.»:v. ,.r ■.;•■- V.'., '.• .V,V, ■ .'■V ■- ...''-.vVsl' Class F 4 + fonk . H -f H fa I I S T O E T OF THE ^S'i~ TOWN OF MASON, N. H. THE FIRST GRANT IN 1749, TO THE YEAR 1858. JOHN B. HILL. BOSTON: LUCIUS A. ELLIOT & CO p. BUGBEE & CO., BANGOR, J 8 5 8, -p.] ^ S328 PB.INTED BY SAMUEL S. SMITH, BA.NGOK, ME, PREFACE It has been my object in the preparation of this work, to exhibit all the steps in progress, by which a New England town and church are built up and constituted, from the earli- est beginnings to their full establishment in independent existence and power. These institutions are, both in church and state, the purest and most absolute democracies the world has ever seen. They are the genuine out-growth, the ripened fruit of the puritan development in England. Their basis is a perfect equality of rights, without a shadow or trace of aristocracy. Free use has been made for this pur- pose of whatever has been found in the annals of the pro- prietary, the town and the churches, worthy of note, as illus- trating the incidents, manners, and character of the age and people. The mode adopted has been as far as practicable, to exhibit the actors in full life, and let them tell their own story, in their own words. The proprietary, the municipal, and the ecclesiastical his- tory of the first half century of their existence; occupy a large share of the work, both on account of the greater interest of the incidents, and because the facts of that period are fast passing away from all living memory, into the region of dim and shadowy tradition, illuminated only by a few imperfect records, which, in themselves, are liable by daily impending accidents, totally to perish. For this part of the work, the authorities principally relied on, have been the proprietary, the town and the church records, all of which, are in good preservation, and more perfect than will in most cases be found; and all these records have been carefully searched and examined, with a view to this work. The »• • > IV PREFACE. records of deaths, marriages, family registers, and statistical tables, &c., are sufficiently explained in the chapters in which they are found. Most of the biographical sketches of per- sons recently deceased, have been furnished by other hands. The sketches of the village churches, and of the Christian church, are by the pastors of those churches. Important aid has been derived from the History of New Ipswich, Butler's Groton, Shattuck's Concord, and the New England Genealogical and Historical Register. Dr. Thomas H. Marshall, and Mr. Charles P. Eichardson, of Mason, and Mr. Frederic Kidder, and Mr. Lucius A. Elliot, of Boston, have rendered very important aid and encouragement, in the preparation of this work. My brother, the Rev. Joseph B. Hill, has contributed much to the value of the work, in the preparation of statistical tables, and of the list of early settlers. J. B. Hill. Bangok, May 1, 1858. CHAPTER I, Captain John Mason ; Grants to him of Lands in New Hampshire ; Settle- ments commenced by him ; Controversies with Massachusetts respecting the title and jurisdiction ; how settled ; Title vested in the Masonian proprietors. The town of Mason is situated in the county of Hillsbo- rough, in the State of New Hampshire. It lies upon the southern border of the State, about midway between the eastern and western extremities of its southern boundary. On the south it bounds upon Townsend and Ashby, on the west upon New Ipswich, on the north upon Temple and Wilton and on the east upon Milford and Brookline. It is in that portion of the State of New Hampshire which was granted by the council of Plymouth in 1621 to Capt. John Mason. As the town derives its name from that gentleman, and the title to the soil therein is in fact derived and claimed under this grant to him, and sundry subsequent grants in confirm- ation thereof, and as the State is also indebted to him for its name, it being derived from that of the county of Hampshire, in England, of whose principal town, Portsmouth, Mason was at one time governor, a brief sketch of his life and of the titles granted to him, and of the various and long-continued controversies to which the uncertain and indefinite descrip- tions of the boundaries of the original and subsequent grants gave rise, and of the manner in which they were finally set- 2 b HISTORY OP MASON. tied, will not be deemed an inappropriate introduction to these memorials of the place and its people. For the facts stated, the authority mainly relied on, is Belknap's history of New Hampshire. Capt. John Mason was born in Lynn Regis in the county of Norfolk in England. Of his parentage and early life little is known. The year of his birth is not stated by the histo- rians. It must have been not far from the year 1570, in the midst of the stirring times of Queen Elizabeth. His first en- gagement in active life, was as a merchant in London. After- wards he entered the naval service, and served as an ofl&cer in the fleet in the war between Spain and the Dutch republics. After the peace of 1609, by which the independence of Hol- land was secured, he was appointed Governor of Newfound- land. This island was discovered by Sebastian Cabot in 1497. It was taken possession of, in the name of Queen Elizabeth, by Sir Humphrey Gilbert, August 5th, 1583. The fisheries upon the banks became, at an early period, an import- ant business, the tendency of which was to foster and promote voyages of discovery to the continent. At the time Mason was appointed its governor, this island was one of the most valuable English possessions in North America. In this post he remained long enough to become acquainted with the country ; and he formed so high an opinion of its future destiny, as to induce in him a willingness to adventure his fortune in advancing its settlement. This led him on his return to England, into a close intimacy with those who were engaged in discoveries in the new world. He was, after Ms return, appointed Governor of the town of Plymouth, in the county of Hampshire ; and upon a vacancy happening in the council of Plymouth, he was elected a member of that body, and was chosen their secretary. He was thus placed in the front rank of those who were actively engaged in promoting discoveries and encouraging settlements in North America,, He gave to these enterprises, not only his countenance and advice, but he was willing to embark his fortunes in the bus- CAPT. JOHN MASON. 1 iness, and to devote to it liis time and means. Witli that intent he procured from the council of Pl3miouth, in March, 1621, a grant of " all the lands from the river Naumkeag," now Salem, " round Cape Ann to the river Merrimack, and up each of those rivers to the farthest heads .thereof, then to cross over from the head of one to the head of the other, with all the islands lying within three miles of the coast." This district was called Marianna. This was the first terri- torial grant made by the Plymouth council. It bears date March 9, 1621. Those to Plymouth colony are dated in 1621 and 1623 5 that to Massachusetts, March 19, 1627, all sub- sequent to Mason's. Of these last, each was granted to a company or association, or to an individual in trust for a company. Mason undertook his enterprise alone and single handed. No individual can be found, who exhibited more courage and perseverance in the cause, or more confidence in its ultimate success, or who expended his means with a more liberal hand, or in larger amount, in promoting the settlement of the country. In 1622, another grant was made to G-orges and Mason jointly, " of all the lands between the rivers Merrimack and Sagadahock, extending back to the great lakes and river of Canada," and this was called Laconia. The points of com- mencement of the first of these grants were wholly within what is now Massachusetts. The territory included is partly in New Hampshire and partly in Massachusetts. The second grant included a large part of New Hampshire, a portion of Maine and of Canada. The knowledge then possessed of the country, and of the courses of the rivers, was imperfect and uncertain, and consequently, these bounderies were found to be uncertain and indefinite. Settlements were by Mason attempted to be made, at a place called Little Harbor, in Portsmouth, where salt works were erected ; and a house called Mason Hall, was built at Dover. In 1629, he procured a patent under the common seal of the council of Plymouth, for the land " from the middle of Piscataqua river, and up the 8 HISTORY OF MASON, same, to the farthest head thereof, and from thence northward, until sixty miles from the mouth of the harbor were finished ; also, through Merrimack river, to the farthest head thereof, and so forward up into the land westward, until sixty miles were finished, and from thence to cross over land to the end of sixty miles, accounted from Piscataqua river, together with all the islands within five miles of the coast." This tract was called New Hampshire, a name derived from that of the county of Hampshire, in England, of whose principal town, Portsmouth, Mason was governor. Under this charter the towns of Portsmouth, and Northam, afterwards called Dover, Hampton, and Exeter were laid out. The attempts at settlement were not prosperous. The views of those engaged in the enterprise, were chiefly turned to the discovery of lakes and mines, the cultivation of grapes and the advantages of trade and fishery. Little regard was had to agriculture. They often complained of their expenses, and might with reason, for they had not only to pay wages to their colonists, but to supply them with provisions, clothing, utensils, medicines, articles of trade, implements for building, husbandry and fishery, and to stock their plantations with cattle, swine and goats. Bread corn was either brought from England in meal, or from Virginia in grain, and then sent to the windmill at Boston to be ground. Yery little improvement was made on the lands, the lakes were not explored, the Adnes planted came to nothing, no mines were found but those of iron, and those were not wrought; three or four houses only, were built in the first seven years ; the peltry trade with the Indians was of some value, and the fishery served towards the support of the inhabitants, but yielded no profit to the adven- turers, who received but inadequate returns in lumber and fish. They, seeing their interests sinking and withering away, grew dispirited, and the greater part of them either abandon- ed the enterprise, or sold their shares to Gorges and Mason, who were more sanguine than the rest, and who thus became either by purchase or by tacit consent of the others, the CAPT. JOHN MASON. 9 principal, if not the sole proprietors. They prosecuted the settlement with zeal, but met with many hindrances, among which were claims made by the Virginia company to have their charter revoked. Mason finally succeeded in procuring a new charter in 1635, extending from Naumkeag to Piscataqua, and sixty miles northward within land. He did not long survive the issuing of this patent. He died Nov. 16th, 1635. In his will, he disposed of his immense estate, as follows : To the corporation of Lynn Regis in Norfolk, the place of his nativity, he gave two thousand acres of land in New Hamp- shire, subject to the yearly rent of one penny per acre to his heirs, and two-fifths of all mines royal, on condition that five families should within five years be settled thereupon. To his brother-in-law, John Wollaston, three thousand acres, sub- ject to a yearly rent of one shilling. To his grandchild, Ann Tufton, ten thousand acres at Sagadahock. To Robert Tuf- ton, his grandson, he gave his manor of Mason Hall, on con- dition that he should take the surname of Mason. He also gave his brother Wollaston in trust one thousand acres for the maintenance of " an honest, godly and religious preacher of God's word," and one thousand acres more for the sup- port of a grammar school; each of these estates to be con- veyed to ffeolfees in trust, and their successors, paying an- nually one' penny per acre to his heirs. The residue of his estate in New Hampshire, he gave to his grandson John Tuf- ton, he taking the surname of Mason, and to his lawful issue ; or, in want thereof, to Dr. Robert Mason, Chancellor of the Diocese of Winchester, and his lawful issue, and to his own and other right heirs, forever ; provided that it should not go out of the name of Mason.., The residuary legatee was required to pay five hundred pounds out of the estate to his sister Mary, and all the grandchildren were to relinquish their right to one thousand pounds due from the estate to their father, Joseph Tufton. The estate in America was valued in the inventory, at ten thousand pounds sterling. It is under this will, that the title to the soil of the town of Mason is 10 HISTOEY OP MASON. derived ; and it is not a little remarkable, that so far as is now known, this town is the only representative of the name of Capt. John Mason in the State. The little legacy of five hundred pounds given by the will to the sister of John Tufton, would, if put and kept at inter- est and compounded, from the year 1635, when the testator died, up to the present time, 1858, amount to a greater sum than the total inventory and valuation of the real and per- sonal property of the whole State of New Hampshire at the last valuation. Let those who doubt it try the figures, and let all who are paying interest for money borrowed or sums due, learn that unless the business or investment in which it is employed, is yielding more than six per cent, per annum, they must be sadly going behind hand. It will be seen that Capt. Mason was particularly solicitous to perpetuate his name by attaching it to the ownership of his land in New Hampshire. He bestows it finally upon his " right heirs forever, provided it shall not go out of the name of Mason" ; but of all his vast estate, it is not probable that a single acre is now owned by any of his descendants, or that his name is now connected with any portion of the territory, except that of this town. In 1638, after the death of Capt. Mason, his widow and executrix, Mrs. Anne Mason, sent over Francis Norton as her " general attorney," to whom she committed the whole man- agement of the estate. But the expense so far exceeded the income, and the servants grew so impatient for their arrears, that she was obliged to relinquish the care of the plantation, and tell the servants they must shift for themselves ,' upon which they shared the goods and cattle. Norton drove above one hundred oxen to Boston, and there sold them for twenty- five pounds sterling per head, which it is said was the current price of the best cattle in New England at that time. These were of a large breed imported from Denmark, from whence Mason had also procured a number of men skilled in sawing plank and making potashes. These Danes were the pioneers CAPT. JOHN MASON. 11 of the great lumber business, whicli has engrossed so much of the capital and enterprise of New Hampshire and Maine. Having shared the stock and other materials, some of the peo- ple quitted the plantation ; others of them tarried, keeping possession of the buildings and improvements, which they claimed as their own. The houses at Newichwanuock were destroj^ed by fire, and thus Mason's estate was ruined. These events happened between 1638 and 1644. Lumber and the fisheries seem to have been the great objects in view in Mason's enterprise. These branches of business, though important in connection with ether pursuits, form too narrow a basis for the foundation of a commonwealth. Per- sons who engaged in these employments, in those early times, did not possess that persevering industry and frugality re- quired for the successful building up of a state. The charac- ter and manners of the fishermen of that day, are most vividly and happily painted in the following extract from Josselyn's two voyages, in Thornton's Ancient Pemaquid. The lum- bermen would present a companion picture. Mr. Thornton says : — "Josselyn, who left Black Point for England in the sum- mer of 1671, describes the people of Maine after several years' residence among them. He classifies them as " Magistrates, Husbandmen or Planters, and Fishermen ; of the Magistrates some be Royalists, the rest perverse Spirits, the like are the planters and fishers, of which some be planters and fishers both, others mere fishers ; there are but few handcraftsmen, and no shopkeepers ; English goods being kept by the Massa- chusetts merchants, here and there, on the coast, at a profit of cent, per cent., in exchange for fish." " They have a custom of taking Tobacco, sleeping at noon, sitting long at meals, some- times four times in a day, and now and then drinking a dram of the bottle extraordinarily; the smoaking of Tobacco, if moderately used refresheth the weary very much, and so doth sleep" ! The fisherman of that day he paints to the life. He says, "to every Shallop belong four fishermen, a Master or steersman, a midshipman, and a Foremastman, and a shoreman 12 HISTORY OF MASOX. ■who washes it out of the salt, and dries it upon hurdles pitcht upon stakes breast high and tends their Cookery ; these often get in one voyage Eight or Nine pound a man for their shares, but it doth some of them but little good," for there comes in "a walking Tavern, a Bark laden with the Legitimate bloud of the rich grape"; "the conclusion of which is the costly sin of drunkenness." Thornton's Ancient Pemaquid. See Col. Maine Hist. Society, Vol. 5. pp. 234, 235. If such was the character of Mason's planters and servants, no one can be surprised that his enterprise, though prosecuted with all his energy and perseverance, should prove to be a failure. The character and objects and results of Mason's efforts, are with much truth and pertinency thus summed up in Bar- stow's History of New Hampshire: — "In the midst of his fond anticipations of better fortune. Captain Mason was removed by death. This happened near the close of the year. (1635.) He had accomplished none of the great pur- poses for which he came to this wilderness world. He em- barked with vast expectations of boundless wealth and gran- deur. * * Golden visions hovered round him to the last, in spite of the light of experience. He had no religious views in the purchase and settlement of New Hampshire. His whole energies were absorbed in the discovery of wealth, and the aggrandizement of himself and his family. His dar- ling scheme was the introduction of the feudal system into New Hampshire 5 by which his family were to be the lords, and the people tenants of the soil. For this he labored ; for this he sacrificed his all ; still dreaming of the profits of dis- covery, and the glory of founding a state. But though a dreamer, he was at the same time a man of action. ^ * Nothing daunted him. Nothing deterred him. Though ad- versity might cloud his prospects, it never depressed his spir- its. The frustration of his efforts and the frequent wreck of his hopes only seemed to display the indestructible vigor of his mind. Amidst disappointment and discouragement he CAPT. JOHN MASON. 13 continued to attempt tlie foundation of a feudal empire, until death interrupted his toils and left him only a reputation for attempting impossible things. ^ * '^' Well was it for posterity that the unnatural eyes of Adventure, alone, could discern mineral wealth in the hills of New Hampshire. Fortunate was it that the soil was, for the most part, reserved for men who should settle upon it with no chimerical and vain hopes of treasure ; but men viewing human life and society in a true light — not building the castles of avarice ; but living by their industry — expect- ing only the rain and dew upon the seed they had sown — hoping for health and competence — and laying the only sure foundation for a great and flourishing country in intelligence and public virtue — good schools, good morals, government, and sober industry. These are the strength of a state." [Barstow^s Neiv Hampshire, pp. 33, — 37. The inhabitants of these towns finding it difficult to main- tain any stable government, were with their consent, received into the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, about the years 1641, '42. The union continued about forty years. This extension of the colony's jurisdiction could not fail of being noticed by the heirs of Mason ; but the distractions caused by the civil wars in England, were invincible bars to any legal inquiry. The first heir named in Mason's will dying in infancy, the estate descended after the death of the executrix, to Rob- ert Tufton, who was not of age till 1650. In two years after this, Joseph Mason came over as agent for the executrix, to look after the interests of her deceased husband. He found the land at Newichwannock occupied by Richard Leader, against whom he brought actions in the county of Norfolk, a county which then included the northeasterly part of Massa- chusetts and the New Hampshire towns. A dispute arose whether the lands in question were within the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, and the court of Norfolk judging the action not to be within their cognizance, recourse was had to the general court at Boston, which on this occasion ordered an 14 HISTORY OF MASON. accurate survey of the northern bounds of their patent to be made. A committee of the general court, attended by John Sherman and Jonathan Ince, surveyors, and several Indian guides, went up the river Merrimack, to find the most north- erly part thereof, which the Indians told them was at Acque- dochtan, the outlet of the lake Winnipiseogee. The latitude of that place was found to be 43° 40' 12'^, to which three miles being added, made the line of the patent, according to their construction, fall within the lake, in latitude 43° 43' 12''. The same latitude was marked on an island in Casco bay, and an imaginary line drawn through these points from the Atlantic ocean to the South-sea, as the Pacific ocean was then called, was supposed to be the northern boundary of Massa- chusetts. This line included the whole of Mason's claim by his last patent. The committee of the general court to establish the line, were Capt. Edward Johnson, author of the History of New England, and Capt. Simon Willard, after- wards an assistant and a commander of a portion of the Massachusetts forces, in the Indian war of 1675. The expe- dition took up nineteen days in the months of July and August, and the whole expense was not less than eighty-four pounds. The following is a copy of the report of the sur- veyors : " The answer of John Sherman, Sergeant at Watertown, and Jonathan Ince, Student at Harvard College in Cam- bridge, to Capt. Simon Willard and Capt. Edward Johnson, Commissioners of the General Court, held at Boston, May 17, 1652, concerning the latitude of the northernmost part of Merrimack river. Whereas we, John Sherman and Jonathan Ince, were pro- cured by the aforesaid Commissioners to take the latitude of the place above named, our answer is, that at Aquedahcan, the name of the head of Merrimack, where it issues out of the lake Winnapusseahit, upon the first of August, one thou- sand six hundred and fifty-two, we observed and by observa- tion found, that the latitude of the place was fourty-three CAPT, JOHN MASON. 15 degrees foiirty minutes and twelve seconds, besides those min- utes that are to be allowed for three miles more north w^ run into the Lake. In witness whereof, wee have subscribed our names, this nineteenth of October, one thousand six hundred and fifty- two. John Sherman, Jonathan Inge, Jur. coram me, JOH. ENDECOTT, Gubr:' Having settled this matter, the Court were of the opinion that some lands by agreement of Gorges, and by purchase of the Indians, and by possession and improvements, were properly claimed by Mason, and they ordered a quantity pro- portionable to his disbursements, with a privilege of the river, to be laid out to his heirs. The agent, finding it hopeless to prosecute the claim any farther, left the country. During the Commonwealth and the Protectorate of Cromwell, there could be no hope of relief; as the family of Mason had always been attached to the royal cause. On the restoration of Charles II. Tufton, who had taken the surname of Mason, petitioned to the king for restoration of his rights. The petition was referred to Sir Geoffrey Palmer, the attorney general, who reported, that ''Robert Mason the grandson and heir of Capt. John Mason had a good and legal title to the province of New Hamp- shire." Nothing eifective was done to restore to him his rights. Edward Randolph who was a kinsman of Mason, was sent over with the king's letter to the government of Massa- chusetts, requiring them to send over agents within sis months, to answer to the complaints which Mason and the heirs of Gorges had made, of their usurpation of jurisdiction over the territory claimed by them : all the answer he could get from Govenor Leverett and the council, was that "they would see about it." The matter was pursued in England. Lieut. Gov. Stoughton and Peter Bulkley, the speaker of the house of deputies, were sent to England in behalf of Massachusetts. The subject was referred to the judges. They reported that 16 HISTOEY OF MASOK. they could give no opinion as to the right of the soil, the proper parties not being before them ; that Mason had no right of government, none having been granted to him with the soil; and finally, that the four towns Portsmouth, Dover, Exeter and Hampton, were out of the bounds of Massachu- setts. It was also admitted that the title could only be tried in the place, there being no court in England that had cogni- zance of it. It became necessary, therefore, to set up a new jurisdiction before Mason's title could be tried. It was done. Thus, in consequence of this controversy and claim. New Hampshire was seperated from Massachusetts, and was again organized under a distinct and independent jurisdiction. Randolph was appointed governor. He was greatly and de- servedly unpopular. The whole number of voters in his prov- ince was 209, all in the four towns of Portsmouth, Dover, Hampton and Exeter. In the first assembly, the whole num- ber of Eepresentatives was eleven : from Portsmouth, Dover and Hampton, three each, and Exeter two. Mason came over from England in the latter part of the year 1681. He had been appointed one of the council, and took his seat as such. He attempted to enforce his claims in a haughty and arbitrary manner. He met with a sturdy resistance on the part of the tenants, and by his hasty and injudicious proceed- ings, lost the countenance and support of the council. The controversy with the council prevailed to such length, that a warrant was issued for apprehending him, which he avoided by making his escape to England. Finding the government, which he had procured to be erected, was not likely to be administered in a manner favorable to his views, he made it his business to bring about a change, and procured Edward Cranfield to be appointed Lieut. Governor. To provide for his support, he surrendered one fifth part of his quit rents, to the king. These, and the fines and forfeitures, were appropri- ated for the governor's support. Not satisfied to rely on these alone, he took from Mason a mortgage on the whole province for twenty one years, to secure the payment of one CAPT. JOHN MASON. 17 liiuidred and fifty pounds per annum, for seven years. On this encouragement, Cranfield relinquished a profitable office at home, with a view of bettering his fortunes by this arrange- ment. His commission gave him almost absolute power. He com- mented his rule in 1682. -Mason was named in his commis- sion as one of the council, and seems to have had a great share in the management of afi'airs. Suits were brought to enforce his claims. They were resisted. Nothing effectual was done to establish his title. When he succeeded in obtain- ing judgment, he was forcibly resisted in his attempts to get possession. Many of the tenants claimed under Indian deeds, which were then much regarded ; others shew possession for from forty to sixty years, uninterrupted by any successful en- forcement of his rights. In 1686 a purchase was made of the Indians, of a tract on both sides of the Merrimack river, six miles in breadth, extending from Souhegan river to Win- nipisseogee lake. The purchasers were Jonathan Tyng, Jo- seph Dudley, Charles Lidgat, John Usher, Edward Randolph, John Hubbard, Robert Thompson, Samuel Scrimpton, William Stoughton, Richard Warton, Thomas Hinchman, Thaddeus Maccarty, Edward Thompson, John Blackwell, Peter Bulkley, William Blathwayt, Daniel Cox and " three other persons, to be thereafter named and agreed upon." Mason, by deed, con- firmed this purchase, reserving to himself and his heirs a yearly rent of ten shillings. This was called the million acre purchase. About the same time he farmed out to Hezekiah Usher and his heirs, the mines, minerals and ores within the limits of New Hampshire, for the term of one thousand years, reserving to himself one quarter part of the royal ores and one seventeenth of the baser sorts ; and having put his affairs in the best order the times would admit, he sailed for England, to attend to the hearing of a case appealed against him to the king. The appeal to the king was decided in his favor, and he returned in the spring of 1687, full of hope of realizing some- 18 HISTOEY OF MASON. thing out of his claims ; but unexpected obstructions were in his way. The government^ under Andros, was in the hands of a set of harpies, who could not look on without determin- ing to come in for a share of his success. He succeeded in getting his case brought before the Supreme Court in Boston, but before he could get a decision he died at Esopus, N. Y., on a journey to Albany, where he had accompanied the governor. Sir Edmund Andros, leaving his sons, John and Rob- ert, heirs of his claims and controversies. They sold their claim to Samuel Allen, of London, for seven hundred and fifty pounds. John Usher married Allen's daughter. He was a native of Boston, and by profession a stationer ; was rich, was one of the partners in the million acre purchase, and had san- guine expectations of gain from that quarter ; as also, proba- bly, from the mines he had purchased of Mason. He was ap- pointed lieutenant governor, and administered the affairs of the province. He resolved to enforce Allen's claims. He found that Pickering, the defendant's lawyer, had with a com- pany of armed men, taken out of the hands of Chamberlain, the secretary and clerk, the records and papers relating to the Mason suits. After having recovered the papers, he seems to have made no effectual progress with the suits. In 1700, Allen took the matter in hand himself, but found, when the records were examined, that twenty-five leaves were missing, in which it is supposed the judgments recovered by Mason were recorded. No evidence appeared of his having obtained possession, and the whole work was to be gone over again. Suits were commenced anew. The jury found for the defend- ant. Allen claimed an appeal to the king, which the court would not allow, and he was compelled to apply to the king by petition, on which his appeal was granted. Allen appoint- ed Usher to act for him in prosecuting his appeal, having pre- viously mortgaged one half the province to him for <£1,500. When the appeal came on for hearing, it appeared that no proof was produced to show that Mason was ever in possess- ion, and therefore judgment was rendered against him, but CAPT. JOHN MASON. 19 ■with the right to commence again in the courts in the prov- ince. New suits were commenced, ending as before, in judg- ment for the defendant and appeal by the plaintiff. Allen was now old and poor, and proposed a settlement by compromise, but before it was effected he died. His son, Thomas Allen, renewed the suits with the same result, judgment for the de- fendants and an appeal to the queen in council. Before the appeal was ready to be heard, Allen died in 1715. This put an end to the suit, which his heirs, being minors, did not renew. When the sale was made by John and Robert Mason to Samuel Allen, in 1691, it took place in England, and by a fiction of law, the land was supposed to be in England and the conveyance was by fine and recovery in the king's bench. In this process the land was described as being in " New Hampshire, Maine, Masonia, Laconia, Mason Hall and Mari- ana in New England in America, in the parish of Greenwich ;" a fiction of law by which a parish in England includes within its limits the principal part of two states of this Union. John Tufton Mason, the son of Robert Tufton Mason, after the death of his uncle and father, who were Allen's grantors, being advised that their conveyance to Allen could give him only an estate for their own lives, and that the recovery in the king's bench in England was void for want of jurisdiction, prepared to assert his claims, but died in Havana in 1718, where he had gone to procure means to carry on his suit. His son, John Tufton Mason, came of age about the year 1738. The controversy between the provinces about the southern boundary of New Hampshire, was at this time re- newed and brought to a crisis. Massachusetts claimed that the line should run three miles east from the river to a point three miles north of the junction of the Pemigewasset and the Winnipisseogee river ; thence due west till it should meet the boundaries of the other governments. The commissioners doubted whether this should be the line, or a line commencing three miles north of the mouth of Merrimack river and run- 20 HISTORY OF MASON. ning due west till it should meet the other goyernments, and they referred the question to the king in council. While this controversy was pending, negotiations were entered into both on the part of Massachusetts and New Hampshire for the purchase of Mason's title. The agent of New Hampshire, Thomlinson, made an agreement with him for the purchase, on behalf of that province, of his whole interest, for one thousand pounds New England currency, but no legal assent to the purchase was made by the authorities of the province. The question of boundary was settled not in accordance with either statement of the commissioners. The reason for departing from the letter of the grant was, that when it was made it was supposed, the country not having been explored, that the course of the Merrimack river was from west to east, and therefore that the dividing line would run nearly west, and that so far then, as the course of the river corresponded with that supposed state of facts, a line three miles north of it should be the dividing line, and then the line crossing the river should take a course due west ; and such a line was finally adopted and established. Thomlinson was the agent for New Hampshire, and Thomas Hutchinson for Massachusetts. The line was run by George Mitchell, from the ocean to the station north of Pawtucket falls, at which point the due west line was to commence ; and by Richard Hazen from that point to Connecticut river. They were directed to allow ten de- grees for the westerly variation of the needle. The work was done in February and March, 1741. "This determina- tion," says Belknap, voL 1, p. 257, "exceeded the utmost ex- pectation of New Hampshire, as it gave them a country four- teen miles in breadth and above fifty in length, more than they had ever claimed. It cut off from Massachusetts twenty- eight new townships, between Merrimack and Connecticut riv- ers, besides large tracts of vacant land, which lay intermixed, and districts from six of their old towns on the north side of the Merrimack, and if as was then supposed, the due west line were to extend to twenty miles east of Hudson's river. CAPT. JOHN MASON. 21 the reputed boundary of New York, a vast tract of fertile country on the western side of Connecticut river was annesed to New Hampshire, by which an ample scope was given for landed speculation, and afterwards for cultivation and wealth." The establishment of this line was undoubtedly a public benefit. It put to rest doubts and controversies about juris- diction and ownership, which had seriously retarded the set- tlement of the country. But it occasioned in many places great heartburnings and trouble. It severed the ancient town of Dunstable into two parts, leaving them in different juris- dictions. The line passed through the town nearly in the centre, leaving the meeting-house a short distance on the New Hampshire side. This town had been granted by Massachu- setts nearly eighty years, and had been more or less settled more than one hundred years before this time. It had always claimed and been considered to be within the limits of Mas- sachusetts. This decision placed their meeting-house, their minister, their grave-yard, and a large portion of themselves in another jurisdiction, and threw an air of doubt and distrust upon the validity of the titles to the lands upon the New Hampshire side of the line. The effects were most disas- trous upon their interests and institutions, both of town and church. The church was broken up. The minister withdrew and left the place. The meeting-house was abandoned, and for more than half a century the results of this disturbance of the municipal and church affairs in that place, were appar- ent. Hollis was then a part of Dunstable, a precinct or parish, and shared in the troubles of the mother town. Most of Brookline was then included in Hollis, and Pepperell was a part of Groton, which lost a portion of its territory by the new line. In Townsend, the complaints of the wrong done, were long and loud. At a legal town meeting held Oct. 6, 1740, in that town, John Stevens was chosen moderator. The proceedings of the meeting on this subject are recorded as follows : " Being informed that by the determination of his Majesty and Council respecting the controverted bounds 4 22 HISTOEY OP MASON. between the Province of Massachusetts Bay and New Hamp- shire, now pdrt of this township, is excluded from the Prov- ince of Massachusetts Bay, to which they supposed they always belonged; therefore voted, that a petition be pre- ferred to the King's most excellent majesty, setting forth our most distressed circumstances, and praying that we may be annexed to the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, and voted nemine contradicente, that Thomas Hutchinson, Esquire, of Boston, be and is hereby fully impowered to prefer a petition to his majesty, and to appear and fully to act for the proprie- tors and inhabitants in said town, respecting the subject : Also, voted that the aforesaid agent shall have no demand on the town of Townsend. for charges in petitioning as aforesaid, seperate from any other town in the Province ; Also, voted, in case the said Thomas Hutchinson be not chosen by the major part of the towns, or if chosen, cannot engage in said affair, then Capt. John Stevens be fully impowered to join with other the towns of the Province in the choice of another agent to act in said affair, and that the aforesaid John Stevens have full power in behalf of said town to prepare and sign any petition to his majesty concerning said lines, as shall be necessary, and that he shall have forty shillings reward for his services in this alfair." Town Records Vol. 1, p. 31. It does not appear that any remedy or recompense for the wrong done, resulted from these proceedings. But the good people of Townsend looked for and obtained a remedy nearer home. The general court granted to the town a tract of land as a compensation for lands cut off by the New Hampshire line, and at a town meeting in 1786, the selectmen were directed to make sale of the lands so granted. The agreement made by Thomlinson with Mason for the sale of his title, to the Province of New Hampshire before mentioned, was lodged in the hands of the governor, and was by him laid before the house. It lay on their table a long time without any formal notice. In the meantime Mason had suffered a fine and recovery in the courts of New Hampshire, CAPT. JOHN MASON. 23 by Avliich he could convey his interest in fee. He sent in a memorial, stating that he would wait no longer, but consider inaction on their part a refusal, and intimations were given that if the agreement should aiot be ratified, a sale would be made to other persons, who stood ready to purchase. At length a resolution passed the house, that they would comply with the agreement and pay the price, and that the land should be granted by the general assembly, to the inhabitants, as they should think proper. A committee was appointed to com- plete the business with Mason, but he had on the same day, by a deed of sale for the sum of fifteen hundred pounds, con- veyed his whole interest to twelve persons in fifteen shares. The pm'chasers were Theodore Atkinson three fifteenths, Mark H. Wentworth two fifteenths, Richard Wibird, John Wentworth, (son of the governor,) George Jaffrey, Nathaniel Meserve, Thomas Packer, Thomas Wallingford, Jotham Odi- orne, Joshua Pierce, Samuel Moore and John Moffatt one fif- teenth each. When it was found that the conveyance had been made, there was much dissatisfaction. Some attempts were made to negotiate with these purchasers for a conveyance to the Province, but without success. One obstacle in the way was, that the house would not make the purchase, unless with the stipulation that the land should be granted by the legislature ; but the governor and council and the purchasers seem to have insisted, that it should be granted by the governor and council, and for that reason principally the negotiation failed. In 1749 the purchasers took a second deed, comprehending all the Masonian grant from Naumkeag to Piscataqua ; where- as their former deed, was confined to the lately established boundaries of New Hampshire. This deed was not recorded till 1753. After they had taken the first deed, they began to grant townships, and continued granting them to petitioners, often without fees, and always without quit-rents. They quieted the titles in the towns on the western side of the Merrimack, 24 HISTORY OP MASON. which had been granted by Massachusetts, before the estab^ lishment of the line, so that they could go on peacably with their settlements. The terms of these grants were, that the grantees should within a limited time, erect mills and meeting- houses, clear out roads and settle ministers. In every town- ship they reserved one right for the first settled minister, another for the ministry, and a third for schools. They also reserved fifteen rights for themselves, and two for their attor-- nies ; all of which were to be free from taxes, until sold or occupied. By virtue of these grants, many townships were settled, and the interest of the people became so united with that of the proprietors, that the prejudices against them gradually abated. The heirs of Allen menanced them by advertisements, and warned the people against accepting these grants. To this fact and claim undoubtedly, reference is had in that clause in the grant of the township, by which the grant- ors engage " to defend through the law to the King in Coun- cil, if need be, one action that may be brought against them or any number of them," &c. By these proceedings, a way was prepared for giving to settlers a valid title to the lands, which had so long been a subject of doubt and controversy ; and a grant was made to the proprietors, under which the set- tlement of the town was commenced and proceeded with as will be detailed in the next chapter* CHAPTEE il. PEOPEIETART HISTOET. droton Grant in i734-, the earliest grant in this part of New-Hampshire. Ordef of time of grants in the vicinity. No. 1 granted by the Masonian Proprietors. First inhabitants. Division among the grantees. Plan of the township. Proceedings in proprietors' meetings. Boads. Eeport of settlements and improvements, in 1752. Meeting House. MUIs. Ministers and preaching. Call of E. Champney. Two hundred acres added on the north side. Call of James Parker. Vote for incorporation. Vote giving the Meeting House to the town. Pinal meeting. The earliest historical trace of the claim of ownership in the territory and soil of the town of Mason, is found in con- nection with the town of Groton. The original grant of the township of Groton, on the petition of Dean Winthrop and others, nnder date of 23d, 5th m., 1655, was of a tract " equal to eight miles square." In 1715, a portion of this ter- ritory was annexed to Nashobah and incorporated by the name of Littleton. There were also included within the bounds of Groton, as originally surveyed and located, two farms previously granted to individuals, containing about thirteen hundred acres, for which no allowance was made in the survey. In 1734, the inhabitants of Groton petitioned the General Court "for some of the unappropriated land of the Province, as an equivalent for the said farms, and the land so taken off by the line established, dividing between Groton and Littleton." On this petition a grant was made of "ten thousand eight hundred acres, in a gore between Townsend and Dunstable." This tract is undoubtedly the same repre- 26 HISTOEY OP MASON. sented on Douglas' map made in 1748, as " Groton Grant." According to that map, it embraced a territory extending to Souhegan river, which would include a large part of Ma- son, and a part of Wilton. See extract from Douglas' map Hist, of New Ipswich, page 28. Under this grant, the inhab- itants of Groton took possession of, and occupied the terri- tory. It was their custom to cut the hay upon the meadows, ' and stack it; and early in the spring to send up their young cattle to be fed upon the hay, under the care of Boad, the negro slave. They would cause the woods to be fired, as it was called, that is, burnt over in the spring ; after which fresh and succulent herbage springing up, furnished good store of the finest feed, upon which the cattle would thrive and fatten through the season. Bead's camp was upon the east side of the meadow, near the residence of the late Joel Ames. When the Province line was run in 1741, it "passed through Groton Gore, leaving a large portion thereof, and a triangular piece of what was originally Groton, in the state of New Hampshire." For the land so lost by the establish- ing of the Province line, on the petition of the inhabitants of Groton, the General Court in June 1771, granted them ^' seven thousand and eight hundred acres of unappropriated lands lying on the western part of the Province." See But- ler's Groton, pp. 58 — 62. To have a distinct understanding of the state of territorial titles in 1734, the date of the grant of Groton Gore, it may be necessary to review the territorial grants previous and subsequent to that date, of the adjacent and neighboring towns. Chelmsford and Groton were granted in 1655. Dunstable in 1673. This town originally comprised the territory now embraced in Dunstable and Tyngsborough in Massachusetts, Hudson, Nashua, HoUis, most of Brookline, all of Milford and Merrimack south of Souhegan river, and most of Litch- field, in New Hampshire. Dunstable was "bounded south by Chelmsford to Groton line, on the west by Groton and by €Ountrey land, the line running due north from the bound- PROPRIETAEY HISTORY. 27 ary" [that is the north east angle of Groton] "ten miles till you come to Souhegan river, at a place called Dram Cup Hill at a great pine tree nigh ye said river, at a [bound or corner] of Charlestown scoole farm; bounded by the Souhe- gan river on the north," &c. As "a triangular piece of what was originally Groton" was by the running of the Province line in 1741, left within the State of New Hampshire, the north east angle of Groton must be found in Brookline ten miles south of Souhegan river, not far from Potanapus pond. The tradition is that the west line of Dunstable, which must have commenced at the north east angle of Groton, passed through this pond. A tract about one mile wide lying on the east side of Mason, was added to a portion of Hollis, for- merly Dunstable, and incorporated by the name of Raby, af- terwards changed to Brookline. Thus it appears that the western line of Old Dunstable passed about one mile east of the eastern line of Mason. Townsend was incorporated in 1732. A part of this town also was left by the Province line, in New Hampshire, and is included within the limits of Mason. New Ipswich was granted by Massachusetts in 1735. This grant was vacated by the establishment of the line ; but it was regranted by the Masonian proprietors, with a change of boundaries, April 17, 1750. Hollis, the west part of Old Dunstable, was organized as a parish or precinct, December 28, 1739, and incorporated as a town, April 20, 1746. The name originally was Holies, from the family name of the Duke of Newcastle, prime min- ister of Great Britain in the reign of George XL at the time Louisburg was taken, in 1745, under Sir William Pepperell. Pepperell, another name commemorating the same event, was incorporated in 1753, being formerly a precinct or parish of Groton. Brookline, originally named Raby, was incorpo- rated March 30, 1769. The original charter embraced a part of the west part of Hollis, two miles wide and the mile slip, so called, a piece of land a part of the old Groton Gore, about one mile wide, "lying on the easterly side of Mason." 28 HISTORY OP MASON. The east line of this mile slip must have been the west line of Old Dunstable, which bordered on "countrey land," from Groton to Souhegan river. In 1786, another portion of Hol- lis, three fourths of a mile wide, was added to Brookline. Wilton was granted by the Masonian proprietors, October 1, 1749. Temple was incorporated about the year 1770. Ash- by in 1767. Thus it appears that the original grant of this tract to Groton, by Massachusetts, was prior, in point of time, to that of any adjoining territory, except Townsend. The title to the township of Mason, except two gores, one on the north and one on the south side, was granted Novem- ber 1, 1749, by an instrument of that date executed by Col. Joseph Blanchard, on behalf of the Masonian proprietors, of which the following is a copy : [Copy of the Grant.] Province op New Hampshire. Pursuant to the power and authority, granted and vested in me by the Proprietors of lands purchased of John Tufton Mason, Esq. in the Province of New Hampshire, by their vote passed at the meeting, held at Portsmouth, in said Province, the 16th day of June, 1749, I do by these presents, give and grant, all the title and interest, property and possession of the proprietors aforesaid, unto William Lawrence, Esq., Peter Powers, Eleazer Blanchard, John Goff, Esq., David Adams, Paul March, Philip Olerick, Eleazer Farwell, John Stevens, Nathaniel Meserve, Jr., Peter Powers, Jr., Joseph Biodgett, John Butterfield, Jonathan Powers, Jr., Zaccheus Lovewell, Jonathan Hubbard, John Varnum, Josiah Brown, John Jennison, Joseph Blan- chard, Jr., Elnathan Blood, Mr. Thomas Packer, Jonathan Hubbard, Jr., Clement March, Robert Fletcher, Jr., Israel Hubbard, Amasa Parker, Jacob Gould, Benjamin Parker, David Stearns, Thomas Tar- bell, Samuel Tarbell, Shadrack Whitney, Edward Jewett, all their [heirs] of in and to all that part of a township or tract of land in the Province of New Hampshire aforesaid, containing about the contents of seventy-seven square miles, bounded as follows, beginning at a stake and stones the southeast corner of the premises, and runs from thence, north eighty degrees west, five miles and twenty rods by the Province line to New Ipswich corner, from thence north by the needle, five miles to a white pine tree marked, from thence east by the needle, five miles to a hemlock tree marked, from thence south by the needle, to the first bounds mentioned, which said town- ship is laid out, drawn for, and lots ascertained for each grantee respectively, with two lots for encouragement of building of mills, &c. and three shares for public uses, viz : one for the first settled minister, PROPRIETARY HISTORY. 29 one for the ministry, and one for the schools there forever, which said shares and lots, to be the same as already drawn and entered in the schedule and plan hereunto annexed, unto them respectively and their heirs and assigns. To have and hold on the following terms, conditions and limitations, and on them only, that is to say, that a meeting house be built as near the centre of said town, as by the grantees shall be judged most convenient, and that when such place shall be agreed on, six acres shall be reserved for public uses ; that the remaining lands not entered in the schedule and plan aforesaid, speci- fied within the bounds of the township aforesaid, be and hereby are reserved to and for the use of the Grantors of the premises, their heirs and assigns forever, free and clear from all charges, tax or incumbrance of settlement, until their, or any of their parts are improved by them, or some holding under them. That the aforementioned grantees, exclusive of the three public lots, shall carry on, perform and make settlement at their own expense, in the following manner, viz : that there be all necessary highways laid out in said town where they will be most convenient, without any pay or allowance, to those grantors or grantees, through whose land the same shall go, that the grantees build a convenient house for the public worship of God, there at or before the last day of May, 1753, for the use of those who shall then, or afterwards inhabit there. That there be on some one lot of each of the forty shares belonging to the grantees, three acres cleared, inclosed and fitted for mowing or tillage, so far as is profitable, at or before the last day of November, 1751, and each of the said lots to. be cleared as aforesaid, to be settled with having a house of sixteen feet square, at- the least, and seven feet stud or more, with a chimney and cellar, fin- ished and fitted for a dwelling house, thereon at or before the last day of May, 1752, and some person or family inhabiting and resident in said house, and they or some others in each of their steads, continue residing there until the last day of May, 1755. That the owners of each of the forty settling shares, have on each of their rights respec- tively, three acres more, in like manner fitted, at or before the last day of November, 1752, and the like qnantity annually, for two years then next coming. That the remaining six shares, to wit, the shares of Jonathan Hubbard, Benjamin Parker, Nathaniel Meserve, Jr., Josiah Brown, John Jennison, Eleazer Blanchard, be excused from the duty of building, improving or settling, until the last day of No- vember, 1755, and then to have the whole duty performed as the others at that time. That each of the grantees at the executing of this instrument pay, thirty pounds each old tenor, to defray the necessary charges, risen or arising in bringing forward the settlement, to bei deposited in the hands of such person as they shall appoint, being a freeholder and resident in the Province. That the aforesaid grantees or their assigns assess such further sum, or sums of money equally in [pro] portion to the right, or the share of each grantee, exclusive of the three public lots,, as may bethought necessary, for carrying on and completing any of the public matters, in making the settlemeUit 5 30 mSTOEY OP MASON. and charges, always provided there be no Indian war, within any of the times aforesaid, for doing the duty conditioned in this grant, and in case that should happen, the same time to be allowed for the re- spective matters aforesaid, after such impediment shall be removed. That all white pine trees fit for masting his Majesties royal navy, growing on said land, be and here[by] are granted to his Majesty^ his heirs and successors forever. Lastly, said grantors do hereby promise to the said grantees, their heirs and assigns, to defend through the law, to the King and Council if need be, one action that shall and may be brought against them, or any number of them, by any person or persons whatsoever,, claiming the said land, or any part thereof, by any other title than of the grantors, or that by which they hold and derive theirs from,. Provided the said grantors are avouched in to defend the same, and that in case the same shall be recovered against the grantors, the grantees shall recover nothing over against the grantors for the said lands and improvements, or expenses of bringing forward the settlement, and further, that the said grantors will pay the necessary expenses of time and money, that any other person or persons shall be put to, by any other suit or suits, that shall be brought against them, or any of them, the said grantees for tryal of the title, before one action shall be fully determined in the law. In witness whereof, I the said Joseph Blanchard of Dunstable, have hereunto set my hand and seal, this first day of November, 1749. JOSEPH BLANCHARD. [seal.] This copy is a transcript from the proprietors' records. The original has not been found. There is undoubtedly a mistake in the number of square miles in the contents of the town. It should be twenty seven, not seventy seven. There is no record or tradition existing which shows when the first inhabitants began to reside within the limits of the town. Joseph Herrick was chosen " second deer officer" in Townsend, at the annual town meeting in March, 1742. In 1745, that town " voted to abate Joseph Herrick's rates^ provided the money was raised after he went out of town." Joseph Herrick lived in the south-easterly part of the town of Mason, near where Elisha Boynton lived. In what part of Townsend he resided before he "went out of town," is not known. He was undoubtedly the pioneer in the settle- ment of that part of Mason. There, probably, his oldest son, Joseph Herrick was born, Sept. 30, 1751. He may plaim to be the first person of European parentage, born PROPEIETAEY HISTORY. 31 within the present limits of the town. His only competitor for this honor, is John Lawrence, son of Enosh Lawrence. No record of his birth is found. He was the youngest of the children of Enosh Lawrence and Sarah Stevens, his wife. The birth of nine of their children is recorded in the town records of Pepperell, the last of which was April 12, 1748. There is a tradition that he was born in 1751, and that he was the first child born in the town; that is, within the limits of the original grant. It would seem that Lawrence was residing in Pepperell in 1748, and that Herrick removed out of Townsend in 1745; so that the last was probably the earliest permanent resident within the present limits of the township. He was a " deer of&cer," which indicates that he was a hunter, fond of sylvan pursuits. A meeting of the " grantees and proprietors" was held at the house of Capt. Joseph French, in Dunstable, Oct. 16, 1749 ; at which, the township having been divided into lots, and a list made of the lots, they were drawn for, and entered to each proprietor his lots, which list is inserted on page 34. On pages 32 and 33 will be found a plan of the town with the names of the grantees, &c., of the several lots according to the said list. n HISTORY OF MASON. PLAN OF TOWNSHIP B. 10 20 Eobert Fletcher. 9 J. Peirce. 8 7 Jona; Powers, Jr. J. T. Mason. 6 ScoUay& March. 10 19 S. Moore. 9 J. Peirce. S 7 Jona. Moflfatt. Saml Tarbell. 6 Saml. Tarbell. 10 18 S. Moore. 9 D. Stearns. 8 Thosi Tarbell. 7 Jos. Blanchard. 6 N. Messerve, Jr^ D. Williams. 10 17 J. Odiorne, 9 Maj. J.Hubbard. 8 "Wm. Lawrence. 7 Wra. Lawrence. 6 Benj. Parker. 0. Nutting. 10 16 J. Odiorne. 9 Maj. J. Hubbard. 8 Jona. Hubbard. 7 J. Blanchard. Jona.Hubbard. 6 J. Hall. E. ^ T. Blood. 10 15 N. Messerve. 9 N. Messerve. 8 David Stearns. 7 Benj. Parker. R. Jefts. 6 Joshua Peiree. E. Fish. 10 14 J. Stevens. 9 J. Stevens. 8 7 George Marsh. J. Hubbard, Jr. 6 M.H.Wentworth. N. Hall. 10 13 J. Stevens. J. Barrett. 9 J. Stevens. Z. Davis. 8 7 Th: Parker, Esq. T. J. Mason. Saml. Lawrence. Saml. Lawrence. Thos. Parker. 6 H. Jefts. J. Bachelden 10 13 J. Odiorne. N. Messerve. 9 A. Allen. Jos. Merriam. Jos. Jennison. 8 Josiah Wheeler. H. Warren. J. Hubbard, Jr. 7 Samuel Hill. John Blodgett. 6 Maj. J. Hubbard. Amos Holden. 10 11 J. Jennison. 9 8 J. Stevens. J. Stevens. N. Whipple. Maj. Lawrence. 7 B. Mann. S. Ames. 6 Joseph Blodgett. Ab. Merriam. 10 10 Josiah Brown. 9 8 J. Stevens. J. Varnum, Jos. Merriam. Maj.Lawrence. 7 J. Jefts. E.Ball. N. Boijnton. School. 6 MeePgHouse Lot. Dr. Wm. Barber. 10 9 Maj. J. Hubbard. A. TF'heeler. 9 J. Stevens. E. Lawrence. 8 "W. Parker, Esq. Jona. Searle. 3. Stevens. N. Barrett. 1 /. Whitaker. J. Jennison. 6 S. Abbott. Bev. E. Hill. 10 8 Maj. J. Hubbard. Lt. 0. Parker. 9! 8 G. Jaffrey. J.Wentworth,Jr. T. Bobbins. f. Wheeler. E. Blanchard. 7 D.Pay. J. Wait, Jr. J. Flagg. E. Blanchard. 6 Joshua Wyeth. E. Wilson. 10 7 M. Livermore. JE. Davis. ■ 9 M. Livermore. James Wood. Josiah Brown. 8 Ministry. Stev . Lawrence. 7 J.WentworthjJr. 1 Jos. Blanchard; 6 D. BlodgeU. John Winship. . 10 6 Z. Lovew'eU. 9 M.H.Wentworth 8 J. Powers, Jr. 7 John'Butterfield. J. Webber, Jr. Ph. Olericke. 6 W. Cummings. John SwallotS. 10 5 Z. Lovewell. T. Wheelock. 9 N. Messerve, Jr. Samuel Woods. Jos. Farrar. 8 Mill Lot. E. Shattuck. 7 John Butterfleld. Setk Bobbins. e School. Zae. Barrett. 10 4 S. "Walling-ford. 0. Husmer. 9 N. Messerve, Jr. 8 Geo. Jaftey. T. Hodgman. 7 Rich'd "Wibird. 6 Wm. Lawrence. Capt. L Broicn. 10 Z T.Walling-ford. Phil. Olericke. 9 Wm. Cummings. B. Weston. 8 Josiah Brown. 7 Joseph Blodgett. e Wm. Lawrence Enos Lairrence. 10 2 P. March. E. Hodgman. 9 D. Adams. John Barrett. 8 W. Parker, Esq. 7 Rich'd Wibird. Wm. Lawrence. 6 Josiah Bobbins. Dea. J. Webber. 10 1 G. Jaffrey. J. Hodgman. 9 P. Powers, 8 E. Blanchard. 7 Sehobl. Mark H. Went- 6 worth. JV. Win,- ship. W. Barrett. The plan of which the above is a copy was found among the papeTs in the town clerk's office.' It is in the hand writing of John Blodgett, Esq., who was for many years town clerk. On the south side is represented a gore 240 poles wide at the east end, the south line of which runs to the south west corne-r of the town. It is not laid out into lots. The only note oi' menioranduni' on the plan is in these words : "A plan of Mason without any north slip,"' aftct oh the south fR'OPEIETAEY HISTOTLY. 3^ NO 1, OR MASON. 5 4 Tlieo. Atkinson Jona. Lawrence. 1 J. Hubbard. 3 Jona. Hubbard. 2 Benj. Parker. IE. Amasa Parker. 20 J. Jefts. 5 Wm. Lawrence. 4 Thos. TarbeU. 3 Elnathan Blood. 2 David Stearns. 1 Thomas Parker. 19 5 Theo. Atkinson. 4 Jacob Gould. 3 Mr. Th: Packer. 2 J. Hubbard, Jr. 1 E. Jewett. 18 5 "Wm. Lawrence. 4 "Wm. Lawrence. 3 J. Hubbard, Jr. 2 George March. 1 Ministry. 17 5 Jona. Hubbard. 4 Amasa Parker. J. Jefts. 3 J. Hubbard, Jr. 2 • J. Blanchard, Jr. 1 J. Blanchard, Jr. 16 5 John Moffat. 5 Saml. Tarbell. 3 ■■ Hobert Fletcher. 2 Joseph Farrar. Mill Lot. 1 Eleazer Farwell. 15 5 M.H.Wentwortn 4 Jacob Gould. 3 Robt. Fletcher. 2 Jos. Blanchard. 1 Scollay & March. 14 5 Scollay & March. 4 ' Sainuel Moore. 3 J. Hubbard, Jr. 2 J. T. Mason. 1 Peter Powers. 13 5 Amasa Parker. J. Jefts. 4 Peter Powers. 3 Elnathan Blood. 2 Jacob Gould. 1 Peter Powers. 12 Wm.Spatdding. 5 Minister. 4 Thos. Tarbell. 3 Elnathan Blood. 2 John Stevens. 1 Peter Powers. 11 VFm. Spaulding. 5 Minister. J. Searle.- Peter Powers. 4 John Tarbell. Joshua Davis. 3 E. Jewett. T. Tarbell. 2 T. Parker, Esq. Edm. Tarbell. 1 Th: Parker, Esq. 10 Wm. Spaulding. 5 J.- Stevens. N, Warren, 4 Jona. Blanchard. Jason Russell. 3 John Moffat. 2 J.Wentworth, Jr 1 M.H.Wentworth 9 John Gotf. 5 —7 Greeley. H. Russell. 4 Thos. Taylor. H. Russell. 3 Theo. Atkinson. 2 Jona. Livermore. — Hubbard. 1 J. Powers, Jr. 8 5 Ministry. Joseph Winship. 4 Paul March. ■S". Smith. 3 Georg-e March. 2 M.H.Wentworth 1 Peter Powers. 7 5 Peter Powers,Jr. Jos. Blodgett. 4 £. Barren. H. Richardson. 3 David Adams. 2 Peter Powers. 1 Peter Powers,Jr. 6 5 Peter Powers, Jr. 4 David Adams. ^ilmos Blood,! 3 Ministry. J. Brown. 2 Phil. Olericke. — Cummings. 1 Peter Powers. 5 John Varnum. 5 John Dutton. John Blood. John Goff. 4 S. Greelnp. Joseph Blood. 3 Maj. J. Hubbard. 2 W.Parker, Esq. 1 Bich'd Wibird. 4 5 E. Farwell. 4 John Stevens, 3 John Stevens. 2 Wm. Lawrence. 1 Minister. 3 5 T.-WalUngford. 4 John Stevens. 3 John Stevens. 2 John Goff. — Powers. 1 M. Livermore. 2- 5 4 Paul March. John Butterfleld. 3 Shadr. Whitney. 2 Eleazer Farwell. 1 1 John Varnum. 1 side, "Five miles East"; on the east, "Five miles North"; on the north, "Five miles- West" ; on the west, "Five miles South". In some instances the name of the original grantee is not on this plan, and is restored in this copy. The names of the grantees are in Bo- man letters. The names in Italic in all cases are those of subsequent residents on, or owners of the lots, and in most cases of original settlers on the lots. 34 HISTORY OP MASON. RECORD OF THE DRAFT OF LOTS IN TOWNSHIP NO. 1. NAMES. Ministry, School, George Jaffrey, Peter Powers, * Eleazer Blanchard, John Goff, Esq., David Adams, -f Paul March, Phillip Olerike, Eleazer Farwell, John Stevens, Esq., Thomas Walling-ford, Nathaniel Meserve, Jr., Peter Powers, Jr., Joseph Blodgett, John Butterfleld, J Jonathan Powers, Jr., Mark Hunking- Wentworth, Thomas Taylor, § Matthew Livermore, John Stevens, Esq., "William Lawrence, Esq., William Parker, Esq., John Wentworth, Jr., Maj. Jona. Hubbard, Maj. Wm. Lawrence, || John Varnum, IT John Stevens, Esq., Josiah Brown, Richard VYibird, Esq., Jotham Odiorn, Nathl. Meserve, Esq., John Gennison, John Stevens, Esq., *3 !h' u ■A 3 ^ S' ^ bD J S? rt P K « ^ « 2; M 1 5 7 3 5 1 17 9. 6 .') 6 10 7 1 ^ 10 1 9 8 8 4 4 9 1 2 6 1 5 ^ 8 1 7 8 G 8 (i 5 8 4 4 a 2 7 9 2 4 5 3 6 8 10 2 4 7 5 1 q 9 3 6 6 a 5 10 5 3 2 1 1 15 11 4 3 5 4 4 2 \9. 10 4 10 3 b y l.S 9 Ti 9 4 6 18 14 5 h 5 6 1 ti 15 7 3 4 6 6 11 If) 7 fi 4 1 17 8 20 1 8 8 6 18 6 1 9 6 1 9 19 in 6 lU 5 4 8 20 10 7 9 7 1 2 21 10 14 7 9 5 9 22 ^ 19 6 2 2 3 23 8 9 8 2 2 4 24 8 8 7 7 2 9 2.^ 10 9 10 8 3 4 2fi 7 10 7 11 27 8 10 1 1 5 4 28 9 10 9 11 2 11 29 10 10 8 3 8 7 .SO 7 4 7 2 1 4 .81 10 17 lU 12 10 16 32 10 15 9 12 9 15 33 10 11 8 12 6 9 34 9 13 9 14 3 2 John Stevens, Esq., Samuel Moore and * Joseph Farrar f Minister, Joseph Blanchard, Jr., Peter Powers, % J. P. 5 Elnathan Blood, Thomas Parker, Esq., Mr. Thomas Packer, J. P. II John Tufton Mason, Esq., George March, Mark H. Wentworth, Capt. Robert Fletcher, Saml. Scollay and March, John Moffat, Esq., Jonathan Lawrence, [bai'd, Mr. Trowbridge, now Hub- Amasa Parker. Jona. Hubbard, Jr., Jacob Gould, Wm. Lawrence, Esq., Benja. Parker, Maj. Jona. Hubbard,J.P.,1T Mr. David Stearns, Capt Thomas Tarbell, Joseph Blanchard, Esq., Theodore Atkins(m, Esq., Wm, Lawrence. Esq., Capt. Saml. Tarbell, Joshua Pierce, Shadrack Whitney, -i u i u ■oj, J o bn ^ bo r. g a 3 M ^ rt ^ Ph "A M 35 8 11 9 9 3 3 36 10 1810 19 4 13 37 2:15 S 5 38 f> 10 5 11 1 3 39 4 9 2 16 1 16 40 4 10 1 12 1 13 41 4 12 1 11 1 7 42 3 12 3 11 3 19 43 8 13 1 10 2 10 44 6 13 1 19 3 18 45 3 13 18 1 12 46 7 20 7 13 2 13 47 8 14 3 7 2 17 48 6 14 5 14 2 7 49 3 14 3 15 10 20 5U 5 13 6 20 1 14 51 5 15 8 19 3 9 52 6 16 4 20 2 8 53 5 16 3 20 8 16 51 4 16 1 20 5 12 55 3 16 3 17 7 14 56 4 14 4 18 2 12 57 5 17 8 17 1 17 58 6 17 2 20 7 15 59 9 17 9 16 6 12 60 9 18 2 19 8 15 61 8 18 4 19 4 11 62 7 18 6 7 2 14 63 5 18 5 2(: 3 8 61 6 3 6 4 4 17 65 7 19 6 19 4 15 66 9 19 9 2C 6 15 67 3 1 The foregoing is a True Copy of the Draught and numbers of the lots In the Township No. One, so caUed, lying in the Province of New Hampshire, as they was Drawn by the Proprietors of said Township. A true copy. Examined and Recorded, Pr JOHN STEVENS, Prop's Clerk. Note. In the original copy, in the margin against the names and figures, are sundry addi- tions indicated by the references below : *7.5. * Daniel Pierce. t8 [in the 6th column should be 3.1 t7.5. §Z. Lovewell. II Two lots to this right. UJ. P. t Mill Lot. tJ.P. § Capt. Peter Powers. II Jona. Hubbard, Jr. 11 J. P. [above the name.] At the same meetingj William Lawrence and John Stevens, Esq., were " directed, at the charge of the grantees and set- tlers of this township, to mark out a highway in said town- ship, from where the road enters into said township, that leads from Amos Sartell's house in Townshend, to the meet- ing-house place, as marked on the plan of the division of said township, and from said meeting-house place, to near the middle of the north line in said township, in the most conve- nient place for a road, and fit for a feasible cart road, the PROPRIETARY HISTORY. 