition of lands. Mr. Nickerson 
 doubtless felt that he had been arbitrarily and unjustly dealt 
 with in these affairs, and spoke and acted under a bitter sense 
 of injury ; but he was still recognized as one of them, by men 
 of Christian character, and it does not appear that he was 
 entirely at fault in all respects. 
 
 Gov. Prince dying in 1673, he was succeeded by Josias 
 Winslow, a younger and more liberal magistrate. Gov. 
 Prince had been stern and unyielding in his dealings with 
 the Quakers and their sympathizers ; his successor 
 adopted a more conciliatory policy, with happy results. 
 Major Cudworth, who had been disfranchised for counselling 
 toleration was restored to favor and public employment. 
 Isaac Robinson, son of the Leyden pastor, for a like offence 
 had been also stricken from the list of freemen ; he was 
 restored to public favor under the new order of affairs. 
 Others who had been excluded from public employments for 
 opposing the old policy, were restored to their former posi- 
 tion. 
 
 In 1674, Mannamoit, after having been for years "within 
 the liberties of Yarmouth," together with Satucket, was 
 included in the town of Eastham. The court appointed a 
 committee "to do what they can tov/ards settling differences 
 between Mashantampaine and the towns of Yarmouth and 
 Barnstable." By the burning of the house of the town clerk, 
 Edmund Hawes, the public records up to this date were 
 destroyed. 
 
 A memorandum of an acknowledgement executed this 
 year, in the handwriting of Mr. Anthony Thacher, and wit- 
 nessed by his two sons, showing that Mashantampaine, the 
 sagamore of Yarmouth, had received full compensation for 
 his lands, has come to light within the present generation. 
 It runs thus : 
 
 WITNESSETH THESE, that I, Masha7itampaine, Sagamore, 
 do [acknowledge] that I have received of Antony Thacher, 
 
96 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 Mr. John Crow and Mr. Thomas Howes, all and every par- 
 ticular thing and things that I was to have for all and every 
 part and parcel of lands, from a place called Stony Copen, 
 als. Stony Cove, and thence unto a river north eastward 
 issuing unto the sea, at the Eastward end of Aquiot neck, 
 now called by the English Stony Brook and Saquatucket 
 harbor, and bounded southerly with the land of Hoia/ia,"^ an 
 Indian Sagamore, and northward with the sea, which said 
 lands I sold unto Mr. William Bradford, Esq. I say I 
 acknowledge myself fully satisfied and paid, and thereof and 
 of every pte and parcel thereof I do forever acquit the said 
 Antony Thacher, John Crow and Thomas Howes ; in 
 witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand the 8th day of 
 May 1657. 
 
 . The mark of f ^ 
 Masshantampaign e 
 
 Signed and delivered in the 
 presence of 
 John Thacher, 
 JuDAH Thacher. 
 There were present Mr. John Crov/e, his vv^ife and Eliza- 
 beth Thacher, and an Indian called Felix. 
 
 I, John Thacher, aged about thirty-five years, do testify 
 that when my father took this above writing of Masshantam- 
 paigne that I was by and heard him own it, and saw him set 
 his hand, and I set to my name at the time as a witness. 
 Taken upon oath this 9th day of February 1674. 
 Before me, 
 
 John Freeman, Assist. 
 
 The aforesaid instrument was labelled on the back "Yar- 
 mouth Acquittance." 
 
 The Cape Indians this year renewed their covenant with the 
 government, though their sachems or head men, including 
 Sampson, for Nobscusset, Kencomsett, for Mattacheesett. 
 This was doubtless brought about for better security against 
 the perilous times which were by many felt to be approach- 
 ing. 
 
 I Probably another way of spelling lyannough. 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 PHILIP'S WAR. 
 
 Pi-emonitions of Trouble v/ith the Indians realized — Massasoit, Alexander and Philip — 
 Murder of a Renegade Indian — War, from Maine to Rhode Island — Extent of Loss 
 of Life and Property — The Cape Towns exempt from Hostilities — Capt. Gorham 
 and Company march for Mount Hope — Operations without Results — Letter from 
 Capt. Gorham to the Massachusetts Council — Second Expedition — Narragansett 
 Swamp Fight — Death of Capt. Gorham— Third Expedition under Capt Thomas 
 Howes — Other Expeditions — Names and Pay-rolls of the Companies — Pecuniary 
 Burdens of the War — Friendship of the Cape Indians — Contributions of Christians 
 in Ireland — Fraternal Spirit among the Tov^ns — War Rate for 1676. 
 
 THE apprehensions of troubles with the Indians, which 
 had been felt for several years, were at last unhappily 
 realized. Since the death of Massasoit, his sons, Alexander 
 and Philip, had more than once fallen under suspicion of a 
 want of fidelity and friendship towards the English, and upon 
 the death of Alexander, the disagreements with Philip 
 became yearly more complicated and of frequent occurrence. 
 The murder of a renega.de Indian by Philip's adherents, and 
 the execution of the murderers by the government at Ply- 
 mouth, precipitated the inevitable conflict, and the terrible 
 struggle known as Philip's War, began. It raged for little 
 over a year, from Rhode Island to Maine, and to this day 
 a recital of its horrors is the most appalling page in our his- 
 tory. "In Plymouth and Massachusetts," says Dr. Palfrey, 
 " there were eighty or ninety towns. Of these, ten or 
 twelve were wholly destroyed, and forty others more or less 
 damaged by fire, making together nearly two -thirds of the 
 whole number. Five or six hundred men of military age, 
 one in ten or twelve of the whole, v/ere stealthily murdered 
 or fell in battle, or becoming prisoners were lost sight of for 
 
98 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 ever, an unknown number of them being put to death with 
 horrible tortures." The drain upon the means of the people 
 was almost ruinous, and the debt incurred by Plymouth colo- 
 ny is believed to have exceeded the value of the whole per- 
 sonal property of its people. The Cape towns, while happily 
 exempt from direct contact with the war, bore their full part 
 of its hazards, contributing their quotas of men and their 
 share of the pecuniary burden. 
 
 June 24, 1675, Capt. John Gorham, and twenty-nine men 
 of Yarmouth, took their march for Mount Hope, mounted and 
 equipped for service. When they arrived the theatre of 
 war had been transferred to the banks of the Connecticut. 
 After the defeat of Capt. Lothrop at Sugar Loaf Hill, they 
 marched into Massachusetts and pursued the enemy, without 
 results. The following letter, written by Capt. Gorham is 
 on file in the Secretary of State's office in Boston : 
 
 Mendum, October the i, 1675. 
 Much Honored : My service with all due respects humbly 
 presented to yourself and unto the rest of the Council hoping 
 of your healths. I have made bold to trouble you with these 
 few lines to give your honors an account of our progress in 
 your jurisdiction. According unto your honors' order and 
 determination I arrived at Mendum with fifty men, and the 
 next day Lieutenant Upham arrived with thirty-eight men, 
 and the day following we joined our forces together and 
 marched in pursuit to find our enemy, but God hath been 
 pleased to deny us any opportunity therein; — though with 
 much labor and travel we had endeavored to find them out, 
 which Lieut. Upham hath given you a more particular 
 account. Our soldiers being much worn but having been in 
 the field this fourteen weeks and a little hopes of finding the 
 enemy, we are this day returning toward our General, but as 
 for my own part, I shall be ready to serve God and the 
 country in this just war, so long as I have life and health; 
 
PHILIP'S WAR. 99 
 
 not else to trouble you, I rest yours to serve in what I am 
 able. , John Gorrum. 
 
 In October following Capt. Gorham was appointed to the 
 command of the second company of Plymouth forces, with 
 Jonathan Sparrow of Eastham for Lieutenant, their objective 
 point being the Narragansett country. There were fifteen 
 Yarmouth men in that company. They were in the sanguin- 
 ary fight at what was known as the Swamp Fort, fought Dec. 
 19, 1675. This fort Vv^as on an island containing five or six 
 acres, situated in an immense swamp, was surrounded with a 
 thick hedge and strengthened with palisades. The two 
 entrances, which were by trees felled over watery spaces, 
 were defended with great care by houses containing sharp- 
 shooters, and was garrisoned by 3500 warriors. After a 
 four hours fight the fort was taken. About 80 of the assail- 
 ants lost their lives and 150 were wounded. The loss of the 
 Indians was thought to be one thousand, a large part of it 
 being incurred in the general rout, after the fort was taken, 
 when the English finished their work by setting fire to the 
 wigwams ; after which, marching a dozen miles in a falling 
 snow, they reached a place of rest. The march was one of 
 great hardship and suffering. Capt. Gorham contracted a 
 fever from which he never recovered, and died and was 
 buried in Swansey, the February following. Sergeant Nath- 
 aniel Hall of Yarmouth was wounded ; none of the men from 
 the Cape were killed. 
 
 In the third expedition Yarmouth furnished nine one 
 month men, under Capt. Thomas Howes. The destination 
 and nature of the service performed by this company is not 
 stated, nor indicated in any of the records. For the fourth 
 expedition, the town pressed nine men to join the con.pany 
 of Capt. Michael Pierce of Scituate, who was led into an 
 ambuscade near Rehoboth, and his company slaughtered, to 
 the number of 52 whites and 11 friendly Indians, all of the 
 former class but one. The whole of the Yarmouth men were 
 
loo OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 not in the fight, as five only from this town were reported 
 killed, viz : John Matthews,' John Gage, Wm. Gage, Henry- 
 Gage, Henry Gold. 5 from Sandwich, 6 from Barnstable 
 and 4 from Eastham were among the slain. The fifth 
 expedition consisted of 21 men, under Capt. Thomas Hov/es. 
 The sixth and last expedition, in service one week, consisted 
 of Ensign John Thacher and 5 men, " to pursue Totoson the 
 Indian." 
 
 The second book of town records gives the names and 
 pay-rolls of the troops, as follows : 
 
 A List of the Soldiers of Yarmouth that were pressed into 
 the country's service, and that went to Mount Hope against 
 our enemies the Indians in the year 1675, and took their first 
 march upon the 24th June, '75. The sum of each man's 
 wages as followeth — 
 
 Capt. John Gorham 
 
 Corp. Sam. Hall 
 
 Corp. Nath. Hall 
 
 Thorn. Thornton 
 
 Daniel Baker 
 
 Thomas Falland 
 
 Ben. Rider 
 
 Richard Taylor, Jr. 
 
 Jonathan Smith 
 
 Sam. Howes 
 
 Joseph Severance 
 
 John Crowell 
 
 William Folland 
 
 Richard Lacke 
 
 John Chase i 04 00 
 
 John Matthews 
 
 Joseph Edgelston 
 
 Joseph Hall 3 09 00 
 
 Yelverton Crowell i 07 00 
 
 Thos. Baxter 7 13 00 
 
 ^ It is probable that the reported death of John Matthews vras incorrect. There was 
 known to be but one person by that name in town over fourteen years of age at that time, 
 and he lived to old age. 
 
 12 
 
 02 
 
 09 
 
 ^ 
 
 J 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 II 
 
 12 
 
 00 
 
 7 
 
 13 
 
 CO 
 
 
 
 03 
 
 00 
 
 2 
 
 05 
 
 00 
 
 6 
 
 I'S 
 
 00 
 
 7 
 
 07 
 
 00 
 
 7 
 
 07 
 
 00 
 
 I 
 
 16 
 
 00 
 
 I 
 
 16 
 
 00 
 
 7 
 
 07 
 
 00 
 
 I 
 
 04 
 
 00 
 
 3 
 
 03 
 
 00 
 
PHILIP'S WAR. 
 
 lor 
 
 Sam. Thomas 
 Sam. Jones 
 Jonathan White 
 Joseph Whiting 
 Wm. Baker 
 John Gage 
 James Claghorn 
 John Pudgely 
 John Berry 
 William Gray 
 
 Horses lost at Mount Hope service- 
 Mr. Thomas Thornton's 
 Ben Rider's 
 Jonathan Smith's 
 Paul Sears's 
 John Crowell's 
 Mr. Mayo's 
 Ensign Thacher's 
 Thomas Boardman's 
 Annanias Wing's 
 
 For the hire of horses 
 
 The loss of arms, ammunition and money 
 
 Loss in saddles and bridles 
 
 Second expedition to Narragansett — 
 
 Capt. Gorham 
 
 Sergeant Wm. Gray 
 
 Corp. John Hallet 
 I Annanias Wing 
 
 Ben Hall 
 
 Sam. Eldridge 
 
 Henry Gold 
 
 William Chase 
 
 James Claghorn 
 
 John Pudgely 
 
 Sam. Baker 
 
 Richard Taylor 
 
 John Whiting 
 
 7 
 
 13 00 
 
 8 
 
 1 1 00 
 
 8 
 
 II 00 
 
 8 
 
 II 00 
 
 8 
 
 II 00 
 
 8 
 
 II 00 
 
 7 
 
 13 00 
 
 8 
 
 I [ 00 
 
 7 
 
 13 00 
 
 £164 
 
 08 09 
 
 I 
 
 00 00 
 
 j£g 00 00 
 
 
 10 00 
 
 00 
 
 21 13 
 
 00 
 
 II 15 
 
 10 
 
 ^00 00 00 
 
 
 6 12 
 
 
 5 02 
 
 
 2 14 
 
 
 4 10 
 
 
 4 10 
 
 
 3 16 
 
 
 4 10 
 
 
 4 10 
 
 
 4 10 
 
 
 4 10 
 
 
 3 12 
 
 
102 OLD YARMOUTH, 
 
 Sergeant Nath. Hall 12 06 
 
 Henry Gage 4 10 
 
 £6^ 12 00 
 Loss of arms to Narragansett, and ammunition — 
 
 The arms come to 7 09 00 
 
 The ammunition for which is 15 06 
 
 The third expedition, with Capt. Howes — for one month's 
 service — 
 
 Capt. Thos. Howes 6 00 00 
 
 Sergeant Sam. Hall 3 
 
 Lemuel Hedge i 16 
 John Matthews 
 
 John Whiting Jr. i 16 
 
 Sam. Thomas i 16 
 
 Sam. Jones i 16 
 
 John Gage i 16 
 
 Ben Rider i 16 
 
 £\c) 16 00 
 
 Arms lost and expense of money and ammunition, 
 
 and other expenses to the said service ;!^ 4 03 09 
 
 To the fourth expedition against our enemy Yarmouth press- 
 ed nine men, with Capt. Perse, with each man's wag- 
 es : 
 
 ►'Henry Gold 
 
 ►^John Gage 
 
 tWm. Gage 
 
 -Henry Gage 
 Wm. Nickerson /' 
 James Maker y 
 John Whiting . 
 
 - John Matthews 
 Ben Rider 
 
 £. 19 02 00 
 
 Loss and damage in the said expedition, 8 05 00 
 Yarmouth's disbursements to Indians in, this 
 
 war, in 1675 and '76, and billeting soldiers 5 00 00 
 
 2 
 
 05 
 
 00 
 
 2 
 
 05 
 
 
 2 
 
 05 
 
 
 3 
 
 03 
 
 
 2 
 
 14 
 
 
 2 
 
 18 
 
 
 2 
 
 14 
 18 
 
 
PHILIP'S WAR. 103 
 
 The fifth expedition to Plymouth with Capt. 
 
 Howes and twenty-one men, 11 13 00 
 
 The sixth expedition, Ensign John Thacher 
 and five men, to pursue Totoson the 
 Indian; their wages for one week a- 
 mounts to 3 05 00 
 
 More expended in provision to soldiers to 
 
 Plymouth, i 10 00 
 
 The pecuniary burdens of the war were not so great in the 
 Cape towns as in the other parts of the colony, because their 
 industrial pursuits were not so greatly interfered with, but 
 were still exceedingly onerous. Of the sums paid by the 
 towns, as their proportion of the general assessment of ;^iooo, 
 voted by the court in 1676, the amount assigned to Yar- 
 mouth was ;^74 15s. 6d. In June, an additional levy of men 
 was made, and £14 was assessed to Yarmouth for this pur- 
 pose. In July the tax of the colony was £,l6()2 i6s 02d ; of 
 this, the proportion of Yarmouth was £,266 01. 
 
 During these troublous times the friendship of the Cape 
 Indians remained steadfast and immovable. Great efforts 
 were made by Philip and his emissaries to detach them from 
 the cause of the English, but without avail. They were 
 naturally a more mild and docile race than the Indians of the 
 interior, but this does not entirely explain their position. To 
 the efforts that had been so assiduously, and in the best 
 spirit of Christian philanthropy, made by men like Richard 
 Bourne of Sandwich, Rev. Mr. Treat of Eastham, and Rev. 
 Thomas Thornton of Yarmouth, to christianize and civilize 
 them, must, in a large degree, be attributed their pacific dis- 
 position and conduct, in this hour of peril and need. The 
 best authorities agree that not less than 500 to 600 Indians, 
 able to bear arms, were then living on the Cape. It is not 
 too much to say, that with these Indians actively hostile, or 
 even unfriendly, the struggle, if not doubtful, would have 
 been for an indefinite period prolonged. Neither should it 
 
104 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 be forgotten that the justice in dealing with them, of our 
 Cape ancestors — buying and honestly paying for the lands 
 they occupied — was such as would naturally incline the In- 
 dians to amity. 
 
 An act of benevolence and friendship from across the wa- 
 ter, growing out of the troubles of the times, is found record- 
 ed in the court records. " Divers Christians in Ireland " 
 contributed and sent out the sum of £124. los. for the relief 
 of the sufferers by the war. Of this sum only los. was as- 
 signed in the distribution to Yarmouth, a comparatively 
 small sum, because of the greater suffering of the more ex- 
 posed communities, to whom the larger portion was granted. 
 It is somewhat remarkable that, from the "divers Christians" 
 in England and Wales, no word of cheer greeted the strug- 
 gling colonists, and no contribution is recorded from their 
 old home, in this dark and perilous period. 
 
 The spirit of fraternity and good will was kept alive among 
 the colonists through the whole of their terrible struggle. 
 The towns of Rehoboth, Taunton and Bridgewater, having 
 been devastated by the enemy, the Cape towns sent their 
 people a cordial invitation to come to them with their mova- 
 bles, for preservation and safety. Answers were returned, 
 filled with grateful acknowledgments, but, for prudential 
 reasons, the offers were declined. 
 
 Councils of War, for each town of the colony, were chosen 
 by the court, Edmund Hawes, John Miiler and Jeremiah 
 Howes constituting the members from Yarmouth. 
 
 A "Rate" made the year 1676, "towards the charges of 
 the late war," signed by Edmund Hawes, Samuel Rider and 
 James Matthews, shows the names of the tax-payers of the 
 town, and their comparative taxable property : 
 
 Yelverton Crowe, £4 i jWm. Folland, 13 i 
 
 Richard Berry, i 10 3, Samuel Rider, 526 
 
 John Miller, 3 8 Qjoseph Rider, 2 14 3 
 
PHILIFS WAR, 
 
 lO: 
 
 Elizabeth Taylor, 
 Rd. Taylor, 
 Hy. Whelden, 
 David O'Kelia, 
 Teague Merrihew, 
 Zachary Rider, 
 Wm. Eldridge, 
 Joshua Allen, 
 Sam. Hall, 
 John Hall, Sr, 
 Hy. Vincent, 
 Kenelme Winslow, 
 Wm. Griffin, 
 Wm. Chase, 
 Peter Worden, 
 Joseph Severance, 
 Samuel Worden, 
 John Dillingham, 
 John Wing, 
 
 ''Annanias Wing, 
 
 ^Joseph Wing, 
 John Baker, 
 Judah Thacher, 
 Samuel Jones, 
 William Gray, 
 James Bursell, 
 Anthony Fray, 
 Abisha Marchant, 
 Mr. Sunderland, 
 Mr. Thornton, 
 Sarah Matthews, 
 Joseph Hall, 
 Francis Baker, 
 John Merrihew, 
 Andrew Hallet, 
 Hosea Joyce, 
 John Crowe, Sr., 
 
 ^ Wm. Hall, 
 Zachariah Paddock, 
 Capt. Howes, 
 John Rider, 
 John Hawes, 
 
 2 17 
 
 2 6 
 r 4 
 15 
 12 
 6 
 8 
 10 
 
 9 
 13 
 10 
 
 8 
 16 
 
 5 
 6 17 
 
 5 16 
 3 6 
 
 2 16 
 
 1 2 
 
 3 10 
 12 
 
 13 
 
 2 12 
 
 / 
 15 
 
 1 10 
 
 2 10 
 
 2 6 
 
 2 2 
 
 ly I 
 
 5 7 
 
 3 10 
 I 2 
 
 7 2 
 2 3 
 
 I 
 
 3 7 
 
 6 7 
 
 2 14 
 
 3 10 
 
 Gershom Hall, 
 Samuel Matthews, 
 Teague Jones, 
 John Taylor, 
 Samuel Crow, 
 John Crow, Jr., 
 Joseph Howes, 
 Samuel Howes, 
 Mrs. Prence, 
 Nath'l Hall, 
 John Whelden, Sr., 
 Jeremiah Howes, 
 Edw. Sturgis, Jr. 
 Thomas Folland, Sr., 
 John Pugsley, 
 Joseph Benjamin, 
 John Thacher, 
 James Matthews, 
 Edmund Hawes, 
 Thomas Folland, Jr., 4 
 Richard Michall, 
 Jeremiah Jones, 
 Hannah Grey, 
 Richard Lake, 
 John Hadaway, 
 Edward Crowell, 
 Mary Sturgis, 
 John Fenny Sr., 
 Paul Sears, 
 Silas Sears, 
 Mr. Mayo, 
 James Meker, 
 Nath'l Baker, 
 Thomas Gage, 
 Hugh Stuart, 
 John Chase, 
 Dan'l Baker, 
 James Claghorn, 
 Nath'l Basset, 
 Thomas Boreman, 
 Mrs. Gorum, 
 Jabez Gorum, 
 
 I 
 
 13 
 
 9 
 
 I 
 
 13 
 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 
 3 
 
 8 
 
 10 
 
 2 
 
 8 
 
 4 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 
 7 
 
 1 1 
 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 9 
 
 I 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 
 15 
 
 5 
 
 4 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 7 
 
 14 
 
 
 6 
 
 14 
 
 6 
 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 
 IT 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 13 
 
 7 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 9 
 
 5 
 
 4 
 
 3 
 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 
 2 
 
 14 
 
 
 I 
 
 1 1 
 
 -> 
 J) 
 
 
 14 
 
 4 
 
 
 14 
 
 4 
 
 I 
 
 iS 
 
 6 
 
 I 
 
 
 7 
 
 
 16 
 
 6 
 
 5 
 
 8 
 
 7 
 
 I 
 
 8 
 
 6 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 1 1 
 
 3 
 
 I 
 
 14 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 9 
 
 2 
 
 15 
 
 6 
 
 
 12 
 
 4 
 
 
 13 
 
 9 
 
 -7 
 
 15 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 9 
 
 6 
 
 I 
 
 7 
 
 
 3 
 
 7 
 
 6 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 3 
 
io6 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 John Matthews, 13 6 
 
 John Burges, 4 
 
 John Marchant, 2 1 1 
 
 Mr. Yesson, of Boston, 18 
 
 Nicholas Nickerson, 3 10 11 
 John Hall, Jr., 2 15 
 
 Elisha Hedge, 788 
 
 Edward Sturgis, Sr.. 7 11 3 
 Abram Hedge, i 7 6 
 
 i ^297 
 
 The alacrity and promptitude with which our fathers set 
 about the payment of the obligations incurred in carrying on 
 the war is worthy of special recognition. No bonds, payable 
 in the distant future, were issued ; no part of the burden was 
 left to be borne by posterity. They promptly ascertained 
 the full amount of the indebtedness, and, though it took the 
 entire personal property of the colony, they paid it up to the 
 uttermost farthing. The rich farming lands at Mount Hope, 
 and other haunts of the exterminated Indians, which were 
 promptly confiscated, constituted the only reprisal of this 
 bloody and exhausting struggle. 
 
CHAPTER XI. 
 
 FROM PHILIP'S WAR TO THE UNION WITH 
 MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 Deaths — Warning to Sawtucket People— Black-birds and Crows — Freemen in 1678 — 
 Pensions— Minister's Salary — Whales cast on Shore — Half-Way Covenant— The 
 White Family — Indians— Repairing the Meeting-House — County of Barnstable — Di- 
 vision of Sesuet — William and Mary's War — The Whale Fishery, and Zachariah Pad- 
 dock — Sir Edmund Andros's Administration — Union of Plymouth with Massachusetts. 
 
 SEVERAL prominent citizens of the town paid the debt 
 of nature in the year 1676, among them, Mr. Richard 
 Sears, "the Pilgrim," Capt. Thomas Howes, and Mr. Judah 
 Thacher, the two last-named, sons of grantees of the town. 
 Capt. Howes had served in the war, just preceding his death. 
 Rev. John Mayo also died here this year, having left Boston 
 in 1673, to reside with his daughter, the wife of Joseph 
 Howes. Mr. Mayo emigrated from England about 1639, was 
 one of the original settlers of Barnstable, and first pastor of 
 of the Second church in Boston, from 1655 to 1673. 
 
 The first town-meeting of which any record is extant was 
 held May 30th, 1677, when " the townsmen did forewarn 
 John Wing and our neighbors from Sawtucket from purchas- 
 ing any of our lands in the bounds of our township, of any 
 Indians, or to take any possession thereof from them, as 
 being contrary to court order." At a meeting held in Nov., 
 it was voted, in relation to attendance at town meetings, 
 " that if any townsman doth not make his appearance upon 
 the second call to answer to his name, he shall be fined 6d, 
 unless the townsmen accept his excuse." The license of 
 Edward Sturgis to keep an ordinary, was recalled by the 
 
io8 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 court. The growing abuse of spirituous liquors this year 
 attracted the attention of the Court, which took measures to 
 restrain the evil. The former regulations relating to ordi- 
 naries and ordinary keepers were reaffirmed and were accu- 
 rately defined, and John Hawes and Anthony Fray were 
 appointed for this town to enforce the laws on the subject. 
 
 May, 1678, voted that "every ratable person in town shall 
 kill or cause to be killed six black birds or crows, by the last 
 of July next, or else to pay 2s. 6d. for his neglect, and the 
 fine to be added to the rate of such persons as do not bring, 
 in the fall, the tail of birds, or head, to the men appointed to 
 receive them." 
 
 The names of the Freemen of the town on record in May, 
 1678, were as follows : 
 
 Joseph Burges, John Ryder, Sr. 
 
 Joseph Hall, Jr. Joseph Ryder, 
 
 Samuel Hall, Zach. Ryder, 
 
 Thomas Hall, Sr. Paul Sears, 
 
 Edmund Hawes, Silas Sears, 
 
 John Howes, Edward Sturgis, 
 
 Jeremiah Howes, Je. Taylor, 
 
 Jeremiah Howes, Jr. John Thacher, 
 
 Joseph Howes, Peter Thacher, 
 
 Sam'l Howes, Thomas Thornton, 
 
 John Miller, Henry Vincent, 
 
 Zach. Paddock, Sr. Col. Winslow. 
 
 These names were probably in addition to those before re- 
 corded. 
 
 In 1679, the town appointed a committee, consisting of 
 Edward Sturgis, Joseph Howes, and John Hall, Jr., "to 
 collect the residue of Mr. Thornton's salary, so that he may 
 not remain unpaid of his due, to the blemish of the town." 
 The disposition on the part of some of the people in all the 
 towns to neglect the duty of supporting the ministry, was a 
 prevailing complaint of the times, to which the judicial and 
 legislative records bear witness. Mr. Thornton's salary was 
 
PHILIP'S WAR rO THE UNION. 109 
 
 ;^6o per year, payable, partly in money and partly in pro- 
 ducts of the soil. The next year the town voted, "that half 
 the stipend be paid in species ; the other part in Indian corn 
 at 3s. perbu., and rye the same;" or "in any other species 
 (spesya) at the price our merchants do take at." 
 
 In 1680, Josias Winslow, Governor of Plymouth Colony, 
 died, and Thomas Hinckley of Barnstable, was chosen to 
 succeed him in office. An agreement was made "with our 
 neighbors, the purchasers and proprietors of the land between 
 Stony Brook and Bound Brook," subsequently signed by 
 Annanias Wing, Paul Sears, Kenelm Winslow, and John 
 Dillingham, Jr., on the one part, and by John Thacher, Sam- 
 uel Howes, Thomas Sturgis and Josias Thacher on behalf of 
 the town. The nature of the agreement is not disclosed, but 
 is supposed to have reference to the purchase of lands. 
 John Paysley, a disabled soldier from this town, was award- 
 ed the sum of y^3 by the court. Nathaniel Hall, also 
 of this town, was this year and the four years succeeding, 
 voted various sums in consideration of the wounds he 
 received in the Indian wars; in all amounting to £yo, with 
 a license to keep an ordinary and sell spirituous liquors, with 
 all fines collected from those in town convicted of sellino- 
 contrary to law, besides ;£6 per annum for life. But the 
 business became so distasteful to Mr. Hall's wife, a daughter 
 of the Rev. Mr. Thornton, that he not long after gave it up 
 and sold out the privilege conferred upon him. 
 
 At a town meeting held in February, 1680, the town 
 "agreed with our neighbors underwritten in their several 
 bounds, to look out for and secure the town all such whales 
 as by God's providence shall be cast up in their several 
 bounds, for the sum of ^"4 a whale, to be paid in blubber or 
 oil, till the town see cause to alter the manner : Paul Sears, 
 Sam Worden, Silas Sears, John Burge, Annanias Wing, 
 from Sawtucket to Sawsuit Harbor mouth. Joseph Howes, 
 Sam Howes, John Hall, Jere. Howes, from Sawsuit to Yar- 
 
iro OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 mouth Harbor. John Rider, John Hallet, John Hawes, CapL 
 Thacher, from Yarmouth Harbor to the Mill Creek ; and 
 they are to have ;^5 for every whale that is cut up betwixt 
 Gray's Beach and the Mill Creek, as aforesaid. " 
 
 The difficulties in the church, relating to the " Half-way 
 Covenant," are brought to light by incidental allusions in 
 the writings of this time. The question gave our fathers a 
 good deal of trouble. "The synod of 1662 had laid down 
 the principle that ' church members admitted in their mi- 
 nority, understanding the doctrines of faith, and publicly 
 professing their assent thereto, not scandalous in life, their 
 children are to be baptized.'' This was an innovation upon 
 the practice of New England churches, that had uniformly 
 required satisfactory evidence of regeneration before baptism ; 
 but Mr. Thornton, while a minister of the Church of Eng- 
 land, had adopted the custom, and continued it here, though 
 some of his brethren complained of it, especially Rev. Mr. 
 Cotton, then pastor at Plymouth." The application of this 
 rule had a political as well as a religious bearing. Only 
 church members could be freemen and magistrates, and so 
 long as the views of Mr. Thornton and his sympathizers pre- 
 vailed, a considerable extension of electoral rights and privi- 
 leges was the result. 
 
 An entry in the Proprietors" book of grants, made in i68r, 
 is connected with a family of prominence in the future annals 
 ©f the town. Jonathan White was granted by the committee 
 seven and one-half acres of land. He was the son of Pere- 
 grine, born in Cape Cod Harbor, on board the Mayflower. 
 Jonathan was born in Marshfield, 4th June, 1658, and was in 
 town in 1675, and though only seventeen years of age, was 
 in Capt. Gorham's company, in Philip's war. He was a black- 
 smith, and his house stood on the county road, near the 
 stream now called for him. White s Brook. He lived in 
 Middleboro' during his. latter years. The town records cor^- 
 tain the following curious entry: "Jonathan White, son of 
 
pmi/p's trAk Td Tim vmos\ nj 
 
 l?eregrine and Sarah of Marshfield, b. June 4, 1658; brought 
 to record by said Jonathan, May 18, 1670. Yarm. feCorded 
 by me, John Miller, clerk." The family of Jonathan preserve 
 the cane brought over in the Mayflower, by the father of 
 Peregrine White, which has been scrupulously cared for and 
 handed down, often by will, frorh father to son, from genera- 
 tion to generation. It is an authentic and undoubted sou- 
 venir of that historic vessel. 
 
 At the June court, 1682, John Thacher of this town was 
 chosen an Assistant. Voted by the town, that " no Indian 
 Shall be permitted to gather pine knots, or run any kiln, or 
 work about tar in any part of the township." This looks 
 rather unjust towards the Indians, the original proprietors of 
 the soil. 
 
 May 16, 1683, the town voted, " that Capt. Thacher and 
 the Selectmen shall agree with a workman to finish the 
 ineeting-house, both within and without, so far as they shall 
 see needful-^ ceil it with boards, glaze the windows, mend 
 the window-seat.s and secure them from wet, underpin, etc. ; 
 and bring in account of the charges, to be paid by rate." The 
 bridges over Eel River aftd Jones's River, Plymouth, were 
 ordered to be rebuilt, and Sandwich, Barnstable and Yar- 
 tnouth were each assessed J^^ towards the expense. This 
 town remonstrated, but without effect. 
 
 In 1685, "the government being much enlarged," the coh 
 ony was divided into three counties, viz : Plymouth, Bristol 
 and Barnstable. In the County of Barnstable were seven 
 towns, viz: Barnstable, Sandwich, Yarmouth, Eastham, 
 Monomoyet, Succanesset, Sippecan, the three last not being 
 fully organized as towns. Barnstable was made the shire 
 town. Sippecan was the region comprising the present 
 towns of Wareham, Rochester, Marion and Mattapoisett, but 
 it did not continue for many years a portion of this County. 
 
 In April, 1685, it was voted by the tovvn, that Sesuet neck 
 be divided, and the town made choice of Capt. Th.icher, John 
 
112 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 Miller, Thomas Sturges and Joseph Rider to make the divis- 
 ion, equally to every townsman. Wm. Chase, the second 
 of that name, died. 
 
 The charges for the war against the Eastern Indians were 
 apportioned by the court in Oct. 1689, at ^751, the propor- 
 tion of Yarmouth being ^41. From this time until 1689, 
 being the period of the government of Sir Edmund Andros, 
 the functions of the local government were suspended, and 
 distrust and disorder prevailed. 
 
 In 1690 commenced what is known as William and Mary's 
 ^var, which lasted for seven years. The colonies responded 
 to repeated calls for men, and the taxation incident to the wan 
 In May, 60 men were raised from Plymouth colony, of which 
 4 were from Yarmouth. In June, 153 men were called for 
 from the colony, the proportion of Yarmouth being 10. The 
 debt incurred by Plymouth Colony, as its share of the expense 
 of the campaign, was ^1350; the proportion of Barnstable 
 County was ^455 4s. 9d. ; of Yarmouth, ^104 2s. 9d, The 
 ratable estate of the town was ^2777, being larger than any 
 of the twenty towns in the colony, except Plymouth, Scitu- 
 ate and Barnstable. 
 
 THE WHALE FISHERY. 
 
 In the year 1690, a native inhabitant of this town, was 
 engaged to teach the people of Nantucket,, the art of killing 
 whalesy by means of boats from the shore. Our coast was' 
 from the earliest period of its discovery and settlement noted 
 as- the resort of whales. The captain and mate of the May-- 
 flower thought that the whale fishery Vi^ould be more profita- 
 ble in the Bay than at Greenland, and the settlers of the 
 County early turned their attention to this business. " Find-- 
 ing that the people of Cape Cod bad made greater proficiency 
 than themselves," Macy, the historian of the island, says, "the 
 inhabitants, in 1690, sent thither and employed a man by the 
 name of Ichabod Paddock to instruct chem in the best man-' 
 
PHILIPS WAR TO THE tiNIOAK 113 
 
 fitt of killing whales and extracting their oil." The pursuit 
 T:)f whales in boats from the shore, commenced very soon after 
 the settlement, increased from year to year, till it became the 
 principal branch of business with the islanders. "The 
 inhabitants of this town, and of all the Cape communities, 
 liad, years before, arrived at gfeat proficiency in this exciting 
 pursuit, which they had followed with remarkable success as 
 Xvell as profit. The title to whales cast up on shore was, 
 from the earliest times, a prolific source of controversy 
 between the inhabitants and the colonial authorities. The 
 Usage, settled for many years, was that the finders of whales 
 on shore, or within a mile thereof, should pay to the colonial 
 authorities one hogshead of merchantable oil, delivered free 
 of charge in Boston. The people were not, however, content 
 with waiting for their prey to die and be cast upon the land, 
 but pursued them with boats and captured them in the bay. 
 Cotton Mather, writing on this subject in 1697, says, "They 
 <the settlers of Plymouth Colony) have since passed on to 
 the catching of whales, whose oil has become a staple 
 commodity of the country, and within a few days of my writ' 
 ing this paragraph, 1697, a cow and a calf were caught at 
 Yarmouth; the cow was 55 feet long; the bone was 9 or 10 
 inches wide ; a cart upon wheels might have gone into the 
 mouth of it. The calf was 20 feet long, for unto such vast 
 calves the sea-monsters draw forth their breasts. But so 
 does the good God here give the people to suck the sea." 
 From the earliest period of the history of the town a tract of 
 land has been reserved for the use of the inhabitants, and 
 known as the Whaling Grounds. It is situated in the north- 
 ■westerly part of the present town of Dennis, and is still held 
 in common by the two towns. • There is no record of the 
 laying out of these lands, but by the references made to 
 them in various documents, it appears that they were 
 undoubtedly laid out by the early proprietors of the town, for 
 a look-out for those watching- for whales. In 17 13, the pro^ 
 
114 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 prietors enlarged the reservation by adding about two acfes 
 at the west end, doubtless that the whalemen might have a 
 convenient place to fill water. Upon this reservation a 
 house or houses were erected, in which the whalemen lived, 
 and a watch was kept up to notify the crews when the whales 
 appeared. The business was successful for many years, and 
 fortunes were acquired by the more hardy and enterprising 
 whalemen in the town. The boats were sometift".es manned 
 with native Indians, who were remarkably well adapted for 
 the business. Mr. Jonathan Howes, a grandson of the first 
 Thomas, derived sufficient profit in one fortunate season's 
 whaling, with a company of these Indians, to pay for a large 
 two-story house which he built, and which was standing some 
 twenty years ago. This business was pursued for many 
 years, and when whales became scarce, larger vessels were 
 employed ; until the need of still larger crafts and eligible 
 harbors, carried the industry to more favored localities. 
 
 The town, in 1690, voted to sell a lot of land, for the pur- 
 pose of raising money to compensate Mr. Wiswald of Dux- 
 bury, for his efforts to secure a charter for the colony. Mr, 
 W. repaired to England upon the deposition of Sir Edmund 
 Andros, in the interest of Plymouth colony, but his efforts 
 there were unsuccessful. The town also granted a lot of two 
 or three acres of land in Sesuet Neck, for the use of parties 
 engaged in the manvifacture of salt. A road was opened "40 
 ft. wide, extending from Sawtucket river westward to the 
 county road of Barnstable." 
 
 In 1691 the Rev. John Cotton was settled as colleague 
 with Mr. Thornton, whose age and infirmities admonished 
 him and his peojole that such a step was a wise and necessary 
 precaution. 
 
 The next year, 1692, marks the close of the duration of 
 the colony of Plymouth, which, after a separate existence of 
 
PHILIP'S WAR TO THE UNION. 115 
 
 seventy-one years, was merged in the younger but more 
 powerful colony of Massschusetts, the two to henceforth be 
 known as the Province of Massachusetts Bay. 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 UNDER THE PROVINCIAL CHARTER. 
 
 First Provincial Representatives — Mr. Thornton's Removal — Schools — "Seating'^ 
 Congregations — Deaths — Various Town Meeting votes — Whale Boat Fleets — Mr. 
 Cotton's death — Mr. Greenleaf's Settlement— Deaths of Mr. Basset and Mr. Miller 
 — Mr. Jaqiiesh the Schoolmaster. 
 
 JOHN Thacher and Jeremiah Howes were chosen, in 
 1692, the first Representatives to Boston, under the 
 Provincial charter. 
 
 In 1693 Rev. Thomas Thornton closed his ministry here, 
 and removed to Boston, and Mr. Cotton became sole pastor. 
 The town voted to give him, "for yearly maintenance and 
 encouragement to settle among us in the work of the minis- 
 try, ;^56." Subsequently, a proffer was made of '" :£6o and 
 the new town-house, barn, lands, etc., provided he spend his 
 natural life here." The town voted to pay a bounty of 20s. 
 in silver, for old wolves' heads ; and for the head and body of 
 young wolves, dead or alive, 5s. each, if taken within the town 
 borders. This regulation, or one substantially like it, was 
 several times subsequently re-enacted. 
 
 Joseph Howes, John Hawes, John Hallet and John Miller 
 were appointed a committee "to agree with some fit person 
 to teach school." The school was "to be kept in five squad- 
 rons, — so runs the record, — the boundaries of which are 
 thus defined : " ist, beginning at Jonathan Hallet's, and 
 round the said town to Hosea Joyce's, Joseph Ryder's, Samuel 
 Hall's and Joseph Maker's, from Sept. to Jan. 3 ; 2d, beginning 
 at John Godfrey's and all Nobscusset and Zach. Paddock's, 
 from Jan. 4 to April i; 3d, beginning at widow Boardman's to 
 
UNDER THE PROVINCIAL CHARTER. 117 
 
 Sawquetucket Mill or River, from April 11 to June 19; 
 4th, Bass Pond squadron, from Thomas Folland's, Benj, 
 Matthevvs's, and all the east side of Bass River, from June 20 
 to July 17 ; 5th, South Sea squadron, beginning at Thomas 
 Bill's, all the west side of Bass River and South Sea, from 
 Thomas Batter's, from July 15 to last of August." 
 
 In 1694, Capt. John Thacher, Lt. Silas Sears, Mr. John 
 Miller and Sergt. Joseph Ryder were appointed to "seat the 
 men and women and others in the meeting-house." The 
 seating of a congregation was an important and a delicate 
 matter. Seats were assigned according to rank, social posi- 
 tion, wealth and other public considerations, and it was not, 
 at all times, an easy task to satisfy the expectations of a so- 
 ciety in this respect. 
 
 In 1695, John Taylor was appointed to take care of the 
 meeting-house, for one year, for which service he was to 
 receive ^\. The next year, John Godfrey was appointed to 
 this service, but the appointment was subsequently revoked, 
 and it was agreed that "Mr. Cotton's Indian, Saxuant," 
 should do it, for which Mr. Cotton was to receive the j^i. 
 It was also agreed that "each townsman shall give and haul 
 to the minister one load of wood. Mr. Joseph Howes, Sr., 
 son of Capt. Thomas, and a grandson of one of the grantees, 
 died this year. Also, Mr. Edward Sturgis, one of the first 
 comers ; and " Mrs. Mary Prence, relict of Gov. Prence," died 
 at the house of her son-in-law, Jeremiah Howes. 
 
 In 1696 died Francis Baker, probably the last of the first 
 comers to this town, at the age of 85. Mr. John Hall, the 
 progenitor of the family here, died July 23, of this year. 
 
 In 1697 a contribution was taken and sent to Mr. Thornton, 
 who had removed to Boston. The court was petitioned to 
 license but one ordinary in town. John Thacher, Thomas 
 Sturgis, and William Hedge were granted leave to set up a 
 windmill on the commons, to use one acre of land, for the 
 site, the mill not to be rated. The Quakers' scruples were 
 
ii8 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 recognized, and their right of exemption from the payment 
 of the ministerial tax practically conceded, in an indirect 
 manner. It was ordered, " that the Quakers be rated for the 
 support of the ministry, but that the tax be made so much 
 larger, that Mr. Cotton may have his full salary." Major 
 Thacher and Zach. Paddock were appointed to join the Se- 
 lectmen, to run the line between the town and "the purchas- 
 ers" of the town of Harwich. 
 
 In 1698, ;^io additional was voted for Mr. Cotton's salary. 
 The town, having been presented for non-maintenance of a 
 sufficient pound, provided for erecting one, to be set upon 
 the knoll between Jonathan White's and Joseph Taylor's 
 lands. A penalty of £,\ was enacted for taking fencing-stuff, 
 timber or wood from the town commons, or hay from the 
 fiats. Difficulty was experienced in getting the proper per- 
 sons to take the office of Representative to the General 
 Court. Mr. Thomas Sturgis, Sergeant Rider, Mr. John 
 Howes and Mr. Jeremiah Howes, were each chosen and de- 
 clined. The meetings were so thinly attended that it was 
 found necessary to impose a fine of is. on every legal voter 
 absent. 
 
 In 1699, ^ committee was chosen to look out for a school- 
 master. A reward was offered for the trapping of wolves. 
 Mr. John Wing died. He was the son of John Wing of 
 Sandwich, reputed to be the common ancestor of the fami- 
 lies of that name on the Cape. 
 
 Feb. 15, 1700, Rev. Thomas Thornton, the beloved former 
 minister of this town, died in Boston, aged nearly 91 years. 
 Judge Sewell visited him in his last hours on earth, and bore 
 witness to the serenity and faith of his closing hours of 
 life. Mr. Thornton was of Yorkshire lineage. He was a 
 minister of the established church, and of the number of 
 those ejected from their livings by the Act of Conformity, 
 in 1662, which led to his embarkation to North America. 
 He was ripe scholar, and a man of more than ordinary ability 
 
UNDER THE PROVINCIAL CHARIER. 119 
 
 and force of character. Mr. Jehn Clark was engaged this 
 year for school-master, to have, besides his salary, provision 
 for keeping his horse, his circuit being so extended as to 
 require that facility. 
 
 In 1 701, Mr. John Miller was chosen Representative, to 
 have 3s. 6d. per day, and to be allowed two extra days for 
 travel, " in consideration of his age and the greatness of the 
 journey." Major Thacher, Capt. John Hawes, Mr. Jeremiah 
 Howes, Mr. John Miller and Mr. Thomas Folland were ap- 
 pointed a committee to make out a list of such persons as are 
 rightful proprietors of the commons. 
 
 In 1702, a gratuity of £^6 was granted to Thomas Sturgis 
 and others, the owners of the windmill, for repairs, they 
 agreeing to grind for a toll of two quarts per bushel, for the 
 term of three years. " Mr. Cotton agreed to take ^^40 of the 
 product of the whale fishery the past year, "the town to 
 have the balance." Dea. Josiah Thacher died. 
 
 In 1703, John Thacher, Jeremiah Howes, Samuel Sturgis^ 
 Joseph Hall and Peter Thacher were appointed a committee 
 to "seat persons in the meeting-house," a matter which 
 seemed frequently to require rectification and re-adjustment. 
 
 In 1704, the town released Thomas Sturgis and others from 
 their obligation to maintain a windmill for grinding grain. 
 
 WHALE-BOAT FLEETS. 
 
 The foregoing brief transcripts from the town records, of 
 the internal concerns of the community, are connected with 
 others, which give evidence of the pendency of hostilities, 
 but fail to convey an adequate idea of the hardships and sac- 
 rifices incident thereto. During King William's War, which 
 raged almost uninterruptedly, from 1699 ^^ '^1^1^ 1^0 l^ss 
 than five expeditions were fitted out from the colony to oper- 
 ate against the enemy in the Eastern country and iji Canada, 
 and in all of these the Cape towns bore a conspicuous part, 
 and especially in the whaleboat fleets, which always accom- 
 
120 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 panied these expeditions. These crafts were necessarily 
 small, because the enemy's ports were usually located near 
 the heads of rivers, beyond the tide-waters, where ordinary 
 transports could not approach them. They were manned by 
 whalemen, sailors and friendly Indians. Upon the wale of 
 each boat, strong pieces of leather were fastened, so that 
 whenever they grounded the men could step overboard, slip 
 long bars through the leather loops, and take up the boats 
 and carry them to deeper water. At night or in stormy 
 weather, the boats were taken on shore, turned over and 
 used instead of shelter tents. Each boat was fitted with a 
 brass kettle and other conveniences for cooking. These 
 expeditions were commanded by the famous Capt. Benjamin 
 Church, who visited the Cape in the winter of 1703-4, and 
 enlisted a large number of men for his fifth expedition. 
 Lieutenant Col. John Gorham of Barnstable, usually com- 
 manded the whaleboat fleets, and in most of these expeditions 
 was second in command, and many officers and men from 
 Yarmouth and other Cape towns, were engaged in them. 
 Nathaniel Hall of this town, was a captain in one of the first 
 of these expeditions, notwithstanding the mutilation he suf- 
 fered in Philip's war. Besides the loss of life and limb which 
 these expeditions entailed, the colonists were greatly impov- 
 erished by the debt and taxation, which are the inevitable 
 accompaniments of war, and the issue of bills of credit, from 
 time to time resorted to, served to aggravate rather than to 
 alleviate the burdens which they were forced to assume. 
 These expeditions were prolific of adventure, and in after 
 years the old soldiers and sailors who took part in them, 
 seated in their roundabout chairs within their capacious 
 chimney corners, would relate to the young the story of 
 their adventures in the old French wars. 
 
 In 1705, John Clark, the schoolmaster, died. Also Jere- 
 miah Jones. 
 
UNDER THE PROVINCIAL CHARTER, I2l 
 
 From this time forward until 1710, the most important 
 matters that are recorded of historical importance, relate to 
 the religious concerns of the town. "'The ill health of Mr. 
 Cotton made it necessary in 1704 to secure assistance for 
 him, and the services of Mr. Gardiner, a Scotch minister, 
 then residing in Cushnet, were secured for a time, as well as 
 those of Mr. Josias Cotton, and April 26, 1705, the pastor 
 was compelled to resign on account of 'weakness of body 
 and mind.' He died Feb. 11, 1706, at the age of 45, and 
 the funeral charges were paid by the town. Mr. Cotton was 
 the grandson of the distinguished John Cotton, of Boston, 
 The church seems to have treated Mr. Cotton v/ith great 
 consideration and kindness, increasing his salary by ten 
 pounds from year to year as there was need, and providing 
 for his family during his sickness, at the same time assum- 
 ing the entire care of the pulpit." 
 
 " In a few weeks after his decease, March 26, 1706, a call 
 was extended to Mr. Barnet to become the pastor, with a 
 salary of £,60, which was declined, and in Aug. 20, 1707, an 
 offer of £"^0 was made to Mr, David Greenleaf, to labor here 
 one year, with the additional engagement to pay the expens- 
 es of the removal of his family from Newbury, and to provide 
 a dwelling-house. Mr. G. agreed to come, after stipulating 
 that the town should pay the charges for transporting his 
 family and goods to Boston, in the event of his removing at 
 the end of the year. The town, anticipating the original 
 provision, extended a call to him to settle in May, 1708, 
 offering him ^'80 yearly salary, and in case he became dis- 
 abled by age or otherwise, he was to receive jQs^ during his 
 natural life in Yarmouth. Mr. Greenleaf presented to the 
 town two propositions for their consideration, before return- 
 ing his reply. The first was, that in addition to his yearly 
 salary, there should be granted to him a house lot with forty 
 acres of common lands and five acres of meadow, and ^135 
 to build a house, barn and well, which should be his own 
 
122 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 property, the land returning to the town at the close of his 
 ministry. The second proposition was, that the town should 
 grant him the use of the parsonage lands during his life, and 
 ;^ 1 60 for a house, which should be kept in repair by the 
 town and return to their use at the end of his ministry 
 among them. He also required £\Q^ pounds to be given 
 him, 50 at his settlement, and 50 more at the end of five 
 years. The town accepted the second proposition. This 
 was afterwards modified so as to make the amount ^^200, to 
 be paid in two installments, o^ £\oo each." These terms are 
 very explicitly stated, because they afterwards became the 
 subject of controversy and litigation. " Mr. Greenleaf was 
 the first young minister the church had ever settled ; and 
 they seemed disposed to grant whatever he might desire, so 
 far as this world's goods were concerned. The ordination 
 took place in the summer of 1708, and a committee was 
 appointed ' to see that suitable entertainment be made for 
 the ministers and messengers from the churches about to 
 assemble for the ordination of Mr. G.' "' At a meeting held 
 May 17, 1708, the town being informed that Mr. Greenleaf 
 had rather live at the east side of White's Brook than where 
 Mr. Cotton formerly lived, whereupon the town gave and 
 granted 12 acres of land between Jasper Taylor's field and 
 William Matthews's field, for a houselot, and six score 
 pounds in current, merchantable pay to build on said land. 
 Mr. Greenleaf was the first, and perhaps the only, minister, 
 of this parish who resided east of White's Brook. 
 
 Mr. Jeremiah Howes died in 1706. He was a son of the 
 first Thomas, and a prominent and influential citizen. He 
 was 10 years Deputy, 2 years Representative after the 
 Union of the colonies, and 20 years Selectman. He married 
 Sarah, daughter of Gov. Thomas Prence, who died March 
 
 3, 1704- 
 
 In 1 710, Jan. 16, Mr. Nathaniel Basset died, aged 82 
 
 « Rev. J. W. Dodge's Historical Discourse. 
 
UNDER THE PROVINCIAL CHARTER. 123 
 
 years. He was the son of William, who came to Plymouth 
 in the Fortune, in 1621, was in that town as late as 1627, 
 then of Duxbury, afterwards of Bridgewater, where he died 
 m T667. Nathaniel first settled in Marshfield, and came to 
 Yarmouth in 1684, residing near the first meeting-house. 
 The family was one of distinction in the colony, and his 
 descendants are quite numerous in the town. Rev. Mr. 
 Greenleaf having informed the town that the Indians 
 desired that the citizens should grant them the use of an 
 acre of land " on the west side of the way which leads from 
 the town to the Swan Pond, near where their old meeting- 
 house now standeth, it was granted for that use, and no 
 other." The presumption is, that the land was desired for 
 some purpose in connection with their meetings. 
 
 June II, 171 1, Mr. John Miller died, aged 79. He was 
 the eldest son of the second minister, and married Margaret, 
 daughter of Gov. Josias Winslow. He remained in town 
 after his father's removal, and was for many years a school- 
 master, his house being located nearly on the same site as 
 the present school-house on the north side of the town. He 
 served one year as Representative, and was ten years Town 
 Clerk. His son, Josiah, was a prominent citizen. There are 
 no male branches of the family in town at this time, Mr. 
 Jaquesh was the same year engaged as Mr. Miller's success- 
 or as school-master, " to keep the English school, to teach 
 children to read, write and cypher ; also a grammar school 
 to teach Latin, provided he may be obtained at the same 
 price." The school, in 1707, was directed to be kept the 
 first half year in some convenient place between Mr. Jona. 
 Hallet's and White's Brook ; the next half at Nobscusset." 
 The salary for the schoolmaster in 17 12 was £,24, with 
 5 s. per week additional for board. In 171 5 the salary was 
 £26, with a like sum for board. 
 
CHAPTER xirr. 
 
 DIVISION OF THE COMMON LANDS. 
 
 The Committee's Grants — Votes for Dividing the lands — Committees chosen — T'erre> 
 ment, Personal and Property Rights — List of tl>e Proprietors and their several pro- 
 portions -- Third and Final Division — The Indian and other Reservations- 
 
 THE town had now been settled about seventy years. The 
 first comers had been gathered to their fathers, and 
 their children and grandchildren were filling their places and 
 carrying forward the work for which they had so bravely 
 toiled. The original estates of the first-comers had necessa- 
 rily been divided and sub-divided, the area of improved lands 
 to each proprietor had been considerably restricted, and it 
 was found desirable to make a division of the common lands 
 among the rightful proprietors. Grants of these lands had 
 been made, from time to time, by the committees appointed 
 by the court. The first record of these grants was com 
 menced in 1672, and the record reads, '* John Thacher was 
 appointed to keep this book and enter records therein." The 
 committee were, Mr. Edmund Hawes, Thomas Boardman, 
 Mr. Thomas Howes, Andrew Hallet, John Thacher. After- 
 wards added by the court, in the place of Capt. Howes and 
 Andrew Hallet, Jeremiah Howes, John Miller. This com- 
 mittee disposed of the lands from time to time to a limited 
 extent. In February, 17 10, the town voted to choose a com- 
 mittee to draw up for the consideration of the proprietors at 
 the next meeting, some plan for a division of the common 
 lands ; and Col. Thacher, Mr. John Hallet, Samuel Sturgis, 
 Mr. Joseph Hall and Zachariah Paddock, Jr., were chosen 
 the committee. In April of the same year, the committee 
 
DIVISION OF THE COMMON LANDS. 125 
 
 made their report, which was accepted by the town. They 
 recommended that the division be made on the followino- 
 plan, viz: ist. That one third of the commons shall be 
 apportioned to tenements, the owners to be inhabitants of 
 the town, or the children or successors of those now inhabi- 
 tants who have tenement rights, or of those who were free- 
 holders in 1661, and had borne charge in settling the town, 
 and that no person should have to exceed two tenement 
 rights. 2d. One-third to all male persons 21 years of age 
 and over, born in town and now inhabitants, or those not 
 born here who have been inhabitants 21 years, and have 
 possessed a tenement 21 years. 3d. One-third, according to 
 real estate, as each person was rated in 1709. A committee 
 was then chosen to report a list of persons in town entitled 
 to a portion of the public lands, and the number of shares to 
 which each one is entitled, the committee consisting of 
 Col. Thacher, Samuel Sturgis, Joseph Hall, John Howes, 
 Peter Thacher. The committee reported May 23d, and 
 their report was confirmed. The town then chose a commit- 
 tee of relief, to hear and report on such as might feel 
 aggrieved at the committee's report, the relief committee 
 consisting of Samuel Sturgis, Levi Howes, Zachariah Pad- 
 dock, Jr., Joseph Hall, and John Howes. The relief committee 
 reported the ensuing August, making but few changes from 
 the original report. In February, 171 1, the Proprietors of 
 the common lands met, and agreed that one-third of the 
 undivided lands be laid out to the individual proprietors, 
 according to their interests therein, for planting lots, and 
 one-third more for wood lots, and Col. John Thacher, Mr. 
 John Hallet, Mr. Elisha Hall, and Mr. Joseph Hall were 
 appointed a committee for that purpose. The committee 
 were also authorized to lay out such highways and private 
 ways in those undivided lots as they deemed proper. " The 
 whole number of shares is 3135." [afterwards altered to 31 18.] 
 The Proprietors' clerk was directed to make out a list of 
 
126 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 Proprietors from the town book and record them, and a h'st 
 is given below. By a general average, 9 shares were assigned 
 to each tenement right, and 7 1-2 to each personal right. No 
 person was to have more than two of the former, and there 
 were only four persons in town found to be entitled to more 
 than one, viz : Col. John Thacher, Joseph Hall, Jonathan 
 White and Ebenezer Howes. All the residue over the tene- 
 ment and personal rights was on account of proportionate 
 ownership in the taxable real estate in town. 
 
 The division was made by lot, and the drawings were com- 
 pleted and choice made during the summer of 171 2. A large 
 portion of these lots have remained in the families of the 
 first owners down to the present time 
 
 
 Shares. 
 
 Col, John Thacher, 
 
 51 1-2 
 
 Capt. Sam'l Howes, 
 
 32 
 
 Lieutenant Jonathan Howes, 
 
 32 
 
 Jonathan Hallet, 
 
 70 
 
 John Hallet, 
 
 59 
 
 Ebenezer Hallet, 
 
 7 1-2 
 
 Andrew Hallet, 
 
 7 1-2 
 
 John Hallet, Jr., 
 
 7 1-2 
 
 Isaac Hawes, 
 
 24 1-2 
 
 Joseph Hawes, 
 
 28 
 
 Peter Thacher, 
 
 25 1-2 
 
 Mr. John Miller, 
 
 27 
 
 Josiah Miller, 
 
 7 1-2 
 
 John Miller, Jur., 
 
 7 1-2 
 
 Henry Vinsent, 
 
 21 
 
 Samll Vinsent, 
 
 21 
 
 John Vinsent, 
 
 17 1-2 
 
 Phillip Vinsent, 
 
 12 1-2 
 
 John Taylor, Senr., 
 
 23 
 
 Samll Taylor, Senr,, 
 
 7 1-2 
 
 John Taylor, Jun'r, John's Son, 
 
 7 1-2 
 
 Joseph Gorham, 
 
 25 1-2 
 
 Joseph Gorham, Jun'r, 
 
 7 1-2 
 
 Isaac Gorham, 
 
 7 1-2 
 
 Zebulon Tharp, 
 
 22 
 
 Mr. Elisha Hedge, 
 
 36 
 
 William Hedge, 
 
 29 1-2 
 
DIVISION OF THE COMMON LANDS. 127 
 
 John Hedge, 21 1-2 
 
 The tenement of Elisha Hedge, Jr., 
 
 deceased, 
 -Jonathan Whelden, 
 
 Joseph Sturges, 
 
 John Rider, Senr, 
 
 Ebenezer Rider, 
 
 Nathaniel Basset, 
 
 Joseph Basset, 
 
 Samll Sturges, 
 
 Joseph Webber, 
 
 Jaspar Taylor, 
 
 Seth Taylor, 
 
 James Sturges, 
 
 Jonathan White, 
 
 John Mathews, 
 
 Benjamin Mathews, 
 
 William Mathews, 
 
 Joseph Rider, Senr., 
 
 Joseph Rider, Jur., 
 
 Thomas Bray, 
 
 Hozeah Joyce, 
 
 John Joyce, 
 
 Samll Joyce, 
 
 Thorn. Joyce, 
 
 John Hall, Jur., 
 
 Elisha Taylor, 
 
 Richard Taylor, 
 
 Jonathan Smith, Senr, 
 
 Jonathan Smith, Jur,, 
 
 Isaac Taylor, 
 
 Jesher Taylor, 
 
 Elisha Smith, 
 
 Thorn. Toby, 
 
 John Howes, 
 
 Amos Howes, 
 
 Nathaniel Howes, 
 
 Thomas Howes, 
 
 Prince Howes, 
 
 Ebenezer Howes, 
 
 To the tenement of Jeremiah Howes, de- 
 Ceased, and widow's estate, 2o 
 
 15 
 
 1-2 
 
 26 
 
 1-2 
 
 23 
 
 1-2 
 
 :2i 
 
 
 '23 
 
 
 Si 
 
 t-2 
 
 7 
 
 1-2 
 
 26 
 
 1-2 
 
 10 
 
 1-4 
 
 22 
 
 1-2 
 
 2\ 
 
 1-2 
 
 21 
 
 1-2 
 
 30 
 
 1-2 
 
 20 
 
 1-2 
 
 28 
 
 
 25 
 
 1-2 
 
 80 
 
 1-2 
 
 23 
 
 1-2 
 
 21 
 
 1-2 
 
 28 
 
 1-2 
 
 22 
 
 1-2 
 
 7 
 
 1-2 
 
 7 
 
 1-2 
 
 21 
 
 
 25 
 
 1-2 
 
 30 
 
 1-2 
 
 23 
 
 
 7 
 
 1-2 
 
 7 
 
 1-2 
 
 7 
 
 1-2 
 
 7 
 
 1-2 
 
 20 
 
 1-2 
 
 28 
 
 
 25 
 
 
 25 
 
 
 34 
 
 1-2 
 
 36 
 
 
 47 
 
 1-2 
 
.128 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 To the tenement of Sam'l Eldredge, de- 
 ceased, 
 Johosaphat Eldredge, 
 Ezekiel Eldredge, 
 Joseph Howes, 
 Elisha Hall, Sr., 
 Ebenezer Hall, 
 Elisha Hall, Jr., 
 John Cro, Sr., 
 John Cro, Nobscusset, 
 Joseph Cro, 
 Paul Cro, 
 Jeremiah Cro, 
 Jabez Cro, 
 Thomas Cro, Sr., 
 Isaac Cro, 
 
 John Cro, Bass Pond, 
 Thomas Cro, Bass Pond, 
 John Hall, Sr., 
 Joseph Hall, 
 Nathaniel Hall, 
 John Paddock, 
 Zachariah Paddock, Senr., 
 Judah Paddock, 
 Zachariah Paddock, Jur., 
 Ichabod Paddock, 
 Andrew Stephens, 
 John Burg, 
 Samuel Burg, 
 Jacob Burg, 
 -Thom Burg, 
 Joseph Burg, 
 Joseph Crosby, 
 Isaac Chapman, 
 ^"^ Paul Sears, 
 John Sears, 
 Joseph Sears, 
 Josiah Sears, 
 Silas Sears, 
 Thomas Folland, 
 William Baker, 
 Benjamin O'Kelley, 
 
 19 
 
 1-2 
 
 21 
 
 1-2 
 
 7 
 
 1-2 
 
 30 
 
 1-2 
 
 29 
 
 1-2 
 
 21 
 
 1-2 
 
 7 
 
 1-2 
 
 23 
 
 
 29 
 
 1-2 
 
 7 
 
 1-2 
 
 7 
 
 1-2 
 
 27 
 
 
 7 
 
 1-2 
 
 25 
 
 1-2 
 
 7 
 
 1-2 
 
 21 
 
 1-2 
 
 21 
 
 1-2 
 
 7 
 
 1-2 
 
 52 
 
 
 7 
 
 12 
 
 32 
 
 
 23 
 
 
 20 
 
 
 56 
 
 1-2 
 
 7 
 
 1-2 
 
 II 
 
 1-2 
 
 21 
 
 1-2 
 
 23 
 
 
 21 
 
 
 23 
 
 
 23 
 
 26 
 
 1-2 
 
 22 
 
 
 29 
 
 1-2 
 
 29 
 26 
 
 
 25 
 
 1-2 
 
 25 
 
 
 24 
 18 
 
 
 20 
 
 
DIVISION OF THE COMMON LANDS. 129 
 
 Daniel Baker, 
 
 
 20 
 
 Samuel Baker, Jur., 
 
 
 7 1-2 
 
 John Baker, Senr., 
 
 
 20 
 
 Samuel Baker, Senr,, 
 
 
 20 
 
 Nathaniel Baker, 
 
 
 20 
 
 Thorn. Baker, 
 
 
 10 
 
 Jeremiah Kelley, 
 
 
 20 
 
 John Chase, 
 
 
 22 
 
 Isaac Chase, 
 
 
 18 1-2 
 
 William Chase, 
 
 
 7 1-2 
 
 John Gage, 
 
 
 23 1-2 
 
 Joseph Studley, 
 
 
 12 1-2 
 
 Zachariah Rider, 
 
 
 22 1-2 
 
 John Rider, Jun, 
 
 
 20 
 
 John Nickerson, 
 
 
 20 1-2 
 
 John Berry, 
 
 
 18 1-2 
 
 Thomas Baxter, Senr., 
 
 
 32 1-2 
 
 John Baxter, 
 
 
 26 1-2 
 
 Thomas Baxter, Jur., 
 
 
 7 1-2 
 
 Shubael Baxter, 
 
 
 7 1-2 
 
 Jabez Lewes, 
 
 
 21 
 
 Jonathan Lewes, 
 
 
 13 
 
 Jacob Taylor, 
 
 
 13 
 
 John Gorham, 
 
 
 12 1-2 
 
 Benjamin Parker, 
 
 
 15 1-2 
 
 Abisha Marchant, 
 
 
 18 
 
 Samuel Marchant, 
 
 
 18 
 
 Ebenezer Marchant, 
 
 
 7 1-2 
 
 "Thomas Whelden, 
 
 
 19 
 
 Thomas Hatheway, 
 
 
 7 1-2 
 
 Thomas Hedge, 
 
 
 7 1-2 
 
 John Jones, 
 
 
 7 1-2 
 
 To the Tenement that was William Gray's, 
 
 9 
 
 To the land that was Ebenezer 
 
 Crosby's, 
 
 7 
 
 Samuel Cro, 
 
 
 7 1-2 
 
 Josiah Smith, 
 
 
 7 1-2 
 
 Judah Hall, 
 
 
 7 1-2 
 
 Gideon Gray, 
 
 
 7 1-2 
 
 Ebenezer Taylor, son to Richard Taylor, 
 
 7 1-2 
 
 To the male heirs to the house 
 
 of Josiah 
 
 
 Thacher, 
 
 
 9 
 
 Nathan Basset, 
 
 
 7 1-2 
 
13 
 
 
 24 
 
 1-2 
 
 7 
 
 1-2 
 
 7 
 
 1-2 
 
 7 
 
 1-2 
 
 '30 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 Mr. Greenleaf, 
 
 Edward Sturges, 
 
 Abraham Hedge, 
 
 Jonathan Baker, 
 
 Thomas Chase, 
 
 To the tenement that Shubael Baxter lives in, 9 
 
 The tenement that was Edward Gray's, 9 
 
 Jeremiah Chase, 7 1-2 
 
 Ye tenement for Isaac Chase to his father, 9 
 
 And to the Ministry of this town, 35 1-2 
 
 To be laid out at the west part of the town. 
 And one lot more of 25 1-2 
 
 to be laid out at the east part of the town, 
 
 to be governed annually by the selectmen of 
 
 this town, to prevent stray and waste. 
 
 Attest, Samuel Sturges, 
 
 Proprietors' Clerk. 
 
 The third and final division of the common lands was 
 made in 171 3-14. Before proceeding to make the division, it 
 was voted, at a Proprietors' meeting, held July i, 1713, "that 
 a piece of land and beach lying near Coy's Pond, about two 
 acres, shall lie undivided for the benefit of the whalemen of 
 the town of Yarmouth forever." It was also voted that "the 
 committee chosen to lay out the third of the undivided lands 
 shall have power to lay out a certain tract, as much as they 
 shall see fit and convenient for the native Indians of the 
 town to live upon, they agreeing with the Indians where to 
 lay out such land, with least damage to the proprietary and 
 most convenience for their use, which land is to lie for their 
 use forever, to live upon, and for planting and firewood. And 
 the Indians shall not have any power to sell or dispose of 
 said lands or timber, wood or fencing stuff that grows thereon, 
 or receive any other town's Indians or any other persons 
 whatsoever, either English or Indians." 
 
 It was agreed that the last third part of the commons and 
 all the cedar swamps, marsh and meadow, shall be laid into 
 lots, "in bigness equally according to value for quantity and 
 
DIVISION OF THE COMMON LANDS. 131 
 
 quality ; leaving and allowing all convenient ways as they 
 shall think needful, and what land they shall set out for the 
 Indians to live upon, what the committee shall think fit to lie 
 for trainings, to erect meeting-houses and dig clay upon," 
 etc. The Proprietors made choice of Dea. Joseph Hall, Mr. 
 Peter Thacher, and Mr. Josiah Miller for the committee to 
 lay out the aforesaid last third part of the common lands. 
 March 2, 1715, it wag voted "that the Indian lands shall be 
 governed by the Selectmen ; and that neither the English 
 nor the Indians shall be permitted to bark or chip trees to 
 draw turpentine, and any person so offending shall pay los. 
 for any such tree so chipped and barked, to be recovered in 
 any court competent to try the same." The division was 
 was made by lot July 14, 171 5, to the same Proprietors or 
 their successors as the second division. This division 
 absorbed the great bulk of the common lands, except a few 
 spots reserved for exceptional purposes, as already indicated. 
 
 The particular locality reserved for the use and occupa- 
 tion of the Indians is particularly described in the Proprietors' 
 records, and is in the following words : 
 
 "A piece of land laid out in Yarmouth for our Indians to 
 live upon, belonging to this town, beginneth at the Bass 
 River at the West end of Joseph Eldredge's land, leaving an 
 open way from said river two rods wide, between said land 
 and said Eldredge's field to the way, and so over the way to 
 a small oak tree marked, thence from said oak tree sets N. 
 N. W. as trees are marked, 180 rods to the E. end of the 
 Long Pond, thence sets by said pond on the S. side 136 rods 
 to a maple tree marked, thence sets S. S. E. as trees are 
 marked about 212 rods to the bank of the river to a pine 
 tree marked, thence it sets Easterly by said river to the first 
 mentioned way between said Eldridge's land and said piece 
 of land laid out to said Indians, only reserving a way along 
 said river below the bank upon the flats, for the convenience 
 of the inhabitants of said town, wholly open. Also reserving 
 
132 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 the way wholly open that leads from Abisha Merchant's to 
 Nathaniel Baker's." Those familiar with old landmarks in 
 that portion of the township included in the present " Friends' 
 village," in South Yarmouth, will be able to measurably 
 define the limits of this reservation. 
 
FROM THE OLD FRENCH WARS TO THE 
 REVOLUTION. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Proposed Legislation about Wolves — Death of Col. John Thacher — Romance of his Life 
 — The Thacher Cradle — Enlargement of the Meeting House — Provincial Loan — 
 A Marvellous Occurrence — Difficulties with Mr. Greenleaf — Eastern Emigration — 
 Division of "Crocket" Neck — Expedition to Louisburg — Hard Times and the 
 French Wars — Rev. Messrs. Smith and Rawson — Church Enlargement — Mr. 
 Green's Settlement and Death — Rev. Timothy Alden's Settlement. 
 
 FOR many years after the settlement of the town wild 
 animals continued to be troublesome and destructive. 
 In 1712, it was voted "to pay a sum which shall makeup the 
 amount to ^^5, for killing a wolf in this county." The exter- 
 mination of wolves was one of the stable subjects of legisla- 
 tion and action in the town meetings. A few years later, at 
 the instance of the people of Sandwich, the General Court 
 was petitioned to construct a fence across the Cape, from 
 Picket Cliff to Wayquanset Bay, 6 feet high, to keep out the 
 wolves. The several towns in the County were conferred 
 with, Sandwich offering to pay whatever over ;!^500 the 
 fence should cost. Falmouth agreed to the plan, but the 
 lower towns declined to pay their share of the cost, and the 
 towns above naturally objected to having all the wolves on 
 their side of the line. The project was therefore abandoned. 
 May 8, 171 3, the town sustained a severe loss in the death 
 of Col. John Thacher, at the age of 75 years. He was the 
 eldest son of Anthony, and born in Marblehead, marrying for 
 
134 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 his first wife, Rebecca Winslow of Marshfield, for his second 
 Lydia, daughter of Col. John Gorham of Barnstable. He 
 was early in life an influential man in the coloay, commencing 
 as a Lieutenant in the militia, was for twenty years a Select- 
 man, Deputy and Representative to the colonial courts eleven 
 years, a member of the Council of War in 1681 and some 
 time thereafter, and a member of the Provincial Council soon 
 after the union of the colonies, for about twenty years, holding 
 that position at the time of his death. He was buried under 
 arms, and his grave-stone was the first with an inscription 
 put up in Yarmouth, it being brought here from England. 
 The many who died previous to this time, lie unrecognized and 
 unknown. The grave ot his father was unmarked by a 
 monument, and the precise spot of his interment cannot be 
 pointed out. Others who were his contemporaries, have 
 their last resting-places marked by rude characters, or 
 crumbling monuments, fast fading before time's effacing 
 finger. 
 
 "Their names, their years, spelt by the unlettered muse, 
 The place of fame and elegy supply." 
 
 The history of the life of Col. Thacher is enlivened by one 
 of the few romantic episodes which the period has furnished. 
 On his first wedding trip, when bringing his bride, Rebecca, 
 from Marshfield, the couple made a call at the house of Capt. 
 Gorham of Barnstable. An infant girl was brought into the 
 room, that was born on the night of their marriage, and Col. 
 Thacher playfully remarked, handing the infant to his bride, 
 "Let me introduce you to my second wife." Mrs. Thacher 
 took the child and kissed it, saying that she "hoped it 
 would be a good many years hence." Some twenty-two years 
 afterwards, Rebecca Thacher died, and "many lamentable 
 verses" the Colonel wrote on the sad event. But his grief 
 was soon consumed by its own intensity, and he began to feel 
 the need of female consolation. Passing the house of the 
 widow Gorham, soon after, he saw the horse of his son 
 hitched at the door. Mistrusting ihe object of his son's visit. 
 
FRENCH WARS TO THE REVOLUTION. 135 
 
 Col. Thacher, on the morrow, privately consulted him on the 
 subject, and asked him if he had matrimonial designs upon 
 Miss Lydia. The young man frankly admitted that he had. 
 "Now, if you will give up your visits, I will give you £,^, 
 old tenor, in money, and my yoke of black oxen." The young 
 man consented, and the Colonel pressed his own suit with 
 such ardor, that in less than six months after the death of his 
 first wife, his grief was assuaged by marrying Lydia Gorham. 
 Col. Thacher's descendants still preserve a cradle made by 
 his father or himself, more than two centuries ago, and a 
 blanket, brought, as before stated, from England, by Anthony 
 Thacher, in which was wrapped his youngest child, that was 
 drowned in the great shipwreck at Thacher's Island, when 
 its parents were so remarkably preserved, and in which sev- 
 eral generations of Thachers were baptized. The blanket is 
 of embroidered scarlet broadcloth. The cradle was made ot 
 rifted oak, in most ingenious style, and must have been in 
 great request, Col. Thacher being the father, by his two mar- 
 riages, of twenty-one children, and some of his descendants 
 having been almost equally blessed with progeny. 
 
 THE THACHER CRADLE. 
 
 The rapid increase of population of the town rendered 
 enlarged church accommodations an imperative necessity. 
 
136 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 Accordingly on Feb, 21, 1716, the question, "whether the 
 town should have two meeting-houses or one, and if but one, 
 where it shall be set," was referred by the town to a com- 
 mittee, consisting of Capt. Thompson of Middleboro, Ensign 
 John Bacon of Barnstable, and Mr. Chillingworth Foster of 
 Harwich, their decision to be final. It was decided to build 
 but one house, and it was to be located near the old edifice. 
 At the end of ten years the eastern section of the town was 
 to be at liberty to withdraw and become a distinct precinct, 
 and to receive assistance in building a meeting-house for 
 themselves. ^400 were assessed on the town for the build- 
 ing of the new house, and Justice Sturgis, Dea. Jos. Hall, 
 Lieut Shubael Baxter, Mr. John Howes and Mr. Josiah 
 Miller, were appointed a building committee, who were to 
 determme the dimensions and contract with the workmen. 
 The Quakers were exempted at this time from assessment 
 for the building of the church, and the support of the minis- 
 ter. Those who desired pews were to build them at their 
 charge, under the direction of the building committee. A 
 vote was taken to place or seat the people in the new meet- 
 ing-house "as they (the committee,) or the major part of 
 them shall see cause, all circumstances of persons being by 
 them considered." The old building was given to the widow 
 Sturgis, in consideration of the loss of her house by fire, the 
 material of the pews only being reserved.^ 
 
 In 1716 stocks were ordered "to be set in the most con- 
 venient place for public uses." The representative to the 
 Provincial Legislature was "allowed i8d. per day, above the 
 law, and three days to go, and two to return." One of the 
 perils of the whale fishery is disclosed by the record of 
 deaths of this year. Mr. Jonathan Howes was killed by a 
 whale which he attacked in a boat. 
 
 In 1 719, the town having been presented for having no 
 schoolmaster, Mr. Peter Thacher was appointed agent, to 
 answer for the town at the next court. 
 
 iSee page 25. 
 
FRENCH WARS TO THE REVOLUTION. 137 
 
 In 1721 the East Precinct of the town was consti'uted, 
 the provision made in 17 16 being anticipated by five years- 
 The town voted, that a committee be appointed to devise 
 5ome plan for disposing of its part of the ;^5 0,000 issued by 
 the Province and loaned to the towns. The committee was, 
 Ensign Hall, Mr. John Hedge, Mr. Josiah Miller, Mr. John 
 Howes, Mr. Judah Paddock, Mr, Peter Thacher. At a meet- 
 ing of the Proprietors of the common lands, 9th Feb., "to 
 see about Weir River," voted, "Joseph Rider 1-2, Thomas 
 Bray, 1-4, and Benj. and William Matthews 1-4, so long as 
 they shall maintain a grist mill on the stream ; when they 
 shall cease, it shall revert to the town." The above figures 
 it is inferred, represent each party's interest in the mill. 
 
 Feb. 28, 1722, the first meeting for the organization of the 
 East Parish was held. The future progress of the parish will 
 be found in its appropriate place, in the annals of Dennis. 
 
 In 1726 occurred an event which was considered by our 
 ancestors as a miraculous deliverance from death, and which 
 was set forth as follows, in the quaint language of the day, 
 the publication being in the Boston News Letter, of August 
 25th of that year: 
 
 Yarinouth on Cape Cod, Aug. 8, 1726. 
 
 A -^ awful and furprizing Providence that befel one Ebene- 
 J~\ zer Taylor, who was on Saturday the 6th Instant buried 
 12 Foot under Stones and Earth in his Well. 
 
 Apprehending it may be of Service, I shall give the Pub- 
 lic the following Narrative. 
 
 The said Taylor getting a Man to go down his Well to 
 clear it, the Man in going down about mid way of the Well, 
 which was about 40 Foot deep, observed a Breach in the 
 Wall, and being apprehensive of Danger, would not proceed. 
 Whereupon faid Taylor went down to view the Breach, and 
 saw it as he thought hazardous, fome Stones hanging loose 
 over the Breach: He taking hold of one of them, and stirring 
 it a little, the whole Body moved, and pressing down upon his 
 Leg, and there stayed, till with abundance of Difficu'ty in 
 
138 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 wringing and twisting, even to the disjointing of his Hip, he- 
 got it loose; and hanging by the Well-Rope, the whole body 
 of Stones and Earth passed down by him, without hurting 
 him, only racing the Skin of his Hands and Face, till it filled 
 the Well 1 1 Foot from the Bottom. And then, as Provi- 
 dence ordered it, the Stones just over his Head, being some- 
 what Large, and pressing faster and in a Body, met together, 
 bound each other, and made a sort of an Arch, which stopt 
 any more from passing by him. And so from thence it filled 
 twelve Foot above him, there being about ten Foot vacant 
 Space where he was. Here he continued at least ten Hours, 
 hanging by his Hands on the Well-Rope, and having one 
 Foot on the Stones of the Wall, and being forced also with 
 a bite of the Rope to ease up his other lame Leg. And tho' 
 in great Misery by having his flesh torn, his Hip disjointed 
 and holding up so long; yet his thoughts were free, and his 
 Senses quick about him for his own Preservation. For tho' 
 to all appearance in almost as doleful a case as yo7iaJi, yet he 
 had from the first some small hopes: and tho' as in the Belly 
 of Hell, yet he cried unto the Lord, when none else could 
 hear his Voice, or think him to be alive. 
 
 It was some Hours before Help could be obtained, and 
 Preparations made for Diging, and near Night on the last 
 Day of the Week, before they could accomplish to do any 
 thing considerable: upon which accounts fome were for leav- 
 ing the Work till Monday, not imagining that life could be 
 in him, and proposing rather Diging for a dead Corps to bury 
 him (it) again, than for a living man : But others had such a 
 strong Impulse on their Spirits, that they must proceed. 
 Sometimes, some would strain upon the Rope, which was his 
 main Stay, and as he feared, would get it from him. And 
 once he perceived the Rope, which was his Sheet-Anchor, to 
 come home, being loosened, so that he was afraid to bear 
 upon it; And though he called with all the Life and Vigour 
 he had to fasten it, yet no Man heard him : But it pleased 
 God to direct some one to fasten it again; thinking it might 
 possibly be of some Service to those that were diging. And 
 when they got within three or four Foot of him they heard 
 him, and found that he was not only alive, but also capable 
 of advising with them about the best Methods of removing 
 the Stones over his Head with safety. With Care and Indus- 
 try they soon obtained his deliverance; and his disjointed 
 
FRENCH WARS TO THE REVOLUTION. 139 
 
 ^ones being well reduced, he is like to do well. Oh that 
 Men would praise the Lord for his Goodness, and for his won- 
 derful Works to the Children of Men! 
 
 This event, which produced a profound sensation through- 
 out the settlements along these borders of the sea, was 
 celebrated some little time after its occurrence, by a solemn 
 religious observance at Mr. Taylor's house; his wife, children 
 and friends being present, and a sermon was preached by 
 George Weeks, a missionary who labored among the Indians, 
 in which the various parties were each, in turn, addressed 
 after the manner of funeral discourses, and the lessons of 
 the event properly set forth as they seemed applicable to the 
 individual cases. "In the mother country," says a writer 
 of the time, "the story was disbelieved, and was added to the 
 score of New England tales. 
 
 In 1726, Rev. Daniel Greenleaf was dismissed from the 
 pastorate of the West Parish, and removed to Boston. At 
 the time of his removal there was a controversy pending 
 between him and the town in relation to his salary, which 
 found its way into the courts, and was not settled until the 
 next year. It was finally referred to an ecclesiastical council, 
 whose recommendation was adopted, and their award paid by 
 the parish. During his pastorate, Mr. G. united to the duties 
 of his profession, that of physician and apothecary. His dis- 
 missal was the result of the opposition of an influential par- 
 ishioner. May 26, Mr. Zachariah Paddock died, aged 91, 
 He was the first of the name in town. He was the son of 
 Robert, of Plymouth, and married Deborah, the daughter of 
 Mr. Richard Sears. Ichabod, who taught the people of Nan- 
 tucket the art of killing whales from boats, was his son. 
 
 In 1728, the Province issued another loan of ;^6o,ooo, on 
 condition that it should be repaid in equal installments of 
 ;!(^i 2,000 each, in five years. The town voted to take its 
 proportion of the loan, and chose Capt. Shubael Baxter, Mr. 
 Josiah Miller and Mr. John Sears a ccmmittee, who were 
 
I40 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 empowered to let out the money under proper restrictions. 
 This loan-fund became a source of much trouble, subsequent- 
 ly ; suits being necessary for the recovery of both principal 
 and interest. 
 
 In 1729, Rev. Thomas Smith was installed pastor of the 
 West Parish. The salary offered was ;^ioo a year, with a 
 settlement of ;^200, to be paid in two instalments before the 
 close of the first year. Seven churches were invited to join, 
 in the ordination, but only five were represented. Rev. 
 Josiah Dennis offered the introductory prayer; Rev. Nathan- 
 iel Stone, of Harwich, preached the sermon; Rev. Jonathan 
 Russell, of Barnstable, gave the charge; and Rev. Mr. Webb, 
 of Eastham, the right hand of fellowship. Mr. Josiah Miller 
 died April 15; Mr. John Miller July 4. 
 
 About this period commenced a movement from this vicin- 
 ity to seek new homes, by such of our population as found 
 themselves cramped in the development of their industrial 
 energies — a movement, the same in purpose, though differ- 
 ent in direction, as that which subsequently peopled so many 
 of the communities from the Atlantic seaboard to the coast 
 of the Pacific ocean. In 1727, after many delays and dis- 
 couragements, the Legislature of Massachusetts performed 
 the tardy act of justice granting to the officers and soldiers, 
 or their legal representatives, who served in the arduous- 
 Narragansett expedition during King Philip's War, a town- 
 ship equal to six miles square in the Province of Maine, to- 
 each 120 persons whose claims should be established within 
 four months from the passage of the act. It was found that 
 the whole number amounted to 840. Seven townships were 
 granted, called Narragansett No. i, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. The lat- 
 ter was assigned to the company of Capt. John Gorham and 
 a Sqw others, which was afterwards incorporated as the town 
 of "Gorham,^' by which name it is now known. The gran- 
 tees commenced their settlement in the year 1736. They 
 were from the towns of Yarmouth, Barnstable, Eastham, and 
 
FRENCH WARS TO THE REVOLUTION. 141 
 
 a few from Sandwich. They suffered many of the hardships 
 of frontier life, which their ancestors had endured so much 
 to overcome, but which, on that account, they were the bet- 
 ter prepared to encounter. The names of the grantees from 
 this town were as follows, though what proportion of them 
 settled there we have no means of ascertaining : 
 
 From YarvioiitiL — Samuel Baker, William Chase, John 
 Thacher, John Hallet, John Matthews, Thomas Thornton, 
 Edward Gray, Samuel Hall, Jona. Smith, Sam'l Jones, John 
 Taylor, Thomas Fulton, John Gage, William Fellows, Wil- 
 liam Gage, Ananias Wing, John Pugsley, Daniel Baker, Rd. 
 Taylor, Wm. Gray, Capt. John Gorham, Thomas Baxter, 
 James Maker, James Claghorn, Joseph Hall, Nath'l Hall, 
 Laramy Hedge, Joseph Wiidens, Sam'l Thomas, John Crow- 
 ell, John Chase, Henry Golds, Rd. Lake, Jabez Gorham, 
 Henry Gage, Everton Crowell, Jona. White. [In 1741, Wm. 
 Gray is put down for his father's, Edward Gray's, heirs ; 
 Sam'l Baker, for his father, Samuel ; and Shubael Gorham, 
 for his father, John.] 
 
 In 1736 died Judge Peter Thacher, aged 71. He was son 
 of Col. John, and grandson of Anthony. Early a Representa- 
 tive, he was also a Justice of the Peace, in 17 13, Justice of 
 the Court of Common Pleas, in 1720, and Chief Justice in 
 1728. He was some years of the Council, and Overseer of 
 the Indians, from 1729. Mr. John Howes also died this 
 year. 
 