35 said bighwajj as soon as may be, and that Messrs. Benjamin Parker and Peter Powers, be desired and empowered as aforesaid, to lay out, and clear, and fit for a feasible cart road, in the most convenient place, from said meeting-house place to the town of Hollis." In this extract from the pro- prietors' records, a distinction is made between " grantees and settlers," which is kept up through the whole period of the proprietorship, which continued long after the incorpora- tion of the town. Many of the proprietors never resided in the town; some of the original proprietors resided in the town, and several persons, whose names do not appear among the original proprietors, resided in the town, and attended proprietors' meetings, and voted and took an active part therein j while other persons who resided and owned land in town, do not appear to have attended the meetings, or to have been recognized as having any of the rights or powers of proprietors. "What constituted the line of distinction between the owners of land who had a right, and those who had not a right to meet and vote in proprietary meetings, does not appear. The road first above described, is substan- tially the same now travelled from Townsend west village, leading by the meeting-house northerly, to and beyond Jona- than Bachelders. The other was the road leading from the meeting-house to Brookline, then a part of Hollis. At an adjournment of the same meeting, held Nov. 7, 1749, at the same place, Joseph Blanchard, Jr. was chosen Clerk, Joseph Blanchard, Esq. Treasurer, Major Jonathan Hubbard, John Stevens, Esq. and Capt. Samuel Tarbell were chosen a com- mittee "for managing the prudentials of the society." The mode of calling future meetings was also provided for j noti- ces for which were to be posted fifteen days beforehand, in some public place in Dunstable, in Townsend, and in Groton. It was also " voted to accept of the two mill lots marked on the plan for that use, and chose a committee to bargain and indent with some person or persons, to build and finish a saw mill by the last day of February, 1750, and a corn mill in S6 HISTORY OF MASOK. nine months from that time ; that they contract for said mills to be kept in repair ; also that every of the inhabitants on bringing suitable timber, have it sawed for half the stuff at least ; also to dispose of the two mill lots, or so much of them for that use as they shall agree for ; that Messrs Benja- min Parker, Major Jonathan Hubbard, Capt. John Stevens be the committee for this purpose." The plan referred to has not been found ; nor any plan upon which the mill lots are marked, among the records of the proprietors, but in the schedule of the lots drawn to the different rights against right or "draught," No. 37, are two lots 2 E. 15, and 8 E. 5, marked in the margin "mill lots," and in a plan in the hand- writing of John Blodgett, Esq., who was in 1799, and many years after, town clerk, on file with the papers in the town clerk's office, these two lots are ■each marked "mill lot." Some question seems to have arisen at this early period as to the nature and the validity of the title claimed under the grant, for at this same adjourned meeting, Mr. John Yarnum, Major William Lawrence, and Capt. John Stevens were chosen .a committee "to .enquire into, and view the tenor of the grant, and report their opinion of the safety therein; and that papt. Thomas Tarbell be joined to this committee." Probably the committee were satisfied " of the safety therein," for no report has been entered on the records, nor does any question as to the validity of the title seem ever after to have been seriously made. This movement, probably, had reference to Allen's advertisements before mentioned to, cau- tioning persons not to take titles under the Masonian propri- etors. At this same adjourned meeting, it was also voted, that the >committee chosen at the first of this meeting, for marking out .and clearing highways, be directed to mark out, and open a road so that horses or cattle may pass from the meeting-house place, westward, near to the west line of the town." This was, probably, the road from the meeting-house to New PROPEIETARY HISTORY. 37 Ipswich, by Obadiali Parker's house. At this early period, the roads leading from, the south to the north, and from the east to the west borders of the town through the center, seem to have been provided for. At an adjournment of the same meeting, holden on the last Tuesday in Dec. 1749, Capt. Thomas Tarbell was added to the committee for laying out and clearing the road from the meeting-house place to Hollis; also "voted, that John Stevens, Esq. amend the range line between the sixth and seventh range, so as equally to divide the quantity of land between the two ranges, and he to be paid six pounds old tenor for that service, which he agreed to ;" also " voted, that Capt. Samuel Tarbell be joined to the committee chosen to contract with some suitable person to build the mills in this township, in the room of John Stevens, Esq. ; voted, that Joseph Blanchard, Esq. take security of the person who builds the mills; that John Stevens, Esq. go and look out the mill places and see on whose lots they fall, and make return to Joseph Blanchard, Esq. where they are, by the first day of next March, and if any mistakes should be in his first account of said lots, that Col. Joseph Blanchard procure the said lots where the mills are to stand, in behalf of the grantees, they paying the sum or sums of money which they shall cost." No report on this subject is entered on the records. If any was made in writing, it has not been found. The two lots marked on the plan, were, one in the north east part of the town, near where Elias Elliot built a mill, and the other in the south west part, near where the mill of Frederic Jones stands. It seems that under this vote and instruction, some change was made, for the mills contracted for by the propri- etors were built on the site of Dakin's mills, in the village. At this adjourned meeting, it was also " voted, that Mr. Benjamin Parker run out the two lines that are not already run, and that he have twelve pounds old tenor for doing said work, which he agreed to, [and] that he go and lay out two hundred acres of land lying between the north line of No. 1, 6 38 HISTORY OF MASON. and the south line of No. 2, in the best manner he can, for the use of the grantees of No. 1. Yoted that the Treasurer pay him for doing said work, at his returning the plan of said land; [and] that if anything should happen that he should not do the work by the middle of January next, that Capt. Peter Powers be directed to do said work forthwith, on the same conditions as aforesaid." By what claim or right the grantees of No. 1 were entitled ^'to go and lay out two hundred acres of land" between No. 1 and No. 2, does not appear. A tract or gore of land between the original lines or boundaries of these townships, was at some time annexed to No. 1. In the original location of townships in that part of the state, there was not the pre- cision which has prevailed in the surveys of the public lands of the United States, or in the more recently settled parts of New England. No base lines or meridian lines were run. Each township or tract was run out by itself, and it might readily happen that different surveyors going into the wilder- ness to run out tracts of land, not knowing what other survey- ors may have done, should not make their lines parallel, or corners coincident ; so that it is not a matter of surprise, that gores should be found to exist between tracts, which were intended and supposed to be bounded by the same line. Such seems to have been the case in this instance. The orig- inal grant of No. 2, now Wilton, was as follows : In June, 1735, the General Court granted to Samuel King and others, in consideration of their sufferings in the expedition to Canada, in the year 1690, the township of Lyndeborough, and about one third of Wilton, on the north side, under the name of " Salem Canada." The word " Canada" added to names of grants, was common at that time. Thus, Ipswich Canada, New Ipswich, Dorchester Canada, Ashburnham, &c. are in- stances. The tracts, with this addition to the names, were granted to the citizens of the several towns indicated, for their services in the expedition to Canada in 1690. In 1749, the Masonian proprietors made a grant of a tract of land PROPRIETARY HISTORY. 39 adjoining " Salem Canada" on the south, under certain condi- tions, to forty six persons. The grantees had it laid out and annexed to a part of Salem Canada, and called No. 2 ; which ■vras afterwards, Jan. 2, 1765, incorporated under the name of Wilton. A trouble which is apt to be incident to the undertaking of all new enterprizes requiring the expenditure of money, that is, the want of promptness on the part of those who are chargable with the payments, seems to have met the grantees at an early stage of their proceedings ; and very frequent and repeated references to the same difficulty, even to the very last stage of their proprietary existence, show that it was a constant and permanent source of annoyance. The final proceedings of this first meeting, continued so long by adjommments, referred to this matter, as follows : "Voted, that all persons refusing or neglecting to pay the respec- tive sums of money 'raised on their rights, after the third Tuesday of January next, [their rights] are hereby forfeited to the rest of the grantees, they paying the aforesaid sums of money, to defray the necessary charges in bringing forward the settlement of the town." The next meeting of the proprietors, was holden at the house of William Lawrence, Esq., in said township, on the 3d day of Dec. 1751. Wm. Lawrence, Esq. was chosen modera- tor. The proceedings were as follows : " Voted to build a meeting-house in said township, for the public worship of Grod, of the following dimensions ; viz : thirty feet in length, and twenty four or twenty six feet in width, as the committee chosen for that service shall think fit, and sixteen feet between joints. Voted and chose for said committee, Wil- liam Lawrence, Jonathan Hubbard, Esq., and Capt. Thomas Tarbell. Also voted, that the said committee be directed to inclose said house, lay the under floor, and to build a conven- ient place for the minister to stand to preach in." " Voted, to choose a committee to let out the mills in said township. Chose for said committee, Wm. Lawrence 40 HISTOEY OF MASON. and John StevenS; Esq. ; the saw mill to be built and com" pleted; fit for service, by the 25th day of May next, and the corn mill to be completed, fit to grind by the 25th day of May, 1753. Also voted, that the committee chosen to build the meeting-house, be directed to employ the proprietors or inhabitants both at the meeting-house, and at the highways^ provided they will work as chea'p and as well as others." At a meeting held at the house of Mr. Bnos Lawrence, on the 4th Tuesday of Oct. 1752, a vote wag passed to change the dimensions of the meeting-house to be built, to 40 feet by 30, and to add Benjamin Parker and John Stevens to the committee ; that the frame should be set up by the first of January next, and the house finished as directed by the formei' vote, by the first day of November next, which must be intended November, 1753. At this meeting John Stevens was chosen proprietors' clerk, the road from the Province line to the meeting-house place, was accepted as laid out, and "the meeting was adjourned to Mr. James Lawrence's in Groton west parish, that day three weeks." At the adjourned meet- ing, "Yoted, that if every proprietor, by the twentieth day of May next, obliged by the charter to settle a lot in said town- ship, have not built a dwelling-house and fenced six acres fit for plowing or mowing, [he] shall forfeit his land, according to the charter ; except such proprietors at said time, shall ease or consider the same ; provided that those persons that have done nothing on their rights, pay each man two shillings and eight pence lawful money for the use of said proprietary, for their past neglects, or else to have no benefit by the former vote." And on said adjournment, the committee chosen to view the lots report, as follows : THE committee's EEPOET. " This contains an account of what each man has done in No. one. Enos Lawrence has a house, and about eight acres cleared^ and dwells there. PROPEIETARY HISTOEY. 41 Nathan Hall, a house and seven acres of land, six of it broke up, and dwells there. Nathan Fish, a small house, about five acres cleared. Henry Jefts, seven acres cleared, and about three of it broke up, and a house. Obadiah Parker, a good house, and about two acres cleared. Ebenezer Butterfield, a good house, eight acres well cleared and broke up. Josiah Bobbins, about three acres cleared, and a poor fence. John Swallow cleared about one acre, and got some timber for a house. William Lawrence, a house and barn, and about ten acres cleared. Samuel Right, [Wright,] a cellar dug, two acres cleared. James Withee, a cellar dug, and three acres cleared and broke up. Simon Green, about two acres cleared and broke up, and a cellar dug, and a frame. Ensign Shattuck, one acre cleared on each lot. Capt. Thomas Tarbell, about three acres cleared. Capt. Samuel Tarbell, about three acres cleared. James Lasley, [Leslie,] house up, about three acres cleared. George Lasley, [Leslie,] a camp, about one acre cleared. Reuben Barrett, about three acres cleared, and two of it broke up. William Spaulding, a pretty good house, and some land cleared, and something done to a second lot. William Elliot, two acres cleared, and a cellar dug, [and] timber drawn for a house. Capt. Stevens, about nine acres cleared and fenced, also, about five acres more. Samuel Right, [Wright,] two lotts about one acre and a half cleared, and a camp. Shadrack Whitney, a house and barn, and about twenty acres cleared and fenced, and a young orchard. Signed, William Laweence, per order." 42 HISTORY OP MASON. At a meeting at the house of Enos Lawrence in said town* ship, on the 27th of November, 1753, " Col. Lawrence chosen moderator of said meeting j voted to choose a committee of three men for the service hereafter mentioned, &c. The committee to send Mr. Bellows a letter, to have the corn mill done by the first of June next, or else the Treasurer to put the bonds into execution. ^^ Voted to allow sixty pounds to pay for preaching between this and next May, and the inhabitants of said town to appoint the time and place. Col. Lawrence chosen to get a minister, and Col. Lawrence chosen Treasurer. Voted that the papers belonging to the proprietors, be put on public record, in the Province of New Hampshire so far as the com- mittee shall think fit. The committee for said service to be the same that takes the bonds." The delinquent proprietors continued to be a source of dif- ficulty. On page 49 of the proprietors' records is entered at large the vote first, above referred to. It is as follows: " Whereas, it appears to this proprietary that some rights in the said township No. One, that were obliged to settle the lots according to charter, have neglected to comply with the same, and in order for as speedy compliance with their duty as possible, it is necessary that such others should be admit- ted in their room that will comply with the same. Therefore, "Voted, That Col. Lawrence, Samuel Tarbell and John Stevens be a committee fully impowered to make a strict en- quiry who are now wholly delinquent, or that was delinquent on the 4th Tuesday of October, 1752, and to take good secu- rity to the value of one hundred pounds new tenor, that they will enter upon and perform their duty agreeable to the char- ter, viz : that is to say, to have three acres of land well cleared and fenced at the least, a house built and inhabit the same by the first day of May next, and upon the failure of entering into bond with the aforesaid committee within one month from this date, to enter upon such delinquent proprie- tors' right and take possession of the same, and dispose of it PEOPEIETAEY HISTORY. 43 to some suitable person, that will immediately enter upon sucli right and comply with the duty as abovesaid, and pay such sum of money for the use of said proprietors as the said committee and the new grantee shall agree for, or such old grantee to pay such a sum of money for the use of said proprietors, to the abovesaid committee for the past negleet, as the said proprietors shall order at this meeting ; and the abovesaid committee are further directed to take a bond of each grantee or settler, that hath not complied with their duty, for the faithful performance of the condition of their grants, &c., and to save the proprietors harmless, &c., for want of the duty being done and taxes paid in season ; the obligation and condition of said bond to be as the abovesaid committee shall think most just and reasonable and better to bring forward the settlement of said plantation, &c. Also, Voted, That each delinquent proprietor that hath done noth- ing on his right shall pay three pounds, old tenor, to said committee for the use of said proprietors." A meeting was called at the house of Enos Lawrence, on the 16th of July, 1754. A recital in the record of that meet- ing sets forth that William Lawrence, Esq., and others, at a meeting on the 17th of November, 1753, were appointed a committee and authorized to enter into and dispose of delin- quent rights, and to take bonds for performance according to the tenor of said vote, &c., so that it is probable that the &c. after the word "vote," is one of the pregnant &c's of Lord Coke, and embraces and includes the whole vote so entered as above, and that the whole record commencing with the word "Whereas," should have been inserted in place of the &c., but not having been drawn up in proper form till the rest of the record had been made and entered, it was entered by itself, without preface or explanation. At the meeting July 16th, 1754, the time for taking bonds by the committee was extended thirty days from that date, and the time to comply with the requirements of the charter as to " inhabiting, fenc- ing and clearing," was extended to November next, and 44 HISTOEY OF MASON. Joseph Blanchard, Esq., was desired to apply to the grantors for an enlargement of the time for compliance with the set- tling duties. At the same meeting, one hundred pounds of the money already raised was appropriated for preaching, and Thomas Tarbell, Enos Lawrence and Reuben Barrett, were chosen a committee "to provide preaching so far as one hundred pounds old tenor goes." At a meeting held at the house of Enos Lawrence, Novem- ber 18, 1754, fifty pounds, old tenor, was allowed out of money already raised to pay for preaching, and a committee of nine was appointed "to view for a burying place and make return to the next meeting." The committee were Enos Lawrence, Thomas Tarbell, Nehemiah Gould, Obadiah Par- ker, Reuben Barrett, Nathan Hall, Henry Jefts, Eleazer But- terfield and William Eliot, all of whom were probably then inhabitants, and most of whom remained inhabitants till the time of their death. There is no record of any meeting between November 18, 1754, and May 11, 1757, at which last date a meeting was held at the house of Enos Lawrence. William Lawrence, Esq., was moderator. A vote was passed to have "ten days' preaching in said township, as soon as conveniently may be. Also, to raise ten pounds old tenor New Hampshire bills on each right liable to settle in said township, or two Spanish milled dollars to answer the same tax" ; by which it would seem that one pound old tenor New Hampshire bills was equal to twenty cents. One hundred and fifty pounds was also appropriated to be worked on the highways, at thirty shillings per day. Enos Lawrence, Thomas Tarbell and Na- than Hall, were appointed "to have the oversight of working out the money on the highways." One half was to be worked out from the meeting house on the east to Pole Hill, one quarter from Townsend line to the meeting house, and the other quarter "by Mr. Hall north of the meeting house, and from said house to Obadiah Parker's house." PROPRIETARY HISTORY. 45 "Voted, To choose a committee to put Mr. Bellows' bond in execution for not building the mills, unless lie immediately prevent the same by accommodation." Col. Blanchard, Col. Lawrence and John Stevens were chosen for this purpose, and directed if they could not agree with Mr. Bellows "then to agree with some other person or persons to build one or both of said mill or mills." "Voted, To add Nathan Hall and Thomas Tarbell to the committee for finishing the meeting house according to the former vote." At a meeting held October 24, 1758, "Voted, That Reuben Barrett be joined to the committee for laying out highways in the room of Mr. Goold deceased." This is the first record of death in the town. It appears by the journal of Joseph Holt, who resided many years in Wilton, which has just been published in the tenth volume of the New England Historical and G-enealogical Register, see page 307, that Corporal Gould of No. 1, was killed in battle, near lake George, on the 20th of July, 1758. This was undoubtedly Nehemiah Gould, referred to in this entry in the proprietors' records. Who of the present inhabitants ever heard his name, or knows where he resided ? How com- pletely one hundred years had swept him to oblivion, but for this casual entry in this comparatively unknown and almost forgotten book. Jacob Gould was one of the grantees of the town. His lots were No's 4 R. 18, 4 R. 14, and 2 R. 12. Whether he was a relative of Nehemiah Gould, is not known. Nehemiah Gould was married to Molly Kemp, at Groton, March 9, 1773. He may have been a son of Corporal Gould. An extract from Holt's journal may be found in the Appendix. A tax of £90 was " assessed on the rights liable to pay charges; to be laid out only for preaching." "Voted that Enos Lawrence provide a preacher." A meeting was held January 2, 1759. " Chose Col. Law- rence, moderator. Voted, That Jonathan Blanchard be a committee man to supply the place or places of the late Col, Joseph Blanchard in anything wherein he was concerned for 7 46 HISTORY OF MASON. said proprietary. Obadiah Parker was chosen collector. " Yoted the sum of forty six dollars, or equal thereto, ac- counting them equal to £276 New Hampshire old tenor, be raised on this proprietary. Voted, That half a dollar on each right, or equal thereto, in New Hampshire bills, be assessed on this proprietary, to be applied for preaching." In the warrant for the meeting, November 26, 1759, the 5th article was " To see if the proprietors will make up the depreciation of the New Hampshire bills to Mr. Francis Worcester." This was undoubtedly Mr. Francis Worcester, of HoUis, the ancestor of the Rev. Dr. Noah Worcester, of Brighton, Mass., the Rev. Leonard Worcester, of Peacham, Yt., the Rev. Thomas Worcester, of Salisbury, N. H., and the Rev. Dr. Samuel Worcester, of Salem, Mass. The service for which he had been paid in depreciated bills, was probably preaching, for that was his vocation. The record of the meeting does not show specifically what was done with this claim. No doubt it was allowed among "sundry accounts, the particulars of which are on file." There is a tradition, probably well founded, that Mr. Worcester, on one occasion going to No. 1 to preach,being overtaken by night and darkness in the forest, in the valley east of the old meeting house near where the railroad crosses the highway, was pursued by wolves and driven to take refuge upon the top of one of the immense bowlders so abundant in that locality, on which he spent the night, and in the morning went on his way rejoicing. Another version of the story concludes with stating that by Ms shouts he alarmed the neighbors, who, under the lead of Capt. Thomas Tarbell, went to his assistance and delivered him from his perilous condition. At this meeting, one. dollar was raised on each right, to be applied for preaching next April, and Obadiah Parker was chosen a committee to provide a preacher. In the warrant for a meeting to be held November 25, 1760, the second article is, "To see if the proprietors will choose an agent or trustee to succeed Joseph Blanchard, Esq., de- PROPRIETAEY HISTORY. 47 ceased, for the recovery of a certain bond given to him in that capacity by Benjamin Bellows, Esq., for building mills in the township aforesaid," &c. At the meeting, Jonathan Blanchard was chosen trustee in place of Joseph Blanchard, Esq. One dollar on each right was raised for defraying the expenses of prosecuting the suit on Bellows' bond, and one dollar also for further finishing the meeting house, and one dollar more for highways. This last record is in Jonathan Blanchard's hand Avriting, but is not signed. It is the last entry in his hand writing. A notice issued by him for a meeting, dated August 16, 1762, is recorded by Thomas Tarbell, Clerk. All the subsequent entries are made by Thomas Tarbell, as clerk. His oath of office as clerk is recorded by him as follows : "October the 20, 1762. Then Thomas Tarbell parsonely appeard & maid orth that in the offies of Propts Clerk for No. one, to which he was chosen, he would act acording to the beast of his judgment. Sworn before John Hale, Jostes pees." At the meeting September 14th, 1762, it was "voted that the remainder of the money not already laid out, that was raised for'1;he prosicution of Mr. Bellosses Bond, be apprO' priated towards paying for preaching. Yoted to rais for dolers for to pay for Preaching; voted, Capt. Thomas Tar- bell, Mr. Nathan Hall and Enosh Lawrence, be a new meeting house comeete ; voted Mr. Nathan Hall and Elias Eliot, be a committee to esamin, and see if a good road can be had from the falls in Souhegon river at William Mansur's, through part of this Township, to come in by Mr. Hall's, and to make return at Next meeting." This was undoubtedly the road leading from the village, by Silas Bullard's and Jonathan Bachelder's, to the meeting-house. " "Voted that Mr. Barrat and Mr. Robins, Capt. Thomas Tarbell, be comeett to provid preaching. Yoted that ten dollars be paid to Jonathan Blanchard by the Treashuer as soon as the saim corns into 48 HISTORY OF MASON. the Tresure, and Treslir be discliargd of that sum accordingly when paid, for his sarvis as dark, with the ten dolers reed for the prosecution of Belloses Bond in full for his sarvis." In the warrant for the meeting of the proprietors to be held on the 6th of April, 1763, the second article was, "to see if the proprietors will give a call to any of the gentlemen who have preached with them, and choose a committee to present said call and Incouragement, if any they will give, to said gentlemen, as shall be agreed on by said propraits." At the meeting, Obadiah Parker was chosen moderator. " Yoted to give the first seteled minister, seven hundred pounds silver Old tenor as setelment; and four hundred pounds salary year- ly, and a right of land in said township. Voted to give Mr. Ebenezer Champney a call to setel in the Gospel; chose for a comeett to present said call, Thomas Tarbell, Enosh Lawrence and Whitcomb Powers." There is a tradi- tion, that Champney's reply to the committee who presented the call, was that it would take more than two such cauls to make a candle. His tastes inclined him to secular rather than clerical pursuits. He left preaching and became a law- yer, and was for many years Judge of Probate, which office he held till he resigned it a short time before his death, Sep- tember 10th, 1810. " Voted to give six months to have the mills completed." At the meeting, March 29th, 1764, Oliver Eliot, moderator, "chose Col. James Prescott, Capt. Thomas Tarbell and Obadiah Parker, a committee to examine the papers, and accompts belonging to said propts, and put them in a proper form, and prepare a list of the names of the paiers as well [as] the original grantees, with the sum of money that they may be Essesed for. Voted to reserve one dolar for preaching. Voted to except Left. William Prescott and others, to come in as proprietors of No. one, upon their obliging themselves to pay taxes as other propts, and that they should have a strip of land Ginning No. two." This Left. William Prescott was the famous Col. William Prescott of Bunker Hill memory. At a meeting, January 29th, 1765, PROPRIETARY HISTORY. 49 "Voted to turn the road through Obadiah parker's land from wheare it was laid out, to wheare it gose now." " Voted, that each man have half a dolar a day, [for work on the highways] said work to be done by the last day of Agost next." "At a meeting of the priters of No, one, March 20th, 1765, at the house of Capt. Thomas Tarbell. Voted and chose Leftenant William Prescott moderator. Voted not to chues a new proprts clerk. Voted not to chues a new Treshurer at present. Voted to rais too dolers a wright to pay for preaching. Voted for comeet to hier preaching, Capt. Thomas Tarbell, En. Enosh Lawrence and En. Whitcomb Powers. Voted to have the proporters' meetings at the meeting' house in No. one, and their onely for the futer. Voted that the svears of highways be otherized to setel with the Treshurer about highway raits," &c. At the meeting April 23rd, 1766, " chose for svers, John Swallow, Jonathan Crospy, Ensign Whikomb Powers and Eeuben Barrett. Voted to Obadiah Parker four dolars for costs that he paid for being sued on the propts accompt. [interlined, June 16th, 1767, then the above accompt paid to Obadiah Parker.] Voted that Jonathan Crosbe and Eben Blood be cometee to lay out a road from Richard Lawrence's, to the road that comes from Blood's to the meeting-house." This is a part of the same road which Hall and Elliot were to examine. In the warrant dated November 5, 1766, for a meeting to be held December 16, 1766, the 7th article was, "To see if the proitors will give the Rev'nd James Parker a call to setel with them in the gospel, and to see what Licouragement they will give him as to setelment and salery, and chose a comett to present said call." At the meeting "chose Left. William Prescott moderator. Voted, To give Mr. James Parker a call to setel with them in the Gospel. AUso, Voted, To give him, if he setls, as 50 HISTORY OF MASON. setlment, ninety three pounds six shillings & eight pence, Lafel money. Allso, Voted, To give as salery Four hundred pounds silver, old tener, yearly, until there is eighty familys, and then four hundred and fifty yearly until there is one hun- dred families^ and then five hundred pounds yearly. Allso, chose a comeett to presant said call, Capt. Thomas Tarbell, Mr. Jona. Crosby, En. Whitcomb Powers." In the warrant for the meeting March 10, 1767, the 4th ar- ticle was " To see if the proportors will chues a comeettee to lay out the pew and seat ground in said No. 1 meeting house. " 5thly. To see if the propts will order in what maner the pues shall be disposed of. , " 6thly. To see if the propiortors will pass a vote that every man's vot in said meeting shall be according to the taxes he shall pay in said township." At the meeting, it was "Voted, Chose Obadiah Parker, Nathan Hall and Whitcomb Powers comeett to Lay out the pue ground & seat ground in said meeting houes. "Voted, That the first setelers & highest payers have the pew ground, provided they seal the meeting house to the girts by October next. "Voted, That every man should not vot according to what lie pays in said township. "Voted, To except of Mr. Elias Eliot's mills." At a meeting November 4, 1767 : "Voted, That the comeet Brais the meeting house forthwith. "Voted & chose a comeett to view the roads to accommo- dat Slipton, said comeett, Mr. Joseph Bullard, Mr. Josiah Hobins, Left. Obadiah Parker, Mr. John Swallow, Mr. Nathan Hall, and if the comeet think the road by Mr. Baret's mills will accomodat Slipon, then said comeett to lay out said roa(J." This was the road leading from Mason Village to Temple. Slipton was a slip or tract of land north of No. 1, and now included in Temple and Sharon. "Voted, To rais one doler on each right for highways, and to make a bridge over the river at the mils, said mony to be PROPEIETARY HISTORY. 51 divided as was usal, said comeett, Cornelius Cook, Ruben Bar- rat, Ins. Wliitcomb Powers, Left. Obadiah Parker." In the warrant for the meeting January 5, 1768, the 6th article was "To see if the proportors and Inhabitance will pas a vote to be Incorporated, and if so to chues a man or more to Goo to Portsmouth & get the same accomplished." At the meeting it was, "Yoted, for a comatt to make Inquryes how the Township may be incorporated. Ens. Whitcomb Powers & Capt. Thomas Tarbell & Leftenant Obadiah Parker. Then ajornd the meeting four weeks. "The propts meet at Time & place and voted as foUoweth, viz : Voted, To be incorporated. AUso, Voted, That Left. Obadiah Parker disburst the money, & that he shall have a hansom reward for the same, & that he get the same Incorpo- rated as soon as may be." In the warrant for the meeting March 8, 1768, the 3d arti- cle was, "To see if the propts will dispose of any of the public lots in No. 1. Namely: Lot No. 5 in 7 Raing, & No. 6 in the 5 raing. No. 1 in 3 raing, & No. 9 in 1 raing." At the meeting it was, "Voted, To dispose of two of the school lots, namely : No. 6 in the 5 raing, and 7 in the 1 raing, by a comeett chosen for that sarvis, sd comeett. En. Whitcomb Powers, Capt. Thomas Tarbell, Ruben Barrett and Josiah Robens. Voted and chose for comeet to Rectifie the mistakes in the school [lots], Jo- siah Wheeler, Enosh Lawrence and Thomas Tarbell." The following is a copy, verbatim and literatim, of the warrant and record of the meeting, June 22, 1768 : ."Where as aplication hath ben maid to me the subscriber for calling a propts meeting of the propts of No 1. North of Townshend in the province of Newhampshier These are there fore to notifie & warn said propts to asembel & meet at the meeting house on the 22 Day of this Instant June at Nine clock in the fore noon to act on the foleing articals : 52 HISTOEY OP MASON. lly. To chues a modrater to govern said meeting. 2dly To see what the propts will chues to have the Town called. odly. To chues a comeett to setel with such parsons as have ben consarned with the propts money sins the setalment with Col Lawrence ares. 41y To see what the propts will do consarning Road to Mr Thos Barts mills 51y To alow accompts to any persons that has don sarvis [for] said propts If they Think proper. 61y To see if the propts will dispose of the grond of the two hind seatts to such parsons as they shall think proper, that shall make aplication 71y To see if the propts will turn the road a few rods Through Thos. Robens Land that comes from Left Parker to the meeting house. Test Thos Tarbell, propts Clerk. June the 7th, 1768. At a Legual meeting of the propts of No. one held at the meeting house on the 22 day of June 1768. Voted & chose Jo siah Robens modrator "Voted to have the Town called Sharon. Yoted for comeet to recon with the comeette [and] Tres- hureyr Joseph Bulard Ruben Baret & Olever Eliot. Yoted, for comeett to view & Lay out the road to Mr Thomas Baretts mills Obadiah Parker Nathan Whipel & John Swallow. Voted Capt Thomas Tarbell four Dolers for his sarvis as propts Clerk To be Drawn out of the Treshery to be in full for this sarvis to this Day. Voted not to dispose of the Ground of the two hind seats. Voted to turn the road a fue rods thrue Thos Roben Land. Then the meeting dismissed. A True Intry. Thomas Tarbell, propt Clerk." PROPRIETARY HISTORY. 53 At the meeting held March 22, 1769, it was, "Yoted, To give the meeting house to the town, except the privilege of the pues." At the meeting held October 18, 1769, it was, " Voted, To raise two dolers on each right liabel to pay taxes in Mason, and the comeett to have their pay out of said money for their being sued for said propty for hiring preaching." At the meeting held January 6, 1772, it was, "Voted, To Josiah Robens one doler."' [Interlined. "Robens got the doler March the 30, 1773."] The following is the record of the last doings of the pro- prietors : "PROvmcE OF New Hampshire — Hillshorough, ss. "Pursuent to the request of more than five of the propts of Mason, in the county aforesaid, for calling a propts meet- ing. These are, therefore. To Notifie & warn the propts of sd Mason to meet at the public meeting house in Mason, afor- said, on the second Tuesday of January next, at one of the clock in the afternoon, then and there to act on the fowling articals, to wit : lly. To chues a moderator for the regular carying on said meeting. 2dly. To hear and examine the accompts and demands of all persons that have any demands on the proprorts, for past services as Individuals, and they are desired to bring in the same, or Else Expect to befor Ever after debarred, &c. ; and to alow such as shall apear Reasonabel, and give order for payment as the propriorts shall think proper. 3dly. To chuese a commettee to examine into the con- duct of those who have heretofore recevd any of the propts money, as Tresherer, comats or Trustees, and to enabel them to give such discharges as they shall think proper, and to report as soon as may be. Thomas Tarbell, propt's Clerk. Mason, Dec. 16th, 1772. .54 HISTORY OP MASON, At a legal meeting of the propts of Mason, hild on the 12tli of January, 1773, Voted and chose Mr. Nathan Hall modrator, and voted to agorn the meeting to Mr. Samuel Abbots. Voted for comeetee to Look into the Estait of the Tresh- ery, and to Recon with the Tresherer, or commeetes, or Trus- tes Last chosen, to sell the Delinquants propts lands, said comeet Mr. David Bloget, Mr. Reuben Baret, Mr. Oliver Eliot. Then voted to agorn the meeting to the Last Tues- day of March next, to the meeting-house in Mason, at one o clock afternoon. March 30 the propts met acording to the agornment, and by reason of the comeet making a mistake in reconing with the Tresherer, agorned to the thirteenth day of Aprial, at three o clock afternoon, at this place. April the 13 the propts met at the time and place, and voted to agorn the meeting to the third Wednsday in May, One o clock afternoon, at this place. May the 19, then the propts met at the time and place and agorned to the first tuesday of June Next, att one oclock afternoon to this place. Test Thomas Tarbell propt Clerk." Sic exit in fumo,— thus vanish into shadows, the original proprietors of Mason. This is their last appearance. Whether the mistake made by the "comeet in reconing with the Tresherer" was ever rectified, does not appear, and will never be known by those who at this late day, endeavor to peer into their doings. They were a worthy body of men, and deserved well of the town and of their country, for their indefatigable efforts under circumstances of great embar- rassment, in "carrying on the settlement" of the place. Undoubtedly, before this apparently last and inconclusive meeting, all the land, except perhaps the lots reserved for schools and for the minister and ministry, -had become the property of individuals ; so that there was little if anything left for the propria J^ary to concern itself with. The town was incorporated, and was thus made capable of taking and PEOPRIETARY HISTORY. 55 ifolding the fee in the said lands, for the uses set forth in the ariginal grant of the territory. It seems that the "delin- quent propts" lands had been sold, and this last meeting had been called for the purpose of a general settlement of all out-standing claims, against the proprietary; which it is hoped and trusted was satisfactorily made, although it does- not appear of record. CHAPTER III. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. Proceedings and incidents in the Municipal affairs of the town from the year 1768, to 1858. [Copy of the Charter.] Province op ) George the Third, by the Grace of God, of New Hampshire. ) Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. To all to whom these Presents shall come. Greeting: Whereas, our Loyal Subjects, Inhabitants of a Tract of Land within our Province of New Hampshire, known by the name of No. One, and containing about five miles Square, and bounded as here- after mentioned, have Humbly petitioned and requested us, that they may be erected and incorporated into a Township, and infranchised with the same privileges which other towns within our said Province, have and Enjoy by Law, and it appearing unto us to be conducive to the General Good of Our said Province, as well as of the said Inhab- itants, in particular, by maintaining good order, and Encouraging the culture of the Land, that the same should be done; Know ye, therefore, that We, of Our Especial Grace, certain Knowledge, and for the Encouraging and promoting the good purposes and Ends aforesaid, and with the Advice of our Trusty and Well Beloved John Wentworth, Esq., Our Governor and Commander in Chief, and of Our Council for said Province, Have erected afid Ordained, and by these presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, Do will and Ordain, that the Inhabitants of the Tract of Land aforesaid, and others who shall inhabit and improve therein hereafter, the same being butted and bounded as follows, viz : Beginning at a stake and stones on the Province line, thence running on the same line, five miles and twenty rods, to the S|E corner of New Ipswich, then running north on New Ipswich line, five miles to a white pine tree, to Wilton corner, then running east, on the south line of Wilton, five miles to a hemlock tree, then running south, five miles, by the Needle, to the bounds first mentioned, be and hereby are declared to be a Town Corporate, and are hereby erected and incorporated into a Body Politic and Cor- porate, to have continuance forever, by the name of Mason, with all 1768. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 57 the powers & authorities, Privileges, Immunities &- Franchises, which any other towns in said Province by Law have and Enjoy, to the said inhabitants, or who shall hereafter inhabit there, and their successors forever, always reserving to us, our heirs and successors, all white pine trees, which are or shall be found growing and being on the said Tract of land, fit for the use of our Royal Navy ; Reserv- ing also to us, our heirs and successors, the power and right of divid- ing the said town when it shall appear necessary and convenient, for the Inhabitants thereof: Provided, nevertheless, and it is hereby de- clared, that this charter and grant is not intended, nor shall in any way or manner, be construed to extend to, or affect the private prop- erty of the soil within the limits aforesaid ; and as the several Towns within our said Province are by the Laws thereof enabled and author- ized, to assemble and by a majority of votes present, to choose all such officers, and transact such affairs, as in the said Laws are declared, We do by these presents, nominate and appoint, Obadiah Parker, Gent., to call the first meeting of said Inhabitants to be held within said town, at any time within forty days from the date hereof, giving legal notice of the time and design of holding such meeting, after which the annual meeting of said town shall be had for the choice of said officers & the purposes aforesaid, on the second Mon- day of March, annually. In testimony whereof, we have caused the public seal of our said Province to be hereunto affixed. Witness John Wentworth, Esquire, the aforesaid Governor, the twenty-sixth day of August, in the eighth year of our reign. Anno Domini, 1768. J. Wentworth. By his Excellencie's command, with advice of Council. T. Atkinson, Jr., Sec'y. Province op New Hampshire. — Secretary' s Office. Recorded in the Book for recording Charters of Incorporation, Pa. 303, 304. T. Atkinson, Jr., Secretary. At the proprietors' meeting, held January 5th, 1768, Oba- diah Parker was chosen " to Groo to Portsmouth" to get the incorporation, and was authorized to " disburst the money" therefor. This duty he attended to, and procured the charter, a copy of which is found on the preceding pages. The origi- nal charter shows the name of the town, first inserted, to have been Sharon, according to the vote of the proprietors ; but it was erased, and the name Mason substituted. This was, undoubtedly, done in compliment to John Mason the original proprietor, or to John Tufton Mason, who was one of the grantees of the original township. The above copy was transcribed from the town records ; it is not certain that 58 HISTORY OP MASON. it is a true copy of the original Charter. Acts of incorpo- ration in those clays, •^ere granted by virtue of the executive ■or prerogative power of the Governor and not by legislative ■enactment. At that time it was a long and tedious journey from Mason to Portsmouth. Parker must have performed it on horse-back, or not unlikely, on foot. His "disburst- ments and charges for this service," appear by the record of the town meeting, November 7th, to have been X12 6s. 6d. 3q. Under date of March 21st, 1769, is recorded an order to pay him X9 4s. lid. Oq., and interest for the charges of the incorporation. The items of the bill would at this day, be a matter of great curiosity ; but they cannot be recovered. Parker was by the charter, authorized to call the first meeting of the inhabitants, in their corporate capacity, and he issued his warrant therefor, a copy of which, being the warrant for the first town meeting of the town, is here inserted. "Province of New Hampshire. By order of his Excel- lency, John Wentworth, Esquire, and the Honorable Council, for calling a meeting of the Inhabitants and Free- holders of Mason, in order for the choice of Town ofiicers, &c. I therefore notify and warn the Inhabitants and all Free- holders and voters by law of the Town of Mason, to meet att the meeting-house in Mason, on Monday, the nineteenth of September instant at ten of the clock in the forenoon, and when assembled and duly mett, then and there to act on the following articles ; viz : 1st. To chuse a moderator. 21y. To chuse a town clerk. Selectmen, and all other town officers, as the law directs. 3dly. To see whether the town will except the road lately laid out by Mr. Thomas Barrett's and Amos Deakin's mills and build a bridge over the river, now the water is low, and to act upon any other article, that they shall then think proper for to bring forward the town. Mason, Sept. ye 5, 1768. Obadiah Parker." 1768. MUNICIPAL HISTOBY. 59 At the meeting, Parker was chosen moderator; Josiah "Wheeler, clerk ; Josiah Wheeler, Obadiah Parker and Joseph Bullard, selectmen ; Reuben Barrett and John Swallow, consta- bles ; Nathan Hall, treasurer ; John Asten and Jonathan Win- ship, tythingmen; Thomas Barrett, Bnosli Lawrence Jr., Lem- uel Spaulding and Josiah Bobbins, surveyors of highways ; Capt. Thomas Tarbell, sealer of weights and measures ; John Asten, sealer of leather; Richard Lawrence and Joseph Blood fence viewers ; Samuel Lawrence and Joseph Lowell, hog con- stable ; Aaron Wheeler and Oliver Elliot, deer of&cers. "Yoted to except the road as it was latety laid out to Mr. Thomas Barrett's and Amos Deakin's mills. Voted that all the roads formerly laid out by the proprietors, and now upon file, shall stand as -town roads. Yoted to build a bridge over the river by said Barrett's and Deakin's mills ; therefore, voted that Amos Deakin, Thomas Barrett and Aaron Wheeler be a comtee to effect the same." Thus the town was fairly set up and provided with officers, its roads recognized and made valid. How the committee succeeded in building a bridge without means will in due time appear. It was also voted that the selectmen should serve without pay ; a scheme which, although it had a look of econ- omy, did not, in the end, as will appear, work well. Although everything looked fair, there was trouble ahead. Some of the officers chosen at the town meeting, refused to take the oath of office, and "therefore the selectmen appointed a town meeting in order for a new choice of such of&cers," &c. The meeting was called to be held on the 7th of November. In the warrant for the meeting, among other articles, was " 3dly. To see if the town will raise a sum of money to pay the charges of incorporation, to hire preaching, to pur- chase the Province laws and town books, and to defray other necessary town charges. "4thly. To see if the town will come into any measure for further finishing the meeting house : also, to choose comttee to effect the same." 60 HISTOEY OP MASON. At tMs meeting most of the recusant of&cers were rechosen. The only change was in the highway surveyors. The new board were Elias Eliot, Ens. Enoch LawrencC; Jonathan Jefts and Joseph Blood, and in the deer officers, Aaron Wheeler taking the office alone. The sum of X33 6s. 8d. Oq. lawful was raised to pay charges of incorporation, to hire preaching and to defray other charges. At this meeting it was, " Voted, To except a road laid out two rods wide, from New Ipswich line, through Amos Deakin's land, beginning at a heap of stones on a stump and running to a hemlock tree on the banck of the river, then running as the marks direct to the l!)ridge," &c. "A heap of stones on a stump," would not be regarded, in these days, as a suitable boundary to mark the limits of a road. Much exactness was not then required in the descrip- tion of the boundaries, angles, courses and distances, in lay- ing out roads. A most remarkable sample of such work, is found in the records of Townsend. It is as follows, under date of 1737 : " Yoted, a highway from the Pearl Hill brook to the place where the timber is cut to build a bridge, and from the said bridge to the Little G-oose pond, near where Horsely and Wallis and Brown and Wyman and Woodbury, goeth along for their hay, from thence we come down the path to the hither Goose pond and over the dam thereof, from thence as marks direct across the plain, and so down the little footpath till we pass the little brook and into the cartpath by the knoll, this side of James Stevens' house, from thence down by said last path till we come to the hollow beyond Horseley's field, so along Horseley's west line to Deacon Spaul ding's meadow lot, from thence over Rackkoon brook and across the corner of Manning's land, and from thence across the plain to the corner of the lot Daniel Sartell lives on, and turning said corner on John Stevens' land, and come along near the line between the lot Sartell lives on, and Ste- vens' land, to Hartshorn's brook, where the cartway goeth over, from thence on said Stevens' land between the lot afore- 1769. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 61 said and Hartshorn's farm to John Scales' old house place, from thence to Scales' nor east corner, which we found to be three miles and one hundred and sixty pole." At this meeting the town, "Voted, To allow OToadiah Parker's accompt for geting the town Incorporated, which sum is X12 6s. 6d. 3q." Then follows in the record, a copy of the warrant to "Mr. John Swallow, one of the constables, &g., commanding him in his majesty's name, to collect XI 7 15s. 6d. 2q." For the assessment and collection of taxes the town was, from the first, divided into two districts — the east and the west ; two constables or collectors were chosen, one in each district, to whom separate warrants were issued for the collection of the "rates." John Swallow was the constable or collector for the west side, and Reuben Barrett for the east side. A copy of the assessments committed to them is here inserted, by which it will appear who resided and were taxed on each part of the town, and what was their relative apparent ability to pay taxes; each warrant bearing date, January 28th, 1769. FIRST TAX LIST. WEST SIDE. £is d q David Lowell, Jr., 7 5 i Josiah Kobbins, 1 3 4 Nathan Whipple, 9 Ens. Enosh Lawrence, 1 1 6 1 John Jefts, 6 1 1 Samuel Lawrence, 8 8 1 John Asten, 7 8 John Swallow, 11 4 2 Joseph Barrett, 9 2 2 Isaac Holdin, , 8 7 0| Nathan Procter, 7 William Badcock, 9 6 Lieut. Obadiah Parker, 19 2 William Barrett, 7 5 1! Joseph BuUard, 12 1 Nathaniel Barrett, 19 9 1 Josiah "Wheeler, 7 6 1 Jonathan Foster, 6 Zachariah Davis, 1 5 1 Stevens Lawrence, 7 Keuben Tucker, 2 10 Thomas Robins, 6 Joseph Tucker. 8 ■i Enosh Lawrence, Jr., 10 7 1 Capt. Amos Lawrence, 8 2 Aaron Wheeler, 14 2 Mr. Will. Lawrence, 4 11 1 Nathaniel Hosmer, 6 1 1 Amos Deaken, Barrett, h 2 John Button, 6 2 2 Edmund Town, 1 5 1 Widow Burge, 4 2 2 Joseph Lowell, 6 John Eliot, 18 10 Cornelius Cook, 6 Moses Lowell, 12 1 Benjamin King-, 6 1 1 Richard Lawrence, 9 6 Dennis McLain, 6 Joseph Merriam, 9 5 1 David Lowell, 13 8 Sum Total, 17 15 6 a A similar warrant was issued to "Mr. Reuben Barrett, Constable for the East side," to collect XI 7 10s. 7d. Iq., as follows : 9 62 HISTORY OF MASON. FIRST TAX LIST. EAST SIDE. £iS. d.|Q Oliver Eliot, Oilli 5 2 Capt. Thomas Tarbell, 1 lOlOiO Daniel Fisk, 3: 6 Elias Eliot, Ujllil Mary J efts, Widow, l\ 6 Jason Eussell, 9 2 Thomas Jefts, 6 2 1 JSfathaniel Smith, 9 3 1 Jonathan Jefts, 14 1 1 Joseph Koss, 11 3 1 Nathan Hall, 15 7 1 Nathaniel Tarbell, e James Hall, 6 3 1 Edmund Tarbell, e fl Patience Fish, Widow, IS Jonathan Williams, 9 11 1 Eleazer Fish, t; 2 Senben Barrett, 19 10 1 Ebenezer Blood, 14 2 Hannah Eliot, Widow, li 6 1 Jason Dunster, c, 6 Samuel Pcripture, 1 Ol 9li Joseph Herriek, t U James Weathee, lo! 9 Jonathan Winship, 19 Lemuel Spaulding-, 8! 4 iSamuel Tarljell, 6 8 Elizabeth Powers, Widow, 6! 4 2 Nathaniel Barrett, Jr., 6 Joseph Blood, 6; John Leornard, 6 11 2 Abel Shedd, 6] Jonathan Fish, e 8 2 George Woodard, 6 2 _ Jabez Kendall, 9l 8 ■ Sum Total, 17 10 7 1 An important duty of the selectmen in those days was, to take due care that the town should not be made chargable for the support of paupers, whose residence was in other places. Among the earliest official acts of the first board of select- men, was the issuing of warrants to warn such persons to remove from the town, by which process they were prevented from gaining any lawful settlement by residence in the town, so as to make the town liable to support them, in case they should become unable to support themselves. As a sample of the mode in which this provision of a by-gone age was carried out, a copy of the first such warrant issued by the se- lectmen, and of the return of the of&cer thereon, is inserted : WARRANT. Province of New Hampshire. To Mr. John Swallow, con- stable in Mason, in said Province : Whereas, a person named Dorothy Stevens hath, for some time, resided in the town of Mason, in said Province, and [is] likely to become a lawful inhabitant in said town, unless lawfully prevented, these are, therefore, in 'his majestie's name, to will and require you, the said constable, forthwith to warn the said person to depart out of said town, within fourteen days, and to remain in said town no longer. Hereof fail not, as you will answer your default in the penalty of the law, and make due return of this warrant and of your doings therein, within fourteen days. 1769. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 63 Given under our hands and sealS; at Mason, the 17th day of January, A. D. 1769, and in the ninth year of his majestie's reio-n. Obadiah Parker, > Joseph Bullard, > Selectmen. JosiAH Wheeler, ) RETURN. Provls-ce op New Hampshire. Mason, January 20, 1769. By virtue of this • warrant, I have warned the within named Dorothy Stevens, to depart out of said town, within fourteen days, and to remain in said town no longer. John Swallow, Constahle in Mason. Similar warrants and returns are recorded for warning out Mary Jefts and her lb. child, January 26, 1769; Elizabeth Parker, February 25, 1769 ; Samuel Bennett and Sarah Wor- rer, July 24, 1769 ; Jonathan Cafiford, July 27, 1769; Jonas Perry, February 27, 1770. After which, nothing is recorded but the names of the parties and dates of the warrants. At the meeting, March 13, 1769, "Voted, To allow Amos Dakin and Aaron Wheeler's accompt for building a bridge over the river by said Dakin's mills, which sum is £8 Os. 9d. 3q. starling money of Great Britain." March 21, 1769. Treasurer is ordered to pay Josiah Wheeler £0 lis. 9d. Oq. for town books; Obadiah Parker £9 4s. lid. Oq. and interest, for the charges of incorpora- tion; John Swallow XO 3s. 3d. for warning several persons out of town; Obadiah Parker XO 14s. 4d. for boarding Mr^ Coggin; Obadiah Parker X3 12s. Od. Oq. "for to pay Mr. Jacob Coggin for four days.pritching." The proprietors having voted to give the meeting house to the town, at their meeting held March 22, 1769, there was an article in the warrant for the town meeting to be held May 9, 1769, "To see if the town will except the meeting house, provided those men that own pews take them for their seats ; also, to determine whether the town will do anything towards finishing said house, and how far they will go in finishing it." At the meeting held May 9, "Voted, That the town excepted 64 HISTOEY OP MASON. the meeting house if the men that own pews take them for their sets. Voted, To bild the seats and to nail the Bords on the outside of sd house. * * Voted and chouse Enosh Lawrence, John Asten, Aaron Wheelear, comete to hier prich- ing. Voted and chouse John Asten, John Swallow, Nathan Whipel, comete to Bild the seats and nail the Bordes on sd house. Voted, To chuse a comete to see into the steat of the selectmen, assessors, and into the state of the Tresure. Aron Wheelear, Euben Barret, Oliver Alet were chouse cemete men. * "^ Voted, The road throu William Bad- cock's land where it now goes to Josiah Wheeler's and to New Ipsshed. The sist articakel not acted on. * ^^ Voted and chouse a comete to pich upon a place or places for a grave yard. Enosh Lawrance, Samauel Scripter, Nathan Hall." At the meeting Sept. 11th, 1769, "Voted to except the money that two of the 'cool lots was sold for by the proprie- tors last Febueary in lew of the lots that was sold." January 11th, 1770, the treasurer was ordered to pay Josiah Wheeler One pound four shillings Lawful money, to pay Mr. Josiah Willard for one day preaching in the year 1768. Also to pay Stephen Lawrence six shillings for boarding Mr. Nathan Bond while preaching in 1769. Also to pay John Swallow two shillings and eight pence for keeping Mr. Nathan Bond's horse while preaching in 1769. The town seems at an early period, to have been troubled with "idle persons." In the warrant for the annual meeting, in 1770, the 9th article is, "To see if the town will provide a work house in order to set Idle persons to work, also, to appoint an overseer for said house." At the meeting, it was " Voted that there be a work house provided and that Eeuben Barrett be the overseer and master of said house," a vote that may have operated in terrorem, and frightened away the idle persons ; for although no house was provided, yet it is some years before any new complaints appear, of the preva- lence of idle persons. At the same meeting, " Voted to have 1771. MUNICIPAL HISTOET. 65 but one graveyard. Voted to except of that piece of ground for a graveyard which the committee, that was appointed to lay out graveyards have laid out at the west end of lot No. 6, in the ninth range on the west side of the road that goes to Townshend, running on said road twenty poles from the south line of said lot, containing two acres." Aug. [10] 1770. Ordered one pound twelve shillings paid to Samuel Scripture " for boarding Mr. Bigglow and Mr. Ward while preaching in Mason." Also, to Obadiah Parker " twelve shillings seven pence for going after a minister," and same date to James Withee 4s. lOd. " for paying John Asten for nine dinners for thQ ministers Mr. Bigglow and Mr. Ward." Mr. Asten probably lived at the nearest house to the meet- ing-house, the cellar of which now remains in the north west corner of the Eev. Mr. Hill's old orchard. A meeting was called August 27th, 1770, among other matters, "to see if the town will give Mr. Jonathan Searle an invitation to settle among them in the Gospel ministry and what they will oJEFer him as settlement and salary." "Sthly. To see if the town will raise money to release Samuel Scripture the difficulty about Mr. Brown's preaching." At this meeting it was "voted unanimously to give Mr. Searle a call ; to give him one hundred pounds Lawful, settlement, half in sis and half in twelve months after ordination, sixty pounds lawful as salary, the first ten years, and at the end of ten years X66 13s. 4d. as yearly stated salary." "Yoted not to act on the 5th article," so Mr. Scripture was not "relieved of his difficulty." 1770, December 18th, the treasurer was ordered to pay James Withee 18s. "for paying Mr. Jona. Searle so much." "Dec. 24. The Treasurer was ordered " to pay Aaron Wheeler £8 8s. to pay Mr. Ward for seven days preaching." 1771, Feb. 18. The Treasurer was ordered to pay Thomas Tarbell £4 4s. "for boarding Mr. Searle 14 weeks." At the annual meeting 1771, a rate was made for improving the school lot, to be paid in labor. A man was allowed 2s. 66 HISTORY OP MASON. 8d.; and a yoke of oxeii; Is. 4d. a day. "Voted to allow the town Treasurer 2d. 2q. on the pounds for taking [in] and paying out the towns money." The school lot here referred to, is the lot on which the meeting-house was built. 1771; March 7th; the treasurer was ordered to pay Ens. Enosli Lawrence XI 6s. 8d. "for boarding Mr, Searle 4 weeks." Mr. Scripture still being "in trouble about Mr. Brown's preaching/' applied to the town for relief. In the warrant for the meeting June 3d, 1771; the second article waS; "To see if the town will make Mr. Samuel Scripture any allowance with respect to the charge and trouble li,e has been put to relative to Mr. Brown a late preacher in said town j he the said Scripture being the person that employed him for that business; and he has been sued and put to cost and charge upon this account, and to say what he shall have allowed him for the same." The town voted not " to allow him for the same," for what reason does not appear. November 18, 1771, "Voted, To hire Mr. Newcum [New- comb] one month upon probation, in case he will supply us." Same date. Treasurer ordered to pay Insign Enosh Law- rence <£2 7s. 3d. Iq. "in part for boarding ministers the sum- mer past." January 3, 1772. To the same, 12s. "in part for boarding ministers the summer past." April 29, 1772. An order "To pay Thomas Tarbell eight shillings for providing for a fast we had on account of giv- ing Mr. Searle a call." At a meeting August 10, 1772, the call to Mr. Searle was renewed, with the same settlement and salary. This call was accepted. Of his answer, a copy is inserted on pages 67 and 68, in this chapter. September 7, 1772. At a meeting called to appoint a day for the ordination, &c., "Voted, To accept Mr. Searle's answer, and that the 14 of October be the day of ordination, and to send to the following nine churches under the pastoral 1772. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 67 care of tlieir ministers to assist, viz : Hollis, Rev. Daniel Em- erson ; Bj^efield, Rev. Moses Parsons ; Pepperell, Rev. Joseph Emerson; New Rowley, Rev. James Chandler; Townshend, Rev. Samuel Dix ; Linebrook, Rev. George Leslie ; New Ips- wich, Rev. Stephen Farrar; Old Rowley, Rev. Jedediah Jew- ett; Temple, Rev. Samuel Webster." "Voted, To give Lieut. Obadiah Parker, eight pounds four- teen shillings and four pence, L. money, to entertain the council, together with all the other gentlemen of the clergy, and Mr. Searle's relations and friends, that may attend the ordination." "Voted, That Mr. Searle may be absent two Sabbaths in a year yearly, in order to visit his relations, in case it may not be in his power to provide a supply." Josiah Wheeler, Amos Dakin and Obadiah Parker were chosen "A committee to send out letters missive for the ordi- nation. Voted, To choose a committee to prop up the gal- leries in the meeting house, as they shall think proper, before the ordination." David Blodgett, Jacob Blodgett, Lieut. John Swallow, Samuel Scripture and Enosh Lawrence Jr., were chosen a committee for that purpose. "Voted, To chuse a committee to tend the meeting house doors, and keep the body seats the men's side for the church, and the women's side for the council, on ordination day." Edmund Tarbell Jason Russell, Reuben Hosmer and Nathaniel Hosmer, were chosen for this purpose. The call or invitation to Mr. Searle is not recorded, nor has any copy of it been found. His answer is entered at length in the records. It is characteristic of the man, and as it is one of the few memorials of him left, it is here inserted : "To the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Mason: Be- loved Friends ; As God, who has the Hearts of all Men in his hands, has called me, tho' most unworthy, to preach in several Places, and of late in this Place ; so I Humbly hope, through Grace, that it has been and is still my real Desire to hearken to his Voice in Providence, and readily to comply 68 HISTORY OP MASON. with the same. And as you have proceeded according to the Coppy of your Votes, which the Committee lodged in my hands, to renew your Call for my Settlement in the work of the Ministry among you, and that, as I understand, with much Harmony and good Agreement, I look upon myself bounden in Duty to encourage the same ; since I trust God has, by his Spirit, made such an application of his word and Providence to my mind as leads me to see that I'm called not only of Man but of G-od : Accordingly, I do cheerfully give up myself to God, to serve him by his Grace in the Gospel of his Son; and it is my Purpose to give myself to you by the will of God. "I take it for granted in your vote respecting my settlement, you mean to give me One Hundred Pounds, in addition to and over and above those Lands given by your Charter to the first minister, and upon that condition give an affirmative Answer to your request. "I beg a constant and fervent Remembrance in all your Addresses at the Throne of Grace, that God would abun- dantly furnish me for the Work of the Ministry, with the Gifts and Graces of his holy Spirit. "And now Sirs, may God graciously smile upon and bless you in all your concerns, particularly respecting your settle- ment in Gospel Order. I do fervently commend you "to God and to the Word of his Grace which is Able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among them which are sancti- fied," And Subscribe myself your Servant in our Common Lord. Jonathan Searle. "P. S. Whereas my Relations live at some considerable Distance whom 'tis likely I shall incline to visit once a year, when it may not be in my Power to provide a Supply, I should take it very kindly if in your next meeting, you would take this Matter into Consideration, and give Liberty that I may be absent two or three Sabbaths in a year, as you may think proper." This is all that appears upon the town records, in reference 1772. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 69 to the call and ordination of Mr. Searle. In the History of the New Hampshire Churches, page 23, it is stated, that Mr. Searle received a call to settle at Candia, N. H., between 1768 and 1771, "which he seems to have declined in favor of Mason. This connection commenced with favorable auspices, was not a happy one. Difficulties soon arose, of which the details will appear in their proper place. The call, it may be remarked is not in accordance with the principles upon which congregational churches now claim to be established. This call proceeded from the town alone. There was at the date of these proceedings no church. That was not oi-gan- ized or formed until the 13th of October, the day before the ordination. The "letters missive" were issued by the town. It is now the prescribed and universal rule, for the letters to be issued by the church, and for the town or society by their committee to join with the church in sending out the letters. The call also should proceed from the church, in the first instance, as it is from the church alone that it has any eccle- siastical or binding force, as a religious institution or ordi- nance. The action of the town is merely subsidiary, and . has reference only to temporalities, such as the salary, settle- ment, use of lands, parsonage, &c. Such rights, towns in their corporate capacity, continued to exercise, a concurrence on their part with the church, being requisite for the lawful settlement of a minister, until the act of the Legislature, passed July 1st, 1819, took away from towns all such power; and parishes, or societies came in place of towns, in the con- tracts for settling ministers. The clergyman, in those days, was the minister, that is, the servant of the town and people ; but the pastor, that is the keeper, the shepherd of the church. Then permanence gave dignity and authority to the office j gravity, learning, and a paternal interest and care for the whole people, made the minister the first and principal man in the town, whose character, especially if for good, impressed itself thoroughly and permanently, upon the whole town, and all its interests and institutions. That he should be right. 10 70 HISTORY OP MASON. minded, able and faithful, was as important for tlie prosperity of the town and people, as such characteristics are in the husband and father of a family, for the peace, happiness and prosperity of the domestic circle. What a change a half century with its new notions, has brought about. The rever- ence paid, and authority yielded to the clergy, is gone, and with them are gone much of the peace, order, sobriety and prosperity of our communities, especially in the agricultural regions. The old-fashioned charity, hospitality and brotherly kindness have vanished away, and their place has not been supplied by any gifts or graces, that should cause their loss not to be noticed and lamented. Possibly, in worldly pros- perity, some show of advance has been made, but in domestic felicity and neighborly good feelings, the by-gone days may fearlessly challenge a comparison with the present times. November 17th, 1772. The treasurer is ordered "To pay Mr. Jacob Burnap fourteen pounds eight shillings L. money for preaching and supplying Twelve Sabbaths in Mason." January 6, 1773. The Treasurer is ordered "To pay In- sign Enosh Lawrence <£3 10s. Od. 3q. L,, which sum, with what he has already rec'd, amounts to the sum total of his account for boarding Mr. Steward, Mr. Burnap and Mr. Wioth, while preaching in Mason. February 27, 1773. Order "To pay Lieut. Obadiah Par- ker XIO 16s. L., which sum he paid Mr. Jonathan Searle, in part for preaching in the town of Mason, in the year 1770," and same date, order to pay Nathan Coburn, three shillings "for carrying Mr. Jacob Burnap's money to him, which was due to him for preaching in Mason in the year 1771." Same date, Mr. Nathan Hall, as treasurer, is charged as " Dr. to the selectmen XI Is. 4d., the Eev. Jacob Burnap having abated so much, out of the sum the selectmen ordered the treasurer to pay him." March 5, 1773. Order "To pay Abijah Allen X4 6s. 8d for boarding Mr. Ames seven weeks, when preaching in Mason, and for boarding the Rev. Mr. Searle seven weeks, while 1773. MtTNlCIPAL HISTORY. 