 1737, the application of the towns in the lower part of the 
 Cape for a law requiring the courts to be held a portion of 
 the time in Eastham, was opposed by this town. 
 
 Jan. 21, 1739, at a meeting of the Proprietors of the com- 
 mon lands in Crocket Neck,' it was voted to divide the same 
 into thirty lots, and John Gage and John Nickerson were 
 
 'The name of this neck is vaiiously spelled, " Crocket," " Crocker," "Crooked" and 
 " Crockey," 
 
142 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 appointed a committee to make the division. The following 
 were the names of the proprietors, viz : 
 
 1. Samuel Baker. 
 
 2. Samuel Baker, Jr. 
 
 3. William Chase and Joseph Hamblin. 
 
 — -4. Jona. Whelden, Thomas Hedge, Amos Howes. 
 — 5. Elisha Taylor. 
 
 6. John Burges. 
 
 7. Samuel and Thomas Joyce. 
 
 8. Joseph Howes. 
 
 9. Daniel Greenleaf. 
 
 10. John Nickerson, Senior. 
 
 1 1. Prince Howes. 
 
 12. William Chase. 
 
 13. Samuel Burge and Thomas Thacher. 
 
 14. Israel Nickerson. 
 
 15. Thomas Chase. 
 
 16. John Burgis, Jona. Whilden, Eliph. Smith. 
 
 17. Wm. Chase. 
 
 18. Samuel Jr., Nath'l and David Baker, and John Gage. 
 
 19. John Hedge. 
 
 20. Amos O'Killey. 
 
 2 1. Heirs of John Joyce, ^ 
 
 22. William Chase. 
 
 23. Eben Hall. 
 
 24. Judah and Samuel Baker. 
 
 25. Abner Howes and Partners. 
 
 26. Richard Chase. 
 
 27. John Nickerson. 
 
 28. John Gage. 
 
 29. Joseph Sears. 
 
 30. John Nickerson. 
 
 In 1745. The right to use Weir River for a grist mill was 
 granted by the Proprietors to Joseph Ryder, Joseph Ham.. 
 blin and Thomas Bray. Mr. John Berry died, aged 91. He 
 was son of Richard, and in Philip's War. 
 
 In 1747, the Proprietors granted leave to Thomas Howes, 
 Lot Hall and Samuel Eldridge to build a windmill on a piece 
 of land in the East Parish, near the school House. 
 
FRENCH WARS TO THE REVOLUTION. 143 
 
 CAPTURE OF LOUISBURG. 
 
 The French and Indian war, which commenced in 1744, 
 was the occasion of much suffering and hardship to our peo- 
 ple. The towns were also called upon from time to time to 
 furnish men and money for the army. This town and county 
 bore an important part in the reduction of Louisburg, in 
 1745, This was a place of great importance, situated upon 
 the southern shore of Cape Breton, fortified by the French 
 at great expense and labor, and was of such immense strength 
 as to be called the Dunkirk or Gibraltar of America. It had 
 for a long time been the hiding-place for French privateers, 
 that preyed upon our shipping, and its reduction was regard- 
 ed as of vast importance to the commercial interests of New 
 England. When the plan for the reduction of this strong- 
 hold became known, a deep interest was manifested in its 
 execution. The fire of patriotic ardor was kindled in every 
 community, and nowhere did it burn with a steadier flame 
 than in this town. A company of forty men, thirteen of 
 whom were Indians, was enlisted here, upon the condition 
 that their townsman, Mr. Joseph Thacher, should be their 
 captain. The company was attached to the Seventh Mass. 
 regiment, made up, in part, of companies from Barnstable 
 County, of which Shubael Gorham of Barnstable was Colonel, 
 and his kinsman, John Gorham, was Lieut. Colonel. Capt. 
 Joseph Thacher was also commissioned as Major. The 
 expedition, consisting of about 4000 men, under the command 
 of Gen. Wm. Pepperell, was described as consisting of 
 "principally substantial persons, and men of beneficial occu- 
 pations." The names of a few of our tovvn's company, which 
 have been preserved, were, Daniel Taylor, David Matthews, 
 Ebenezer Berry, Jonathan O'Killey, Reuben Gage, Judah 
 Ellis, Nathan Basset. One of Major Thacher's Indians was 
 the first of the provincials who entered the grand battery of 
 Louisburg, being hired to do it, by Col. Vaughan for a bottle 
 of brandy. He crawled in at an embrasure and opened the 
 
144 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 gate, which Vaughan immediately entered, the enemy having 
 withdrawn from this battery, though at the time this circum- 
 stance was unknown. It is remarkable that, of the Indians 
 from this town, only three lived to return, two having been 
 killed by the enemy, and eight, probably in consequence of a 
 mode of living to which they were unaccustomed, dying of 
 disease ; and that the rest of the company, though exposed 
 to great hardships, were all spared to see their native place 
 again, and to participate with their fellow countrymen in the 
 joy which pervaded the land, on the reduction of the strong- 
 est fortress in America." In Niles's Wonder Working Prov- 
 idence, 1745, appear the names of the leading officers who 
 were at the reduction of Louisburg. Major Thacher is thus 
 referred to : 
 
 " May Major Thacher live, in rising fams, 
 Worthy of ancestors that bear his nam 2, 
 And copy after virtuous relations, 
 Who so well filled their civil, sacred military stations." 
 
 But the glories of victory were not unmingled with disas- 
 ter to business concerns. The troubles of the times were 
 greatly aggravated by the issue of bills of credit, to which 
 the colonial authorities had resorted, to meet the exigencies 
 of the wars in which they had unhappily been engaged. The 
 effect, as histroy has ever recorded, is to increase the scarci- 
 ty of coin and enhance the value of commodities which enter 
 into the consumption of the people. The various issues, 
 under the different denominations of old tenor, middle tenor, 
 and new tenor, had each " slid down the lapse of deprecia- 
 tion." At first they were but little below par; and in 1702 
 an oz. of silver was equal to 6s. lod. By steady gradations 
 the process of depreciation went on, until 1749, when an oz. 
 of silver represented £ji of paper. The year previous, the 
 General Court provided for drawing into the treasury all the 
 outstanding bills of credit and determining the rates of 
 
 • Alden's American Epitaphs. 
 
FRENCH WARS TO THE REVOLUTION. 145 
 
 coined silver. Tlie bills were to be redeemed at the rate of 
 £,2 5s. old tenor, lis. 3d. middle and new tenor, by one 
 piece of % — , that is, a Spanish dollar. The funds to redeem 
 the bills were the money voted by Parliament to reimburse 
 the expenses incurred by the Province in the reduction of 
 Cape Breton, ;^ 183,694, and a provincial tax of ;^75,ooo. 
 
 In 1748, by the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, peace was 
 declared, to the great joy of the colony, though its continu- 
 ance was of short duration. The duties of Constable were so 
 distasteful, that it was found exceedingly difficult to find a 
 suitable person in town who would consent to serve. 
 
 In 1750, a committee " to enforce the deer act" was 
 appointed; and another committee, "to guard against 
 trespass on Nobscusset Beach." 
 
 In 175 1, the inhabitants of the South Side petitioned for a 
 public road to be laid out. We find also, this year, evidence 
 of the completed meeting-house in the West Parish. It had 
 been gradually assuming new and comfortable features for 
 several years. In 1731 it was lathed and plastered, and 
 furnished with outside doors. It was glazed in 1740, and 
 further repai'-ed in 1749 and 175 i, when it was embellished 
 with a belfry, which served for some years as a landmark at 
 sea. 
 
 In 1752, in the absence of more important matters of rec- 
 ord, we note that Samuel Burgess and Josiah Smith were 
 appointed "to keep the young people in order on the Sab- 
 bath day." 
 
 The hardships of the times, occasioned by the war, may be 
 inferred from the fact that this year, John Hallet, in behalf of 
 the town of Yarmouth, represented to the court, " that by 
 reason of the interruption and failure of their whale-fisheries, 
 the inhabitants were much impoverished," for which cause 
 they wished to be excused from sending a representative to 
 the General Court. To the impoverishment of the people 
 
146 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 was added laxity of religion and morals, if the testimony of 
 contemporary writers is to be credited. 
 
 Nov. 6, 1752, a request, signed by Joseph Thacher, Nath. 
 aniel Howes, Edward Sturgis, Peter Thacher, Jeremiah 
 Joyce, Samuel Matthews, Joseph Ryder, James Taylor, John 
 Matthews, was addressed to Judah Thacher, clerk of the pro- 
 prietors of Yarmouth, to call a meeting of the proprietors, 
 '•'to see if Joseph Ryder and others shall have liberty to 
 erect a grist-mill at a place called the weir." 
 
 In 1754, Rev. Thomas Smith was dismissed, at his own 
 request, for want of adequate support. He was' succeeded, 
 the next year, by Rev. Grindall Rawson. 
 
 The French war, which was raging at that time, impover- 
 ished the people of the Cape, and withdrew many of their 
 men from more profitable employment. VVe find that in 
 1756, Yarmouth men, under Capt. Joseph Thacher, were at 
 Fort William Henry; that in 1758, men from this town were 
 with Capt. Samuel Knowles, in Col. T. Doty's regiment, 
 and 25 men in Capt. Josiah Thacher's company, same regi- 
 ment, and in 1759-60, with Capt. Sylvanus Bourne, at Hali- 
 fax. 
 
 In 1757, the town ordered "the sale to the highest bidder 
 of the lot where the Indian meeting-house stood." Mr, 
 Thomas Tobey died. He was the son of Thomas Tobey of 
 Sandwich, and settled in the part of the town now Dennis. 
 
 In 1759, Benj. Matthews of Yarmouth, who served under 
 Gen. Ambercrombie, in 1758, petitioned the General Court 
 for allowance for expense by sickness in the service. 
 
 In 1760, Rev. Mr. Rawson was dismissed from the West 
 Precinct church, after a ministry of five years, not distin 
 guished for usefulness, or harmony between pastor and peo- 
 ple. Mr. R. was a man of learning and ability, with talent 
 for controversy, quick and sharp at repartee, and making 
 rather too free use of his peculiai' ability in this direction. It 
 is related of him, that being told some of his parishioners 
 
FRENCH WARS TO THE REVOLUTION. 147 
 
 were in the habit of making him a subject of mirth, he 
 preached the next Sabbath from the words, " And I was the 
 song of the drunkards." It was called a very "moving" 
 sermon, so much so that many of his hearers left the house. 
 Soon after, he preached from the passage, " And they being 
 convicted, one by one." On this occasion none retired. In 
 Alden's Memorabilia of YarmoiUh, preserved in the Mass. 
 Hist. Coll., 179S, the following anecdote is related, copied 
 from the second edition of Dr. Gay's sermon at his installa- 
 tion : "The Rev. Mr. Stone, of Harwich, a grave gentleman, 
 attending a funeral at Yarmouth, and being in the burial 
 place some years after the death of Mr. Cotton, inquired for 
 Mr. C.'s grave, but there not being any one who could show 
 it, he remarked, " I think it is with Mr. Cotton's grave as it 
 was with Moses, that distinguished servant of God, no man 
 knoweth of his sepulchre to this day." Mr. Rawson adds, 
 ' This was the only one of the first seven ministers whose 
 dust was committed to the earth, in Yarmouth. Whatever 
 they suffered the worm did not feed on them there.'" 
 
 In 1 76 1 the East Precinct meeting-house was enlarged, 
 and additional pew room, which had been gained thereby, 
 was sold. 
 
 The Rev. Joseph Green, Jr., succeeded Mr. Rawson, in 
 1762. 
 
 In 1763, Rev. Josiah Dennis, pastor of the East Precinct, 
 died, Aug. 31, at the age of 69. Col. Joseph Thacher died 
 the same year, aged 64. Col. Thacher was son of Hon. John, 
 and distinguished himself in the Cape Breton expedition, 
 and afterwards in the succeeding French War. 
 
 In 1764, Hon. John Thacher, brother of the foregoing, 
 died, probably in Barnstable, aged 89 years. He was born 
 in this town, in 1675, Register of Deeds for about thirty 
 years, for many years Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, 
 and colonel of the militia. In 1765, Mr. Isaac Chapman 
 died. He was a descendant of Ralph, who came first to 
 
148 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 Duxbury, in 1635, and whose sons settled in Barnstable and 
 Yarmouth, where his descendants reside. The Selectmen 
 laid out two open ways, for the conveniency of South Side 
 people, " to repair to meeting, mill and market, according to 
 their petition." Their report was read and approved by the 
 town, March 19, 1765. 
 
 Parish and ministerial matters, for a long time thencefor- 
 ward are the most prominent matters of record of public 
 interest. 
 
 In 1764 the West Precinct "voted that the fore-seat on 
 the west side of the meeting house, from the stair-way as far 
 as the alley and the next two seats right behind, should be 
 allowed for the men-singers upon the Sabbath-days, for one 
 year." James Taylor was allowed to have seven shillings 
 six pence for sweeping and taking care of the meeting-house 
 for a year. In 1765 half an acre of land was granted to Rev, 
 Mr. Green on which to build a parsonage, at his own expense, 
 with the express condition that on his ceasing to be their 
 minister it was to be taken by the parish, at the appraisal of 
 indifferent persons. That was the parsonage known to the 
 older people in their earlier days. A committee was chosen 
 in the spring of 1768, to present a plan for "opening and 
 widening the meeting-house," which was adopted a few days 
 later. The change consisted in cutting the building into two 
 parts and inserting a section fifteen feet long. A porch was 
 built on the south end fourteen feet square at the bottom, 
 and so up to the jet of said house in height, with the rafters 
 twenty feet long, and said porch was built according to that 
 proportion. The back side and the west side were covered 
 with clapboards and furnished with new windows, the north 
 side being finished, as far as possible, like the south. The 
 building committee consisted of Capt. Richard Baxter, David 
 Thacher, Esq., and Mr. Joshua Taylor, who were empowered 
 to hire one hundred pounds for carrying on the work. The 
 
FRENCH WARS TO THE REVOLUTION. 149 
 
 pulpit was to be supplied with a new pair of stairs, with a 
 new sounding-board, " with iron work thereto that is needful 
 and fashionable, and colored with a fashionable color, with a 
 deacon seat and communion table, they being fashionable 
 and colored fashionably also, and they are to be in the 
 form and fashion as Barnstable East Precinct have their's in." 
 It was also voted that " the old vane should be put up again 
 with some addition to the spindle, as the committee think 
 proper." The old turret was to be taken off from the centre 
 of the building and a new steeple erected in its place. The 
 old building being thus rehabilitated the area within was laid 
 out in sections for pews, and the "spots " sold at auction, 
 the society building only the minister's pew. 
 
 The church being completed and in beautiful order, was 
 called to mourn the death of its minister, on the fifth of 
 November, 1768, in the seventh year of his ministry, at the 
 early age of 42. 
 
 Mr. Green's successor. Rev. Timothy Alden, was installed 
 in Dec. 1769, he being the seventh in succession of the pas- 
 tors of the church, and his pastorate coming down to a time 
 within the memory of many of the present generation. 
 
 In 1770, Mr. Elisha Snow was school-master of this town. 
 The town deferred action on the subject of a "work-house 
 for the poor to go into." 
 
CHAPTER XV. 
 THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 
 
 The Patriotic Record of the Town — Unjust Aspersions — Action of the Committees of 
 Correspondence, Observation and Prevention — Obstruction'of the Courts — Rally to 
 Dorchester Heights — Preparations and Precautions — The Lexington and Concord 
 Alarm — Votes by the Town and Parishes for raising Troops — Vote in favor of 
 Independence — Action of the Precincts — Wreck of the Frigate Somerset — Distress of 
 the People — Peace declared — Capt. Isaac Sears — Wreck of British war ship Cum- 
 berland — Education — Small Pox — Suit against Thomas Greenough — Shipwrecks 
 and other Casualties — Division of the Town, and Incorporation of Dennis. 
 
 WE have now approached a period in the history of the 
 times, when the issues which had long been pend- 
 ing between the colonies and the mother country, were becom- 
 ing clearly and. sharply defined. The question for our fathers 
 to decide was, whether they and their descendants were 
 henceforth to enjoy the liberties which were common to 
 British subjects, or sink into vassalage, dependent upon the 
 pleasure of the Crown and of Parliament. It was not, as 
 they conceived, for any such purpose as this, that they came 
 to these shores, subdued the v/ilderness, and repelled the 
 French and Indian assailants ; suffering in those years 
 untold privations, and expending their blood and treasure 
 without limit or stint. That the people of this town were, 
 from the beginning, in full sympathy with the popular cause, 
 is indisputable, and is abundantly shown by contemporaneous 
 writings, and the traditions which have come down to us. 
 For a fev/ years preceding the Revolutionary war, it is true, 
 the town's records were meagrely and imperfectly kept. 
 This is a matter of regret, but hardly justifies the taunts and 
 
THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 151 
 
 implied censure of a Cape historian," that the citizens were 
 lukewarm in the cause of liberty; particularly in view of the 
 conspicuous services many of them were rendering in this 
 cause, the utter absence of record of any unpatriotic acts, and 
 the almost universal participation of her citizens in the 
 great struggle that followed. A most significant thing in 
 the action of this town, is the fact, that while it almost uni- 
 formly avoided fulminations of opinion, in practical and tangi- 
 ble work, it was abreast, if not ahead of, most of its contem- 
 poraries. Thus, wc find that in 1705, 1766, and 1767, at town 
 meetings held to consider the stamp act, the riots, the muti- 
 ny act, etc., while the town refrained from putting their 
 views upon record, they chose and continued in office, from 
 year to year, a Representative of rare maturity of judgment, 
 whose voice and votes' were always on the side of popular 
 rights. The testimony of the men and women of the Revo- 
 lutionary period, many of wdiom were the ancestors of tlie 
 elder portion of the present generation, was uniform and 
 emphatic in the declaration that the sympathies of tlie people 
 of this town were, v/ith singular unanimity, enlisted in behalf 
 of the popular cause. Liberty-poles, those outward expres- 
 sions of the popular feeling, were early erected at two places 
 in the Western parish ; one, on the eminence for many years 
 called ''Liberty LlillJ'' another, in front of the West Parish 
 meeting-house. Around these po:cs, the "Sons of Liberty " 
 were wont to assemble in the evenings, for the exchange of 
 sentiments, and to summon to their presence the few luck- 
 less wights \\\\o were so imprudent as to make remarks 
 
 ' Freeman's History of Capa Cod, vol. ii, p. 220 : " Althou.^h we liave rer.chsd, in these 
 annals, the period when the country is being convulsed by political excitement, we look i.\ 
 VAIN for any popular demonstration here. In fact, the record is unique, and so far out of 
 the ordinary course of records of tovi'n meetings, that it .\ppe.mis significant. " P. 222 : 
 <' That there were " Sons lI Liberty " here is patent from other sonrces [than the town rec- 
 ords.] After the bold stride taken by the " body of the people " during the memoral>Ie days 
 of September, its influence is seen, even where ap.^thv had seemed to kroou 
 
 HITHERTO." 
 
 ' This eminence is in the rear of the Iulo,' of Mr. D. G. Eldridge, on tlio Hyannis road. 
 
152 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 inimical to the common cause; and after disciplining them, 
 for their imprudence, require them to dance around the 
 " Liberty-pole," in token of their penitence and renunciation 
 of their errors. 
 
 A peculiarity of the internal economy of the town remains 
 to be noticed. In those days, when church and state were 
 so closely related, the citizens were wont to meet in separate 
 parishes, to consider and act upon the various subjects of 
 importance that were constantly coming up, resorting to the 
 town meeting only upon infrequent and highly important 
 occasions. This narrative, therefore, recites the proceedings 
 of the town, in respect to the momentous concerns of the 
 day, both in its collective capacity, and of its action by 
 parishes or precincts, as the occasion may require. 
 
 The sympathies of the people of Yarmouth for the suffering 
 citizens of Boston, during the operation of the Port bill, in 
 1774, may be inferred from an acknowledgement of contribu- 
 tions received, viz: "Yarmouth, East Parish, ^7.43. 8d., 
 West Parish, ^5. 6s. 8d." Oct. 11, 1774, at a meeting of 
 the town, Capt. Elisha Basset, Capt. Solomon Crowell, and 
 Messrs. Joseph Crowell, Moses Baker, Stephen Hallet, 
 Joseph Griffith and Micah Chapman, were chosen as a com- 
 mittee of observation and prevention. Nov. i, another 
 meeting was held, and Capt. Enoch Hallet, Jonathan Howes, 
 Seth Tobey, Joseph Griffith and Isaac Matthews, Jr., were 
 appointed delegates to the " County Congress " to meet at 
 the court-house in Barnstable, on the i6th inst. Barnabas 
 Eldridge, "-''Reuben Taylor, Abner Crowell, Isaac Hallet, 
 Edmund Bray, Isaac Berry, James Howes, Samuel Eldridge, 
 John Chapman, James Baker, Moses Baker and Abner Chase, 
 were chosen "a committee to see that no tea is consumed in 
 Yarmouth ;" and Capt. Enoch Hallet, Seth Tobey, and Dan- 
 iel Taylor, for a " standing committee." 
 
 An important occurrence in 1774, was the interruption of 
 the sessions of the courts in this County, by the " Body of 
 
THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 153 
 
 the People," who assembled in large numbers, and with such 
 overpowering show of force, that all resistance was impossi- 
 ble, even if the Judges had desired to make it — v/hich, it is 
 very plain, they did not. The occasion of this step, was the 
 act of Parliament, in violation of the provisions of the 
 charter, by which the king was authorized to appoint the 
 Council of the colony by mandamus, and the Sheriffs of the 
 several Counties were directed to appoint the jurors, instead 
 of drawing them from the boxes by the Selectmen. In 
 September, a large body of the first citizens of the County, 
 some 1500 in numbers, with accessions from Wareham, 
 Rochester and Middleboro, assembled at Barnstable, in front 
 of the Court House. Commissioners were appointed to 
 ferret out those suspected of Toryism or disaffection to the 
 popular cause, who, upon its being ascertained, were com- 
 pelled to recant, some of them doing so very reluctantly. 
 At length the court made its appearance, and the venerable 
 Chief Justice, Col. James Otis, demanded to know by what 
 authority and for what purpose, this body had assembled. 
 Dr. Nathaniel Freeman, the conductor-in-chief, replied, in 
 substance, that the people, alarmed by the encroachments 
 upon their liberties, determined to prevent the sessions of 
 the courts. The Justices then, after making a formal protest, 
 retired, without making further effort to transact business. 
 This was the last session of the Court of Common Pleas 
 held or attempted to be held, under the king's authority, in 
 this County. A Committee, embracing citizens of every 
 town in the County, was appointed to request of the military 
 officers that they would not longer hold commissions under 
 the present captain-general, those from Yarmoutli being, 
 /' Daniel Taylor, Isaac Hamblin and Joseph Crowell. 
 
 Jan. 22, 1775, Capt. Elisha Basset was chosen a represen- 
 tative to "the Congress to be held at Cambridge, on the ist 
 day of February;" and March 2, Seth Tobey, Isaac Matthews, 
 Dea. John Sears, James Baker and Daniel Taylor were chos- 
 
154 
 
 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 en a committee "to see that all the resolves of the Conti- 
 nental Congress be adhered to." 
 
 All these conferences, resolves and pledges of fidelity to 
 each other and to the common cause, by these sturdy yeomen 
 and sailors, were speedily put to the test of actual experience. 
 The aggressive acts of the three thousand English soldiery, 
 who, under Lord Percy and Major Pitcairn, marched out to 
 Lexington and Concord on that bright 19th of April, 1775, 
 converted a protesting, to an aggressive, people; ready to 
 face death in defence of their liberties and firesides. The 
 men of this town were ready for the decisive hour ; not a 
 moment was lost ; and, as the announcement was received 
 that the first blow had been struck, brought by rapidly-riding 
 couriers, and communicated from man to man, 
 
 — " Then and there was hunying to and fro,'' 
 
 and at once the militia of the town, 60 officers and men, 
 under Capt. Jonathan Crowell, and Capt. Micah Chapman's 
 company, in the eastern part of the town — numbers not 
 given, but probably about the same — started for the scene 
 of hostilities. But the news that the red-coats had been 
 driven into Boston, met them ere they had proceeded far, 
 and ill three days, the volunteers had all returned to their 
 homes. The numbers who had rushed, unbidden, to the 
 defence of the country, greater than could be mustered, even 
 now, by a town twice as populous as then, shows the terrible 
 earnestness and intensity of the popular feeling. 
 
 April 22, the tov/n voted, that there should be money 
 drawn out of the hands of the constables, "to purchase arms 
 and ammunition for the inhabitants of Xho, \.o\\'c\. at this dis- 
 tressing dayy And April 27, at a town meeting '' warned by 
 the military ofBcers," said ofificcrs were made a committee to 
 advise with the Barnstable, Harwich and Sandwich commit- 
 tees, concerning keeping a watch or watchers;" and Capt. 
 Joshua Gray, Capt. Micah Chapman and Lieut. Israel Nick- 
 erson, to advise other committees " concerning appointing a 
 
THE REVO LUr ION ARY WAR. 155 
 
 post or posts." May r, voted that the monies which the 
 constables have in their hands for 1773 and 1774, belonging 
 to the Province, be paid into the hands of Henry Gardner, 
 Esq., and that "the town will indemnify said constables." 
 No more payment of the people's money, to the King's 
 treasurer! Aug. i, Capt. Elisha Basset, Stephen Hallet, 
 Seth Tobey, Atherton Hall, Abner Crowell, Jr., Isaac Mat- 
 thews, Jr., Elisha Thacher, Dea. John Sears, and Israel 
 Nickerson, were chosen a committee of safety, and their 
 power was indefinitely continued, Dec. 19. Oct. 31, voted to 
 recommend to the inhabitants not to send any grain out of 
 the county. The citizens v/ere preparing for the hard timeS) 
 which they felt vv^ere so imminent. 
 
 The calls for relief to the army investing Boston, were 
 duly honored. Gen. Washington having, early in the year, 
 represented to the General Court, the necessities of the army, 
 requesting immediate assistance in procuring blankets for 
 the soldiers, the Selectmen of every town were appealed to 
 for assistance. 203 men were also required of this County, 
 the proportion for Yarmouth being 40. Maj. Enoch Hallet, 
 of Yarmouth, was, with Capt. Knowles, on this committee 
 for the County of Barnstable. 
 
 The opening of 1776 found the patriotic flame blazing 
 with unwonted intensit)^ here, and a determination pervaded 
 all classes to resist to the last extremity, the British preten- 
 sions. All the people were animated by a common spirit. 
 Washington, having early this year determined upon the 
 e.xpulsion of the British from Boston, wrote to the Council of 
 Massachusetts Bay, submitting to their wisdom "whether it 
 may not be best to direct the militia of certain tov/ns, contig- 
 uous to Dorchester and Roxbury to repair to the line at those 
 places with arms, ammunition and accoutrements, instantly, 
 upon a given signal," the suggestion was favorably 
 received. Yarmouth was one of the towns called upon. 
 Capt. Joshua Gray, who commanded the militia, at once set 
 
156 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 forth, accompanied by a drummer, to call for volunteers. 
 Every one was ready and willing to go. The night was 
 spent in preparation. In the chamber of the ancient house 
 now standing at the corner of Hallet and Wharf streets, the 
 mothers and daughters spent the night in molding bullets 
 and making cartridges, and at early dawn, 8i men, under the 
 command of Capt. Gray, were on the march for Dorchester. 
 March 8, David Thacher, John Hall and Seth Tobey were 
 chosen a committee ^f correspondence, "nspection and safety. 
 May 21, the Sdectmen reported, that money which they had 
 received from the constables for the purchase of arms and 
 ammunition still remained in their hands. They had sent to 
 Nantucket and other places, but could make no purchases; 
 and they were directed to pay over the money to Henry 
 Gardner, Esq., Province Treasurer. 
 
 The sentiment in favor of separation from the mother 
 country had constantly been gaining strength and intensity 
 by the events of the year, which followed the affairs at Lex- 
 ingtonj Concord and Bunker Hill, and the towns having been 
 requested to advise their representatives whether, " if Con- 
 gress should, for the safety of the colonies, declare their inde- 
 pendence, the people will sustain them in the act," a meet- 
 ing was held June 20th, a fortnight before the Declaration 
 of Independence, by the Continental Congress, — in which it 
 was unanimosly voted, "that the inhabitants of the town of 
 Yarmouth do declare a state of INDEPENDENCE OF 
 THE KING OF GREAT BRITAIN, agreeably to a late 
 resolve of the General Court, if in case the wisdom of Con- 
 gress should see proper to do it." This bold declaration, 
 though qualified by a contingency, — one which was very sure 
 to occur, — correctly mirrored the spirit of determination 
 which pervaded the people of this town. No other commun- 
 ity in the State, so far as has been observed, responded to 
 the inquiry of the Provincial Congress with anything like the 
 decision and distinctness of Old Yarmouth. And she made 
 
THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 157 
 
 good her promise, in the dark and perilous years which 
 followed. 
 
 The town, at the same meeting, voted to raise a committee 
 of seven to draw up a report of the grievances under which 
 the town labored, and at an adjourned meeting, held on the 
 27th inst., following, the committee's report was received and 
 adopted. The report was signed by but four of the seven 
 members of the committee, viz : David Thacher, Joshua Gray, 
 James Hawes, and Will. Thacher. The subject-matter of 
 the report was of local and temporary, rather than of general 
 importance, and was to the following purport : i. The "resi- 
 dence of the Register of Probate, in an extreme western town 
 in the County," and " in consequence widows and orphans 
 are put to great expense ;" a more central position is expedi- 
 ent. 2. The organization of the militia is objectionable — the 
 field officers are unpopular, and some are not willing to serve 
 under them. 3. The blending of the civil and military 
 appointments is disapproved ; "occasion may require an appeal 
 from military authority to the judicial." 4. "Test acts" 
 and "documents proposed for signatures as tests of loyalty 
 to the country," are denounced. " These have already caused 
 much difficulty." This report, so far as it treated of County 
 affairs, was not favorably received by all parts of the town, 
 and the East precinct, at a meeting held Aug. 22, put on 
 record a protest against the action of the town. The special 
 bearing of a portion of the report is unintelligible at this 
 period. 
 
 David Thacher, Joshua Gray, Isaac Thacher and Wm. 
 Hallet, a committee on a new constitution of the State 
 government, submitted a report, and the meeting "consented 
 to the revision." 
 
 Nov. 10, the town adopted precautions to prevent the 
 necessaries of life from being sent to distant places, and to 
 provide for the wants of the poor and distressed, by compell- 
 ing: those who had more than was sufficient for their own 
 
158 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 wants, to sell at such a price as a committee of the citizens 
 should deem reasonable. The town also made it criminal to 
 sell, or offer to sell, cheaper for hard money than for paper. 
 
 May 27, 1777, the town chose Joseph Crowell, Jr., Josiah 
 Thacher and Joseph Hall, a committee of correspondence, 
 inspection and safety. June 30, the town chose John Chap- 
 man, Stephen Homer, Joseph Thacher, Israel Nickerson and 
 Joseph Crowell, Jr., to prosecute breaches of an act, entitled, 
 "An act to prevent monopoly and oppression." 
 
 The West Precinct, May 2, voted to raise 24 men for tb.e 
 army — one seventh of all over 16 years of age — and chose 
 a large committee to carry out the vote, according to the 
 resolve of the Legislature. As an encouragement to volun- 
 teers, it was voted that those who have enlisted or shall enlist 
 in the continental service for three years or during the war, 
 " for the bounty given by the continent or state," shall not 
 be held to pay any tax that shall be levied by the precinct, to 
 encourage every seventh man to go into the service. i6th 
 and 17th, at meetings held, the 36 men were engaged. Aug. 
 29th, it was voted to supply the families of the soldiers that 
 are in need at the stipulated price. Sept. 16, raised ;!{^84for 
 two 8-months men, being the amount paid by a number of 
 drafted men in the precinct. The names of 12 of 24 men, 
 being those whose families were supplied by the precinct, 
 are preserved on the precinct's account book, and they areas 
 follows : Laban Lynde, Joseph Thacher, Benj. Downs, 
 Thomas Baxter, Joseph Nickerson, Benjamin Burgess, Reu- 
 ben Marchant, David Baxter, Elisha Matthews, Jona. Bur- 
 gess, Howes Hallet, Elisha Miller. 
 
 The East Precinct voted, that the two companies [north 
 and south.-*] unite in raising men for the service, and voted 
 to give to those enlisting for three years or during the war, 
 one hundred dollars, and to those that enlisted until the loth 
 of January, fifty dollars. They also voted to raise by draft, 
 all required after volunteering ceased. 
 
THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 159 
 
 With all their privations, their means of livelihood on the 
 sea being cut off, the families of the absent soldiers in many 
 cases, had to be provided for ; they also met the requisitions 
 for the continental army for supplies. This year Yarmouth 
 honored a call for 23 blankets for the army. 
 
 The West Precinct of the town, at a meeting held July 26, 
 to procure enlistments for the army, voted to raise the sum 
 oi j[^']6 6%. 8d., "over and above the encouragement by the 
 country," to pay five men "to go into the service of the 
 colony." David Thacher was chosen the Treasurer, and the 
 committee reported that they had agreed with five men to go 
 into the service, for which they were to be paid by the pre- 
 cinct ^69 6s. 8d. The Treasurer's account shows that of 
 the men enlisted, four went to Ticonderoga, viz : Josiah 
 Miller, Reuben Taylor, Lewis Thacher and Reuben Paddock, 
 who were paid ^{^13 6s. 8d. The East Precinct, also, at a 
 meeting held July 25th, voted to raise four men to go into 
 the service, and chose a committee to carry the vote into 
 effect. 
 
 In May, 1778, the town, after choosing their Representa- 
 tives, gave them instructions as to the performance of their 
 duties. These were, in brief, i. Pearly and constantly to be 
 in attendance on legislative duties ; 2. To guard against 
 inequalities of burdens ; and 3. Reasons why the constitution 
 of government "should have been preceded by a declaration 
 of rights." 
 
 The brigadier, or commanding officer in this county, was 
 required to detach 70 men for Rhode Island ; of these, 14 
 were to come from Yarmouth. 505 shoes, stockings and 
 shirts for the army, were called for from Barnstable County, 
 Yarmouth's portion being 73. 
 
 The West Parish sent three additional men into the service 
 for eight months, and agreed to pay them ;!^ioo. But the 
 Parish refused to pay the 30-days men, who went to Rhode 
 Island, or to send seven men to P'ishkill. The East Precinct 
 
i6o OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 also chose a committee to secure and provide means for fill- 
 ing the quota of the north side. 
 
 In November of this year, the British frigate Som- 
 erset was wrecked upon the back side of Truro, just 
 north of the Clay Pounds, and her crew of 480 men, taken 
 prisoners. She had been in the vicinity for two years, com- 
 mitting depredations upon the commerce of the Cape, and 
 her misfortune was the source of much gratification to the 
 citizens. Col. Enoch Hallet, of this town, was assigned the 
 duty of marching the prisoners to Barnstable, and from 
 thence to Boston. This was a good closing up of the year, 
 and though not fraught with results of wide-spread impor- 
 tance, gave our people some tangible results of the war. 
 The record of the year has the following entry of melancholy 
 interest : " Mr. Abner Taylor d. on board the prison-ship in 
 New York, Feb. 8." 
 
 A letter from Gen. Otis, to the authorities in Boston, dated 
 Oct. 12 of this year, is to the effect, that Geo. Leonard, who 
 was at the head of a company of refugees, in the Vineyard 
 Sound, had sent a flag of truce, and was desirous of exchang- 
 ing Barnabas Eldridge and Isaac Matthews, of Yarmouth, 
 and some others, held by Leonard as pi"isoncrs, for certain 
 men held by Falmouth people, and captured by them in the 
 British armed vessel, the Gen. Leslie, taken in Old Town 
 Harbor. 
 
 The year 1780 opened as inauspiciously as the preceding 
 year, and is distinguished by few incidents of local import- 
 ance bearing on the subject of this chapter. The history of 
 this period may be described as a struggle for existence. 
 From the beginning of the year, to the end of the war, calls 
 for money and supplies for the army, were incessant, but 
 could not be responded to by our people. Thus, in June of 
 this year, requisitions were made upon the town for $1 shirts, 
 pairs of shoes and stockings, and 26 blankets, 10,090 lbs. 
 provisions, and 31 men; and this requisition was followed, in 
 
THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. i6i 
 
 Sept., by a requisition for 24 more men, and 19,374 lbs. pro- 
 visions. An effort was made to raise the men. The town, 
 June 26, 1780, voted to choose a committee to see if the men 
 could be procured, but more than one-half of the adult men 
 had already enlisted, and the town was obliged to indemnify 
 the officers, if they disregarded their orders to proceed to 
 draft the men called for by the General Court. Oct. 23, the 
 town memorialized the court, setting forth the impossibility 
 of furnishing the beef called for. In 17S1 the town was 
 again required to furnish 7998 lbs. of beef, 34 shirts, pairs of 
 shoes and stockings, and 17 blankets. 20 3-montbs men vvere 
 also called for. It appeared that Yarmouth had been over- 
 taxed ^157, and the collectors were ordered to abate that 
 amount. In 1782, Yarmouth, Harwich and Barnstable peti- 
 tioned for relief from taxation ; a committee was appointed 
 by the General Court, and the relief asked for f?)und to be 
 reasonable, and the petition was granted. 
 
 In 1783 the country was gladdened by the cessation of 
 hostilities; peace was declared, and AMERICA WAS 
 FREE ! The boon for which our fathers had suffered, and 
 sacrificed, and bled, was secured, and happiness was wide- 
 spread and universal. But the blessing of liberty had been 
 purchased at a fearful cost. Not only were the material 
 interests and productive industries of the people prostrated, 
 but many had laid down their lives on the battle-fields, in 
 hospitals, and on board the enemy's prison-ships. Many of 
 those' who returned, brought with them the seeds of disease 
 and death. But those who survived were the heroes of the 
 time, and as they fought their battles o'er, recounted the 
 story of their perils and escapes, around their peaceful fire- 
 sides, the young listened with rapt wonder and admiration, 
 and their grateful posterity, as their ranks thinned, year by 
 year, rewarded and honored the devotion of these noble 
 defenders of our liberties. 
 
 At this period of our narrative it is proper to recognize 
 
i62 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 the important services of a descendant of an Old Yarmouth 
 family, who did much to fire the hearts of the people to 
 resistance to tyranny, and whose prompt and sagacious action 
 was of the utmost value and importance at critical periods of 
 the history of the struggle. Isaac Sears, of the fourth generation 
 in descent from Richard, "the Pilgrim," and whose father 
 emigrated to Connecticut, first distinguished himself by his 
 opposition to the Stamp Act, in New Vork, in 1664. He 
 had previously commanded a privateer. The people rose in 
 a body, and under his leadership, compelled the officers to 
 desist from their efforts to enforce the obnoxious law. Put- 
 ting himself at the head of the infuriated crowd, and exclaim- 
 ing, "Hurrah! my boys; we will have the stamps," they 
 were seized and committed to the flames. He was after- 
 wards at the head of the Committee of Safety, being popular- 
 ly styled "King Sears," and when disaffection entered its 
 ranks, in 1774, and the loyalists were near gaining control of 
 it, by his prompt and adroit measures he gained a majority, 
 and added to its membership, so that it was secured to the 
 popular cause. His efforts were not intermitted during the 
 years that followed. After Gen. Gage had left Boston and 
 sent insiduously to New York, for such supplies for his 
 army as might be available, Capt. Sears discovered his plans 
 and put a stop to his operations. He was a born leader of 
 men, and a pure and tried patriot. 
 
 During the war, about 1778, the exact date not known, the 
 British ship Cumberland, came ashore at some point on the 
 Cape. Josiah Lewis and others, of Barnstable, got her off, 
 and in attempting to get her in to Barnstable harbor, she 
 grounded on the tongue of Yarmouth flats, where she 
 remained. The place has since been known as "The Old 
 Ship." 
 
 The occurrences growing out of the war for Independence 
 absorbed the greater portion of public attention from 1775 to 
 
THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 163 
 
 the establishment of peace, in 1783. The Revolutionary- 
 history of the town has therefore been treated by itself in 
 the preceding pages, and the narrative of events is here 
 retraced, in order to gather up a few facts of interest, bear- 
 ing upon other matters of local concern ; and the record is 
 continued during the ten succeeding years, in which the 
 town remained intact. 
 
 About the year 1777, the small-pox raged among the 
 Indians of this town, resulting in the death of large numbers. 
 In the following year, it was voted, " that the charge made by 
 the Indians having the small-pox, be paid out of the town 
 treasury, and that their effects be sold to pay the same ; also 
 that the lands formerly belonging to the Indians to live upon, 
 be sold or hired out." 
 
 Amid the troubles and distresses of the times, the people 
 of the town did all that was possible to promote the interests 
 of education and religion. The depreciation of the currency 
 rendered the salary of Mr. Alden wholly inadequate to his 
 necessities. The precinct, in 1778, resorted to voluntary 
 contributions to make up the deficiency, and subsequently 
 voted ;£266 13s. 4d., in addition to his stated salary. But 
 the deficiency increased each year, with the depreciation of 
 paper money, and the amount was not made good until sever- 
 al years after the war. Mr. Stone's salary, in the East 
 precinct, was raised with more promptitude than Mr. Alden's. 
 The town, acting sometimes as a whole, and at other times 
 by precincts, took action to keep the schools in operation. 
 
 In 1779, March 30, voted, that the Selectmen defend the 
 town against Thomas Greenough and others, who have 
 brought action against numbers of persons for trespass. 
 And that the Selectmen bring a writ of ejectment against 
 said Thomas Greenough, for setting his house and making 
 improvements on land that was laid down for the Indian 
 inhabitants to live upon, contrary to the directions of the 
 Selectmen, This land had been formally sold and trans- 
 
i64 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 ferred by the town, to various parties, for an ample consider- 
 ation; and after some subsequent litigation, the town's action 
 was sustained by the courts of law. 
 
 May, 1780, the town voted on the new constitution, 44 in 
 the affirmative, and 39 in the negative. The constitution 
 was adopted by the people of the State, and in September 
 occurred the first election for Governor and other officers. 
 The following was the vote of the town : For Governor, John 
 Hancock 44, James Bowdoin 23. For Lieutenant Governor, 
 Jeremiah Powell, 37, James Bowdoin i, Solomon Freeman i. 
 For Senator, Solomon Freeman 47, Nymphas Marston 43. 
 An act was passed by the General Court to prevent damage 
 to Nobscusset meadows ; it was made perpetual in 1797, and 
 amended in 1802. 
 
 1783, April 10, a new schooner, called the Perseverance, 
 was launched in town, and a party of young persons went 
 out in her on an excursion. Being without ballast, when in 
 the channel off Beach Point, she capsized, and Miss Anna 
 Havves, a young lady of 17, sister of the late Deacon Joseph 
 Hawes, was drowned. The interests of education, which had 
 languished during the v/ar, again began to receive attention. 
 In 1783, and thenceforward annually, the town chose commit- 
 tees to secure a school-master, and attend to the interests of 
 the schools. 
 
 Dec. 1787, the town chose David Thacher, Esq. and Capt. 
 Jonathan Howes, delegates to the State Convention, to act 
 upon the Constitution of the United States, and they both 
 voted in favor of ratifying that instrument. 
 
 In 1788, died Col. Enoch Hallet, for some time Sheriff of 
 this County. He was an active patriot of the Revolution, 
 and a man of influence and high character. 
 
 In 1789, occurred a disastrous shipwreck, involving the 
 loss of the lives of seven people belonging to this town. A 
 new fishing schooner, mostly owned by a Mr. Evans, of 
 Providence, R. L, was lost in a gale, on Nantucket Shoals, 
 
THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 165 
 
 with all on board. Their names were, Howes Hallet, 
 master, Josiah Hallet, Daniel Hallet, Levi Hallet, Joseph 
 Hallet, Josiah Miller and Moody Sears, all of Yarmouth. 
 
 In 1 79 1, died Capt. Joshua Gray, at the early age of 48. 
 But he lived long enough to perform the most important 
 services to his native town, as an officer in the field, and as 
 a patriot in counsel, during the Revolutionary period. 
 