71 preaching in Mason, before his ordination, and for expenses to Concord in going after Mr. Ames." March 24, 1773. Order "To pay Elisha Withington three pounds for keeping school in Mason two months last winter." This is the first entry that appears, of money paid for schools. Mr. Withington continued for many years to be employed as a school master. There were then no school districts, or school houses. The whole ipanagement of the schools was under the superintendence of the selectmen. They employed the teacher and directed when and where the schools should be kept. The only memorials left, of the schools and teachers, are to be found in the records of the orders for the payment of their wages and expenses of wood •and rent of rooms. May 31, 1773. Order "To pay Lt. Obadiah Parker 8s. 9d. 3q. for his cost in sending for a law book, paying for a juror box, and paying Esq. Goss, for swearing the selectmen to the Inventory taken in April last." May 31, 1773. Order "To pay Lt. Obadiah Parker X2 Is. 5d., which he paid to the Rev. Jonathan Searle in full for his preaching in the town of Mason, in the year 1770, and like- wise X2 17s. Id., in part for what he preached in the year 1772, before his ordination." In the warrant for the town meeting, July 12, 1773, one article was, "To see if the town will provide a work house, or determine what method they will come into for the sup- port of the poor." Another was, "To see if the town will give liberty to Mr. Stevens Lawrence to build a house and horse stable on the school lot, for his own use on Sabbath days." Another, "To see if the town will accept of a piece of ground of Capt. Thomas Tarbell, for a graveyard." The town voted, "That there be a work house provided," that "Stevens Lawrence, or any other man, may have liberty to build a house or horse stable on the school lot, for their own use on Sabbath days." The work house was not built. The threat to build it probably induced the "idle persons" to 72 - HISTOEY OP MASON. withdraw or go to work. The piece of ground for a grave- yard, was that now occupied for that purpose, in the east part of the town, near where Capt. Thomas Tarbell then lived, about one mile east of the old meeting house. Under the liberty to build on the school lot, horse stables and houses for Sabbath days, two such houses were built, both of two small rooms, with a fire place in each room — one of them, by Stevens Lawrence, Jonathan Searle, Aaron Wheeler and John Swallow, the other by Col. James "Wood, Joseph Woods, Oli- ver Hosmer and Timothy Wheeler. A long line of horse sheds or stables was built, on the west side of the road oppo- site to the meeting house, and another line of stables on the north side of the meeting house. The earliest built were stables, in form and fact, being wholly enclosed and shut by a sliding door. These were fitted only for the accommodation of horses without carriages. The primitive mode of convey- ance to the public meetings, for worship, was on horse back. The father of the family with his wife behind him on the pil- lion, each with an infant child in their arms and with their Sunday dinner of brown bread, nut cakes or dough nuts, and cheese and apples in their pockets, left the humble cottage dwelling in the cleared patch, surrounded by the original forest, accompanied by the other members of the family, children and hired men, or relatives, inmates of the same, on foot, the procession wending its way, over the road but partially cleared of rocks and stumps, proceeded to the rough boarded, unpretending meeting house. The horse was well provided for in the close stable, sheltered from wind and storm. The people resorted to the Sabbath-day house, or as it was more generally called "noon house," at the season of intermission, where, by a good, comfortable fire, they enjoyed their homely but healthy fare of a dinner, with a social drink of cider, and such friendly and cheerful chat as served to keep up an intimacy and neighborly intercourse which tended to preserve personal friendship and good feeling in society. September 22, 1773. Order "To pay Josiah Wheeler £d 1774. MUNICIPAL HISTOEY. 73 12s., for paying Mr. Sylvauus Ames for preaching eight Sab- baths in Mason." March 14, 1774. Order "To pay Ens. Euosh Lawrence £5 14s. 8d. 2q., for paying Mr. Wyeth for four days' preach- ing, and 16 months interest for the same." July 15, 1774, At a meeting called expressly for that purpose, Amos Dakin "was chosen to send to meet the sev- eral towns in the Province at Exeter, on the 21st of July, in order to choose a committee to join the Congress at Phila- delphia, on the first of September next, in order to consult what measures may be best to be taken to secure our rights and privileges." This is the first distinct notice, that appears on the records of any action of the town in reference to the great struggle that was then impending, the successful result of which is destined to work a greater revolution, for the better, in human affairs, than any other event, that has oc- curred since the introduction of the Christian religion. The subsequent records show, that this little community, amidst poverty and privations, were not, in proportion to their means, second to any in the land, in their efforts to secure to themselves and their posterity, the great boon of political freedom and self-government. August 22, 1774. Josiah Wheeler was, at his request, ex- cused from further services as town clerk and selectman. He was a leading and active man in the affairs of the town and church, from the first organization of each, till this date. He served in the office of town clerk, to which he was chosen on the first organization of the town, every year but one, and as one of the selectmen every year, till he resigned both offices, as above, probably on account of ill health. By the record of deaths, it appears that he died October 17, 1774. His records are very well made, in a plain and distinct hand, and are now perfectly legible, in that respect comparing favor- ably with any of his successors, and very much superior to most of them. In what year he came into town has not been ascertained. His native place was Concord. He was one of 74 HISTORY OF MASON. the original members of the church, and took an active part in its proceedings. The birth of his eldest daughter, Lucy, is recorded January 16, 1765. This was anterior to the commencement of the town records. The entry is made by himself, as town clerk. He probably then lived in town. He lived upon the farm afterwards owned by Hincksman "Warren. His widow continued to live upon the farm till October 25, 1775, when she was married to David Blodgett, who lived on the farm several years after the marriage, and probably till it was sold to Warren. In the first assessment of taxes in the town, he was rated at 7s. 6d. Iq. The list contains sev- enty six names. Two or more were non-residents. The highest rate in the list of residents, that of Josiah Eobbins, was XI 3s. 4d. Oq., the lowest, that of Joseph Tucker, 8d. 2q. Thirty seven were higher and thirty eight lower than Mr. Wheeler, showing him to have been placed in that happy state of mediocrity, in which, alone, the true enjoyment of life is to be found. Probably none of his descendants reside in the town. No monument shows where he rests from his labors. The storm of revolutionary troubles now began to wear a dark and threatening aspect. October 23, 1774, a warrant was issued, calling a meeting on Monday, the 24th of October, "To choose a committee to send to Amherst, to meet the ses- sions, and also to act on some other articles, that may be then thought proper." At the meeting, Lieut. Obadiah Parker and Mr. Joseph Barrett were chosen a committee to meet the sessions, and Amos Dakin, Samuel Brown, Abijah Allen, David Blodgett and Lieut. Obadiah Parker, were chosen a committee of correspondence for the county. The notice for this meeting was issued on Sunday, to meet the next day, thus verifying Mr. Webster's remark in his Baltimore speech, that "revolutionary times know no Sundays." Immediately after the record of this meeting, but without any preface, introduction or explanation, is entered in the 1774. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 75 records, in the hand writing of Benjamin Manu, town clerk, the following paper, copied verbatim and literatim : "THE COYEMIT OF NOMMPORTATION AND AGREEMENT, 1774. "We, the Subscribers, Inhabitants of the Town of Mason in N. H. Having Taken into our Serious Consideration the Precarious State of the Liberties of N. America, and More Especially the Present Distressed Condition of our Sister Colony of Massachusetts Bay, Embarrassed as it is By Sev- eral Acts of the British Parliament tending to the Entire Subversion of their Natural and Charter Rights, among which is the Acts for Blocking up the Harbor of Boston; and Being Fully Sensible of our Indispensible Duty to Lay Hold on Every Lawful Means in our Power to Preserve and Recover the Much Injured Constitution of our Country, and Conscious at the same [time] of no Alternative between the Horrors of Slavery, or Carnage and Desolation of Civil War, But a Sus- pension of all Commercial Intercourse with the Island of Grate Britain, Do, in the Presence of God, Solemly and in Good Faith covenant and Engage with each other : "1st. That from Henceforth we will suspend all Commercial Intercourse with the said Island of Grate Brittain, until the Parlaiment shall Ceas to Enact Laws Imposing Taxes upon the Colonies without their consent, or until the Pretended Rights of Taxing is Dropped, and Boston Port be opened, and their and our Constitutional Rights and Privileges are Restored to ye Colonies. "2dly. That there may be less Temptation to others to Continue in the said Now Dangerous Commerce, and in order to Promote Industry, (Economy, Arts and Manufactures among ourselves, which are of the Last Importance to the Welfare and Well-being of a Community, We do in like manner Solemly Covenant that we will not knowingly Buy, Purchase or Consume, or suffer any Person by, for or under us, to Pur- chase, nor will we use in our Families In any manner what- soever, any Goods, Wares and Merchandize which shall Arrive in America, from Grate Britain aforesaid from and after the last of August Ensuing; Except only such articles as shall be Judged absolutely necessary By the majority of the Signers hereof; and as much as in us Lies to Prevent our Being inter- rupted and Defeated, in this only Peaceble Measure entered into for the Recovery and Preservation of our Rights and the rights of our Brethren in our Sister Colonies ; We agree to Brake off all Trade and Commerce with all Persons, who 76 HISTORY OP MASON. Preferring their Private Interest to the Salvation of their now almost Perishing Country, who shall still Continue to import Goods from Grate Britain, or shall Purchase of those who import after the said Last Day of August; until the aforesaid Pretended Right of Taxing the Colonies shall be Given up or Dropped, Except so much as Christian Duty Requires Toward them. " 3dly. As a refusal to come into this or a similar agree- ment, which promises deliverance of our Country from the Calamities it now feels, and which, like a torrent, are rushing upon it, with increasing violence, must, in our opinion, evidence a disposition enimical to, or criminally negligent of the common safety, it is agreed that all such ought to be con- sidered, and shall by us be esteemed, as encouragers of con- tumacious importers. " 4thly. We hereby further engage that we will use every reasonable meathord to encourage and promote the produc- tion of manufactures among ourselves, that this covenant and engagement may be as little detrimental to ourselves and fellow countrymen as possible. "Lastly, we allow ourselves liberty to comply with the result of the General Congress. Also we agree to make such alterations as shall be thought suitable by the majority of the Signers, after [being] notified in a public manner by a com- mittee chosen for that purpose, eight days before said meet- ing." No names are recorded as being signed to this document. It is without date, except of the year. The original has not been found, nor any list of the names. Immediately follow- ing the above record, is a notice of a meeting to be held November 7th, 1774. "To make such alterations in the said covenant, &c., as shall be thought proper." In the record of the meeting, it is set forth that " the signers, &c., met and agreed on the following articles to be exempted that the above signers may have liberty to purchase, Yiz : Arms and ammunition, also steel sewing needles, pins and awls, and Doctors drugs that cannot be purchased in this country of equal value. Voted, That those persons that have not signed the Covenant of Non-Importation are to do it within a fort- night, or else have their names returned to the other towns. Benjamin Mann, Town Clerk." At a meeting, November 21, 1774, it was "Voted, to sell to Stephen Lawrence, the ministry lot of land that he now 1775. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 77 lives on, being lot No. 7, Range 8, for X53 6s. 8d./' and the Rev. Jonathan Searle was to be paid sixteen shillings yearly for it, -which he agreed to take during his ministry, and a committee was chosen to make the conveyance and take the acquittance of Mr. Searle. This subject had been before the town at former times. It seems that it was not settled by this vote of the town, for a meeting was called January 2nd, 1775, " To see if the town will make further enquiry relative to the ministerial lands" &c., and to see whether the privilege of improving said lands belongs to the Rev. Jonathan Searle, or to the town. Also to see what enquiry should be made, and whether at the expense of the town." At the meeting, it was, voted "to make the enquiry, at the expense of the town, and that David Blodgett, Benjamin Mann and Samuel Smith, be a committee to draw up articles to send to Squr Varnum, in order for advice relative to said ministry lands." What advice was obtained of "Squr Varnum" is not on record. A meeting of the signers of the covenant, &c., was called January 12th, 1775, at which it was "Yoted, To adopt the resolves of the Continential Congress." Also, Voted, To send one committee man to meet at Exeter, January 25, in order to choose a committee to "joyn the Congress at Phila- delphia," &c. Joseph Barrett was chosen. The committee chosen October 24:th, was continued, and two more added to the number, to wit : Reuben Barrett and Samuel Smith. " Voted, That the aforesaid committee, viz : Messrs Amos Dakin, Samuel Brown, Abijah Allen, David Blodgett, Lieut. Obadiah Parker, Reuben Barrett and Samuel Smith," be a committee of inspection to see that "the Resolves of the Continential Congress is Duely observed." March 9th, 1775. Order "To pay Amos Dakin 19s. 6d. for finding hors and expenses to go to Exeter in ye year 1774." At the annual meeting March 17th, 1775, it was, " Voted To pass over the 5 th article of the warrant, of discontinuing the Rode that leads from the widow Powerses up by James 11 78 HISTORY OP MASON. Scriptures and his fathers, which was a request of Ebenezer Muzzy and others in the warrant, For which James Scripture declared in the meeting that he would [give] said Ebenezer Muzzy Free Liberty to Pass and Repass threw His Land to said Muzzy Land, with said Muzzy's Being Lijenias and keep- ing up the bars." It was also, "voted to draw out of the Treasury" [that is for the town to pay] the town's propor- tion of " the charge of the Continental Congress ye present year, which sum is X2 8s. Od. Oq." Amos Dakin was chosen a "Deputy to send to Exeter." At this period of time, the habits of the people were such as to render them independent, in a great measure, for the comfortable supply of the wants of life, of articles not pro- duced in the town. Tea was prohibited by the non-impor- tation agreement. For sugar and molasses, the rock maple was a reliable resource. Every common article of food and clothing was produced in the town, or at least in the neigh- borhood. The clothing was made of wool and flax of domes- tic growth, spun and woven by the kitchen fire, by the busy and industrious hands of the mother and daughters. Native woods and plants furnished coloring matters suitable and sat- isfactory to their simple tastes and unostentatious habits. Economy, thrift, and a happy contentment with their lot were characteristics of the times and people. In point of real inde- pendence, the comparison of their condition with that of their successors would be much in their favor. But there was one important article of which there seems to have been very vivid apprehensions that the supply, by reason of the war, might fail. That article was salt. This, they had no means of producing, nor had they any substitute to take its place. The subject was of so much consequence that it was taken up as a town matter. At a town meeting, held May 12, 1775, It was, "Yoted, To purchase 30 hogsheads of salt as a town stock upon the town credit. Yoted, That Dea. Amos Dakin, Lieut. Obadiah Parker, Lt. Eprhraim Sattwell, be a commit- tee to agree with any person or persons who shall appear to 1775. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 79 bring up the salt, and upon what terms. Voted, That Mr. David Blodgett should go to Salem to procure said salt, and to allow him six shillings for his trouble. Voted, To give two shillings per bushel for bringing up said salt. "Voted, That there be two companies in said town, and that the alarm company be separate from the military com- pany. Voted, To clioose of&cers for each company." This is the first notice of the military affairs of the town. "Who were chosen officers is not stated. The alarm com- pany, or "alarm list," or "elerum list," as it is sometimes called, was an important institution. It was a body of able men, practiced in the use of arms, ready to assemble at any time, on the "alarm" at the beat of the drum, or other signal, at the shortest possible notice, in battle array, prepared with arms and equipments, to march to meet the enemy and repel invasion. This institution of the alarm list was kept up long after the occasion — the war of the Revolution — that gave rise to it, was passed. Even within the recollection of the writer, it was usual, at the annual May training, for the vet- erans, the alarm list, to turn out and assemble with the arms and equipments that had seen service at Bunker Hill, at Sara- toga, at Ticonderoga, at White Plains, at Rhode Island, and various other battle fields of the Revolution, and parade in due form under their old ofl&cers, to show the "boys" how the thing was done. After marching and counter marching, displaying various intricate evolutions, winding up with that most wonderful performance, whipping the snake, it was customary, on retiring from the active duties of the day, to indulge, often times too freely, withan article then known and used in the form of toddy and flip, which had much better be let entirely alone. In happy contrast with those times, it may now be said that no decent body meddles with the poison. In May, 1775, a convention of delegates met at Exeter, for the purpose, in fact, of taking from the hands of the Pro- vincial authorities, the government of the State, and devising 80 HISTORY OP MASON. a new mode of carrying it on. It continued in session, with little interruption, till late in November. One hundred and two towns were represented by one hundred and thirty three members. Governor Wentworth, after a fruitless effort to repress the spirit of liberty in the body of the people and in their representatives, had adjourned the assembly to the 28th of September. But this body met no more. Alarmed by some demonstrations of popular feeling, he retired to the Isles of Shoals, and there issued a proclamation, ordaining a further adjournment to the next April. This was the closing act of his administration. He soon after withdrew to the British territories, leaving the government of the State in the hands of the patriots. The convention appointed a committee of safety, which exercised the authority of a supreme executive. Theodore Atkinson, the former secretary, by order of the convention, delivered up the Province records to a committee, which was sent to receive them. Ebenezer Thompson was appointed in his place. George Jaffrey, the former treasurer, delivered up the public money in his hands, and Nicholas Gilman was ap- pointed in his place. The convention was chosen for six months only. They made provision to call a representation of the people, who should be empowered by their constituents to assume the government, and continue it one year. Every elector was required to have an estate of twenty pounds value, and every representative an estate of three hundred pounds value. Each town of one hundred families was to have one representative, and one more for each additional hundred families. Towns with a less number were to be classed. An enumeration of the people in each county had been ordered, and it was determined that the number of the representatives should correspond with that of the people, as follows : 1775. MUmCIPAL HISTORY. 81 CENSUS OF NEW ] HAMPSHIHE. Counties. Population. Kepresentativea. Rockingham, 37,850 38 Strafford, 12,713 13 Hillsborough, 16,487 17 Cheshire, 11,089 15 Grafton, 4,101 6 82,200 89 This ratio would give one representative fot about nine hundred and twenty three inhabitants. Under this arrange- ment, Mason and Raby, now Brookline, were classed for the choice of a representative, and these towns continued to be so classed until 1793, in which year Joseph Merriam was chosen to represent Mason alone, under a new classification. Brookline was afterwards classed with Milford. Benjamin Farley was chosen to represent Raby and Milford in 1796. The number of inhabitants in Mason, according to an enumer- ation made by the assessors October 30, 1775, was 501. Males under 16, 148; males from 16 to 50 not gone to the army, 86 ; all males above 50, 12 ; persons gone in the army, 27; all females, 227; negroes and slaves for life, 1. Total, 501. The number of guns, 48; pounds of powder, 14^. "The number of those that have not guns is 49." This is the earliest census of the inhabitants of Mason. The enumer- ation was taken, by the assessors, in obedience to the Pro- vincial Congress. At this time, Portsmouth had 4590 inhab- itants; Londonderry, 2590; Exeter, 1741; Dover 1666. A meeting was called by warrant, dated November 1, 1775, article third was, "To see what the town will do in regard to the town stock of salt, wheather it shall remain preserved as a town stock any longer, or wheather it shall be Disbusted to every one according [as] he shall need the same, and also in what manner it shall be distributed to every one. "4thly. To see what the town will do in regard to that cow that the town purchased for the benefit of Mr. Nathaniel Barrett's family this year, wheather the town will sell said cow or have her kept this winter." 82 HISTORY OF MASON. At the meeting; November 6, Samuel Brown was moderator. "Voted, To pass over the third article." So it seems that the salt did not get "Disbusted" at this meeting. On the fourth article, the town directed the cow to be sold at public vendue. Also, on the fifth, ''Voted, that Joseph Barrett be one of the committee of Inspection for the town in Mr. D. B -'s room." The first warrant for choice of a representative, was issued by the selectmen, November 23, 1775. It was for a meeting of the freeholders, &c., of Mason to meet at the meeting house, on the lltli of December, "To choose a suitable per- son having real estate to the A^alue of two hundred pounds, Lawful, to represent them in General Congress, to be held at Exeter the 21st of December next." A like warrant is recorded, issued by the selectmen of Mason, for a meeting of the freeholders, ^c-? ?/" Rciby, at the same time and place, and for the same purpose. The record of the meeting is as follows : "At a legal meeting, held in Mason, at the public meeting house in said town, December ye 11, 1775, the electors of Mason and Raby, then present, "Voted, To act upon the precept sent from the Provintial Congress to the selectmen of Mason, to notify the legal inhab- itants of the above said towns of Mason and Raby, to meet and choose a man to represent them at the Provintial Con- gress, to be held at Exeter, the warrant that was put up for the above said purpose, being blown away by the wind. " Chose Mr. Samuel Brown moderator. "Voted, To send one man to represent them, at the Pro- vintial Congress, the year ensuing. "Voted, That those men that sent their votes, by Joseph Merriam, to the moderator of said meeting, have the privilege of putting in their votes, for the choice of the above said representative, namely : Obadiah Parker, Joseph Ball, Jonas Fay, Abel Shed, Thomas Bobbins, Nathan Wheeler, Seth Robbins, John Lawrence. 1776. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 83 "Voted, That James Scripture and William and Elias Eliot have the liberty of putting in a vote for their fathers, accord- ing to their fathers' desire, their fathers being absent, whose votes were wrote after the meeting began. "Voted, That the aforesaid Obadiah Parker, Joseph Ball, Jonas Fay, Abel Shed, Thomas Robbins, Nathan Wheeler, Seth Robbins and John Lawrence have their votes thrown out, "The above said electors of Mason and Raby personally present, chose Amos Dakin, of Mason, to represent them the year ensuing. Attest : Joseph Barrett, Town Clerk, P. T. The style of the heading of warrants for town meetings had been, up to February 26, 1776, "Province of New Hamp- shire, Hillsborough, ss."; but on August 19, 1776, it was changed to "Colony of New Hampshire, Hillsborough, ss." Probably the Patriots thought that to use the style of Prov- ince, &c., was, in some sort, to acknowledge the authority of the kingly government, under which the Province had been established, and so to avoid' even the appearance of longer submission, they repudiated the name of Province. In the warrant for the next meeting, the Colony disappears, and the State assumes its place, the State government having been established. It seems that dissatisfaction was felt and manifested with the doings at the meeting of the electors of Mason and Raby, at which Amos Dakin was elected representative. V/hether it was that the votes sent by Joseph Merriam were received, or because they were thrown out, or because certain worthy citizens, in dutiful obedience to the wishes of their absent fathers, were permitted to write and put in votes for them, does not appear and cannot now be known. If it arose from any dislike to the man of their choice, it seems not to have been of a deep or lasting nature j or, at least, not to have been wide spread nor permanent, for the same gentleman continued, by repeated elections, to represent the same con- stituency most of the time till his death, April 28th, 1789. 84 HISTORY OP MASON. The difficulty assumed so serious an attitude, that a town ^ meeting was called, to be held March 7, 1776. In the war- rant, the second article was, " To see if the town will approve of the proceedings of the electors of this town, that were present at the last town meeting, that was called for the choice of a representative for this town and the town of Raby ; and also to see if the town, after due deliberation on this matter, will approve of the representative then chosen to be chosen according to Liberty and Justice, or to be the free choice of the electors of the town. 3dly. If the town shall not approve of the above said representative as being legally chosen, to see what measures the town will take in regard to the matter." At the meeting, it was, " Voted That the town look upon it that the meeting, &c., was not conducted according to Lib- erty and Justice, and that they do not approve of the same. Yoted, to send a man to the General Court to present to the Hon'ble Court theproceedings of the town meeting held at Mason, ye 11 of December, 1775, which was called for the choice of a Representative, &c., and also the proceedings of the town meeting held at Mason, March 7, 1776, Samuel Low- el's vote being put by his saying that he never paid taxes in any place. Voted, To send Joseph Barrett to present the proceedings of both the above said town meetings to the General Court. Voted, That if the General Court do not approve of the proceedings of the town meeting held, &c., in the choice of a representative, that the above said Joseph Barrett pray the General Court to set them in some way agreeable to their pleasure for to the have privilege of repre- sentation." As nothing more appears upon the records, on this subject, it is probable that the general court did not con- sider these matters of grievance, if they were ever presented, as showing any valid objection to the right of the member elect to his seat. And now the town's salt appears again. January 9, 1776. Order, "To pay twenty shillings to Joseph Merriam for 1776. MUNICIPAL HISTOEY. 85 money borrowed for the benefit of the teamsters in bringing up the town stock of salt," and same date, an order for the same sum, for the same purpose, to Joseph Barrett. Febru- ary 22. In several distinct orders, the treasurer was directed to pay £ s. d. q. £ s. d. q. Samuel Smith, 2 14 9 2 Samuel Brown, 2 3 6 James Scripture, 2 6 Nathan Hall, Jr., 2 2 7 Silas Bullard, 17 8 Obadiah Parker, 1 13 each, "for his bringing up a part of the town's stock of salt." Also, to John Larned 10s. 8d. and Jonathan Williams 10s. 8d. each, "for his oxen in bringing up the town stock of salt." April 3, 1776. Like order to pay to, £ s. d. q. £ s. d. q. Enosli Lawrence, Jr. 1 13 6 Joseph Merriam, 1 18 Aaron Wheeler, 12 Stephen Lawrence, 2 8 each, "for bringing up a part of the town's stock of salt," and John Swallow, for his oxen, twelve shillings. The salt had arrived, and the salt troubles soon began. It must be paid for. How shall the money be come at ? Some of the inhabitants will not pay ; shall they have their share ? Some of the tax payers are non-residents ; shall they be compelled to pay for what they do not have, and do not want ? All these questions came up to trouble the fathers of the town. Such difficulties will always arise, when municipal bodies leave their legitimate duties, and undertake business for which they are not fitted. March 11th, 1776. At a town meeting it was "Voted, that a proportion of the money for the salt be made directly, and the money be collected within four weeks from our annual meeting ; and at the end of four weeks, the salt be awarded to every man according to his rate, and every one that shall neglect, or refuse to pay his proportion of rates by the said time, " Shall forfeit his Part of thee Salt." In the warrant for a meeting May 6th, 1776, the second 12 86 HISTOEY OP MASON. article is, " To see if the town will sell a part of the town's stock of salt at Public Vendue, or any other way to make up the Non-Residence part, or proportion which they were rated for, which sum is i/l lis. Od. Oq." At the meeting it was "Voted, to sell the Non-Residence part of salt, which they were rated for, and neglected to pay the money, and take the salt, which sum was ^2 lis. Od. Oq. and sold ten bushels of salt for X2 12s. 6d. Oq." This would be nearly eighty seven cents per bushel. "Voted to have the remainder of the salt divided by the rate. "Voted, To choose a committee of Inspection for the Insuing year, Messrs. Joshua Davis, Amos Dakin, Abel Shead, Nathaniel Tarbell and Joseph Barrett was chosen for the purpose aforesaid." August 19th, 1776, a town meeting was called. The second article was, "To see what instructions the town will give their Representative, previous to the choice of field officers, for the regiment we belong to. 3dly. To see if the town will have a town stock of powder, lead, flints and fire-arms provided for said town, or Ither of these necessary articles for our defence, dthly. To see if the town will recommend any suitable person to the Great and General Court, for a Justice of the Peace." At the meeting it was "voted to refer the choice of field officers to the General Court, to raise £15 Os. Od. Oq. to be added to .£12 Os. Od. Oq. already raised to purchase a town stock of powder, lead and flints for said town. Voted to pass over the 4th article." Probably so many thought themselves fit for the office, that it was difficult to find a majority for any one. May 6th, 1776. An order "to pay Capt. Miles Ward £20 Is. Od. Oq., it being to pay Capt. Jonathan Peele for our town's stock of salt." At the meeting September 2d, 1776, it was "Voted, That the bridge by Pea. Dakin's and that by Elias Eliot's [mills], 1776. MUNICIPAL HISTOEY. 87 and that between Nathaniel Hosmer's and Jonas Fay's, be maintamed by the town." At the meeting of the town of Mason and Raby, November 18th, 1776, for the choice of Representatives, Dea. Amos Dakin was chosen representative. It was " Voted, To send Mr. Samuel Brown to join with the committee of the State of Massachusetts, in order to Repel the exhorbitance^of our trade, &c. What effect this effort had on the "exhorbitance of our trade" does not appear. May 31st, 1776. Order " to pay Amos Dakin £1 Is. 4d. Iq., it being for his going to Exeter at the first Congress on service of the town." In the warrant for the annual meeting in 1777, was an arti- cle " to see if the town will raise any sum of money to pur- chase any number of tickets in the Continental Lottery" ; which the town declined to do. At the meeting, Obadiah Parker, Reuben Barrett, Samuel Brown, Abijah Allen and. Benjamin Mann were chosen a committee of inspection. At an adjournment of this meeting it is recorded that "a peti- tion was laid before the town of a number of paragrafts. Voted, That the first paragraft be a matter of grievance Also, voted that the paragraft be a matter of grievance. Voted, To accept the prayer of said petition, all but the clause where it respects the forming and regulation of the militia in this State ; and where it respects the Courts send- ing writs to every town, to send a man to the convention therein mentioned. Voted Benjamin Mann, Capt. Tarbell and Lt. Obadiah Parker be the committee aforesaid." What this petition so full of grievances was, the records do not show; nor will posterity probably ever know, what "par- agraft" of the petition was, by the town, voted to be "the second matter of grievance," inasmuch as the clerk has inad- vertantly omitted the number of that unfortunate "paragraft." At the same meeting it was "voted, to choose a committee to procure a graveyard, for the use of the town. Dea. Hall, 88 HlSTOEY OF MASON. Benjamin Mann and Lt. Blodgett were chosen for the afore- said purpose." "Toted, That Lt. Swallow and Mr. John Whitaker dig the graves that are reasonably needed in said town." What pro- vision should be or could be made for graves unreasonably needed ? "VQ|ed, To choose a committee to seat the meeting house. Mr. Samuel Brown, Capt. B. Barrett, Benjamin Mann, Lieut. Obadiah Parker and Mr. Abel Shead, were chosen the com- mittee aforesaid. Voted, That the inhabitants are seated according to their age and pay. Voted, To sell the ministry lots of land. Voted, That the selectmen seat said meeting house." The "piece de resistance," the standing, unconquerable difficulty of seating the meeting house, like Mons. Tonson, is always "coming again," to plague the patriots, even in the midst of the alarms of war, of troubles of false brethren, to be looked after by the committee of "Inspection," as well as of sisters slyly taking a clandestine cup of tea, in violation of the articles of non-importation, of salt troubles, now happily at rest by the sale of ten bushels of salt, to raise the money which the wicked "non-residence " would not pay, and of the election of a representative made "not according to Liberty and Justice." How this seating difficulty will be settled, or, perhaps more properly said, be left unsettled by the grave committee of five, chosen for that purpose, but from whom, before they had time to act, by a vote "not according to Liberty and Justice," the subject, and their authority to act, was taken away, being referred to the select- men, remains to be seen, and will be faithfully reported, as soon as it shall appear. April 1, 1777. A meeting was called. The second article was, " To assist in some way and manner, as the town shall see fit, in raising fourteen "aJBfective, able-Bodyed" men, for the term of three years, or during the war with Great Britain, as that is our proportion from orders received from Colonel 1777. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 89 Moses Nicoles, [Nicliols] pursuant to orders from the council and general assembly of the State." At the meeting, it was, "Voted; To raise our proportion of men as a town. Voted, To raise $1400 as Incoriageement for soldiers to enlist into the Continental service. Voted, To choose a committee to estimate the turns. Voted, Lt. Blodgett, Lt. Parker, Capt. Barrett, Mr. Abijah Allen and David Brown, be the committee aforesaid. Voted, Not to accept the report the committee made. Voted, To reconsider the vote concerning the raising the $1400. Voted, To choose a committee to join the commissioned officers to make an estimation. Voted, William Eliot, Dea. A. Dakin, David Blodgett, Joseph Merriam and Lt. Obadiah Parker, for the committee to estimate each man's proportion. Then adjourned to the next Friday." At the adjourned meeting, "Voted, To take in all above sixteen years old into the estimation. Voted, To approve of what the town had done as to the estimation of the turns done in the services and calculation of the three years forward." The proceedings of this meeting did not seem to accomplish the business.. A meeting was called the 28th of April, 1777, "To see if the town will come into any other method different from what hath been already acted, with regard to raising of a sum of money, for the purpose of hiring soldiers, that is now called for into the service of the United States of Amer- ica." At this meeting it was, "Voted, To raise $1400, for the purpose," &c. Also, "To accept the estimation the committee made with regard to the prices of every campaign." "Voted, To exempt those who have done their turns from any cost of procuring said soldiers, until it properly comes to their turns. Also, chose a committee to hire men, and appointed a collector to collect the money and pay it to the committee." May 8, 1777. At an adjournment of the meet- ing, "Voted, That all those men that neglect paying their proportion for hiring soldiers for the three years' service, as was levied by a committee chosen for that purpose, are to be the persons looked upon subject to the first draft when made. 90 HISTORY OF MASON. "Voted, That Benjamin Mann receive the aforesaid propor- tion. Voted, That those persons that were procured by the committee are to go for the squadrons whom they expected to go for when they engaged. Voted, To reconsider the first vote above mentioned. Adjourned to May 12." At the adjournment, "Voted, To divide the town stock of ammu- nition to individuals, as they need. Voted, That each person that received ammunition belonging to said town, and don't give a satisfactory account of said ammunition when properly requested by said town, each person so neglecting or refusing, is to pay a fine of twenty shillings, L. money. Voted, That Samuel Brown procure the aforesaid ammunition. Voted, To purchase one hundred weight of powder, two hundred weight of lead, and four hundred flints. Adjourned to May 15." At the adjournment, "Voted, That if said arms are procured and are needed by individuals, they are to have them at the cost that said town is at for them. Voted, That if Mr. Samuel Brown, who is pitched upon to purchase said arms, does procure them, he is to hire a carriage to transport them to Merrimac river. Voted, That the selectmen borrow the money to pay for the powder that is already procured, that is not paid for. Voted, To sell the meeting house lot for the sake of accommodating a blacksmith, all save about fifteen acres, around said meeting house. Voted, To allow Mr. Abijah [Allen] $12, as a town, for his time and expenses in going to Ticonderoga, in behalf of said town, in 1777. Adjourned to May 27." At the adjournment, "Voted, To reconsider the vote to allow Abijah Allen $12 for going to Ticonderoga. Voted, That the town stock of powder be brought to Benjamin Mann's, to be divided the next training day, which is in three weeks from this day." June 17. It was, "Voted, To reconsider the vote to divide the ammu- nition. Voted, To allow the three soldiers that enlisted to go to Portsmouth for one month, twenty shillings for each man, as a town charge. Voted, Not to make any return in the valuation to court, of buildings and wild land, and the 1777. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 91 moderator dissolved the meeting." The reader will think it was time somebody "dissolved the meeting." The record is given as a sample of the mode in which such matters were then managed. May 5, 1777. An order to pay David Blodgett "for making a coflan for Mr. Nathaniel Barrett." May 8, 1777. An order "To pay Capt. Miles Ward for 4 molasses Hds. and 1 Dry cask £0 18s. Od." Jmie 26, 1777. An order, "To pay Wid. Abigail Barrett twelve shillings, for her taking care of the meeting house one year, from August, 1775." Town meeting, August 19, 1777. The second article sets forth, that the vote formerly passed, "That the soldiers procured by the committee should go for the squadrons they expected to go for when they engaged, seems to appear to a number of the inhabitants very detrimental to the caused It was proposed, "To see if the town would supercede that vote." At the meeting, it was "Voted, To go on as a town, and tax said town for all the money and cost of raising the three years' soldiers. Also, voted, that if the money that the town doth raise for the aforesaid purpose, doth not effect the purpose, that those men that are now delinquent in paying, or procuring the men, sliall be the men that shall be subject to the first draft, and shall go, or procure said delinquent soldiers for three years, now called for. Voted, To choose a committee to procure the delinquent three years' soldiers now called for. Chose Joseph Barrett, Samuel Brown and Stephen Lawrence." September 12, 1777. "Voted, That the committee that was chosen for that purpose at a former meeting, agree with Mr. Samuel Abbott for a piece of land for a graveyard." This is the same land referred to on page 68. The land finally taken and occupied for the graveyard, was a part of lot No. 6, Range 8, lying next to and adjoining this tract on the south. December 15th, 1777, a meeting was called. The second article in the warrant was as follows: "Whereas, the general 92 HISTOEY OP MASON. Court of said State, of late passed an act, that all said State's money is to be called in, and State notes on interest to be given for the same, which appears to many to be a grievance ; this, therefore, is to see if the said town will con- sult on some measures, that may be thought more agreable, and petition said Court for redress." It was "voted to send a petition to the Court, that the said act may be repealed, and the square money so called, to pass as specified on the face of said bills, or until the above said bills may be called in by a tax." This vote, is the first indication of the difficulties arising from a deficient, disturbed, inadequate £,nd unsound currency. The troubles arising from this source, were severely felt, from this time, through the whole period of the war. There was, at the commencement of the war, no national mint, or power to regulate the currency, except under the authority of each province. The people having discarded and refused to obey the pro- vincial authorities of New Hampshire, were under the neces- sity of assuming the government of themselves ; and they at once proceeded to provide, as well as their want of experi- ence in such matters would allow, for the continuance of civil government. For this purpose, a convention was called, which met at Exeter, in May, 1775, and continued, with little interruption, till November, as has been stated on page 80. During the year, under the authority of the convention, three emissions of paper bills were made — the first of ten thousand and fifty pounds, the second of ten thousand pounds, and the third of twenty thousand pounds. For the amount of those sums, the treasurer gave his obligation in small notes, which passed for a time as current money, equal in value to silver and gold. But as emissions were multiplied, as the redemption of the bills was put off to distant periods, and the bills themselves were counterfeited, it was impos- sible for them long to hold their value. In 1776, more paper bills were issued, to pay the expenses of the war, and 1778. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 93 provision was made for redeeming some of the bills by taxes. But the depreciation, after it began, proceeded rapidl3^ After the year 1777, the State issued no more bills. Those that had been issued were called in, and exchanged for treasury notes on interest, in sums not less than five pounds. It was against this act that the vote of the town, just recited, was directed. Probably it was feared, that if the '^square money," as the paper money was in common parlance called, should be withdrawn, there would be nothing left to serve as money and maintain a currency for exchanges. The conti- nental bills still continued to pass, but were daily and rapidly depreciating, until, in the spring of 1781, they suddenly, and by general consent, went out of circulation, and solid coin succeeded in their place. To show the rapid depreciation of this paper money, for which the faith of the government was pledged, but for the redemption of which, no reliable means or funds were provided, it is sufficient to refer to the scale of depreciation, which was established and recognized, and according to which the people endeavored to regulate their business and payments. The scale commences in January, 1777, at which time XlOO of .silver was represented by £104 of paper. The same amount of coin was worth in paper, in December of 1777, by £310; 1778, £620; 1779, £2393; 1780, £7300, and in June, 1781, by £12,000, at which rate no wonder the currency ceased. January 5, 1778. The selectmen abated the poll taxes of Joseph Lowell, Timothy Lowell and Joseph Hodgman, Jr., for the year 1776, "they being excepted by the act of the General Court, from paying any poll tax, by reason of their engaging in the continental service for the year 1776." At the town meeting, February 4, the town voted to abate Joshua Smith's rates for 1776, and Christopher Mann's rates for 1775, probably for a like reason, and February 26, by order of the selectmen, the poll taxes of Joseph Lowell and of Jacob Blodgett, for 1775, were abated, "being excused by vote of Congress." Also, an order was issued, "to pay 13 94 HISTORY OF MASON. Joseph Hurlbut one pound, being voted to him for going to Portsmouth one month last May." Also, one pound to Joseph Hodgman, "for his son Nathan going to Portsmouth, &c., one month." At the annual meeting, March 9, 1778, "Chose Samuel Brown, Lemuel Spalding, David Blodgett, William Eliot and Zachariah Davis, Committee of Safet}^" March 27, 1778. An order issued to pay Samuel Brown ,£8 10s. 8d. Oq., "it being for his going to Exeter, for ammu- nition, and time spent in getting the continental men, and service as treasurer." April 20, 1778. "Chose David Blodgett, a representative in the convention for forming a constitution to meet at Con- cord, June 10th." April 20, 1778. An order "to pay Lt. Obadiah Parker £1 17s. 8d. Oq., for sugar and rice he sent to -our militia that went on the Elerum at the evacuation of Ticonderoga." December 8, 1778. Chose Dea. Amos Dakin representa- tive, and the meeting was adjourned to Tuesday next. "The meeting at the adjournment not attended by reason of the badness of the weather, was Naterly disolved." Town meeting, March 30, 1779. The selectmen were appointed "a committee to make a proportion of the several campaigns, and to call all former committees that were chosen to procure continental soldiers, to account, and take the money that may be found in said committees' hands. Yoted, That each person that shall neglect or refuse to bring in his receipts for men hired and turns done, in service and tei-m of time in actual service, since last estimation, their money and term of actual service shall be forfeited to the town. Voted, That the inhabitants shall bring in their invoice in the month of April, or be doomed." April 22, 1779. Town meeting. The third article of the warrant was, "To see what measures the town will pursue to procure our quoto of men during the present war, now called for, 5th. To put out Asa Fish, by vendue; to the lowest 1779. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 95 bidder, till he is one and twenty years of age." The meeting ''Voted, To raise 2000 dollars as a State and Continental bounty, to procure four men to enlist during the war." What was done with Asa Pish is not stated, but May 7th, an order passed "to pay James Mann X3 19s. lid., for keeping Asa Fish 3 weeks," being 22s. 6d. per week, equal to $3,75 a 'week for keeping a child about six years old. July 6th, 1779, at the town meeting, "Voted, to raise our quoto of continental and Ehode Island men as a town ;" and further details are recorded of the arrangements made about "estimating campaigns, hiring men, &c." A meeting was called August 17th, 1779. Article 2nd, "to see if the town will approve or disapprove of the bill of rights and plan of government, formed by a convention chosen for that purpose, or alter the whole, or any part of said bill of rights, or plan of government 'as they may think fit. Voted to approve of the proceedings of the town of Portsmouth, and appointed David Blodgett to meet said Portsmouth with other towns at Concord, to take into consideration our sinking currency." At an adjournment of this meeting held October 25th, "Voted and Improved [approved] of the proceedings of the conven- tion at Concord, for stipolating prices, for sundry articles of the necessaries of life. Voted that Mr. Elias Eliot, Benjamin Mann, Benjamin Hodgman, Joseph Merriam, Joseph Ball, David Blodgett, Jacob Blodgett, William Chambers and John Wood be a committee to "Stipolate" prices among us. seven of whom are a "corum." What was the action of the town on the bill of rights and plan of government, the record does not show. At the meet- ing, this subject was postponed. The meeting was adjourned sundry times, through the months of August, September and October ; the great and absorbing subject before the town, being the controversy with the Rev. Jonathan Searle. If any vote was passed upon the subject of the bill of rights, and plan of government, it was not recorded. A convention was held in 1779, to propose a plan of government, by which a 96 IlISTOKY OP MASON. system of government was drawn np, and submitted to tlie people, which was undoubtedly that referred to in this article. It was so deficient in its principles, and inadequate in its provisions, that it was by the people, in their town meetings, rejected. Another convention was appointed. It continued more than two years, from June 1781, to October 1783. A system was by this convention submitted to the people, pro-' Tiding for a senate of twelve, and a house of fifty members ; apportioned twenty to Rockingham, eight to Strafford, ten to Hillsborough, eight to Cheshire and four to Grafton, to be chosen in county conventions, consisting of one delegate for every fifty rateable polls. The plan was printed, and sent to every town. The inhabitants were requested to state their objections distinctly, to any particular part, and return them at a fixed time. The objections were so many and various, that it was found necessary to alter the form, and send it out a second time. In the amended form, the representatives were to be chosen by the towns ; each town of one hundred and fifty polls, choosing one, and of four hundred and fifty, two. This plan was generally approved, but it was not laid before the people in season to be adopted, before the close of the war. The old form of government having expired with the war, was, by the order of the people, continued a year longer ; in the mean time, the new form was perfected, and adopted, and went into operation in 1784. It will be recollected, that the town approved of the pro- ceedings of the town of Portsmouth, &c. This was a propo- sal for a convention, to take into consideration "our sinking currency," or in other words, the financial difiiculties of the times. David Blodgett was chosen a delegate to this conven- tion. He attended, and shared in the labors of the conven- tion, and, what is very remarkable, and perhaps without a parallel in history, he returned after the close of the conven- tion, and brought the report of their proceedings, and sub- mitted it to the same town meeting by which he was chosen, it having continued by adjournments till the 25th of October. 1779. MIfNIClPAL HISTORY. 97 The report of the committee, appointed in pursuance of the recommendation of this convention "to Stipolate prices," is not recorded. It was a very common notion in those days, that the evils of a depreciated currency, could be alleviated, and perhaps wholly cured, by regulations establishing prices, which would compel persons in buying and selling, to conform to the prices established by law, and that thus, the nominal rates of the currency would be maintained. But the remedy was never resorted to, until the disease had assumed a des- perate type. Its tendency when applied, was rather to hasten, than to retard the catastrophe. It is vain by legisla- tion, to attempt to bolster up a paper currency. Its only value is its credit. When that has no basis, the paper becomes mere rags. Neither laws, nor regulations can give it value. As well may the laws require a man to breathe a corrupted atmosphere, and derive from it health and vigor, as require a community to use for a currency, an irredeemable and worthless paper, at its par value, and derive from it the benefits and efficiency of a sound currency, founded on intrin- sic value. The complaints of a depreciated currency were general, and the remedy by "Stipulating prices," was generally resorted to. The town records of Townsend, under date of Febuary 20th, 1777, show, that after a meeting of the com- mittees of Groton, Lunenburg, Fitchburg and Shirley, on this subject, "the Selectmen and town of Townsend agreed that the following articles shall not exceed the following prices. Wheat per bushel, s, d, 6 8 Rye per bushel, Corn per bushel, 4 4 3 4 Sheep's woolj per pound, Fresh pork, 2 4 Salt pork, Salt per bushel, 8 14 Dinner at tavern of boiled and roast victuals, 1 Dinner at tavern, for either boiled or roast only, A mug of West India Phlip, " New, Eng. do., d. 10 11 9 But these prices, although "Stipolated" and agreed to, did not remain firm and unchanged. They rapidly increased, so that in 1779, August 17, a committee of that town, chosen 98 HISTORY OF MASON. " to state the price of the several articles necessary for the support of life and trade in the town/' made a report, which was accepted, in which they established the price of the following articles, as below : £ s. £ s. d. West India rum, per gallon ,6 11 Beef, per lb. 4 6 New England rum, 4 18 Mutton, 3 6 Molasses, 4 15 Butter, 11 Coffee, per lb., 18 Salt pork. U Tea, 6 Cheese, 5 6 Brown sugar, from 12s. to 15 Oats, per bushel, 1 16 Cotton wool, 1 18 Eng. hay, per cwt, 1 15 Salt, per bushel. 12 00 Cyder, per bbl., 5 2 German steel, per lb., 1 17 Sheep's wool, 1 4 Refined iron, 10 Flax, 12 Wheat, per bushel, 7 13 Men's shoes. 6 Rye, 5 2 Women's do., 4 Corn, 3 14 Shoeing a horse. 4 16 Beans, 5 2 Common boards. 18 Potatoes, 1 W. I. Phlip, 15 Turnips, 1 N. E. Phlip, 12 This table shows a pretty rapid appreciation of prices. In the same town, at this town meeting, the town "Voted, To give to each soldier, of our quota, of the nine months continental service, 1000 dollars, or 90 bushels of rye," by which it appears that rye was worth more than ten dollars a bushel. No record was made of prices in Mason " stipo- lated" by the committee appointed for that purpose. October 1, 1779, the town of Townsend voted to "raise 1000 pounds for the support of the Rev. Samuel Dix and his family, the present year, including his salary." His salary, by the contract, was X66 13s. 4d. At the town meeting, March 6, 1780, the town voted that "labor on the highways be £6 a day till the first of September, after that, £4 10s., and July 4, "Voted, X6000 to make up Mr. Dix's salary to 4th of September next." At the town meeting, March 5, 1781, "Voted, That labor on the highway be 40 dollars a day till the first of September, oxen 30, and carts 10 dollars a day. These facts show how little success attended the 1781. MUNICIPAL HISTOEY. 99^ stipulating of prices, in that town ; some of the same character appear in the records of Mason. For example, April 20, 1780, an assessment was made of "the Continental and State tax for the present year," the amount being £13,948 10s. 9d. Iq. Of this tax, the assessment to Deacon Amos Dakin was £110 6s. Id. 2q. August 4, 1780, a tax was assessed "to purchase beef for the continental army" of <£1 5,000. September 12, 1780, "Voted, To raise £14,000 to pay the soldiers that were hired in July last, making in all £42,948 10s. 9d. Iq. assessed in one year, for State and Continental piu'poses. A committee was appointed to purchase the beef. At a meeting December 6, 1780, Capt. Joseph Barrett, for that Committee, made a report, that "the prime cost of the beef which the committee purchased for the town, was £11,750." February 6, 1781, an order "to pay Nathan Wood £25 10s. for a pair of overhals delivered to Deacon Amos Dakin, for one of the soldiers." March 26, 1781, an order "to pay Oliver Scripture £90 for two sheep delivered to one of the three months' men, for the year 1780. May 25, 1781, an order to pay "Richard Lawrence £470 for a cow which he delivered to the selectmen, for the purpose of paying Abraham Merriam part of his hire for three years' service." June 8, 1781. In a warrant committing a "rate of £528 3s. 5d. Iq., it being our State tax for the present year," are set forth the various currencies then afloat, and the rate of allowance in each, as follows: "The whole to be paid in bills of the new Emitiou, or in notes of ten pounds, or of iive pounds issued by the authority of the State, commonly called soldiers' bounty notes, which were dated before the last day of April, 1777, estimating one pound of said notes equal to one pound of said bills, or in such of the notes issued by the authority of said [State], commonly called depreciation notes, as were due on the 31st day of December, 1780, with compound interest on said bounty and depreciation notes, estimating one pound of said depreciation note's equal to one pound sixteen shillings and sixpence of said new bills, pro- MO HISTOEY OP MASON. vided that the same are paid into the treasury by the last day of June instant ; or in the old bills emitted by the State or by Congress, estimating X40 of said bills equal to one pound of the bills last emitted." The faster prices were raised, the faster the currency went down. Here are four kinds of paper money, differing in value as compared with each other, at rates ranging from par, up to forty for one. In short, so worthless was the cur- rency, that it would take a sack full of paper notes, to pay for a pipe full of tobacco. The evil became intolerable, and a resort was had to silver money. September 13th, 1781, '•' Voted, To raise £40 silver in lue of £3000, raised at the last annual meeting, to defray town charges." For State and Continental taxes, the State treasurer was bound to receive the paper money at the rates above specified ; but to defray the town charges with X3000 of that currency, was found impracticable, and so its place was supplied with the very modest tax of £40 silver. The bubble burst, and prices resumed their former moderate and reasonable rates. December 6th, 1779. At town meeting of Mason and Eaby, Dea. Amos Dakin was chosen representative. April 10th, 1780. The main purpose of the meeting was, to procure and forward to the state government, the evidence of the services, and payments by the town, for services of sol- diers. David Blodgett, Joseph Barrett, and Obadiah Parker, were chosen a committee "for the matter about the services of the soldiers, &c. ; and to petition the general court, for liberty to tax wild land." "Put to vote, to see who would carry the receipts the continental soldiers gave, to Exeter, the cheapest, with the accounts of the same ; Mr. Joshua Davis bid it off, for two hundred dollars." The object in asking for liberty to tax wild land, probably was, to enable the town to tax the unimproved lands, of the original grantees of the town, which, by the terms of the grant, were exempted from taxation, until improved. For many years, the assess- ments and tax bills after this period, had a list of rates 1781. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 101 headed "Lord's Proprietors/' in which these lands were included. June 27th, 1780. At the town meeting "Voted, To raise four men towards completing the battalions of this State, in the continental army, and that the selectmen hire the men on the town's cost. Appointed Abijah Allen, Capt. Joseph Barrett and James Scripture a committee to procure our pro- portion of beef, for the army." " The selectmen of Mason, being called upon to raise and send forward soldiers immediately, into the public service, without loss of time, immediately notified the town's people, to meet at the meeting house on July 3d, 1780." This is the record in the book, instead of the ordinary record of the warrant for a town meeting. The record goes on to say, "Met, and chose a committee to hire six men for the term of six months, into the public service, and two, to go to Coos, for six months." July 11th, 1780. "Toted, to reserve six acres for the meeting house and common, the form to be square, and the house near the centre ,• and to sell all of the lot east of the road, and appointed a committee to make the sale, and give the deed." October 31st, 1780. "Voted, To allow creditors 90 for one in the war rate. Voted, To fence the burying ground, and chose Ens. John Wood, Lt. Swallow and Capt. Benj. Mann a committee for that purpose." This was the burying ground on the road from the meeting house, to Townsend, See p. 65. February 6th, 1781. "Voted to raise four men towards co7npIetmg the continental army." May 7th, 1781. Chose Benjamin Mann to represent the town in the convention at Concord, to form a constitution. June 9, 1781. It appears from orders given, that Jonathan Foster, Joseph Wilson, son of Edward Wilson, and Abijah Eaton, were soldiers. August 14, 1781. "Voted, To hire preaching, and to raise 14 102 HISTOKY OF MASON. twenty pounds silver for that purpose, and adjourned to tlie 21st. Then Voted, To reconsider the vote to hire preaching, and adjourned to the 28th. Then Voted, To hire preaching and to raise £20, hard money. Voted, To leave it to Mr. ALijah Allen to pay or not, as he pleases, and chose Deacon Hall, Joseph Merriam and Ens. John Wood, committee to hire preaching." September 13th, 1781. "Voted to raise £40 silver, for the purpose of clearing and fencing the school lot, that the meeting house stands on," and a committee was chosen to lay out the money. It was to be paid in labor, if the payer chose. '' Voted that man's labor be 3s. 4d., and ox labor 2s. a day." November 1st, 1781. "The selectmen made a rate of .£18 Is. 2d. Oq. L. mo. silver, for the purpose of purchasing sixty- three and a half gallons of West India Rum for the use of the Co7itinential army." November 15, 1781. Benjamin Mann was chosen to repre- sent Mason and Raby, at Exeter. January 2, 1782. "Voted, To direct the committee to hire preaching, to apply to Mr. Kimball to supply the pulpit for some further time. Voted, to engage him for three months. Voted, Not to allow seats for the singers to sit together. Voted, To choose another querister to assist in setting the Psalm, and chose Amos Dakin, Jr." February 12, 1782. Voted, That the selectmen "strain on the Treasurer amediately." By orders, given in February and March, 1782, it appears that Joshua Richardson and Simon Fish were soldiers for the town in 1779 and 1780; Zebulon Dodge, in 1779, and Jacob Weatherbee, in 1780. March 11, 1782. Annual meeting. "Voted, To hear Mr. Kimball six Sabbaths after the time he is now engaged for. Voted, to seat the meeting house, and that the committee have reference to age, and the last year's invoice, in seating the meeting house." 1782. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 103 By orders, given in March and April, it appears tliat Joseph Herrick, Benjamin Mann, Ephraini Nutting, Ebenezer Blood, Jr., Asa Blood and Reuben Hosmer, were soldiers in the service for the town. April 30, 1782. A meeting was called, "To see whether the town will concur with the church in giving Mr. True Kimball an invite to settle in this town as a gospel minister."' At the meeting, "It was put to the town by the moderator, whether any person had any objection to the town proceeding in concurrence with the church, to give Mr. True Kimball an invite to settle in this town for their gospel minister. — Voted, To give Mr. Kimball an invite as above. Accord- ingly, the moderator called for the votes to be brought in, yeas or nays ; the votes being called, not one negative vote appeared." It was also "Voted, To exempt Mr. William Dodge for his poll paying any tax to the minister rate. Voted, To give Mr. True Kimball one hundred and eighty pounds L. mo. as settlement, and to be two years in paying said settlement. Voted ,£66 13s. 4d. to be paid yearly, as salary. William Eliot and Abijah .Mien dissented in the face of the meeting, against the two above votes of settlement and salary, as a town. Reason, because to go on by way of a town, and to use coercive measures, obliges persons to help support a man, that the major part of the people, in any town, shall see fit to hold as their minister ; whereas, the said Eliot and Allen think the gospel is free, and every person has a right to hear, where he can be best edified ; if so, then to choose his own teacher, and to support him and no other." A committee, Ens. John Wood, Capt. Benjamin Mann and Capt. Joseph Barrett, were appointed to wait upon Mr. Kim- ball, with a copy of the above vote ; and the meeting was dissolved. The vote under date of June 9th, 1781, to leave Abijah Allen to pay or not as he pleases, and this dissent of Wil- liam Eliot and Abijah Allen, are the first indications, upon the records of the town, of the prevalence of baptist senti- 104 HISTORY OF MASON. ments in the town. Mr. Eliot was the first minister or elder of the Baptist church, soon after formed in the town. "On August ye 18th, 1782, Mr. True Kimball gave his answer to ye town of Mason (to their calling him to settle with them in the ministry) in the negative. "Attest: Wm. Eliot, Town Clerk." August 28, 1782. Town meeting. Sixth article. "To see if the town will allow those men that served in the conti- nental army three years, the sum of money that was taken out of their wages, and the town is now credited for, or do what the town think proper in the aifair." The town "Voted, To allow Mr. David Fuller the sum of money that was taken out of his son Ezra's wages, by the court, and the town is now credited for in the State tax." December 3, 1782. "Proceeded to take under considera- tion the bill of rights and plan of government. Chose a committee to revise the abovesaid constitution, and make what remarks they think proper, and make report to the town at some future day. Chose Deacon Amos Dakin, David Blodgett, William Eliot, Ens. John Wood, Joseph Merriam, Samuel Smith, Joseph Barrett, Abijah Allen and Timothy Wheeler, for said committee. Voted, to ratify the north west corner of Mason, according to the agreement of the selectmen with the selectmen of the other towns. Voted, To take that part of the State tax, which is over paying the State treasurer (by reason of a certificate that came from the State treasurer, on account of the town's paying soldiers' bounty and wages), to defray town charges. Adj'd to the 16th. Then Voted, To dismiss William Eliot as clerk, and chose David Blodgett, town clerk, P. T." " Voted, Not to accept of the constitution as it now stands. Voted, To accept of the bill of rights, with the amendment of the 28th article. Voted, To accept the constitution with the following amendment, and then the meeting was dis- solved." No paper or record has been found which shows what these several proposed amendments were. 1783. MUNICIPAL HISTOEY. 105 The perambulation of the west line of the town is recorded as follows : '•On October the 28th; A. D. 1782, the selectmen and com- mittee of the town of New Ipswich and the selectmen of the town of Mason, met at the north west corner of said Mason? and after establishing said corner, proceeded to perambulate the line between said towns, and agreed that the stake and stones south of Mr. Edmund Town's, about 25 rods, to be a bound between said towns. Also, that a maple tree is a bound ; said tree stands south of the road, that leads from Dea. Dakin's to New Ipswich, from thence to a heap of stones in Lt. Stratton's pasture, and so on to a heap of stones south of the road that leads from said Stratton's to said Mason, then to a stake and stones on the north side of the great road below Mr. Pierce's, from thence to the road that leads from Col. Hale's to Prospect, a heap of stones on the south side of said road, and from thence to the corner of said ) towns, viz : the south west corner of Mason and the south east corner of New Ipswich. Said corner is a heap of stones on the Province line, with a large hemlock tree marked, fell down on said stones. Joseph Parker, ^ Committee Benjamin Hoar, > for Paul Pritchard, ) New Ipswich. William Eliot, ^Selectmen Samuel Smith, > of Joseph Merriam, ) Mason. A true entry, per me, Wm. Eliot, Town Clerk." To this perambulation . reference is had in the vote "to ratify the north west corner of Mason," passed December 3, 1782. March 10, 1783, Annual meeting. "Chose Mr. David Blodgett and Benj. Mann, Esq., to take care of what was blown off the meeting house, namely: boards, shingles, nails, &c. Voted, To mend the meeting house, and chose Jacob Blodgett, 106 HISTORY OF MASON. James Wood and Thomas Robbins, a committee to mend the meeting house. Voted, To double board the part that the wind blew the roof .of from." May 26, 1783. Order "To pay Capt. Wm. Chambers 4s. L. mo., it being for two mugs of Philp, that the arbitrators had, that set on the dispute that the town had with Ensign Joseph Ball, and for two mugs that the Selectmen had when they vendued the shingles and nails that blew from the meeting house." December 9, 1783. Chose Benjamin Mann, Esq., to repre- sent Mason and Raby. November 3. [No year.] Town meeting. "Voted, To raise X32 lis. M., to pay the cost of building the bridge by Mr. John Stevens' saw mill." This is probably the mill near Frederic Jones'. March, 1784. Annual meeting. "Voted, That X40 be added to what was raised to hire preaching the ensuing year, in order to pay the ministers that the town oweth, and that the selectmen be directed to assess the same as soon as pos- sible, and it shall be called the ministers' rate, and that the constables be ordered not to take any order for said rates, but what shall be given by the ministers ; and shall be ordered to pay the same to the treasurer." Benjamin Mann was chosen to represent Mason and Raby. July 19, 1784. Town meeting. The second article was, " To see what measures the town will pursue to find a candi- date to supply the pulpit, inasmuch as the committee have not been so happy as to find any. This article was inserted by request of Enosh Lawrence and others. The town voted to pass it over, probably thinking the committee competent to their duty. At this meeting, it was "Voted, To make up to Mr. Samuel Abbott, for his son Ebenezer's bounty, as good as the State would [have] paid him if the town had not been credited for the same ; in State notes, on interest, or other pay, as we may agree." 1784. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. . 10*1 August 19th, 1784. An order "to pay Capt. W. Chambers for keeping Mr. Bailey and Mr. Emerson, three Sabbaths." October 5, 1784. "Voted, To build a meeting house for the use of said town. Voted, To set the house on Captain Chambers' hill, above his orchard, if the town and he, the said Chambers, can agree to exchange lands for that purpose. Voted, To choose a committee of three men to agree on the aforesaid exchange. David Blodgett, Benjamin Mann, Esq., and Dea. Amos Dakin, were chosen for the aforesaid commit- tee. Then the meeting was adjourned to Monday, the 18th instant. At the adjournment. Voted, That the meeting house shall be raised sometime in the month of June, 1786. Voted, That the said house shall be fifty five feet long and forty five broad, the height to be in proportion to the bigness. Voted, To provide boards, shingles, nails and glass, window frames, and all materials for finishing the outside of said house, by the time afiixed for the raising. Voted, To accept the report of the committee that was chosen to exchange lands with Captain Chambers, which was to exchange six or seven acres off the south west corner of the school lot, for the same quantity of acres on the top of said Chambers' hill. Voted, To choose a committee to compute the quantity of stuff it will take to finish the outside of the house, and the cost of the same. Chose William Hosmer, Jacob Blo'dgett, David Blodgett, Joseph Woods and Benjamin Mann, for said com- mittee." Adjourned to November 10, at which time neither the moderator nor the warrant could be found, and nothing more was done. The site selected for the house, at this meeting, was one commanding a view hardly to be surpassed in New England, embracing a great portion of the counties of Middlesex and Worcester, and including the whole valley of the Nashua river and its branches. On the north west the Grand Monadnock, on the south west Watatook and Wachuset, and on the north the Jo English hill in New Boston, and on the east a long sweep of the valley of the Merrimack river, formed portions 108 * HISTORY OF MASON. of a landscape wortliy of admiration. But it seems difficul- ties arose, and objections were made to the site, and it was eventually abandoned. At a subsequent meeting, December 16, 1784, it was "Voted, To build a meeting house, and to set it about twenty feet north of the old one." This was not satisfactory, for the record proceeds to reconsider that vote with a proviso, "That there be an article inserted in the next warrant for the annual meeting, for the town to deter- mine where it shall stand. Chose a committee to provide stuff for the window frames and sashes ; Benjamin Mann, David Blodgett, and Samuel Smith." November 1, 1784. An order to pay Capt. Chambers for entertaining ministers, namely : Messrs. Langdon, Whitman, Bruce and Dix. In the History of New Hampshire Churches, it is stated that Mr. Bruce, who was settled at Mont Vernon, received a call to settle at Mason. No evidence of that fact appears upon the records of the town or church. This order shows that he was employed by the town as a preacher. March 15, 1785. An order "to pay Capt. Thomas Tarbell £1 2s., it being for boarding Mr. Bruse and his horse three weeks in October, 1784. Also, March 21, for monies paid to Phinehas Wright." Warrant fbr the annual meeting, March, 1785. Article 4. "To see if the town will supersede a vote of a late town meeting, for setting a meeting house upon Capt. Chambers' hill, and determine where said meeting house shall stand. At the meeting, it was "Voted to supersede a vote of a late town meeting, which was to set a meeting house upon Capt. Chambers' hill. Voted, To set the meeting house 16 or 20 feet north of the old one. Voted, To waive the building of a meeting house till we can agree better," The record states, that at this meeting, "37 votes for Mr. George Atkinson, for a president of the State," were given. The meeting adjourned to March 21, at which time it was "Voted, To withdraw the vote for senators and proceed to a new 1786. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 109 clioice. There were 61 votes for John Preston, Esq., 60 for Benjamin Mann, Esq., and one for Matthew Thornton. Yoted, To withdraw the vote for a President and begin again. There were 44 votes for George Atkinson, Esq., for Presi- dent." Also, "Voted to take the above vote respecting a meeting house under consideration for debating. Voted, The above vote for setting the meeting house 16 or 20 feet north of the old one, shall not stand. Voted, The proposed meeting house stand about four or five rods south or west of south [of the present place.] Then, Voted, To raise X300 to build a meeting house with. Voted, To build a bridge over the brook near Mr. John Stephens' saw mill. Chose Jonas Eay, Stephen Lawrence and William Hosmer a committee to build it ;" and thereupon, this somewhat extraordinary meet- ing was adjourned. It would be considered, in these days, a great stretch of power, for a town to vote to supersede ballotings, which had taken place at a former meeting, for governor and senators, and try it over aga,in, which seems to have been done in this instance, without objection. The result was, to increase the vote for governor, (then styled president.) How the original vote stood for senators, is not recorded ; nor is any clue left for even a conjecture, as to the reasons of this anomalous proceeding. June 10th, 1785. An order "to pay Abijah Allen £1 for boarding Mr. David Daniels, while preaching in town." October 1st, 1785. An order "to pay Jonathan Chandler 10s. in full, for going to Concord after Mr. Whipple, to supply the pulpit." September 3d, 1785. At a town meeting, the town "Voted, that the town will take good merchantable rye, in Leu of the town and minister tax, to be delivered at Dea. Amos Dakin's, at any time from the first of November, to the last of December. Dea. Dakin to take it, at 4s. per bushel, and give receipts." March, 1786. Annual meeting, Benjamin Mann chosen to represent Mason and Raby, 15 110 HISTOEY OF MASON, November 2, 1786. Town meeting. Article 2. "To see if the town will accept the plan proposed to make paper money, or point out any other method for the same, as they shall think proper." On this article, the town " Yoted, Not to make any paper money." The vote so laconically recorded, would seem to be conclusive of the wishes of the town, but it was not so, for, December 4, 1786, another town meeting was called about paper money. The action of the town is recorded as follows : "Voted, Not to have paper money on the plan proposed by the court. No. 17 ; none appearing for said plan. No. 11 ; not for paper money on any plan. No. 3 ; for said money on some plan." The meeting house controversy comes back again. At a town meeting May 28th, 1787, it was "Voted, to build a meeting house. Voted to set it just back of the old meeting house. Then voted to reconsider the last vote, and to choose a committee to say where it shall stand, chose Maj. Abiel Abbott, Timothy Farrar and Daniel Emerson, Esqs., and chose a committee of five to wait on the committee, and chose for that purpose, the selectmen, Benjamin Mann, Esq. and Samuel Smith." September 4th, 1787. At a town meeting "Voted, to accept the report of the committee, on the place for the meeting house. Voted, that the selectmen assess the money raised for that purpose." "Voted, that the selectmen assess one hundred and fifty of the three hundred pounds raised heretofore, for the pur- pose of building the meetinghouse, and chose Benjamin Mann, Esq., Lt. James Scripture, Mr. H. Russell, Elias Eliot and Joseph Woods a committee to affect the purpose of build- ing a meeting house in the town." The selectmen were ordered "to furnish the committee a copy of the assessment, and that the receipt of a majority of the committee, or of the chairman, shall be sufficient to discount with the consta- bles for each ones tax." 1789. MUNICIPAL HISTOEY. Ill March SOtli, 1788. Chose Obadiah Parker to represent Mason and Eaby. It appears by the record of the warrant for this meeting, that it was issued by the selectmen of Mason, alone. The record shows their warrant, directed to "the freeholders, and other inhabitants paying taxes in the town of Eaby, to meet at the meeting house in Mason, for the choice of a representative." June 16th, 1788. "Voted to build the meeting house on the plan proposed by the committee. Yoted to let out the west part of the school lot, to Dea. Amos Dakin for fifteen years, [for] his clearing and fencing the same with stone wall, 4 ft. 4 inches high." This contract was not carried out. Dea. Dakin died April 28, 1789. May 4th, 1789. "Voted, that the Selectmen stake out the spot for the meeting house. Voted to set the front according to the three north stakes, set up by the Selectmen. "Voted to postpone the building of the meeting house, till the first day of August, providing Mr. Kendall's business will submit to it." Mr. Kendall was of Ashby, was a celebrated master builder, a faithful and a good workman. It seems his busi- ness would not submit to the postponement, for it appears by the following letter, which is inserted as illustrating the times and characteristics of the people, that early in Septem- ber of that year, the meeting house was raised. The letter is directed to Sr. Hill, Preacher in Ashby. The title, Sir, was once commonly given to graduates of universities. It seems to have been the English equivalent of the Latin Domi- nus, or Magister ; but was, perhaps, exclusively bestowed on the clergy; [See the Odorherty Papers.] To return to the letter. The original is in the hand writing of Jonathan Searle, Esq., and is as follows : " Much respected Sr. Hill, We in the Capacity of a Town's Com- mittee for building a meeting House in Mason, take this method to wait upon you with our sincere Regards for your Person 112 HISTOEY OP MASON. and Wellfare, and with our earnest Desire (as we expect with, the Leave of Providence, next Week on Wednesday to begin raising the meeting House in this Town) that you would give us the Pleasure of waiting on you in town next week on Tuesday at farthest, since it is agreed upon, you should lead in Prayer early the next Morning. Pray Sr. don't disappoint us of this our desire, as you will much oblidge your humb. Servts. ^ Chairman Benjamin Mann, > of Said 3 Com'tee. Mason, August ye 29th, 1789. The above letter is copied verbatim from the original, pre- serving the orthography, punctuation, abbreviations, and use of capital letters. It was once a custom with English writers and printers, to commence every noun with a capital letter, which rule has, except in a few instances,- been observed in this letter, and the common error of the illiterate, of com- mencing with capital letters other words than nouns, is sedu- lously avoided. The service requested, it is reported, was performed, in an appropriate manner and with due solemnity. This letter further brings to mind a distinguishing character- istic of our fathers, a feeling, and a ready public acknowl- edgment of, their dependence on the divine blessing in all their ways. The letter is one of the earliest documentary evidences that has been found of the connection of Mr. Hill with the affairs and interests of the people and town. It was not, however, his first appearance on public service in the town, where he preached four or more Sabbaths, com- mencing in April, 1789, but was, at the date of this letter, preaching in Ashby. The raising of a meeting house in a country town was a matter of no small moment. As the records of Mason have preserved no details of the preparations for and of the pro- ceedings on this occasion, resort will be had, as in former instances, with much profit, for interesting details of vari- rious matters and proceedings, to the records of Townsend. 1789. MUNICIPAL HISTORY, 113 At a town meeting in that town, on May 28, 1770, it was "Voted, That the commite chosen to take cair for the raising of the new meeting house, be directed to "provid jins and roaps necessary for the same, and also to choose such hands to raise the same as they think proper, and make suitable provision for their entertainment as they think proper at their discretion ; and also to provide some person that can splise roaps if they break, all at the town's cost, except their services in town." The next proceeding of the town of Mason on record, has an intimate connection with the subject of the preceding page. At a meeting, called October 15, 1789, and adjourned to October 19, the record states as follows : Then the town did concur with the church, in giving Mr. Eben^. Hill a call into the work of the ministry. No negative. Voted, To reserve "the ministry rite of land in the town, for the use of the town." Voted, one hundred and fifty pounds settlement to Mr. Hill, provided he should accept the call of the church and town ; one half of the above to be paid in money, the other half in neat stock and farm produce, one half in one year after his settlement, and the other half in the next year following. Voted sixty six pounds, thirteen shillings, and four pence yearly, as salary during his ministry with us. Chose Jona- than Searle, Esq., Lt. Obadiah Parker and Capt. Isaac Brown, a committee "to wait on Mr. Hill, with the above proceed- ings." In the meantime, without waiting for the result of this action, the business of building the meeting house went on. At a town meeting, December 14, 1789, "Voted, To accept a plan of the body pews, drawn by Lt* Kendall, and of the wall pews, by Lt. James Wood, and to sell the pews by vendue ; that the purchaser of a pew below, should pay twelve shillings, and of a pew in the gallery, six shillings, as a for- 114 HISTORY OP MASON. feiture for not paying for the pew. Chose a committee to give and take security, Jonathan Searle, Benjamin Mann and Joseph Merriam, and at an adjournment, [apparently after the sale,] then proceeded to business, to wit, for each man that purchased a pew, to give in to the town's committee to build the meeting house, what articles he would procure against next April, necessary to finish said house." The following is a copy of the proceedings of the church in Mason, in making choice of Mr. Hill to become their paS' tor, and in presenting their call to him, to the work of the ministry with them. "Oct. 13th, 1789. At a church meeting, Rev. Samuel Dix of Townshend, was chosen moderator for the said meeting. After prayer, the church chose Mr. Eben'^. Hill for their pas- tor and teacher, and determined to invite him to take the oversight of them, and the people of this place, as their minister. "Voted to choose a committee, to wait on Mr. Ebetf. Hill, and inform him of the above determination of the church ; chose for that purpose, Deacon Nathan Hall, Mr. Jason Dun- ster and Mr. Samuel Smith. "Voted that Deacon Hall, the standing moderator of the church, communicate to the inhabitants of the town, at their meeting on thursday next, a copy of our proceedings at this time, with respect to the choosing, and calling, of Mr. Eben"". Hill to settle with us in the ministry of the gospel. Attest, Samuel Dix, moderator." On the margin is the state of the vote of the church, as follows : "Deacon Nathan Hall, yea. John Russell, yea. Jason Dunster, yea. Edmund Tarbell, yea. Samuel Smith, yea. Hubbard Russell, yea." Also, is added on the margin : " Capt. William Chambers, John Winship, Hinksman "Warren, Jonathan Bachelder, Abel Adams, Joseph Woods, Timothy Dakin, members of other churches, expressed their desire that Mr. Eben^ Hill should 1790. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 115 settle here." These brethren were then resident in the town, and afterwards united with the church. February 16, 1790. The town ^'A^'oted, To provide thirty cords of wood yearly, for Mr. Hill, so long as the town can procure the same without a tax, and if that measure should ever fail of providing said thirty cords of wood as above, then the town will add to his salary so much as to make it seventy five pounds, lawful money, yearly, during his ministry in said town. " Voted, To pay Mr. Ebenezer Hill one half of the settle- ment the said town voted him October ye 15th, 1789, in six months after his ordination in said town, the other half in eighteen months after said ordination, provided he should be in necessity for the same. "Voted, That Mr. Joseph Merriam and Joseph Barrett wait upon Mr. Hill with the above proceedings of the town." Mr. Hill had preached several months in Marlborough, N. H., and been called by the church in that town to become their pastor, and the town, at a meeting held November 30, 1789, by their vote, concurred in the action of the church. This call he had under consideration at the same time as that of Mason ; after due deliberation, he declined the call of the church in Marlborough, and accepted the invitation of the church and people of Mason, to become their pastor and minister. The following is a copy of his answer : "To the church of Christ and people in Mason: "My Christian brethren and Friends, "It hath pleased Almighty God so to order in his Providence that I have been called to preach the Gospel of Christ among you, — I have been so long time with you as to give all an opportunity, who are so minded, to have personal acquaintance with me, and to be acquainted with my sentiments, and public performances ; as it is now about 15 months since I first came among you, and it has pleased you, unworthy as I am, to invite me to settle 116 HISTORY OF MASON. witli you in the work of the Gospel Ministry. It is [a] long- time since I have had your call under consideration, and the longer perhaps, as I have been so unhappy, as to have another call, at the same time from another church and people, but I hope and trust I have made it a matter of serious and prayerful enquiry, seeking direction from the Father of Lights — and considered it, as it is, a most solemn and important undertaking, and who is sufficient for these things ? 0, to have the charge of Souls is a most awful charge ! Since if any perish, thro' the carelessness or unfaithfulness of the Watchman, his blood shall be required at the Watchman's hands; — and to be guilty of the blood of souls is dreadful! I hope I am, in some measure, sensible of my insufficiency of myself, for such an undertaking — that all my own strength is weakness, and that my sufficiency must be of God, who chooseth the weak things of the world to confound the wise. I trust he hath called me to this work, therefore relying on his mercy and grace, and requesting and depending upon your prayers for me, that I may have grace to be found faithful, and be more and more furnished for the work, and depending upon your assistance as fellow helpers to the truth, I accept of your invitation, provided there shall arise no matter of difficulty before any further relation may take place. Again I request, brethren, pray for me, that I may be willing to spend and be spent in the service of Christ ; that I may be a faithful Minister of the New Testament — and a helper of your joy. And may the pure religion of Jesus Christ prevail everywhere, in this town in particular, that God may be glori- fied among us is the prayer of Your Humbl. Servt. in the Lord, Ebenezer Hill." This document is without date, but was communicated to the town, probably, in July or August, 1790. While these proceedings were in progress, the affairs of the meeting house were in hand. At a meeting, March 8, 1790, it was "Voted, To dismiss the committee to build the meeting 1790. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 117 house, and cliose in their stead, Joseph Merriam, Hubbert Russell and Lt, James Wood." September 23, 1790. In the warrant for the meeting, the second article was, "To see what time the town will prefix for the ordination of Mr. Ebenezer Hill into the work of the Gospel Ministry. 3d. To see what provision the town will make for said ordination." At the meeting, "Voted, That Mr. Ebenezer Hill be absent two Sabbaths in a year, yearly, if it may not be in his power to procure a supply. Voted, To accept of Mr. Ebenezer Hill's answer upon the Invitation of the Church and Town to settle with them in the work of the Gospel Ministry. " Voted, That Wednesday, the third day of November next, be the day prefixed for the ordination of Mr. E. Hill into the work of the Gospel Ministry in this town. " Voted, To send to seven churches to assist in the solem- nity of the ordination, viz : To the Church of Christ in Eindge under the Pastoral care of the Rev. Seth Payson, HoUis, " " " Daniel Emerson, New Ipswich, " « " Stephen Farrar, Pepperell, " " " John Bullard, Wilton, " " " Theophilus Fiske, Temple, " " " Noah Miles, Townsend, " " " Samuel Dix. "Voted, To pay five dollars down, and the other part of the one half of the cost for entertaining the council, in money, in three months ; the other half to be paid in rye, at 4s. per bushel, and corn at 3s. per bushel, the whole to be paid in three months from the ordination. Voted, To give Benjamin Mann, Esq., five pounds for entertaining the council, with all other gentlemen of the clergy, and Mr. Hill's relatives and friends, that may attend the ordination. Chose Lt. Obadiah Parker, Jonathan Searle, Esq., and Dea. Nathan Hall, to send letters missive to the several churches above mentioned." 16 118 HISTORY OF MASON. The sum tlms to be paid for entertaining the Council, &c., amounted to $16,66. These preparations having been made, the ordination was conducted in due form. The council met on the 2d day of November, 1790. The following is a copy of their proceed- ings. As such documents are rarely to be found in print, this will be looked upon by such as feel an interest in the minutia of the ecclesiastical proceedings of the New England churches, with a deeper sentiment than that of mere curiosity. "An 'Ecclesiastical Council, by virtue of letters missive from the church of Christ and congn. in Mason, desiring their advice and assistance in the ordination of Mr. Ebenezer Hill, to the work of the Gospel Ministry among them, on Wednes- day, the 3d day of November, 1790 ; consisting of the follow- ing churches of Christ, Yiz. : ye chh. of Christ in HoUis, ye chh. of Christ in New Ipswich, ye chh. of Christ in Towns- end, ye chh. of Christ in Wilton, ye chh. of Christ in Pep- perell, ye chh. of Christ in Rindge, and ye chh. of Christ in Temple, met as requested, at the house of Benjamin Mann, Esq., in said Town, on the evening proceeding said day. "After some deliberation upon the subject of their meeting, Voted, To embody, and made choice of Rev'd. Daniel Emer- son as moderator, who led the council in prayer to God for light and direction upon the important occasion. Then the council made choice of the Rev'd John Bullard as scribe, and proceeded to consider the call of the church and people to Mr. Hill, to the pastoral office among them, and his answer to said call, and being satisfied as to the regularity of both, they examined the candidate for ordination as to his qualifications for the work of the ministry, and his views in undertaking it, carefully attending to his confession of faith. Then voted to adjourn till next morning at nine o'clock. "Wednesday, A. M. Met according to adjournment. After prayer, the council being satisfied as to the character, senti- ments, qualification and views of Mr. Hill, upon the church, receiving him into their holy fellowship and repeated requests to have the pastor elect separated to the work to which he 1790. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 119 was called, Yoted, Nem, con., to proceed to his ordination, (and lie was ordained accordingly.) ''Mar., Nov. 3d, 1790. John Bullard, Scribe. "N. B. The solemnity was introduced with prayer, by Rev. Mr. Fiske ; Eev'd Mr. Payson preached npon 2 Cor. 5 ; 20. Rev'd Mr. Emerson made the ordaining prayer. Rev'd Mr. Farrar gave the charge, Rev'd Mr. Dix gave the sight hand of fellowship, Rev'd Mr. Bullard made the closing prayer." Here it may be proper to remark, that these proceedings were in full accordance with the principles of congregational- ism ; that is the absolute independency of each church. The candidate was not ordained, until he became a member of the church; and being such, was by the church chosen as their pastor and teacher, and at their request, being one of their brethren, was by the council, set apart and ordained as their pastor. This land mark of the order, is not now so carefully preserved, as it should be. It is apprehended that it will be found, in many instances, that the pastors of congregational churches, are not members of their churches. If the notion prevails, that by being ordained over the churches, they by that act become members of the churches, it is one that has no foundation in Congregationalism, and is at total variance with its fundamental principles and doctrines. This connection between the pastor and church thus formed, proved to be a happy one. It continued with the town till December 19th, 1835 ; when the civil contract with the town, was, at his request, dissolved. Of the church he remained pastor, till his decease. May 20th, 1854. December 2d, 1790. At a town meeting "Voted, To sell the old meeting house at vendue, exclusive of the sash and glass. Voted, That the men that built pews in the old meet- ing house, hold them as their property." John Brown became the purchaser. He was a merchant. He removed it to the south side of the common, at the foot of the hill on which it formerly stood; and placed it at the corner, on the west side 120 HISTORY OF MASON. of the road leading to Townsend ; where Freeman Elliot's house now stands. It was occupied as a dwelling house and store by Mr. Brown, and afterward by Thomas Whiting and Jabez Prescott, for the same purpose. It was afterwards occupied by B^enry Jefts, and perhaps some others, as a dwelling house, till it was purchased by Hollis Amsden of Mr. Parkman, who resided in Charlestown. Mr. Amsden occupied it for many years as a dwelling house and turner's shop. He sold it to Abraham Robbins, by whom it was taken down, removed, and set up again where it now stands, on the farm formerly occupied by Seth Pobbins, a little way oif from the road leading to Townsend. Up to this period, the town had been but poorly furnished with school houses. Being provided with a meeting house and a minister, attention was now directed to the schools, one of the most important institutions in New England. At a meeting March 14, 1791, it was "Yoted, To raise 180 pounds to build school houses, viz : 20 pounds for each school district," and a committee was chosen, consisting of Jonathan Searle, Benjamin Mann, Obadiah Parker, Reuben Barrett, Samuel Smith, Jotham Webber, Stephen Lawrence, Oliver Scripture, John Lawrence, James Scripture, Joseph Saunders, David Hall and Joseph Barrett, to divide the town into school districts, and fix the place in each for the school house. Their report was made and accepted, and recorded. The town was divided into nine districts, the description and numbers of which will appear in a subsequent chapter. The next interest which the fathers looked after was, to put in order the grounds around the new meeting house. At the meeting March 14, 1791, it was "Voted, That a single head pay one shilling, and other estates accordingly, towards wharfing around the meeting house, and making a parade." It was further " Voted, That it be assessed and put into sepa- rate columns, in the surveyors' lists, and committed to the sur- veyors ; the price of work per day and utentials, as for highway work." Benjamin Mann, Isaac Brown and James 1791. MUNICIPAL HISTOEY. 121 Wood, were chosen a committee, to direct the surveyors what work should be done ; and it was further ordered, "that it be done by the 10th of June next." " The making the parade," was preparing the ground for a training field. Now appear the first symptoms of a division in town afi'airs, which afterwards was the occasion of much trouble and heart-burning ; that is the taxing the Baptists for building the meeting house. If the house had been built solely for public worship, there would seem to be no good reason to require those who did not use it for that purpose to pay the expenses of the erection ; but that rule would apply to some who did not pretend to be Baptists, but from indiJfference to all religious teaching, or for other reasons, absented themselves from public worship. All these persons were ready enough to use the house for secular purposes, and in those days, when town meetings were seldom less than a dozen a year, the use of the house for that purpose, was almost as impor- tant in itself, and was quite as wearing and destructive to the building, as its use for religious purposes. August 22, 1791. In the warrant for the meeting, the second article was, "To see if the town will direct the selectmen to order the constables who have demands on the Baptists in this town, or other towns not belonging to this State, to make distress immediately on such delinquent persons, of that denomination, as have not paid their several taxes to the minister or the meeting house, in the town, or to see if the town will strike upon measures of an amicable nature with the Baptists, respecting their said taxes, as they appear fond of the latter, but entirely averse to paying either of said taxes, except being obliged by law, unless happily agreed to by the parties." This article exhibits an amusing jumble of ideas. The doings of the meeting partook some- what of the same character. It was "Yoted, That the Baptists have the liberty to pay their proportion of the first assessment of £150, or not to pay anything at all. Voted, That the non-resident Baptists pay their proportion of the 122 HISTORY OP MASON. above tax of ,£150, or be liable to be called upon for the whole of the tax now assessed against them to said meeting house. Voted, i That the Baptists in town and out of the State, be exempted from paying any minister's tax made against them since the first invoice after they can procure a certificate that they have joined a sect or denomination of Baptists." On the 27th of September, at another meeting, the vote respecting the Baptists out of the State, was recon- sidered, and a vote passed to exempt the Baptists out of the State from paying anything to the tax for building the meeting house. The result was, as appears by the records, that those who had not paid were excused, and those who had paid received back their money out of the treasury, by orders drawn in their favor. The titles to the lands in the town were granted upon the express condition that the town should, within a specified time, build a meeting house, and, as is undoubtedly implied in those terms, should maintain it and rebuild it as often as necessary, and as the grantors had given valuable lands, for the ministry and the support of the ministry in the town, the undoubted intention of which was, that the town should support a minis- ter, and as the town had enjoyed the full benefit of that grant, and had sold the ministry land and received the money for it, the town was morally, if not legally bound to maintain a minister, and continued to be so liable, until the laws of the State abridged the powers of the towns in this particular. There can be no doubt, that the conditions of the grants and the acceptance of the charter by the original grantees, made their lands chargeable with the burdens of building and main- taining a public meeting house for the town, and that all who held lands under this grant, or derived their title from the original grantees, under this charter, held them subject to those charges. No change had then been made in the law, with regard to the house ; and it is doubtful if any had been made concerning the support of the minister which would 1793. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 123 exonerate the owner of lands in town from the payment of assessments on their lands for this purpose. Such being the fact, one knows hardly which most to admire, the confidence with which the claim, on the part of the Baptists, to be exempted from the expenses of building the house, were urged, or the readiness with which the other inhabitants took upon themselves the whole burden of building and keeping in repair the meeting house. March 12, 1792. Annual meeting. Obadiah Parker was chosen to represent Mason and Raby. May 20, 1792. "Voted, To sell Dr. Wm. Barber a part of the parade ground at the rate of 52s. per acre." At a meeting, this year, an article of the warrant was, " To see if the town will give leave to introduce the small pox by inocculation, and to set up a hospital." "Yoted, Not to have the small pox brought into town, by any person or persons being inoculated. Voted, not to have a hospital set up in said town." March meeting, 1793. Chose Joseph Merriam "To repre- sent the town of Mason." The population of the town had now become large enough to be entitled to choose a repre- sentative, and to Mr. Merriam belongs the honor of being the first representative, under this apportionment. No citizen of Mason was ever more worthy of this mark of the confidence of his townsmen. Mason, as has already been stated, was for many years classed with Eaby, for the choice of a repre- sentative. In those years in which no mention is made in Mason records of the choice of a representative, there is no doubt that the representative chosen was an inhabitant of Eaby and that the choice is recorded in Raiby records. At this meeting, John Brown was chosen collector for the whole town. He refused or declined to serve, and a meeting was called July 8, 1793, to choose a collector in his room. At the meeting, "Voted, Not to excuse Mr. Brown. Voted, That he pay a fine of 20s. Voted, To accept an order of 20s. upon the town treasurer, from the Eev. Mr. Eben^ Hill, 124 HISTORY OF MASON. for said 20s." Sucli was the law of the land; persons chosen into town offices who refused or declined accepting the office, were liable to be fined, unless excused by the town. At a meeting in September, the town "Voted, To have two companies of militia in the town of Mason. Voted, To have the town divided for that purpose, according to the tax bills." At the annual meeting, March 10, 1794, Obadiah Parker was chosen to represent the town. The ninth article in the warrant was, "To see if the town will let Benjamin Mann, Esq., have that old road formerly trod by Mr. Brintnall Witherell's shop near to the bridge, by Mr. John Brown's Pirlash, or pay said Mann for the road as now trod on said Mann's land." The town voted to give him the old road for the new one. Mr. Brown's pearlashery stood on the south side of the road on the east side of the stream, below the bridge, near the present residence of Mr. Ephraim Russell. March meeting, 1795. Joseph Barrett was chosen repre- sentative. May 18, 1795. "Voted, To each man who shall turn out as a volunteer in the service of the United States, for the term of one year, 12s. bounty, and to make up the wages to $10 per month." This bounty was paid by the town, to the following persons : Samuel Merriam, Elisha Buss, Ezra New- ell, Aaron Wheeler, Jr., Thomas Robbins, Jr., Joseph Mer- riam, Jr., Capt. James Wood. October 22, 1795. "Voted, To have the meeting house dedicated on Thursday, the 26th day of November next, if agreeable to the Rev. Mr. Hill, and that the selectmen assist Mr. Hill in making entertainment for the ministers." On the 26th day of November, 1795, in pursuance of this vote, the meeting house was dedicated. No record has been preserved of the proceedings on that occasion. In the memoir of the Rev. Mr. Hill, will be inserted a fac simile of the first page of his sermon preached at the dedication. 1795. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 125 The view of the house, here presented, was drawn from recollection, many years after the building was taken down ; but it exhibits the appearance and proportions of the edifice so truly, that none familiar with its sacred form will fail at once to recognize it. FRONT VIEW OP THE OLD MEETING HOUSE. " Our meeting-house — our meeting-h.ouse, It stood upon a hill, Where autumn gales and wintry blasts Piped round it loud and shrill. No maple tree with leafy shade, Nor taU, protecting oak. Stood near to guard the ancient house When tempests round it broke. No steeple graced its homely roof, With upward-pointing spire ; Our villagers were much too meek A steeple to desire. And never did the welcome tones Of Sabbath morning bell. Our humble village worshippers The hour of worship tell." These lines, taken from the History of New Ipswich, describe so happily and perfectly, the Mason meeting house, that it is impossible to resist the impulse to use them, a liberty which it is hoped the author of the lines and the editor of the book, will pardon. 17 t 126 HISTOEY OF MASON. CO eo CO '"' o 1-1 t>. i-H 05 OS ^ CO o 22 Amos Blood. 128 HISTORY OF MASON. The meeting house, a view of which appears on page 125^ was by the vote of the town, to be fifty five feet long, and forty five feet wide. It was constructed with galleries on three sides. At each end was a porch, with two doors, on.e on the west, and one on the south side in one, and one on the east, and one on the south side in the other. From each porch, a door led into the main body of the house below, and two flights of winding stairs, one from each outer door con- ducted to the second story of the porch, from which a broad flight of steps in each porch, without a door, led into the gallery of the house. The accompanying ground plan, will give a better idea of the division of the house within, than any length of description. The outside was finished with very prime clapboards, and painted, the color having a slight tinge of yellow, making a straw color. The windows were large, the panes, eight by ten glass. The doors all panelled, the front double, the porch doors single. The finishing inside was ceiling, up to the bottom of the windows. The walls above, and ceiling overhead, of plaster ; the fronts of the galleries were finished with panelled work, and a heavy cor- nice ; the whole supported by Ionic columns, on which rested the heavy oaken beams, which furnished the groundwork of the galleries. These beams were planed and painted, and not enclosed by the plaster. The posts were very large^ extending the whole height of the house, and projecting into the house ; towards the top, where they were to receive the beams, they were enlarged, somewhat like the capital of a column. They were of the finest white oak timber, and finished and painted like the gallery beams. The pews were square, of panel work, with a balustrade of miniature Ionic columns. The pulpit was finished with panel work, outside and in, with angles and curves, which would tax the skill of an artist to describe in words ; surmounted by a somiding board, octagonal in form, also of panel work, in the highest style of art of that day. All the work was in the best style, and of the best material. The following description, taken, 1786. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 129 with, a few changes, from the description of the old meeting house in New Ipswich, in the History of New Ipswich, will present a vivid picture of the inside of the house, and of the worshippers. The pulpit was lofty ; the ascent to it was by a flight of stairs outside, with a balustrade of Ionic columns, of a larger size, but similar in form, to those used in the con- struction of the pews. It had a recess or rostrum, in which the speaker stood ; behind him, was a curtainless arched win- dow; above him, the sounding board hung near his head, suspended from the ceiling by an iron rod, so slender as to have excited in many a youthful mind, apprehensions of its falling, and speculations of the consequences of such a disas- ter ; beneath him, in front of the pulpit, were the deacon's seats, in a sort of pen, where they sat facing the congrega- tion, with the communion table hanging by hinges, in front of them. The pews were about six feet square ; a row of hard, un-cushioned seats, surrounded the interior, and generally, there was one or more high-backed, flag-bottomed chairs in the centre, most usually occupied by the grand-mothers of the family, a shake of whose head, had a wonderful effect in reducing to instant sobriety, any youngster, attempting any trespasses upon the solemn decorum of the place. The seats were hung by hinges, so that they might be turned up as the congregation rose, at prayer, as was the goodly custom of our fathers ; and the slam-bang, as they were turned care- lessly down, at the close of the prayers, not unlike a volley of musketry, was no inconsiderable episode in the ceremonies. Behold now the congregation, as it assembles on the Sab- bath. Some of them are mounted on horses; the father, with his wife or daughter on a pillion behind him, and perhaps also his little boy astride before him. They ride up to the stone horse-block and dismount. The young men and maid- ens, when not provided with horses, approach on foot. They carry in hand a rose or a lilac, a pink, a peony or a pond-lily, (and this was the whole catalogue of flowers then known)' or what was still more exquisite, a nice bunch of fennel or cara- i 130 HISTOEY OF MASON. way seeds. Instead of this, in winter, they bear a tin foot- stove, containing a little dish of coals which they have care- fully brought from home or filled at some neighboring house or noon-house ; and this was all the warmth they were to enjoy during the two long hours of the service. They have come a long distance on ox-sleds, or perhaps have skimmed over the deep, untrodden snow on rackets. They enter the house, stamping the snow from their feet and tramping along the uncarpeted aisles with their cow-hide boots. Let us enter with them. The wintry blast howls and shrieks around the exposed building; the ill-fastened windows clatter; and the walls re-echo to the thumping of thick boots, as their wearers endeavor to keep up the circulation in their half frozen feet, while clouds of vapor issue from their mouths ; and the man of God, as he raises his hands in prayer, must needs protect them with shaggy mittens. So comfortless and cold, it makes one shudder to think of it. In summer, on the contrary, the sun blazes in, unscreened by blind or cur- tain ; the sturdy farmer, accustomed to labor all day in his shirt sleeves, takes the liberty to lay aside his coat in like manner for the more serious employments of the sanctuary ; especially is this the case with the singers, who have real work to perform. Every man is in his appropriate place ; for it was little less than sacrilege, in the days when the Sabbath was kept with all puritan gravity and severity, to stay away from meeting, let the weather be what it might. The prayers are offered ; the sermon begins, and advances by regular approach up to 8thly, and even to IGthly; the elderly men, unaccustomed to long sittings, occasionally standing erect or leaning against the partitions of the pews, to relieve the fatigue of their position ; Tate and Brady is lined off, two lines at a time, by a person selected for the purpose, and sung with good nasal twang and hearty good will to some good old tune. Wells or St. Martins ; and, finally, the benediction is pronounced. The congregation still remains 1790. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 131 in its place to go out in prescribed order : first tlie minister — and as he passes the deacons, they follow — then those in the front seat below, and at the same time those in the front gallery seat and those in the pews — then those in the second seat, and so on in successive order. Would that a like deco- rum in this respect could be substituted for the impatient and irreverent rush of modern days. They separate for a short intermission and to dispatch their lunch of dough-nuts or apples ; in summer they stroll in the graveyard, to hold silent converse with those who sleep there, and impress the lesson of their own mortality; and in winter those from a distance take refuge before the blazing hearth of some friend in the village, and are perhaps regaled by a hospitable mug of cider; and soon all are reassembled for the afternoon service. After this, they wend their way home, to partake of a hearty warm dinner, the best of the week, in most instances too, prefaced by an exhilerating draught of hot toddy; and finally "to say the Catechism." That Westminster Assem- bly's Catechism ; who that was trained in the early part of the century will forget it ! Its pictorial alphabet of aphorisms. In Adam's fall we sinned all ; My Book and heart shall never part, — the story of John Rogers, with the picture of the martyr at the stake, surrounded by the grim officials, and, standing near, his wife and nine children, certain ; (whether the one at the breast was one of the nine, or one to be added to that num- ber, was a problem too deep for youthful minds to solve,) Agur's Prayer ; and Dialogue between Youth, Christ and the Devil; — it was the only book beside the Bible and Psalm Book allowed in the hands of youth on the Sabbath. The Catechism concluded the religious observance of the day. Then the children were let loose, and in summer, all the family walked over the farm to observe the crops and salt the cattle. As those who were actors in these almost forgotten scenes recall them, with a thousand associations which it is impossi- 132 HISTORY OP MASON. ble to recount, it must seem almost a dream ; and those who are now in the morning of life would doubtless smile could these old times and customs be but once presented in reality. But they were good old times; and the Sabbath and the sanctuary were then regarded with a strictness and reverence which we should be glad to see observed in our day. The meeting house was so far finished that it was used at the ordination of Mr. Hill, November 3, 1790, and from that time to the time of the dedication, it continued to be used for public worship. The date of the year of the erection of the house appeared in large, gilded figures, 1790, on the capital of the two columns supporting the gallery, one on each side of the aisle in front of the pulpit, the position of which, in pews five and six, is indicated by the mark ° in the plan, on page 126. It was probably nearly completed at that time. Why the dedication was deferred till 1795, is not stated in any record or memorial of the times. This house continued to be occupied by the church and congregation over which Mr. Hill was settled as minister, till November, 1837, when a new society having been formed under the laws of the State, in connection with the church, and a new house built for their use in a more convenient and eligible locality, they removed to it, abandoning the old house. It continued to be used by the town, as a town house, for town meetings, and occasionally, by other societies and denominations, as a place of worship, until the town house was built in 1848, soon after which, it was sold and removed. It stood upon the top of the hill where the road leading to Brookline leaves the Wilton road. The locality, although at first it appeared pleasant and suitable for a village, proved wholly unfit for such purpose, it being impossible to dig cellars or wells, by reason of the ledges cropping out too near the surface. The first plot occupied in the town for a graveyard, was in the rear of this house ; and after a few years it was abandoned, for the same reason. Some of the dead, originally deposited there, were removed to the burying ground south of the centre of the 1798. MUNICIPAL HISTOET. 133 town ; others still rest in tlieir lonely graves. A few monu- ments, the oldest in town, remain to mark their places of repose. March meeting, 1796. Joseph Barrett was chosen repre- sentative. March meeting, 1797. Joseph Barrett was chosen repre- sentative. "Voted, To make a present to the Rev. Mr. Ebenezer Hill, of the obligation he gave the selectmen, dated March 13, 1793, for $105. Voted, To leave the fixing of the burying grounds to the selectmen, provided they can have a sufficient title from Thomas Tarbell, of that burying ground near said Tarbell's house." June 23d, 1787, sundry orders "To Capt. Wm. Chambers, £5 15s. lid. 2q., it being for sundries he let the Rev. Mr. Dis have, and also for dining the Rev. Mr. Whitman, and keep- ing his horse ; also for answering Mr. Whitman's order upon the town, or selectmen, and for Lt. Farley's rats, that was abated, and for boarding Mr. Dix." September 4th, 1787. Capt. Wm. Chambers X2 19s. Id. it being for boarding several ministers, and finding the com- mittee that was chose to place the meeting house, a dinner, and for paying the Rev. Mr. Dix for preaching on fast day." December 11th, 1787. "Joseph Merriam, for boarding Mr. Jesse Remington, 5s. Od. Iq." April 26th, 1788. "Hubbert Russell 7s. paid Mr. Warren, and for boarding Mr. Warren 3 weeks and three days, £1 7s." June 16th, 1788. "Jonathan Searle for keeping school, £1 12s. Od. Oq." June 21st, 1788. Eleazer Fish, "for a pair of steers he turned in to the town, to pay a debt due to Mr. Whitman for preaching, X9 5s." October 9th, 1788. To Wm, Chambers, " for paying a note to Mr. Jesse Remington, and for paying a debt to Mr. Nahum Sargent, and for keeping Mr. Aiken's horse and Mr. Reming- ton's horse, £5 6s. 6d." 18 134 HISTORY OF MASON. December 5tli, 1788. Lt. James Wood, in all, £2 8s., "for boarding Mr. Nathan Church;" another order, "for boarding Mr. Church, 6s., and for paying him 7s." February 2d, 1789. Isaac Brown, two orders, in all £2 6s., " for a saddle he let the town have, to pay a debt due Mr. Benjamin Green, for preaching." February 16th, 1789. William Chambers, 13s., "for drink for the committee, when they vendued the timber for the meeting house." March 17th, 1790. Order, To pay Jonas Fay 3s. 4d., "for a pound of tea, he let Mrs. Betty Locke have, towards her keeping school in 1788." . March 12th, 1791. Aaron Wheeler, "for his meetinghouse tax in 1789, 12s. lOd. 3q." April 28th, 1791. Order to pay Dr. William Barber £2 8s. 9d., "for keeping school in the South District in 1789." January 31st, 1792. William Eliot, " for his meeting house tax in 1789, 12s. 2d." Messrs. Eliot and Wheeler were Baptists, and their taxes were abated, pursuant to the order of the town. See page 122. 1793. John Brown, "for two palls, or funeral cloths, £2 8s." 1795. The following persons were paid 12s. each, for bounty, for enlisting as volunteers ; Samuel Merriam, Elisha Buss, Ezra Newell, Aaron Wheeler, Jr., Thomas Robbins, Jr., Joseph Merriam, Jr., Capt. James Wood, James Withee, according to the vote of the town. See page 124. 1796, Order "to pay Capt. Joseph Barrett |4,19, it being so much he paid at Hopkinton court in December, 1796, with his own money, for a lawyer to speak respecting the north road, to our petition, for entering said petition, and for being recognized twice at said courts, and for expenses of myself and horse." It must be admitted, that, for all these items, it was a very moderate bill. This is the first time the federal currency appears in the town's accounts. November 17th, 1797. "The Selectmen, ordered the 1799. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 135 Treasurer, to pay S. M. 25 cents in full, for killing a crow, the town, by a vote, allowing the same." A bill for articles furnished for building a school house, by Timothy Dakin, a merchant in the town, the following prices appear, of this date. Board nails, 8s. per m ; shingle nails, 2s. 4d. per m ; double tens, 6s. for 500 ; a pair of door hinges, 4s. 6d. ; a bushel of lime, 2s. 6d. In December, 1798, eleven persons petitioned the select- men to call a town meeting, "To take some measures to petition Congress in regard to the land tax," the petitioners " viewing it to be unequal and injurious to the rights of the people." A meeting was held December 13th, 1798, pursuant to this petition, and the subject considered, and Dea. Jotham Webber, John Blodgett, Joseph Tuffts, Dr. Joseph Gray, and Dea. Rogers Weston, were appointed a committee to petition to the Court, &c., for redress of grievances, &c., and the meeting was adjourned four weeks. At the adjourn- ment, " Proceeded to read the report of the committee," &c., and then "Voted, Not to be so much dissatisfied with the land tax, so called, as to petition Congress upon the subject." Most of the persons appointed on this committee, were leading men in the democratic party in the town. The land tax, one of the measures of John Adams' administration, was, with that party, very unpopular. No doubt the design of this movement was, to encourage and incite opposition to his administration. The report of the committee, which was read, is not found in the records, or on file. The manner in which it was disposed of by the town, at the adjournment of the meeting, shows that the object of the petitioners was not favored by the citizens. April 5, 1798. Orders. Maj. James Wood, $4,17 in full, for his "procuring and convejdng articles for Mr. John Goddard, such as rum, sugar, raisins, and other necessary articles when he was sick, and for making and carrying a coffin to his house for said Goddard." March 9, 1799. "Benjamin Mann, eight dollars in full, for 136 HISTOEY OF MASON. making; a piece of road [near] Mrs. Chambers', and for liquor at the vendue of Mary Jefts, and doing writing when the selectmen received a deed of John Smith and for toddy at the time, and for liquors at the vendue of the town land and pound, and the wall round the graveyard, and assisting at said vendue, and for one cord of wood, delivered at the school house in the centre district, for 1798." One would think that for all this, eight dollars was cheap enough. March 20, 1799. James Withee's taxes abated. "The town favored him on account of his losing his barn and rye and hay by fire." The municipal history is now brought down to the close of the eighteenth century, also to the close of the first half century of the proprietary and corporate existence of the town ; within which time, the forest has been subdued, the roads have been made, the mills, meeting house, school houses, and farm houses and barns, have been built, and the town and church, with all their institutions, put into success- ful operation. In the extracts from the records and com- ments upon them thus far given, the object has been, to let our fathers, as far as might be, become their own historians ', therefore, whatever it was judged would exhibit the charac- teristics of the people and of the age, and would illustrate their manners, habits, customs, and modes of thought, and way of managing their affairs in church and state, has been freely used for that purpose. The municipal history of the next fifty years will occupy much less space. It is, in itself, less note worthy, less important, and less illustrative of the manners of the people. To pursue it in as full detail as has been given to the preceding period, would occupy space required for other matters, and would swell the book to a size beyond what was contemplated. Besides, it is but fair to leave something for the historian of the next one hundred years. It is a remark worthy of consideration, that those communities are by no means the happiest which furnish the greatest amount of materials for the historian's page. 1809. MUNICIPAL HISTOEY. 137 At a town meeting, November 5, 1804, "Chose Thomas Wilson and Joseph Winship saxtons." March 12, 1805. Annual meeting. After the choice of moderator, "Then chose Col. James Wood and Mr. Joseph Merriam, a committee to wait upon the Rev. Mr. Eben^ Hill, in order to open the meeting with prayer. Then Voted, That all the voters should take the east side of the meeting' house before they voted, and pass to the other side when they voted, so as to change sides when they carried in a vote." This extraordinary measure indicates that a fierce struggle for party ascendency was impending. This year, for the first time, a democratic majority was found in the town. The votes for governor were, for Oilman, federalist, 64; for Langdon, republican, 64 — a tie. For Senator, J. K. Smith, republican, 64; for Frederic French, federalist, 63. For counsellor, Benjamin Pierce, republican, 71 ; for Phillip Greeley, federalist, 54. "Voted, To add one hundred dollars to the Rev. Mr. Eben'. Hill's salary, for this year only." A similar addition of one hundred dollars to his salary was voted in 1807 and in 1808. This custom of inviting the min- ister to attend and open the annual meetings with prayer was observed many years. It may be justified by the same reasons as the employment of chaplains by legislative bodies. 1809. The law of the state required the towns to make provision for the feeding of the militia on the field, at the regimental musters. It was the custom for the selectmen to make a schedule of the provisions required, and let the fur- nishing by auction, to the lowest bidder. Several of these schedules are recorded. That of 1809, is copied as a sample. "Provisions for the soldiers, at the muster at Temple, On Oct. the 6, 1809, Viz: One hundred weight of good beef, to be well cooked, that is, either roasted or baked ; one bushel of good wheat, made into good bread, and one bushel of good rye, made into good bread; twenty five weight of good cheese ; five gallons of good West India Rum ; five pounds of good lofe^sugarj one barreT"6f good new cider 5 all to be at 138 HISTOEY OP MASON. the mustering field, at Temple, by the time that the battalions meet on Friday, the 6th day of Oct., 1809," bid off by Josiah Russell, at $24,50. Well does the writer, though then but a lad, remember, on the gathering of the companies around the cart, upon the parade ground, getting a generous slice of the beef and bread, and a drink of the cider, and probably of the rum, for then it was thought to be good for every body, old or young. A boy's appetite, sharpened by a walk of some seven or eight miles, on a raw October morning, would have made an indifferent piece of beef and bread an accept' able oblation to the god of hunger, if such god there be; but he is ready to testify, even after the lapse of so many years, that in this instance, the beef and the bread fully came up to and answered the requirements of the schedule. September 26, 1815. The town "Voted, To make up to the soldiers who volunteered [for the defence of Ports- mouth] their wages to $15 a month." 1816. The small pox appeared in the family of Silas Lawrence. The town was at once in commotion. Several town meetings were held, in reference to^ that subject. The first was January 29th, at which "Chose a committee of five men, all to consist of such men as have had the small pox, to advise with the selectmen on means to be taken to prevent the further spreading of the small pox. Chose Jedediah Felton, Lt. Joses Bucknam, Ezra Merriam, Joseph Tuffts and Dea. Jotham Webber. Voted, That the selectmen give leave that two or more persons, not exceeding five, who have had the kine pox and have been exposed to taking the small pox, may be enoculated with the small pox, provided that Mr. Willard Lawrence is willing to have the enoculated persons go and remain in his new house until they have gone through [the] operation, at their own expense." A second meeting was called, February 5, at which it was "Voted, To send for Dr. Spaulding, of Amherst, forthwith, to examine Ira Lawrence and give his opinion whether he had the kine pox or small pox. Then Voted, The small pox committee cleanse the 1819. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 139 Wid. Abigail Richardson's house, and keep it for the purpose of putting in any persons who, in the judgment of said com- mittee, hath simtims of the small pox, until it be known whether they be likely to have the small pox or not. Then Voted, To have two more added to the small pox committee, and chose Abel Adams and Henry Isaacs." It was the cus- tom then, on the appearance of any contagious disease in a town, for the selectmen to cause the highways leading by the house in which the disease was found, to be closed against all passing, by fences across the same, and to cause to be exhib- ited at the fences a signal, usually a red flag, as a warning to avoid the place. Such precautions were taken in the present instance, that the disease did not spread beyond the family in which it appeared. Silas Lawrence died of the disease ; also his mother, an aged lady. His son, in whom the disease first appeared, recovered. The deceased were buried upon Mr. Lawrence's farm, as interments of persons who died of contagious diseases, were not then permitted in the public burying grounds. The funeral services were attended by the Rev. Mr. Miles of Temple, the only clergyman in the vicin- ity who was qualified, by having had the small pox, to ofiiciate on such occasions. January 19th, 1819. In the warrant was an article, "To see if the town will vote that each religious society in said town of Mason, shall have the use of the public meeting house their proportion of Sabbath days, and also at other times." The result of the vote on this article is, "Voted, Not to give the Baptist Society their right in Mason meeting house." At the annual March meeting, the next year, was an article " To see if the town will rectify a mistake or erroneous vote, by said town, January 18th, 1819," reciting the vote as thus recorded. The town "Voted, To rectify the mistake or erro- neous vote, and "instead thereof, that we are willing that they should have their right in said house." How they could claim any right, in a house which they had refused to aid in building, and also, to aid in repairing, is a 140 HISTORY OF MASON. problem not easily solved upon any principles that should govern the conduct of men. The more sedate and substantial men of that society were not in favor of this movement. But there are, in every community, some unprofitable persons, whose moving principle of action is, to make mischief and disturbance. It is only in scenes of confusion and tumult, that they can shine. A state of peace and quiet, is for them, a state of insignificance. Although the town had voted that, ''they were willing the Baptists should have their right," still, nothing further was done. They never appeared to claim it. There is no evidence that Elder Eliot or the leading men in his society took any interest or share in these movements, or that he had any desire to disturb his old neighbors and friends in the enjoyment of their rights. They never made any claim to the use of the house, or to interfere with its occupation. The eflect intended was produced. The mischief was done. The society, which, under the laws of the state, had rightfully occupied the house, at the time it was built, and which no subsequent laws had in any manner deprived of that right, finding, from this and subsequent move- ments in the same direction, that their peace and quiet were subject to constant interruption, withdrew from the house, and built one for their own accommodation, after a fruitless effort, in accordance with a vote of the town, to secure to themselves the peaceful and undisturbed occupation of the house, in pursuance of which vote they expended a large sum of money in repairing it ; and thus the connection between the Congregational denomination and the town, which had existed from the earliest period of its history, was severed, and each religious denomination was left to manage its own affairs in its own way. March 16, 1820. "Sarah Smith's clothing was allowed to be equal to what it was when Mr. Abraham Bobbins took her to keep on March 19, 1819." The articles are thus minutely described: "Gowns, 1 good silk one, 5 of calico, 1 cambric, 2 gingham, and 1 woolen ; Petticoats, 2 of wool, 1 cotton, 1 1821. MUNICIPAL HISTOBY. 141 linen, 1 muslin, 1 tow; one good loos coat, 1 green ditto, middling good; six good shawls, 4J yds. of woolen cloath for another, and 1 linen sheet, two good cotton sheets, two calico aprons and two pairs of shoes that are not very good." One would think this was a pretty good supply of clothing for a town pauper. This individual had been maintained by the town for many years, and continued to be a town charge until she died, April 19, 1754, at the age of ninety six years. March, 1820. An order "to pay Benjamin Weatherbee, Samuel Wardsworth, Ira Hall, Joseph Saunders, Jr., Josiah Elliot, Jr., Joseph Woods, Jr., and Elijah Knapp, their bounty for enlisting," &c., in 1814. Also, a subsequent order in favor of Asa Merriam, John Boynton, Hubbard Amsden, and Elias Elliot, Jr., drafted to go to Portsmouth in 1814. March meeting, 1821. This was in politics the "era of good feelings," indicated by the votes for governor, which were, for Samuel Bell 16, Josiah Butler 1, David L. Morrill 9, Horace Sawtell 3, Joel Tarbell 1, John Kimball 1 ; D. Stewart, county treasurer, 71 ; Isaac Brooks, register, 72 ; for revising the constitution, yeas 0, nays 71. The people did not care a fig for the governor, but the keeping of the money and of records of deeds, were matters of consequence, and these oflicers got a full vote. Nor would they have the constitution meddled with. At this meeting, a vote was passed to pro^ hibit all horses, neat cattle, sheep and swine from going at large in the highways, and from that time the public high- ways have ceased to be used as pastures. This year, John Blodgett, Esq., declined a re-election to the of&ce of town clerk. He was first elected to this office in 1799, and continued in office, with few exceptions, till the present year, having served nineteen years in all. He also served as chairman of the board of selectmen during most of the same period, and as such, was charged with the duties of town treasm-er, and had the oversight of the town's expen- ditures. He was a very careful, prudent and economical manager of the aftairs of the town, and deserved well of the 19 142 HISTOEY OF MASON. k community, for liis labors and cares in of&ce. A vote of tlianks, for Ms long and faithful services as an officer of the town, was offered by the Eev.Mr. Hill, and unanimously passed. His reply is recorded as follows: "My friends, accept my grateful acknowledgments for the repeated respects you have shown me for many years. May it please the Supreme Ruler to cause his blessing to rest upon this town, that the olive branch of peace may be planted and nourished in every breast,' may it become like Aaron's rod, ever budding, ever blossoming, ever bringing forth the fruits of brotherly love and Christian charity, to the latest generations." He soon after removed from the town and resided in Dunstable or Tyngsborough, in Massachusetts, to the close of his life. He died in extreme old age, having arrived to nearly if not quite one hundred years of age. The selectmen of this year seem to have entertained and acted upon the notion, that when a town takes a^ pauper to maintain, they take him cum onere, with all his liabilities, and become liable therefor, in the same manner as a husband is liable for the debts of his wife contracted before marriage. April 11, 1826, is recorded an "Order to pay Aaron Warren, Esq., $3,71, in full, for a note and account he had against Elijah Morse, the town's Poor." Also, May 11, an "Order to pay Amos Herrick $5,93, in full, for a note and account he had against Elijah Morse in favor of Arrington Gibson, given to said Gibson previous to said Morse throwing himself upon the town." July 10, 1826. A meeting was called "To see if the town will let the Baptists have the use of the meeting house a pro- portion of the time, according to their polls and estates, or to see what other measures the town will take to satisfy the Baptists with regard to their claims on said house." The town "Voted, To pass over the article." At the annual meeting, March, 1832, the town voted to purchase a farm, on which to support the poor, and chose a committee for that purpose, consisting of Timothy Wheeler, 1832. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 143 Jonatliaii Baciielder, Jr., Elisha Barrett, James Taft and John Stevens. This committee was authorized to purchase stock, farming utensils, &c., and to employ a person to take the charge thereof. The committee purchased the farm formerly owned by Zaccheus Barrett, and then owned by his son, Capt. James Barrett, being lot No. 6, range 5, on the plan. See page 32. By the report of the committee appointed to settle with the selectmen and treasurer, dated March 10, 1832, it appears that the cost of the poor farm, including, probably, repairs of and additions to the buildings, was |2500, and that of the stock, utensils, furniture, and improvements, was $863. This farm has been used for the purposes intended to the present time, and has furnished a comfortable home for many of the aged and destitute, who had outlived their friends and means of support, as well as for many others, dependent, from various causes, on public charity. April 18, 1830. A meeting was called, "To see if the town will vote that each religious denomination in said town, may occupy the public meeting house in said town, their due proportion of Sabbaths and other times, in proportion to their polls and estates." The vote was in the negative. May 31, 1830. A meeting was called, "To see if the town will raise a sum of money to repair the meeting house." At this meeting, the town voted to give the use of the house to the Congregational church and society, for twenty years, pro- vided they would keep it in good repair, and let the town have the use of it for a town house, and let those who have private property in said house, have it to worship in when the Congregational church and society are not using it. The selectmen were a committee to carry the vote into effect, and to take a sufficient bond, &c. That church and society repaired the house, and occupied it for some time, but it is believed that, owing to some disagreement about the terms of the bond, none was given. At the annual meeting, March, 1832, the town voted to pass over the article to raise the salary of the Kev. Mr. Hill ; 144 HISTORY OP MASON. but at a meeting called for that purpose, March. 31, the salary was voted. A meeting was called, April 21, "To see if the town would dismiss the Rev. Ebetf. Hill from being minis- ter of said town. The vote was in the negative." December 19th, 1835. " Voted, To comply with the request of the Rev. Ebenezer Hill, to dissolve the civil contract between him and the town of Mason, as minister of said town, and it is on our part dissolved, after paying his salary, to the month of March next. Voted, The thanks of the town be given to the Rev. Ebenezer Hill, for his ministerial labors, for the space of forty five years." Upon the record is entered the consent of Mr. Hill to this arrangement, as follows : " Whereas, the town of Mason, agreably to my request, have by their vote in legal town meeting, consented on their part, that t*he civil contract existing between the town and me as their minister, should be dissolved, as in said vote is expressed, which contract was formed in the year 1790, I hereby express my consent on my part, that said contract be dissolved in accordance with the vote just passed ; and I do accordingly relinquish all claim for salary, from the town, after the first of March next. Mason, December 19th, 1835." November, 1840. Nathaniel Shattuck, Esq., was chosen a committee to " examine, and report whether any society or individuals were responsible to keep the town house in repair ; and if none, to proceed to repair the house, and chose Nathaniel Shattuck, Josiah Russell and Samuel Smith a com- mittee for that purpose." This was the old meeting house. April, 1843. "Voted, to instruct the Selectmen to repair the town house, in a proper manner, and also to look after those who have in any way injured the house, a,nd prosecute if they think proper and necessary." Annual meeting, 1848. Article 14th. "To see if the town will sell or repair the meeting house, or do anything in rela- tion to the same. Voted, to choose a committee of five, to dispose of the old meeting house. Chose Jonathan Russell, Jona. Bachelder, Oliver H. Pratt, Willis Johnson, Charles 1848. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 145 Scripture and Orlando W. Badger. Voted, To instruct the committee to proceed legally in disposing of the house. Voted, That the selectmen call a town meeting to hear a report of said committee, when said committee is ready to make their report." The old meeting house, being no longer occupied for public worship by any society, was fast falling into decay. It was exposed to depredations, the windows were broken, the doors were often found open, exposing the building to the effects of storms. The location was unsuitable and inconvenient for town meetings to be held there, and therefore it was con- cluded to dispose of the old house, and build a town house. May 23d, 1848. A meeting was called, to hear the report of the committee, to see if the town would build a town house, to fix its location, and to raise money to build, or pur- chase a town house. At the meeting, Voted, " To accept the report of the committee. Voted, To build a town house. Voted, To locate it at the centre of Mason. Voted, To raise $1000 to build the house. Voted, To appropriate the balance of the sale of the old meeting house, for the building of the town house. Voted, That the expense is not to exceed $1200. Chose Jonathan Bachelder, Charles Scripture, Willis Johnson, Asher Peabody and Samuel Smith, Jr., a com- mittee for building the town house." The town house was so far completed, that a town meeting was held in it, November 7th, 1848. The frame of the old meeting house, was used and worked up into the frame of the saw and grist mill, built by Mason mill company, near the centre of the town. Thus the town is left without a minister, or a meeting house ; and such is the change in the habits, views and feelings, that, as a town, they will probably dispense with these once useful institutions, for all time. There is to be no more a servant of religion, in whom all feel a common interest; no more a place where all can assemble on days of public worship, and meet as townsmen, on common ground ; but the 146 HISTORY OP MASON. meeting houses are matters of private interest; and althougli they are in numbers much multiplied, it may well be doubted, whether there is in the town, more genuine piety and venera- tion for religion, than in those days, when all assembled in one place, and listened to the teachings of the town's minister. 1856. This year will be remembered in the annals of the town, for the very liberal donation to the town, of the sum of ten thousand dollars, made by the Hon. John Boynton of Templeton, Mass., to be invested in stock or other good secu- rities, and the interest to be applied, forever, for the benefit of the common schools in the town. This gentleman is a native of Mason. His father, the late Jeremiah Boynton, became a resident of the town as early as 1789, and contin- ued to be an inhabitant till his decease, October 27, 1839. He was a farmer, a worthy, industrious man, a good citizen, and much respected and esteemed. The liberal donor of this fund, was his eldest son. Having retired from active business with an ample fortune, acquired by industry, econ- omy, and a successful management of his affairs, he has not forgotten the place of his nativity ; nor has he left it for the hand of an executor to carry into effect his generous design ; but while in full health, and vigor of body and mind, has himself seen to the execution of his purpose, and to securing, in a proper form, the efficiency and permanency of the aid thereby given to the great cause of the education, for all coming time, of the children of this, his native town. The object of his bounty is the common schools, to which he was indebted for all the means of education by himself enjoyed in early life ; and to which our common country is more deeply indebted for its intelligence and for the preser- vation of its liberties and free government, than to all other means of education, or institutions of learning. His purpose to make this endowment, he made known to some of his friends, inhabitants of the town, in the summer of 1856. Desirous, on the one hand, to make the provisions of the 1856. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 141 endowment such, that its benefits should be sacredly secured to its object, the education of every child in town, and at the same time to place it under such provisions and safe- guards, that it should never become a source of contention 0or party strife, after consultation with a committee of the citizens, he submitted, for the consideration of the town, a proposition to make the endowment under certain restric- tions and limitations, which, with the action of the town, appears in the following extract from the records of the doings of a town meeting, called for that purpose : At a legal town meeting, holden September 17th, 1856, "Article 2d, it was Yoted, To receive of John Boynton, Esq., of Templeton, Mass., the sum of ten thousand dollars in money, or in securities for the payment of money, upon the following conditions, viz : That the same shall forever be kept upon interest, and shall forever be known as 'The Boynton Common School Fund,' and that the interest or income thereof shall annually forever be applied by said town of Mason, to the support of district or public schools in said town, in proportion to the number of scholars in such districts or schools, between the ages of five and fifteen years. And whenever the said town shall fail so to apply the interest or income of said money annually, in addition to the sum that shall be required to be raised by law by said town, for the support of district or public schools, the said town shall repay the same sum of ten thousand dollars to the said John Boynton, his executors, administrators, or assigns. "Yoted, To choose a committee of three to receive the said sum of ten thousand dollars in money or securities for the payment of money, of said John Boynton, Esq., and also to authorize said committee, for and in behalf of said town, to execute an agreement, that the said town of Mason shall repay the said sum of ten thousand dollars, to the said Boynton, his executors, administrators, or assigns, whenever the town of Mason shall fail to apply the interest or income 148 HISTORY OF MASON. of said sum of ten thousand dollars, in addition to the sum that shall be required by law to be raised by said town, for the support of district or public schools in said town of Mason, and to divide the said income or interest annually between the several districts or public schools in said town,* in proportion to the number of scholars belonging to said districts or public schools, between the ages of five and fifteen years. "Voted, That the aforesaid committee consist of Doctor Thomas H. Marshall, Jonathan Russell, 2d, and Charles Scripture. "Voted, To choose a committee to petition the legislature, for an act to authorize the town of Mason, to choose five trustees, who shall, under the direction of the town, have the care of the Boynton Common School Fund, and to see that the same is safely invested, and upon interest. "Chose Dr. Thomas H. Marshall, Jonathan Eussell, 2d, and Charles Scripture for that committee." On application to the legislature, an act was passed, of which the following is a copy : STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. An Act authorizing the town of Mason to elect trustees of the Boynton Common School Fund. Whereas, John Boynton, Esquire, of Templeton, in the State of Massachusetts, has given to the town of Mason, the sum of ten thousand dollars, in trust, the income of which is to be appropriated for the maintenance of common schools in said town of Mason ; and, whereas, by the provisions of the grant, the said grant is to be under the control of five trustees, to be elected by said town of Mason ; therefore. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in Gen- eral Court convened: Section 1. That said town of Mason shall, on the second Tuesday of March, A. D. 1858, choose, by ballot and by a major vote, five trus- tees, to be called Trustees of the Boynton Common School Fund, one of whom shall hold the office for one year, another for two years, another for three years, another for four years, and the other for five years, and till some other person is chosen and qualified instead of each; the term of office of each to be determined by lot at their first meeting, and a record thereof made in the office of the town clerk 1857. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 149 of said town. One such trustee shall be chosen annually, at the annual meeting of said town, after said second Tuesday of March, A. D. 1858, by ballot, and by a major vote, to fill the vacancy which will annually occur by the expiration of the term of office of one of the incumbents. Section 2. The said trustees shall have the entire control and management of the Boynton Common School Fund, and shall invest the same in a safe and prudent manner, and shall annually pay to the treasurer of said town of Mason, in the month of January, the income of said fund, to be divided among the several districts or common schools in said town, in proportion to the number of schol- ars, between the ages of five and fifteen years, in said districts or schools. Section 3. The trustees shall, at each annual meeting of said town, make a report of the state of the fund, and the income of the same ; and the town may require of them bonds for the faithful dis- charge of the duties of the office. Section 4. In case of the death or resignation of either of the trustees, or in case either of them, by sickness or otherwise, be dis- qualified for the duties of the office, they may, at the annual or at a special meeting called for that purpose, elect another person for the unexpired term. Approved, June 26, 1857. 20 CHAP TEE IV. CONTROVERSIES WITH THE REV. JONATHAN SEAELE, No document, record, or entry, has been found, wMch shows at what time the troubles and misunderstandings between the Rev. Jonathan Searle and his church and people, were first manifested ; nor are the grounds of the controversy and difficulties anywhere clearly set forth. They are to be gathered rather by inference, than from any satisfactory or positive statement. The records of the church, during the time of the controversy, are exceedingly meagre, and contain very little information upon the subject. The town records, however, contain entries which give some insight into the matter. Probably there is no document or living memory remaining, which can throw any light upon such parts of the transactions as are not, by the entries in the town records, sufficiently set forth to be understood. It will be recollected that the salary voted to him on his settlement, was X60 lawful, a year, to be increased at the end of ten years to £66 13s. 4d. He was ordained, October 14, 1772. A town meeting was called, January 5, 1779. Among other articles was one for inquiring "into the conduct of the Rev. Jonathan Searle, in his not giving receipts in full for the money he hath received for his yearly salary, &c., and for increase of his salary." The record proceeds as follows: "Mr. Searle being present, Yoted, That the moderator ask him whether he would discharge the town of his salary, if said town would pay him up the nominal sum from the first settlement, &c., and trust the town's generosity for an addition to said salary ; 1778. MUNICIPAL HISTOEY. • 151 the question being asked by the moderator, his answer was in the affirmative. The moderator called on the constables to make a settlement with Mr. Searle ; the said constables readily complied with the terms ; the moderator at the same time wrote a receipt and read it to Mr. Searle, and asked him whether he would sign such a one. His answer was that he would, or any one that the town should require. The town then proceeded to get the money that was his due as salary from the first of his settlement in said town, until the 14tli day of October, 1778, and pay it to him. Said money being offered to Mr. Searle by the selectmen, requiring him to sign said receipt, he utterly refused to sign said receipt, or a similar one. For which reason, the town voted to assess the last year's salary, and order it into the treasurer's hands, there to remain until it should be ordered otherwise. By said town, Voted, That Lt. Samuel Brown take the money and make a lawful tender to Mr. Searle, of the whole of his salary that yet remains unpaid from the first of his settlement in said town, until the 14th day of October, 1778, and require him to sign such a receipt as was approved by said town." Then adjourned to the 8th instant. At the adjournment, "Voted, To choose a committee to desire the Rev. Jonathan Searle to attend the meeting by adjournment, in order for him to make some proposals to the town, on what terms he would settle with the town, and if he refused to come, for him to send in writing, by said committee, on what terms he would settle." Dea. Amos Dakin and Lts. Samuel and Isaac Brown, were the committee. The town, after transacting some other business, adjourned to the 12th of January. At the adjournment, "After hearing the Rev. Jonathan Searle's letter directed to the moderator read. Voted, That it was not an acceptable answer, according to the town's request. Voted, To choose a committee to reason with Searle and make a report to the town." The committee were Joseph Barrett, Joseph Merriam, Dea. N. Hall, William Eliot and David Blodgett. Adjourned to the 20th instant. At the 152 « HISTOEY OF MASON. adjournment, "Voted, Not to make any addition to the Rev* Jonathan Searle's salary, for the time being." The authority of the committee was continued, and they were directed to report at the next meeting. Adjourned to February 9. It was at the adjournment, "Voted, That the Rev. Jonathan Searle's conduct hath been dissatisfactory to the town, with regard to what hath been acted on his part, relative to his falling from his first agreement, as well as at other meet- ings held after adjournment." "Voted, That the town call upon the Chm-ch of Christ in this place to desire the Rev. Jonathan Searle to join in a mutual council, and have all matters of aggrievance subsisting between Mr. Searle and this people brought before said council for their wise deter- mination. Voted, That the town and church are connected together in paying the cost of said council. Capt. Joseph Barrett, Dea. Nathan Hall, and Mr. Edmund Tarbell, each entered their dissent against the proceedings of this meeting, so far as what is comprehended in the second vote of said meeting." At the annual meeting, March 8th, 1779. The seventh article was, " To see if the town will pay the Rev. Jonathan Searle his salary, for the year 1778." On this article, the town "Voted, To pay the salary of the Rev. Jonathan Searle, provided he give a receipt in full, &c." At a meeting called March 30th, 1779. "Voted, To pass over the article about the Rev. Jonathan Searle." At a meeting called April 22d, 1779. "Article 2d. To see what method the town will pursue, for a settlement with the Rev. Jonathan Searle, and if a settlement cannot be effected, to see if the town will vote him a dismission, or dis- continue him as our minister." At the meeting, a committee was appointed to request the attendance of the Rev. Jonathan Searle. An addition of ,£30 was voted to the nominal sum of his salary for 1778, "provided, he give such a receipt, as he proffered to the town in January last." "Voted, Not sat- isfied with his conduct, in not securing the town for the money 1779. MUNICIPAL HISTOKY. . 153 paid by the constables for his salary, with other things." William Chambers, Joseph Merriam and Abijah Allen were appointed a committee, "to offer him the nominal sum, and interest, and the addition above voted, and to make a legal tender, and demand a receipt in full from his iirst settle- ment." Adjourned to Friday. At the adjournment, "Voted, That the committee have a record made of the tender to the Rev. Jonathan Searle, according to law," and adjourned. July 6th, 1779. A meeting was called, "To see if the town will join with the church in a council," &c. "The motion being moved by the Rev. Daniel Emerson, whether the town would leave it to a reference, previous to other matters being left to a council, respecting negligence of pay, or fall of money being made up, or any part thereof, to the Rev. Jona- than Searle 5 it passed in the negative," and then the meeting was adjourned to July 7th; and at that meeting "Voted, To concur with the vote of the church of Christ in this town, on the 6th of July, instant, for dismissing the Rev. Jonathan Searle from his pastoral relation in this town. Voted, The meeting house doors be kept shut up, during the town's pleasure. Voted, The selectmen have power to open and shut the meeting house doors. Chose a committee to make a tender to the Rev. Jonathan Searle, &c." A meeting was called, August 17th, 1779. Among other matters, was this article, "To see if the town will join with the church to make the following proposal to the Rev. Jona- than Searle ; to leave it to a mutual council, to determine, whether Mr. Searle is constitutionally dismissed from his pas- toral relations in this place, and if the council result that he is not dismissed, then, would have the council take under consideration, the difficulties subsisting between the parties ; the advice of the council to be accepted by the parties." At the meeting, "Voted, To concur with the proposals of the church, to the Rev. Jonathan Searle, and on Mr. Searle's com- pliance therewith, to leave all matters now subsisting between said parties, to a mutual ecclesiastical council; the town 154 aiSTOEY OF MASON. being at the cost of said council." Adjourned to the 31st. "Chose Benjamin Mann, Joseph Merriam and Abijah Allen a committee to provide for the ecclesiastical council to sit in October, 1779. Chose David Blodgett, Wm. Chambers, Thomas Tarbell, Timothy Wheeler and Reuben Barrett, a committee to receive complaints from the Rev. Mr. Searle, against the town, and also to prepare complaints against the said Rev. Mr. Searle, and also, bring them before the council." The meeting was adjourned to the fifth and to the sixth of October; at which time, Abijah Allen and Joseph Merriam were added "to the committee, for carrying on the com- plaints against the Rev. Jonathan Searle, before the council." Adjourned to the seventh and to the eighth. "Yoted, That the committee call on the Rev. Mr. Searle, to make out the negligence of pay, and that the committee be ready to settle with him. Voted, That the present committee of the town be empowered, in behalf of said town, to leave the substance matter of Mr. Searle 's complaint against the town, to refer- ence, and that Esq. Abbott's method be adhered to ;" and adjourned to one o'clock. Then "Voted and agreed to the form of an agreement, between Mr. Searle and the town of Mason, drawn by the Rev. Mr. Farrar." Adjommed to the 9th. Then "Voted, Not to allow any sum of money, for the negligence of pay to Mr. Searle, from his first settlement, to October 14th, 1777. Voted, To make a grant of money to Mr. Searle. Voted, To open the meeting house doors," and adjourned to Monday, October 25th,- then adjourned to the 26th j then "Voted, To accept of Mr. Searle's acknowledg- ment of his fault, to the town as satisfactory," and then after accepting some roads the meeting was dissolved. The following entries in the record are in the hand writing' of Mr. Searle, and were signed by him : "Mason, Oct'r 9th, 1779. This day received of the town of Mason, by the hand of the selectmen, one hundred and twenty pounds, L. money, in full of all my dues and demands of every name and nature whatsoever, from the first day of 1779. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 155 my settlement with said town up to this day. Eeceived per me, Jonathan Searle. "Attest: David Blodgett. Sam'l Brown." "Mason, Oct'r 26, 1779. That whereas, there was a civil contract effected between the town of Mason and myself, on the 14th of Oct'r, 1772, as to my ministerial support, so long as I should remain their Gospel minister, this is a full and final cancel, on my part, of said contract ; and in testimony of this my free act, I hereunto set my hand. Jonathan Searle. "Attest: David Blodgett. Saiiuel Brown." Thus this town meeting, commenced August 17, and con- tinued by adjournment, to nine different subsequent days, was concluded. The long battle was fought, and the town won. Undoubtedly, on the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th days of Octo- ber, there was a council in session ; but as the church records, then in the hands of Mr. Searle, are silent on the subject, no means remain of determining who composed the council, or what were the articles of complaint on the part of the church or of the town against him, or on his part against them. One would suppose, judging from the entries in the book above recited, that all connection between the town and Mr. Searle was ended, and that there would be no more controversy between them. But it was not so, as will presently appear. It is not unfrequently the case, that the expenses of a contro- versy very much exceed the amount of the sum in dispute. So it was in this case. The sum paid by the town to Mr, Searle was £120, being two years' salary. The expenses paid by the town for entertaining the council were <£327 19s., paid as follows: to William Chambers, X199 10s.; Abijah Allen, £66 18s.; Samuel Abbott, £1 16s.; Ephraim Sartell, £14 12s.; Lieut. Isaac Brown, £16; Jacob Blodgett, £8 8s.; Jonathan Searle, £23 13., in all, $1092,07, a pretty round bill for entertaining some half a dozen of the clergy and their 156 HISTORY OF MASON. attendant lay delegates, one week. Probably the depre- ciation of the currency was an element which had something to do with the magnitude of this bill, as it was undoubtedly the foundation, and if not the only origin, one of the sources of the difficulty. But as no distinction is made as to the cur- rency in which the X120 was paid to Mr. Searle, and that in which the £327 19s. was paid for entertaining the council, the matter is left somewhat in the dark. Probably he was paid in a currency equal to gold and silver, and the bills for the expenses, were paid in the depreciated currency. April 10, 1780. At a town meeting, Mr. Searle again appears. The fourth article was, "To see if the town will concur with the church and receive the Rev. Jonathan Searle as their minister, according to an agreement between him and the church." The town "Voted, To accept the first article of the agreement that was formed between the church and the Rev. Jonathan Searle, October 26, 1779, which is as follows: We agree that there shall be no compulsion about the minis- terial support ; every one in church and town shall be left at liberty to contribute what sum he pleases, or none at all. This article proposed by Mr. Searle. Voted, To receive Mr. Searle upon the above mentioned agreement." How, then, stood the case ? He had, by his agreement of October 26, discharged the town from the contract, and by the vote of April 10, to which he was a party, had agreed that he should have no claim for support on church or town, except the vol- untary contributions of his friends. Yet it seems he contin- ued to make claims of the town, for at the meeting, October 31, on an article on this subject, the town "Voted, That it is the mind of the town that the Rev. Jonathan Searle discharge the town from October 14, 1779, to October 14, 1780, of any demands he hath or may have against the town." December 6, 1780. "Voted, To accept of a discharge that the Rev. Jonathan Searle wrote and sent to the town, which is as follows: Mason, Dec. 6, 1780. Know all men by these presents, that I, Jonathan Searle, for and in consideration of 1781. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 157 what my friends, in and out of town, have done for me in the course of the year past, do fully discharge the town of Mason from all legal demands in future, respecting my ministerial support the last year, beginning Oct. the 14, 1779, and ending Oct. 14, 1780, excepting what is due to me from said town on special obligation, either of note or bond, which is not and cannot be supposed to be included in this discharge. As witness my hand, Jonathan Seaele. "Yoted, Not to pay the Rev. Jonathan Searle the note he has against the town, at present. Yoted, To reconsider the vote not to pay the Rev. Jonathan Searle his note, &c., and Yoted, To pay it, and to make the money as good as when the note was given, and appointed a committee to go to him and pay him." January 18, 1781. The second article was, "To hear the report of the committee, &c., to wait on Mr. Searle to see whether he would take the money due him upon his note given in October, 1779, and if, on hearing the report, they find he hath not complied with the request, then, 3dly. To see if they will choose a committee to make a lawful tender. 4thly. To see if the town will make any enquiry into Mr, Searle's conduct in breaking over the result of council respect- ing that part of the advice of the venerable council, which was for him to give up all his demands upon the town for his ministerial support, up to the 14th day of October, 1778, except the nominal sum, and likewise, in breaking over the agreement he voluntarily made with the town, in compliance with the result of council, and likewise said he would give up all but the nominal sum, to October 14, 1778," &c. At the meeting, "Yoted, Not to make the tender. Yoted, Not to make the Inquiry. Yoted, To reconsider the vote not to make the tender. Yoted, To make a tender, and chose a committee for that purpose, and dissolved." March 12, 1781. "Yoted, To order the selectmen to take the invoice of the Rev. Jonathan Searle's real and personal 21 158 HISTOEY OP MASON. estate, and tax him to the Continental, State and War tasr accordingly." April 11, 1781. At a town meeting, on an article to that purport, the town "Voted, To own the Rev. Jonathan Searle to be their minister. The persons whose names are under- written entered their dissent against the Rev. Jonathan. Searle being any longer their minister : Wm. Eliot, Jonas Fay, Jonathan Foster, Jr., Andrew Eliot, Silas Bullard^ Abijah Allen, Nathan Whipple, Enosh Lawrence, Joseph Lowell, Jonathan Chandler, John Adams, John Lawrence, Joseph Ball, Thomas Blood, Amos Dakin, David Blodgett, Zaccheus Davis, Simon Ames, Thomas Robbins, Oliver Scrip- ture, Edmund Adams, Stevens Lawrence." June 21, 1781. "Yoted, Not to concur with the church in their vote passed 4th of May last, to dismiss the Rev. Jona- than Searle from his pastoral relation to said church." August 14, 1781. The second article was, "To see if the town would concur with the church in their vote to dismiss Mr. Searle, 4th of May last." It was "Yoted, To concur. Yoted, To hire preaching, and to raise X20, silver, for this purpose." 'Adjourned to the 21st of August. Then "Voted, To reconsider the vote to hire preaching, and adjourned to the 28th. Then Voted, To hire preaching, and to raise £20, hard money. Voted, To leave it to Mr. Abijah Allen to pay or not, if he pleases, and chose Deacon Hall, Joseph Merriam and Ens. John Wood, committee to hire preaching." March 11, 1782. "Voted, To direct the selectmen to apply to Mr. Jonathan Searle, for a settlement of a note that he has against the town, said note to be liquidated by the scale to balance his taxes." August 28, 1782. The seventh article was, "To see what the town will do with regard to making out a settlement with Mr. Searle, as he is advised to leave the matter to the gener- osity of the town." " Voted, To make out legal settlement with Mr. Searle as soon as may be, and chose as a committee, Benj. Mann, Wm. Eliot and Joseph Merriam, for the purpose." 1788. MUNICIPAL HISTORY. 159 February 20th, 1783. At a meeting called for that purpose, " Voted, That if Mr. Searle will settle a note he has against the town, and take the money according to the scale of depreciation of this state, that for the sake of peace, the town will abate his rates for the year 1781. Chose a com- mittee to make the settlement, James Withee, Benjamin Mann, Esq. and Wm. Eliot. It was further Yoted, That if he would not accept the proposition, the town would leave it to men," &c. Annual March meeting, 1785. "Article 5th. To see if the town will desire the church to call upon Mr. Jonathan Searle, in an ecclesiastical manner, to make satisfaction for words he has spoken, which is thought to be a scandal upon said town and church; and be at the cost of it, should it end in advice of council." The vote was in the negative, September 4th, 1787. "Voted, To leave the complaint which Jonathan Searle, Esq., exhibited against the church and people, &c., for neglecting to pay him for his support in 1779, together with a bond and order he had against the town, to ■arbitration ; that the Eev. Mr. Payson, of Rindge, be one of the arbitrators, and act as chairman ; and chose Joseph Merriam, Dea. Amos Dakin, Benjamin Mann, Esq., Hubbert Russell and Joseph Barrett, a committee to agree with Jona- than Searle, Esq., in choosing the other two arbitrators, and to conduct the defence before the arbitration." January 1st, 1788. "Voted, To raise sixty pounds, to pay Jonathan Searle, Esq., his due, by the award of arbitrators. Voted, To make the rate to pay Jonathan Searle, Esq., in two columns." Thus, a controversy which lasted as long as the Trojan war, and which exhibited about as many vicissitudes, as did that memorable contest, was brought to a close. All that can now be known of the merits and different aspects of the controversy, has been above exhibited ; and it is left for the candid minds of readers, to draw their own conclusions. Soon after these difficulties arose, Mr. Searle ceased to 160 HISTORY OF MASON. preach. He owned a valuable real estate in the town, on which he continued to reside, till the close of his life. He was commissioned as a justice of the peace, and acted in that capacity many years. He took an active part in the building of the meeting house, and in the settlement of his successor^ as has already appeared. He was frequently employed in matters of town business, but from some time near the close of the last century, he, in a great measure, withdrew from all active concerns in business affairs, and devoted himself, almost entirely, to agricultural pursuits. He died, December 7th, 1812, aged sixty eight years- CHAPTER r. RECORDS OP MARRIAGES; AND OF DEATHS, AND FAMILY REGISTERS. Record of marriages of early residents in Mason and of some of their ancestors, taken from the town records of Groton, Pepperell and Townsend : GROTON. 1666. June 30. Thomas Tarbell, 1686. Dec. 1. Thomas Tarbell, 1716-17. Jan. 1. Thomas Tarbell, 1725. Dec. 19. Samuel Tarbell, 1729. Dec. 18. Elias Elliot, 1730. May 7. Nathan Whipple, 1733-4. Jan. 29. Enosh Lawrence, 1737. Nov. 1. Nehemiah Gould, 1741-2. Jan. 19. Thomas Tarbell, Jr., 1746. Oct. 9. Samuel Scripture, Jr., 1755. April 16. John Stevens of Townsend, 1758. March 30. Jonathan Foster, 1762. Dec. 21. Enosh Lawrence of No. 1, 1766. March 18. Nathan Whipple, Dec. 23. John Whitaker, Jr., Hannah Elizabeth Blood. Abigail Parker. Lydia Earnsworth. Huth Lawrence. Hannah Boynton. Sarah Stevens. Esther Bowers. Esther Smith. Mary Green. Susannah Tarbell. Betty Hazen. Esther Woods. Abigail Bowers. Thankful Pierce. PEPPERELL. BY REV. JOSEPH EMERSON. 1748. July 21. Zachariah Withee, Esther Kemp. 1752. March 19. William Elliot, Elizabeth Williams. 162 HISTORY OF MASON. • • 1755. Nov. 19. 1758. Jan. 19. " 24. Dec. 27. 1759. Oct. 18. 1767. Feb. 3. 1775. June 26. 1745. Sept. 3. 1757. May 30. 1758. April 21. 1764. Peb. 21. 1765. Dec. 29. 1767. Dec. 1. 1771. May 3. 1779. Jan. 28. June 17. 1781. Feb. 1. 1782. May 30. Dec. 10. 1785. May 12. 1786. Dec. 14. 1787. Feb. 1. March 30. John Swallow, No. 1, Oliver Elliot, No. 1, Josiah Wright, No. 1, Jonathan Jefts, No. 1, Whitcomb Powers, Hollis, James Hall, No. 1., Elias Elliot, Mason, Sarah Lawrence, No. !• Mary Fisk. Dolly Shattuck. Lydia Lawrence. Elizabeth Lawrence. Sarah Roe. Sarah Pierce. TOWNSEND. BY REV. PHINEHAS HEMENWAY. Benjamin King, Sarah Taylor. Samuel Lawrence, No. 1, Mary Avery, Townsend. Josiah Robbins, Townsend, Sarah Ames, Hollis. BY REV. SAMUEL DIX. Josiah Robbins, No. 1, William Barrett, No. 1, Benjamin Jefts, No.' 1, Edmund Tarbell, Mason, Jacob Blodgett, Mason, Joseph Woods, Townsend, Mary Campbell, Townsend. Sarah Robbins, No. 1. Martha Sloan, Townsend. Mary Hildreth, Sarah Taylor, Townsend. Mary Waugh, Townsend. Hincksman Warren, Townsend, Esther Taylor, Townsend. David Hall, Mason, Jonathan Jefts, Townsend, Amos Blood, Pepperell, Edmund Tarbell, Mason, Henry Jefts, William Eliot, Mason, Margarett Graham, Townsend.. Lydia Horsley, Pepperell. Sarah Blood, Pepperell. Buelah Hildreth, Townsend, Elizabeth Waugh. Rebecca Hildreth, Townsend, MASON. BY REV. JONATHAN SEARLE. 1772. Dec. 9. Isaac Flagg, 1773. June 24. July 29. Dec. 9. 1774. Feb. 1. March 15. March 52. 1775. Feb. 14. Zachariah Davis, Zaccheus Barrett, Randall McDaniels, John Tarbell, James Wilson, Joseph Clough, Asa Hastings, Keziah Russell. Susannah Brown. Sarah Hodgman. Martha Russell. Sarah Eliot, Hannah Parker. Mary Scott. Marv Lowell. EECOED OF MARRIAGES. 163 1775. June 15. Oct. 25. Dec. 21. 1776. Aun-. 21. 1777. Jan. 1. Feb. 5. Oct. 21. 1778. July 8. April 24. ,May 27. June 25. Sept. 9. Oct. 20. Oct. 20. 1779. April 28. Sept. 28. Nov. 24. Nov 30. Dec. 8. 1780. Jan. 25. Feb. 10. 178L July 26. James Scripture, David Bioclgett, Daniel Fay, Amos Cliild, Thomas Jefts, Jdteepb. Hodgman, Josiah. Davis, Jr., Thomas Tarbell, Jr. Silas Spaiilding, Joseph Pike, Zachariah Emery, Isaac Lawrence, Amos Holden, Jr., Eleazer Fish, Thomas Lawrence, Benjamin Jefts, Joseph Osgood, Jonathan Foster, Phinehas Parker, Zebedee Kendall, Whitcomb Tarbell, Nathan Wood, Sibel Shepley. Lucy Wheeler. Jemima Scripture. Sarah Dakin. Abigail Barrett. Sarah Lawrence. Susannah McDaniels . Sarah Barrett. Hannah Brown. Nabby Sartwell. Mary Lemon. Anne Hodgman. Lydia Sloan. Hachel Goold. Mehitable Hall. Juda DeGrett. Abigail Barrett. Mercy Towns. Elizabeth Swan. Molly Dakin. ' Euth Dodge. Susannah Dutton. 1785. March 15. March 25. March 27. April 12. Nov. 1. Nov. 29. 1786. Feb. 2. March 9. June 22. Oct. 22. 1788. May 27. 1789. May 19. 1790. Sept. 23. 1802. Nov. 16. 1783. Dec. 11. 1787. Dec. 6. 1809. Jan. 29. BY JONATHAN SEARLE, J. P. Abijah Eaton, Peter Rumrey, Noah Winship, Rogers Weston, Ezra Merriam, Samuel Eliot, Solomon Gilson, Joseph Robens, John Searle, Samuel Green, Joseph Sanders, Edward Wilson, William Scott, Elizabeth Eliot. Ruth Parker. Deborah Swallow. Deborah Lawrence. Susannah Eliot. Sarah Merriam. Dorothy Wood. MoUy Sloan. Susannah Lawrence. Molly Swallow. Betty Hall. Lydia Dakin. Esther Eliot. Peter Thomas, Concord, Mass., Mary Reed, Concord, Mass. BY REV. STEPHEN FARRAR. Amos Dakin, Mary Kingsley. Jonathan Chandler, Mark SafFord, Washington, Rachel Wilson. Mercy Barrett. 164 HISTORY OF MASON. BY REV. MR. JUDSON. 1782. July 1. Silas Bullard, Avis Keyes. BY REV. WILLIAM ELIOT. 1789. July 1. 1790. March 16. 1791. March 29. 1793. Feb. , 2. June 6. Nov. 4. 1794. Jan. 14. May 17. 1796. Nov. 20. 1797. Dec. 24. 1800. April 8. June 29. Nov. 16. 1801. Feb. 7. May 19. 1802. April 8, Aug. 22. 1803. March 8. April 5. Oct. 16. Dec. 22. 1804. Jan. 12. Sept. 1. Sept. 10. 1805. Feb. 27. Oct. 21. Nov. 24. Aug. 19. 1806. Jan. 30. March 27. March 27. June 3. Sept. 16. 1807. -Nov. 6. Nov. 16. Dec. 1. 1809. July 9. Oct. 3. Nov. 3. John Sloan, John Squire, Willard Lawrence, Richard Hall, Moses Johnson, David Brown, Hollis, Ezra Mansfield, Asa Hobart, Hollis, Ephraim Woods, Hollis, William Butterfield, Jr., Quincy Adams, John Whipple, WiUiam Butterfield, Nathan Perry, Joshua Davis, Hollis, David Fuller, Temple, Jona. Rider, [Rideout ?] Hollis, Oliver Eliot, Amos Brown, New Ipswich, Thomas Hutchinson, Carlisle, Joseph Haskell, Mason, Abraham Robbins, Concord, Joseph BrabrQok, Acton, Sarah Blood. Sibbel Procter. Betsey Austin. Hannah Kendall. Molly Eliot, Rhoda Alexander, Dunstable. Abiah Wood. Deborah Phelps, HolKs, Dorcas Jewell, Dunstable. Ruth Hubbart. Dolly Eliot. Hannah Dady. Esther Hale. Rebecca Brown. Sarah Tarbell, Mason. Polly Horsley, Temple. Rebecca Powers, Dunstable. Betsey Hutchinson, Milford, Sarah Tarbell, New Ipswich. Sarah Eliot, Mason. Rebecca Barrett, Mason. Hannah Eliot, Mason. Sally Adams, Mason. Josiah Warren, Norridgewock, Betsey Searles, Mason. John Adams, New Ipswich, Hannah Leavitt, Milford. Daniel Jewett, Hollis, Rebecca Jaquith, Hollis. Capt. Thomas Roby, Dunstable, Wid. Phebe Dresser, Dunstable. Henry Butterfield, Dunstable, Priscilla Wheeler, Dunstable. Abiathar Winn, Nottinghamwest,Lucy Gouldsmith, Wilton. David Wallace, Milford, Polly Farmer, Dunstable. Thomas Jaquith, Hollis, Lydia Woods, Hollis. Nathan Brown, New Ipswich, Betsey Gouldsmith, Wilton. George Farrar WaUis, Lydia Lawrence, Townsend. Moses Lovejoy, Wilton, Nancy Tarbell, Mason. Aaron Marshall, Dunstable, Mrs. Lydia BUlings. Benj. Wyman, Nottinghamwest. Betsey Campbell, Nottingham W John Ulot, [Eliot?] Milford, Abigail Rollins, Milford. Othni Crosby, Dublin, Anna Davis, Mason. John Spaulding,Whitingham,Vt. Rebecca Conant, New Ipswich, EECORD OF MAREIAGES. 165 1810. Feb. 25. Nov. 15. Nov. 22. 1811. April 21. Dec. 10. 1812. Feb. 27. Aug. 25. Oct. 11. 1813. April 8. April 11. Sept. 7. Sept. 12. Dee. 24. 1814. -Jan. 25. July 2. July 10. Aug. 7. Dec. 25. 1815. Jan. 7. Nov. 27. Dec. 12. 1816. May 23. June 2. 1817. Nov. 13. 1820. Feb. 22. Nov. 20. 1821. Jan. 4. AprH 19. 1822. Feb. 28. Nov. 5. 1823. Oct. 29. 1824. Jan. 20. May 9. Oct. 10. Oct. 21. • 1825. Jan. 24. Joel Blanchard, Belgrade, Me. Isaac Longiey, Wilton, Eomanus Emerson, Boston, George Mt. Kendall, Mason, Ebenezer Adanas, Mason, John Felt, Temple, John Sargent, Milford, Joseph Smith, Wilton, Abigail Simons, Wilton. Hannah Peabody, Wilton. Jemima Burnam, Wilton. Polly Eliot, Mason. Jemima Mansur, Wilton. Sally Bullard, Mason. Martha Simons, Wilton. Lucy Adams, Mason. Jonathan Jefts, Jr., Mason, Nabby E,obb, Mason. Benjamin Wetherbee, Mason, Hannah Wadsworth, Mason, Da^•id Goodwin, Milford, Sarah Putnam, Milford. Taylor Fay, Mason, [Ips-wich, Betsey Sanders, Mason. William BuUess, [Bellows?] New Abigail Wadsworth, N. Ipswich. Isaac Lovejoy, Wilton, Levi Wheeler, Berlin, Samuel W^oodbiiry, Shirley, John Dickerman, Francestown, Moses Barrett, Lancaster, Kebecca Eliot, Mason. Olive Colburn, Berlin. Mary Weethee, Mason. Sally Dakin, Mason. Sarah Hill, Mason. Jacob Hideout, Wilton, Sally Simons, Wilton. John Parkhurst, New Ipswich, Lydia Burrows, New Ipswich. David Whitney, Ashby, Charlotte Blanchard, N. Ipswich, Willard Lawrence, Mason, Lydia Dakin, Mason. Amos Dakin, Mason, Mrs. Elizabeth Lawrence. Rev. Benj. J. Lane, Wilton, Susan Ehot, Mason. Rev. John Parkhurst, N Jpswich, Ceha Burrows, New Ipswich. Moody Lancey, Brookline, Charlotte Kemp, Mason. Paul Davis, Mason, George Elliot, Mason, Thomas Robins, Mason, John Robins, Mason, Mary Kimball. Sally Farnsworth, Sharon, Hannah Blood, Mason. Dolly Adams, Mason. Edward Wilson, Troy, N. Y., Betsey Elliot, Mason. Francis Shepherd, Betsey Hutchinson. Eli Nutting, Mason, Lydia B. Nirtting, Mason, IVIartin Rand, Lticy Cummings. John Rollins, Mont Vernon, Mary Smith, Milford. Ezra Bennett, Harriet Hunt. 1816. BY JOHN BLODGETT, J. P. Feb. 14. John H. Sartell, Mason, 1819. Sept. 10. Levi Barrett, Mason, 1821. Feb. 1. William Nutting, Mason, 22 Patty Jefts, Mason. Sally Baldwin, Mason. Cynthia Blood, Mason. 166 HISTORY OP MASON. 1819. BY REV. THOMAS BEDEE. May 27. Samuel Merriam, Mason, Huldah Burton, Y/ilton. 1821. BY TIMOTHY DAKIN, J. P. May 17. Moses Dakin, Hope, Me., Aug. 9. Jolin Hubbard, Mason., SeDt. 4. Noali Hale, Dunstable, Sarab. W. Whiting, Mason, Mary Kennedy, Mason. Hannab Daidn, Mason. BY REV. EBENEZER HILL. LI »L Nov. p. 4. Dec. 21. 1791 March. 17. May 1. June 30. Oct. 13. Nov. 17. Dec. 19. Dec. 29. 179^ ) Jan. "12. " 23. (( 23. <( 26. Feb. 16. March 29. April 19. Dec. 20. 1793. Jan. 1. << 15. '< 15. April 18. " 25. May 1. n 2. t( 22. Oct. 21. " 22. 1794. Jan. 7. a 8. Peb. 18. April 14. July 3. (( 8. Oct. 23. Dec. 11. 1795. Feb. 11. April 16. (1 . 21. Aug. 27. Oct; 17, Dec. 24, John Seaver, E,aby, John Russell, Raby, Jonas Baldwin, Jr., Townsend, Elisha Busrt, Jonathan Williams, John Whitaker, Jr., Josiah Eliot, WiUiam Shed, Samuel Earnsworth, Eaby, Samuel Dunster, Samuel Russell, Rabj'', Jonas Campbell, Samuel Douglass, Jr., Raby, Jonas Tarbell, Groton, Benjamin Hodgman, Abner Chickering, Samuel Smith, Jr., Oliver Hosmer, Amos Hodgkins, William Parkhurst, Temple, Jason Dunster, Jr., Daniel Hill, Cambridge, Oliver Eliot, Jr., Stephen Hall, Raby, Amos Croutch, Boxborough, Oliver Nutting, Joel Barrett, Esther Rusell, Raby. Leai'ee Lawrence. Prudence Plaven. Polly Mann. Mrs. Anna Stevens. Dolly Pay. Polly Weatherbee, Raby. Patty J efts. Azubah Badger, Mile Slip. Plannah Townsend. Susannah Campbell. Elizabeth Russell, Raby. Sarah Seaver, Raby. Abigail Hodgman. Mrs. Mary Shed, Ashby. Eunice Dakin. Phebe Wheelock. Patty Lawrence. Priscilla Smith. Sally Swallow, Temple. Polly Merriam. Elizabeth Russell. Rebecca Ross. Submit Shattuck, Raby, Ijydia Brown, Raby. Naomi Blood. Mercy Townsend. Brintnal Witherell, Hannah Searle. Josiah Russell, Eunice Saunderson. John Winship, Jr., Polly Barrett. Solomon Bacon, Bedford, Mass., Lucy Barrett. William Barrett, Jr., Hannah Dutton. John Russell, Jr., Lydia Blood. Artemas Manning, Rhoda Wyeth. John Baldwin, Townsend, Sibbell Barrett. Samuel Gilbert Sumner, Keene, Ebenezer Emery, Jr., Raby, Jonathan Russell, Prederick Smith, Moody Shattuck, Raby, Abijah Eliot, Susannah Towns. Abigail Shattuck, Raby. Hannah Plagg, Ashby. Lucy Kendall. Eunice Tarbell, Pepperell. Rachel Williams. EECORD OP MAERIAGES. 167 1/ yi June J. 24. Aug. 24. Oct. 5. i( 27. Nov. 23. (( 24. (< 24. 179/ r Jan. * 3. June 8. July 30. Oct. 3. Dec. 17. 1795 i. Jan. 9. Feb. 8. <' 8. <( 17. << 28. March 20. April 19. Oct. 25. Nov. 28. Dec. 27.' 179£ ), Jan. 14. Feb. 12. Marcb : 5. April 25. June 27. Sept. 8. Dec. 18. (C 26. isoo. Feb. 27. March L 6. (1 11. i< 16. July 1. Oct. 20. (( 21. Nov. 11. (( 13. <( 13. <( 23.\, Dec. 3. 1801. Feb. 5. (( 22. (( 24. Marcl L 1. June 30. Nov. 10. 1802. Feb. 4. Dec. 9. (( 30. it 30. Edward Taylor, Townsend, Jacob Austin, Raby, John Wait, Stephen Withington, Phillip Farnsworth, Raby, Clark Brown, Raby, Amos Herrick, Samuel Wilson, Troy, N. Y., John Austin, Concord, Timothy Pratt, Maiden, Jonathan Smith, James Mann, William Bride, Reuben Hosmer, Jr., Isaac Allen, Andover, Pearley Saunders, Townsend, Asa Heywood, Concord, Mass., William' Miles, Stephen Prichard, N. Ipswich, John Barrett, Ashby, Silas Shed, Ezra Newell, Josiah Winship, Jonathan Blood, Townsend, Daniel Hodgman, Reuben Hodgman, Jr., Eliphalet Bailey, New Ipswich, Jason Russell, Aaron Peabody, Jr , Milford, Zaccheus Lancy, Milford, Joseph Stickney, Jr., N. Ipswich, John Stevens, Alstead, William Cutter Blood, Abraham Boynton, Charlestown, Aaron Warren, Townsend, Darius Hudson, Eli Towne, Temple, Joshua Blood, Jr., Pepperell, Rufus Russell, Amos Robbins, Holhs Amsden, Ezra Brown, Thomas Boylston Chambers, James Scripture, Jr., Nehemiah Russell, Weston, Yt. John Longlejs Norridgewalk, Ephraim Russell, John vVithington, John Hodgman, Ashby, Elijah Towne, New Ipswich, Dea. Timothy Dakin, David Boynton, Townsend, SalW Brooks. Isabell Mcintosh, Raby. Luc}' Farmer. Polly Austin, Townsend. Rhocla Badger, Milford. Mrs. Sarah Withee. Wid. Sarah Miles. Betsey Mann. Sally Lawrence, Concord. Ruhamah Russell. Susannah Barrett. Mercy Town. Polly Scripture- Susanna Whitaker. Rebecca Dakin. Sarah Todd, Townsend. Polly Lawrence, Concord, Mass. Lydia Townsend. Polly Start, New Ipswich. Lucy Lawrence. Polly Williams. Eunice Swallow. Sybbel Swallow. Rachel Squire, Townsend. Anna Walker. Hannah Walker. Sally Pwichardson, New Ipswich. Mrs. Lydia Chambers. Polly Miles, Milford. Sally TarbeU. Anna Hosmer. Lydia Brown. Sally Townsend. Hannah Jefts. Sally Wheeler. Sibbel Scripture. Betsey Scripture. Mary Russell. Esther Tarbell. Polly Dudley. Polly Chambers. Eunice Flagg. Dolly Merriam, Lucy Dakin. , Sally Barrett. Judith Searle, Norridgewalk. Sally Eliot. Sally Spaulding, Townsend. Abigail Davis. Mrs. Elizabeth Flagg. Mary Bowers. Polly Wheeler. 168 HISTOEY OF MASON. 1803. Feb. 27. March 1. " 1. April 10. May 1. Nov. 3. . March . 9. April 11. " 16. (( 17. Jos Barrett,Esq. Bakersfield.Vt., Mary Appleton, New IpsTvich. Josiah Bachelder, Jr., N. Ips'icli, Rebecca Brooks, New Ipswich. Capt. Isaac Spaulding, Wilton, Mrs. Marj'- Coburn, Wilton. William Fay, Esther Tufts. Thomas Stevens, Enosboro',Vt., Susanna Adams, New Ipswich* Samuel Stone, Jr., Townsend, Lucy Wheeler. Asa Farnsworth, New Ipswich, Jacob Putnam, Peterborough, Jona. Stow Adams, Leominster, Timothy Wheeler, Gardner, Capt. Solomon Davis, N. Ipswich, Cyrus Davis, Noah Winship, Jr., Jesse Seaver, Townsend, Samuel Withington, John Swallow, 3d, Benjamin Farwell, Levi Whitaker, William Webber, John Hartshorn, Lyndeboro', True Robbins, Simeon Cragin, Temple, Jesse Barrett, Jr., George Dakin, Aaron Wood, Sewall Woods, James Wood, Jr., James Kennedy, New Ipswich, Thomas Felt, Temple, William Darling, Wilham TarbeU, Milford, Timothy Wheeler, Jr., Thomas Gary, 2d, Leominster, Joshua Da^sis, James Barrett, Josiah Merriam, David Saunders, Nabby Brown, New Ipswich. Lucy Brooks, New Ipswich. Betsey Wood. Polly Wheeler, New Ipswich. Esther Allen, New Ipswich. Phebe Hay Bucknam. Abigail Parker Blood. Betsey Warren, Azubah Swallow. Sally Woods. Sarah Winship. Eunice TarbeU, Hannah Flagg. Susanna Curtis, Lyndeborough. Rebecca Hodgman, Betsey Dakin, Lucy Scripture. Ama Wood. Rebecca Wright. Anna Whitaker. Betsey Jones. [Ipswich. Mrs, Elizabeth Chamberlain, N. Sibbel Jefts. Polly Wood. Lydia Spaulding, Milford. Polly Hill. Nancj^ Weethee. Sarah Richardson, Wilton. Lucinda Knapp. Sally Hill. Ama Wheeler. Caleb Campbell, New Ipswich, J^ucy Taylor, New Ipswich. Hubbard Amsden, Anna Saunders. Aaron Holden, Wilton, Rebecca Merriam. Samuel Heald, Jr., Carlisle, Sibbel March, Carlisle. Amos Howard, Westminster, Rebecca Flagg. Charles Johnson, Southborough, Prudence Stuart, Samuel Fish, Sally Eliot, Samuel TarbeU, Mrs, Rhoda Atherton, Shuiey* Samuel Dakin, Mary Gilchrist. Woodis Lee, Azubah Holt. « June 8. 25. Phinehas Allen, Abel FareweU, Ephraim RusseU, Joseph Putnam, Ebenezer Hodgman, Jr., Thomas Kenworthy, Sally Campbell. Sally Huston. MiUy Eliott. Lucy Rumrill. Ann H, ilitchell. Mrs. Mary Merriam. 170 HISTOEY OP MASOX. 1815. Dec. 28. " 28. 1816. Feb. 27. April 18. 22. June 23. Sept. 29. Oct. 13. « 24. Dec. 3. <' 22. 1817. March. 5. April 16. June 2. " 4. " 5. July 16. 17. Sept. 25. " 28. Nov. 20. '« 18. " 19. « 25. " 25. « 28. 1818. Feb. 5. April 19. May 7. Aug. 29. Oct. 15. Dec. 17. 30. 1819. Feb. 23. May 27. Aug. 5. Oct. 26. 1820. March 15. " 15. April 19. May 1. June 18. Sept. 5 . Dec. 26. 1821. Feb. 15. « 20. " 22. 22. Marcb 12. April 10. " 17. May 8. June 5. Benoni C. Kimball, Amos "VVbeeler, Joel Cutter, Jaffrey, Asa Merriam, Francis Humphries, Ephraim Hildreth, Cotton Tufts, JafFrey, David Shattuck, Ashby, Jonathan Davis, New Ipswich, Eleazer Davis, Shirley, Abel Wilder, Keene, Samuel Hartshorn, Jr., Wilton, Lyman Newton, Southborough, John Bachelder, John Spaulding, Wilton, Robert Taylor, Jr., Ashby, John Webber, Elijah King, Luther Nutting, Zenas Gibbs, Charles Scripture, Artemas Rowell, Amos Holden, Amos E-ussel, Amos Davis, Groton, David Hobart, Brookline, William Wright, Pearly Saunders, Townsend, Micah E,ussel, Jonas Kendall, Ezra Merriam, Jr., Caleb Bucknam, Isaac Brown, Cambridge, Zadock Merriam, Washington, Moses Russell, Asher Eliott, Spaulding Eliott, Pepperell, Mary Dunster. Prudence Parker. Mary S. Jones. Polly Saunders. Dorcas Swallow. Malilda Hodgman. Abigail Tarbell. Hepzibah Shattuck. Elizabeth Jones. Rebecca Robbins. Lydia Jefts. Polly Tarbell. Polly Stewart. Mary Hartshorn, Wilton. Eunice S. Russell. Polly Hodgman, Mary Knapp. Mrs. Deidama Parker. Ruthy Adams. Martha Kimball. Nabby Bucknam. Betsey Swallow. Hannah Barrett. Polly Brown, Ashby. Hannah Barrett. Eunice Wright, Brookline. Nancy Flinn. Hannah Robbins. Sally Stratton, New Ipswich* Sarah Seaver, Brookline. Sally Scripture. Deborah Barrett. Sally Flagg. Patty Eliott. Betse}^ Dunster. Charlotte Flagg. Mary Eliott. William L. Steele, Wilton, [Vt., Dolly Tarbell, Jairus Robinson, Weathersiield, Roxana Holt. Benjamin Edwards, John Russell, Jr., Abner Holden, Artemas Wood, Mont Vernon, Caleb Bucknam, Townsend, Charles Granger, Samuel Smith, Jr., Capt. Ira Hall, Amos Eliott, Charles Scripture, Francis Wright, Solomon B. Baldwin, Loami Chamberlain, Joseph B, Robbins, Lucy Jefts. Elizabeth Williams. Eunice Barrett. Susan Barber. Loisa Brooks Snow. Clarissa P. BuUard. Clarissa Atherton. Polly Boynton. Betsey Felton. Prudence Webber. Mrs. Lucy Barrett. Agnes C. Smith. Eliza Tucker, Brookline. Hannah Blood, RECOED OF MARRIAGES. 171 1821. June 7. Nov. 18. " 29. Dec. 20. (< 27. 1822. Jan. 17. May 6. (( 12. (< 28. Aug. 25. Sept. 8. Oct. 1. " 24. Nov. 28. Dec. 19. (( 24. 182; 3. Jan. 30. April 6. " 28. May 22. <( 22. Aug. 21. Sept. 7. Oct. 6. (( 9. Nov. 16. (I 20. Dec. 21. " 31. 1824. Feb, 5. April 30. May 18. (< 23. June 3. Aug. 12. Dec. 9. << 25. 182^ ). Jan. 13. Feb. 17. June 2. Dec. 29. 182f ). Jan. 26. March 30. April 20. May 23. Julv 4. Sept. 19. (( 2.5. Oct. 26. Horace Savrtell, Sally Saunders. Thomas Loring, Eebecca Danforth. Jonas Brown, Townsend, Phebe Winsliip. Beiij. Williams, 2d, N. Ipswich, AbigailJetts. Leonard Read, Hannah Ford Foster. Thomas Hodgman, Jr., Esther Flagg. Charles Barrett, Temple, Susanna Seaver, New Ipswich. Curtis Lawrence, Groton, Lucy Merriam. [Oliver Stearns, Milford, Dolly Wright, Milford. 13y Eev. Richard Hall of New Ipswich.] Benjamin Fletcher, Jonathan Richardson, John Boynton, Templeton, Alexander Lynch, Edmund Bancroft, Pepperell, John Jenkins, Towiisend, Ariel Godding, New Ij)swich, Abel Kemp, Brookline, Calvin Blood, Joel Eliott, William Carson, Wilton, Abel Davis, Jr., Concord, Ms., StejDhen Brooks, Ashby, Nathan B. Shattuck, Ashby, William Kesson, New Ipswich, Abijah Eaton, Asahel Green, Rlilford, Amos Hodgman, Pepperell, Timothy Farrar, Ammi Shattuck, Joseph Merriam, 2d, Benj. Lane, Jr., Ashburnham, Andrew Eliott, William Johnson, Bostoii, Samson Mcintosh, Brookline, Orris Knapp, Ashburnham, James Frost, Jr., Windham, Samuel Dix Blood, David Jewett Stickney, [ple, Timothy Wheelock Smith, Tem- Asher Tarbell, Jesse Saunders, Townsend, Cyrus Putnam, Wilton, John Kimball, Fitzwilliam, Abraham Wright, Orlando Cragin, James Parker, Brookline, George Betterly, Brookline, Jonathan Russell, Jr., John R. Jordan, Temple, William Bailey, JliKord, William Ward. Newport, Luke George, Brookline, John M. Maynard, Jaffrey, Deidama Austin. Rebecca Hill. Nabby Merriam. Anna Barrett. Eliza Ames, Brookline. Loisa Brown. Eliza Chickering, New Ipswich. Mary Dean, Townsend. Indiana Blood. Annah Shed. Dorcas Russell. Rebecca Lewis, New Ipswich. Narcissa Pratt, Noav Ipswich. Esther Smith, New Ipswich. Mary Harding, New Ipswich. Judith J efts. Pamela Scripture. Polly Flagg. Sally Richardson. Phebe Hutchinson. Nancy Davis, Townsend. Abigail Walker, New Ipswich. Sally "Warren. Deidama Pritchard, New Ips'ich. Eliza Amsden. MiUey Flagg. Martha F. Russell, Windham. Nancy P^ichardson. Lydia Amsden. ■ Eliza Austin. Mary Ann Barber. Mary Ann Kemp. Lucinda Tarbell. Nabby J. Hill. Lucinda Flagg. Meliuda G. Cristy. Deverd Corey, Brookline. Hannah Lee, Brookline. Rebecca Blood, Sharon. Susan Darling. Ruthy Austin, Milford. Rebecca Boynton. Harriet J. H. Howet, Brookline. Harriet K. BuUard. 172 HISTOEY OF MASON, 1826. Nov. Nov. 20. Dec. 24. 31. 1827. Jan. 2. May 22. June 19. July 3. 5. Aug. 16. Sept. IS. 1828. March. 25. April 27. May 9. " 9. June 18. Oct. 15. Nov. 11. Dec. 25. 1829. March 26. April 9. '« 14. May 7. May 31. June 4. Oct. 29. Dec. 29. 1830. May 27. June 13. " 13. July 1. Oct. 26. 1831. Sept. 6. Nov. 6. '< 15. Dec. 1. " 6. " 20. 1832. Jan. 26. March 11. 20. 22. April 10. " 26. May 10. Sept. June Nov. Dec. 8. 1. 1. 8. 26. 31. Hubbert Russell, Jr., John Boynton, Petersham, George Hall, John Flagg, Calvin Brooks, Lowell, Jacob Blodgett, New Ipswich, Nathan Saunders, Samuel Whiting, Daniel Bills, Townsend, Climena Brown. Chloe Brown. Abigail Boynton. Mary Eliott. Eliza S. Flagg. Mary Jefts, New Ipswich. Betsey Shed. Hannah Russell. Lucretia Tucker, Townsend. Nathaniel H. May, New Ipswich, Maria Nicholas, New Ipswich. Jesse Matthews, Hancock, Almira Preston, Hancock. James Weethee, John Richards, Jonas Hobart, Josiah Sawtell, Townsend, Gulliver Wright, Pepperell, Ebenezer Plagg, Jr., John Peabody, Charles Barrett, Mrs. Tryphena Richards. Nancy Farwell. Louisa Scripture. Rebecca Barber. Mary Kemp. Betsey Eliott. Fidelia Saunders. Mary Shattuck. Elias D. Eliott, Samuel P. Nutting, Thomas Hodgman, Jr., Abiel Nutting, New Ipswich, James Spaulding, Oliver li. Pratt, Ebenezer Hodgman, Townsend, Mary Ann Blood. Abijah Eliott, Jr., Sally Russell. Sally Eliott. Lucy S. Barrett. Betsey Burnham, New Ipswich. Lucinda Warren. Betsey Smith. Maria Hill. Charles Nicholas, New Ipswich, Calvin Boynton, James Wood, Jr., Eli R. Torrey, New Ipswich, Jonathan Bachelder, William Warren Whitaker, Davis Greene, Brewer, Me., Calvin Blanchard, New York, Calvin Eliott, Nathaniel G. Bailey, William Sawtell, Eleazer Kinson, Hutchinson Rogers, Billerica, Luke H. Cutter, Peterborough, Nelson March, Ashby, Stow A. Yerder, Townsend, Luther Austin, William Farley, Stephen Walker, Grafton, Yt., Silas Keyes, Jr., Temple, Franklin Merriam, Benjamin Merriam, Frederick Mansfield, Amos B. R.ussel, Edward Richardson, Azariah Arlin, New Ipswich, Mary Blood, New Ipswich. Hannah D. Martin. Mrs. Mary Webber. Mary Bailey, New Ipswich. Elizabeth Pi,ussell. Adalucia Wetherbee, Rindge. Sophia Daniels, Brookline. Martha Barrett. Mary P. Johnson. Lucy Eliott. Maria Wliitaker. Eliza Lawrence. Keziah Coburn, Brookline. Abigail Ames. Thirza Mcintosh, Brookline. Eliza D. Douglass. Lucy Scripture. Eliza B. Flagg, New Ipswich. Loiza Barrett. Rebecca Pratt, Temple. Mary Ann Lane. Irene Knapp. Haniiah Bailey. Mary Eliott. Fidelia Barrett. Betsey Richards, New Ipswich. EEOORD OF MARRIAGES. 173 1833. Marcli 12. " 14. May 2. 7. " 12. « 14. Sept. 17. 17. Oct. 8. Dec. 19. 1834. Jan. 6. March 5. Aug. 13. Oct. 13. Nov. 13. Dec. 11. 1835. Jan. 13. Feb. 17. March. 3. April 14. May 9. June 25. Sept. 3. Oct. 8. " 22. " 29. Dec. 10. " 29. " 29. « 31. 1836, April 16. May 1. 1837. Oct. (C 1839. April 11. 1840. April 28. " 30. " 30. 1841. April 8. 1842. March 31. 1843. Dec. 28. 1844. Oct. 27. 1846. Sept. 17. 1848. Nov. 23. Dec. 18. 1849. March 15. Amos Herrick, Jonas Richards,* Capt. Thomas Wilson, Dea. Hezekiah Richardson, John G. Merriam, Westminster, Jonas Farmer, Townsend, Samuel B. Tibbetts, N. Ipswich, Aaron Blood, Elon B.Butterfield.Concord.Ms., Eliab Groing, Jr., Townsend, Mrs. Mary Barrett, Townsend. Sarah D. Washburn, N. Ipswich. Mrs. Lucy Lane. Mrs. Betsy Farwell, Ashby. Sarah F. Warren. Gratia Grant. Mary Lee, New Ipswich. Sally Eliott. Elizabeth B. Kemp. Hannah Warren. Emory BoUes, Springfield, Vt., Lucretia Priest. Mcintosh, BrookUne, Betsey Wright, Brookline. Calvin Davis, Susan Jones. Ephraim Gibson, Jr., Fitchburg, Mary Brown. Nathaniel Brown, Acton, Elizg Robens. Winslow Ames, Lucy E,. Barrett. Joseph Proctor, Joseph H. Fletcher, Ashby, Levi Wyman, Winchendon, Oliver Tenney, Boston, Waterman Wheeler, Loring Hazelton, Luther L. Barrett, [don, Nahum J. Raymond, Winchen- Philemon Russell, Ashburnham, Dr. Otis Hoyt, Capt. Eliab Going, Townsend, Jonathan D. Gibbs, JafFrey, Alvah Dodge, Dunstable, Rufus Coffin, Royalston, William Pike, New Ipswich, Elnathan Boynton, David Wallace, Brookline, Josiah Winship, Capt. Ira Hall, Mrs. Sibbel Baldwin. Clarissa I. Kennedy. Helen M. Eliott. Betsey Cragin. Rebecca E. Newhall. Margaret Richards. Emily Russell. Bathsheba Eliott. Clarissa Smith. Mary F. King, New Ipswich. Mrs. Dorcas Humphries. Sarah H. Wilson. Lydia Eliott. Rebecca A. Richardson. Rebecca Holden. Rachel Eliott. Sarah Ann Smith, Brookline. Sarah Hunt. Mrs. Jerusha Parker, Dunstable, Ira B. Foster, Charlestown, Ms., Thirza F. Newhall. Benjamin A. Eliott, Mary Knapp. George Taft. Abby H. Flagg. George W. RoKe, Mary S. Barnard. Jas. P. Hartshorn, Bedford, Ms., Elizabeth C. Kennedy, N. Ips'ich, Sylvester Putnam, Ehzabeth Hill. Aaron K. Putnam, Wilton, Nancy Wright. John S. Proctor, Mary Turrell, Nashua. [den. Me., Edwin Ruthven Hodgman, Cam- Martha Hill. George Eliott, 2d, William Wheeler, Simon T. Smith, 23 Mary Flagg. Sarah C Merriam. Rowena A. Woods, 174 HISTORY OP MASON. BY REV 1840. Dec. 17. S. B. Butler, Dec. 24.* Timothy Amsden. JOSEPH B. HILL, Lorilida Ames. Martha C. Hill. MARLBOROUGH. BY REV. JILES LYMAN 1841. April 20. Joseph B. Wilson, Mason, Melinda Blodgett, Marlborough, MASON. BY REV. ALBERT G. COMINGS. 1849. Jan. 23. (( 23. Ma:y 1. Nov. 4. 185C ). Jan. 3. Abel S. Farwell, Otis Hodgman, Isaac P. Vv'oods, Dunstable, Hiram D. Rich^dson, Warren E. Shattuck, Maria L. Hodgman. Maria White. Henrietta E. Willey. Mary Ann Scripture. Alvira Davis. In the following list the name of the officiating minister or magistrate is not recorded : 1851. Feb. 11. April 7. June 5. Sept. 18. Nov. 25. Dec. 8. " 30. 1852. Jan. 7. Feb. 17. March 11. 1853. Nov. 17. 1854. Jan. 12. Feb. 21. Dec. 14. " 27. 1855. March 5. " 31. April 1 . May 14. July 3. 1856. Jan. 7. April 27. May 28. 1857. April 25. May 31. Leonard Jefts, Asa B. Hodgman, William Tarbell, Albert O. Dimmick, William Sawtell, Albert Taylor, William A. Short, George Barrett, Charles A. Foster, William R. Putnam, Leavitt L. Livingston, F. R. Marcy, James 0. Fitch, Isaac Russell, Charles P. Richardson, James R. Kidder, Ezra F. Baker, Philander Eddy, Francis C. Pope, Myal Tarbell, Benjamin Wallace, John S. Proctor, Thomas D. Bennett, Grovenor McClure, George Hehue, Joel Elliott, 2d, Willard D. Hero, Joseph P. Elliott, George W. Scripture, Mary Webber. Betsey Winship. Sophronia Eliott. Adaliza Wright. Ahce L. Heywood. Sarah J. Barnes. Mary Jane Whitney. Zoa Blood. Clarinda Felch. Martha Jane A. Hartshorn. Martha Jane Mcintosh. Sarah M. Felt. Betsey J. Burbank. Mrs. Jane Russell. H. Amanda Mansfield. Caroline M. Barrett. Sarah H. Cristie. Maria Lynch. Emeline R. Searles. Harriet M. Morse. Elizabeth J. Eastman. Julia E. Weston. Adaline F. Putnam. Lucy Towne. Matilda L. Hodgman. Emily Holden. Elizabeth Peabody. Mary E. Dunn. Maria Wheeler. EECOED OF MARETAGES. 175 1857. June 14. Edwin R. Farnsworth, Abby J. Webber. Sept. 9. Abel Adams, Mary Gillman. « ■ 26. Edwin L. Nutting, Mary A. Annis. Oct. 22. Francis B. Cragin, Ruvina Richardson. " 22. Henry A. Cragin, Susan M. Elliott. *' 31. Lucius A. White, Margaret Lyle. The list of marriages in Groton and Pepperell is copied from Butler's History of Groton ; that in Townsend, from the town records of that town. The parties probably resided in the several towns in which the marriages are recorded, except in those cases where it is otherwise stated. The other lists, except that of Mr. Hill, are taken from the town records of Mason. In those of Mr. Searle, the residence of the parties is stated in only one instance. Most of the persons in these lists resided in Mason. In the list of Mr. Eliot, the resi- dence given in the record is stated in every instance. The date of the first marriage in this list, that of John Sloan and Sarah Blood, on the record, is "January 1, 1782." This cannot be correct, as Mr. Eliot was not ordained till 1786, and had no authority to officiate, in marrying persons, before he was ordained. The date 1789 is inserted as the probable date. On page 165, in a few copies, the following marriage was accidentally omitted, and should be supplied: "1821. October 11. Joseph Smith, Wilton, Lucy Adams, Mason." The list of marriages by Mr. Hill is copied from his original record. In this record, the residence of the parties is stated, in all cases ; but in tbe list above published, the residence of parties in Mason is omitted ; that of others is stated. In Mr. Hill's records, in a few instances, the day of the month is not inserted. Two marriages by the Rev. Joseph B. Hill, are copied from his original record. The remainder of the list, from January 23, 1849, to October 31, 1857, is copied from the town records,- the name of the officiating minister or magistrate, and the residence of the parties, is given wherever it is found in these records. It must be apparent that the record of marriages in the above list, for several of the last years, is very imperfect. 176 HISTOEY OF MASON. EECORD OF DEATHS. A record of deaths of the inhabitants and residents of the town of Mason, commencing July 20, 1758, and ending Janu- ary 1, 1858, gathered from the town records, monuments, and documentary evidence, for the period from 1758 to November 2, 1790; from that time to the close of the year 1837, taken from the record of deaths kept by the Rev. Ebenezer Hill, with a few corrections and additions derived from monuments and reliable evidence ] for the years 1838 and 1839, no record having been found, resort was had to monuments, minutes of burials kept by the sextons, and reliable tradition ] from the close of that period, use has been made of the record kept by Dr. Willis Johnson. *' Time is a river, deep and wide, And -while along its banks we stray, We see our loved ones, o'er its tide, Borne from our sight away, away.' ' A record of deaths previous from town records, monuments 1758. July 20. 1761. Sept. 5. 1762 Jan Corporal Nehemiah Gould, killed in battle near Lake George. Grace, d. of Obadiah and Ruth Parker, 16 days. to November 3, 1790, gathered 1, and other sources : 1766. July 1. Joseph, s. of Benjamin and Martha Mann, 1 y. 5 ms. 1763. Feb. 7. Dec. 28. 1764. Oct. 2. 1765. July 8. 27. Obadiah, s. of the same, 4 years 1 month. Anne, d. of Richard and Anna Lawrence, 4 ms. 15 Sarah, w. of John Swallow. Rebecca, d. of John and Susannah Dutton, 11 ms. Simon, s. of Simon and Sarah Ames, 1 y. 10 ms. 1766. Peb. 13. Jonathan, s. of Jonathan and Lydia Jefts, 1 m. Mar. 24. Lemuel and Thomas, twin sons of Lemuel and Sa- rah Spaulding, 12 ds. 1767. Jan. 13. Aug. 10. 1769. Nov. 4. Dec. 23. 1771. Aug. 1. 1772. Feb. 11. Joseph, s. of Simon and Sarah Ames, 6 ms. John, s. of Aaron and Lucy Wheeler, 8 ds. Ruth, d. of Jonathan and Ruth Williams, 2 ys. 21 days. Dorcas, d. of Amos and Sarah Dakin, 6 ms. Jonathan, s. of Jonathan and Ruth Williams, 1 y. Hepsibath, d. of Lemuel and Sarah Spaulding, 1 y. 1 m. Mar. 22. Elizabeth, d. of Josiah and Lucy Wheeler, 2 ys. 7 ms. May 6. John, s. of James and Sarah Withee, 4 ys. 4 ms. Nov. 8. Anna, w. of David Blodg- ett. IlECOED OP DEATHS. 177 1773. Sept. 2. 1774. Oct. 17. Dec, 3. 1775. June 17. Oct. 2. 1776. April 7. July 24. Aug. 25. Sept. 29. Nov. 18. 1777. June 30. Sept. 10. <( 10. Oct. 14. 8. 29. Nov. 1778. Sept. 16. « 28. Oct. 10. 1779. Jan. 6. Oct. 2. 1781, Feb. 9. June 24. Amos, , s. of Josiah. and Sarah. Robens, 23 y. Mr. Josiab. Wbeeler. Eunice, d- of John and Mary Swallow, 5 m. Mr. Joseph Herrick. Joseph Blood, killed in Bunker Hill battle. William, s. of John and Thankful Whitaker, 1 y. 6 m. Mr. Nathaniel Barrett. Dorothy, d. of Joshua and Dorothy Davis, 3 y. 7 m. Benjamin, s. of Benjamin and Martha Mann, 13 y. 3 m. Elizabeth, d. of Lemuel and Sarah Spaulding, 9 d. Susannah, d. of John and Thankful Whitaker, 1 m. Silas, s. of Kichard and Anna Lawrence, 3 y. 1 m. Ephraim, s. of John and Leefe Lawrence, 3 m. 20 Lucy, d. of Benjamin and Martha Mann, 2 y. 3 m. John, s. of John and Su- sannah Dutton, 11 y. 8 m. Mason, s. of same, 5 y. Deborah, d. of Daniel and Jemima Fay, 1 1 m. Mary, w. of Henry Jefts, 67 y. Polly, d. of Benjamin and Martha Mann, 2 d. Mr. Benjamin King. Sarah, daughter of Samuel and Sarah Wood, 7 m. Ens. Enosh Lawrence, 68 y. Amos, s. of Abijah and Mary Allen, 8 y. Daniel, s. of James and Sarah Withee, 9 y. 3 m. Ebenezer, s. of Samuel and Sarah Wood, 1 m. 12 d. Mrs. Foster, w. of Jonathan Foster. Josiah, son of Samuel and Sarah Wood, 6 m. John Eliot, 65 y. 1782. Aug. 7. Oct. 5. 1783. Mar. 13. June 2. " 18. " 25. July 1. " 16. " 20. " 24. Aug. 3. 1784. May 4. Oct. 15. 1785. Jan. Feb. 8. " 9. " 23. Dec. 19. 1786. April 30. June 14. Nov. 1. 1787. June 3. July 22. 1789. April 7. " 16. '< 28. July 11. Isaac, s. of WiUiam and Dorothy Eliot, 4 m. Abel, son of Joseph and Sarah Barrett, 4 m. John, s. of John, Jr., and Rebecca Swallow, 12 d. Mr. Daniel Fay. Alice, d. of Aaron and Lucy Wheeler, 2 m. Oliver, s. of William and Sarah Miles, 3 y. 6 m. Andrew, s. of Andrew and Hannah Eliot, 5 m. Samuel, s. of Elisha and Mary Withington, 9 m. 10 d. Sibbel, d. of James and Sib- bel Scripture, 4 y. 6 m. Hannah, d. of Benjamin and Hannah Barrett, Im. Isaac, s. of Hubbard and Sarah Russell, 23 d. David Sloan, s. of Amos and Lydia Holden, 3 y. 8 m. 16 d. Lydia, d. of Abraham, Jr., and Hannah Merriam. Thomas, s. of Thomas and Sarah Tarbell, 3 y. 5 m. Thomas, s. of Jason Rus- sell, 7 y. 8 m. 26 d. Mary, w. of Edmund Tar- bell, 36 y. Elias Eliot, 78 y. Ensign John Wood, 69 y John, 8. of Jotham and Elizabeth Webber, 1 y. 3 m. Dorothy, w. of Wm. Eliot. George, s. of Aaron and Lucy Wheeler, 2 y. 5 m. Hannah, w. of Jonathan Chandler. Jonas, s. of Joseph and Sarah Barrett, 3 y. 1 m. Polly, d. of Andrew and Hannah Eliot, 11m. Alice, d. of Aaron and Lucy Wheeler, 1 day. Deacon Amos Dakin, 57 y. Rebecca, d. of Thomas and Rebecca Hodgman, 3 y. 4 m. 15 d. .78 HISTORY OF MASON. 1789. Aug. 23. Sept. 25. Dec. 1. 1790. Mai;. 14. Polly, d. of Jos. and Mary- Woods, 2 y. 2 m. 27 d. Sally, d. of Jonas and Dolly Fay, 1 m. Elizabeth, wid. of Ensign John Wood, 75 y. Isaac Brown, Jr., 18 y. John, s. of Nathaniel and Hannah Williams. Jonas, s. of Deacon Amos Dakin, 18 y. Rachel, w. of Jonathan Williams, 58 y. Anne, d. of Jonas and Dolly Fay, 7 y. 4 m. Record of deatliS; from November 2, 1796, to December 31, 1837, from the record kept by the Rev. Ebenezer Hill: 1790. April 16. May 1. June 24. Aug. 1. Nov. 2 <( 7 1791. Jan. Feb. 26 « 27 Mar. 26 April 26 June 2 Aug. 22 Sept. 4 Nov. 15 « 24 1792. Jan. 27. Feb. 2 Mar. 3 (C 8 June 10 Oct. 10. Nov. 2 Dec. 5 Dec. 9 1793. Jan. 12. Feb. 7. April 14. <( 14 June 6. (( 10. Nov. 29. 