 The time had now arrived when the people had become 
 convinced that it would be more convenient, for the transac- 
 tion of public business, that a division of the town should 
 take place. There were no causes for disagreement, so far 
 as now appears, but the two parishes had become used to 
 independent action, and the sentiment in favor of separation 
 of the two sections had become quite general. At a meeting 
 held March 14, 1793, it was voted, 86 yeas to 4 nays, to have 
 the East Precinct set off into a township, and David Thach- 
 er, Esq., Lieut. Micajah Sears, Lieut. Josiah Thacher, Lieut. 
 Jeremiah Howes and Capt. John Nickerson, were chosen a 
 committee to take measures to accomplish the object. 
 
 The act of separation was passed June 19, 1793. The com- 
 mittee chosen to present the matter to the Legislature 
 represented that the town contained, Dec. 1792, 652 polls, of 
 which 367 were in the Western, and 285 in the Eastern Pre- 
 cinct ; 290 legal voters, 157 in the Western and 138 in the 
 Eastern Precinct ; ;^3293 los. valuation of real estate, ^^1711 
 5s. in the Eastern, £1482 5s. in the Western Precinct. No 
 opposition to the measure was made to the Legislature. 
 
 At a town meeting held Sept. 3, a letter was read from 
 Thomas Russell, containing the proceedings of the Boston 
 merchants and others of the town of Boston upon the Presi- 
 dent's proclamation of neutrality ; and it was unanimously 
 voted, that said proclamation appears to us to be founded in 
 wisdom and justice, and is approved by the citizens of this 
 town. 
 
1 66 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 Feb. 1794, six men, one from each precinct, were chosen to 
 settle up the affairs of the town, viz : Lieut. Jeremiah Howes, 
 Lieut. Micajah Sears, Mr. Jonathan Bangs, for East Precinct ; 
 Lieut. Isaac Matthews, Mr. Edmund Bray, Capt. Joseph 
 Hawes, for West Precinct. These committees adjusted the 
 affairs of the town satisfactorily, and henceforward, the his- 
 tory of DENNIS is treated in separate chapters. 
 
CHAPTER XVI. 
 THE NATIVE INDIANS. 
 
 Their Numbers and Character Before the Settlement — The Pestilence — Purchase of 
 Lands — Their Subjection to the English — Efforts to Christianize the Natives, by 
 Elliott and Others — Their Love for Spirituous Liquors — Statistics — Deacon Nau- 
 haught, and His Wonderful Encounter with a Snake — Whittier's Poem — The Closing 
 Scene. 
 
 THE native Indians of this town, having ceased to exist 
 as a distant community, during the Revolutionary- 
 period, a melancholy interest attaches to their one hundred 
 and sixty years of contact with civilized life. 
 
 It is evident that the natives of the soil were, at one 
 time, quite numerous here. The extensive deposits of 
 shells, and the number and variety of the utensils and arrow- 
 heads which are brought to light, by the searchers of our 
 fields, are evidences of this fact. The pestilence, which 
 swept away such multitudes, shortly before the coming of 
 the English, also performed its devastating work here. The 
 Plymouth colonists found the Indians of this vicinity of a 
 friendly disposition. They were a mild race ; their spirits 
 had been subdued, perhaps, by the losses by death, which 
 had occurred among them, which they had reason to believe 
 to have been brought upon them in consequence of the anger 
 of the Great Spirit for their wickedness in killing the crew 
 of a French ship, which had been wrecked on the coast a 
 number of years before. One of the captives, whose life had 
 been spared, had told them of God's anger, and that He 
 
i68 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 would destroy them and give their country to others. They 
 replied that they were too numerous for God to kill. But 
 when the pestilence came, they began, with the natural 
 superstition of savages, to think that one part of the predic- 
 tion was fulfilled ; and when the Pilgrims came, they feared 
 that the other part was about to be accomplished. Whether 
 for this or some other reason, the English found the Indians 
 to be in a very compliant mood. They sold their lands for a 
 trifling consideration, and acknowledged satisfaction with the 
 terms of the settlement. Masshantampaigne, the sagamore 
 of the Nobscussetts, who seems to have been the sachem of 
 nearly all the north side of the town, in 1657 signed an 
 instrument of acquittance, which has been preserved to the 
 present generation, and lived for many years afterwards on a 
 reservation near Nobscussett Pond, where an Indian burial 
 ground still exisits, which probably contains his dust, but 
 which, for generations has received no tenant. The succeed- 
 ing year, 1658, Joanno, or Janno, who was one of the 
 succesors of lyannough, and whose territory embraced the 
 westerly part of Yarmouth, to Masshantampaigne's lands, on 
 the East, and from thence to Bass River, southeasterly, 
 submitted his claims upon the English to arbitration, and by 
 mutual agreement conveyed, for a satisfactory consideration, 
 a large tract of land to the settlers. 
 
 The natives at once became the unresisting subjects of the 
 whites. Only sixteen years after the settlement, Masshan- 
 tampaigne was arraigned on a charge of larceny, and, sachem 
 though he was, submitted to the authority of the court with- 
 out a protest. 
 
 The subjection of the Indians continued, from the time of 
 Masshantampaigne to the date of the extinguisment of the 
 race. The spirit of the legislation, no less than the compli- 
 ant and unresisting character of the natives, encouraged such 
 a result. The English had come here to stay ; the Indians 
 were seen to be a fading and vanishing race; "manifest 
 
THE NATIVE INDIANS. 169 
 
 destiny " decreed that the strong should subdue the weak, 
 and none seemed to appreciate this fact more completely 
 than the Indians themselves. The colony court enacted that 
 punishment should follow from firing a gun, under certain 
 conditions, unless at " a wolf or an Indian ;" the town forbade 
 them selling tar or pitch or pine knots, and the minister, Mr. 
 Cotton, sold the services of '' Jiis Indian, Saxuant," — so 
 says the record, — as a janitor of the meeting-house, with as 
 little compunction or any suggestion of impropriety, as he 
 would have disposed of a negro, or a bullock. 
 
 As a matter of grace, or comity, the town permitted the 
 Indians to occupy some of the land of which they had so 
 recently been the sole proprietors, at the same time stipulat- 
 ing that it was to revert to the town, when not occupied 
 according to the stipulation. At the division of the common 
 lands, in 1711-13, an ample reservation was made for their 
 use and benefit. The whites exercised their authority 
 humanely and wisely, perhaps ; allowing the Indians the use 
 of such lands as seemed needful, for agriculture and for resi- 
 dence. 
 
 Efforts were early made to Christianize the Indians. 
 Elliott, the Apostle, called here to settle a controversy in the 
 church in 1647 or 1648, turned his attention to the work to 
 which his life was devoted. He overcame all difficulties 
 growing out of a difference in dialect from that of the Mass. 
 Indians, and made himself understood. He was baffled 
 somewhat by the ill-nature or quizzical propensities of a 
 sachem called Jehu, and encouraged by a pliable one, who 
 lent a more willing ear ; but no such results grew out of his 
 labors as in Natick, where Elliott spent so large a portion of 
 his life. We are told by Gov. Hinckley, that " the ungovern- 
 able love of the Indians for strong drink, was a great hinder- 
 ance to their improvement. The laws regulating the sale of 
 liquors within colonial limits, were disregarded by the covet- 
 ous English, when it was possible for them to do so." 
 
170 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 The Indians had such a love for intoxicating liquor, that they 
 would sacrifice anything to procure it. Mr. Stone, the 
 preacher at Provincetown, used often to preach to Indians in 
 other parts. One of the Mashpee deacons was asked how he 
 liked Mr. Stone. He answered, " Mr. Stone one very good 
 preacher, but he preach too much about rum. When he no 
 preach about rum, Indian think nothing 'bout it ; but when 
 he tells how Indian love rum, and how much they drink, 
 then I think how good it is, and think no more 'bout the 
 sermon, my mouth waters all the time so much for rum." 
 Intemperance had much to do with their decline in numbers, 
 but contact with civilized life, here as elsewhere, seemed to be 
 as fatal to them as their vices. Perhaps it was the cause of 
 them. 
 
 Rev. Thomas Thornton, the third minister of this town, 
 took up the work commenced by Elliott, with zeal and dili- 
 gence. He labored, in a large measure, through the instru- 
 mentality of the native teachers, and his work was crowned 
 with much success. According to Mr. Richard Bourne of 
 Sandwich, who spent his life in this labor of love and duty, 
 in his time, "the number of 'praying Indians' in Sawtucket 
 and Nobscusset, where Indian Manassah was teacher, was 
 121 ; in Mattacheese, where Jeremy Robins was teacher, 
 was, 70." This gives us some insight into the numbers of 
 the Indians then in this vicinity, as well as of their religious 
 character, and, as it is not probable that more than half of 
 the natives were comprehended in the term, " praying 
 Indians," it will be seen that a very considerable number 
 still remained here at the time. In a report made in 1765, 
 it is stated that there were "six wigwams in Yarmouth, 
 which belonged to the church and congregation at Potnume- 
 cutt," which probably did not mean that these were all the 
 Indians that remained — only that they were connected with 
 the society named. They had been gradually dwindling in 
 numbers, through disease and contact with civilization. Of 
 
THE NATIVE INDIANS. 171 
 
 those who went with the English to the wars, very few 
 returned. In 1763, nearly all were swept off by " a malig- 
 nant disease." Ansel Taylor, who was born in 1748, and 
 died aged loi, recollected this sickness, and stated that the 
 disease was the small-pox. Soon after the Revolutionary 
 war, the greater part of the Indians having died, and the 
 remnant remaining, scattered in other localities, the lands 
 were, agreeably to the vote of the town, from time to time 
 sold. The village of South Yarmouth now occupies a 
 large portion of what was formerly the Indian reservation. 
 "So late as 1779," says Alden in his '' Meviorabilia of Yar- 
 mouth^^ there was a small cluster of wigwams in the south- 
 easterly part of the town, about a mile from the mouth of 
 Bass River, which were inhabited by some of the remains 
 of the Pawkunnawkut Indians. The chief of them, about this 
 time, had the small-pox. Five of those who had it, survived, 
 and eleven died. It is probable that this part of Yarmouth 
 will ever retain the name of Indian town. There is still one 
 wigwam [in 1797,] on the banks of the river, which is occu- 
 pied by a negro and a squaw." 
 
 In the " Collection of American EpitapJis" published by 
 Rev. Timothy Alden, A. M., son of the ninth minister of this 
 town, is the following very interesting account of Elisha 
 Nauhaught, a Christian Indian of great repute in his day: 
 
 "Elisha Nauhaught, an exemplary deacon in the little 
 cluster of wigwams, which were standing as late as 1779, at 
 Indian-town in Yarmouth, deserves an honorable notice 
 among the worthy aborigines of this country. Several anec- 
 dotes are still related of him, to show that he was a conscien- 
 tious, honest, and pious man." 
 
 " He once found a pocket-book containing a quantity of 
 money. Such were his ideas, however, that he would not 
 open it, nor would he suffer any one else to open it, till he 
 got to a public house. '' If I zvere to" he said, ^' all the trees 
 in the woods would see me and witness against me." 
 
172 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 "The village before mentioned contained many praying 
 Indians, as well as some of a different character. Deacon 
 Rider, an old gentleman, had lost some turkies, on a certain 
 time, and, noc being well acquainted with the character of 
 his aboriginal neighbors, fixed his suspicions upon them. 
 He rode into the village very early in the morning, fastened 
 his horse in the woods, and walked in silence to the door of 
 one of the wigwams, where he stopped for a moment and 
 found that the Indian was at prayer. He then, without dis- 
 turbing the pious occupant in his devotions, passed on to 
 another wigwam. The head of the family was solemnly 
 engaged in the same manner. He felt ashamed of himself, 
 but he thought he would go to one wigwam more. He did so, 
 and it happened to be Nauhaught's. To his astonishnent, he 
 found him also offering the morning sacrifice in the midst of 
 his little family. What a delightful scene ! while the groves 
 resounded with the melodious notes of the feathered choir 
 the whole village seemed to echo with the prayers and 
 praises, which rose from every quarter. Deacon Rider was 
 extremely mortified, and vexed with himself, to think that 
 he should have suspected the poor Indians of the theft, when 
 he found them, before sunrise, pouring forth their petitions 
 to Almighty God, in such commendable manner, while many 
 of his whiter brethren were sleeping, like the sluggard, and 
 never called upon that sacred name, unless to profane and 
 blaspheme it. 
 
 " Deacon Nauhaught, in the near prospect of dissolution, 
 was visited by the clergyman, in the town, who had much 
 satisfaction in the meek, humble and pious temper which he 
 witnessed. Among other questions, he asked Nauhaught 
 if he felt resigned to die .'' He immediately replied, in Indian 
 style, ' Oh yes, Mr. Aldeu, I have always had a pretty good 
 notion about death;' meaning, that he had long so cast him- 
 self upon the blessed Redeemer and had such hope in his 
 mercy, that he was not afraid of the king of terrors. He 
 
THE NATIVE INDIANS. 173 
 
 soon after left the world, between 89 and 90 years of age, 
 and no doubt entered upon that rest, which is provided for 
 the people of God." 
 
 This interesting account is supplemented by a curious 
 story, in the same work : 
 
 " The following remarkable anecdote the author of this 
 Collection had from some aged people, and, particularly 
 from the late venerable Deacon Isaac Matthews of Yar- 
 mouth, who was well acquainted with Nauhaught. 
 
 "This Indian, who was a very athletic man, was once 
 attacked by a large number of black snakes. Being at a 
 considerable distance from any people, and having no weap- 
 on about him except what the God of nature had given him, he 
 knew not what to do. He found it impossible to escape from 
 them by attempting to run. He experiencejd, however, very 
 little from any fearful apprehensions on account of his personal 
 safety. He was perfectly self collected and thought he 
 would stand firm on his feet and suffer the snakes to take 
 their own course, for a time, without annoyance. They 
 approached him from every direction with elevated heads 
 and a tremendous hissing. They soon began to wind them- 
 selves about his legs. Presently one of them got up to his 
 neck and seemed to act as if he were attempting to get his 
 head into Nauhaught's mouth. Nauhaught opened his jaws, 
 which were furnished with a noble set of teeth. The snake 
 immediately thrust in his head and the deacon bit it off! a 
 fortunate circumstance, as the result proves ; for the blood, 
 streaming from the decapitated leader in the attack, so 
 alarmed the rest of the invading enemy, that Nauhaught was 
 immediately left master of the field !" ' This wonderful tale, 
 like the story of the disaster, at the well in Hockanom, gave 
 our local annalists the credit of being of a decidedly credulous 
 character. 
 
 ' Dea. Nauhaught's house was on the south side of Long Pond, near the Yarmouth 
 road. A swamp, on the opposite side, which belonged to his daughter, was long known by 
 the name of " Sarah's Swamp." 
 
174 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 The incident in relation to the finding of the money, has 
 been commemorated by the poet Whittier, in the following 
 spirited lines : 
 
 NAUHAUGHT, THE DEACON. 
 
 Naukaught, the Indian deacon, who of old 
 
 Dwelt, poor but blameless, where his narrowing Cape 
 
 Stretches its shrunk arm out to all the winds 
 
 And the relentless smiting of the waves, 
 
 Awoke one morning from a pleasant dream 
 
 Of a good angel dropping in his hand 
 
 A fair, broad gold-piece, in the name of God. 
 
 He rose and went forth with the early day- 
 Far inland, where the voices of the waves 
 Mellowed and mingled with the whispering leaves, 
 As, through the tangle of the low, thick woods. 
 He searched his traps. Therein nor beast nor bird 
 He found ; though meanwhile in reedy pools 
 The otter plashed, and underneath the pines 
 The partridge drummed ; and as his thoughts went back 
 To the sick wife and little child at home, 
 Wliat marvel that the poor man felt his faith 
 Too weak to bear its burden, — like a rope 
 That, strand by strand uncoiling, breaks above 
 The hand that grasps it. " Even now, O Lord ! 
 Send me," he prayed, " the angel of my dream ! 
 Nauhaught is very poor ; he cannot wait." 
 
 Even as he spake he heard at his bare feet 
 
 A low, metallic clink, and, looking down, 
 
 He saw a dainty purse with disks of gold 
 
 Crowding its silken net. Awhile he held 
 
 The treasure up before his eyes, alone 
 
 With his great need, feeling the wondrous coins 
 
 Slide through his eager fingers, one by one. 
 
 So then the dream was true. The angel brought 
 
 One broad piece only ; should he take all these ? 
 
 Who would be wiser, in the blind, dumb woods .'' 
 
 The loser, doubtless rich, would scarcely miss 
 
 This dropped crumb from a table always full. 
 
 Still, while he mused, he seemed to hear the cry 
 
 Of a starved child ; the sick face of his wife 
 
 Tempted him. Heart and flesh in fierce revolt 
 
 Urged the wild license of his savage youth 
 
 Against his later scruples. Bitter toil. 
 
 Prayer, fasting, dread of blame, and pitiless eyes 
 
 To watch his halting, — had he lost for these 
 
THE NATIVE INDIANS. 175 
 
 The freedom of the woods ; — the hunting-grounds 
 
 Of happy spirits for a vvalled-in heaven 
 
 Of everlasting psalms? One healed the sick 
 
 Very far off thousands of moons ago ; 
 
 Had he not prayed liim night and day to come 
 
 And cure his bed-bound wife ? Was there a hell ? 
 
 Were all his father's people writhing there — 
 
 Like the poor shell-fish set to boil alive — 
 
 Forever, dying never? If he kept 
 
 This gold, so needed, would the dreadful God 
 
 Torment him like a Mohawk's captive, stuck 
 
 With slow consuming splinters ? Would the saints 
 
 And the white angels dance and laugli to see him 
 
 Bum like a pitch-pine torch? His Christian garb 
 
 Seemed falling from him ; with the fear and shame 
 
 Of Adam naked at the cool of day, 
 
 He gazed around. A black snake lay in coil 
 
 On the hot sand, a crow with sidelong eye 
 
 Watched from a dead bough. All his Indian lore 
 
 Of evil blending with a convert's faith 
 
 In the supernatural terrors of the Book, 
 
 He saw the Tempter in the coiling snake 
 
 And omnious, black-winged bird; and all the while 
 
 The low rebuking of the distant waves 
 
 Stole in upon him like the voice of God 
 
 Among the trees of Eden. Girding up 
 
 His soul's loins with a resolute hand, he thrust 
 
 The base thought from him : " Nauhaught, be a man ! 
 
 Starve, if need be ; but, while you live, look out 
 
 From honest eyes on all men, unashamed. 
 
 God help me ! I am deacon of the church, 
 
 A baptized, praying Indian ! Should I do 
 
 This secret meanness, even the barken knots 
 
 Of the old trees would turn to eyes to see it, 
 
 Thebrds would tell of it, and all the leaves 
 
 Whisper above me : " Nauhaught is a thief !" 
 
 The sun would know it, and the stars that hide 
 
 Beliind his light would watch me, and at night 
 
 Follow me with their sharp, accusing eyes. 
 
 Yea, thou, God, seest me!" Then Nauhaught drew 
 
 Closer his belt of leather, dulling thus 
 
 The pain of hunger, and walked bravely back 
 
 To the brown fishing-hamlet by the sea ; 
 
 And, pausing at the inn-door, cheerily a^kcd ; 
 
 " Who hath lost aught to-day ?" 
 
 " I," said a voice ; 
 " Ten gold pieces, in a silken purse, 
 My daughter's handiwork." He looked, and loJ 
 One stood before him in a coat of frieze, 
 
176 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 And the glazed hat of a seafaring man, 
 
 Shrewd-faced, broad-shouldered, with no trace of wings. 
 
 Marvelling, he dropped within the stranger's hand 
 
 The silken web, and turned to go his way. 
 
 But the man said : " A tithe at least is yours ; 
 
 Take it in God's name as an honest man. " 
 
 And as the deacon's dusky fingers closed 
 
 Over the golden gift, " Yea, in God's name 
 
 I take it, with a poor man's thanks," he said. 
 
 So down the street that, like a river of sand. 
 Ran, white in sunshine, to the summer sea. 
 He sought his home, singing and praising God ; 
 And when his neighbors in their careless way 
 Spoke of the owner of the silken purse — 
 A Wellfleet skipper, known in every port 
 That the Cape opens in its sandy wall — 
 He answered, with a wise smile, to himself: 
 " I saw the angel where they see a man." 
 
 On the eastern slope of the bank on the borders of Long 
 Pond, in South Yarmouth, thoughtful hands have erected a 
 pile, on one of the stones of which is the following inscrip- 
 tion, which fitly ends this record of the aborigines of the 
 town : 
 
 ON THIS SLOPE LIE BURIED 
 
 THE LAST OF THE NATIVE INDIANS 
 
 OF YARMOUTH. 
 
CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 FROM THE DIVISION OF THE TOWN TO THE 
 CLOSE OF THE WAR OF 1812-15. 
 
 Meeting House at South Sea — First Post Office — Small Pox — Business Statistics of 
 South Sea — Death of Hon. David Thacher — Academy asked for - Rev. Dr. Samuel 
 West— The Embargo — War Declared against Great Britain — Attitude of the Town 
 — Incidents and Events — Peace Proclaimed. 
 
 IN 1794, the people at South Sea, having petitioned for 
 preaching among themselves, and requested that Rev. 
 Mr. Alden be allowed to come over to them, as often as 
 their proportion of the tax paid entitled them to his service, 
 the matter was submitted to the pastor, who consented to 
 visit " South Sea as often as his health and abilities would 
 permit." This necessitated the building of a new meeting- 
 house, which was done at the expense of the people there. 
 At the dedication, Mr. Alden preached in the forenoon, and 
 Rev. Mr. Waterman, of Barnstable, in the afternoon. The 
 text' of Mr. Alden's discourse was from Acts x : 29, — 
 " Therefore come I unto you without gainsaying, so soon as 
 I was sent for. I ask, therefore, for what intent ye have 
 sent for me." Both sermons were published. Services 
 were held there about one Sunday in four. From 1796, for 
 many years, parish meetings were held on the South side, 
 about one-third ef the time. 
 
 Party spirit began to rage at this period. Yarmouth, from 
 the first, adhered to the Federalist theories. Rev. Dr. Alden, 
 writing somewhat later, significantly said, " With regard to 
 the political theories of the people, the Jacobinical error is 
 not so prevalent as in some other towns in the vicinity." 
 In 1795, according to the terms of the State constitution. 
 
178 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 the people voted upon the proposition for its amendment. 
 In this town there were 22 yeas and 40 nays. A Post office 
 was established in this town, and John Thacher appointed 
 Postmaster. 
 
 From 1797, for several years, the small-pox raged in this 
 town, and precautionary measures were taken to prevent its 
 spread. In 1801, it was voted to establish a house for in- 
 oculation, on Great Island. 
 
 By the census of iSoo, the population of the town was 
 ascertained to be 1727. 
 
 A contemporary writer, of about the beginning of the cen- 
 tury, gives us a comprehensive view of the maritime business 
 of the South side of the town. On the Yarmouth side of 
 Bass River were six wharves, three near the mouth, and 
 three a mile north of it. There belonged here twenty-one 
 vessels. One brig sailed direct to the West Indies ; ten 
 coasters, from thirty to forty tons burthen, to Boston, Con- 
 necticut or the Southern states, and from thence to the West 
 Indies. The other ten were fishermen ; one was of seventy 
 tons, the rest from forty to seventy tons. One or two vessels 
 were annually built at Bass River. At Lewis's Bay, in West 
 Yarmouth, there were four coasters, of about forty-five tons 
 each, and ten sails of fishermen of about the same size. No 
 exact enumeration of the business in this direction, of the 
 North side of the town, is extant, but it was probably more 
 extensive than that on the South side. 
 
 In 1801, the town sustained the loss of Hon. David 
 Thacher, one of the most eminent of her citizens. He was 
 the son of Judah, and was born in 1730. He was a Repre- 
 sentative for twenty-seven years ; Senator two years ; and 
 a member of the Conventions for framing and adopting the 
 State and the Federal Constitutions. He was for fifteen 
 years a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas. Mr. Thacher 
 was a merchant, living near the old home of Anthony, his 
 ancestor. His fellow-citizens never permanently withdrew 
 
DIVISION TO WAR (9/^ 1812-15. 179 
 
 their confidence from him, and in 1798, at his last election as 
 Representative, which he declined, the town place on record 
 the following vote : " Voted, gratitude and thanks to David 
 Thacher, Esq., for the good services he has done the town 
 for numbers of years past, he being aged, and declined the 
 service any longer." Of him it was said, " his talents were 
 solid, judicious and useful, rather than brilliant," and the 
 inscription on his tomb-stone, probably with more truth than 
 is usually found in such writings, says, "By the constant 
 practice of the domestic virtues he rendered himself greatly 
 beloved and respected in the various walks of domestic life." 
 This epitaph was composed by the Hon. Isaiah L. Green, an 
 intimate friend of Mr. Thacher's. The composition of epi- 
 taphs was formerly considered a high test of literary skill. 
 Dr. Johnson was selected to write Goldsmith's, but insisted 
 that it should be composed in Latin. Mr. Alden, not only 
 wrote epitaphs, but elegiac obituary verses, of considerable 
 literary merit. 
 
 In 1803, an attempt was made by several towns, to pro- 
 cure the establishment of an Academy in this County. This 
 town voted, to appropriate $1000 for the purpose, provided 
 the General Court will allow one to be built in Yarmouth 
 and will appropriate a half township of the public lands to its 
 support. Col. Thacher and Capt. Charles Hallet, were chos- 
 en a committee to petition the General Court in favor of the 
 measure. The Academy was finally located in Sandwich, 
 Elisha Doane, Esq., being one of the Trustees, for this town, 
 for a number of years. The " Forest society " was permit- 
 ted, by its committees, " that now are, or hereafter may be 
 appointed," to cut down any of the trees that the society may 
 have set, by setting others in their place. To the instrumen- 
 tality of this society, doubtless, we are indebted for the 
 Lombardy Poplars and other trees upon the streets of the 
 north side of the town, some of which survived as late as the 
 year 1840, 
 
i8o OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 In 1805, permission was granted to David Kelley and 
 others, to build a draw-bridge over Bass River, without 
 expense to the town. 
 
 Feb. 24, 1806, died Col. Thomas Thacher. 
 
 In 1807, Sept. 24, died in Dartmouth, Mass., Rev. Samuel 
 West, D. D. He was born in Yarmouth, March 3, 1730, in 
 the south-easterly part* of the town, near Swan Pond. His 
 father was Sackfield West, a man of humble fortunes, but of 
 strong mind, who often used to exhort the Indians in their 
 meeting-house near by.' Samuel was early employed in the 
 pursuit of his father's calling, husbandry, but discerning men 
 discovering his abilities, the means of education were 
 procured for him, and he graduated from Harvard College in 
 1754. " He became noted for his metaphysical and contro- 
 versial talents, and was a thorough critic in Greek and 
 Hebrew." He was a zealous Whig during the Revolution, 
 and wrote much of a political character, and deciphered the 
 letter of Dr. Church, to the British ministry, which disclosed 
 his treason and treachery. He was a member of the Con- 
 vention which formed the constitution of Massachusetts, and 
 also of that which ratified the constitution of the United 
 States. He was an honorary member of the Academy of 
 Sciences at Philadelphia and at Boston. " He was," says 
 Dr. Alden, "as remarkable for his mental powers as Dr. 
 Samuel Johnson, the great biographer and moralist. He was 
 supposed to have much resembled him in personal appearance, 
 and with the same literary advantages would, unquestionably, 
 have equalled him for reputation in the learned world." 
 His manner was very uncouth, and many anecdotes are told 
 of his conduct while engrossed in thought or study, render- 
 ing him unconscious of the lapse of time and of everything 
 around him. On one occasion he harnessed his horse to go to 
 church, and falling into a reverie, took the horse by the bridle 
 and led him all the way there. He preached with great 
 
 » This meeting-house stood upon the site of the late residence of Eliakim Studley, of 
 South Yarmouth. 
 
DIVISION TO WAR OF \^\2-\^. i8i 
 
 vigor and power, and without the aid of notes. The origin 
 of the family is unknown. Dr. West had a brother, who was 
 undistinguished, and the name is extinct in this town. 
 
 This being a maritime community, the hardships experi- 
 enced by the operation of the embargo act of 1807, as well 
 as of former other restrictive measures of the government, 
 operated with peculiar severity here. This measure was 
 extremely unpopular and was held by our people to be 
 unnecessary and ill-timed. The discontent found expression 
 in a town meeting held Aug. 29, 1808, when it was unani- 
 mously determined to petition the executive to suspend the 
 embargo. Dr. Calvin Tilden, Sylvanus Crowell, Seth Raker, 
 Elisha Doane, Gorham Crowell, Henry Thacher, James 
 Crowell, John Eldridge and Charles Hallet were appointed 
 a committee to draft said petition, which, after sufficient 
 time had been given for its preparation, was read, accepted, 
 and ordered to be transmitted, by the Selectmen, to the 
 President. 
 
 Certificates, under the " Religious Freedom Act," began 
 to be filed with the town clerks, by inhabitants claiming to 
 belong to other societies than the " standing order." 
 
 In Feb., 1809, an act was passed to incorporate Gorham 
 Lovell and others, under the title of " The First Baptist 
 Society in Barnstable and Yarmouth." The Methodists also 
 began to make proselytes in the town. 
 
 The discontent on account of the embargo continued, and 
 gathered strength and intensity. A large amount of capital, 
 and all our enterprising ship-masters and mariners of every 
 grade, were left entirely without employmient. In Feb. 1809, 
 the town again met to consider this subject, and raised a 
 committee of inquiry and correspondence, viz : Elisha Doane, 
 Esq., Simeon Crowell, Benjamin Ma'"thews, John Gray, Gor- 
 ham Lovell, Esq. Subsequently, it was voted that if any one 
 present wa.s seriously suffering in consequence of the embargo, 
 he was desired to came forward and make it known. The 
 
1 82 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 Selectmen were authorized to afford relief to the suffering. 
 
 The distress of the times did not deter the citizens from 
 measures to increase their educational advantages. In May, 
 1809, the town granted to certain inhabitants a right to erect 
 a school house in Hawes's Lane, near the guide board, leav- 
 ing the road to Barnstable 40 feet wide, and to South Yar- 
 mouth 35 feet wide. This school, for many years maintained 
 in a high state of efficiency, was an important educational 
 agency. Mr. James Henry, a brilliant and talented young 
 man ; Mr. Hugh Montgomery, the early friend of the late 
 Joshua Sears, and other bright teachers, were among the 
 instructors of this institution. 
 
 The population of the town, in 18 10, had increased to 
 2134. 
 
 In May, 181 1, a report was received, in town meeting, of 
 the laying out of " Town Dock." Two years later the town 
 gave to the proprietors the privilege of digging out the 
 channel, leading thereto, and the profits from wharfage, etc., 
 for the term of forty years. 
 
 WAR OF 1813-15. 
 The controversies between the United States and Great 
 Britain, as seemed inevitable, culminated in active hostilities. 
 War with Great Britain was declared, June 18, 1812 ; and 
 although entered into and waged for the avowed purpose of 
 vindicating our maritime rights as a nation, against the British 
 claim of the right of search and restrictive regulations upon 
 our commerce, it was, from the beginning, an exceedingly 
 unpopular measure in this community. Whether ill or well 
 founded, the people of the town believed that hostilities 
 could have been averted, by firmness and decision in the out- 
 set, and that Great Britain could have been brought to 
 recede from the position which she had taken in the matters 
 in controversy between the two nations. The war found the 
 people already distressed and impoverished by the policy 
 
DIVISION TO WAR OF 1S12-1S. 183 
 
 pursued by the government for several years preceding it, 
 which withdrew most of its citizens from their accustomed 
 pursuits, and greatly curtailed their resources. Acting in 
 their collective capacity, in town meeting assembled, July 
 S, 18 12, twenty days after the declaration of war, the inhab- 
 itants appointed a committee to draft a memorial and resolu- 
 tions to the President, " under the present alarming crisis." 
 The memorial — the purport of which is not disclosed by the 
 record — was read and adopted, and the moderator and clerk 
 were instructed to transmit the same to the President. The 
 meeting also voted in favor of a committee to correspond 
 with other towns in the County, " to consult for the general 
 good and safety, viz : Capt. John Eldridge, Dr. Calvin Tiklen, 
 Capt. James Crowell, Capt. Sam'l Taylor, Elisha Doanc, Esq. 
 The political sentiments of the town were indicated in the 
 election held in April, 18 14. The vote for Governor was 
 very large, 265 for Caleb Strong, the Federal, anti-war can- 
 didate, to 23 for Joseph B. Varnam, Republican, war candi- 
 date. The Hon. John Reed, of this town, was elected Rep- 
 resentative to Congress, from the District, of which Barnsta- 
 ble County formed a part. 
 
 Aug. 1 8 14, an agent was appointed " to wait on His E.xcel 
 lency Caleb Strong, and procure the guns belonging to 
 Yarmouth, if there be any." Also, chose a committee to 
 consult and adopt measures for the common safety and 
 defence of the town, viz : Capt. Thomas Hedge, Capt. John 
 Eldridge, Capt. Charles Hallet, Capt. Isaiah Crowell, Capt- 
 Elisha Baker, Mr. Abner Taylor, Capt. Alex. Baxter, Capt. 
 John Hallet, Gorham Lovell, Esq. 
 
 A meeting of the citizens was convened on Sipiday, i8th 
 Sept., by request of the Committee of Safety. A letter was 
 read from Capt. Rd. Raggett, commanding Br. ship Spencer, 
 to the citizens of the town of Brewster, containing a demand 
 upon the citizens for a contribution of $4000, in default of 
 
1 84 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 which, the bombardment of the town was threatened. Also 
 a letter from Barnstable, requesting aid in case of the 
 invasion of the town. A committee was appointed to meet 
 committees of other towns in the County, at Brewster, con- 
 sisting of Capt. John Eldridge and Dr. Calvin Tilden. The 
 town met the next day, to hear the report, but without result. 
 Chose another committee, " to inquire into the demand, or 
 errand, if any shall be made, by flag of truce, viz : Dr. C. 
 Tilden, Capt. John Eldridge, Gorham Lovell, Sam'l Taylor, 
 Isaiah Crowell, Winthrop Sears, Joseph Eldridge. " Voted, 
 unanimously, That as this town have ever expressed their 
 decided disapprobation of the present ruinous and unhappy 
 war, and have hitherto refrained from engaging in the same ; 
 we are still determined not to engage in, encourage or sup- 
 port it any further than we are compelled to do, by the laws 
 of the country of which we are citizens." 
 
 During the period of the war, the maritime business of the 
 people was, of course, almost entirely suspended. In 1814, 
 especially. Great Britain being temporarily freed from her 
 continental troubles, was at liberty to bend her energies to 
 the task of dealing with the United States, and a large fleet 
 was despatched to the American waters, rendezvousing 
 in the vicinity of Boston Bay, sometimes taking refuge in 
 Provincetown Harbor. Notwithstanding the great risk, 
 some of our fishing vessels occasionally ventured out, and 
 succeeded in eluding the enemy's cruisers. Capt. Timothy 
 Hallet, in schr. Victory, bound to the Banks, fishing, was 
 captured shortly after leaving port, taken on board the 
 Admiral's ship, and his vessel sent to Halifax as a prize, with 
 the Victory s crew. The Admiral had a valuable prize which 
 he wished piloted to Halifax, and Capt. Hallet was requested 
 to act in that capacity. He made the condition of compli- 
 ance, the restoration of his vessel when he reached there, 
 the liberation of his brother-in-law, Ezekiel Hall, one of his 
 crew, with a safe-conduct for his vessel until her arrival at 
 
DIVISION TO WAR OF 1812-15. 1S5 
 
 Yarmouth. His terms were accepted, and in a short time 
 Capt. Hallet had the pleasure of restoring his brother-in-law 
 to his family, and his vessel to her owner, Capt. Ebenezer 
 Howes. 
 
 Alarms were frequent, and the militia were constantly 
 liable to be called out. On one occasion the Yarmouth 
 company was a day and night in Barnstable, which was sup- 
 posed to be threatened with an attack, and bivouacked in the 
 Court House. It was once or twice, under the same circum- 
 stances, marched to the South side, which v^as threatened 
 by a visit from the invaders. Party spirit ran high, and the 
 people of the town refused to take any other part in the 
 hostilities than to repel invasion. Many of those who had 
 fought and suffered in the Revolutionary War, utterly 
 refused to engage in the struggle then going on. The oppo- 
 sition to the war was at no time abated, in this town ; and 
 the treaty of peace, signed by the plenipotentiaries, at Ghent, 
 Dec. 24, 1814; by the Prince Regent of Great Britain, Dec. 
 27; and by the United States Government Feb. 17, following, 
 was a welcome relief to the people. 
 
CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 FROM THE WAR OF 1812-15, TO THE SOUTHERN 
 REBELLION. 
 
 Post-Office — Bridge across Bass River — Temperance Movement — Rev. Nath'l Cogswell's 
 Ordination — Death of Judge George Thacher — Burning of the County House — 
 Death of Rev. Timothy Alden — Alms House and Town House Built — Deaths of 
 Charles Hallet and Henry Thacher — Surplus Revenue — Death of Capt. Samuel 
 Taylor — Terrible Gale of 1S41 — Cape Cod Association Celebrate Here — Death of 
 Hon. John Reed. 
 
 DURING the war, matters connected with national con- 
 cerns and the public safety engrossed the chief atten- 
 tion of the people. In 1813, the town voted to have the 
 Post Ofhce removed to near the meeting house, by " a 
 majority of 35 votes." In 1815, voted, "to establish a tav- 
 ern at Bass River." Also, voted, to raise $125 towards build- 
 ing a bridge across Bass River, provided the town of Dennis 
 and individuals will be at the expense of the remainder. 
 The committee having the matter in charge, estimated the 
 whole cost at ^450. Subsequently, at a town meeting, an 
 order of notice from the General Court for incorporating a 
 company for the maintenance of a toll-bridge was read, and 
 it was unanimously voted, that the town consent. The act 
 of incorporation was granted the subsequent year. 
 
 The year 18 17 witnessed a great temperance reform in 
 the town. The evils of the intemperate and excessive use of 
 spirituous liquors had become very great, and the drinking 
 habits of the people were entailing much misery upon the 
 
JVAR OF iSi 2 TO SOUTHERN REBELLION. 187 
 
 community. Seventeen retailers were required to supply 
 the demand on the north side of the town, to say nothing of 
 the other portions. The formation of the Boston Society 
 for the Prevention of Intemperance, was followed by the 
 organization of a similar one here — said to be the second of 
 the kind established in this country. Several persons who 
 had been dealers in spirituous liquors joined the organization. 
 The first meeting was held March 6, 18 17, when a constitu- 
 tion and rules were adopted, and at a subsequent meeting 
 the organization was effected. The conditions of member- 
 ship would not be considered very exacting in these days : 
 "No member of the society, except in case of sickness, shall 
 drink any distilled spirit or wine, in any house in town, 
 except his own, or the one in which he resides." "No 
 member shall offer or furnish, except in case of sickness, to 
 any inhabitant of the town, any distilled spirit or wine, 
 whether they be visitors or laborers, but shall use his influ- 
 ence to discourage the ruinous practice." The first officers 
 of the society were: President, Elisha Doane ; ist Vice 
 President, Seth Kelley ; 2nd Vice President, Joseph Hawes ; 
 Secretary, Calvin Tilden ; Treasurer, Prince Matthews ; 
 Committee, Freeman Baker, Howes Taylor, Anthony Chase, 
 Henry Thacher, Esq., Edmund Eldridge, Ebenezer Matthews, 
 Jr., John Eldridge, Esq. This society existed many years, 
 and was instrumental in checking the evil aimed at in a very 
 marked degree. A large proportion of the dealers voluntarily 
 gave up the business, as the drinking of liquors was discoun- 
 tenanced, and sales were restricted by the authorities. In 
 18 1 7, the town voted, " not to approbate a retailer, but to 
 approbate one taverner, for the accommodation of travellers, 
 who shall give $100 bond not to sell to the inhabitants." 
 
 July 3, 1818, died John Eldridge, Esq., a prominent and 
 useful citizen. He was eight years one of the Selectmen 
 and Assessors, and six years a Representative in the General 
 Court from this town. He left three sons, John, Asa and 
 
1 88 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 Oliver, who were often "heard from "in the next generation. 
 
 In 1820, the town voted, 31 yeas and i nay, in favor of a 
 Convention for revising the Constitution of the State, and 
 John Reed and Elisha Doane were subsequently elected del- 
 egates to the Convention. The work of the Convention, as 
 submitted to the voters, was afterwards ratified by a large 
 majority, the sentiment of this town being almost unanimous 
 in its favor. The third census, taken this year, showed the 
 population of the town to be 2232. 
 
 Nov. 15, 1 82 1, Charles Hallet, a prominent business man 
 of this town, died, aged 71. 
 
 April 24th, 1822, Rev. Nathaniel Cogswell became, by 
 ordination, the colleague of Rev. Timothy Alden, Rev. War- 
 ren Fay of Charlcstown, preaching the sermon, from Acts 
 vi : 4. Mr. Cogswell soon assumed the chief care of the 
 society. 
 
 In 1823, Bass River Lower Bridge Company was incorpo- 
 rated by the Legislature. The town "voted, 107 yeas to o 
 nays, not to have the Post Office removed farther West." 
 This was an expression of the preferences of the voters, for 
 the information of the national authorities. 
 
 Hon. Geo. Thacher died April 6, 1824, at Biddeford, 
 Maine, having been born in this town April 12, 1754. He 
 was a descendant, in the fourth generation, of Anthony 
 Thacher, one of the grantees of the town. He was a son of 
 Lieut. Peter, and graduated from Harvard College in 1776. 
 Having prepared himself for the practice of law, in the office of 
 Shearjashub Bourne, Esq., of Barnstable, in 1782, he establish- 
 ed himself in Biddeford, in the District of Maine. Chosen, 
 before the establishment of the Constitution, a delegate to 
 Congress, he was after its adoption chosen a Representative, 
 serving in that capacity until 1801. He took an active part 
 in the business of that body, and was one of the keenest 
 debaters and most influential workers in the House. His 
 wit, sarcasm, and power of ridicule, which he had frequent 
 
ll'AR OF 1812 TO SOC/THERN REBELLION. 189 
 
 occasion to exercise, brought him in collision with some of 
 the lea lers of the opposition. On one occasion he was chal- 
 lenged by an irate Southern member, whose call to the " field 
 of honor," he treated with considerable levity. He said, he 
 would write a note to Mrs. Thacher on the subject, and if she 
 advised it, he would meet his antagonist. In the meantime, 
 the latter might mark his size on the wall and fire away at 
 it ; if he hit it, he would own that he was shot. That ended 
 the matter. In 1801 he resigned his seat in Congress, to 
 accept the position of Judge of the Supreme Judicial Court, 
 where he remained until 1824. He was one of the chief 
 ornaments of a tribunal, which numbers among its most 
 conspicuous members, such lawyers as Parsons, Shaw, Parker, 
 Morton, and others whose opinions are quoted and relied 
 upon in all American judicial proceedings. His discriminat- 
 ing power, sound technical knowledge, and recollection of old 
 and unreported cases, were invaluable to his associates ; and 
 none of his eminent contemporaries surpassed him, in integri- 
 ty, independence and the impartiality of his judgments. Judge 
 Thacher was also something more than a mere lawyer; he 
 was a man of learning in other departments, and was partic- 
 ularly well versed in theological and polemical controver- 
 sies ; and his knowledge of history and the literature of the 
 period, was surpassed by few of his contemporaries. His wit 
 and humor often enlivened many of the dreary judicial pro- 
 ceedings in which he took part, and he sometimes took a 
 very practical view of what was transpiring before him. On 
 one occasion, Hon. Daniel Davis, as Solicitor General, was 
 prosecuting a horse-thief, before Judge Thacher, in the 
 County of Kennebec. The case suggested a precedent to 
 the keen-witted Judge. When he was a boy, he and the 
 Solicitor General lived in the adjoining towns of Yarmouth 
 and Barnstable, and the day after the Battle of Bunker Hill, 
 the militia of the two towns started off for Boston. The 
 boys accompanied the soldiers, Davis acting as fifer, until an 
 
1 90 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 order came, for the troops to return home. In their retreat, 
 tired of marching, the boys found an old horse by the way- 
 side, mounted him and rode for some miles, after which, they 
 abandoned their steed on the highway, to return to his home, 
 if he so willed. In the course of the trial, the judge leaned 
 over the bench, and said, in an undertone, to Davis, " Davy, 
 this reminds me of the horse you and I stole in Barnstable." 
 Judge Thacher remained on the bench until 1824, during 
 which time, his residence was in Newburyport. After retir- 
 ing, he lived, with his children, a short period, in Biddeford, 
 until the time of his death. 
 