1794. Feb. Mar. «' 25. In. d.of Joseph Hussell, 5 y. Betsey, d. of Reuben Ken- dall, 18 y. In. c. of Reuben Barrett. Nancy, d. of Wm. Miles. Wife of Benj. Hodgman. Elizabeth, d. of Joseph Merriam, 19 y. Mr. Eleazer Fish. Elizabeth, w. of Wm. Shed. Mary, w. of Joseph Mer- riam, 48 y. Capt. William Chambers. Wid. Sarah Elliot. Lydia, w. of David Whita- ker. In. c. of Reuben Barrett. - Timothy, s. of Dea. T. Da- kin, 4 m. 22 d. Joseph BuUard, 73 y. Billy, s. of Asa Stone. In. c. of Dr. Joseph Gray. In. c. of Peter Zuire. Polly, "w. of Dr. William Barber, 24 y. Elisha Withington. In. c. of Amos Blood. In. c. of Jeremy Steward. Daniel Warrer, (negro.) Dorcas, d. of Samuel Hill, 4 m. Wife of Reuben Hosmer. Sally, W. of Artemas Man- ning. Sally, d. of John Winship. Ruth, d. of John Winship. James, s. of Samuel Woods, 3 m. 9 d. Polly, w. of Rev. Ebenezer Hill, 29 y. Sarah, w. of Capt. Joseph Barrett, 43 y. 1794. Aug. 4. Sept. 6. " 6. Nov. 13. " 28. Dec. 3. " 17, " 19. " 23. 1795. Feb. 11. " 22. " 24. April 25. " 26. June 29. " 29. July 10. " 19. 1796. Jan. 26. Feb. 9. Mar. 15. April 4 . May 4. « 27. June 2. « 27. July 4. Sept. 13. Dec. 14. 1797. Jan. 2. Feb. 16. Prudence Crane. In. c. of Thos. Blood, 4 y. In. c. of Thomas Blood. Elizabeth, wid. of Ensign John Wood, 71 y. •Leafee, d. of Clark Haven, 17 y. Ruth, wid. of Ellas Eliot, 85 y. Josiah, s. of J, Eliott, 2 y. Allen Haven, 11 y. ■In. c. livina; with Mrs. War- In. twin children of John Wait, Jr. David Weatherbee, 77 y. Betsey Scripture, 13 y. Rebecca, d. of Abel Adams. Patty, d. of Abel Adams. In. c. of Abel Swallow. Wid. Mary Marrett, 83 y. Wife of Benjamin Darling. In. c. of Jonas Amsden. Esther, w. of Capt. Thomas Tarbell. Capt. Thomas Tarbell, 77. In. c. of Jonathan Russell. James Weethee. Nabby, d. of Joses Buck- nam. Wife of John Wait. Lucy and Nancy, d. of Jos. Tufts. Charles, s. of Dea. T. Da- kin, 2 m. 16 d. In. s. of Daniel Hill. Artemas, s. of Artemas Manning. Betsey, d. of Zaccheus Bar- rett. Abijah Ames, 18 y. John, s. of Maj. Jas. Wood, 12 y. EECOED OF DEATHS. 179 1797. April 3 July 4 « 12 Aug. 20 <( 25 (( 25. Sep. 1. " 9 <( 17. Nov. 22. (( 26. <( 28 Dec. 10. 1798. Jan. 24. May 17. t«" 20. June 21 July 8. Sept. 28 Oct. 15. (( 20. (< 20. Not. 14. (( 1799. Mar. 12. April 7. May 24. Oct. 18 isoo. Jan. 9. May 11. June 18 (( 23 July 20 Aug. 8 Sep. 19 (( 29 Oct. 19 Nov. 3 It 17 i( 18 26. 29. In. c. of John Swallow, Jr. Jesse, s. of Silas BuUard, 8 m. Rebecca, w. of E,ev. Eben- ezer Hill, 26 y. John Tarbell. In. c. of Stephen Withing- ton. In. c. of John Baldwin. Wid. Sarah Lawrence. Susan, d- of Ezra Merriam. In. c. of Dea. R. Wesson. Timothy, s. of Dea. T. Da- kin, 2 y. 10 m. Mr. Abraham Merriam. In. c. of John Eliott. Mr. John Goddard. Mr. Abraham Haskell. In. c. of Joel Parker. In. c. of Silas BuUard. Samuel Hill, 66 y. In. c. of Oliver Nutting. In. c. of Jedediah Felton. Dr. Enosh Lawrence, 25 y. 10 m. 12 d. In. c. of Stephen Balcom. Elizabeth, w. of Dea. R. Wesson, 34 y. 11 m. 2 d. Two in. c. of same. In. c. of Jonas Mann. In. c. of Timothy Wheeler. Wid. Elizabeth Heald, 85 y. Rebecca, d. of A. Wheeler, 19 y. 10 m. Elizabeth, w. of Jason Rus- sell, 54 y. In. c. of R. Hodgman, Jr. In. c. of Thomas Blood. Mr. Joseph Russell. Mrs. Dorothy Fish. Sally, d. of Ezra Merriam. Jonas Fay, Jr., 25 y. Molly J efts. Artemas, s. of A. Manning. Reuben Barrett, 71 y. In. c. of Richard HaU. In. c. of same. In. c. of Oliver Eliott. In. c. of John Russell, Jr. Capt. Isaac Brown, 55 y. In. c. of Jer. Stewart. In. c. of Peter Sanderson. Two in. c. of same. Lydia, d. of Samuel Hill, Mr. Ebenezer Blood. 1800. Dec. 7. In. c. of Eben Stacey. It 20. In. c. of Thomas Blood. 1801. Jan. 5. Wife of Thomas Blood. (t 31. Wid. Chapman, 97. In. c. of Daniel Williams. Sep. 6. In. e. of Josiah Sawtell. Oct. 8. John, s. of Captain S. S. Parker. 26. Wife of William Blood.^ Apri] 22. Mr. Eben Stacey. " 28. Elizabeth, w. of Dea. Tim- othy Dakin, 37. June 13. Mary, w. of Ohver Eliot. July 9. In. c. of Widow Stacey. (( 31. Nancy, d. of William B. Flagg, 19 m. Sep. 16. Polly, d. of Th: Hodgman. <( 17. In. c. of John Lawrence, Jr. (( 19. In. d. of Abel Adams. Oct. 4. Mr. David Sloan. " 14. Amos, s. of Deacon Timo- thy Dakin, 1 y. 4 m. 25 d. (C 15. Widow Zuire. Nov. 13. In. c. of Nabby Barrett. Dec. 4. In. c. of Azubah Swallow, ly- Nathaniel Smith, 81 y. (C 18. (< 31. In. c. of Andrew Eliott. 1803. Jan. 9. Wife of Joel Ames. (I 29. William Saunders, 90 y. Feb. 19. Betsey Townsend, 14 y. Mar. 18. In. c. of Amos Dakin. April 2, WilUam Blood, 83 y. (( 9. Persis Lawrence, 23 y. << 30. Aaron Wheeler, Jr., 34 y. Aug. 14. In. c. of Daniel Hodgman. <( 15. Artemas, s. of Captain John Barrett, 3 y. C( 23. Daniel Hodgman, 27 y. Sept. 5, Thomas, s. of Abel Adams, 5y- James, s. of the same. << 10. " 12. John Stevens, 16 y. t( 17. Wife of Joel Richardson. (( 22. Noah W., s. of Sam'l Hill, 4 y. 6 m. (I 28. Lydia, d. of the same, 3 y. Oct. 12. In. c. of Edward Tarbell. (( Widow Haskell. Nov. 20. Widow Saunders. <( 26. Haley, w. of Zac. Shattuck. 180 HISTORY OF MASON. 1804. Feb. 2 (( 6 (I 14 i( 25 Mar. 1 (1 5 " 24. May 7. " 26. " 26. June 6. Oct. 15. Dec. 19. " 21. « 27. 1805. Jau. 3. Feb. 19. « 22. « 28. Mar. 19. April 14. May 1. June 16. " 26. July 3. " 16. Aug. 1. « 10. Sept. 8. " 27. Nov. 6. " 8. " 30. Dec. 22. " 24. 1806. Jan. 18. Feb. 16. Mar. 23. " 27. April 7. " 16. " 17. Mr. Samuel Green. Lucy Kemp. In. c. of William Barrett. Wife of Joel Richards. Wife of Jonathan Lee. In. c. of Ruel Richardson. B. Franklin, s. of Elijah Davis. In. c. of John Lawrence, Jr. In. c. of Ambrose Gould. Eunice, "vv. of Abner Chick- ering, 29 y. Deborah Winship, 17 y. In. c. of John Russell, Jr. In. c. of John "Withington. Susan Amsden, 16 y. Mr. Thomas Austin. Rebecca Lawrence, 28 y. In. c. of Jonathan Blood. In. c. of John Robbins. Jason Dunster, 79 y. Wid. Shattuck, 91 y. Mr. Billings. Hannah Lawrence, 26 y. Wid. Hildreth. Benjamin Jefts, 2d, 25 y. John Waugh, 99 y. In. c. of William Newell. Sally, d. of R. Wesson, 18 y. Luther Lawrence, 20 y. David EUott, 15 y. Ammi A., s. of Andrew Tufts, 4 y. Benjamin Woods, 25 y. In. c. of William Barrett, 1 y. 6 m. In. c. of WiUiam Bride, 21 d. Hannah, w. of Ebenezer GUman, 24 y. Asa, s. of John Whitaker, 22 y. In. c. of John Brown, 2 d. William HiU, of Bedford, 21 y. Abraham Merriam, 48 y. Rebecca, widow of Jason Dunster, 74 y. Lucinda Hodgman, 11 y. In. c. of Joshua Blood, 6 h. Joshua, s. of Joshua Blood, 5y. Amos Holden, 54 y. John, s. of John Russell, Jr., 1 y. 1806. April 19. Mary, w. of Joshua Blood, 28 y. " In. c. of David Withee. June 1. Benjamin. Iveudall, 56 y. Oct. 31. d. of Josiah Eliott, 7 y. Nov. 20. Alvah, s. of Capt. Jesse Barrett, 3 y. Dec. 3. Aaron Wheeler, 66 y. 1807. Jan. 2. Mr. Knapp, 86 y. " 3. Prescott, s. of A. Wheeler, 12 y. " 9. John Adams, 65 y. " 19. Lydia, w. of Samuel Hill, 37 y. Feb. 27. In. c. of John Robbins, 6 m. April 5. In. c of Levi Morse. " 7. Benjamin Jefts, 60 y. May 5. In. c. of Silas Bullard, 6ni. " 7. Deacon Nathan Hall, 91 y. Zaccheus Barrett, Jr., 30 y. Aug. 13. Widow Rebecca Jones, of Bedford, 53 y. Sept. 5. Rachel, d. of Jere. Boyn- ton, 5 y. " 9. Stephen Robbins, 22 y. " 12. Widow of Abraham Mer- riam, 69 y. " 20. In. s. of Capt. Manning, Dec. 2. In. c. of Joseph Bullard. " 12. Sally, w. of Joseph Bullard, 21 y. 1808. Jan. 16. Betsy, d. of Jotham Web- ber, 20 y. " 18. Susan, w. of James Snow, 28 y. Mar. 3. Lydia Miles, 7 y. April 23 . Susannah, w. of Zachariah Davis, 57 y. " 30. Amos, s. of Amos Blood, 12 y. May 19. John Shed, 24 y. " 20. Sampson Clator, 24. June Mr. Thomas Jefts. July 26. Juliana, d. of Jason Dun- ster, 5 m. Aug. 22. Lydia Whipple, 28 y. " 28. In. c. of Cyrus Colman 2 d. Sept. 3. Martha, d. of Capt. Jesse Barrett, 7 y. " 7. In. c. of John Sawtell, 4y. Dec. 13. Sukey Tarbell, (negro,) 34 years. " 30. Sarah, wid. of Samuel Hill, 75 y. EECORD OF DEATHS. 181 1809. Feb. 13 <,( 27 Apr. 24 Sep. 14 (( 24 Nov. 23 Dec. 10 <( 11 1810. Jan, 3 <( 17 Mar. 12. <( 20. (< 21. (( 22. Apr. 22, May June 1. « 15, « 19. " 25. July 8. " 10. Aug. Oct. 12. " 27. 1811. April 15. June 28. Aug. 3. " 13. « 14. Sep, 30. Nov. 7. Widow Weatlicrbee, 88 y. Hannah, Ttddow of Jonas Amsden, 55 y. Esther Holden, 22 y. In. c. of Jeremiah Boynton. Sally Austin, 12 y. In. c. of Elijah Knapp. In. 0. of Groves, 7 ui. John Jefts, 70 y. Lt. Enosh Lawrence, 72 y. In. c. of Capt. John Barrett, Milley Holden, 20 y, Mr. S. Walker. In. c. of John Baldwin, 2 y. Lucy Russell, 21 y. In. c. of Samuel Townsend. In. c. of Eleazer Fish. In. c. of same. Burley C. Amsden, 2 y. 6 months. Hannah Barrett, 20 y. In. c. of William Eliott, 1 y. 3 m. In. c. of Noah Winship, Jr. Wheeler, s. of Sam'I Wes- ton, 4 y. William Warren Whitaker, 5 y. Capt. Jas. Scripture, 62 y. Bebecca, d. of Jason Dun- ster, 5 y. Timothy J., s, of Rev, Ebenezer Hill, 2 y, 9 m. Horatio, s. of A. Manning, 10 y. Maria, d. of Joseph Mer- riam, Jr., 4 y. Isaac, s, of A, Manning, 1 month. Mary, wid. of Dea. Nathan Hall, 88 y. Mary, w. of Thomas Ken- worthy. Joseph Merriam, Jr., 41 y. Sarah, wid. of Deacon A. Dakin, 74 y, Rebecca, w. of John Swal- low, Jr., 56 y. Edey, w. of Aaron Wood, 33 y. William B. Flagg, Jr., 9 y. In. c. of Samuel Nutting, 21 d. Jotham, s. of A. Wheeler, 25 y. Dea. Andrew Eliott, 56 y. Wife of Mitchell Whittior, 25 y, 24 1811. Dec. 30. 1812. Jan. Feb. Mar. 2. « 19. <' 22. April 1. " 8. "■ 21. " 21. " 30. May 2, Aug. Sept. 11, Nov, 20. Dec. 7. " 17. 1813. Feb, 4. " 8, " 22, May 23. June July 25, Aug, 1, "' 7. 1814, Jan. 4. " 12. Feb. 2. April 25. May 9. " 11. June Aug. 6. « 8, " 11. " 31, Sep. 10. In. c. of John Blodgett, Esq., 14 d. John Smith, 46 y. Wife of J. Kenworthy,29 y. Widow Farley, 88 y, Sarah, w. of Joshua Davis, 58 y. Asa Reed, 36 y. In. c. of G. Kimball, 21 d, Molly,w.of Jonas Fay, 62 y, Mrs. Ditson, 68 y. Elijah Davis, 67 y. In. c. of James Snow, Mrs. Bachelder, 78 y. In. c. of Simon Heald, 10 m, Mrs. Wyman. Miss Wealthy Hayward, 60 y. Wife of Jonathan Jefts, Jr. Brintnall Witherell, 46 y. Jonathan Searle, Esq., 68 y. In, c. of M. Whittier, 2 y. Polly Boynton, 18 y, Eli, s. of Jona. Jefts, 22 y. Mary, w. of Capt. Samuel S. Parker, 50 y. Samuel Hill, 49 y. George Kimball, 38 y. Pritchard, 21 y. Lucy Russell Barrett, 3 y, Lucy Sylvania Russell, 3 y. Stephen, s. of John Rob- bins, 2 y. Wife of Samuel TarbeU. Widow of Nathaniel Smith, 83 y. Patty Holden, 35 y. Reuel Richardson, 45 y. In, c. of Jona. Jefts, Jr. Martin Hayward, 20 y. George, s. of Wm, Whita- ker, 5 m. d. of Willard Lawrence, 13 years. Sylvester Snow, 10 y. Sally, w, of Ephraim Rus- sell, 38 y. In. c. of Putnam. Mary, d. of Hubbert Rus- sell, Jr., ly. 4 m. Stisan, d. of A. Wood, 8 y. Widow Agnes Waugh,84 y. Phebe, d. of Josiah Russell, 18 y. Mary, d. of Reuel Richard- son, 3 y. 6 m. 182 HISTOEY OF MASON. 1814. Sept. 12. Oct. 27. Dec. 1. " 12. 1815. Jan. 29. Feb, 9. « 17. " 19. Mar. 1. " 13. " 18. " 27. " SO. April 28. " 29. May 3. " 12. June 1. " 29. July 11. «' 12. Aug. 13. " 30. Oct. 23. Nov. 1. " 23. Dec. 5. " 6. 1816. Jan. 2. 5. " 25. 26. 29. 30. 1. Feb. " 16. Mar. 18. April 14. " 15. " 19. Daniel Prentice, 70 y. In. c. of Woodis Lee, 5 y. In. c. of Abial Green, 6 m. s. of Samuel Wadsworth, 14 y. In. c. of Dan'l White, 4 m. Ephraim Flagg, 84. In. c. of Paul Davis, 2 y. Elizabetb, d. of Jeremiah Boynton, 23 y. In. c. of W. B. Flagg, 4 y. In. c. of Hubbard Amsden, 6 m. In. c. of Othni Crosby. John Boynton Wright, 18 y. Mrs. Sawtel], 36 y. In. c. of Thad's Morse, 2 d. Rebecca Tarbell, 26 y. Nathan Adams, 26 y. Jonas Wheeler of New Ips- wich, 96 y. Mr. Farwell, 68 y. Loammi, s. of Deacon H. Richardson, 2 y. 6 na. Mr. John Baldwin. In. c. of Josiah Eliott, 14 d. Patty Eliott, 22 y. Hannah, d. of Joseph Mer- riam, Jr., 17 y. Esther, wid. of Lt. Enosh Lawrence, 80 y. In. c. of Eben Hodgman,Jr. Polly Bachelder, 29 y. Israel Eliott, 27 y. In. c. of Taylor Fay. Eliab Knapp, 67 y. Richard Lawrence, 80 y. Lt. John Swallow, 86 y. Mary, w. of Amos Dakin, 52 y. Samuel Smith, 74 y. Widow Flagg, 82 y. Fanny Huston, 12 y. In. c. of Paul Davis, 1 m. 7d. William Barrett, 90 y. Betsy Boynton, 23 y. Willard Lawrence, 56 j. Anna, wid. of Richard Lawrence. Rebecca, wid. of Jason Dunster, 72 y. Mehitabel, w. of Thomas Robbins, 68 y. In. c. of Taylor Fay, 1 y. In. c. of Oliver Nutting, 3 y. In. c. of Hollis Amsden, 3 y. 8 m. 1816. Apr. 19. Aug. 11. " 31. Oct. 5. " 26. Dec. 9. 1817. Jan. 18. " 22. Feb. (< Mar. May July Aug. 30. Sept. Oct. 9. «< 15. " 20. " 20. 1818. Jan. Feb. 5. Mar. 18. April 14. " 25. May June 15. July 7. Aug. 27. Sept. 7. " 14. " 18. " 22. Oct. 23. Benjamin Cragin, Esq. Jesse Barrett, Jr., 27 y. Twin children of E. Dex- ter, 1 m. Lt. Obadiah Parker, 86 y. In. c. of Jas. Kennedy, 4 y. Hannah, w. of Samuel Townsend, 68 y. In. c. of James Gardner, 1 y. In c. of Thomas Russell, 1 m. 21 d. In. c. of Ebenezer Hodg- man, 3 m. In. c. of Jeremiah Preston. Wife of Paul Davis, 34 y. Mary, w. of John Blodgett, Esq., 46 y. Lydia, d. of Colonel James Wood, 16 y. In. c. of Willard Lawrence. Lydia, wid. of Amos Hol- den. Lucy, w. of Samuel Mer- riam, 42 y. Hubbard Amsden, 27 y. Lowis, wid. of John Jefts, 71 y- Ruth, wid. of Joseph Mer riam, Jr., 45 y. Lorena, d. of Andrew and Lydia Elliott, II m. 20 d In. c. of Mr. Read. In. twin cMldren of Levi Morse. Rebecca, w. of Abel Adams 58 y. Ruth, wid. of Obadiah Par- ker, 86 y, Sampson Parker, 50 y. In. c. of Noah Winship, Jr. 10 m. George, s. of Isaac and Dei dama Parker, 8 y. In. c. of Willard Lawrence Jonathan Jefts, 86 y. Hannah, w. of William Bar- rett, 58 y. Widow Russell. Anna, wid. of WUliam Hos- mer, 85 y. In. c. of Lemuel Tarbell. Joel Richards, 28 y. Simeon Kemp, Jr., 21 y. In. c. of Darius Hudson,5 y. c. of same, 11 y. In. c. of same, 3 y. In. c. of Jona. Richardson, 7 m. RECOED OF DEATHS. 183 1818. Oct. 23. Nov. 30. 7. «' 11. « 15. 18. 20. 8. 11. 13. 14. 21. 21. Wife of Jason Dunster, Jr., 24 V. s. of IVilliam B. Flagg, 9 y. Widow Sarah Osgood, 96 y. Artemas, s. of Capt. Elijah Knajjp, 6 y. S m. In. c. of Samuel Withing- ton, 8 d. In. d. of Daniel Foster, o y. Betsey, d. of Capt. Elijah Knapp, 3 y. 5 m. Dec. Rebecca, d. of Josiah Eliott, 14 y. In. c. at J. Davis', 3 y. In. c. of Asa Merriam, 2 y. d. of Eben'r Gihnan, 8 y. Albert, s. of Captain Amos Flagg, 5 y. 4 m. In. c. of Mrs. Lucy Mer- riam. Emaline, d. of Capt. Amos Flagg, 2 y. 4 m. 1819. Jan. 2. Polly, w. of Amos KusseU, 28 y. " 8. Joseph Warren, s. of Jos. Sanders, Jr., 2 y. 6 m. " IS. WilHam, s. of David and Ama Sanders, 4 y. 9 m. " 19. Eveline, d. of Jonas and Sally Adams, 4 m. " 20. George E., son of same, 6 months. " 22 . Emilv, d . of Seth and Phebe Elliott, 1 y. 3 d. " 27. John Powers, 25 y. Feb. 7. Lydia, d. of Daniel HiU, 7 years. " Alva Parker, 11 y. " In. c. of Eben'r Adams. Mar. 24. Dea. Noah Winship, oo y. April 1. Charles, s. of Chas. Scrip- ture, 5 m. " 2. d. of Oliver Nutting, 11 y. " 5. In. c. of Eben'r WiUiams, 18 m. " 6. In. c. of Oliver Nutting, 3 years. " 12. Sally Saunderson, 18 y, «• 15. Dorcas, d. of Oliver Nut- ting, 13 y. « 19. In. s. of Eben'r Williams, 3 years. " 21. Tliirza, d. of Peter Saun- derson, 15 y. May 19. Mary Ann, d. of William and Polly Darling, 4 y. " In. d. of Jonathan Eichard- son, 4 y. 1819. July 4. « 5. <( 5. Aug. 1. 8. (C 25. Nov. 27. Dec. 23. it 29. 182 0. Jan. 5. (C 11. u 31. Feb. 9. <( 28. Mar. 12. " 20. April Oct. (( 11. (( Nov. 2. " 3. (C (( 12. IC 13. (( 15. Dec. 13. <( 23. " 26. 1821. Jan. 1. Mar. 18. <« 23. <( 31. June Apri' << 9. 28. May 17. Oct. Addison, s. of Samuel Mer- riam, 5 y. Elisha Withington, 73 y. Lydia, ■v\'. of John Russell, Jr., 51 y. John Winship, 77 y. Wife of John Withington, 42 y. Edward FarweU, 88 y. In. c. of James Kennedy. Lucy, d. of Edward Wil- son, 59 y. In. c. of Sam'l Weston, 4 y. Deborah, -w. of Caleb Buck- nam, 20 y. Abigail, av. of Chas. Scrip- ture, 21 y. Betsey Russell, 22 y. Azubah, d. of Robert and Azubah Searle, 27 y. Mary, d. of John and Mary Webber, 8 d. In. c. of David Jefts, 2d, 1 y. 8 m. In. c. of Abel Adams, Jr., 6 m. Polly, w. of William Bride. Widow Cragin, 76 y. Mr. Stratton, 50 y. Mrs. Rachel Isaacs, 57 y. W^ife of Paul Davis. Sally, d. of Jeremiah Boyn- ton, 23 y. Widow of Joseph Bullard, 96 y. In. c. of Jonathan Jefts. c. of Cutler, 8 y. Philena, d. of Benjamin Kendall, 11 years. Simon Ames, 80 y. Timothy Wheeler, 68 y. d. of Benjamin Farwell, 9 y. Wife of Leonard Read, 36 j. In. d. of Abel Farwell, 5 y. Susanna Davis, 47 y. Jonathan Wilhams, 85 y. In. c. of John Sawtell, 1 y. Jonathan Foster, (died in Ashby,) 100 y. Peter Kemp, 16 y. Wife of John Robbins. Silvia, (a negro girl), 14 y. In. c. of Taylor Fay, 6 m. Widow Goddard, 81 y. In. c. of Leonard Reed, 8 m. Polly Loring, 30 y. Isaac Kimball, Jr., 6 y. 3 m. 184 HISTOEY OP MASON. 1821. Oct. Nov. 28. Dec. '« 15. «« 26. 1822. Jan. 10. " 23. '< 29. Feb. 26. Mar. 29. April 1. May 21. 23. July " 16. Aug. 14 Sept. 22. << 26. Oct. 5. (( 6. 7. 23. 17. Nov. 3. 3. Nov. 10. Dec. 11. «< 27. 1823. Mar. 5. Apri 22. 2. 20. Daniel Withee, 21 y. In. c. of J. Jefts. Sarah, w. of John Austin, 63 y. In. c. of Isaac Russell, 1 m. 14 d. David Brown, 83 y. Polly Boynton, d. of Jos. Merriam, o y. Wife of Enosh Barrett, 22 years. Widow Barrett, 91 y. Charles "Withee, 14 y. In. c. of Thomas Loring. In. c. of Ezekiel Merriam, 21 d. Samuel Townsend, 88 y. In. c. of Ca^jtain Elijah Knapp. In. c. of Hichardson. In. c. of Joel Tarbell. Wife of Jonathan Richard- son, 36 y. Richard Hall, 54 y. In. c. of Henry Isaacs. In. c. of Wm. Nutting, 9 m. Mary, wid. of Lieut. John Swallow, 76 y. Mrs. Elizabeth Campbell, (of Brookline,) 50 y. Judith, wid. of John Win- ship, 82 y. d. of Jotham Webber, Jr., 12 y. William, s. of Timothy Wheeler, 4 y. 10 m. William Barrett, Jr., 22 y. Mary, d. of Tim. Wheeler, 2 y. 6 m. In. c. of Paul Davis, 1 y. Laura, d. of Elijah Knapp, 4 y. 6 m. Artemas, s. of same, 3 y. Lydia, w. of Andrew Eliott, 33 y. David Green, (of Groton,) 82 y. Adrian, s. of Noah Win- ship. Amos Holden, 31 y. Addison, s. of B. C. Kim- ball, 26 d. In. c. of B. Farwell, 14 d. Woodis Lee, 48 y. Joshua Loring, 30. Samuel Merriam, Esq., 50 1823. May Widow of David Brown, 75 years. Wife of Abijah Eaton. June 3. William, s. of Dea. Andrew and Hannah Eliott, 20 y. Aug. 13. Sarah, wid. of Timothy Wheeler, 69. In. c. of Capt. N. C. Searle. Sept. Widow Hannah Huse, 50 y* Oct. 24. George Alvin, s. of George Eliott, 3 m. 17 d. Nov. 10. Rhoda, w. of James Gil- man, 68 y. In. c. of Luther Nutting. 1824. Jan. Feb. 14. " 16. Mar. 2. " 25. AprU 18. " 29. May 2. " 6. " 25. May 30. July Aug. 16. " 21. (( Sept. 25. 26. 2. << 2. << 4. << 14. 30. Oct. 18. Nov. 26. " 28. 1825. Jan. 2. n 13. May 16. (( 27. Mr. Amos Cutler. Widow Edwards, 81 y. Jonas Campbell, 18 y. John Webber, 34 y. Samuel Tarbell, 65 y. William Kendall, 72. Job Hodgman, 37 y. Dea. Jotham Webber, 72. Alva Green, 24 y. Widow Lois Gould, 84 y. Josiah Flagg, 74 y. In. c. of David Amsden, 1 y. 9 m. In. c. of Phinehas Webster. Timothy, s. of Timothy Wheeler, 2 y. 3 m. Widow Fletcher. In. c. of Jonas Kendall, 1 y. 6 m. David Hall, 71 y. Mr. Samuel Smith. In. d. of Jonas Kendall, 3 y. 6. m. Lydia, d. of Samuel and Mary Dakin, 2 y. 5 m. Stephen Lawrence, Esq., 80 y. Samuel Dakin, Jr., 9 y. 6 m. Mary Ann, d. of B. C. Kim- ball, 4 y. 8 m. 18 d. Widow of William Bairettj 91 y. Ebenezer Williams, 79 y. In. c. of Samuel Dakin, 4 y. In. c. of Martin Rand. Rhoda, d. of EHjah Knapp. In. d. of Benjamin Farwell, 5y. George Jefts, 14 y. James Weston, 34 y. Huldah, wid. of Samuel Merriam, 46 y. Elizabeth Winship, 58 y. EECOED OP DEATHS. 185 1825. May 29. Capt. Horace Sawtell, 26 y. July Nichols, s. of Dea. B. Rob- inson, 3 y. " Jeremy, s. of Samuel Wes- ton, 4 y. Aug. In. c. of William Newell, 1 y. 6 m. In 0. of Jonathan Jefts. Aug. 17. Ebenezer, s. of Josiah Mer- riam, 5 y. " 28. William, s. of same, 2 y. 6 months. *' Widow Shepherd, 20 y. Sept. 2. Polly, w. of Hubbert Hus- sell, Jr., 32 y. " In.c. of Sampson Mcintosh. Sep. 20. Adam, s . of John Blodgett, Esq., 22 y. " 20. Amos Boynton, 23 y. <« 20. Jason Russell, 83 y. Mr. Priest, 62 y. Mary Snow, 18 y. Nov. 11. Henry, s. of Daniel and Ruth Pelch, U y. In. c. of Joseph Merriam, 2d, 2 d. Dec. 26. Widow Blood, 95 y. 1826. Mar. 5. Aaron Haskell 34 y. (( 11. Molly, w. of Joseph Rob- bins, 64 y. (< 11. In. c. of Ira Hall, (( 13. Lucinda, d. of Thomas Hodgman, Jr., 2 y. (< 15. John, s. of Maverick Wy- man, 8 y. 7 m. Aprl In. c. of James Saunderson. (( 25. Abel Adams, 69 y. 23 6 3 Nov. do. 1 man in 1777, 2 9 June. Sea Coast, Portsmouth, 3 men in 1777, 5 14 Alarm at Tyconda., 17 men in 1777, 15 2 Provisions and transportin g. 7 2 0- 22 4 July. Stark's brigade, 16 men in 1777, 68 8 Saratoga volunteers, 8 men in 1777, 15 4 March. Peabody's reg't, 1 man in 1778, 15 Volunteers to Rhode Island, 25 men in 1778 ) 47 10 July. Continental, 5 men in 1779, ] L200 {'? 7 2 Deducted below, 120 17 2 Sept. Sea Coast, Portsmouth, in 1779, 3 12 Nichols' reg't, 6 men in 1780, 54 June. New levies in 1780, in silver. 56 13 4 4 men, in paper, 300 0- — 61 18 2 Continental, 5 men in 1781, 370 Cotninental, 2 " in 1782, 150 1860 13 Aug. Continental, Jo. Lampson,in 1779, vid.'aboye, ,120 7 9 Sept. Reynolds' reg't, 3 men in 1781, 36 Dk. To £120 for state bounty, 2 men in 1779, deducted, repaid £120, 1904 2 7 17 2 1896 4 10 228 HISTORY OP MASON. PEOPRIETARY AND TOWN OFFICERS, AND JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. List of moderators of the proprietary meetings and of clerks of the proprietary : MODEKATOKS. October 16 1749 December S 1751. October — 1752. November 27 1753 July 16 1754. November 18 1754 May- 11 1757. October 24 1758 Ja^iuary 2 1759. November 26, 1759 November 2b, 1760. September 14 1762. December 14 1762. April 5, 1763. March. 29 1764 January 29 1765 March 20 1765. April 23 1766 December 11 1766 March 10, 1767 June 2 1767 November 4 1767 Januarj' 5 1768 March 8 1768 June 22 , 1768 March 22 , 1769 August 21 , 1769 October 18 1769 March 6 , 1770 January 6 , 1772 January 12 1773 Joseph Blanchard, Esq. William Lawrence, Esq. Maj. Jonathan Hubbard. Colonel Lawrence. Maj. Jonathan Hubbard. Colonel Lawrence. William Lawrence, Esq. Capt. Thomas Tarbell. Colonel Lawrence. Capt. Samuel Tarbell, Col. William Lawrence. Capt. Samuel Tarbell. Nathan Hall. Obadiah Parker. Oliver Eliot, Ens. Whitcomb Powers. Lieut. William Prescott. AVhitcomb Powers. Lieut. William Prescott. Ens. Whitcomb Powers. Nathan Hall. Lieut. Obadiah Parker. Lieut. Obadiah Parker. Ens. Whitcomb Powers. Josiah Robbins. Lieut. Obadiah Parker. Josiah Robbins. Nathan Hall. Nathan Hall. Josiah Robbins. Nathan Hall. Joseph Blanchard, Jr. Joseph Blanchard, Jr. John Stevens. John Stevens. John Stevens. John Stevens. John Stevens. Jonathan Blanchard. Jonathan Blanchard. Jonathan Blanchard. Jonathan Blanchard. Capt. Thomas Tarbell. Capt. Thomas Tarbell. Capt. Thomas Tarbell. Capt. Thomas Tarbell. Capt. Thomas Tarbell. Capt. Thomas Tarbell. Capt. Thomas Tarbell. Capt. Thomas Tarbell. Capt. Thomas Tarbell. Capt. Thomas Tarbell. Capt. Thomas Tarbell. Capt. Thomas Tarbell. Capt. Thomas Tarbell. Capt. Thomas Tarbell. Capt. Thomas Tarbell. Capt. Thomas Tarbell, Capt, Thomas Tarbell. Capt. Thomas Tarbell. Capt. Thomas Tarbell. Capt. Thomas Tarbell. The following list contains the names of the moderators at the annual town meetings, the town clerks, the selectmen, and town treasurers, from the year 1768 to the year 1858, inclu- sive, and of representatives from the year 1775 to 1858, in- elusive : ^OWN OFFICERS. 229 Q S O r-i >-i O r^ O CO O CD to 'oj cS O cS r; O ci O CS 'I 1 Hs «i .3 .5 -; So? a •rl ^2 r^ ^- cS O c! PhS i :fpHi;o ^ O O ^ !:j CO |==i o -^ rd ' ^ >-0000000 !h ^ ;-! ^ tn r- rH 'o'o'o'ooS C3"S •^ >^ -^ 'i-i .^ .^ .rH r^ r-^ O cci — icocococcccr? rice cocooooii =Jo >-i ^ >-l —> ^ >-3 -i FQ Cdh-i : o I) S m rJ'S ; rp '3 T3 s ':2 CD J !h o cS «J -rj h ( =3 rf ph ^ a 3 cvi i O •-! cS •'-1 fl o bo ; p* o i: o 03 o i PS r^^g § ^^^ 8^:i S §3.2 .2 S S 2 2 2 2 g Tj r^ c-j Hj ' — ' , — . _ _ k. "Tj 1 — I I — I ij ;_i ij lj ;lj Lj rj o^^oH^Hj?opL:]fiqSS333rtS s-g-a3sSgM3sg««^^^^f^ ^ _a3 ^cd ^ .5 ^ .S r^ ^ .5 .3 ^^^^3.^3. fl fl d d *^ d a fe: fe & (S P cS G3 2 2 2^-^*^-^^^^ MMPq § § d^ d d ^ „ _ > t^ -d pq -g -g a a a ^ ^ "S'v -a^'a O! EC M 1-; h^ W O cq cq d d rH d !^ rH r-i *r S d rl ^ ^ ;j:5 ^ ?,^^ C3 53 3 w d d d PliFLiPh 1 a a a a -1 ^ .d c3 a ■^ cs "^ ■rd Ti 3 C) O .Q .Q ,0 pqpqpqpqO 3 o i--t--.ir^i--(5oa)ooao<»cooocoooooo2<^C5 Sif s g g s s sa" l-^cSO°^°^cSs3cSc3.rJ •I (:q S pq pq (^ pq pq m 1 '■p Oji0JOc5> go 5 S g"4£ S S'o i m CO CO CO cs ce i- S 2 '^ a ce :3S S 33a3COWciocll5 - - -' - - « o 5 CD cc 02 m 02 O O O O O O 1 I-s H-5 l-a "-5 -5 -S I s.s"sl; =2 ri=! .S S ^ bfl. rM . o c 2 N ■ pj o 5 o so gtr|> CO g^ g- < ex O r-j "^ '^ ^ 02 o 03 g; o ^ ^^ fH Si f-t t-t i-i ri c3 cS cS c3 pqeqpqFP Ph Ph &, p. O (U 0) o 02 CO "" " £o£oo'S'Soaia n be n fcfi bo bD to tn bD^ g^a g^a a rt fl p! rf COOOOOOCOOOi 02 CO S -^ O OrS g ~» -^ ft cS - „ r- 02 g g- . •2 .2 ^ g o o a S a rt fl p! pppqpqpqpqpqpqmcq^pq'SPqo aariarifHrirtS S/:!^^^^ g/a g O o o 02 a i=! s rt rt ooooooooooooodooooooooooo^orf ►-^ H-s l-s — a"^i->^'->>-ai-ai-5^^l-s^l^^'~i>-J'~'l'^"^'~a'~» CC i-s f» CC t/2 CO g g ga C3 cS C3 >: +J +3 +3 +» +J H H !h E-i o'S^o'So'SooSoooooooooajor; -;^ bC fH 0X3 bJ3 bD bD bD bD CJ SC bp cJ3 tJD bC bC bo bp bp bO bp ^ fqp^pqpqfqop; o o o c o o ^^°o^_o^o_o^o^'^ ^g^SSSwSSt^SeqSpqpqwcqpqFqpqpi ■^r^p^aaaaaaSpiaariri^JiPriPls^' ■^ e '^3 "3333 'S,33S3£,^3r^,a3 A 2. g g bD o O P, P, ^ c o o s o P i P i «i CO ..^ „ .... _ oooocoooooo oooooooooooooo, c o o o o o o Q o a ^^-'^'-'/^J-'^J-^J-^J-^^ pq C3 S rt gSS ^Tasaasaa H o a - cS C3 Gi cj cS FMPh Igggg pi fl ■g'g' aassarigsa^.gjr^ .?i;csacscao3cscjoSc3a2csfHa g g ai-i^-o a ag g g tl^ttl'Sl^i^S .a .P OO a a fqpq OOO'^COOOOOOcjC pi pi sg's^g g giaa g gs a a-gasls' 03 O S g PI - o - ■ ■ cc -H 03 '^ 'o 02 jj 02 CO C3 02 ard a P^;2pq cS .• C3 ■i "o a .a>S pi .:|-*iiocoi>coC50--'NMTtHiococ^coc»0'-iooococoa)oococooocooooooococo ^|^r-ll-lr-(l-lr-l--li-lr-(.-lrtr-lr-(r-lr-lr-lrH.-l,-l,-l,-(r-lr-(— lr-11-l.-H-lr-l.-lr-ir-l TOWN OFFICERS. 231 .jH .^ .^ j-j o o o 5 CQCC GQ S m CD to S^ OS cs c= _2 OOOr/2 "- .S" S\' I 111 Oj O 1^ .2 ^ g s g -5 ^ -"^ =r 3 5 ^ g ^ 3 P^ ^ 3 ^, s« I Mssl24'= 11-12 1 1 1.5 §1 II J ri-a-l-11^ Q S-2 2pqpqp .t-.^E-iH^'*2;>r2i>|> Q I — I I ' 1—1 ■ 1 . I 1 r~i f^ ■— I r^ f^ '^ ^^ I — I i 1 O C ' — ' ' — ' 1 — ' ' — ' ' — ' ' — ' ' — ' ' — ' ' — ' ^ ^ '~~* p- O W UJ 9 a ri rt B ^^ co"cQ'(E*co'co'co'ro'to^Lo"tD :^ ::^ zc m m r^ ^ m !n ^ w m ^ ^ ^ ?^ ?- j^ p^^cu g3 c3 OitoBBB(^rtSS!^a"i^dSafHap{rfrirtCJS^,Q_iC^nin Q-i'd'iji— 3i— 3i— 3 Xla20000iDoOOoOoof»l>!>t>>!>!>>>>!>t>(»>>t>;>>!>t=-f* . -nJ ■.■.mm ", 1 J 2'r^oooooooooppopoooooo<»ooMh^-CMl--^y''-'''■'<{-<<| aiH^^S^^^^^^^i^scoQi^ajiSm^^aa^^ ^^ i^*^ ^ ^ ^h o ^ ^ s '*|ooooooooooooooooooooooo?;;?:;jpi'z!;z;rr?^r:^Sri; J / ' O O t~ 00 C2 O •— I C-1 CO -* O O 1~- CO O O r-i c^l 0-3 -ti O "O I>- CO Ci O ^H N CO ^ i-O O t^ CO S r^i c5 cHUlrHi-ll-li- o CO d > O p d !> O ci Q d o O d o 1791 10 2 1801 6 1 1811 11 1 1821 18 4 1831 19 8 1841 14 4 1792 8 1802 19 1 il812 18 2 1822 29 5 1832 20 4 1842 24 4 1793 7 2 1803 19 2 1813 10 1823 13 2 1833 11 3 1843 20 7 1794 12 2 1804 17 1814 22 4 1824 27 9 1834 21 3 11844 14 6 1795 7 1805 20 3 1815 22 5 1825 21 3 1835 16 8 1845 21 5 1796 10 1 1806 13 1 ;1816 18 3 1826 20 1 1836 12 4 1846 13 3 1797 15 1 1807 15 2 1817 13l 1| 1827 26 7 1837| 19 S| 1847 12 2 1798 10 1808 15 1 1818 34 4 1828 22 6 1838 14 4| 1848 23 2 1799 6 1 1809 9 3 1819 31 3 1829 29 9 1839 9 3| 1849 27i' 7| 1800 19 1 1810 20 1 1820 22 4 1830 11 5 1840 21 7 1850 10 3 104 10 154 15 201 271 216 50 162 52| 184 43 PROPORTION OF DISEASES, &C., TO DEATHS IN EACH PERIOD. Decades. O . 1> CO 1- ^ a o o Oh S . be C8 a; 0) !*^ > ^■^ -13 a o l-H O J^ Cl- o c First decade, 104 tV tV 1 7 -^ tV Second decade, 154 -.^ 1 ■5(7 tV * 1 5 tV Third decade, 201 2 lb 1 12 2 T5" 1 * 1 Fourth decade, 216 i 4 1 ± ^ ] TO' Fifth decade, 162 i tV ttV 1 1 5 i Sixth decade. 184 i i _1_ 1 5 i 1 B- i For sixty years. 102l| i tV iV i 1 B" i TABLE OF TOTALS. AGES OF THOSE DYING ABOVE 70 YEARS. n At the aee of 70 9 ' " '" At age ot 87 6 H ca CO 71 5 88 13 CD o ^ o 72 8 89 1 From o Id CD CO ft s ;3 o < 73 2 74 8 90 6 91 5 ft > M o 10 0) > o 14 03 a o o 20 O 2 75 9 76 11 77 8 78 3 92 1 94 1 95 1 96 5 1791 to 1801 104 10 1801 " 1811 154 15 3 14 19 33 13 79 5 97 1 1811 "1821 201 27117 31 32 25 16 80 11 98 1 1821 «1831 216 50 23 9 23 22 21 81 9 99 1 1831 " 1841 162 52 16 6 9 30 34 82 11 99i 1 1841 " 1851 184 43 24 12 29 32 29 83 12 84 11 100 1 102 1 1021 197 73 82 1^6 169 115 85 12 102^ 1 ■ 1 86 11 2U aiSTOEf OP MASON. TABLE OF DISEASES, OR BILL OF MORTALITY, FROM JANUARY 1, 1791 TO JANITARt 1, 1851, — SIXTY YEARS. 1791 1801 1811 1821 1831 1841 1791 Diseases. fo to to to to to to 1851 1801 1811 1821 1831 1841 1851 Total. Consumption, 20 23 25 22 30 32 162 Eever, 14 19 32 23 10 29 127 Old age, 2 13 16 21 35 29 116 Infantile complaints, 3 17 23 16 24 83 Canker rash, or throat distemper, ]0 14 31 9 6 12 82 Dysentery or cholera morbus. 10 15 7 22 7 12 73 Unknown and sudden, 2 7 5 15 9 3 41 Dropsy, 6 4 3 7 6 6 32 Fits, 11 6 2 1 1 2 23 Stillborn, 9 4 6 2 1 22 Quinsy, 5 6 5 5 21 Chronic, 2 2 3 6 13 Cancer, 2 2 2 4 4 14 Childbirth, 3 2 4 1 1 11 Intemperance or delirium tremens, 1 4 5 4 14 Mortification, 2 3 2 1 2 1 ' 10 Whooping cough, 1 2 3 2 2 10 Hydro cephalus, 1 2 2 10 Palsy, ] 2 5 4 A. 16 Scrofula, 2 2 2 3 9 Measles, 4 3 1 8 Disease of the liver, 2 9 1 12 Apoplexy, 1 3 1 5 Croup, 1 1 1 2 Atrophy, 1 3 4 Burns and sores, 4 3 1 8 Diabetes, 1 2 1 3 Debility, 1 2 1 4 Affection of the heart. 1 2 3 Premature birth, 1 2 3 Drowned, 1 2 3 Lightning, 2 1 3 Dyspepsia, 2 1 3 Inflammation of the bowels, 1 1 2 Inflammation of the brain, 1 1 1 3 Inflammation of the bladder. 2 2 Erysipelas, 1 2 3 Killed by falling. 1 2 3 Dicer on the leg, 3 3 Canker, 1 1 2 Asthma, 1 1 o! 2 Small pox. 2 2 Lethargy, 2 2 Cholic, 1 1 2 Diseases not classed, 5 13 8 9 6 4 45 In each decade, some deaths are recorded by diseases, &g., not falling into any of the classes of diseases in the tables, as follows : In the first decade, obstructed stomach, ulcer on the lungs, cholera dysentery, vomiting, schirrous tumors, one STATISTICS OF MORTALITY. 235 eacli ; total 5. In the second decade, rickets, falling from tlie bed, eating cherries, shot by accident, overlaid, suffocated by a bean, salt rheum, complication of diseases, gravel, fracture^ lockjaw, tussis, killed by a falling tree, one each; total 13. In the third decade, inflammation from a fall, sore mouth, ulcers, bilious cholic, thrown from a wagon, indigestion, chick- en pox, strangury, one each; total 8. In the fourth decade, cholera infantum, spina bifida, suicide, fistula, bleeding from a slight wound, epilepsy, hydro thorax, hernia, diseased kidney, one each; total 9. In the fifth decade, influenza, fluor albus, abortion, gangrene of the foot, pleurisy, universal disease, one each; total 6. In the 6th decade, malformation, diarrhea, killed in blasting rocks, casualty, one each ; total 4. The sum total of these is added at the foot of the table, as dis- eases not classed. Infantile complaints include all diseases of infants not otherwise specified. In the table of deaths, 197 are recorded as above the age of 70 years. Of these, 68 were between 70 and 80; 97 be- tween 80 and 90; 23 between 90 and 100; and 3 above 100. Of these last, Jonathan Foster, entered in Mr. Hill's record at 100 years, is entered in the table at 102 years, that being, probably, his true age. These tables show a degree of Ion- gevity, which indicates a healthy region. On comparing the past with the present, it will be perceived, that the average length of human life is increasing, and that consumption is not, as many suppose, more prevalent and fatal now than for- merly. It also appears, by the table of persons residing in the town on the first day of January, 1857, of the age of 70 years and over, that the ratio of longevity is now fully equal to that of any former period. TABLE OF THOSE LIVING 70 TEARS OP AGE AND UPWARDS, JANUARY, 1857. At tlie age of 70 7 At the age of 77 4 At tlie age of 84 S 71 7 78 4 85 1 72 4 79 5 87 2 73 8 80 3 88 1 74 2 81 1 91 I 75 6 82 1 93 1 * 76 4 83 1 Age not specified^ 236 sistoeY op masok. BIRTHS. Of births, no accurate record has been kept. Mr. Hill kept a record of births from November 3, 1796, until the year 1820, but in several of the years it is manifestly imper- fect. There was no law requiring a record of births to be made. The duties of his office gave the minister much better means to keep an accurate register of deaths than of births. As no other record of births was kept, it is thought best to give the number of births each year, according to Mr. Hill's record : TABLE OE BIRTHS IN MASON, FROM 1796 TO 1820, INCLUSIVE. 1?rom Nov. 3,1796 to Nov. 3, 1797, 41 FromDec. 31, 1807 to Dec. 31, 1808, 23 " Nov. 3. 1797 to Dec. 31 , 1798, 44 " 31, 1808 " 31, 1809, 16 " Dec. 31, 1798 to Dec. 31, 1799, 33 " 31,1809 " 31, 1810, 33 " 31,1799 " 31, 1800, 27 " " 31, 1810 " 31, 1811, 30 " 31,1800 " 31,1801, 32 ''< " 31, 1811 " 31,1814 85 " 31, 1801 " 31, 1802, 29 " 31, 1814. " 31, 1817, 56 " 31, 1802 " 31, 1803, 32 " 31,1817 " 31,1818, 32 " 31,1803 " 31, 1804, 33 " " 31,1818 " 31, 1820, 62 <« « 31,1804 " 31, 1805, 29 " 1750 to 1858, twin births, 40 " " 31,1805 " 31, 1806, 36 " 1750 to 1858s illeg , about 15 " 31,1806 " 31, 1807, 25 POPULATION. Census. ] 767. By Provincial authority : Unmarried males from 16 to 60 years of age. 20 Married males from 16 to 60 years of age. 47 Males under 16 years of age, 80 Males 60 years of age and above, 1 Male slaves. Unmarried females, 79 Married females, 47 Widows, 4 Pemale slaves, Total, 278 1775. By order of the Provincial Congress : Males under 16 years of age, 148 Males from 16 to 60 j'ears of age, not gone in the army, 86 Males over 60 years of age, 12 Males gone in the army, 27 All Females, 227 Negroes and slaves for life, 1 Total, 501 By the United States census : 1790 922 1820 1313 1840 1275 1800 1179 1830 1403 1850 1626 1810 1077 SCHOOL DISTEICTS. 237 The decrease in numbers from the former census reported in the census of 1810, was so unexpected and so great, as to give rise to strong doubts of the correctness of the return. The subject was taken up at the town meeting, and a commit- tee appointed in each school district, to take a new census. This was done, and the result confirmed the accuracy of the return. The decrease was owing to the active emigration, then tending to the new lands in Vermont and Western New York. The decrease from 1830 to 1840 was, probably, owing to a similar emigration to the west and to the manufacturing towns in the vicinity. In the Hillsborough County Record, published in 1853, the statistics of the town are stated as follows : STATISTICS OF THE TOWN OF MASON, IN 1850. Population, Number of families, Number of houses. Number of farms, 1626 346 313 168 Value of lands, $262,606 Value of stock in trade, 17,700 Total value of the inventory, 483,256 POPULATION OF THE STA TE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. 1767 52,700 1775 82,200 1790 141,899 1800 1810 1820 183,762 214,360 244,161 1830 269,328 1840 284,574 1850 317,976 SCHOOL DISTRICTS. At the annual town meeting, March 14, 1791, a committee, consisting of Jonathan SQarle, Benjamin Mann, Obadiah Par- ker, Reuben Barrett, Samuel Smith, Jotham Webber, Stephen Lawrence, Oliver Scripture, John Lawrence, David Hall, James Scripture, Joseph Saunders and Joseph Barrett, was appointed to divide the town into school districts, and fix the place in each for the school houses. Their report made, was adopted, and is recorded in volume 3, page 153. The town was divided into nine districts, "bounded by the persons hereafter named." This document will show who were the occupants of all the principal farms in the town, at that date. MIDDLE, OR FIRST DISTRICT. Dr. Joseph Gray, Abraham Merriam, Jr., Edward Wilson, Benjamin Mann, Esq., Andrew Ross, Benjamin Kendall, Capt. William Chambers, John Tarbell, Ezra Merriam, Nathaniel 31 238 HISTOEY OP MASON. Boyntoii; Edward Wilson, Jr., Simon Ames, Abraham Mer- riam, Josiah Merriam, Jr., John Whitaker. SOUTH, OE SECOND DISTRICT. John Winship, Capt. Isaac Brown, Seth Eobins, Nathaniel Smith, Lt. John Swallow, John Lawrence, Noah Winship, Nathaniel Smith, Jr., Zacheus Barrett, John Swallow, Jr., Joseph Giles, William Barrett, John Wait, Jr., Jotham Web- ber, John Campbell, Eeuben Barrett. SOUTHEAST, OR THIRD DISTRICT. Daniel Lawrence, Amos and Lois Herrick, Benjamin Bar- rett, Jacob Weatherbee, Samuel Dunster, Elisha Withington, Amos Blood, Abel Kemp, Daniel Tarbox, William Sanders, Peter Zwere, Thomas Asten, Thomas Reed, Wid. Miles, Saml. Green, Jabez Kendall, David Weatherbee, Abel Brown, Ben- jamin Grace. EAST, OR FOURTH DISTRICT. Clark Haven, James Weethee, Jesse Barrett, Hubbert Russell, John Wait, James Weethee, Jr., Thomas Tarbell, Jr., Lt. James Gilman, John Goddard, John Grimes, Edward Tar- bell, Samuel Smith, Lt. James Scripture, Reuben Barrett, Jason Russell, John Eliott. NORTHEAST, OR FIFTH DISTRICT. David Brown, Oliver Eliott, Joseph Sanders, John Russell, Elias Eliott, Jonathan Williams, Joseph Abbott, Abijah Eaton, Samuel Tarbell, Jeremiah Boynton, John Cummings, William Barrett, Jr., Samuel Elliott, Abel Shedd, Simeon Fish, William Scott. NORTHWEST, OR SIXTH DISTRICT. . Henry Knowlton, Samuel Townsend, Oliver Scripture, Ens. John Hull, Benjamin Knowlton, Silas Bullard, John Jefts, Eleazer Fish, William Parkhurst, William Eliott, Ebenezer Blood, Dea. Nathan Hall, Timothy Dakin, Andrew Eliot, Thomas Blood, David Hall, Richard Lawrence, John Adams, Asa Stone, Jonathan 'Bachelder. SCHOOL DISTRICTS. 239 WEST, OR SEVENTH DISTKICT. Jonatlian Searle, Esq., Hinksman Warren, Abel Adams, Abijah. Allen, Joseph Merriam, Joseph Barrett, Ens.^ Nathan Whipple, Zachariah Davis, Eeuben Kendall, John Blodgett, Amos Dakin. SECOND WEST, OR EIGHTH DISTRICT. Obadiah Parker, Stephen Lawrence, Eoger Wesson, Sam Stevens Parker, Thomas Robins, Timothy Wheeler, Aaron Wheeler, Lt. James Wood, Lt. Enosh Lawrence, Jonas Fay, Joseph Woods. SOUTHWEST, OR NINTH DISTRICT. Ebenezer Shattuck, Benjamin Hodgman, Timothy Wheelock, Thomas Hodgman, Eeuben Hodgman, Samuel Wood, Edward Farwell, Eeuben Hosmer, Isaac Flagg, Samuel Eussell, Wm. Hosmer, Jonathan Eussell. The school districts thus arranged, remained, with very little change, for the next fifty years. The principal change has been, the arrangement of a district in the village, which is now much the largest in the town, composed of territory included in this division in the sixth and seventh districts* CHAPTER Vli. MASON VILLAGE, AND THE EAILROAD. The water power on the Souhegan river, at Mason village, was occupied by mills at an early clay. The lots upon which it is found were not among those selected for mills by the pro- prietors, when they divided the township and assigned the lots to the several owners, owing to some error or mistake? which was discovered, and measures were taken to procure the lots for the purpose of the mills, see Proprietary History, page 35, and the lots were, undoubtedly, acquired by the grantees of the township for that purpose, by some negotia- tion or arrangement; for, in 1751, it appears, a committee was appointed at a proprietors' meeting, to make a contract for building mills on this privilege, the saw mill to be com- pleted by the 25th of May, 1752, and the corn mill in a year from that date. The committee made a contract with Col. Bellows, to build the mills, and took his bond to secure the performance of the contract. This he failed to do, and a suit was brought upon the bond, which was pending many years ; for it seems not to have been settled in 1760, as will be seen by reference to the Proprietary History, page 47. In the His- tory of New Ipswich, it is stated that Charles Barrett, in con- nection with his brother Thomas Barrett, built the mills, and that he sold his interest to Amos Dakin and removed to New Ipswich in 1764. At a proprietors' meeting, November 4, 1767, a committee was appointed "to lay out a road by Mr. Thomas Barrett's mill," and in the warrant for the first town meeting, dated September 8, 1768, was an article for accept- ing the road by Mr. Thomas Barrett's and Amos Dakin's i: ^* -^ifiprf* -i iiibbcj_ 1 nW^v..^'=>'^-^"' VIEW OP MASON VILLAGE, IbGb ' MASON VILLAGE. 241 mills. Mr. Daldn soon after became the sole proprietor, and so remained till his death, in 1789. The property passed to his son, Dea. Timothy Daldn, who rebuilt the mills in a very substantial manner, and remained the owner till 1814, when he sold the mills and privilege to Maj. Seth King and John Stevens, Esq. The first dam above the bridge was built by Dea. Amos Dakin, about 1788. Below this dam, on the north side of the stream, a carding and fulling mill was built by John Everett, about the year 1800. It was occupied by him and afterwards by Othni Crosby, and subsequently by others, for that purpose, till about the year 1829, when it was removed and upon its site was erected the present factory building, under the direction of Charles Barrett, Esq., agent of the Columbian Manufacturing Company. It was put into operation in 1830, and has continued in successful operation, with few interruptions, till the present time. This building was 100 feet long by 43 wide, and contained, when first put in operation, 64 looms for weaving sheetings and shirtings, with other machinery and apparatus sufficient to run that number of looms. It now contains 2946 spindles, and 77 looms, em- ployed in the manufacture of denims, of which the daily manufacture now is 3100 yards. After Mr. Barrett relin- quished the agency, the mills were run by Messrs. Dakin and Daniels, under a contract to manufacture for the company by the yard. The mills were run by the company under Leonard Dakin, their agent, from 1837 to 1839 ; under John E. Bacon, agent, from 1839 to 1841. From that time, Mr. Willard Daniels was agent till his death, in 1843. He was succeeded by the late Hon. Stephen Smith, who remained agent till his death, in 1857. He was succeeded by Charles P. Richardson, the present agent. In 1845, the company purchased the Sou- hegan water privilege near the high bridge in New Ipswich, and, under the direction of Mr. Smith, their agent, the present factory was there erected, in length 120 feet, breadth 44 feet, containing 3328 spindles and 100 looms, employed in the manufacture of denims, the daily production being about 24:2 HISTORY OP MASON. ' 4200 yards. In 1854, the company purchased the old grist and saw mills, on the site originally occupied by Dakin's mills, and erected a building thereon for a dye and finishing and packing house, in length 166 feet, breadth 44 feet, one story high. In the same year, the company purchased the Mountain mill, for- merly called the Waterloom mill, in New Ipswich, and erected a new factory, 114 by 40 feet, containing 2190 spindles, and 54 looms, in which the daily manufacture is about 2370 yards of denims. In the year 1856, the same company erected, on the site of the old Dakin mills, a factory 100 by 44 feet, four stories high, and a picking room 20 by 44 feet, two stories high. This building adjoins the dye and finishing house. In it are 3456 spindles, and 96 looms, employed in the manufac- ture of denims, of which the daily production is about 3950 yards. The mills at Mason and New Ipswich, above de- scribed, are all upon the Souhegan river, and belong to and are managed by the same company, under the same agent. All these last were substantial brick buildings, erected under the direction of Dea. Stephen Smith, the company's agent. At the Mason mills the weekly consumption of cotton is 15,384 pounds ; annual do., 800,000 pounds. Yards of denims manufactured weekly, 42,120; annual do., 2,190,240. At the New Ipswich mills, the weekly consumption of cotton is about 13,505 pounds ; annual do., 691,860 pounds ; number of yards annually manufactured, 1,909,440. Total yards manufactured, 3,099,680. The yarn for all the mills is dyed at Mason. In- digo used per week, 461 pounds. The cloth from all the mills is finished and packed at the finishing rooms in Mason village. NUMBER OF PERSONS EMPLOYED AND AMOUNT OP MONTHLY PAY ROLL AT THE MASON AND NEW IPSWICH MILLS. Males employed at Mason, 121 Females " " " 120 Pay roll monthly " " $4300,00 Males employed at New Ipswich, 86 Females " " " 96 Pay roll montUy " «' $3000,00 The stock of this company is principally owned in Boston. Messrs. Wright & Whitman, of Boston, are the selling agents, to whom the goods are consigned. MASON VILLAGE. 243 About 1500 cords of wood are consumed, annually, in all the mills, drying works, &c The mills at Mason are driven by two water wheels, 22|- feet in diameter and 20 feet long, and estimated at 75 horse power each. The water power on the south side of the stream, above the bridge, was first occupied for a blacksmith's shop, in which was a trip hammer. It was carried on by Ezra Newell, for the manufacture of scythes and axes, with other blacksmith work. In this shop, near the commencement of the present century, was put in operation, a machine for the manufacture of cut nails. The business did not succeed, and was soon abandoned. About the year 1813, a wooden building was erected on the site of the old blacksmith shop, for the spin- ning and weaving of woolen goods, under the direction of Maj. Seth King. This business not succeeding, it was, after a few years, abandoned. About the year 1812, a building of wood was erected on the site next below the old Dakin mills, and occupied as a cotton factory, by Roger Chandler and others associated with him. This company manufactured large quantities of cotton yarn, which was purchased by the farmers' wives in the vicin- ity, and by them woven into cloth for family use. The com- pany also manufactured cotton cloths for the market. At that time, all the cotton used in the mills was picked and cleaned of its seeds by hand, having been sent to the market by the cotton planters, without having been ginned. This cotton picking furnished a great amount of employment for the women and children in the farmers' families. It was deliv- ered out by weight at the mill, and, when returned, the cleaned cotton and the seeds and dirt were again weighed as a check against dishonest practices. Many a Mason boy earned his first money by picking cotton for the factory. The manufacture of potash was carried on by Dea. Timo- thy Dakin, for many years. His potash works stood upon the bank of the river in rear of Mr. Richardson's house. The country was then full of hard wood, the farmers kept up 244 HISTORY OF MASON. lusty fires, and large quantities of strong ashes were every year hauled to the potash works. The first merchant, who kept an extensive stock of goods for sale at the village, if not the first in point of time, was Isaiah Kidder, son of Col. Reuben Kidder, of New Ipswich. He commenced trade at that place, then and for many years after, called Mason Harbor, in 1799. By his enterprise and fair dealing, he soon won the confidence of the community, and as his was then the principal store in Mason, Temple and Wilton, his trade was extensive and lucrative. On closing his business at the expiration of six years, he declared that thirty dollars would cover all his losses by bad debts, a fact which speaks well, both for the people and the merchant. He returned to New Ipswich and engaged extensively in the manufacturing business, but was cut off by fever at the early age of forty one years. His loss was deeply felt by his fellow citizens of his native town, as well as by his numerous friends and acquaintances in the neighboring towns. His funeral sermon was preached by the Eev. Mr. Hill, of Mason, an extract from which, shows the estimation in which he was held by one who knew him well, and who never dealt in indiscrim- inate eulogy : " The general grief is his best eulogy. It shows that you are not insensible to the worth of the man, and to the loss society sustains in his death. Possessed of a strong mind, cultivated by a good education, and enriched by reading and observation, his judgment was sound, active, and enterprising. He was capable of much business, and very extensive useful- ness. Warmly interested in the prosperity of his country, and vigilant to promote the common welfare, he justly mer- ited the confidence of his fellow citizens." Dea. Isaac Kimball, for many years carried on the business of blacksmithing, and the manufacture of axes and other edged tools. This was without the aid of water power. He removed to Temple about 1836, and has become one of the most enterprising and successful farmers in the region. THE RAILROAD. 245 The pottery business, or manufacture of earfhern ware, was carried on many years by Euel Richardson, but since his death in 1814, but little, if anything, has been done in that line. In 1857, Mr. James H. Chamberlain erected, below the site of the Dakin mills, one of the most extensive and complete flouring mills, in the state. The building is of brick, commo- dious, and every way well fitted for the intended use, that is, the manufacture of flour from western whei mill by railroad. The importance of the railroad to the business interests of the village, renders this a suitable place to introduce the following account of the PETERBOROUGH AND SHIRLEY RAILROAD. This railroad, as its name implies, was originally intended to connect the Fitchburg railroad at Shirley, Mass., with Peterborough, N. H., passing through the towns of Towns- end, Mass., and Mason, New Ipswich and Temple. The New Hampshire charter was granted in 1846. Soon after this, the road was built as far as Townsend and went into operation, from Groton junction to Townsend. In 1850, the road was completed to a station near the river, almost a mile below the village, and the cars commenced run- ning on the 11th of November, of that year. In 1852, it was completed to Mason village, its present terminus. The whole length of the road in '^qw Hampshire, is nine and one third miles. More than $35,000 of the cost of constructing this part of the road was paid by citizens of Mason, in addition to several thousands of dollars for building the Massachusetts portion. Owing to the hard times and other causes, the road became involved in debt, and was finally sold to the Fitchburg company, for about $50,000, (the sum required to pay its liabilities,) though the legal transfer has not yet been made. The stock was a total loss to the subscribers, and thereby the business prosperity of the town was, for a time, severely crippled. The road has generally been under the control of and run by the Fitchburg company, 32 246 HISTORY OF MASON. That portion of the town through which the road passes, has been incidentally much benefitted, by the market it has opened for its lumber and stone. Exhaustless quarries of granite exist on or near the line of the road, which only wait a favorable railroad tariff to cause it to be worked and exten- sively exported. The railroad runs through the most wild and rugged por- tions oi-'^rhot^togj^ yet presents to- the traveler, prospects of rare and peculiar beauty. This is especially true of the four miles before reaching the village. Far beneath are seen the Souhegan river, sparkling and sporting itself over its rocky bed, further on, the high, precipitous banks, the beautifully rounded hills, crowned with their thrifty farm houses, and the vision is iinally bounded by the lofty circling range of hills which rise, amphitheatre like, in the north and west. The railroad bridge, half a mile from its terminus, is "one of the greatest works of art in New Hampshire, spanning the long distance from bluff to blnff, high above the swift waters of the Souhegan." The bridge is about 600 feet in length, and, where it crosses the stream, about 100 feet in height. The ends rest on abutments of stone, while at equal distances between rise two piers of solid stone masonry, to a giddy height, supporting the latticed framework on which the rails are laid. The height of the highest pier is about 80 feet. It rests on piles driven into the sand and gravel in the bed of the river. The western abutment has a similar foundation. The other abutment and pier rest on the ledge. The whole cost of this bridge was about $20,000. Although the expense of building this road was a burden that fell heavily upon most of the stockholders, it proving, so far as any returns or dividends were concerned, a total loss, yet it is undoubtedly of great benefit to the community, in the certainty, ease and rapidity of communication which it affords, and diminution of expense, in which the saving of time is no inconsiderable item. Forty years ago, a traveler, leaving Boston for Mason, must take a seat in the mail stage THE EAiLROAD. 247 coach at oue of the cloct in the morning, and after a -weary ride would arrive at Wheeler's tavern on "the turnpike," at the line of Mason, near S. Wheeler Weston's, at from five to six of the clock in the afternoon, then to find his way on foot, or by some private conveyance, to his place of destination. Now, he can leave Boston at seven of the clock and arrive at Mason at ten of the clock in the forenoon, or leave at three and arrive at seven in the afternoon, at less than half the expense for fare, and no necessary expenditure on the way. For more than fifty years after the settlement of the town was commenced, the only market for farm produce was to be sought at Boston, or at Concord and Charlestown, on the way to Boston. The farmer would, at the close of his day's work, put dobbin into the stable and give him an extra feed, and be ready to start, long before day, for the market, with two boxes of butter, hung in panniers, one on each side, on the back of his steed, and, perhaps, quarters of veal, chickens, eggs, or other products of the farm or dairy. So, also, on the near approach of the great New England anniversary, thanksgiving day, many a farmer would load his ox cart with farm produce, and trudge on foot, by the side of his patient team, to the metropolis, to procure his annual supply of necessaries and luxuries, for the great feast, and for the approaching season of winter. Now, by reason of the increased facilities of trans- portation afforded by the railroad, and to the building up of manufacturing towns and villages, in the vicinity, the farmer need not leave his own premises to find a ready market at remunerating prices, for all the surplus produce of his farm. CHAPTEE VIII. Ecclesiastical affairs. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHUHCH. The records of this cliurch commence October 13^ 1712. The first entry in the book, is as follows : a church covenant, Consented and subscribed to by the brethren, on ^^ 13th of October, 1772, when they were, by advice of council, embodied into a dis- tinct Chh. Society. We, whose names are hereto subscribed, apprehending ourselves called of God, (for the advancing of his Son's kingdom, and edifying ourselves and posterity,) to combine and embody ourselves into a dis- tinct Chh. Society: and being for that end orderly dismissed from the Churches to which we heretofore belonged, do (as we hope), with some measurfe of seriousness and sincerity, take upon us the follow- ing profession and covenant, viz : As to matters of faith, we cordially adhere to the principles of Religion (at least the substance of them) contained in the shorter catechism of the Assembly of Divines, wherewith also the New Eng- land Confession harmonizeth : not as supposing, that there is any authority, much less any infallibility in these human creeds or forms, but yet verily believing that these principles are drawn from and agreeable to the scriptures, which is the fountain and standard of truth. And we moreover adhere to these principles in the Calvinistical, which we take to be the genuine, or natural sense, hereby declaring our utter dislike of the Arminian Principles, vulgarly so called. In firm belief of the above-mentioned doctrines, from an earnest desire that we and ours may receive the love of them and be saved, and with the hope that what we are now doing, may be the means of so great an happiness, we do now, (under a sense of our utter unwor- Ihiness of the honor and privileges of God's covenant people,) in the most solemn and yet free and cheerful manner, give up ourselves and offspring to God the Father, to the Son the Mediator, and the Holy ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 249 Ghost the Instructor, the Sanctifier and Comforter, to be henceforth the people and servants of this God, to believe in all his revelations, to accept of his method of redemption, to obey all his commands and to keep all his ordinances, to look to and depend upon him to do all for and work all in us, especially relating to our eternal salvation^ being sensible that of ourselves we can do nothing. And it is our purpose and resolution (by divine assistance,) to discharge the duties of christian love and brotherly watchfulness towards each other ; to train up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord ; to join together in setting up and maintaining the public worship of God among us ; carefully and joyfully to attend upon Christ's sacra- ments and institutions; to yield all proper obedience and submission to him or them that shall, from time to time, in an orderly manner, be made overseers of the flock ; to submit to all the regular adminis= trations and censures of the church, and contribute all in our power to the regularity and peaceableness of these administrations. And respecting church discipline, it is our purpose to adhere to the methods contained in our excellent platform, so called, for the substance of it, as thinking it a rule, the nearest the scriptures and most probable to promote and maintain purity, order and peace of any. And we earnestly pray, that God would be pleased to smile upon this undertaking for his glory, that whilst we thus subscribe with our hand to the Lord, and surname ourselves by the name of Israel, we may, through grace given us, live as become Israelites indeed, in whom there is no guile ; that our hearts may be right with God and w^e steadfast in his covenant ; that we who are now combining in a new church of Jesus Christ, may, by the purity of our faith and morals, become one of those golden candlesticks, among whom the Son of God, in way of favor and protection will condescend to walk, and that every member of it, through imputed righteousness and in- herent grace, may be hereafter found among that happy multitude whom the glorious head of the church, the heavenly bridegroom, shall present to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrin- kle, or any such thing. N. B. By the expression in the above covenant, "for the sub- stance of it," we intend and promise this, to govern ourselves by the platform so far as that agrees with the only perfect rule, the word of God. Signed, JONATHAN SEARLE, OBADIAH PARKER, ENOSH LAWRENCE, NATHAN COBURN, NATHAN HALL, JOSIAH WHEELER, JOHN ELIOT, SAMUEL SMITH, JASON DUNSTER, JOSHUA DAVIS, AMOS DAKIN, WILLIAM ELIOT. The above-mentioned brethren; after having signed the cov- enant, and the council expressed their sentiments, that they are now a visible, distinct church, regularly and scripturally embodied 5 the church then unanimously Voted, To receive 250 HISTORY OF MASON. the hereafter-mentioned sisters as standing in full church membership with them, viz : SARAH, wife of ENOSH LAWRENCE. LUCY, wife of JOSIAH WHEELER. MARY, " NATHAN HALL. ELIZABETH, " SAMUEL SMITH. SARAH, " JOHN ELIOT. DOROTHY, " JOSHUA DAVIS. REBECCA, « JASON DUNSTER. ELIZABETH, « JONA. WINSHIP. SARAH, " AMOS DAKIN. The proceedings of the town and church, in the call and ordination of Mr. Jonathan Searle, the first minister of the Congregational Church in Mason, and his answer to and acceptance of the call, being found in the town records, are inserted in the Municipal History. See pages 66 to 68. He was ordained October 13, 1772. He was dismissed by the church May 4, 1781, and the town concurred in the action of the church, at the meeting August 14, 1781. The details respecting his ordination, his salary, &c., have already ap- peared in the Municipal History of the town. The Rev. Ebeuezer Hill, the second minister of this church, was ordained, November 3, 1790. His pastoral relation to the church continued until his decease, which took place May 20, 1854. He was, at his own request, released from his contract as minister of the town, December 19, 1835. For the proceedings of the church and town and of the council, in the call and ordination of Mr. Hill, see Municipal History, pages 114 to 119. In June, 1830, a religious society was, under the statute of July 3, 1827, organized, in connection with the church, and occupied the old meeting house, until November, 1837, when, having built a new house of worship for themselves, they removed to it and have occupied it to the present time. The Rev. Andrew Reed was installed November 23, 1836, as colleague pastor. He remained in office till December 11, 1839, when he was, at his own request, dismissed, and Mr.' Hill resumed the sole charge of the church and society, in which he continued until October 20, 1841, when his son, the Rev. Joseph B. Hill, was settled with him as colleague pastor. ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 251 NEW MEETING HOUSE. FIRST OCCUPIED NOTEMBER, mi. He commenced preaching for tlie cliurcli and society, August 1, 1840, and continued till the date of his installation, to preach as a candidate. During this time, a season of revival "was enjoyed by the church, the result of which was the addi- tion, of 83 members by profession to the church in the year 1841. He remained in of&ce until April 22, 1847, when he was, at his own request, dismissed. After this time, the church was supplied, about two years, by the Eev. Mr. Har- rington, of Lunenburg, Mass. He did not come to reside at Mason, but made his home in Lunenburg. On the 30th of October, 1850, the Eev. Josiah L. Armes, was installed colleague pastor. He was, at his own request, dismissed, May 13, 1857, and immediately after, the Eev. D. Goodwin was employed by the church, as their preacher. NAMES OF MEMBERS ADMITTED, FROM OCTOBER 13, 1772 TO JANUARY 1, ISOO, AND THE NUMBER OF THOSE ADMITTED, EACH YEAR, FROM 1800 TO 1848. Note. In tMs table, the letter w. signifies wife, and 1. by letter. 1772. Clark Brown, of Raby. 1773. Elias Eliot, Hannah, w. of Rev. Jonathan Searle, Sarah, w. of Lemuel Spaulding, ]. from Pepperell, Elizabeth, vv. of Nathaniel Hosmer, 1. from Concord, R\ith, w. of Abel Shed, 1. from Lancaster, Mary, w. of Oliver Eliot, Edmund Tarbell and Mary his w., Oliver Eliot. 252 HISTORY OF MASON. 1774. Sarah, sv. of Simon Ames, 1. from Woburn, Samuel Brown, 1. from Holies, Hubbert E,ussell, and John Russell and Ptubamah. his w., 1. from West Cambridge, Sarah, w. of Hubbert Russell, 1. from Weston. 1776. Thankful, w. of John Whitaker, Sarah, w. of John Tarbell, Dorothy, w. of WiUiam Eliot, Ebenezer Blood and Sarah his w., Eleanor, w. of Nathan Hall, Jr. 1777. Jonathan Winship. 1783. Jonathan Chandler, 1. from Grafton. During Mr. Searle's ministry, tlie following persons were admitted "to own the covenant": Joseph Barrett and Sarah his w., Christopher, a negro man, (and baptized,) David Hodgman and w., Ebenezer Muzzy and w. (of Raby), Timothy Wheeler and -w., Jonas Eay and w., aird Daniel Fay and w. According to the doctrines of the Congregational churches, the children of "believers" only, were admitted to baptism, and, by a strict construction, the privilege of bringing their children to baptism belonged only to members of the church in full communion. Many serious minded persons were not prepared to unite with the church, in its communion, but still were desirous to have their children baptized. Hence, a cus- tom grew up, and was for many years extensively practiced, to admit such persons "to own the covenant," that is, to acknowledge, in their own persons, the duties and obligations of the covenant, although they did not fully assume and promise to observe its requirements. Having so done, they were considered as a sort of quasi or half-way members of the church, and were permitted to receive baptism for themselves and to bring their children to baptism. This custom proba- bly owes its origin, in part, to the old colonial regulations of Massachusetts, which restricted the right of voting in all elections to the members of the churches. On the commence- ment of Mr. Hill's ministry the practice was discontinued. Under Mr. Hill's pastorship, the following admissions are recorded : 1790. Jonathan Bachelder and wife, 1. from Reading, Hinksman Warren and w. and Joseph Woods and w., 1. from Townsend, Benjamin Knowl- ton, Abel Adams and w., Timothy Dakin and w. and Lydia, w. of Edward Wilson, Jr., 1. from New Ipswich, John Winship and w. and Elizabeth, w. of Jothara Webber, 1. from West Cambridge, William Chambers and wife, 1. from Lexington, Ebenezer Hill, 1. from Rindge. 1791. Mary, w. of Amos Dakin, Jr., 1. from New Ipswich, Ebenezer Shattuck and w., and Anna, w. of William Hosmer. ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIES. 253 1792. 1793. ndi. 1795. 1796. John Russell, Jr., , w. of Reuben Kendall, Roger Weston. Anna, w. of Jonatlian Williams, 1. from Wilton. Samuel Hill, 1. from WUliamsburgh, Elizabeth, w. of Reuben Hosmer, 1. from Acton. Elijah Davis, 1. from New Ipswich. Noah Winship and his w., Sarah Brown, of Raby. Tear. By Profession. By Letter. lYear. By Profession. By Letter. Year. 1834 By Profession. By Letter. 1800 4 1814 3 12 2 1801 7 1 1815 1 1835 20 3 1802 41 3 1816 4 1836 5 1 1803 1 1817 2 1837 6 4 1804 3 1819 1 1838 14 2 1805 1 1820 8 1839 1 1806 1 1822 1 1840 1 1807 2 1826 62 3 1841 83 9 1808 1 1827 17 1842 7 3 1809 1 1828 3 1 1843 4 2 1810 1 1831 21 1844 3 1812 25 1832 2 1 1846 2 1813 4 ,1833 4 1 1848 2 DEACONS. Nathan Hall, chosen Dec. 29, 1774. Nathan Wood, chosen Jan. Amos Dakin, Timothy Dakin, Rogers Weston, Noah Winship, H. Richardson, Jr. Isaac Kimball, Dec. 29, 1774. March 7, 1791. Aug. 18, 1794. Nov. 1, 1805. April 29, 1814. July — , 1827. Eranklin Merriam, " Simeon Cragin, '* Oliver H. Pratt, « Saml.Withington, « Amos H. Hosmer, " Aug. Aug. 7, 1828. 1837. 1837. 27, 1847. 27, 1847. 1855., Mr. Searle and Mr. Hill carefully recorded all baptisms, but it is not thought expedient to publish the list. THE BAPTIST CHURCH. JDhe first religious institutions of the town were of the Con- gregational form and order, and there seems to have been no disagreement among the proprietors or among the inhabit- ants, on this point, until after the dismissal of Mr. Searle. The first intimation of the dissenting views, was on the occa- sion of the call to Mr. True Kimball, in 1782. At the meet- ing called for that purpose, the vote of the towa was unani- mous to give Mr. Kimball a call. The town also voted to give him a settlement of £180, and a yearly salary of £66 13s. 4d. Against these votes "William Eliot and Abijah Allen dissented in the face of the meeting," for reasons which are stated in the Municipal History, page 103. In this protest, and in the vote to excuse "William Dodge and Abijah Allen from paying taxes, found on the same page, are, un= 33 254 HISTOEY OP MASON. doubtedly, to be discerned the first germs of the Baptist Church in Mason. The records of the church commence as follows : THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHRIST IN MASON. On the 28th day of September, 1786, sd chh was Irabodied. As-^ sistance from the chh of Christ at Chelmsford, by their pastor, Abia-^ ther Crossman, and two brethren, viz : Dea. Oliver Prescott and Brother Thomas Hutchins. Likewise from the church at Temple, by two brethren, viz : Dea° John Averett [Everett] and Nathaniel Ball. Those that Imbodied were, (males,) Ezra Mansfield, William Eliot and Jonathan Chandler, (females,) Sarah Blood, Anna Law- rence, Hannah Chandler, Sarah Blood y« Sd, and Molly Ball. ' There were added, October 26, by dismission from the church in Chelmsford, Brs. Joseph Bullard and Aaron Wheeler, and four sisters likewise were added, viz : the widow Sarah Eliot, Sarah Tarbell, Rebecca Mansfield and Rebecca Hildreth. 1787. March 8. The confession of the chh at Chelmsford, with some, amendments, was adopted. Br. Bullard was chosen to serve the table. June 24. Added by baptism, William Mansur and Willard Law- rence, Sarah Davis, Sarah Bullard, Elizabeth Perry and Elizabeth Austin. Several of these persons were among the original members of Mr. Searle's church. 1788. Aug. At a meeting, voted unanimously, that Br. Wm. Eliot be set apart as an Evangelist, and that we call for assistance from our sister chhs in the ordination of said Br. Voted to send for council and help to the Baptist chhs at Salem, Chelmsford, Temple and Cambridge. The third Wednesday in Oct. was appointed the time. At a subsequent meeting, the chh at Newton was added. At a subsequent meeting, [no date] Voted to give Br. Eliot a call to settle with us in the gospel ministry, and to continue with us so long as it shall appear it is for the glory of God and our mutual advantage. To which he gave his consent, and was ordained on^^ third Wednes- day of October, 1788, by the following council : In consequence of letters missive from the Baptist chh in Mason, to the Baptist church in Cambridge, the Baptist church in Newton, the Baptist church in Chelmsford, the Baptist church in New Salem, the Baptist church in Temple, for the purpose of setting apart Mr. Wm. Eliot to the office of pastor in said chh in Mason. First. Elder Thomas Green opened the business by prayer. 2. Chose Elder Thomas Green Moderator of the council. 3. Chose Elder Joseph Grafton Clerk of council. Present : From the chh in Cambridge — Elder Thomas Green, Dea. Thaddeus Davis, Dea. Daniel Brooks. ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIES. 255 iFrom the chh in Chelmsford — Elder Abisha Grossman, Thomas Hutchins, Samuel Taylor. From the chh in New Salem — Elder Samuel Fletcher. From the chh in Temple — Elder John Peckens, Dea. John Everett, Ebenezer Drury. From the chh in Newton — Elder Joseph Grafton, Nathan Dana. The council enquired of the church if they still desired Br. Eliot to settle with them in the ministry. To which they answered in the affirmative. ********* The council enquired of Mr. Eliot if he accepts the call of the chh. Answered in the affirmative. Mr. Eliot was called upon to give an account of his Christian experience and his teachings to preach, with which the council voted they were satisfied. The council examined the chh respecting their Ideas of supporting the minister. It appears, by a vote of the chh, that they held it their duty to support by the rule of equality. Voted, upon the whole, that the council are unanimous in proceed- ing to the ordination of Mr. Wm. Eliot. Voted, that Elder Peckens make the introductory prayer. That Elder Green preach the sermon. That Elder Grossman Pray at the imposition of hands. That Elder Fletcher give the charge. That Elder Grafton give the right hand of fellowship, and make the con- concluding prayer. As the chh, in their letters to the chhs, desired assistance [in] set- ting apart one of their brethren as a Deacon in the chh. Voted, that there is a propriety in their request, and [we] are satisfied with the Conduct of the chh respecting this affair. Voted, that the council, after examining the character and abilities of Mr. Ezra Mansfield, as Deacon, they are free to ordain him as such. Voted, That the council proceed to set apart Brother Ezra Mans- field to the office of Deacon, in the following manner : First — Prayer with imposition of hands, with a charge and right hand of fellowship. Voted, that Elder Peckens pray at the imposition of hands at the ordination of the Deacon. That Elder Green give the charge, and Elder Grossman give the right hand of fellowship. Voted, that the council adjourn till after divine service. The council met according to adjournment. Voted, to dissolve the council. (Signed,) Thos. Green, Moderator. Joseph Grafton, Clerk. 1788. Sept. Rachel Chandler was received, being baptized before. In 1790, the additions were 2 ; in 1791, 11 ; in 1792, 6 ; in 1794, 1; in 1795, 3; in 1796, 1; in 1799, 1; in 1800,4,- in 1801, 34; in 1802, 15; in 1803, 9; in 1804, 6; in 1805, 3; 256 HISTORY OP MASON. of these numbers, 56 are judged to have been inhabitants of other towns. The whole number of members reported in 1805, was 98; in 1806, 101; in 1807, 106; in 1808, 105; in 1809, 79; in 1810,87; in 1811, 92; in 1812, 94; in 1813, 93; in 1814, 92; in 1815, 73; in 1816, 74. In no other years, is the whole number of members entered. During these years, this church embraced members residing in New Ipswich, Temple, Wilton, Milford, Lyudeborough, Brookline, Hollis, Dunstable, Towns- end, Society Land, and perhaps other towns. In 1809, the Milford church was organized, which reduced the number from 105 to 79. In 1815, the list was revised and corrected, and the number reduced from 92 to 73. The peace of this church seems to have been but little dis- turbed by cases of discipline, but it was not wholly free from such trials. Brother Aaron Wheeler thought he had a call to preach, and "The church agreed to hear Br. Wheeler's gift till we have gained satisfaction respecting his call to preach." His "gift" seems not to have approved itself to the brethren, for, presently after, it is recorded that " The church called upon Brother Wheeler and Brother Chandler to give in their reasons for withdrawing from the chh at the Lord's Table, and not fellowshiping the chh, and setting up a meeting by themselves." They gave their reasons as follows : "1st. Be* cause there is not a oneness in the chh. 2d. Because the chh don't hold to that liberty in improving of gifts in the chh that they agreed to when they Imbodyed." The church took these reasons into consideration, and voted that they were not suffi- cient to justify them in their conduct. The aggrieved breth- ren, at an adjourned meeting, set forth the reasons of their withdrawal more fully and specifically, the principal one of which was, the "not allowing the improvement of Brother Wheeler's gift." The church voted that these reasons, thus newly assigned and set forth, were not sufficient. The matter was, in some way, adjusted; how, the record does not show. The date of these disturbances was 1787. In 1789, Brother ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAlES. 251 Chandler received a letter of dismission to the church in Stoddard. Brother Wheeler subsequently withdrew from the meetings of this society, and, for many years previous to his death, was a constant attendant on the meetings of Mr. Hill's society. He kept up a careful watch against any departure from orthodox doctrines. Under the ministration and watch and care of their worthy elder, this church enjoyed a long season of peace and prosper- ity, their numbers gradually increasing, until, in process of time, assuming the office and duties of a mother church, they established, from members of their own body, new and inde- pendent churches in the neighboring towns, all of which con- tinued to be, in some measure, under the watch and care of the venerable Elder Eliot so long as he was able to journey from place to place, and exercise his ministry among them. In 1802, it was "Voted, That Dea. Webber, Br. John Adams and Br. Dakin be a committee to admonish those bap- tized persons who have joined Mr. Hill's chh, and report to the chh." In 1803, "Voted, unanimously, against bearing arms and taking oaths, and to communicate these sentiments to the association." The place of worship of this society was, at first, the school house near the residence of their elder. Afterwards, a house for worship was erected about one fourth of a mile on the north of the Congregational meeting house. It was a one story building, but it was never finished, inside or out. It was built principally by individuals, with some aid from the society. There is no entry in the church records of the pro- ceedings in the building of this house, but there is a vote recorded, November 9, 1812, the house having been sold, directing "that the money for the old meeting house be dis- tributed among those that built the house," and on the 10th of June, 1817, it was "Voted, That Dea. Webber give a deed to Joshua Blood of the meeting house lot." The house was taken down about the year 1812, after which the society 258 HISTORY OF MASON. continued their meetings at the school house until th6 brick house was erected in the village, in the year 1827, after which, but, it is supposed, under a new organization, that house became and continued the place of worship of the church and society. Dea. Jotham "Webber and Dea. Andrew Elliot served in the office of deacon in this church for many years, and each until his death. Dea. Joseph Saunders was elected to the office of deacon, and served as such for several years. Benjamin Rob- inson was afterwards set apart to fill that office, by the church. In 1827, the brick meeting house was built in the village, and a new Baptist church was organized in 1828. At this time, Eld. Eliot was so burdened with the infirmities of age as to be, in a great measure, cut off from active duties. He died June 4, 1830. After his decease, this church kept up its organ- ization for some years, but most of its members having united with the new church organized at the village, it soon ceased to hold public meetings for worship, and its existence may, per- haps, be considered as merged in that of the new church. THE VILLAGE BAPTIST CHUKCH. The original Baptist Church in Mason, being, for many years, composed of members, many of whom resided in ad' joining and some ill more distant towns, found no inconven- ience in holding their meetings at their place of worship near the residence of the elder, or at their meeting house near the centre of the town, but as from time to time churches were formed in the adjoining towns, leaving most of the members remaining in this church resident in town, and as the popu- lation, business and importance of the village were, from year to year, advancing, and yet in it there was no place of wor- ship, of any denomination, it was found to be in accordance with the views of a majority of the church to remove their place of worship to that locality. Accordingly, measures Were taken to insure the erection of a meeting house for this church, which was so far completed in 1827 as to be ready to ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 259 be occupied. In 1828, a new Baptist clmroli was constituted at the village, consisting of 24 members — ten brethren and 14 sisters. The pastors' names, time of commencement and close of the labors and the additions to the church during the term of each, are as follows : JfAMES OF PASTORS, TIME OF COMMENCEMENT, AND CLOSE OF THEIR LABORS, AND THE ADDITIONS TO THE CHURCH, FROM 1828 TO 1858. Names of Pastors. Time of commencement. Close of labors. Ad 14 Rev. Bela Wilcox, December 24, 1828, March 4, 1831, " Joliu Woodbury, Ji;ne 19, 1831, November 19, 1833, 54 " Joel Wheeler, January 24, 1834, (or- dained June 11, 1834) January 10, 1835, 21 " Benjamin Knight, June 16, 1835. September 18, 1836, 1 '< AKred L. Mason, Ord. Nov. 27, 1836, Died October 7, 1844, 73 " D.F.Richardson, June 21, 1845, April 1, 1848, 16 " John Woodbury, April 23, 1848, April 21, 1849, 5 " Isaac Woodbury, April 25, 1849, December 31, 1850, 21 " Daniel P. French, January 5, 1851, January 18, 1852, 10 " A. H. House, April 18, 1852, June 19, 1854, 13 " Geo. W. Cutting, May 8, 1855, Mr. Cutting remains pastor to this time. A manufacturing is much more fluctuating than an agricultural population, and, in consequence of that fact, the present number of members of the church is much less than would be indicated by the additions above reported. No list of removals that can be relied on as accurate, has been kept, so that it has not been possible, from time to time, to state, in this account, the actual number of members. It is, however, stated by the pastor to be 63, in March, 1858. The church edifice is a well built structure of brick. It was thoroughly repaired in 1854, at an expense of about $900, and is now made commodious and perfectly comfortable for all seasons of the year. This church adopted, at an early date, the resolution to pay tKeir minister his salary quarterly, and have adhered to this plan with honest punctuality. It is now in a state of prosperity; its members are united in christian fellowship and effort, and looking for richer displays of the power and grace of God in their increased spirituality and enlargement. The deacons of this church are : Abel Adams, chosen in 1830; Amos Elliot, chosen December 4, 1830, dismissed at 260 HISTOEY OF MASON. his own request January 9, 1835; Jonas Adams, chosen No- vember 5, 1831 j James Barrett, chosen September 2, 1833, dismissed on his removal from town April, 1835; Adams B. Winn, chosen March 6, 1840, died May 31, 1842; Samuel Hartshorn and Calvin Boynton, chosen January 17, 1843. Dea. Boynton was dismissed from the church, July 15, 1855. Beacons Abel Adams, Jonas Adams and Samuel Hartshorn remain in office. THE SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. The place of meeting for the public worship of the Con-. gregational church, was first established at the centre of the town, and notwithstanding the business and population of the village had increased at a much greater ratio than that of the other parts of the town, the Sabbath ministrations of that church and society had continued to be held at the meeting house at that place until 1847. At a public meeting held at the village, February 1, 1847, a resolution was offered, and, after a full discussion, adopted, "that the time has come, when the spiritual interests of this community and the cause of religion require that a Congregational church be estab- lished at this place." The reasons justifying and requir- ing this step were, the large numbers of the Congregational church, who would be better accommodated at the village than at the centre. In furtherance of these proceedings, measures were taken to call an ecclesiastical council, which was con- vened June 3, 1847, and in pursuance of the advice of this council, a new church, composed of eight members, was organ- ized, under the name of the "Second Congregational Church of Mason." On the 20th of June, 1847, 58 members were received by letters of dismission from the old church. On the 11th of April, 1849, the Rev. William Olmstead, was ordained pastor of this church. His labors were blessed in the conversion of souls to Christ. During the winter pre- vious to his ordination, a season of religious interest was enjoyed, which continued into the summer following, the fruits of which were the addition of 33 members by profession. ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 261 Thirteen were added also by letter. The early death of their young pastor, was deeply felt by this church, and by many others in the community. By it, each member of the congre- gation lost a personal friend, and the church a spiritual and devoted pastor. He died while on a visit to his friends in Connecticut, so suddenly that the news of his illness pre- ceded that of his death but a few hours. It was his dying request that his mortal remains should rest in the cemetery, into which his congregation would, in G-od's due time, be gathered, with them to rest till the final resurrection, and his dying wishes were complied with, and there he was buried. His successor in office was the Rev. E. M. Kellogg, installed May 20, 1852, and on account of ill health, dismissed at his request, December 26, 1855. The Rev. Samuel J. Austin was ordained pastor of the church February 25, 1857. On the 9th of September, 1847, Simeon Cragin, Stephen Smith, Nathan Wood and Franklin Merriam were elected deacons of this church. Deacons Merriam and Wood soon after removed from town. Deacon Smith died in 1857, and Merrill 0. Dodge was elected to fill the vacancy. The society occupied a commodious hall in Dea. Cragin's house, until accommodated with a house of their own. A house of worship was erected, by individual subscriptions, for this church and society ; and was dedicated to the Triune God on Sabbath, December 16, 1849; sermon by the pastor, the Rev. Mr. Olmstead. The building is of wood, 70 by 43 feet. It contains 64 slips, and in all about 400 sittings. The cost was between $4000 and $5000. Four sons of Dea. Cragin, on the completion of the house, presented to the society an excellent church bell. The basement is finished into an ample vestry. The salary of the two first pastors, payable quarterly, was $600 a year ; that of the present pastor is $700. Owing to the fluctuating nature of the population of a man- ufacturing village, the burthen of supporting religious institu- tions falls, in a great measure, upon a few, but it is to the 34 262 HISTORY OF MASON. credit and praise of this society, that all its engagements have been promptly met, notwithstanding the severe losses of many of its members by the railroad and by the depression of business. THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. This chnrch, in Mason, had its origin in the following man- ner : Some few brethren, who were not united with any denomination, were desirous of hearing preaching from some ministers of the Christian faith, to learn what were their views of bible doctrine. Accordingly, an invitation was given to some ministers in Boston and other places, to make them a visit, and permission was given, by the selectmen of the town, to hold a meeting at the old meeting house, when the people came together and heard them gladly. This was in or about 1831. In 1832, Elder Henry Plummer visited them, and preached in different parts of the town, in school houses, where he had an opportunity, but mostly in the northeast part of the town, where there was a good interest in religion, and the largest portion of believers. On the 15th of July of that year, Elder Plummer baptized three individuals, viz : Doctor Willis Johnson, William Wright and John Peabody. The first two named are still living, and members of the church. September 23, seven others, two males and five females, were baptized by Elder Plummer. November 4, eight others, two males and six females, were baptized. There were baptized on the 7th of April, 1833, three indi- viduals, and May 19, one, making in all, twenty two. On the 23d of May, a meeting was attended by several ministers, among whom were E. Shaw, J. C. Blodget and H. Plummer, at which time the church was organized, composed of the twenty two above mentioned baptized persons, who unani- mously agreed to acknowledge Jesus Christ as their Head and Leader, and the New Testament as their rule of faith and practice, and to acknowledge no name but that of "Christian." Of the twenty two who composed the number at the organization, ten are still living, and members of the ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 263 cliiircli. William Wriglit was chosen the first deacon, and David Blood, clerk. During the year, nine other individuals were received into fellowship, eight of them by baptism. In 1834, twenty nine were added to the church by baptism, and one by letter, who afterwards became a minister. One young lady was baptized June 1, and deceased July 18, of this year. THE CflEISTIAM CUAPEL, ERECTED IN 18i§. In 1835, thirteen were added to their numbers, who were baptized by different ministers, who visited the place and preached to the church and people. Only five were added to the church during the year 1836, three by baptism and two by letter. Elder Plummer, though not living in the town, had been the pastor up to this time. In 1837, Elder A. G-. Comings became the pastor, and the church was still in a prosperous condition, but one member out of eighty one, up to this time, had been excluded. From August 6 to December 31, the ordinance of baptism was ad- ministered, seven times, and twenty were added to the church. On the 4th of October, Mr. Joseph Elliott, a member of the church, was ordained to the work of the ministry, by recom- mendation of the church and ministry. 264 HISTORY OF MASON. During the year 1838, but few were added, and some trials were endured, and labor was engaged in to enforce good disci- pline. One member received the approbation of the church to labor in public as a minister of the gospel. In the two succeeding years. Eld. C. W. Martin had the pas- toral care, and thirteen were added, eight of them by baptism. Some trials were also endured. From 1841 to 1843, inclu- sive, Eld. H. Burnham had the care of the church, and during his ministry, over sixty were added to the church, fifty two by baptism, but many of these soon fell away, and were of no permanent benefit to the church. The church had now existed ten years, and were in an unu- sually prosperous state, with but little labor required to enforce good discipline. About one hundred and eighty per- sons had been members of the church. From this time the church passed through a series of trials, and for a number of years no additions were made, but, on the contrary, a number were dismissed, by their own request, to unite with other churches, and some withdrew under the excitement of 1844, to "get out of Babylon," and some were excluded. During this season of declension, Eld. J. Goodwin, Jr., labored with the church two years, after which they were supplied with preaching, without any regular pastor, by several ministers, until 1849, when Eld. A. G-. Comings again took the pastoral charge, and remained nearly six years. But the trials did not cease when the pastor was settled over them, and but few were added to the church. In 1854, Eld. L. Phillips became the pastor, but remained only one year, during which time nine persons were added to the church. In this year, the society purchased a neat and convenient parsonage, for the minister. The house is situ- ated within about thirty rods of the chapel. In the spring of 1855, Eld. J. F. Whitney took the pastoral care of the church, and labored with them until the autumn of 1857, when he closed his pastoral relation with it. During his pastorate, ten were added to the church by baptism. ECCLESIASTICAL APFAIES. 265 In December. 1857, Eld. W. H, Nason became the pastor, by the request of the church, and is now pleasantly situated with them, as their spiritual leader under Christ. This church has now existed over twenty four years, and has maintained the worship of God the greater part of the time, by sustaining preaching, and other meetings of worship. It has had eight pastors, including the present one. There have been two hundred and twelve members in all, who have united with the church, sixty six males and one hundred and forty six females. One hundred and six persons now remain members, twenty four males and eighty two females. There is no other church of the same denomination within thirty five miles of Mason, and it seems rather strange that there should have been one here, isolated as they are from the body of the denomination, and yet maintaining all the distinctive features of the body as to doctrine and practice. And amidst all the severe trials through which they have passed, they have clung to that word which, at the beginning of their history, they took for -their only rule of faith and practice, and the distinctive principles, which underlie the Christian structure, are still dear to the hearts of all its devoted members. CHAPTER IX. Biographical sketches of natives and citizens OF MASON. Dr. John Bachelder, son of Joliii Baclielder and Mary Hartshorn, his wife, was born in Mason, March 23, 1818. He graduated at Dartmouth College, July, 1841, and commenced the practice of his profession at the village called Monument, in Sandwich, Mass., in 1844, and received his medical diploma from the Massachusetts Medical Society, January 29, 1845. He was married to Martha Swift Keene, of Sandwich, Sep' tember 30, 1846. Dr. William Barber, was born in Worcester, Mass., in y 176ti His father's dwelling was burnt, by accidental fire, when he was an infant, by which his life was exposed to immi- nent danger, from which he was saved by the courage and presence of mind of his elder sister, afterwards the wife of Mr. Josiah Flagg. He pursued his professional studies at Worcester, with Dr. Greene. He 6ame to Mason in Novem- ber, 1790, and commenced the practice of physic and surgery, which he continued until disabled by the infirmities of age. He married (1) Mary Campbell, of Berlin, Conn. She died November 2, 1792. (2) Rachel Cutter, of New Ipswich, who survives him. He died July 11, 1852, aged 85 years. Capt. Joseph Barrett, was a descendant of Humphrey Barrett, who came from England, and settled in Concord, Mass., about 1640. He was born in Concord in 1745. His wife was Sarah [Brooks ?]j born in Concord in 1751. She BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 267 died March 29, 1794; aged 43 years. He came to Mason before the town was incorporated, and settled on the farm lately owned by his son Elisha Barrett, and now owned by his grandson, Elisha Brooks Barrett. He was a frugal, indus- trious farmer, and well esteemed by his fellow citizens. Their confidence in him is shown by the many important offices to which he was elected by their suffrages. He was town clerk fourteen years, first selectman fourteen years, second selectman one year, town treasurer twelve years, rep- resentative four years, and was frequently chosen a member of conventions, and on committees in public business. The records made by him as town clerk, fill the principal part of several volumes, made up in a very neat and uniform hand, but in the somewhat uncertain and wandering orthography of those days. He died December 30, 1831, aged 86 years. Rev. Charles Emerson Blood, son of Reuben Foster Blood and Relief Whiting, his wife, was born in Mason, March 1, 1810, joined the Congregational church at Rindge, in October, 1828, pursued his preparatory studies at New Ipswich Academy and in Jacksonville, 111., graduated at Illi- nois College in Jacksonville, in 1837, and at the Theological Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1840. He was ordained pastor of the Presbyterian church in Collinsville, 111., Novem- ber, 1840. He married Miss Mary B. Coffin, formerly of Wiscasset, Me. For three years previous to 1858, he has been and is now a home missionary in Kansas. He has organized a church of twenty eight members, of which he has the pastoral charge, at Manhatten, K. T., where he resides. Rev. Lorenzo Whiting Blood, brother of Charles E., born in Mason, April 13, 1812, pursued his studies prepara- tory for college at Wilbraham, Mass., graduated at the Wes- leyan University, Middletowu, Conn. He was ordained a deacon of the Methodist Episcopal church, by Bishop Hed- ding, at Providence, R. I., June 13, 1841, and elder by the same, at Warren, R. I., June 11, 1843, and is (January, 1858,) 268 HISTORY OP MASON. a member of the Providence Conference, and stationed at West Killingly, Conn. RESIDENCE OF LOAMIIII CHAMBERLAIN. LoAMMi ChambeelaiN; son of Captain Isaac Chamberlain, was born at Chelmsford, Mass., June 6, 1791. At an earlj age, he gave evidence of a predilection for the mechanic arts, and was apprenticed to Salathiel Manning, a machinist of his native town, to learn that trade. Mr. Manning afterwards removed to New Ipswich, where Mr. Chamberlain graduated a "Master of Arts," in a noble sense, in 1812. Soon after, he took a contract for building the cards for the Mason Cotton Mill Company, doing the work at the shop of his late master, in New Ipswich. Having finished this engagement, he came to Mason village, and put the carding and spinning machinery into operation. For two or three years subsequently, he appears to have been engaged, much of the time, in setting up machinery and "starting on" mills, in New Ipswich, Milford, and various other places. About the year 1815, in company with Eoger Chandler and Eleazer Rhoades, he bought a small mill in New Ipswich, near litKhyl. foozElienB ostoa. O-)^^ ^ BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 269 the present residence of Col. Gibson, fitted it up, and for two or three years was concerned in manufacturing cotton yarn. In 1818, he bargained for water power of the Mason Cotton Mill Company, and built a machine shop, which is still standing. In 1821, Mr. Chamberlain made a contract with the Mason Cotton Mill Company, "to build, make and put in complete operation, sixteen power looms, equal, in every respect, to those in the Waltham Factory/' and, if neces- sary, "to buy a loom of the Waltham Factory for a pattern, then the said company are to advance the money for the same," &c. About this period, he made a valuable improve- ment on the power looms then in use. This added greatly to his reputation as a machinist, and gave him employment in business from most of the adjoining states. For several years, he carried on, quite extensively, the manufacture of woolen and cotton machinery, machine tools, &c., employing, at times, thirty or forty workmen. In 1846, he sold his machine tools, and engaged wholly in other pursuits. For several years he carried on blacksmithing. About the year 1840, in company with Thomas Pierce, he fitted up the lower cotton mill, which had stood idle since the failure of the Mason Cotton Mill Company, and manu- factured, for a short time, satinets, and other woolen fabrics. About this time, also, he built a saw mill on the river, below the village, upon the new road leading to Wilton. For sev- eral years previous to his death, he was chiefly employed in superintending his saw mill and farm. Mr. Chamberlain possessed strong powers of observation, good inventive talent, and mechanical skill in a high degree. Among his apprentices, may be reckoned some of the best mechanics in the country. By his workmen he was generally beloved, and some were dismissed, when he closed his shop, who had become old in his employ. Few men have done more for the material prosperity of Mason village than Mr. Chamberlain. He never courted public distinction, but filled some offices in the town, with honor and ability. As a neigh' 35 270 HISTOEY OF MASOE. BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 271 bor and citizen, lie "^as liighly esteemed. He was eminently a domestic man, and it was in the bosom of his family and in the circle of his intimate friends, that his virtues were best known and his excellencies most fully appreciated. In 1821, he married Eliza S. Tucker, of Brookline, who is still living. His son and only child, James Langdon Cham- berlain, was born February 16, 1824, and married Mary A. Prescott, of Mason, February 16, 1854. He now carries on successfull}^ the extensive business left by his father. Mr. Chamberlain was subject to periods of melancholy and great depression of spirits, which sometimes continued for many months, or even years, unfitting him for business or social enjoyment. He died of disease of the heart, resulting in dropsy, November 24, 1853, aged 62 years. Having been a member of the order of Odd Fellows, and also a Free Mason, his funeral was conducted in conformity to the burial rites of those orders, and attended by a large concourse of citizens. Upon the water privilege, occupied by the old cotton mills, referred to on page 243, owned by Mr. Chamberlain at the time of his decease, but upon the other side of the river, his son has, during the last year, 1857, erected one of the most extensive and complete flouring mills in the state. The buildings, a view of which is presented on the opposite page, are of brick, constructed in the most substantial manner, with window and door sills and caps of granite, and, in all respects, as nearly fire proof as buildings of that kind can be made. They are 34 by 42 feet, and two stories high. In their con- struction 180,000 of bricks were laid up. The bridge shown in the view, is a substantial structure of granite, the length is 168 feet, the height from the river bed to the top of the wall 36 feet, the span of the arch 37 feet, the arch being a half circle. The expense was about $4600, paid by the town. It is a fine piece of masonry, a noble structure, as lasting as time. 272 HISTORY OF MASON. Dea. Simeon Cragin, is the son of Benjamin Cragin, Esq., formerly of Temple, who died at Mason, April 19, 1816. He was born in Temple, January 4, 1787, and was the youngest son of his parents. In 1806, he commenced the shoemaking business at Mason village, and continued it two and a half years. He then returned to Temple, and took his father's farm, and carried it on and supported his parents through life. He married Elizabeth, the only daughter of Dea. Timothy Dakin, May 23, 1811. In 1816, he purchased of Dea. Dakin, his father-in-law, the farm where he now lives, and removed to Mason, and devoted his attention wholly to agriculture. RESIDENCE OF DEA. SIMEON CMGIN. The Cragin family in this country, it is said, are the descend- ants of John Cragon, a Scotchman, who, with other prisoners taken at the battle of Dunbar, Sept. 3, 1650, by Cromwell, was, by order of the English government, shipped to Massa- chusetts, and sold for a term of years, to pay the expenses of the transport. 'His name appears in the list of two hundred and seventy three "passengers in the John and Sarah, of London, John Greene, mr., bound for New England," under BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 273 date of November 8, 1651. Of the, poor prisoners thus taken forcibly from their homes and carried into exile, the Rev. John Cotton, of Boston, in a letter addressed to "the Lord General Cromwell," under date at "Boston in N. E., 28 of 5th, 1651," respecting some who had arrived in a previous vessel, says : "The Scots, whom God delivered into your hands at Dunbarre, and whereof sundry were sent hithefj we have been desirous (as we could) to make their yoke easy. Such as were sick of the scurvy or other diseases have not wanted physick and chyrurgery. They have not been sold for slaves to perpetual servitude, but for 6 or 7 or 8 yeares, as we do our owne ; and he that bought the most of them (I heare) buildeth houses for them, for every four an house, layeth some acres of ground thereto, which he giveth them as their owne, require ing 3 dayes in the weeke to worke for him (by turnes) and 4 dayes for them themselves, and promiseth, as soone as they can repay him the money he layed out for them, he will set them at liberty." See New England Historical and Genealogical Register, vol. 1, p. 380. About four thousand were killed in the battle and about ten thousand taken prisoners. A romantic incident is related of John Cragon : "The scurvy broke out on board during the voyage, and Cragon being supposed at the point of death, was about to be thrown over- board, but was spared at the intercession of a young woman, by whose assiduous attentions he was restored, and whom he afterwards married, and settled in Woburn." See Hist, of New Ipswich, p. 354. Capt. Abner Chickering, was a descendant of Thomas Chickering, who, in the reign of Henry the YIII.j resided in Wymondham, in the county of Norfolk. Stephen, his eldest son, lived in Wicklewood, a village adjoining Wymondham. He died in 1576. Henry, his eldest son, removed to Kings- fieldj in the county of Norfolk. He died in 1627; Henry, his eldest son, and his brother Francis and his nephew, Nathaniel, emigrated to New England, about the year 1635, and settled at Dedham, Mass. Henry held important offices, and was several years a representative in the general court. He died in 1671. His only son, Dr. John Chickering, of Charlestown, was heir to his large estates. From him, Capt. Abner Chickering is a descendant, in the fourth generation. 274 SiStORY OP MASOBT. He was born in Holden, Mass., in 1767. He came to Mason about 1788. He was a blacksmith by trade, and carried on that business at the village and at the centre. His first wife was Eunice, daughter of Dea. Amos Dakin. They were married April 19, 1792. She died May 7, 1804. He built ^nd resided in the house in the village now owned by Dea. Abel Adams. Here most of his children were born. He removed to New Ipswich, where he resided on what was called the Knowlton place. He was a good farmer, and a good citizen. He died in 1841, aged 74 years. Jonas Chickering, son of Capt. Abner, was born in Mason, in the year 1798. He removed with his father's family to Hew Ipswich. He had a world-wide celebrity for his taste in music, and for the excellence of the pianos by him manufac tured. He established a manufactory of pianos in Boston, in which instruments were produced that have never been sur- passed. He died at Boston, December 8, 1854, suddenly, in the midst of his enterprises, his usefulness, and his fame, in the 57th year of his age. Dea. Amos Dakin, was the son of Capt. Samuel Dakin, who was born in Concord. He was a descendant of Thomas Dakin, who was resident in Concord before 1650, and died October 21, 1708. His son, Dea. Joseph, was the father of Capt. Samuel Dakin. Amos Dakin, his son, was born January 29, 1732. His mother died when he was an infant, for his father married his second wife, Mercy Minot, December 13, 1732. His father, Capt. Samuel Dakin, lived in Sudbury, He was a Captain in the French war, and was slain in battle with the French and Indians, at Halfway Brook, near lake George, July 20, 1758. His wife was Sarah Thankful Minot, daughter of Dea. Samuel Minot, of Concord. She was born March 4, 1737. Her mother, Sarah Prescott, of Westford, died March 22, 1737, when she was less than three weeks old. They were married before they removed to Mason, and lived, it is said, in Lincoln. The date of the birth of their first BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 275 child, is June 9, 1756. Thomas Barrett, Jr., married one sister, and his brother Charles Barrett married another sister of Dea. Dakin's wife, and it seems that it was in some con- nection in business and ownership with them, that he came to Mason to live, and became a part owner with them at first, and finally sole owner, of the mills and water power and farm, at the village. It was, at least, as early as 1768, that he began there, for in a warrant for a town meeting in Septem- ber of that year, Thomas Barrett and Amos Dakin's mills are mentioned. See Municipal History, p. 59, also tax list p. 60. He was one of the most useful and enterprising citizens of the town, as will appear by referring to the Municipal His- tory, in which it will be found, that he was constantly called on by his fellow citizens to act for them in all important concerns of the town, as delegate to the Provincial Congress, to Con- "v""entions;«g?srepi^sentative in* the -legislature, and on import- ant committees during the time of the revolutionary war, and in all matters of importance in affairs of the town, church, and state. He was one of the original members of the church Avhen it was first gathered, and was chosen one of the two deacons at the first election of those officers, and in this office served till his decease, which was April 21, 1789, in the midst of life and usefulness, at the age of 57 years. Dea. Timothy Dakin, son of Dea. Amos Dakin, was born in Lincoln, Mass., March 17, 1764. He succeeded his father as owner of the mills and farm at the village. He was elected deacon by the church in place of his father, deceased. He was a man of action, always full of business, in which he %ngaged as a farmer, a merchant, mill owner, manufacturer of and dealer in lumber, manufacturer of potash, and contractor for building roads, bridges, school houses, meeting houses, &c. He built the house in which the widow of Samuel Hill lives, in which he lived many years. It was adjoining his father's, which stood where Mr. Richardson's house is. He also built the house in which Dea. Cragin lives. About 1821, having 276 HISTOEY OF MASON. disposed of his mills and real estate, lie removed to western New York, and there engaged extensively in the lumber business and other enterprises, in which he was not successful. Having lost his property, he returned to Mason, and a few years after died, in October, 1845, aged 81 years. Samuel Dakin, son of Dea. Amos Dakin, was born in Mason, November 17, 1770, He graduated at Dartmouth College in 1797, was an attorney and counsellor at law many years in Jaffrey. He married a daughter of the Eev, Stephen Farrar, of New Ipswich. While residing at Jaffrey, he engaged in the manufacture o^" crockery ware, using for this purpose a clay found in that town, which, it was thought, would make a good article, but the enterprise was not suc- cessful. He removed to western New York, and died at Hartford, N. Y., a*i.0fl*«fefee*5^etiTH-849=^4^ t-p J'tiyx . f^^Y* Dr. Moses Dakin, son of Amos Dakin, Jr., was born in Mason, May 20, 1794. He adopted the medical profession, and settled in Hope, Me. His wife was Sarah W. Whiting, of Mason. They were married May 17, 1821. . George Elliot, was descended, by both his parents, from early settlers in the town. His father was Dea. Andrew Eliot, a son of John Eliot, and brother of Eld. William Eliot. His mother, Hannah Dakin, was a daughter of Dea. Amos Dakin. He was born in Mason, April 24, 1797. He was but fourteen years old when his father died; after which he labored several years at farm work, a part of the time on the homestead, for his elder brother, Andrew, and, at other times, for farmers in the neighboring towns. His education was obtained in the short terms of the district schools of his own neighborhood. When near twenty one years of age, he and his brother Amos, carrying their bundles, traveled on foot in search of employment, to Troy, N. Y. After driving coach a short time, iithiyl liro^elierBostoTi, ^CJ. ^, '^<^r^ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 277 RESIDENCE OF GEORGE ELLIOT. lie engaged in school teaching at Castleton, Vt., at which place and in Greenbush, N. Y., he spent two or three years teaching schools, returning home once or twice in the meantime; walk- ing both ways. In the fall of 1820, he came home, and taught a term of the district school. Early in the following year-, he bought a stock of goods of Dea. T. Dakin, and commenced trade in the village. On the 19th of April, 1821, he married Sally Farnsworth, of Sharon. She died August 17, 1827. By this marriage, he had two children. One died in infancy. The other, Lucius Alva, born October 25, 1825, is now a merchant in Boston. On the 2d of September, 1828, he married Eliza Cumings, of New Ipswich, who survived him a few years, and died August 9, 1855. By this marriage, he had several chil- dren, all of whom died in infancy. Mr. Elliot was a large sufferer by fire. In 1823, his store, with all its contents, was burned. It was rebuilt, and the second story occupied as a dwelling. This shared the same fate about two years after. Nothing was saved. His wife, with an infant child in her arms, followed by the nurse, barely 36 278 HISTORY OP MASON. escaped over tlie burning stairs. Absent at the time; Mr. Elliot returned only to find his property in ashes, and his little family without shelter, food, or clothing, except as fur- nished by neighbors. Yet his heart failed not. He was lib- erally aided by his fellow citizens, and the present building was erected on the old site, and he was soon again in successful business. He afterwards lost two or threef other buildings by fire, on none of which was there any insurance. Insurance against losses by fire had not then become common. He continued trade at the old stand, till his death, nearly thirty years. His son was associated with him in business for a year or two before he died, and afterwards he sold the stock of goods to William Claggett, who still occupies the store. Mr. Elliot was remarkable for his industry, frugality and perseverence. He not only prosecuted his own business with energy and success, but took an active part in the affairs of the village and town. He was public spirited and liberal, the friend of morality, good order, and general education. In private life, he displayed many excellencies of character. His sympathies were quick and active, and his manners bland and deferential. He was a regular attendant on public worship, and contributed generously for the support of the Baptist society, to which his ancestors and relatives generally belonged. When the Peterborough and Shirley Railroad was pro- jected, he engaged heartily in the enterprise, and subscribed liberally to its stock. He was chosen one of its directors, and also one of the executive committee for superintending the building of the road. The financial difiiculties in which the road became involved, induced him, and others of the board, to pledge their private securities to carry on the undertaking. In the midst of such labors and perplexities, he was seized with the typhoid fever, which terminated fatally on the 15th of November, 1850, His age was 53 years. His memory is cherished by his numerous friends, as that of one by whom the duties of life were faithfully fulfilled. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 279 ^^ Rev. William Eliot, was the son of John and Sarah Eliot. He was born in Bradford, Mass., December 1, 1748, 0. S. About the year 1766, his father purchased a lot of land in the northwesterl)'- part of Mason. William was his second son. He then being but eighteen years old, with the assist- ance of his younger brothers, David and Andrew, commenced the preparation for a farm and residence upon the lot, being then an unbroken wilderness, and built a house and made arrangements for the comfort of the family, before his father removed from Bradford. His father is rated in the first tax assessed in the town, in the year 1769, and was probably then a resident. William continued to live in town, and on the same farm, with his father. His first wife was Dorothy, the daughter of the Eev. Mr. Merrill, of Nottinghamwest, now Hudson. They were married in September, 1772. They had six children, two sons and four daughters. His wife Dorothy died June 14, 1785. His second wife was Rebecca Hildreth, daughter of Mr. Oliver Hildreth, of Townsend. They were married by the Eev. Mr. Dix, of Townsend, March 20, 1787. Their children were twelve, eight sons and four daughters. She died October 18, 1828, aged 65 years. He died June 4, 1830, aged 81 years, and nearly six months. His advantages for education were limited, having no other means to that end, than the ordinary country schools of that day, which furnished very poor and indiiferent means for the acquisition of learning. But he possessed naturally a very strong and vigorous mind and a sound judgment, which are of more value in the conduct of life than all the teachings of all the schools, where these are wanting. But he was by no means deficient in education, according to the standard of that day, in his state in life. This is evidenced by the fact, that he was for many years employed as a school teacher, and took a very active and important part in the management of the affairs of the town, especially through nearly the whole period of the revolutionary war, often serving during that period; on important committees, in town business. He !280 HISTORY OP MASON, served as town clerk and first selectman in the years 1780^ 1782-'85-'86 ; was moderator of the annual meeting in 1785, and town treasurer in 1783 and 1784. His records remain- ing in the town books are well made up, and his handwriting, although possessing no claims to elegance, is perfectly plain and legible. In those days of trouble and disturbance with the people of this town, both in church and state, town meet- ings were very frequent. A great number and great variety of taxes were raised and assessed, the whole labor^ probably, of assessing, certainly of recording which, fell to him. Of course, the records made by him occupy more space than those of many more times the same number of peaceful years. He became a member of Mr. Farrar's church in New Ips- wich in 1772, and afterwards, on the formation of the Con- gregational church in Mason, October 13, 1772, he was one of the original members. His father and mother became mem-- bers of that church at the same time, and his wife Dorothy in the year 1776. In the unhappy contentions between the Hev. Jonathan Searle, their first minister, and the church and people, he was, with few exceptions, upon all the committees on behalf of the town, for conducting their cause. The records of the church, during this time, contain no allusion to the controversy, but he was, undoubtedly, as active in his sphere in the afi"airs of the church, as of the town. But the most important view of his life, is his character and services as a preacher of the gospel. It has been stated, that, early in life, he became a member of the Congregational church. It was the church of his fathers. No other denom- ination was then known, especially in the country places in New England. All serious minded persons united with the church in their towns. The clergy and the church then pos- sessed a power and authorit}^ little dreamed of in these days of license and misrule. But all was peace and harmony. No one thought of or inquired for any other or better way. But, with the war of the revolution, and with the establishment of independent governments in the former colonies, came juster BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 281 notions of civil riglits, and, as a necessary concomitant, more freedom of inquiry and of religious opinion. The Baptist denomination, soon after the close of the war, began to make itself felt in New England, as an element of religious life. The subject became, with Mr. Eliot, a matter of the most serious consideration and the gravest examination, which ulti- mately resulted in a settled conviction, in his mind, that the Baptist views of the ordinance of baptism, were the only scriptural views. He accordingly adopted them, fully and heartily, and devoted the remainder of his life to a zealous and unwavering support of the principles and practices of that order. It is stated, in the sketch of the history of the Baptist church, that he made these views known, by a protest against a vote to raise money to pay for preaching, in town meeting, in 1782. He was one of the three original male members of the church "imbodyed" September 28, 1786. He seems to have devoted himself from that time, to the work of preaching and exhortation, with such acceptance on the part of the church, that in August, 1788, the church, at a meeting, voted unanimously, that he be set apart as an evan- gelist ; and arrangements were made for a council to meet to ordain him. At a subsequent meeting, the church voted to give him "a call to settle with them in the gospel ministry, and to continue so long as it shall appear it is for the glory of God and our mutual advantage." He accepted the invitation, and was ordained on the third Wednesday of October, 1788, and continued to be the minister of the church till his death, June 4, 1830, a period of 41 years and 8 months. The bible was his book, almost his only book. With its contents, he was thoroughly and intimately acquainted. With its spirit, his temper and heart were imbued. From the time he began to preach, he ga.ve up all active participation in the affairs of public, political, and municipal life, and seldom, if ever, attended a town meeting, or cast a vote for any officer, of town, state, or nation. Indeed, his labors were abundant. He not only had charge of the interests of his denomination 282 HISTORY OF MASON. in his own town, but, for many years, in all the neighboring towns and a large region around. The Baptist churches in New Ipswich, Wilton, Jaffrey, Milford, Hollis and Townsend, owe their origin and early growth, in a great measure, to his self-sacrificing and almost, in an earthly sense, unrewarded toils. He secured for three of his sons advantages of education very much superior to what he had himself enjoyed, and had the happiness to see them all walking in his footsteps in the service of his and their Lord and Master. Israel graduated at the University of Vermont in 1813. He was drowned in Boston harbor, August 29, 1815. Joseph was ordained at Hinsdale, in June, 1809, at which place and afterwards, in many other important churches of the Baptist denomination, he ministered with much acceptance and success, until recently, he has removed to Elliota, Minnesota, the residence of his son, Mr. J. W. Elliot. His son Jesse graduated at the Liter- ary and Theological Seminaj?y, at Hamilton, N. Y., in 182G, was ordained the same year, and is now the pastor of the Baptist church in Mayville, N. Y. Notwithstanding the irreconcilable difi'erences of opinion upon many subjects of doctrine, ordinances and discipline, the two pastors of the Congregational and Baptist churches, Mr. Hill and Mr. Eliot lived in great peace and harmony with each other, mutually entertaining a high esteem and regard^ each for the other, manifested by many instances of christian sym- pathy and brotherly kindness, in seasons of afl&iction, with which both were severely visited ; and in view of this fact, perhaps no more appropriate close can be made of this sketch of the life of Mr. Eliot, than the following extract from a sermon preached by Rev. Mr. Hill, in his own pulpit, on the Sunday, while the remains of his departed friend lay unburied, awaiting the last sad and solemn ceremony of committing "earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust." The text of this discourse was these words : " Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 283 Christ." 1 Cor., 15:57. After opening and explaining the subject, he proceeds to say : I have been led to call your attention to this subject more particu- larly at this time, on account of the death of the aged and Rev. William Eliot, whose corpse now lies unburied. Mr. Eliot, we believe to have been a sincere christian, a true believer on the Son of God. And we have as full and satisfactory evidence, as we can have, perhaps, in any case, that to him is given the victory over death and the grave, and that he possessed this victory for a long time before his departure. Mr. Eliot was not favored, in early life, with more than ordinary means of education. Had his strong mind and sound judgment been cultivated in early life, no doubt he would have been distinguished above many. His constitutional temperament was rather grave and serious than otherwise, and inclined to serious contemplation, and from his habits of contemplation and a disposition to embrace oppor- tunities for improving his mind, he acquired vi^hat was, in those days, called a good education. He was, for many years, employed in the public business of this town. It was not, however, till after he had lived some years in this town in a family state, as I have learned from his own mouth, that he was made the subject, as he trusted, of experi- mental religion. I speak now merely from recollection of conversa- tions in times past. He was, for a time, a subject of some serious impressions, and became very careful of his walk, and attentive to the duties of religion, and indulged the hope that he was a christian. But he was at length led to see that he was resting on his own righte- ousness — his foundation was sand — Christ, in him, was not his hope of glory. What were the leading steps that brought him to the dis- covery of his self-deception and groundless hopes, I do not now recol- lect, but for a time he was under deep and pungent conviction of sin, until, at length, he was brought to discover, in the once crucified but now exalted Jesus, all that he needed for salvation; and, as he trusted, and we also trust, he was brought to bow to Him as the Lord our salvation, and to be willing to be in His hands, and be saved by his merits alone. The gospel scheme of salvation by grace through faith, and not by works of righteousness which we have done, appeared glorious to him, and so continued to the last. His own particular experience greatly qualified him to deal with self-exalted or deeply wounded spirits. He at length was persuaded in his own mind, that he was called to preach the gospel to his fellow dying men, and was ordained a minister over the Baptist church, and, for more than forty years, continued to preach Christ as the only name whereby we must be saved, and faith in Him as the only way, the necessity of regener- ation by the spirit of God, and the fruit of repentance, as the only evidence of grace in the heart. His general system of doctrine was what is called evangelical, and was drawn from the bible. This book he studied much, and, being favored with a retentive memory, he could quote it with much readiness. And, we have reason to hope. 284 HISTOEY OP MASON. that he has been an instrument, in the hands of God, of good to many souls. In his numerous family, he was a kind husband and a tender father, and very exemplary in his walk before his house, and among his fellow men. Although his particular views of gospel order did not permit him to hold visible fellowship in some parts of the christian walk with other denominations of christians, yet he loved and enjoyed the society of all those, of whom he had evidence, that they loved the Lord Jesus Christ. But in his long continued and grievous sickness, the evidence and the fruits of religion shone, perhaps, with the greatest brightness. In all this time, his mind was clear, and though his sufferings were frequently severe, and pain excrutiating, he bore them with patience, not a word escaped from him as if God dealt hardly with him, but his language was that of praise to God, for unmerited mercies and light afflictions. Almost uniformly his evidence was bright, his faith strong, and when frequently brought, as he thought, to the very close of his trials, and just ready to launch forth beyond the reign of sin and suffering, he seemed quietly to submit to be borne back upon the troubled ocean, and to wait and suffer what more his Heavenly Father saw fit. And when, at last, the hour had come for his dis- missal from trial, his mind was clear, as I am informed, and he could view the king of terrors approaching without the least dismay. As far as is possible for man to judge, he had a glorious victory over death and the grave — his end was peace. This example is invaluable for the interesting lesson it affords. What strong proof of the truth of God's word ! How should it ani- mate the believer to run the race set before him. How should it excite all professors to see whether they are indeed following the Lamb of God. Happy, happy soul is he who is as a servant waiting for the coming of his Lord, prepared to receive him. Then though he go down through the valley of the shadow of death, he need fear no evil, for Christ will be with him and his rod and staff shall suppoirt him. Israel Elliot, son of the Rev. William Eliot, was bom in Mason, January 1, 1788, graduated at the University of Ver- mont in 1813. After graduating, lie taught school at Caven- dish and Chester, Vt. He was drowned in Boston harbor, in 1815. Rev. Joseph Elliot, son of the Rev. William Eliot, born in Mason, April 12, 1789, was an eminent Baptist minister. He was ordained at Hinsdale in 1809, at which place and in many other important churches of his denomination in New England and in the west, he ministered with much acceptance BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 285 and success, until recently, when, suffering under the infirmi- ties of age, he has removed to Elliota, M. T., the residence of his son, Mr. J. W. Elliot. Jesse Elliot, son of the Rev. William Elliot, was born in Mason, December 24, 1799. He graduated at the Literary and Theological Seminary, at Hamilton, N. Y., in 1826, and was ordained a minister of the Baptist church the same year, and is now pastor of the Baptist church at Mayville, Cha- tauque county, N. Y. JoxAS Fay, Jr., Son of Jonas and Dolly Fay, was born in Mason, July 6, 1775. He was a member of Harvard College, but died when an undergraduate, June 23, 1800, aged 25 years. Dr. Joseph Gray, was a physician. He came into town in 1790, and settled on the farm now owned by Vearon Eaton, and removed from town about 1806. Dr. Henry Gray, son of Dr. Joseph Gray, surgeon and physician, was born in Mason. He practiced in Mason a short time, and then removed to Cavendish, Vt. Dea. Nathan Hall, was born in Bradford, Mass., Decem- ber 25, 1715. Mary, his wife, was born in Boxford, March 29, 1723. He removed to Mason, then called No. 1, about 1751. He bore his full share in the labors, trials and priva- tions attending the settlement of the new town. He began upon the farm on which Capt. Joseph Saunders now resides. In 1752, in the report made by the committee, at the propri- etors' meeting, of "what each man has done in No. 1," he is entered as follows : "Nathan Hall, a house and seven acres of land, six of it broke up, and dwells there." See Proprietary History, p. 41. He was frequently appointed on committees in the business of the Proprietary, and after the incorporation of the town, he was elected town treasurer, which office he 37 28G HISTORY OP MASON. held eight years in succession. He was one of the original members of the Congregational church, and elected a deacon at the first election of those officers, and held the office till his death. He died May 7, 1807, aged 91 years, leaving behind him a reputation for spotless integrity and a useful and blameless life, which his posterity may cherish as the best legacy he could leave for them. EESIBENCE OF IISY. EBENEZES HILL, Eey. Ebenezer, Hill, was born in Cambridge, Mass., Jan- ■ ury 31, 176G, graduated at Harvard College in 1786, and was ordained pastor of the church and minister of the town of Mason, November 3, 1790. He died May 20, 1854, in the 89th year of his age, and the 64th of his ministry. For a more extended account of his life and labors, see the Memoir published at the same time with this volume. y( Eey. Joseph B. Hill, son of Rev. Ebenezer Hill, was born in Mason, November 25, 1796. He graduated at Harvard College in 1821. Ordained an elder of the Cumberland Pres- byterian church in Tennessee, he was, for many years, an itin- BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 287 erant minister of that chnrcli in Tennessee, Alabama, Missis- sippi and Kentucky. Ho returned to New England in 1840, and was settled as colleague pastor, witli liis father Eev. E. Hill, of the Congregational church in Mason, in 184:1. This connection continued until 1847. Since that time, he has resided most of the time in Colebrook and Stewartstown in New Hampshire, employed in the duties of his calling. Rev. Timothy Hill, youngest son of the Eev. Ebenezer Hill, was born in Mason, June 30, 1819. He graduated at Dartmouth College in 1842, and at the Union Theological Seminary in New York city in 1845. He preached as a mis- sionary, under the direction of the Home Missionary Society, for several years, in Missouri, and is now pastor of a Presby- terian church in Saint Louis, Mo. Dr. Otis Hott, came to Mason in the spring of 1835, and commenced practice as a physician and surgeon, at Mason village. He was a pupil of his uncle. Dr. Enos Hoyt, of Sand- bornton. His first wife was a daughter of Maj. Seth King, of New Ipswich. . In September, 1837, he removed to Framing- ham, Mass., where his wife died. His second wife was also a daughter of Maj. King. In 1838, he received the degree of M. D., at Dartmouth College. At the commencement of the Mexican war, he joined the army as a surgeon, served to the end of the war, then returned to the United States and estab- lished his residence in Wisconsin, and was appointed receiver in the land office at Hudson, in that state. Rev. Nehemiah Hunt, son of David Hunt, was born in Mason, in the month of September, 1812. He joined the Congregational church in September, 1833, and in 1834 was a student in the Oberlin Institute in Ohio, from which he went to the Mission Institute in Quincy, Illinois, at which and at the Lane Seminary in Ohio, he pursued his studies for the period of eight years, and completed his academical and theo* u 288 HISTORY OF MASON, logical education. He was licensed to preach in 1845, and has resided in Illinois since that time, engaged in preaching, and, most of the time, also, teaching high schools. He now resides in Bethel, Bond county, Illinois, where he has been pastor of a church for the last seven years. RESIDENCE OF DR. WILLIS JOHNSON. Dr. Willis Johxson, was born in Sturbridge, Mass., Dec. 21, 1786. He studied medicine with Dr. Ephraim Carroll, of Woodstock, Conn., two years, and with Dr. Ferdinand Leth- ' bridge of South Brimfield, Mass., one and a half years. He married (1) Dorothy Flinn of Woodstock, Conn., March 30, 1806. She was born January 16, 1785. He first commenced the practice of his profession at Jaffrey, in August, 1807, and removed to Peterborough in January, 1808, where he remained till 1814, in July of which year he removed to Mason, where he now resides. Dorothy, his wife, died January 2, 1843. He married (2) Sarah Ann Robbins, daughter of Mr. Luther Bobbins, of Mason, August 4, 1844. Dr. Johnson was elected town clerk of Mason, May 5, 1823, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Samuel Mer- riam, Esq., and he was re-elected to that office at the annual lilhiyl UrozeLerBoston, (^^^ .#^> BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 289 town meetings between 1823 and 1854, twenty one times, so that he served in the olfice of town clerk twenty two years in all, a longer time than the office has been held by any other person. He also served five years as chairman of the board of selectmen. He was appointed a justice of the peace in 1823, and still holds that ofS.ce. Dr. Exosh Lawrence, was the son of Lieut. Enosh Law- rence, and grandson of Ens. Enosh Lawrence. He studied medicine, and had just commenced the practice when he was cut down by disease. He died a victim of consumption, Sep- tember 28, 1798, at the age of 25 years, 10 months, 12 days. Benjamin Mann, Esq., removed with his family from "Woburn, to Mason, about 1771. His father and mother^ James Mann and his wife, and his brother-in-law, Simon Ames, removed to Mason about the same time. Mr. Ames' wife was Mr. Mann's sister. These three families settled on the farm lately owned by Joel Ames. One of their dwelling houses was in the field north of the road and east of the John Bachelder house, the other was near the large willow tree by the road side south of and near the residence of S. H. Wheeler. Benjamin Kendall, whose wife was a sister of B. Mann's wife, came from Woburn about 1785, and built the house where Mr. White now lives; and about 1780, Abraham Merriam, whose wife was an aunt of Benj. Mann, came also from Woburn, and settled on the Wilton road, on the lot east ' oPMr. Mann's. James Mann and his wife both died about the year 1781. Benjamin Mann was, soon after he came into town, employed in public offices in town. He was moderator of the annual town meetings twelve years, town clerk four years, one of the selectmen six years, representative four years, and was chosen several times a delegate to conventions, a member of the committee of safety, and on many other important commit- tees in business relating to the revolutionary war. He com- v\ ^90 histoeY op mason. manded a company in the battle of Bunker Hill, also in the army in Rhode Island. He built the house in the centre village, now owned by Asher Peabody, and kept a tavern there, and also a small store of goods. That village is also indebted to him for the noble elm trees which adorn the com^^ mon. These he planted on the day of the ordination of Mr* Hill. Also, for the venerable willow planted about the same time, which has attained a circumference of about fifteen feet* Mr. Mann was the first person appointed a justice of the peace in town. About the year 1800, he sold his estate in Mason, and removed to Keene, and from that place to Troy, N. Y., where he died in 1831, aged about 91 years. De. Thomas Hastings Maeshall, son of William Mar- shall, was born in Jaifrey, December 2, 1806. His father William, the son of Thomas, was born in Tewksbury, Mass. He removed to Jafirey during the time of the revolutionary war, and commenced a farm upon a new lot of land in the west part of that town, on which he resided until his death, in 1828. His mother was Sarah Cutter, born in New Ipswich. Her first husband's name was Kimball. Dea. Isaac Kimball, of Temple, John Kimball, of Fitzwilliam, and Benoni C. Kimball, of Mason, are lier sons. Mr. Marshall was her second husband. Dr. Marshall and one sister are the only children of this marriage. He worked upon the farm with his father until he was 21 years of age, about which time his father died. His early education was obtained in the district i| schools of his native town. After studying two or three terms at New Ipswich Academy, and keeping school a few winters, he commenced the study of medical science, in 1832, with Dr. Luke Howe, of Jafi"rey, a physician and surgeon of good reputation. He graduated M. D., at Dartmouth College, in 1834, having attended medical lectures at Bowdoin College, at Dartmouth College, and at Harvard University. He com- menced his professional life at Fitzwilliam, in 1835. His wife is Abigail Sophia Hawkes, of Templeton, Mass. They were BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 291 nSSIDSIVCE OF DR. THOMAS S. MAESHAIL. married Decembei\l, 1836. He removed to Mason village in September, 1837, and has there continued in practice as a physician and surgeon to the present time. Joseph Merriam, was born in Concord, in which place his ancestors have lived from its earliest settlement, and so many of them of his name that it is diiScult'to trace out his line- age. He settled imMason about the year 1769. He was an industrious farmer, a good manager, and acquired a good estate. He enjoyed through his long life a large share of the confidence and esteem of his townsmen, shown by their elect- ing him to important offices. He had not the gift of speech making, but he possessed a sound judgment and an honest heart — qualities more useful in life than the most full and flowing eloquence without them. He was one of the select- men fourteen years, and was the first representative elected after the town ceased to be classed with Raby. He lived many years on the farm now owned by Capt. Moses Merriam. About the year 1800, he built the large house near where Mr. Abijah Allen lived. Here he died, November 6, 1826, aged 82 years. 