 In 1824, a Baptist Church was organized in South Yar- 
 mouth. Rev. Simeon Crowell, a native of this town, was 
 ordained Jan. 19, 18 14, the council which met, with reference 
 to him, having been held at his own house the afternoon pre- 
 vious. Mr. Crowell preached as an evangelist for many 
 years after the organization of the church. 
 
 Feb. 26, 1825, Barnstable Bank, to be located in Yarmouth, 
 was incorporated, with a capital of $100,000. 
 
 In 1826, the town voted, that a petition be presented to 
 the Legislature, asking that salt-works, which had heretofore 
 been free from taxation, may no longer be exempt, 93 yeas, 8 
 nays. This year, a site for a Light House on Sandy Neck, 
 at the entrance of the harbor, was ceded to the General 
 Government by the Mass. Legislature, and the structure 
 commenced. 
 
 Oct. 22, 1827, a serious calamity to the entire County 
 occurred, by the burning of the County House in Barnstable, 
 a brick building intended to be fire-proof, with 93 folios of 
 Records of Deeds, numerous deeds left for record, three vol- 
 umes of Probate records, and other papers of value. 
 
 November 13, 1828, Rev. Timothy Alden, the senior pas- 
 tor, died, at the age of 92, having nearly completed the 
 fifty-ninth year of his pastorate. He was born in Bridge- 
 water, in 1736, a direct descendant of John Alden of May- 
 
WAR OF 1812 TO SOUTHERN REBELLION. 191 
 
 flower memory. His wife, the daughter of Rev. Abijah 
 Weld, of Attleboro, to whom he was married Nov. 22, 1770, 
 died in 1796, during his absence from home on a long jour- 
 ney. He had four sons and two daughters. The oldest, Tim- 
 othy, born Aug. 28, 1771, was settled at Portsmouth, N. H., 
 and afterwards became President of Alleghany College, at 
 Meadville, Pa. He was an Honorary member of the Mass. 
 and New York Historical societies, and was the author of a 
 collection of American epitaphs, a work in five volumes. 
 Isaiah graduated at H. C, 1799, and became a minister, was 
 town and parish clerk of Yarmouth, for some time. Martin 
 graduated in the same class with his brother Isaiah, and 
 assisted his father, and Oliver became a merchant in Charles- 
 ton, S. C. Sarah Weld was born Dec. 1775, and Martha 
 Shaw Jan. 8, 1778. 
 
 Mr. Alden was a good sermonizer, peculiarly happy in the 
 choice of texts. One of his parishioners, complaining that 
 she was not profited by his preaching, he selected for her 
 especial benefit the next Sabbath, Heb. iv : 2 — "The word 
 preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in 
 them that heard it." Another instance is well remembered, 
 when the customary day for supplying the parsonage with 
 wood having passed, he preached the following Sabbath from 
 Proverbs xxvi : 20 — "Where no wood is, there the fire 
 goeth out." The wood was forthcoming the next day. He 
 had a talent for versification. A poem, occasioned by the 
 death of Capt. Joshua Gray, was published in xXit JMassacJuisett.^ 
 Magazine. He retained the dress and manners of the Rev- 
 olutionary period to the last. " We vividly recall the appear- 
 ance of this aged gentleman," says the author of the History 
 of Cape Cod, '^2iS •we. saw him last at the ordination of Mr. 
 Hersey, at Barnstable, in 1824, seated among the clergy and 
 distinguished attendants, on the platform, his antique wig 
 conspicuous, in small clothes, with knee and shoe buckles, 
 and three-cornered hat lying near by, — objects of interest to 
 
192 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 the young, — we regarded his venerable aspect with thoughts 
 running back to antiquity. He sat there as sometimes stands 
 a solitary, aged oak, surrounded by the younger growth of a 
 later period. It was to us the last exhibition of the great 
 wigs and cocked hats ; it left also impressions of a bygsne 
 age long to be remembered." 
 
 The town, in 1829, raised a committee to inquire into the 
 subject of an almshouse, and James Crowell, James Mat- 
 thews, Sam'l Thacher, Gorham Crowell, John Reed, Charles 
 Hallet and Gorham Lovell were appointed to consider on the 
 subject, and made a report, the purport of which is not dis- 
 closed by the records. Nothing, however, was done on the 
 subject this year. 
 
 Another committee on the almshouse was raised in 1830, 
 but no farther action was taken. $50 was voted for a survey 
 of the town. The census of this year showed the population 
 to be 2251. The First Parish gave liberty to individuals to 
 take down the old meeting-house of the First Congregational 
 Society, and a new house was built by proprietors within the 
 limits of the old meeting-house yard. The church was dedi- 
 cated in November of the same year, the sermon being 
 preached by the pastor; text. Psalms xxvii : 4. The cost 
 of the building was a little over three thousand dollars. 
 
 March, 183 1, it was voted to build a new alms-house, and 
 the following building committee was raised : Nathan Hallet, 
 Simeon Lewis, Eben Bray, James Matthews, Ezekiel Mat- 
 thews, Jr. 59 votes were cast in favor of an amendment of 
 the State constitution, changing the beginning of the politi- 
 cal year from May to January. July 4, Dea. Howes Taylor 
 died. 
 
 In 1832, the proprietors of Bass River Lower Bridge were 
 incorporated. Central Wharf, on the north side of the town, 
 was built. Sept. 26, Charles Hallet, Esq., died. He was a 
 prominent citizen, a merchant by profession, and for two 
 years Representative in the General Court. 
 
WAR OF 1812 TO SOUTHERN REBELLION. 193 
 
 March 2, 1833, Barnstable County Mutual Fire Insurance 
 Company was incorporated, and commenced business in this 
 town in the August following. The town voted, unanimous- 
 ly, 112 in the affirmative, in favor of an amendment to the 
 State Constitution, and of the second article of the Bill of 
 Rights, in favor of freedom of religious worship. July 29, 
 died Henry Thacher, Esq., a prominent citizen of the town, 
 aged -54 years, a descendant, in the sixth generation, from 
 Anthony Thacher. He was a merchant by protession. He 
 three years represented the town in the Legislature, was a 
 pioneer in the remarkable temperance reformation here in 
 18 1 7-1 8, and one of the first of the receivers of the doctrines 
 of the New Jerusalem Church, in this town. 
 
 The town, in March, 1835, voted >^o build a town house, 
 near the centre of the town, and appointed a building com- 
 mittee, consisting of, Matthews C. Hallet, Alexander Baxter, 
 Isaiah Crowell, Isaiah Bray, and James Matthews. $400 
 was the sum appropriated for the work. Ebenezer Sears, a 
 revolutionary soldier, died Sept. 20, aged 80 years. He was 
 one of the guard at West Point, at the execution of Major 
 Andre. 
 
 A society of the Universalist denomination was formed in 
 1836, and a church erected. The town voted, 165 to i, in 
 favor of an amendment of the Constitution of the State, 
 reducing the number of Representatives in the General 
 Court. 
 
 The town, May 29, 1837, voted to receive its proportion 
 of the surplus revenue distributed by the United States 
 government, and chose for its agent, John B. Doane, Esq., 
 who was authorized to pay a debt of the town, and loan the 
 rest at his discretion. Mr. Doane having died, Sept. 11, the 
 Selectmen were chosen to succeed him. Mr. Doane was a 
 prominent and useful public man, three times Representative, 
 and actively identified in town business. 
 
 March, 1838, chose Isaiah Crowell agent for surplus reve- 
 
194 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 nue, in place of the Selectmen, and voted to use $600 of the 
 fund for schools. Subsequently voted, to take so much of 
 the revenue as was necessary to pay the sums appropriated 
 at the town meeting in March ; also sufficient to buy two 
 hearses. 
 
 The remainder of the surplus revenue was absorbed in 
 1839. The town voted to take of the fund sufficient to paint 
 the town house and almshouse, and the remainder for 
 schools; also appointed a committee to take measures to 
 prevent the increase of the blowing, sandy wastes, about half 
 a mile east of the Congregational meeting-house, and to 
 again restore the soil to fertility. The committee were, 
 Peter Thacher, Isaiah Crowell, Alexander Baxter, VVm. Hall, 
 M. C. Hallet. $500 was appropriated. The committee 
 covered the shifting sand with a thick covering of brush, 
 and the waste was in a few years reclaimed. 
 
 The second Congregational society, at West Yarmouth, 
 was organized Sept. 30, 1840, with sixty-four members. A 
 meeting-house was erected. Dea. Anthony Chase died Jan. 
 7, aged 83. This was a year of great political excitement, 
 in which the people of this town took their full share of 
 interest. At no time since 1812-15, have the feelings and 
 passions been soenlisted, as during the campaign which result- 
 ed in the election of Gen. Harrison, for President of the 
 United States. The vote of the town stood, Harrison 238, 
 Van Buren 81. The population of the town was 2551, con- 
 siderably larger than it ever had been before, or has been 
 since. 
 
 Capt. Samuel Taylor, a Revolutionary pensioner, died in 
 the portion of the town known as Hockanom, April 31, 1841, 
 aged 85 years, 6 months. At the age of 17 years, soon after 
 the Lexington and Concord fights, he enlisted in a volunteer 
 corps, under Lieutenant Brimhorn, and repaired to the pa- 
 triot army near Boston. He was at Bunker Hill, and was 
 near Gen. Warren when he fell. He served four and one- 
 
IVAR OF 1812 TO SOUTHERN REBELLION. 195 
 
 half years in Col. Shepard's regiment, and was in engage- 
 ments at Princeton, Monmouth, Saratoga, and in the siege 
 of Yorktown, and survived the rigors and sufferings of the 
 winter encampment at Valley Forge. He subsequently en- 
 gaged in seafaring pursuits, and became a successful ship- 
 master. 
 
 The gale of Oct. 3 and 4, 1841, was unprecedented in its de- 
 struction of life and property of the citizens of this County, 
 especially of those employed in the fisheries. Yarmouth 
 sustained a loss of 10 lives, rendering 4 wives widows, with 
 16 children fatherless. Sch. Primrose, Capt. Eben Bray, Jr.i 
 was on George's Bank, and was never after heard from ; she 
 was supposed to have foundered at sea. Sch. Leo, Captain 
 X Freeman Taylor, went ashore, high and dry, on Scorton 
 Beach, and was got off, without injury. The names of the 
 lost from Yarmouth were, Eben Bray, Jr., Peter Bray, John 
 Bray, Eben'r Matthews, Jr., Isaac Matthews, son of Reuben 
 Matthews, David Hall, David H. Hall, Benj. Whelden, 
 Andrew Whelden. The case of Town of Barnstable, vs. In- 
 habitants of Yarmouth, for trespass in picking cranberries at 
 Sandy Neck, was decided by the Supreme Court for the de- 
 fendants. The case was defended on the ground of common 
 custom. 
 
 Amos Otis, Edward Thacher and Oliver Hallet were 
 authorized, by a vote of the town, to set trees along the 
 highways of Yarmouth Port, provided the road be left 30 
 feet wide within the trees. The trees were procured in 
 Middleboro, and set from the Barnstable line to the Second 
 District school-house, greatly adding to the beauty and com- 
 fort of the street. 
 
 The Legislature of 1843, passed an act incorporating the 
 Long Pond Fishing Co., of Yarmouth, to open an outlet 
 from Long Pond to Swan Pond, and to improve Parker's 
 River, 
 
 March 5, 1843, Ebenezer Tavlor, a soldier of the Revolu- 
 
196 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 tionary war, died, aged 82 years. May 12, a destructive fire 
 raged in the woods in the southeasterly portion of the town, 
 spreading over 4000 acres, and destroying standing and cut 
 wood, to the value of $50,000. September, the New Church 
 society was organized. There had been receivers, here, 
 of the doctrines taught by Swedenborg, for many years 
 previous. 
 
 In 1844, John Reed, of Yarmouth, was elected by the 
 Legislature, there having been "no choice" by the people. 
 Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, with George N. 
 Briggs for Governor. May 11, died Ichabod Sherman, Esq., 
 at that time, and for eleven years previous, one of the 
 Selectmen and Assessors of the town, aged 'jy. 
 
 September 13, 1845, occurred in Roxbury, the death of 
 Mr. George Hallet, a merchant of Boston, and a native of 
 this town, greatly esteemed for his enterprise and high per- 
 sonal character, at the age of 61. By a vote of 26 yeas to 
 107 nays, the project to divide the town was rejected. 
 
 March, 1846, "leave to withdraw" was reported by the 
 Legislature, on the petition of the committees of Yarmouth 
 and Dennis, for leave to sell the whaling grounds at Nob- 
 scusset. The Legislature took the ground that this was a 
 matter over which it had no control. Oct. 13, Dea. Samuel 
 Matthews died. 
 
 Jan. 2, 1847, George. Thacher, Esq., a merchant of Boston, 
 and a native of Yarmouth, died in the former place, aged 50 
 years ; Sept. 5, Capt. Edward Bangs Hallet, a prominent 
 ship-master and business man ; and Nov. 17, Col. Isaiah 
 Bray. Barque Albert Henry, commanded by Capt. Francis 
 Hallet, with the mate and two of the crew from this town, 
 sailed from Ralego, W. C. A., and and was never after heard 
 from. 
 
 In May, 1848, daily mails were established between Yar- 
 mouth and Orleans on the north side and Chatham on the 
 south side, of the Cape, instead of tri-weekly mails, as here- 
 
WAR OF 1812 TO SOUTHERN REBELLION. 197 
 
 tofore, Oct. 8, died Elisha Doane, Esq., aged 81 years. 
 He was a native of Wellfleet, removing to this town in early 
 life, and accumulating a fortune in trade — a man of sagacity 
 and intelligence. He was four years a Representative, and 
 a member of the first board of County Commissioners. 
 
 March 17, 1850, the last of the Revolutionary patriots of 
 the town, Dea. Joseph Hawes, was removed by death. He 
 was born Oct. 11, 1758, and was a descendant of Edmund 
 Hawes, one of the earliest settlers of the town. In 1776, 
 when 18 years of age, he enlisted as a private in the company 
 of Capt. Grannis, and served for nearly three years, in Nau- 
 shon and on Rhode Island. He joined Lieut. Barton's com- 
 pany the same day that Gen. Preston was taken prisoner. 
 During the winter at Howland's Ferry, he and Isaiah Howes, 
 Elisha Howes, Abner Howes, one Lawrence, and James 
 Robbins, of this town, burrowed in a potato hole sodded over 
 at the top, with smoke and frost contending for the mastery. 
 During the remainder of the war he followed the sea, being 
 five times taken prisoner. In later years he was a successful 
 teacher, and after that, for the rest of his life, a farmer. 
 He was a man of strong, though somewhat eccentric traits 
 of character. Ansel Taylor, the oldest man of whom there 
 is any record in town, died July 11, aged loi years and 8 
 months. In November, Edwin Chase, of West Yarmouth, 
 an insane person, killed a five-year old child of Washburn 
 Baker. By the census of 1850, the number of inhabitants of 
 this town was found to be 2399. 
 
 Dec. 20, 1852, the magnesia works of Fearing & Akin, South 
 Yarmouth, were destroyed by fire, incurring a loss of some 
 $5000. 
 
 A new church, erected by the Episcopal Methodists, in 
 South Yarmouth, was dedicated Feb. 9, 1853. Rev. Na- 
 thaniel Cogswell was elected delegate, from this town, to the 
 State Constitutional Convention. 
 
 In Dec. 1853, a severe snow-storm, accompanied by high 
 
198 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 wind and tide, was experienced on the coast. Central wharf, 
 in Yarmouth Port, was nearly destroyed, the store and pack- 
 ing shed of Hawes & Taylor, located upon it, containing a 
 stock of goods, was washed away and broken up, five vessels 
 driven from their moorings, and floated ashore. Bark Ida, 
 and several schooners, went ashore on Sandy Neck. Sch. 
 Leo, of Rockland, Me., came ashore on Sandy Neck, her 
 crew missing, doubtless all lost. 
 
 By the action of the town in April, 1854, the school dis- 
 trict system was virtually abolished, and a committee appoint- 
 ed to build a new school-house, on the North side, and one 
 each in West and South Yarmouth villages. The Cape Cod 
 Railroad was extended to Yarmouth Port, the first passenger 
 train commencing its regular trips. May 19. 
 
 The Cape Cod Association, of Boston, in pursuance of an 
 invitation extended to them by the citizens of Yarmouth 
 Port, made an excursion to that village, Aug. 2, 1854. The 
 members were met, on their arrival, by a procession of citi- 
 zens, who, through their representative, Simeon N. Small, 
 Esq., welcomed them to the town. Chief Justice Shaw 
 responded. The procession, under direction of Col. George 
 W. Hallet, acting as marshal, proceeded through the streets, 
 to a large pavillion on the rising ground between Hallet street 
 and Dennis Pond. The streets were embellished by arches, 
 bearing appropriate inscriptions, with flags and other adorn- 
 ments. A dinner was partaken of by several hundred per- 
 sons, after which, speeches and sentiments occupied several 
 hours. Chief Justice Shaw presided, and Mr. Wm. S. Thacher 
 acted as toast-master. The addresses were by the presiding 
 officer. Governor Emory Washburn, Mayor Smith of Boston, 
 Josiah Quincy, Jr., Rev. Nathaniel Cogswell, Rev. A. El- 
 dridge, George Marston, Esq., Hon. J. H. W. Page and others. 
 In the evening a ball was given in the pavilion. 
 
 Communication by rail was soon supplemented by the 
 
WAR OF 1812 TO SOUTHERN REBELLION. 199 
 
 magnetic telegraph, an office being opened for busii 
 September 21, 1855, followed, soon after, by a rival line. 
 
 A number of old and influential citizens were called from 
 earth, during the year 1856. Deacon Joseph White, who 
 had also filled the position of Representative in the General 
 Court, died Jan. 15, aged 69 years ; Dr. James Hedge, March 
 8, aged 82. He was a student of Dr. Samuel Savage of 
 Barnstable, and practiced his profession in this town for over 
 fifty years, filling important town offices, in the meantime. 
 He was a man of extensive reading and varied information. 
 Mr. Daniel Crocker, a successful merchant, died March 15. 
 Capt. Joseph Eldridge, many years an energetic ship-master, 
 also a Representative, died April 26, aged "/"^ years. Dec. 6, 
 Capt. Freeman Baker, aged 75. 15th, James Matthews, 
 Esq., ']6. Mr. Matthews was for twenty-five years a mem- 
 ber of the board of Selectmen, and in other town offices. 
 
 The State Legislature, in 1857, appropriated $2500 to 
 enable Levi Baker, of this town, to test in the U. S. Supreme 
 Court, the constitutionality of the statute of the State of 
 Virginia, by which his vessel was seized and confiscated, 
 for violation of a search law enacted for the protection of 
 slave property. The case was pending when the war of the 
 rebellion broke out, and was never brought to an issue. 
 
 Feb. 7, 1857, Joshua Sears, Esq., a native of Yarmouth, 
 died in South Boston. He was a son of Ebenezer Sears, a 
 Revolutionary soldier, and descended from Richard Sears, 
 the Pilgrim, through his son, Paul ; and was born here 
 in 179I5 the third of a large family. The literary edu- 
 cation of Mr. Sears was acquired in the town schools, anc. .1 
 the old academy on Hawes's Lane, where some good, solid 
 learning was taught. Mr. Sears traded a little in his native 
 town, before launching upon extensive business enterprises, 
 but soon became convinced that this was no field for him to 
 occupy. He went to Boston, as he told the writer, with all 
 his worldly goods packed in a silk handkerchief ; and it was 
 
200 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 not long before he had taken his position as one of the lead- 
 ing merchants of the city, displaying the most remarkable 
 abilities in his chosen profession. His judgment was sound 
 and his foresight and sagacity never failed ; and he engaged 
 at once, in large and comprehensive enterprises. He was 
 untiring and assiduous, never allowing the allurements of 
 social life to interfere with his business projects, and he ac- 
 quired an estate, thought in his time to be one of the largest 
 in New England. Mr. Sears was something more than a 
 routine business man. Those who knew him well, were 
 surprised at the extent and accuracy of his information, and 
 his correct judgment of men and books. He had but few 
 intimate associates, but when he bestowed his confidence 
 and friendship, it was upon those whom he had tried by 
 close intimacy and association, and he never deserted them, 
 or wavered in his attachment. Mr. Sears married, late in 
 life, Miss Phebe Snow, of Brewster, and left one son, the 
 present Mr. Joshua Montgomery Sears, of Boston. By his 
 will, he left legacies to the amount of over $110,000, among 
 others, one of $15,000 to the Town of Yarmouth, for the 
 establishm ent of a nautical school. 
 
 Oct. 1858, schr. Granite, of Quincy, came ashore on the 
 outer bar off Yarmouth Port, and her crew, five in number, 
 were swept overboard and lost their lives. 
 
 The mortality list of 1859, comprised Mr. James G. Hallet, 
 Jan. 28, aged 48; Mr. Andrews Hallet, March 18, aged 83; 
 and Mr. Prince Howes, at Boston, Aug. 28, aged 69 years. 
 Rev. A. K. Packard resigned the pastorate of the P'irst Con- 
 gregational church. 
 
 Hon. John Reed, who for so long a period resided here, 
 and exercised a controlling influence in public affairs, depart- 
 ed this life on Nov. 25, i860. Mr. Reed was a son of Rev. 
 John Reed of Bridgewater, where he was born in 1781. 
 After graduating from Brown University, he settled in this 
 
WAR OF 1812 TO SOUTHERN REBELLION. 201 
 
 town, where his rise in public life was rapid and for a long 
 time uninterrupted. Owing to the unpopularity of the war, 
 he supplanted the sitting member, Hon. Isaiah L. Green, 
 and was elected to the Congress of 1813, and after four 
 years' service, he was himself defeated, in 1817, for voting for 
 what was known as the compensation bill, giving members a 
 salary of $1500, per year, instead of a /^rr <^z>w compensation. 
 After four years, in the meantime serving one year as town 
 Representative, and one year in the Constitutional Conven- 
 tion, he was re-elected to Congress, serving until 1841, a 
 period of twenty-four years. He was, in 1844, elected Lieut. 
 Governor, serving seven years. He subsequently took up 
 his residence in Bridgewater, where he died. 
 
 This year marks a new era in our history. Abraham Lin- 
 coln was elected President of the United States, and the ini- 
 tial measures of the war were taken by the South. This 
 year also marks the decline of the American shipping 
 interests, and of the growth of the town. 
 
CHAPTER XIX. 
 WAR OF THE REBELLION TO OUR OWN TIMES. 
 
 The Guns of Sumter — First War Meeting — Yarmouth's Opinions — Meetings of Voters 
 and Citizens — Money voted for Warlike Purposes — Other Local Events — Fire — 
 Ordination — Camp Meeting — Railroad Opened — New Church Edifice — The Pack- 
 ets and Stage Coaches — Deaths of Gen. Joseph Hamblin and Capt. Isaiah Crowell — 
 New Library Building — Deaths of Capt. John Eldridge, Capt. Allen H. Knowles, 
 Dr. Geo. Shove, and Others — Some Recent Events, Etc. 
 
 THE report of the guns of Sumter aroused the sleeping 
 patriotism of the people, and transformed a North, di- 
 vided in its political allegiance, to a solid phalanx, intent only 
 upon the preservation of the Constitution and the Union. 
 This town formed no exception to the general sentiment of 
 the times. Informal, citizens' meetings, had been held dur- 
 ino- the time between the outbreak of the rebellion and the 
 2d day of May, 1862, when a legal town meeting was con- 
 vened. Hon. James B. Crocker was chosen Moderator, and 
 the following resolutions, offered by Chas. F. Swift, as an 
 embodiment of the sense of the town, were unanimously 
 adopted : 
 
 Resolved, ist. That we feel duly mindful of the sacrifices 
 that were made by our fathers to establish the Constitution, 
 and perpetuate the Union of the States, and that we remem- 
 ber with especial pride and pleasure the patriotic and efficient 
 part taken by this ancient town, in the great struggle, which 
 resulted in the formation of our existing institutions of gov- 
 ernment. 
 
REBELLION TO OUR TIMES. 203 
 
 2d, That, as citizens of Yarmouth, in comm©n with patriot- 
 ic men everywhere in the country, we feel a profound interest 
 in the struggle now convulsing the land ; that our earnest 
 sympathies are entirely with the administration, in its effort 
 to sustain the Government, and defend the flag of the nation ; 
 and that, as in days of yore, we are ready to contribute our 
 personal efforts and material aid to uphold and maintain the 
 national honor, untarnished, by sea and land. 
 
 3d, That, inasmuch as the head of the rebel organization 
 of the South has indicated his design to send out upon the 
 ocean piratical crafts, for the purposes of spoliation and 
 plunder upon the commerce of the country, thus perilling the 
 lives and property of those who follow the seas for a liveli- 
 hood, it is especially incumbent upon the citizens of this 
 community, who have so much at stake, to lend efficient and 
 cheerful aid in bringing these pests of the ocean to condign 
 punishment ; and we hereby recommend that the best ener- 
 gies of our people be especially directed to strengthening the 
 maritime arm of our national service, to which their pursuits 
 and training so peculiarly fit them to lend efficiency and 
 strength. 
 
 The meeting voted liberal compensation to the families of 
 volunteers in the army and navy ; but, as it was subsequently 
 ascertained there was no legal authority for such action, the 
 Selectmen did not act thereon. The women and children, 
 on both sides of the town, from this time to the close of the 
 war, were unremitting in their efforts to supply the hospitals, 
 through the sanitary commissions, with supplies needful in 
 that department. 
 
 July 3, 1862, a town meeting was held to procure enlist- 
 ments for the army, under the call of the President. David 
 G. Eldridge was chosen Moderator. Voted, to pay to each 
 volunteer, for three years' service, ;^ioo bounty, when mus- 
 
204 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 tered in, ^loo when honorably discharged, and an additional 
 $15, upon his enlisting. The Treasurer was authorized to 
 borrow $3500. Fred'k Dunbar, Matthews C. Hallet, N. C. 
 Fowler, E. B. Pember, Isaiah Sherman and Theodore Drew, 
 were chosen a committee to procure enlistments. Seven 
 persons immediately enlisted, and in a few days, it was 
 announced that the quota was full. At a town meeting held 
 Aug. 14, a bounty of ;^I25 was offered for nine-months' men. 
 Most of the men from this town enlisted in the 7th and 40th 
 Mass. Regiments. By reason of exemptions and for other 
 causes, the quota was found to be deficient, and the town 
 voted, Dec. 4, $125 bounty for each additional man. 
 
 In the fall of 1863, a call was made for "300,000 more" 
 troops. At a meeting held Dec. i, Charles F. Swift, Moder- 
 ator, Oliver Gorham, N. C. Prowler, David Matthews (and 
 P'reeman Howes, subsequently,) were chosen a committee, to 
 co-operate with the Selectmen in filling the quota. 
 
 April 21, 1864, a town meeting was called to fill the quota 
 "under the last two calls of the President." Charles F, 
 Swift was chosen Moderator. Voted, to pay each recruit 
 $125; also $1000, to pay bounties to such men as had 
 enlisted to the credit of the town and had received no 
 bounty. The Treasurer was authorized to borrow money 
 "under any call the President might issue." June ist, it 
 was announced that the quota of the town had been filled, 
 through the efforts of a citizens' committee, at an expense 
 of about $2,400. Under the last call for troops, citizens' 
 meetings were held in July, and a tax assessed on the 
 inhabitants, which, though not a legal charge, was paid by 
 many of the citizens. The sum of $325 was offered to 
 recruits, and $300 to those who had furnished substitutes. 
 Dec. 19, Voted, that the Selectmen be authorized to procure 
 recruits, in anticipation of another call for half a million of 
 men ; but, happily, that call was not destined to be responded 
 to. The collapse of the Rebellion, early the next year. 
 
REBELLION TO OUR TIMES. 205 
 
 rendered further recruiting for the service unnecessary. 
 Yarmouth must have furnished about 250 men for the war, 
 or five over and above all demands. There were 15 volun- 
 teer officers in the navy, from this town, and three of the 
 principal pilots on the coast of South Carolina were citizens 
 of Yarmouth. The whole amount expended for war 
 purposes, by the town, (exclusive of the State aid to the 
 soldiers' families,) was $17,017, besides which, $3,592.10 was 
 voluntarily contributed by private citizens, to pay bounties 
 — in all $19,609. 10. During the war $4,514.71 was expend- 
 ed by the town, in aid of soldiers' families.' 
 
 In respect to casualties sustained in the service during 
 the war, Yarmouth was comparatively fortunate. Only two 
 persons, counted in her quota, lost their lives while engaged 
 in their duty. James P. Atkins, of the Mass. 29th Regi- 
 ment, was killed on picket duty. Master's Mate, Benjamin 
 Nason Hamlin, went down in the U. S. brig Bainbridge, 
 which foundered at sea. Isaac B. Crowell, then recently of 
 this town, enlisted from another place, in the 13th Reg- 
 iment, and after the battle of Chancellorville was missing, 
 and was, doubtless, killed. To the large proportion of our 
 men who were in the naval service, which, although its 
 duties were arduous proved to be more secure than that on 
 land, is, in some measure, due this fortunate exemption. 
 
 The events of the war, for a better treatment of the 
 subject, have been grouped together. Other events, which 
 transpired in this period, are recapitulated. 
 
 In Oct. 1 86 1, Rev. Joseph Bourne Clark was ordained as 
 pastor of the First Congregational Church, the sermon 
 being preached by Rev. Jacob M. Manning, of Boston ; text 
 Isaiah, Lv : 7. On the same day, died Frederic Hallet, 
 counsellor-at-law, aged 25. 
 
 In 1862, recruiting for the army formed the chief subject 
 of public interest. Rebel privateers were making sad havoc 
 
 ' Schouler's "Mass. in the Rebellion," vol. ii. 
 
2o6 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 with our commerce, and these concerns, and the sending of 
 tokens of remembrance to "the boys in blue," kept all those 
 at home busily employed during this year. 
 
 May 3, 1 863, the store of James B. Crocker was destroyed by 
 fire, together with the stock of goods which it contained. 
 Loss about $5000, with partial insurance. Aug. 11, a camp- 
 meeting, under the auspices of Methodist Episcopal societies 
 of the Providence Conference, was initiated. The association 
 having the matter in charge, had previously purchased a 
 grove about one mile and a quarter from the Yarmouth rail- 
 road station, on the Hyannis road, and erected suitable 
 buildings for the purpose. This grove, with its accommoda- 
 tions, has been greatly enlarged, and improved yearly since 
 that time. Oct. 5, died Mr. Ebenezer Hallet, aged 78. The 
 last vessel of the Yarmouth Port fishing fleet was sold, this 
 year. 
 
 Jan. 2, 1864, Capt. Isaiah Crowell departed this life, in 
 Boston, at the age of 85 years. Capt. Crowell descended from 
 John Crowe, one of the grantees of the town, whose biogra- 
 phy has elsewhere been briefly sketched. The history of 
 Capt. Crowell's life, is the old story of early privation, perse- 
 verance and ultimate success. He early came to the command 
 of a ship. He was in Marseilles when the French Orders in 
 Council were promulgated, took the risks of capture, and 
 successfully reached the United States. In April, 18 12, 
 before the embargo act passed, but with full knowledge that 
 it would be, he was in Boston loading for Lisbon ; but, with 
 characteristic energy, he put forth every effort to complete 
 his cargo and clear for a foreign port. He cleared coastwise, 
 for Eastport, bringing intelligence of the embargo, in 
 advance of the mail, and there cleared for Lisbon, removing 
 his vessel for Campo Bello, in British waters, whence, the 
 cargo being completed, he proceeded to Lisbon. On his 
 return, war with England having been declared, he was cap- 
 tured by a British cruiser, sent to St. John's, Newfoundland, 
 
J^Jox^e^ -O^^^ur-oH^ 
 
REBELLION TO OUR TIMES. 207 
 
 where his vessel was condemned, and he was being returned 
 to the United States in British sloop-of-war, Alert, — the same 
 that was captured by the Essex, Capt. Porter, — who converted 
 his prize into a cartel, and sent her English officers into St. 
 John's, in exchange for the American prisoners confined 
 there. This voyage, of course, was disastrous. By these 
 daring and important enterprises Capt. Crowell amassed a 
 large fortune. Upon retiring from the .sea, he became a 
 Director of the Barnstable Bank, in this town, continuing in 
 the office for thirty-seven successive years; and for eighteen 
 years was President. He was also for three years a Repre- 
 sentative from this town, was agent for the surplus revenue, 
 in 1838, and was always recognized as an able, upright and 
 energetic citizen. Messrs. Henry G. and Nathan Crowell, 
 of Boston, are his sons. Jan, 4, died in New York, Capt. 
 Albert Dunbar, son of John H., of this town, an influential 
 and active ship-master, agent and owner. 
 
 Nov. 21, 1864, "The First National Bank of Yarmouth" 
 commenced business, as the successor of the old "Barnstable 
 Bank," chartered under the State laws in 1825. Mr. Ebene- 
 zer Bray died, aged 90. 
 
 Dec. 6, 1865, the Cape Cod Central Railroad was opened, 
 from Yarmouth to Orleans. Charles Sears, Esq., hotel-keep- 
 er, mail contractor and Deputy Sheriff, died March 4, aged 
 78 years, 8 months; Dec. 28, Capt, Ezekiel Crowell, aged 
 y?>. He served in the Legislature of 1852 and 1853. 
 
 June 22, 1866, the Yarmouth Library Association organ- 
 ized, under the general laws of the State. Capt. Timothy 
 Hallet died May 7, aged 86 years, 6 months ; Oct. 26, Fred'k 
 Dunbar, merchant, of this town; Nov. 5, Mr. Bartlett Bray, 
 aged 60. 
 
 June I, 1867, Rosanna Howes, widow of Zenas Howes, 
 died at the age of 89. She was of a family of remarkable 
 longevity, the last child of eleven, of Isaac Hallet of this 
 town. The gross ages of the family was 827 years; the 
 
2o8 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 average ages 75. One of the children, Mrs. Elizabeth Gor- 
 ham, attained the age of 97 years. 
 
 Oct. 15, 1868, the ancient cemetery, having been enlarged 
 and greatly improved, there were impressive services held to 
 commemorate the event ; the chief feature of which, was an 
 address, by Rev. Joseph Eldridge, D. D., of Norfolk, Conn. 
 
 March 14, 1869, sch. Electric Light, of Provincetown, from 
 Boston for Provincetown, was driven by a severe northeaster- 
 ly gale into Yarmouth harbor, striking upon the bar and cap- 
 sizing. Her crew consisted of five men, who, together with 
 five passengers, all lost their lives. 
 
 June 8, 1870, the corner-stone ot a new church edifice 
 belonging to the First Congregational society was laid, and 
 addresses were made by Revs. Nath'l Cogswell and J. W. 
 Dodge. Dec. 29, the church edifice of the New Church 
 Society was dedicated by appropriate solemnities. The 
 services were conducted by Rev.'s Wm. H. Mayhew, the 
 pastor, and Joseph Pettee, of Abington, the sermon and 
 dedicatory address being by the latter. 
 
 July 3, 1870, Brevet Major-General Joseph E. Hamblin 
 died in New York, of diseases contracted during the war of 
 the Rebellion. He was the son of Benjamin and Hannah 
 (Sears) Hamblin, of Yarmouth, and was born 13th Jan. in i82g. 
 His youth was spent here and in Boston, but when the war 
 broke out he was engaged in mercantile business in New 
 York city. With characteristic ardor and enthusiasm he at 
 once entered the service, as Adjutant of Duryea's Zouaves, 
 ( P'ifth New York Volunteers. ) He was subsequently 
 transferred to the Sixty-fifth New York Vols., and commis- 
 sioned as Major; then, successively promoted to be Lieut. 
 Colonel and Colonel. During the two years which these 
 promotions cover, he participated in several important 
 engagements before Yorktown, at Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, 
 Glendale, and Malvern Hill; afterwards in Antietam, Fred- 
 ericksburg and Chancellorville. As colonel, he was at 
 
REBELLION TO OUR TIMES. 209 
 
 Rappahannock or Brandy Station, Gettysburg and Mine 
 Run, under Meade ; in the wilderness, Spottsylvania and 
 Cold Harbor, under Warren and Grant ; and at Winchester, 
 Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, under Sheridan. At the lat- 
 ter battle he was twice wounded in the early part of the 
 engagement, but refused to leave the field, and his and one 
 other regiment covered the first retreat, until the appearance 
 of Sheridan turned an apparent repulse into a brilliant 
 victory. At Sheridan's request, Col. Hamblin was promoted 
 to be a Brigadier General, and after a short furlough at 
 home, to recover from his wounds, he again returned to his 
 post, and participated in all the engagements of the Army of 
 the Potomac, to the surrender at Appomatax. For distin- 
 guished service at Sailor's Creek, April 6, 1865, the last 
 engagement between the rebels and the Army of the 
 Potomac, he was brevetted Major General, and was mustered 
 out with that rank in Washington, July, 1865. After retiring 
 from the army he again engaged in business. His funeral 
 in New York was attended by many prominent officers, the 
 Seventh Regiment National Guards doing escort duty. He 
 was entombed in Yarmouth Port, many civilians and 
 the Masonic fraternity being present to do honor to his 
 memory. Gen. Hamblin won his high honors and promo- 
 tions entirely by his worth and talent as an officer, having 
 no political influence to aid him. He was instinctively 
 looked upon as a leader of men, being of fine and command- 
 ing person, and of noble presence. His social qualities and 
 chivalrous disposition endeared him to those with whom he 
 came in familiar contact. 
 
 "No Boston packet this year!" was the announcement in 
 the Register of May, 1871. It was a phrase suggesting 
 retrospect as well as causing regret. For fifty years, the 
 arrival and departure of the packets was the important topic 
 of North side intelligence, which was communicated prompt- 
 ly to the dwellers on the South side, that they might govern 
 
210 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 themselves thereby in arranging their business or their trav- 
 els. The older people remember Capt. Ansel Hallet, one of 
 the pioneers of the business ; and later still, his sons, Capts. 
 Ansel and Edward, Thomas Matthews, Nathaniel Taylor and 
 Edward Gorham. Nothing could be jollier or more sociable 
 than these trips to and from Boston, when folks of all 
 stations and degrees were, of necessity, obliged to come in 
 contact. There were frequent trials of skill and speed, and 
 sharp rivalry, especially between the Barnstable and Yar- 
 mouth crafts, sometimes accompanied with a little betting on 
 the part of the champions of the different vessels. Who has 
 forgotten the rhyme, inspired, no doubt, by a sail in one of 
 the3e, then matchless, crafts. It was the result of the inspir- 
 ation of a Barnstable bard, of course : 
 
 " The Commodore Hull she sails so dull 
 She makes her crew look sour ; 
 The Eagle Flight she is out of sight 
 Less than a half an hour. 
 But the bold old Emerald takes delight 
 To beat the Commodore and the Flight." 
 
 This excited the ire of the Yarmouth admirers of the old 
 packet line, and, having no poet, the issue resulted in a chal 
 lenge or challenges, to sail with the shire town packets, and 
 their (the Barnstable's,) utter discomfiture, as was contended ; 
 and probably the Yarmouth vessels did beat — their share of 
 the times. But the advent of the railroad put an end to all 
 their rivalries. Capt. Ansel, 2d, died before the end came ; 
 Capt. Edward, like another Cincinnatas, returned to his 
 plough, and lived long after, with honor and respect ; Capt. 
 Matthews filled a large measure of usefulness and public 
 regard as a station agent at Yarmouth ; Capt. Gorham served 
 the government well at Sandy Neck Light, and Capt. Taylor 
 died, while quite a young man. The rival crafts also suc- 
 cumbed to the inevitable, as also did the Dennis, East Den- 
 nis and Brewster packets. Those lower down on the Cape, 
 
REBELLION TO OUR TIMES. 211 
 
 lingered a little longer, but the end came to them also, before 
 long — packets and stage coaches giving way to steam and 
 the railroad cars. 
 
 The old stage coaches, which had run for so many years 
 between Boston and this town, had before this time given 
 place to the railroad, and the former means of transportation 
 had been completely revolutionized. The all-day's journey 
 from Boston to the Cape is remembered with recollections of 
 pleasure, in spite of its inconvenience and wearisome length. 
 Starting at early dawn, and the parties made up of persons 
 of all stations and degrees of social life, the stage coach was 
 a levelling and democratic institution. The numerous 
 stopping places, along the route, gave ample opportunity for 
 the exchange of news, opinions, and to partake of the good 
 cheer of the various taverns — they had no hotels or saloons 
 then. Cornish's, at South Plymouth ; Swift's, at West Sand- 
 wich ; Fessenden's, at Sandwich ; and Rowland's, at West 
 Barnstable, are freshly remembered by many of the present 
 generation. In 1840, the mail arrived in Yarmouth Port 
 about 6 o'clock, p. m. A journey to and from Boston, was 
 an event of a year ; in some cases, of a lifetime. We can go 
 and return to Boston three times each day, now. How will 
 it be in 1984.^ 
 
 Dec. 20, the building for a new public library, erected as a 
 memorial to the memory of his father, James Matthews, and 
 presented to his native town, by Nathan Matthews, Esq., of 
 Boston, was dedicated by suitable observances. Mr. 
 Matthews, in appropriate words presented the keys and 
 delivered the building to Rev. Nathaniel Cogswell, President 
 of the Board of Trustees. An address was delivered by 
 Hon. John B. D. Cogswell, followed by remarks by President 
 Eliot, of Harvard College. The building is in the Gothic 
 style of architecture, the main portion is of brick, and the 
 principal room of the Library is calculated to accommodate 
 10,000 volumes. Mr. Matthews also gave the association a 
 
212 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 considerable sum in money, the entire donation being some- 
 where in the region of $7,000 to $8,000. 
 
 The severity of the weather of March, 1872, was said, by 
 the oldest people, to be unprecedented for that month of the 
 year. It was reported in the newspapers of March 23, that 
 it had been three weeks since any communication was had 
 with Sandy Neck. In April, the union of the Cape Cod and 
 Old Colony Railroad was consummated, the former enterprise 
 being one in which the people of this town, especially, had 
 been practically interested from the beginning of the project. 
 
 June 20, 1873, a fire broke out in the woods northeasterly 
 from the town house, burning over a region of a square mile, 
 destroying a large quantity of cut and standing wood. 
 
 Feb. 16, 1874, died Capt. John Eldridge, aged 75 years 10 
 months. He was son of John, already noticed in these 
 annals, and was early trained to a life at sea. He soon 
 became a ship-master, for many years commanding a packet- 
 ship, running between New York and Liverpool, before the 
 era of steam vessels. "When the packet lines were discontin- 
 ued, Capt. Eldridge was in command of other vessels for a 
 short time. During the war of the Rebellion, for several 
 months, he commanded a transport in the employ of the 
 Federal government. He was, for many years, a familiar 
 figure on our streets, and his death left a void in our 
 community. 
 
 March 25, a close neighbor of Capt. Eldridge, Rev. 
 Nathaniel Cogswell, also paid the debt of nature. Mr. 
 Cogswell was a native of New Hampshire, born in the town of 
 Atkinson, March 5, 1796, graduated from Dartmouth College 
 in 1 8 19, studied theology, and came to this town in 1822, 
 and settled as colleague to Rev. Timothy Alden, and upon 
 the death of Mr. Alden, and until his resignation, in 185 1, 
 was pastor of the First church. In 1853, he v\^as a member 
 of the Constitutional Convention, and the same year was 
 elected an Overseer of Howard University. During Mr. 
 
REBELLION TO OUR TIMES. 213 
 
 Cogswell's pastorate, two new meeting-houses were erected, 
 on the North and South sides of the town, and he took a 
 prominent and influential part in the educational and material 
 advancement of the people of Yarmouth. One of his sons, 
 John B. D., was successively elected Representative and 
 Senator, presiding with distinction three years in the latter 
 bod}^ Rev. Wm. H. Mayhew was, Nov. 8, installed as pastor 
 of the New Jerusalem church in Yarmouth ; sermon by Rev. 
 Joseph Pettee, of Abington. 
 
 This record of the town of Yarmouth was regarded by its 
 writer, as closed in 1876, the centennial of the Independence 
 of the United States, to which its citizens contributed so 
 much and so well. Since then, a few events have seemed of 
 sufficient importance to re-open the record ; and a number of 
 eld and valued friends, with whom the writer had lived and 
 moved for many years, having, in the meantime, joined the 
 "silent majority" on the other side, he has added a few 
 pages, to put upon record a trifling memorial, and throw a 
 single laurel-leaf, upon their biers. But for all historical 
 purposes else, he desires that the record of events shall be 
 considered closed at 1876. 
 
 Feb. 2, 1875, Dr. George Shove died very suddenly, aged 
 57 years. Dr. Shove was a native of Sandwich, was in early 
 years a teacher, but was educated for the medical profession, 
 and practiced in Yarmouth and vicinity, for twenty-five 
 years. He was regarded as a remarkably skilful and talent- 
 ed practitioner. Capt. Allen H. Knowles died July 4, aged 
 61. Capt. Knowles was born in Eastham, and commanded 
 a number of fine ships, enjoying the confidence of his 
 employers, for his skill as a navigator, and superior business 
 ability. Oct. 19, Amos Otis, Esq., died. He was born in 
 Barnstable, Aug. 17, 1801. He fitted for college, under the 
 
214 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 instruction of Dr. Danforth P. Wight, but never took a 
 college course. For fifteen years he was a teacher. In 
 Pvlav, 1836, he became Cashier of the then " Barnstable Bank," 
 at Yarmouth Port, and continued in that position, as Cashier 
 of that institution and its successor, the " First National 
 Bank of Yarmouth," for nearly forty years. He was also 
 the first Secretary and Treasurer of the Barnstable County 
 Mutud Fire Insurance Co., incorporated in March, 1833, in 
 which office he continued, to the time of his last sickness. 
 He was a prolific and able writer for the newspapers and 
 other periodicals, being particularly well versed in local 
 history, agriculture and horticulture. He was for half a 
 century a leading and constant member of the Masonic 
 fraternity, and liberally contributed his pen and his personal 
 means, to aid educational and social improvements. 
 
 May 25, 1876, Capt. Franklin Hallet died in Liverpool, 
 England, aged 69. He had commanded several fine ships 
 from Boston, one of them a packet steamer to Liverpool. 
 Upon the abandonment of the line in which he was engaged, 
 he became the Agent of the Boston Underwriters in Liver- 
 pool, a responsible and important position, which he filled 
 for some eight years. July 18, one of those destructive fires 
 so frequent of late, spread over several hundred of acres of 
 wood land, destroyed in its path much standing and manu- 
 tactured wood, and several out-buildings of citizens living on 
 the borders of the wood lots. 
 
 June 22, 1877, Capt. Thacher Taylor died, very suddenly, 
 of apoplexy, aged 79. Capt. Taylor was at one time quite 
 extensively engaged in the fishing business at Central wh arf 
 with Capt. John Hawes, under the firm name, Hawes & 
 Taylor. He was three years town Clerk and Treasurer, and 
 twenty-five years Selectmen and Assessor. Dec. 26, George 
 Myrick, a native of Yarmouth, died in Boston, aged 42. 
 He was in active service during the Rebellion, performing 
 ;va]lant and valuable service on the staff of Gen. Foster, 
 
REBELLION TO OUR TIMES. 215 
 
 He was engaged in mercantile business, as a member of the 
 extensive firm of Hitchcock, Myrick & Co., for several years 
 preceding his decease. 
 
 The obituary list for 1878, contains the names of Capt. 
 Edward Hallet, March 18, an old packet master, aged 79 
 years ; also Capt. Winthrop S. Baker, at Brockton, April 28 ; 
 Willard Sears, at New Bedford, June 3, aged 84 ; Capt. 
 Oliver Gorham, Nov. 15, aged 63. The station house of the 
 Old Colony Railroad, in Yarmouth Port, was burnt Nov. 17, 
 and another was soon after commenced. 
 
 The deaths of natives of the town, for 1879, comprised 
 Mr. Sylvester Baker, merchant, March 7, aged 49 ; Albert 
 G. Hills, of Boston, journalist, June 14 ; and Capt. Benjamin 
 Taylor, Aug. 28, aged 72. 
 
 In June, 1880, Heman B. Chase, Esq., died, in West 
 Yarmouth. He had represented the town two terms in the 
 Legislature, and was active in public affairs. Village Hall, 
 at the Port, was destroyed by fire, Dec. 22. 
 
 In Jan. 188 r, Wm. Haffards departed this life. He was, 
 during the rebellion, a pilot in the U. vS. navy, and rendered 
 invaluable service to the cause. Apr. 7, Elisha Jenkins, 
 aged 81. He was born in Barnstable, but for many years 
 resided in South Yarmouth, and twice represented the town 
 in the Legislature. John Larkin died May 3. For many 
 years Postmaster, he also faithfully filled manv private trusts. 
 
 1882, March 31, Capt. Samuel Matthews died, aged 80 
 years 6 months. He was two years a Representative, 
 several years a Selectman, and was greatly trusted and 
 universally respected. 
 
 1883, Jan. 21, Capt. Oliver Matthews died, aged 72. He 
 had been an invalid for years, but was a bright, energetic 
 and most estimable man in his day of usefulness and activity. 
 March 7, Capt. Winthrop Sears died, aged 65. He was an 
 enterprising and capable ship-master, for several years a 
 Selectman, Director of the First National Bank of Yar- 
 
2i6 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 mouth, and filled other important stations in private business 
 enterprises. Hon. James B. Crocker died May 28, at the 
 age of nearly 79 years. Born in Barnstable, and an energet- 
 ic shipmaster at an early age, he came to this town about 
 the year 1841. He represented the town in the Legislature, 
 one year; in 1853 and 1854, was a Senator from this 
 District, and from 1864 to 187^), was Clerk of the Courts for 
 Barnstable County. He was also a Trial Justice and a 
 Director of the First National Bank of Yarmouth, at the 
 time of his decease. June 21, Dea. Gorham Eldridge died, 
 aged 88. Sept. 16, Eliakim Studley aged 81 years 11 
 months ; a farmer, for some time Selectman. 
 
 Capt. Edmund B. Hamblin, while these sheets were passing 
 through the press, i. e.. May 12, 1884, was suddenly removed 
 from this life, at the age of 61 years. He was the son of 
 Col. Joshua Hamblin, a military officer of some distinction 
 in the early portion of this century. Capt. Edmund 
 commanded several ships, and after his retirement from the 
 sea engaged in agricultural pursuits. This family is derived 
 from James Hamblin, who came from London, and was in 
 Barnstable in 1639, — one of the congregation of Rev. John 
 Lothrop, His grandson, Joseph, married Elizabeth 
 Matthews, of Yarmouth, about the year 1725, removed to 
 this town, and died in 1777, aged 75 years. He was the first 
 of the numerous and respectable family in this town. 
 
 In one sense out of the usual order of events, — because the 
 date and time of his departure is hidden from those on earth, — 
 we record here the departure of Capt. Asa Eldridge, one of the 
 most gallant sailors Cape Cod has contributed to that noble 
 fraternity. He was born in this town, July 25, 1809, the son 
 of Capt. John, a citizen of repute and renown. He took 
 
Capt, Asa Eldridge. 
 born 1809-died 1856, 
 
REBELLION TO OUR TIMES. 217 
 
 early to the sea, like all Cape Cod boys, commanded some 
 fine ships, sailing for years in the " Dramatic line," 
 controlled by E. K. Collins, a Truro man of pluck and vigor. 
 Cornelius Vanderbilt, discov^ering his ability, induced him to 
 enter his service. He commanded the " North Star," on 
 the famous excursion to Europe, with Mr. Vanderbilt and 
 family, which voyage was commemorated by Rev. Dr. 
 Chowles, in a volume of great interest, in which he paid an 
 appropriate tribute to the gallantry and skill of Capt. 
 Eldridge. Capt. Eldridge possessed, not only self-confidence 
 and daring, but skill and endurance, and the generous traits 
 which are in imagination connected with the character of the 
 true-born, American sailor. Jan. 25, 1856, after a voyage 
 across the Atlantic, in which he successfully competed with 
 a Cunard line steamer, he sailed in the steamer Pacific, from 
 Liverpool, England, on a return trip to New York. He was 
 never heard from more. It was a year of most unprecedent- 
 ed disaster to vessels ; many were foundered, or went down 
 in the gales ; the best nautical opinion is to the effect that 
 the Pacific struck an iceberg, and that all on board met an 
 instant death. 
 
CHAPTER XX. 
 THE MAILS, TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE. 
 
 Early Transportation of Letters — First Post Office — Further Post Office Facilities — 
 The Telegraph and Telephone. 
 
 IT is difficult for the present generation, who enjoy the 
 advantages of postal communication with other places 
 twice daily, and the telegraph whenever its use is needed, to 
 appreciate the condition of our fathers, less than a century 
 ago. At that time private enterprise and a chance traveller 
 were the sole dependence of the people, for transmitting 
 letters and intelligence ; the packets which plied between 
 here and Boston, and the pockets of private citizens, being 
 called into requisition for the purpose. 
 
 The first Post office in Yarmouth, was established in Oct., 
 1794. The mail was carried on horseback, and was sent and 
 received once each week. Thomas Thacher v/as the first 
 Post Master. John Thacher contracted to carry the mail 
 for ^i.oo per day, between here and Boston, which was 
 regarded by some of the reformers of the time, as an 
 evidence of the extravagance of the administration. There 
 was no Post office below Yarmouth. 
 
 During the war of 18 12-15, the mails were brought twice 
 each week ; about 1820, three times a week. 
 
 In the fall of 1854, soon after the opening of the Railroad, 
 the mail was sent twice a day. 
 
MAILS, TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE. 219 
 
 The Register of July 6, 1837, contained the following 
 announcement : 
 
 "The Mails. — We now receive a daily mail from Boston, 
 v/hich will enable us to furnish our readers with the latest 
 intelligence." 
 
 There is^ before the writer, the following original order 
 from the Post Office Department, drawn on the Post 
 Master of Yarmouth, in favor of the contractor : 
 
 General Post Office, 
 Philadelphia, Nov. ^th, 1795. 
 Sir, 
 
 Please to pay to John Thacher or order. Twenty-six Dollars, 
 and return his receipt thereof to this office. 
 
 Chas. Burrall, 
 26 D. C. Asst. P. M. G. 
 
 Thomas TJiacIier, Esqr., 
 Post-Master at Yarmouth. 
 
 This is endorsed on the back, " First draft from the Gen'l 
 P. O. for ^26.00," showing this sum to be the total receipts 
 of the office for the year. Letters were sent but seldom, 
 and not more than three or four persons in town subscribed 
 for a weekly newspaper. 
 
 Closely connected with the transmission of intelligence 
 by the mails, is that of communicating by the magnetic tele- 
 graph. In the fall of 1855, two lines were constructed to 
 the Cape. The office in this town, of the first one opened, 
 was in the Register building, and was just in time to 
 chronicle a great event, as will be seen by the following 
 reproduction of head lines, in the issue of that journal, of 
 Sept. 28, 1855 : 
 
 " Telegraph Here I " 
 
 " Great Battle at Sebastapol t " 
 
 " Success of the Allies 1 " 
 
 " Sebastapol Fallen ! " 
 
220 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 The public were rather skeptical as to this news, but the 
 daily newspapers confirmed it. The next step in the trans- 
 mission of intelligence, was the telephone, which was opened 
 here during the year 1883. What further progress has the 
 future in store for us ? Already, the conception of Puck has 
 been realized : 
 
 " I'll put a girdle round the earth, 
 In forty minutes ;" 
 
 and the people of Yarmouth can speak to those of London 
 and Paris, easier than they could communicate with 
 Sandwich and Provincetown, in "the olden time." 
 
CHAPTER XXI. 
 EDUCATION. 
 
 Common School System not of English Origin — Parental Education the Earliest System 
 — Action of the Colony Court— The Cape Cod Fisheries the Earliest Educational 
 Fund — Advanced School Established — Mutual Improvement and Lecture Funds — 
 Town Libraries, etc., — College Graduates. 
 
 The common school system was not one of the institutions 
 transplanted by our forefathers from the mother countr)-, 
 but grew out of the necessities of their position, and was the 
 result of their foresight and providence, for the welfare of 
 their descendants. The practice of family education was 
 brought by them from the old world, and was adhered to 
 with conscientious fidelity, until their growth in population 
 enabled them to found schools, for the general education of 
 the youth of the colony. Many of the first settlers were 
 men of considerable acquirements, able to educate their 
 children in the scholarship of the times. William Bradford, 
 the second, Josias Winslow, Thomas Southworth and 
 Thomas Cushman, were reared under parental education, 
 and were men of more than common attainments, and of 
 eminence in the colony. Edmund Hawes, Anthony Thach- 
 er, Andrew Hallet, senior, and others of the first settlers of 
 this town, were men of good acquirements ; and, with the 
 first ministers, kept up the standard of education, better 
 than it was reasonable to expect, in a community, engrossed 
 in the absorbing pursuits of founding homes on a primeval 
 soil, and warring with savage nature, and still more savage 
 
22 2 OLD YA RMO UTH. 
 
 man. It was not until some years had elapseci, that any 
 movement towards general education was made. In 1663, 
 "it was proposed by the court unto the several townships in 
 this jurisdiction, as a thing that they o'ight to take into 
 their serious consideration, that some course may be taken 
 th.at in every town there may be a schoolmaster set up to 
 train up our children to reading and writing." No action 
 seems to have been taken under this proposition, and in 
 1670, the court made a grant "of all such profits as might, 
 or should annually accrue to the colony, from time to time, 
 for fishing with seines at Cape Cod, for mackerel, bass or 
 herrings, to be improved for, and towards, a free school in 
 some town in this jurisdiction, provided a beginning were 
 made within one year of the grant." The beginning was 
 made at Plymouth, which town, also, as well as some of its 
 inhabitants, contributed to its maintenance; and in 1673, 
 the court renewed its grant, and appointed Mr. Thomas 
 Hinckley as steward of the fund raised, or to be raised, for 
 this purpose. This grant was not permanent, as appears 
 from the fact, that in 1678, a part of the fund was granted to 
 another party, and five pounds for the schoolmaster at 
 Rehoboth. From this time to 1683, portions of this fishery 
 fund were assigned to various towns, to aid in the support of 
 schools, Barnstable being one of the beneficiaries in the 
 latter named year. In all this time private instruction had 
 been provided, in this, as in the other towns. Mr. John 
 Miller, son of the second minister, was for many years, the 
 schoolmaster of the town, his house standing on the site of 
 the present High School building. 
 
 The earliest recognition of the common school system, by 
 the town, was in the year 1693, when, as has before been 
 stated, a committee was "appointed to agree with some fit 
 person to teach school," which was to be taught in " squad- 
 rons," covering all parts of the town. From that time to 
 th^s, with some few interruptions, the records bear witness 
 
EDUCATION. 
 
 ■^5 
 
 to the importance attached to the education of the young of 
 the town, by our forefathers and their descendants, as is set 
 forth in the votes, found recorded in their proper dates. 
 
 We have an interesting glimpse of the schools, as they 
 existed more than a century ago, in an account written by 
 the late Deacon Joseph Hawes, himself for many years a 
 successful teacher of youths. The narrative proceeds : 
 
 "This question has become general, and it ought to be so, 
 as it is generally allowed, that the future welfare and happi- 
 ness of our country, under God, depends much thereon. 
 The writer, who is now in the 79th year of his age, [in 1839,] 
 makes no pretension to scholarship. 
 
 " The little learning I have gained. 
 Was most from simple nature drained ; " 
 
 or, otherwise, I was self-taught, having, in childhood, been 
 left destitute of parents, and nearly without property, and 
 with but a very few near relations. I commenced my 
 education as follows : — I went often to the woods and 
 gathered pine knots, and split them fine for candles, and in 
 the evenings learned the multiplication table. 
 
 " I propose here to give a history of our schools as they 
 were just before and after the Revolution. In the town of 
 Yarmouth, there were three or four school-houses, and a 
 teacher was generally engaged, who had a liberal education, 
 and taught alternately, six or eight weeks in each district 
 He was generally placed in a great chair, at a large table 
 before a large fire-place. As the largest scholars entered 
 the school, they would place a sheet of paper, or half a sheet 
 and a quill, on the table. When the master entered every 
 scholar must make a bow. The master would make a short 
 prayer, (this was then held sacred by the good old women.) 
 The Bible class was then called out to read one chapter, 
 standing in a half circle behind the master. He would 
 meantime be employed making pens, &c., while each scholar 
 would mention the number and read one verse, while some 
 
224 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 might be playing pins, and others matching coppers. Then 
 the Psalter class read in the same manner; I know of no 
 other books then in schools. Saturdays, all the scholars 
 formed a circle and said their Catechism. When the Spell- 
 ing Book was first introduced, the good old ladies appeared 
 to fear that religion would be banished from the world. 
 The master would be writing copies, setting sums, making 
 and mendmg pens, &c., while nearly all the scholars would 
 be playing or idle. The most forward in Arithmetic might 
 do one or two sums in a day, if they could do them without 
 the master's assistance ; — he gave me one sum in the Single 
 Rule of Three, which I could not resolve for two or three 
 days ; after requesting him a number of times to inform me, 
 he would reply he had no time, and I must study for the 
 answer. At this time, I lived with my aged grandfather, 
 who had a liberal education, but in low circumstances. I 
 could learn more in his corner with my pine candle, in one 
 evening, than I could at school in a week. The usual disci- 
 pline for crime or disobedience, was whipping with an apple 
 tree branch, with the scholar's jacket off, while one part of 
 the school would be nearly in tears and the other part 
 laughing ; and as soon as the master retired from school, 
 every instrument of correction or torture, would by the 
 scholars be destroyed. I continued my studies with my 
 pine candle in the corner, till about 17 years of age, and 
 advanced in Arithmetic about as far as Square and Cube 
 Roots ; and had, by my own industry, gained some knowl- 
 edge of Navigation. Then commenced the Revolution, in 
 which I was nearly three years in the land service, and the 
 remainder of the Revolution I followed the sea ; and sailed in 
 five vessels which fell into the hands of the enemy ; but was 
 never a prisoner more than about two months at one time. 
 At the close of the Revolution, I commenced teaching a town 
 school in Yarmouth, at seven dollars per month, and boarded 
 myself, which was then about equal to seamen's wages in 
 
EDUCATION. 225 
 
 Boston ; and I occasionally taught town and private schools 
 in Barnstable and Yarmouth, when not at sea. The highest 
 wages I ever had was thirty-five dollars per month ; and the 
 last school I taught was in Barnstable, and was then in my 
 60th year." 
 
 "Now I will state my own method of school teachi'ig with 
 from si.xty to ninety scholars, viz : I generally meant to be 
 at the school-house by half past eight in the morning, and 
 generally last to leave the old school-house. The first and 
 last hours were generally spent in reading, the middle hours 
 in writing. Those in arithmetic would read with the others 
 when they pleased. Having only one class in school, every 
 scholar, at my word 'Next,' would arise and read in his seat, 
 till I pronounced the word ' Next,' and I often stopped him 
 in the middle of a verse. After reading around, I would 
 order another book, more proper for the scholars present, 
 as before, and thus in four or five different books till the 
 hour expired. Then I gave out the copies, and made as 
 many mend their pens as could. If they had no ink-stands, 
 which was the case with many, I would send one after shells, 
 and put cotton therein.' The ink I found and charged it to 
 the school. I likewise set at auction who would make the 
 fire cheapest, say for one month, which would go at about 
 one cent a day. While they were writing in the second 
 form, I would hear the little ones read alone, who could not 
 read in classes. Seventeen was the greatest number I think 
 I ever had of them. When school was about half done, one 
 scholar was sent for a bucket of water. The females were 
 allowed to go out all at one time, but not drink till they 
 came in, which would be in about five minutes. Then the 
 males went out, and were allowed to drink when they came 
 in. Then the water was emptied out of the pail, and if any 
 scholar went out more than one time, they had to stay in 
 and sweep out the school-house, after school was done. 
 Those in Arithmetic having books of different authors, got 
 
226 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 their own sums, wrote off their own rules, &c. If they 
 wanted to make inquiries concerning questions, I would 
 direct them to stand up and read the question, and if the 
 scholar next him could show him, I would request him to ; 
 if not, if I had time, I would explain to him the principles 
 by which the sum was to be done. If he then met with diffi- 
 culty, I directed him to take it home, and study late at night 
 to have his answer in the morning. When I dismissed the 
 school I would examine each one's writing book. This 
 separated them just about fast enough. I was too much in 
 favor of the Friends' principles to require any bowing, and 
 left that discretionary with each scholar." 
 
 Early in the century as has been seen, an effort was made 
 here to establish a seminary of learning for the County; 
 but the coveted boon was secured by Sandwich. Still later, 
 about 1808-9 funds were raised and a building erected for an 
 academy, for the training of the youth of the town, in the 
 higher branches of education ; and this school, and its 
 successor, the Yarmouth academy — located on the site of 
 the present school buildings, and also, by a coincidence, the 
 site of the house of the earliest school-master, in town, Mr. 
 John Miller — continued to exist until the town schools on 
 the North side were consolidated, and graded courses estab- 
 lished, to meet the wants of all classes of the people. The 
 bequest of the late Joshua Sears, for the purposes of 
 establishing a Nautical school, is used to teach all such 
 branches in the higher mathematics as are required and 
 employed to make computations ; and the educational 
 advantages now afforded the children of the town, in place 
 of the rudimental branches taught by Dea. Hawes, shows 
 the developement since the last century, of our common 
 school system — a system, not the product of English educa- 
 tion, but evolved by our fathers, out of their own experiences 
 and the wants of their dailv life. 
 
 Public Libraries, and books of literary pretension were not, 
 
EDUCATION. 227 
 
 until ver}' recent years, indulged in, even by the people of 
 means in many of our New England villages. Yet we have a 
 record of one established in Yarmouth, as early as the year 
 1808, called the Union Library. Its collection would now 
 be smiled at, both on account of its size, and also the incon- 
 gruity of the topics of which the works treat. " Pilgrim's 
 Progress" and "Don Quixote ;" the "Vicar of Wakefield" 
 and " Benjamin's Holy War," " Davies' Sermons " and 
 " Sorrows of Werther," were among the titles of this 
 curiously assorted collection. This library existed about ten 
 years, and sowed the seeds of knowledge and a love of infor- 
 mation, which continued to increase and expand. Several 
 other efforts were made in the same direction, but with vary- 
 ing success, until in 1866, a concerted attempt was made, 
 with such success that it promises to be one of the perma- 
 nent institutions of the town. The first officers were : 
 Charles F. Swift, President ; Rev. Joseph B. Clark, Vice- 
 President ; and among its early directors were Isaac Myrick, 
 Jr., Wm. P. Davis, Dr. George Shove, Rev. Nathaniel 
 Cogswell, Frederick Dimbar, James Knowles, Solomon 
 Taylor, David G. Eldridge, Rev. John P. Perry, and Rev. V. 
 Lincoln. Isaac Thacher, Esq., a prominent merchant of 
 Boston, contributed the sum of $1000, and Rev. Mr. Cogs- 
 well, Henry C. Thacher, Esq., and other prominent citizens 
 gave money, books or building lots for the use of the society. 
 In December, 1870, Mr. Nathan Matthews, also a native of 
 the town, conveyed an offer to erect a suitable building, 
 provided it could be enjoyed by all the people of the town, 
 on equal terms. This liberal offer was accepted, and now 
 exists in the form of the neat and convenient building so 
 highly prized by our citizens. The association was then, as 
 before stated, re-organized, to meet the new conditions 
 which existed, and something like 2500 volumes, many of 
 them books of permanent value, have been placed upon the 
 library shelves. In Jan., 1883, Mr. Isaac Thacher dying, he 
 
228 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 left, by will, $5000 more, which places the institution on a 
 safe and permanent basis. The library, at the time of writ- 
 ing this sketch, is governed by a self-perpetuating board of 
 Trustees, of which Azariah Eldridge, D. D., is President — 
 who has also been a liberal donor to its funds ; and among 
 its latter managers should be mentioned Rev. J. W. Dodge, 
 Rev. Wm. H. May hew, Thomas Matthews, Edmund B. 
 Hamblin, Samuel Matthews, and Dr. Thomas B. Pulsifer. 
 The late Amos Otis bequeathed a valuable collection of 
 historical works, together with a safe and money to provide 
 for their preservation. 
 
 Energetic a'-'d successful efforts have been made in the 
 other villages of the town, in the direction of founding pub- 
 lic libraries ; and, although their collection of books is smaller 
 than that on the North side of Yarmouth, a good beginning, 
 with promise of important results, has already been made. 
 
 A taste for literary improvement and the discussion of 
 topics of public concern, of an educational nature, was, 
 early in this century, developed here. Rev. Messrs. Alden 
 and Cogswell, Hon. John Reed and Dr. Calvin Tilden, — 
 not always contemporaries, however, — did much to 
 encourage such enterprises. In 1829, a Society for 
 Iviprc7'ciuei!t in Useful Knozvledge was formed, and with 
 slight interruption, under different names, has existed ever 
 since. The society known as the Yannonth Institute, has 
 had a continuous existence ever since Dec. 12, 1843. 
 
 It may be interesting to know how many of the native 
 citizens of this town have enjoyed the advantages of collegi- 
 ate or university education, and some attempt has been 
 made to collect the names of such persons, the result of 
 Avhich — its entire completeness not being assured — is as 
 follows. The college from which they are supposed to have 
 graduated is also indicated, by H. for Harvard ; Y. for Yale ; 
 D. for Dartmouth, and Ag. for Agricultural : 
 
EDUCATION. 229 
 
 Reverend Barnabas Taylor, H. 
 
 John Sturgis, j Sons of 
 
 Samuel Sturgis, ) Esquire Sturgis, H. 
 
 Prince Hawes, H. 
 
 Barnabas Hedge, H. 
 
 Rev. Samuel West, D. D., H. 
 
 Hon. George Thacher, H. 
 
 Timothy Alden, Jr., H. 
 
 Isaiah Alden, H. 
 
 Martin Alden, H. 
 
 David Thacher, Jr., H. 
 
 Joseph Eldridge, D. D., Y. 
 
 AzARiAH Eldridge, D. D., Y. 
 
 Hon. J. B. D. Cogswell, D. 
 
 J. Montgomery Sears, Y. 
 
 Chas. F. S. Knowles, H. 
 
 Arthur Taylor. H. 
 
 Alfred Taylor, Ag'l. 
 
 Thomas C. Thacher, H. 
 Rev. Barnabas Taylor, above mentioned, received a call 
 as minister for the East Parish in this town, in 1724. He 
 declined, and afterwards settled in Bristol, R. I. John and 
 Samuel Sturgis were described by Alden, in his *' Mem. of 
 YarvioHth,'' as " the sons of Esquire Sturgis, an eminent 
 merchant." They are not known to have adopted a profes- 
 sion. Rev. Joseph Eldridge, D. D., son of Capt. Joseph, 
 was for many years settled in Norfolk, Conn., a gentleman 
 of great influence, and enjoying public confidence in a large 
 degree. He was born in this town, July 8, 1804, and died 
 March 31, 1875. His brother, Dr. Azariah, after residing 
 abroad several years, now fills a large measure of usefulness 
 in the County of his birth. Hon. J. B. D. Cogswell is also 
 remembered for his public services. Several other persons 
 embraced in this list, have been noticed elsewhere. ^ 
 
 Rev. Timothy Alden, Jr., the son of the old pastor, has 
 been frequently quoted in the foregoing pages, particularly 
 
 ' It was no part of the purpose of this book to mention living personages, except as is 
 necessary to illustrate the narrative, and the author has attempted to adhere to this rule 
 throughout 
 
230 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 his short but valuable sketch of Yarmouth, written nearly 
 a century ago, and his " Collection of American Epitaphs,'' a 
 work abounding in historical knowledge of high value. Of 
 the sons of his brother Martin, of whom there were several, 
 Albert settled in Barre, represented Worcester County 
 in the Senate, was in the Boston Custom House for a 
 number of years, and died in Cambridge, 1882, Timothy, 
 the younger son, was the inventor of a machine for type 
 setting, which was regarded by competent judges, as a mar- 
 vel of ingenuity. But his death occurred before the full 
 development of his plan, and no one, since then, has been 
 found to master the details, although devices for that 
 purpose are used on the London Times, and in other print- 
 ing establishments. Capt. Frederick Howes, son of Capt. 
 Ebenezer, born July 4, 1812, died June 26, 1882, was not 
 only a shipmaster of skill and success, but an inventor of a 
 rig for reefing topsail yards, on sailing vessels, which was 
 almost universally adopted, adding much to the safety and 
 ease of the mariner's vocation. These inventions, and that 
 of Capt. John Sears, Hattil Kelley and others, of machinery 
 and other appliances for manufacturing salt from sea water, 
 will effectually refute the aspersion sometimes cast 
 upon them, that the people here have no inventive ability or 
 skill in the arts and sciences. We may, properly, in this 
 connection, mention the death of Capt. Eben Howes, 
 brother of Frederick, which occurred in Boston, Nov. 1883, 
 at the age of jG. He was the Boston Inspector of the 
 French Lloyds, and a prominent officer of the Marine 
 Society. His brother mariner, Capt. George Matthews, 
 died in March, 1882 — a commander of skill and ability, and 
 a man of personal integrity. 
 
 In laying down the pen devoted to this portion of Old 
 Yarmouth, and reviewing scenes and generations past, we 
 find two organizations of the fathers, remaining in unbroken 
 succession — the old First Church, and the system of 
 
EDUCATION. 231 
 
 common schools — the one established immediately upon 
 the settlement, and the other not long after. The present 
 pastor of the church, — the thirteenth who has filled that 
 relation — Rev. John W. Dodge, was settled here in 1868, 
 Rev. Dr. A. H. Quint preaching the installing sermon. This 
 organization has suffered many divisions — has seen 
 branches growing out from it, extending into other villages ; 
 but its essential unity has been preserved, and its growth 
 has extended with the years, during the nearly two and a half 
 centuries of its existence. The schools of learning, for the 
 instruction of the children of the people, have been devel- 
 oped with the times, since the Cape fisheries were taxed for 
 their support. These institutions have moulded the character 
 of the people, who have made a record in the generations 
 which have passed, of which every one connected with them 
 may justly feel an honest pride. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 A FEW matters which found no appropriate place in the 
 foregoing narrative, are here added, as possessing 
 interest to the people of Yarmouth. 
 
 SLAVERY. 
 It is well known that the institution of African Slavery 
 existed here, in a mild and patriarchal form, in the earlier 
 years of the town and colony. The following interesting 
 document — being a bill of sale of an interest in a slave — 
 has been preserved by the ancestors of Mr. Isaiah Homer, 
 which is the only one of this nature which the author has 
 met in his investigations : 
 
 "Boston, Feb. the 20, 1776. 
 "Received of my father, Benj'n Homer, of Yarmouth, 
 forty pounds and interest, in amount, settled in full for two- 
 thirds of a negro man named Forten, which I delivered him 
 some time ago, which [I] warrant and defend against all 
 claims and demands of all and every person or persons what- 
 soever, to whom it may concern. 
 " Signed, sealed and delivered 
 in presence of us, as 
 witnesses, 
 
 "PeLEG EwELL, F. W. homer." [Seal] 
 
 "Jno. Homes, Jr." 
 
 "Forten" lived to see his race declared free by the 
 Courts, and, with his wife, "Thankful," occupied an humble 
 hut on the Eastern borders of Dennis Pond, to a good old 
 age. They have descendants in this town. 
 
THE ''MORNING STAR." 233 
 
 MISSIONARY WORK BY YARMOUTH CAPTAINS. 
 
 It has fallen to the lot of three Yarmouth Captains, viz : 
 Nathaniel Matthews, Wm. B. Hallet, and Isaiah Bray, to 
 command a vessel sent some years ago, by the American 
 Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, to aid their 
 work among the South Sea Islands. They were in charge 
 of the brig Morning Star, built and equipped especially for 
 this work, which was wrecked Feb. 22, 18S4, on an unknown 
 ledge near Kuaie, while in command of Capt. Garland, in the 
 temporary absence of Capt. Bray. 
 
 Another vessel, a steamer, bearing the same name, and 
 designed for the same purpose, was launched at Bath, Me., 
 August 6, 1884, to be commanded by Capt. Bray. She is 
 described as follows: Her length is 131 feet, 3 inches, 
 breadth 29 feet, 9 inches, depth 12 feet 2 inches, gross ton- 
 nage 471. The Morning Star \s built of the best material, 
 in the strongest manner, has three masts, is barkentine 
 rigged. The mainmast is iron and will be used for a smoke- 
 stack. She has a side windlass, a compound engine of 150 
 horse power, intended for use only in. emergencies and for 
 making landings, etc., will steam 7 knots and has accommo- 
 dation for 75 passengers. The figure-head is a female figure, 
 representing a missionary holding an open bible in the left 
 hand, and pointing to the same with the index finger of the 
 right. On the stern is a large silver star, with golden rays, 
 above which is "■Morning Star," and below, "Boston, Mass," 
 The steamer is owned by the American board of commis- 
 sioners for foreign missions and was expected to be ready for 
 use Sept. 20, and will sail from Boston with a cargo for 
 Honolulu, The cost is rising ^40,000, much of the amount 
 coming from Sunday school contributions, 25 cents entitling 
 each child to a certificate of stock. Capt. Isaiah Bray, for 
 six years in the employ of the board, will command. The 
 work of the missionary board is among the South Sea 
 
234 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 Islands. The steamer's yearly voyage will average 32,000 
 miles, and it is estimated she will do one-third more work 
 than a sailing vessel. Supplies are brought from San Fran- 
 cisco. The intimate connection of Yarmouth men with 
 this enterprise, will give interest to this description to the 
 people of this town, 
 
 STATE, COUNTY AND DISTRICT OFFICERS. 
 
 The following citizens of Yarmouth have held State, 
 County and District offices, viz : ' 
 
 John Thacher, Assistant in Plymouth Colony, 1691. 
 Councillor, Province of Mass. Bay, 1692-1717. 
 
 Peter Thacher, Judge Court C. P., 1729. 
 
 Shubael Baxter, Judge, C. C. P., 1729. 
 
 John Thacher, Judge, C. C. P., 1736. 
 
 Richard Baxter, Judge C. C. P., 1775. 
 
 Enoch Hallet, High Sheriff, 1775— 1788. 
 
 David Thacher, Senator, 1797-1798. Delegate to Conven- 
 tions to ratify National and form State Constitutions. Judge 
 C. C. P. 
 
 Thomas Thacher, Judge C. C. P., 1804.' 
 
 Jonathan Howes, member of convention to ratify the 
 national constitution. 
 
 John Reed, Member of Congress, from 1813 to 1817, from 
 1822 to 1842. Member of Constitutional Convention, 1820. 
 Lieutenant Governor, from 1844 to 185 1. 
 
 Elisha Doane, member of Constitutional Convention, 1820. 
 County Commissioner, 1829. 
 
 Nathaniel Cogswell, member of Constitutional Conven- 
 tion, 1853. 
 
 David K. Akin, County Commissioner, 1851 — 1857. 
 
 James B. Crocker, Senator, 1853, 1854. Clerk of Courts, 
 1864-1876. 
 
 » Those living in Dennis since the separation, will be included in the history of that town. 
 
STATE, COUNTY AND DISTRICT OFFICERS. 235 
 
 Sylvester Baxter, Senator, 1855, 1856.' 
 
 Charles F. Swift, County Treasurer, 1852 to 1856. Regis- 
 ter of Probate, 1858. Senator, 1857 -1858. Executive Coun- 
 cillor, i860. Collector of Customs, 1861-1876, (with four 
 months' interruption in 1866-7.) 
 
 Charles Thacher, 2d, Register of Probate and Insolvency, 
 1874 to 1881. 
 
 John B. D. Cogswell, Senator ; also President of the 
 Senate, 1877, 1878, 1879. 
 
 Elisha Taylor. Special County Commissioner, 1862 to 1865. 
 
 Joshua M. Howes, Special Co. Commissioner, from 1877 
 to 1880. 
 
 Freeman Howes, Special County Commissioner, 1880 to 
 1884. 
 
 In the table which follows, will be found a list of Depu- 
 ties, Representatives, Selectmen, Clerks and Treasurers ; 
 the dates indicate the the time of their first service ; some 
 of them, not being continuously re-elected, but serving after- 
 wards the number of years indicated, 
 
 ' In 1S56, Mr. Baxter removed to Hyannis, in the town of Barnstable. 
 
2^,6 
 
 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 1639. 
 
 <( 
 
 1 64 1. 
 (( 
 
 1642. 
 1643. 
 
 1644. 
 1645. 
 1652. 
 
 1692. 
 
 1693. 
 
 1694. 
 
 1695. 
 
 1696. 
 1 70 1. 
 
 1703- 
 
 1704. 
 
 1705- 
 
 1706. 
 171 1. 
 
 2713- 
 I7I4. 
 E7I5. 
 
 17 1 8. 
 1719. 
 1721. 
 1727. 
 1728. 
 1732. 
 
 1739- 
 1740. 
 1741. 
 1746. 
 1748. 
 
 DEPUTIES 
 
 Yrs.i 
 2.11653. 
 2.11654. 
 
 Thomas Payne, 
 Philip Tabor, 
 
 John Crowe, 2. 
 
 Richard Hoar, 3. 
 
 William Palmer, 6. 
 
 Anthony Thacher, 10. 
 
 Thomas Folland, 2. 
 
 James Matthews, 2. 
 
 Edmund Havves, 16. 
 
 Wm. Lumpkin, i. 
 
 John Joyce, i. 
 
 1655- 
 1658. 
 1662. 
 1663. 
 1668. 
 1671. 
 1672. 
 1677. 
 1685. 
 
 Thomas Howes, 
 Sam'l Arnold, 
 Wm. Nickerson, 
 Edw. Sturgis, 
 Richard Sears, 
 Yelverton Crowe, 
 John Thacher, 
 John Miller, 
 Thomas Howes, 
 J ere. Howes, 
 Silas Sears, 
 
 REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 John Thacher, 
 Jere. Howes, 
 John Hallet, 
 Thos. Sturgis, 
 Jaspar Taylor, ■ 
 John Haues, 
 John Miller, 
 Elisha Hall, 
 Sam'l Howes, 
 Sam'l Sturgis, 
 Zach. Paddock, 
 Peter Thacher, 
 Joseph Hawes, 
 John Paddock, 
 Joseph Hall, 
 Seth Taylor, 
 John Hedge, 
 Eben Hawes, 
 Josiah Miller, 
 Shubael Baxter, 
 Sam'l Sturgis, 
 Judah Thacher, 
 Dan'l Hall, 
 Thos. Hallett, 
 Jno. Hallett, 
 Jno. Miller, 
 Jos. Thacher, 
 
 Yrs 
 2, 
 2. 
 I. 
 
 175 i>. Joseph Hall, 
 
 1757. Thomas Howes, 
 
 1758. John Bearse, 
 1760. John Bare, 
 1764. David Thacher, 
 
 1774. Elisha Bassett, 
 
 1775. Enoch Hallett, 
 
 1779. Jona. Howes, 
 
 1780. Edm. Howes, 
 1786. Atherton Hall, 
 1799. David Thacher, Jr. 
 1802. Elisha Doane, 
 1806. David Kelley, 
 1809. Jno. Eldridge, 
 
 " Jas. Crowell, 
 
 18 1 5. Thos. Hedge, 
 
 1 8 16. Hy. Thacher, 
 1820. John Reed, 
 1827. Jos. Eldridge, 
 182S. Jno. B. Doane, 
 
 1830. Chas. Hallett. 
 
 183 1. Isaiah Crowell, 
 " Jos. White, 
 
 1832. Jno. H. Dunbar, 
 
 1833. David K. Akin, 
 
 1834. Oliver Hallett, 
 1836. Reuben Ryder, 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 9- 
 2. 
 I. 
 
 5. 
 I. 
 
 3- 
 9- 
 
 IB- 
 S' 
 
 10, 
 
 7. 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 3. 
 I, 
 I. 
 I. 
 
 27. 
 
 3. 
 2, 
 
 3. 
 2. 
 
 3. 
 3. 
 
 4' 
 
 2, 
 
 6. 
 
 16, 
 
 2. 
 
 4- 
 I, 
 I. 
 
 3. 
 2. 
 
 3- 
 I. 
 
 3' 
 3. 
 2. 
 I. 
 
STATE, COUNTY AND DISTRICT OFFICERS. 237 
 
 1836. 
 
 N. S. Simpkins, 
 
 
 
 0- 
 
 1852. 
 
 Chas. Baker, 
 
 2, 
 
 u 
 
 Ich. Sherman, 
 
 I. 
 
 1854. 
 
 Sam'l Thacher, 
 
 2. 
 
 1837- 
 
 Ezek. Crowell, 
 
 2. 
 
 1856. 
 
 Zadok Crowell, 
 
 I. 
 
 1838. 
 
 Freeman Taylor, 
 
 2. 
 
 [858. 
 
 B. H. Matthews, 
 
 2. 
 
 1839. 
 
 Sylv. Crowell^ 
 
 I. 
 
 1861. 
 
 John K. Sears, 
 
 2. 
 
 IS42. 
 
 Joseph Hale, 
 
 I. 
 
 1864. 
 
 David G. Eldridge, 
 
 2. 
 
 1843. 
 
 J. B. Crocker, 
 
 I. 
 
 1867. 
 
 Heman B. Chase, 
 
 2. 
 
 1844. 
 
 Elisha Jenkins, 
 
 2. 
 
 1871. 
 
 John B. D. Cogswel 
 
 I 3- 
 
 1846. 
 
 Sam'l Matthews, 
 
 2. 
 
 1876. 
 
 Daniel Wing, 
 
 2. 
 
 1848. 
 
 Ezek. Crowell, 
 
 2. 
 
 1880. 
 
 Charles F. Swift, 
 
 2. 
 
 
 SELEC 
 
 TME 
 
 N. 
 
 
 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 1665. 
 
 Anthony '^I'hacher, 
 
 2. 
 
 1729. 
 
 Peter Thacher, 
 
 4- 
 
 u 
 
 Edmund Havves, 
 
 23- 
 
 (( 
 
 Timothy Hallett, 
 
 I. 
 
 n 
 
 Jas. Matthews, 
 
 4- 
 
 <( 
 
 Jona. Baker, 
 
 I, 
 
 (< 
 
 John Miller, 
 
 28. 
 
 1731- 
 
 Jos. Basset, 
 
 7. 
 
 (( 
 
 Joseph Hawes, 
 
 2. 
 
 1734- 
 
 John Sears, 
 
 2, 
 
 1667. 
 
 Edw. Sturgis, 
 
 16. 
 
 1737- 
 
 Judah Thacher, 
 
 5- 
 
 << 
 
 Yelverton Crowe, 
 
 I. 
 
 (( 
 
 Dan'l Hall, 
 
 29. 
 
 <( 
 
 Sam'l Sturgis, 
 
 I. 
 
 1741 
 
 Jno. Hallett, 
 
 13- 
 
 1668. 
 
 Thos. Howes, 
 
 8. 
 
 1745 
 
 Jno. Howes, 
 
 6. 
 
 <( 
 
 Jno. Thacher, 
 
 15- 
 
 1747 
 
 Jona Smith, 
 
 I, 
 
 1676. 
 
 Jere. Howes, 
 
 20. 
 
 1750 
 
 Jona Hallett, 
 
 8. 
 
 1683. 
 
 Jos. Howes, 
 
 5- 
 
 <( 
 
 Jos. Thacher, 
 
 3- 
 
 1684. 
 
 John Hall, 
 
 I. 
 
 1753 
 
 Isaac Chapman, 
 
 3- 
 
 1685. 
 
 Silas Sears, 
 
 10. 
 
 1755 
 
 Eben Taylor, / 
 
 I. 
 
 1693. 
 
 Joseph Hall, Sr., 
 
 2. 
 
 1756 
 
 Prince Hawes, 
 
 II. 
 
 11 
 
 Josiah Thacher, 
 
 10. 
 
 << 
 
 Lot Howes, 
 
 4- 
 
 1695. 
 
 Thomas Folland, 
 
 4- 
 
 1758 
 
 Jno. Hedge, 
 
 3- 
 
 1697. 
 
 Jno. Hallett, 
 
 5- 
 
 1760. 
 
 Thomas Tobey, 
 
 14- 
 
 (( 
 
 Thomas Sturgis, 
 
 3- 
 
 1767. 
 