292 HISTORY OF MASON. Samuel Merriam, Esq., was the son of Joseph Merriam, born at Mason, October 14, 1773. His first wife was Lucy, daughter of Aaron Wheeler. He served many years in town ofl&ces, as moderator, town clerk and selectman, was a justice of the peace and coroner, and was much respected for intel- ligence, integrity and business capacity. Lucy, his wife, died August 30, 1817. He lived on the farm now owned by his son, Capt. Moses Merriam, where he died, April 20, 1823, at the age of 50 years. His second wife was Huldah Burton, of Wilton, who survived him. RESIDENCE OF MOSES lEERTAM. Rev. Alfred L. Masox, was the son of Daniel and Martha y Mason, and was born at Andover, Mass., in February, 1812. At the age of fifteen years, he united with the Congregational church at Andover. With the design of engaging in the min- istry, he commenced a course of study at the Teacher's Sem- inary, in Andover. After a brief term at that institution, he was, for a time, obliged to relinquish effort in that direction. Returning again as soon as circumstances permitted him to do so, he applied himself with the utmost earnestness, to pre- paration for the great work which he had chosen. His means ItflCtivT, Groiflier.BQSicai. ^M /?9uJ-. -ir>^^ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 293 ■were limited to the earnings of his own hands, and very few students contend with greater difficulties than those which encompassed his path. He was generall)^ obliged to labor until late at night in the manufacturing of shoes, to procure the means of continuing his studies, and his constitution was, naturally, by no means strong. In 1830, he united with the Baptist church at Methuen, Mass. On the organization of a Baptist church at Andover, he removed his membership thither. By this church, he was licensed to preach, and was soon called to the pastorate of the thurch at Mason village. This call was accepted, and his ordination took place on the 20th of June, 1836. On the 15th of November, 1837, he was married, by Prof. Emerson, of Andover Theological Seminary, to Miss Mary Town, of Andover. Of this marriage, were three children,- Mary, Judson and Daniel, all of whom, with their mother, still smwive, and reside at East Cambridge, Mass. Mr. Mason's constitution, delicate always, and doubtless greatly impaired by efforts while in his academical studies, gradually gave way under the earnest labors of his charge, until the autumn of 1843, when a severe attack of hemor- rhage of the lungs laid him aside from his public duties. Somewhat recovering, after a time, he renewed his labors, but was soon again attacked as before, and continued to decline until his decease, which took place October 7, 1844. Of the characteristics of Mr. Mason, the following is an extract from an extended obituary notice of him, in one of the papers of the Baptist denomination : "His character was pecu- liarly amiable and lovely. He was distinguished for equanim- ity, cheerfulness, affability and kindness. His piety, more- over, was not more simple and unaffected, than it was fervent and sincere. He manifested piety at home. As a preacher, his style was correct and impressive. His simple exhibition of truth and earnest appeals to the conscience, delivered in an affectionate manner, produced powerful and lasting impres- sions on many of his hearers. As a pastoi-, he felt deeply 38 294 HISTOEY OF MASON. for the spiritual advancement of his charge, was laborious and eminently successful." Charles Tilden Otis, pursued his preparatory studies at New Ipswich Academy, and entered Yale College in 1839. He was a good scholar, an amiable, promising youth, but was cut off by disease while a member of the college. He died, July 17, 1840, aged 21 years. His grave, in the village grave- yard, is marked by a headstone, but on it no mention is made of Ms literary life. His father, who resided on the farm for^ merly occupied by Timothy Wheelock, removed out of town soon after his decease. Lieut. Obadiah Paeker, may well be considered one of the fathers of the town. He was born in G-roton, his wife, it is supposed, in Chelmsford, Mass. He began his farm on lot No. 8, R. 10, on which he built his house within a few rods of the line of New Ipswich. It is probably owing to this fact, that, in the History of New Ipswich, he is placed in the num- ber of the early inhabitants of that town. The same is the case with Aaron Wheeler, whose lot was next north of Lieut. Parker's, and his house near New Ipswich line. Lieut. Parker began to improve his lot in 1751. In the report made by the committee, at the Proprietors' meeting, in 1752, is entered; "Obadiah Parker, a good house and about two acres of land cleared." When he removed his wife into town, there were but three women in the place, and he used often to remark, in after years, that when his wife "was young, she was the hand- somest woman in town, except three." Lawrence, Hall and Tarbell, were the three who settled prior to Parker. It will be noticed, that Lieut. Parker's name appears on almost every page of the early history of the town, that he was a leading and active man in all affairs of church, town and state, on committees to hire preaching, and to seat the meeting house, &c., under the Proprietary, and was sent to Portsmouth to get the incorporation, and was directed, by a vote of the BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 295 Proprietary, to "disburst the money" for that purpose. He was moderator, selectman and representative mider the town organization. Possessing at all times through life the conii- dence and respect of his fellow citizens, he passed through the changes of life to extreme old age, and died October 5, 1816, aged 86 years. Without sickness or pain, in the quiet of night, without a struggle, from the repose of natural slumber, he fell into that deeper sleep that knows no waking. Obadiah Parker, son of Lieut. Obadiah Parker, was born in Mason, February 18, 1772. He graduated at Harvard Col- lege in 1799. He never entered upon any professional life, but gave his attention to teaching in private schools. He had, for several years, a popular school at Lexington, Mass. Afterwards, he removed to the state of New York, pursuing the same business, at various places, and finally, in the city of New York, in which place or in that vicinity, he died, about the year 1830. Jasox Russell, John Russell and Hubbard Russell, were brothers, and their sister, Elizabeth Webber, wife of Dea. Jotham Webber, were born in West Cambridge, then called Menotomy. They all settled in Mason, Jason in 1769, Hub- bard in 1772, John in 1774, and Dea. Webber in 1780. Each brought up a numerous family, and lived to old age, Jason to 84, John 86, Hubbard 88 years, and Mrs. Webber 82 years. Hubbard Russell served as selectman several years. Richard Russell was, undoubtedly, the ancestor of this fam- ily. He was born in Hereford, county of Hereford, England, in 1611. He came to New England, and settled at Charles^ town, in 1640. He was a representative from Charlestown thirteen years, was several times elected speaker of the house, was treasurer, and one of the assistants. He was an eminent merchant, and several of his descendants have been distin^- guished for their success in mercantile business. John Rus- sell was appointed, 1645, "clerk of the writs at Cambridge." 296 HISTORY OF MASON. Rev. Jonathan Searle, was born at Rowley, Mass., in 1744; ^ He graduated at Harvard College, in 1764. He preached in Mason, as a candidate, in 1770, and received an invitation from the people to settle as their minister. In 1772, he accepted the invitation, assisted in organizing a church, of which he was one of the original members, and was, on the 13th of October, of that year, ordained pastor of the church and minister of the town. As the first settled minister, he was entitled to a right of land in the town. This he owned in fee simple. A part he disposed of early, and a part he continued to own till near the close of his life. He purchased the valuable farm now owned by Ebenezer Blood, and built on it a very good house, which is yet standing in good condi- tion, and in it he resided till his death. It has already been related in this work, how difficulties arose between him and his people, which resulted in his dismissal, in 1781. He was commissioned as a justice of the peace, in 1785, and held that office until his decease. Soon after his dismissal, he ceased to officiate as a minister, and devoted his attention to his farm, on which he brought up, in a very respectable style, his numerous family. He died December 7, 1812, aged 68 years^ Stephen Smith, was born at Kingston, R. I., August 31, 1807. At the age of fourteen years, he entered the employ of Bradford Sparrow, of Killingly, Conn., a cotton manufacturer. With him, he remained several years, and acquired a good practical knowledge of that business. His next engagement was with a manufacturing company in Sutton, Mass., by the failure of which, in 1829, he lost all his savings, several- hundred dollars, and was left in debt, even for his board. In the spring of 1830, he returned to Killingly, and engaged in the employ of Jedediah Leavins, with whom an intimate friendship sprung up as lasting as life. In the year 1831, he united with the Presbyterian church in Killingly* In 1832, he married Marcia G. Leavins, a sister of his employer. In 1834, he went to Norwich Falls, Conn., and there he buried .-"^ -X^ Xtth,"byL GcozelierBostoji. ^ ^^-^^^^^ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 297 all his family, a wife and two infant daughters. In 1837, he married Maria Ellis, of Attleborough, Mass. Their only child, Erwin L., was born November 6, 1839. The iinaucial crisis of 1837 having thrown him out of employment, he, with another, undertook to operate a small mill in East Haddam, Conn. Disappointed as to the pecu- niary ability of his partner, and by the failure of the man who contracted to stock the mill, the enterprise, after a few months, was abandoned, leaving him once more stripped of all his hard earnings, and plunged in debt. Under these circum- stances, his health became impaired, his spirits depressed, and partial derangement ensued. He returned to Killingly, and, at the genial home of his brother-in-law, Leavins, gradually regained his wonted strength and cheerfulness. In the spring of 1839, he removed to Uncasville, a small manufacturing village in the town of Montville, Conn. While residing here, he removed his church relations to Montville, and was elected deacon. In 1843, he was invited by the Columbian Manufacturing Company, to take charge of their mill at Mason village, to which place he soon after removed his family. The company having had full proof of his integrity and capacity for busi- ness, increased their operations, and, in 1845, rebuilt the High Bridge mill, in New Ipswich, now No. 2. In 1855, having pur- chased the old saw and grist mill in the village, then owned by William Durgin, the company commenced building, upon its site, the new or No. 4 mill. About the same time^ the old Water Loom mill in New Ipswich, now No. 3, was bought, and underwent thorough repair. The planning, drafting, contract- ing for, and supervision of, all this business, was done by Mr. Smith. In the midst of these multiplied labors and cares, his health again failed, and his mental equilibrium was once more overcome. In January, 1857, he relinquished business, and in April, by advice of eminent physicians, he was placed at the McLean Asylum, in Somerville, Mass., where he died, August 13, aged 50 years. 298 HISTORY OF MASON* Stephen Smith was a self-made man. In youth, he "Waa bashful and retiring, almost shunning society, which he after-- wards highly valued and enjoyed. His educational advantages were little more than those of the common schools, but doubt- less well improved. He wrote a fine hand, composed readily and correctly, and was an effective public speaker. His private residence and corporation improvements, are monu- RESIDENCE OF HON. STEPHEN SMITH. ments of his refinement and taste. He united a good degree of mechanical ingenuity with what may be termed executive ability, and great energy in the prosecution of business. Mr. Smith held the office of a justice of the peace through- out the state, was once elected representative of Mason to the legislature, and served two years as one of the executive council. He was always foremost in good works, and espec- ially generous in his contributions to aid the cause of educa- tion, temperance and anti-slavery. Every good cause had his sympathy, and every one he regarded bad, his fearless oppo- sition. But it is as a philanthropist and a christian that his mem- ory breathes the choicest fragrance. His was an earnest life, BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 299 guided by princijDle. He evidenced liis sincerity "by his sacri- fices. As an illustration of his character and the spirit of the timeS; the following incident is given: While at Norwich Falls, he opened an anti-slavery prayer meeting at his house, which was threatened with mob violence unless discontinued. But the faith within was too strong for the force without. The little band prayed on unmolested. Dea, Smith was one of the principal founders and support- ers of the Congregational church, formed at Mason village, in 1847, also one of its officers, and for many years the efficient superintendent of its Sabbath school. With children, he was always popular, enjoying with them innocent hilarity and cheerful recreations, with the keenest relish. The prominent traits of his character were, a vigorous will, generous impulses, strong sympathy with suftering, and a prac- tical zeal for reform of the social, political and religious evils of our day. His funeral took place at Mason village. Sabbath, August 16 — a large concourse of people testifying by their presence and sadness, that a friend and public benefactor had fallen. Eev. John Spaulding, son of Hezekiah and Sally Spauld- ing, was born in Mason, November 30, 1800, graduated at Middlebury College, in 1825, completed his theological studies at Andover Theological Seminary, in 1828, and was ordained a missionary to the valley of the Mississippi, September 25, 1828. He was installed pastor of the Presbyterian church at Athens, Ohio, April 23, 1829, and of the Main-street Presby- terian church at Peoria, Illinois, June 6, 1838 j was Secretary of the Western Education Society at Cincinnati, Ohio, four years and a half, and Corresponding Secretary of the Sea- man's Friend Society, New York city, sixteen years. He was a successful and popular school teacher, having before and during his college life, taught school four successive winters, in all one and a half years. During his pastorate of eight years, were admitted to his churches mostly on examination 500 HISTORY OF MASON. and profession of faith, 177 persons. Of one of his bible classes, in number 87, all but nine became professors of reli- gion ; of these, twenty one entered the ministry, two of whom were missionaries in foreign countries. Of the ladies of the class, five or six married ministers. RESIDENCE OF JOHN STEVENS, ES^. John Stevens, was born at Wilton, N.H., July 21, 1783. His parents removed from Chelmsford, Mass., and were among the early settlers of that town. He had several sisters, but no brother who attained mature age. The rural sports of childhood, and the labors of the farm, contributed to give him a fine physical development, a heritage to be coveted by every youth, whatever may be |iis future employment. In addition to the advantages of the district school, the subject of this sketch attended, for a time, a private school, kept by the Rev. Mr. Beede, the clergyman of that town, to whom Wilton is much indebted for the high character, her common schools have so long held. When about eighteen years of age, he commenced school teaching, an employment in which he soon attained great ;atliJivI.fiTDieIiei.',T3o5tmi. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 301 celebrity. The "hard schools" particularly, sought his ser- vices ; and; what moral suasion and kind treatment could not effect, his powerful arm was prompt to accomplish, the entire submission of the most refractory scholars. For more than twenty years, his winters were chiefly devoted to this busi- ness. June 6th, 1807, he married Hannah Lovejoy, of Wilton, and settledP upon the homestead farm, ministering to the wants of his parents, while they lived. His mother, from an accidental injury, was almost helpless for many years. In January, 1 824, he removed to Mason village, and was employed as clerk and treasurer of the Mason Cotton Mill Co., till the failure of that company. He soon afterwards, built the family residence where his widow still resides, with her son-in-law, Mr. Albert Taft. From this period till his death, when not engaged in pub- lic business, he was chiefly employed in his work-shop, or upon his farm. Mr. Stevens, in person, was tall and commanding. His countenance was strongly marked, indicating talent and exec- utive power. In manners, he combined a judge-like gravity, with politeness and affability of deportment. His strong intellect was early stimulated into active exer- cise, by high aspirations. Self culture, and the mental train- ing which a want of educational helps imposes, fitted him to "act well his part," in those public stations, he was after- wards called to fill. His dignity, urbanity and tact, made him a good presiding officer. He was, consequently, frequently chosen to preside in town meetings, or on other public occasions. As select- man, he did much service. As representative in the state legislature, either of Wilton or Mason, he served more than twenty years. The office of justice of the peace he long held, and in it transacted much business. His papers were charac- terized by good penmanship, minute accuracy, and business- like execution. 39 302 HISTORY OP MASON, In politics, he was a whig, and hence, though the choice of his party, the higher offices of the county and state were closed against him. As a citizen and a man, he always stood in his lot, meeting the wants of society, with a liberal spirit and a generous hand. He was a kind husband, a tender father, and an oblig- ing neighbor. He died of an affection of the heart, March 25, 1848, aged sixty-four years. * Dr. Oliver Scripture, a physician and surgeon, the son of Oliver Scripture and Jane, his wife, was born in Mason, June 16, 1783. He married Eliza, the youngest daughter of the Hon. Timothy Farrar. He settled in Hollis, N. H., where he now resides. It was in his family that Judge Farrar passed the closing years of his life, and there he died, February 21, 1849, aged 101 years, 7 months and 12 days. Lieut. John Swallow, was the eldest son of John Swallow and Deborah, his first wife. He was born in Groton, Febru- ary 22, 1729-30. His father removed to Dunstable, Mass., about the year 1750. While residing in his father's family, at Dunstable, he commenced clearing up his farm. His lot was No. 6, R. 6, now owned and occupied by his son-in-law, Dea. S. Withington, and his grandson, Luke Newell. Here he com- menced his farm, probably in 175K In 1752, he is reported as follows: "John Swallow, cleared about one acre, and got some timber for a house." At that time, there was no road from Dunstable to No. 1. He would start on Monday morn- ing, from his father's, with a pack load of provisions on his back, and, finding his way by marked trees to his clearing, he would fill the forest echoes with lusty blows of his ax, from sun to sun, till his stock of provisions was exhausted, and then starting a few hours before sun set, he would wend his solitary way through the forest, twenty two miles to his Dun- stable home, to replenish his stock, and, after a brief resting, BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 303 Would again renew Ms journey and his labors. Thus lie sub- dued the forest, built his log cabin, and set up his household. In this log cabin, a house of one small room, he lived till after the birth of his eleventh child, when he removed into the two story framed liouse now standing, in which he spent the remainder of his life, extended to the good old age of 86 years. He never knew what it was to be sick, or ever tasted of any thing called medicine, until past his 75th year. His death was occasioned by a fall and broken bone, the pain of which wore out his life, November 23, 1815. He was twice married. His first wife was Sarah, daughter of Ens. Enosh Lawrence, the second, Mary, daughter of Dea, Nathan Hall. Dea. Rogers Weston, was born in Billerica, Mass., Sep- tember 30, 1757. His father was Samuel Weston, born in Reading, Mass., in 1722. He was a descendant of John Weston, who was married to Sarah Fitch, Af)ril 18, 1653. Dea. Weston was an inhabitant of Mason as early as 1780. He began his farm on the lot where his son Rogers Weston now lives. He married, (1) Deborah Lawrence, daughter of Ens. Enosh Lawrence, April 12, 1785. She died, Octoioer 20, 1798. (2) Anna Frost, of West Cambridge, Mass., Decem- ber, 1799. She died September 30, 1829. (3) Rebecca Keyes, of Townsend, in 1830, She died August 15, 1830. (4) Mrs. Lydia Buttrick, of Pepperell, in 1831. She died March 13, 1837. (5) Mrs. Betsey Wright, of Brookline, who survived him. He died March 9, 1843, aged 85 years, 5 months, 9 days. Dea. Weston was an industrious, frugal and successful farmer. He was an active and ardent politician, and for many years the leader of the democratic, or, as it was then called, the republican party in the town, a firm supporter of the policy and administrations of Jefferson and Madison, and, as such, was elected to represent his town five years in the legislature. He was appointed a justice of the peace in 1808, and held the office till his death. 304 HISTORY OP MASON. Timothy Wheeler, was born in Concord, Mass., in 1752. He was the son of Timothy Wheeler, a native of Concord. Mr. Wheeler came to Mason to reside about the year 1773. He selected a iine lot of land upon which he made a good farm. He built and resided in the house seen on the right of the view here presented. He died, December 13, 1820, aged 68 years. RESIDENCES OF TIMOTHY WHEEIEE AMD TIMOTHY WHEELER, JR. Timothy Wheeler, Jr., son of Timothy Wheeler and Sarah^ his wife, was born in Mason, January 16, 1783. He built and resided in the house seen on the left. He died, January 21, 1854, aged 71 years. Both were good farmers, and each served several years in the office of selectmen of the town. The persons of this name in Concord, are so numerous j that it is difficult to trace the families. George, Joseph and Obadiah, were among the first settlers in that town. Ephraim, Thomas and Timothy, came to Coijcord in 1639. All of these were heads of families. The birth of six bearing the name of John Wheeler, is recorded between 1650 and 1670. * BIOGRAPHICAL SKl^TCHES. 305 In 1643, tliey, -with some of their neighbors, petitioned the court for a grant of land. The action of the court, entered On the records, is as follows : " Oct. 17, 1643. Wee think some quantity, of land may bee granted the Wheelers, of Concord, and the rest in that petition, pro- vided, that within two years they make some good improvement of it." Timothy Wheeler was an officer in the troops raised to protect the frontier in the Indian Wars, as the following entry shows : " May 6, 1646. It is ordered, that Lieft. Wilerd shall be Capt. of the Company at Concord, and Tymo: Wheeler to be their Ensign there." October 13, 1675, the court ordered ten pounds to be paid to Capt. Thomas Wheeler for his present supply ; and October 17, 1676: " In answel' to the petition of Capt. Thomas Wheeler and his sonn, it is ordered, that they be payd their whole wages, from the time they entered upon the service until their return to their own houses, &,c.j he being wounded in his country's service." The service here referred to was in the command of a company in the King Phillip War, in the year 1675. Aaeon Wheeler, who came to Mason to reside in 1767, was also one of the descendants of the "Wheelers of Concord." He is the ancestor of the Rev. John Wheeler, president of the University of Vermont, at Burlington, and of the Hon. David E. Wheeler, of the city of New York. They are sons of John B. Wheeler, boi^n in Mason^ March 11, 1770. He removed to Vermont, was an eminent merchant, and acquired a great estate. Josiah Wheeler, who was the first town clerk of Mason, and who died October 17, 1774, see page 73, and his brother Nathan, who resided several years in Mason, were also natives of Concord. Jonas Wheeler, of New Ipswich, who died in Mason, April 28, 1815, aged 96 years, was a descendant of Capt. Thomas Wheeler, of Concord. 306 History of mason. jc Col. James Wood, became a resident in Mason, about the year 1780. His father, Ens. John Wood, removed to Mason, with his family, in 1778. Their ancestor, William Wood, was born in England, in 1582. He settled at Concord, Mass., in 1638, where he died. May 4, 1671, at the age of 89 years* Ens. John Wood was born in Concord. He died at Masonj December 9, 1785. Col. James Wood, came from Leominster, Mass., to Mason. He was a cabinet maker by trade, and worked at that business through life. He built the house where Oliver Allen now lives, a view of which is here pre- sented. He was of a generous, liberal disposition, his hand RESIDENCE OF COL. JAMES WOOD. and heart were always open to the call of friendship, ot to the claims of the indigent and distressed ; always ready, to the full measure of his ability, to aid in every good word and work) he was popular in his manners and well esteemed by all his fellow citizens. He was, in politics, a federalist of the old school, and, for many years, the leading man of his party in town. He was the representative of the town five years in succession, commencing in the year 1800, and was again BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 307 elected in 1809, making, in all, six years. He served as one of the selectmen seven years. He liad a taste for mili- tary affairs, in -wliicli he held office from the lowest grade up to that of colonel. He was, also, in office for many years as a justice of the peace. His character, as a townsman, a neighbor, a christian and a public officer, was without blemish. No man ever lived in the town who was more universally and more deservedly beloved. He died, July 31, 1838, at the age of 83 years. Rev. William Olmsted, was born at Westchester, a parish or society in Colchester, Conn., January 5, 1821, His parents were Zachariah and Elizabeth Olmsted. They were both pious, and earnestly desired that William, the youngest of eight children, might be a minister. His father dying when he was eleven years old, he was left to the guardianship of his elder brothers. He is represented as a slender, quiet, home loving hoj, who preferred the society of his sisters, to the harsh, out-door amusements, boys generally love. His early youth was chiefly spent at school. At the age of sixteen years, he was placed as clerk in a store at East Haddam. It was at this place, during a revival of religion, that he was converted and united with the church. Here he probably remained till he was of age. He next engaged as a clerk in a dry goods store at Hartford. Being taken sick shortly after, he changed his plans for future life, and resolved on pre- paring for the ministry. Everything afterwards was made subsidiary to this purpose. When sufficiently recovered, he entered Williston Seminary, where he remained till August, 1844. During vacation, he was examined and admitted a member of Yale College. But his health being delicate, by advice of friends, he abandoned the idea of a college course and commenced at once theological studies. His first year was passed at East Windsor, the two last at Union Theolog- ical Seminary, at New York. He graduated in 1847. A soci- ety in Brooklyn, N. Y., secured his services for one year, and 308 HISTOEY OF MASON. wished to retain him longer. Thinking his health might be better in the country, he came to Mason village in the fall of 1848, and was ordained there, April 11, 1849. In May, 1852, with health slightly impaired, he left his people to attend the anniversaries at New York. On his return, he stopped for a few days with his friends in Connecticut, fell sick and died in' his native town, and among his kindred, June 6, 1852. Agreeably to his dying request, "bury me among my beloved people," his remains were interred in the graveyard at Mason village. The marble which marks his resting place bears this inscription, indicated by himself: "I shall be satisfied when I awake in thy likeness." To speak of Mr. Olmsted as he still lives in the hearts of his "little flock," might be thought flattery. But the mem- ory of the good should be, blessed ; fragrance should exhale from the tomb of earth's benefactors. In person, he was tall and slender, seeming to want that muscular propor- tion and physical syuimetry so necessary to active endurance, and which, in many cases, early out-door exercise and bodily labor only can impart. His eye was dark and penetrating, the whole countenance intellectual and benignent in expres- sion. Alas, that so many of earth's gifted ones should perish ere they are ripe, from this unequal development — this dis- proportion between the brain and its anipaal machinery ! His style, as a writer, was chaste and graphic, and his manner of speaking was peculiarly his own, animated, impressive and winning. His power, as a public speaker, seemed to be derived mainly from his knowledge of human character and his sympathy with and ready adaptation to the wants and the minds of men. An intimate friend and room mate thus speaks of him: "For his age, he had the best knowledge of human nature of any one I have ever met. He had a faculty of keen and close observation of the thoughts and motives of men, which was truly wonderful. He saw at a glance, he moved instantly, he made it plain to all. His end was the ministry, and he carried the direct aim of all true business z^ C^l^i^ iiT.wsiamM miffiii'iiiij BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 309 life into his studies. The study of Latin and G-reek classics had no charm for him ; it seemed like drudgery ; but he trained himself by a thorough course of mental philosophy, and delighted in the investigation of every question which bore upon his great object. He was eminently conscientious. In all my acquaintance with him, I cannot recall a single word or act, which could throw the least discredit upon his Christian character." Mr. Olmsted was social in his habits, decided in his opin- ions, and bold and fearless in their advocacy. He took a deep interest in public improvements, and whatever promoted the general welfare. The erection, during his ministry, of the church edifice for the Congregational society in the village, was greatly aided by his influence and example. A sermon from Jeremiah 7:18, "The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven," was preached by him in promotion of this object, and was a happy specimen of the writer's tact and genius. His brief life with his people, abounds with pleasant reminiscences. James Tapt, was born in Uxbridge, Mass., June 13, 1780. In 1796, he commenced his services as an apprentice to learn the tanner's trade, at Petersham. In 1802, he established himself at New Ipswich, in the business of a tanner. His tan yard was that commenced in 1787, by Jeremiah Pritchard, at the foot of the hill south of the old burying ground. He built the house lately occupied by Mrs. Clary. He commenced business in company with Roger Chandler and Henry Isaacs, in 1812, and removed to Mason village. This company built the first cotton factories in the village, and for several years made the spinning of cotton yarn their principal business, and some years after they introduced machinery for weaving cotton cloths. In the spring of 1837, he commenced busi- ness as a merchant, and continued in it until his death, March 3, 1856. 40 310 HISTORY OP MASON. RESIDENCE OF JAMES TAFT. In 1805, Mr. Taft married Hannah Proctor. His only daughter, Mary, died June, 1828, aged 22 years. His three sons, Albert, George and James, survive him, and all reside in the village. He served many years as one of the selectmen. RESIDENCE OF GEORGE TAFT, ES^. BlOGRAPaiCAL SKETCHES. 311 Capt. Thomas Tarbell, was one of the original proprie- tors of No. 1, and named as sucli in the grant of the Masonian proprietors. He was one of the first settlers, was clerk of the proprietary, first chosen in 1762, and continued in office till the last meeting of that body, in 1773, and was one of the most active and leading men in all affairs of the township prior to the incorporation. Six of his sons settled on farms near him. He was a native of Groton. Thomas Tarbell, his ancestor, Was one of the original proprietors of Groton in 1661. In the list are the names of Thomas Tarbell, Sen. and Thomas Tarbell, Jr. There were so many of the name of Thomas, that it is difficult to trace them all to Thomas, Sen., from whom, undoubtedly, they all descended. One Thomas was town clerk in Groton in 1704-'5, another from 1731 to 1733, another from 1745 to 1756, inclusive. The extracts from Capt. Tarbell's records, as clerk of the proprietors, on pages from 47 to 54, show that his notions of orthography were peculiar and unique. The following specimen, from a record of his ancestor, Thomas Tarbell, town clerk of Groton, will show that he could plead ancestral example in excuse for the liberties he took with the syllables of the language : grotton march 8 1704 at a legul townmeeting the town did yot that they wul met for the futur to chus town ofFesurs the fust tusday of march annuelly thomas tarbell dark The name of Tarbell is very rare in this country. It does not appear in the long list of those who took the freeman's oath before 1669, nor does farmer, in his Genealogical Reg- ister mention any of the name except Thomas, Sen., and Thomas, Jr. It is from these that all of the name in Massa- chusetts and New Hampshire are descended. There is one romantic incident in the history of the family thus related in Butler's Groton, page 96, in the chapter relating to the suffer- ings of that town in the Indian wars. He says : Besides these instances of alarm, attack and suffering from a savage foe, others are known to have occurred, of which there is 312 filSTOEY OF MASON. more or less authentic evidence. One, of which the tradition i^ undoubtedly nearly correct, is that of two lads, John Tarbell and Zachariah Tarbell, brothers, and sons of Thomas Tarbell, who were taken and carried to Canada. The story runs thus. One evening, a little after sunsetting, the Indians came suddenly upon the inmates of a garrisoned house, which stood where the Rev. Mr. Sanderson's house now stands, or near that spot. They all escaped and got safely into the garrison, except these boys, who being on a cherry tree, had not sufficient time to descend and save themselves from captivity. The precise time of this event is not known, but it is said Zachariah was so young, that he entirely lost his native lan- guage, and the records of Groton show, that John was born July 6, 1695, and Zachariah January 25, 1700. So it was probably between 1704 and 1708. Some years after, they both came to Groton on a visit, but having become accustomed to savage life, no persuasion prevailed on them to return and live with their friends and relatives. The present inhabitants of that name are their collateral kindred. Their descendants ate still among the Indians in Canada; APPEIDIX. NOTE TO PAGE 45. EXTRACT FROM A JOURNAL 0? JOSEPH HOLT, OF WILTON, N. H., "OF THE MARC^ OF CAPT. EBEN'R JONES' COMPANY, IN THE EXPEDITION TO CANADA,'' IN 1758. Joseph Holt, probably of Andover, Mass., and who resided many years at Wilton, N. H., was a soldier in the French T^ar of 1758. He kept a journal, from day to day, from the time he left home. May 24, 1758, to October 24. This journal waa recently found in the possession of a gentleman in the city of NeW York, and copied and forwarded for publication in the New England Historical and Genealogical Register, by Fred- eric Kidder, Esq., a gentleman to whom all who feel any interest in the past history of New Ipswich and its vicinity are greatly indebted. It is published in full, in vol. 10, pp. 307-310 of the Register. The following extract from this journal will be of interest to many in the town of Mason and the vicinity : July 20. A terrible day as ever I saw. Early in the morning, as a party often men were comeing down from ye Lake, the enemy fired upon them, and killed & took all but one; sundry officers and men, to the number of about thirty, sallied to the assistance of the scout, & many others directly followed ; the enemy exceeding our number, they run upon us and beat us off, &l killed 6 commissioned officers, &, took and killed many others, a list of which follows : Captains Samuel Dakin of Sudbury, Ebenezer Jones of Wilmington, Thomas Lawrence of Groton, all killed : Lieutenants Samuel Curtis of Sudbury, of Capt. Dakin's company — Simon Godfrey of Billerica, of Capt. Jones' Co. ; Ensign Daniel Davis of Methuen, of Capt. Foster's Co. ; Sergant Peter Russell of Concord, of Capt. Fletcher's Co. — all killed. Sergant Wright of Westford, of Capt. Lawrence's Bi4 APPENi)t:2. Co., missing. John Bateman of Concord, Abner Keys of feilleficaj Bill Eaton of do., all of Capt. Fletcher's Co., killed. Corporal Gould of No. 1, [now Mason, N. H.], Eleazer Ames of Groton, Abel Saw-^ telle & Stephen Foster of do., Simon Wheeler and Joel Crosby of Westford, all belonging to Capt. Lawrence's Co., killed. Joshua Newton of South Berwick, missing. Isaac Little of Dedham, William Grout of Sudbury, Jonathan Patterson & Nathaniel Moul- ton of do., belonging to Capt. Dakin's Co., missing. David Payson of Rowley, killed. Caleb Kimball of Ipswich, Moses Hagget of Andoverj killed. William Coggin of Wilmington, wounded. Abra- ham Harding of Pennycook, of Capt. Foster's Co., killed. 2Ist. We went out with a party of 200 men to reconnoitre the woods and ground where our yesterday's battle was, and to seek for missing men; we found 4 dead, and also the enemy's lurking place; P. M., I went up to the lake to take Care of the sick we left there; Moses Hagget died of his wounds. NOTE TO PAGE 42. For many years after the settlement of Mason was com- menced, the inhabitants Were dependent upon the. neighboring clergy for such religious services as their exigencies required, except as they were, from time to time, temporarily supplied by candidates and preachers hired for short terms. This state of things continued for twenty years or more. The neighboring clergy, at tha.t time, were the Rev. Caleb Trow- bridge, of Groton, H. C, 1710, ordained at Groton, March 2^ 1714-15, died September 9, 1760 j the Rev. Phinehas Hemen=- way, of Townsend, H. C, 1730, ordained at Townsend, Octo- ber, 1734, died May, 1760 j the Rev. Daniel Emerson, of Hoi- lis, a. C, 1739, ordained at Hollis, April 20, 1743, died Sep- tember 30, 1801 ; the Rev. Jos. Emerson, of Pepperell, H. C, 1743, ordained at Pepperell, February 26, 1746-47, died Oct. 29, 1775, and the Rev. Stephen Farrar, H. C, 1755, ordained at New Ipswich, October 22, 1760, died June 23, 1809. Of these, the nearest, in point of distance, was the Rev. Mr. Hemenway. He received a call to settle in Townsend in 1734. His acceptance is dated July 22, 1734. The time for his ordination was, by vote of the town, the third Wednesday of October. Under date of July 12, 1734, is recorded the vote of the town, that Mr. Hemenway's " stated annual salary shall APPENDIX. 815 altar in proportion as the valle of silver shall alter with the goldsmiths and merchants in Boston, as silver money at 25s. per ounce." His stated salary was ,£60, half yearly. In 1740, the town raised £200 for Mr. Hemenway's salary, in 1741, X140 16s. 8d., in 1742, XI 80. For subsequent years till 1753, no entry is made. Probably the salary of X120 remained unchanged. In that year, the town, May 28, Voted, To raise one hundred pounds, old tenor, for Mr. Hemen- way, this present year, it being for his great sickness and lameness the year past, and for the great Cearcity of provisions the present year. Voted, That the money be paid in labor, grain, meat, butter, cheese, wool, flax, &c., or else in cash, before the last day of January next. Mr. Hemenway died in May, 1760. On the 2d day of June the town Voted, To pay all the charges that has already arisen for the Rev, Mr. Hemenway's funeral, which sum is .£102 16s. 8d., old tenor. September 16, 1760, the town Voted, That the. Rev. Mr. Hemenway's salary shall run on six weeks after his decease, provided Madam Hemenway will give the town the boarding of the bearers the six days they preached, and all the hoard at the fast, and he entirely easy with the same. It was the custom of that age for the town to pay the expenses of the funeral of the minister, the amount of which, in some instances, might now be thought extravagant. The neighboring ministers officiated as pall bearers, and it was the rule for each of the bearers to give one Sunday's preaching and services to the bereaved parish and church, and it is to this custom that allusion is made in this condition of the town's vote to continue Mr. Hemenway's salary six weeks after his decease. In October following, the town "chose Mr. Samuel Dix to be their pastor and gospel minister, by a unanimous voat," at a salary of X66 13s. 4d. Mrs. Hemenway did not remain long in widowhood, for in the record of marriages by Mr. Dix, 316 APPENDIX. under date of October 20, 1761, is the marriage of Mr. David Taylor, of Concord, and Mrs. Sarah Hemenway. NOTE TO PAGE 102. Congregational singing, that is, the singing of psalms and hymns in metre, by the congregation in the public worship, was a custom revived in the churches, at the time of the reformation, it having been banished by the Romanists from their worship. This service was highly prized by our pilgrim ancestors. But among the singers, although their purpose was to cultivate harmony of voices, there was not always found harmony of temper. Sometimes bitter heartburnings and controversies arose among them. This was especially the case, when attempts were made to introduce new modes, new music and instruments. The organ was looked upon as a box of whistles, the violin as a profane and ungodly instrument, and even the solid base viol was regarded as no better than one of the bulls of Bashan, One of the most amusing cases illustrating this characteristic of our fathers, is found in the memorial of Joseph Hawley, presented to the general assem- bly of Connecticut, in 1725, literally copied as below, from the New England Historical and Genealogical Register, vol. 10, p. 311: To the Honourable y^ General Assembly at hartford y^ IS'^'^ of may 1725. the memorial of Joseph Hawley one of y^ house of Representa- tives humbly shevveth your Memorialist his father and Grandfather &, y® whole Church & people of farmingtown have used to worship God by singing psalms to his praise In y*^ mode called ye Old way. however t'other Day Jonathan Smith & one Stanly Got a book &. pretended to sing more regularly & so made Great disturbance In y^ w^orship of God for y^ people could not follow y^ mode of sing- ing, at Length t'was moved to y^ church whither to admit y*^ new way or no, who agreed to suspend it at least for a year. yet Deacon hart y^ Chorister one Sabbath day In setting y^ psalm attempted to sing Bella tune — and yo"^ memorialist being used to ye old way as aforesd did not know helium tune from pax tune, and sup- posed y*' deacon had aimed at Cambridge short tune, and set it wrong, whereupon y"^ petitioner Raised his Voice in y^ s*^ short tune &- ye APPENDIX. 317 people followed him, except y^ s"! Smith & Stanly, & y^ kw who Sang allovvd In bella tune; & so there was an unhappy Discord in y'^ Singing, as there has often bin since y® new singers set up, and y® Blame was all Imputed to yo"" poor petion[er]. and Jn" Hooker, Esq"" assistant, sent for him, &, fined him y'' 19th of feb''^ Last for breach of Sabbath, and so yor poor petition'^' is Layed under a very heavie Scandal & Reproach & Rendered vile & prophane for what he did in y*^ fear of God, &d in y^ mode he had bin well educated in and was then y® setled manner of Singing by y^ agreem*^ of y® Church. Now yo'^' Petition'' thinks y'^ Judgment is erroneous, first, because y® fact if as wicked as m^' hooker supposd Comes under y^ head of disturbing God's worship, & not y® statute of prophaning y'^ Sabbath: secondly, because no member of a Lawfull Church Society can be punished for worshipping God in y^ modes & formes, agreed upon, &. fixed by y^ Society, thirdly because tis errors, when y'^ Civill author- ity sodenly Interpose between partyes y*^ differ about modes of wor- ship, & force one party to Submitt to y*^ other, till all milder methods have bin used to Convince mens Consciences, fourthly because tis error to make a Gent of yo'^ petition'^' carracter a Scandalous offender upon Record, for nothing but a present mistake at most, when no morral evil is Intended. Wherefore yo*' poor petioner prayes you to set aside y® s'^ Jud, or by what means yo" hon"'^ please, to save you'" poor petition'" from ye Imputation of ye heinous Crime Laid to him, & yo'" poor petion'^' as in duty &c shall ever pray. Joseph Hauly. In order that the play upon words in the latin terms used in the petition may be understood, it is well to add that bella is wars ; bellum, war ; pax, peace. NOTE TO PAGE 124. In anticipation that a large armed force might be required to put down the "Whisky rebellion" in Pennsylvania, Con- gress, on the 9th of May, 1794, passed an act authorizing tlie president to make requisitions on the executives of the sev- eral states for troops. The whole number provided for was 80,000. Of these, the number required from New Hampshire was 3,544. It was under this act that the volunteers ten- dered their services, and were paid the bounty by the town. This insurrection, which, at one time, assumed a threatening and formidable attitude, was quelled by the forces under Gen. Lee, without bloodshed, and the troops from New Hampshire were not called for. 41 318 APPENDIS. NOTE TO PAGE 82. "When the government of Massachusetts was established under the first charter, none could vote at any elections of magistrates or officers, except those who had been admitted to take, and who had taken, the freeman's oath. For some j^cars, the elections were all held at one place, generally at Boston. All the freemen were required to attend personally at the stated time and place. While they all thus lived in the vicinity of Boston, no great inconvenience to the voters or danger to the community was experienced by the compli- ance with this rule. But as the settlements were extended to considerable distances from Boston, and as the people began to be under alarm of sudden attack by their Indian enemies, it was found necessary to provide for some modifica- tion of the law, which was done by the two acts of the gen- eral court, copies of which are here given : 1635-6. March 3. Further, it is ordered, that the Gen'all Court to be holden in May next, for elec'on of magistrates, &c., shall be holdeii at Boston, that the townes of Ipswich, Neweberry, Salem, Saugus, Waymouthe and Hinghara, shall have libertie to stay soe many of their ffreeraen att home, f)r the safty of their towne, as they iudge needeful, and that the said ffreemen that are appoyneted by the towne to stay att home shall have liberty for this court to send their voices by pr'x'y. 1736-7. March 9. This court takeing into serious consideration the greats danger and damage that may accrue to the state by all the ffreemen's leaveing their plantations, to come to the place of elec- tions, have therefore ordered it, that it shal bee free and lawfull for all freemen to send their votes for elections by proxie, the next Gen- s' all courte in May, and so for hereafter, w'^** shall bee done in this manner : The deputies w^'*^ shall bee chosen shall cause the freemen of their townes to bee assembled, and then to take such freemen's votes as please to send by pr'xie for every magistrate, and seale them vp, severally subscribing the magistrate's name on the back side, and soe to bring them to the court sealed, with an open roule of the names of the ffreeraen that so send by pr'xie. Some dim tradition of these laws having come down to their times, probably furnished the foundation of the claim of Obadiah Parker, Joseph Ball and others, to send their votes for representative, to the town meeting by Joseph Merriam, APPENDIX. 319 NOTE TO PAGE 247. }^o national festival was ever kept witli more heart-felt pleasure than the old-fashioned New England thanksgiving. Our fathers regarded the Christmas festival as a remnant of popery, or, at least, as one of the superstitious observances of the church of England, from whose tyranny they had fled into the wilderness, and they at once instituted the thanks- giving festival in its place. For them, it had all the charms of the old Christmas festival, without any of its objectionable features. It was first introduced in 1633, by the following order of the general court : 1633. Sept. 3. In regard of the many and extraordinary mercys w* the Lord hath beene pleased to vouchsafe, of late, to this planta- con, viz : a plentiful harvest, ships safely arrived with p'sons of spe- tiall use and quality, &lc., it is ordered, that Wednesday, the 10th day of this present month shall be kept as a day of publique thanks- giveing through the sev'ral plantacons. « The custom finally prevailed for the governor, with advice of council, to appoint the day, and give notice thereof by special proclamation. For many years the observance of this festival was peculiar to New England, but it is now becoming the practice in most of the states, for the governor to appoint a day of thanksgiving, to be observed at the close of the har- vest. The time generally selected is some one of the Thurs- days in the two last weeks of November or the first week of December. Not content with establishing thanksgiving, in opposition to christmas, our fathers went further, and actually prohibited the keeping of christmas, under a penalty, by the following law : For preventing disorders arising in several places within this jurisdic* tion, by reason of some still observing such festivals as were super- stitiously kept in other countries, to the great dishonor of God, and offence of others : It is therefore Ordered by this Court and the authority thereof, That whosoever shall be found observing any such day as Christmas, or the like, either by forbenring labor, feasting, or any other way upon any such account as aforesaid, every such person so offending shall pay for every such offence five shillings, as a tine to the Country. 320 APPENDIX. In a report upon the revision of the laws in 1681, this, among others, having been objected to by the attorney gen- eral and solicitor general in England, it was disposed of as follows : " 8th. The law against keeping Christmas to be left out." DEPTH OF SNOWS. No record has been kept, in Mason, of the state of the weather, depth of snows, &c., for any considerable length of time. The following table, kept by Mr. Luther Nutting, in the northerly part of the town, of the depth of snow each year, commencing in the fall of 1843 and ending in the spring of 1857, he having carefully measured and recorded every fall of snow, may be relied on as accurate : TABLE OF DEPTH OF SNOWS, IN MASON, FROM 1843 TO 1857, INCLUSIVE. ft. in. ft. in. ft. in. ft. in. 1843-44, 13 6 1847-48, 7 2 1851-52, 10 11 1855-56, 7 3 1844-45, 6 7 1848-49, 5 8 1852-53, 7 00 1856-57, 7 9 1845-46, 5 11 1849-50, 8 8 1853-54, 6 3 1846-47, 6 9 1850-51, 7 e 1854-55, 9 10 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. Page 277, after Dr. Moses Daldn, add M. D. Bowdoin College, 1828. Page 285, Dr .loseph Gray was born in Providence, R. I., in 1751, took an active part in the war of the revolution, studied phj'sic with Dr. Mann, of Rhode Island, attended the medical lectures of Dr. Rush, was one of the earli- est regularly educated physicians in the county of Hillsborough. He com- menced practice in Nottingham west. He married Lucy, daughter of Dea. Sam'l Bancroft, of Reading, Mass. In 1790, he removed to Mason, and resided there till 1809, in Avhich year he removed with his family from the town. Dr. Henry Gray, was born in Noltinghamwest, in 1783, removed from Mason to Londonderry, Vt., where he now resides. John Gray, son of Dr. Joseph Gray, studied law, was established in pros- perous business in Kentucky, but died at an early age. Two of his sons are lawyers in Kentucky. Page 161, line 19, for 1768, March 30, read 1759, April 11, and for Betty Ilazen, r. Thankful Harrington, of Pepperell. Page 178, 1. 6 and 7, for wife, r. sister, and for 75, r. 79 years. Page 179, 1. 29, for Elizabeth, r. Deborah. Page 210, after 1. 18, insert, their children were; 1. 26, for June 3, r. June 17; 1. 35, for 1755, r. January 7, 1756. Page 211, 1. 10, after Lucy, insert, born March 6, 1762, and in the same line, for 1819, r. 1849 ; 1. 11, before Stickney, insert Joseph. Page 215, 1. 8, for 1778, r. 1788. Page 220, 1. 21, for Edward, r. Edmund. Page 250, 1. 32, for Andrew Reed, r. Andrew H. Reed. Page 260 and 261, for Qlmstead, r. Olmsted. INDEX. AcaUEDAHCAN, 14. Alarm list, 79. Allen, sale to, 18, not valid, 19, heirs of threaten suits, 24. Allen's advertisement, 36. Ammunition, 90. Ancient customs, of marketing, 247. Arms purchased, 90. Bachelder, Dr. John, 266. Baptist church, 253, in village, 258. Barber, Dr. William, 123, 266, school- master, 134. Barrett, Capt. Joseph, 266. Battle of Halfway Brook, 313. Beef for the army, 101. Bill of rights, 95, 104, Biographical sketches, 266-312. Births, 236. Blodgett, John, 141. Blood, Eben, James, John, Joseph, William, 198, 199. Blood, Rev. Charles E., 267. Blood, Bev. Lorenzo W., 267. Boad, 26. Bounty to volunteers, 124, 134. Bounty, to soldiers, 89, 141, for killing a crow, 135. Boynton common school fund, 146. Boynton, Hon. John, 146. Bridges, 59, 63, 86, 106. Brookline, 5, 27. Bruce, Bev. John, 108. Burnap, Bev. Jacob, 70. Cabot, Sebastian, 6. Canada, 38. Certiticates of soldiers sent to Exeter, 100. Changing sides, 137. Chamberlain, Loammi, 268. Chamberlain, James H., 27J. Champney, Ebenezer, 48. Character and habits, 78. Chickering, Abner, 273. Chickering, Jonas, 274. Christian church, 262. Christmas, law prohibiting, 319. Churches, 248-265. ^ Clergy, character and influence of 69. Collector fined, 123. Colony of New Hampshire, 83. Committee of correspondence, 74, 77-. Committee of inspection, 82, 86, 87. Committee of safety, 94. Committee on exorbitance of trade, 87. Completing the continental army, 101. Congregational church, 248, in village, 260. Congregational singing, 316. Constitution, vote on accepting, 104. Convention, at Exeter, 1774, 73, 79, at Amherst, 74, to form constitution, 94, on currency at Portsmouth, 95, at Concord, 101. Cotton picking, bv hand, 243. Cotton, Rev. John, 273. Covenant of non-importation, 75. Covenant, signers adopt resolves, 77. Cragin, Dea. Simeon, 272. Cranfield, Governor, 16. Cromwell, Lord General, 273. Cut nails, machine for making, 243* Dakin, Amos, goes to Exeter, 73. Dakin, Dea. Amos, 274. Dakin, Dea. Timothy, 275. Dakin, Samuel, Esq , 276. Dakin, Dr. Moses, 276. Davis, Joshua, goes to Exefer, 100. Deaths, record of, from 1758 to 1858, 176-193. Delinquent proprietors, 39, 40, 42, 43. Dissent of Eliot and Allen, 103. Doings detrimental to the cause, 91. Douglass' map, 26. Dram Cup Hill, 27. Dunstable, 21, 26, 27. Dunster, Jason, 211. Early settlers, list of, 213-221. Earthen ware, 245. 352 INDEX. Ecclesiastical affaire, 248-265. Elevum list, 79, at Ticonderoga, 94. EliaiB Eliot, 197. Eliot, Eev. William, 279. Elliot, George, 276. Elliot, Israel, 284. Elliot, Rev. Jesse, 285. Elliot, Rev. Joseph, 284. Elm treer,, 200. Eiidecott, John, 15. Era of good feeling, 141j Family registers, 195-211. East, Capt. TarboU paid for a, 66. EaV; Jonas, Jr., 285. Eederal currency, 134. Eish, Asa, at vendue, 94. Elagg, Josiah, 211. Flouring mills, 245, 271. Forfeiture of rights, 39, 40. French, Capt. Joseph, 31. Gilliert, Sir Humphrej', 6. Gould, Nehemiah, 44,"45, 314. Government, new established, 80, 95. Grantees and settlers, 35. Graveyards, 44, 64, 65, 71, 91, 101, 132, 133. Graves, reasonably needed, to be dug, 88. Grav, Dr. Joseph, 285, 320. Gray, Dr. Henry, 285, 320. Gray, John, 320. Habits and custom of worshipers, 72, 130, 132. Hall, Dea. Nathan, 285. Harrington, Rev. Mr., 251. Hawlejs Joseph's petition, 316. Hemenway, Rev. Phinehas, 314. Herrick, Joseph, 30. Highways, 34, 36, 40, 44, 47, 49, 50, 52, 59", 60, 77. Hill, Rev. Ebenezer, 286, donation of town to, 133, addition to salary of, 137. Hill, Rev. Joseph B. 286, Hill, Rev. Timothy, 287. Hillsborough county, 5. Holden, Amos, John, 198. Holland, 6. Hollis, 27. Holt's journal in the French war of 1758, 313. Horse stables, 71. Hosmer famil)-, 210. Hoyt, Dr. Otis, 287. Hunt, Rev. Ndhemiah, 2S?i Hutchinson, Thomas, 20, 22. Idle persons, see paupers. Improvements, report upon, 41* Ince, Jonathan, 14, 15. Incorporation, 51, charges of, 63. Justices of the peace, 232. Johnson, Dr. Willis, 288. Kemp, Ebenezer, Samuel, 199. Kendall, Lieut., builds meeting housOj 111, 113. Kidder, Isaiah, 244. Kimball, Isaac, 244. Kimball, Rev. True, called, 103. Land tax, 135. Law book, Parker paid for sending for, 71. Lawrence, Enosh, 31. liawrence family, 196, 197, Lawrence, Dr. Enosh, 289. Lawrence, John, 30. Leader, Rich'd, resists Mason's title, iSs Letters missive, 69. I^everett, Governor, 15. List of early settlers, 213. Littleton, 2o. Locke, Mrs. Betty, pound of tea for, 1346 Lottery, continental, 87. Mann, Benjamin, Esq., 289i Manufactures, 241. Marianna, 7. Marshall, Dr. Thomas XL, 290. Marketing, 247. Marriages, records of, in Groton, Pep- perelland Townseud, 161, in Mason, 162-174, 212-2125, remarks on mar- riage laws and customs, 2126-212£?. Mason, town of, situation, 5, grant, 28, plan and draft of lots, 32^ 34, 200 acres added on north, 38, charter, 56, name 57. Mason, Capt. John, birth and early life, 5, 6, grants to and settlements by, 7, objects and results, 8, 10, 11, 12, dt^ath and will, 9. JNIason Hall, 7: Mason, Mrs. Anne, executrix, aban- dons the estate, 10. Mason, Joseph, her agent brings suits> 13. INDEX. 323 Mason, Robert Tufton, 13, attorney general reports in his favor, 15, he brings new suits, 16, mortgages to Crantield, 16, sells the million acre tract, 17, dies, IS. Mason, John and Robert, soil to Allen, 18, sale not valid, 19. Mason, Robert Tufton, dies, 19. Mason, Robert Tufton, his son, c^mes of age, 19, offers to sell to the. Prov- ince, 20, 22, sells to Masonian pro- prietors, 23. Masonian proprietors, who, 23, quiet titles, 23. Mason, proprietors of, first meeting, and choice of officprs, 31, 35. Mason, Rev. Alfred L., 292. Massachusetts, 7, takes jurisdiction, 13, surveys north line, 14, 15, juris- diction set aside, 16, Province line, settled, 19, 20. Merrimack river, 7. Meeting houses, 39, 40, 45, 47, 50, 53, 59, 63, 64, 67, going to meeting, 72, seated, 88, six acres around it re- served, 101, boards blown off, 105, vote to build 107, site of, 107-110, raising of, 111-113, plan of pews, 113, sale of pews, 113, 114, old house sold, 119, wharfing round, 120, Bap- tists refuse to pay taxes for building, 121, dedicated, 124, view and de- scription of, 125, plan of pews in, 126, 127, tax of Eliot and Wheeler abated, 134, Baptist society claim rights in, 139, 142, 143, use of voted to Congregational society, 143, com- mittee to inquire about rights in, 144, new built, 132, vote to sell, 145. Merriam, Josex^h, 291, first representa- tive, 123. Merriam, Samuel, Esq., 292. Mile Slip, 27. Miles, Rev. Noah, buries the victims of small pox, 139, Milford, 5. Military affairs, 79, 86, 87, 124, rations for muster, 137. Million acre purchase, 17. Mills and mill lots, 35, 36, 37, 42, 45, 47, Eliot's accepted, 50, Ministers and preaching, 42, 44, 46, 47, call to Champney, 48, call to Parker, 49,-53, 63, 64, call to Searle, 65, 66, ordination of Searle. 67, 70, 71, 73, money raised for, 102, Kimball called, 102, 103, 106, 109, 110, HI, Hill called, 113, accepts, 115, ordi- nation of, 117, 118, 133, 134, salary not voted, 144, Mr. Hill resigns, 144, J. Searle, controversy with, 151-160, power of towns to settle, 09. Ministry land sold, 77. Mortality, statistics of, 233-235, Nashobah, 25, Naumkeag. 7. Newcastle, Duke of, 27. Newell, Ezra, 243, Newfoundland, 7. New Ipswich, 5. iNew Ipsshed, 64, Noon houses, 72. Northwest corner ratified, 104. Olmsted, Rev. William, 307. Otis, Charles Tilden, 294. Paper mone}-, 92, 93, 110, Parade made, 120. Para grafts, 87. Parker, Rev, James, 49, Parker, Lieut. Obadiah, 294, Parker, Obadiah, 197, 295. Paupers and idle persons, 62, 63, 64, 71, 95, 140, 142. Pemnquid, 11, Pepperell, 27. Perambulation, 105. Petition to Congress about land tax, 135. Plan of government, 95. Plymouth, council of, 6, 7, town of, 6. Poor farm purchased, 143. Population, 81, 236, 237. Portsmouth, 5, 7, 8, 16, 51, Potash manufactory, 243. Powder, purchased, 86, divided, 90. Prayers at town meetings, 137. Prescott, Lieut. William, 48. Prices, extraordinary, 95-100, stipo- lated, 97, 98, of nails, hinges, &c,, 135. Proprietary officers, 228. Querister chosen, 102. Railroad, 245. Reed, Rev. A. H., 250, Registers, family, 195-211, Report on improvements, 40. Representation, 81. Representative, chosen, 82, new meet- ing, doings at, 84. Representatives, list of, 229-232. 324 INDEX. Revolution, first appearance of, 73, in government of the state, 80. Revolutionary troubles, 74. Revolutionary war, 221-227. Rum for the continential army, 102. Russell, Jason, 295. Russell, John, 295. Russell, Hubbard, 295. Rye, tax paid in, 109. Salt purchased, 78, disbusted, bills, &c., 81-86. School, districts, 237, fund, 146, trustees of, 148,232, houses, 120, lands fenced, 102, leased to Dea. Dakin, 111, sold, 51, 64, 65, to Dr. Barber, 123. Schools, 71. Scotch prisoners, sold, 272. Scripture, Samuel, 197. Scripture, Samuel, difficulties about Mr. Brown's preaching, 65, 66. Scripture, Dr. Oliver, 302. Scythes and axes, 243. Searles, Rev. Jonathan, 296, call, 65, renewed, 66, answer, 67, ordination, 67, 68, call to Candia, 69, payments to, 70, 71, noon house, 72, lands, 77, 113, pew, 127, keeps school, 133, on committee to wait on Mr. Hill, 113. Settlers and grantees, 35. Sextons, 88, 137. Sharon, name voted, 52, 57. Sherman, John, 15, 16. Sinking currency, 95. Sir equivalent to dominus 111. Slipton, 50. Smallpox, 123, 138. 139. Smith Sarah, clothing, 140. Smith, Stephen, Esq., 296. Snows, depth of, 320. Soldiers, raised, 88, 89, 91, 101, taxes of abated, 93, bounties paid to, 89, 91, 94, 95, for Rhode Island, 95, certificates of sent to Exeter, lOU, allowance to, 104. Spaulding, Rev. John, 299. Square money, 92. Squr Varnum, 77. Sr. Hill, HI. Statistics of mortality, 233-235. Stevens, John, Esq. ,300. Stones on a stump, 60. Swallow, Lieut. John, 197, 302. Taft, James, 309. Tarbell, Thomas, 197, 311. Tarbell boys, Indian prisoners, 312. Taxes, paid in rye, 109, J. Withee's abated, 130. Taxing the Baptists, 121. Tax land, petition against, 135. Tax list, first, 61, 62. Tea, pound of to Betty Locke, 134. Temple, 5, incorporated, 28. Thanksgiving, origin of, 319. Town house built, 145. Town officers, list of, 229-231. Town stock of powder purchased and divided, 86, 90. Townsend, 6, divided by Province line, 21, petition for redress, 22, incorpo- rated, 27, 60. Thomlinson, 20, 22. Three years' men, 88, 91. Uncle Sam, 209. Village, 241-245. Warning out, 63. Warrant, for proprietors's meeting, 51, for last meeting, 53, for first town meeting, 58, Taxes, 61, paupers', 62, blown away, 82. Weston, Dea. Roger, 303. Wheeler, Josiah, resigns, 73, character of, 74. Wheeler, Timothy, 304. Wheeler, Timothy, Jr., 304. Wheeler, Aaron, 305. AVilton, grant of, 38. Wilson, Edward, 209. Wilson, Samuel, anecdote of, 209., Winnipissiogee, 14. Winthrop, Dean, 25. Withee, James, taxes abated, barn burnt, 136. Withington, Elisha, schoolmaster, 71. Wood, Col. James, 306. Wolves, 46. Worcester, Francis, 46. Work house, 64, 71. lEn^'cL£y Capervell ^Ifcnicci (^i^Si<^^:i (y^-<--€j^^ MEMOIR OF THE REV. EBENEZER HILL, PASTOR or THE CONGREGATIONAL CHUECH, I N MASON, N. H. FEOM NOVEMBER, 1790, TO MAY, 1854. "WITHSOME OF HIS SERMONS, AKD HIS DISCOUKSE ON THE HISTORY OF THE TOWN. BT ' JOHN B. HILL. BOSTON: LUCIUS A. ELLIOT & CO D. BUGBEE & CO., BANGOR. 18 5 8. PRINTED BY SAMUEL S. SMITSj Ban gor, me . PREFACE. To write the biography of a parent, is a delicate task. It has not been undertaken in the present instance, -without a full appreciation of the dijfficulties in its accomplishment. Neither the feelings of the writer, nor the proprieties of the occasion, would permit any other tone than that of eulogy. My endeavor has been in this sketch, to exhibit fairly, the prominent traits of the character and incidents of the life of my father, especially in their effects upon the church and peo- ple of his charge ; and in doing so, I am not conscious that I have stepped beyond the line of propriety, either in the exhibition of commendable traits, or in the concealment or suppression of faults or imperfections. For the main body of this sketch, I am indebted to my brother, the Rev. T, Hill, of Saint Louis, Mo. The discourse upon leaving the Old Meeting House, is printed from a manuscript transcribed from the original, soon after it was delivered. The other discourses, are reprints of the first edition, with no change, but the correction of manifest errors. The portrait accompanying this volume, is engraved from a painting made at the age of about seventy years. The engraved page of a sermon, is a fac simile of the ser- mon preached at the dedication of the meeting house, in 1795. J. B, Hill. Bangoe, May 1, 1858. " Every man's life is of importance to himself, to Ms family, to his friends, to his country, and in the sight of God. They are by no means the best men, who have made most noise in the world ; neither are those actions most deserving of praise, which have obtained the greatest show of fame. Scenes of violence and blood, the workings of ambition, pride and revenge, compose the annals of men. But piety and purity, temperance and humility, which are little noted and soon forgotten of the world, are held in everlasting remem- brance before God." Hunter's Sacred Biography, vol. 1, p. 24. No two men have ever existed, whose lives were, In all respects, exact counterparts of each other. Every human being, is thoroughly individualized by his own will, and has a history that is peculiar to himself, which can never be so blended with that of another, as not to possess points of interest, in contrast, to attentive observers. No two persons can be found, whose physical endowments are not such as to render them distinguishable by their intimate friends. So also, a marked distinction will be found in the mental powers, the modes of thought, and manner of action of individuals most closely resembling each other. Each, in all these respects, will have traits in a good degree original and pecu- liar to himself. Hence, the faithful portraiture of the char- acter of any individual will afford instruction to others. They will recognize in it, situations similar to their own, and by observing how dijSiculties have been overcome, and trials borne, or how temptations have led to ruin, they may be encouraged to struggle for victory, and shun the path which led another to destruction. 2 6 MEMOIR OF THE If it be true, that every man is so individualized as to ren- der his real life instructive to others, it is peculiarly so, with the life of a christian ; for with him a new element of power is introduced, and grace controls and silently renovates the man, evolving its own light from the darkness of nature, and so moulding the original elements, that upon all is enstamped the glorious image of Jesus, and the man is formed anew, and fitted for heaven. Could the real life of any christian be written, it would form a most interesting volume, and it would matter little, what position in life the subject of it might have occupied. The life of Moses is rich and varied, but the simple sketch of Lazarus, sitting at the rich man's gate, — dying alone, and borne by angels to Abraham's bosom, has a touching beauty, equalling in interest anything found in that of the law-giver. If these views are correct, the life of any earnest, success- ful preacher of the gospel, must have an intrinsic interest in whatever station his lot has been cast. He may not have been as eloquent as Whitfield, as deep a theologian as Ed- wards, nor have possessed the finished grandem^ of Robert Hall; but he has fought a good fight himself, has pointed many sinners to the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world ; and trained many souls for immortality, and fitted them for heaven. The memory of such a man is enshrined in the best affections of many who have felt always his influence, and a view of his life will furnish them, and others also, with new motives for leading a life of faith. Such was the humble, earnest life of him, of whose history and character, it is proposed here to give a brief outline. His was the quiet life of a retired pastor of a country church ; of one, whose highest ambition it was, to be a faith- ful preacher of the gospel, to those whom God had placed under his care. It is the object of this sketch, to enable those who read it, to form a distinct idea of his individual character, of his manner of life, and of the general results of Ms labors ; and the many friends who revered and loved him EEV. EBENEZER HILL. - 7 while living, to preserve a fresli and vivid memory of tlieir departed pastor, counselor and friend. Ebenezer Hill, tlie subject of this memoir, was born in /Cambridge, Mass., January 31st, 1766. He was the youngest son of Samuel Hill and Sarah Cutler, his wife. His father lk^ltii^iA:'''lV^/ «''■'" -^^^ "^^^ ''-" C'^trpenLcr by trade, but never rose above the condition of the most humble poverty. He served as a common soldier, in the war of the revolution, and returned to Cambridge at its close, to resume his occupation as a carpenter. After his son Samuel settled in Mason, he came to that place, and resided there with him, most of the time, till the close of his life. He died at Mason, June 21st, 1798, aged about sixty-sis years. His mother, Sarah Cutler, was born in the year. 1733, in what was, April 24th, 1746, incorporated as the second precinct of Concord, and afterwards on the 19th of April, 1754, incorporated as a town by the name of Lincoln. Her father, Ebenezer Cutler, was one of the petitioners for the incorporation of the pre- cinct. She was a woman of great energy. With very scanty means, and, in a great measure, with the labor of her own hands, she provided for the support, training and education of her children. In October, 1781, she purchased a lot of land in Cambridge, thirty feet square, for th6 price of "nine pounds, twelve shillings, lawful money of this Common- wealth." It is described in the deed, as lying "on the north side of the house of Moses and William Boardman, deceased; on the road leading to Lexington." It was about one mile northerly of the colleges. Upon this plot, she placed a small cottage house, in which she and her family resided. The building was a portion of barracks occupied by the Rev- olutionary army, when stationed at Cambridge. The land was appraised by three disinterested persons, in June, 1796, at one hundred and thirty-five dollars. It undoubtedly com- prised, at that time, the principal part of the family estate. About the year 1790, she went to Mason, and resided there 8 MEMOIR OF THE with her son Ebenezer, until the close of her life. She died December 30th, 1808, aged seventy-five years. Two sons, Samuel and Ebenezer, were their only children. Samuel, the eldest, was born in 1764. He was a carpenter by trade, and followed that occupation through life. It seei%^aj,,||^j9rqi[p]||k^Nii^n||L]! ..z^S/e^ aina /vJO^YWx^ K aM