 Rd. Ba.xter, 
 
 3- 
 
 1699. 
 
 Sam'l Sturgis, 
 
 29. 
 
 1769. 
 
 Isaac Matthews, 
 
 12. 
 
 I70I. 
 
 Joseph Hall, 
 
 28. 
 
 a 
 
 David Thacher, 
 
 13- 
 
 1702. 
 
 Peter Thacher, 
 
 5- 
 
 (t 
 
 Sam'l Howes, 
 
 I. 
 
 1707. 
 
 Jona. Howes, 
 
 3- 
 
 I77I. 
 
 Seth Tobey, 
 
 I a 
 
 <( 
 
 John Howes, 
 
 8. 
 
 1772. 
 
 Dan'l Taylor, ^ 
 
 4. 
 
 (( 
 
 Josiah Miller, 
 
 15- 
 
 (( 
 
 Edw. Hall, 
 
 L 
 
 I7I8. 
 
 Shubael Baxter, 
 
 7- 
 
 1776. 
 
 John Hall, 
 
 I, 
 
 (( 
 
 Seth Taylor, 
 
 I. 
 
 1777. 
 
 Seth Crowell, 
 
 I. 
 
 (( 
 
 Judah Paddock, 
 
 4- 
 
 1778. 
 
 Jno. Chapman, 
 
 2. 
 
 1728. 
 
 Eben Hall, 
 
 13- 
 
 (( 
 
 Sam'l Eldridge, 
 
 3. 
 
238 
 
 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 1781. 
 
 1782. 
 (( 
 
 1786. 
 (( 
 
 1788. 
 
 1789 
 II 
 
 1792, 
 
 1795- 
 
 1797. 
 (( 
 
 1801. 
 
 1802, 
 
 1806. 
 
 1807. 
 
 1808. 
 
 1 810. 
 
 1811. 
 
 1816. 
 
 (( 
 
 1818, 
 
 1639. 
 1667. 
 1695. 
 1696. 
 1697. 
 1698. 
 1 701. 
 1702. 
 1709. 
 1715. 
 1721. 
 1729. 
 
 1737- 
 1744. 
 1748. 
 1753- 
 1759- 
 
 Jere. HoweSi 10, 
 Isaac Hallet, 
 
 Josiah Hall, i 
 
 Israel Nickerson, 3 
 
 Athn. Hall, i 
 
 Dan'l Crowell, 2 
 
 Thos. Thacher. 15 
 
 Peter Sears, i 
 
 Thos. Howes, 2 
 
 Matt. Gorham, 2 
 
 Abner Taylor, 9 
 
 Benj. Matthews, 13 
 
 Chas. Hallett, 2 
 
 Seth Baker, i 
 
 Joseph Hawes, 2 
 
 Elkanah Crowell, 9 
 
 Tno. Eldridge, 8 
 
 Eben. Gage, ^ 3. 
 
 Howes Taylor, 5. 
 
 Prince Matthews, 10 
 
 Seth Kelley, 2 
 
 Eben. Bray, 7 
 
 /818. Gorham Crowell, 
 
 1 821. Bars. Thacher, 
 
 1822. Samuel Thacher, 
 1825. James Matthews, 
 1830. Wm. Green, 
 1834. Ich. Sherman, 
 1844. Elisha Taylor, '' 
 1848. Sam'l Matthews, 
 1851. Silas Baker, ^ 
 
 " Thacher Taylor, 
 
 1855. Eliakim Studley, 
 
 1856. Watson Thacher, 
 1 86 1. Zadok Crowell, 
 1865. Brad. Matthews, 
 1873. Daniel Wing, 
 1875. Stephen Wing, 
 
 1877. Winthrop Sears, 
 
 1878. Geo. H. Loring 
 1880. Edward Lewis, 
 1883. Chas. Basset, 
 
 " Stephen Sears, 
 " Thacher T. Hallet, 
 
 TOWN TREASURERS. 
 
 Anthony Thacher,' 28. 
 
 Edm. Hawes, 28. 
 
 John Howes, 3. 
 
 Jno. Paddock, i. 
 
 James Sturgis, i. 
 Thomas Howes, Sr., i. 
 
 Thomas Sturgis, i. 
 
 Sam'l Sturgis, 11. 
 
 Peter Thacher, 4. 
 
 Josiah Miller, 12. 
 
 Edw. Sturgis, 2. 
 
 Joseph Hawes, 7. 
 
 Judah Thacher, 12. 
 
 Jno. Crowell, 3. 
 
 Seth Hall, i. 
 
 Thomas Tobe}^ 11. 
 
 Jasher Taylor, •• 2. 
 
 1765. Prince Hawes, 
 1768. Sam'l Howes, 
 1771. Dan'l Taylor, 
 1776. Seth Tobey, 
 1778. Josiah Thacher, 
 1 78 1. Joseph Griffith, 
 1784. Athn. Hall, 
 
 1788. Jere. Howes, 
 
 1789. Jno. Thacher, 
 1805. James Hedge, 
 
 1 8 10. Elisha Doane, 
 
 181 1. Oliver Alden, 
 
 1812. Isaiah Alden, 
 1817. Joshua Hamblen, 
 1829. Jno. B. Doane, 
 1837. Simn. Crowell, 
 
 1 841. Thacher Taylor, ^ 
 1844. Wm. P. Davis, 
 
 17. 
 I. 
 
 27. 
 
 25- 
 
 I. 
 II. 
 
 26. 
 
 2. 
 
 3. 
 
 25. 
 
 I. 
 
 5- 
 
 5- 
 
 16. 
 
 2. 
 
 3- 
 6. 
 
 2. 
 
 4- 
 I. 
 2. 
 2. 
 
 5- 
 2. 
 
 5- 
 3- 
 3- 
 8. 
 
 4- 
 
 I. 
 
 10. 
 
 5. 
 I. 
 
 5. 
 5. 
 8. 
 8. 
 4. 
 3. 
 41. 
 
 These incumbents were generally, also, Town Clerks. 
 
HISTORY OF DENNIS, 
 
 SINCE THE SEPARATION. 
 
DENNIS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 FROM THE SEPARATION TO THE WAR OF 
 THE REBELLION. 
 
 The East Parish — Rev. Mr. Dennis — Organization of the New Towti — Manufacture of 
 Salt — Rev. Natlian Stone — Bass River Bridge — Tlie Commercial Distress — War 
 of 1812 — Great Temperance Revival — Cranberry Culture — Great Gale of 1841 — 
 Vaiious Local Occurrences. 
 
 TH E separation of Dennis from the parent town, was not, as 
 the result of the vote in the town meeting clearly reveals, 
 in consequence of any disaffection or unfriendly sentiment 
 on the part of one section towards the other. But having 
 transacted so much, not only of their parish, but also of 
 their secular business, by separate organizations, the 
 power of municipal cohesion was loosened, and the two 
 sections did not feel that dependence upon each other which, 
 under other circumstances, would have bound them closely 
 together. They parted as a matter of municipal convenience, 
 and in a spirit of mutual respect and good-will. 
 
 It would be futile to retrace the course of this narrative 
 and go back to the early days of Old Yarmouth, for the 
 purpose of properly apportioning the achievements and 
 sacrifices of the earlier periods of the town's history between 
 the two sections. These will be sufficientlj' revealed to the 
 inquirer, if he recalls to mind the names of the Howeses, the 
 Crowells, the Searses and the Halls, whose first domicile was 
 within the boundaries of Dennis, though a liberal allowance of 
 
SEPARATION TO THE REBELLION. 241 
 
 the descendants of each of these pioneer names may be 
 found in both towns. 
 
 For the purpose of bring-ing within the narrative appropri- 
 ately belonging to Dennis, all which ought more properly to 
 be embraced therein, the history of the East Precinct of 
 Yarmouth has been very slightly considered in the foregoing 
 pages, and will be comprised in the limits of this especial 
 department. This precinct, which is now coincident with 
 the town of Dennis, was set off in 1721. In 1716, referees 
 mutually agreed upon by all parties in interest, decided to 
 build but one meeting-house, but to allow those opposed to this 
 course to draw off at the end of ten years and form a separ- 
 ate precinct, and to then receive assistance from the town, 
 in the erection of such house. But the pressure for extra 
 accommodation became so great, that this contingency was 
 anticipated, by six years. Two meeting-houses having been 
 built, the Eastern parish invited Mr. Greenleaf, the pastor 
 of the old church, to become their minister, not so much 
 with the expectation of his acceptance, as a token of their 
 confidence and esteem. Mr. Greenleaf concluded to remain 
 where he was. Calls were extended to Rev. Mr. Deming, 
 Rev. Samuel Dexter and Rev. Barnabas Taylor, but neither 
 was accepted, and in 1725 Rev. Josiah Dennis commenced a 
 fortunate ministry, although not installed until 1727. If 
 useful service in his sphere of labor, and an abiding attach- 
 ment to his memory among his people and their descendants 
 for three or four generations, are any criterion of merit or of 
 success, Mr. Dennis's career may be said to have been fortu- 
 nate. After ministering to this people for thirty-eight years, 
 his labors were closed by death, in 1763. His society had 
 steadily increased during his connection with it, and shortly 
 before his death, or in 1 761-2, the meeting-house had been 
 enlarged and repaired, at an outlay 'of ;i^i004 06s. OQd., old 
 tenor. 
 
 Mr. Dennis was succeeded, in 1764, by Rev. Nathan 
 
242 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 Stone, a call to settle having previously been extended to 
 Rev. Josiah Crocker. Mr. Stone's ministry seems to have 
 been equally fortunate with that of his predecessor, in per- 
 manency and the confidence and affection of his people. 
 
 The records of the East parish, equally with those of the 
 West, bear witness to the patriotism of the people during the 
 Revolutionary war, and the alacrity and zeal which they 
 unfalteringly displayed in behalf of the common cause.' 
 
 As before stated, the act incorporating the Town of Den- 
 nis, passed June 19, 1793. Pursuant to the provisions of 
 this act, a warrant, issued by Atherton Hall, Esq., was 
 directed to Jeremiah Howes, who, on the 2d of March, 1794, 
 convened a meeting of the legal voters for the organization 
 of the new town. Lt. Jeremiah Howes was chosen modera- 
 tor ; Mr. Elisha Basset, Clerk and Treasurer ; Lt. Howes, 
 Mr. Jonathan Bangs, and Lt. Joseph Sears, Selectmen ; with 
 the otlier usual town officers. On the nth of March, Capt. 
 Isaiah Hall and Mr. Elisha Basset were chosen a committee 
 to settle with the Treasurer of the town of Yarmouth. The 
 bounds between the two towns were settled by agents ap- 
 pointed for the purpose, viz : Thomas Thacher, Isaac Mat- 
 thews, Edmund Bray and Joseph Howes, on the part of Yar- 
 mouth, and Jeremiah Howes, Jonathan Bangs and Joseph 
 Sears on the part of Dennis. June 16, the bounds between 
 Dennis and Harwich were renewed and established by the 
 selectmen of the two towns. 
 
 By the act of incorporation, it was provided that "the 
 privilege of fishing, together with the Indian lands at Bass 
 River and the Whaling Land at Black Earth, shall remain for 
 the benefit of both towns." The Indian lands were quite 
 extensive, and comprised an eligible location on the western 
 side of Bass River. 
 
 In 1795, the town approved of Browning Kelley maintain- 
 
 ■ In the Revolutionary history of Old Yarmouth the proceedings of the parishes, as well 
 as of the town, are set forth. 
 
SEPARATION TO THE REBELLION. 243 
 
 ing a ferry over Bass River. By a vote of i to 10, the town 
 negatived the proposition for calling a constitutional conven- 
 tion. 
 
 A meeting-house having been erected in the south part of 
 the town, it was voted that Mr. Stone preach there a propor- 
 tional time, which was decided to be every third Sunday ; 
 Sursuit road to be the dividing line between the N. and S. 
 parts of the parish. It was also voted to repair the meeting- 
 house on the north side. 
 
 In 1796, the town was divided into school districts. 
 
 In 1797, a portion of the town's commons was laid out, 
 also a burial place near the north meeting-house ; and a por- 
 tion of the commons was, the next year, ordered to be sold. 
 Rev. Mr. Stone was also assigned a garden-spot. 
 
 In 1799, the town voted the sum of ^240 to defray the ex- 
 penses of small-pox in the family of Joshua Crowell. 
 MANUFACTURE OF SALT. 
 
 The granting of letters patent this year, (1799) to Mr. 
 John Sears, for the manufacture of salt by solar evaporation, 
 after years of effort and experiment, renders this a conven- 
 ient and suitable occasion to review the history of this once 
 important industry. During the Revolutionary war, and 
 afterwards, this prime necessary of life was scarce and high, 
 and many attempts were made to manufacture it from sea 
 water. But the salt obtained was impure, and but little 
 progress was made in the business. Mr. Sears was the first 
 person who was completely successful in procuring pure 
 marine salt by the rays of the sun alone, without the aid of 
 artificial heat. The Rev. Dr. James Freeman, in 1802, 
 wrote a quite full account of Mr. Sears's -experiments, 
 derived partly from data furnished by him. It appears that 
 as early as 1776, "this ingenious seaman constructed a vat 
 a hundred feet long and ten feet wide. Rafters were fixed 
 over it, and shutters were contrived to move up and down, 
 that the vat might be covered when it rained and exposed to 
 
244 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 the heat of the sun in fair weather. By this simple invention 
 the rain was excluded, the water in the vat was gradually 
 exhaled, and at length, to his inexpressible joy, Capt. Sears 
 perceived the salt beginning to crystallize. His works, 
 however, were leaky, and he had such bad success in his 
 operations the first year that he was unable to obtain more 
 than eight bushels of salt. He was exposed besides to the 
 ridicule of his neighbors, who scoffed at his invention, styling 
 it Sears's Folly." 
 
 " Capt. Sears persevered. The second year the works 
 were made tight ; and thirty bushels of salt were obtained. 
 In this and the third year the salt water was poured into the 
 vat from buckets ; a tedious and painful operation." 
 
 " In the fourth year a pump was introduced: it was 
 worked by hand, which was still great labor. This method 
 of conveying the salt water into the vat continued to be 
 practised till the year 1785, when at the suggestion of Major 
 Nathaniel Freeman of Harwich, who had seen at a distance 
 a similar construction, Capt. Sears contrived a pump to be 
 worked by the wind. By this lucky invention the labor was 
 greatly abridged." 
 
 " Covers to move on shives, that is, rollers or small wheels, 
 such as are contained in the blocks of ships, were invented 
 by Mr. Reuben Sears, a carpenter of Harwich, in 1793. 
 These covers are shaped like the roof of a barn, or what is 
 commonly styled a gable roof. The shive, which is placed 
 under the cover, rolls over a narrow piece of plank fixed 
 across the vat, and the motion is farther facilitated by shives 
 moving on each side of the same slip of plank horizontally, 
 the first mentioned shive moving perpendicularly. When 
 the cover is drawn off, which can be done without a great 
 exertion of strength, it rests on a frame placed by the side of 
 the vat." 
 
 "In 1798, Mr. Hattil Kelley of Dennis contrived another 
 mode of constructing the vats and moving the covers. By 
 
SEPARATION TO THE REBELLION. 245 
 
 Mr. Sears they are placed in a string, or direct line ; but by 
 Mr. Kelley they are placed like the squares of a chess-board. 
 Two black squares will represent the first and second vats. 
 At the point where their angles touch is fixed a crane, 
 consisting of a perpendicular beam, supporting a horizontal 
 beam. From each half of the last beam is suspended a cover 
 shaped like a hipped roof ; that is, a roof compoocd of four 
 triangles, rising from each of the four sides, and meeting in 
 a point at the top. The third vat will be represented by the 
 white square, the angle of which touches it. At this point 
 is fixed a second crane ; and so the vats and cranes are 
 continued to any extent the proprietor chooses. By these 
 cranes the covers are moved vvith great ease. It is a subject 
 of dispute which is the best invention, Sears's or Kelley's : 
 experience only can decide the point." 
 
 "Capt. Sears was greatly assisted in the invention and 
 improvement of the works by Capt. William Crowell, Capt. 
 Christopher Crowell and Capt. Edward Sears of Dennis. 
 These persons resigning to him their right and title to the 
 invention, he applied to the national government for a patent, 
 which he obtained in 1799. 
 
 " Such is the account which Capt. Sears himself gives. It 
 is alleged by several persons, that he has not made a new 
 discovery, and consequently has no right to a patent. But 
 whatever may be thought of Capt. Sears's merit as an inven- 
 tor, there can be no dispute that he is entitled to applause 
 for first introducing an important manufacture, by which he 
 has contributed greatly to the prosperity of the village in 
 which he resides, and to that of the county at large." 
 
 Incidental to this industry the manufacture of the Glauber- 
 salts, once greatly esteemed in medical practice, sprung up, 
 and became quite an important adjunct of this business. This 
 product was effected by boiling, and was considered of an 
 excellent quality. 
 
 The value and extent of the salt business was for many 
 
246 OLD YARMOUIH. 
 
 years of great importance, to the County of Barnstable 
 particularly. In 1801 there were 121,313 feet of works in 
 the county, of which 50,430 were in Dennis and Yarmouth ; 
 these works being calculated to manufacture about 44,000 
 bushels of salt. The capital invested in the business, in the 
 year 1808, was nearly half a million of dollars. In 1830, 
 about 600,000 bushels were manufactured by this process in 
 Massachusetts alone, and a still larger quantity in Maine. 
 In 1832, the County of Barnstable had 1,425,000 feet of 
 vats, producing 358,250 bushels, but in 1834 the business 
 was checked in consequence of the reduction of the duty. 
 The policy of the general government was not wholly 
 consistent or friendly in its aspect towards this industry ; 
 sometimes encouraging it by placing a high duty on imported 
 salt, and at other times reducing the import to a low figure. 
 The bounty offered by the State in the infancy of the 
 business was afterwards withdrawn, the profits being found 
 to be larger than that of other local industries. The develop- 
 ment of the salt springs in New York and other places, also 
 tended to make the business less important and profitable, 
 and for the last twenty-five years no new works have been 
 erected, those still existing at that time being kept up by 
 repairs, and operated with moderate success ; but at the time 
 of writing this narrative (1884) hardly any works are stand- 
 ing as monuments of a once flourishing industry. 
 
 In May, 1801, the town, before proceeding to ballot for 
 Representative, voted that it should be done under this 
 restriction : A committee was to be chosen to give the 
 person elected instructions as to his public duties. It may 
 seem strange that any one should be found willing to take 
 the position under such circumstances, but a closely-con- 
 tested election followed. Capt. Judah Paddock being the 
 successful candidate. Mr. Seth Tobey d. Aug. 31, ae 85. 
 The ancestor of the family was Thomas, of Sandwich, whose 
 
SEPARATION TO THE REBELLION. 247 
 
 only son and heir married Mehitable, daughter of John Crow 
 of Nobscusset. The family was a leading one in Yarmouth 
 and Dennis. 
 
 Very few contemporary writings are extant which give a 
 complete view of the condition and character of the towns 
 through the various generations of their people. Whatever 
 we know of them we have had to derive from inference and 
 the exceedingly meagre records of their public transactions. 
 At the beginning of the century, however, the publica- 
 tion of a Description of Dennis, "^ gives a comparatively 
 comprehensive account of the then new town. The 
 roads, which are particularly described, are pronounced 
 "sandy and heavy," and the soil "light and sandy." 
 The light land produced " not less than eight, and, with 
 manure, frequently as much as twenty bushels of Indian 
 corn on an acre ; and, on an average, eight or ten bushels of 
 rye. The good land on the north part of the township 
 yielded, with manure, about thirty bushels of Indian corn, 
 but rye not in a greater quantity than the light land." Very 
 little wheat was raised. Butter and vegetables for summer 
 were produced, but not sufficient for winter use, except 
 onions, of which they sent a quantity to market. The num- 
 ber of inhabitants was set down at fourteen hundred ; " a 
 great number of these," we are informed, " derive their 
 subsistence from the sea ; and by the advantages which they 
 enjoy, and their industry in improving them, are enabled to 
 supply themselves with all the necessaries and many of the 
 pleasures of life." The inhabitants occupied a hundred and 
 eighty-eight dwelling-houses ; the greater part of which were 
 " neat and in good repair," On the north of the county road 
 were eighty-eight of the houses, thirty of which were two 
 stories in hight. The village of Nobscusset, now generally 
 known as North Dennis, consisted of fifty-two dwelling- 
 houses, and the old meeting-house, " a neat and convenient 
 
 ' Rev. Dr. Freeman, Mass. Hist. Society collections, vol. viiL 
 
248 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 building-, without a steeple." Sumner Lodge of Free 
 Masons, then just instituted, had erected near the meeting- 
 house "a handsome edifice," forty feet by twenty, the upper 
 apartment of which was a hall, and the lower apartment a 
 school room. There were two wind-mills near the meeting- 
 house, five more mills being in other parts of the township. 
 Five sail of fishermen, and three coasters, from thirty to forty 
 tons, belonged in this village. " The village of Suet," now 
 called East Dennis, contained thirty-six dwelling-houses, 
 which stood on Suet and Quivet necks and the land adjoin- 
 ing ; and belonging to it were five sail of fishermen. " When 
 compared with Nobscusset," says this writer, " it may be 
 denominated a pleasant village ; but in comparison with the 
 village of Sandwich, there is little or no beauty in it. " It is," 
 says he, "a flourishing place; and what contributes princi- 
 pally to its prosperity is its numerous and valuable salt 
 works." In South Dennis, which included the present 
 village by that name, and also the villages of West Dennis 
 and Dennis Port, were a hundred dwelling-houses, two only 
 of v/hich were two stories high. The greater part of these 
 houses were situated near Bass River and constituted a "well 
 built village, the inhabitants of which were increasing in 
 wealth." They had, according to this author, "an elegant 
 meeting-bouse v/ith a steeple." There was, besides, a small 
 Quaker meeting-house, situated on the East side of Follen's 
 Pond. Five families only in Dennis belonged to it, but it 
 was attended by a few Friends from Yarmouth and Harwich. 
 There were also thirteen families of Baptists in that village. 
 " The rest of the inhabitants, in every part of the township, 
 are," says this author, " Congregationalists, who are warmly 
 attached to their pastor and not disposed to change ; " for as 
 yet there was but one minister of the " standing order " — 
 Rev. Mr. Stone — for the whole town. There were then no 
 salt-works in Bass River village ; but the inhabitants owned 
 nineteen sail of fishermen of fifty tons burthen, each,, ana 
 
SEPARATION TO THE REBELLION. 249 
 
 four coasters. There were three small wharves on the 
 eastern side of Bass River. This, so far as it goes, is an 
 authentic account of the Dennis of eighty-five years ago, 
 written by an accurate and pains-taking author. 
 
 In 1803, it was voted by the parish to again "repair the 
 meeting-house, and make and sell pews," and the additional 
 pews were sold Dec. 5, of that year, for which the society 
 realized the sum of $1,172. 
 
 Hardly had the repairs on the meeting-house been com- 
 pleted ere the beloved pastor. Rev. Nathan Stone, was called 
 from the scenes of earth, in the 67th year of his age and the 
 40th of his ministry. He died April 26, 1804. He possessed 
 many of the characteristics of his predecessor, Mr. Dennis, 
 being a devoted spiritual teacher, as well as a friend and 
 temporal helper to the people of his charge. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Shaw of Eastham and Rev. Mr. Bascom occupied 
 the pulpit here for a considerable number of Sundays, and to 
 the latter a settlement was proposed, but not accepted. The 
 next \ ear. Rev. Caleb Holmes was ordained as Mr. Stone's 
 successor. The town, without regard to the claims of Yar- 
 mouth upon the premises, granted to individuals, granted 
 liberty to individuals to occupy land at " Black Earth," for 
 the erection of salt-works. 
 
 In 1805, by a decided vote, the town refused to grant 
 permission to build a bridge across Bass River. The same 
 result was had the following year. 
 
 In 1806, the town voted to hire a singing master, for two 
 months, and raised the sum of 1^70 to defray the expense. 
 This is the first recognition of the importance of music which 
 we find on record in town. 
 
 In 1808, the commercial distress of the town, owing to 
 the policy of the government in relation to our commercial 
 relations with foreign powers, was such that the town voted 
 to petition the President "to suspend the embargo laws." 
 
250 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 Somewhere about the year 1808 or 1809, the meeting- 
 house of the society of Friends, which was located on the 
 East of Pollen's Pond, near what is known as Kelley's Bay, 
 was abandoned, and a new meeting-house erected in South 
 Yarmouth. The date of the erection of the old house is not 
 known. But there were Friends here, nearly as early as they 
 appeared in the Colony, and they were never seriously 
 annoyed by the townsmen. The road from. East Dennis, 
 upon which they travelled to meeting, is still known as the 
 " Quaker road." One of their number has, with filial and 
 praiseworthy respect for the memory of his ancestors, 
 inclosed the spot of the old meeting-house and the primitive 
 burning-place, by a substantial fence. The members of the 
 old congregation came from East Dennis, South Yarmouth 
 and Harwich. There are some now living who have wor- 
 shipped there. 
 
 The next year, 1809, the embarrassments of the time 
 continuing, the town met for deliberation and action. It 
 was voted to raise a committee of safety and correspondence, 
 to take into view the critical situation of our public affairs, 
 and for the committee to draft a petition with the resolves 
 to be presented to the Legislature ; and chose for that 
 committee, Capt. David Plowes, James Howes, Esq., Daniel 
 Eldridge, Samuel Chase, Lieut. Eleazer Nickerson, Jonathan 
 Nickerson, Capt. Judah Paddock, Nathan Crowell, Levi 
 Howes. Subsequently, a petition and resolves were reported 
 and accepted by the town. 
 
 The census of 18 10 showed the population of the town to 
 be 1820. 
 
 Matters continually grew worse, instead of better, so far 
 as the business interests of the people were concerned, and 
 they were called upon, in 18 12, to face the dread realities 
 of war. The years that had preceded it were not much to 
 be preferred to actual hostilities, so far as regarded the 
 material interests of the people ; for the commerce and trade 
 
SEPARATION TO THE REBELLION. 251 
 
 were pretty effectually annihilated. The town was called 
 upon for its quota, and in anticipation of a draft, voted to 
 choose a committee to see that the men drafted for the 
 army, have a reasonable compensation from the town, when 
 called into actual service, or others be procured in their 
 room. Rev. Caleb Holmes died March 21, at the early age 
 of 33. During his ministry of eight years, 40 members 
 were added to the church, and r 1 1 persons were baptized. 
 
 In 18 14, Sept. 19, the town voted to make arrangements 
 for the support and defence of the town, in case of a sudden 
 invasion. The committee chosen for that purpose consisted 
 of Daniel Howes, Prince Howes, Daniel Eldridge, John 
 Baker, 3d, Lieut. Eleazer Nickerson, Obed Baxter, Judah \ 
 Paddock, Nathan Crowell, Thomas Hall. The committee 
 were authorized to indemnify the captains of such companies 
 as march with them out of town. Alarms were of frequent 
 occurrence, and it became burdensome to the militia to 
 respond to the calls made upon them. Rev. Joseph Haven 
 was this year installed as successor to Mr. Holmes, to 
 officiate his proportionate time with the South parish, as had 
 his immediate predecessors. The Nobscusset Pier Co., 
 Daniel Howes and others, was incorporated, this year, "with 
 authority to build on the easterly side of Nobscusset Point, 
 a pier, of stone and timber, 600 feet in length, more or less." 
 
 After much agitation, the town, in 181 5, voted to give the 
 proprietors leave to build a bridge across Bass River, at 
 their own cost and charge, they to leave an arch open, 600 
 feet wide. The town also united with others, in a memorial 
 in relation to treaty arrangements, respecting the fisheries. 
 Also chose a committee to fix the line between the North 
 and South parishes. The line agreed upon was as follows : 
 " Beginning at the Chatham road, on the Yarmouth line, 
 running easterly on said road, to the house of Seth Bangs ; 
 and still easterly to the Brewster and Harwich line, near the 
 North side of White Pond." 
 
252 OLD YARMOUTH. , 
 
 June 1 8, 1 817, the South part of the town was organized 
 as a separate parish, and Rev. John Sanford was called to 
 the pastorate. Mr. Sanford was from Berkley, in Bristol 
 County, and graduated from Brown, in 181 2. He was 
 ordained the following year, engaging to officiate one-fourth 
 part of the time in the Congregational meeting-house in 
 Harwich, owing to the limited means of his own society. 
 The arrangement was not rendered necessary for many 
 years. 
 
 The great temperance revival which prevailed in Yarmouth 
 about this period, also extended here. In March, 1818, 
 the town took action on the subject. After a preamble, 
 reciting the evils of the use of ardent spirits, it was voted to 
 permit the Selectmen to approbate only judicious persons to 
 sell the same. Taverners were not to sell to any of the town 
 inhabitants to be drank on the premises, except on public 
 days ; and retailers were not to sell in quantities less than a 
 quart, to be carried away, the party selling the same not to 
 allow drinking or tippling on the premises. Any persons 
 not having a license were forbidden to sell less than twenty- 
 eight gallons, the whole to be carried away at one time. 
 Severe penalties were to be enforced for a breach of these 
 regulations. 
 
 Aug., 1820, the town gave a small vote in favor of revising 
 the constitution of the State, and subsequently chose Capt. 
 Oren Howes a delegate to the convention for that purpose. 
 The national census, taken this year, resulted in an enumer- 
 ation of 1997 inhabitants in the town. 
 
 In 1821, numerous certificates began to be filed with the 
 town clerk, and continued on subsequent years> under the 
 Religious Freedom Act, of persons claiming the right to 
 withdraw from the "standing order" to other denominations, 
 mostly to the Methodists. 
 
 In April, 1823, the town chose a committee to co-operate 
 with the authorities of the town of Yarmouth, to regulate the 
 
SEPARATION TO THE REBELLION. 253 
 
 fisheries in Pollen's Pond. This is the first record made of 
 joint action of the towns for the regulation of this pond and 
 its tributary streams. 
 
 March, 1825, the town voted to give liberty to individuals 
 to dig out Sesuet Harbor, the town not to be held liable for 
 any expense for the same. The proposition for a canal from 
 the Flax Pond into the sea was before the town, and was 
 referred to a committee, but no report of their conclusions 
 is extant, and nothing transpired from their deliberations. 
 
 March 14, 1826, Mr. Haven resigned the pastorate of the 
 North Parish, on account of ill health. He was succeeded 
 by Rev. Daniel Stearns, commencing in October of that 
 year, as a supply, and receiving a permanent settlement in 
 1828. This being the act of the parish, without the concur- 
 rence of the church, — the former being Unitarian, and the 
 latter of Orthodox proclivities, — a schism was the result, 
 which led to the organization of another society, and the 
 existence of another place of worship, which was maintained 
 for some years. 
 
 Sept. 20, 1827, Gen. Nathaniel Freeman, a native of this 
 town, died in Sandwich, aged Z6. He was an able speaker, 
 jurist, physician and military commander, and rendered great 
 service to the cause of American independence. 
 
 May, 1829, the town voted to fence in the Indian burying 
 ground, provided the owners of the land are willing. In 
 Sept., the voters requested the Selectmen not to approbate 
 any one to retail ardent spirits. 
 
 By the census of 1830, the number of inhabitants of the 
 town was found to be 2317, Dennis having, this decade, 
 distanced Yarmouth in the race of population. The town 
 appointed a committee of eleven to watch for sellers of intoxi- 
 cating drinks, and complain of those selling contrary to law. 
 
 In 1832, it was voted to remonstrate against a petition 
 for leave to build a bridge across Bass River ; but leave 
 
254 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 having been granted, a committee was raised to locate a 
 bridge. 
 
 In 1834, the town voted that Gamaliel Howes be an agent 
 to rent out the cranberry grounds at North Dennis, near 
 "Kiah's Pond," (so called.) This is the first record which 
 gives an indication of the importance of cranberry lands, 
 and is therefore a fitting occasion for tracing the history of 
 the cranberry culture — a business which, like the salt manu- 
 facture by solar evaporation, originated on the North side of 
 Dennis. This delicious fruit, which is indigenous to the soil, 
 has, from the earliest settlement of the country, been greatly 
 esteemed, but from the restricted production has not been in 
 general and popular use. The berry was a luxury for the 
 rich and for the tables of epicures. In 1677, to appease the 
 wrath of King Charles the Second, who was angry with 
 Massachusetts colony for coining " pine-tree " shilling pieces, 
 the general court ordered a present to be sent him of " ten 
 barrels of cranberries, two hogsheads of samp, and three 
 thousand codfish," luxuries which, it was thought, would 
 soften the ire of an angry monarch. It is now about sixty 
 years since any attempt was made to cultivate the fruit. Mr. 
 Henry Hall of Dennis, having a marshy lot which produced 
 some very fine berries, was led to try the experiment of 
 transplanting some of the vines on another portion of the 
 same swamp. The experiment was successful, and he and 
 others continued their efforts in this direction. But it took 
 years of careful study and laborious and costly experiment to 
 ascertain the processes, soil and conditions necessary to 
 success. Others have followed up the trail started by Mr. 
 Hall, and in 1884 the product of Barnstable County — where 
 the most delicious berries are found — was estimated at 
 ^300,000. 
 
 In 1839, the general government made an appropriation of 
 $900 for increasing the height of Dennis breakwater, to be 
 expended under the direction of Capt. Uriah Howes. Rev- 
 
SEPARATION TO THE REBELLION. 255 
 
 John Sanford resigned the charge of the 2d Congregational 
 church, wishing to remove from a seaboard climate, on 
 account of his health. He took up his residence in Amherst, 
 and was succeeded by Rev. Thacher Thayer, a little more 
 than a year later. 
 
 In 1838, Mr. Stearns, of the North Parish, preached his 
 farev/ell discourse, and was succeeded by Rev. Robert F. 
 Walcott, a preacher of great earnestness and zeal, in the 
 anti-slavery agitation. He remained here nine years, and 
 after a supply by Rev. Mr. White, the Rev. Joshua Chandler 
 ministered, for a while, to the spirtual wants of the society. 
 But the society was on the decline, and the organization is 
 now extinct. Contemporaneous with Mr. Walcott, Rev. 
 Daniel Kenrick, Jr., had been settled over the 3d Congrega- 
 tional society, Trinitarian, which grew out of the secession 
 from the parent church. This organization survived but a 
 short time, and was ultimately merged in the Methodist 
 society. This, in turn, gave way to the Independent 
 Religious Society, all the various outgrowths of the old 
 parish organization, meeting together and worshiping in a 
 spirit of mutual harmony and toleration. 
 
 The national census, in 1840, showed the population of 
 the town to be 2942, a gratifying increase during the preced- 
 ing decade. Mr. Stephen Homer, a citizen of intelligence 
 and influence in town, died this year. Tradition gives the 
 origin of the family as from Bristol, Eng., the first of the name 
 in the province being the master of a trading vessel between 
 London and Boston. Mr. Homer was the father of a family 
 of fourteen, and Rev. Timothy Alden, Jr., mentions, in his 
 Meviorabilia of YarvioiUli, written in 1797, that he had in 
 1792, nine sons living, of whom seven were 6 ft. 3 inch, in 
 height, or over, — some 6 ft. 6 in. height. 
 
 By the great gale of Oct. 2, 1841, this town sustained much 
 loss of life, and no inconsiderable loss of property. On the 
 previous night the vessels were fishing on the Southwest 
 
256 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 part of Georges Bank. The gale springing up, they made 
 sail to run for the Cape. The strongest canvas was blown 
 to shreds. Some of the vessels succeeded in getting into 
 the bay and running ashore on the beach. Others were 
 driven on the Nantucket shoals, and still others were foun- 
 dered at sea. The list of casualties embraces twenty men, 
 most of them just entering upon manhood, eighteen of the 
 deceased living within the square of a mile, in a single school 
 district. Eight of them left widows and eleven children. Six 
 only of them were over 30 years of age. The names of the 
 lost are as follows : Freeman Hall, John Howes, 2d, Fred- 
 erick Howes, Noah H. Crowell, Urbana Crowell, Stephen 
 Sears, Jr., Marshall Kelley, Jonathan Howes, Uriah Howes, 
 Jr., Martin Howes, Philip Howes, Luther Howes, Gustavus 
 Hedge, Elisha Howes, Peter Crowell, Kimball Howes, Albert 
 Howes, Leonard Sears, Daniel Howes, 3d, Samuel Howes. 
 No such sweeping calamity ever befell a community in this 
 town since it has had an existence. 
 
 By the removal and subsequent settlement of Rev. Thacher 
 Thayer to Newport, R. L, the pulpit of the 2d Congregational 
 society, in 1841, became vacant. Rev. Mr. Jennings suc- 
 ceeded him as a supply, and Rev. J. H. Pettingell, Rev, 
 Isaiah C. Thacher, Rev. Mr. Tolman and others have occupied 
 the pulpit. Rev. Austin Dodge is now the settled pastor. 
 
 In if^43, June 14, Philip Hinckley, a revolutionary pen- 
 sioner, died, aged 87. He was in the battle of Bunker Hill, 
 and took part in subsequent engagements. 
 
 In 1844, Feb. 23d, Col. Nehemiah Baker, then a Repre- 
 sentative of the town in the General Court, died in Boston, 
 He had previeusly served the town for several years as 
 Clerk and Treasurer, and was actively engaged in trade. A 
 committee of the Legislature attended his funeral. 
 
 Aug. 28, 1845, Samuel Chase, a revolutionary soldier, died. 
 He was for three years a Representative from the town, and 
 served in other public trusts. 
 
SEPARATION TO THE REBELLION. 257 
 
 The Legislature of 1846 reported "leave to withdraw," on 
 the petition of committees of Yarmouth and Dennis, for 
 leave to sell the Whaling Grounds at Nobscusset, the position 
 of the Legislature being, that this was a subject exclusively 
 in the jurisdiction of the towns, who were the proprietors of 
 those lands. Subsequent movements in the same direction 
 have been unsuccessful, except in respect to some small 
 tracts, the citizens preferring to retain the proprietorship of 
 territory especially reserved by their fathers, even though 
 the purposes for which they were set apart are no longer 
 operative. 
 
 Leave was granted, by the Legislature of 1847, to J. K. 
 Baker, to build a wharf near the Shad Hole, on the South 
 side. The Reformed Methodists erected a meeting-house in 
 East Dennis. 
 
 By acts of the Legislature of 1848, the County Commis- 
 sioners were granted permission to build bridges across 
 Herring River and Swan Pond Creek, in Harwich and 
 Dennis ; also across Garden River and Bass Hole Creek, in 
 Dennis and Yarmouth. In the succeeding year, the Com- 
 missioners were again empowered to build a bridge over tide- 
 waters in Dennis. N. Fisk was authorized to build a wharf 
 on the south side of the town. 
 
 The census of 1850 showed another increase of population 
 of 271 for the decade, or a total of 3213. 20,395 barrels of 
 mackerel were this year packed and inspected in town, 
 exceeding in the amount any other town in the County except 
 Provincetown. 
 
 An act was passed by the Legislature of 1852 to incorpo- 
 rate the Flax Pond Fishing Company of Dennis, for the 
 purpose of opening an outlet from Sursuit Creek to the sea. 
 For delegate to the Convention to revise the Constitution of 
 the State, the town chose Hon. Seth Crowell. 
 
 March 25, 1853, a ship of 923 tons measurement, was 
 launched from the yard of the Messrs. Shiverick in East 
 
258 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 Dennis, and called the Belle of tJie West. She was owned 
 by Capt. Christopher Hall and others, of Dennis and Boston, 
 and was a handsome and staunch craft. 
 
 In Dec. 28, 1853, occurred a violent snow-storm, which 
 occasioned great damage to the shipping at sea, and which 
 was moored at the wharves on the coast. The breakwater 
 and wharves on the northerly side of the town were much 
 injured. The store of Messrs. Howes and Crowell, at the 
 '■^ Corporation," was removed from its foundation, their 
 packing sheds demolished, and their barrels and other 
 movables washed away and scattered along the coast. 
 
 The most noteworthy event connected with the annals of 
 the town for 1855, was the extension of the magnetic tele- 
 graph, by two rival lines, to the several villages within the 
 township. 
 
 Capt. Eleazer Nickerson, a man of energy and influence 
 in his day, died Sept. 23, 1856. By the apportionment of 
 the State tax to the towns in this County, Dennis was the 
 fifth in point of amount, of the thirteen. 
 
 In 1857, the town sustained a severe loss, in the death of 
 Capt. Christopher Hall, aged 48. Capt. Hall was early a 
 most successful shipmaster, acquired a fortune, by good 
 judgment and intelligent application to his chosen vocation, 
 and retired from the sea. He was selected as the President 
 of the Bank of Cape Cod, at Harwich, at its organization, 
 and continued in that relation, to his death. He was 
 universally esteemed, both for his business qualities, and for 
 his generous and manly traits of character. 
 
 Oct. 20, 1858, the town sustained the loss of Capt. Uriah 
 Howes, aged 73, who, in the days of his active life, was a 
 leading and influential citizen. 
 
 The re-organization of the school districts occupied the 
 attention of the town, during the years 1858 -'59-'6o. The 
 friends of progress, in this direction, encountered the deter- 
 mined opposition of those whose conservatism led them. 
 
SEPARATION TO THE REBELLION. 259 
 
 with a sentiment, not entirely unpraiseworthy, to adhere to 
 the usages of the fathers of the town. The efforts made in 
 favor of the new system were not always technically correct, 
 and hence the matter frequently was in the courts, where 
 the laws were impartially construed, though not always in 
 harmony with the desires of the friends of the modern sys- 
 tem of education. No good purpose would be served by 
 recapitulating the grounds of opposition to the measures 
 proposed b}^ the majority, or the legal questions involved, as 
 all these matters are now at rest. In the end, the modern 
 theories prevailed; the districts were consolidated, — one 
 each in Dennis, East Dennis, South Dennis, West Dennis 
 and Dennis Port ; the people taxed themselves liberally for 
 their erection and support ; primary and grammar depart- 
 ments were and now are maintained in each, and sufficient 
 books, apparatus and other accessories are provided to render 
 the system efficient in all its details. 
 
 In i860, a vote was passed to petition the Legislature for 
 a division of the town, and a committee, consisting of 
 Messrs. Seth Crowell and Miller W. Nickerson, was 
 appointed to appear before the committee of the Legislature, 
 in favor of the project. But in January following, a vote 
 was passed, reconsidering the former vote, and Messrs. 
 Nehemiah Crowell and Joshua Wixon were appointed a 
 committee to oppose the division. The powers of the first 
 committee were not revoked, and both committees appeared 
 before the legislative committee on towns, who reported 
 " leave to withdraw," which was accepted. Lothrop Howes 
 died April 22, aged ^6. 
 
 July 20, 1861, Capt. Seth Crowell, Jr., master of ship 
 Robin Hood, of Boston, died in Singapore, aged 37. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 THE REBELLION TO OUR OWN TIMES. 
 
 Proceedings of the Town — Men and Money'iVoted — Expression of the Sentiment of 
 the Town — Union of School Districts — Tragedy on Board Brig Lubia — Death of 
 Seth Crowell, Prince S. Crowell, and Other Prominent Citizens — Recent Local 
 Events, etc. 
 
 DURING the war of the Rebellion, from 1 86 1 to 1865, the 
 town was united in its efforts to sustain the policy and acts 
 of the general government. Its citizens, in their private 
 capacity, did much to encourage and sustain the men in the 
 army and navy ; and, as a town, never faltered, or hesitated 
 to meet every call for men or money. The following is a 
 summary of the action of the citizens in their municipal 
 capacity. 
 
 April 26, 1 86 1, after a town meeting, held for the purpose 
 of attending to school matters, Capt. Prince S. Crowell 
 called attention to the immediate necessity of some action 
 on the part of the town, to aid the efforts of the government 
 to put down treason, "establish justice, and secure liberty," 
 throughout the land. The proposition was supported by 
 Hon. Seth Crowell, Hon. M. S. Underwood and M. W. 
 Nickerson, Esq. A request to the Selectmen, to call a town 
 meeting, forthwith, to further the objects aimed at, was 
 immediately drawn up and signed, and a committee, 
 consisting of P. S. Crowell, Seth Crowell, M. W. Nickerson, 
 Joshua Wixon and Luther Child, was chosen to consider the 
 subject, in all its bearings, and report to the meeting. The 
 authorized meeting was held May 13, and a Committee of 
 
REBELLION TO OUR OWN TIMES. 261 
 
 Safety appointed, to confer with the State and Town 
 Committees, — consisting of Seth Crowell, Prince S. Crowell, 
 Joseph Hall, Miller W. Nickerson and Nehemiah Crowell. 
 Voted, to raise $800, as a fund to assist the troops of the 
 State, in active service ; to pay to each citizen volunteer, a 
 bounty of ;^30, for either land or sea service ; to make proper 
 provision for the family of any volunteer from the town of 
 Dennis ; and to raise the sum of $1,500, as a fund to pay the 
 bounty to volunteers, to provide for their families, and for 
 other necessary expenses. The committee appointed April 
 27, reported a preamble and a series of resolutions, reciting 
 the action of the South, particularly its authorizing the 
 fitting out of privateers, and issuing letters of marque ; 
 and pledging the town to stand by the President, upon the 
 principles presented in his inaugural address ; to render all 
 the assistance in their power " to put down rebellion, punish 
 treason," and " transmit to the future, the Union of the 
 States, unbroken and entire." These resolutions were 
 unanimously adopted. 
 
 A special town meeting was held on the 26th of July, 
 1862, to act upon matters growing out of the town's relations 
 to the war. A committee of six was appointed to act in 
 conjunction with the selectmen, in recruiting volunteers to 
 fill the quota required of the town, under the call of the 
 President for three hundred thousand men for three years' 
 military service. They were authorized to pay a bounty of 
 $250 to each recruit, when mustered into service and prop- 
 erly credited to the quota of the town ; or they could be paid 
 the bounty before being mustered, upon " giving satisfactory 
 security to the selectmen that the money would be refunded, 
 if the volunteer did not pass examination and was rejected." 
 The Treasurer was authorized to borrow money sufficient to 
 meet this expenditure. August 19, another formal meeting 
 was held ; and it was voted to pay the same amount of 
 bounty to nine-months men ; three-quarters of the amount to 
 
262 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 the recruit when he should be accepted, mustered in, and 
 credited, and the remaining quarter when he was honorably 
 discharged from the service. The Treasurer was authorized 
 to borrow $5000 to defray the expenses thus incurred. Other 
 votes for the payment of the sums due in carrying out the 
 provisions of the foregoing arrangement were passed from 
 time to time. " The result shows that few towns were more 
 active in the good cause, or came out of the war with a better 
 record." ' 
 
 Dennis reported, in 1866, to have furnished 220 men for 
 the war ; but this must have been considerably less than the 
 actual number. Including those in the naval service, her 
 number of men must have been at least 375, as at t he close 
 of the war, it was ascertained that the town had filled its 
 quota on every call, and had a surplus of 43 over and above 
 all demands. None of the volunteers from this town in the 
 military service were commissioned officers ; but several 
 valuable officers from this town were engaged in the naval 
 service. The amount of money expended by the town on 
 account of the war, exclusive of State aid^ was ^22,652.66. 
 The amount raised and expended by the town during four 
 years for aid to the families of volunteers, which was after- 
 wards refunded by the Commonwealth, was ^3,816.61. 
 
 June 2, 1863, ship Ellen Sears, 95,0 tons burthen, was 
 launched from the ship-yard of the Messrs. Shiverick, in 
 East Dennis. She was owned by J. Henry Sears of Boston, 
 and others, and was a craft of good model and sea-worthy 
 capacity. The Shivericks were notable ship-builders in this 
 place, and constructed a larger class of vessels than had 
 usually been built in this town. They descended from Rev. 
 Samuel Shiverick, the first minister of Falmouth. The 
 Brays, during the latter part of the last century, and the first 
 part of the present, constructed many vessels, in Hockanom, 
 some three miles from the Shivericks' yard, of from 50 tO: 
 
 ^ Sclioulei-'s " Mass. in the Rebellion.'.' 
 
REBELLION TO OUR OWN TIMES. 263 
 
 150 tons burthen, which was the usual limit of the size of 
 vessels in those days. No record of the number of these 
 crafts built, which was considerable, can be traced by their 
 descendants. 
 
 The events of the war absorbed the energies of the people 
 to a great degree, so that from 1861 to 1865 the chief interest 
 of the people of the town centered in it and its events. In 
 March, 1862, Jonathan Nickerson, Esq., died, aged 88. He 
 was 19 years Selectman, several years Special County Com- 
 missioner, and transacted much public business. ' 
 
 In the progress of the modern development of the town, 
 we note the first train on the Cape Cod Central Railroad, 
 which, through the energy of the citizens of this and the 
 adjoining towns, was opened to Orleans, Dec. 6, 1864. The 
 villages on the South side of the town, and East Dennis, 
 were brought several hours nearer to Boston by this arrange- 
 ment. This enterprise, prosecuted during the throes of the 
 rebellion, shows that, notwithstanding the drains upon our 
 resources, our people still kept up their courage and deter- 
 mination to develop and improve all their opportunities. 
 Capt. Zenas Howes died July 13, aged 84; Mr. Moses 
 Howes, Sept. 27, aged 79. 
 
 A sad tragedy, which illustrates some of the perils, beside 
 th«se of the sea, which formerly beset the Cape Cod sailor in 
 the pursuit of his hazardous vocation, occurred Sept. 23, 
 1865. The barque Lubra, commanded by Capt. Benj. P. 
 Howes of Dennis, was overhauled by a party of Chinese 
 pirates, when one day out of Hong Kong. The party was 
 large and well armed, and Capt. Howes saw, at once, that 
 resistance would be ineffectual. Some of the crew took to 
 the rigging, and others, in fright, jumped overboard. Those 
 in the water were rescued by the pirates, and two of the crew 
 were shot in the rigging. The pirates then commenced 
 
 * It has not been the purpose of tlie writer to extend the list of mortuary notices - 
 but the decease of those holding public and official relations has induced him to give some 
 account of their lives and characters, while recording their dscease. 
 
264 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 rifling the vessel, the captain, who had his wife and child with 
 him, in the meantime having been driven into the cabin, 
 where a guard very carefully watched over him. After six 
 hours robbery, having possessed themselves of all the valu- 
 ables in the vessel, one of the pirates approached Capt. 
 Howes, who sat on a sofa beside his wife, with the child in 
 his arms, and telling him he must die, shot him, without 
 delay. They then destroyed the boats and nautical instru- 
 ments, set fire to the vessel, and departed. By great exertions 
 on the part of the crew who were spared, the vessel was saved 
 and brought back, with the survivors, to Hong Kong. This 
 casualty illustrates the cruel and brutal character of the 
 Asiatic races, to whose avarice and greed many of our 
 American sailors formerly were cruelly and brutally sacrificed. 
 This incident recalled to the mind of some of the older 
 citizens the sad fate of Capt. Joshua Hall of Dennis, who, 
 with his mate, Mr. Jabez Howes, of sch. Napoleon of Dennis, 
 was murdered by pirates, off Madeira, forty-five years before, 
 or somewhere about the year 1820. Of another character, 
 though hardly less thrilling, was the experience of the crew of 
 the brig Polly, formerly so familiar to the readers of the Mar- 
 iner s Chronicle, and similar works. The Polly sailed from 
 Boston, some sixty years ago, commanded by Capt. VVm. L. 
 Cazneau, and among her crew were Mr. John Paddock, the 
 chief mate, and Mr. Henry Howes, two citizens of Dennis. 
 Mr. Paddock had commanded a vessel, himself, and was an 
 experienced and efficient seaman. Mr. Howes had seen 
 many vicissitudes in life ; had been impressed on board a 
 British war vessel, before the war of 1812- 15, as was often 
 the case with our sailors, before that period. A short time 
 after leaving port, when on the southern edge of the Gulf 
 Stream, the vessel encountered a severe gale, in which she 
 was thrown upon her beam ends, and the crew were obliged 
 to cut away the masts, when the vessel righted, full of 
 water. Being lumber-laden, the vessel was in no danger of 
 
REBELLION TO OUR OWN TIMES. 265 
 
 sinking, but floated like a log upon the ocean. Now com- 
 menced a struggle for life, against exposure and hunger. 
 One by one the crew perished, until, in a few days, Capt. 
 Cazneau and the cook, an Indian, were left alone. It seems 
 incredible, but it is nevertheless true, that these two men 
 floated over the most frequented part of the ocean, for over 
 six months, living upon barnacles that grew upon the 
 vessel's side, with an occasional shark, which they succeeded 
 in capturing. They had not a drop of water, or any fire, at 
 first, but by igniting pieces of wood, by friction, and distill- 
 ing salt water, and securing the steam, by an old boiler and 
 tea-kettle, on a cook-stove, they managed to secure both, 
 and to keep alive for one hundred and ninety days, with so 
 little shock to the constitution of Capt. Cazneau, that he 
 lived to be 97 years old, dying in San Francisco, in 1866.' 
 Surely, neither Victor Hugo, in his " Toilers of the Sea," nor 
 Defoe, in his wonderful fiction, the delight of the young and 
 old, for so many generations, have recited a more 
 marvelous experience than this. Had our ancestors been 
 as effective v/ith the pen, as they confessedly were with the 
 musket, the tiller and the oar, the world would have been 
 treated to narratives possessing all the wonders and thrilling 
 experiences delineated in the fictions of the great masters, 
 without drawing upon the imagination or violating the verities 
 of real life and experience. 
 
 Feb. 12, 1866, the town, by a decisive vote, abolished the 
 school districts, as then constituted. Aug, 25, 1866, Capt. 
 Paul Crowell, a worthy native of the town, who, from busi- 
 ness and prudential motives, in early years settled in West 
 Sandwich, departed this life at the mature age of 88 years. 
 Sept. 22, Capt. Thomas Hall, one of the Selectmen of the 
 town, died at the age of 66. 
 
 'Capt. Thos. P. Howes, in the Yarmouth Register, Aug. 17, 1S66. Capt. H., 
 with his retentive memory and grapliic pen, ought to enricli the literature of the sea with a 
 volume of reminiscences and personal recollections. 
 
266 OLD YARMOUTH, 
 
 1868, Feb. 17, died Joseph Hall, who had been a Repre- 
 sentative to the General Court, two years, a town officer and 
 a most useful and efficient citizen. 
 
 By an act of the Legislature, of 1869, the toll bridges over 
 Bass River, between Dennis and Yarmouth, were made free 
 to public travel. By the provisions of the act, three 
 commissioners were appointed by the Supreme Court, to 
 appraise the property, and to apportion the amount to be 
 paid among the parties in interest. The Court appointed 
 Hon. Thomas D. Eliot and Mr. Henry T. Wood, of New 
 Bedford, and Hon. Alfred Macy, of Nantucket, and by their 
 award, made in January, 1870, estimated the value of the 
 bridges at $9,285.69, with expenses at $642.75, amounting to 
 ;$9,928.44. Of this amount, it was decreed that the County 
 of Barnstable pay 7-i4ths, viz: $4,964.22; the town of 
 Dennis, 3-i4ths, or $2,127.52 ; the town of Yarmouth, a like 
 amount; and the town of Harwich, i-i4th, or $709.18. 
 This award was afterwards affirmed by the Court, and the 
 bridge made free in 1870. The cemetery near the First 
 church was, this year, by voluntary subscriptions among the 
 citizens and former residents, surrounded with a substantial 
 iron fence, with granite posts, and the grounds beautified 
 and improved. William Howes, who had been a Represen- 
 tative and town officer, died Jan. 2 ; and Nehemiah Y. Hall,, 
 for many years Postmaster of Dennis, Oct. 9. 
 
 Jan. 14, 1870, Joseph K. Baker, Esq., died, aged 69. He 
 was a resident at Dennis Port, where he was extensively 
 engaged in the fishing business. He had represented the 
 town in the Legislature, had been Selectman, and filled 
 other town and public trusts, with wisdom and fidelity. 
 Obed Howes, Esq., died Sept. 16. By the national census, 
 of this year, Dennis was ascertained to have 3^,266 inhab 
 itants. 
 
 Nov. 16, 1 87 1, Capt. Carleton Howes departed this life, at 
 the age of 59 years. He was not, in one sense, a public 
 
REBELLION TO OUR OWN TIMES. 267 
 
 man, for he had not often filled official positions ; but he 
 was a successful ship-master, and a helpful friend to all 
 projects of a public nature, to advance the interests and 
 happiness of his neighbors and friends. Dec. 6, of this year, 
 a meeting of those interested in the fisheries was held, in 
 Harwich, in which several leading fish firms, of this 
 town participated, to protest against the ratification of the 
 fishery clause of the Washington treaty, and to endeavor to 
 accomplish its defeat in the Senate. The efforts of these 
 gentlemen were not successful ; and to the ratification of 
 that treaty, may be traced the decline of the fishing interest 
 in this town. 
 
 It is a sad reflection, in one sense, that the annals of 1872 
 are to be mostly composed of obituary notices of honored 
 and respected citizens, who, this year, departed this mortal 
 life; but in another sense, this is not so sad, if "honor, love, 
 obedience, troops of friends, and all that should accompany 
 old age," should be taken into account. Mr. Jonathan H. 
 Tobey died, Jan. 15, 1872, aged 77 years. He was from an 
 old family, and, personally, greatly respected. But his 
 name does not often figure on the official records, because 
 his opinions were not in harmony with the prevailing 
 majority. Capt. Luther Child and Capt. Nehemiah Crowell, 
 two of the most venerable and respected citizens of West 
 Dennis, neighbors and contemporaries for many years, died, 
 Capt. Child, Feb. 15, and Capt. Crowell, Feb. 21. Capt. 
 Child was a native of Warren, R. I., born in 1787, and was, 
 consequently, 84 years old at the time of his death. In his 
 early life, he commanded a Baltimore packet, the Rolla, a 
 Greenock-built vessel, captured by the Yankee privateers, in 
 the war of 1812-15. He lived, for some years, in Balti- 
 more, but married at Dennis, and lived there after his 
 retirement. He was Postmaster, at West Dennis, for many 
 years, and was always widely and highly esteemed. Capt. 
 Nehemiah Crowell, who departed this life, at the age 
 
268 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 of 79 years, was a native of the town. He was engaged 
 in the seafaring business in early life, and, upon retiring, 
 was employed in town and other public business. He was 
 Representative, Selectman, and, for many years, manager of 
 the Dennis and Harwich Marine Insurance Company. No 
 one could be more widely esteemed or trusted than he. 
 Joshua Wixon, Esq., aged 85, died Aug. 18. He was well 
 and favorably known by all his associates and contempora- 
 ries. 
 
 April I, 1873, Hon. Seth Crowell, a gentleman, who, for 
 half a century, had occupied a leading position with the 
 citizens of the town, was taken from the scenes of earth. 
 At the age of eighteen Mr. Crowell commenced life, as many a 
 Cape Cod boy did in those times, upon a vessel's deck ; he 
 steadily rose, by industry, application to duty and fidelity to 
 the interests intrusted to him, to high estimation by 
 his fellow-citizens. He was captured by the British, in the 
 war of 1812- 15, and made a prisoner at Dartmoor. In 
 1835, and three years thereafter, he was elected a Repre- 
 sentative from the town, in 1841-2; a Senator from the 
 Cape, and afterwards, for nine years, a member of the board 
 of County Commissioners, most of the time its chairman. 
 He was, in the meantime, a Director of the Barnstable 
 Bank, and its successor, the First National Bank of 
 Yarmouth, for several years its President, and a Director of 
 the Barnstable Co. Mutual Fire Insurance Company, for a 
 long succession of years; also a member of the Constitution- 
 al Convention, in 1853, and again a Representative from 
 Dennis, in 1868. It will be seen that for nearly forty years 
 he was in the public service, and the confidence of the 
 public was never withdrawn from him. 
 
 The obituary record of 1874 bears the names of Capt. 
 Nathan Fisk, April 26, the father of a large and enterprising 
 family of sons, at the age of 71 ; of Capt. Levi Howes, May 
 18, a successful ship-master, afterwards greatly interested in 
 
Hon, Seth Crowell 
 born 1791-died 1873. 
 
REBELLION TO OUR OWN TIMES. 269 
 
 the common schools, serving as Superintendent for several 
 years. 
 
 Among the losses of 1875, were Capt. Dean Sears, March 
 27 ; Stephen Homer, who died from a distressing accident, 
 May 17, aged 79; Dr. Alfred Swift, July 27. These were 
 among the oldest and most esteemed citizens of the town. 
 Otherwise, the annals of the town were uneventful, and, 
 according to the modern philosophy, happy. 
 
 Feb. 4, 1876, Capt. Ezra H. Baker died, at South Boston. 
 He was a native of South Dennis, where he was born, in 
 181 1. Beginning his life as a cabin boy, he rapidly rose to 
 the command of a vessel ; afterwards he became the head of 
 the firm of Baker & Morrill, ship-chandlers ; and later, 
 as an extensive capitalist, he was identified with the building 
 of the Union Pacific Railroad. Among the other deaths of 
 the year, were : Capt. Orren Howes, an old and esteemed 
 packet-master, April 12, aged 72 years; Capt. Seth T. 
 Whelden, a venerable resident of South Dennis, Dec. 9, 
 aged 91 years. July 18, a fire in the woods, northeasterly of' 
 Follins's Pond, spread over a large region of territory, ex- 
 tending nearly to the village of Searsville. Several out-houses 
 were destroyed. Steps were taken, this year, which resulted 
 in the improvement of the grounds of the Howes burial 
 place, in Dennis. Some three hundred of the descendants of 
 Thomas Howes have been gathered to this place of sepulture.' 
 
 There was a good deal of agitation, in 1877, in relation 
 to the Bass River Fisheries. There has always been a party 
 in this, as in other towns, who contended that " fishing and 
 fowling are free." This, as a proposition, in a new country, 
 is, no doubt, correct. But, in the changes of the times, 
 when population became more dense, it was also necessary 
 to guard these privileges, for the public good ; hence, the 
 necessity of restrictive laws. The Legislature, unless the 
 
 ■ The inscription upon the monument to Thomas Howes, in this burial place, as repro- 
 duced on page 48, states that he emigrated in 1637 from England. There is, however, 
 evidence that he was in Salem in the year 1635. 
 
270 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 parties go to the Supreme Court, — the last resort of 
 litigants, who have grievances, which they wish to redress, 
 to which they desire to appeal for final adjudication, — was 
 applied to, to set this question right ; but no decisive action 
 Vv^as arrived at. 
 
 Sept. 1 6, 1878, Judah Sears, a native of this town, died in 
 South Boston, at the age of nearly 74 years. He was a 
 contractor, and erected some of the best buildings in the 
 city of Boston. He had a peculiar fancy for erecting high 
 church spires, and built the Chickering piano works and 
 Gilmore's Coliseum. Nov. 4, Wm. Frederick Howes was 
 taken from these earthly scenes. Capt. Howes was a successful 
 ship-master, for twenty-two years, and there were combined 
 in his organization, both conscience and intelligence. 
 
 As has been too frequent, of late years, the most impor- 
 tant addition to the annals of the town, for 1879, is the 
 record of the departure, to the spiritual world, of several of 
 its most valued citizens. Capt. Frederick Nickerson, hotel- 
 keeper and depot master, departed. May 27. Sept. 10, 
 Capt. Peter Harding, a native of South Dennis, died in 
 Baltimore, Md. He was in business in that city, for many 
 years, was honored and respected, and his death was 
 universally regretted. Capt. Colin C. Baker died in West 
 Dennis, Sept. 23. He was a successful ship-master, and 
 once commanded one of Vanderbilt's largest steamers. He 
 afterwards retired from the sea, and went into business, in 
 Providence, R. I. Nov. 27, Judah Baker died, in South 
 Dennis, at the age of 75. 
 
 July 5, 1880, Capt. Jacob S. Howes, a native of this town, 
 died at Sandy Neck Light station, of which he was the 
 Keeper. Capt. Howes was a man of great acuteness of intel- 
 lect, and a writer of ability and force. 
 
 Nov. 1 88 1, Capt. Prince S. Crowell departed this life, very 
 suddenly, in Boston. He was a son of Capt. David Crowell, 
 and was born in East Dennis in 1812. He followed the sea 
 
U** ' J. 
 
 Capt, Prince S, Crowell, 
 born 1812-died 1881, 
 
REBELLION TO UR OWN ThMES. 271 
 
 very early in life, and was soon in command of a ship. 
 Leaving" the sea quite early, he became largely interested in 
 the management of vessels and in banking and railroad 
 enterprises. Later, he was President of the Cape Cod 
 National Bank and of the Five Cents Savings Bank, Director 
 of the Old Colony Railroad Co., and was one of the origina- 
 tors of, and a large stockholder in, the Pacific Guano Company 
 at Woods Holl. He was actively identified with the building 
 of Western railroads. Although greatly interested in public 
 affairs, he would never accept official positions. He was the 
 early friend of Garrison, Phillips, Parker and the other pio- 
 neers in the anti-slavery movement, and his opinions were 
 liberal and progressive. His enterprise and generosity 
 rendered his business successes a source of great advantage 
 to his native town. 
 
 In the obituary list of 1882, we sadly record, Joseph 
 Nickerson, at "Hotel Brunswick," Boston, June 22, at the 
 age of 58. He was a counsellor-at-law, was a man of good 
 understanding, attached to his old friends on Cape Cod, and 
 disposed to render them all possible assistance in their 
 enterprises. Aug. 15, Marshall S. Underwood died. Mr. 
 Underwood commenced life under adverse circumstances. 
 But he had love for learning, and ambition to excel. He 
 was a son of Rev. Nathan, of Revolutionary memory ; he 
 graduated from a shoemaker's bench, was first. Town Clerk 
 and Treasurer, four years Representative ; Senator in 1869- 
 70 ; Executive Councillor, three years ; Presidential Elector, 
 in 1880, when he gave the vote of the First District for 
 James A. Garfield. 
 
 May 30, 1883, Capt. Obed B. Whelden of South Dennis, 
 an enterprising ship-master, died at Pensacola, Fla. Aug. 
 
 II, Rev. Nathan Chapman, a venerable Baptist clergyman, 
 died, in East Dennis, aged 85 years, 10 months. And here 
 closes the record of the ninety years since Dennis was made 
 
 a separate township. While regretting that her material 
 
272 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 interests are not more prosperous, it is still true that the 
 energy and thrift of her people enable them to maintain 
 their homes, so renowned for comfort and the domestic vir- 
 tues ; which leads to the hope that these qualities may, as 
 they have in the past, assist them to overcome the present 
 difficulties, and re-establish their material prosperity, ere 
 they celebrate the centennial of their existence as a town. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 STATISTICS OF POPULATION. 
 
 Various Census Tables — Change of Business Enterprises — Emigrations from the Town 
 — Closing Reflections. 
 
 NO systematic enumeration of the inhabitants of the towns 
 of the County of Barnstable, nor of Plymouth Colony, 
 was, so far as appears, undertaken from the time of settle- 
 ment to until shortly before the Revolutionary war ; and an 
 idea of their growth in population up to that date must be 
 largely a matter of inference and calculation, more or less 
 reliable. A list of those between the ages of i6 and 60, able 
 to bear arms in the three townships on the Cape, in 1643, 
 numbered 51 in Sandwich, 60 in Barnstable, and 52 in Yar- 
 mouth, making a total of 163. Estimating that this list 
 comprised one-fourth of the whole population, would make 
 the number of inhabitants of the Cape as follows : 
 
 Sandwich, 51 204 
 
 Barnstable, 60 240 
 
 Yarmouth, 52 208 
 
 163 652 
 
 In the year 1675, an enumeration of the houses of "all the 
 trading towns and ports upon the sea and navigable rivers," 
 was made, the results of which have recently come to light 
 in the department of manuscripts in the British Museum. 
 
274 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 There were then 1300 such houses in Plymouth Colony, and 
 of these 100 were in Sandwich, 150 in Yarmouth, 100 in 
 Nausett, 150 in Barnstable, or 500 in the Cape towns. 
 Allowing six persons to one house, — and this seems a mod- 
 erate computation, — for large families prevailed in those 
 days, — gives a population of about 3000, in the whole coun- 
 ty ; and 900 in Old Yarmouth. 
 
 June 2, 1763, Gov. Bernard recommended the taking of 
 the census of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, and Feb. 
 2, 1764, the selectmen were ordered to make returns of the 
 population of the towns, by the last day of December. The 
 work was finished March, 1765, and as it is the first recorded 
 census of this County, we give it entire, — comparing it with 
 the first U. S. Census of 1790 : 
 
 Barnstable, 
 
 Chatham, 
 
 Eastham, 
 
 Falmouth, 
 
 Harwich, 
 
 Marshpee, 
 
 Provincetown, 
 
 Sandwich, 
 
 Truro, 
 
 Wellfleet, 
 
 Yarmouth, 
 
 12,376 17,354 
 
 It will be seen that at the time of the taking of this last 
 census, — three years before the East Parish was set off as a 
 town under the name of Dennis, — Yarmouth was the largest 
 town in the County, and Harwich — Brewster not then 
 having separated from the mother town — was less than three 
 hundred smaller. Orleans was also then a part of Eastham, 
 
 Taking these calculations as a basis for the earlier enum- 
 erations, and the results of the various United States 
 
 1765. 
 
 1790. 
 
 2008 
 
 2610 
 
 6j^ 
 
 1 140 
 
 1327 
 
 1834 
 
 1063 
 
 1637 
 
 1681 
 
 2392 
 
 108 
 
 308 
 
 454 
 
 454 
 
 1376 
 
 1991 
 
 924 
 
 1 193 
 
 917 
 
 1117 
 
 1740 
 
 2678 
 

 208 
 
 
 900 
 
 
 1740 
 
 
 2678 
 
 1408 
 
 3135 
 
 1739 
 
 3873 
 
 1994 
 
 4226 
 
 2317 
 
 4568 
 
 2942 
 
 5496 
 
 3213 
 
 5612 
 
 3662 
 
 6414 
 
 3269 
 
 5692 
 
 3288 
 
 5461 
 
 S TA 7 IS TICS OF POP ULA TIOX, 275 
 
 censuses, since, we present, below, the following comparative 
 table of population of the old town : 
 
 POPULATION OF OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 1643, Estimated, 
 
 1675, . " 
 
 1765, First Census, 
 
 1790, First U. S. Census, 
 
 1800, Yarmouth, 1727 Dennis, 
 
 1810, " 2134 " 
 
 1820, " 2232 " 
 
 1830, " 2251 
 
 1840, " 2554 
 
 1850, " 2399 
 
 i860, " 2752 " 
 
 1870, " 2423 " 
 
 1880, " 2173 
 
 These are not inspiring figures, and, it must be confessed, 
 do not hold out high hopes for the future of the old town. 
 The growth of population, up to 1860, though not large, was 
 steady and uninterrupted. The first settlers were husband- 
 men and fishermen, with an intermingling of whalemen and 
 of those who engaged in foreign commerce. The whalemen 
 soon became an insignificant factor in our population, but 
 those engaged in foreign commerce largely increased, and 
 the town became, in a sense, the nursery of enterprising, 
 intelligent ship-masters. To no portion of the country was 
 the language of Edmund Burke more applicable than to the 
 people of Old Yarmouth : " No sea but what is vexed by 
 their fisheries ; no climate that is not witness to their toils." 
 Up to i860, this race of intrepid navigators, — rivalling in 
 adventure and hardihood those of Venice and Genoa, — were 
 yearly added to the population of the town, and a still larger 
 number of them settled in New York and Boston, but still 
 kept up their intimate connection and association with the 
 old town ; but the Rebellion of 1861-5, with its disastrous 
 incidents to the foreign commerce of the country, threw 
 hundreds of the young men of the town out of employment, 
 
276 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 and compelled them to seek "fresh fields and pastures new," 
 away from the homes and scenes of youth. The domestic 
 coasting trade, in which so many of our citizens have engaged 
 for the last half-century, changed the tide of population to 
 the Southern portion of the old town, and in the villages of 
 South Yarmouth, South and West Dennis and Dennis Port, 
 has been the greater portion of the increase in population 
 during that period. The character of the vessels employed 
 has altogether changed. Instead of sloops and schooners of 
 from 50 to 100 tons, which formerly plied between the Cape 
 and the Connecticut River and New York, three-masted 
 schooners, of from 500 to 1000 tons, are employed, and the 
 mechanical devices are so systematized that fewer men are 
 required than were formerly needed on a vessel of much 
 smaller proportions. The fishing business, which was for- 
 merly pursued here with good success, has also changed in 
 its character. The tendency of all business, of late, has been 
 to centralization, which concentrates the interests and 
 activities of those engaged in it to prominent points. Hence 
 Boston, Gloucester and Provincetown alone remain conspic- 
 uous as fishing ports, and the business, together with those 
 pursuing it, has gradually gone to other places. 
 
 Emigrations, to localities believed to be more favored by 
 natural advantages for the pursuit of a livelihood, have 
 occurred for the last century and a half. The first one of 
 importance, was to the then District of Maine, to which, as 
 may be seen in former pages, ' many of our people emigrated, 
 about the year 1736, and founded the town of Gorham, in 
 that State. During the dark days of the Revolutionary War, 
 and soon after, a number of families from the East Parish left 
 for the town of Ashfield, in Franklin County. Among 
 them were Kimball, Zachariah, Thomas, Mark, Ezekiel, 
 Anthony, Elisha and Barnabas Howes, Lot Basset, the Vin- 
 cents, the Eldridges, the Halls, the Searses, and others — 
 
 ' See page 140. 
 
STATISTICS OF POPULATION. 276 
 
 some twenty families in all, a few of whom, sighing for the 
 ocean and the sea-shore, returned to take their chances at 
 the old home, but a large number of them remained there, 
 and became permanent residents. They packed up their 
 effects upon ox-carts, and, amid the regrets and blessings of 
 those who accompanied them to " White's Brook," which 
 was regarded as their Rubicon, they took their tearful and 
 prayerful wa}- to Ashfield. A century afterwards, their 
 families celebrated, by proper observances, the departure of 
 their fathers and grandsires from Old Yarmouth. 
 
 Later, about the year 1817, Rev. Timothy Alden, Jr., his 
 brother Isaiah and others went to Meadville, Pa. ; and still 
 later, others to Western New York and Ohio. How many, 
 at a still later date, left these shores for Chicago, California 
 and other Western places, is beyond computation. But 
 wherever they have been, they have impressed their charac- 
 teristics upon the places in which they have located, and kept 
 up the old-time virtues and energy of the primitive race. 
 
 " Even in their ashes live their wonted fires." 
 
 Thus ends the narrative of the settlement and develop- 
 ment of this ancient township. As I pen these lines the 
 scenes which have been pictured upon the memory, as 
 revealed in the last two hundred and fifty years of the 
 town's history, rise up in review. We seem to see the dusky 
 forms of lyannough and his retinue, as they came down to 
 the shore to welcome Winslow, Standish and their associates ; 
 the little congregation gathering to the meeting-house at 
 " Fort Hill," to listen to the instructions of Rev. Mr. 
 Matthews, and while looking sharply for hostile savages, 
 watching with no less keen a glance for heresy in the sermon ; 
 the fitting out of the bold warriors to go in pursuit of Philip 
 and his men, with all the tears, sighs, anxieties and doubts 
 which the crisis called forth; the preparations to attack the 
 French at Louisburg and Quebec ; the meeting, in hot liaste, 
 
277 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 of the minute men, for Lexington and Bunker Hill ; the 
 gatherings of the Sons of Liberty in their nightly conclaves, 
 to consult for the general good ; the preparation, the night 
 before the march to the aid of Washington at Dorchester 
 Heights ; — all these things, and many more, crowd upon the 
 memory and fill its chambers, as the musty folios, the volu- 
 minous records, the stained and ancient manuscripts, that 
 have been so long companions to the writer, are dismissed 
 from close and intimate companionship. Would that he 
 could cause the reader to see these things as vividly as he 
 sees them, and that he could more adequately portray the 
 sacrifices, the virtues and the heroism of the men and 
 women of Old Yarmouth. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 EDUCATIONAL. 
 
 THE early educational history of this town has, of course, 
 been embraced in the history of Yarmouth. Since the 
 separation, Dennis has evinced a commendable interest in the 
 education of the young. As has already been noticed, a 
 struggle between progress and conservatism, in relation to 
 the schools, commencing in 1858, by the union of some of 
 the districts, ended in 1866, by the entire abolition of the 
 district system, and the erection of five commodious school 
 edifices. The appropriation for school purposes in 1794 was 
 ;^40 ; in 1884, $5000. 
 
 In this connection, the college graduates of this town, — 
 so far as their names can be recalled by the writer, — will be 
 enumerated, with the name of the college from which they 
 graduated, indicated by abbreviations, as in former pages : 
 
 Hon. Baalis Sanford, Amh. 
 Hon. John E. Sanford, Amh. 
 Philip Howes Sears, Esq., H. 
 Joseph Nickerson, Esq., D. 
 Rev. Alpheus Nickerson, D. 
 Samuel Crowell, H. 
 
 Hon. Baalis Sanford was educated to the law, and acquired 
 a large practice. He also served several terms as Represen- 
 tative from Taunton, and was for one term District Attorney 
 for the Southern District of Massachusetts. He died several 
 years since. Hon. John E. Sanford was also educated to 
 the legal profession, has served several terms as Representa- 
 tive from Taunton, and was for four years Speaker of the 
 
279 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 House of Representatives. He is now State Commissioner 
 on Harbors and Public Lands. Philip H. Sears, Esq., has 
 been a successful lawyer, serving for several years as one of 
 the Overseers of Harvard College, and has frequently been 
 called upon to serve as orator of literary and historical 
 societies. Joseph Nickerson, Esq., has heretofore been 
 noticed in these pages. His brother, Rev. Alpheus Nicker- 
 son, still survives, and is engaged in the duties of his 
 profession. 
 
 STATE, DISTRICT AND COUNTY OFFICERS. 
 
 The following citizens of Dennis have filled State, Dis- 
 trict and County ofifices since the division of the town : 
 
 Oren Howes, member of the Constitutional Convention 
 of 1820. Special County Commissioner, 1829- 1832. 
 
 Jonathan Nickerson, Special County ^^Commissioner, 1837- 
 1840. 
 
 Seth Crowell, Senator, 1841-1842. County Commis- 
 sioner, 1844- 1853. Member of Constitutional Convention, 
 
 1853- 
 
 Marshall S. Underwood, Senator, i860- 1 861. Executive 
 
 Councillor, 1869- 1871. Presidential Elector, 1880. 
 
 Joshua C. Howes, Special County Commissioner, 1859- 
 1862. 
 
 James S. Howes, County Commissioner, 1865 -1884. 
 
 Joseph K. Baker, Senator, 1872- 1873. Executive Coun- 
 cillor, 1875 -1879. Land and Harbor Commissioner, 1884. 
 
 Luther Fisk, Sheriff of Barnstable County, 1884. 
 
 Following is a list of Deputies, Representatives, Clerks, 
 Treasurers and Selectmen. The dates indicate the time of 
 their first election, and the number of years served, but not 
 the particular dates of service ; some of them having been 
 re-elected after an interregnum of several years : 
 
TOWN OFFICERS. 
 
 280 
 
 REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 1794. 
 
 Micajah Sears, 
 
 3- 
 
 1840. 
 
 Samuel Rogers, 
 
 2. 
 
 1800. 
 
 Joseph Sears, 
 
 I. 
 
 1842. 
 
 Alex'r Howes, 
 
 2. 
 
 1802. 
 
 Judah Paddock, 
 
 9- 
 
 1844. 
 
 Neh'h Baker, 
 
 I. 
 
 I8I2. 
 
 Zenas Howes, 
 
 I. 
 
 1845. 
 
 Joseph K. Baker, 
 
 2. 
 
 I8I3. 
 
 Samuel Chase, 
 
 3- 
 
 1847. 
 
 Wm. Howes, 
 
 2. 
 
 I8I4. 
 
 Jno. Paddock, 
 
 I. 
 
 1849. 
 
 Obed Baker 2d, 
 
 2. 
 
 1816. 
 
 Dan'l Howes, 
 
 2. 
 
 1851. 
 
 Thos. Hall, 
 
 2. 
 
 I82I. 
 
 Orin Howes, 
 
 II. 
 
 1853- 
 
 M. S. Underwood, 
 
 4- 
 
 1829. 
 
 Zohith Howes, 
 
 I. 
 
 1*^55- 
 
 Joshua C. Howes, 
 
 2. 
 
 1832. 
 
 John Baker, 
 
 I. 
 
 1857- 
 
 Luther Studley, 
 
 2. 
 
 1833. 
 
 Thacher Clark, 
 
 2. 
 
 1859. 
 
 Jas. S. Howes, 
 
 2. 
 
 (< 
 
 Joshua Wixon, Jr., 
 
 2. 
 
 1865. 
 
 Joseph Hall, 
 
 2. 
 
 1835- 
 
 Seth Crowell, 
 
 5- 
 
 1867. 
 
 Frederick Hebard, 
 
 I. 
 
 (< 
 
 Jno. Nickerson, 
 
 I. 
 
 1870. 
 
 Jos. K. Baker, Jr., 
 
 2. 
 
 1836. 
 
 Stephen Homer, 
 
 I. 
 
 1873- 
 
 David P. Howes, 
 
 2. 
 
 (( 
 
 Jona. Nickerson. 
 
 2. 
 
 1875. 
 
 Luther Fisk, 
 
 2. 
 
 1837. 
 
 Daniel Hedge, 
 
 I. 
 
 1879. 
 
 Thos. P. Howes, 
 
 2. 
 
 <( 
 
 Wm. Hinckley, 
 
 I. 
 
 1882. 
 
 David Fisk, 
 
 2. 
 
 1838. 
 
 Seth T. Whelden, 
 
 2. 
 
 1884. 
 
 Joshua Crowell, 
 
 2. 
 
 
 SE 
 
 LEC 
 
 :tmen. 
 
 
 1794. 
 
 Jerem'h Howes, 
 
 II. 
 
 1836. 
 
 Obed Baxter, 
 
 2. 
 
 <( 
 
 Joseph Sears, 
 
 II. 
 
 <( 
 
 Seth Crowell, 
 
 4. 
 
 <( 
 
 Jona. Bangs, 
 
 14. 
 
 1838. 
 
 Neh'h Crowell, 
 
 9- 
 
 1805. 
 
 Enoch Hall, 
 
 12. 
 
 << 
 
 Alexander Howes, 
 
 3- 
 
 << 
 
 Daniel Howes, 
 
 10. 
 
 1839. 
 
 Edm. Sears, 
 
 5. 
 
 1806. 
 
 Dan'l Eldridge, 
 
 I. 
 
 1841. 
 
 Uriah Howes, 
 
 3- 
 
 1808. 
 
 Sam'l Chase, 
 
 8. 
 
 1844. 
 
 Charles Howes, 
 
 I. 
 
 1809. 
 
 Nathan Crowell, 
 
 7- 
 
 1845. 
 
 Thos., Hall, 
 
 10. 
 
 I8I6. 
 
 Perez Howes, 
 
 2. 
 
 1846. 
 
 Benj. Thacher, 
 
 3- 
 
 (( 
 
 Lothrop Howes, 
 
 2. 
 
 1848. 
 
 Stephen Homer, 
 
 I. 
 
 <( 
 
 Jona. Nickerson, 
 
 19. 
 
 1849. 
 
 Obed Baker, 2d, 
 
 9- 
 
 I8I8. 
 
 Prince Howes, 
 
 3- 
 
 <( 
 
 Joshua Wixon, Jr., 
 
 5. 
 
 (< 
 
 David Crowell, 
 
 I. 
 
 1851. 
 
 David Howes, 
 
 I. 
 
 I8I9. 
 
 Thacher Clark, 
 
 12. 
 
 1852. 
 
 Atherton H. Baker 
 
 , 3. 
 
 I82I. 
 
 Oren Howes, 
 
 14. 
 
 1855. 
 
 Jos. K. Baker, 
 
 3. 
 
 1834. 
 
 Eleazer Nickerson, 
 
 I. 
 
 <( 
 
 James S. Howes, 
 
 6. 
 
 1835 
 
 Abijah Howes, 
 
 3- 
 
 1858. 
 
 Shub. B. Howes, 
 
 3- 
 
281 
 
 OLD YARMOUTH. 
 
 Yrs. 
 
 Yrs 
 
 i860. 
 
 Joshua C. Howes, 4. 
 
 >( 
 
 Warren Snow, 
 
 7- 
 
 I86I. 
 
 Elijah Baxter, 7. 
 
 1875. 
 
 David Fisk, 
 
 7- 
 
 <( 
 
 Alvan Small, 1 1. 
 
 1877. 
 
 Joshua Crowell, Jr., 
 
 6. 
 
 1866. 
 
 Jos. K. Baker, jr., i. 
 
 (( 
 
 Sylvester Baker, 
 
 7- 
 
 1867. 
 
 Doane Kelley, 2. 
 
 1881. 
 
 Hiram Loring, 
 
 2. 
 
 (< 
 
 Luther Fisk, 3. 
 
 1883. 
 
 Henry H. Fisk, 
 
 2. 
 
 1869. 
 
 I. B. Hall, 10. 
 
 
 
 
 
 CLERKS AND 
 
 TREASURERS. 
 
 
 1794. 
 
 Elisha Bassett, 4. 
 
 1855- 
 
 Mar. S. Underwood, 
 
 3- 
 
 1798. 
 
 Nathan Stone, Jr., 33. 
 
 1858. 
 
 Isa'h Nickerson, Jr., 
 
 7- 
 
 I83I. 
 
 Nehemiah Baker, 5. 
 
 1865. 
 
 Jona. Bangs, 
 
 5- 
 
 1836. 
 
 Isaac Howes, i. 
 
 1869. 
 
 Obed Baker, 2d, 
 
 13- 
 
 1837- 
 
 Alvah Nickerson, 6. 
 
 1882. 
 
 Chas. G. Baker, 
 
 2. 
 
 1843. 
 
 Watson Baker, 12. 
 
 
 
 
Illustrations. 
 
 1. Map of Old Yarmouth in 1644, facing page 13, in which the natural features of the 
 territory are drawn, on a reduced scale, from Walling's County map, with the highways 
 and buildings located according to the best information, derived from the records and tra- 
 dition. 
 
 2. Mark of Masshantampaine, sagamore, p. 96, affixed to deed of acquittance of An- 
 thony Thacher, John Crow and Thomas Howes. 
 
 3. Reproduction, p. 90, of a communication from fifteen members of Yarmouth church, 
 addressed to the Governor and Assistants, in vindicaticn of the theological soimdness of Rev. 
 Thomas Thornton. The value of this document is enhanced by the fact that it contains 
 the autographs of fifteen of the leading members of the church and citizens of the town, 
 twenty-eight years after its settlement. 
 
 4. The Thacher Cradle, on p. 135. 
 
 5. Portrait of Hon. George Thacher, facing p. 188. 
 
 6. Poetrait of Rev. Timothy Alden, p. 192, from the original in the possession of his 
 grandson, Mr. Weld N. Alden, Meadville, Pa. 
 
 7. Portrait of Mr. George Hallet, p. ig6. 
 
 S. A portrait of Joshua Sears, Esq., prepared for this history, by the courtesy of Mr. J. 
 Montgomery Sears, will, if ready for the binder, be inserted to face page 199. 
 
 9. Portrait of Capt. Isaiah Crowell, p. 206, furnished by his son, Hon. Henry G. Crowell. 
 
 10. Portrait of Brevet Major General Joseph E. Hamblin, p. 208, contributed by his 
 sister, Miss Deborah Hamblin. 
 
 11. Portrait of Capt. Asa Eldridge, p. 216, with that of her father, Mr. George Hallet, 
 was contributed by Mrs. Eliza Eldridge. 
 
 12. Portrait of Hon. Seth Crowell, p. 268, contributed by his daughter-in-law, Mrs. 
 Hannah L. Crowell. 
 
 13. Portrait of Capt. Prince S. Crowell, p. 270, furnished by his son. A. F. Crowell. 
 Esq. 
 
ERRATA. 
 The reader is requested to specially correct the following errors^ 
 
 On page 38, loth line, read 1651, instead of 1657. 
 Page 86, 17th line, 1658, instead of 166S. 
 
 Page 260, 4th line, in part of the edition, read " Liibra," instead of "Sulra." 
 Page 230. 17th line, for "topsail-yards" read " topsails." 
 
 On page 26S, 20th line, the semi-colon should follow the word "town," instead of the 
 date 1841-42, 
 
 On page 13 the figures of the latitude and longitude of the town are transposed, as will 
 be apparent to the reader. 
 
f'^Z ^0^^ 
 
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